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irrsToKY 



ESSEX COUNTY. 



MASSACHUSETTS, 



WITH 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCEIES 



OF MANY OF n> 



loxEERs AM) Prominent Men. 



COMPILED UNPKH TIIK Sll'KllVISION OF 



DV" HAMILTON HURD. 



VOL. J. V ^ ' »: 

; MAP. 30 388 ^ 



iXjrjXJSTR.j^TEr). 



I'll I I. A DKI.IMI I A : 

J. \v. 1. 1£; WIS & CO. 

1888. 



f 7 



7 



Cupyriijht, 1887, 
By J. \V. LEWIS & CO. 

^/i: /i'/(//i<s Reserved. 



I'KKSS UF 

JAS. U. nuDOERS Pltl.NTl.VQ fOMPANV 

PHILADKM-IIIA. 






PUBLISHERS" PREFACE. 



Nearly four years ago the attention of the publishers, who have long made a specialty 
of this class of work, was called to tiic fact that a history of Essex County was needed. 
After mature deliberation the work was planned, and its compilation commenced. The best 
literary talent in this section of the commonwealth for this especial work was engaged, whose 
names appear at the head of their respective articiles, besides many other writers on special 
topics. Tliese gentlemen approached the work in a spirit of impartiality and thoroughness, 
and we believe it has been their honest endeavor to trace the history of the development of 
the territory embodied herein from that period when it was in the undisputed possession of 
the red man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic narrative of its rise 
and progress. The work has been compiled from authenticated and original sources, and no 
effort spared to produce a history which should prove in every respect worthy of the County 
represented. 

The Puhm.shek-s. 

Philadelphia, January 24th, 188S. 



CONTENTS. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



VOLUME I. 



Ghaptehs. Page. 

I. Introductory, i. 

II. Bench and Bar, xv. 

III. Old Modes of Travel, Ix. 



Chapters. 

IV. Science in Essex County, . . 
V. Spiiit of the Early Lyceums, 
VI. Miscellaneous, 



Page. 
. Ixxvi. 
. Ixxxiv. 
. xcvii. 



CITIES AND TOAVI^S. 



Chap. Page. 

I. Salem 1 

II. " continued. Ecclesiastical 17 

III. " " Commercial, 63 

IV. " " Banking lU 

V. " " The Press 115 

VI. " •• Educational, 129 

VII. " " Literature, 135 

VIII. " " Manufacturing, l>i 

IX. " " Miscellaneous, 161 

X. " ■* Societies, etc., 1G6 

XI. " " Military 184 

XII. " " Civil History, 225 

XIII. Lynn 249 

XIV. " continued. Ecclesiastical 263 

XV. " " Schools, Libraries, Newspapers 272 

XVI. " •' Industrial Pursuits, 280 

XVII. " " Military 291 

XVm. '• " Burial Places 299 

XIX. •■ " Old Families, etc., 306 

XX. " " Taverns— Modes of Travel, . . 320 

XXI. •' ■' Miscellaneous 330 

XXII. " " Short Notes 337 

XXIII. Lynnfield, 377 

XXIV. Saugus 391 

XXV. " continued 394 

XXVI. '■ " One Hundred Years Ago, ... 396 

XXVII. " " Religious 399 

XXVIII. •• Manufacturing, 407 

XXIX. " " Taverns, Modes of Travel, etc., 41.') 

XXX. " " Miscellaneous 419 

XXXI. " " Military, 421 



Chap. Page. 

XXXII. Danvers 424 

XXXIII. " continued. Revolutionary 444 

XXXIV. " •• Ecclesiastical, 452 

XXXV. " " Educational 475 

XXXVI. •• •' Villages, 483 

XXXVII. '* *' Miscellaneous 49.5 

XXXVIII. ■' " Industrial, Societies, Physicians, 518 

XXXIX. • ■ Civil History, 525 

XL. " ■• Civil War 531 

XLI. Ipswii-li. Pre-l>istorical S66 

XLII. " continued. Municipal, 569 

XLIII. " " Ecclesiastical 679 

.XLIV. •• '• Educational 604 

XLV. •• •■ Military, 612 

XLVl. " •• Legal and Penal, 625 

XLVII. " " Business 033 

XLVIII. Beverly, 671 

XLTX. Methuen 709 

L. Georgetown, 794 

LI. " continued. Early Grants, 798 

LII. " •• Early Settlers 811 

LIII. " " Parish Organiz.ation, .... 817 

LIV. " " Educational, 821 

I.V. *' " Religious Movements, . , . 826 

LVI. " " General Town History, ... 830 

LVII. " " Religious 83-5 

LVIII. " " Manufacturing, 843 

LVIX. •• " Military 848 

LX. " " Conclusion, 852 

LXI. Lawrence, 861 

LXIl. Miilrllcton, 929 

V 



THE 



History ob^ Essex Co., Massachusetts. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



BY WILLIAM T. DAVIS. 



The riyinoiith Council— Massachusetts Colony — Colonial Courts — Essex 
County Createil— Couuty Courts— Barristers — County Officers — Law- 
yers. 

On the 20th of April, 1606, King James issued 
letters-patent dividing between two companies, popu- 
I.irly called the Northern and Southern Virginia 
companies, a strip of land one hundred miles wide 
along the Atlantic coast of North .America, extending 
from the thirty-fourth to the forty-fifth degree of 
north latitude, a territory which then went under the 
name of Virginia, so called after Elizabeth, the virgin 
Queen. The .Southern Company was composed of 
knights, gentlemen, merchants and adventurers of 
London, and received a grant of all the lands between 
the thirty-fourth and forty-first degrees, while the 
Northern Company was composed of persons of the 
same description in Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, and 
received a grant of the lands between the thirty-eighth 
and forty-fifth degrees. That portion lying between 
the thirty-eighth and forty-first, which was included 
in both grants, was open to the company first occupy- 
ing it; and it was stipulated that neither company 
should make a settlement within one hundred miles 
of any previous settlement of the other company. On 
the 3d of November, 1()20, Sir Ferdinando Gorges and 
his associates, the members of the Northern Virginia 
("ompauy, reieived a new patent, which passed the 
seal on the 3<1 of the following July, under the 
title of "The council established at Plymouth, in the 
county of Devon, for the planting, ordering, ruling 
iind governing of New England in America." Under 
this patent the coini)any was .uithorized to hold terri- 
tory extending from sea to soa, and in breadth from 
the fortieth to the forty-eight !i degree of north lati- 
tude. This patent or charter conferred power to make 
laws, a])point tlovernors and other officers, and gener- 
ally to establish all necessary forms of government. 



On the 19th of March, 1627-28, the Plymouth coun- 
cil granted a patent to Sir John Roswell, Sir .John 
Young, Thomas Southcoat, John Humphrey, John 
Endieott and Simon Whitcomb, covering a territory 
extending from three miles north of the Merrimac 
River to three miles south of the Charles River. This 
patent was afterwards confirmed by letters-patent un- 
der the bro.ad seal of England, i.ssued on the 4th of 
March, in the following year. Sir Henry Roswell, 
Sir John Young and Thomas Southcoat subsequently 
sold their interest to .Tohn Winthrop, Isaac .Tohnson, 
Matthew Cradock, Thomas Goff and Sir Richard Sal- 
tonstall, who, with John Humphrey, John Endieott 
and Simon Whitcomb, the remaining original p.at- 
entees, formed a new association. The pecuniary in- 
terests of the company were managed in England, and 
Matthew Cradock, who had been named in the charter 
by the King .as Governor, w.as there chosen to that of- 
fice. John Endieott was, however, sent out in the 
summer of 1628, and began a plantation at S.alem. 
The charter was made in duplicate, one copy being 
sent to Endieott and the other brought to New Eng- 
land by Winthrop in 1630. By this charter a corpo- 
ration was created under the name of " the Governor 
and Company of the M.issachusetts Bay in New Eng- 
land," and twenty-six persons were named in it as the 
patentees. It provided that the oflicers should consist 
of a Governor, Deputy-Governor and eighteen assist 
ants, to be chosen annually by the freemen at the 
General Court to be held on the last Wednesday in 
Easter term. The General Court, consisting of the 
Governor, assistants and freemen, was to be held four 
times in each year, and by it officers were to be cho.sen 
and laws and ordinances enacted. 

Mr. Endieott was cho.sen Governor by the colony 
after its arrival at Salem, but in the latter part of 1621), 
the character and plans of the as.soeiates in England 
having been changetl and an extensive emigration 
been set on foot, .John Winfhroi> was chosen Governor 
in England, and Jolin Humphrey Deputy-Governor. 
Winthrop sailed in .\pril, 1630, and arrived in Mas- 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sachusetts Bay on the 12th of June, at once assuming 
power as Governor under the charter, which he had 
brought with him. The first General Court was held 
at Boston, October 19th, and at its first session the 
freemen of which it was composed made an important 
change in the form of government contemplated in 
the charter, surrendering to the assistants the election 
of Governor and Deput3'-Governor ; to the Governor 
and deputy and assistants the enactment of laws, reserv- 
ing to themselves only the election of the assistants. 
Soon after, however, they resumed the privilege of 
choosing the Governor and deputy as well as the as- 
sistants, and in 1636 the General Court also assumed 
the exclusive power of making the laws. In 1634, in 
order to obviate the inconvenience of convening the 
whole body of freemen, a law was passed providing 
for the choice of delegates with all the powers of the 
freemen, except those relating to the election of offi- 
cers. For this election the whole body of freemen 
met annually in the meeting-house in Boston ; but the 
inconvenience of this arrangement was felt also, and 
it was provided that Salem, Ipswich, Newbury, Sau- 
gus, Weymouth and Hingham might retain as many 
of their freemen at home at the annual elections as 
the safety of the towns required, and that the votes of 
these might be sent by proxy. A general law was af- 
terwards passed to the same effect, applicable to all the 
freemen in all the towns. 

At first the assistants and deputies met together; 
but in 1644, — inconsequenceof a dispute in which the 
deputies claimed that a majority vote of the whole 
court should rule, while the assistants claimed con- 
current jurisdiction, — it was finally agreed that the 
two branches should sit apart, and that each should 
have a negative on the other. The Governor presided 
at the Court of Assistants, and a new office of Speaker 
was established for the Deputies' Court. 

Until 1639 the whole judicial power was vested in 
the Court of Assistants. In that year, on the 9th of 
September, it was enacted that " for as much as the 
businesses of the ordinary Court of Assistants are so 
much increased as they cannot be despatched in such 
season as were fit, it is therefore ordered that such of 
the magistrates as shall reside in or near to Bo.ston, or 
any five, four or three of them, the Governor or Dep- 
uty to be one, shall have power to assemble together 
upon the last fifth day of the eighth, eleventh, second 
and fifth months every year, and then and there to 
hear and determine all civil causes, whereof the debt 
or trespass and damages shall not exceed twenty 
pounds, and all criminal causes, not extending to life 
or member or banishment, according to the course of 
the Court of Assistants, and to summon juries out of 
the neighbor towns, and the marshal or necessary 
officers are to give their attendance as at other 
courts." 

On the 3d of March, 1635-36 it had already been en. 
acted that "there shall be four courts kept every 



quarter, — one at Ipswich, to which Newbury shall be- 
long ; two at Salem, to which Saugus shall belong ; 
two at Newtown, to which Charlton, Concord, Medford 
and Waterton shall belong; four at Boston, to which 
Roxbury, Dorchester, Weymouth and Hingham shall 
belong. 

" Every of these courts shall be kept by such mag- 
istrates as shall be dwelling in or near the said towns, 
and by such other persons of worth as shall from time 
to time be appointed by the General Court, so as no 
court shall be kept without one magistrate at the 
least, and that none of the magistrates be excluded 
who can and will intend the same ; yet the General 
Court shall appoint which of the magistrates shall 
specially belong to every of the said court. Such 
persons as shall be joined as associates to the magis- 
trates in the said court shall be chosen by the General 
Court out of a greater number of such as the several 
towns shall nominate to them, so as there may be in 
every of the said courts so many as (with the magis- 
trates) may make five in all. These courts shall try 
all civil causes whereof the debt or damage shall not 
exceed ten pounds, and all criminal causes not con- 
cerning life, member or banishment. And if any per- 
son shall find himself grieved with the sentence of 
any of the said courts, he may appeal to the next 
great Quarter Court, provided that he put in sufficient 
caution to present his appeal with effect, and to abide 
the sentence of the magistrates in the said great 
Quarter Court, who shall see that all such that shall 
bring any appeal without just cause be exemplarily 
punished. 

" There shall be four great Quarter Courts kept 
yearly at Boston by the Governor and the rest of the 
magistrates ; the first the first Tuesday in the fourth 
month, called June ; the second the first Tuesday in 
September ; the third the first Tuesday in December ; ' 
the fourth the first Tuesday in the first month, called 
March." 

It must be remembered that the term magistrate 
was synonymous with that of assistant, and that there- 
fore, under these various enactments, the assistants 
retained judicial power. On the 25th of May, 1636, 
the following magistrates and other persons were ap- 
pointed by the General Court to hold the courts re- 
ferred to in the above enactment of the previous 
March, to wit: For Salem and Saugus, John Humphrey, 
John Endicott, magistrates or assistants. Captain 
Turner, Mr. Scrugge and Mr. Townsend Bishopp, asso- 
ciates, and Ralph Fogg, clerk ; for Ipswich and New- 
bury, Thomas Dudley, Richard Dummer, Simon Brad- 
street, magistrates, and Mr. Saltoustall and Mr. Spen- 
cer, associates, and Robert Lord, clerk ; for Newtown, 
Charlestown, Sledford and Concord, John Haynes, 
Roger Harlakenden, Increase Nowell, magistrates, 
and Mr. Beeeher and Mr. Feakes, associates ; for 
Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, Weymouth and Hing- 
ham, Richard Belliugham, William Coddington, mag- 



INTRODUCTORY. 



istrates. and Israel Stoughton, William Hutchinson 
and William Heath, associates. Under tliis law the 
first Quarter Court of Salem was held June 27, 1036, 
and the records of that session are well-preserved in 
the first volume of the Court Records in the office of 
the clerk of the courts in Salem. At that court one 
magistrate, John Endicott, and three commissioners — 
Nathaniel Turner, Townsend Bishopp and Thomas 
Scrugge — were present. The following certificate is a 
part of the record : 

"Thes three, viz., cp. Xathaiiiel Turner, mr. Tow- 
enshend Bishop and mr. Tho : Scrugge, did the day 
and yeare above written take the oath of Commis- 
sioners." 

On the 6th of June, 16.39, it wa-s enacted that " for 
the more speedy dispatch of all causes, which shall 
concern strangers, who cannot stay to attend the or- 
dinary courts of justice, it is ordered that the Governor 
or deputy, being assisted with any two of the magis- 
trates (whom he may call to him to that end), shall have 
power to hear and determine (by a jury of twelve men 
or otherwise as is used in other courts) all causes which 
shall arise between such strangers, or wherein any 
such stranger shall be a party, and all records of such 
proceedings sh.all be transmitted to the Secretary (ex- 
cept himself be one of the said magistrates, who shall 
assist in hearing such causes) to be entered as trials 
in other courts at the charge of the parties. This 
order to continue till the General Court in the seventh 
month come twelve month and no longer." 

On the 2d of June, 1641. it was enacted that 
" whereas it is desired by this Court to ease the coun- 
try of all unnecessary travels and charges, it is or- 
dered that there shall be four Quarter Courts kept 
yearly by the magistrates of Ipswich and Salem, with 
such others to be joined in commis.sion with them as 
this Court shall appoint, not hindering any other 
magistrates that will help them ; this order to take 
effect after the next Quarter Courts shall be ended at 
Salem and Ipswich, two of these Quarter Courts to be 
kept at Salem and the other two at Ipswich ; the first 
Court to be kept the last third day of the seventh 
month at Ipswich (and the next at the same time the 
former Courts were), the next quarter at Salem, the 
third quarter at Ipswich, the fourth at Salem, and the 
magistrates of Ipswich and S;ilem to attend every of 
these Courts, but no jurymen to be warned from Ips- 
wich to Salem, nor from Salem to Ipswich ; to each of 
these places a grand jury shall be warned once a year, 
and these Courts to have the same power both in civil 
and criminal causes the Court of Assistants hath at 
Boston, except trials for life, limbs or banishment, 
which are wholly reserved to Boston Court; provided 
it shall be lawful to appeal from any of these Courts 
to Boston. And it shall be in the liberty of any plain- 
tiff that hath an action of above an liun<ired pounds 
principal debt to try his cause in any of these Courts 
or at Boston ; the fines of these Courts to defray the 



charges of the same, and the overplus to be returned 
to the treiusurer for the public. And Salisbury and 
Hampton are joined to the jurisdiction of Ipswich, and 
each of them to send a grand juryman once a year to 
Ipswich." 

These enactments show the precise arrangement 
and distribution of judicial powers at the time of the 
division of the M:issachusetts Colony into counties, in 
1643. On the lOth of May in that year it was enacted 
th.at "the whole plantation within this jurisdiction is 
divided into four shire.s, to wit: 

"Essex Shibe. — Salem, Linn, Enon, Ipswicli, Rowley, Newlmry, 
GlouceflTer and Chochicawick. 

"Middlesex.— Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, Sudbury, Con- 
cord, Woburn, Sledford, Linn Village. 

"SpFroLK.— Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, Dedham, Bi-aiutree, Wey- 
mouth, Uingbam, Nantasket. 

" XouroLK— Salisbury, Hampton, Haverhill, Exeter, Buyer, Straw- 
berry Bank." 

These, of course, were at that time all the incor- 
porated towns in the Massachusetts Colony. In the 
shire of Essex, Salem was incorporated June 24, 1629, 
as a town, and March 23, 1836, as a city; Lynn, in 
Xovember, 1637, as a town, and April 10, 1850, as a 
city; Enon (afterwards Wenham), was incorporated 
May 10, 1643 ; Ipswich, August 5, 1634 ; Rowley, Sep- 
tember 4, 1639; Newbury, May 6, 1635; Gloucester, 
May 22, 1639, as a town, and Jlay 26, 1871, as a city; 
and Chochicawick (afterwards Andover), May 6, 1646, 
after the iucorporation of Essex County, 

In Middlesex, Charlestown was incorporated June 
24,1629; Cambridge, September 8, 1633; Watertown, 
September 7, 1630; Sudbury, September 4, 1639; Con- 
cord, September 2, 1635; Woburn, May 18, 1642; 
Medford, September 28, 1630; Linn village (after- 
wards incorporated as Reading), May 29, 1644. 

In Suflblk, Boston was incorporated September 7, 
1630, as a town, and February 23, 1822, as a city; 
Roxburj-, September 28, 1630, as a town, and March 
12, 1846, as a city, and annexed to Boston June 1, 
1867; Dorchester, September 7, 1630, and annexed to 
Boston June 4, 1869; Dedham, September S, 1636; 
Braintree, May 13, 1640; Weymouth, September 2, 
1635; Hingham, September 2, 1635; and Nantasket 
(afterwards incorporated as Hull), May 29, 1644. 

In Norfolk, Salisbury was incorporated October 7, 
1640 ; Hampton, September 4, 1639 ; Haverhill in 
1645, as a town, and March 10, 1869, as a city; Exeter 
and Dover and Strawberry Bank (now Portsmouth) 
became afterwards a part of New Hauij)shire. 

In addition to the towns above mentioned as a ))art 
of Essex County, Amesbury was incorporated April 
29,1668; Boxford, August 12, 1685; Beverly, October 
14, 1668; Bradford, in 1670; Dauvers, 1757; Essex, 
1819; Georgetown, 1838; Groveland, 1850; Hamilton, 
1792; Lawrence, incorporated as a town April 17, 
1S47, and as a city March 21, 1853; Lynnfield, July 
3, 1782 ; Manchester, May 14, 1645 ; Marblehead, May 
2,1649; Merrimac, April 11, 1876; Methuen, Decern- 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



berS, 1725; Mirldleton. June 20, 1728; Nahant, March 
29, 1853 ; Newburyport, January 28, 1764, as a town, 
and May 24, 1852, as a city; North Andover, April 
7, 1855 ; West Newbury, as Parsons, February 18, 

1819, and under its present name June 14, 1820 ; Pea- 
body, March 18, 1855, as South Danvers, and its 
present name given April 13, 1868 ; Rockport, Feb- 
ruary 27, 1840; Saugus, February 17, 1815; South 
Danvers, May 18, 1855 ; Swampscott, May 21, 1852; 
Topsfield, October 18, l(i50 ; West Newbury, June 14, 

1820. As the towns of Amesbury, Haverhill and 
Salisbury were the only towns in Norfolk County, 
outside of the territory of New Hampshire, which 
became a royal province in 1679, the following act 
was passed by the General Court on the 4th of Feb- 
ruary, 1679-80 : 

" This Court being sensible of the great inconvenience and charge that 
it will be to Salisbury, Haverhill and Amesbury to continue their County 
Court, now some of the towns of Norfolk are taken off, and considering 
that these towns iiid formerly belong to Essex County, and attended at 
Essex courts, do order that these towns that are left be again joined to 
Essex and attend public business at Essex courts, there to implead and be 
impleaded, as occasion shall be; their records of lands being still to be 
kept in some one of their own towns on the North of Merrimack, and 
all persons according to course of law are to attend in Essex County." 

By this act Norfolk County, as incorporated in 

1643, was extinguished, to be revived in another sec- 
tion of the State by an act of incorporation dated 
March 26, 1793. The act above quoted alludes to a 
former union of Amesbury, Haverhill and Salisbury 
with Essex, which never actually existed. The allu- 
sion is probably to old court connections, which 
existed before the incori)oration of the county, in 1(!43. 
Amesbury was a part of the old town of Salisbury, 
Boxford of the old town of Rowley, Beverly a part of 
Salem and afterwards of Danvers, Bradford a part of 
Rowley, Danvers a part of Salem, Essex a part of 
Ipswich, Georgetown a part of Rowley, Groveland a 
part of Bradford and Boxford, Hamilton a part of 
Ipswich, Lawrence a part of Andover, North Andover 
and Methuen, Lynnfield a part of Lynn, Manchester 
a part of Salem, Marblehead a part of Salem, Merri- 
mac a part of Amesbury, Methuen a part of Haverhill, 
Middleton a part of Salem, Topsfield, Boxford and 
Andover, Nahant a part of Lynn, Newburyport a part 
of Newbury, North Andover a part of Andover, Pea- 
body formerly South Danvers and a jjart of Danvers, 
Rockport a part of Gloucester, Saugus a part of Lynn 
and Chelsea, Swampscott a part of Lynn and Salem, 
Topsfield was New Meadows, Wenham was Enon, 
mentioned in the act incorporating the county ; and 
West Newbury was a part of Newbury, incorporated 
as Parsons and changed to its present name Juue 14, 
1820. 

Since the addition to the county of the towns of 
Amesbury, Salisbury and Haverhill, in 1679-80, the 
only change in the boundaries of the county is that 
already referred to, caused by the annexation of a 
part of Chelsea, in Suffolk County, to .Saugus. On the 



22d of February, 1841, it was enacted that "so much 
of the town of Chelsea, with the inhabitants therein, 
as is embraced within the bounds hereafter named is 
hereby set off from said town of Chelsea and annexed 
to the town of Saugus, to wit: beginning at thesouth- 
erly side of the Newburyport turnpike on Maiden line 
and running south 26 east 51 rods and 18 links on 
said Maiden line to a stake and stones ; thence north 
52 east to Saugus line ; thence by the line of Saugus 
South Reading and Maiden to the bounds first men- 
tioned; provided, however, that the inhabitants thus 
set off shall be holden to pay all taxes heretofore 
assessed in the same manner as if this act had not 
been passed; provided, also, that all persons who 
shall have gained a settlement upon said territory, 
and who are now chargeable to the said town of 
Chelsea, shall remain and continue to be supported 
by said town of Chelsea, saving and excepting one 
John Burrell, who shall hereafter be considered as 
belonging to and shall hereafter be supported by said 
town of Saugus. 

"If any persons who have gained a legal settlement 
in said town of Chelsea by a residence on said terri- 
tory, or by having been proprietors of any part 
thereof, or who may desire such settlement from any 
such residents or proprietors, shall come to want and 
stand in need of relief and support, they shall be 
relieved and supported by the said town of Saugus in 
the same manner as if they had gained a settlement 
in said town.'' 

Essex County, of which Salem, Lawrence and New- 
buryport are the shires, is situated in the northeast 
corner of Massachusetts, and is bounded on the north- 
ea.st by the Atlantic Ocean, on the southeast by Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, on the southwest by Suffolk and 
Middlesex Counties, and on the northwest by New 
Hampshire. It contains about five hundred square 
miles of territory, traversed by the Merrimac River, 
which enters the county between Andover and Me- 
thuen and flows into the ocean at Newburyport ; the 
Shawsheen, which enters the Merrimac at Lawrence; 
the Parker River ; Ba.ss River, navigable to Danvers- 
port; and the Ipswich River, which is navigable to 
Ipswich. The business of the county is chiefly that 
of manufactures and the fisheries, though a by no 
means insignificant portion of its inhabitants gains a 
livelihood from agriculture and general commerce. 
Statistics relating to these industries will be included 
in the town histories. The following table shows the 
population, valuation and number of schools in each 
town according to the last published returns : 

PUBLIC 
POPULATION. VALUATION. SCHOOLS. 

Amesbury 4,403 $1,.')(J0,S35 20 

Andover 6,711 5,0.")3,079 22 

Beverly 0,186 10,170,780 36 

Boxford 840 065,285 fi 

Bradford 3,106 1,338,230 10 

Danvers 7,048 3,761,.590 20 

Essex 1,722 903,121 



INTRODrCTORY. 



PUBLIC 

POPULATION. VALUATION. SCHOOLS. 

Georgetown 2,299 1,018,491 10 

Gloiicpster 21,713 9,S97,Mfi 80 

Gnoeliind 2,272 880,771 10 

Hamilton 850 602,4:13 4 

Haverliill 21,79.-> 11,91S,2«0 75 

Ipswich 4,207 2,097,482 Ifi 

Lawrence 38,845 26,670,644 104 

Lynn 45,861 25,056,5S.i 116 

Ljnnfield 7G6 654,496 3 

Manchester 1,638 3,827,6.%'i 7 

MiirWehead 7,.518 3,964,927 15 

Merrimic 2,.178 1,169,368 14 

IHotlmen 4,507 2,777,610 19 

Middleton 899 527,771 4 

Nahnnt 6,17 6,.524,446 4 

Newbury 1,690 1,C»59,405 T 

Newburyport 13,716 8,321,954 29 

North .\ndover .3,425 2,620,179 16 

Peabody 9,530 7,188,290 33 

Rockport 3,888 2,077,044 14 

Rowley 1,183 545,095 7 

Salom 28,084 27,765,824 84 

Salisbury 4,840 2,227,043 21 

SauguB 2,855 1,368,602 13 

Swanipecott 2,471 3,95.5,202 10 

Topsfiold 1,141 766,875 6 

■Weliham 871 540,277 5 

West Newbury 1,899 1,1.W,471 11 

Tot.il 263,694 8180,665,573 328 



It has been already stated that atihe time of the 
formation of the counties, in 1(343, judicial power was 
veiitcd in the General Court, the Court of Assistants 
(or Great Quarter Court) the Quarter Courts (lield 
ill specified towns) and the Strangers' Courts. After 
the formation of the counties the above courts con- 
tinued, though the Strangers' Courts were modified, 
and the Quarter Courts, in their respective counties, 
were called County or Inferior Quarter Courts. It 
had also been provided by an act [massed September 
9, 1039, that records be kept of all wills, administra- 
tions and inventories, of every marriage, birth and 
death, and of all men's houses and lands. It had, be- 
fore the above date, been provided by a law passed 
April 1, 1634, "that the constable and four or more 
of the chief inhabitants of every town (to be chosen 
by all the freemen there at some meeting there), with 
the advice of some one or more of the next assistants, 
shall make a surveying of the houses, backside, corn- 
fields, mowing-ground and other lands improved or 
inclosed on, granted by special orders of the court, of 
every free inhabitant there, and shall enter the same 
in a book (lairly written in words at length, and not 
in figures), with the several bounds and quantities by 
the nearest estimation, and shall deliver a transcript 
thereof into the court within six months now next 
ensuing; and the same so entered and recorded shall 
be a sufficient a.ssurance to every such free inhabitant, 
his and their heirs and assigns, of such e-state of in- 
heritance or as they shall have in any such houses, 
lands or frank tenements. The like course shall be 
taken for a.ssurance of all houses and town lots of all 
such as shall be hereafter enfranchised, and every 



sale or grant of such houses or lots as shall be, from 
time to time, entered into the said book by the said 
constable and four inhabitants or their successors 
(who shall be still supplied upon death or removal), 
for which entry the jjurchasers shall jiay six pence 
and the like sum for a copy thereof under the hands 
of the said surveyors or three of them." 

A further provision of law had been made on the 
7th of October, 1640, as follows: 

" For avoiding all fraudulent conveyances and that every man may 
know what estate or interest other men may have in any houses, lands, 
or other hereditaments they are to deal in, it is therefore ordered tliaf 
after the end of the month no mortgage, bargain, sjilo, or grant, here- 
after to be made of any houses, lauds, rents, or other hereditaments, shall 
be of force against any other person e.\cept the gratitor and his heirs, un- 
less the same be recorded as is hel-eafter e.xpressed ; aud that no such 
bargain, sjile, or grant, already made in way of mortgage, where the 
grantor remains in possession, shall bo of force against any other but 
the graofDrur his heirs, except the same shall be eutered an is hereafter 
expressed, within one month after the end of this court, if the party be 
within this jurisdiction, or else within three months after he shall re- 
turn. And if any such grantor, &c., bo required by the grantee, .\:i-., to 
make an acknowledgement of any grant, Ac, by him made, shall refuse 
so to do, it shall be in the power of any magistrate to send for the party 
BO refusing and commit him to prison, without bail or mayneprise, until 
he shall acknowledge the same. 

"And the grantee is to enter his caution with the recorder, and this 
shall save his interest in the meantime ; and if it be doubtfid whether it 
be the deed or grant of the party, ho shall be bound with sureties to tho 
next court and the caution shall remain good as aforesaid. 

"And for recording of all such bargains, &c., it is further ordered that 
there shall be one appointed at Ipswich, for which BIr. Samuel Symonds 
is chosen for that court, to enter all such bargains. Kites, itc, of all lanils, 
Ac, within the jurisdiction of that court ; aud Mr. Kmauuell Downing 
is chosen in like sort for the jurisdiction of the court of Sjilem ; and all 
the rest to be entered by Mr. Stephen W'inthrop, the I'ecorderat lioston.*' 

The recorder was the clerk of the court. In IG41 
it was provided that in every town " a clerk of the 
writs" should be appointed, and a part of his duties 
was to record all births and ileaths, and yearly de- 
liver to the recorder of the court a transcript thereof. 
It was also provided that every married man shall 
bring a certificate, under the hand of the magistrate 
who married him, to the clerk of the writs, to be re- 
corded and returned by him to the recorder. Thus 
it will be seen how extensive the jurisdiction of the 
County Court was made. Aside from its ordinary 
judicial powers, it had charge of the records of deeds 
of probate matters and the laying out of highways, 
and included the departments now held by the judge 
and register of probate, the register of deeds, the 
clerk of the courts and county commissioners. 

With regard to treasurers, their duties, up to 1().')4, 
were performed by the treasurer of the whole colony 
or of the country, as he was called. In that year it 
was provided " that henceforth there shall be treas- 
urers annually chosen in every county, provided that 
no clerk or recorder of any County Court shall be 
chosen trea.surer of the county." The officer now 
called sherill' was, in the days of the colony, called 
marshal. There was a marshal of the General ("ourt 
alone up to the formation of the counties, in 1G43, 
and after that date each court a|)parently ajipointed 



VI 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



its own marshal, though it is possible that even be- 
fore that time every Quarter Court had its own of- 
ficer bearing that name. So far as Essex County is 
concerned, it is proper to state that the present regis- 
try of deeds contains the entire records from 1638, 
and that the original probate records prior to 1671 
are to be found in the ofl5ce of the clerk of the courts, 
where they were originally kept. The registry of 
probate was located in Ipswich until 1851, when, un- 
der general powers conferred by law, the county com- 
missioners removed it to Salem. 

There is another court which should be mentioned 
to complete the colonial judicial system so far as it 
concerned the county. On the 6th of September, 
1638, it was ordered " that for avoiding of the coun- 
try's charge by bringing small causes to the Court of 
Assistants that any magistrate in the town where he 
may hear and determine by his discretion all causes 
wherein the debt, or trespass, or damage, etc., doth 
not exceed twenty shillings, and in such town where 
no magistrate dwells, the General Court shall, from 
time to time, nominate three men ; two thereof shall 
have like power to hear and determine all such ac- 
tions under twenty shillings ; and if any of the parties 
shall find themselves grieved with any such end or 
sentence, they may appeal to the next Quarter Court, 
or Court of Assistants. And if any person shall 
bring any such action to the Court of Assistants be- 
fore he hath endeavored to have it ended at home 
(as in this order is appointed), he shall lose his action 
and pay the defendant's coats." The jurisdiction of 
this petty court was afterwards extended to matters 
involving a sum not exceeding forty shillings. It 
should be added, however, concerning this petty 
court, that the selectmen of a town were authorized 
to try offences against their own by-laws where the 
penalty did not exceed twenty shillings, provided the 
by-laws did not extend to anything criminal. They 
were also competent to try cases where only one 
magistrate lived in a town and he was an interested 
party, and where there' was no magistrate and one or 
more of the commissioners were concerned. 

Up to 1685 the judicial system of Massachusetts 
Colony and its counties remained as has been traced 
above, as follows : 1st, the General Court with legisla- 
tive powers and a limited appellate jurisdiction from 
the Court of Assistants ; 2d, the Court of Assistants 
or Great Quarter Court, with exclusive jurisdiction 
in all criminal cases involving neither life, limb nor 
banishment, and concurrent jurisdiction with the 
County Courts in civil cases involving not more 
than one hundred pounds, and appellate jurisdiction 
from the County Courts ; 3d, the County Courts or 
Inferior Quarter Courts, with jurisdiction in civil and 
criminal cases, except cases of divorce and 
crimes involving life, limb or banishment, having 
power to summon grand and petit jurors, and to ap- 
point their own clerks and other necessary officers, to 



lay out highways, license taverns, to see that a proper 
ministry was supported, to prove wills, grant admin- 
istration and have general control of matters in pro- 
bate, and have appellate jurisdiction from the Commis- 
sioners' Courts ; 4th, Strangers' Courts, held at first by 
the Governor or Deputy-Governor and two magis- 
trates, or, in the absence of the Governor and deputy 
by three magistrates with the same jurisdiction as the 
County Courts so far as strangers are concerned, where 
judgments were final ; 5th, Petty Commissioners' or 
Selectmen's Courts in the various towns. 

On the 18th of June, 1684, a judgment vacating the 
colonial charter was issued, and a copy was received 
by the colonial secretary, Edward Rawson, on the 2d 
of July in the next year. Joseph Dudley was there- 
upon appointed, by the King, President of Massachu- 
setts Bay, Maine, New Hampshire and the Narra- 
ganset country, and received the commission May 
15, 1686. The Council appointed by the King were 
Simon Bradstreet, Robert Mason, John Fitz Win- 
throp, John Pynchon, Peter Bulkley, Edward Ran- 
dolph, Wait Winthrop, Richard Wharton, John 
Usher, Nathaniel Saltonstall, Bartholomew Gedney, 
Jonathan Tyng, Dudley Bradstreet, John Hicks and 
Edward Tyng, of whom Simon and Dudley Brad- 
street and Nathaniel Saltonstall declined. The 
Governor and Council possessed no legislative power, 
except to establish such courts as might be necessary. 
They were a court of themselves for the trial of causes, 
and had authority to appoint judges. They estab- 
lished a Superior Court, with three sessions a year, at 
Boston, and" Courts of Pleas and Sessions of the Peace " 
in the several counties. The President assumed 
probate jurisdiction, but in some counties appointed 
judges of probate. William Stoughton was appointed 
to preside in the County Courts of Middlesex, Suf- 
folk and Essex, and John Richard* and Simon Lynde 
were appointed his assistants. These appointments 
were made July 26, 1636. Appeals could be taken 
from these courts to the President and Council. 

But the administration of Dudley was of short du- 
ration. Governor Andros arrived in Boston on the 
19th of December, 1686, and a.s Governor assumed 
jurisdiction over the whole of New England, includ- 
ing the Plymouth Colony, which was not included in 
the commission of Dudley. He appointed thirty-nine 
members of his Council, and the Governor and Coun- 
cil possessed the exclusive power of making and exe- 
cuting the laws, subject to royal approval. He gave 
to justices of the peace civil jurisdiction in cases not 
affecting lands and not involving a sum exceeding 
forty shillings. He established next the " Quarterly 
Sessions Court," held by the several justices in their' 
respective counties, and next an "Inferior Court of 
Common Pleas," to be held in each county by ajudge 
assisted by two or more justices of the county. Their 
jurisdiction was limited to cases in which not more 
than ten pounds were involved and no question of 



INTRODUCTORY. 



freehold, except in Boston, where the limit was twenty 
pounds. Above these courts was the Superior Court 
of Judicature, in which no action could be com- 
menced involving less than ten pounds, unless it re- 
lated to a question of freehold, and which was to be 
hold in Boston, Cambridge, Charlestown, Plymouth, 
Bristol, Newport. Salem, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Fal- 
mouth, Northampton and Springfield. Joseph Dud- 
ley was appointed chief justice of this court. 

In 1691 a new charter was issued, embracing Mas- 
sachusetts, Plymouth, Maine, Nova Scotia and the 
intervening territory in one government, under the 
name of the " Province of the Ma.ssachusetts Bay in 
New England." This charter reached Boston May 
14, 1692, and under its provisions the government 
consisted of a Governor, Deputy-Governor and secre- 
tary appointed by the King, and assistants or Coun- 
cilors chosen by the General Court, and a House of 
Representatives chosen annually by the people. The 
Governor had the power of veto, and all acts and 
elections by the General Court must be transmitted to 
England and approved or disallowed by the King. 
The General Court was authorized " to erect and 
constitute judicatories and courts of records or other 
courts," and the Governor and Council could appoint 
udges, sheriffs, justices of the peace and other officers 
of the courts. The regulation and management of 
l)robate matters were given to the Governor and 
Council, and delegated by them to judges in each 
county. Under this charter the General Court no 
longer possessed judicial power. The first court es- 
tablished under the charter was a special Court of 
Oyer and Terminer, organized by Governor William 
I'hipps, the first Governor of the province, before any 
aw had been passed authorizing it, for the purpose 
of trying, chiefly in Essex County, persons charged 
with witchcraft. On the 2d of June, 1692, the Gov- 
ernor issued his commission appointing Wm. Stough- 
ton chief justice, and Nathaniel Saltonstall (who de- 
clined and was succeeded by Jonathan Curwin), 
John Richards, Bartholomew Gedney, Wait Win- 
throp, Samuel Sewall and Peter Sergeant associate 
lustices; Stephen Sewall, clerk; Thomas Newton, 
attorney-general (succeeded July 22d by Anthony 
Checkley) ; George Corwin, sheriff. The first meet- 
ing of this court was held at Salem on the 2d of 
June, 1692, and its last meeting on the 17th of Sep- 
tember following, after which the court was dissolved. 
During this time the expense of the court to Essex 
County was one hundred and thirty puuiids, and 
nineteen persons were tried, condemned and hung, 
and one was pressed to death. 

On the 25th of November, 1692, a law was passed 
establishing Courts of Justices of the Peace, four 
Courts or Quarter Sessions of the Peace in each county, 
an Inferior Court of Common Pleas for each county, a 
Superior Court of Judicature for the whole province, 
and a High CourtofChaucery for the province. This act 



was disallowed. On the 19th of June, 1697, another 
act was passed establishing County Courts, which was 
also disallowed. On the 26th of June, 1699. three 
acts were passed, e.stablishing in each county a Court 
of General Sessions of the Peace and an Inferior Court 
of Common Pleas, and a Superior Court of Judicature 
for the province. The Court of General Sessions of 
the Peace was authorized to be held at specified 
times and places " by the justices of the peace of the 
same county, who are hereby empowered to hear and 
determine all matters relating to the conservation of 
the peace and punishment of offenders." The Infer- 
ior Court of Common Pleas Wiis to be held at specified 
times and places "by four substantial persons, to be 
appointed and commissionated as justices of the same 
court in each county, who shall have cognizance of 
all civil actions arising or happening within such 
county, provided that no action under the value of 
forty shillings shall be brought into any of the said 
Inferior Courts, unless where freehold is concerned or 
upon appeal from a justice of the peace." The Su- 
perior Court of Judicature was to be held at specified 
times and places in the province, by " one chief jus- 
tice and four other justices, to be appointed and com- 
missionated for the same, who shall have cognizance 
of all pleas, — real, personal or mixt, — as well as all 
pleas of the Crown and all matters relating to the 
conservation of the peace and punishment of offend- 
ers," etc. This court was ordered to be held for the 
county of Suffolk, at Boston, on the first Tuesdays in 
November and May ; for the county of Essex, at 
Salem on the second Tuesday in November, and at 
Ipswich on the third Tuesday in May ; for the county 
of Middlesex, at Cambridge on the last Tuesday in 
July, and at Charlestown on the last Tuesday in 
January ; for the county of Hampshire, at Spring- 
field, on the second Thursday in August; for the 
county of York, at Kittery, on the Thursday before 
the Ipswich court ; for the counties of Plymouth, 
Barnstable and Dukes County, at Plymouth, on the 
last Tuesday in March ; and for the county of Bristol, 
at Bristol, on the second Tuesday in September. 

Jurisdiction in probate matters had, during the 
colonial period, been exercised by the common law 
courts. During the administration of Andros it was 
exercised by the Governor, but, by the charter of the 
province, it was conferred on the (iovernor and Coun- 
cil. Claiming, however, thepower of substitution, the 
Governor and Council appointed a judge of probate in 
each county, reserving to themselves appellate juris- 
diction. 

The judges of the Inferior Court of Common Plea» 
for Essex County were as follows : 

Appointed December 7. 16D2. — Bnrtholuniow Gedney, Samuel Apple- 
ton, Jotin Hathorne, .lunalban Corwin. 
1C9G. — Wm. Br«)wne, in place of Samuel Appleton. 
1G98. — Daniel Peirce, iu place of Bartholomew Gedney, deceafc'd. 
1G90. — Same appointed. 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1702.— Nathaniel Saltonstall, in place of Jonathan Corwin ; Jonathan 
Corwin, in place of John Hathorne. 

1704. — John .\ppleton, in place of Daniel Peirce. 

1707. — Thomas Noyes, in place of Nathaniel Saltonstall. 

1708. — John Higgiusou, in place of Jonathan Corwin, appointed to 
the 'Superior Court. 

171i'>. — Samuel Brown, in place of his father, Wra. Browne. 

1720. — Jolin Burrill, in place of John Higginson. 

1721-22. — Josiah Wok-ott, in place of John Burrill. 

1729. — Timothy Linall and John Wainwright. 

1733.— TheophiluB Burrill and Thomas Berry, in place of Samuel 
Brown and John Appleton. 

1737. — Benjamin Mai-ston, in place of Theophilus Burrill. 

1739. — Benjamin Lynde, in place of John Wainwriglit, deceased. 

17-15-46. — John Choat, in place of Benjamin Lynde, transferred to the 
Superior Court., 

1754. — Henry Gibbs, in place of Timothy Linall, resigned ; John 
Tasker, in place of Benjamin Marston, deceased. 

1756. — Benjamin Picliman, in place of Thomas Berry, deceased. 

1759. — Caleb Gushing, in place of Ilenry Gibbs, deceased. 

1761. — Stephen Iligginson, in place of Benjamin Picliman ; Nathaniel 
Ropes and Andrew Oliver, in place of Stephen Higgiuson, deceased, 
and John Tasker, deceased. 

1766.— William Bourn, in place of John Choat. 

1770. — William Browne, in place of William Bourn, deceased. 

1772. — Peter Frye, in place of Nathaniel Ropes, transferred to the 
Superior Court. 

1775. — John Lowell, Caleb Cashing, Benjamin Greenleaf and Azor 
Orne. 

1779. — Caleb Gushing, Benjamin Greenleaf, John Pickering, Jr., 
Samuel Holten. 

1782.— Samuel Phillips, in place of Caleb Gushing. 

1798. — Ebenezer March, in place of Benjamin Greenleaf. 

1799. — John Treadwell, in place of John Pickering. 

1808. — Samuel Ilolten retired, and was appointed chief justice of the 
General Court of Sessions. 

The Inferior Court of Common Pleas continued un- 
til July 3, 1782, when the Court of Common Pleas 
was established, to be held within each county at spec- 
ified times and places, with four judges appointed 
by the Governor from within the county. 

Those in the above list, after 1779, were judges of 
this court. This court continued until June 21, 1811, 
when an act was passed providing that the common- 
wealth, except Dukes County and the county of 
Nantucket, should be divided into six circuits, as fol- 
lows : the Middle Circuit, consisting of the counties ot 
Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex ; the Western Cir- 
cuit, consisting of the counties of Worcester, Hamp- 
shire and Berkshire ; the Southern Circuit, consisting 
of the counties of Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol and 
Barnstable ; the Eastern Circuit, consisting of the 
counties of York, Cumberland and Oxford; the sec- 
ond Ea.stern Circuit, consisting of the counties of 
Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset; and the third 
Eastern Circuit, consisting of the counties of Han- 
cock and Washington. It further provided that 
there shall be held in the several counties, at the 
times and places now appointed for holding the 
Courts of Common Pleas, a Circuit Court of Common 
Pleas, consisting of one chief justice and two associ- 
ate justices, to whom were to be added two sessions 
justices from each county, to sit with the court in 
their county. The history of this court is so mingled 
with that of the General Court of Sessions that 
both should be sketched together. The Court of 



General Sessions of the Peace remained substantially 
the same during the provincial period, and up to 
June 19, 1807, when it was enacted that it should 
consist of one chief justice, or first justice, and a cer- 
tain number of associate justices for the several coun- 
ties, to be appointed by the Governor with the con- 
sent of the Council. These justices were to act as the 
General Court of Sessions in the place of the justices 
of the peace in each county. On the 19th of June, 
1809, the powers and duties of the General Court of 
Sessions were transferred to the Court of Common 
Pleas, and two years later, on the 25th of June, 1811, it 
was enacted, " that from and after the first day of 
December next, an act made and passed the 19th day of 
June, 1809, entitled ' an act to transfer the powers and 
duties of the Courts of Sessions to the Courts of Com- 
mon Pleas,' be and the same is hereby repealed, 
and that all acts, or parts of acts, relative to the 
Courts of Sessions which were in force at the time the 
act was in force which is hereby repealed, be and the 
same are hereby revived from and after the said first 
day of September next." 

Again, on the 28th of February, 1814, it was en- 
acted that the act of June 25, 1811, above quoted, 
" be repealed, except so far as it relates to the coun- 
ties of Suffolk, Nantucket and Dukes County, and 
that all petitions, recognizances, warrants, orders, 
certificates, reports and processes made to, taken for 
or continued or returnable to the Court of Sessions in 
the several counties, except as aforesaid, shall be re- 
turnable to, and proceeded in, and determined by the 
respective Circuit Courts of Common Pleas," already 
referred to as having been established on the 21st of 
June, 1811, in the place of the old Court of Common 
Pleas. It further provided, " that from and after the 
first day of June next, the Circuit Courts of Common 
Pleas shall have, exercise, and perform all powers, 
authorities and duties which the respective Courts of 
Sessions have, before the passage of this act, exercised 
and performed, except in the counties of Sufiblk, 
Nantucket and Dukes County ; and it was further 
provided that the Governor, by and with the advice 
of the Council, be authorized to appoint two persons 
in each county, who shall be session justices of the 
Circuit Court of Common Pleas in their respective 
counties, and sit with the justices of said Circuit 
Court in the administration of the affairs of their 
county, and of all matters within said county of 
which the Courts of Sessions had cognizance." The 
management of county affairs was controlled by this 
court until February 20, 1819, when it was enacted, 
"that from and after the first day of June next, an 
' act to transfer the powers and duties of the Courts 
of Sessions to the Circuit Courts of Common Pleas,' 
passed on the 28th of February, 1814, be hereby re- 
pealed ; and it was further provided, that from and 
after the first day of June next the Court of Sessions 
in the several counties shall be held by one chief jus- 



INTRODUCTORY. 



IX 



tice and two associate justices, to be appointed by the 
Governor, witli tlie advice and consent of tlie Coun- 
cil, wlio uliall liavc all the powers, rights and privi- 
leges, and be suhject to all the duties, which arc now 
vested in the Circuit Courts of Common Pleas rela- 
tive to the erection and repairs of jails and other 
county buildings, the allowance and settlement of 
county accounts, the estimate, apimrtionment and is- 
suing warrants for assessing county taxes, granting 
licenses, laying out, altering and discontinuing high- 
ways, and appointing committees and ordering juries 
for that purpose." 

The Court of Sessions continued in the manage- 
ment of county atlairs until March 4, 1826, when that 
I)art of their duties relating to highways was vested 
by law in a new board of county officers, termed 
" commissioners of highways.'' The act creating 
this board provided " that for each county in the 
Commonwealth, except the counties of Suffolk and 
Nantucket, there shall be appointed and commis- 
sioned by His Excellency, the Governor, by and with 
the advice and consent of the Council, to hold their 
offices for five years, unless removed by the Governor 
and Council, five commissioners of highways, except 
in the counties of Dukes and Barnstable, in which 
there shall be appointed only three, who shall be in- 
habitants of such county, one of whom shall be 
designated as chairman by his commission." The 
act further provided that the doings of the commis- 
sioners should be reported to the Court of Sessions for 
record, and that said court should draw their warrants 
on the county treasury for expenses incurred by the 
commissioners in constructing roads located by 
them. 

On the 26th of February, 1828, an act was passed 
providing "that the Act entitled, 'An Act to estab- 
lish Courts of Sessions,' passed on the 20th day of 
February, 1819; also the Act in addition thereto, 
passed on the 21st day February, 1820 ; also the Act 
entitled, 'An Act increasing the numbers and extend- 
ing the powers of Justices of the Court of Sessions,' 
passed on the 6th of February, 1822 ; also the Act en- 
titled, 'An Act in addition to an Act directing the 
method of laying out highways,' passed on the 4th 
day of March, 1826, be and the same are hereby re- 
pealed." It further provided that "there shall be ap- 
pointed and commissioned by His Excellency, the 
Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Council, four persons to be county commissioners 
for each of the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk 
and Worcester, and three persons to be county com- 
missioners for each of the other counties of this Com- 
monwealth, except the county of Suffolk," " that the 
Clerks of the Courts of Common Pleas within the 
several counties shall be clerks of said county com- 
missioners," and "that for each of the counties in the 
Commonwealth, except the counties of Suffolk, Mid- 
dlesex, Essex, Worcester, Norfolk and Nantucket, 



there shall be appointed and commissioned two per- 
sons to act as special county commissioners." 

On the 8th of April, 18;35, it w;ia provided by law 
that in everv county except Suffolk and Nantucket the 
judge of probate, register of probate and clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas should be a board of ex- 
aminers, and that on the first JFonday of !May, in the 
year 1835, and on the first Monday of April, in every 
third year thereafter, the people should cast their 
votes for three county commissioners and two special 
commissioners. The law remained unaltered until 
March 11, 1854, when it was provided, that the county 
commissioners now in office in the several counties, 
exceiit in Suffolk and Nantucket, shall be divided 
into three classes ; those of first class shall hold their 
oflices until the day of the next annual election of 
Governor; those of the second class until the same 
election day in 1855 ; and those of the third class 
until the same election day in 1856, the commis- 
sioners now in office determining by lot to which each 
shall belong, and that at such annual election each 
year thereafter, one commissioner be chosen for three 
years. It was also provided that at the annual election 
in 185(1, and each third year thereafter, two special 
commissioners be chosen. 

Since the passage of the law of 1828 establishing 
Boards of County Commissioners the following per- 
sons have been appointed members of the Essex 
County Board : 

182S-33. — .\sa W. Wildes, of Newbnryport ; Joseph Winn, of Sulein ; 
Stephens Baker, of Ipswich ; Wm. B. Breed, of Lynn. 

1834, — John W. Proctor, of South Danvers, in place of William B. 
Breed. 

18:55-37. — Moses Newell, of West Nowlmry, in place of .\sa W, Wildes. 

1838-tU.— Asa T. Sewhall, of Lynn, in place of John W. I'roctor. 

1841-4.1. — Charles Kimball, of Ipswich ; Robert Patten, of Amesbury ; 
Wm. Whipple, of liockport. 

1814-46. -Asa W. Wililes, of Newbnryport, and Benj. F. Newhall, of 
Saugus, in place of Robert Patten and W'm. Whipple, 

1847-49— John 1. Baker, of Beverly, in place of Charles Kimball. 

1850-54. — Benjamin Mudge, of Lynn, in place of Benjaniiu F. New- 
hall. 

In this last year — in accordance with the law passed 
March 11, 1854, providing for the division of the 
commissioners by lot into three classes, one going out 
each year, and another chosen by the people for a 
term of three years — John I. Haker drew the first 
class, Benjamin Mudge the second, and Asa W. 
Wildes the third. At the election of 1854, and at 
subsequent elections, the following were chosen : 

1854. — Stephens Baker, of Beverly, in place of Jolin I. Baker. 

1855. — Kben B, (Jurrier, of Lawrence, in jilace of Benjamin Mudge. 

185fi. — George Haskell, of Ipswich, in place of Asu W. Wildes. 

1857. — Stephons Baker, rechoseu. 

1858.— Ebeu B. Currier, recliosen. 

1859. — Abrani I). Wait, of Ipswich, in place of George Haskell. 

18G0. — James Kimball, of Saloni, in place of Stephens Rtker. 

1861. — JackS'iil B. Swott, of Haverhill, in place of Eben B. Ourrier, 

1862, — Abrani D, Wait, recliosen, 

1863, — James Kimball, recliosen, 

1864. — Jackson B. Swett, recliosen. 

1865. — Abrani D. Wait, recliosen. 

1866, — James Kimball, lecliosen. 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1867. — Jttckson B. 8w(?tt, recboeen. 

1868. — Cliarlea P. Preston, of Danvei-s, Id place of Abram D. Wait. 

1869. — .lames Kinibal), rechosen. 

1870. — Jttckfiun B. Swett, rechosen. 

1871. — Charles P. Preston, rechosen. 

1872.— *Jftnies Kimball, rechosen. 

1873.— Zachariah Graves, of Lynn, in place of Jackson B. Swett. 

1874. — Joseph 0. Proctor, of Gloncester, in place of Chaa. P. Preston. 

1875. — James Kimball, rechosen. 

1876. — Zachariah Graves, rechosen. 

1877. — Joseph O. Proctor, rechosen. 

1878. — John W. Raymond, of Beverly, in place of James Kimball. 

1879. — Geo. J. L. Colby, of Newbiiryport, in place of Zachariah Graves. 

1880. — Zachariah Craves, in place of Joaeiih 0. Proctor. 

1881. — John \V, Uaymuml, rectiosen. 

1882.— Edward B. Bishop, of Haverhill, in place of Geo. J. L. Colby. 

188;j. — Geo. J. L. CoUiy, in place of Zachariah Graves. 

1884. — John W. Raymond, rechosen. 

1885. — Edward B. Bisliop, rechosen. 

lS86.~David W. Low. of Gloucester, in place of Geo. J. L. Colby. 

The Circuit Court of Common Pleas, which was 
established in 1811, was abolished on the 14th of 
February, 1821, and the Court of Common Pleas es- 
tablished with four justices, one of whom it was pro- 
vided by law should be commissioned chief justice. 
On the Ist of March, 1843, the number of judges was 
increased to five; March 18, 1845, it was increased to 
six ; May 24, 1851, to seven. On the 5th day of 
April, 1859, the Court of Common Pleas was abol- 
ished, and the present Superior Court established, 
with ten judges, which number was increased, May 
19, 1875, to eleven. 

The Superior Court of .Judicature, which was es- 
tablished June 26, 1699, received no appointments to 
its bench after 1775. During its existence the fol- 
lowing judges were appointed: 

1692.— Wni. Sloughton (Chief Jnstice), Thomas Ilanforth, Wait Win- 
throp (Chief Justice, 17U8J, John Richards, Samuel Sewall (Chief Jus- 
tice, 1718). 

1690.- Eliaha Cooke. 

1700.— John Walley. 

1701.— John SalBn. 

1702. — Isaac Addington (Chief Justice, 1703), John Hathorne, John 
Leverett. 

1708.— Jonathan Curwin. 

1712.— Benjamin Lyndo (Chief Justice, 1728), Nathaniel Thomas. 

1715. — Addington Ilavenjiort. 

1718.— Edmund Quincy, Paul Dudley (Chief Justice, 1745). 

1728.— John Gushing. 

1733. — Jonathan Remington. 

1736.— Richard Saltonstall. 

1738. — Tiiomas Graves. 

1739.— Stephen Sewall (Chief Justice, 1752). 

1745. — Nathaniel Hubbard, Benjamin Lyude (Chief Justice, 1771). 

1747.— John Cushing. 

1752. — Chambers RubSell. 

1766.— Peter Oliver (Chief Justice, 1772). 

1760. — Thomas Hutchinson (Chief Justice). 

1767. — Edmund Trowbridge. 

1771. — Foster Hutchinson. 

1772. — Nathaniel Ropes. 

1774. — William Brown. 

1776.— William Gushing (Chief Justice, 1777), John Adams (Chief 
Jnstice), Nathaniel P. Sargeant, William Reed, Robert Treat Paine. 

1776. — Jedediah Foster, James Sullivan. 

1777.— David Sewall. 

Of these. Judges John Hathorne, Jonathan Curwin, 
Richard Saltonstall, Stephen Sewall, Benjamin Lyude, 



Nathaniel Ropes, William Brown, David Sewall, 
Jedediah Foster and Nathaniel P. Sargeant were Essex 
County men. On the 20th of February, 1781, an act 
was passed establishing the Supreme Judicial Court 
as the successor of the Superior Court of Judicature. 
It was established with one chief justice and four as- 
sociates, but in the year 1800 the number of associates 
was increased to six, and the State was divided into 
two circuits, the East including Essex County and 
Maine, and the West including all the remainder of 
the State, except Suffolk County. In 1805 the number 
of associates was again fixed at four, and so remained 
until 1852, when their number was increased to five. 
In 1873 the number of associates was increased to 
six, and of one chief justice and six associates the 
court is now constituted. Those in the above list 
after 1774 were judges of the Superior Court of 
Judicature of the State of Massachusetts, and not of 
the province. Of the judges of the Superior Court 
since its organization, in 1781, the following have been 
Essex County men : Theophilus Parsons, Charles 
Jackson, Samuel Putnam, Caleb Cushing, Wm. C. 
Endicott and Otis P. Lord, who will be referred to in 
another chapter containing .sketches of the bench and 
bar. 

The administration of probate affairs, as has been 
already stated, was in the hands of the County Court 
during the colonial period up to the accession of Pres- 
ident Dudley, in 1685. It has also been stated that 
he assumed the jurisdiction to himself, but delegated 
it in one or more counties to a judge of probate ap- 
pointed by him. Under the administration of Andros 
the Governor personally attended to the settlement of 
estates exceeding fifty pounds, and it is presumed 
that smaller estates came within the rules established 
by Dudley. After the deposition of Andros the old 
colonial method was resumed and continued until the 
charter of the province went into operation, in 1692. 
Under the provincial charter jurisdiction in probate 
affairs was conferred on the Governor and Council, 
who claimed and exercised the right of delegating it 
to judges and registers of probate in the several coun- 
ties. During the provincial period there was no Pro- 
bate Court established by law, but the judge and 
register exercised their powers under authority de- 
rived only from the Governor and Council. On the 
12th of March, 1784, a Probate Court was established, 
of which the judge and register were appointed by the 
Governor until, under an amendment of the Constitu- 
tion ratified by the people May 23, 1855, it was provided 
after some previous legislation that in 1856, and every 
fifth year thereafter, the register should be chosen by 
the people for a term of five years. In 1856 a Court 
of Insolvency was established for each county, with a 
judge and register, and in 1858 the offices of judge and 
register of this court were abolished, as well as those 
of judge and register of probate, and the offices of 
judge and register of probate and insolvency estab- 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Hshed. In the same year it was provided that the 
register of probate and insolvency should be chosen 
by the people, for a term of five years, at the annual 
election in that year and every fifth year thereafter. 
In 18G2 the Probate Court was made a court of rec- 
ord. The oflices of judge and register have been held 
by the following persons since the provincial charter 
went into operation, in 1692 : 



App. 


JVI>(iE.S. 




App. 


rt:qisters. 


1692, 


Bartholomew Geiiney. 




1092. 


Stephen Sewall. 


169S. 


JoDathau Curwin. 




1695. 


Jotin Croade. 


17(12. 


John Appletou. 




169S. 


.lohn llif;ginson. 


1739. 


Thomas Berry. 




17(12. 


I>aiiiel Rogers. 


1766. 


John Choate. 




1723. 


Daniel .\ppIeton. 


1766. 


Nathaniel Hopes. 




17(52. 


Samuel Rogers. 


1762. 


Benjamin Lyniie. 




1773. 


Peter Frye. 


1779. 


Benjamin Greenleaf. 




1779. 


Daniel Xoyee. 


171)8. 


Saninel Holten. 




1816. 


Nathaniel Lord (3d). 


1816. 


Daniel A. White. 




1852. 


Kdwin Lawrence. 


1854. 


Nathaniel S. Howe. 




1854. 


George R. Lord. 


1867. 


Abner C. Goodell, Judge 


of 


18.i6. 


James Ropes. 




Insolvency. 




1857. 


Jonathan Perley, Jr. 


1858. 


Henry B. Fernald, Judge of 


1858. 


Abner C. GoodiMl, Register 




Inaolvency. 






of Insolrency. 


1859. 


George F. Choate, Judge 
P. and I. 


of 


1858. 
1859. 
1878. 


Charles H. Hudson, Register 
of P. 

Abner C. Goodell, Register 
of P. and I. 

Jeremiah T. Mahoney, Reg- 
ister of P. and I. 



The executive officer of the court was, in colonial 
times up to 1685, called marshal, except in the 
very earliest years, when he was called beadle. As 
early, however, as 1634 the records show that James 
Penn was chosen marshal. Under President Dudley 
he was called provost marshal, under Andros he was 
called sheriff, and after Andros, until the province was 
established, in 1692, he was again called marshal. As 
nearly as can be ascertained, the marshals in Essex 
were as follows : 



1663. Samuel Archard. 
1670. Henry Sherry. 
1685. Robert Lord. 



1686. Jeremiah Neale. 
16'.*1. John Rogers. 
1692. John Harris. 



The sherifls have been as follows : 



1692. George Corwin. 
1696. William Gedney. 
1702. Thomas Wainwright. 

William Gedney. 
1708. Daniel lienison. 
1710. WilliHiii Geduey. 
1715. John Denison. 
1722. Benjatnin Marston. 
1746. Robert Hale. 



1766. Richard .Saltonstall. 
1779. Michael Farley. 
1792. Bailey Bartlett. 
18;ll. Joseph E. Sprague. 
18.V2. Fredtfrick Robinson. 
18.M. Thomas E. I'ayson. 
18.*t6. James Cary. 
1S67. Horatio G. Herrick. 



Under a law passed in 1831 the Governor was au- 
thorized, with the power of removal, to appoint sher- 
ilTs for the several counties for five years. Under the 
nineteenth article of amendments of the Constitution, 
ratified in 1855, a law was passed in 1856 providing 
that in that year, and every third year thereafter, a 
sherifi' should be chosen by the people of each county 
at the annual election. 

The clerks of the courts were appointed by the 
courts during the colonial period. During the pro- 



vincial period the clerks of the County Courts and 
those of the Superior Court of Judicature, and after- 
wards of the Supreme Judicial Court, were distinct 
until 17'J7, and the clerk of the latter two courts had 
his oflice in Boston. The appointment lay with the 
courts until 1811, when the Governor and Council 
were made the appointing jiower. In 1814 the ap- 
pointment was given to the Supreme Judicial Court, 
and there remained until 1856, when it was provided 
by law that in that year, and every fifth year there- 
after, clerks should be chosen by the people in the 
several counties. As nearly as can be ascertained, the 
following is a correct list of the clerks of the courts 
in Essex County: 



1637. Ralph Fogg. 

1647. Henry Bartholomew. 

Robert Lord. 
1653. Elia.s Slilcman. 
1658. Hilliard Veren. 

Bart, (ipdney. 
1683. Beuj. Gerrisll. 
1692. Stephen;.';ewull.l 
1727. Mitchell Sewall. 
1750. Jos. Bowditch. 
1771. Wm. JelTrey. 
1774. Jos. Hlanc.y. 
1779. Samuel (Jsgood. 



17S3. Isaac Osgood 
179."). Thos. Bancroft. 

1797. Samuel Holten. 

1798. 'I'hos. Bancroft. 
1804. Ichahod Tucker. 

1812. Jos. E. Sprague. 

1813. Ichahod Tucker. 
1828. John Prince, Jr. 
1842. Ebenez.cr Shillaber. 
1852. .\8aliel Huntington. 
1872. Alfred A. Abbott. 
1885. Dean Peabody. 



During the colonial period the clerks of the courts 
were registers of deeds, and so continued until 1715, 
when it was provided "that in each county some per- 
son having a freehold within said county to the value 
of at least ten pounds should be chosen by the people 
of the county." In 1781 a law was passed renewing 
and continuing this practice, and the law remained in 
force until 1855, when it was provided that in that 
year, and every third year thereafter, a register of 
deeds should be chosen for the term of three years. 
The list of clerks, therefore, above given will cover 
the registers up to 1715. Since that date they have 
been as follows : 

1692. Stephen Sewall. 

1727. Mitchell Sewall. 

1774. John Higginsou. 

1780. John Pickering. 

1807. Amos Choate. 

iai2. Ralph H. French. 

1852. Kjihraim Brown, Jr. 

Up to 1869 the registry of deeds for the whole 
county was kept at Salem. I5ut on the 22d of 
June, in that year, an act was passed providing 
that the city of Lawrence and the towns of An- 
dover, North Andover and Methuen should con- 
stitute a district for the registry of deeds, under 
the name of the Northern District of Essex, and 
that the other towns in the county should con- 
stitute the Southern District. . It also ])rovi(lcd that 
the Governor and Council should, on or before the 
1st day of the following October, appoint a register 
for the Northern District to hold office until a regis- 



1870. EphniiiM Brown, South. 
1870. Gibert E. Hood, North. 
187.'>. Ephraiin BruWn, South. 
1875. Abiel Morrison, North. 

1878. John R. Poor, North. 

1879. Chas. S. (Isgood, South. 



1 Was also clerk during the adtuinistratiou of Dudley, 
during that of .\ndros. 



ind probably 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ter should be chosen by the people of the towns in 
the district at the annual election in 1870. It further 
provided that the register of deeds then in office 
should continue until a register for the Southern Dis- 
trict should be chosen b)' the people of the district in 
1870, and that he should deliver on demand to the 
register of the Northern District all original deeds or 
other instruments recorded and remaining in his 
office conveying or relating to land or estates in said 
Northern District. 

After the formation of the counties it was provided 
by law, in 1654, that each county should annually 
choose a treasurer. This provision was renewed by an 
act passed in 1692, after the formation of the province, 
and continued, it is believed, up to 1856, when it was 
provided that a county treasurer should be chosen in 
that year, and every third year thereafter, for the term 
of three years. Up to 1651, when provision was made 
for the election of county treasurers, the treasurer 
chosen by the General Court was the treasurer of the 
whole colony. These were as follows : 

lG3fi. Richard I>ummer, 
1G37. Bichard Bellinijluim. 
1640. William Tyng. 
lC4-i to 16S4. Eichard Russell. 



May 13, 1629, George Harwood, 
Dec. 1, 1620, Sam i-.el Aldesy. 
1632. Willinm Pynchoi). 
1634. William Coddiugtuii. 



No further record of county treasurers is accessible 
before 1771. From that date they have been as fol- 
lows : 



1774. Michael Farley. 

1702. Steplien Choate. 

1813. Bailey Hartlett. 

1814. Nathaniel Wade. 



1852. Daniel Weed. 
18.53. Allen W, Dodge. 
1878. Edward K. Jenkins. 



The only courts connected with the county remain- 
ing to be mentioned are the Police and District 
Courts. Of the Police Courts there are five — those in 
Gloucester, Lawrence, Lynn, Haverhill and New- 
buryport. That of Gloucester is for that city alone 
and its officers are James Davis, justice ; Ellridge G. 
Friend and Wm. W. French, special justices; and 
Sumner D. York, clerk. That of Lawrence is also 
for that city alone, and its officers are Nathan W. Har- 
mon, justice: Wilbur F. Gile and Charles U. Bell, 
special justices ; and Albert A. Tyler, clerk. That for 
Lynn is for that city alone, and its officers are Rollin 
E. Harmon, justice ; Ira B. Keith and John W. Berry, 
special justices ; and Henry C. Oliver, clerk. The 
Police Court of Haverhill comprises within its juris- 
diction Haverhill, Bradford and Groveland, and its 
officers are Henry Carter, justice ; Ira A. Abbott and 
Henry N.Merrill, special justices; and Edward B. 
George, clerk. That of Newburyport comprises New- 
buryport and Newbury, and its officers are John N. 
Pike, justice ; David L. Withington and Horace I. 
Bartlett, special justices ; and Edward F. Bartlett, 
clerk. The only district court is the First District 
Court of Essex, which comprises within its jurisdic- 
tion Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Middleton, 
Topsfield and Wenham, and is held at Salem. Its 

1 Chosen in England. 



officers are Joseph B. F. Osgood, justice ; Daniel E. 
Safford and Nathaniel I. Holden, special justices; 
and Samuel P. Andrews, clerk. Police Courts were 
originally established in Salem, 1831 ; Newburyport, 
1833; Lawrence, 1848 ; Lynn, 1849; Haverhill, 1854; 
Gloucester, 1858. That of Haverhill was re-established 
in 1867, taking Bradford and Groveland within its 
jurisdiction, and the jurisdiction of the Newburyport 
Court was enlarged by the addition of Newbury, in 
1879. The first Essex District Court was established 
in 1874. 

Little can be said in this chapter of the early history 
of the Essex bar. Of those who were early called to the 
bench were Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Haverhill, born in 
1639, and a graduate of Harvard in 1659; Bartholomew 
Gedney, of Salem, born in 1640; Thomas Berry, of 
Ipswich, a graduate of Harvard in 1712; Andrew 
Oliver, of Salem, a graduate of Harvard in 1724; 
Samuel White, of Haverhill (Harvard), 1731 ; John 
Hathorne, of Salem, born in 1641; Jonathan Curvvin, 
of Salem, born in 1640 ; Eichard Saltonstall, of Hav- 
erhill, born in 1703 (Harvard), 1722; Stephen Sew- 
all, of Salem, born in 1702 (Harvard), 1721 ; Benja- 
min Lynde, of Salem, born in 1700 (Harvard), 1718; 
Nathaniel Ropes, of Salem, born in 1726 (Harvard), 
1745; William Brown, of Salem (Harvard), 1855,— all 
of whom were on the bench of the Superior Court of 
Judicature, but not all educated in the law. The 
bar was divided into two classes — barristers and at- 
torneys, and this division continued until 1836, 
though after 1806 under a rule of court counselors 
were substituted for barristers. 

The term " barrister " is derived from the Latin word 
barra, signifying bar, and was applied to those only 
who were permitted to plead at the bar of the courts. 
In England, barristers, before admission, must have 
resided three years in one of the Inns of Court if a 
graduate of either Cambridge or Oxford, and five 
years if not. These Inns of Court were the Inner 
Temple, the Middle Temple, Lincoln's Inn and Gray's 
Inn. Before the Revolution this rule seems to have 
so far prevailed here as to require a practice of three 
years in the Inferior Courts before admission as bar- 
rister. John Adams says in his diary that he became 
a barrister in 1761, and was directed to provide him- 
self with a gown and bands and a tie wig, having 
practiced according to the rules three years in the l\\- 
ferior Courts. At a later day the period of probation 
seeins to have been four years, and at a still later 
seven years. 

With regard to the continuance of barristers after 
the Revolution, the following entry in the records of 
the Superior Court of Judicature may be interesting: 

"SutTulk, SS. Superior Court of Judicature at Boston, third Tuctday 
of February, 1781, present William Cashing, Nathauiel P. Sargeaut, 
David Sewall and James Sullivan justices : and now at this term the fol- 
lowing rule is uuule by the court and ordered to be entered, viz.: where- 
as, learTiing and literary accomplishments are necessary as well to jiro- 
mote the haiipiness as to preserve the freeilom of the people, and the 
learning uf the law when duly encouraged and rightly directed being 



INTRODUCTORY. 



as well p<^uHnrly subservient to tlio great and good purpose aforeeaid, 
ivi |ii"omotivo of piililic and private justice : and tlie court being at al' 
tiniea ready tn bestow peculiar marks of approbation upon the gentlemen 
of the bar, wlio, by a close applic;iti<iri to the study of tbe science tlivy 
profess. Iiy a mode of conduct wliich gives a conviction of tlie rectitude 
of their minds and u fairness of i)nictice that does honor to tbe profes- 
sion of tbe law shall liistiiijriiihl) as men of Rcit-nce, honor and integrity, 
Po order Itiiit no t;entleman sliall be called to tbe degree of barrister 
until he 8b:ill merit the 8amo by his conspicuous bearing, ability and 
honesty ; and that the court will, of their own mere motion, call to tbo 
bar such pereons as shall render themselves worthy as afore>aid ; and 
that the maimer of eailing to tbo bar shall be n« follows : Tbe gentle- 
man who shall be a candidate sluvll stand within the bar ; the chief jus- 
tice, or in hif* alu^ence the senior justice, shall, in the name of tbo court, 
rept-at to biro the qualifications necessary for a barrister-at-law ; shall 
1ft him know thjit it is a conviction in tbo mind of the court of his being 
possessed of those (lualitications that induces them to confer the honor 
upon hini ; and shall solemnly charge him so to conduct biinself as to 
be of singular service to his country by oxurting his abilities for the 
defence of her Constitutional freedom ; an<l so to demean himself as to 
do honor to the court and bar." 

The act establishing the Supreme Judicial Court, 
July 3, 1782, provided that the court should and 
might from time to time make record and establish 
all such rules and regulations with respect to the ad- 
mission of attorneys ordinarily practicing in the said 
court, and the creating of barristers-at-Ia\v. Under 
the provisions of this act the following rule was 
adopted and entered on the records of the Supreme 
Judicial Court: 

"Suffolk SS. At tlie Supreme .ludicial Court at Boston the last Tues- 
day of August, ^'|K^, present \Villiam Cushing, Chief Justice, and Na- 
thaniel P. Sargeant, David Sewall and Increase Sumner, .Justices, 
ordered that barrister be called to the Bar by special writ to be ordered 
by the Court, and to be in tbe following form : 

''commonwealth of MASS.VfHl setts. 

'* To A. C, Esq., of , Greeting: We well hnowing your ability, 

learning and integrity, command you that you appear before our Justices 

of our Supreme Judicial Court next, to be holdeii at , in and for our 

county of , on the — Tuesday of •, then and there iu our said 

Court to tiike upon you the state and degree of a Barrister-at-Law. 

Hereof fail not. Witness , E8<i., our Chief Justice at Boston, the 

— day of , in the year of our Lord and in the year of our 

Independence , By order of the Court. , Clerk. 

" which writ shall be fairly engrossed on parchment and delivered 
twenty days before the session of the same Court by tbe Sheriff of the 
same county to the pi-rscm to whom din-ctcd and being produced in 
Court by the Barrister and there rend by tbe Clerk, and proper certiticate 
thereon made, shall be re-delivured and kept as a voucher of his being 
legjiUy cjilled to tbe bar: And the Barristers shall take rank according 
to the date of their re8i)ective writs.'' 

It is believed that no barristers were called after 
1784, and the following rule adopted in 1806 seems 
to have substituted counselors in their ])lace: 

"Suffolk SS. At the Supreme Judicial Court at Boston for the coun- 
ties of Suffolk and Nantucket the si-cond Tuesday of March, 18(HJ, pres- 
ent Francis Dana, Chief Justice, Theodon! Sedgwick, (Jeorge Thatcher 
and Is-uic I'arker, Justices, ordered: First. No Attorm-y shall do the 
business of a ruunsellor unless hv wliall hav«- hfvu m-.oh- t>r admittfd lu 
such b,\ tb« C-onrt. Second. All Altorueys of this Court who have hem 
admitted three years before the sitting of this Court shall be and hereby 
are made Counselloi-s and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of 
such. Third. No Attorney or Counsellor shall hereafter be admillcd 
without a previous examination, etc." 

In 183() the distinction between counselor and at- 
torney was abolished. The rule of court adopted in 
178;^ by the Supreme Judicial ('ourl was issued under 



the provisions of the law i)a8Sod the year before. The 
rule adopted in 1781 by the Superior Court of Judi- 
cature seems to have been provided for by no jirevi- 
ous law, and it is even doubtful whether before that 
time any rule had ever been maile by the Xew Eng- 
land courts providing for barristers. Precisely how 
early they were introduced into our courts it is im- 
possible to discover. It is known, however, as is 
stated by Washburne, in his history of the judiciary, 
that as early as 1708 there were twenty-five in Massa- 
chusetts, of whom Daniel Famliam, William Pynchon, 
John Chipnian, Nathaniel Peaselee Sargeant and 
John Lowell were of Essex. It is possible that be- 
fore the year 1781, during the provincial period, the 
English rule was followed and that the rule of that 
year was adopted in consequence of the new order of 
things brought about by the Revolution. 

It has been stated that the court termed "the Court 
of General Sessions," which consisted of the justices 
of the peace in each county and had existed during 
the provincial period, was changed to " the General 
Court of Sessions" in 1807. The judges appointed 
to this court for Essex County were Samuel Holt(!n 
(chief justice), Josiah Smith, Wm. Pearson, Thomas 
Kittcridge, John Sumders, Henry Elkins (justices), 
and John Punchard (clerk). In 1809 this court was 
abolished, and its powers and duties trausferred to 
the Court ot Common Pleas. In 1811, however, it 
was re-established, and its officers consisted of Sam*l. 
Holten (chief justice), Thomas Kitteridgc, Plenry 
Elkins, John Prince and Joseph Fuller (^justices) and 
Joseph E. Sprague (clerk). 

The sessions of the Supreme Judicial, Superior and 
Probate Courts, as now provided by law, are, — 

Supreme: Law term at Salem on the first Tuesday in November. Jiiry 
terms at Salem on the third Tuesday in April and the first Tuesday in 
Novt-mber. 

Siijifrior: Civil term« at Salem on tbo fiiwt Hlondnys in Juno and De- 
cember ; Lawrence on the first Mimday in March ; Newburyjiort on the 
first Monday in September. t'riminal tenus, — Salem on tUv fourth 
Monday in .lanuary ; Newburyjiort on the second Moixlay in May ; 
Lawrence on tbe fourth Monday in October. 

PrnbaU- : Salem on the first Monday in every month and on the third 
Monday in every month, excej)! August ; Lawrence on the second 
Monday in .lanuary, March, May, June, July, September, Novemhtji ; 
Havf-rhill on tin- st-cond M-xiday in April ami October ; Newburyjnirt on 
the fourth Monday in January, March, .'^lay, June, July, September, 
November j Gloucester on the fourth Slonday in April and October. 

The record of admissions to tiic bar in Essex County 
begins in 1795, and the following is believed to be a 
correct list up to 1887, inchisive: 



iTttr.. 


Ichabod Tuker 




\Vm 11. S.-widl 


17110. 


Charles Jackson 




John Pike 


1801. 


Joseph Story 




Joseph Sprague (:Jd) 


1804. 


Joseph Dana 




}Wt\\. K Nielmla 




Kal[ih II. French 




Wni. S. Titcomb 




Daniel A. White 




Klisha 3Iacke 




.Ii.hii I'rince. Jr. 




Moody Noy*'S 




Samuel Swt-It 




Samuel L. Knapp 


180.1. 


Kbem;zifr Moseley 


180S. 


Kbenexer It ll<wkfotd 


1800. 


Leverett Saltonstall 




Nathaniel Sawyt-r 




John Bickering 




Joseph Ilovry 


1S07. 


Ik-nry A, S. iH-arborn 


1809. 


R L. l)Iiv<r, .Ir. 



XIV 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 





David CummingB 


1833. 


John W. Browne 




John Maurice O'Brioil. 




Geo. Lunt 


1810 


Jacub Gerrish 


1834. 


Francis Silsbee 




Larlcili Thorndike 


1835. 


Wm. Fattens 




Samuel Merrill 




Jonathan C. Perkins 




Joa. B. Mauning 




Otis P. Lord 




B. W. Swett 


1837. 


Thos. B. Newhall 




John Gallison 


1838. 


Joseph Couch 




Stephen Hooper 




Wm. Taggart 


1812. 


Timothy Hammond 




Nathl. r. Safford, Jr 




James C. JMeniU 




Francis Cumuiina 




Wm. Birley 


1839. 


Wm. 0. Moseley 




Jacob Willard 




Edward P. Parker 




John Glen King 




Richard West 




Frederick Howes 




Francis H. Upton 




Ebenezer Everett 




Jos. G. Gerrish 




Theodore Ames 


1840. 


H. F. Barstow 


1813. 


Geo. Newton 




Wm. Williams 




Edward Andrews 




Simon F. Barstnw 




ThoB. Stephens, Jr 


1842. 


Frederick Merrill 




OctaviuB Pickering 




Luther A. Hackett 




John Scott 




Horace Pluuier 


18U. 


Henry Peirce 


1843. 


Geo. Haskell 


1815. 


Jas. H. Duncan 


1844. 


Alfred A. Abbott 




Elisha F. Wallace 




Jos. F. Clark 




W. A. Rogers 




Wm. L. Rogers 


181C. 


Wm. Thorndike 


1845. 


Moses Foster, Jr. 




RnHls V. Hovey 




Wm. F. C. Stearns 


1818. 


Andrew Dnnlap 




David Kimball 




Solomon S. Whipple 




Benj. Barstow 




John Foster 




.leremiah P. Jones 


1819. 


Ebenezer Shillaber 




Wra.D. Northend 




John W. Proctor 


1840. 


Augustus D. Rogers 


1820. 


A. W. Wildes 




Daniel Weed 


1821. 


Isaac R. How 




Isaac Ames 




E. H. Derby 




Horace L. Conolly 




Jos. G. Waters 


1847. 


W. Augustus Marston 


1823. 


Robt. Cross 


1848. 


Lonis Worcester 




G. C. Wilde 




George B. Lord 




Wm. Oakes 




A. G. White 




John A. Richardson 




Geo. F. Choate 




Rufus Choate 




N. S. Howe 




Thornton Betton 


1S49. 


Wm. H. P. Wright 




Robt. Rantoul, Jr. 




Jairus W. Perry. 


1824. 


Jos. 11. Prince 




Nathaniel Pierce 




John Walsh 




B. Frank Watson 


1.S25. 


Benj. Tucker 


1859. 


Wm. C. Endicott 


1826. 


A. Huntington 




E. W. Kimball 




Moses Parsons Parish 




Geo. Andrews 




Oilman Parker 




Dean Peabody. 




Stephen P. Webb 


1851. 


Philo L. Beverly 




J. 0. Stickney 




Wni. C. Prescott 




David Roberts 




Stephen G. Wheatland 




W. S. Allen 




John B. Clarke 


1827. 


Samuel Phillips 




Stephen B. Ives, Jr. 


1828. 


David Mack 




Amnii Brown 




Nathaniel J. Lord 




Jacob W. Reed 




Geo. Wheatland 




Daniel E. Safford 




Ellis Gray LorinR 


1852. 


Sidney 0. Bancroft 




John Tenney 




Calel) Lamson 




Edward L. Le Breton 




J. A. Gillis 




Nathaniel P. Knapp 




Joseph H.Robinson 




N. W. Hazen 




Abner C. Goodell, Jr. 


1830. 


John Codman 




John N. Pike 




John S. Williams. 


1851. 


Chas. J. Thorndike 


1831. 


Alfred Kittridge 




Chas. H. Stickney 




Chas. Mi not 


1854. 


Michael B. Mulklns 




Francis B. Crowninshield 




Hiram 0. Wiley 




Henry Field 


1855. 


Francis S. Howe 




Chas. A. Andrew 




C. W. Upham 


1832. 


N. Devereux 




Wm. G. Choate 




Ephraim T. Miller 




G. A. Peabody 




Joshua H. Ward 




Robt. S. Rantoul 




Geo. H. Devereux 


18.-,C. 


Harrison G. Johnson 




Wm. G. Woodward 




Jos. H. Bragdon 



1862. 



i«e;j. 



C. Osgood Morse 
Edward L. Sherman 
Geo. W. Benson 
Benj. Bordman 
E. P. G. Mai-sh 
Jacob Haskell 
Wm. H. Paisons 
Harrison Gray 
Joe. Etistmau 
H. N. Merrill 
P. S. Chase 
John James Ingalls 
John B. Stickney 
Henry Carter 
Amos Noyea (,2d) 
Edgar J. Sherman 
Ephraim A. lugalls 
Wm. M. Kogers 
Chas. Kimball 
David B. Kimball 
Geo. P. Burrill 
Wm. P. Upham 
Benj. H. Smith 

B. T. Hutchinson 
John F. Devereux 
John S. Driver 
Wm. L. Peabody 
Chas. Sewall 
Arthur A. Peterson 
Thorndike D. Hodges 
Henry W. Chapman 
John K. Tarbox 
John C. Sauboru 
Wm. G. Currier 
Wm. Fisk Gile 
Thos. A. Cushing 
Wm. Cogswell 
John Millikin 
Francis H. Berick 
Micajah B. Mansfield 
Alphonso J. Itoberson 
Geo. A. Bousley 
Edward P. Kimball 
Henry G. Rollins 
Geo. Foster 

Geo. Wheatland, Jr 
Nathaniel J. Holden 
Caleb Saunders 
Frank Kimball 
Minot Tirrell, Jr. 
Chas. S. Osgood 
R. B. Brown 
H. L. Sherman 
A. R. Sanborn 
John W. Porter 
Geo. H. Poor 
H. W. Boardman 
W. H. Dalrymple 
Chas. A. Sayward 
Solomon Lincoln, Jr. 
N. Mortimer Hawkes 
David M. Kelly 
Elbridge T. Burley 
Porter T. K.-bi-rta 
John P. AdaniH 
Eben A. Andrews 
Wm L. Thompson 
Wm. E. Blunt 
John W. Berry 

C. A. Phillips 
Walter Parker 
Thos. F. Hunt 
Wm. S. Knox 
Warren H. Jlace 
Wm. C. Fabens 



1875. 



1876. 



1877. 



Andrew C. Stone 
Geo. W. Cate 
Robt. W. Pearson 
Jas. L. Rankin 
Jas. L. Young 
Henry P. Moultou 
Henri N. Woods 
Geo. Holman 
Horace C. Bacon 
Benj. E. Valentino 
Geo. W. Foster 
Cha-s. Webb 
J. Kendall Jeuness 
Jeremiah T. Hahuney 
Job. 0. Goodwin 
Nathan N. Withiugton 
John Edwardd Leonard 
Chas. K. Briggs 
Fred. D. Burnham 
John S. Gile 
Hiram P. Harrimaa 
Clias. G. Saunders 
Wm. S. Huse 
Samuel A. Johnson 
James H. Giddings 
Ira Anson Abbott 
Chas. W. Richardion 
Fred. P. Byram 
IraB. Keith 
Wm. Henry Gove 
Leverett S. Tuckerman 
Josiah F. BIy 
Wm. W. Wilkins 
Arba N. Lincoln 
Jos. E. Buswell 
Chas. Upham Bell 
Frank P. Ireland 
Chas. A. Benjamin 
Andrew Fitz 
Chas. D. Moore 
Amos E. Kollins 
Louis W. Kelley 
Chas. H. Parsons 
A. L. Huntington 
Fred. A. Benton 
Arthur F. Morris 
Chas. Roberts Brickett 
John P. Sweeney 
Willis E. Flint 
Frank W. Hale 
N. D. A. Clarke 
Thos. Huse, Jr. 
Edward B. George 
Wilson S. Jenkins 
Samuel H. Hodges 
David L. Withiugton 
Francis H. Pearl 
Frank P. Allen 
Jerome H. Fiake 
Henry F. Chase 
Henry T. Croswell 
David C. Bartlett 
Jas. E. Breed 
Wm. F. M. Collins 
Peter W. Lyall 
Newton P. Frye 
Chas. F. Caswell 
Moses H, Ames 
Eben F. P. Smith 
Geo. F. Means 
Thos. C. Simpson, Jr. 
Geo. Galen Abbott 
Chas. A. Tobiu 
Boyd B. Jones 
John A. Page 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Geo. J. Can* 

Hintiii II, Browne 
Will. 11. Muoiiy 
Dcimis \V. (iuill 
Tliotf. K. GiiHiigher 
Wm. K. >ioves 
John C. M. HhjIcj 
Honue I. IliirtU-tt 
Danifl N. Cruwley 
Patrick I. McCuskin 
Ooo. H. Iv<-8. 

1879. Fmnk II. Clarke 
KdwKrd P. Teher 
JoBfpli V. Sweeney 
Michael J. JlrNeirny 
Josepti V, Hanuiiu 
Forrest L. Kvana 
(.'hiiiies Leighton 
Kilwin F. Cloutnian 
Charles 1). Welch 
Friiiik V. Wit;ht 
Jacob Otis WiinUvell 
Charles G. Dyer 
Charles 11. Syuionda 
Edward K. Frye 
Theodure M. Osborne 
N. Sumner Myrick 
Daniel J. M. O'Callaghan 
Charles A. Rns.sell 
Cliaries Howard Poor 

leSi). Hpiij. Newball Jubuson 
Joiiah F. Keene 
Jonathan Lainson 
Wm. W. Bvitlor 
Frank C. Skinner 
Charles S, Wilson 
Fmnk E. Farnbam 
Henry C l)urgin 
Alden P. White 
Charles E. Todd 
William Perry 
Calvin Il.Tnttle 
G. M. Steams 
John K. Baldwin 
Samuel Merrill 
Benj. K. Prentisri. Jr. 
Frederick G. Preston 
Edward C. Battis 

1881. Charles A. De Conrcy 
Albert Birnay Taaker 
John Milton Stearns 
Alfred L. Baker 



1882. Wm. F. Noonan 
Wm. II, Lucie 

Charles F. Sargent 
Wm. I). T. Trefry 
James W. Goodwin 
Edward H. Browne 
Benjamin C Ames 
Edward U. Uowelt 
John C. Pierce 
Nathaniel C. Bartlett 
Edwin A. Clark 
George L. Weil 
Tristmm F. Bartlott 
Nathaniel N. Jones 
Is;iac A. Lamson 

1883. Marshman M'. Ilazen 
Chaih'S .\. Woare 
Thomas n. Ronayne 
Sumner D. York 
Frank C. Richardson 
Wm. A. Pew, Jr. 
George E. Batchehler 
Jlelville P. Beckett 
Edmund B. Fuller 

1884. Samuel A. Fuller 
Eugene T. SIcCarthy 
Wm. T. McKone 
Joseph F. Quinn 

1885. John B. Poor 
George H. Eaton 
Warren B. Hutchinson 
John J. Flaherty 
Jeremiah E. Bartlett 
Byron E. Crowell 
Robert O'Callaghan 
Cornelius J. Rowley 
Robert T. Babson 
Thomas Keville, Jr. 
Richard E. Hiiies 
John C. Donavan 

1886. Marry J. Cole 
Wintield S. Peters 
Edward P, Morton 
Horace 51. Sargent 
Wm. O'Shea 

Wm. C. Kndicott, Jr. 
Wm. R. Rowell 

1887. George H. WilJianiB 
BeHJ*iinin G. Hall 
An<lrow Ward 
Rufus P. Tapley, Jr. 
Arcbibald N. Donahue 



There remains little to be included within this 
sketch of Essex County. The details concerning the 
jails of Ipswich, the first of which was built in 1652 ; 
of the court-house and probate building in that town, 
the latter of which was built in 1817, and held the 
records until they were removed to Salem ; of the 
erection of a jail and house of correction in Law- 
rence in 1853, and of the erection of a court-house 
in that city in 1859, and of the county buildings in 
Newburyport and 8alem, consisting in the latter city 
partly of a granite court-house, built in 1841, and a 
brick court-house built in 18til, will be included in 
tlie town histories. There are various corporations, 
associations and societies which would properly come 
within the scope of these histories, but in case they 
may be omitted it may, perhaps, be well to refer to 
them at least by name. Those best known are the 
Essex Institute, at Salem, established in 1821 and in- 



corporated in 1848 ; the Essex County Natural History 
Society at Salem, incorporated in 183(> ; the Peabody 
Academy of Science, established at Salem in 18G7with 
a fund of $140,000, of which the sum of $40,000 was ex- 
pended in the purchase of the hall and museum of the 
East India Marine Society; the Essex Agricultural 
Society, founded by Colonel Timothy Pickering, in 
1818 ; the Essex North and Essex South Medical Socie- 
eties, and the Essex County Homoeopathic Medical 
Society; the Merrimac Valley Dental Association; 
the Veteran Odd Fellows' Association, of Essex 
County; the Teachers' Association, incorporated in 
1827, and Unitarian Conference and Congregational 
Club. 

This sketch, feared by the author to be imperfect, 
more especially in its enumeration of the early offi- 
ces and their incumbents, concerning whom the 
records are often confused, will close with a list of the 
present officers of the county : 

Judge of Probate and Insolvency, (leorge F. Chnate, of Salem ; Reg- 
ister of Probate and Insolvency, Jeremiah T. Mahoiicy, of Sale m ; Clerk 
of the Court, Dean Peabody, of Lynn ; County Treasurer, E. Kemlall 
Jenkins, of Antlover; Sheriff, Horatio G. Herrick, of Lawrence ; Regis- 
ter of Deeds (North DiMtrict), John R. Poor, of Lawrence ; (South Dis- 
trict), Charles S, Osgood, of Salem ; County Conimissiouera, John W. 
Raymond, of Beverly, until 1S87 ; Edward B. Bishop, of HaTerhill, 
until 18S8 ; David W, Low, of filoucetiter, until 18H!» ; Special Commi8- 
sioners, Aaron Sawyer, of Amesbury, until 18K9 ; Ivorj' Emmons, of 
Swampscott, ui.til 1SS9 ; Commiissioners of Insolvency, Sherman Nrlf>on, 
of Georgetown William L. Thomi)Son, of Lawrence ; Horace I. Bart- 
lett, of Newburyport ; Trial Justices, J, Scott Todd, of Kowley ; Na- 
thaniel F. S. York, of Kockport ; W'illiam M. Rogers, of Mothuen ; 
Orlando B. Tenny, of Georgetown ; Georgo II. Poor, of Andover ; 
George W. Cate, of Amesbury ; Amos Merrill, of I'eabody ; Orlando S, 
Bailey, of Amesbury ; William Nutting, Jr , of Marblehead ; Wesb-y K. 
Bell, of Ipswich ; Stejihen Gilman, of Lynnfiehl ; and .luattph T. Wilson, 
of Nahant. 



CHAPTER ri. 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



BV WILLIAM T. DAVIS. 



The preceflyig cluiiiter contains matter wiiicli 
might, perliaps, |iroperly be incliiik'il in this. That 
clia|»ter contains, in connoction witli a sketcli of the 
courts of Essex County, a list of persons admitted 
to the bar, chiefly copied from the records in the 
clerk's office in Salem. The present chapter will be 
devoted principally to sketches of the bench and bar, 
many of them necessarily short, but, [>erhaps, suf- 
ficient, if not to do justice to the subjects them- 
selves, to at leiist demonstrate the fruitfulness of the 
county from its organization, in 1G43, in eminent 
men. It is not too much to say that no county in the 
State can fnrnish so distinguished a list of men edn- 
ucated to the law among its native citizens. 



XVI 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Amon^ those on the bench in the colonial and 
early provincial periods few of the judges were law- 
yers. Up to the Revolution only four judges, edu- 
cated in the law, had been appointed to the bench 
of the Superior Court of Judicature, — Benjamin 
Lynde, Paul Dudley, Edmund Trowbridge and Wil- 
liam Gushing. Few lawyers found their way across 
the ocean, and fewer still pursued a professional 
study here. A prejudice against them existed, and 
the inducements to enter the profession were small. 
The General Court of the Massachusetts Colony re- 
flected this prejudice by ordering, on October 21, 1G63, 
" that no usual and common attorney in any Inferior 
Court shall be admitted to sit as Deputy in this 
Court." In 1685, or immediately after that date, 
during the reign of James II., Edward Randolph 
wrote to England that there were only two attorneys 
in Boston, and asked to have sent " two or three 
honest attorneys, if any such in nature." 

A Bar Association was formed in 1806, and at that 
time there were probably only twenty-three members 
of the bar in Essex County, while to-day, as the list 
at the end of this chapter shows, there are two 
hundred and three. These twenty-three were John 
Pickering, Timothy Pickering, Benjamin Pickman, 
John Prince, Jr., Samuel Putnam, Leverett Salton- 
stall, Joseph Story, William Prescott and Samuel 
Swett, of Salera ; Joseph Dana, Michael Hodge, Ed- 
ward Little, Edward St. Loe Livermore, Ebenezer 
Moseley and Daniel A. White, of Newburyport ; Ste- 
phen Minot and John Varnum, of Haverhill ; Nathan 
Parks, of Gloucester ; Ralph H. French, of Marble- 
head ; Asa Andrews, of Ipswich ; Nathan Dane, of 
Beverly ; and Samuel Farrar, of Andover. 

This association probably dissolved about the year 
1812, and in 1831 another association was formed, 
whose records show that at the time of its formation 
there were fifty-two members of the bar. Leverett 
Saltonstall was the first and probably its only presi- 
dent, as it existed only a few years. Ebenezer Shilla- 
ber was its secretary, and Ebenezer Moseley, Jacob 
Gerrish, .Tohn G. King, Rulus Choate and Stephen 
Minot composed its standing committee. The pres- 
ent Bir Association was formed at the court-house 
in Lawrence October 20, 1856, and ,its constitution 
was adopted at a meeting held at the court-house in 
Salem December 16, 1856. Its presidents have been 
Otis P. Lord, Asahel Huntington, William C. Endi- 
cott, Stephen B. Ives and the present incumbent, 
William D. Northend. 

Samuel Appleton, born in Waldingfield, Eng- 
land, in 1624, came to New England with his father, 
Samuel, in 1635 and resided in Ipswich. He was 
named in the charter of 1692 as one of the Council, 
and was one of the first judges appointed in 1692 to 
the bench of the Court of Common Pleas for Essex, 
holding his seat until his death. May 15, 1696. He 
married Hannah, daughter of William Paine, of Ip- 



swich, and for a second wife, Mary, daughter of John 
Oliver, of Newbury. 

Daniel Pieece is believed to have been a native 
of Newbury. In 1698 he was appointed judge of the 
Essex Court of Common Pleas, and held his seat until 
his death, January 22, 1704. 

William Browne was the sou of William Browne, 
and was born perhaps in Salem in 1639. In 1689, after 
the accession of William and Mary, he was one ot 
the Committee of Safety. He was appointed to the 
bench of the Essex Court of Common Pleas in 1696, 
and died while in oflice, February 14, 1716. 

John Appleton, nephew of Samuel Appleton 
above-mentioned, and son of John, was probably born 
in Ipswich in 1652. He was town clerk of that town 
in 1697 ; deputy to the General Court in 1697 ; a 
member of the Council from 1698 to 1702, from 
1706 to 1715 and from 1720 to 1722. He was appoint- 
ed to the Essex Common Pleas bench in 1704 and re- 
moved by Governor Belcher in 1732. He was in the 
same year made judge of probate for Essex, and held 
that office until his death, in 1739. He married, Novem- 
ber 23, 1681, Elizabeth, daughter of John Rogers, 
president of Harvard College. 

Thomas Noyes was prob.ably born in Newbury in 
1649. He was appointed to the bench of the Essex 
Court of Common Pleas in 1707, and held that office 
until 1725. He died April 12, 1730. 

John Higginson, the son of Rev. John Higgin- 
son, and grandson of Rev. Francis Higginson, ot 
Salem, was a merchant by profession, and appointed 
to the Essex Common Pleas bench in 1708, and held 
thac office until his death, in 1720, at the age of sev- 
enty-three years. 

John BuRRiLLwas born in Lynn in October, 1658. 
He represented that town for many years in the 
Genera! Court and during ten years was Speaker of 
the House. He was crown counselor and appointed 
to the Common Pleas bench in 1720, and died Decem- 
ber 10, 1721. 

Samuel Browne, son of Judge William Browne 
already mentioned, was born in Salem, October 8, 
1669. He succeeded his father on the Common Pleas 
bench in 1716, and as associate and chief justice 
continued on the bench until his death, June 16, 1731. 

Bartholomew Gedney was a physician, and prob- 
ably born in Salem in 1640. He was one of the jus- 
tices of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, organized 
in 1G92 by Governor Phipps, for the trial of the 
witches. He was appointed in 1692 judge of probate 
for Essex County, under the authority assumed by 
Governor Phipps to delegate probate power vested in 
him. In the same year he was appointed one of the 
judges of the Court of Common Pleas. He seems to 
have mingled military with judicial occupations, and 
commanded an expedition against the Indians in 1696. 
He died February 28, 1698-99. 

Jonathan Corwin was a native of Salem, born in 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



November, lfi40. In 1692, on the resignation by Na- 
thaniel Saltonstall of his seat on the bench of the 
Court of Oyer and Terminer, organized by(i(ivcmor 
William Phijips for the trial of the witches, he was 
appointed in his place. After the union of the col- 
onies he was appointed one of the judges of the Court 
of Common Pleas for Essex County, and in 1715 was 
appointed to the bench of the Superior Court of Judi- 
cature, holding the office until his death, in June, 
1718. 

William Hathorne came in the "Arbella" with 
Winthrop in 1630, and first settled in Dorchester. In 
1636 he received a grant of lands from Salem, and 
took up his residence there. He was commissioned 
speaker of the House, counsel in court, judge and 
soldier. 

Johnson, in his " Wonder- Working Providence,'' 
says: "Yet, through the Lord's mercy we still retaine 
among our Democracy the Godly Captaine William 
Hathorne, whom the Lord has imbued with a quick 
comprehension, strong memory and Rhetorick, and 
volubility of speech, which has caused the people to 
make use of him often in Public Service, especially 
when they have had to do with any foreign govern- 
ment." He was the American ancestor of Nathaniel 
Hawthorne. 

JoHX Hathorne, son of William Hathorne above- 
mentioned, was born in Salem August 4, 1641. Be- 
for the union of the Massachusetts and Plymcmth 
Colonies he was a representative or delegate to the 
General Court, and one of the assistants. At the acces- 
sion of William and Mary to the throne, after the 
deposition of Andros, he was one of the Council 
assuming the government of the colony. When the 
Court of Common Pleas for Essex County was estab- 
lished he was appointed one of its judges, and in 1702 
was promoted to the bench of the Superior Court of 
Judicature. While on the bench he was a member 
of the Council, and, under the direction of Lieutenant- 
Governor Stoughton, commanded an unsuccessful ex- 
pedition against the French and Indians on the 
Penobscot River. He continued on the bench of the 
Superior Court until his resignation, in 1712, and died 
on the 10th of May, 1717. 

Benjamin Lynde was born in Boston September 
22, 1666, and graduated at Harvard in 1686. He 
studied law at the Temple in London, and was admit- 
ted as a barrister before his return to America. 
Washburn, in his "Judicial History of Massachu- 
setts," says that he was the first regularly educated 
lawyer ever appointed to the bench of the Superior 
Court. In 1699, or thereabouts, he removed to Salem, 
and made that place his residence until his death, on 
the 28th of January, 1749. He was appointed one 
of the justices of the Superior Court of Judicature 
in 1712, and in 1728, on the resignation of Samuel 
Sevvall, was appointed chief justice. 

Blcx.iAMlN Lyxdk (2d) was the son of the above- 
named Benjamin Lynde, and was born in Salem 
ii 



October 5, 1700. He graduated at Harvard in 1718, 
and, though not a lawyer, was appointed in 1734 a 
special justice of the (>)urt of Common Pleas for 
Siiilblk, and in 1739 one of the standing judges of 
that court for Essex. He was appointed to the bench 
of the Superior Court in 1745, and on the appoint- 
ment of Chief Justice Thomas Hutchinson to the 
office of Governor, in 1771, he was commissioned in 
his place, resigning his seat in 1772. He was then ap- 
pointed judge of probate for Essex County, which 
office he held until his death, October 9, 1781. 

Richard Saltonstall was the son of Richard 
Saltonstall, of Haverhill, and was born in that town 
June 14, 1703. He was the grandson of Miijor Na- 
thaniel Saltonstall, great-grandson of Richard Sal- 
tonstall, and great-great-grandson of Sir Richard Sal- 
tonstall, one of the original patentees of the colony 
of Massachusetts Bay. The subject of this sketch 
graduated at Harvard in 1722, and at the age of 
thirty-three was appointed a judge of the Superior 
Court of Judicature. It is not known that he was 
educated to the law, nor was it in either the days of 
the Massachusetts Colony orof the province thccustom 
to confine judicial appointments to those of the legal 
profession. At the age of twenty-three he held a 
commission as colonel of the provincial troops, and 
in 1737, while on the bench, he was the commander 
of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. 
He was a man of scholarly habits, of considerable 
learning, of refined tastes and was conspicuous for 
the generous hospitality which his ample means 
enabled him to dispense. 

Judge Saltonstall held his seat on the bench until 
his death, which occurred at his residence in Haver- 
hill, October 20, 1756. He married three wives, the 
last of whom was a daughter of Elisha Cooke, one of 
the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for SuMblk 
(bounty, and granddaughter of Judge Elisha Cooke, 
one of the judges of the Superior t'ourt of Judica- 
ture, who married a daughter of Governor John 
Leverett. He left three sons — Richard Saltonstall, a 
graduate of Harvard in 1751, who died in England 
in 1785; Nathaniel, a physician, living in Haverhill, 
a graduate of Harvard in 1766, who died in 1815 ; and 
Leverett, a captain under Cornwallis, who died in 
New York in 1782. He left also two daughters, 
one of whom, Abigail, was the first wife of Colo- 
nel George Watson, of Plymouth, and the other the 
wife of Rev. Moses Badger, of Providence. 

Caleb Ciishini;, of Salisbury, was made Comninn 
Pleas judge in 1759, and after the Revolution, when 
the Common Pleas Court was reorganized, he was 
appointed chief justice. 

Stei'IIICN HlcittiNWON was born in Salem in 171<i. 
He was appointed judge of the Common Ple:w in 
1761, and died in the same year. 

Andrew Oliver, of Salem, wiis one of the 
"Mandamus Counsellors." He graduated at Har- 
vard in 1749, and wasa])pr)inted Common Pleas judge 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in 1761, and held office until the Eevolution. He 
died in 1799. 

William Bourne was the son of Sylvanus Bourne, 
of Barnstable, and graduated at Harvard in 1743. 
He settled in Marblehead, and was made judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas in 1766, holding his 
office until his death in August, 1770. 

Peter Frye was born in Andover in 1723, and 
graduated at Harvard in 1744. He was register of 
jirobate and judge of the Common Pleas Court, to 
which office he was appointed in 1772, and which he 
held until the Eevolution. He died in England 
in 1820. 

William Browne was born in Salem February 
27, 1737, and graduated at Harvard in 1755. In 
1764 he was appointed collector of Salem, and in 
1770 was made a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas for Essex. He was confirmed as judge of the 
Superior Court of Judicature June 15, 1774, and 
in the sameyear wasmadea "Mandamus Counsellor." 
He was a Loyalist, and, retiring from the counlry in 
1778, was made Governor of Bermuda in 1781, and 
died in England February 13, 1802. 

Samuel Sewall was born in Bishop-stoke, Eng- 
land, March 28, 1652, and died in Boston January 
1, 1730. His grandfather, Henry Sewall, born in 
1576, came to New England and lived in Newbury, 
where he died about 1655. His iather, Henry Sew- 
all, came to New England in 1634, and after begin- 
ning a settlement in Newbury, returned to England. 
In 1659 he again came to New England, and after 
making a permanent settlement in Newbury, was fol- 
lowed by his wife and children in 1661. The son, 
Samuel, graduated at Harvard in 1671, and after 
studying divinity preached for a time. On the 28th 
of February, 1676, he married Hannah, daughter of 
John Hull, a goldsmith of wealth in Boston, by whom 
he secured ami)le means of support without the 
drudgery of a minister's life. He was made an assistant 
in 1684, and continued in office until the arrival of 
Andros. In 1688 he went to England, resuming on 
his return, in 1689, the office of assistant, and from 
1692 to 1725 was a member of the Council. In 1692 
he was made a judge of the Court of Oyer and Term- 
iner and subsequently an associate judge of the Su- 
perior Court of Judicature, which position he held 
until 1718, when he was made chief justice. He was 
also judge of probate for Siiifolk, and resigned both 
offices in 1728 on account of old age. He had been 
a firm believer in witchcraft, and was one of the 
judges before whom the alleged witches were tried, 
but on the 14th of January, 1697, Rev. Samuel Wil- 
lard read a "bill," as it was called, before his congre- 
gation, in which the judge expressed his abhorrence 
of the acts in which he had been engaged, and peni- 
tently asked the forgiveness of God and man. 

Stephen Sewall, son of Major Stephen Sewall, 
was born in Salem December 18, 1704, and graduated 
at Harvard in 1721. He was for a short time tutor at 



Harvard, and afterwards taught school in Marble- 
head. He was appointed associate judge of the Su- 
perior Court of Judicature in 1739, and in 1752 was 
promoted to chief justice. He held his seat until bis 
death, which occurred September 10, 1760. 

Samuel Sewall was born in Boston December 
11, 1757, and graduated at Harvard in 1776. In 1808 
he received the degree of LL.D. from his alma 
mater. He studied law with Francis Dana, of Cam- 
bridge, and practiced in Marblehead, which town he 
represented in the Legislature. He was a member 
of Congress from 1797 to 1800, and in the latter year 
was appointed associate justice of the Supreme 
Judicial Court. In November, 1813, he was made 
chief justice, and died in Wiscas-set, Me., June 8, 
1814. He married, December 8, 1781, Abigail, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Humphrey Devereux, of Marblehead. 

JosiAH Walcott, a merchant in Salem, was ap- 
pointed to the bench of the Essex Court of Common 
Pleas in 1722. He continued on the bench until his 
death, February 2, 1729. 

Timothy Linall was born in Salem November 4, 
1677, and graduated at Harvard in 1695. He was 
Speaker of the Hou.se of Representatives in 1720, and 
in 1729 was appointed to the Common Pleas bench. 
He held his seat until 1754, and died October 25, 
1760. 

JoJfN Wainwright was a merchant of Ipswich, 
and graduated at Harvard, in 1709, at the age of 
eighteen. He was appointed to the Common Pleas 
bench in 1729, and held his seat until his death, Sep- 
tember 1, 1739. 

Theophilus Burrill, of Lynn, was a nephew of 
Judge John Burrill, and was appointed to the Com- 
mon Pleas bench in 1733, and died in office in 
1737. 

Thomas Berry', a physician of I|)swich, was born 
in Boston and graduated at Harvard in 1712. He 
was judge of probate of Essex County, as well as 
judge of the Common Pleas Court, to which office he 
was appointed in 1733, and which beheld until his 
death, in 1756. 

Benjamin Maeston was born in Salem, but in his 
later years lived in Manchester. He married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Isaac Winslow, of Marshfield, and 
great-granddaughter of Governor Isaac Winsbiw, of 
the " Mayflower." He was sheriff of Essex County, and 
was appointed to the bench of the Court of Common 
Pleas in 1737, which office he held until his death, in 
1754. He graduated at Harvard in 1689. 

John Choate, of Ipswich, was judge of probate 
for Essex County, and chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas. He died while in office, in 1766. 

Henry Gibbs, a native of Watertown, was born in 
1709, and graduated at Harvard in 1726. He settled 
in Salem as a merchant, and was appointed to the 
Common Pleas bench in 1754, and continued on the 
bench until his death, in 1759. 

John Tasker, of Marblehead, was made Common 



THE BENCH AND I5AK. 



Pleas judge in 1755, and died in office November 9, 
17til. 

Bex.) A MIX PiCKMAN, of Salem, was born in 1708, 
and was a merchant. He was appointed to the Com- 
mon I'lea.s l)eneh in 175(>, holding his otiice until 17()1. 
He died August 20, 1774. 

William Prescott wa< born in Pepperell August 
19,1762, and was the son of Colonel William Prescott, 
who di«tintruished himself at the battle of Runker 
Hill. He graduated at Harvard in 178:?, and after 
teaching school for a time in Brodklyn, ('onn., he en- 
tered the law-office of Nathan Dane, in Beverly, where 
he afterwards began to practice. He subseijueiitly 
removed to Salem and married a daughter of Mr. 
Hickling, American consul at St. Michael's, from 
whom the late distinguished historian, William Hick- 
ling Prescott, the son of William Prescott, derived his 
middle name. While in Salem he was a member of 
both the House and Senate in the State Legislature. 
He removed to Boston in 1808, and before his removal, 
in 1806, and afterwards, in 1813, he was offered a seat 
on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court, which he 
declined. He was a member of the Executive Coun- 
cil from Suffolk County, a delegate to the Hartford 
Convention in 1814, and in 1818 accepted theajipoint- 
ment of judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the 
county of Suffolk. He died in Boston December 8, 
1844, and at his death a meeting of the bar was held 
in the Supreme Court room, at which Mr. Webster 
offered resolutions of respect, which were responded 
to by Chief Justice Shaw, at that time holding the 
court. 

Nathaxiel Saltoxstall, son of Richard and 
grandson of Sir Richard Saltonstall, one of the six 
patentees of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, was 
born in Ipswich in 1630, and graduated at Harvard in 
li)")ii, afterwards settling in Haverhill, on an estate 
still known as the "Saltonstall seat." He was chosen 
an assistant in 1670, and on the arrival of President 
Dudley, in 1685, was offered a place as member of his 
Council, which he declined. He took an active part 
in deposing Andros, and under the charter of 1692 was 
appointed one of His Majesty's Council. At the 
breaking out of the witchcraft delusion. Governor 
William Phipps, without authority of law, established 
a special Court of Oyer and Terminer to try the 
witches, and by commissions dated June 2, 1692, ap- 
pointed Wm. Stoughton chief justice, and Nathaniel 
Saltonstall, John Richards, Bartholomew Ciedney, 
Wait Winthrop, Samuel Sewall and Peter Sergeant 
associate justices. 

Judge Saltonstall, like many other judges of the 
time, was not bred to the law, but he was a man of 
strong mind and sound sense, and not easily imbued 
with the bigotry and fanaticism prevailing at the time. 
He left the l)onch evidently disgusted with the work 
it was called on to perform, his place l)eing taken by 
Jonathan Corwin. He married a daughter of Rev. 
J'hn Ward, of Haverhill, and die.l .May 21, 17(»7, 



leaving three sons, — Gurdon, the Governor of Con- 
necticut ; Richard, the father of Richard, whose sketch 
is given below ; and Nathaniel, who graduated at Har- 
vard in 1605, and died young. 

Jamew CtisHlxa Mehrill was the son of Rev. 
Giles Merrill and Lucy (Cushing) Merrill, and was 
born in Haverhill September 27, 1784. He married 
Anna, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Saltonstall, of 
Haverhill, and died in Boston October 4, 1853. He 
fitted for college at Exeter and graduated at Harvard 
in 1807. He studied law with John Varnura, of 
Haverhill, and was admitted to the bar in 1812 at the 
September term of the Circuit Court of Common 
Plea.s, held at Salem. He not long after removed to 
Boston, where he continued to reside until his death. 
For many years he was a justice on the bench of the 
Police Court of Boston, resigning in 1852 on account 
of feeble health. Previous to his appointment to the 
bench he was a member of the Senate and House of 
the State Legislature. He was a scholar as well as 
a jurist, and his proficiency in Greek literature was 
recognized by liis alma mater by his continuance for 
thirty years on its examining committee for Greek. 

Joseph Gilbert Waters was born in Salem July 
5, 1796, and wa.s the son of Captain Josepli and Mary 
(Dean) Waters. He graduated at Harvard in 181<), 
and after completing his law studies in the office of 
John Pickering, was admitted to the bar at Salem at 
the October term of the Supreme Judicial Court in 
1821. In 1818 he went to Mississippi, where he spent 
several years, and returned to Salem, where for a 
short time he was the editor of the Salem Observer. 
In 1825 he married Eliza Greenleaf, daughter of 
Captain Penn Towusend. He was appointed special 
justice of the Police Court in Salem in 1831, and 
afterwards held the office of standing justice of the 
same court from 1842 until 1874. In 1835 he waa a 
member of the State Senate, and died in 1878. 

Bex.iamix Merrill was born in Conway, New 
Hampshire, in 1784, and fitting for college at Exeter, 
graduated at Harvard in 1804. He studied law with 
Mr. Stedman, of Lancaster, and was admitted to the 
bar in Worcester County. Removing to Lynn in 
1808 to enter into practice, he was required under the 
court rules to study one year within the county, and 
entered the oflice of Samuel Putnam, whose partner 
he afterwards became. He received the degree of 
LL.D. from Harvard in 1845, and died at Salem July 
30, 1847, at the age of sixty-three. When he settled 
in Lynn he w:is the first lawyer who had ever opened 
an office in the (own, and after a few months' resi- 
dence there, it is said that he was told that the pres- 
ence of a lawyer would be prejudicial to the interests 
of the community, and that he was requested to 
leave. 

Joseph Perkixs ivas born in Essex July 8, 1772, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1794. In 1801 he wa.s 
apjiointed county attorney, and died in Salem Febru- 
arv 28, 1803. 



HISTORY OF ESSEK COUx^TV, MASSACHUSETTS. 



AsAHEL Huntington was born in Topsfield July 
23, 1798, and graduated at Yale in 1S19. He was 
county and district attorney, clerk of the courts and 
twice rejircsentative i'roni Saleni to tlie General Court. 
In 1853 he was mayor of that city, and died Heptem- 
ber 5, 1870. 

Theophilus Parsons. — Among the eminent law- 
yers of the last century, Chief Justice Theophilus 
Parsons stands pre-eminent, and to his autobiography 
by liis son, Theophilus Parsons, we are indebted for 
tliis sketch of his life as a lawyer, statesman and 
judge. His judicial knowledge and legal acumen 
won for him the title of "giant of the law," and his 
intimate knowledge of the structure of the Greek lan- 
guage, and acquaintance with its literature, in which 
he deliglited, and to which he turned for recreation 
from his legal duties, caused Mr. Luzac, the then 
Professor of Greek in the University of Leyden, to 
say of Mr. Parsons, that he should be called " The 
giant of Greek criticism." 

Chief Justice Theoidiilus Parsons was born in By- 
field, Massachusetts, 1750, and his father. Rev. Moses 
Parsons, was a settled minister in that place. His 
first youth was passed at Dunmer Academy, of By- 
field, under the Rev. Mr. Moody, and he entered Har- 
vard College in 1765. The minister's stipend was 
small, and his family la^ge, so that when the young 
Theophihis was ready to enter college pecuniary ditfi- 
culties stood in his way. So general, however, was 
the accepted idea, that his natural ability promised 
great things, great exertions were made to send him ; 
one of the maid servants offered to give him a year's 
salary, twelve pounds, to help him. This offer was 
of course refused, but the assistance proffered by 
friends and parishioners was gladly accepted. Theo- 
philus was an insatial)le student, but after his lessons 
were learned would turn for recreation, to a novel or 
self-imposed mathematical problem with equal relish, 
which practice he followed in after years, adding a 
devotion to scientific studies. He graduated in 1769, 
and went to Portland, Maine, then called Falmouth, 
where he taught a grammar school ; when not occu- 
pied with his school duties, he studied in the office of 
the eminent lawyer. Judge Theophilus Bradbury. 
Here he applied for admission to the bar. The com- 
mittee for examination to whom he referred himself, 
construed the rule that three years of preparatory 
study, meant three years of consecutive study, and 
that his employment of school-teaching prevented that 
from being so considered. However, the committee 
yielded to his solicitations, and his examination 
proved so entirely satisfactory, he was admitted to 
practice in Falmouth. This was in 1774. 

The following year Admiral Graves, commander of 
the British squadron in Boston Bay, despatched some 
ships of war to Falmouth with orders to destroy it, 
and it was almost totally burned. Mr. Parsons then 
returned to his home, greatly disappointed and cast 
down ; but he found at his father's house, Judge 



Trowbridge, and his learned help and counsel was as 
eagerly sought and received by Mr. Parsons as he was 
ready to give it. The latter remained in Byfield a 
considerable time, and when he found that Jlr. Par- 
sons was to be his companion and student, he ordered 
thither all his library, which was not only the best, 
but probably the only thoroughly good one, then in 
New England. 

He found in Mr. Parsons an intelligent student, of 
devoted industry prepared by previous habits, as well 
as by previous knowledge, to profit by this golden op- 
portunity. 

Edmund Trowbridge died in Cambridge, in 1793, 
at the age of ninety-four, and during half of his long 
life, he was, by common consent, regarded as the 
most learned lawyer of New England. In the seventh 
volume of the Massachusetts Reports (page 20), Mr. 
Parsons speaks of his excellence as a common-law 
lawyer, and says: "The late Judge Trowbridge was 
an excellent common-law lawyer, of whose friendly 
assistance in my early professional studies I cherish 
the most grateful remembrance," and Chancellor 
Kent, in his commentaries calls hiui "the oracle of 
the common-law of New England." 

About the time of the Declaration of Independence 
the formation of a Constitution became a matter 
of much moment to many of the colonies which had 
just become States. In Massachusetts the system of 
government went on with few alterations, although 
the charter had lost all force. In June, 1776, it was 
proposed in the general court to prepare a form of 
government, or constitution, — to be presented to the 
people. In 1778, a constitution was agreed upon by 
the General Court, and offered to the people, but was 
rejected by them by a vote of five to one. The.se were 
the reasons for its rejection : 

The draft was imperfect, evidently drawn up with- 
out due care and consideration ; the peoj^le preferred 
that it should be made by a committee chosen for that 
express purpose and not by the Legislature. A Bill 
of Rights, clearly defining to the people what were 
their inalienable rights, was not prefixed, and lastly, 
the constitution so carefully avoided a strong govern- 
ment, the power of the executive was a mere cipher. 
It was this last objection which weighed most with 
many people. 

The conflict for the ado|)tion or rejection of the 
constitution seemed to be the early manifestation that 
a new question was brought before the minds of men 
which threatened, or seemed to threaten, the disruj)- 
tion of civil society, and has continued to this day to 
divide, not politicians only, but the whole people; 
and will ever do so. This question is, which shall 
prevail of the two great parties, into one or the other 
of which every man is forced by nature, habit, taste, 
education or circumstances. These are the parties of 
progress and conservatism ; of those who love the 
" largest liberty " with more regard to its quantity 
than its quality, and those who desire only the best 





'^/ 



^zyn^~^of 



THE BENCH ANT) BAR. 



X.Xl 



liberty, and dread, as the greatest of evils, its corrup- 
tion into license. To all men of tliis last class the 
constitution offered to the people was wholly woith- 
k'ss ; and to this large party Mr. Parsons belonged. 
His home Wiis in Esse.x County, and there he was 
sustained by the warm .sympathy of excellent men, 
and perhaps, young as he was, strengthened their 
Idve of order or their fear of auarchy. A meeting of 
these men took place in Essex County, in 1778, in 
Newburyport ; a committee was appointed and then it 
adjourned to Ipswich ; and there it met in the last 
week of April of that year, when a term of the Su- 
preme Judicial Court was held there. At this ad- 
journed meeting a pamphlet was presented by the 
committee, approved and adopted by it and by its 
order published. 

It contained eighteen distinct articles, setting forth 
the leading objections to the Constitution proposed. 
Its title was: "The result of the Convention of 
Delegates holden at Ipswich, in the County of Essex, 
who were deputed to take into consideration the 
Constitution and form of government proposed by 
the Convention of the State of Massachusetts Bay." 
It was called the " E-sex Result." It went very 
fully into the consideration of the objects and prin- 
cii)les which should be regarded in the formation of 
a constitution ; it not only made the rejection of the 
proposed constitution far more decisive, but exerted 
an important influence on the structure of that Con- 
stitution which was soon after framed and adopted by 
the people. 

Mr. Parsons wrote this pamphlet, which is now very 
rare, but is reprinted in the Appendix to his auto- 
biography. The proof that he wrote it lies in the 
assertion of Chief Justice Parker, who says in his 
address to the grand jury after Judge Parsons' death : 
" The Report was undoubtedly his, though he was 
probably aided by others, at le;ust, with their ad- 
vice." This elaborate Report is called " The Essex 
Result." No doubt, he obtained all the assistance, 
by advice and suggestion, which could be rendered 
to him in a matter of this importance by the wise 
men with whom he acted. But he wrote every word 
of it, and this, perhaps, proved that the young man 
was already recognized by them, who were certainly 
among the ablest and most veneralde men of the 
county, as one with whose work they were satis- 
fied, and one whom they could trust to speak for 
them. Among the most distinguished peculiarities 
of the actual institutions and government of this 
country is the singular blending of the progressive 
and conservative principles in such a way that they 
do not 80 much neutralize each other as promote each 
other's activity, while they com[)ensate for each other. 
\\ hile our fathers were making history, there were some 
whose love for liberty had degenerated into a love of li- 
cense, and whose idea of happiness was to run riot 
through the fields of life ; they balanced and checked 
and were balanced and checked bv the stern lovers of 



order, who appeared, in their extremity of opinion, 
to think that the first use of legs is to wear fetter-i, 
while walking is but a secondary and conditional pur- 
pose. Ha])pily, there were wise men who were able 
to bring these extremes into compromise, and, by 
means of compromise, into union. The " E<sex Re- 
sult" was regarded as a very early encounter with 
the great question then dawning upon this country 
and upon the world. It was an earnest endeavor to 
discover and declare how progress and conservatism, 
liberty and order, might be so adjusted in human in- 
stitutions, that freedom should be secure, and peace 
and happiness be the children of freedom. 

The Old Confederation of the United States was 
formed Noveml)er 15, 1777, in the midst of war and 
danger and effort; and wdiile these lasted their pres- 
sure kept it together. But with the relaxati n of 
peace its debility and insufficiency became apparent. 
In May, therefore, 17S7, a convention of delegates 
from the states assembled at Philadelphia for the 
purpose of forming a Federal Constitution, and at 
once the new parties of the country — the Liberty 
party and the Government party — started into full 
life. 

The two antagonistic principles entered into imme- 
diate, constant and energetic conflict; and the good 
sense and caution and love of peace, ^nd the |iro- 
found conviction that union would be impossible if 
not then consummated, and that without union there 
must be destruction — all these were in perpetual 
requisition, and were only able to reconcile these 
hostile sentiments and principles so far as to produce 
the Constitution, which was throughout, and in al- 
most every paragraph and every provision, a com- 
promise. After the Constitution was framed, the 
man who most loved peace and union labored stren- 
uously to procure for it the signatures of all the dele- 
gates, that it might go to the people with the advan- 
tage of their unanimous consent. And all did sign 
but three — Randolph and Mason, of Virginia, and 
Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, afterwards gover- 
nor of the State. The Constitution contained a pro- 
vision that it should go into effect as soon as nine 
states should accept it. It was adopted by the Con- 
vention that framed it on the 17th of September, 
1787; then by Delaware, December 7, 1787; by 
Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787 ; by New Jersey, 
December 18, 1787; by Georgia, January 2, 1788; 
and by Connecticut, January 9, 1788. Then came 
the question whether the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts sh(]uld accept it. It was feared that Massa- 
chusetts would be ho.stile, and that her example 
would operate with much power upon New York, 
Maryland and Virginia for good or for evil. Janu- 
ary 9, 1788, tiie convention of delegates from the 
towns of Massachusetts assembled in Boston to de- 
termine whether the Constitution should be adopted 
or rejected by that State. The debates of this c(m- 
vention were republished by the Legislature of Mas- 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sachusetts in 1866. The editorial care of this volume 
WHS entrusted to Messrs. Bradford K. Pierce and 
Charles Hale. In their preface these gentlemen say : 
"The proceedings of the Convention were of great 
importance, and were so regarded throughout the 
country at that time. It is quite certain that, if 
Massachusetts had refused her assent to the Consti- 
tution of the United States, that well-devised scheme 
of government, the careful work of the patriots and 
statesmen of the last century, under which the nation 
lias enjoyed so large a degree of prosperity, would 
have failed." 

John Hancock and Samuel Adams were two of the 
most important members of the convention. Both 
were doubtful, but it was generally supposed that 
while they were not friendly to each other, they 
agreed in a decided leaning against the C institu- 
tion. General Knox, after the Constitution was 
adopted, writes to Washington as follows : " The op- 
position has not arisen from a consideration of the 
merits or demerits of the thing itself, as a political 
machine, but from a deadly principle levelled at 
the existence of all government whatever. ... It 
is a singular circumstance that, in Massachusetts, the 
property, the ability and the virtue of the State are 
almost solely in favor of the Constitution. . . ." 
The Massachnsetts convention was of the opinion that 
certain amendments and alterations in the Constitu- 
tion would remove the fears and quiet the apprehen- 
sions of the people of the commonwealth and more 
effectually guard against an undue administration of 
the Federal Government. These amendments were 
often called in the histories of the times, the " Con- 
ciliatory Resolutions," and they were eminently so. 
It was their purpose to reconcile conflicting opinions 
and to procure the adoption of the Constitution. 
Samuel Adams at once arose and declared himself 
satisfied with the Constitution with these amend- 
ments, and seconded them, and Hancock withdrew 
his opposition. They were referred to a committee 
and reported with little change. After some discus- 
sion, in which one or two of the opponents of the 
Constitution spoke of the amendments as reconciling 
them to it, the Constitution was adopted by a vote 
of one hundred and eighty-seven yeas to one hundred 
and sixty-eight nays. Mr. Parsons wrote these amend- 
ments, and it is always said that these " Conciliatory 
.Re.solutions " saved the country. 

Mr. Parsons was now living with his wife in New- 
buryport in Green Street. He married Elizabeth 
Greenlief, daughter of Judge Greenlief, and he used 
to say that the suit in which he won his wife was 
worth all the others he ever gained. In 1800 he re- 
moved to Boston. When he left Newburyport for 
Boston, gentlemen in the town gave him a farewell 
dinner, at which Robert Treat Paine gave him an en- 
thusiastic toast: "Theophilus Parsons, the oracle of 
law, the pillar of politics, the bulwark of government." 
To which Mr. Parsons replied : " The town of New- 



buryport; may the blessing of Heaven rest upon it as 
long as its shores are washed by the Merrimac." I 
will pause here to mention a trait of character in 
which he did not stand alone in his profession. He 
made it an imperative rule, from which he never 
swerved during his professional career, never to make 
any charge against or accept any fee from a widow or 
a minister of the goxpel. 

In 1806 Chief Justice Dana resigned on account of 
the infirmities of age, and Mr. Parsons was invited to 
become the Chief-Justice, which office he accepted 
and held until his death, which occurred in 181.3. 

The last words of a distinguished man are often 
worthy of commemoration, for they not only fre- 
quently witness that his thoughts are occupied with 
the duties of his professiou, but sometimes seem to 
bear a certain relation to the life upon which he is 
about to enter. Judge Parsons' were: "Gentlemen 
of the jury, the case is closed and in your hands. You 
will please retire and agree upon your verdict." 
Judge Parsons always maintained that the authentic- 
ity of the gospels was proven by the fact of their una- 
nimity in all essentials and disagreement in unessen- 
tial details. After death his face wore an expression 
of triumph. It was that which he might have worn 
when he exhibited to a jury indisputable evidence of 
some great fact which he had asserted and others had 
denied. The expression was as if he said in words like 
these : " See there the proof. I have believed ; and 
when I could not believe I have hoped ; and through 
all objection, uncertainty and despondency I have 
kept my belief and my hope ; and now there is the 
proof that I was right." 

Benjamin Pickman, the son of Benjamin and 
Mary (Tappan) Pickman, was born at Salem Septem- 
ber 30, 1763, and married, October 20, 1789, Anstiss, 
daughter of Elias Hasket and Elizabeth (Crovvnin- 
shield) Derby. He studied law with Theophilus Par- 
sons at Newberyport, and settled permanently at 
Salem. He was at various times Representative and 
Senator in the State Legislature, a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1820, a member of the 
Executive Council, and from 1809 to 1811 a member of 
the national House of Representatives. He died at 
Salem August 16, 1843. 

Timothy Pickering was born in Salem July 17, 
1745, and was admitted to the bar in 1768. He was a 
graduate of Harvard in 1763, and received a degree 
from New Jersey College in 1798. He commanded a 
regiment in the Revolution, was adjutant-general of 
the army in 1777, and was quartermaster-general in 
1780. After the war he settled in Pennsylvania, and 
between 1791 and 1800 was Postmaster-General, Sec- 
retary of \Var and Secretary of State. He returned 
to Salem in 1801, was chief justice of the Essex 
County Court of Common Pleas, United States Sen- 
ator from 1803 to 1811, and a Representative in Con- 
gress from 1815 to 1817. He died in Salem January 
29, 1829. 





-TT^a, 



V^P 





<^^/^ ^-v 




THE BENCH AND BAR. 



John Pickering was born in Siilem February 17, 
1777. Ho was a son of Colonel Tiniotby Pickering, 
and griidimted at Harvard in 17'.t(). After several 
years' residence in Europe, he returned to Salem in 
1801, and w;i.s admitted to the Essex bar in ISOG. In 
1827 he removed to Boston, and in 1829 was appointed 
city solicitor, and held that oflice until his de.ath, at 
Boston, May 5, 1846. He was equally distinguished 
as a lawyer and a scholar, achieving in the latter 
capacity, however, his chief fame. His Greek and 
English Lexicon, his studies and |)ublication8 in 
philology, his proficiency in the languages, with more 
than twenty of which he was familiar, including He- 
brew, Chine-so and the Indian languages of America, 
made him an authority universally respected, and 
whenever appealed to, considered decisive. He re- 
ceived the degree of LL.D. from Bowdoin College in 
1822, and from his alma mater in ISS/). 

TiiKOPHlLUs Bradbury, a descendant from Thomas 
Bradhury, of Salisbury, was born in Newbury Novem- 
ber 13, 1739. He graduated at Harvard in 1757, and 
for a time taught a grammar school in Falmouth (now 
Portland) Me., where he afterwards opened a law- 
otlice and practiced law from May, 1761, to 1779. He 
then removed to Newbury, where he resided until his 
death, September 6, 1803. He was at various times 
Senator and Representative in the State Legislature, 
a member of Congress from 1795 to 1797, and in the 
latter year was appointed associate justice of the 
Supreme Judicial Court. 

Nathax Dane was born at Ipswich, in the parish 
then called the " Hamlet," now the town of Hamilton, 
on the 29th of December, 1752. He was descended 
from John Dane, of Berkhamstead, England, who 
came to New England before 1641, and died at Rox- 
bury in 1658. The American ancestor, by a first wife, 
whose name is unknown, had John, probably born in 
Berkhamstead about 1612; Elizabeth, who married 
James Howard ; Francis, born about 1616, who had 
three wives, Elizabeth Ingalls, Mary Thomas and 
Hannah Abbot. The son John had a first wife, Eleanor 
Clark, and a second named Alice. His children were 
John and Philemon, who married Mary Thompson and 
Ruth Converse. He died in Ipswich September 29, 
1684. His son, John, married Abigail Warren and 
had John; Daniel; Susan, born March, 1685-86; 
Nathaniel, born June, 1691 ; Abigail ; Rebecca; and 
Elizabeth. Daniel married (1st) Lydia Day, an<l (2d) 
Mary Annable. and had Daniel, born about 1716; 
John, about 1719; Mary, about 1721; Lydia, about 
1725; and Nathan, about 1727. His son Daniel, 
born in Ipswicli, probably in 1716, married, in 
1739, Abigail Burnham, and was the father of 
the subject of this sketch. He worked on his 
father's farm until he was of age, when he prepared 
himself for college, and entered Harvard with the 
chuss which graduated in 1778. He then taught school 
at Beverly, pursuing at the same time his law studies 
in the oflice of .Judgp Wetmore, of Salem. In 1782 



he began the practice of law in Beverly and made 
that town his residence until his death, February 15, 
1835. He was a member of the Massachusetts House 
of Ile|)resent'.Uive8 from 1782 to 1785, of Congress 
from 1785 to 1787 and for five years, between 1790 and 
1798, a member of the Massachusetts Senate. He was 
a member of the Electoral College in 1812, and a 
member of the State Constitutional Convention in 
1820. In 1794 he was ai)pointed justice of the ('ourt 
of Common Pleas for Essex County, but resigned his 
place almost immediately after its acceptance. In 1814 
he was a member of the Hartford Convention. 

Mr. Dane was one of the founders of the Mii.ssa- 
chusetts Temperance Society, and for several years its 
president. He was a member of the Massachusetts 
and Essex Historical Societies, and of the American 
Antiipiarian Society, and received the degree of LL.D, 
from Harvard in 1816, tn 1829 he founded, in Har- 
vard University, the law profe-isorship that bears his 
name, and at a later date was a liberal contributor for 
the erection of the Dane Law College, He was a 
diligent student and his authorship of " A General 
Abridgment and Digest of American Law " gav(' him 
a fame in the profession which time has not dimmed. 
As a statesman, the identification of his name with the 
ordinance of 1787 for thegove rnment of the territory 
northwest of the Ohio, drafted by him, will give him 
a place in history as long as the institution of slavery, 
whose spread and power that ordinance checked, has 
a record in the annals of the land. 

So long, too, as the famous speech of Mr, Webster 
in reply to Robert Young Hayne, in the United States 
Senate, January 26 and 27, 1830, shall be read, Mr, 
Dane will be kept in memory by the eulogy which 
Mr, Webster uttered in his splendid effort. He said : 

" In tlie course of my obm-rvations tho other day, Mr. F'residciit, I 
p:ii(i a passing tril)iito,of respoct to a vi-ry wortliy man, Mr. Dnno, of 
Massjictmsetls, Iteoliappens tliat liodn.-w tlie orciinance of 17H7 fortlie 
guvernnient of tlie nortliwest territory, A man of so mucli aliility and 
so little pretence, of so great a ciipacity to do good and so \intnixeda dis- 
position to do it for its own sake, a gentlenniu who had acted an import- 
ant l>art forty years ago in a measure ihe influence of what is still deeply 
felt in the vi-ry matter which was tliesuliject of debate, might, 1 tiionght, 
receive from mr acnininendalory r4-cognttion. But the hononilde Seini- 
tor was inclined to he facetious on the subject. Ho was nither disposed 
to make it matter of ridicule that 1 harl intr(.HJuoe<l into the debate the 
name of one Nathan Dane, of whom he assures us he had never beloro 
heard. Sir, if the honorable member had never before hearii of Mr. 
Dane, I am sorry for it. It elit>ws him less acquainted with the public 
men of the country than I ha<l snpjjosed. Let lue tell him, however, 
that asneer from him at the meiitiott of the luluie of Mr. Dane is in bad 
taste. It may well In- a high mark of amliilion. sir, either w itli the lion- 
orable gentlentan or myself, to accoiuplisb iis much to make our names 
known to advantage and remembered with gratitude as .Mr. Dane has 
accomjjlished." 

Those readers of this imperfect sketch of Mr. Dane 
who may wish to know what he said himself concern- 
ing his connection with the ordinance of 1787, are re- 
ferred to an interesting letter from him to Daniel 
Webster dated Beverly, March 26, 1830, which may 
be found in the " Proceedings of the M.is.sachusetts 
Historical Society from 1867 to 1869," page 475. 

Wll.l.I.VM Wr.T.MoltE was born in Connecticut in 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1749, and graduated at Harvard in 1770. He was 
admitted to tlie bar in 1780, and began to practice in 
Salem. After a few years, having property in Maine, 
wliicli came to liim tlirougli his wife, who was a Wal- 
do, he removed to Hancock County, where for some 
years he held the office of judge of probate. In 1804 
he removed to Boston, where he liel 1 a seat on the 
bench of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, and 
died in 1830. The wife of Judge Joseph Story was 
a daughter of Judge Wetmore. 

Daniel Farjtham was born in York, Me., in 
1719, and was the son of Daniel Farnhara, a native 
of Andover, Mass. He was fitted for college by 
Rev. Samuel Moody, of York, and graduated at Har- 
vard in 1739. He studied law with Edmund Trow- 
bridge, of Cambridge, who was considered the best 
lawyer of his time, and who, in 1759, became chief 
justice of the Superior Court of Judicature. Only a 
year after leaving college, in July, 1740, he married 
Sybil Angier, daughter of Rev. Samuel Angler, of 
Watertown, and granddaughter of Uriah Oakes, the 
fourth president of Harvard College. Soon after 
marriage Mr. P^irnham took up his permanent resi- 
dence in Newburyport, and began practice. At that 
time there was no lawyer east of Salem in Essex 
County, and the field was one in which a man of 
less ability would have won success. But Mr. Farn- 
hara was a man not only of learning, but of indomi- 
table energy and activity, and soon stood in the front 
rank at the Essex bar. In 1768 he was one of five 
barristers in Essex County, the others being Wm. 
Pynchon, John Chipman, Nathaniel Peaselee Sargent 
and John Lowell. The house which he built and oc- 
cupied was a fine specimen of that style of domestic 
arcliitecture which Harrison, the English architect, 
who came to this country with Bishop Berkely, in- 
spired, and which was freely adopted in Salem, Mar- 
blehead, Portsmouth and Newburyport. The house 
stood where the Kelly School-house now stands, and 
is remembered by many of the present generation. 

Mr. Farnham, or, as he is better known. Colonel 
Farnham, having received acommission from Governor 
Bernard in 1769 as lieutenant-colonel of the Essex 
Regiment, continued in active and successful practice 
until the Revolution. His attachment to the King 
was strong, and after all hope of a peaceable adjust- 
ment of the controversy with Great Britain was aban- 
doned, though he had taken an active part in opposing 
the Stamp Act and other measures of the home gov 
ernment, he remained a persistent, earnest and out- 
.spoken adherent of the crown. He was the only one 
in Newburyport who had the courage to avow loyal 
sentiments, and after his death, which occurred in 
1776, it was the boast of the town that it had been 
purified. There is some ground for the suspicion that 
his death was the result of abusive treatment at the 
hands of the patriots. Dr. Samuel Peters, in a letter 
dated June 19, 1783, says : " Messerve (collector of 
Portsmouth) and Porter, a lawyer of Salem, agree 



that there never was known to be in Newburyport 
more than four loyal subjects, one of whom went ofl 
to Scotland, Colonel Farnham was killed by the 
rebels, and Mr. Bass and Dr. Jones gave satisfaction 
to the rebels and remained there." 

Though the patriotic citizens of Newburyport 
looked upon the deatli of Colonel Farnhara as a 
purifying event, it is certain that during his long res- 
idence in that town, up to the Revolutionary period, 
he was an honored lawyer and citizen, prominent in 
every good work, and a means of purification to all 
who came within the sphere of his example and in- 
fluence. In his domestic relations he was a loving 
husband and a tender father. After his death the 
copy of a prayer which was found in his pocket-book, 
and which he was in the daily habit of repeating, 
shows him to have been a devout and faithful Chris- 
tian. 

William Pynchox was born in Springfield in 

1725, and graduated at Harvard in 1743. In 1745 he 
removed to Salem, where he studied law with Stephen 
Sewall, one of the judges of the Superior Court of 
Judicature. He died in Salem in March, 1789. 

John Chipman was the son of Rev. John Chip- 
man, of Marblehead, and graduated at Harvard in 
1738. He died in Falmouth (now Portland) in July, 
1768. 

Nathaniel Peaselee Sargent was born in 
Methuen November 2, 1731, and graduated at Har- 
vard in 1750. He practiced law in Haverhill. He 
was the son of Rev. Christopher Sargent, of Methuen. 
In 1776 lie was appointed judge of the Superior 
Court of Judicature, and in 1789 chief justice of that 
court, holding the place until his death, in October, 
1791. 

John Lowell, the last of the five Essex County 
barristers in 1768, was not long identified with his native 
county. He was born in Newbury in 1743, and gradu- 
ated at Harvard in 1760, receiving the degree of LL.D. 
in 1792. He studied law in Boston in the office of 
Oxenbridge Thacher, and after a short term of prac- 
tice in Newburyport removed to Boston, and finally 
to Roxbury, where he died in May, 1802. In 1781 he 
was chosen a member of Cf'mgress, and in 1782 was 
appointed one of the three judges of the Court of 
Appeals from the Court of Admiralty. In 1789 he 
was appointed judge of the LTnited States District 
Court, and in 1801 was made chief justice of the 
First Circuit of the United States Court, and held the 
office until the law establishing the court was re- 
pealed, in 1802. 

Nathaniel Ropes was born in Salem May 20, 

1726, and graduated at Harvard in 1745. In 1766 he 
was appointed judge of probate for Essex, and chief 
justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the same 
county. He lived in Salem until his death, which 
occurred March 19, 1774. 

Teistram Dalton, son of Michael Dalton, was 
born in Newburyport M.ay 28, 1738, and graduated at 




x^^,-^^-^^'%-^ 



■^^<^ 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



Harvard in 1755. He studied law in Salem and mar- 
ried a daughter of Robert Hoo[)er, of Marhk'hcad. 
He was a representative from Newburyport and 
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tive.s, and a member of the State Senate. With 
Caleb Strong, he represented Massachusetts in the 
United States Senate from 1789 to 1791 in the first 
Congress after the adoption of the Constitution. He 
invested largely in property at Washington, and re- 
moved to that city, but eventually sustained serioug 
losses. He was appointed, in 1815, surveyor of the 
ports of Boston and Charlestowu, and died in Boston 
May 30, 1817. The house in which he lived in New- 
buryport is still standing on State Street, a gambrel- 
root house, a little above the Public Library, on the 
ojjposite side of the street. 

OfTAVHTs PiCKERlsi!, SOU of Colouel Timothy 
Pickering, was born in Wyoming, Pa., September 2, 
1792, during the temporary residence of his iiither in 
that place. His father returned to Salem, his native 
town, in 1801, and Octavius was a Salem youth of 
fourteen years when he entered Harvard, in 180(). 
He was admitted to the bar at Salem at the October 
term of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in 1813, 
but very soon removed to Boston, where he was ad- 
mitted to the Suffolk bar March 6, 1816. From that 
time until his death, October 29, 18(58, he was no 
longer identified with Essex County. He published, 
in 1867, the life of his father, and engaged in other 
literary works, but his twenty-four volumes of Mas- 
sachusetts decisions, known as " Pickering's Re- 
ports," arc his best title to a lasting remembrance. 

John Gali.ison was born in Marblehead in Oc- 
tober, 1788, and graduated at Harvard in 1807. He 
was admitted to the bar at Salem in 1810, at the Sep- 
tember term of Court of Common Pleas. After a 
short practice in Marblehead he removed to Boston, 
where he published, in 1807, two volumes of Circuit 
Court reports and engaged in literary work. He died 
December 25, 1820. 

Hon. Daniel Appleton White, for thirty-eight 
years judge of probate for Essex County, was born in 
Methuen, on ground now at the heart of the present 
city of Lawrence, June 7, 1776. He was the sixth 
son and eleventh child of John White, a gentleman 
farmer of that day, and was descended in the sixth 
generation from William White, one of the founders 
of Newbury and, in 1640, one of- the original gran- 
tees of Haverhill, his mother being Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Haynes. It was a happy country 
home of the best class in which his early years were 
passed, abounding in comfort, plenty, intelligence 
and alfection, with high-minded parents and a large 
family of brothers and sisters united by ties of unu- 
sual strength, and amid surroundings of natural 
beauty, on a noble farm of nearly three hundred 
acres, bounded by the Merrimac and the Spicket 
Rivers. As in most New England faiiiilics, the boy 
of less physical strength and of a studious bent was 
iii 



selected by these qualities for an cdii Mli.Mi, and he 
entered the academy at Atkinson, N. II., in June, 

1792, and Harvard College in the freshman cl.ass of 

1793, having completed his preparation in seven and 
a half months of actual study of from fourteen to 
sixteen hours a day. Although Cambridge has reared 
a host of loyal students, the college has rarely trained 
so devoted a son ;is he proved to be. Learning was, 
indeed, at a low ebb there in the last years of the 
eighteenth century, the apparatus of knowledge small 
and the opportunities were scanty, and in morals and 
religion the unsettling effect of the French Revolu- 
tion was marked ; but it was a place to train a strong 
character and to knit worthy friendships. In a class 
of exceptional talent, young White graduated the 
first scholar, in 1797, and, after two years spent in 
teaching the public grammar-school in Medford, in 
August, 1799, returned to Cambridge as tutor in 
Latin, a j)osition then of great responsibility and 
influence, in which he was enabled to be of much 
service to the college. Perhaps the four years thus 
occupied were the happiest part of his life, with his 
marked academic tastes and aptitudes. In Septem- 
ber, 1803, however, resigning his tutorship, he re- 
moved to Salem to complete, in the ofiice of Mr. 
(afterwards Judge) Samuel Putnam, the studies for 
the bar, which he had been pursuing while tutor. 
Here, with Mr. John Pickering, eminent later as a 
philological scholar, he prepared an edition of Sal- 
lust, "the first edition of an ancient classic ever 
published in the United States which was not a pro- 
fessed re-impre.ssion of some former and foreign edi- 
tion," the sheets of which were unfortunately de- 
stroyed by fire on the eve of publication, in 18u5. 
Having been admitted to the bar in June, 1S04, Jlr. 
White began the practice of his profession in New- 
buryport with success and distinction as a lawyer and 
citizen, residing in that town for thirteen years. Of 
strong political convictions as a Federalist, he became 
prominent in that party in Massacliusctts during the 
administrations of Jefferson and Madison, being a 
member of the State Senate from 1810 to 1815, and 
taking a leading part in public affairs, and in No- 
vember, 1814, being nominated for Congress as the 
Federal candidate in the Essex North District, he was 
elected by a nearly unanimous vote, the expression of 
a constituency not of hisown party alone of the general 
respect and trust in which he was helil. -At this junc- 
ture, on the threshold of a conspicuous public career, 
the offer by Governor Strong of the ofiice of judge of 
probate for the county of Essex altered the coui-se of 
his life. He accepted this position, and resigned his 
commission as Representative in the spring of 1815, 
against the judgment of many friends, who felt that 
he did not estimate his iiualifications for high public 
service at their full worth ; but he was led to this 
decision by considerations such as appealed with pe- 
culiar force to a lofty and unworldly character. De- 
voted to the principles of his party, he yet could not 



HISTOllY OP ESSEX COUNTr, MASSACHUSETTS. 



be its slave; his strong taste for literary studies and 
for a life of scholarly freedom from engrossing pro- 
fessional cares found an opportunity for satisfaction; 
but the controlling motive with him was due to the 
bereavement of his liome. He had married Mrs. 
Mary Van Schalkwyck, daughter of Dr. Josiah Wil- 
der, of Lancaster, May 24, 1807, whose early death, 
June 29, 1811, had left him with two young daugh- 
ters, a care and duty which the life of a public man 
at Washington would liave compelled him to sacrifice. 
In giving up the opportunity of a consjiicuous public 
career he did not, however, turn aside from a large 
sphere of honorable service. The office of judge of 
probate, when held for the length of time during 
which Judge White exercised its duties, brings its 
holder into important relations with the whole com- 
munity, and enables him to stand to the widow and 
the orphan for tlie justice of the commonwealth in 
their hour of need. Moreover, a special reason for 
the appointment of a judge of such weiglit of char- 
acter and high reputation had been the fact that the 
methods of several of the probate courts, and partic- 
ularly that of Essex County, needed revision and 
reform. To thi.s task Judge White addressed himself 
with results wliich made the court a model of admin- 
istration, which was followed in the other probate 
courts of the State. Still, the necessary changes 
which he introduced led to serious misunderstandings 
for a time in a public accustomed to loose and easy- 
going methods, and the feeling culminated in 1821 in 
a memorial addressed to the Legislature by sundry 
persons in complaint against the judge and the reg- 
ister of probate in Essex County. His former politi- 
cal opponents found this a favorable occasion of 
attack, and the special committee appointed by tlie 
House of Representatives held an ex parte investiga- 
tion, without giving the officers who were thus assailed 
any opportunity to vindicate their action. Yet the 
committee were compelled to do so in their own re- 
port, unanimously adopted by the Legislature, which 
stated that the changes which had been introduced 
were " some of them expressly required by difi'erent 
statutes, others by the Supreme Court adjudged to be 
necessary, and, as far as they could find, all of them 
useful." Judge White took this occasion to publish, 
in 1822, a careful historical account of the course of 
probate law and procedure from the earliest times in 
this commonwealth, with an account of the former 
practice in Essex County and the changes which had 
been introduced. This little work, entitled "A View 
of the Jurisdiction and Proceedings of the Courts of 
Probate in Massachusetts, with Particular Reference 
to the County of Essex," and which concluded with 
a dignified and just animadversion upon the mode in 
which the legislative investigation had been con- 
ducted, became an authority on the subject. The 
reforms which he had introduced were adopted in the 
courts of other counties, while fixed salaries were 
substituted for fees. When Judge White resigned 



his office, July 1, 1853, in his seventy-eighth year, 
but with his physical and mental powers unabated, 
nearly every estate in the county had passed under 
his care, and his fidelity and justice in the adminis- 
tration of his duties had been crowned with universal 
respect and honor. The opportunities of leisure 
which his judicial position afforded enabled him to 
meet the demands for those services which naturally 
devolve on a public-spirited citizen holding sucli a 
position in the community. He was one of the 
founders of the Essex County Lyceum, the pioneer 
in the system of public lectures which promised and, 
for a time, fulfilled the promise to be potent among 
the educational and moral influences of the time, 
being its president, and also the first president of the 
Salem Lyceum. Of the Essex Institute he was pres- 
ident from its foruuition, in 1848, until his death. 
Addresses on public occasions, as at the dedication of 
Harmony Grove Cemetery, and the eulogies on Dr. 
Bowditch, in Salem, and Hon. John Pickering, in 
Boston, were given by him. Harvard College lie 
served with unwearied devotion for many years in 
the board of overseers and on various committees, 
receiving from the university in 1843 the honorary 
degree of LL.D., and in 1844 delivering the address 
before its Association of Alumni. But his delight 
was in his noble library, rich especially in the ancient 
classics, historical works and English beUes-leftres, 
wliere his happiest hours were spent in liis favorite 
studies. These bore fruit especially in his writings 
concerning theological subjects and congregational 
polity. His early bent had been to the profession of 
the Christian ministry, from which he had been de- 
terred by the difference of his convictions from those 
of his honored parents, who were earnest members of 
the Baptist communion, while his own sympathies 
were with the liberal Christian movement, which 
took form in the Unitarian denomination, in which 
he became one of the most prominent laymen ; and 
his special interest in studies more congenial to the 
sacred profession than to that of the law never waned. 
In tlie earnest debate between the two branches of 
the Congregational body he took part with his pen, 
publishing in 1832 an elaborate work, marked by 
much learning, entitled " Correspondence Between 
the First Church and the Tabernacle Church, in 
Salem, in which the Duties of Churches are Dis- 
cussed, and the Rights of Conscience Vindicated," 
and the studies of many years were gathered up by 
him in his old age in his volume on "New England 
Congregationalism in its Origin and Purity," pub- 
lished in 18G1, just before his death. In these studious 
labors, however, he was no recluse, but his fine old 
mansion was the seat of a large and wide hospitality 
to friends and kindred and strangers. This had be- 
come his home wlien, after his removal to Salem, he 
had married, August 1, 1819, Mrs. Eliza Wetmore, 
daughter of William Orne, Esq., a prominent mer- 
chant, whose early death, March 27, 1821, again 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



darkened his domestic happiness. His subsequent 
niiiriiage, January 22, 1824, to Mrs. Ruth Kogors^ 
(laughter of Joseph Hurd, Ksq., of ('h;irlosto\vn, 
pUiced once more at the head of his home a refined 
and charming lady, who shared and graced its hospi- 
talities, surviving him to die November 28, 1874, at 
the age of more than ninety years. 

Fn fuch serene and happy occupations the closing 
years of Judge White's life were spent after the resig- 
nation of his judicial otfice, which he continued able 
to have filled, if he had so chosen, to his death, 
March .30, ISOl, near the close of his eighty-fifth 
year, with undimmed powers of body and mind, and 
with a spirit ever young. His brethren of the Essex 
bar expressed the feeling of the community in reso- 
lutions adopted at a meeting called for the purpose 
after the death of Chief .Justice Shaw and of Judge 
AV'hite, which recorded their " appreciation of" his 
" fine intellectual and moral traits, of that elegant 
and varied scholarship, and that tliorough and exact 
learning of which a brilliant university career gave 
promise, and which the experience of so long a life 
did not disappoint; of his fidelity to his professional 
and judicial duties ; of the services which he has 
rendered to the probate law by his faithful adminis- 
tration and his published treatise; of the pure and 
simple course of his daily life ; of the unswerving 
integrity, the exquisite religious sensibility, the large 
philanthropy and the unlxninded and generous sym- 
pathy for all around him, which ennobled his life, 
even to its extremest close," and commemorating, 
"with afiectionate pride," "the influence of his ex- 
ample." Two enduring memorials in gifts ampler 
than are often bestowed by men of far larger 
estate remain to perpetuate his memory. The first is 
that by which he bestowed on the Essex Institute, in 
Salem, the greater part of his library, amounting in 
all to over eight thousand books and ten thousand 
pam|ihlets. The oiher is the noble White Founda- 
tions in the city of Lawrence, which now covers the 
green fields of what was his father's farm in Methuen. 
In selling to the Essex Company his portion of this 
territory, he had reserved six acres, including a fam- 
ily burial lot, with the restriction that it should not 
be built upon without the consent of that company. 
With this consent, in 18-52, he vested this property 
in three trustees, who were directed to make proper 
provision for the burial-place, after which the pro- 
ceeds of sales of the land were to be inve-<ted and the 
income applied to the establishment and support of 
an annual course of lectures and in the purchase of 
books for the Public Library, any further surplus to 
be used " in such manner as they, in the exercise of 
a sound judgment and discretion, shall consider best 
adapted to promote the moral, intellectual and Chris- 
tian advancement and instruction of the inhabitants 
of the town of Lawrence, earnestly requesting the 
said trustees constantly to bear in mind that the great 
object intended to be promoted and acciiniiilislie<l is 



the education and training up of the young in habits 
of industry, morality and piety, and in the exercise 
of true Christian principles, both in thought and 
action." From the income of this fund annual 
courses of lectures since 18G4-65 have been given in 
Lawrence, free to the industrial classes, and filling 
the largest hall in the city to overflowing, and since 
1872 a regular ai)propriation of one thousand dollars 
annually has been applied to the purchase of care- 
fully-selected books for the Public Library, while it 
is estimated that the principal of the fund will event- 
ually amount to one hundred thousand dollars, — a 
worthy fulfillment of a wise and comprehensive plan 
for enduring public benefit. The two daughters of 
Judge White by his first marriage were married to 
Hon. William Dwight, of Springfield, and Hon. 
Caleb Foote, of Salem, while two sous survived him, 
the children of his second and third marriages, — 
Rev. William Orne White and Dr. Henry Orne 
White. All of these children have ilescendants. 

Simon Gukenleaf was born in Newburyport 
December 5, 1783, and educated at the Latin school 
in that town. While he was a boy his father re- 
moved to New Gloucester, Maine, where he received 
his early education at the common schools. Without 
the advantage of a college career, at the age of 
eighteen he entered the law-ofiice of Ezekiel Whit- 
man, of Portland, and after a five years' course of 
study was admitted to the bar of Cumberland Coun- 
ty in 1806. He began to practice at Standish, Maine, 
removing, after a short time, to Gray, and from 
thence, in 1818, to Portland. 

In 1820 he was appointed reporter of decisions of 
the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, and held otfice 
twelve years, during which time be issued nine vol- 
umes of reports, which laid the foundation of his 
reputation and future distinguished legal career. He 
published at an early day a volume of " Overruled 
Ca^es," and later in life a treatise on the " Law of 
Evidence.'' This work, with his " Iteports," assures 
him a lasting fame. 

In 1817 he received from Bowdoin College the de- 
gree of Master of Arts, the degree of Doctor of Laws 
from Harvard in 1834, and from Amherst in 184.5. In 
1834 he was appointed Royal Professor of Law in 
Harvard University as the successor of Profes.sor 
Ashmun, and after the de.ath of Judge Story he wius 
ai)pointed to the Dane Profcssorsliip in 1846. He 
was induced by ill health to resign in 1848, when he 
was honored with the title of Emeritus Professor of 
Law in the University. He died at Cambridge Octo- 
ber 6, 1853. 

Asa Waldo Wilde.s was born (1786) in Topsfield and 
graduated at Dartmouth in 1809. After leaving col- 
lege he taught school in Newburyport and Washing- 
ton, and finally returned to Newburyport and entered 
as a student the law-office of Stephen W. Marston. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1820, and began in 
Newburyport the practice of law, which he continued 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



until 1826. In that year that part of the duties of 
the Court of Sessions which related to highways was 
transferred to a new board, " called commissioners 
of highways," consisting of five members appointed 
by the Governor. Mr. Wildes was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Lincoln a member of the board, with Robert 
Rantoul, of Beverly ; Stephen Barker, of Andover ; 
Joseph Winn, of Salem ; and William B. Breed, of 
Lynn, as his associates. 

In 1828 the Board of Highway Commissioners was 
abolished, and the Board of County Commissioners 
establi-hed. Mr. Wildes was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor chairman of the new board, and held office by 
successive appointments until 1835, when the office 
was made elective ; and again by election until 1856, 
with the exception of one term of three years, from 
1842 to 1845. 

Mr. Wildes was peculiarly fitted for the place he 
so long occupied, and his prolonged incumbency was 
as creditable to the people of Essex County as to 
himself. They appreciated his legal knowledge and 
sound judgment, and did not hesitate to call him 
into their service. He died in Newburyport, Decem- 
ber 4, 1857. 

Stephen W. Maeston was born in Fairlee, Vt., 
in 1787. He graduated at Dartmouth, and after com- 
pleting his law studies with Judge White, of Salem, 
settled in Newburyport. He was well read in the 
law, and at an early day took high rank at the Essex 
bar. He was one of the junior counsel in the cele- 
brated Goodridge robbery case, in which Daniel 
Webster was senior. Had it not been for the mas- 
terly management and skill of Mr. Webster, aided by 
the thorough work of his assistants, the Kenistons, 
Jacknian and Pearson, the defendants would doubt- 
less have been convicted of a crime which had never 
been committed. There had been no robbery, but 
Goodridge had been so ingenious in the arrangement 
of his plot and of the evidence to sustain it, that the 
proof against the parties charged seemed almost con- 
clusive. An account of this trial, perhaps the most 
remarkable one in the annals of the State, was pub- 
lished in a pamphlet, and is worthy of examination 
by all who are interested in the administration of 
criminal law. 

In 1833 Mr. Marston was appointed justice of the 
Police Court at Newburyport, and continued in office 
until 186G, when the increasing feebleness of age in- 
duced him to resign. His duties on the bench were 
conscientiously performed, and his decisions, which 
were rarely reversed, were always marked by a sound 
judgment as well as an exact perception of legal prin- 
ciples. He was a member of the Legislature in early 
life,and the Whig candidate for Congress in opposition 
to Caleb Cushing in that gentleman's first great con- 
test for the national legi-slature. He died at his resi- 
dence August 27, 1873. 

Samuel L. Knapp was a native of Newburyport. 
He was graduated at Dartmouth College, and studied 



law at Newburyport with Theophilus Parsons, and 
became a practicing lawyer in his native town. He 
afterwards removed to Boston, where he edited the 
Boston Galoxij, and for a short time the Commercial 
Oazette. He again removed to Washington, where he 
was engaged as editor of the National Journal, and 
finally to New York, where he edited the Commercinl 
Advertiser. He was one of the junior counsel with 
Daniel Webster in the famous Goodridge robbery 
case, and would have attained high rank at the bar 
had not a fondness for general literature enticed him 
away from his profession. He died at Hopkinton 
Springs in July. 1838. 

Henky Alexander Scammell Dearborn, son 
of General Henry Dearborn, of the Revolution, was 
born in Exeter, N. H., March 3, 1783, and died in 
Portland, Me., July 29, 1851. He. graduated at the 
College of William and Mary in 1803, and studied 
law with Joseph Story, in Salem, where he entered 
into practice, having been admitted to the bar in 
1807. He was brigadier-general in command of 
troops in Boston harbor in the War of 1812, collector 
of the ports of Boston and Charlestown from 1812 to 
1829, a member of the Constitutional Convention of 
1820 and a member of Congress from 1831 to 1833. 
In 1834 he was made adjutant-general of Massachu- 
setts by Governor John Davis, and removed, in 1843, 
by Governor Marcus Morton, for loaning theState arms 
to Rhode Island to suppress the rebellion. He was 
mayor of Roxbury from 1847 to 1851, the year of his 
death. He was the author of several works which 
added materially to an already well-established repu- 
tation. 

Gayton Pickman Osgood was born at Salem, 
July 4, 1797, and was the son of Isaac and Rebecca 
T. (Pickman) Osgood. He graduated at Harvard in 
1815, and studied law with Benjamin Merrill. He 
began practice in Salem, and afterwards removed to 
Andover, at which place his parents had, while he was 
young, taken up their residence. He was in the Legis- 
lature, and was a member of Congress from 1833 to 
1835. He married, March 24, 1859, Mary Farnham, 
of North .\ndover, and died in that town June 26, 1861. 
RuFT'S King, son of Richard and Isabella (Brag- 
don) King, was born in Scarboro', Me., March 24, 
1755, and graduated at Harvard in 1777. His 
father had removed to Scarboro' from Watertown, 
Mass., in 1746. He studied law with Theophilus 
Parsons, of Newburyport, whose office was on the 
corner of Green and Harris Streets, and commenced 
practice in that place. 

From 1784 to 1786 he was a member of Congress, 
and it is said that in consequence of his dis.appoint- 
ment at the selection of Tristram Dalton for United 
States Senator in 1788, removed to New York. His 
career there is well known, and forms no part of the 
history of Essex County. He died at Jam.aica, Long 
Island, April 29, 1827. William King, the first 
Governor of Maine, was the son of Richard King, by 



THP] BENCH AND BAR. 



his first wife, Mary, daughter of Samuel Blake, of 
Scarboro', and half brother nf Bufiis. 

Nathaxiei. Co(is\vi:i.i., son of Tliomas Cogswell, 
was born in JIaverhill January 19, 1773, and gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth in 1704. He studied law with 
Ebenezer Smith, of Durham. N. H., and began prac- 
tice in 1805. In 1808 he established him-elf at New- 
buryport, and died at the Rapids of the Red River 
August, 181.3. 

IrHAnoi) TrcKER was born at Leicester April 17. 
1705, and graduated at Harvard in 1791. He re- 
ceived a degree from Yale in 1804, and from Bowdoin 
in 1806. He began the practice of law in Haverhill, 
having been admitted to the bar in 1705, and re- 
moved to Salem, where he held the office of clerk of 
the courts for Essex County for many years. He 
was the son of Benjamin and Martha (Davis) Tucker, 
of Leicester, and was twice married, — first. September 
16, 1798, to Maria, daughter of Dr. Joseph and 
Mary (Leavitt) Orne, and second, October 13, 1811, 
to Esther Orne, widow of .Joseph Cobat and daugh- 
ter of Dr. William an<l Lois (Orne) Paine. He died 
at Salem October 22, 1846. 

William Cranch, son of Richard Cranch, who 
was born in England in November, 1726, was born 
in AVeymouth, Mass., July 17, 1769, and graduated at 
Harvard in 1787, receiving the degree of LL.D. 
from his alma mater in 1829. After his admission 
to the bar he practiced first in Braintree, and after- 
wards in Haverhill. In October, 1794, he removed 
to Washington, and was appointed in 1801, by Presi- 
dent Adams, associate judge of the Circuit Court of 
the District of Columbia, of which he was chief jus- 
tice from 1805 to his death, which occurred Septem- 
ber 1. 1855. He publislied nine volumes of reports 
of the United States Supreme Court, and six volumes 
of reports of the Circuit Court of the District of Col- 
umbia. 

Joseph E. Sprague was the son of William and 
Sarah (S|irague) Stearns, and took his mother's 
maiden-name. He was born at Salem iSepteniber 9, 
1782, and graduated at Harvard in 1804. He studied 
law, and was postmaster of Salem from 1815 to 1829. 
In September, 1830, he was appointed sheriff of Es- 
sex County, and continued in office until 1851. He 
was, at various times. Senator and Representative in 
the State Legislature, and died February 22, 1852. 

Joseph Story was born in Marblehead Septem- 
ber 18, 1779. and was the son of Dr. Elisha Story, a 
native of Boston and a surgeon in the Revolution. 
He graduated at Harvard in 1798, and received de- 
grees of LL.D. from Brown (1815). Harvard (1821) and 
Dartmouth (1824). Among his classmates were Wm. 
Ellery Channing. .John Varnum.and Sidney WMllard. 
His education before entering college wiia received in 
Marblehead, under the direction of Rev. Dr. William 
Harris, afterwards president of Columbia College. 
He began his law studies in the office of Chief .Justice 
Samuel Sewall, in Marblehead, but on his appoint- 



ment to the bench he entered the office of Judge 
Samuel Putnam, and was admitted to 'the bar of 
Essex County in July, 1801. He was a Democrat in 
politics, and as such stood almost alone among the 
lawyers of the county. He was a member of the 
Massachusetts House of Re|)resentatives in 1805, '0(), 
'07, a member of Congress in 1808, again a memberof 
the J^egislature from 1809 to 1812, and was chosen 
Speaker of the House of Representatives in Janu- 
ary. 1811. 

In 1806 he advocated in the Legislature an increase 
of the salaries of the Supreme Judicial Court in op- 
position to the prejudices of his party against high ju- 
dical salaries, and more especially against Theophilus 
Parsons, whom it was proposed to place on the 
bench, but who could not afford to relinquish a prac- 
tice of ten thousand dollars for a position having at- 
tached to it the paltry salary of twelve hundred dol- 
lars. Mr. Parsons was especially obnoxious to the 
Democrats, but Mr. Story, with that sturdy indepen- 
dence which always characterized him, advocated 
and carried a bill to increase the salary of the chief 
justice to two thousand five hundred dollars, and of 
the associates to two thousand four hundred dollars, 
and Mr. Parsons was appointed and accepted the ap- 
pointment. In 1809 he advocated and was largely 
the means of securing a further increase of the sal- 
aries of the chief justice and the associates to three 
thousand five hundred dollars and three thousand 
dollars, respectively. 

On the 18th of November, 1811, he was appointed 
by Madison associate justice of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, to fill the vacancy caused by the 
death of William Cushing, which occurred on the 
18th of September, 1810. The ajjpointment had been 
previously ottered to John Quincy Adams, who de- 
clined it. Mr. Story was then only thirty-two years 
of age, and his appointment reflects credit on the sa- 
gacity of Mr. Madison, who discovered in so young a 
man the signs of promise which his career afterwards 
fully verified. In 1820, at the time of the separation 
of Maine from Massachusetts, he was a delegate from 
Salem to the Constitutional Convention. In 1828 
Nathan Dane, who, in founding the Law School at 
Cambridge, had reserved to himself the appointments 
to its professorships, appointed Judge Story Dane 
professor of law and John Hooker Ashniun, Royal 
professor of law, and in the next year, 1829, he re- 
moved from .Salem to Cambridge, where he continued 
to reside until his death, on the 10th of .September, 
1845. 

Aside from his learning in the law and that won- 
derful fiuency in the use of language, both spoken and 
written, which made his learning available, nothing 
distinguished him more than his industry. With the 
labors of the judge constantly pressing upon him and 
the cares of his professorship, the press was kept busy 
in supplying the law libraries of the land with his 
coninientarics and treatises and nii.sccllaneous pro- 



XXX 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ductions. His first publication seems to have been a 
poem entitled the " Power of Solitude," published in 
Salem in 1804. In 1805 appeared " Selection of 
Pleadings in Civil Actions with Annotiitions." In 
1828 he edited the Public and General Statutes 
passed by Congress from 1789 to 1827, and in 1836 
and 1845 supplements to thesedates. In 1832 appeared 
"Commentaries on the Law of Bailments, with Illus- 
trations from the Civil and Foreign Law ; " in 1833, 
"Commentaries on the Constitution;" in 1834, 
" Commentaries on the Conflict of Laws, Foreign and 
Domestic, in Regard to Contracts, Rights and Reme- 
dies, and Especially in Regard to Marriages, Divorces, 
Wills, Successions and Judgments." In 1835 and 
1836 appeared " Commentaries on Equity Jurispru- 
dence as Administered in England and America;" 
in 1838, " Commentaries on Equity Pleadings and the 
Incidents Thereto, according to the Practice of the 
Courts of Equity in England and America ; " in 1839, 
" Commentaries on the Law of Agency as a Branch 
of Commercial and Maritime Jurisprudence, with Oc- 
casional Illustrations from the Civil and Foreign 
Law;" in 1841, "Commentaries on the Law of 
Partnership as a Branch of Commercial and Maritime 
Jurisprudence, with Occasional Illustrations from the 
Civil and Foreign Law;" in 1843, " Commentaries on 
the Law of Bills of Exchange, Foreign and Inland, 
as Administered in England and America, with Oc- 
casional Illustrations from the Commercial Law of 
the Nations of Continental Europe; '' in 1845, "Com- 
mentaries on the Law of Promissory Notes." His 
decisions in the First Circuit, from 1812 to 1815, are in 
" Gallison's Reports ; " from 1810 to 1830, in " Mason's 
Reports;" from 1830 to 1839, in "Sumner's Re- 
ports ; " and from 1839 to 1845, in Story's " Reports." 
Among his numerous other publications were an 
" Eulogy on Washington at Salem," 1800 ; "An Eulogy 
on Captain James Lawrence and Lieutenant Lud- 
low," 1813; "Sketch of Samuel Dexter," 1816; 
" Charges to Grand Juries in Boston and Providence," 
1819; "Charge to Grand Jury at Portland," 1820; 
" Address before the Suffolk Bar," 1821 ; " Discourse 
before the Phi Beta Society," 1826; "Discourse be- 
fore the Essex Historical Society," 1828 ; " Address 
at his own Inauguration as Professor," 1829; "Ad- 
dress at the Dedication of Mount Auburn," 1831 ; 
" Address at the Funeral Services of Professor John 
Hooker Ashmun," 1833; "Eulogy on John Mar- 
shall,'' 1835 ; " Lectures on the Science of Law," 
1838; "Address before the Harvard Alumni," 1842; 
and his " Charge to the Grand Jury of Rhode Island 
on Treason," in 1845. In addition to this long list of 
his works might be mentioned a large number of essays 
and articles in magazines and reviews, and three un- 
printed manuscript volumes, finished just before his 
death, entitled " Digest of Law Supplementary to 
Comyns,'' which are deposited in the Harvard Col- 
lege library. 

John Vaknum was born in Dracut in 1783, and 



graduated at Harvard in 1798. He practiced law in 
Haverhill, and there married, October 9, 1806, Mary 
Cooke, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Hav- 
erhill. He represented Haverhill in the Sta'e Legis- 
lature, and was also a member of the Senate. He 
was a member of Congress from December 5, 1825, to 
March 3, 1831. His law studies, before admission to 
the bar, were pursued in the office of Judge Smith, of 
Exeter. He died July 23, 1836. 

John Glen King, son of James and Judith 
(Norris) King, was born in Salem March 19, 1787, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1807. He studied law 
with William Prescott and Joseph Story, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1812, at the November term of 
the Supreme Judicial Court, sitting at Salem. He 
was Representative and Senator and the president of 
the first City Council of Salem after its incorporation 
as a city, in 1836. Aside from legal attainments, 
which were universally recognized as of a high order, 
he was proficient in historical study, and was a mem- 
ber of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and one 
of the founders of the Essex Historical Society. He 
married, November 10, 1815, Susan H., daughter of 
Frederick Oilman, of Gloucester, and died July 26, 
1857. 

Mr. King's baptismal name was John King, but by 
an act of the Legislature passed June 21, 1811, it was 
changed to John Glen King. He was descended 
from William King, who came from England in the 
" Abigail " in 1635. Though he graduated in 1807, he 
did not receive his degree until 1818, having been one 
of those engaged in'the famous Commons Rebellion, 
which occurred in his senior year. While a member 
of the House of Representatives he was appointed in 
the Prescott impeachment case to make the impeach- 
ment at the bar of the House, in the name of the 
House and the people, and also one of seven members 
to conduct the impeachment before the Senate. He 
was chairman of the committee and made the opening 
argument. 

A letter from Boston, in the Salem Gazette, at the 
time of his death, paid the following tribute to his 
memory: "The Hon. John Glen King, whose death, 
at the ripe age of seventy years, has been announced, 
was a gentleman universally respected for his private 
worth and public services and example. All who 
have had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance 
with him have been blest by his social qualities, his 
urbanity of manner and his kindness of heart. The 
odor of his virtues will long endure among his 
friends. Truly a good man has departed." 

Nathaniel Lord, Jr., though not a member of the 
bar, was so long register of probate of Essex County, 
and came in such close contact with lawyers in the 
performance of their professional duties, as to deserve 
an honorable place in this record. He was descended 
from Robert Lord, who came to New England in 1636 
and settled in Ipswich. Robert had five sons — Roli- 
ert, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph and Nathaniel. Of 




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t, yi 



THE BENCH AND I5AK. 



these, Robert had six sons, — Robert, 1657 ; John, 

]65!» ; ThoiiKis ; ,Ii)se|)li, 1674 ; Xatlianicl, al)out If!".'); 
and Jiiiiio^, l(!7(). Of these, .James had James, .Joseph 
and Nathaniel. Of tliese, Xatluiiiiel married Eliza- 
beth Day, and hail Nathaniel, 1747 ; Abraham, 1751 ; 
Isaac, 17.53. Of these, Isaac, by wife, Susanna, had 
Isaac, 1777; .Joseph, 1778; Nathaniel, the subject of 
this sketch, Heptember 25, 1780; and Levi, 1704. Of 
these Nathaniel, by his wife I'-unice, had Nathaniel, 
James, Otis Philli[)s, Isaac, and (Jeorge Kobert. Of 
these, George Robert, by his wife Mary, had George 
Robert and four daughters, JIary L., Anna M., Ella 
K., and Elizabetli F. 

Mr. Lord graduated at Harvard in 1798, and be- 
came first connected with the probate oflice as clerk 
of Daniel Noyes, who had been register many years. 
In May, 1815, he was appointed register by Governor 
Caleb Strong, and continued in office until lie was re- 
moved by Governor Boutwell, in 1851. In 1851 Edwin 
Lawrence succeeded him, and in the next year the 
registry was removed to Salem. 

After leaving college and before going into the 
registry as clerk he taught school a few years in 
York, Me., and was also for a short time an assistant 
in the Dummer Academy. He married, in Decem- 
ber, 1804, Eunice, daughter of Jeremiah and Lois 
(Choate) Kimball, of Ipswich, and sister of Colonel 
Charles Kimball, of that town. His three sons, Na- 
thaniel James, Otis Phillips and George Robert, of 
whom only the last is living, owed many of their 
strong mental and physical traits to their father. 
Sketches of the first two may be found in another 
place in this record. To George Robert Lord, who, 
at one time, was register of probate, and is now the 
courteous and efficient assistant clerk of the courts at 
Salem, the writer of these sketches is indebted for 
facilities in the examination of records, which he 
most generously afforded. 

Too much praise can scarcely be awarded to Nathan- 
iel Lord lor the fidelity, thoroughness and courtesy 
with which he performed the duties of register during 
his incumbency of thirty -six years. Very many now- 
living have cause to remember his kindness of heart, 
his timely counsel and his honorable deportment, 
both in business and social life, and the admirable 
method and system of the office under its present 
management is largely due to the high standard 
which he set up, while it was occupied by him. 

David Cu.m.miss wa.s the son of David and Mehita- 
bel (Cave) Cummins, of Topsfield, and was born in that 
town August 14, 1785. He graduated at Dartmouth 
in 1806, and after completing his law studies in the 
office of Samuel Putnam, of Salem, was admitted to 
the Essex bar at .^alem in 18011, at the September term 
of the Court of Common Pleas. He began practice at 
Salem, afterwards removing to Springfield, and finally 
to Dorchester, wlierc he died March 30, 18,55. He 
was appointed justice of the Court of Common Pleas 
in 1S28, and remained on the bench until 1841. He 



was twice married, — first, August 13, 1812, to Sally, 
daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Peabody) Porter, of 
Topsfield ; and second, to Catherine, daughter of 
Thomas Kittridge, of Andover. 

Samuel Porter, of Salem, was admitted to the 
bar of E-sex County before the Revolution. He 
studied law with Daniel Farnham, of Newburyport, 
and became a Loyalist refugee and ended his days in 
England. 

Nathan W. Hazen was born in Bridgeton, Maine, 
July 9, 1800. He there received his education in the 
public schools and in the Bridgeton Academy. He 
studied law with Leverett Saltonstall, of Salem, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1828. He settled in An- 
dover, where he secured a large practice. He was a 
member of the Massachusetts House of Rcjjrcsenta- 
tives in 1834, and at a later day a member of the 
Senate. He died in Andover, March 1!>, 1887, the 
oldest member of the Essex bar. 

Benmamin Ropes Nichols, son of Ichabod and 
Lydiii (Ropes) Nichols, w:is born in Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, May 18, 1786, and graduated at Harvard 
in 1804. He was admitted to the bar of E>sex County 
in 1807, and for many years practiced law in Salem. 
He married, April 12, 1813, Mary, daughter of Colonel 
Timothy and Rebecca (White) Pickering, of Salem. 
She was born in Philadelphia November 21, 1793, 
during her father's temporary residence in that city, 
and outliving her husband many years, died in West 
Roxbury March 22, 1863. Mr. Nichols removed to 
Boston in 1824, where he died April 30, 1848. He 
was a man of culture, and as an antiquary won more 
than c(mimon distinction. In 1820 he was appointed 
by the General Court on a commission, with Rev. 
James Freeman, of Boston, and Samuel Davis, of 
Plymouth, to superintend the work of copying such a 
portion of the New Plymouth records as they might 
think desirable. Under the direction of this commis- 
sion, six volumes of court proceedings, one volume of 
deeds, one volume of judicial acts and one volume of 
laws were copied, and the cojiies were deposited in the 
officeof the secretary of the commonwealth, where they 
still are. The original records were also put in proper 
condition for preservation, and to the intelligent per- 
formance of the duties of the commission the present 
state of the Old Colony records is largely due. 

RlTFUs Choate, the son of David ami Miriam 
(Foster) Choate, was born on Hog Island, in the town 
of Essex, October 1, 1799. He began the study of 
Latin in 1809 with Dr. Thomas Sewell, and continued 
his stu<lies with Rev. Thomsis Holt, Wra. Cogswell 
and Rev. Robert Crowcll. He afterwards spent seven 
months at Hampton Academy, then in charge of 
James .Vdams. and graduated at Dartmouth College in 
1S19, from which college he at a later day received the 
degree of LL.D. Degrees were al.so awarded to him 
by Yale in 1844 and Harvard in 1845. After leaving 
college he studied law in the office of William Wirt, 
at WiLshington, and at the Dane Law School in Cam- 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



bridge, and was admitted to the Essex bar, in Salem, 
at the September term of the Court of Common Pleas 
in 1823. He began practice in Danvers, where he re- 
mained until 1834. During his residence in Danvers 
he was a State Representative in 1825, State Senator 
in 1827, and member of Congress from 1832 to 1834. 
In the latter year he removed to Boston In 1841 he 
succeeded Daniel Webster in the United States Sen- 
ate, when that gentleman resigned his seat to become 
Secretary of State under President Harrison. In 
1853 he succeeded John H. Clifford as attorney- 
general of Massachusetts, and in the same year was 
a member of the Constitutional Convention. In 1858, 
in consequence of ill-health, he gave up professional 
labor, and in 1859 sailed for Europe. At that time 
the Cunard steamers from Boston touched at Halifax, 
Kova Scotia, and when reaching that port he was too 
feeble to proceed, and lauding, died in that city July 
13, 1859. 

Mr. Choate, before he removed to Boston, had been 
distinguished at the bar ; and after the death of Mr. 
Webster, in 1852, he was universally recognized as 
standing at the head of the bar of Massachusetts. In 
legislative fields he seemed out of his element. In 
the dominion of law, to which he gave his heart and 
soul and strength, he wa-s supreme. Though an ora- 
tor of the first class, his greatest forensic efforts were 
before a jury, and no gladiatorial show ever exceeded 
in interest the continuous exhibition of logic entwined 
with wreaths of eloquence in which he indulged be- 
fore a reluctant jury, until one after another of the 
panel yielded to him his judgment and was ready, as 
he triumphantly saw, to give him his verdict. The 
writer ha« seen him address himself for an hour to a 
single juryman, until he saw at last that he, with the 
rest, was secure. He was a man of large frame, broad 
shoulders and upright figure, surrounded by a head 
and face which it is as impossible to describe as the 
flash of the lightning in the cloud or the aurora in the 
sky. 

Though contrasting strongly with Mr. Webster in 
every movement and feature, he was perhaps as 
striking in appearance, and in an uncovered crowd 
would have been as likely to arrest the attention of 
the stranger. There was a fascination about him 
which always won the sympathy of visitors to the 
court-room where he was engaged for the side in 
whose interest he was acting. The juror could uo 
more easily escape this fascination than the visitor, 
and to this may be attributed a part of his success. 
The writer was in court at Mr. Webster's last appear- 
ance before a jury in Boston, and Mr. Choate was op- 
posed to him. It was one of the many contests in 
which the heavy-moulded dray-horse, which would 
only exhibit his strength when he had tons to draw, 
was pitted against the racer. The racer won the case 
because there were no tons to draw, and because 
activity, alertness, swiftness and grace alone were 
needed. 



Few lawyers in Massachusetts have been so much 
beloved as Mr. Choate. To the young members of the 
bar he was always courteous and kind; to his peers 
he was always considerate and liberal. His death was 
felt as a public loss, and not only the various societies 
and the bar to which he belonged put on record 
their tributes to his memory, but the citizens of Bos- 
ton met in Fanueil Hall and passed resolutions in his 
honor. 

Charles Jackson, born in Newburyport May 31, 
1775, graduated at Harvard in 1793 and received the 
degree of LL.D. from his alma mater in 1821. He 
was a son of Jonathan Jackson, of Newburyport, who 
afterwards removed to Boston and there died March 
5, 1810. He studied law with Theophilus Parsons 
and was admitted to the Essex bar in 1796. In 1803 
he removed to Boston and attained very soon a high 
rank. In 1813 he was appointed by Governor Strong 
associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and 
left the bench in 1823. He was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1820, and in 1833 was 
appointed one of the commissioners to codify the 
State laws. He died in Boston December 13, 18.55. 

Stephen Minot was born in Concord, Mass., Sep- 
tember 28, 1776, and graduated at Harvard in 1801. 
He studied law with Samuel Dana, of Groton, and 
was admitted to the bar in Middlesex County in 1804. 
He practiced for a short time in New Gloucester and 
in Minot, Maine, and finally settled in Haverhill. He 
was, from December, 1811, to June, 1821, judge of the 
Circuit Court of Common Pleas, and county attorney 
from 1824 to 1830. He died in Haverhill April 6, 
1861. 

Samuel Putnam, LL.D., A.A.S.' — " Samuel Put- 
nam was born in Danvers, on the 13th of April, 1768. 
He was the son of parents of superior intelligence 
and worth, the line of his ancestry in that place run- 
ning back into our greatest American antiquity. His 
father. Deacon Gideon Putnam, amid the emergencies 
of an early settlement, seems to have exercised a 
variety of those needful functions which devolved 
upon men of most native sense and energy. His 
mother, who united to keen wit most acute feelings, 
having, of ten children, only this one spared, would 
often betray the smile and tear in the same moment, 
and this only one left of her offspring was naturally 
of so very slender constitution that faintly indeed 
in his youth could his after career have been antici- 
pated, and only a bold casting of the horoscope have 
meted out to him his coming years or attainments. 
Samuel went to school in Beverly, whither for a time 
the family removed, and afterwards, at the age of 
ten years, he studied in the academy at Andover. 
He saw the soldiers under Arnold as they were going 
down to attack Quebec, and they were pleased that 
the little boy — who appears to have had melody born 

1 Thij sketch is taken almost wholly from a sermon deliveretl in 1853, 
by Rev. A, U. Bal-tol, D.D. (Contributed.) 




SAMUEL PUTNAM 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



ZXXUI 



in him, even at his tender age, so rarely cultivated 
was his faculty — could play the fife for them as they 
marched by. 

"Before the Revolution, too, he had seen a regi- 
ment of soldiers in command of General Gage, the 
British governor. He was himself distantly related 
to tlie celebrated Genera! Israel Putnam. But his 
vocation was not to the turbulence of battle, but to 
the serener air of peaceful studies, and having en- 
tered Harvard College, with others, a class-mate of 
John Quincy Adams, he received his graduation in 
July, 1787, and continued an enthusiastic friend of 
his alma mater to the end of his days. 

" His (iither had destined him to be a teacher, but, 
moved by the inspiration and other destiny of his 
own nature to a different sphere of greater intellectu- 
al study among men, he went to Newburyport to 
study law with the distinguished Judge Parsons, 
yet was by him — his class of pupils being full — direct- 
ed to Master Bradbury, as he was called, a sound 
and learned lawyer. He established himself in the 
practice of his profession, soon very extensively at 
Salem ; held a leading rank as an advocate, and, 
again.st eminent opponents, was prompt, acute, ready, 
and able, with all the ingenuity at command needful 
to serve his client. No advocate of the time is under- 
stood to have been better versed than he in the prin- 
ci|)les of the common law^. He had peculiar slcill and 
fame in the branch of mercantile or commercial law, 
which was a rare reputation at that period, so that the 
great Samuel Dexter, in an important case sent his 
client to Essex, to Mr. Putnam, as the man to consult 
in that early school of the law in Massachusetts." 

So late as the year 1885, Lord Esher, the present 
distinguished Master of the Rolls, pronouncing the 
judgment of the Court of Appeals of England in an 
important commercial case said: "The first c;tse to 
be dealt with is the American case of Brooks vs. The 
Oriciitid Insura7ice Co. It came before a judge whose 
decisions I have often read with admiration, and from 
whom I have certainly received great assistance, Mr. 
Justice Putnam." 

" The renowned Justice Story, who had been his 
scholar, dedicated one of his works to his former 
teacher, with a high tribute to his sagacity and 
knowledge, as well as unspotted integrity. He took 
a decided and ardent part in the political questions 
of the time, but it is believed, in all the fire of parties 
that during his early manhood so hotly blazed out, 
he had no zeal that was not matched by his fairness, 
or at the core and in the seed outdone by liis charity. 
But so did he retain his earnestness, and so deter- 
mined was he in his opinions, that he always, to the 
close, considered it a duty, even at personal inconve- 
nience, to cast his vote. 

" Upon the death of Chief Justice Sewall, in 1814, 

he was, by Governor Strong, for whom he had a great 

reverence, appointed judge of the Supreme Juilicial 

Court of this Commonwealth, and he continued to 

iv 



exercise this high ofiice for twenty-eight years. I 
state what is in the cognizance of those familiar with 
the subject, in saying he had the respect of all good 
men for the manner in which he performed its sol- 
emn and responsible duties. No man ever held the 
scales of justice more even. None was ever more in- 
tent on making righteous decrees ; none ever more 
fearless and independent in his decisions ; none more 
solicitous for the deliverance of the wrongfully ac- 
cused, and none more indignant against all trickery, 
lying and fraud. Members of the bar join with his 
compeers on the bench to declare that no opinions or 
judgments of a high tribunal were ever more like- 
ly to be sound, sober, practical, and to the point, 
than his, as they are recorded in the books. 

" He adhered with great conservative firmness and 
inflexibility to his principles ; but one of his associ- 
ates told me his principles were good to adhere to. 
It is the award of another sincere observer of his 
course that, engaged as he had been in politics, with 
his whole heart espousing one side, on his becoming 
judge he put the politician entirely ofl' and, in his 
place, knew no distinction of fellow or foe. It is an 
unequivocal sign of the goodness of his heart, that, 
while nobody could suspect he was at all influenced 
by any regard to human favor^so clearly and evi- 
dently above all personal reganls and consequences 
was he in his duty — he yet carried into the execution 
of that duty the singular urbanity which stamped his 
whole deportment in private life. 

" In 1825 he received from the University in Cam- 
bridge the title of Doctor of Laws. In 1842, while 
still able to accomplish well the work falling to him 
in his lofty sphere, he retired into private, there to 
prove completely that no role of oflSce, but what was 
solid and genuine, gave him his real consequence in 
the world. I am persuaded from every quarter will 
be confirnieil the assertion, that he bore himself with 
admirable fidelity and acceptance in all the relations 
he sustained. He was exceedingly hospitable, kept 
open door, cordially invited his friends to come in, 
delighted to serve them at his table, and forgot not — 
how could he with his inclination? — to send a portion 
to the stranger and the poor, or to some humble 
neighbor, after whose comfort his benevolence 
yearned. He was glad to go with his guests over his 
old paternal estate, which it was a special pleiusure to 
him to increase and improve. He cherished and 
fondled his farm, but had not the ambition of some to 
accumulate wealth. He loved to set out trees, whose 
growth and full flourishing only his posterity could 
see. I remember he once showed me how nuich a 
limb had grown on one of his trees; he had, I think, 
brought the branch to town, assuring ine it afforded 
him as much satisfaction as another man would de- 
rive from a dividend. 

" He desired kindly constructions of the deeds and 
motives of others, and would allow no ill intent to be 
ascribed where any excuse was possible, while all 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



unfairness everywhere met his steady disapproval. 
Respecting harshness of remark he often quoted a 
saying of his own father: "That may be true, my 
.son, but you should not say so." This love of all 
that is spiritually accordant was naturally connected 
with or issued in a great love of music, especially of 
sacred music, under his own roof or in the temple. 
He had a very sensitive ear to the precision of the 
note ; could scarce abide any falseness of tune, was 
never more pleased than when some beloved old 
hymn rang up to heaven, and when not listening to 
the anthems of the sanctuary, or the voices kindred 
and dear to him, found, what was to him, a delicious 
feast in the minstrelsy of the birds. There was, in 
truth, an infinite sweetness in him; his face was 
favor, his look an invitation, and he could not keep 
his hand from blessing the head of a child as he weut 
along. He was, I think, a very happy man, not ex- 
empt from trial, tasting some pain and sadness as the 
springs of health and life were broken up, but finding 
in existence a large boon for overrunning thanksgiv- 
ing. He had favorite books and authors, and found 
in reading, and in hearing his friends read, the pleas- 
ant occupation of much time. The enjoyment which 
a good old age has of youth was his to an uncommon 
degree. The first time I saw him was with the 
young all around, evidently both attracted by his 
love for them, and overflowing him with the tokens 
of their own, so that in their looks and motions they 
seemed to make one life together; and I remember 
well his presence, like a blessing, once, on occasion 
of the usual gathering of the children of our own so- 
ciety on the afternoon of Fast Day. I have heard it 
repeatedly said, in gratitude to him or commendation 
of him, that he loved to encourage young men in 
their commencing efforts, and by a word or a line 
from the desk of his tribunal would cheer and stim- 
ulate them. 

" During the stormy period of our public affairs, 
before and after 1812, he was among the stirring spi- 
rits. He repeatedly represented, in both branches 
of the Legislature, his section of the State, and, we 
may not doubt, uttered always, withe ut compromise, 
the deliberate conclusions of a thoughtful mind, and 
the deep sentiments of a guileless heart." 

Judge Putnam was married October 28, 1795, to 
Sarah Gooll, of Salem, who survived him by eleven 
years. He had three sons and five daughters, who 
lived to grow up. All were married, and all but one 
survived their father. He died July 3, 1853, in his 
86th year. 

Leveeett Saltonstall was born in Haverhill 
June 13, 1783. It is probable that no native of Essex 
County who has held his residence through life 
within its limits has been so conspicuous and so uni- 
versally respected and beloved. It may be said, too, 
with perfect truth, that no family in New England 
can boast of a more extended pedigree or more gen- 
ie blood than that whose name he bore and whose 



fame he contributed so much to maintaiu. He was 
the son of Dr. Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Haverhill, 
and Anna, daughter of Samuel White, of Haverhill, 
a descendant of William White, a settler in Ijiswich 
in 1035, and one of the first settlers of Haverhill in 
1040. Dr. Nathaniel Saltonstall, born February 10, 
1746, was the son of Richard Saltonstall, of Haver- 
hill, and his third wife, Mary, daughter of Elisha 
Cooke, whose wife, Jane Middlecott, was a great- 
granddaughter of Governor Edward Winslow, of the 
Old Colony. Mary Cooke was also great-granddaugh- 
ter of Governor John Leverett. Richard Saltonstall, 
born June 24, 1703, was the son of Richard Salton- 
stall, of Haverhill, and Mehitabel, daughter of Cap- 
tain Simon Wainwright, of Haverhill. The last- 
mentioned Richard Saltonstall, born April 25, 1672, 
was the son of Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Haverhill, 
who was appointed in 1692, by Governor William 
Phipps, one of the judges of the Oyer and Terminer 
Court to try the witches, and refused to serve, and 
his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John Ward, of 
Haverhill. Nathaniel Saltonstall, born in Ipswich 
in 1639, was the son of Richard Saltonstall and 
Muriel, daughter of Brampton Gurdon and Muriel 
(Sedley) Gurdon, of Assington, County of Suffolk, in 
England. Richard Saltonstall, born at Woodsome, 
County of York, England, in 1610, came to New 
England with his father. Sir Richard Saltonstall, in 

1630, returned in 1631, married in England about 
1633, and coming back to New England in 1635, set- 
tled in Ipswich. He died on a visit to England, at 
Hulme, April 29, 1694. Sir Richard Saltonstall, of 
Huntwick, Knight, baptized at Halifax, England, 
April 4, 1586, was lord of the manor at Ledsham. 
He was the son of Samuel Saltonstall, and his first 
wife, Anne, daughter of John Ramsden, of Longley. 
He married three wives, — first, Grace, daughter of 
Robert Kaye, of Woodsome, who was the mother of 
the son Richard; second, Elizabeth, daughter of Sir 
Thomas West, Baron de la Warre; and third, Martha 
Wilford. He was one of the original patentees 
of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, and after his 
first wife died he came to New England with Win- 
throp in 1630, bringing his children. He began the 
settlement of Watertown, returned to England in 

1631, and there died about 1658, giving in his will a 
legacy to Harvard College. Samuel Saltonstall, the 
father of Sir Richard Saltonstall, the date of whose 
birth is unknown, died January 8, 1612-13, and was 
buried in Holy Trinity Church, Hull. He married 
three wives, — first, Anne Ramsden, above mentioned, 
who was the mother of Sir Richard Saltonstall ; sec- 
ond, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Ogden ; and 
third, Elizabeth Armine, widow of Hugh Armine, 
mayor of Hull. Gilbert Saltonstall, the father of 
Samuel, had a seat at Rooke's Hall, in Hipperholme. 
He died in 1598 and was buried at Halifax Decem- 
ber 29th. In his will he mentioned his wife, Isabel, 
and left legacies to the Halifax Church and the 




^na '^s^,A H nxia^'-i 



^^^-^^^.^^^^^0^7^^:^^^^^ 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



XXXV 



Halifax Grammar School. It is unnecessary to follow 
tlie pedigree further in detail. It is sufficient to say 
that heyond Gilbert, above mentioned, through two 
Richards, another Gilbert and two other Richards, it 
goes back to either John or Richard, the sons of 
Thomas De Saltonstall, of the West Riding of York- 
shire, who flourished about the year l.'WO. Every 
generation has been distinguished for the eminent 
men it hiis produced, and in the direct line of the 
subject of this sketch, every ancestor back to Richard, 
who came with his father in 1030, hiis been a gradu- 
ate of Harvard. To this list of graduates the names 
of Mr. Salstonstall himself, and of his son, Colonel 
Leverett Saltonstall, the present collector of the port 
of Boston, may be added. 

Nor is the Saltonstall pedigree the only ancient 
one to which the family of Mr. Saltonstall may lay 
claim. The family of Gurdons, one of whom, Muriel, 
daughter of Brampton Gurdon, married Richard 
Saltonstall, who came to Xew England with his 
father in 1630, has a recorded pedigree in the hands of 
Sir William Brampton Gurdon reaching back to Sir 
Adam Gurdon, who lived in the thirteenth century. 
The mother of Muriel Gurdon was Muriel Sedley, 
and the Sedley family, too, has a pedigree which is 
only lost in the reign of Edward the First. And still 
another family mingles its blood with that of the 
Saltonstalls. Sir Richard Saltonstall, who came to 
New England with his son in 1630 and returned to 
England in 1631, married for his first wife, from 
whom the Essex branch of the family sprang, Grace, 
daughter of Robert Kaye, of Woodsome, and the 
pedigree of the Kaye family, as taken from the York- 
shire visitation, published by the Harleian Society, 
reaches through a plain channel back to the time of 
William the Conqueror. Thus it will be seen that 
Mr. Saltonstall, besides the blood of his own imme- 
diate family, carried in his veins not only that of the 
Winslows and Leverctts of New England, but that of 
some of the most ancient families in Great Britain. 

Mr. Saltonstall pursued his preparatory studies at 
Phillips Academy, and graduated at Harvard in 
1802. In 1838 he received from his alma mater the 
degree of LL.D., the degree of A.B., from Yale, in 
1802, and of A.M. from Bowdoin in 1806. 

He studied law with Ichabod Tucker, of Haverhill, 
and afterwards with William Prescott, and after a 
short term of practice in his native town, removed to 
Salem in 1806. At that time the Essex bar contained 
on its rolls the names of Nathan Dane, William Pres- 
cott, Samuel Putnam, Joseph Story, John Pickering 
and Daniel A. White. By the side of these eminent 
men, with whom he came constantly in competition, 
he grew step by step, until he became their profes- 
sional peer. Samuel Putnam was called to the bench 
of the Supreme Court in 1814, Joseph Story was 
appointed to the bench of the United Slates Sujirenie 
Court in 1811, Nathan Dane gradually relinciuished 
I ractiee, Daniel A. White was made juilge of probate 



and John Pickering finally removed to Boston. As 
these early rivals, one after another, left the field, Mr. 
Saltonstall attained the position, which he held for 
many years and until his death, of leader of the 
Essex bar. He possessed every qualification for a 
successful lawyer, especially in a county like Essex, 
made n|) of small towns with honest, plain, matter- 
of-fact people, among whom the character and life of 
a professional man were criticised and prized aa much 
as his acumen and learning. The character and life 
of Mr. Saltonstall were singularly pure. Every man 
in Essex County knew it, and, when involved in ditti- 
culties, felt sure that his counsel would be wise and 
his services discreet and honest. For many years the 
Essex bar has had a reputation for fair and honorable 
dealings not possessed by that of every county in the 
State, and that reputation Mr. Saltonstall did much 
to establish and maintain. The confidence of his 
fellow-citizens of both the city of Salem and of the 
county wa-s many times and in various ways mani- 
fested. By Hon. Stephen C. Phillips, who knew him 
well, it was said, that "at an early age he took his 
seat in the Massachusetts House of Reprasentatives, 
and in that body at different periods, even to the very 
close of his public life, he rendered perhaps his most 
valuable services, and was distinguished and honored 
beyond almost any of his cotemporaries. He was 
an ettective debater and in the committee-room none 
could surpass him in the faithful, patient and intelli- 
gent performance of all his duties. He was a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate in two most important 
political junctures, and as a leader of the majority he 
assumed a full share of responsibility for its acts. 
As president of the Senate, too, he performed his 
duties with admirable dignity and to universal accept- 
ance. In the political service of Massachusetts he 
felt him-self at home, and the State never h.ad a citi- 
zen who maintained her character with a nobler pride 
or labored for her welfare with a purer zeal." On the 
incorporation of Salem as a city, March 23, 183i), her 
citizens did him and themselves the honor of making 
him their first mayor, and in that capacity he served 
until 1838. In the latter year he was chosen Repre- 
sentative to Congress, and remained in office until 
1843. In the discharge of his duties as Representa- 
tive he was singularly faithful, useful and earnest. 

During the latter half of his Congressional life he 
was chairman of the Committee on Manufactures, and 
on his shoulders fell the burden of the investigation 
and inquiry, and of the prei)aration of the report and 
bill, which finally resulted in the passage of the tjir- 
ilfof 1842. He was an active and honorable member 
of the old Whig party, conscientiously devoted to its 
interests at a time when party policies were con- 
tinuously distinct ; and sincerely believing that the 
success of the policy of that party would best promote 
the welfare of the country. He was not a partisan in 
the sense in which so many are partisans to-day, and 
would have indignantly refused to follow his party 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



into the support of new measures devised purely for 
party purposes, without reference to the public good. 
When he advocated a measure, therefore, he spoke 
with a conviction behind liis words, with a heart 
pouring out its fullness from the tongue, and hence 
the impressive and convincing eloquence of which he 
was a master. 

Mr. Salstonstall was conspicuous in other than 
legislative and legal fields. He was president of the 
Bible Society, president of the Essex Agricultural 
Society and of the Essex Bar Association, a member 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and of the 
board of overseers of Harvard University, 

The relations of Mr. Saltonstall with his family 
were to the last degree confiding and tender. To say 
that he was beloved is only to repeat what may be 
said of nearly every husband and father. To say 
that he was worthy to be beloved is a better and a 
juster tribute. The affection which is merely incident 
to relationship fades with time. The tears of his 
children, though forty years have elapsed since his 
death, still start when they recall the virtues of their 
father, and exemplar, and friend. 

Mr. Saltonstall married, March 7, 1811, Mary 
Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Sanders, of Salem, 
and died in Salem May 8, 1845. On the 8th of May 
a meeting of the Essex bar was held at Ipswich, at 
which Benjamin Merrill was chosen president, and 
Ebenezer Shillaber secretary ; and resolutions offered 
by Joseph E. Sprague, and seconded by Nathaniel J. 
Lord, were passed as a tribute to his memory. On 
the same day, in the Supreme Court, Mr. Merrill 
presented the resolutions of the bar, and addressed 
the court. Judge Wilde replied, expressing "his 
sympathy with the feelings of the bar, and his regret 
at the loss of so useful and excellent a citizen as Mr. 
Saltonstall, whose worth and excellence he had 
known and highly esteemed for forty years." 

On the 10th of May, at a special meeting of the 
City Council of Salem, Mr. Roberts submitted re 
solves concerning the loss sustained by the city in 
the death of Mr. Saltonstall, which wereunaninuiusly 
passed. 

The Massachusetts Historical Society took ap[)ro- 
priate notice of his death by eulogies spoken by 
various members, and at a later day by a memoir in 
its published proceedings. On Sunday, the 18th of 
May, Rev. Dr. John Brazier delivered, in the North 
Church in Salem, a discourse on his life and charac- 
ter ; and a commemorative sermon was also preached 
in the East Church by Rev. Dr. Flint. 

Isaac Ridington How, son of David How, was 
born in Haverhill March 13, 1791, and graduated at 
Harvard in 1810. He studied law with William 
Prescott and continued through life in the practice of 
law in his native town, where he died January 15, 
1860. 

Samuel Merrill was born in Plaistow, New 



Hampshire, in 1776. His preparatory studies were 
pursued at Phillips Academy under the instruction of 
Joseph S. Buckminster, and with his brother, .lames 
Cushing Merrill, he graduated at Harvard in 1807. 
He studied law with John Varnum in Haverhill and 
began practice of the law in Andover in partnership 
with Samuel Farrar. He was at various times a 
memberof both branches of the Legislature, and, aside 
from his law studies, was through life a diligent 
scholar, and especially proficient in Greek and Latin 
literature. He died in Andover December 24, 1869. 

Michael Hodge was born in Newbury port in 
1780 and graduated at Harvard in 1799. He studied 
law in his native town and there followed his profes- 
sion. Samuel L. Knapp describes him in his per- 
sonal sketches as a man "who was never perfectly 
satisfied with his profession, for in his character was 
exhibited that moral enigma which has so often per- 
plexed the metaphysicians, — great personal intrepidity 
united to a painful and shrinking modesty ; a fear- 
lessness of all the forms of danger to a diffidence in 
the discharge of professional duties." He married, in 
1814, Betsey Hayvvard, daughter of Dr. James 
Thacher, of Plymouth, Mass., and widow of Daniel 
Robert Elliott, of Savannah, Georgia, and had James 
Thatcher, a graduate of Harvard in 1836, who was 
lost on Lake Michigan with a career in the paths of 
science already brilliant, but yet full of hope and 
promise. Mr. Hodge died in Plymouth on the 6th of 
July, 1816. 

Jedediah Foster was born in Andover October 
10, 1726, and graduated at Harvard in 1744. He 
finally established himself in Brookfield and married 
a daughter of Brigadier-General Joseph D wight. He 
was appointed judge of the Superior Court of Judica- 
ture in 1776 and died October 17, 1779. 

Charles Amburger Andrew was born in Salem 
in 1805 and graduated from the Harvard Law School 
in 1832. He also studied in the office of Leverett 
Saltonstall and was admitted to the bar in 1831. He 
died at Salem June 17, 1843. 

Benjamin Lynde Oliver was born in Salem in 
1789 and studied law with Joseph Story and Samuel 
Putnam. He was admitted to the Essex bar in June, 
1809. He died in Maiden June 18, 1843. 

Ebenezer Mosely, son of Ebenezer and Martha 
(Strong) Mosely, was born in Windham, Conn., Nov. 
21, 1781, and graduated at Yale College in 1802. He 
studied law with Judge Chauncey, of New Haven, 
Judge Clark, of Windham, and Judge Hinckley, of 
Northampton. In 1805 he settled in Nevvburyport, 
and at various times had as students in his office John 
Pierpont, afterwards a clergyman ; Governor Dunlap, 
of Maine; Robert Cross, Asa W. Wildes and Caleb 
Gushing. In 1813-14 he was the colonel of the Sixth 
Regiment, and, as chairman of the Board of Selectmen , 
welcomed Lafayette on the occasion of his visit to 
Newburyport. From 1816 to 1820 and from 1884 to 
18.36 he was a member of the House of Representa- 




^ ^.^x... 



--/ 



THE BENCH AND BAK. 



tives, and in 1821 and 1822 a member of the Senate. 
In 1832 he was a Presidential elector and threw his 
vote for Henry Clay. On the 17th of June, 1811, he 
married Mary Ann, daughter of Edward Oxnard, and 
died at Newburyport August 28, 1854. 

LoNSON Nash came to the bar in 1807 and settled 
in Gloucester, his native town. He Wiis a Represen- 
tative in 1809 and Senator in 1812. He retired in 
1860 and died at Great Harrington February 1, 1863. 

William Fabens, son of William and Sarah 
(Brown) Fabens, was born in Salem April 14, 1810, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1832. He early settled 
in Marblehead an<l was engaged in law practice until 
his death, March 11, 1883. He was trial justice from 
1860 to 1878, a State Senator in 18o9, a trustee of the 
Nautical School during the entire period of its exis- 
tence, and for many years an active member of the 
School Board of Murblehead. 

Caleb Cushixg. — Newburyport, from the first set- 
tlement of the country, has been greatly distinguished 
for the eminence attained by her sons, daughters and 
citizens, in letters and active life. She can point to a 
long list of state>men, orators, poets, jurists, divine.', 
inventors and merchants, who do her honor. One of 
the least of our cities in territory and population, 
she has made herself famous at home and abroad, in 
the States of the Union and the nations of the globe. 
Among the names of her jurists she counts Bradbury, 
Parsons, Jackson, Lowell, Greenleaf, Wilde and a 
host of others famous for their knowdedge of common 
law and international law, as well as for their legal 
opinions and decisions uttered in our courts ; but no 
one of them in his varied acquirements and duties 
has done more credit to himself and the place of his 
birth or residence than Caleb Gushing. There have 
been in this century, or in this country, few to com- 
pare with him. It has been said that no man is 
great in everything or great at all times; but as we 
look back on his career, from youth to old age, we 
discover no dimness, no weakness. As a polygon 
presents in its many sides and angles, in its roofs and 
towers, its lights and sliadows, the evidence of its 
own strength and beauty and the skill and genius of 
its designer and builder, so he, in deeds and words, 
through a long life and under varied circumstances, 
in success and in defeat, stands as an illustrious ex- 
ample of what a man may be and may do, when he 
puts a human will and indomitable persistency in 
what he undertakes to accomplish. He was a scholar 
lofty in bis attainments; an author and an orator 
equally expert with pen or voice ; a lawyer attractive 
at the bar, profound on the bench and celebrated as 
minister of justice — attorney-general for the country, 
uttering opinions which nations were bound to re- 
spect. He was a statesman the compeer of Webster, 
John Quincy Adams and Charles Sumner, who were 
his friends and admirers, and no man has shown 
greater knowledge of the science of government— of 
the principlis on which are based our own and for- 



eign institutions. He was a diplomatist of high rank, 

negotiating treaties in South America, Spain, (^hina, 
in pressing our claims before the extraordinary tri- 
bunal at Geneva, where sat the distinguished com- 
missioners from Germany, Italy, Spain, England and 
America, who listened to no other man more gladly. 

It did not matter where be was place<l, what duties 
he was to perform or with whom he was to act, he 
never failed in courage, capacity or power and perse- 
verance. He was equal to the occasion. The late 
Isaac O. Barnes, many years United States marshal 
for the district of Ma.ssacliusetts, who knew Mr. 
Gushing intimately, and was himself a scholar and a 
wit, being one day in the Public Library of Boston, 
was approached by a young man, who inquired where 
he could find an encyclopiedia. Mr. Gushing passing 
at the moment. Colonel Barnes, pointing to him, re- 
plied : " There is a living, self-moving cyclopedia, 
from whom you can obtain information upon every 
question that has interested any people in any age of 
the world." This seems almost a literal truth. He 
had made himself personally acquainted by his 
travels with all the continents of our globe, he had 
crossed the oceans and great seas, climbed the Rocky 
Mountains, the Alps and the Andes and sat on the 
foot-hills of the Himalayas ; had conversed with the 
Russian at St. Petersburg, the German at Berlin, the 
Italian on the Bay of Naples, the Frenchman at 
Paris, the Spaniard at Madrid, the Tartar in Eastern 
Asia, each in his own tongue, and at the reception of 
foreign ministers by President Pierce, surprised them 
all in his facility of language. He studied religions 
with the preachers of Geneva, the priests of Rome 
and the Brahmins of India, and he had discussed pol- 
itics and international law with the highest minister 
of state in China. The schools had found him a most 
enthusiastic student, the forum an eloquent advocate, 
and to his reading of books there was no end. He 
was literally the devourer of books and the digester of 
their contents. He was the only man we ever knew 
who could read a dictionary and delight in the study 
of every word ; and that did Caleb Gushing on the 
first appearance of Webster's Unabridged, containing 
one hundred and fourteen thousand words, and, more 
than that, unsolicited and without remuneration, like 
a proof-reader, he marked every error or mistake ; so 
he could study a volume of abstract principles be- 
cause he could surround each statement with the 
children born from it, and thus evolve from naked 
truths passages of beauty. This single fact of his 
reading we may cite: " When called to the Supreme 
Bench he had long been out of the practice of law, 
and to prepare himself for duty, read fifty-seven 
volumes of the Massachusetts Reports— all up to that 
date — in nineteen days, or three full volumes per day, 
and so thoroughly did he the work that he was famil- 
iar with every decision they contained. This he 
could do because he w^as untiring in labor and needed 
little sleeii. He often read eighteen hours a day 



xl 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tion and his feme and skill as a writer and debater." 
" Nor will I forget," added he, " his very amiable 
traits of character, which prevented difference of 
opinion or of party, sundering the ties of social inter- 
course. He knew how to abandon a policy or quit a 
party without quarrelling with those he left behind." 
Thus we see him, a Democrat, in the most friendly 
relations with Charles Sumner, at Washington, spend- 
ing an evening of every week in discussing public af- 
fairs and inquiring what might be done for their com- 
mon country. Like relations held he with Secretary 
Seward, and with all the Republican presidents from 
Lincoln to Grant inclusive. 

He retired from politics, after the Rebellion broke 
out, and spent most of his time at Washington, where 
every administration during his life had the benefit of 
his well-formed opinions; nor was there a single 
branch of the government that did not avail itself of 
his service. When not connected officially with them 
he was held in reserve for any emergency that might 
occur. Nothing personal or political prevented his 
serving his country. He was intensely loyal and pa- 
triotic; never man more so; ready to sacrifice anything 
for the unity and perpetuity of the government. We 
recall his words in dismissing the national Democratic 
convention, over which he was called to preside at 
Charleston, S. C, when we stood on the brink of the 
Rebellion :" I pray you, gentlemen, in returning to 
your constituents and the bosoms of your families, to 
take with you, as your guiding thought, the sentiment, 
the Constitution and the Union." Those were the 
waymarks and the guides of his life. 

After leaving Congress he at once entered upon the 
duties of minister to China, to which he had been ap- 
pointed by President Tyler to negotiate a treaty. This 
he did, going east to China and returning in the same 
direction, via Mexico, with the best treaty to that date 
ever made with that ancient people ; perfecting his 
work and circumnavigating the globe in fourteen 
months. The treaty was submitted to the Senate that 
had, on political grounds, three times rejected him as 
secretary of the treasury, and was so satisfactory as to 
be ratified without a dissenting voice 

His next important service was as attorney-general 
under President Pierce, to which he was called from 
the Supreme Bench of Massachusetts, which occa- 
sioned one of his associate judges to pay him this com- 
pliment, " when he came to the bench we didn't know 
what we could do with him; and when he left, we 
didn't know how we could do without him." As At- 
torney-General, he perhaps appeared to the country 
at large, better than in any position he had before 
held ; and when he retired, carried with him a higher 
reputation for profound knowledge, than any of his 
predecessors. He was then at his maturity, in the 
fulness of physical and mental strength, and his labors 
were the most arduous and varied. It was not uncom- 
mon, for weeks in succession, for him to be in his of- 
fice from four o'clock in the morning till midnight. 



and every conceivable question on our relations to 
matters at home and abroad, wsa submitted to him. 
His opinions fill three volumes, of the fifteen in the 
whole, to the date of his retirement ; and no less au- 
thority than William Beach Lawrence, in his edition 
of Wheaton, declares " they constitute in themselves 
a valuable body of international law." They show 
also his fidelity to the principles of the fathers of the 
republic. 

In the short space allowed this sketch, we may not 
go into particulars. That he had the confidence of 
the country may be seen in this: President Lincoln 
appointed him a commissioner to adjust claims pend- 
ing between this country and Mexico, Spain and 
other peoples ; President Johnson made him a special 
envoy to the United States of Colombia; President 
Grant appointed him minister to Spain, counsel for 
the United States to Geneva and would have made 
him chief justice of the Supreme Court, had not Mr. 
Cushing asked him to withdraw the nomination, not 
made at his solicitation, upon the dissent of a single 
Senator ; and at every point his action was endorsed 
by the country, the public press ap[)lauding. 

He now retired to his home. Though still strong, 
but pressing hard upon four-score years, he could see 
that the end was near, and he heard the message : 
" What thou hast to do, do quickly." He obeyed, 
turned his attention to his private affairs and sought 
rest with personal friends, in the town and by the river 
he had loved so well, and where he had been loved. 
His mission was finished; he had all the honors de- 
sired ; his fortune was ample; he had really nothing 
more to do, than to be himself, as he was to the end, 
and utter his last prayer for his country. He died 
January 2, 1879, and was gathered to his fathers. He 
sleeps on the western slope of the hill, where the r,iys 
of the setting sun longest linger on the marble that 
bears his name, and the name of her who was dearest 
of human kind to him. He had built the tomb for 
his wife, and in it prepared his own resting place — a 
place for one; he determined at her decease, forty-five 
years before, there should be no more. 

Daniel P. King, though never admitted to the 
bar, passed through a course of study in law and de- 
serves a place in this record. He was born in Dan- 
vers January 8, 1801, and was the son of Daniel and 
Phebe (Upton) King, of that town. He fitted for 
college at Phillips Academy and graduated at Harvard 
in 182.3. In 1824 he married Sarah P., daughter of 
Hezekiah and Sally (Putnam) Flint, and finally set- 
tled down at Danvers as a farmer, following the occu- 
pation of his father before him. He was a Represen- 
tative to the Legislature from his native town in 1835, 
Speaker of the House in 1840 and 1841, president of 
the Senate in 1843, and was chosen in the last year 
Representative to Congress, continuing in olUce until 
1849. His natural gifts, cultivated by his collegiate 
and legal studies, specially fitted him for legislative 
duties, and more particularly for that class of them 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



xli 



which attaches to the responsible position of presiding 
officer. He died in Danvers July 25, 1850. 

EuAS Hasket Dkkby was born in Salem Sep- 
tember 24, 1S03, and graduated at Harvard in 1824. 
He studied law in the office of Daniel Webster, and 
appears on the official list of lawyers admitted to the 
bar to have been admitted at Salem in the year of his 
graduation from college. He settled in Boston, and 
by an increasing practice in railroad cases soon 
became identified with railroad interests, in the pro- 
motion of which he was far-seeing and bold. He was 
a prolific writer for newspapers and magazines, hav- 
ing in all his productions an eye to the advancement 
and prosperity of Boston. He was at one time pres- 
ident of the Old Colony Railroad, and died in Bos- 
ton, March 31, 1880. 

George Lunt, son of Abel and Phrebe Lunt, 
was born in Newburyport December 31, 1803, 
and graduated in Harvard in 1824. He was ad- 
mitted to the Essex bar in 1833, and until 
1848 practiced law in Newburyport. In that 
year he removed to Boston, and in 1849, under the 
new Whig national administration, was appointed 
district attorney for Massachusetts, succeeding Rob- 
ert Rantoul. During the four or five years which pre- 
ceded the war he was one of the editors of the Boston 
Courier, and was earnest in his opposition to all the 
measures on the part of the North which tended 
to dissatisfy and estrange the South. His convictions 
were doubtless as sincere and pure as those who de- 
nounced him, but his love for an unbroken union min- 
gled w-ith a timidity which shrunk from a test of its 
strength, made him appear at times what he was not, 
an advocate of slavery and its attendant evils. 

Outside of the columns of newspapers, Mr. Lunt's 
publications were chiefly poetical, while the news- 
papers themselves contained many a poetical gem 
from his pen, which eventually found its way into a 
public collection. A volume of his poems was pub- 
lished in 1829, another in 1843, another in 1851 and 
still others in 18.54 and 1855. The last few years of 
his life Mr. Lunt spent in comparative retirement in 
Scituate, and died in Boston May 16, 1885. 

Stephen Palfrey Webb, son of Captain Stephen 
and Sarah (Putnam) Webb was born in Salem March 
20, 1804, and graduated at Harvard in 1824. He 
studied law with John Glen King, of Salem, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1826. He settled in practice 
in Salem, and was, before 1853, Senator, Representa- 
tive and mayor. In that year he went to San Fran- 
cisco, where he was also chosen mayor in 1854, and 
returned to Salem, again to be chosen mayor in 1860, 
'61 and '62. He was city clerk of Salem from 181)3 to 
1870, and finally removed to Brookline, where he 
died in 1879. He married, May 26, 1834, Hannah 
Hunt Beckford Robin.son, daughter of Nathan and 
Eunice (Beckford) Robinson. 

Robert R.*.xtoul, Jr.,' the son of Robert and 

"By Dr. A. P. P«abody. 



Joanna (Lovett) Rantoul, was born in Beverly, August 
13, 1805. In his childhood he gave no doubtful 
promise of the traits of mind and character that were 
prominent in his maturer years. Happy in home in- 
fluences, and in thoseof his earliest school-life, lie not 
only learned with wonderful facility, but manifested a 
power of thought and reasoning so unusual for his 
age, that there was never any purpose other than of 
securing for him the best means of education attain- 
able. He was fitted for college at Phillips Academy 
in Andover, and entered Harvard in 1822, graduating 
in 1826. His college life was one of untiring indus- 
try. Fourteen hours out of the twenty-four were, 
oftener than not, spent in study. He paid little at- 
tention to the college curriculum, easily reading Lat- 
in and Greek at sight, and in mental, moral and polit- 
ical science reciting from his own " inner conscious- 
ness," in words of which the professor could find no 
trace or analogue in the text-book. He devoted a 
great deal of time to the higher literature of conti- 
nental Europe. The French language he learned by 
reading it, and it early became :is familiar to him as 
the English. In German, under the tuition of Dr. 
Follen, he belonged to the first class in Cambridge 
that ever studied that tongue. His chief aim was to 
become conversant with the political history and in- 
stitutions of the European nations, and with the his- 
tory and science of government and legislation. He 
was as intimately acquainted with Grotius and Puff"- 
endorfl", Machiavelli and Beccaria, Montesquieu and 
Jeremy Benth.am, as the foremost of his classmates 
were with their required chiss-work. But, notwith- 
standing his incessant labor, he was not inditlVrent 
to college society, though he took part in it mainly in 
behalf of the interests which he held in the highest re- 
gard, and with the view of raising the standard of 
general culture. " The Institute of 1770 " was formed 
by the union of three pre-existing societies, one of which, 
while surrendering the distinctive portion of its name, 
insisted on retaining the index of its birth-year. This 
new society was organized, virtually by him, for the sole 
purpose of literary and scientific work, and in its 
earlier years was among the most eflicient educational 
forces in the university. Mr. Rantoul's high place in 
the esteem of his classmates was manifested in his 
election as class-poet, and, although in after years he 
wrote but little verse, he had already shown, and cer- 
tainly showed by that very poem, a talent which, with 
adequate cultivation, might have given him no incon- 
spicuous place among American poets. Mr. Rantoid, 
on leaving college, entered tlic law-office of John 
Pickering, and at a later period that of Leverett Sal- 
tonstall. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1829, and established 
himself for a time in Salem, where his principal bus- 
iness was as junior counsel for the Knapfis in thi^ 
celebrated White murder trial, in whicli he collected 
and prepared the evidence for the defense. In 1831 
he removed to South Reading, and in 1833 to Glou- 



xlii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cester, which town he represented in four successive 
Legislatures. In 1835 he was appointed on a com- 
mittee for revis-ing the statutes of Massachusetts, and 
in the three following years he served and performed 
very efficient service on the Judiciary Committee. 
He first distinguished himself in the Legislature by 
his opposition to the charter of a " ten million bank," 
at a time when paper money, often of difficult and 
doubtful currency, flooded the country, and shortly 
before the suspension of specie payment by the New 
England banks. His action was with the Democratic 
party ; but it was universally admitted that it was his 
able argument (which might stand now as an inde- 
pendent treatise on the philosophy of finance), that 
won over a sufficient number of the Whig majority in 
the House, though it was regarded as a party measure, 
to defeat the scheme. There was hardly an important 
subject before the House on which he remained silent ; 
and his speeches were not harangues, but thorough ar- 
guments, based on facts, statistics and principles, and 
requiring, in order to answer them, if not an ability 
equal to his own, at least an amount of diligent study 
and careful elaboration which few legislators were, or 
ever are, willing to bestow. 

The subject of capital punishment, commended to 
him by his father's lifelong interest in it, was among 
those which he early and often urged on the attention 
of the Legislature. As chairman of committees he 
made three reports in as many successive years in 
favor of the abolition of the death-penalty, besides 
as many carefully prepared speeches, and not a few 
shorter ones in the progress of debate. He after- 
ward wrote " Letters on the Death-Penalty," ad- 
dressed to the Governor and Legislature of Massa- 
chusetts, which were reprinted by order of the Legis- 
lature of New York. He also embraced every avail- 
able opportunity for delivering lectures and addresses 
on this subject. His writings upon it probably con- 
tain all that has been or can be said in opposition to 
capital punishment, and they have been largely 
quoted wherever the question has been discussed on 
either side of the Atlantic. 

In 1839 Mr. Rantoul opened an office in Boston, 
having his home in Beverly. In 1843 he was ap- 
pointed Collector of the port of Boston and Charles- 
town, and in the following year United States Attor- 
ney for the District of Massachusetts, which latter 
office he resigned in 1849. 

During the period of his legal practice in Boston 
he had the management of a singularly large number 
of cases of prime importance, both for clients of his 
own and in behalf of the government, and in several 
instances he not only gained his cause against the 
strongest possible array of opposing counsel, but won 
their hearty applause ; and when he lost a case he 
seldom failed to have the verdict of an intelligent 
public fcr what he had made to appear the better 
side. One of bis most remarkable cases was that of 
Sims, the fugitive slave, whose defence he was called 



to undertake without an hour's previous notice, yet 
in whose behalf he made an argument to which, as 
we read the report of it to-day, it seems as if nothing 
could have been added, whether on the score of con- 
stitutional law or of natural right. A large propor- 
tion of the cases in which he appeared as an advocate 
were, like this last-named, such as he espoused with 
his whole heart, equally from feeling and from prin- 
ciple, so that he identified himself fully and entirely 
with the person or cause under trial. 

Mr. Rantoul, at the outset of his public life, at- 
tached himself to the Democratic party from sincere 
conviction, and with full knowledge that this was not 
the way to obtain place or office, or even the recog- 
nition of ability or merit, in Massachusetts. But he 
never bore any part, nor felt any sympathy, with the 
pro-slavery sentiment, in which, for many years, the 
two great political parties had vied with each other 
in that sordid sycophancy to the South which cul- 
minated in the Fugitive-Slave Law. The passage of 
this law roused intense indignation in Massachusetts, 
and led to the building up of the Free-Soil party, 
with which the leaders of the Democracy were free 
to form a coalition, while loyalty to Mr. Webster re- 
strained the opposing party from giving unanimity of 
expression to the feeling which, beyond a question, 
was universal throughout the State. Mr. Rantoul 
had several times before been nominated for Congress 
and had received a very large minority cf votes. In 
1851 he was elected by the Massachusetts Legislature, 
in which the Free-Soil party held the balance of 
power, to fill out Mr. Webster's unexpired term in the 
United States Senate, on his becoming Secretary of 
State, and in the same year he was chosen as a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives for the Essex 
South District. 

During the brief period of his Senatorship there 
was no occasion which called upon him for more than a 
few short speeches, on matters of no permanent im- 
portance. But in the House he at once took a prom- 
inent part in debate, not wholly in connection with 
the slavery issue, but on other subjects of national in- 
terest. On the occasions on which he addressed the 
House he showed himself armed at all points, whether 
for defence or for assault, and was probably the man 
above all others, whom the abettors of such wrongs as 
had assumed to their view the aspect of right most 
dreaded to encounter. 

His vast learning, his tenacious memory and his 
prompt command of its resources, made him a most 
formidable opponent, while the same qualities fitted 
him for the efficient advocacy of measures conducive 
to the national progress and well-being. 

But his career was cut short at the moment when 
he was winning the highest distinction, and when es- 
pecially the friends of freedom were depending on his 
already well-proved strength as their champion. He 
was preparing a speech on the fisheries, a subject 
which he doubtless understood better than any other 




^'^9 hyA-H Rilc}ae. 




THE BENCH AND BAR. 



xliii 



man in Congress, when he was arrested by an attack 
ot" erysipelas, which, after a very brief illness, termin- 
ated fatally on the 7th of August, 18.''2. 

In our summary narrative of Mr. Rantoul's profes- 
sional and official life, we have described but a small 
portion of his work in and for the community of 
whicli ho was a citizen. He was pre-eminently a pub- 
lic servant, unselfish and philanthropic, deeming it 
his highest privilege to advance the true interest and 
well-being of his country and his race. This was his 
ruling ambition, and it was an ambition that gave 
him no rest. He cared not for station or office, except 
a.s a post of usefulness. He would not have accepted 
the highest position in tlie world had it impaired the 
liberty of speech and pen ; while he was content to re- 
main a private citizen so long as he could make him- 
self heard and felt by multitudes. 

Mr. Rantoul bore no small part in the creation of 
facilities for travel and transportation. When the 
extension of the Boston and Worcester Railroad to 
Albany was first agitated, and the crossing of the 
mountain-spine in Western Massachusetts seemed an 
almost hopeless enterprise, he undertook the advo- 
cacy of this measure, and had large influence in pro- 
curing subsidy for it from the State and in winning 
for it the favor of private capitalists. 

Illinois was indebted to him for like se.'vice, attended 
with no small personal loss and sacrifice, in the con- 
struction of her Central Railroad, and his name, so 
beneficially connected with her history, is kept in en- 
during memory, and has been given to a town that has 
sprung into being since his death. 

In the cause of education Mr. Rantoul held a fore- 
most place. He was among the founders of the sys- 
tem of Lyceum lectures, and lectured himself when- 
ever he could find opportunity, in those early times 
when the lecturer sought onl}' to instruct, not to 
amuse, his hearers, and had no compensation other 
than their gratitude. lie started the publication of 
a series of Lyceum lectures and other popular tracts, 
in successive numbers, under the title of " The Work- 
ing Men's Library." 

He was one of the earliest movers in the establish- 
ment of the Ma.ssachusetts Board of Education, and 
was intimately associated with Horace Mann, as his 
defender and coadjutor in the reform of the common 
schools of the State. He procured the publication of 
two series of many volumes, which he virtually edit- 
ed, under the name of " The Common-School 
Library," — one series for the older, the other for 
less advanced pupils, — both consisting chiefly of 
standard works in various departments of knowledge, 
which in their ordinary editions were beyond the 
reach of common readers. He was an earnest advo- 
cate of the temperance cause, and, while conforming 
himself to the purest moral standard, he spared no ef- 
fort when, by public address or by i)rivate influence, he 
could hope to bring his fellow-citizens up to the same 
elevated views. Indeed, his high tone of character, his 



friendly interest in whatever was of real moment to 
tho.se around him, his perpetual propagandism of the 
primal truths and great causes that were dearer to 
him than success, prosperity or fame, gave him a com- 
manding and beneficent influence over men of all 
classes and conditions with whom he was brought 
into relations, more or less intimate. 

In 1831 Mr. Rantoul married Jane Elizabeth 
Woodbury, of Beverly. He had two sons, both liv- 
ing, — Robert Samuel, of Salem, a lawyer, who has 
been a member of both branches of theMassachu.setts 
Legislature; and Charles William, now a resident of 
Florida. 

Nathaxiel James Lord was born in Ijiswich 
October 28, 1805, and gr.aduated at Harvard in 182.'i. 
He studied law in the law school at Northampton, 
under Judge Howe and Professor Ashmun and in the 
office of Leverett Saltonstall, at Salem, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in September, 1828. He was asso- 
ciated with Mr. Saltonstall in business until 1835, 
and afterwards, until tlie autumn of 1858, was actively 
engaged alone in the practice of the law. After the 
death of Mr. Saltonstall, in 1845, he was the acknowl- 
edged leader of the Essex bar. In his earliest i)ro- 
fessional life, as the junior partner of Mr. Saltonstall, 
he had little opportunity as junior counsel to show 
his extraordinary ability, but as soon as he launched 
his own boat and assumed command, he only waited 
for the death of his old venerable partner and the 
removal of Mr. Choate to Boston to become identified 
witli his native county as its greatest lawyer. Besides 
tliese two eminent men, he had to cope with .lohn 
Glen King, Joshua Holyoke Ward, Caleb Cushing, 
Robert Rantoul and Ebenezer Closely, but his re- 
peated trials of strength with these skillful antago- 
nists, vindicated his claim to the first honors of bis 
profession. He died at Salem June 18, 186!). On 
the 21st a special meeting of the Essex Bar Associa- 
tion was held, to take notice of the death of their late 
associate, at which William C. Eridicntt, the president 
of the association, delivered an address, analyzing and 
eulogizing the character of the deceased. He was 
followed by Asahel Huntington, .Tonathan C. Perkins, 
Thomas B. Newhall and William D. Northend. At 
an adjourned meeting, held June 28th, Alfred A. Ab- 
bott, in behalf of a committee appointed at the 
previous meeting, presented a memorial on the life 
and character of Mr. Lord, which was accepted and 
ordered to be entered on the records of the associa- 
tion. 

On the 2d of July, 1869, Mr. Abbott, in behalf 
of the Association, read the memorial in the Supreme 
Court, in session at Salem, and moved that it be 
placed on the records of the court. The motion wiis 
seconded by William C. Endicott, who was followed 
by Mr. Huntington in a motion that a copy be sent to 
the family of Mr. Lord. Chief Justice Brigham 
then addressed the bar, and in respect to the memory 
of Mr. Lord, the court .tdjourned. 



xliv 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jeremiah Chaplin Stickney, son of Jolin and 
Martha (Chaplin) Stickney, was born in Rowley 
January 6, 1805. He pursued his education at the 
Bradford Academy and at the Salem Latin School, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1824. He studied law 
with David Cummins, and was admitted to the bar in 
1826. He was postmaster of Lynn under President 
Jackson, Representative to the State Legislature in 
18.39 and 1840, reappointed postmaster of Lynn by 
President Pierce in 1853, and continued in office un- 
til 1858. He married, December 25, 1829, Mary, 
daughter of John Frazier, of Philadelphia, and died 
August 3, 1863. 

Jonathan Cogswell Perkins was born in Essex 
November 21, 1809, and graduated at Amherst in 
1832, of which institution he was chosen a trustee in 
1850. He studied law at the Dane Law School and 
in the office of Rufus Choate, and was admitted to 
the Essex bar, at Newburyport, in 1835. In 1845 
and 1846 he was a member of the Massachusetts 
House of -Representatives, in 1847 and 1848 a member 
of the State Senate, in 1848 president of the Salem 
Common Council, in 1853 a member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention, and in 1848 was appointed by 
Governor Briggs an associate judge of the Common 
Pleas Court, holding his seat until the abolition of 
that court and the establishment of the Superior 
Court in 1859. He received from his alma mater the 
degree of LL.D. in 1867. He edited and annotated 
" Daniels' Chancery Practice, with American Forms," 
" Sugden on Vendors," "Arnold on Insurance," " Ben- 
jamin on Sales," " Williams on Executors and Ad- 
ministrators," "Pickering's Reports," " Vesey's Re- 
ports," "Abbott on Shipping," "Angell on Water- 
courses," "Jurmin on Wills," and the several works 
of Chitty on Contracts, Bills, Criminal Law and 
Pleading. He died December 12, 1877, in Salem, 
where he had always lived after his admission to the 
bar in 1835. After he left the bench he was city so- 
licitor of Salem. 

Joshua Holyoke Ward was a native of Salem, 
where he died June 5, 1848, at the age of thirty-nine. 
He graduated at Harvard in 1829, and pursued his 
law studies in the office of Leverett Saltonstall at 
Salem, and at the Dane Law School at Cambridge, 
receiving the degree of LL.B. in 1832. In 1844 he 
was appointed one of the justices of the Court of 
Common Pleas, and remained on the bench until his 
death. He was a man of exceptional ability, witli a 
promise universally recognized of a brilliant judicial 
career. 

Otis Phillips Lord, brother of Nathaniel James 
Lord, was born in Ipswich July 11, 1812, and having 
fitted for college at Dummer Academy, entered Am- 
herst with the class which graduated in 1832. He 
was the son of Nathaniel and Eunice (Kimball) Lord, 
and descended from Robert Lord, who came from 
Ipswich, England. He studied law with Judge 
Oliver B. Morris, judge of probate in Hampden 



County and in the Dane Law School at Cambridge, 
from which he graduated in 1836. He was admitted 
to the bar in Salem in December, 1835, and began 
practice in his profession in his native town. In 
1844 he removed to Salem, where he resided until his 
death, March 13, 1884. He was a member of the 
House of Representatives in 1847, '48, '52, '53, '54, in 
which last year he was Speaker. In 1849 he was 
a member of the Senate, and in 1853 a delegate to the 
Constitutional Convention. Upon the organization 
of the Superior Court, in 1859, he was appointed by 
Governor Banks an associate justice, and held this 
position until he was appointed by Governor Gaston, 
December 21, 1875, an associate justice of the Su- 
preme Judicial Court. The latter position he re- 
signed December 8, 1882, and he died in Salem on 
the 13th of March, 1884. 

On the 22d of March, only a few days after his 
death, a meeting of the members of the bar of the 
commonwealth was held in Boston, at which senti- 
ments were expressed containing a just and deserved 
tribute to his character and services as a jurist and a 
man. Attorney-General Edgar J. Sherman, in pre- 
senting resolutions on that occasion, said that " for 
nearly a quarter of a century Judge Lord served the 
commonwealth as a judge of the highe.st tribunals 
with distinguished ability, and it was only when in- 
firmities became inexorable that he reluctantly 
abandoned the position which was dear to him both 
as the post of duty and of honor. . . . He had a nat- 
ural instinct for the law. His learning was not ex- 
tensive, and his temperament was always too impa- 
tient for much research ; but he could recognize a 
distinction or detect a fallacy at a glance. In his 
power to grasp and enunciate principles, to analyze 
and marshal evidence, to seize upon and with re- 
morseless clearness and logic to present the controll- 
ing elements of a case, he was seldom, if ever, sur- 
passed. . . His personal character was one of marked 
individuality, but it is no flattery of him to say that 
its most prominent features were the warmth and sin- 
cerity of his friendship, his rugged honesty, and a 
courage which never paltered with his convictions." 

Chief Justice Morton, in the course of his response, 
said, " Judge Lord was a rapid thinker, and quickly 
formed impressions upon any questions of law pre- 
sented to him. Whether his views were right or 
wrong, he saw them clearly and strongly ; and such 
was his power of forcible expression, that there was 
at times danger that he might make the worse the bet- 
ter reason. But he had such control over his mind 
that he could grasp and appreciate any fair argument 
which tended to refute his views, and had the candor 
to abandon at once his position when convinced that 
he was in error. ... In every relation of life he was 
a man of marked individuality and force. In every 
aspect of his character he was a strong man. He 
was strong in his intellect, strone in his emotions, 
strong in his friendships, strong in his dislikes and 



^. 




c?^^ c^r^==./r^^ 



McQOpob • 



TIIK BENCH AND BAR. 



xlv 



prejudices, strong in thought and strong in language, 
and, above all, strong in his integrity." 

Nothing need l)e added to show what manner of 
judge and lawyer and man Otis Phillips Lord was be- 
lieved by his contemporarie.s to be. 

(tEoroe Minot, son of Judge Stephen Minot, of 
Haverhill, w.is born in that town January 5, 1817. 
He graduated at Harvard in 183(), and studied law 
with Hufus Choate, preparatory to his admission to 
the Surtblk bar in 1839. He is best known for the 
" Digest of the Decisions of the Supreme Judicial 
Court of Massachusetts," which he pviblislied in 1844, 
and to which he added a supplement in 1852. He 
died at Heading, Mass., April 16, 1858. 

RoBEKT WoRM.STED Tkevett was bom in 1789, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1808. He studied law 
and settled in Lynn in 1813, where he died January 
13, 184:i. 

Stephen Bradshaw Ives was born in Salem 
March 9, 1827, and was the son of Ste])hen B. Ives, of 
that city. He received his early education in the 
I)ublic schools and graduated at Harvard in 1848. 
After leaving college he taught school one season in 
Newbury, and afterwards had charge as principal of 
one of the Salem grammar schools. He studied law 
in the office of Northend & Choate, in Salem, and was 
admitted to the bar at Salem at the March term of the 
Court of Common Pleas in 1851. For a year or two 
he was clerk of the Salem Police Court, and in 1853 
began active practice. By his eminent qualifications 
for his chosen profession, guided and spurred by an 
unusual enthusiasm in its pursuit, he early secured a 
large business and won an enviable reputation. He 
died at Salem February 8, 1884, and on the next day 
a meeting of the Bar Association of Essex County 
was held in the court-house, in Salem, and a commit- 
tee consisting of William D. Northend, George F. 
Choate, A. A. Abbott, Daniel Saunders and Charles 
P. Thompson was appointed to prepare resolutions of 
respect to be presented to the court. 

In the Supreme Judicial Court, sitting at Salem on 
the 24th of the following April, a worthy memorial 
was read by Alfred A. Abbott, who was followed in 
appropriate remarks by Mr. Northend, Mr. Thomp- 
son, Mr. Saunders, Charles A. Benjamin and Leverett 
8. Tuckerman. 

Chief Justice Morton, presiding, accepted the me- 
morial in behalf of the court and added his testimony 
to the high character, indomitable energy and pro- 
fessional skill of Mr. Ives. The whole bar acknowl- 
edged the truth of Mr. Abbott's statement that for 
" thirty years he pursued a career which has had few 
parallels in the history of the Esse.K Bar." 

Alfred A. Abbott, son of Amos Abbott, was born 
in Andover May 30, 1820. He was educated at Phil- 
lips Andover Academy and entered Yale College in 
1837. At the end of his junior year he left Yale and 
entered Union College, from which he graduated in 
1841. In 1843 he graduated also from the Dane Law 



School at Cambridge. His law studies were finished 
in the office of Joshua Holyoke Ward, and lie was 
admitted to the bar in 1844. He commenced practice 
in that part of Danvers which is now Peabody, and 
made that his residence nntil his death, October 27, 
1884. He represented the town of Danvers in the 
Legislature in 1850-52, and the county of Essex in 
the Senate in 1853. In the latter year he was a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention, and was ap- 
pointed district attorney for the Eastern District. 
He held office as attorney until 1869. In 1870 he was 
appointed, upon the death of Mr. Huntington, clerk 
of the courts, and in the same year he was chosen for 
Mr. Huntington's unexpired term. He continued in 
olfice until his death, having been twice re-elected. 

In a memorial read by William D. Northend, pres- 
ident of the Essex Bar Association in the Superior 
Court at Salem, December 8, 1884, Mr. Northend 
said : " Mr. Abbott was something more than a law- 
yer or clerk of the courts ; he was a man of broad 
culture and large knowledge and experience outside 
his profession. He read the best books and was a 
thorough student of English literature. His occa- 
sional public addresses were models of excellence. 
His style was elegant and graceful and his language 
most felicitous. . . . He had a very sympathetic 
nature, his delivery was forcible and impressive and 
as an orator he had no equal in the county since the 
days of Rufus Choate. If he had sought distinction 
in the general practice of his profession, there was no 
place at the bar or on the bench to which he could 
not have justly aspired ; or if he had cherished polit- 
ical ambition, he had the qualities which would have 
insured him a high position and reputation as a states- 
man." 

JoHX K. Tarbox was born in that part of Methuen 
which is now Lawrence May 6, 1838. His parents, 
of Huguenot extraction, were poor, and at tlie age of 
eight years he wasleft an orphan under the guardian- 
ship of Rev. Bailey Loring, of North Andover. lie 
was educated in the public schools of Methuen and 
Lawrence and the Franklin Academy of North Ando- 
ver, and while still a youth, entered as clerk the drug- 
store of Henry M. Whitney, of Lawrence. In 1857, 
attheage of nineteen, he became a student in thelaw- 
oflice of Colonel Benjamin F. Watson, of Lawrence, 
whose attention had been attracted by his exhibition 
of mental activity and who advi-sed him to jirepare 
him.self for the profession of law. In 1800 he wasad- 
mitted to the bar and also to a partnership with Col- 
onel Watson, and at a later day was a partner of Ed- 
gar J. Sherman, the present attorney-general of the 
commonwealth. During a part of the war he was a 
paymaster's clerk, and on the 28th of August, 1863, 
was mustered out of the service as lieutenant of Com- 
pany B, Fourth Massachusetts Regiment. 

After leaving the service he became the political 
editor of the Lawrence American, and in 1864 was a 
delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In 



xlvi 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1868, 70, '71, he was a Representative from Law- 
rence, in 1873 Senator and in 1873-74 mayor of that 
city. In 1870, '72, '76, '78, he was an unsuccessful can- 
didate of the Democratic party for Congress, but in 
1874 was chosen and sat in the Forty-fourth Con- 
gress. In 1879 he presided at the Democratic State 
Convention, and, in 1883, while city solicitor of Law- 
rence, was appointed by Governor Butler insurance 
commissioner. He was reappointed by Governor 
Robinson in 1886, and won a deserved reputation, not 
only for the faithful and thorough performance of the 
duties of that office, but also for his exhaustive labors 
in the revision and codification of the insurance laws 
of the State, in obedience to a resolve of the General 
Court. He died in Boston, May 28th, 1887. 

Nathax W. Haemon was born in New Ashford, 
January 16, 1813. His early life was spent on a farm 
with the educational ad vantages of the common schools. 
He fitted for college at Lenox and graduated at Wil- 
liams in 1836. In 1839 he was admitted to the bar in 
Berkshire County, and his name is on the list of ad- 
missions to the Essex bar in 1842. After practising 
law a few years in Berkshire County, a part of the 
time as partner of George N. Briggs, afterward Gov- 
ernor of the Commonwealth, he removed to Lawrence 
and made that place ever afterward his residence. In 
1857 he was a member of the House of Representa- 
tives, and at a later time a member of the State Senate. 
In 1876 he was appointed Judge of the Police Court 
of Lawrence and held office until January of the pre- 
sent year(1887), when, on account of enfeebled health, 
he resigned. He died September 16th, 1887, leaving 
two daughters, Harriet and Cornelia, and one son, 
Rollin E. Harmon, Judge of the Police Court of Lynn. 

Hon. James Henry Duncan was born in Hav- 
erhill, Mass., December 5, 1793. On the paternal side 
he was of Scotch-Irish descent. His great-grandfather, 
Cxeorge Duncan, was one of the colony that came from 
Londonderry, Ireland, and settled in Londonderry, 
N. H., 1719. His grandfather, James, came to Hav- 
erhill about 1740, where he established himself as a 
merchant. He died in 1818, aged ninety-two years. 
He had ten children, the sixth of whom was James, 
who married Rebecca White, and died January 5, 
1822, aged sixty-two years. He left two children — 
Samuel White, who died October 21, 1824, and James 
Henry, of this sketch. 

On the maternal side the family of Mr. Duncan 
covers the entire history of Haverhill, a period of 
more than two centuries, and on the paternal side the 
three generations cover more than half of this period. 

Mr. Duncan early evinced a fondness for books, and 
at the age of eleven years he was sent to Phillips' 
Academy at Exeter, N. H., then the leading classical 
school in the country. Here he was brought into the 
companionship of Edward Everett, Jared A. Sparks, 
Buckminster, John G. Palfrey and John A. Dix. 
The stimulating influence of such companions, aided 
by his own quick faculties, rapidly developed him ; 



and at the age of fourteen he entered Harvard Col- 
lege. He was graduated in due course, in the class of 
1812, with Dr. John Homans, Judge Sprague, Bishop 
Wainwright, Henry Ware, Franklin Dexter, Charles 
G. Loring and others. In college Mr. Duncan held a 
high rank, especially in the classics, the careful study 
of which was strongly apparent in the smooth, 
rounded. Latinized style that marked his conversa- 
tion and public speech. 

The career, thus happily begun, was followed by 
the study of the law, — first in the office of Hon. John 
Varnum at Haverhill, and afterwards with his cousin, 
Leverett Saltonstall, at Salem. In 1815 he was ad- 
mitted to the Essex bar, and entered upon practice at 
Haverhill. For several years Mr. Duncan gave his 
entire time to his profession ; but the death of his 
father, January 5, 1822, left him in the charge of a 
considerable estate, which gradually withdrew him 
from its duties, though he did not wholly relinquish 
practice until 1849, when he took his seat in Congress. 
It has been thought by many a misfortune for his own 
reputation, that the cares of property interfered with 
the ardent practice of his profession. His ready and 
sympathetic eloquence, his thorough honesty and 
comprehensive judgment gave promise-of a brilliant 
future. But probably his life was more widely useful 
than if he had remained an advocate. As a lawyer 
he was devoid of trickery, and he instinctively repu- 
diated those indirect methods often employed in the 
profession. Though richly gifted as an advocate, he 
had a constitutional aversion to litigation, and thus 
was oftener engaged in settling cases than in disputing 
them. We copy here from the resolutions of the Es- 
sex bar, passed after his death : 

*^ lieioh-ed. That we desire to expiess and put on record our respect 
for tile memory find character of the Honorable James H. Duncan, whose 
recent death was BO sincerely and deeply lamented in the particular com- 
munity where he was born and lived, as well as by the public at large. 
Mr. Duncan entered on the practice of the law in the courts of this 
county, more than fifty years ago, after a thorough preparation, ac- 
cording to the usages of the day, partly in the office of the late Lev- 
erett Saltonstall, so distinguished here in hia generation, and his kins 
man and friend. He pursued his profession here for many years, with 
marked fidelity and success, always trusted and respected by his breth- 
ren, until, having served his State honorably and usefully in both 
branches of the Legislature, he was called by the general voice of his 
fellow citizens into the public councils of the country, now more than 
twenty years ago, since which time he has withdrawn himself wholly 
from the practice of the profession, and attendance on the courts. Of 
late years he has been known as a lawyer, to much the largest por- 
tion now in practice at this bar, only by the ' tradition of the elders,' 
among whom, as well as in the courts, he had obtained and always 
held a 'good report.'" 

Mr. Duncan lived what might be called a public 
life ; yet it was through a certain evident fitness that 
led him to be called to its duties, rather than from his 
own seeking. A short time previous to his admission 
to the bar, he was elected major in the Haverhill 
Light Infantry; and, passing through the various 
grades of militia service, he rose to the rank of colo- 
nel, by which title he was afterwards commmly ad- 
dressed. He was early a trustee of the Essex County 




-"^ ty A.iLHvLchzi 




iCgv'^Z^t/ 



u^zc^^-ty 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



xlvii 



Agricultural Society, and from 1836 to 1838 its presi- 
dent. 

On the formiitioii of the Xational Republican part\% 
popularly known as the Whig party, in 1827, he was 
elected to the State Legislature, and in the three suc- 
ceeding years to the Senate, when he declined re-elec- 
tion. In 1837-38, he was again found in the House; 
and in the two following years, he was a member of 
the Council. In 18-57 he was again elected to the 
Legislature. On the pa.^sage of the State Insolvent 
Law, in 1838, he was appointed one of the Comrais- 
sionere in Insolvency ; and on the passage of the 
United States Bankrupt Law, in 1S41, he was made 
Commissioner in Bankruptcy, holding the office until 
the law was repealed. In 1839 he was elected a dele- 
gate to the convention at Harrisburg that nominated 
General Harrison for the Presidency. In 1848 he was 
chosen to represent his district, then the largest man- 
ufacturing district in the United States, in the na- 
tional Congress ; and was re-elected in 1850. 

Of his Congressional career Hon. Amos Tuck, of 
Exeter, at the time United States Senator from New 
Hampshire, thus speaks : 

" Tie entered Congress at the first session of General Taylor's adminis- 
tration, when the problems in politics and government, which grew out 
of tile Mexican War and the acquisition of California and New Mexico, 
infused such intensity of feeling into the public mind. The old Whig 
party, with which Mr. Duncan had long been honorably connected, was 
becoming more anti-slavery ; while the Democratic party was gradually 
giving way to the entire leadership-of Southern men, and heconiiug 
hopelessly involved in the sin, shame and want of statesmanship, in- 
volved in the advocacy and support of slavery extension. Mr. Duncan 
had relations of friendship with the old leaders of the Whig party, and 
was welcomed into their fellowship at Washington on his arrival at that 
city. Itut his moral perceptions had been cultivated beyond what was 
common among the devotees of either of the old parties, and he knew 
and felt the force of the moral (luestions which were discussed through- 
out the country upon the relation of the government to slavery. At- 
tached to his party, and attached to his honored friends, he yet could 
not be blind or deaf or insensible to the claims for justice of the humble 
who could not even speak for themselves. He remembered those in 
bonds, as bound with them, and, at the expense of personal comfort. 
Toted, I believe, from first to last, during his Congressional term of 
four years, under all the circumstatices of an excited period of our his- 
tory, on the slavery question in all its phases, only as his best friends 
could DOW wish he had voted, after all the light since shed njjon the sub- 
ject. That he so signally and uniformly acted on the side of wisdom 
and right, while so many of his associates were misled by excitement, or 
failed for other reasons to see and maintain what it is now apparent they 
ought to have supported, I attribute in a great degree to his elevated 
moral character, to his cultivated sense of right, to his determination 
never to violate the dictates of an enlightened conscience. He was not 
a frequent debater in the House of Representatives ; but when he did 
speak, he commanded more than common attention. He was one whom 
to know was to love, who made many friends and no enemies, and who 
left Congress possessing universal esteem." 

The tribute of affection and respect which the poet 
Whittier paid to him after his decease makes honor- 
able mention of him as a man in public life and in 
his social relations. " His Congressional career was 
a highly honorable one, marked by his characteristic 
soundness of judgment and conscientious faithful- 
ness to a high ideal of duty. In private life as in 
public, he was habitually courteous and gentlemanly. 
For many years the leading man in his section, he 



held his place without ostentation, and achieved great- 
ness by not making himself great." 

Not the letist of Mr. Duncan's public services were 
his labors in behalf of the Union during the Civil 
War. He was active with voice and pen in strength- 
ening the hands of the government. He cheerfully 
acted as the medium of communication between the 
soldiers in the field and their families at home. They 
sent to him their well-earned money, which he per- 
sonally distributed, gladdening of^en many a humble 
home by his presence as the harbinger of good tid- 
ings and comfi^rt. 

These statements indicate how constantly Mr, Dun- 
can was in public life. Meanwhile, he was serving 
in other large public interests not of a political 
nature ; while in town matters his services were con- 
stantly demanded. For fifty years, scarcely an im- 
portant item of municipal business was transacted 
except under his advice or leadership. If a matter 
needed to be brought before the General Court he 
was delegated to do it. He took the leading part in 
the erection of two town halls, making, at the dedi- 
cation of both, historical addresses. In this connec- 
tion Hon, Alfred Kittredge says, — " He took great 
interest in the affairs of the town^ and frequently ad- 
dressed his fellow-citizens upon subjects of importance. 
He was listened to with great interest, and usually 
carried a majority with him. In all discussions he 
was in a marked degree gentlemanly, both in his 
manner of presenting subjects and in his treatment 
of those who differed from him, stating his own views 
forcibly, and giving others due credit for their own. 
He had a remarkably clear utterance, and a rich 
ringing voice that gave him great power over an 
audience. When in the Legislature, Samuel Allen, 
I think, gave him the cognomen of the 'silver- 
tongued member ' from Haverhill, 

This sketch would be incomplete if it overlooked 
Mr. Duncan's relation to the great religious and 
benevolent movements of his time. He took the most 
lively interest in the cause of education, and in the 
great missionary organizations of his own and other 
Christian denominations. He was a member of the 
Board of Fellows of Brown Univei-sity from 1835 till his 
death. In 1861 the Board conferred on him the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Laws, It is not too much to say 
that his name and influence were a tower of strength in 
the councils of the corporation. It is thus that Barnas 
Sears, then jiresident of the University, speaks of him 
as he ajipeared at its annual meetings, or in the larger 
gatherings of the representatives of the Mi-ssionary 
Union, — "Long will men remember the impressions 
made on these and similar occasions by this Christian 
gentleman and scholar, with his finely-cut features 
and symmetrical form, his graceful and animated 
delivery, his chaste, beautiful, and musical language, 
his pertinent, clear and convincing arguments, his 
unHinchiiig fidelity, and spotless integrity. So bleiiil- 
ed in him were these various attributes of bodv and 



xlviii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



mind that we can think of them only in their union, 
and it would seem that a mind of delicate mould had 
formed for itself a bodily organ suited to its own 
purposes. In him we see how much Christianity can 
do for true culture, and how beautiful an orna- 
ment culture is to Christianity." 

Mr. Duncan during his whole life worshipped with 
the First Baptist Church in Haverhill, though he did 
not become a member of the church until the age of 
forty. His ancestors on both sides were among its 
founders. Thus a Baptist by birth and education he 
afterwards added to the principles thus inculcated 
the full conviction of his mature years. However 
attached to his own communion he was not in the 
narrow sense of the term a denomiuationalist. By 
nature he was catholic and took the broad and liberal 
side on all church questions. Every good cause had 
in him a friend. He wrought zealously with all true 
lovers of God and man. The cause of home and for- 
eign missions, of popular education and the dissemi- 
nation of a sound literature enlisted his earnest 
advocacy. Indeed, he was quick in his response to 
all good objects by which humanity could be elevated 
and God honored. 

Mr. Duncan remained single till the age of thirty- 
three, when, June 28, 182(5, he married Miss Mary 
Willis, daughter of Benjamin Willis, Esq., of Boston. 
Thirteen children were born to them. Three died 
in early childhood, and three passed away after they 
had attained to adult years, leaving seven, — two sons 
and five daughters. His home, of which Mr. Dun- 
can was pre-eminently the head, was the centre of 
a liberal culture and of a refined and generous hos- 
pitality. This hospitality was not the mere recipro- 
cation of society. His ample mansion was open 
alike to friends and strangers. If the town, or any 
religious or secular interest could be served by his 
hospitality, it was proffered without stint. His house 
was regarded as the temporary home of public speakers, 
lecturers, clergymen and all others to whom hospi- 
tality seemed due. The grace and tact and dignity 
which Mr. Duncan uniformly exhibited thus in his 
own home is remembered by multitudes. 

Mr. Duncan's last illness was brief, and its fatal 
termination was a surprise to all. Although he was 
seventy-five years old he bore no marks of age. A 
cold which caused no apprehensions at first, suddenly 
developed into pneumonia, which after only a few 
days of sickness terminated fatally, February 8, 1869. 
The announcement of his death passed r.apidly 
through the town, and was received almost with in- 
credulity. When the surprise passed, a general 
sorrow and sense of bereavement took possession of 
all hearts. Many had lost in bim a loved and faith- 
ful friend, and all felt that the town had been be- 
reaved of its most useful and honored citizen, and 
that his place would not soon be filled. By the 
general urgent desire of the community the funeral 
services were held in the church, instead of the house. 



as was first intended, and were attended by a large 
concourse of people. Though holding no office at 
the time, such was the appreciation of his services in 
the past, and such the sense of the love sustained by 
his removal, that the town adopted most appropriate 
resolutions upon the event. 

There are other deceased members of the bar of 
whom sketches would be interesting, if reliable mate- 
rials could be readily obtained. Some of these will be 
remembered by present members of the bar, and are 
as deserving of a place in this record as many who 
have been especially mentioned. Edward Pulling 
(H. C), 1775, John W. Proctor, Jacob Gerrish, Ellis 
G. Loriug, Francis B. Crovvninshield, George H. De- 
vereaux, George Andrews, Hobart Clark, Asa An- 
drews, Eben Shillaber, John B. Peabody, Wm. How- 
land, George Foster Flint, Frederick D. Burnham and 
Jairus Ware Perry are some of those whose sketches 
have been necessarily omitted. 

Hon. Stephen Henry Phillips ' was the eldest 
son of the Hon. Stephen Clarendon Phillips and Jane 
Appleton (Peele) Phillips, of Salem. His paternal 
great-grandfather. Deacon Stephen Phillips, a de- 
scendant of the Rev. George Phillips who reached 
Salem with Winthrop in 1630, and settled at Water- 
town, had removed from his ancestral home in that 
town to Marblehead, where he became a leading citi- 
zen, taking the Chair as Moderator of the tumultuous 
town-meeting called to protest against the Boston 
Port Bill of 1773, and was thenceforth an active pa- 
triot and a member of the Committee of Correspon- 
dence and Safety. His grandfather, Stephen Phil- 
lips, was a well-known citizen and merchant of Mar- 
blehead. His father's public services as a sturdy 
supporter of the interests of Salem, as an un- 
tiring friend of Freedom in Congress and elsewhere 
and of the Public School System of Massachusetts, 
will be recounted by others and are freshly remem- 
bered. Other descendants of the same Puritan an- 
cestry have won distinction. The same stock produced 
the founders of academies bearing the name at Exeter 
and at Andover. It produced the famous Boston pa- 
triot of the Revolution, William Phillips ; his son, 
the first mayor of Boston, John Phillips; in the third 
generation, Wendell Phillips, a son of the latter, our 
matchless master of English speech ; as well as that 
much admired divine, the Rev. Phillips Brooks. 

The subject of this sketch was born at the family 
mansion in Charter Street, Salem, now occupied as a 
City Hospital, August 16, 1823. His school exjjeri- 
ence was unique. Before 1831) he had been a pupil at 
the dame's school of Miss Mehetable Higginson, 
and from that date on he enjoyed the successive 
teachings of Henry K. Oliver, with whom Jones Very, 
David Mack, and Surgeon John L. Fox of the Wilkes 
Exploring Expedition were assistants, in Salem; of 
Frederick P. Leverett, at the Old South Chapel in Bos- 

• Robert S. Rantoul. 




-=»^ ? fcy A HHiUhif' 




1 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



xlix 



ton ; of the Rev. Joseph Allen at his boarding-school 
in Northampton ; and of William J. Adams at a private 
school in Murray Street, New York City. The year 
1836 found him at the Select Cla.ssical School in 
Washington, D. C, founded by Salmon P. Chase 
when a law student in the office of Attorney-General 
Wirt, and there Charles Levi Woodbury, AUred Plea- 
santon, since known as a famous cavalry general, and 
Mansfield Lovell, the rebel commandant who evacuated 
New Orleans in faceofFarragut, were among his school- 
mates. The next year he passed in Salem at the school 
of Rufns T. King, in Chestnut Street, and another year 
under Master Oliver Carlton, of the Latin Grammar 
School, brought him a certificate with which, at the 
exceptional age of fifteen, he entered Harvard in 
1838, taking his degree in course, a winter spent in 
the West Indies in the senior year for the recovery of 
his health depriving him of the very high rank he 
had previously held. Here he had for classmates the 
Rev. Samuel Johnson, of Salem, the eminent Orien- 
talist, and a well-known essayist and magazine writer, 
Frederick Sheldon, of Newport, R. I. On graduating 
in 1842, he became a member of Harvard Chapter, 
Alpha, of the Society of the Phi Beta Kappa, and was 
j at a later date a founder, and for its first six years 
President, of the Harvard Club of San Francisco. 

The three years following his graduation, — the last 
three years of the life of its great patron. Judge 
Story, — Mr. Phillips spent at the Dane Law School, 
where Charles Sumner was an occasional lecturer 
and Simon Greeuleaf was Royal Professor. Ex-Presi- 
dent Rutherford B. Hayes ; Chief Justice Peters, 
of Maine; Chief Justice Morton, of Massachusetts; 
Chief Justice Lee, of the Sandwich Islands ; Ex- 
Chief Justice Foster, of New Hampshire, and Ex- 
Chief Justice Bradley, of Rhode Island, were among 
his fellow students. After a further period of study in 
the officeof theHon. Benjamin R. Curtis, at Boston, he 
was admitted to practice at the Suflblk bar in April, 
38-16, and for the years 1847, '48, '49, '50 edited the 
Boston Law Reporter. 

Having removed his office to Salem, Mr. Phillips 
was appointed by Governor Boutwell, in 1851, District 
Attorney for the County of Essex, a position which he 
filled with acceptance and which he resigned in 1854. 
Advancing rapidly in professional and general esti- 
mation, and having formed a business connection 
with James A. Gillis, since for many years City Solic- 
itor of Salem, — an office which Mr. Phillips himself 
filled for the years 1856, '57, — he had already achieved 
a leading position at the Essex bar, when he was 
elected in the last named year, at the unusual age of 
thirty-four, Attorney-general of the Conmionwealth. 
This responsible and dignified position he retained 
by popular election through the three years' admin- 
istration of Governor Banks, the first Republican ad- 
ministration in Massachusetts, and at its close, in 
1801, was by him appointed Judge-advocate-gcneral 
of the militia of the State. 



Continuing the practice of his profession in Boston 
and in Salera, with such interruptions as no patriotic 
citizen could honorably avoid during the five troubled 
years which followed, and acting, from November, 
1863, as chairman first of the ('ity Water Committee, 
charged with procuring an act for the introduction of 
a water-supply for Salem, and then of the Water 
Commission, upon which devolved the duty of con- 
struction, Mr. Phillips in 1866 accepted overtures 
from Kamehameha V. for a position as one of the 
four responsible ministers of his privy council, and 
temporarily left the United States for Honolulu. 
LTnder the Hawaiian constitution, modeled largely 
on our own, he acted, throughout his residence in 
Honolulu, as Attorney-general, and for a considerable 
portion of the time as Minister of Foreign Aflairs 
also. At times he added to these trusts that of Min- 
ister of Finance, and very generally he was the recog- 
nized head of the Royal Government in the House of 
Nobles, King's Cabinet and Privy Council. He was 
at liberty to practice in the courts of law in causes in 
which the interests of the State were not involved. 

A position as the responsible head of a government 
like this is not without peculiar difficulties. For rea- 
sons of their own, England, France and the United 
States had seen fit to recognize the Sandwich Islands 
as an independent sovereignty. But with a standing 
army of seventy men, it was no mean task to keep the 
peace amongst as many thousands of these tawny, 
mercurial, Malayo-Polynesiau subjects; to suppress the 
occasional armed outbreaks of religious fanaticism or 
of jealousy of foreign influence; to maintain at all 
times the dignity and self-respect of a reigning house 
under a form of government, nominally constitutional, 
in which the elements of strength were wanting, and, 
while yielding all that could safely be granted to 
foreign commercial and diplomatic agents and foreign 
missionaries, to see to it that none of them secured 
concessious injurious to rival denominations, nation- 
alities or interests, or to the State. And this was the 
task which confronted Mr. Phillips during his seven 
years' residence at Honolulu. He was largely instru- 
mental in the reciprocity negotiations of 1867-69, in 
which President Grant took so active an interest as 
to invite him to a private interview, and while secur- 
ing to the people of the islands a measure of domes- 
tic tranquillity and peace which made life and prop- 
erty as safe there as in any portion of the civilized 
world, he was able to apply to their foreign affairs 
the good, old American doctrine of Washington's 
farewell address, — "Friendly relations with all na- 
tions; entangling alliances with none." 

Upon the change of dynasty consef|uent njion the 
death of Kamehameha V., Mr. Phillips returned in 
1873 to the United States and established himself at 
San P'rancisco as Resident-Director and Solicitor of 
the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United 
States. During eight years spent here in the practice 
of the law he was at times retained as the official conn- 



1 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sel of the State Board of Railroad Commissioners, and 
the California State Reports show that he appeared in 
important causes, of which Estate of Hinckley, 58 Cat, 
457, dealing in a radical w^ay with the State law of 
charities, is perhaps the most noteworthy. In 1881 he 
resumed the practice of his profession in the State of 
Massachusetts, residing in Danvers. He had previ- 
ously married, at Haverhill, Oct. 3, 1871, while on a 
temporary absence from Honolulu, Miss Margaret D., 
daughter of the Hon. James H. Duncan, of Haver- 
hill, a lady whose acquaintance he had made in the 
Hawaiian Islands. 

It will be seen that, throughout a somewhat varied 
career, Mr. Phillips has only in a single instance 
been a candidate for office before the people, and in 
that instance the office was a jirofessional one. Never 
slow to respond to the calls of good citizenship and 
good neighborhood ; never hesitating to show his 
colors in any exigency where the public has a right 
to his opinions, he remains first, last and always a 
lawyer. Coming to the Essex bar, one of the ablest 
in the country, at a time when the rough habits of 
bluster and brow-beating were passing out of vogue, 
he made it his rule to appeal directly and with em- 
phasis to the intelligence and convictions of jurors, 
and to the sound, legal discrimination of the Court, 
and in all cases to treat pei'sons whom chance placed 
in his power on the witness-stand with the considera- 
tion due to that most trying and unprotected of posi- 
tions. The thorough preparation which was insured 
to every cause entrusted to his hands left nothing to 
be decided by chance which could be foreseen and 
provided for, and the sagacity, energy, discretion and 
nerve which he displayed in his chosen calling were 
not slow in meeting their reward. It came to be a 
rare occurrence during his practice at the Essex bar to 
find a case of exceptional magnitude on trial from any 
part of the county in which Mr. Phillips did not appear 
on one side or the other. Among the most interest- 
ing of his cases may be noticed Boston and Lowell 
Railroad Corporation vs. Salem and Loivell Railroad 
Company, 2 Gray, 1 ; the famous Rockport liquor 
case, Brown vs. Perkins, et ux., 12 Cray, 89; and a 
case against the 8ergeaut-at-arms, upon writ of habeas 
corpus, Bwnham vs. Morrissey, 14 Gray, 226, which 
settled the constitutional prerogative of the House of 
Representatives, in matters of contempt. 

While Attorney-general of Massachusetts Mr. Phil- 
lips was called on to prepare papers for the removal, 
by process of address to the Governor, of the Hon. 
Edward Greeley Loring from the office of Judge of 
Probate for the county of Suffolk, a proceeding which 
excited the most intense political feeling at the time, 
for which the files of the office afforded no precedent, 
and which did more than any other single event to 
make of a comparatively unknown lawyer, John Albion 
Andrew, the great War Governor of Massachusetts. 
He was also called to Lynn by a threatening dem- 
onstration of unemployed workmen during the 



feverish period which succeeded the financial dis- 
asters of 1857, and by his firm bearing and calm, 
persuasive address did much to avert the grave dis- 
orders which seemed to be impending. He was pres- 
ent, as a member of the Governor's staff, at the great 
Concord muster of the State Militia in October, I860, 
and seconded in every way the efforts then making to 
put the Massachusetts contingent on a war footing. 
Not many months later he found an opportunity to 
present the sword there worn to a citizen of Marble- 
head, marching, in command of a company of his pa- 
triotic townsmen, the first company in the State to 
respond to the call of Governor Andrew, to the relief 
of the capital beleaguered with rampant treason, and 
it received no stain in the hands of Captain Knott V. 
Martin. 

Mr. Phillips was associated with ex-Governor Clif- 
ford as Commissioner of Massachusetts for the adjust- 
ment of a boundary question between this State and 
Rhode Island, which called for the intervention of the 
Attorney-General of the United States, and was in 
Washington on that errand in the closing days of Jan- 
uary, 1861. Brought, in this way, in daily contact 
with Mr. Stanton, at a time when Mr. Buchanan's 
Cabinet was in the last stages of disintegration, the 
Massachusetts Commissioners were not slow to divine 
the nature of the suspicions which distracted him, 
and reported confidentially to Governor Andrew, in 
the following letter: 

Washington, Wednesday night, January 30, 18G1. 
Dear Sik : — In an interview we had to-night with the Attorney-gen- 
eral of the United States, we have been authorized to express to you, 
ctmfidcntially , his individual opinion that there is imnunent, if not in- 
evitable peril of an attack upon the city of Wasliington between the 4th 
and the loth of February — with a view to secure the symbols of govern- 
ment and the power and prestige of possession by the traitors who are 
plotting the dissolution of the Union. 

We have but a moment before the closing of the mail to say to you, in 
this informal way, that no vigilance should be relaxed for Massachusetts 
to be ready at any moment, and upon a sudden emergency, to come to 
the succor of the Federal Government. 

This may be an unnecessary precaution, but we feel that it is a simple 
discharge of a plain duty on our part to give you this intimation after 
what we havo heard from a source of sucli high authority. 

In great haste, we are very truly and respectfully yours, 

John H. Clifford. 
Stephen H. Phillips. 
Gov. Andrew. 

Governor Claflin, in his addre.ss in Doric Hall, 
February 14, 1871, accepting in behalf of the Com- 
monwealth the Statue of Governor Andrew, says it 
was upon this letter that action was taken, February 
5, 1861, to furnish two regiments with overcoats, not 
a company in the State being then ready for march- 
ing orders, and he attributes to this cause the ad- 
vanced state of preparation which enabled otir troops, 
though remote, to reach A\'ashington with the fore-- 
most. 

Bred among the Conscience Whigs, so called, Mr. 
Phillips became a Free Soiier from the start and 
acted with that party in the national campaigns of 
1848 and 1852. In 1856 he represented his native 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



ilistrict in the first national Republican Convention 
wliich sat at Philadelphia and nominated Fremont, 
subsequently he served as president of the local cam- 
jiaign club, which met weekly at Lynde Hall, Salem, 
in support of that nomination, and in 1864 he sat again 
in the Republican Convention which named Lincoln for 
a second term. In 1884 he presided at a county dem- 
onstration in Salem in support of Blaine and Logan. 
His religious affiliations have been with the LTnitariau 
body, with such advanced leaders of thought as Chan- 
ning, Emerson and Parker. Mr. Phillips holds personal 
independence above sectarian and party allegiance. 

Nathaniel Ward was born in Haverhill, County 
of Suffolk, England, in 1570. He was the son of Rev. 
John Ward, one of a long line in direct descent be- 
longing to the clerical profession. He graduated at 

; Cambridge in 1603, studied law in the Temple and 
after extended travels on the continent, began his 
professional practice. He soon, however, abandoned 
the law, and studied divinity, finally settling as a 
clergyman in Standon, in Hertfordshire. As early as 
the year 1629 he seems to have become disaffected to- 
wards the English Church. The following is an ex- 
tract from the records of a meeting of the "Governor 
and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New Eng-. 

I land," held in London, November 2o, 1629 : 

r " Lastly, upon the mocou of Mr. Whyte, to the end 
that this business might bee pceeded in wth the first 
iiitencon, wch was cheifly the glory of God & to that 
jiurposethat their meetings might bee sanctyfied by 
the prayers of some faithfull ministers resident heere 
in London, whose advice would be likewise requisite 
upon many occasions, the Court thought fitt to admitt 
into the freedome of this company Mr. Jo : Archer & 
Mr. Phillip Nye, Ministers heere in London, who, be- 
ing heere psent, kindly accepted thereof: also Mr. 
AVhyte did recomend unlo them Mr. Nathaniell 
Ward, of Standon." 

On the 12th of December, 16.S1, he was ordered to 
appear before Bishop Laud and answer the charge of 
non-conformity. In 1633 he was forbidden to preach, 
mid in April, 16114, sailed for New England, arriving 
i'l June. He was settled at once, as the first minister 
oi' Agawam (now Ipswich), with Rev. Thomas Parker, 
us the teacher or assistant. In 1636 he resigned, on 
account of ill health, and seems after that time, as 
long as he remained in New England, to have been 
engaged, more or less, in public affairs, for the de- 
tails of which his early education in the law had spe- 

' cially fitted him. Win/ltrop's Journal, first printed in 
1790, says that " on the 6th of the 3d month. May, 
1635, the Deputies having conceived great danger to 
our State in regard that our magistrates, for want of 
positive laws in many cases, might proceed according 
to their discretion, it was agreed that some men shall 
be appointed to frame the body of grounds of laws in 
resemblance to a Magna Charta, which, being allowed 
by some of the ministers and the General Court, 
should be received for fundamental laws," 



The above extract does not appear in the records of 
the court, but the following entry is found in the rec- 
ord of the proceedings of the above date : 

" The Governor (John Hayues), Deputy-governor 
(Richard Bellingham), John Winthrop & Tho : Dud- 
ley, E-q,, are deputed by the Court to make a draught 
of such lawes as they shall judge needfull for the well 
ordering of this plantation, & to present the same to 
the Court," 

On the 25th of May, 1636, nothing having been yet 
accomplished in the matter of the laws, the records 
stale that " The Governor (Henry Vane), Dejiuty- 
governor (John Winthrop), Tho: Dudley, John 
Haynes, Rich : Bellingham, Esq., Mr. Cotton, Mr. 
Peters & Mr. Shepheard, are intreated to make a 
draught of lawes agreeable to the word of God, which 
may be the fundamentals of this commonwealth, & to 
present the same to the next Generall Court." 

In September, 1636, Mr. Cotton j-eported a code of 
laws, but no action was taken on their adoption. Un- 
der the date of March 12, 1637-38, the following en- 
try appears in the records of the General Court : 

" For the well ordering of these plantations, now in 
the beginning thereof it having been found by the 
little time of experience we have here had that the 
want of written laws have put the court into many 
doubts and much trouble in many particular cases, 
this Court hath therefore ordered that the freemen of 
every town (or some part thereof chosen by the rest) 
within this jurisdiction shall assemble together in 
their several towns & collect the heads of such neces- 
sary and fundamental laws as may be suitable to the 
times and places where God by his providence hath 
cast us, & the heads of such laws to deliver in writ- 
ing to the Governor for the time being before the 
5th day of the 4th month, called June, next to the 
intent that the same Governor together with the rest 
of the standing counsell & Richard Bellingham, Esq., 
Mr. Bulkley, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Peters & Mr. Sheapard, 
elders of several churches, Mr. Nathaniel Ward, Mr. 
William Spencer & Mr. William Hawthorne, or the 
major part of them, may upon the survey of such 
heads of law make a compendious abridgement of 
the same by the General Court in autumn next, add- 
ing yet to the same or detracting therefrom what in 
their wisdom shall seem meet." 

Winthrop's Jtiurnal states that in December, 1641, 
" The General Court continued three weeks and es- 
tablished one hundred laws, which were called the 
Body of Liberties, composed by 3Ir. Nathaniel Ward 
sometime past at Ipswich, who had been a minister in 
England, and formerly a student and practiser in the 
course of the Common I>aw," This was tiie first 
code of laws established in New England, and was 
so mingled in the subsequent codification of the laws 
with later statute-s, that for a long period its precise 
provisions were unknown. In or about 1823, how- 
ever, Mr. Francis C. Gray, of Boston, found in the 
Boston AtheniEum a manuscript of sixty pages which, 



lii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



probably, belonged to Elisha Hutchinson, who died 
in 1717, at the age of seventy-seven years. This 
manuscript contained a copy of the colonial charter 
and a " Coppie of the Liberties of the Massachusetts 
Colony in New England." This " Coppie" contained 
one hundred distinct articles separated by black lines, 
the introductory and concluding paragraphs not be- 
ing numbered. Unlike the code, which Kev. Mr. 
Cotton prepared, and which was not accepted, it did 
not follow closely the laws of Moses, nor did it cite 
Scripture except relating to punishments. Cotton 
went so far in tliis respect as to add to the provision 
" that the Governor, and in his absence the Deputy 
Governor, shiill have power to send out warrants 
for calling the General Court together," the Scripture 
authority contained in the first verse of the twenty- 
fourth chapter of Joshua, " And Joshua gathered all 
the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the 
elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their 
judges, and for their officers, and they presented 
themselves before God." 

The Body of Liberties followed the Scriptures so 
far as to make no crimes capital, not made so by the 
Mosaic law, and some of these were omitted, such as 
heresy, profaning the Lord's Day, reviling magis- 
trates, etc. As the author of this code, Nathaniel 
Ward, a resident in Essex County, as long as he re- 
mained in New England, is entitled to a place in this 
narrative. 

On the 1.3th of May, 1640, the General Court 
granted him six hundred acres of land at Pentucket 
(now Haverhill), which he sold November 26, 1646, 
to John Eaton. In 1641 he preached the election 
sermon. During the winter of 1646-47 he returned 
to England, and was settled at Shenfield, in the 
county of Essex, where he died in 1653. His son 
John, born in Haverhill, England, November 6, 1606, 
graduated at Cambridge iu 16.30, and was settled in 
Haverhill, Mass., in 1645, where he died December 
27, 1693. 

Mr. Ward was an author of some notoriety, if not 
repute in other fields than that of law. In 1648 he 
published a humorous satirical addi'ess to the l^ondon 
tradesmen, turned preachers, entitled " Mereurius 
Anti-Meclianicus on the Simple Coblers Boy," which 
was reprinted in Washington in 1844. On the 30th 
of June, 1647, he preached a sermon before the House 
of Commons, which was published, and in the same 
year published "A Religious Retreat sounded to a 
RBligious Army." In 1648 he published " The hum- 
ble petitions, serious suggestions and dutiful expos- 
tulations of some freeholders of the Easterne Associ- 
ation to the high and low Parliament of England," 
and in 1650 "Discolliminium a Reply to Bounds and 
Bonds." But ihe work by which, next to the Body 
of Liberties, he is best known, is a quaint political 
tract satirizing the afiairs and manners of the Massa- 
chusetts Colony and the fashionable ladies of the day, 
of which the following is a copy of the title-page: 



"The simple Cobler of Aggawam in America Willing To help mend 
his native country lamentably tattered both in the upper Leather and 
Sole with all the honest stiches he can talie 

And as willing never to be paid for his work by old English wonted 
pay. 

It is his trade te patch all the year long gratis. 

Therefore /pray gentlemen keep your purses. 

By Theodore de la Guard 

In rebus arduis ac tenui spe, fortissima quaequo confilia tutissima 

sunt. Cic. 

In English. 
When boots and shoes are torne up to the lefts 
Coblers must thrust their awles up to the hefts. 
This is no time to fear .\pellis gramm : 
Ne sutor quidem ultra crepidam. 
London. 
Printed by J. D. & li.T. for Steplien Bowtell at the signe of the Bible in 
Popes Head Alley 
1647." 

This work, though printed in England after the re- 
turn of Mr. Ward, was written in New England in 
1645. A careful reprint was edited by David Puisifer, 
of Boston, in 1847. 

Thomas Bancroft Newhall. — Mr. Newhall was 
born in that part of Lynn which is now the town of 
Lynnfield October 2, 1811. He is a lineal descendant 
from Thomas Newhall, the first white child born -in 
.Lynn, and a son of Asa T. Newhall, a prominent and i 
successful farmer and magistrate. ( 

Mr. Newhall was fitted for college at Andover and 
Lynn Academies, and graduated from Brown Univer- 
sity in 1832. He studied law in offices in Danvers 
and Boston and at the Harvard Law School, and was 
admitted to the bar at the March term of the Court 
of Common PJeas, 1837, and early in the following 
month established himself in business in Lynn. He 
soon acquired a very satisfactory practice, in which 
he has continued during the intervening fifty years, 
and with the discharge of the duiies of various offices 
of a public and private character with which he has 
been honored, his life has been active, useful and hon- 
orable. In 1852 he married Miss Susan S. Putnam, 
of Salem, and he has two children surviving — James 
S Newhall, of Lynn, and Mrs. Caroline P. Heath, of 
Boston. 

William Crowninshield EndicottIs descended 
from John Kndicott, who came to Salem in 1628 as 
Governor of the Colony, sent out by the Massachusetts 
Company. The family in his line has, during the two 
hundred and sixty years which have elapsed since 
that date, always lived in Salem and its vicinity, and 
most of the lime on the farm which included the . 
homestead of the Governor. John Endicott was born \ 
in Dorchester, Dorsetshire, England, in 1588, and 
married Anna Gouer, who came with him to New 
England. She died in 1629, leaving no children, and 
Governor Endicott married, August 17th, 1630, Eliza- 
beth Gibson, of Cambridge, England. He died March 
15th, 1665, and his children were John, born about 
1632, and Zerubbabel, born in 1665. Zerubba- 
bel married a wife, Mary, who died in 1677, and he 
afterwards married Elizabeth, widow of Rev. Antipas 




/3. ^A^^^^^oM^- 



I 

i 



i 



; 



i 







JJz^. 




THE BENCH AND BAR. 



Newman, and daughter of Governor John Winthrop. 
He was a physician, and lived in Salem. His chil- 
dren, all by the first wife, were John, born 1G57 ; 
Samuel, 1659; Zerubbabel, 1664; Benjamin, 1665; 
Mary, 1667; Joseph, 1672; and Sarah, 1673. Of 
these children Samuel married Hannah Felton about 
1694, and had John, born October 18, 1695; Samuel, 
August 30th, 1697; Ruth, 1699; and Hannah 1701. 
Of these Samuel, who was christened at South Dan- 
vers, September 30th, 1716, after he had reached 
manhood, married his cousin, Anna Eodicott, Decem- 
ber 20th, 1711, and widow Margaret (Pratt) Foster, 
February 11, 1724. He died in 1766, and was buried 
in the family burial-gi'cund at Danvers. His chil- 
dren by his first wife were John, born April 29th, 
1713; Sarah, September 19th, 1715; Samuel, March 
12,1717; Sarah, 1719; and Robert, 1721. By his 
second wife he had Hannah and Ann, twins, born 
November, 1727 ; Eliaa, December, 1729 ; Joseph, 
February, 1731; Lydia, 1734; and Ruth, 1734. Of 
the children of vSamuel, John was christened at South 
Dauvers, June 9th, 1717, and owned and occupied the 
old Governor Endicott farm. He married Elizabeth 
Jacobs May 18th, 1738, and died in 1783. His children 
were John, born in 1739; Elizabeth, 1741 ; William, 
1742; and Robert, 1756. Of these, John was chris- 
tened in the South Church, at Danvers, June 7th, 
1741, and lived on the old Endicott estate. He mar- 
ried Martha, daughter of Samuel Putnam, and had 
the following children : Samuel, born in June, 1763; 
John, January 13th, 1765 ; Moses, March 19th, 1767; 
Ann, January, 1769; Elizabeth, August, 1771 ; Jacob, 
1773; Martha and Nathan, twins, September, 1775; 
Sarah, September, 1778; Rebecca, May 20th, 1780; 
William, 1782; and Timothy, July 27, 1785. Of these, 
Samuel was christened iu the South Church, at Dan- 
vers, November 1st, 1767, and was in early life a ship- 
master. He retired from the sea in 1805, and, mak- 
ing Salem his place of residence, entered actively into 
mercantile pursuits. The records of the town of 
Salem show that he was prominent in town affairs, 
serving both as selectman and Representative in the 
General Court. He married, in 1794, Elizabeth, 
daughter of William Putnam, of Sterling, Mass., and 
with his brothers, John and Moses, owned the old 
family estate. He died May 1st, 1828, and his chil- 
dren were Samuel, born March, 1795; Eliza, who 
married Augustus W. Perry ; Martha, who married 
Francis Peabody ; William Putnam, March 5th, 1803 ; 
and Clara, who married George Peabody. Of these, 
William Putnam, who was christened in the North 
Church, at Salem, March 13, 1803, graduated at Har- 
vard in 1822, and married, in February, 1826, Mary, 
daughter of Hon. Jacob Crowniushield. He married 
again iu December, 1844, widow Harriet (French) 
Peabody. His children, all by the first wife, were 
William Crowniushield, born in Salem, November 
19th, 1826; Mary Crowniushield, February 4th, 1830, 
who died February 16, 1833; George Frederick, Sep- 



tember 11th, 1832, who died January 11th, 1833; and 
Sarah Rtgers, March 3d, 1838, who married George 
Dexter, of Boston. 

Of these children of William Putnam Endicott, 
the eldest, William Crowninshield Endicott, is the 
subject of this sketch. He was reared and educated 
in Salem, surrounded by families of wealth and cul- 
ture, and carrying in his veins a share of the best 
New England blood. Indeed, few places can boast 
of the careful training of youth for which Salem has al- 
ways been distinguished, and which has educated 
and developed that school of cultivated gentlemen of 
which Mr.Endicott is a marked example. He was fitted 
for College at the Salem Latin School, and graduated 
at Harvard in 1847. No man ever had better oppor- 
tunities for the studyof his chosen prol'e.'^sion, the law, 
than were alibrded to him in the office of Nathaniel 
J. Lord, of Salem, who during many years stood in 
the front rank of the Essex Bar. In 1850 he was ad- 
mitted to practice at Salem, and iu 1853 associated 
himself with J. W. Perry, who had been admitted to 
the bar in 1849. It was not long before his abilities 
as a lawyer were recognized, and these combined with 
a grace of deportment and dignity of character at- 
tracted and held a large and constantly increasing 
business. 

So marked was his prominence, both as a lawyer 
and a niau, that when a vacancy occurred on the 
Bench of the Supreme Judicial Court iu 1873, Gov- 
ernor William B. Washburne unhesitatingly selected 
him from the political party opposed to his own for 
an appointment to the vacant seat. He continued on 
the bench until his resignation in 1882, leaving it 
after a service of nine years, to the regret of members 
of the bar and his associates, and carrying with him 
the alfection and esteem of both. 

In 1884 he was the candidate of the Democratic 
party of Massachusetts for Governor, and in 1885, 
after the inauguration of Grover Cleveland as Presi- 
dent of the United States, was appointed by him Sec- 
retary of War, a position which he still holds with 
honor to himself, his native State and to the nation. 

Mr. Endicott married Ellen, daughter of George 
Peabody, of Salem, and has two children, a daughter 
Mary, and a son, William C. Endicott, Jr. 

William H. Niles was born in Orford, New 
Hampshire, December 22, 1839, and is the son of 
Samuel W. Niles and Eunice (Newell) Niles, of that 
town. At the age of five years he removed to South 
Reading (now Wakefield), and afterwards to North 
Bridgewater and East Bridgewater, in which Last 
place he grew into manhood. He pursued the usual 
courses of study in the common schools and for two 
years was a private pupil under the care of Rev. R. 
W. Smith, of East Bridgewater, in whose family he 
lived. He then pursued a classical cour.sc in the 
Providence Conference Seminary, at East Greenwich, 
Rhode Island, and left, that institution in 1861 to take 
the situation of principal of an academy in Georgia. 



liv 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



He remained in the South until the latter part of 
1865, when he came to Boston and there engaged in 
mercantile business. He not long after began the 
study of law under the direction of Caleb Blodget, 
now a judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, 
and at the March term of that court, at Lowell, in 
1870, he was, on examination, admitted to the bar. 

He at once opened an office in Lynn, where he has 
since pursued a succe.ssful career. In March, 1878, 
George J. Carr, who bad for several years been a stu- 
dent in his office, was admitted to the bar and became 
his partner. The business of the firm, which has rap- 
idly increased in volume and importance, is a general 
one, embracing all branches of the law. Mr. Niles 
has neither held nor sought nor desired public office, 
but has confined himself assiduously to the labors of 
his profession. He has rendered willing service on 
the School Board of Lynn, believing it to be one 
which every good citizen should render, if called 
upon, and one rather within the field of citizenship 
than that of public life. He married, on the 19th of 
September, 1865, Harriet A., daughter of L. D. Day, of 
Bristol, New Hampshire, and has three daughters, 
all under nineteen years of age. 

Charles Perkins Thompson is descended from 
John Thompson, who came to Plymouth in the 
" Ann," or the "Little James," in 1623. He was born 
in Braintree, Ma.ss., July 30, 1827, and was educated 
in the common schools of that town and in the Hol- 
lis Institute, which was established in Braintree in 
1845 by John R. Hollis, aud discontinued in 1865. He 
studied law with Benjamin F. Hallett, of Boston, and 
was admitted to the Suffolk bar in the spring of 
1854. Mr. Hallett was United States District Attor- 
ney from 1853 to 1857, and jMr. Thompson, after his 
admission to the bar, was employed by him as his 
second assistant, his son, Henry L. Hallett, now 
United States Commissioner, acting as first assistant. 
In the spring of 1857 he removed to Gloucester, and 
has since continued to make that place his residence. 
In 1871 and 1872 he was a member of the State 
House of Representatives, and in 1874 was chosen a 
member of the Forty-fourth Congress. In 1885, on 
the appointment of William Sewall Gardner, then a 
justice of the Superior Court, to a seat on the bench 
of the Supreme Judicial Court, he was appointed by 
Governor George D.Robinson to fill the vacancy. 

Judge Thompson has been for many years active 
in the interests of the Democratic party, and in 1881 
was the candidate of that party for Governor. His 
warm friends are far from being confined, however, 
to that political organization, and the number is not 
small of those who were only restrained by the 
shackles of party from giving him their support, and 
would have been glad to welcome him as the chief 
executive of tlie State. 

John James Marsh,' of Haverhill, is descended 

1 I)y Hon J. B. D. Cogswell. 



from an old family of that place, whose members are 
numerous and widely scattered. 

The ancestor, George Marsh, came from England 
in 1635 to Charlestown, and settled in Hingham, 
Mass. His son, Onesiphorus, settled in Haverhill 
in 1672. He located at what was long known as 
" Marsh's Hill," a mile west of the village, in modern 
times Wingate's Hill. 

In 1721, John Marsh, son of Onesiphorus, was 
chosen deacon of the first parish church. 

David, son of John, was chosen deacon in 1737, 
continuing in that office till his death, Nov. 2, 1777. 
Aljout 1728 he removed from Marsh's Hill to the 
village, to the site adjoining on the north, the Centre 
Church, still occupied by descendants. David Marsh 
had twelve children, who lived to a great age. The 
average of the twelve was eighty-three years, and the 
united age of all was one thousand. They were all 
noted for industry, temperance and frugality. Two 
of them, Lydia and Abigail Marsh, born in 1745 and 
1747 respectively and unmarried, gave, in 1825, a lot 
of land on the north side of what is now Winter 
Street, for the Haverhill Academy. 

Nathaniel Marsh, born 1739, was active in town and 
military aftairs, commanded a relief company which 
marched from Haverhill to Stillwater in the Bur- 
goyne campaign, was chosen in 1787 to the State con- 
vention to deliberate on the Federal Constitution and 
voted yea upon the question of its adoption. He 
was also a representative in the Legislature in 1786, 
1788, 1789, 1790, 1797 and 1798. 

Moses, son of David, had twelve children, like his 
father. Two of his sons, David and John Marsh, 
were partners in business for nearly fifty years in a 
store in Merrimack Street, on the river side. 

There they manufactured hand cards for carding 
wool, before machines for that purpose, driven by 
water, were introduced here. After their introduc- 
tion, and during the second war with England, they 
began to make the machines also and the cards with 
them. It is supposed that under the direction of 
Abraham Marland, an Englishman, who commenced 
woolen manufacturing in Andover as early as 1807, 
the brothers Marsh made the first carding machine 
used in this part of the country. Subsequently they 
sent many into New Hampshire and Maine. During 
their long career it has been said that the example of 
David and John Marsh was proverbial, not only for 
the fairness of their dealings and their promptness to 
meet all obligations, but also for the brotherly kind- 
ness which marked their intercourse with each other. 

Samuel Marsh, the youngest of this long-lived and 
estimable family, was born in 1786 and died in 1872, 
in the city of New York, where he had resided many 
years and was largely engaged in important transac- 
tions. He was heavily interested in the Fox and 
Wisconsin Improvement Company, and was president 
of the New York and Erie Railroad Company, being 
succeeded in the latter position by his nephew. 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



Iv 



Nathaniel Marsh, also a native of Haverhill. Marsh- 
field, now a thriving town in AVood County, Wiscon- 
sin, preserves tlie name and marks the foresight of 
Samuel Marsh. 

John James Marsh, son of John Marsh, tlie partner 
of David, was born at Haverhill May 2, 1820. His 
early education was received in its schools and at the 
Haverhill Academy. He graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1841. Of his seventy-six classmates, the 
largest number have deceased. Gardner Greene 
Hubbard, well-known to many through his early con- 
nection with the development of the telephone, 
Henry Elijah Parker, for many years professor of the 
Latin language and literature at Dartmouth, Edward 
Reed, son of " Honest " John Seed, many years in 
Congress from Massachusetts, and Edward Webster, 
son of the great stateman, Daniel ,Webster, may be 
mentioned, the first three still surviving. Mr. Marsh's 
law studies were pursued in the offices of Alfred 
Kittredge, of Haverhill, and Slossons & Schell, of 
New York City, and at the Dane Law School, Har- 
vard University. In 1846, he commenced the prac- 
tice of the law in Haverhill, continuing in it till 
about 1872, when the pressure of private business 
caused him to relinquish the profession. Upon the 
change from a town to a city government in 1870, 
Mr. JIarsh consented to act as city solicitor in that 
and the succeeding year. Otherwise he has never 
held public oflice. During the period of Mr. Marsh's 
active practice, he had many students, of whom may be 
mentioned John James Ingalls, United States Senator 
from Kansas, and Addison Brown, Judge of the Dis- 
trict Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. He was always regarded as a 
sound, energetic lawyer and successful practitioner. 

The Children's Aid Society of Haverhill, a most 
deserving charity, established some years since a 
home upon Kenoza Avenue, which was ill-adapted to 
its beneficent purposes. In 1883, Mr. Marsh and his 
sister, Mrs. Ames, erected upon the lot on Main 
Street, which had been previously donated to the 
society by them and their cousin, Mrs. Kelly, a sub- 
stantial and commodious brick building, which, upon 
its completion, was, with simple ceremonies, trans- 
ferred to the society. Being in memory of their de- 
ceased sister it is known as the " Elizabeth Home." 

" John Marsh," as he is known in Haverhill, is ac- 
tive in his habits and social in his temperament. 
Apparently in vigorous health, he bids fair to rival 
the remarkable longevity in the past, of the family 
whose most conspicuous representative he at present 
is. His residence is on Summer Street, and he is fre. 
(juently to be seen driving out to his farm in the 
West Parish, on the shore of Crystal Lake, where he 
takes great satisfaction in the improvement of his 
acres, and the breeding and management of stock. 

Chakles Johnson" Noyes is a lineal descendant 
of Rev. James Noyes (one of the colony which settled 
at Newbury in 1G35), preacher and scholar, who 



erected what is now known as the "old Noyes 
house,'' standing a short distance to the right of the 
upper green, not far from the Old Town Church in 
old Newbury. His paternal grandfather was Parker 
Noyes. who was born September 25, 1777, at Haver- 
hill, Mass., and died in 1848. Parker Noyes married 
Mary Fifield, who was born at Hopkinton, N. H., in 
1780, and died in 1810. They lived for a time at 
Canaan, N. H., where Johnson Noyes, the father of 
the subject of this sketch was born, January 23, 1808. 
Johnson Noyes, while a young man, moved to Haver- 
hill, Mass., having learned the shoemaker's trade, 
and was married to Sally Brickett, daughter of John 
and Abigail Brickett, on the 10th of October, 1S33. 
They settled at what was known as the North Parish, 
in Haverhill, where he carried on a country store and 
manufactured shoes to a limited extent. Here one of 
four children, Speaker Noy&s, was born, August 
7, 1841, and lived until about nine years of age, when 
his parents moved into the main village, then a thriv- 
ing town, now a city of twenty- four thousand people. 
John Brickett was born at Newbury, Mass, in 17(>2, 
and his wife at Haverhill, in 1763. The former died 
December 27, 1845, and the latter in the March 
previous, each at the ripe age of eighty-five years. 

The other children of Johnson Noyes were Ann 
Augusta, who died when a mere infant ; Sarah B., 
who was born December 10, 1834, and died May 29, 
1862 ; and Elizabeth C, who was born December 23, 
1845, and died May 5, 1870. After moving to the 
village Speaker Noyes attended the schools and 
passed through all the various grades, graduating at 
the Haverhill Academy in 1860, the valedictorian and 
president of his class. And when, afterward, an 
alumni association was formed, he became its first 
president and held the oflice five years, finally declin- 
ing a re-election. He was twice the class orator and 
chairman of its senior catalogue committee. He was 
admitted to the bar at Cambridge, Mass., and began 
practice simultaneously in Boston and Haverhill in 
1864. The extent of his Essex practice soon necessi- 
tated the discontinuance of his Boston office. In the 
second Lincoln campaign, that of 1864, Mr. Noyes 
was made president of the Lincoln Club of Haver- 
hill, an organization composed of leading business 
men and citizens, and on the assassination of Presi- 
dent Lincoln he was selected to deliver the memorial 
oration before the city authorities. In the f;ill elec- 
tion of 1865 Mr. Noyes was elected a member of the 
House of Representatives of 1866, in which he served 
on the committee on the judiciary. Declining a re- 
election to the House, he accepted a nomination from 
the citizens of Haverhill as candidate for the Senate, 
and was elected in a triangular contest, in whicli 
George S. Merrill, of Lawrence, and Moses F. Stevens 
were com|)etitors. 

In the Senate Mr. Noyes served on the committee 
on education, library (being chairman), and on the 
joint special committee on amendments to the Con- 



Ivi 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



stitution. At the close of the session he declined 
further political honors and devoted himself to his 
profession. He again opened an office in Boston and 
carried on a successful practice in the two counties 
until the business in Boston required his whole time. 
In 1872 he located his family in South Boston, where 
he has since continued to reside. 

In 1876 he again entered the field of politics by ac- 
cepting a nomination for Representative, and was 
elected, thus re-entering the House in 1877. He 
served that year as chairman of the committee on 
mercantile affairs and on the committee on Hoosac 
Tunnel and Troy and Greenfield Railroad. Re- 
elected in 1878, he served as chairman of the com- 
mittee on harbors and Hoosac Tunnel. In the 
House of 1879 Mr. Noyes was a prominent candidate 
for Speaker, but was defeated by Mr. Levi C. Wade, 
who received the caucus nomination and consequently 
an election. Mr. Noyes was made chairman of the 
committee on amendments to the Constitution, and as 
such took charge of and secured the adoption in the 
House of a number of important amendments. Re- 
turning to the House of 1880, Mr. Noyes was elected 
Speaker over a number of competitors on the fourth 
ballot, receiving one hundred and twenty-one votes. 
Chosen to the House again the following autumn, he 
was elected Speaker by a practically unanimous vote. 
He was also again elected, and was Speaker in the 
House of 1882. 

In the following summer, when it became known 
that Governor Long would decline a renomination, Mr. 
Noyes' name was at once taken up' by the press as 
one in every way suitable for the head of the ticket, 
and friends from all parts of the State urged him 
to contest the nomination. After considering the 
matter some time he declined, however, to allow the 
use of his name in this connection. Had he gone 
iuto the convention as a candidate, the outcome 
would have been very different, with the probabilities 
largely in favor of the nomination coming to him. As 
it was, he received next to the largest vote for the 
Lieutenant-Governorship. In the campaign of 1883 
he received the unanimous nomination for the Gov- 
ernor's Council from the Republican Convention of 
the Fourth Council or District, and, although the dis- 
trict was Democratic, received a very large vote. 

He now sought retirement from active politics, de- 
termining to devote himself to the labor of his pro- 
fession and the care of his growiug private interests. 
He was soon after appointed as special justice of the 
Municipal Court of the City of Boston for the South 
Boston District, which position he has continued to 
hold. In 1886, however, he was again induced to be- 
come a candidate for the House, and though the dis- 
trict was more than doubtful, won the election. He 
at once began an active campaign for the Speakership, 
and, to the surprise of the other candidates and the 
consternation of their friends, won upon the first 
ballot. 



Mr. Noyes is a member of the Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and has long been active therein, having passed 
the chairs respectively of the subordinate lodge and 
the encampment. He is also an active member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He is a member of Adelphi 
Lodge, and one of its Past Masters ; a member of St. 
Matthew's Royal Arch Chapter; a member of St. 
Omer Commandery, Knights Templar, and one of its 
Past Commanders ; a member of Lafayette Lodge of 
Perfection; a member of the Giles F. Yates Council, 
Princes of Jerusalem; a member of Mount Olivet 
Chapter Rose Croix, and a member of Massachusetts 
Consistory. He has also taken the council degrees in 
Boston Council, but has never taken membership. 
He was also for a time a member of the National 
Lancers and of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company. Mr. Noyes is connected with the directory 
of a number of business corporations, in two of which 
he is president. In his religious affiliations Mr. 
Noyes is Unitarian, and has at times been quite ac- 
tive in church and Sunday-school work. In politics 
he has taken an active part on the stump during the 
last fifteen years in different parts of the country, and 
in the Garfield campaign of 1880 he spent six weeks 
speaking for the Republican cause throughout the 
States of North Carolina and Florida. 

As a speaker, Mr. Noyes is fluent in utterance, 
easy and graceful in manner and remarkably apt in 
his choice of words. His memorial address at Wor- 
cester on Sunday evening, May 28, 1882, was a fin- 
ished production, and was listened to by an audience 
that packed Mechanics' Hall to its utmost capacity. 
It was published in the Worcester Gazette of the fol- 
lowing evening, and widely quoted by the press of 
the State. His ofl'-hand efforts are always appro- 
priate to the occasion and exceedingly felicitous. 

As a presiding officer, Mr. Noyes has few equals 
and no superiors. His fine presence and quiet dignity 
of manner awe and hold in check all turbulent dem- 
onstrations, while his unfailing courtesy is felt and 
acknowledged by all. Gifted with keenness of vision 
and a readiness of apprehension, any movement made 
by a member to get the floor is immediately recog- 
nized, while a motion coming from any part of the 
House is caught at once and clearly stated to that 
body. Added to these qualifications is a thorough 
knowledge of parliamentary law, which makes him at 
all times the master of the situation. No attempt at 
resorting to the most bewildering of parliamentary 
tactics can disturb his equanimity, or make him for a 
moment lose sight of the point in hand; but, through 
all the intricacies of motions and amendments and 
counter-motions, the debate is kept uuder rigid con- 
trol, and the final disposition of the question so clear 
and just that from the decisions of the chair there is 
no appeal. 

To those who have come in contact with Mr. Noyes 
there is no difficulty in discerning the occasion of his 
popularity. He possesses in a high degree that 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



Ivii 



strong personal magnetism that at once draws one to 
him, while there is a sincerity and cordiality mani- 
fested by him that makes the bonds of friendship 
enduring. Easily approachable, genial and sun- 
shiny by nature, he makes a most delightful com- 
panion, and his personal popularity is very great. 

In 1864 Mr. Noyes was married to Miss Emily 
Wells, the only surviving daughter of Col. Jacob C. 
Wells, a well-known and successful merchant of Cin- 
cinnati, O. They have three children. The eldest. 
Miss Fannie O. Noyes, is a young lady of rare artistic 
talent, and is now studying in Paris as an animal 
painter ; the second, Mr. Harry R. Noyes, holds a 
fine position with a well-known firm of stock brokers; 
and the youngest, Miss Gracie L., is still in school. 

Marcu.s Morton is the son of Marcus and Char- 
lotte (Hodges) Morton and was born in Taunton, Mass., 
April 8,1819. His father was born in Freetown, Mass., 
in 1784, and graduated at Brown University in 1804. 
He received the degree of LL.D., from his alma mnter 
in 182(5, and from Harvard University in 1840. In 
1825 he was appointed justice of the Supreme Judi- 
cial Court and continued on the bench until 1840, 
when he resigned to assume the duties of Governor of 
the commonwealth, which oiBce he held during that 
year and again in 184.3. He died in 1864. The father of 
Governor Morton was Nathaniel Morton, of Freetown, 
born in 175.3, who married in 1782, Mary Cary, of 
Bridgewater. The father of Nathaniel was Nathan- 
iel, born in 1723, who married in 1749, Martha Tup- 
per. The father of the last Nathaniel was Nathaniel 
of Plymouth, born in 1695, who married, in 1720, Re- 
becca, widow of Mordecai Ellis, and daughter of 
Thomas Clark, of Plymouth. The father of the last 
Nathaniel was Eleazer, of Plj'mouth, who married in 
1693, Rebecca Marshall, of Boston. The father of 
Eleazer was Ephraim, of Plymouth, born in 1623, 
who married, in 1644, Ann Cooper. The father of 
Ephraim was George, of Plymouth, who married in 
Leyden, in 1612, Julian, daughter of Alexander Car- 
penter, of Wrentham, I^nglaud, and came to Plym- 
outh in the '' Ann " in 1H23. Another son of George 
Morton, and a brother of Ephraim, was Nathaniel 
Morton, the secretary for many years of the Plymouth 
colony and the author of " New England's Memo- 
rial."' 

Thomas Clark, whose daughter, Rebecca, married 
Mordecai Ellis and afterwards Nathaniel Morton above 
mentioned, married three wives, and Rebecca was the 
daughterof the third wife, born in 1698. The father of 
Thomas Clark was James, born in 1637, who married in 
1657, Abigail, daughter of Rev. John Lathrop, of Barn- 
stable. The fatherof James was Thomas, of Plymouth, 
apas.sengerin the " Ann " in 1623, who married before 
1634, Susanna, daughter of widow Mary Ring, and in 
1664 widow Alice Nichols, of Boston, and daughter 
of Richard Hallet. It will thus be seen that this 
branch of the Morton family is descended from two 
of what are called the " First Comers '' of Plymouth. 



The gravestone of Thomas Clark, one of these, is still 
standing on Burial Hill, in Plymouth. 

Marcus Morton, the subject of this sketch, fitted 
for college at the Bristol County Academy, in Taunton, 
then under the charge of Frederick Crafts, a graduate 
of Brown University, in 1816, and a recipient of the 
degree of Master of Arts from Harvard in 1820. He 
graduated at Brown Universitv in 1838, and after 
having studied two years in Dine Law School, at 
Cambridge, received the degree of Bachelor of Laws 
from Harvard, in 1840. After studying another year 
in the law office of Sprague & Gray he was admitted 
to practice in Sutlblk County in 1841. He practiced 
law in Boston until 1848, living in Boston until 1850, 
and then removing to Andover, in which place he has 
since held his residence. In 1853 he was a member of 
the Constitutional Convention from Andover, and in 
1858, represented that town in the House of Represen- 
tatives. On the establishment of the Superior Court, 
in 1859, he was appointed by Governor Banks, one ot 
its justices, with Charles Allen, of Worcester, as chief 
justice, and Julius Rockwell, of Lenox; Otis Phillip 
Lord, of Salem ; Seth Ames, of Lowell ; Ezra Wil- 
kinson, of Dedham; Henry Vose, of Springfield; 
Thomas RiLssell and John Phelps Putnam, of Boston ; 
and Lincoln Flagg Brigham, of New Bedford, as his 
associates. In 1869 tw-o vacancies occurred on the 
bench of the Supreme Judicial Court, in consequence 
of the resignation of Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar and 
Dwight Foster, which were filled by Governor Clafiin 
by the appointment of Judge Ames, who had left the 
Supreme bench fn 1867, and by the promotion of 
Judge Morton. 

In 1S82 Horace CJray, of Boston, who had occupied 
a seat as associate justice of the Supreme Court from 
1864 to 1873, and since 1873 as chief justice; he re- 
signed the latter oflice on his appointment as one of 
the justices of the Supreme Court of the United 
States, and Judge Morton was appointed by Governor 
Long to fill the vacancy. In 1870 he received the de- 
gree of LL.D. from his alma mater, and in 1882 from 
Harvard. 

Judge Morton still occupies his seat as chief justice 
and, in the performance of his duties, upholds and 
maintains the high character for which the Supreme 
Judicial Court of Massachusetts has always been dis- 
tinguished. 

William W. Story, son of J(ise|)h Story, was 
born in Salem, February 12, 1819, and graduated at 
Harvard in 1838. He also graduated from the Dane 
Law School at Cambridge, in 1840, but soon gave up 
the profession and devoted himself to sculpture, in 
which he has won an enviable distinction. Among 
his best known works are the statue of Edward Ever- 
ett, in the Boston Public Garden, and the statue of 
Chief Justice Marshall, at the west front of the Cap- 
itol in Washington. 

Edgar T. Sherm.vx was born in Weathersfield, 
Vermont, November 28, 1834, and is descended from 



Iviii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



an early New England settler, bearing that name. 
He was eilucated in the common schools of his native 
town, and in the Wesleyan Academy at Springfield, Vt- 
In his earliest manhood he tanght four years in the 
Academy at Harwich, Mass., and in 1853 went to Law- 
rence, where, in the next year he began the study of law- 
In 1858 he was admitted to the bar of Essex Co., and 
soon after took the position of clerk of the police court 
of Lawrence, which, after two years, he resigned to be- 
come a partner of Daniel Saunders, of Lawrence, in 
the active practice of law. During his six years' 
connection with Mr. Saunders he enlisted in 1862 in 
the Forty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment, and after 
the battle of Port Hudson was breveted major, for 
bravery in the field. Having served out his time he 
again went to the front as captain in the Sixth Mas- 
sachusetts Regiment, and served until the end of the 
war. His active military career was supplemented 
after the war by his appointment as chief of the di- 
vision staff and assistant adjutant-general on the staff 
of General Benjamin F. Butler, with the rank of 
colonel in the State militia, and he held that position 
until 1876. 

After the war he entered into a law partnership of 
short duration with John K. Tarbox, who had been 
admitted to the bar in 1860, and who had subsequently, 
as well as Colonel Sherman, seen service in the field. 
In 1865-66 he was a member of the House of Rei)re- 
sentatives, and in 1868 was chosen district attorney for 
the Eastern District, which included the towns of 
Essex County. To this office he was chosen for five 
successive terms, of three years each, and resigned In 
December, 1882, to assume the duties of Attorney- 
general, to which he had been chosen as the candidate 
of the Republican party at the November election. 

He was rechosen Attorney-general in 1883, '84, '85, 
'86, '87, and was, on the 14th of September of the pre- 
sent year, nominated by Governor Ames to fill the 
vacancy on the bench of the Superior Court caused by 
the promotion of Marcus Perrin Knowlton to the 
bench of the Supreme Judicial Court to fill the va- 
cancy caused by the resignation of William Sewall 
Gardner. Before the publication of this sketch the 
nomination of Colonel Sherman will be confirmed, 
and he will be in full possession of his judicial office. 
In 1884 he received from Dartmouth College an hon- 
orary degree of Master of Arts, but neither occupies 
nor seeks public positions outside of the professional 
field in which he has labored faithfully, and is now 
reaping his harvest. 

Lincoln Flagg Brigham, was born October 4, 
1819, in that part of Cambridge called the " Port." 
He was the son of Lincoln Brigham and Lucy 
(Forbes) Brigham, the daughter of Elisha and Hannah 
(Flagg) Forbes, of We^tboro, Massachusetts. The 
first American ancestor of the Brigham family was 
Thomas Brigham, who came to New England in 1635, 
and settled in Cambridge, where he died in 1653. 
The subject of this sketch, after leaving the public 



schools of his native town, entered the counting-room 
of Samuel Austin, of Boston, with a view to a com- 
mercial life. His plans in this direction were, how- 
ever, after two or three years abandoned, and he fitted 
for college under the care of Rev. David Peabody, 
the husband of his eldest sister, and afterwards Pro- 
fessor of Belles-Letters and Rhetoric in Dartmouth 
College, and graduated from Dartmouth in 1842. In 
1844 he received the degree of LL, B. as a graduate 
of the Dane Law School, at Cambridge, and in 1883 
received the honorary degree of LL.D. from liis 
Alma-Mater. He finished his law studies at New 
Bedford, in the office of Clifford & Colby, a law firm 
composed of .John H. Clifford, afterward attorney- 
general and Governor of the commonwealth, and Har- 
rison G. O. Colby, who, while Mr. Brigham was a 
student in the office, was appointed by Governor 
George N. Briggs, a justice on the bench of the Com- 
mon Pleas Court, and who resigned in 1847, and died 
in 1853. Mr. Brigham was admitted to the Bristol 
county bar in June, 1845, and after the appointment 
of Mr. Colby to the bench, became in July of that 
year a partner of Mr. Clifford. In 1853 he was ap- 
pointed by Mr. Cliftbrd, then Governor, district-at- 
torney of the southern district of Massachusetts, com- 
prising the counties of Bristol, Barnstable, Nantucket 
and Dukes county. In 1856 tlie office becoming 
elective by a recent law, he was chosen attorney by 
the people of the district, and held the office until he 
was appointed by Governor Nathaniel P. Banks to a 
seat on the bench of the superior court, then first 
established. Judge Seth Ames, chief-justice of that 
court, was appointed in 1869 by Governor William 
Claflin, a justice of the supreme judicial court, and 
Judge Brigham was promoted to the seat of chief- 
justice, which he has since up to this time held. 

Judge Brigham married October 20, 1847, Eliza 
Endicott, daughter of Thomas Swain, of New Bedford, 
and has four sons, one of whom, Clifford Brigham, a 
graduate of Harvard in 1880, lives in S-alem, and as a 
partner of George Burnham Ives, a graduate of Har- 
vard in 1876, is engaged in the practice of law in 
Salem and Boston. During the residence of Judge 
Brigham in New Bedford, which terminated in 1860, 
he was interested in military affairs, and for a time 
was the efficient and popular commander of the New 
Bedford Light Infantry, one of the most active and 
respectable volunteer companies in the State. In 
1860 he removed to Boston, and in 1866 to Salem, 
which jilace he has since made his residence. From 
the exacting labors of his official station he turns to 
music for his chief relaxation, and in whatever social 
circle he has lived he has done much to cultivate and 
refine its musical tastes. As a judge he has won not 
only the esteem, but the affection also of the mem- 
bers of the bar, and as a man he is universally be- 
loved. 

Samuel Swett was born in Newburyport June 9, 
1782. He was the son of Dr. John Barnard and 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



\h 



Charlotte (Bourne) Swett, and entered Harvard Col- 
lege in 1796, having been fitted by his father at the 
grainmar-sehool in his native town. He studied law 
in Exeter, N. H., with Judge Jeremiah Smith, and 
afterwards with Judge Charles Jaotson and Judge 
Edward Livermore, and was admitted to the Essex 
Bar in lSO->. He began the practice of law in Salem, 
where he married, August 25, 1807, Lucia, daughter 
of William Gray. He relinquished practice in 1810 
and removed to Boston, where he became a partner 
in the firm of Wm. B. Swett & Co. In the last year 
of the War of 1812 he entered the army as a volun- 
teer on the staff of Geueral Izard, and served as a to- 
pographical engineer, with the rank of major. He 
was aide-de-camp on the staff of John Brooks, Gover- 
nor of Massachusetts, from 1816 to 1823, and wiis 
three years a member of the Legislature. His wife 
died May 15, 18-14, and he died in Boston October 
28, 1866." 

William S. Allen was the son of Ephraim W. 
Allen and born in Newburyport in 1805. He gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1825, and after study- 
ing law with Stephen W. Marston, was admitted to 
the Essex Bar in 1827. For several years he was a 
partner of Caleb Gushing, and a representative from 
Newburyport in the General Court. He was the first 
editor of the Newburyport Daily Herald, started by 
himself and his brother, Jere. S. Allen, in 1832. At 
that time the Herald and the New Bedford Mercury, 
which started a few months earlier, were the only 
daily papers in Massachusetts outside of Boston. 
About the year 1835 he removed to St. Louis, where 
he was elected to a judgeship, which he held for sev- 
eral years. During the last twelve years of bis life 
he was connected editorially with the St. Louis lie- 
vublican, and died in St. Louis in June, 1868. 

Stephen Hooper was the son of Stephen Hooper, 
a prominent merchant of iSewbur3'port, and was born 
in that town in 1785. He was fitted for college at the 
Dummer Academy, and graduated at Harvard in 
1808. He was admitted to the Essex County bar in 
1810, and opened an office in Newburyport. He rep- 
resented the town of Newbury, to which town his 
father removed while he was a youth, and which 
place he continued to make his residence in the Gen- 
eral Court when he was twenty-five years of age, and 
at the age of thirty-one he was chosen a State Sen- 
ator. In 1818 he removed to Boston, and there de- 
voted himself to the practice of his profession. He 
was for several years an alderman of the city, and 
there died in 1825. 

EDW.4RD St. Loe Livermoke was born in Ports- 
mouth, New Hampshire, April 5, 1762. His father, 
Samuel Livermore, born in Waltham, New Hamp- 
shire, May 14, 1732, died at Holderness, New Hamp- 
shire, in May, 1803, and was Attorney-General of New- 
Hampshire, member of the Continental Congress, 
member of the convention to adopt the Federal Con- 
stitution, president of the Constitutional Convention 



of 1791, judge of the Supreme Court, member of Con- 
gress and United States Senator. His son Edward 
was a counsellor at law, and United States Attorney, 
and judge of the Superior Court of New Hampshire. 
He removed to Newburyport, and while a resident 
there was chosen member of the tenth Congress in 
1806. He removed to Boston in 1813, and died at 
Lowell, September 22, 1832. 

Samuel Sumser Wilde, so long a distinguished 
justice on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court, 
deserves as a resident in Esses County eleven years, 
a place in this record. He was born in Taunton, 
Mass-, February 5, 1771, and graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1789. He read law with David L. Barnes, 
of Taunton, who was afterwards judge of the United 
States District Court for Rhode Island. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1792, and removed to Maine, 
practising his profession in Waldoboro' and Warren 
and Hallowell, to which last place he removed in 
1799; while at Warren he represented that town in 
the General Court, and while at Hallowell was twice 
chosen one of the electors of president and vice-presi- 
dent, and in 1814 was a member of the executive 
council. In 1815 he was appointed by Governor 
Caleb Strong an associate justice of the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts, and at the separation of 
Maine from Massachusetts he removed to Newbury- 
port, where he resided until 1831. He received the 
degree of doctor of laws from Bowdoin College in 
1817, from Harvard in 1841, and from Dartmouth in 
1849. 

In early life he was an active Federalist, and lived 
to be the only surviving member of the Hartford 
Convention. He continued on the bench thirty-five 
years, and resigned in 1850, at the age of seventy-nine 
years. To those readers who remember Judge Wilde, 
and have been able by personal observation to meas- 
ure his abilities as a jurist and his high character as 
a man, the following letter written in Hallowell in 
1820, with its estimate of the judge iu the early days 
of his judicial life, will be interesting: 

" IIallowelt,, m.-iy 31, 1820. 

" It is witli much regret tbat we learn that .hi-lgc WiMe is making 
preparations to leave the town and tiie State of Maine in order to reside 
in Bliissacliusetts, and there exercise the fnnctionH of a Judj;o in tlie 
Supreme Court in that State. 

"In his several capacities of a judge, citizen, friend and acquaintance, 
liis value has been so generally known and felt among us that his de- 
parture must necessarily be viewed with concern. On the bench he is 
conspicuous for his talents and learning, as well as for his candor and 
impartiality. He is at all times affable, and yet be pre^erves order ; by 
his industry and arrangement ho despatches business ; though he knows 
how to bo p:itient when the case denninds it ; to his mildness he joins 
tirmness, atid by his personal character he adds weight to his judicial 
decisions ; since his sincerity gives assunince that these decisions are in- 
dei>endent and conscientious. As a citizen he was formerly much en- 
gaged in public affairs, and yet he continued never to lose his temper or 
to give personal offence, and his intentions and fair dealing never called 
in question either when conducting his own afTaii'S or those of his 
clients. Those who have known .ludge Wilde as a frieiul are those who 
will most feel his loss ; since the warmth of his feelings, the pleasant- 
ness of his temper, and his desire to render services were always con- 
spicuous in his intercourse with them." * * * 

Judge Wilde died in Boston, June 22, 1855. 



Ix 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



This record will be closed with a list of the present 
members of the Essex County bar: 

Amesbury. — Horace I. Bartlett (also at Newbury- 
port), George E. Bachelder, George W. Gate, George 
Turner, Frank C. Whiting. 

Andover. — George W. Foster, George H. Poor. 

Beverly. — Frederick W. Choate, Samuel A. Fuller 

D. W. Quill, (also in Salem). 

Bradford. — Henry Carter (also at Haverhill), Frank 
H. Pearl. 

Danvers. — Daniel N. Crowley (also in Salem), Wil- 
lis E. Flint, Edward L. Hill, Stephen H. Phillips 
(also in Salem), J. W. Porter, Alden P. White (also 
in Salem). 

Essex. — Frank C. Richardson (also at S.ilem). 

Georgetown. — W. A. Butler, Jeremiah P. Jones. 

Gloucester. — Archibald N. Donahue, John J. Flah- 
erty, Wm. W. French, M. J. McNeirny, Wm. A. 
Pew, Jr., J. C. Pierce, Charles A. Russell, Edgar S. 
Taft, Henri N. Woods, Sumner D. York. 

Hamilton. — Daniel E. Safford. 

Haverhill.— Khhoit & Pearl, N. C. Bartlett, Wm. E. 
Blunt, B. F. Brickett, Harry J. Cole, Edward B. 
George, J. P. Jonts, B. B. Jones, H. N. Merrill, Wm. 
H. Moody, Moody & Bartlett, John A. Page, Isaac E. 
Pearl, Winfield S. Peters, C. H. Poor, H. M. Sargent, 

E. B. Savage, Warren Tilton, R. D. Trask, H. H. 
Webster, John J. Winn. 

Ipswich. — George Haskell, Edward P. Kimball, 
Charles A. Sayward. 

Lawrence. — Benjamin C. Ames, M. H. Ames, Charles 
U. Bell, T. Burley, Joseph Cleaveland, Charles A. De 
Courcey, D. F. Dolan, Newton P. Frye, John S. Gile, 
W. F. Gile, N. W. Harmon (deceased), H. F. Hopkins, 
M.S. Jenkins, Wm. S. Knox, P. W. Lyall, D. B. Magee, 
J. J. Mahoney, Wm. T. McKeone, W. F. Moyes, John 
R. Poor, D. W. Proctor, Aretas R. Sanborn, John C. 
Sanborn, C. F. Sargent, Caleb Saunders, Charles G. 
Saunders, Daniel Saunders, Edgar J. Sherman, John 
M. Stearns, Andrew C. Stone, John P. Sweeney, Wm. 
L. Thompson, George L. Weil. 

Lytin.—D. 0. Allen, John R. Baldwin, T. F. Bart- 
lett, John \V. Berry, George J. Carr, N. D. A. Clarke, 
Wm. C. Fabens (also at Marblehead), Joseph F. Han- 
nan, R. E. Harmon, Nathan M. Hawkes, H. F. Hurl- 
burt. W. B. Hutchinson, Ira B. Keith, Caleb Lamson, 
Charles Leighton, W. H. Lucie, James R. Newhall, 
Thomas B. Newhall, M. P. Nickerson, Wm. H. Niles, 
AVm. F. Noonau, Dean Peabody, E. K. Phillips, T. H. 
Romayne, Wm. 0. Shea, J. H. Sisk, Eben F. B. Smith, 
Calvin B. Tuttle, Frank G. Woodbury, John Wood- 
bury. 

Marblehead. — Wm. D. Trefry (also at Salem). 

Merrimac.—T. H. Hoyt, M. Perry Sargent. 

Mtthueii. — Wm. M. Rogers, W. R. Rowell. 

Newburyport. — J. C. M. Bayley, Charles C. Dame, 
John C. Donovan, Joseph G. Gerrish, Frank W. 
Hale, Harrison G. Johnson, Nathaniel N. Jones, 
Amos Noves, Nathaniel Pierce, John N. Pike, E. C. 



Saltmarsh, Thomas C. Simpson, Eben F. Stone, David 
L. Withington. 

Peabody. — Sidney C. Bancroft, Frank E. Farnham, 
Charles E. Hoag, George Holman, Eugene T. Mc- 
Carthy, Benjamin C. Perkins, Frederick G. Preston, 
Thomas M. Stimpson (also in Salem), Wm. P. Up- 
ham (also at Salem), F. W. Upton, Henry Wardwell, 
Charles A. Weare. 

Reading. — Solon Bancroft, Chauncey P. Judd, E. 
T. Swift. ' 

Rowley. — George B. Blodgett. 

Salem. — Edward C. Battis, C. A. Benjamin, Clifford 
Brigham, George F. Choate, W. F. M. Collins, Forrest 
L. Evans, Andrew Fitz, James A. Gillis, Wm. H. 
Gove, Joseph E. Quinn, Richard E. Hines, Nathaniel J. 
Holden, Thomas F. Hunt, A. L. Huntington, George 
B. Ives, Samuel A. Johuson, D. B. Kimball, Edward 
P. Kimball, George R. Lord, J. T. Mahoney, Eugene 
T. McCarthy, P. J. McCusker, Henry P. Moulton, 
Wm. D. Northend, Theodore M. Osborne, Charles S. 
Osgood, J. B. F. Osgood, B. C. Perkins, Sidney Per- 
ley, Wm. Perry, John W. Porter, D. W. Quill, Josiah 
F. Quinn, J. M. Raymond, C. W. Richardson, Daniel 
E. Safford, Charles Sewall, C. H. Symonds, Charles 
P. Thompson, L. S. Tuckerman, George Wheatland 
A. P. White, Frank V. Wright, J. C. Wyman. 

Saugus. — Benjamin F. Johnson. 

Topsfield. — Benjamin Poole. 



CHAPTER III. 

OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 

BY ROBERT S. RANTOUL. 

" You may ride in an hour or two, if you will, 
From Halibut Point to Beacon Hill, 
With the sea beside you all the way, 
Through the pleasant places that skirt the Bay ; 
By Gloucester Harbor and Beverly Beach, 
Salem Witch-haunted, Naliant's long reach. 
Blue-bordered Swampscott and Chelsea's wide 
Slarshes, laid bare to the drenching tide. 
With a glimpse of Saugus spire in the west, 
And Maiden hills wrapped iu hazy rest. 

" All this you watch idly, and more by far. 
From the cushioned seat of a railway-car. 
But in days of witchcraft it was not so ; 
City-bouud travellers had to go 
Horseback over a blind, rough road. 
Or as part of a jolting wagon-load 
Of garden-produce or household goods. 
Crossing the fords, half-lost in the woods. 
By wolves and red-skins frighted all day. 
And the roar of lions, some histories say. 
If a craft for Boston were setting sail, 
Very few of a passage would fail 
Who had trading to do in the three-hilled town ; 
For they might return ere the sun was down." 

— Peggy Blights Voyage, by Lucy Larcom. 

When this region of ours was first colonized by 
Europeans, they contented themselves for a time 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Ixi 



with the rude means of conveyance and transpor- 
tation Ijnovvn to their savage neighbors. The fav- 
orite way to Boston, Plymouth and Cape Ann was 
by water. The " dug-out " was much in use, being 
a pine log twenty feet long and two and one- 
half feet wide, in which they sometimes " went 
fowling two leagues to sea." These "cannowes" 
seem to have been inspected at stated intervals by 
a town surveyor, and p.assed or condemned according 
to their fitness for further survice. It was in swim- 
ming for one of these, from a desire to visit the 
Indian Village at "Northfield," that Governor Win- 
throp's son Henry, on the day after his arrival at 
Salem, was drowned in the North River. In one 
of these rude boats, no doubt, Roger Conant might 
often be seen making his way up Bass River, to 
visit his farm of two hundred acres, near the 
"great pond side." And Governor Endicott's little 
sloop-boat, or " shallop," flits across the pages of the 
ancient records, as, no doubt, she walked the waters 
of the bay and rivers, like a thing of life. 

The condition of the trail, which was the only 
land transit between Salem and Boston, is indicated 
by two contemporary writers of the first authority. 
On the 12th of April, 1()31, Governor Endicott 
wrote to Governor Winthrop the following letter from 
Salem : 

'* Right Worahipful: I did expect to Iiave been with yon in person 
at the Court, and to that end I put to eea yesterday, and was driven back 
again, the wind being stiff against us. And there being no canoe or 
boat at Saugus, I must have been constrained to go to Slystic, and thence 
afoot to Charlestonn, which at tliat time durst not be so bold, my body 
being, at this present, in an ill condition to wade or take cold. * « * 
The eel-pots you sent for are made, which 1 lia<I in my boat, hoping to 
have brought them with me," * * * * 

It will be observed that these worthies were not 
the plodders of the Colony. Their position insured 
them the best travelling facilities the times afforded. 
Governor Winthrop wrote in his journal, October 
25, 1031, "The Governor, with Captain Underbill 
and other of the officers went on foot to Saugus. 
and next day to Salem, where they were bounti- 
fully entertained by Captain Endicott, and on the 
28th they returned to Boston by the ford at Saugus 
River and so over at Mystic." 

In 1637 Governor Winthrop passed through Salem 
on foot, with a large escort, on his way to and from 
Ipswich, and next year visited Salem by water and 
returned by land. The first party of Salem people 
who visited Boston after its settlement are said to 
have spent four days on the way, and, on the follow- 
ing Sabbath, to have put up a note of thanks in our 
First Church (now restored and standing in the rear 
of Plummer Hall) for their safe guidance and re- 
turn. 

In 1650, as we learn from Parkman's " France and 
P^iigland in North America," the first essay was made, 
at the instance of the Colony of Massachusetts, to- 
wards negotiating a reciprocity treaty between these 
English settlements and the French colonies in Can- 
vii 



ada. A Jesuit ambassador from Quebec set out in 
company with a converted Indian chief, to visit Bos- 
ton, and secure the military aid of this colony against 
the Iroquois, in consideration of some privileges of 
trade to be granted by the French. He made his way 
from "Kepane" (Cape Ann), where he was forced 
ashore by stress of weather, to Charlestown, " partly 
on foot — partly in boats along the shore," and from 
that peninsula the priest crossed by boat to Bosttm, — 
probably the first Romanist who ever received a wel- 
come in the Puritan Colony. On returning, he 
stopped at Salem, and dined with Governor Endicott, 
who, he says, spoke French. 

Some felling of trees and hoisting ofrocks was needed 
to convert these muddy trails into bridle-paths, and 
then the colonist moved about through the forest, ac- 
com|ianied by good-wife on a pillion behind aud fol- 
lowed perhaps by a pack-horse, sweating under well- 
stufl'ed panniers. " Such a way as a man may travel 
on horseback, or drive cattle," the court ordered 
laid out by Richard Brackenbury, Mr. Conant and 
others from the ferry at Salem, to Jeftrie's Creek, now 
Manchester. Poets sing false, or the saddle was 
sometimes mounted on the backs of neat cattle, in 
those early days, as now-a-days in South Africa and 
San Domingo : 

" Then, from a stall near at band, amid exclamations of wonder, 
Alden, tile thoughtful, the careful, so liappy, so proud of Priscilla, 
Brought out bis snow-white Bull, obeying the hand of its master,— 
Led by a cord that was tied to an iron ring in its nostrils, — 
Covered with crimson cloth and a cushion placed for a saddle. 
.She would not walk, he said, through the dust and heat of the noon- 
day ; 
Nay, she should ride like a Queen, — not plod along like a peasant. 
Somewhat alarmed at first, but reassured by the others, — 
riaclng her hand on the cushion, her foot in the hand of her hns- 

band, — ■ 
Gaily, with joyous laugh, Priscilla mounted her palfrey." 

After the bridle-paths came the roads. The con- 
figuration of our surface did not favor the use of 
canals, and we escaped that dreary stage in the devel- 
opement of transportation. Roads multiplied apace, 
but they were constructed not so much on mathemati- 
cal, as on social principles. Nothing is more enter- 
taining to the idler than to trace out some old aban- 
doned lane, wandering between crooked walls^ 
choked up with underbrush of barberry, alderberry, 
rose-bush, fern and bramble — arched with grand old 
elms, and seemingly leading nowhere. Some dilapi- 
dated cellar-wall or ruined well soon answers the ques- 
tion "whither wilt thou lead me?" The pioneers built 
their homes where the soil was tempting, the slopes 
attractive, and material at hand. Villages were small 
and infrefjuent. Hence roads were made to reach the 
homesteads of single colonists, and not with prime re- 
gard to directness between town and town. And an 
the distance around a hill was no greater than over it, 
and the cost of excavating must be avoided, these 
roads, in uneven places, became still more circuitous, 
from the hills they encountered. Their original cost 
has been expended many times over, in widening. 



h 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



straightening, and leveling them, so that the curious 
observer will find on either side of the present road, 
grass -grown bits of the old highway leading oft' a little, 
and soon returning to it. 

An old fiimily of the county has been in the habit 
of making a yearly pilgrimage from Cape Ann to 
Andover, over the road as it was two or three genera- 
tions back, faithfully tracing out, wherever it was 
possible, each oxbow in the way, with its ancient trees 
and low-roofed farm-house and well-sweep and brook. 
Hawthorne has thus described one of the most tempt- 
ing of these lovely by-ways, in his account of 
"Browne's Folly," written for the "Weal-Keaf" in 
1860: 

"Along its base ran a green and seldom trodden lane, with which I 
was very familiar in my buylioutl ; and tliere was a little biook, which I 
remember to have dammed op till its overflow made a mimic ocean. 
When I last looked for this tiny streamlet, which was still rippling 
freshly through my memory, I found it strangely shrunkeD ; a mere ditch 
Indeed, and almost a dry one. But the green lane was still there, pre- 
cisely as I remembered it ; two wheel tracks, and the beaten path of tlie 
horses' feet, and grassy strips between ; the whole overshadowed by tall 
locust trees, and the prevalent barberry bushes, whicli are rooted so 
fondly into the the recoliections of every Essex man." 

These old roads belonged to the period when a 
journey to Boston was a thing to be thought of for 
days before — and only to be embarked on in pleasant 
weather. Dobbin must be brought in from pasture — 
be rested and fed up a little, and have his shoes 
looked to ; the " one-boss shay," with its capacity for 
stowage like that of the ark, — 

*' Thorough-brace bison skin, thick and wide, — 
Boot, top, dasher of tough old hide 
Found in the pit when the tanner died," — 

this lumbering conveyance was to be cleaned up over 
night and its wheels put in order ; the Sunday suit 
must be aired and dusted, and when at last the 
eventful morning dawned fresh and fair, and the 
leave-taking of several generations was accomplished, 
the journey of the day was to be performed, by not 
too burthensome stages, relieved by episodes of break- 
fast and bailing at the " Creature Comfort," or some 
other favorite lialf-way house, and a scrupulous with- 
drawal of Dobbin from the too active iniluence of 
the mid-day sun. 

A few figures will show how much distances from 
point to point have been reduced since these days. 
We find the following in " Travis's Almanac," Bos- 
ton, 1713. 

'^From Boston to Portsmouth (Ferry's excepted), 62 Miles, thus accounted. 
*' From Wimsimit, to Oweits 4 Miles, to Lewe3^s 2 & half, to the Sign of 
the Galley at Hirlevi 9, to tlie Ferry at lievcrly 1, to Fiekes at Wenlniiir 5, to 
Cromtoiis at Ipswich 0, to Beiitiels ;it Unwh'y 3 & half (which is called the 
half-way house), to Sargeants at Newbury, the upper way by ThwrcVs 
Bridge 8, but from Rowley the right hand way by the Ferry is hut 7 to 
said Sargeantis, to Tntes, or to Pikes Gate at Salisbunj 2 & half, to Nortons 
at Hampton 4 & half, to Shei-bnus at said Town 2, to Johnsons at Greenland 
S Sc half, and to Haruies at the three Tons at Portsmouth 5 Miles & half." 

In April, 1775, Col. Pickering marched his regi- 
ment from Salem on the alarm of the.fight at Lexing- 
ton. To explain his failure to reach the scene of ac- 



tion, he gives these distances in his journal. Salem 
to Danvers, two miles; to Newell's in Lynn, seven 
miles; to Maiden, six miles; to Medford, three miles; 
to Boston, four miles ; making the route from Salem 
to Boston, towards the close of the last century, 
twenty-two miles. 

The character of the ])ublic houses of the time is 
closely allied to our subject. The " Sign of the Galley 
at Salem," mentioned by Travis, was, no doubt, the 
"Ship Tavern," on School Street, at the corner of what 
are now Church and Washington Streets, the old 
Governor's house, brought up by water from Cape 
Ann, and rebuilt there and successively occupied by 
Conant and Endicott. It was kept, in 1713, by Henry 
Sharp, who, in 1701, advertised a calash to let, the 
first recorded instance of such a convenience in 
Salem. Modern travelers would hardly think these 
inns well described by the term "ordinary," under 
which they were licensed. They were conditioned to 
allow no tippling after nine at night ; the house must 
be cleared on week-day lecture of all persons able to 
attend meeting ; no cakes or buns to be sold, this was 
in 1637, on fine of ten shillings, the prohibition not 
to extend to cakes "made for any buryall or marriage, 
or such like special occation." In 1645, the widow 
of an inuholder is licensed "if she procure a fitt man, 
that is Godly, to manage the business." lu 1659. the 
law forbids dancing at taverns, and as late as 1759, 
the sale of spirits, wines, coffee, tea, ale, beer and 
"syder" on the Sabbath. 

At the middle of the last century a New York mer- 
chant, supercargo on board the ship "Tartar Galley," 
from New York for London, was disabled when a few 
days out, and put in to Boston for repairs. While 
detained there he seems to have moved among what 
he terms the "best Fashion in Boston." I make 
room for a passage from his Journal. 

'* October IDift, 1750. While at breakfast air, Nathaniel Cunningham 
waited on me at Capt. Wendell's, agreeable to promise & furnished me 
with a horse to go to Salem, being very desirous to see the country. 
Sett out about 10 o'clock. * * * Cross'd Charles Towne Ferry. 
* * * About 2 miles from thence we crosst Penny Ferry which is 
better than ^.i mile over. Being the neighest way to Salem. From this 
to Mr. Ward's is about 8 miles, and is about a mile this side of Lyn 
which is a small Country Towne of ab't 200 Houses very pleasantly sit- 
uated, & affords a Beautifull Rural Prospect ; we came to Mr. Ward's 
about one o'clock and dynd on fryd Codd. From this place is about 7 
miles to Salem. After dinner having refreshed ourselves with a glass of 
wine sett out on our Journey through a barren rocky country which af- 
forded us not the least prospect of anything but a desart country, abound, 
ing with Loffty Ragged Rocks a fine Pastering Ground only for their 
Sheep, the Ehoads are exceeding stony and the country but thinly 
peopled. 

" October \^th. Arrived at Salem ab't 3 a Clock put up our Horses at 
the Wid'o Prats from whence went to See Coll. William Browne where 
drank Tea with his Spouse, after which Mr. Browne was so Good as to 
Accomodate us with a Walk round the Towne, Shewing ua the wharfs 
warehouses Ac. ; went up in the Steeple of the Church, from whence 
had a Fine View of the Town, Harbour, Ac, which is Beautifully Sit- 
uated From which have a View of Mr. Brownes Country Seat which is 
Situated on a Heigh Hill ab't 6 Miles Eastward of Salem. Spent the 
Evening at his House where Joynd in Company by Parson Appleton, 
Miss Hetty his daughter_from Cambridge, they Being Acquainteuce of 
Mr. and Mrs. Bi-owne, we Supd togeather and after that where Very 
nieri-y, at Whist, &c. 



I 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Ixiii 



" Oct. 20th. Lodg'dat Mr. Brownes ; after Breakfast Saunterd round 
the Towne mayking Our Observations on the Buihl's itc. Dynd at his 
Huiiae, after Dinner had a Good Deal Conversation with liim upon Vari- 
ous Subjects, he being a Gent'n of Excellent Pai-ts well Adversed in 
Leaturate a Good Scholar a Great Vertiiosa and Lover of the Liberal 
Arts and Sciences haveing an Extraordinary Library of Books of the 
Best Ancient and Modern Authors, about .'i a Clock we Sett out in his 
Coach for his Country Seat rideing trough a Ple;isant Coiftitry and fine 
Rhoads. we arived there at 4 a Clofk the Situation is very Airy Being 
upon a Heigh Hill which Over Looks the Country all Round and affords 
a Pleasant Rural Prospect of a Fine Country with fine woods and Lawns 
with Brooks water running trough them, you have also a prospect of the 
Sea on one Part an On another A Mountain 80 Miles distant The House 
is Built in the Form of a Long Square, with Wings at Each End and is 
about So Foot Long, in the middle is a Grand Hall Surrounded above by 
a Fine Gallery witli Xeat turned Bamiester and the <_'ealing of the Hall 
Representing a Large doom Designed for an Assembly or Ball Room, the 
Gallery for the Musitians >kc. the Building has Four Doors Fronting the 
N. E. S. & W. Standing in the middle the Great Hall you have a Full 
View of the Country from the Four Dores, at the Ends of the Buildings 
is •! upper and 2 Lower Roonia with neat St^iir Cases Leadeiug to them, 
in One the Lower Rooms is his Library and Studdy well Stockd with a 
Noble Colection of Books, the others are all unfurnish'd as yet Nor is 
tlie Building yet Compleat, wants a Considerable workman Ship to Com- 
pli-at it, BO as the Design is. But Since the Loss of his first wife who 
was Governour Burnetts Daughter of \ew Yerk by whome he has yet 2 
Little Daughters Liveing, the Loss of her ho took much to heart as he 
was doateingly fond of her Being a Charming Ladie when married. But 
lie is now determind to Compleat it. we drank a Glass wine haveing 
Feaated our Eyes with the Prospect of the Country, Returned to liis 
House where Sup'd and Past the Evening A'astly -Agreeable being a Very 
merry Facitious Gentlemen, went to bed Intend'g to Proceed to Marble 
head Next Morning. 

'* Oct. 2l$t. Haveing Got our Horses rea»ly, after Breakfast took our 
Leave's of Mr. Browne and Spouse. Before proceed shall Give a Small 
Discription of Salem. Its a Small Sea Port Towne. Consists of ab't 450 
Houses, Several of which are noat Buildings, but all of wood, and 
Covers a (Ireat Deal of Ground, being at a Conveniant Distance from 
Each Uther, with fine Gardens back their Houses, the Town is Situated 
on a Neck of Land Navagable on either Side, is ab't L'*^ JUles in Lenght 
Including the build'gs Back the Towne, has a main Street runs 
directly trough, One Curch, 3 Presbiterian and one Quakers Meeting, 
the Situation is Very Pretty, Ac. The Trade Consists Chiefly in the Cod 
Fishery, they have ab't 6o or 70 Sail Schooners Employd in tliat Branch. 
Saw ab't 40 Sail in the Harb'r hav'g then ab't 4m at Sea. They Cure all 
their Own Cod for Markett ; Saw there a Vast \ntidjer Flakes Cureing ; 
IN the Harbour Lay also two Topsail Vessellsand three Sloops, on Ex- 
am'g into Ihe Fishery find it a very adventag's Branch." 

The travellers then ride to Marblehead "trough a 
])leasant country and o:ood Roades " — spend an hour 
there at breakfast with Mr. Read— see the town, 
of which they formed no very flattering impression, 
and push on to their friend Mr. Ward*s, at Lynn. 
'' Dyned upon a fine mongrel goose'" — proceeded on 
their journey "through Mystic, and came to Jlr. 
Wendell's in fioston, ab't 8 o'clock." 

r find passages illustrative of the times in the diary 
of John Adams, written when the author was "riding 
the circuit" in the practice of the law, at the age of 
thirty, and residing in Braintree. 

" IIGC), Noi\ 3d, Momlaif. Sett off with my wife for Salem. Stopped 
half an hour at Boston. Crossed the Ferry ; at three o'clock arrived at 
Hill's, the tavern in Maiden, the sign of the Rising Eagle * * * where 
we dined. Here we fell in company with Kent and Sewall. We all 
oated at Jlartin's where we found the new Shenff of Es-sex, Colonel Sal- 
tonstull. We all rode into town together. Arrived at my dear brother 
Cranch's, about eight, and drank tea and are all very happy. Sat and 
heard the ladies talk about ribbon, catgut, and Paris net, riding-hoods, 
cloth, silk, and lace. Brother Cranch came home and a very happy 
evening we had. Cranch is now in a good situation for business, near 
the Court House and Mr. Barnard's meeting-hoiuie and on the roa<l to 



Marblehead: his house fronting the wharves, the harbor and shipping^ 
hns a fine prospect before it. 

*'4. Tnesday. A fine morning : attended court all day. * * Prayer 
by Mr. Barnard, Deacon Pickering was foreman of one of the juries * « 
his appearance is perfectly plain, like a farmer. » * * * 

"o. Wednesday. Attended Court ; heard the trial of an action of tres- 
pass, brought by a mulatto woman for damages for resti-ainiiig her of her 
liberty. * * * Spent the evening at Mr. Pynchon's witli Farnham, 
Sewall, Sargent, Colonel Saltonstall, etc., very agreably. Punch, wine, 
bread and cheese, apples, pipes and tobiu-co. Popes and bonlires this 
evening at Salem, and a swarm of tumultuous people attending them. 

"6. 'llinrsday. A fine morning. Oated at Martin's, where we saw five 
boxes of dollars, containing, as we were told, about eigliteen thousand 
of them, going in a horse-cart from Salem Custom House to Boston, in 
oriler to be shipped for England. A guard of armed men, with swords, 
hangers, pistols and muskets, attended it. We dined at Dr. Tuft's in 
Medford. * * * Drank tea at Jlrs. Kneeland's,— got home before 
eight o'clock." 

On a previous visit to his brother (.'ranch in August, 
he rode after tea to Neck Gate, then back through the 
common, down to Beverly Ferry and about town. 
"Scarce an eminence," he says, "can be found any- 
where to take a view. The streets are broad and 
straight and pretty clean. The houses are the most 
elegant and grand that I have seen in any of the 
maritime towns." 

On Friday, June i^Hth, 1770, he set out on another 
"journey to Falmouth in Casco Bay." Dined at 
Goodhue's in Salem. Fell in with a London merchant, 
a stranger, who " made a genteel appearance," — was 
in a chair, himself with a negro servant; talked of 
American atTairs: thought the colonists "could not 
conquer their luxury," and this would make them de- 
pendent on Great Britain. "Oated my horse and 
drank balm tea at Treadwell's in Ipswich." Tread- 
well's wiis a favorite resort with him. On a visit there 
ten days before, he says, — " Rambled with Kent round 
Landlord Treadwell's pastures to see how our horses 
fared. We found them in the grass up to their eyes; 
excellent pastures. This hill, on which stand the 
Meeting-house and Court House, is a fine elevation, 
and we have here a fine air and the pleasant prospect 
of the winding river at the foot of the hill." 

On another visit he \vrites : 

"Landlord and landlady are some of the grandest people alive : land- 
lady is the great grand-daughter of Governor Endicott. * * As to 
Landlord he is as happy and proud as any nobleman in P^nglatid." 

And again — 

" The old lady has got a new copy of her great grandfather's, Governor 
Endicott's picture hung up in the lious<\" 

That picture is now among the collections of the 
Essex Institute. 

Next morning, Saturday, June 30th, he "arose not 
very early, drank a pint of new milk and set of!'; 
oated my horse at Newbury, rode to ('larke's at 
Greenland meeting-house, where I gave him hay and 
oats and then set off for Newington." Dined there 
with his uncle Joseph, minister of that town, then in 
his eighty-second year, and set off for York over 
Bloody Point Ferry * * "a very unsentimental 
journey excepting this day at dinner; have been un- 
fortunate enough to ride alone all tlie way and liave 
met with very few characters or adventures. I forgot 



Ixiv 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



yesterday to mention that I stopped and inquired the 
name of a pond in Wenham, which I found, was 
Wenham Pond, and also the name of a remarkable 
little hill at the mouth of the pond, which resembles 
a high loaf of our country brown bread, and found 
that it is called Peters' Hill to this day from the 
famous Hugh Peters." * * * 

"Juiyl, SftniUiy. Arose early. I took a walk to the pasture, to see 
how my horse fared. * * * My little mare had provided for herself, 
by leaping out of a bar© pasture into a lot of mowing ground, and had 
filled herself with grass and water. * * * * 

*'2. Monday morning. In my sulky before five o'clock, Mr. Winthrop, 
Farnham and D. Sewall with me on horseback : rode through the woods, 
the tide being too high to go over the beach and to cross Cape Neddick 
River: came to Littlefield's in Wells, a quarter before eight; stopped 
there and breakfasted. * * * Rode to Patten's of Arundel. Mr. 
Winthrop and I turned our horses into a little close to roll and cool 
themselves and feed upon white honey-suckle. P. M. Got into my 
chair : rode with Elder Bradbury tlirough Sir William Pepperell's 
woods: stopped and oated at Milliken's and rode into Falmouth." 

Compare this picture of Mr. Adams riding into 
Falmouth, in his dhobligeant, as he calls his narrow- 
seated chair or sulky, with an incident in the career 
of two statesmen of our time. During the negotia- 
tion of the British-American treaty wliich detained 
Mr. Webster in the cabinet of Johu Tyler, after his 
colleagues Iiad deserted all the departments but that 
of State, it was proposed to convey him, in company 
with Lord Ashburton, with the utmost speed, from 
Boston to Portland. Alexander Brown, a genial, 
trusty, energetic man, was chosen from among the 
drivers on the route to arrange the conveyance by 
stage from the railroad terminus, and the most 
thorough preparations were made. Relays of picked 
horses, frequent and fresh, awaited him at every stage- 
house, a groom to each horse, ambitious, both man 
and beast, to act well their parts in the struggle 
against time. Three minutes were allowed for each 
change of horses. Mr. Brown, afterwards depot- 
master at the railroad station in Boston, recalled the 
achievement of that day with pride until his death, 
and used to tell how the Britisli Ambassador got out 
at a stopping-place and, watch in hand, observed the 
process of " unhitching and putting to," remarking 
that it was done ;is quickly, within a few seconds, as 
in England. This was high commendation from an 
Englishman. And it certainly was a notable thing, 
to have driven for eiglit hours over American roads, 
well enough to keep an English peer in good humor, 
and to have brought him into Portland, whicli was 
the old time Falmouth, in company with the man 
described by Carlyle as a " Parliamentary Hercule-s," 
" a magnificent specimen," whom " that tanned com- 
plexion, amorplious, crag-like face and those dull, 
black eyes under their precipice of brows, and that 
mastiff mouth, lead one to back against all the extant 
world," and of whom Emerson wrote " He is a natu- 
ral emperor of men," and Sidney Smith is reported to 
have said that he must be a liumbug, " for no man 
could be a tenth part as great as he looked." 



Once more, Monday, June 17, 1771, Mr. Adams 
set out upon the Eastern Circuit. 

" I mounted my horse and rode to Boston in a cloth coat and waist- 
coat, but was mucli pinched with a raw, cold, harsh, northeast wind. 
At Boston I put on a thick flannel shirt, and that made nie comforta- 
ble and no more ; so cold am I, or so cold is the weather, June 17th 
■^^ * * Came over Charlestown ferry and Penny ferry and dined at 
Kettel's in Maiden. * * * Overtook Judge Cuehing in his old 
curricle with two lean horses, and Dick, his negro, at his right 
hand, driving the curricle. This Is the way of ti-avelling in 1771, 
— a judge of the circuits, a judge of the superior court, a judge 
of the king's bench, common pleas and exchequer for the Province, 
travels with a pair of wretched old jades of horses in a wretched old 
curricle, and a negro on the same seat with him driving. * * * 
Stopped at Martin's in Lynn with Judge Gushing ; oated and drank a 
glass of wine. * * « Rode with King, a deputy sheriff, who came 
out to meet the judges, into Salem : put up at Goodhue's, The negro 
that took my hoi-se soon began to open his heart. He did not like the 
people of Salem ; wanted to be sold to Capt. John Dean of Boston, His 
mistress said he did not earn salt to his porridge and would not find him 
clothes." 

Arrived at Falmouth, July 2d, he writes : 

"This has been the most flat, insipid, spiritless, tjisteless journey I ever 
took, especially from Ipswich." 

And this we can understand better when we read of 
his riding alone through Saco woods after night-fall. 

" Many sharp, steep hills, many rocks, many deep ruts, and not a foot- 
step of man except in the road ; it was vastly disagreeable." 

Before great advances could be made towards speed, 
comfort, safety and cheapness in travel, fords and 
stepping-stones must give way to ferries, — ferry-ways 
must yield to bridges, and turnpikes must supersede 
county roads on the great thoroughfares. Road- 
making was no new art. It had been carried to a 
high point by the ancients, but the costliness of their 
works made the lesson of little value to the new J. 
countries of the modern world. The Romans, for in- " 
stance, had magnificent roads leading out into the 
provinces, — as many of them as the hills upon which 
the eternal city sat. These roads were crowned with 
a surface of polished stone, over which wagons, on 
wooden wheels, were drawn by unshod beasts with 
ease and speed. But it was only at the beginning of 
this century that McAdam showed us how to bridge 
over a quagmire with a crust of concrete so firm as to 
bear loads that make the marshy substratum on which 
it rests quake like a jelly. 

From 1636 a ferry had been supported between 
North Point or Salem Neck, so-called, and Cape Ann 
or Bass River side, now Beverly. From time to time 
it was leased for the benefit of the grammar school- 
masters of Salem. At first it provided only for the 
crossing of persons. But, in 1639, these were the 
regulations : " Lessee to keep an horse-boate— to have 
for strangers' passadge id. apeice, — for towne dwellers 
Id. apeice, — for mares, horses and other great beasts 
&d. apeice, and for goats, calves and svvyne '2d. apiece." 
For more than a century, an inn known as the "Old 
Ferry Tavern," stood hard by on the Salem side. The 
ferry touclied at Salem side near the present bridge, 
but a little to the east. 

In 1787, Beverly, somewhat aggrieved at the manage- 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Ixv 



ment of the ferry in the interest of Salem, moved for a 
bridge. A charter, now on deposit with the Essex In- 
stitute, was granted to the Cabot^, and Israel Thorn- 
dike of Beverly, and to John Fiske and Joseph White 
of Salem, and the old ferr\--way was laid out as a 
highway by the Court of Sessions. December 13th, 
the proprietors of the bridge organized at the Sun 
Tavern. Nathan Dane was moderator, and William 
Prescott, clerk. The bridge was opened for use 
September 24, 178S. It was one of the modern won- 
ders. Gen. Washington, on his northern tour the 
next year, dismounted to examine it and observe the 
working of the draw. And a Russian engineer was 
specially commissioned to acquaint himself with its 
structure. But this beneficent work was not carried 
through without violent opposition, of which Spite 
Bridge was one of the fruits. Salem voted to oppose 
the petitioners and invited other towns to do so. 
Competition was threatened from a parallel bridge. 
The navigation of North River, it was urged, would 
be annihilated, and forty vessels of various tonnage, 
then employed there, would be driven from the river. 
Orue's Point was insisted on as the proper terminus 
in Salem. "Prejudices, strong party feeling and 
much excitement" are spoken of by Felt, and he 
adds that one Blythe, a wit of the time, was prompted 
to observe that there never was a bridge built with- 
out railings on both sides. This timely succes.sor of 
the old ferry-way, after compensating its projectors 
for their risk and outlay, reverted, at the expiration 
of its seventy years' charter, to the State. I may be 
pardoned a personal reminiscence in this connection. 
My grandfather walked over the bridge on the day it 
was opened for travel, being then a Salem school-boy 
ten years old, and again in his eightieth year on the 
day of the exjjiration of its charter in IS^'iS, having 
been president of the corporation in the interval. 

In 18(58 the bridge was surrendered by the State to 
the towns and thrown open to the public, in accord- 
ance with that enlightened social economy which 
teaches that all needless restraint upon the inter- 
cour.se of neighbors is barbarism. 

Another monument of Essex County enterprise is 
the turnpike connecting us with Boston, now also, in 
the same liberal spirit, dedicated to free travel. 
March 6, 1802, Edward Augustus Holyoke, Wil- 
liam (Iray, Nathan Dane, Jacob Ashton and Israel 
Thorndike, with their associates, were incorporated to 
build a turn])ike from Buffum's corner, through (treat 
Pastures, over Breed's Island in Lynn Marshes, across 
Mystic River, and from a point near the Navy-yard 
to Charles River Bridge. The Statute Books are full 
of similar acts at this period. The Essex Turnpike 
from Andover, intended to bring the travel of Ver- 
mont and New Hampshire through Salem to Boston, 
was chartered the next spring, as was also another 
from State street, Newburyport " by as nearly a 
straight line as practicable " to Maiden Bridge. 

Here again we were not behind the times. Telford 



and McAdam had not completed their grand experi- 
} ments nor demonstrated their rival systems for some 
years later. But the turnpike corporators used the 
best science of the day and a wonderful road they 
made. In the famous records kept at Benjamin 
Blanchard's Barber Shop, in which his distinguished 
patrons noted current events, while wailing for an 
empty chair, it appears that work began near " Pick- 
ering's Pen " June 7. 1802. Of course there was 
vigorous opposition and wild disparagement on one 
side, — great enthusiasm on the other. Dr. Stearns, 
one of its most ardent promoters, is said to have de- 
clared that, when the turnpike was done, a man 
might stand on Buffum's corner and look straight in- 
to Charlestown Square. The extent of the work of 
building may be judged of by the fact that a village 
of huts covered the high ground now occupied by 
Erastus Ware, which soon became a resort for toddy 
and tenpins, and that the material and tools em- 
ployed, sold on the completion of the work, brought 
at auction, October 27, 1803, thirty-two hundred 
dollars. Captain Richard Wheatland paid the first 
toll, July 12, 1803, on his way to Boston to take 
command of his ship for Calcutta. How much the 
new route, only twelve miles and a fraction long, did 
to bring us and the metropolis together, will be re- 
called with pleasure by some yet living who enjoyed 
for the first time, in the early years of the century, 
an evening ride to Boston with a ball, a concert, or a 
play in prospect to give zest to the excursion. 

The largest sum, taken in a year at " Toll-Gale No 
1," near our great pastures, was $5300, in 1805 ; — the 
day of the greatest travel was June 1, 1813. On 
that summer afternoon the smoke of conflict between 
the " Chesapeake" and "Shannon" was rolling over 
the bay. One hundred and twenty stages, crowded 
to repletion, passed up that day. Thousands of spec- 
tators prayerfully watched the fight from every hill- 
top and gloomily retired when the issue was but too 
plainly seen. 

On the morning of November G, 1809, the old 
gate-keeper at "No. 1," gets orders to take no more 
tolls. Gravely he sets open, for the last time, the 
last toll-gate in Essex County and breaks out in 
rhyme : 

"Tlie last toll is taken, — I've ewmig wide the gate. 
The wuni liAS been spoken, — We yield to our fate ! " 

The distinctive character of the turnpike among 
roads is departed. It is as wholly a thing of the past 
as that negro village which once clustered about the 
entrance at Buffum's corner, with its fortune-telling 
and cake-baking and fiddling and dancing. But the 
great road will stand. Years will not destroy ils 
traces of heavy blasting and grading, — its viaducls of 
splendid masonry across deep, i)icture.sque ravines, 
their granite sides and terraced buttresses backed up 
with sturdy trunks and roots of ancient elm and wil- 
low, fit types of the blended beauty and utility which 
mark its course. No son of Salem returning from 



Ixvi 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



his wanderings, however great a truant, but will 
pause delighted on that hill top, where bursts upon 
the eye the eldest born of New England cities, 
whether the morning sun is touching with an early 
glory the score of spires and towers, clustered about 
that thing of beauty, the South Church Steeple, or 
whether at night-fall, broadsides of factory windows 
are blazing with their perpetual illumination in hon- 
or of the triumplis of industry. While lovers ram- 
ble and young limbs are strong, — while Bitter-sweet 
Rocks live in song, and Great Pastures find a place 
in story, — .so long shall there be brisk walking among 
its rugged scenes in Spring and Autumn, and willing 
steeds shall be urged to speed over No-bottom Pond 
Bridge on the moonlight gallop, so long as water 
plashes up like molten silver through the chinks in 
the planking, — until, indeed, the poet sings to deaf 
ears, 

" 'Tislife to guide the fiery Barb 
Across the moonlit plain I " 

The first public conveyance noticed by Felt was a 
" large stage chair," or two-horse curricle which ran 
from Portsmouth to Boston and back each week, in 
1761. "An epidemical distemper" among horses 
interfered with the business in 1768, but, two years 
after, Benjamin Coats, who was then landlord at the 
Ship Tavern in School (now Washington) Street, 
gave notice that he had bought a " new Stage chaise" 
which would run between Salem and Boston "so that 
he will then, with the one now improved in that bus- 
iness, be able to carry and bring passengers, bundles 
and the like everyday except Sunday." He has also 
five fall-back chaises, one fall-back curricle, six stand- 
ing top chairs and three sulkies to let. In December, 
1771, Benjamin Hart advertises that " he has left 
riding the single horse post between Boston and 
Portsmouth and now drives the post stage lately im- 
proved by John Noble. He sets out from Boston 
every Friday morning and from Portsmouth on Tues- 
day morning following. The above conveyance has 
been found very useful and now more so, as there is 
another curricle improved by J. S. Hart, who sets off 
from Portsmouth the same day this does from Boston, 
by which opportunity offers twice a week, for travel- 
lers to either place." 

Systematic staging probably began here about 1796, 
and in this business Benjamin Hale, of Newburyport, 
seems to have been the pioneer on the route between 
Boston and Portsmouth, as was Seth Paine, of Port- 
land, on the lines further east. Mr. Hale was a reso- 
lute, persevering man, and there was nothing worth 
knowing about staging which he did not know. Many 
improvements in stage springs are accredited to him, 
as well as the introduction of the trunk-rack, by 
which means the passenger's luggage was employed 
to ballast the coach, whereas formerly it had rested, a 
dead weight, on the axles, jolting and- tossing as 
though springs were yet to be invented. Pie had 
made his way up from small beginnings against dis- 



couragements and trials, but his single coach, driven 
by his own hand, in the early years of the century, 
had given place to a large establishment of horses, 
carriages and drivers. Mr. Paine's career had not 
been different. He was a postman in Maine when 
all the mails were carried on horse-back ; a man of 
few words, prompt, inflexible, and of great energy. 
He came to be the largest owner and sole manager of 
coaches east of Portsmouth and government con- 
tractor for the eastern mails, while the stages on this 
side of Portsmouth were under the able and exclusive 
management of Mr. Hale. The proprietors, at this 
time, were few, — not more than five or six. Besides 
those named, were Judge Elkins, of Wenham and 
Salem, and Samuel Larkin, of Portsmouth. Dr. 
Cleaveland, of Topsfield, bought an interest about 
1806. The profitable character of the business could 
not long be concealed. Tributary lines spring up. 
Thus a stage connected with the Boston Line set off 
from Salem, August 20, 1810, for the Coos County. 
Three were to be despatched every week. Competi- 
tion, of course, followed, and, in 1818, opposing lines 
were absorbed by the original proprietors, and the 
Eastern State Company was incorporated. It is not 
too early to write in a historic strain of that once 
familiar visitant, the Stage Coach. And the books of 
this corporation, now in po.ssession of the Essex In- 
stitute, shed ample light upon one of the largest and 
most successful staging enterprises of New England. 

The Eastern Stage Company was chartered by the 
State of New Hampshire, for a period of twenty 
years. Its act of incorporation, approved June, 1818, 
contains three sections, and, singularly enough, by 
no word except its title, from beginning to end, indi- 
cates the business to be facilitated thereby. By this 
act, Samuel Larkin, William Simes, Elisha Whidden 
and their associates are made a body corporate, the 
"Eastern Stage Company," by name, are to sue and 
be sued, have a common seal, make rules and by-laws, 
and generally to do whatever appertains to bodies 
corporate, with a capital stock not exceeding one 
hundred thousand dollars, and shares not more than 
five hundred in number, and that is all. To one fa- 
miliar with the guarded language of acts establishing 
the railroad lines which superseded this great stage 
route, the absence of all limitations of power is strik- 
ing. In the early railroad charters every function 
that could be anticipated is provided for, even to the 
grade of the road-bed, the curves of the track, and the 
erection of toll houses and toll-gates, after the analo- 
gy of the turnpike, where trains were to stop and 
travellers pay fare. 

But these corporators did not abuse their powers, 
however loosely conferred. Their first meeting, duly 
notified in the Portsmouth Oracle, the Boston Centinel 
and the Newburyport Herald, was held at Langmaid'.H 
tavern, at Hampton Falls, on Friday, October 9, 1818. 
They chose Dr. Nehemiah Cleaveland, of Topsfield, 
Moderator, and Samuel Newman, Clerk, accepted the 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Ixvii 



charter, adopted by-laws and fixed their capital stock 
at lour hundred and twenty-five shares, of one hun- 
dred dollars each. The by-laws provide for eight 
directors and a proprietors' clerk, to be chosen annu- 
ally by the share-holders, who were to throw a vote 
for each share owned, not exceeding twenty — the di- 
reciors to chose a president from their number, ap- 
point "a principal agent and treasurer" and such 
" agents, drivers and servants as they may find neces- 
sary for the due management of the property." 
They are to close accounts and declare dividends in 
March and September, and are allowed two dollars 
per day and expenses for attendance at directors' 
meetings. The clerk was under oath, and the agent 
and treasurer under bonds in the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars. 

Article VI. provides a form of stock certificate, as- 
signable by indorsement and transfer on the books of 
the proprietors' clerk. 

Article VII. " Xo person whatever shall be privi- 
leged to ride in any of the company's carriages with- 
out paying common stage fare.'' 

They organized thus, — President, Dr. Cleaveland, — 
Proprietors' Clerk, Seth Sweetser, — Directors, Josiah 
Paine, Stephen Howard, Seth Sweetser, Samuel Lark- 
in, Thomas Haven, Henry Elkins, Ephraim Wildes. 
Col. .leremiah Coleman was principal agent and 
treasurer. 

If the charter said nothing of the purposes of this 
corporation, their own by-laws said about as little. 
Xowhere is there a distinct announcement of the 
function which they proposed to discharge, nor any 
description of the extent nor location of their field 
of operations. This is to be explained, no doubt, by 
the fact that some of these gentlemen were, before 
their incorporation, already successful operators and 
proprietors of stages running over portions of the 
routes they now proposed to combine, and no words 
were needed to teach them the duties and liabilities 
of common carriers of persons. 

Thus at the first directors' meeting we seem plunged 
at once into the dust and whirl of stage- coach travel. 
The six o'clock stage from Portsmouth (they vote) is 
to be discontinued. What a chapter might be writ- 
ten on that early coach, leaving "Wildes' Hotel" at 
six o'clock each frosty October morning or, better 
still, on the stage which, all winter long, in storm or 
by starlight, left Boston for the East at five o'clock 
in the morning. The hurried breakfast, — the smok- 
ing corn-cake, — the savory rasher, — the potato raked, 
glowing hot, out of its bed of ashes, — the steaming, 
creamy, aromatic coflVe, — the chill, crisp morning, — 
lanterns flitting ghostly thrimgh the ample stables, 
— reluctant horse-boys shivering about the door-yard 
and wishing themselves in their bunks again, — the 
resonant crack of the whip, — the clear, sharp click of 
well-shod hoofs on frozen ground, — the clatter of 
wheels, — the scramble in the dark for seats, — the 
long, dull ride with fellow-travellers chilled and 



grim, half concealed by twilight and half in mufflers, 
— that crying baby, who seems to have found vent, at 
that unlucky hour, for all the pent-up sorrows of its 
little life, — the gradual warmth of conversation and 
day-break stealing at last over the coach-load, — the 
side-lights fading out and good nature once more pre- 
vailing over cramped legs, sharp elbows and cold 
feet shuffling among the scanty straw, — all these 
things must now be given over to the romancer, 
whose ready pen, ever busy with the past, will not 
long neglect them. 

The late President Quincj' gives a well-drawn pic- 
ture of staging facilities at the close of the last cen- 
tur)'. He was then paying court to a New York la- 
dy, to whom he was privately engaged and after- 
wards married. Boston had twenty — New York, 
thirty thousand souls. Two coaches and twelve 
horses sufficed the travel between the two commercial 
centres of the continent. The journey was almost as 
rare an event then as a voyage to Europe is now, and 
took about as long. To one bent on Mr. (.^uincy's 
errand the way no doubt seemed doubly tedious. The 
impatient suitor writes : 

*' The carriages were old. aud the shackling and much of tlie harneBs 
made of ropes. Cue pair of horses carried us eighteen miles. We gen- 
erally reached our resting-place for the night, if no accident intervened, 
at ten o'clock, and after a frugal supper, went to bed with a notice that 
we should he called at three, next morning— which generally proved to 
he half-past two. Then, whether it snowed or rained, the traveller 
must rise and make ready by the help of a horn lantern and a farthing 
candle, and proceed on his way, over bad roads, — sometimes with a 
driver showing no doubtful symptoms of drunkenness, which good- 
hearted piissengers never failed to improve at every stopping-place, by 
urging upon him the comfort of another glass of toddy. Thus we trav- 
elled eighteen miles a stage, sometimes obliged to get out and help the 
coachman lift the coach out of a quagmire or rut, and arrived at New 
York after a week's hard travelling, wondering at the ease as well as the 
expedition with which our journey was effected." 

Contrast with this picture an " Old Driver's Remi- 
niscence," which I give in his own words. The stage 
that left Newburyport for Boston at 8 o'clock in the 
morning usually took the passengers who had stopped 
for rest over night, many of whom were strangers to 
our New England custom.s. One morning, as the 
passengers were about taking their seats, a gentleman 
asked the driver it he would accommodate him with 
a seat on the box. " Certainly," says the driver, 
" please step right up before another occupies it." 
Our first stop was at Rowley, a seven mile drive, dur- 
ing which many questions were asked by the stranger 
and answered according to the driver's knowledge. 
At this place we took some passengers. While the 
driver was arranging the baggage, the gentleman on 
the box asked him to step in and take something to 
drink. His reply was, " No, I thank you, sir, I have 
no occasion for anything," and he mounted the box 
and drove tn Ipswich, where the horses were changed. 
Here most of the passengers alighted while the shift- 
ing was taking place. At the same time the stranger 
came off the box and urged the driver again to take 
something to drink. The answer was the same as be- 



Ixviii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



fore. When the horses were ready, the driver, as 
was the custom, says — " the stage Is ready, gentle- 
men I " and they take their seats in the coach. Off 
they start down the crooked hill and over the stone 
bridge, called by some short-sighted people " Choate's 
Folly." The next stop was at Wenham, where it was 
the usual practice to take the fares, it being the Half- 
Way House ^to Boston. And here the outside pas- 
senger says to the driver again, — "Come, now, you 
have accomplished one-half of the distance, — you 
must certainly take a drink with me." " No, I thank 
you, sir." " What kind of men are you drivers here 
in this section of the country ? Drivers where I 
came from will drink at every stopping-place, and it 
is with much fear that we travel there, but here I see 
that passengers are perfectly at ease when seated in 
the coach." "Sir, things have changed here within 
a few years. You were saying that passengers in 
your section were uneasy, and often had fears for 
their safety while riding with your drivers. Here all 
that is reversed, for in former years the travellers 
used every precaution to keep the drivers sober, but 
now the drivers by their example try to keep the 
passengers sober." " I will never ask you to drink 
again," says our outside passenger, and he was mum 
on the drinking question the rest of the way to Bos- 
ton. 

The arrangements for the main route of the Eastern 
Stage Company, in the winter of 1818, may be 
sketched thus : A coach left Portsmouth for Boston at 
9 A. M., (the same carriage running through), dined 
at Topsfield, then through Danversport and ^alem to 
Boston, and back the same way next day, dining at 
Newburyport. A portion of the Newburyport turn- 
pike was used, and this made Topsfield quite metro- 
politan, so much so that conventions often met there. 
In 1808 a great caucu.s was held at Topsfield to de- 
nounce the embargo. The County Convention which 
established Lyceums met there in 1829. The Essex 
Agricultural Society, formed at Topsfield in 1818, 
held its annual meetings there in 1820, '22, '23, '24, 
'25, '37 and '38, but never after. 

Of course the records plunge us at once into all 
sorts of questions of law and policy, — they meet us at 
the threshold, — they linger to the end ; — questions 
of tolls on turnpikes and bridges,— conferences ar- 
ranged with this and that corporation, — new terms 
made or war declared. Once it is voted that seven 
hundred dollars be accepted by the Newburyport 
Turnpike as toll for the year, or the stages go by Old 
Town Bridge. Complications grow out of the delicate 
relations of carriers to the public. Too accommodat- 
ing drivers are induced to act as expressmen on their 
private account, and attempts are made to hold the 
company liable for their losses. At the first meeting 
" Drivers are expressly prohibited from carrying any 
money or packages, not accounted for to the company's 
agent; " and almost at the last a " committee is con- 
sidering the subject of drivers carrying provisions 



from sundry places to Boston for sale, contrary to a 
vote of the directors." In April, 1819, " the company 
do not consider themselves accountable for the loss 
of any baggage, bundles, or packages whatever, com- 
mitted to the care of the drivers, or otherwise put into 
their stages." This sweeping announcement, so like 
what is sometimes read on the backs of railroad tick- 
ets to-day, was followed up in the same spirit in 1826 
and 1829. Now they vote that no driver shall carry 
anything, except in his pocket, without paying the 
company's agent, on pain of instant dismissal ; and 
again, the driver must " agree with the agent to ex- 
clude his private or pocket business from his compen- 
sation, so the company shall have no participation, 
direct or indirect, with such business of the drivers, 
meaning especially Bills of any Bank which may be 
entrusted to them." " But is this law? " ask the per- 
plexed proprietors of Benjamin Merrill, Es(|., in 1832, 
and that eminent counselor finds himself unable to 
give the desired assurance, but on the contrary, they 
record a long opinion advising them that their con- 
tract with drivers will not discharge them from lia- 
bility, unless notice of it is brought home in each case 
to the sender of the bill or parcel. And accordingly a 
notice, drawn by him, is formally served in person on 
every bank president and cashier on the route, posted 
in the taverns, and widely advertised in the news- 
papers. 

The record is rich in little incidents which give life 
to the picture of the times. A driver is fined fifty 
dollars, the value of a horse killed by his carelessness. 
Afterwards, for good conduct, the forfeiture is reduced 
to one month's wages. Owing to the appreciated state 
of the currency, in 1820, wages were reduced, and 
fares from Boston to Exeter put at three dollars. 
Once in awhile a coach is overturned. In one case, if 
payment of damages is refused by the Salem Turn- 
pike, the agent is to enter complaint and present the 
road to the grand jury ; in another, forty dollars are 
received in liquidation. Again, a director is to settle 
for damages done by loose horses breaking out of the 
Salem stable. And again, fines imposed by the post- 
otfice department for loss of mails, are to be charged 
off to the drivers who lost them. Sub-agents were 
selected for the principal points on the route, placed 
on salary, and under bonds, and quartered at the best 
hotels. Blacksmith's shops were established at many 
points, and extensive stables in Bo.ston and elsewhere, 
many of them built of brick. Not more than seven 
shillings were to be paid for shoeing, out of Boston, 
and but ten cents for caulking or resetting shoes. Dri- 
vers are forbid taking letters, in violation of laws reg- 
ulating the United States General Post-office; and fre- 
quent embassies are dispatched to Washington to con- 
tract for carrying the mails, or to change the times or 
terms for delivering them. " Accommodating Stages " 
are sometimes to take mails at the desire of govern- 
ment or the postmaster at Boston, but " Mail Stages " 
are regularly designated, and these make better speed 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



and collect higher fares than the former. Mail-con- 
tracts are exchanged among difterent companies, and 
combinations formed with other lines where compe- 
tition would be ruinous, and sub-agents are withdrawn 
from inns which harbor the books of hostile compan- 
ies. In April, 1823, it is significantly voted that sev- 
eral sub-agents be discharged, and hereafter it shall 
be an " indispensible requisite that their moral char- 
acters be good, and that they have no horses and car- 
riages to let." In August, 1823, it is voted to " keep 
a horse and chaise in Boston to accommodate passen- 
gers, and carry and fetch their baggage." This under 
the str&ss of a vigorous opposition, when the exigen- 
cy called for unusual efl'orts and the running of ex- 
tras at "about the same time the opposing stage goes, 
but always a little liefore that conveyance and at the 
same fare." In October, a number of horses and 
chaises are to be kept on hire at Newburyport. In 
December, the extras run a little before the opposition 
coaches are to charge but half fare. The Ann Street 
stage-house at Boston is leased and furnished, and 
Col. Wildes placed there as landlord, with an interest 
in the jirofiw not to exceed one-half. Next summer 
the horses are to be fed with cut hay and meal. April 
19, 1825, the directors met at Oilman's hotel, in New- 
buryport. They found their enterprise thriving, — 
established a sinking fund to be swelled by semi-an- 
nual additions; carried one thousand dollars to that 
account ; <leclared a semi-annual dividend of four i)er 
cent. ; created seventy-five new shares, making up the 
full five hundred to which they were limited in 
their charter, and provided for selling the new shares 
at not less than six dollars i)remiura on a par of one 
hundred dollars. To the sinking fund was afterward 
voted the net income of the Ann Street stage-house, 
and the agent was directed to sell at auction, from 
time to time, collections of articles left in their oflices 
and coaches " for which no owners can be found." 
The second dividend for this year was six per cent., 
and in 1826 eleven per cent, was divided. 

At the end of ten years the prosperity of the com- 
pany was established. It had now substantial stables, 
not connected with public houses, at all the chief 
points of the route, one of them on Church Street, in 
the rear of the Lafayette Coffee-house, in Salem ; and 
it owned hotels, or a controlling interest in hotels, at 
Boston, Newburyport, Exeter and Dover. It was 
sending deputations to the New England Stage Asso- 
ciation, which met at " Holbrook's," in Milk Street, 
Boston, with a view to bring together, at least once a 
year, representatives of all the stage companies of this 
section. In October, 1828, it held its shares at a pre- 
mium of fifty dollars, and made a semi-annual divi- 
dend of eight per cent., on one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars per share. At this time the management of the 
stage-house in Ann Street passed into the hands of 
Mr. Leavitt, upon the death of Col. Wildes and Uol. 
Henry Whipple of Salem, became a director in place 
of Judge El kins, resigned. 



In 1830, the company was incorporated in Massa- 
chusetts, with a capital of one hundred thousand dol- 
lars. In 1832 it sent delegates to a Mail Contract 
Convention, which sat at " Wyatt's " in Dover, to 
apportion the mail routes for New England, and its 
bid shows that it was running coaches from Concord 
to Portsmouth ; Dover, by two routes, to Newbury- 
port ; Portsmouth, by Exeter, to Newburyport, Salem 
and Boston; from Salem to Haverhill mikI Lowell; 
from Gloucester to Ipswich ; and from Lowell, by two 
routes, to Newburyport. 

January, 1838, found them free from debt and their 
stock higher than ever. They owned near five hun- 
dred horses. A steamboat had been built on Lake 
Winnepessaukee and they were running stages from 
Dover to meet it. At times they ran a daily to Port- 
land. In October, 1834, the stock stood at $202.13 
per share on their books, par being $100. In Janu- 
ary, 1835, they were paying between eight and nine 
thousand dollars in tolls for the year, had bought 
turnpike, bridge and bank stocks, and amongst other 
real estate the Dalton House, between the West es- 
tate and Church Street, in Salem, which they sold, 
retaining a way out from the stables to Church Street. 
Up to this point their career must be considered as 
one of unmixed prosperity. The Eastern Railroad 
was not chartered; the Boston and Maine was but a 
spur from the Boston and Lowell,. extending as far as 
Andover. Travel increased apace, —with it the run- 
ning stock and corps of employes. The directors' 
record-book is pleasant reading now. They meet at 
comfortable inns, spend two or three days together, ex- 
amine lucrative accounts, pass the evening over 
plethoric way-bills, compute their dividends, make 
combinations with kindred bodies all over the Eastern 
States, and New York if need be, and smile at com- 
petition. 

What a text is here for another volume of pen and 
ink sketches, — these old stage houses which figure in 
the record, — "Wildes' Hotel" at Portsmouth, "Lang- 
maid's" and "Wade's" at Hampton Falls, "Oilman's" 
and the "Wolfe" at Newburyport, the "Sun Tav- 
ern," the " Lafayette Coffee House " at Salem, " Ann 
Street Stage House" and "City Tavern " in Boston I 
What pleasant memories start up at the recital, as of 
those ancient hostelries of London, once, as Mr. 
Dickens says, " the headquarters of celebrated coach- 
es in the days when coaches ijerformed their journeys 
in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in 
these times, but which have now degenerated into 
little more than the abiding and booking places of 
country wagons." Of these he says, "there still re- 
main some half-dozen in the borough, which have 
preserved their external features unchanged, and 
which have escaped alike the rage for public im- 
provement and the encroachments of private specu- 
lation. Great, rambling, queer, old places they are, 
with galleries, and passages, and stair-cases wide 
enough and antiquated enough to furnish materials 



Ixx 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



for a hundred ghost-stories, supposing we should 
ever be reduced to the lamentable necessity of in- 
venting any." Such was our own poet's Wayside 
Inn, 

" Built in tbe old colunial day, 
Wlieii men lived in a grander way 
With ampler hospitality — 
A kind of old Hobgoblin Hall, 
Now somewhat fallen to decay. 
With weather-fltains upon the wall 
And stair-ways worn and crazy doors 
And creaking and uneven floors. 
And chimneys huge, and tiled and tall. 
A region of repose it seems. 
By noon and night the panting teams 
Stop under the great oaks that throw 
Tangles of light and shade below. 
Across the road the barns display 
Tbeir lines of stalls, their mows of hay. 
Through the wide door the breezes blow, — 
The wattled cocks strut to and fro, — 
And, half effaced by rain and shine. 
The ' Red Horse ' prances on the sign." 

_ One seems to recall the impatience with which the 
tired traveller looked forward to alighting at these old 
inns, — to see again the village steeple peering over 
the hill, its gilded cockerel glistening in the sunset, — 
to hear the stage-horn once more bidding the post- 
master expect the evening mail, the landlord serve 
the welcome meal ; to see honest, little, nervous Jack 
Mendum, or sturdy, robust, reliable Robert Annable, 
or good-natured Knight, or the voluble but substan- 
tial Pike, or some other famous whip, gather up his 
reins and muster his strength for a final sweep across 
the tavern yard, the crowning effort of a day of toil 
to dusty traveller and smoking, jaded team, and then 
down go the steps and cramped legs are free at last! 
Or we seem again to be bowling down that grand 
old turnpike from Newburyport, with Ackerman or 
Barnabee or Forbes, rumbling by old Gov. Dummer's 
Academy at Byfield, telling off the milestones through 
the Topsfield of fifty years ago, over the gra.ssy hills 
and by the beautiful lake at Lynnfield, on the coach 
that left "Pearson's" at six every summer morning; 
or to be whirling by Flax Pond, where, a cen- 
tury ago, Mr. Goldthwaite asked John Adams to 
a "genteel dinner" of fish, bacon, peas and incom- 
parable Miideira, under the "shady trees, with half a 
dozen as clever fellows as ever were born ;" or to be 
rattling through the old toll-gate and dashing down 
Great Pasture hills into Palein town on the topmost 
seat of the early Boston Mail Stage which, in 1835, 
was to "breakfast in Salem and dine at Portsmouth," 
while all the eastern landscape is aglow with the 
tints of morning and the dews of spring make every- 
thing in nature .sparkle. Or perhaps it is winter. 

" Now the incre.Tfiing storni makes all the plain 
From field to highway a vast foaming sea ! 
And sculptors of the air, with curious skill, 
Have graven their images of stainless white. 
Pagodas, temples, turrets, columns raised 
From the exhaustless quarries of the snow, 
Afar and near, — the artwork of the wind !" 

and we reach perhaps the little court-house on the 



hill at Ipswich, with the bar of Southern Essex, to 
find that another coach-load of jurisprudence is stuck 
fast on Rowley Marshes, while judge and counsellor 
alike have committed trespass quare dansumfregit, in 
prying their coach out of a snowdrift with the near- 
est fence rails. 

The Hon. Allen W. Dodge writes of the drivers of 
those days as follows : — 

" In those days of old-fashioned winters, there were many trials and 
difficulties in getting through the route, but let the storm or the snow 
blockade be ever so bad, they were always ready to do, to the uttermost, 
all that men could do to accomplish it. These drivers, too, were the 
most obliging and kind-hearted men that ever handled reins, cracked 
whip or sounded stage-horn. 

"They were great favorites with all tbe boys who rode with them. 
Many of us who were then at Exeter Academy came home at the end ot 
the term by the Eastern Stage route, and a lively time we used to have 
of it. Quite a number of stage coaches were always sent on to take us. 
When they arrived what a scramble ensued to see who should ride with 
Pike, who with Annable, or Knight, or Forbes, or some other good- 
natured driver, experienced in stages and careful of their young charges 
as if they were all destined to be governors, or judges, or presidents. 
We used to consider it the seat of honor on the outside with the driver, 
there to listen to his stories and to enjoy his company. Many a scrap of 
practical wisdom did we youngsters thus pick up to turn to good account 
on the great road of life. 

'* ,\nd then too what a gathering at the old Wolfe Tavern in Newbury- 
port, when the noon stage-coaches arrived from Boston ! The siiiewalk 
was often crowded with anxious boys, and men too, to catch a sight of 
distinguished passengers and the last fashions, and to hear the latest 
news. Why, it was jis good as a daily paper, or a telegraphic dispatch — 
better indeed, for the living men, actors sometimes in the scenes de- 
scribed, were there to tell what had happened." 

I find related in a contribution to the Salem Gazette, 
one of those little incidents that sparkle like jewels in 
the sand : 

*' Once when a mere child it was necessary for nic to go from Saco to a 
town near Boston. This was ijuite an undertaking in those days, as one 
was obliged to pass the night in Poi-tsmoutb. Being without a protector, 
my mother confided me to the care of one of those old, faithful drivers. 
It was evening when we reached Portsmouth and very cold. Everything 
was new and strange to me. How carefully was I taken by the hand 
and led up tiuit long flight of staii-s to the excellent accommodations 
which awaited me ! How well I remember the kind, smiling face of 
Robinson, as next morning, whip in hand, he appeared at the parlor 
door and inquired for the 'little girl' who was to go with him! His 
hearty 'good morning' and 'all ready, miss,' as I presented myself, are 
still sounding in my ears. While changing horses at Newburyport I was 
comfortably seated before a warm file in the sitting-room. Indeed, I do 
not know that I could have been more comfortably atten<led to had I 
been the daughter of the President. I was the daughter of a poor 
widow instead, and an utter stranger to the man whose memory I have 
ever cherished as one of the pleasant recollections of my childhood." 

What stalwart men thi^i sturdy, out-door life pro- 
duced! Moses Head, of Portsmouth, drove into that 
town, from Boston, the stage that brought news of 
peace in 1815, with a white flag fastened to the box. 
News of the battle of New Orleans came at the same 
time. That evening there was a procession in honor 
of these events. Head, who was then Ensign of the 
artillery comi)any, and resembled General Jackson in 
appearance and stature, arrayed himself in a military 
suit and chapeau, and personated the hero of New 
Orleans in the ranks of the procession to great accept- 
ance. He was born among the granite hills of New 
Hampshire, and died at the age of seventy-two, after 
a sickness of a day, the only sickness of his life. 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Ixxi 



Another old driver sends me his recollections of | 
" life on the road," and I insert them here. 

" I began to drive on an opposition line in 1823, and after about nine 
months I bad an application from Col. Coleman to come over to the old 
company. As I thought it a more permanent job, I came over to drive 
* Extra." I had not been long at it before the travel increased very 
much, 80 the directors ordered one hundred more horses to be bought, 
and carriages in proportion, to accommodate the public. The business 
caiue on so bard that I had all I bargained for. I followed the mail 
twelve days in succession, starting from Boston at 2 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, breakfasting in Newburyport, dinner at Portsmouth and back again 
to supper in ^aleni, getting into Boston anywhere from nine to eleven 
o'clock, so there waa not much sleep or rest for me. The twelfth day, 
when I drove into the yard at Salem, Col. Coleman was there, and said 
he, 'young man. you had better stop here and get a little rest and take 
your team in the morning at four o'clock.' So Mr. Rand took the team 
to Boston and bai^k. 

"The worst of it was, I bad the same horses out and back every day. 
It was hard keeping up with the mail, as their horses rested one or two 
days in the week, and they were like wild ones. Only bold on and they 
would go as fast as any one wisbeii to ride. As a general thing we made 
good time. I have been through Charlestown Square on time, for three 
weeks, not varying five minutes by the clock, although we hjvd some 
trying storms. 

"I was compelled to stop at Hamilton one night, after beating with 
the storm from seven in the morning till ten at night, with a single 
sleigh and two horses, and so, completely used tip, we slept well. It 
cleared up about three o'clock, so that nncle Robert Annable, with the 
morning coach, came along l>retty well, and passed ua while we were 
asleep, and took otT his bells so as not to awake us, and then he was very 
joyotis to think be had got ahead. It was something, to be sure, that 
never happened before nor since. 

"On the whole it was a very pleasant life, for every one on the road 
was very hospitable to us. I never got stuck in the mud nor snow, w hen 
all the people on the road were not willing, night or day, to lend a hand. 
So we felt that we were among friends, and that was comforting to us. 
The wealthy Southerners, who used to come east in summer, would al- 
most always want us to keep on and drive them to Providence or New 
York, for they did not get so good accommodations at the South. .\nii 
as we refused the refreshments they offered us at every stopping place, 
we were pretty sure to get a handsome present before they left, which 
was far more satisfactory. It was a very pleasant business, and we bad 
our choice of company outside, and that was worth a great tleal, 

" When it was decided by the Legislature that there should be a Rail- 
road, you may depend upon it there were heavy hearts. For we had 
spent so much time in staging we did not know what we should do. But 
all who wished had something to do. The corporation empli>yed a 
large number of the drivers as conductors, baggage-masters and brake- 
men. I withdrew and took up the e.xpress business, and followed that 
until 1860. So I had served the public from '2.3 to '60." 

These drivers, so freely trusted with life and treas- 
ure, with the care of helpless infancy and age, de- 
served well of the coiuinunity they served, and are 
held in kindly remembrance. They knew of old the 
wants and habits of the travelling public, and railroad 
corporations were glad to secure agents from among 
their numbers. 

Has anybody forgotten rare James Putter, of the 
Salem and Boston Line, — active, clear-headed, cour- 
teous and prompt, who for forty years drove with 
such care and skill to Boston and back that, it was 
said, he was as well known and as much respected by 
Salem people as Dr. Bentley '? Here he comes up the 
street from the old "Sun Tavern" with the seven 
o'clock moriiiug coach, his dapple-greys groomed to a 
hair and well in hand, — the model driver, trusted by 
the banks, by the old sea-kings, by everybody with 
uncounted treasure, — the splendid reinsman, chosen 
in August, 1824, to bring the beloved Lafayette in 
safetv into Salem ! 



Has anybody forgotten the scene in College yard at 
Cambridge, when Peter Ray arrived, at the end of the 
term, with his coach and six sorrels, to take home what 
might well be styled the " flower of Essex ! " How he 
displayed, before admiring eyes, his mastery of curves 
and functions, by turning six-in-hand, at a cheerful 
trot, in the little corner between Hohvorthy and 
Stoughton, and how the Essex County boys, cheered 
by their fellows and eager for the long vacation, 
whirled out of college gate and down the historic 
roads by Washington's Elm, and Letchmere's Point, 
and Bunker Hill, to their welcome home ! Handsome 
Peter, they called him — a favorite with children and 
ladies — for with him, on the introduction of the fam- 
ous steel-spring coaches, they first knew what it was 
to ride comfortably outside, with an intelligent and 
entertaining driver, whose tongue kept pace with his 
team, and whose castles in the air often reached stu- 
pendous proportions before half the distance between 
Lynn and Salem had been accomplished 1 

And here comes Page! witty, large-hearted, strong- 
handed Woodbury Page, his two bays on the jump, 
swinging round the terner from Beverly, sweeping 
round the Common to the old stable in Union Street, 
shifting horses, and then round the big elm and otf 
again in a twinkling, with those very four milk-whites, 
with which he drove Henry Clay, in October, 1833, 
from Senator Silsbee's door-step in Wa.shington Square 
to the Tremont House in sixty minutes ! 

And what shall be said of the polished and agree- 
able Jacob Winchester, favorite driver on wedding 
journeys and pleasure parties, who carried bags of 
specie to and from New York, when our merchants 
wanted a messenger who would neither play the nigne 
with funds nor sutler anybody to take them from him ; 
what of the popular driver and consummate reinsman 
Lot Peach, who would get to Boston about as soon 
with criiws' meat as moderate drivers did with choice 
teams of horses; — what of Albert Knight, always on 
good terms with passengers and steeds; — what of stout, 
little, talkative Major Shaw, who was off at three with 
the sorrels and the last coach up, rather than not go 
with whom ladies would often lose the morning stages 
and some hours of shopping and visiting in Boston ; 
— what of stalwart, kind-hearted, deep-voiced Adrian 
Low, whose cheerful life ended in mystery and an un- 
known grave; — what, indeed, of the hundred and fifty 
good, sound, trusty men who, from first to last, drove 
stages over these routes in the employ of regular or 
opposition lines, whole families of them, like the four 
Potters, the three Annables, the three Akermans, the 
brothers Canney, Conaut, Drake, Knight, Marshall, 
May, Manning, Patch, Robinson, Shaw, Tenney, T(iz- 
zer, Winchester, seeming to have been born on wheels, 
or descended from the hippocentaurs of ancient fable, 
— men who combined energy and good nature in u 
ratio not likely to be developed by any vocation now 
in vogue, — men who cracked their joke as they swung 
their whip, — men who knew what it is vouchsafed us 



Ixxii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to know of that fascinating uncertainty, the horse, 
and supplemented this with a wonderfully shrewd in- 
sight into the nature of their fellow-creatures ! ' 

And what shall be said of those elegant coaches 
built at the Union Street shop for the Salem and Bos- 
ton Stage Company, — 

*' step and prop-iron, bolt and Bcrew, 
Spring, tire, axle, and linch-pin too, 
Steel of the finest, bright and blue," 

the first in the country mounted on steel springs, and 
provided behind with a •' dicky " and trunk-rack after 
the English pattern ! And what of those noble teams 
of blacks and bays and buckskins and roans and 
chestnuts, clean-limbed and strong, that moved out, 
with coats like velvet, every afternoon when dinner 
was over, before the City Tavern in Brattle Street, the 
Ann Street Stage House or the Marlboro Hotel, sweep- 
ing the ground with flowing tails, too often, it must be 
added, tails of fiction, in which the cunning hand of 
Lancaster had eked out the unsuccessful efforts of na- 
ture! What of those scores of coach-builders and 
blacksmiths, and harness-makers, who plied the awl, 
and bent the tire, and drove the plane, with such pride 
and spirit in these old days, when Harding shod, and 
Daniel Manning ran with orders from the Sun Tavern 
to the yards in Union Street, and William H. Foster 
balanced accounts and made up dividends, and 
Mackie, over his saddlery, fought out the battle of 
Waterloo, in which he took a part, and that shy boy, 
since known to fame as Nathaniel Hawthorne, was 
keeping stage-books in his uncle Manning's office! 
What of that ancient negro hostler at Breed's Hotel, 
in Lynn, with his little competency accumulated from 
the trifles dropped into his hat for many a year by 
kindly travellers as the stage rolled off, who fell on 
his knees on the stable floor and wept great tears when 
the steam whistle sounded at last and he felt indeed 
that he must say with his Shakesperean prototype, 
"Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!" Too many 
of this company of worthies are now 

" Where rolling wheels are heard no more 
And horees' feet ne'er come." 

Twenty-one surviving drivers of the Eastern Stage 
Company honored themselves and the memory of the 
agent under whom they served, by attending, in April, 
18(i6, the funeral of Colonel Coleman, the man to 



1 It was a happy thonght which brought two hundred and fifty " old 
fitagera" of the Connecticut Valley,— Drivers, Proprietors and Agents, — 
together at Springfield for a merry Christmas in 1859, Hon. Ginery 
Twitchell and James Parker, Esq., of the Western Railroad, seem to have 
been promoters of this "gathering of the whips," and two dai'S were 
given up to their entertainment in Springfield during which the hospi- 
talities of larder and stable were tested to the utmost. At a i)ub!ic din- 
ner on the occasion were produced those spirited lines of Kdwin Ilynner, 
now familiar to newspaper readers, beginning, 

" Oh ! the days are gone when the merry horn 

Awakened the echoes of smiling morn 

As, breaking the sliunber of village street, 

The foaming leaders' galloping feet 

Told of the rattling, swift approach 

Of the well-appointed old stage coach !" 



whose vigorous and intelligent oversight that enter- 
prise had almost owed its success for a quarter of a 
century. During the same years the Salem and Bos- 
ton Company was under the courteous management 
of "William Manning, another model stage agent, 
known among the "whips" as "Sir William," and to 
have been trusted by whom they thought enough for 
an epitaph. 

We come now to the closing scene of the Eastern 
Stage Company. In July, 1835, the ominous words 
" Rail Road " appear for the first time in their volumi- 
nous records. Let us see what these words meant. 

Passengers had been transported in carriages drawn 
by steam over the Darlington and Stockton Railway 
in England, for ten years. The engines employed 
were stationary, and inventive genius had been as 
busy with the problem of travelling in steam carriages 
over turnpikes, as with the twin problem, which has 
since completely overshadowed the other, of locomo- 
tive machinery for railways. During the first ten 
years of the century, indeed, the steam engine, both 
stationary and locomotive, began to be applied to 
transportation. And long before this, the simple tram- 
way of wood, stone or iron, operated by horse-power, 
had been employed for the conveyance of passengers 
and freight. As early as the settlement of New Eng- 
land, wooden rails were in use between the coal mines 
of Newcastle and the river, and these were so far per- 
fected that in 17(;.5 they had been introduced exten- 
sively in England, and enabled a horse to drag from 
two to three tons on an easy grade. Plates and wheels 
of iron had still further and very largely increased the 
draft-capacity of the horse. On the Darlington and 
Stockton road, trains had been provided with stable- 
cars, in which the horses employed for motive power 
on level and up grades, rested and fed in quiet while 
the momentum of the train carried it down hill. 

The use of the Railway was no less familiar on this 
side the ocean. Our former townsman, Wm. Gray, 
after leaving Salem, in 1809, owned a wharf in Boston 
on which trucks were moved by hand over a plank- 
walk, provided on its edges with round iron bars, on 
which ran grooved wheels, thus forming a freight 
Railway from the ship in her dock to the warehouses 
on Lynn (now Commercial) Street. In grading Bea- 
con Hill for the erection of the State House, late in 
the last century, an inclined Railway was used, on 
wliich the gravity of the loaded cars, in their descent, 
served to bring up on a parallel track those which had 
been emptied, and the same e-xpedient, also in use in 
England, was employed at Quincy when the blue 
sienite of the quarries began to supplant, as a build- 
ing material, the familiar gray granite of our hills, 
ledges and bowlders. The first Railroad charter 
granted by Massachusetts, authorized, March 4, 182(i, 
the building of a Railway from these quarries to Ne- 
ponset River, and the first freight transported over it 
was the cqrner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument. It 
was operated by horse-power. 



OLD .DIODES OF TRAVEL. 



b 



That unrest which prognosticates some great step 
in inventive art was stirring the public mind and 

bringing to light every clumsy expedient of cogs and 
ropes and wheels for mounting grades, and for moving 
by steam on common roads, as well as on rails, when, 
in 1829, the Stephensons, father and son, produced 
the Locomotive " Rocket," and placed it upon the 
Liverpool and Manchester road. Its success was at 
once complete and transportation by horse-power was 
doomed from that hour. In America we were not 
behindhand in applying steam to propulsion. It was 
already in use since 1807 on our rivers, canals and 
lakes. Indeed, the Hon. Xathan Reed, of Salem and 
Danvers, formerly a member of Congress from this 
district, had made a paddle-wheel steamboat in 1789, 
in which he navigatetl the river from his iron-works 
to Essex Bridge, taking Governor Hancock, Dr. Prince, 
Dr. Holyoke and Nathan Dane a.s passengers with 
him. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was begun 
in 1827 ; other routes from New York and Philadel- 
phia soon after. In 1829-30-31 Massachusetts char- 
tered Railroads from Boston to Lowell, to Providence 
and to Worcester. 

In 1833, the Boston and Lowell road was extended 
to Andover and Wilnungton, and to Haverhill in 
1835. This was the first incursion of the iron mon- 
ster into Essex, but he rapidly made his way over the 
county, enfolding in his fatal coils the poor struggling 
Stage Companies, whose nightly dreams were dis- 
turbed by the scream of the whistle, and whose waking 
eyes, turn where they might, were blasted with those 
words of doom, " Look out for the engine." ' For a 
time our directors stood up manfully to their struggle 
with fate. First they tried to curtail their expenses, 
— oftered to sell real estate, — to buy in their stock at 
par, then at SGO and then at i?.50, and pay for it in the 
personal effects of the company. Fifty horses were to 
be disposed of at a stroke, and again and again another 
fifty, — hay and grain were high, — the appetites of live- 
stock inexorable. To add to their embarrassment, 
travel went on increasing as the hour of dissolution 
drew near. More horses and more were required, and 



1 Mr. Tony Waller has favored the English-reading public with his 
views on the Itailway and its invasion of his native Island, in words 
which I am forced to*recall at this point. Said that eminent driver, us 
reported in "Master Humphrey's Clock," "I consider that the rail is 
unconstitutional, and a inwader o' privileges. As to the comfort— as an 
old coachman I may say it— veresthe comfort o' sitting in a harm-chair, 
a lookin' at brick walls, and heaps o' mud, never comin* to a public 
'ouse, never seein* a gliiss o' ale, never goin' thro' a pike, never mcetin' 
a cliange o' no kind (bosses or otherwise), but always comin' to a plate, 
ven you comes to vun at all, the werry picter o' the last t As lo the 
honor and dignity o' travellin', vere can that be vithout a coachman, 
and vats the rail to sich coachmen as is sometimes forced to go by it, but 
a outrage and a insult ! and as to the iugen,a nasty, wheeziu', creakin', 
gaspin', puthn', bustin' monster, always out o' breath, with a shiny 
green and gold hack like a onpleasant beetle ; as to the iiigon as is 
alvays a pouriu' out red-hot coals at night and black sraoke in the day, 
the sensiblost tiling it does, in my opinion, is ven there's soniethin' in 
the vay, and it sets up that 'ere frightful scream vich seems to say ' now 
eres two hundred and forty passengei^ in the werry greatest extremity 
o' danger, and eres their two hundred and forty screams in vun I' " 



again and again they were forced to replace those 
sold. To sell so large a stud at once, when the end 
came, would bring prices down to a ruinous figure, 
and the theory was generally accepted, that upon the 
i establishment of steam cars, horse flesh would be 
j worth little more than dog's meat. Before the end of 
1835 they had joined the other proprietors of New- 
buryport turnpike in oflering five miles of it for the 
use of a projected Railroad to Salem. In 1836 the 
Eastern Railroad was chartered. 

Still they go on voting to sell their horses, still 
buying more. Late in '36 they try adding twenty 
per cent, to their fares. The directors meet once a 
month without notice, sometimes at half past six in 
the morning. They combine with thirteen like com- 
panies to keep up prices. Opposition coaches take 
the road and prices come down again. Late in '37, 
! they try a reduction of wages, the peremptory sale of 
j thirty horses, " as the company is fast approaching 
dissolution," they say, — sell the lease they hold of 
Henry Codman, of the Ann Street House, and agree 
with the purchaser to keep their teams from day to 
day, — sell the Exeter Stables, the Portsmouth and 
Concord Stages, — apply without success for a short 
extension of their charter to close the business, and 
in February, '38, — their charter expired in June, — 
offer for sale the whole remaining assets of the cor- 
poration. 

This eflbrt failing, the shareholders were for the 
last time summoned to Hampton Falls, — detailed 
reports submitted, — a fruitless effort made to start a 
new company, and the property turned over to trus- 
tees for final administration. And so this respectable 
body-corporate died without issue, at the stroke of 
midnight, June 26, 1838. Says the late Col. Whip- 
ple, who had been a director for ten years, and be- 
came its president on the death of Dr. Cleaveland in 
1837, "the holders of stock, during twenty years, re- 
ceived eight and one-third per cent, in dividends an- 
nually, and after paying all debts, between $66 and 
$67 on each share. It does not ap[)ear that a pas- 
senger was killed or injured." 

In August, 1838, the steam cars from Boston reached 
Salem. The Register speaks of immense crowds on 
every arrival and departure, covering the depot 
grounds and the banks of the mill-pond. In the 
belfry of the wooden station house hung a bell, taken 
from a ruined Spanish convent, and sold to one of 
our West Indiamen for old metal, which was vigor- 
1 ously rung to summon passengers on the departure of 
a train. At first, the cars took eleven hundred ])er- 
sons per day, but this, said the pa[)ers, was evidently 
due to their novelty, and could not be expected to 
continu,e. From six to eight hundred, it was thought, 
could be relied on. In about a month, sixteen hun- 
dred passengers were carried in one day, "the best 
day's work yet," said the ]iress with entlmsiasm I 
The Boston Courier stated that the cars used were not 
of the prevailing style, shaped like a coach-body with 



1.x 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the door on the side, but were of a new pattern, in 
which a man may stand erect or pass from one to an- 
other, the whole length of the train, while in motion, 
with perfect safety. The passage from Salem to the 
Boston side of the ferry occupied from thirty-five to 
forty minutes, and it was hoped that about thirty-two 
minutes would be the average time consumed, when 
all was completed. TheBosfon Post announced that the 
witches came out of their graves to see these new con- 
veyances. They met all expectations, and Mr. George 
Peabody, the first president of the road, in his open- 
ing address delivered before the six hundred stock- 
holders and others, August 27th, called attention to 
the fact that those doing business in Boston could 
now live more cheaply in Salem than in Boston. 
What the railroad has done for us, in common with 
all the environs of Boston, cannot be briefly stated. 
If Boston is the Hub, the railroads seen from the 
State House dome are the living spokes, which bind 
it to an outer circle of social and business relations. 
If these have carried off our men of enterprise in 
search of a larger market, they have brought back 
the wealth they accumulate to beautify our estates and 
elevate our culture, and make of Massachusetts Bay, 
from Plymouth to Cape Ann, one great suburb in 
which the arts of cultivated life are brought to aid 
the native charms of country living. 

Of the two presidents of the Eastern Stage Com- 
pany, the first, Dr. Cleaveland, was a man of no com- 
mon stamp. Hecame of the staunchest Puritan stock, 
his great-grandfather, Moses Cleaveland, having emi- 
grated in his prime from Ipswich, in England, to 
Eastern Massachusetts and left a numerous and dis- 
tinguished progeny. Some of them appear among the 
founders of Connecticut; many of them adorn the 
learned professions or fill chairs in the universities. 
Dr. Cleaveland's father died on his 77th birthday, in 
1799, having been for more than half a century the 
pastor of Chebacco Parish in this county — a chaplain 
in both the French and Revolutionary wars, present 
with the army at Ticonderoga in 1758, at Louisburg 
in 1759, at the siege of Boston in 1775, on the Con- 
necticut shore in 1776, and in 1778 in New York and 
New Jersey, and having given three sons to the Con- 
tinental army. 

Dr. Nehemiah Cleaveland was a man of large 
stature, and of erect, dignified and commanding as- 
pect. A tall stripling of sixteen, he attended his 
father upon his service as chaplain during the siege 
of Boston, and in 1777 enlisted in the army as a com- 
mon soldier. The stress of war deprived him of the 
collegiate training to which he had looked forward 
fondly, and kept him, during his minority, either in 
the camp or at the plow. Having subsequently mas- 
tered the science of medicine he began practice at 
Topsfield in 1783, purchasing the stock of a suc- 
cessful predecessor, as well as his library of just two 
volumes. He was soon after complimented with a 
commission as Justice of the Peace, and began to in- 



terest himself in the public affairs of town and coun- 
ty. As a politician he was earnest, ardent and patri- 
otic. He was chosen, through Federalist support, to 
the State Senate in 1811, and lost his seat next year, 
under the operation of that famous districting sys- 
tem known as the "Gerrymander." From 1815 to 
1819 he was re-elected, and then withdrew. In 1814 
he was a Sessions Justiceof the Circuit Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. From 1820 to 1822 he was an Associate 
Justice of the Court of Sessions for the county, and in 
1823 became its Chief Justice. This station he filled 
with ability and firmness until 1828, when he retired 
from public business, receiving at the same time from 
Harvard College the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Medicine. 

With an iron constitution and health, up to his . 
fiftieth year, untouched by disease, Dr. Cleaveland 
never laid aside the practice of his profession, how- 
ever interrupted, but had extended it to all the 
neighboring towns. And until his death, in Febru- 
ary, 1837, at the age of 77, he continued to serve, as 
their trusted physician, the community with which he 
had for fifty years identified himself by rare activity 
in every enterprise of moment. As a neighbor he was 
sought for his willing and judicious counsel, while his 
public career was marked throughout by good judg- 
ment, sound sense and solid worth. 

He was twice married and left five children, among 
whom the eldest son, an honored graduate of Bow- 
doin, a distinguished educator, man of letters and 
Doctor of Laws, perpetuates his name and title. 

Dr. Cleaveland's was one of those monumental 
characters which deserve study both for themselves 
and because they are typical of their times. Formed 
in our Revolutionary period, it was consolidated like 
the arch by the pressure which events imposed upon 
it. If his principles were austere, he applied them 
as rigidly to his own conduct as to his judgment of 
others. Thus he could in youth forego, without a 
murmur, the college training he had been promised, 
and, at the last, reject narcotics which would have 
spared him excruciating torture, because they might 
deaden his mental and moral sensibilities. Says the 
late Dr. Peirson, of Salem, in the Medical and Surgi- 
cal Journal, " He was a much respected member of 
the Essex South District Medical Society. No man 
amongst us set a better example of professional integ- 
rity and honor. The few who could boast of his 
friendship will long remember with pleasure the vir- 
tuous and kind-hearted old man, whose influence was 
uniformly and efliciently exerted in support of good 
order and the true advancement of society." 

Colonel Henry Whipple, the second and last presi- 
dent of the Eastern Stage Company, has left us so 
lately that the mention of his name is enough to re- 
call a venerable presence and an exemplary life. He 
was born at Douglass, in Worcester County, June 24, 
1789, and died in his eighty-first year, December 2, 
18(39. He served his apprenticeship with his brother 



OLD MODES OF TRAVEL. 



Charles, at Newburyport, and opened a book-store in 
the Franklin (then Archer's) Building, in Salem, Oc- 
tober, ISIO. For three-score years Irom that time, 
including part of that golden era when the story of 
Salem ('ommerce reads like an eastern fiction, Colonel 
Whipple was constant at his post, supplying our dar- 
ing navigators with charts and bonks of travel, — our 
busy thinkers and bold projectors of enterprises dis- 
tant and domestic with the best intelligence of the 
day. Said the Danvcrs Wizard, in July, 1861 : " It 
would be difficult to point to a man now living so 
identified with the social, literary and denominational 
interests of Salem as is Colonel Whipple. In almost 
all the .societies of a social and benevolent character 
he has been prominent and active. With the grace 
of native dignity and the bearing of a gentleman of 
the old school, the suavity of his manner attracted to 
his place of business the elevated and refined of 
Salem. His store was the resort and lounging place 
of all the eminent men of the past who have given a 
name to Salem in its modern history. Here met 
Bowditch, Story, Prince, Pickering, the elder Wor- 
cester, Barnard and Hopkins. Here Cummins dis- 
cussed politics with Glen King and Saltonstall, while 
Dr. Flint and Judge White made criticisms on the 
last new book." 

It was well said of Colonel Whipple that in his 
death Salem had lost one whom slander never 
touched, and who had probably never made an 
enemy, — his religious persuasion a consistent sup- 
porter, — the militia a veteran whose commissions 
bore date and expired before those of anj' officer now 
living, — and the Masonic body its oldest member. 
First from seniority on the roll of the Active Fire 
Club, and lately President of the Salem Dispensary, 
— a promoter in 1821 of the Salem and Danvers Asso- 
ciation for Mutual Protection against Thieves and 
Robbers, as well as an active militiaman from his en- 
listment in the ranks of the Salem Ligiit Infantry in 
1811, until he resigned the command of the Artillery 
Regiment of Southern Essex, he was, in earlier as in 
later life, ready at all times for whatever service de- 
volves upon the good citizen and Christian neighbor. 
At the close of the year 1869 he fell peacefully asleep 
at his home in Salem, alter enjoying for a while a 
tranquil retrosjiect of the memories he was to leave 
behind. 

The good old days of stage coach travel are over. 
Gone, too, are moat of those to whom they owed their 
charm. The stage-driver, — that next best man, it 
was quaintly said, to the minister, out of jail, — we 
have no longer. The old stage houses are for the 
most part, as in London, closed and deserted, or 
stand, like the old Bell Tavern, "with a kind of 
gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations 
which surround them." Never again shall 

" The windows of the wayside inn 
Across the meadows, bare and brown, 
Gleam red with firelight through the leaves 



Of woodbin*, hanging from the eaves. 
Their crimson curtains, rent and thin !" 

Even the Ann Street Stage-House, — the very focus of 
New England travel, — has vanished, and the name of 
the street it stood on is fading out of mind! Never 
again, about its hospitable hearth, that well known 
company of" whips" shall gather for a parting pipe, 
when guests are dreaming, and night coaches in, and 
horses well-bestowed, and smouldering embers, in its 
ample tire-place, give & fitful, fiickering light. I see 
them now, in their quaint old chairs, whifl's of smoke 
curling lazily about their cheerful, ruddy, weather- 
beaten faces, — heavy, wet jack-boots steaming on the 
hearth, — ample capes and top-coats Hung dripping on 
the benches, — while they chat by turns and stir the 
fire and laugh at the storm. There aits burly Sam 
Robinson, telling how he served the sneak who stole 
a ride on the trunk-rack every day as the noon coach 
passed through Wenham, by driving into the pond at 
Peter's Pulpit, under pretence of watering his horses, 
and then making such vigorous application of the laoh 
that whoso rode behind was glad to escape his par- 
thian blows by dropping ofl" into the water! Or lit- 
tle Jack Mendum mounts a chair to tell how he drove 
the " mail," and " something broke," and the hungry 
passengers were all out hurrying him on, and the 
neighbors bustled about, and he lost his patience, and 
making up in oaths what he lacked in stature, bid 
them all stand aside and let him manage, " for while 
I drive that mail, I am the L'nited States of Amer- 
ica!" Or Peter Ray recounts the driving of the first 
steel spring coach to Boston on its trial trip, freighted 
with the mechanics who were its builders, and what a 
stir it made on 'change! l,)r Major Shaw, blinded by 
his great popularity, utters his famous threat of run- 
ning the railroad off" the route, by opposition coach- 
es ! Or Woodbury Page enjoys the discomfiture of 
the Cliarlestown driver, who roughly asked him to 
" get his bean pot out of the way," when he was tak- 
ing up a pa.ssenger from that city for Beverly, and he 
replied, " wait till I get the pork in!" Or they all 
debate, with the warmth of conviction, the relative 
merits of the northern and southern routes to the 
eastward, until Alex. Brown declares that stage 
routes to the east are like different creeds in re- 
ligion, for all creeds lead to heaven, if faithfully fol- 
lowed, — upon which reticent little Conant taps his 
pipe on the great iron fire-dog, and as the ashes drop 
upon the hearth, puts it tenderly away in his waist- 
coat pocket, remarking that he would rather not go to 
heaven at all, if he must go by the Dover route, and 
retires to bed. 

" Each had his tale to tell, and each 
Was anxious to be pleased and please, 
With rugged arts of humorous speech." 

Never again, in that quaint old hostelry, shall 

" The fire-light on their faces glance. 
Their shadows on the wainscot dance." 

And the coaches which once, says a writer in the 



Ixxvi 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Lynn Reporter, " raised such a dust on the turnpike, 
night and day, that Breed's End knew no rest, and 
the road seemed made for their accommodation, so 
much at home were they on it in their day of glory," 
are all gone now. Over Essex Bridge, over the turn- 
pike, through Salem streets, horse-cars now rumble 
and rattle with their growing ireight. And at last 
the single coach, which brought us daily the dust and 
mail bags of Cape Ann, has disappeared forever. 
Never again shall we gather at the cottage gate, as 
the clatter of wheels and the cloud of dust approach, 
to welcome the aged parent, — the coming guest, — the 
daughter home from school. Never again shall we 
linger in the open doorway of a New England home- 
stead, in tender parting with the young son setting 
out for sea, or on some distant westward venture, — 
to speed the lovers starting together on the life-long 
journey, — never again cast longing glances after that 
receding freight of dear ones, until at last the wind- 
ing road and over-hanging elm trees part us, and we 
sit sadly down to listen, 

" While faint from farther distance borne 
Are heard th« clanging hoof and horn," 

Never again will the midnight watcher by the si- 
lent bedside hear the mail-stage arrive and go, leav- 
ing its messages of love and sorrow for the sleeping 
townsfolk, and sing, with Hannah Gould, 

" The rattling of tliat reclvless wlieel 
That brings tlie bright or boding seal 
To crown tliy Iiopes or end tliy fears, 
To light thy smiles or draw thy tears, 
As line on line is read." 

Famous levelers were these old stage coaches and 
masters in etiquette also ! What chance-medley of 
social elements they brought about ! What infinite 
attrition of human particles, — what jostling of ribs 
and elbows, — what ' contact inconvenient, nose to 
nose' ! What consequent rounding and smoothing of 
angles and corners, — what a test of good-nature, — 
what a tax on forbearance, — what a school of mutual 
consideration ! For how else could a dozen strangers 
consent to be boxed up and shaken together for a 
day, but upon condition that each was to exhibit the 
best side of his nature and that only ! 

To the next generation the old stage coach will be 
as shadowy and unreal a thing as were those which 
appeared, musty and shattered, to the uncle of the 
one-eyed Bagman in Pickwick, while he dozed at 
midnight in the Edinboro' courtyard. "My uncle," 
says the Bagman, in telling the story, "rested his 
head upon his hands and thought of the busy, bustling 
people who had rattled about years before in the old 
coaches and were now as silent and as changed. He 
thought of the numbers of people to whom one of 
those crazy, mouldering vehicles had borne, night af- 
ter night, through all weathers, the anxiously ex- 
pected intelligence, the eagerly looked for remittance, 
the promised assurance of health and safety, the sud- 
den announcement of sickness and death. The mer- 



chant, the lover, the wife, the widow, the mother, the 
school-boy, the very child who tottered to the door at 
the postman's knock, — how had they all looked for- 
ward to the arrival of the old coach ! And where 
were they all now ! " 



CHAPTER IV. 
SCIENCE IN ESSEX COUNTY. 

BY JOHN ROBINSON. 

Ix the sketch here attempted of a collection of 
subjects which may be classified under the general 
head of scientific, no pretence is made of complete- 
ness of detail, or even that many points are not 
omitted which are as well worthy of notice as some 
others which are included. The breadth of the term 
scientific might easily be made to embrace much mat- 
ter which can be more properly treated under the 
separate histories of this volume by writers more fa- 
miliar with the individual worker or his special sub- 
ject; nor will space be given to the scientific institu- 
tions of the county or their work, as they will be fully 
treated elsewhere. It will, therefore, only be under- 
taken to show, before directly taking up the subjects 
of natural history, the principal ground intended to 
be covered by this article, that in science of almost 
every sort Essex County has produced workers, and 
workers, too, of no mean order. In the special field 
of natural history a very remarkable amount has 
been accomplished, especially in the direction of local 
investigation, and, besides, the county ofters notewor- 
thy inducements to encourage students of the natural 
sciences. 

There are many names, to which we may point 
with pride, of men who, at home and abroad, have 
received high honors, and, either by birth or residence, 
have added to the fame of Essex County. In medi- 
cal science the name of Edward Augustus Holyoke, 
and in mathematics and astronomy those of Andrew 
Oliver, Nathaniel Bowditch and Benjamin Pierce, are 
remembered with gratitude and respect. In connec- 
tion with the early established scientific institutions 
Essex County held a prominent place. The original 
membership of the American Academy of Arts an 
Sciences included seventeen names, which may be 
claimed as belonging to Essex County, and the initial 
volume of the memoirs of that institution published 
in 1785 was very largely composed of papers and 
communications from Essex County scientists. In 
chemistry many workers might be enumerated who 
have contributed their share towards the increase of 
general knowledge of the subject. 

Dr. James R. Nichols of Haverhill, well known 
through his long connection with the " Boston Journal 
of Chemistry,'' of which he was the editor, has been 
a worker in science and a writer of note. Among his 



i 



SCIENCE IN ESSEX COUNTY. 



Ixxvii 



published works are " Fireside Chemistry " and 
" Chemistry of the Farm," but the one which has 
prcbably arrested the most attention is a little volume 
printed in 1882, entitled " From Whence, What, 
Where?" which has already passed through several 
editions. 

Mr. Chas. Toppan is conspicuous as the inventor of a 
very successful process for bleaching, and for the 
new products of petroleum which he has introduced, 
having also published accounts of his experiments. 
In this place should be mentioned the name of Fran- 
cis Peabody, a patron of the sciences, who was among 
the first to become interested in the establishment of 
the " Lyceum " system of scientific lectures, and 
whose valuable library, ever open for the use of the 
earnest student, now enriches the shelves of the Essex 
Institute, of which, as well as the Peabody Academy 
of Science, he was president. In physical science 
the record is interesting. Jloses G. Farmer, of Salem, 
the well-known electrician, was for many years con- 
nected with the United States Government torpedo 
station at Newport, R. I. Prof Charles Grafton Page, 
in 1837, made experiments with magnetic currents 
and musical sounds, which excited much attention 
both in this country and abroad, and which paved the 
way to that great invention, the speaking telephone, 
which Prof. A. Graham Bell, a resident of Salem 
during the years of his experimenting, first publicly 
exhibited before a meeting of the Essex Institute in 
that city in 1877. 

With these brief references to other branches of 
science, we will proceed to consider the natural his- 
tory of the county and the work of students in its va- 
rious departments. 

Geology and Mineralogy. — The entire absence 
of fossils and the obscure nature of the rocks of the 
cimiity render the study of these branches of science 
uninteresting to the beginner, who is usually attracted 
at first, and led to more serious study, by the beauty 
of the minerals or the curious forms of petrifactions 
It is, therefore, easy to explain the rather limited 
number of students of geology and mineralogy, as 
compared with those interested in zoology and botany. 
The work, too, in the county, although in many eases 
emanating from prominent sources, has been carried 
on by many diflerent persons, no single student having 
attempted any general survey of the whole county, so 
that a thoroughly satisfactory account of the geology 
and mineralogy of the region cannot as yet be given. 

A great number of papers and notices of local inter- 
est have been published in the scientific journals and 
proceedings of scientific societies; but as the larger 
portion of these refer to a region of which Boston is 
the centre, most of the work only covers the southern 
and eastern portions of Essex County. A very full 
list of published articles referring to the region of 
Eastern Massachusetts, collected by Professor M. E. 
Wadsworth and printed in the " Proceedings of the 
Boston Society of Natural History" (vol. xix. p. 217), 
viii 



includes upwards of ninety titles of articles in the 
" Memoirs and Proceedings of the American Academy," 
" Boston Journal of Philosophy and Arts," "American 
Jourualof Science and Arts," " Proceedings of the Bos- 
ton Society of Natural History " and the " Proceedings" 
and "Bulletin of the Essex Institute," of greater 
or less length, which relate more especially to the geolo- 
gy and mineralogy of Essex County. Many of these, 
articles are of course very brief and possess only a 
negative value, while others are communications of 
much interest and importance. 

The list of writers of the earlier articles include the 
names of Dana, Agassiz, Hitchcock, C. T. Jackson, W. 
B. Rogers and Chas. Pickering, while the papers and 
notices of more recent date, outside of the local work- 
ers, include the names of N. S. Shaler, Alpheus Hyatt, 
T. Sterry Hunt, W. O. Crosby and M. E. Wadsworth. 
Among the residents of Essex County who have made 
these subjects a study and who have published the re- 
sults of their work are Dr. Andrew Nichols, of D.an- 
vers; B. F. Mudge, Esq., andC. M.Traey,of Lynn ; J. 
J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead ; Rev. S. Barden, of 
Rockport ; Dr. H. C. Perkins and Alfred Osgood, of 
Newburyport ; Rev. G. F. Wright, of Andover, and 
D. 51. Balcb, of Salem. 

Taking the more recently published work as a guide, 
the following synopsis of the underlying rocks has 
been prepared by Mr. J. H. Sears, of the Peabody 
Academy of Science, as a provisional arrangement, but 
one which, however, a more careful study of the rocks 
of the county now in progress may in some respects 
require to be changed : 

NoKlAN. I Xaugus Head Series. 



f Syenite, Hornblemlic and Binar.v, Peabody, Salem. 

I Feldsite, Blarbletiead Neck, Lynn, Newbury. 
Dioryte, Salem, Danvera, Peabody, Nahant, etc, 
Horublendic Gneiss, Salem Neck, Danvens, Beverly. 
Limestone, Lynufield, Danvere, Newbury. 



MONTALB.\N. 



Gneiss, West Danvere, Andover. 

Mica Slate, Merrimac, Araesbury, Haverhill. 

Argillite, Middleton, Topsfleld. 



Shawmdt. i Amygdaloid, Saugus, River Parker, Newbury. 

Slate, River Parker, Newbury. 
Conglomerate, River Parker. Kent's Island. 
Trachyte, Marblehead Uarbor. 

The most conspicuous geological features of Essex 
County are the trap-dykes, of which fine specimens 
are to be seen at Nahant, Marblehead and Cape Ann, 
and the curious drift boulders which are met with 
in almost every part of the county, and which, to- 
gether with the many wonderful glacial scratchings 
and groovings, ofl'er a most favorable opportunity for 
the study of this epoch in geology. 

Many of the drift boulders are of great size and 
are often found in most remarkable situations, pro- 
jecting over ledges, mounted upon other stones or 
crowning the summits of the hills. Among the 
most noted boulders are Ship Rock, in Peabody, 
the estimated weight of which is eleven hundred 



Ixxviii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tons; AgassizRock, in Manchester; and Phfeton Rock, 
in the woods between Peabody and Lynn. M;^ny of 
these, inchiding some of several tons in weight, 
perched upon the bare hill-tops, may be rocked by 
the hand, some even by a child. Were some of these 
erratics in the grounds of any popular summer re- 
sort their fame would be heralded abroad and thou- 
sands flock to see them ; but, as it is, the country boy, 
with his bare feet and berry pail, or the infrequent 
pedestrian on his woodland rambles are their only 
visitors. 

Careful study is continually bringing to light 
minerals previously unknown in the county. Many of 
these, although insignificant in appearance, are of 
great interest to the student, and serve to show the 
relations between the characters of the Essex County 
rocks and those of other regions. The number of 
known or authentically reported minerals may be 
placed at fifty-nine species. 

The most general interest is naturally attached to 
those minerals, chieHy the metals, of value in com- 
merce or the arts. In the earliest colonial times bog 
iron was worked at Saugus, and later, at Topsfield 
and Boxford, it was taken out in two or three places 
for mechanical purposes. The history of the old 
iron-works at Saugus River is a very interesting one. 
They were started in 16-13 and continued in opera- 
tion under many difficulties until about 1688, but now 
only cinder-heaps, covered with soil and herbage, 
remain to tell of their existence. At these works labor- 
ed Joseph Jenks, a native of Hammersmith, Eng- 
land, the founder of a prominent New England 
family. Jenks was an inventor of considerable note 
in his day and deserves to be remembered as one of 
the earliest men of scientific tendencies in the county. 
A bit of romance attaches itself to him as the en- 
graver of several of the dies from which the famous Pine 
Tree shillings were struck off in 1652 and later. Iron 
pyrites had been mined in Boxford, and gold was at 
one time found in small quantities near Hood's Pond. 
The so-called Governor Endicott copper mine in 
Topsfield, has been worked within the century ; but, 
probably, at a profit too small to warrant a continu- 
ance of operations. Serpentine at Saugus, Lynnfield 
and Newburyport has been quarried in small quan- 
tities for ornamental purposes and for the manufac- 
ture of magnesia. 

But the most conspicuous effort, however, to turn 
our mineralogical resources to account was that at 
Newburyport, when the wave of speculation in lead 
and silver passed over the once valueless pastures 
of that locality. The result, not unexpected to the 
miner of more practical experience in other regions, 
although it may have placed profit in the hands of 
some of the original land-owners or speculators in 
land, proved of greater interest to the student for 
whom specimens were brought to hand without cost, 
than to those who were unfortunate enough to invest 
their capital in the enterprise with the hope of large 



financial returns. All attempts thus far made in the 

direction of working our precious metals have re- 
sulted, as similar attempts in the future are likely 
to result, in small profit, if not actual loss. But 
aside from this, there is left, however, as the pride 
and prize of Essex County's geological and mineralog- 
ical resources, the solid granite whose mass not only 
assure us an enduring foundation and probably ex- 
emption from natural convulsions, but which, un- 
questionably, is to be looked upon as the mineral pro- 
duct of the greatest commercial value in the county. 

OuE Scientific Frontier. — From the fact that 
the geographical boundaries of Essex Co. are largely 
natural ones, it is possible to study its flora apart 
from that of surrounding regions, with much more 
satisfactory results than is usually the case in small 
areas of territory bounded by arbitrary lines. Indeed, 
with the exception of Barnstable County, Mass., where 
the ocean marks nearly its entire outline, no county 
in New England ofl'ers better opportunities for such 
work than our own. For the botanist, the Merrimac 
Valley to the northwest and the ocean on the northeast 
and southeast form most natural limits, while toward 
the south a solid mass of cities separate the county 
from the region beyond Boston, the flora of whicli 
shows many immediate and marked changes in char- 
acter from that of Essex County. The southwestern 
boundary is, however, a less natural one, although 
the line of hills beginning at Chelsea and running 
through Melrose and Saugus to Wakefield and Read- 
ing forms a natural division between Essex and Mid- 
dlesex a portion of the distance. The dividing line 
between these counties, where Andover and Methuen 
join Tewksbury and Draeut, is less satisfactory. This 
is but a short distance, however, and there is no 
marked difference in the character of the plants on 
the opposite sides of the line at this point. 

Botany and ZooLOtiY: General Features. — 
Essex County contains upwards of fifty ponds rich in 
water and marsh jflants, while the deep woods of Mid- 
dlet(ni, Boxford and Andover and those of Manches- 
ter and Essex closely resemble the interesting region 
at the base of the White Mountains of New Hamp- 
shire, and with these woods the bare and rugged 
shores of Cajje Ann form a striking contrast. 

The land plants belong to the northern flora, and 
some mountain sjiecies may yet be found, while a 
paradox in the shrubby form of the Magnolia g/auca, 
still abundant in the Gloucester swamps, ofl'ers a sub- 
ject for speculation. The marine algie belong decid- 
edly to the arctic flora, for the long arm of Cape Cod 
projecting into the ocean seems to form a natural bar- 
rier to the farther progress of southern species north- 
ward. At this point, too, the warm current of the 
Gulf Stream bears ofl^ to the eastward, while toward 
the shore, in Massachusetts Bay, the almost expended 
influence of the cold Labrador current is felt. A 
marked distinction is therefore found between the 
marine animals and plants north of Cape Cod and those 



SCIENCE IN ESSEX COUNTY. 



Ixxix 



at the south of it, although in favorable situations, 
in warm nooks, some southern species are found north 
of this barrier, while some northern ones retain a foot- 
hold south of it, and there are certain cosmopolitan 
species which flourish in all waters. 

It will be seen, therefore, that with the great va- 
riety of animals and plants which may be collected, 
and the natural limits which may be placed to the 
study of their distribution, attractions are offered 
which have proved suHicient to develop many stu- 
dents of botany and zoology at home, and to induce 
many others from abroad, among them some of the 
most eminent naturalists of the day, to come hei'e to 
pursue their investigations. 

Introduced Plants — The early settlement of the 
county and numerous historical data available to the 
botanist render this a particularly favorable region 
to observe the introduced plants. Many species, such 
as the genista, barberry, white-weed and others of 
European origin, earl}' established themselves in 
places where they now flourish to an extent it would 
seem difficult for them to exceed in their native 
lands. The natural fruits and vegetable productions, 
and such plants of the old country as could be made 
to succeed in this soil, were among the first things to 
which the colonists gave their attention, as early ac- 
counts amply testify, and thus we are, in many cases, 
able to trace the date of introduction of species now 
thoroughly naturalized. The study of these plants 
is aided by the little work entitled, " New England 
Rarities Discovered," by John Josselyn, an early 
traveler, who made several visits to this country, the 
most extended being from 1663 to 1671, when he 
seems to have given much attention to the native and 
introduced plants. A reprint of Josselyn's work, 
with notes by Professor Edward Tuckerman, is now- 
available. In studying the Essex flora, it must be 
borne in mind that, by the clearing of the land and 
other great changes incident to the settlement, such 
native plants as were best able to endure these 
changes, and those which the changes favored, have 
now been given prominent places, while those which, 
at the time of the settlement, may have been abun- 
dant, but which were unable to endure the changed 
surroundings, arc now scarce or have entirely disajv 
peared. To the botanist all these questions add in- 
terest to the study of the local flora, and perhaps ex- 
plain why the plants have received more continuous 
attention than either the animals or the minerals of 
the county. 

The Native Plants. — The fallowing table, taken 
from the catalogue of the flora of Esse.K County, pub- 
lished by the Essex Institute in 1S80, with addi- 
tional notes made from the herbarium of the Pea- 
budy Academy of Science, gives a fair idea of the 
material available for botanical study and the dis- 
tribution of species among the different families, as 
well as the number of introduced plants to be found 
in the countv : 



Tabu showing the character of the plants, native 'tnd naluriilised, groioing in 
Essex County, Mass, 





Orders. 
Genera. 


1 


.2 
> 


Intrudnced fruni 

other portiuna of 

United States. 

Introduced from 
foreign countrieB 


>> 

h 
It 

aj 
•A 




ExMgens 


85 1 371 

1 ' 7 
17 124 

5 21 

2 69 

2 2 

3 115 


855 
17 

372 
5(1 

161 
9 

312 


36 

"is" 

17 
12 
3 
41 


39 1 210 157 
3 4 10 

6 41 1 t 


47 






Vaectilar (.'ryptogama 


'.'.'.'.'.'. 1 










Characea? 




Thalloplivtes 




















U/-. 699 


1776 


147 


48 1 263 

t 


168 


55 



Total number of species recorded 1776 

Species of Fungi (estimated) 1200 

Species of fresli water .\lga' (estimated) 2(X) 

Diatomacea; (estimated) 250 

Total of all species recorded and estimated 3426 

In this table the introduced plants enumerated are 
chiefly such as have become thoroughly estal)lished, al- 
though sometimes very locally.^ The Thallophytes in- 
clude only the lichens, of which forty-five genera, one 
hundred and fifty-seven species, are recorded, and the 
marine alg:e, of which there are seventy genera, one 
hundred and fifty-four s|iecie,s. The fungi of the 
county have never been catalogued, owing to their 
great number and the difficulties attending their 
study ; but, judging from the catalogues of other re- 
gions, it is quite probable that twelve hundred spe- 
cies would be a fair estimate of their number. Nei- 
ther has any list been prepared of the Diatoms and 
Desmids, a numerous class, which, together with a 
large part of the fungi, are microscopic, and, al- 
though numerous in species, possess but little value 
in considering the flora as a whole, or the general 
distribution or character of the plants of the county. 

Prominent Botani.its. — The study of botany in Es- 
sex County, it may be said in New England, properly 
dates from the time of Kev. Manasseh Cutler, at the 
close of the last century. Early writers, as Francis 
Higginson, John Josselyn, William Wood, John 
Winthrop and others, refer to the native fruits and 
flowers. Josselyn published the well-known " New 
England Earities Discovered," 2>reviously referred to, 
and Higginson, in a letter written from Salem in 
1629-30 (Mass. Hist. Coll., vol. 1. p. 121). speaks of 
the " Flowering Mulberry," or raspberry, and 
"Chervil," or sweet Cicely, as growing near Salem 
in places where, certainly until a few years, these in- 
teresting historical plants still flourished. None of 
these writers can, however, be considered as Essex 
County botanists, and it is not until the close of the 
American Revolution that we find any serious or 
scientific study given to the plants of the county. 
Manasseh Cutler, of Hamilton, after his varied ser- 
vices of Revolutionary chaplain, lawyer, doctor, pas- 
tor, reformer and pioneer, found time to prepare, in 
1783-84, as the the title of his paper says, " An ac- 
count of the vegetable production growing in this 



Ixxx 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1 



part of America, botanically arranged." This was 
published in the first volume of the "Memoirs of the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences," which 
was printed in 1785, where some three hundred and 
fifty species of flowering plants were described, and 
several important scientific points suggested, which 
have been since adopted in botanical treatises. Dr. Cut- 
.ler's paper bears the date of presentation, January 2(i, 
1784, and it was his intention to extend the work, 
several manuscript volumes now being in existence 
prepared toward this end. 

Following Cutler came Dr. George Osgood and Dr. 
Andrew Nichols, both of Danvers. The former con- 
tributed notes for''Bigelow's Florula Bostoniensis," 
and published a partial list of plants in the vicinity of 
Danvers and Salem; and the latter delivered, in 1816, a 
series of lectures on botany, the first of such ever 
given in this neighborhood. Dr. Nichols was one of 
the founders of the Essex County Natural History 
Society, and for some years its president, and he thus 
had an important influence on local botanical work. 
In 1823 two young men, both destined to be long re- 
membered on account of their contributions to botani- 
cal knowledge, began their work in Essex County. 
These were William Cakes, of Danvers, later of Ips- 
wich, and Charles Pickering, then speuding much of 
his time at the homestead of his grandfather. Colonel 
Timothy Pickering, at Wenham. 

Oakes, disgusted with law, his chosen profession, 
became the first critical botanist of the region, and 
at this time converted Dr. Pickering from entomology 
and conchology, studies he had first chosen, to bot- 
any. Oakes botanized with Pickering extensively 
in Essex County, particularly in the Creat Swamp, 
Wenham, a region then almost in its primitive wild- 
ness. He afterwards prepared a list of Vermont 
plants for Thompson's history of that State, and had 
in contemplation a work on the plants of New Eng- 
land, which, owing to the appearance of Beck's Bot- 
any, was never completed. His most elaborate work 
was a folio volume on White Mountain scenery, illus- 
trated by Sprague, which, however, was not published 
until after his death, in 184S. Oakes was impulsive 
and generous, and thoroughly in earnest in his favor- 
ite study. Like many men of note, he was little appre- 
ciated while living, yet no monument could have been 
erected to make his memory more cherished and his 
labors more respected by the present generation of 
botanists than that which he left behind, — an exten- 
sive collection of beautifully prepared botanical speci- 
mens determined with faultless accuracy, a portion of 
which formed the nucleus of the present county 
botanical cabinet, now in the hands of the Peabody 
Academy of Science in Salem. 

Professor Tuckerman dedicated to him a pretty 
little plant common in the region of Plymouth, but 
as this was afterwards transferred to another genus, 
the name " Oakesia " has been given to the sjjriug 
belhvort, a common Essex County plant, by Professor 



Watson, of Cambridge, who, in his revision of the 
Liliacea?, has thus named it to perpetuate the mem- 
ory of William Oakes. 

In 1838 Dr. Pickering was appointed naturalist to 
the United States (Wilkes) Exploring Expedition, 
and, to perfect his knowledge of animals and jjlants 
in foreign countries, he made extensive journeys after 
his return from that expedition. He was the author 
of several works of great value, the production of 
which required untiring research. Among them are 
the " Geographical Distribution of Animals and 
Plants " and the " Chronological History of Plants," 
the latter occupying the last sixteen years of his life 
in its preparation. 

It is but right that Essex County should claim a 
share of the honor of his name, for it was here that 
his attention was drawn to the study of botany, and 
in the " Chronological History of Plants," page 1063, 
we find the following entry : " 1824. In this year, 
after an excursion in 1823 with William Oakes, di- 
verting mj' attention from entomology, (I made) my 
first botanical discovery." Dr. Pickering retained 
the deepest interest in botanical work in Essex 
County until his death, which occurred at Boston 
March 17, 1878. 

The work of the Essex Institute from its founda- 
tion, in 1848, following that of the Essex County 
Natural History Society, from which it was in part 
developed, was largely devoted to botany and horti- 
culture, a leading speaker at its meetings and con- 
tributor to its publications being Rev. John Lewis 
Russell, who made his home in Salem in 1853. 

Mr. Russell devoted himself principally to crypto- 
gamic botany, publishing accounts of his investiga- 
tions from time to time as he proceeded. He was, 
besides, the author of many popular articles on va- 
rious families of plants. He lectured frequently on 
botany, and was for many years vice-president of the 
Essex Institute, and contributed much to the general 
knowledge of botany in Essex County, but his most 
extensive collections were made in other places. 

Among the earlier published catalogues of the 
plants of portions of the county was the " Studies of 
the Essex Flora," by Mr. Cyrus M. Tracy, of Lynn. 
This was intended to give a list of the flowering 
plants found in the neighborhood of Lynn, and 
enumerated five hundred and forty-six species. Be- 
sides possessing a very happy gift as a botanical lec- 
turer, Mr. Tracy has contributed several valuable 
articles upon local botany to the publications of the 
Essex Institute and elsewhere. 

At the evening and field meetings of the Essex 
Institute many papers on botanical subjects have 
been presented, including, in addition to those pre- 
viously referred to, contributions from George D. 
Phippen, S. B. Buttrick, John Robinson and John H. 
Sears, of Salem ; Rev. A. B. Alcott, of Boxford; 
Miss Mary N. Plumer, of Newburyport ; Miss H. A. 
Paine, of Groveland ; and others. Many students of 



SCIENCE IN ESSEX COUNTY. 



botany are distributed throughout the county, and 
numerous private herbaria have been formed, and, at 
tlie rooms of the Peabody Academy of Science in 
Salem, a large and valuable collection of the plants 
of Essex County is accessible to botanists. Special 
work has been done by several authors and collectors 
outside of the county, who have either visited this re- 
gion to study the plants, or who have made compar- 
ative observation from specimens sent to them from 
the county for the purpose. W. H. Harvey visited 
Nahant about 1850 to stndy the marine alg;i' in pre- 
paring his famous work, " Nereis Boreali-Amcricana," 
which was published by the Smithsonian Institution 
in 1852-57. Professor W. G. Farlow, in his "Algae of 
New England," and in his monograph of the Gymno- 
sporangea, includes the Essex County species studied 
by him at various stations. Dr. B. D. Halstead and 
Dr. T. F. Allen have studied the Charaeea>, and have 
published articles on the .species ; Mr. F. S. Collins 
has carefully studied the marine algas, Mr. C. E. 
Faxon the grasses, sedges and mosses, and Mr. C. J. 
Sprague the lichens. Rev. A. B. Hervey, now of 
Taunton, worked almost entirely in Essex County in 
preparing his "Collector's Guide and Introduction to 
the Study of Marine Algie." Nearly all of the work of 
Essex County botanists has been systematic ; at least 
little, if anything, in the way of original research has 
been published by any county author in relation to 
the physiology or morphology of plants. 

HorlicuUure. — In horticulture, a science too seldom 
treated as such, the citizens of Essex County have 
furnished valuable contributions. The establishment 
of the Essex Agricultural Society and the horticul- 
tural department of the Essex Institute have doubtless 
fostered the interest which has been shown from the 
earliest date in this subject, and which at times has 
been given considerable prominence in the county. 
There are several names worthy to be mentioned as 
promoters of the science of horticulture. Robert 
Manning, of Salem, whose death in the midst of his 
labors occurred in 1842, at one time cultivated in his 
own gardens, for the purpose of critical comparison, 
nearly one thousand varieties of pears, together with 
other fruits, sufficient to make the total of two thou- 
sand varieties, several of which he originated. John 
Fisk Allen, as early as 1843, produced some valuable 
varieties of grapes, the famous "Allen's Hybrid" be- 
ing one of the number, and during the years of his 
experimenting in horticulture he tested the large 
number of four hundred varieties of grapes under 
glass. Mr. Alien was the first person in New Eng- 
land and the second in the United States to success- 
fully cultivate the great water lily of South America 
{ Fictoria regia), which he flowered in Salem in 1853, 
and later he published, at great expense, a superbly 
illustrated folio work on its habits and cultivation. 
Between 1830 and 1877 Mr. Geo. Haskell, ol' Ipswich, 
made many scientific experiments in the culture of 
the grape l)y grafting, inarching amd hybridization. 



the results of which he published in pamphlet form 
in 1877. During this time Mr. Haskell produced sev- 
eral hardy hybrid grapes of acknowledged merit. 
Beginning in 18()1 and continuing for several years 
afterward, Mr. Edward S. Rogers, of Salem, by a 
strictly scientific experiment, the result of excellent 
botanical knowledge, produced the famous hybrids 
between the native fox grape and the more tender, 
hot-house varieties, known as the "Rogers' Grapes." 
These have given to cultivators a class of hardy 
grapes of rare excellence and world-wide reputation, 
and have won for the oriiiinator the gold medal of the 
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the highest 
award of the most eminent institution of its character 
in America. 

Zoology} — Though Essex County has been a favor- 
ite collecting ground for naturalists for many years, 
exact statistics of its fauna are lacking. For this 
there are several reasons, the most prominent of 
which is that in recent years students have failed to 
record the results of their researches. Thus, of the 
mollusks, no catalogue has been published for half a 
century, while not a single group of insects has been 
thoroughly worked up. In fact, the only group con- 
cerning which we have definite statistical knowledge 
is that of the vertebrates, where we have, thanks to 
the labors of Messrs. Goode and Bean, of the United 
States National Museum, a catalogue of all the fishes 
that are known within the county limits, and the ex- 
cellent catalogue of the birds by F. W. Putnam, which, 
although the work of his youth, has required but few 
corrections to bring it up to the present time. Of the 
other vertebrates, the turtles, snakes and batrachians 
are comparatively few in number and fairly well 
known, while to the knowledge of the existing mam- 
mals but little can be added, although a very interest- 
ing chapter could be written upon those which have 
disappeared, and whose story must be looked for in 
the early colonial records and the Indian shell-heaps. 
We have many catalogues of New England animals, 
but it is a diflicult task for a student to predict from 
these exactly what forms will be found in a certain 
restricted region. Thus the land forms to be found 
in Northern Maine or on the White Mountains would 
ditt'er greatly from those occurring near the shore of 
Long Island Sound, and from neither could we ex- 
actly tell those which would be found in Essex 
County. In the marine fauna, too, a similar difficulty 
is noted, for Cape Cod divides the animals occurring 
in the salt water into two groups, each with its own 
fades, although there are of course many species 
which occur on either side of that barrier. 

The following estimate of the number of species, 
although but rudely approximate, may serve as a 
guide for the present and until further published 

1 Th« writer 13 largely imlebted to Prof. J. S. Kitigsloy, of the Stat« 
University of Truliana, formerly a special Htiuleut at tliM I'ealioiiy 
Academy of Science at Salem, for tlio account of this branclt of tlie 
natural history of the county. 



Ixxxii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



work shall furnish us with accurate figures (in some 
groups there are almost no data to base any conclu- 
sions upon, while others, however, are comparatively 
well known) : 

Sponges 30 

Cwlenterates 100 

Ecbinodenas 30 

MoUuacoiilea 60 

MolluBca 390 

Worms 225 

Crustacea 250 

Insects 2500 

Veytebrales : 

Ascidia 20 

rishes 150 

Batrachia 18 

Reptiles 22 

Birds 266 

Mammals 41 517 

4102 

In the above estimate both the fresh water and ma- 
rine fauna are included. Of the simplest forms of 
animal life, the Protozoa, no account is made for the 
reason that absolutely nothing is known of them be- 
yond the fact that the species are very abundant ; 
every stagnant pool has its population, while the mud 
near the shore is actually alive with them. Incon- 
spicuous as they are, they play an important part in 
the food supply of many of the economic fishes, as 
well as in destroying still smaller forms which might 
otherwise be injurious to human health. Of the 
sponges of the county but little is known ; many of 
them are inconspicuous, and none are of value for the 
ordinary purposes for which sponges are used, as all 
lack that resilience of fibre characteristic of commer- 
cial sponges. The finest examples of sponges in Essex 
County have been found on the piles of Essex bridge. 

The marine worms are very abundant, and furnish 
a large amount of food for fishes. While the ordinary 
conception of a worm is that of a disgusting animal, 
many of the marine worms are marvels of beauty both 
in shape and color. In this respect however they 
must yield to some of the Ca'lenterates, a group which 
includes the jelly-fish, sea-anemones and those other 
flowers of the sea which the naturalist calls hydroids. 
None of these, however, have the economic importance 
possessed by some of the mollusks and Crustacea, 
groups which furnish the oyster, clam and lobster. 

The insects are almost solely terrestrial and, as will 
be seen from the above table, include over half the 
total number of species occurring in the county. Of 
tliese the beetles are the most numerous in species, it 
being estimated that from twelve to fifteen hundred 
can be found within the boundaries. Next in nu- 
merical importance come the flies and bugs, followed 
in turn by the bees and ants on the one hand, and the 
butterflies and moths on the other, the remaining 
forms of insects being few in number of species. The 
vertebrates are so well known that they need no fur- 
ther mention than the figures against the different 
orders in the table above. 



The marine fauna of Essex County is decidedly 
northern. The majority of the species found along 
the coast range north to the British provinces, and not 
a few may be collected on the shores of Europe, mak- 
ing the passage by the way of the Arctic seas. A 
smaller number range southward and pass the bound- 
ary line of Cape Cod, though but few extend in this 
direction beyond the Jersey shore. The land animals 
are likewise northern in character, and Essex County 
may be regarded as a portion of the " AUeghanian 
region " of the " Eastern province " of zoological geog- 
raphy. 

Several localities in the county have become famous 
as zoological centres, either from the students who 
have lived near them or from the profusion of the 
material they offer for study. To the first category 
belongs Salem, for the Essex Institute and thePeabody 
Academy of Science have drawn many zoologists 
hither. Here Wheatland, Putman, Packard, Hyatt, 
Morse, Emerton and Cooke have labored, while for 
several years students came from all parts of the 
country to attend the Academy's Summer School of 
Biology. Salem may also rank among the places of 
the other group, for there are few spots on the whole 
New England coast which furnish better collecting 
ground than that around Essex (Beverly) Bridge, 
where the number of species to be found is very large, 
although indiscriminate collecting would soon deplete 
it. Next in order is Nahant where the Agassizs, fa- 
ther and son, with their assistants and pupils, did so 
much to enlarge our knowledge of the marine life. 
More lately Annisquam has come into prominence 
through the laboratory there established in 1881 by 
Professor Hyatt and maintained by the Women's Ed- 
ucational Society of Boston. 

The interest in zoological studies has been fostered 
by the various scientific societies within the county, 
the most prominent among which are the Essex In- 
stitute and thePeabody Academy of Science of Salem. 
Besides these may be enumerated the Lynn Natural 
History Society, the Cape Ann Literary and Scientific 
Society, at Gloucester, the Danvers Natural History 
Society, the Bradford Natural History Society, the 
West Newbury Natural History Society, the Merri- 
mac Natural History Society, of Amesbury, and the 
Cuvier Club, of Salem, which last, although composed 
entirely of young people, gives promise of good results, 
For two years the United States Fish Commission 
made Essex County the centre of its explorations, 
contributing much information of value, especially in 
relation to the deep-water animals. 

The fiiuna of Essex County has been made the sub- 
ject of several studies, some of which are worthy of 
mention in the present sketch. Professor Hyatt has 
studied the sponges ; the Agassizs, father and son, and 
the late H. J. Cook have investigated the radiates 
the development of the worms has been studied by 
Alexander Agassiz and Charles Girard; the mollusca 
have been investigated by John Lewis Russell 



SCIENCE IN ESSEX COUNTY. 



Ixxxiii 



William Stimpsoa and Edward S. Morse ; Professor 
ilorse, also, was the first author to point out the true 
position of the brachiopods among the worms, his 
theory now being adopted by the most eminent scien- 
tists. The Crustacea and their development have been 
studied by A . S. Packard and J. S. Kingsley ; the 
harvestmen have been described by H. C. Wood, and 
J. H. Emerton has made and published researches on 
the spiders. Among the insects, the work of A. S. 
Packard, S. H. Scudder and F. W. Putman deserves 
mention. J. S. Kingsley has described the develop- 
ment of one of the acsidians, while among the fishes 
the papers of G. B. Goode and T. H. Bean and of F. 
W. Putman upon the species, and the investigations 
of J. S. Kingsley, H. W. Conn and B. H. Vantleck 
upon the development, should not be omitted. F. W. 
Putman has studied the reptiles and birds, furnishing 
the list of county species pulilished in the proceedings 
of the Essex Institute previously referred to. The 
birds have also been investigated by Dr. Elliot Cones. 

In spite of the work above referred to, and the ex- 
cellence, even eminence, of many of the workers, the 
field is so large and the supply of materials so great 
that there still remains an enormous amount of work 
to be accomplished before a knowledge which may be 
termed exact is obtained of the animals of the county. 

Arch.eology. — In archaeology, a study but re- 
cently given its proper position among the sciences, 
considerable work has been done in tlie county. The 
surface relics of the race which formerly occupied 
this territory have long been observed, and, in a few 
instances, preserved specimens of the so-called axes, 
celts and arrow-heads were placed in the East India 
Museum in Salem as early as 1802, and examples 
were figured in the first volume of the American 
Academy, published in 1785, from the cabinet of that 
institution. But it is only in comparatively recent 
years that any scientific observations have been 
ma le in relation to the graves, village sites and 
shell-heaps of this early race. Much has been writ- 
ten of late, speculative and otherwise, in relation to 
the pre-historic people, which may be read by those 
desiring to form opinions as to the correctness of the 
various theories advanced, but it is sufficient here to 
say that the most reasonable theories point to the 
Algonquin Indians of the region at the time of the 
settlement of this country, and their direct ancestors, 
as the people who fashioned the implements of stone, 
bone and clay which are daily turned up by the 
jdough and occasionally met with in graves and 
shell-heaps. Yet it is reasonable to accept the theory 
that another and earlier race once occupied the 
country, perhaps the ancestors of the Esquimaux, 
even ruder in their way than the Indians, and who, 
being driven to the North by a more aggressive race, 
left their relics behind, which are now found con- 
fused with those of later date. It was supposed 
formerly that tiie shell-heaps found all along our 
coast were natural deposits, and not until recently 



were they connected with the early inhabitants of 
the county. Professor Jeffrys Wyman, of Cam- 
bridge, investigated the shell-heaps at Ipswich, with 
Putnam, Cooke and Morse, and later these investi- 
gations have been continued by many others. 

The most interesting result of the study of these 
shell-heaps is perhaps that learned from the ex- 
amination of a very old deposit at Ipswich, composed 
of shells of the oyster, a species now practically 
extinct along our shore, but which at the time of 
the deposit of this shell-heap must have been very 
abundant. From the relics there found, it was clearly 
shown that cannibalism was practiced by the people 
who left us this record of their existence. In 1867 
Mr. J. F. Le Baron prepared a map of the shell- 
heaps on Castle Neck, Ipswich, and throughout the 
county are numerous collections of so-called " Indian 
relics," most of which may be classed as "surface- 
finds," owned by private individuals and public 
institutions. The largest collection of pre-historic 
relics is that of the Peabody Academy of Science 
in Salem, which numbers several thousand speci- 
mens and includes many objects from graves and 
shell-heaps, besides skeletons and crania. 

Besides the work of Wyman, I'utnam and others 
and the articles published by the Essex Institute on 
this subject. Dr. Abbott, of New Jersey, has made 
some field observations here and has published in his 
work entitled " Primitive Industry" much of interest 
in relation to tbe local archaeology, besides giving fig- 
ures of specimens collected in Essex County. Pro- 
fessor Jlorse, of the Peabody Academy, during his 
visit to Ja|>an, made several explorations in connec- 
tion with the archa?ology of that country, the results 
of his work being published in the memoirs of the 
University of Tokio, Japan. 

Archaeology is now one of the most progressive 
among the sciences, and one of Essex County's gifted 
sons, Professor Frederick W. Putnam, formerly of 
Salem, now Peabody Professor of Archieology and di- 
rector of the Archieological Museum at Cambridge, 
profiting by his early training as a zoologist, is for 
the first time teaching the country the proper and 
only way of exploring the mysterious mounds of the 
West. 

It will be seen by this sketch that a large portion of 
the scientific work has centered in and around Salem. 
This is undoubtedly due to the facilities there ofi'ered 
for study. Museums and scientific institutions had 
early become established in Salem, and many society 
and private libraries and microscopes were available. 
But with the interest in these sulijects and the estab- 
lishment of good lecture courses and libraries in 
nearly every city and town, natural history and 
scientific clubs and societies have sprung up in vari- 
parts of the county, and students of natural history 
may now be found at every hand, both ci)llectors and 
those who are pursuing their studien of the minerals, 
the fauna or the flora, without forming collections. 



Ixxi 



XIV 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTEK V. 
THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 

BY KOBERT S. RANTOUL. 

Timothy Claxton was born in Norfolk, England, 
August 22, 1790. His father was a gardener, in the 
service of the Windham family, at Earshani Hall. 
Neither hia father nor his mother could read or write, 
but, with the generous aid of the Honorable Mrs. 
Windham, the mistress of the house, they were en- 
abled to educate their children. Timothy was from 
boyhood a marked character, and, as a young man, 
identified himself with the great movement for the 
general diflusion of knowledge, which, under the lead 
of Henry Brougham and other less conspicuous and 
comprehensive minds, swept over England and Scot- 
land in the third decade of the present century. It was 
in the year 1823 that the so called '' Mechanics' Insti- 
tutes '■ began to attract the attention of all classes in 
Great Britain by their marked success. In that year, 
Claxton, who had spent sometime in Russia, engaged 
in the introduction of fgas-works, sailed from St. 
Petersburg and landed at Boston, whence, in Septem- 
ber, he removed to Methuen, in this County, and con- 
nected himself with the machine-shop of a cotton- 
mill established by Stephen Minot, of Haverhill, at 
Spicket Falls, and at that time operated under the 
supervision and agency of the afterwards well-known 
political economist and writer, Amasa Walker. 

In detailing, in his autobiography entitled the " Me- 
moir of a Mechanic,'' the years passed in Methuen, 
this remarkable man says : 

*' In the spring of 1824 an opportunity offered itself for me to attempt 
the formation of a society for mutual improvement. A small society, 
for reading and general inquiry, had existed for ahout five years in the 
village, and was at a very low ehb at that time. I attended it and 
found a respectable number of both sexes, .issembled at the house ot one 
of the members. They were engaged in reading by turns, and the 
president put questions to them ;is they proceeded. I inquired what 
other exercises they had. He told me that was all, except an annual ad- 
dress by the president. I asked if it would not be well to try the debat- 
ing of questions and familiar lectures on science and the arts. He 
thought well of it. I told him I thought they need not be afraid, for I 
bad seen persons engaged in such exercises whose opportunities were in- 
ferior to theirs. I was asked if I could give them a lecture. I said I 
would try, and prepared myself accordingly. I had brought a small 
air-pump with me from Russia, which I made from apiece of gas-tubing, 
with a ground brass plate, on a mahogany stiiud. I bought a few glass 
articles, which I ground to tit the pump-plate, with a little sand and wa- 
ter, on the hearth-stone of my room. I procured a small wash tub and 
fitted a shelf to it, for a pneumatic cistern. In this way I succeeded, 
with a very simple apparatus, in explaining the mechanical and some of 
the chemical properties of air. This put new life into the society. 
Their constitution was revised, to make provision for a library and ap- 
paratus. Debating was introduced with success, and the ladies handed 
in compositions which were read at the meetings. Several members 
were prevailed upon to give lectures on subjects connected with their 
professions or callings. I served as vice.president* for the remainder of 
my stay in the town, and took an active part. The society became too 
large for the members' houses. It tried the School-House and then the 
Tavern Hall, but, not satisfied with either, built a two-story building for 
its own use, and continued to prosper. It held weekly meetings, with a 
routine of exercises for the month, comprising, for the first week, Read- 
ing by all ; for the second, Reading by one memberspecially designated ; 
for tile third, Original Lectures, and for the fourth. Discussion." 



Here we have germinating, in the spring of 1824, 
in Essex County, the root-idea of the American Ly- 
ceum. The society, which Claxton left behind him 
well-established in Methuen, when, in October, 1826, 
he removed to Boston, possessed every characteristic 
feature of the novel organization now to be described, 
and which, under the uew name of "Lyceum," soon 
to be applied to it by another, was about to challenge 
the approval and enlist the interest, and even the en- 
thusiasm of the best minds in the country. I have 
been thus minute in describing Claxton's enterprise, 
because no earlier date than this can be assigned to 
the origin of "the Lyceum system in America. On 
his removal to Boston, he became well known for his 
mechanical ingenuity, his large scientific attainments 
and his whole-souled devotion to the diffusion of use- 
ful knowledge. He at once associated himself with 
Josiah Holbrook, who had just come there from Con- 
necticut, and with other kindred spirits and before 
the end of the year 1826 had established the " Boston 
Mechanics' Institution." In 1829 he bore an active 
part in the formation of the first Boston Lyceum, and 
in 1831, with Holbrook and others, established the 
"Boston Mechanics' Lyceum," of which, for the next 
five years, Claxton was chosen president. Finally, 
having inherited an estate in England, he returned 
thither to enjoy it, and there closed his life. In 1839 
he issued, from the London press, a book of "Hints 
on Self-Education," of which the London Civil En- 
gineer and Architects' Journal remarked, in a strain of 
high commendation, that "it had all the ease and 
simplicity of De Foe, and the exemplary utility of 
Franklin." 

Dr. George A. Perkins, of Salem, who passed his 
early years in Boston, well remembers Claxton as a 
valued friend of his boyhood, always genial, gracious 
and kind, who would interrupt his work, not for 
hours merely, but for days, in order that some willing- 
minded youth might not go unenlightened. 

Attention was first publicly called to the general 
practicability of organizations like this in an anony- 
mous article which appeared in the October number 
of the American Journal of Education for 1826. It 
proved to have been written by one Jo.siah Holbrook, 
an alunmus of Yale College and a native of Derby, 
Conn., born in 1788. Mr. Holbrook afterwards be- 
came well known as an enthusiastic devotee of popu- 
lar education in all its phases. At different periods 
of his career he was a lecturer upon science, a maker 
of school apparatus, and a compiler of school text- 
books, and in 1824 was conducting at Derby an agri- 
cultural and manual-labor school, in which he had, 
in some measure, anticipated the modern theory of 
object-teaching. His .scheme for " Associations of 
Adults for Mutual Education," as he called them, the 
name "Lyceum" being only applied a little later, 
was introduced to public notice in a guarded editorial 
indorsement as "of uncommon interest," as "impor- 
tant in a political point of view," as "intimately con- 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



Ixxxv 



nected with the diffusion of intelligence and with the 
elevation of character among the agricultural and 
mechanic classes," as " a sure preventive of those in- 
sidious inroads of vice which are ever ready to be 
made on hours of leisure and relaxation." With such 
high liopes, prompted by motives so unmistakably 
humane, ingenuous and noble, did the pioneers in this 
unique undertaking make their modest, though con- 
fident appeal to public favor 1 

On January 7, 1879, the Concord Lyceum com- 
memorated its fiftieth anniversary. The fir.st name 
on its original roll and its first jiresident had been 
the venerable and Reverend Dr. Ripley, the Revolu- 
tionary sage who had, from his study window in the 
Old Manse, watched his parishioners defending the 
bridge on that fateful day when there 

*' The embattled farmers stood 
And fired the shot heard round the world !" 

The last of the original signers of its constitution 
had been Judge Hoar, then a lad of twelve, now be- 
come a personage of the fir.st distinction, introduced 
in 1870 by Emerson to C'arlyle, as "a friend whom 
you saw in his youth, now an inestimable citizen in 
this State, and lately in President Grant's Cabinet, 
Attorney-General of the United States. He lives in 
this town and carries it in his hand." 

Naturally called on to speak on such an occasion, 
Judge Hoar remarked : — 

" The Lyceum began, aa most thin^ do that are eood, by the gratui- 
tous labors of an enthusiast, BIr. Josiah Holbrook, of Boston, a man who 
was interested in geology and mineralogy, and went about the State de- 
livering lectures upon these subjecta, and urging the people of the cities 
and towns to form Lyceums for popular education. His scheme embraced 
a good deal. He l>ersuaded the people of various towns and cities, of 
Boston, and Charlestown, and Salem, and Worcester, and many of the 
smaller towns of the commonwealth to start his Lyceums. There has 
beeu but one, however, that has grown up into anything like the pro- 
portions of the institution which he contemplated and recommended, 
and that 'is the Essex Institute at Salem. It has, as he proposed each 
Lyceum should have, a large library, an extensive collection of objects 
in natural history, cabinets of mineralogy, having courses of lectures, 
and th« members dividing themselves into sections for the prosecution of 
the study of history, science and art." 

The large expectations entertained of Holbrook's 
novel scheme will appear from the contemporary ex- 
pressions of its prime mover and his coadjutors, and 
from the sympathetic utterances of the journals of 
the day. There was nothing new in the Debating 
Club, the Social Library, the Literary Circle, the 
Union for General Inquiry and for Scientific Research. 
These had long been known, and in one form or an- 
other had sprung into a sporadic life in all the active 
centres of the world. Paris and London had not 
been without them for centuries, and Franklin had, 
just a hundred years before, established his "Junto," 
where the select coterie of a dozen friends, picked 
from his " ingenious acquaintance," who spent Fri- 
day evenings at the Ale House in Philadelphia in 
1727, discussed curious queries on points of morals, 
politics or natural philosophy, propounded a week in 
advance of their consideration, heard original essays 



from each member in turn, and finally established a 
"lending library,"— the germ of the American Philo- 
sophical Society. But the idea of combining the 
functions of libraries and literary, scientific ami de- 
bating clubs all in one body — of throwing the doors 
wide open and inviting in all who would assume their 
shareof the work — of systematically organizing such 
clubs in every village and hamlet and then, for mu- 
tual encouragement and help, joining them all in a 
common league together, was indeed a new conceit, 
and if impracticable in its details, was not unworthy 
of that tbrmative period which preceded Boards of 
Education, Normal Schools and Teachers' Institutes 
and Conventions, — the day of slow mails, stage-coach 
travel, rare newspapers, scant amusements and un- 
systematic teaching, before the cylinder-press, the 
electric telegraph, the locomotive engine, the subma- 
rine cable and the ocean steamer had made the world 
one family, — the day which ushered in our " revival 
of learning," when the depressions resulting from two 
wars waged to effect our independence of Great Bri- 
tain were happily over, when a distinctly American 
literature was beginning to show itself in the writings 
of Dana, Bryant, Irving, Cooper and Halleck, when 
Mann and his co-workers were just extorting from the 
close-locked Teutonic intelligence the secrets of the 
Prussian school sy.stem for the advantage of our new 
republic, when Bancroft, Everett, Ticknor and Hedge 
were just returning from their first taste of German 
University culture, burthened like honey-bees with 

' their delicious store, and when the English speaking 
peoples on both sides of the water seemed suddenly 
waking up to the consciousness as of newly discov- 
ered truth in the now familiar postulate that demo- 
cratic government, while it is the safest and most sta- 
ble of all if it rest on generally diffused intelligence, 
becomes, when based on prevailing ignorance, the 
most intolerable of despotisms. 

Holbrook's confidence in his scheme was contagious 
because it was enthusiastic and exuberant. He sup- 
posed the Lyceum system would rapidly pervade the 
country and ultimately the world at large. " It seems 
to me," he said in his original prospectus, "that if 
associations for mutual instruction in the sciences 
and other branches of useful knowledge could once 
be started in our villages, and upon a general plan, 
they would increase with great rapidity and do more 
for the general diffusion of knowledge and for raising 

! the moral and intellectual taste of our countrymen 
than any other expedient which can possibly be de- 
vised. And it may be questioned if there is any 
other way to check the progress of that monster, in- 
temperance, which is making such havoc with talents, 
morals and everything that raises man above the 
brute, but by presenting some object of sufiicient in- 
terest to divert the attention of the young from places 
and practices which lead to dissipation and to ruin." 
In this initial article and in the subsequent allus- 
ions to the subject with which the public jiress and 



Ixxxvi 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



educational periodicals fairly teemed, the general 
mechanism of the proposed organization is sufficient- 
ly disclosed. Each " Association of Adults for Mu- 
tual Improvement " was to have its president, secre- 
taries, treasurer, curators and other needful function- 
aries and also three delegates to meet, twice a year, 
delegates from other branches of the organization in 
the same county, for the furthering of its various ob- 
jects, especially " for qualifying teachers." And this 
board of delegates for the county, duly organized, 
shall appoint a representative to meet representatives 
from other like boards, who shall be .«tyled the 
" Board of Mutual Education for the State." These 
State boards are to organize in turn, to meet annually 
for certain prescribed functions, and to send delegates 
to a general conclave embracing the whole country, 
whose permanent headquarters were ultimately to be 
established at Washington. The society was to be 
open to all adults of both sexes who were willing to 
share its labors and its cost, and the monies accruing 
from fees for admittance or from the generosity of 
patrons were to be applied to the purchase of books, 
cabinets, philosophical and scientific apparatus, the 
collection and exchange among the Lyceums of the 
country of specimens in botany mineralogy and natural 
history, the preparation and publication of town and 
county maps and histories and the observing and 
communicating through publication and correspond- 
ence of atmospheric, meteorological and climatic phe- 
nomena, the chemical analysis of soils, the character 
of quarries, minerals and mines, and such other facts 
of importance as might from time to time come to the 
knowledge pf the corresponding secretaries. Funds 
might also be applied to the aid of institutions for 
" practical instruction," and even to the help of de- 
serving aspirants in pursuing the higher branches of 
study. In science " classes" were to be formed, each 
choosing its " foreman," and conducting its investiga- 
tions in its own way, and each in turn occupying the 
floor on its allotted night and c'aiming the attention 
of the whole Lyceum, be it in geology, astronomy, nat- 
ural philosophy, chemistry or mechanics. The plan of 
itinerant, migratory or perambulating libraries was 
commended to the attention of counties and towns. 
This plan consisted in combining the funds devoted by 
several neighboring towns to the purchase of books 
for general circulation, so that more books should be 
obtained for the money expended and no duplicates 
bought. Thus each town in a group, say of five towns 
for instance, would take possession of one fifth of the 
books purchased, keep them for an agreed period and 
pass them on to the next town of the group, receiving 
a second fifth at the expiration of the stipulated 
term. But in the estimation of the projectors of the 
Lyceum the library in all its forms had failed as a 
stimulant to independent thinking amongst the mass 
of the people. Some more pungent flavor must be 
imparted to general education. This was to be 
eflected through the immediate contact and clashing 



of mind with mind in neighborly bouts over issues of 
real, living, dominating importance. Questions upon 
which all the townspeople had finally to pass were to 
be debated before all the town by friends and neigh- 
bors who had serious convictions, pro and contra, as 
to how these questions ought to be determined. 
Moreover, scholarship was seen to possess intrinsic 
and inherent values of its own, quite aside from the 
consideration it buys. Why, it was asked, may not 
all men enjoy these in equitable measure? The 
locking up of learning in cloisters and colleges had 
been denounced by our forefathers from the first, as 
among the " wiles of Satan." Why not seize, per- 
force, upon the cherished heir-loom of the schools? 
If eloquence and culture, if the gifts of tongue and 
pen and the power of deep thinking were precious 
boons, entitling the possessor to the deference they 
claimed, why, it was impatiently asked, might they 
not be more evenly distributed ? If science and the 
arts really conduced to the amelioration of mankind, 
why be longer indebted for their blessings to a few 
favored devotees? Why not snatch them for our- 
selves? Was it the spirit of the Renaissance and the 
Reformation abroad again? Or was it rather the 
error of the French Encyclopiedists masquerading in 
a new disguise? It wa.s no spirit of hostility or jeal- 
ousy towards the higher learning, for it assumed that 
happiness was possible in the ratio of the learning 
attained. It was not proposed to raze the citadel, but 
only to assault its keep and divide its hoarded treas- 
ure. It was an uprising in behalf of more light. 
Perhaps it was the socialistic principle applied to 
culture. Perhaps it was communism in brain-food 
and brain products. It wandered far away from its 
English prototype, — so far that we find Sir Thomas 
Weise, a Briti.sh member of Parliament, discussing 
the doings of the National Lyceum of America in 
1831, with a view to adapt its methods to the needs of 
the Mechanics' Institutes of England. Holbrook 
claimed it as a thoroughly American product, and it 
certainly seemed well suited to the genius of the 
country, for it was democratic in spirit and republican 
in form ; it was free and voluntary and spontaneous 
in its origin ; it was elastic and self-adapting in its 
organization ; it was social and humanizing in its 
aims, and kept before it the great and dignified causej 
ot self-culture and mutual improvement, while it cer9^ 
tainly might claim continental scope and dimensionsj 
after its first national meeting in 1831, when no lesa 
than eight or nine hundred town Lyceums were re-l 
ported in different parts of the country, with fift}' oi; 
sixty county Lyceums, as well as several State organ-1 
izations. The end showed that vitality resided in the! 
town Lyceums and not in the attempted confedera- 
tions of them. 

The reader who finds it hard to recognize in all 
these anticipations the lyceum of actual fact as we 
have known it for the last half-century, may easily 
reconcile himself to the truthfulness of the picture I 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



Ixxxvii 



have drawn by a little study of the journals of the 
day, — by an examination of the score of articles which 
appeared in the first five volumes of the American 
Journal of Education, — and by a passing glance at the 
state of opinion and conditions of life which prevailed 
in the New England of 1820-30. 

When Claxton was lecturing on air before his 
townsmen of Methuen, there was not a rod of steam 
railway in existence. That potent leveling and cen- 
tralizing agency had not begun its work. The ques- 
tion was still an opeu one whether horse-power or 
steam would ultimately prove the better motor for the 
new roadways already being provided with rails of 
wood, iron and stone. And it was only in 1828-29 
that the Stephensons succeeded in applying the tubu- 
lar boiler to the traction engine "Rocket," and that 
the trium]ih of steam was established. The first 
locomotive-engine which invaded Essex County ran 
on a spur track laid by the Boston and Lowell cor- 
poration to Audover in 1833, and to Haverhill in 1835. 
The Eastern Railroad reached Salem in 1838. Tops- 
field was, up to this time, the recognized centre of the 
county, and its Academy Hall and its famous Stage 
House, since removed to Phillips' Beach, Swampscott, 
and there consumed by fire, were the usual meeting- 
places for all county gatherings. Each town had then 
a social autonomy of its own, not yet impaired by the 
draft on its active citizenship, necessary to meet the 
business demands of our great railroad centres, build- 
ing up great hives of industry and bringing together 
great swarms of population, nor by the superior 
attractions of city art galleries, concert-halls, lecture- 
rooms and theatres for our hours of ease. Each was 
a social centre for itself, — a planet, as it were, revolving 
with its own satellites in its own sphere, and not yet 
swung out of its appointed course by the disturbing 
attraction which, when brought near, the greater 
body, be it material or social, possesses for the less. 
Each had its traditions, its ancient families, its lead- 
ing people, — both those of approved hospitality, of 
the great house and the long purse, and those who 
based their claims on superior knowledge, character, 
discrimination and taste, — its clergymen and deacons, 
its 'squires, doctors, teachers, ship-masters and own- 
ers of shipping, — its town elite, — and for better or 
for worse, its own townspeople must suffice, in the 
main, for its own ueeds. 

Our county, one of the original four incorporated 
and set off in 1C43, has an area of not far from live 
hundred square miles which, at the time we speak of, 
supported a population of about eighty thousand 
souls, and of these fifty-four or fifty-five thousand 
lived in thirteen large towns, every one of them incor- 
porated before 1650, and seven of them as early as 
1640. Of the towns in Ma-ssachusetts possessed of 
four thousand inhabitants and upwards, Esse.x County 
contained nearly one-half. Of our six prosperous 
cities the largest, Lynn and Lawrence, held no such 
places in the census tables then. Lynn, now the 



larger of the two, was a town of not half the size of 
the Salem of that day, and smaller than either New- 
buryport or Gloucester, while Lawrence, which now 
bestrides our great water-way like a Colossus, had 
neither "promise" nor "potency" before 1847. In 
many ways ours was a peculiar county. Nowhere on 
this continent, outside the great cities, were so many 
people brought together in so small a space. Nowhere 
was there greater average wealth or more generally 
diffused intelligence, independence, comfort and thrift. 
Save in a few exceptional situations, as of the counties 
of Dukes and Barnstable, there was nowhere in the 
country a population living on an equal area and 
touched by navigable water at so many points. Be- 
sides the lordly Merrimac, flanked on either hand 
with growing towns, turuing more spindles than any 
other river in the world to-day, and weaving miles 
enough of cloth every three weeks to swathe the earth, 
which furnished to our thirty miles of northern 
frontier a cheap highway for freight, the county 
could claim, within its limits, no less than five val- 
uable and commodious harbors, at Newburyport, 
Gloucester, Beverly, Marblehead and Salem, not to 
omit others of lesser draught, but fully equal to the 
more moderate demands of local trade. Treading 
hard upon the heels of the great towns already 
mentioned came Andover, Haverhill, Newbury, 
Ipswich and Danvers. Amongst the counties of the 
State Essex had no rival. — not even Suffolk, — in the 
aggregate of her population, unless, perhaps, Worces- 
ter, and probably she overtopped them all. Her 
lands were held in small hereditary estates by the men 
who tilled them. Her capital and her enterprise 
found ready employment at home, or if they looked 
abroad, turned eager glances to the East, and not as 
lately toward the setting sun. 

Content in earlier years with the hard fare and 
meagre earnings of the fisheries and the export trade 
in fish, and later trained on the gun-decks of ships of 
war, or of their own privateers, the people of Essex 
County had come, since the days of peace, to push 
their ambitious ventures into every sea. Foreign 
commerce, which is in itself a liberal education, had 
taught them what the bold and strenuous life of the 
fishing-smack or the man of-war could never have 
engrafted upon their sturdy. Puritanic thought, and 
they brought home from their distant voyaging a 
freight more remunerative than silks, or gums or spices, 
made up of broadening views of life and liberal esti- 
males of men and things. Geography and ethnol- 
ogy they studied at first hand. The i)opulations which 
their enterprise employed, and the trade which their 
successes and their hospitality invited, built up large 
markets for the consumption of all that the interior 
sections of the county could produce. The popula- 
tion was singularly homogeneous, the fevf mills there 
were being operated by the sons and daughters of 
Essex County farmers and mechanics, amongst whom 
the average of intelligence and character Wiis not a 



Ixxxviii 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



whit lower than where mills did not eyjst. This high 
average was not reduced — possibly it was advanced — 
by another manufacture which formed a peculiar fea- 
ture of the industry of the county. Khoes were then 
made by hand, and as the occupations of husbandry 
and the fisheries left much of the inclement season 
unemployed, these callings were very generally sup- 
plemented in the winter months by the making of a 
coarse kind of shoe for the southern market. This 
was a craft which called for little capital, since 
the shoe-stock was distributed in weekly portions 
from Lynn or Haverhill, the great centres of this pe- 
culiar industry, nor did it require any great degree of 
dexterity or skill. And thus the frugal yeomanry of 
Essex, whose summers were employed on the Grand 
Banks or on their ancestral acres, clubbed together 
by half-dozens to build the little box-like shoe-shops 
which once dotted all our country roads, apd in which 
they wrought lustily all winter with lapstone and 
awl, in a temperature less conducive to longevity, 
perhaps, then stimulating to cerebration. And here 
all unconscious of the dictum of Pliny — " ne sutor 
ultra crepidam." — they were so eftectually over-ruling, 
as well as of the supercilious slurs of Cicero, and 
Plautus and Horace on their indoor habits and un- 
military pose, they passed judgment from the bench, 
so to say, on the latest sermon, newspaper leader, po- 
litical harangue and local gossip, with as much crit- 
ical acumen, and as deep, earnest consideration of 
each passing topic as though, in very truth, time's 
noblest offspring were the last. 

I do not know that I need sketcli in further detail 
the salient features of this sturdy people. General 
the Baron von Riedesel's remark upon the Bay Colo- 
ny in Revolutionary days, — high praise from an ene- 
my, — " the inclination of the people is for commerce, 
navigation and the military art," as well described 
them half a century later, and no local community 
could with lass presumption take to itself the glowing 
encomium of Burke upon the commerce and fisheries 
of New England. Theirs was the county which had 
produced the Pickerings, the Cabots, the Crownin- 
shields, the Lowell-', — Nathan Dane, Manasseh Cut- 
ler, Rufus King, Theophilus Parsons, Joseph Story, 
— the Derbys, the Thorndikes, the Peabodys, the 
Jacksons, the Graj's, the Lees, the Pickmans, the 
Hoopers, the families of Cleavelaud and Phillips and 
Bowditch, and, earlier than all these, the fine old 
stocks of Lynde, of Sewall and of Dummer. Theirs 
was the sod upon which Endicott and Higginson 
and Saltonstall and Winthrop first stepped ashore. 
Theirs was the soil upon which Gage had mus- 
tered his myrmidons, in the vain hope to quench 
the insurgent spirit flaming up in a Provincial 
Assembly which defied his sovereign from the old 
town-house in Salem. And while it may be the 
fact that no actual collision of troops ever conse- 
crated in blood the soil of Essex County, although 
we sutlered from Indian butcheries in the vallev of 



the Merrimac, and felt the shots of British cruisers 
along our seaboard, and saw from the north shore of 
the bay the smoke of battle between the " Shannon " 
and her doomed antagonist, — that unequal contest 
over which English school-boys still regale their 
drooping spirits in the choru.s, — 

" The Chesapeake, so bold, out of Boston. I am told, 
Came to take a British frigate neat and bandy, 
.^nd tlie people of the port came out to see the sport, 
With their music playing ' Yankee doodle dandy I' " 

— while all this may be true, certain it is that no 
equal number of people had borne a heavier share in 
Indian, French or British hostilities, or contributed 
more victims to the horrors of Mill Prison, Dartmoor 
and the slave-pens of Algiers, from the gloomy days 
of Bloody Brook, of the Pequots and the Narragan- 
setts, — from the days of the brilliant assaults upon 
Port Royal, Louisburgand Quebec, — down through the 
times when Washington took command of the Conti- 
nental forces and called on us, without waiting for the 
action of Congress, to improvise a navy, — the times 
when Mugford and Manly and Harraden and Hugh 
Hill were afloat, — when Marblehead set her amphib- 
ious regiment on foot, — down to that later day when all 
our seaboard towns vied with each other to do homage 
to the naval heroes of the second war of Independence. 
The doubtful claim to the first bloodshed of the 
Revolution on that Sunday afternoon in February, 
1775, at the old North Bridge in Salem, might be 
worth contesting in another county, but not here, for 
our [)eople have twice sought out and attacked, on 
her own chosen field, the naval power which claims 
to rule the waves, closing with her wherever they 
could find her, be it in the Indian Ocean or the Irish 
Channel, or in whatever waters her red flag pro- 
claimed her the terror of the seas, and giving battle 
until she cried enough. Facts like these go far to 
justify the ancient boast that Essex County produces 
more history to the acre than any equal area in the 
country. Antecedents like these had well prepared 
the people of the county for the new educational dis- 
pensation of which we speak, and they were as ready 
as any of their neighbors to distinguish the wheat 
from the chaff in Holbrook's singular proposals. 

Enough has been said to indicate in a general way 
what these proposals were. It must be remembered 
that the first scientific survey of an American State 
was Hitchcock's survey of Massachusetts, the report 
of which became public in 183.3 ; that we had no 
State Board of Education before 1837, and no author- 
ized map of the commonwealth until 1842, and that 
our first Normal School, established at Lexington in 
1839, and which it had been proposed, the year be- 
fore, to establish at Dummer Academy, was the first 
in America, although the Prussians had known them 
for a century. The Lyceum was accordingly hailed 
as a cheap and much needed training-school and ex- 
amining board for common-school teachers, while its 
semi-annual county gatherings were to serve the pur- 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



Ixxxix 



poses now met by Teachers' Institutes and Conven- 
tions. It was the impression of its projectors that 
scientific topics were to prove the most attractive, and 
that by adhering rather exchisively to these they were 
to escape at once both the Scylla and the Charybdis 
of religious and political contentions. To suppose, 
however, as is common, that at any time troublesome 
questions were successfully excluded from the Lyceum 
platform is to accept an error. No question was more 
generally discussed from the outset than that of the 
relative disadvantages of a free black and a slave 
population, the Colonization Society's methods, and 
abolition in the District of Columbia, and while the 
heat engendered was probably less than it would 
have been a little later, — the Garrison mob was in 
October, 1835, — I am convinced that the most volcan- 
ic topics were not interdicted, from reading a letter 
now before me, addressed by the Hon. Horace Mann 
to my father, both being members of Governor Ev- 
erett's first Board of Education, in which is reported 
an attack made in a lecture before one of the best- 
conducted and most conservative Lyceums of the 
county, denouncing the board "as a machination of 
the Devil, — showing the preponderance of Unitarian- 
ism in it, — that the next element in point of .strength 
was infidelity, two members being infidels, and its 
orthodoxy confided to one poor, weak old man 1" 

Another mode proj)Osed to quicken the public 
mind was through "cheap and popular" publications. 
The Middlesex County Lyceum, under the Presidency 
of Edward Everett, began the publication of a series 
of treatises, of which the first was a popular Lyceum 
lecture on taxation by Andrew P. Peabody. It is 
now before me, and is designated on its title-page as 
Vol. I., No. 1, of the " Workingmen's Library." A 
prospectus follows, from which it appears that the 
publications were intended, in part, for reading as 
Lyceum lectures in small towns where there might 
be difficulty in procuring speakers. They were 
to be published monthly, and furnished by a com- 
mittee of five. They were not to fail for want 
of being "plain and intelligible;" each writer to 
be " answerable for his own statements and opin- 
ions ;" the price to be seventeen cents each. In a 
letter to my father, who was associated with him 
on the board of management of the Jliddlesex 
County Lyceum, Mr. Everett, whose clerical habit 
had not wholly worn off, although he franks his letter 
as a member of Congress, speaks of these publica- 
tions as " tracts," is " more and more favorably im- 
pressed " with the plan, " if it be made sufficiently 
cheap to penetrate the community," and recommends 
" short tracts, such, for iustance, as may be read thro' 
aloud in an hour & a quarter at the farthest," — offers 
as his own contribution a lecture lately repeated at 
Charlestown, Waltham and Framingham, — hopes it 
" might do as one of the tracts," and thinks " the 
rule should be to put them as low as they can possi- 
bly be afforded." Henry Brougham was promoting 



publications of a similar character at this time in Great 
Britain. 

One marked result of the Lyceum system, the pro- 
duction of a school of trained and able debaters in 
every town, does not seem to have been anticipated 
by its projectors. Among the long lists of prospective 
benefits I do not find this enumerated. But it was 
plain from the start that the Lyceum was to aflbrd a 
free-school of debate for questions calculated to shape 
public opinion, questions involving expediency and 
policy, quite as much as questions of pure science. 
Thus Emerson seems to have found in the Lyceum 
the freedom denied him in the pulpit. How far he 
shaped the Lyceum, how far the Lyceum shaped him, 
is a question upon which we may not eater here. 
His biographer, Cooke, states that at once upon his 
return from Europe in 1833 " he took advantage of 
the interest in this new mode of popular instruction 
and working with many others served to mould the 
Lyceum into a means of general culture; helped make 
it a moral and intellectual power, a quickening influ- 
ence on life and thought," while his admirer, Marga- 
ret Fuller, lets us see that in his lectures he was en- 
listing a following which made the later essays possi- 
ble. Whether, without the Lyceum, Wendell Phil- 
lips and Henry Ward Beecher would have achieved 
their triumphs in the mastery of popular audiences, 
is a debatable question. Even of such men as Garri- 
son and Parker, — men whose natures are an endoge- 
nous rather than an exogenous product, — it is not 
quite safe to say that they would have been just what 
they were without the Lyceum. But I had better 
let Mr. Emerson tell his own story. 

Mr. Emerson stepped from the pulpit to the Ly- 
ceum platform. He describes his appearance in the 
new field, which occurred in the winter of 1833-34, 
as his " first attempt at public discourse after leaving 
the pulpit." His subjects had at that time a marked 
leaning towards natural science. Two years later he 
detailed to Carlyle the reasons which ought to bring 
the latter to America. " Especially Lectures. My 
own experiments for one or two winters, and the 
readiness with which you embrace the work, have led 
me to expect much from this mode of addressing men. 
In New England, the Lyceum, as we call it, is al- 
ready a great institution. Besides the more elaborate 
courses of lectures in the cities, every country town 
has its weekly evening meeting, called a Lyceum, and 
every professional man in the place is called upon, 
in the course of the winter, to entertain his fellow- 
citizens with a discourse on whatever topic. The 
topics are miscellaneous as heart can wish. But in 
Boston, Lowell and .Salem courses are given by indi- 
viduals. I see not why this is not the most flexible 
of all organs of opinion, from its poj)ularity and from 
its newness, permitting you to say what you think, 
without any shackles of prescription. The pulpit of 
our age certainly gives forth an obstructed and un- 
certain sound, and the faith of those in it, if men of 



xc 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



genius, may differ so mucli from tliat of tliose under 
it as to embarrass the conscience of the speaker, be- 
cause so much is attributed to him from the fact of 
standing there. In the Lyceum nothing is presup- 
posed. The orator is only responsible for what his 
lips articulate. Then what scope it allows ! You 
may handle every member and relation of humanity. 
What could Homer, Socrates or St. Paul say that can- 
not be said here ? The audience is of all classes, and 
its character will be determined always by the name 
of the lecturer. Why may you not give the reins to 
your wit, your pathos, your philosophy, and become 
that good despot which the virtuous orator is ? 

"Another thing. I am persuaded that if a man 
speak well, he shall find this a well-rewarded work 
in New England. I have written this year ten lec- 
tures; I had written as many last year, and for read- 
ing both thcoe and those at places whither I was in- 
vited, I have received this last winter about three 
hundred and fifty dollars." 

The next year he wrote to Carlyle: " I find myself 
so much more and freer on the platform of the lec- 
ture-room than in the pulpit. . . . But I preach in 
the Lecture-Room and there it tells, for there is no 
prescription. You may laugh, weep, reason, sing, 
sneer or pray according to your genius. It is the new 
pulpit, and very much in vogue with my northern 
countrymen. This winter, in Boston, we shall have 
more than ever; two or three every night of the week. 
Wheu will you come and redeem your pledge?" And 
again, " I am always haunted with brave dreams of 
what might be accomplished in the Lecture-Room, so 
free and so unpretending a platform, a Delos not yet 
made fast. I imagine eloquence of infinite variety, — 
rich as conversation can be with anecdote, joke, 
tragedy, epics and pindarics, argument and confes- 
sion." In an earlier letter, dated April, 1835, he had 
said to Carlyle : " If the lectures succeed in Boston, 
their success is insured at Salem, a town thirteen 
miles off, with a population of fifteen thousand. 
They might, perhaps, be repeated at Cambridge, 
three miles from Boston, and probably at Philadel- 
phia, thirty-six hours distant. . . . They might be 
delivered, one or two in each week. And if they 
met with sudden success, it would be easy to carry on 
the course simultaneously at Salem, and Cambridge, 
and in the City." 

To all which solicitations, Carlyle, not taking very 
kindly to the proposal, though thinking " I could 
really swim in that element were I once thrown into 
it," " a thing I have always had some hankering af- 
ter," " could any one but appoint me Lecturing Pro- 
fessor of Teufelsdrockh's Science, — 'Things in gen- 
eral ' ! " replies from time to time with an occasional 
growl, and they keep the plan "hanging to solace 
ourselves with it, till the time decide," until, in De- 
cember, 1841, he writes in this characteristic strain of 
Emerson's " Lectures on the Times", "Good speed 
to the Speaker, to the Speech.] Your Country is luck- 



ier than most at this time ; it has still real preaching ; 
the tongue of man is not, whensoever it begins wag- 
ging, entirely sure to emit babblement, twaddlement, 
sincere cant and other noises which awaken the pas- 
sionate wish for silence." 

Of course there were objectors and doubters, and 
the Lyceum was opposed on the very grounds upon 
which its promoters supported it. For those who 
shook their heads over Pope's line, 

"A little learning is a dangerous thing," 

and Bacon's warning, 

*' A little pUilosopliy inclineth man's mind to atheism,'* 

the answer was ready, — that we cannot have much 
unless we first have little, and that the having of lit- 
tle begets the desire for much. If these organiza- 
tions might not hope to carry higher aloft the apex 
of the pyramid of human knowledge, they might hope 
to be able to broaden out its base and set the vener- 
able pile upon a more firm, stable and comprehensive 
footing. It was the diftiision of information, primar- 
ily, and not the advancement of science, which the 
Lyceums aimed at. The systems of education they 
recommended were always described as practical, and 
were pretty sharply antagonized with those of the 
colleges and higher schools. They seem to have had 
a strong leaning towards manual labor academies, 
which were then much in vogue, and one of which 
enjoyed a brief career at the Cherry Hill Farm, in 
North Beverly. They proposed to insist, amongst 
other branches, upon instruction in practical politics, 
and called for the study of the State and Federal Con- 
stitutions, and for text-books on familiar principles of 
law. The lottery was one vulnerable member of the 
hydra-headed monster, and they proposed to attack 
that. lu temperance was another, and they proposed to 
have a tilt at that. As a Board of Education, as a 
Lecture Bureau, as an Agricultural, Geological and 
Topographical Survey, they made no doubt, the Ly- 
ceum was to prove invaluable. They proposed a 
great central School, for the dissemination of their 
ideas, connected with which a central work-shop was 
to manufacture and send forth at cost, school ajipar- 
atus, philoso|)hical, astronomical and geometrical in- 
struments and chemical and other scientific prepara- 
tions. They went so far as to propose, in much the 
same spirit in which we have set apart a Labor Day 
and an Arbor Day, to consecrate the second Monday 
of December to the interests of the Lyceum. The 
Lyceum was to do for the head, if not perhaps ' 
for the moral nature, what religion was doing for 
the heart, and one of our judges, holding a criminal 
term of court, charged his grand jury to go home 
and devote themselves to the establishment of town 
Lyceums, as a measure of prevention against crime. 
The mistakes they made were due in part to san- 
guine temperament, and partly to the spirit of the 
times, which was a spirit of unrest. These were the 
days of Fourier and of Owen, of Brook Farm and the 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



Phalansteries, when phrenology and mesmerism were 
struggling hard for a place among the sciences, and 
all sorts of experimental sociology were in the air. 
By undertaking a great deal too much ; by claiming 
a great deal more than they could maintain, the pro- 
jectors of the system had well nigh obscured the real 
merits of their conception. They had discovered a 
valuable specific, but it was not a panacea for all 
human ills. They had found a pearl of great price. It 
was not the philosopher's stone. Fortunately there 
were not wanting keen-eyed scholars who could ap- 
preciate the value of the discovery, and Essex Coun- 
ty had her share of these. 

It was in November, 1820, that Ilolbrook addressed 
thirty or forty of the farmers and mechanics of Mill- 
bury, a little town of a thousand inhabitants just 
south of 'Worcester, and at the close of a lecture on 
natural science induced them to organize themselves 
for mutual improvement, and to assume the somewhat 
pretentious title of "Millbury Lyceum, No. 1, Branch 
of the American Lyceum." This little group of per- 
sons, — there is no reason for supposing they ever met 
earlier than September, lS2l), — included among its 
number several marked characters of whom perhaps 
Thomas Blanchard, the great inventor, was the most 
conspicuous. The United States Government had, at 
that time, a manufactory of small arms at Millbury, 
under the supervision of a very able mechanic named 
Morse, and with the co-operation of Blanchard and 
another mechanic named Andrews, who had correctly 
calculated an eclipse of the moon, he established this 
society: It w,as by no means the first of the kind, 
nor the first to take the name of Lyceum, but it was 
the first in Holbrook's system. Troy, X. Y., had 
maintained its Lyceum since 1818, but it was a col- 
lection of curiosities and specimens, such as we of- 
tener call a museum. Gardiner, Me., had a Lyceum 
in 1822, but that was an academy established by a 
benevolent gentleman of the town bent on trying the 
experiment of the manual labor system. Professor 
Hitchcock may have applied the name as early to 
one of the natural history societies at Amherst Col- 
lege, but what Holbrouk kuew of these things or what 
guided him in the choice of this classic word he has 
not told us. It was so new and strange a word that 
we are instructed by the Journal of Education to pro- 
nounce it "Li-see-um." To designate a new thing 
he had a right to a new word, and these Greek names 
have been most arbitrarily impressed into the service 
of modern ideas. An Athemeum with us is likely to 
be a library, but this is not what it was at Athens nor 
what it means in Englaud. A Gymnasium with us 
imports a place for physical training, but the Greeks 
used it much more comprehensively to cover all 
sorts of culture, especially mental, and the (iernums 
follow them. The word Museum, quite divorced from 
the muses who gave it once a graceful significance 
and an affiliation with music, genorally designates 
with us a gathering of rather dry subjects. In Ger 



many, equally without relation to its native origin, it 
means a club house. In Paris the Lyceum is a Gov- 
ernment preparatory school; in London it is a thea- 
tre; in modern Greece a university, — so that what- 
ever the word meant to the ancient Athenian, Hol- 
brook might, without greater violence, apply it to his 
new club for mutual improvement. In fact the Ly- 
ceum of ancient Athens was a grove where Aristotle 
daily imparted his learning and inspiration through 
the medium of conversations and discu.ssion, as did 
Plato in another grove called the Academy. And if, 
as is probably true, the word Lyceum is related in its 
origin to the words /-iKof, 'Acvui/^ lux, light, Holbrook 
might turn the laugh on his too fastidious critics, 
for surely Aristotle's grove was no luciis a non 
lucendo.' 

From whatever source derived the word met a want 
and while the more scholarly amongst his recruits 
objected that it was stilted and inapt and that it made 
a very bad plural withal, no movement was made for 
substituting any other, and those who cared much 
for the thing and little for the name were both aston- 
ished and delighted to see the number of societies 
throughout the country calling themselves Lyceums, 
increasing before the close of 1831 to something like 
a thousand. 

Of these none were earlier in the field than Clax- 
ton's, at Methuen, and this was one of the very few 
which provided itself with a local habitation. The 
structure stood on what is now Broadway, near Park 
Street, and has since been removed and converted 
into a dwelling. One other in this county, organized 
at Salem, in January, 1830, and at once incorporated, 
completed and occupied in January, 1831, and paid 
for out of the proceeds of its lecture courses, the com- 
modious structure for its own accommodation, still in 
daily use, and known as Lyceum Hall. Of the Salem 
movement, Judge White, Col. Francis Peabody, Hon. 
Stephen C. Phillips, and Rev. Chas. W. Upham seem 
to have been the central figures. The first address 
delivered before the Salem Lyceum was given by 
Judge White, its first president, in the Methodist 
cha()el in Sewall Street. The preliminary meetings 
for its formation had been held at Col. Peabody's 
house, and brought together, as we learn from the 
memoir of that conspicuous citizen by Mr. Upham, 
such active and able coadjutors as Dr. A. L. Peirson, 
Leverett Saltonstall, Rufus Choate, Benjamin Crown- 
inshield, Robert Rantoul, Jr., Elisha Mack, Dr. Geo. 
Choate, Warwick Palfrey, and others, of whom Hon. 
Caleb Foote. Hon. Geo. Wheatland and William P. 
Endicott, Esq., are the last survivors. An address 
from Hon. Stephen C. Phillips opened the new hall 
the walls of which were decorated with frescos ot 
Judge White and Captain Joseph Peabody, of Demos- 
thenes and Cicero, and also with a somewhat airdii- 
tious design over the platform, in which the J^ycean 
Apollo apiieared resplendent in his cloud-borne car. 
But of this tradition relates that an unlucky janitor, 



XCIl 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



groping in the attic, presumably to regulate the ven- 
tilation, put his stumbling foot through the ceiling, 
and found himself occupying, uninvited, a seat in the 
chariot of the god of light! This famous Lyceum, 
with its unbroken continuity of lecture courses now 
reaching the limit of fifty-seven consecutive years, — a 
record only paralleled, so far as I know, by that of 
another, formed December 21, 1829, in the little red 
brick school-house in Littleton, a 'own of one thou- 
sand inhabitants, between Concord and Groton, which, 
under the name of the Littleton Lyceum, has sus- 
tained itself with spirit and success, and without a 
break, to the present time, — this famous Lyceum has 
called to its platform the most eminent men and 
women of our era. While few names are wanting 
which could add lustre to its record, the name of most 
frequent recurrence is that of Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

The next Lyceum formed in Essex County, after 
that at Methuen, of which I have definite information, 
was an organization for lectures and discussion formed 
at Beverly, certainly as early as December, 1828, — 
probably earlier, — and which took the name, Novem- 
ber 5, 1829, of the Beverly Lyceum. It owed its origin 
to the activity and public spirit of Robert Rantoul, Jr., 
Dr. Augustus Torrey and T. Wilson Flagg. Hon. 
William Thorndike was its first president, and on its 
original roll of members, it is interesting to find, in 
company with the names of William Endicott, John 
Pickett, Augustus N. Clark and Warren Prince, prob- 
ably the last survivors of the Beverly worthies who 
joined it, that of Caleb Foote, of Salem. 

A Lyceum, formed at North Andover, April 13, 
1830, is claimed to have been the outgrowth of an 
association for mutual improvement organized early 
in the year 1828, and such a society existing. May 15, 
1830, in the North Parish of Danvers, is also thought 
to have been gathered in some form and at some time 
during the same year. 

At South Danvers, the " Literary Circle," devoted 
at first to reading and conversation solely, opened its 
meetings with an address from Dudley Stickney, its 
first president, on December IG, 1828, at Dr. Shed's 
Hall, nearly opposite the South Danvers Bank, and 
although it enjoyed from the outset the countenance 
of Rufus Choate, Dr. Nichols, Fitch Poole, Dr. Joseph 
Osgood, and others hardly less honored, it could not 
be called a Lyceum before January 9, 1834, when it 
took that form of organization. 

A movement began in Lynn, also, as early as De- 
cember 23, 1828, and in this Alonzo Lewis seems to 
have been active; but of its nature I know nothing. 

So far as I can learn, there was not in existence in 
Essex County, on the fifth day of November, 1829, 
any organized body, in full working order, calling 
itself a Lyceum, and supporting an established course 
of debates and lectures, except at Beverly. 

Of the extent to which the late Hon. Robert Rantoul, 
Jr., contributed to the success of the organization, it 
does not become me to speak. His college experience 



had qualified him to be of service in this way, for he 
had succeeded, in 1823, before the end of his freshman 
year, in establishing a debating club called the 
AKPIBOAoroTMENOl, which, in November, 1825, 
united with the Hermetic Society and the old Speak- 
ing Club or Fraternity of 1770, forming, under a con- 
stitution drawn by him, the Institute of 1770. Hon. 
Chas. W. Upham, in his memoir of Col. Peabody, has 
recorded his high estimate of my father's services, and 
the late Ellis Gray Loring, of Boston, Hon. Robert C. 
Winthrop, Rev. James Freeman Clarke, and Dr. O. 
W. Holmes, all near his time in college, with Dr. 
Andrew P. Peabody and the late Richard Hildreth 
and J. Thomas Stevenson, his classmates, have tes- 
tified at various times that they then regarded his 
power in organization and in debate as phenomenal. 
Mr. Rantoul left college in August, 1826. He resided 
at Beverly for the next five years, while studying his 
profession in the offices of Hon. John Pickering and 
Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, and afterwards occupying 
an office in the Stearns Building at Salem. In the 
summer of 1831, he was residing and practising his 
profession at South Reading, and there became a 
member of the publication committee of the Middle- 
sex County Lyceum. 

Rufus Choate, who was some years Mr. Rantoul's 
senior, was practising law at South Danvers, in 
an office facing the Square, from September, .1823, 
until his removal to Salem in 1828. Before those 
dates he had pursued his studies in the offices of Mr. 
Andrews, of Ipswich, and of Judge Cummins, of Sa- 
lem, as well as in that of Attorney-General Wirt, at 
Washington. He seems to have taken an early and 
very active interest in the Lyceums springing up 
around him, as so rare a nature could not fail to do, 
and to have identified himself, both before and after 
his establishment in Salem, with the eftbrts of his 
neighbors in behalf of mutual improvement. His 
name appears for the first time, as a lecturer, in the 
roll of the Salem Lyceum, — he was a member of its 
first board of managers, — in 1831, and but twice there- 
after; but his lecture, entitled the "Romance of the | 
Sea," originally known as the " Literature of the 
Sea," when first delivered in Salem, in 1837, became I 
at once famous. AVhipple says of it in his "Recol-l 
lections of Eminent Men," — "Those who heard it! 
forty years ago now speak of it as a masterpiece of ] 
eloquence. It enjoyed a popularity similar to that of 
Wendell Phillips's lecture on 'The Lost Arts.' " 

The first steps towards the organization of an Essex 
County Lyceum were taken at a gathering at Topsfield, 
December 30, 1829. It was not composed largely of 
delegates, but some eighty public-spirited professional 
and scholarly gentlemen came together there in Acad- 
emy Hall, for mutual enlightenment on this interest- 
ing theme. Besides the Methuen and Beverly Ly- 
ceums, there were then existing in the county, one at 
Newburyport, organized November 25, 1829, on a 
very independent footing, and holding weekly meet- 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



xeui 



ings ; and another at Bradford, East Parish, now 
Groveland, called the Frauklin Lyceum, organized 
December 23, 1829, holding weekly meetings in the 
hall of Merrimac Academy. If others were repre- 
sented in the gathering at Topsfield, I have failed to 
trace them; but of those then in existence three, 
probably those of Newburyport, Bradford and Me- 
thuen, declined to send delegates or be in any way 
subjected to the authority of the proposed County 
Lyceum ; and one, Beverly, sent delegates to protest 
against the scheme of confederation, except on condi- 
tion that the autonomy of the town Lyceums w'as 
fully recognized and assured. The feeling of these 
remonstrants was well expressed by Icbabod Tucker, 
of Salem, who said : " For purposes of mutual improve- 
ment, the County Lyceum will be useless. He had 
no objection himself to ride ten or twelve miles once 
in three or four months, to shake hands with his 
friends from distant parts of the county, and to take 
a social chat and eat a social dinner together. He 
thought it would be a very good thing. But it was 
idle to think of forming a government while there was 
nothing to govern, or of forming any board of control 
without the consent, i5rst asked and obtained, of those 
who are to be controlled by it." This spirit of oppo- 
sition to the plan of confederation was by no meaus 
exceptional here, but cropped out elsewhere. The 
opening address, by Dr. Thomas A. Greene, before the 
New Bedford Lyceum, December 18, 1828, says: " We 
have adopted the name of New Bedford Lyceum, in 
preference to calling ourselves a branchof the Ameri- 
can Lyceum, as has been done in some other places. 
This involves no necessary connection with other 
societies, but leaves us at liberty to pursue our own 
course." The very vigorous Lyceum at Newburyport 
was started on the same basis, and there is reason to 
think that many of the most promising of the early 
organizations kept aloof at least until they could be 
assured that no undue control would be attempted by 
the County L3-ceum, and also that all efibrts (m the 
part of the evangelical element to give it a sectarian 
or denominational caste would be defeated. The dif- 
ferences of opinion which thus developed themselves, 
and the warmth with which opposite views were 
maintained throughout an extended session, showed 
that this gathering was no dilettanti excursion. It 
was called to order by Rev. tiarduer B. Perry, of 
Bradford, who was its secretary, and Hoc. Robert 
Rantoul, St., of Beverly, was its president. The 
question whether Lyceums should be of spontaneous 
growth and self-sustaiued, or should derive their 
charters and powers from a central head, such as a 
County or a State Lyceum, was vigorously discussed 
by Judge Cummins, Elisha Mack, Ichabod Tucker, 
Robert Rantoul, Jr., Dr. George Choate and Rev. 
Chiis. W. Upham, all of Salem, and Rev. Leonard 
Withington, of Newbury, in favor of the view which 
prevailed, and by Dr. Spotlord, of Rowley, and Rev. 
Henry C. Wright, of West Newbury, in opposition. 



and the convention recommended a County Lyceum, 
as a means of strengthening town Lyceums previously 
formed, but in no sense or degree as a source of power 
or authority, and after appointing the necessary com- 
mittees, dissolved. One of these committees, of which 
Rev. Chas. W. Upham was chairman, issued, January 
24, 1830, a circular letter, inviting the towns to form 
Lyceums, to send delegates to proposed semi-annual 
county gatherings, and to adopt constitutions modeled 
either on Holbrook's or that of the Beverly or of the 
Salem Lyceum, each of which was quoted in extenso. 
The letter concludes with an urgent appeal to the 
town Lyceums to send delegates to a county ccmven- 
tion, called to meet at Ipswich Hotel, March 17, there 
to consider a couuty constitution to be submitted by 
the committee. Representatives of seventeen Lyce- 
ums attended this meeting, — there were then twenty- 
six towns in the county, — and adopted a county con- 
stitution ; they chose Judge White president, fixed 
the annual meeting on May 5th, at Ipswich ; requested 
an address from Judge White, which was delivered, 
and is in print; and apportioned the county among.-t 
a Board of Managers, in the following districts: To 
Mr. Howe, of Haverhill, his own town, Methuen and 
Bradford West Parish; to Mr. Crosby, of Amesbury, 
that town and Salisbury; to Rev. Mr. Withington, 
Newburyport and Newbury; to Rev. Mr. Perry, 
Bradford East Parish, West Newbury and Rowley ; to 
Rev. Mr. Vose, of Topsfield, that town and Boxford ; 
to Mr. Cutler, of Lynn, Lynn and Saugu*; to Rev. 
Mr. Bartlett, of Marblehead, and Rev. Jlr. Badger, of 
Andover, their own towns respectively ; to Hon. Wm. 
Thorndike, Beverly and Essex; to Hon. Israel Trask 
and Rev. Mr. Hildreth, Gloucester and Manchester; 
and the towns of Salem, Ipswich, Dan vers, Lynnfield, 
Hamilton, Middleton and Wenham, to Hon. D. A. 
White, Rev. John Brazer, Eben Shillaber and Icha- 
bod Tucker, E-quires, all of S.alem. 

The first annual meeting was held, as announced, 
on May.iith, in the First Parish meeting-house at Ips- 
wich, and it is proof enough of the quickening influ- 
ence of the county movement inaugurated at Tops- 
field December 30, 1829, that between that date and 
the meeting at Ipswich, May 5, 1830, Lyceums had 
been formed at Salem, January 18th ; at Andover, 
February 10th; at Manchester, February 18th; at 
Gloucester, February 19th ; at Topsfield and New 
Rowley, some time in February; at West Newbury, 
March lf>th ; at Essex, some time in March ; at North 
Andover, April 13th; and one at Amesbury and Sal- 
isbury in common, and others, at dates which I cannot 
determine, at Lynn, Haverhill and some of the par- 
ishes. Delegates were present on the otli of May from 
eighteen established Lyceums. 

The County Lyceum met next, November 24th, at 
the Tabernacle in Salem, where it was addressed by 
Rev. Mr. Perry, who succeeded to the presidency upon 
the retirement of Judge White, and whose address was 
printed. The second annual meeting was held, May 



XCIV 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



27, 1831, in the First Parish meeting-house at New- 
buryport, and was addressed by Rev. Dr. Brazer, of 
Salem, whose remarks were also printed. Ipswich 
had formed a Lyceum since the last report, and was 
now represented in the convention. But so far as I 
can ascertain, this was the last meeting of the Essex 
County Lyceum. Teachers' Institutes were coming 
into favor; some element of internal discord may 
have relaxed its hold on public support, or it may be 
that the town Lyceums had found themselves so 
strong as to be perfectly well able to get on without it. 
Meantime the State Lyceum of Massachusetts, the 
second in the country (New York being a month be- 
fore us), was coming into prominence from the char- 
acter of the men who were conspicuous in it, and, to 
Holbrook's mind at least, his scheme was also taking 
on national, if not even international dimensions. 
But before passing from the local Lyceums, let us look 
for a moment at the nature of the subjects with which 
they mainly concerned themselves. I shall not enu- 
merate the long list of subjects upon which lectures 
were delivered, because in the selection of these the 
listeners had little voice. But the topics chosen for 
debate and the character of their other exercises cer- 
tainly furnish a fair criterion of the prevailingstandard 
of intelligence and the drift of public feeling. In the 
large towns, where either the services of professional 
men were to be had for the asking or the money re- 
quired to secure them was readily forthcoming, the 
lecture was the common medium of instruction. No- 
thing else was ever offered in Salem. But it was in 
the small towns, as the annual reports assure us, that 
the institution did its greatest work, and here debates 
were the chief attraction. These were both written 
and extemporized, but in both cases the subjects were 
announced in advance and disputants appointed to 
open the discussion. In North Danvers, in Topsfield, 
in Haverhill and in Beverly debates seem to have 
proved a special attraction. Among the questions 
discussed were these: "Ought the habit of wearing 
mourning apparel to continue?" "Ought imprison- 
ment for debt to be abolished iu Massachusetts?" 
" Are railroads likely to jirove advantageous? " " Is it 
expedient to authorize a lottery for completing Bun- 
ker Hill Monument?" "Ought the government to 
remove the Seminoles and Cherokees, and have In- 
dians a right to tribal government independent of 
that of the State and of the Union?" "Do newspa- 
pers, on the whole, contribute to the morals of a 
people?" "Do the evils of the militia system counter- 
balance its advantages?" "Is capital punishment 
justifiable in Massachusetts? " " Are the poor laws in 
their present state beneficial?" "Ought public roads 
to be maintained by the town or the county?" 
"Ought representatives, in voting, to be governed by 
their own convictions or those of their constituents?" 
"Is it expedient to divide the town of Danvers?" 
" Is Free Masonry calculated to promote virtue, reli- 
gion and good government?" "Ought immigration to 



be discouraged ? " " Is it right, is it expedient to abol- 
ish slavery in the District of Columbia?" "Ought 
the incorporation of factories to be encoui'aged ? " 
" Is it expedient to take legal measures to prevent the 
distillation of ardent spirits? " "Which sex has pro- 
duced the best authors, according to their respective 
opportunities for literary acquirement?" "Does pub- 
lic policy require that females be excluded from the 
public offices of government and exempted from the 
active duties of citizens? " " Is the use of ardent spir- 
its and stimulating liquors beneficial to the commu- 
nity?" " le it for the advantage of Christendom that 
the Russians expel the Turks from Europe?" "If the 
Greeks gain their independence, what form of govern- 
ment will best suit their circumstances?" "Is the 
present government of France likely to be perma- 
nent?" "Has the career of Byron been beneficial or 
injurious?" " Of Napoleon ?" "What occasions the 
stillness of the air which precedes earthquakes?" 
" Is the use of anthracite coal likely to conduce to 
economy and comfort?" 

In many instances the same question was discussed 
for several sittings and often referred to a committee 
for final determination. Ladies made their contribu- 
tions, if at all, in writing, and often anonymously, 
through the medium of the post-office or of a special 
receptacle for their communications and essays estab- 
lished by each Lyceum. In some places, notably in 
Gloucester, Boston and Philadelphia, ladies were en- 
couraged to take part, but their co-operation was not 
always invited. In Salem, Haverhill and elsewhere 
ihey were at first admitted on special terms, and each 
required the guaranty of a male sponsor for her good 
behavior. The sex seems to have been treated with a 
vague distrust, like some untried, monstrous and ex- 
plosive force, only to be experimented on, if at all, 
with the utmost circumspection. Where the)' ap- 
peared they were cautioned to come with heads un- 
covered, for bonnets were ample, and the presence of 
these fascinating obstructions, it was said, tempted 
auditors to rise from their seats when experiments 
were shown, and thus still further to intercept the 
vision. Of topics for lectures, I think that electricity, 
experimentally illustrated, was the universal favorite. 
In Salem Colonel Peabody owned costly apparatus for 
these experiments ; in other less fortunate places the 
funds of the Lyceum were devoted to its purchase, 
and everywhere men of scientific knowledge enough 
to exhibit and explain the phenomena of galvanism, 
magnetism and kindred manifestations of this tremen- 
dous agent were in unfailing demand. In this con- 
nection the fact is not without interest that Professor 
Charles Grafton Page, of Salem, whose name was a 
household word amongst early Lyceum-goers, and 
who was afterwards for many years a principal exam- 
iner of patents at the Patent Office, and also connected 
with the early stages of the Smithsonian Institute at 
Washington, succeeded, in 18.51, in driving a loco- 
motive electric engine on the Baltimore and Ohio 



THE SPIRIT OF THE EARLY LYCEUMS. 



Railroad from Washington to Bladensburg and back, 
reaching a maximum speed of nineteen miles per 
hour. It was not an uncommon practice in the Ly- 
ceums to engage some attractive celebrity for the 
opening lecture of a winter's course, and to make tluit 
lecture free, with a view to invite a large attendance 
and to recommend the institution to general favor. 
This policy was a justification of the remark of Dr. 
Holmes, in his " Lecture on Lectures and Lecturers," 
that the Lyceum served the purpose, among others, 
of a cheap menagerie for showing the lions to the 
people. I recall a course at Beverly, probably in 
1842, ojjened by John Quincy Adams, who was after- 
wards entertaintd at the Brown mansion, on Cabot 
Street, now the residence of Mr. Perry Collier. Cura- 
tors were chosen where there were cabinets and appa- 
ratus, and other officers for the care and administra- 
tion of libraries. In some places, where the repetition 
of lectures was made necessary by the straitened 
accommodations of halls and churches, the lecturer 
read the same address on Tuesday evening and on 
Wednesday afternoon, and his audiences, by a 
process of natural selection, divided themselves 
between those whose occupations left their even- 
ings free and the school attendants, teacher and 
pupil, with ladies and persons of leisure who could 
spare the hours of daylight, and so made a " lec- 
ture afternoon" in a new sense on Wednesday. In 
other places, as in Salem for the years between 
1851 and 1856, when we had outgrown our little am- 
phitheatre and were yet repelled by the cost and vast- 
ness of Mechanic Hall, courses were repeated on Tues- 
day and Wednesday evenings, and the former being a 
night devoted by the Evangelical Churches to relig- 
ious gatherings, the atmosphere on the first reading 
of a lecture was considerably more heretical than on 
the second. The lecturer's fee was generally ten dol- 
lars, rarely twenty, and in most cases lectures, like 
other services, being rendered by public-spirited 
townsmen, — Mr. Emerson delivered ninety-eight in 
Concord, — were gratuitously rendered. Dr. Chapin's 
mot, "I lecture for FAME, Fifty-And-My-Expenses," 
belougs to a later epoch. In some instances the ex- 
ercises of the Lyceum were opened freely to the pub- 
lic, but generally a little contribution to the funds 
was exacted, say fifty cents or a dollar per year. The 
magic-lantern took the place of our elaborate appa- 
ratus for illustration, but the name "Phantasmagoria," 
perhaps, made up for some of its deficiencies. 

The Lyceums, while alike in general drift, differed 
nmcli iu methods and details ; that at Gloucester was 
organized under the general act for incorporating 
Lyceums approved March 4, 1829, and for the first five 
years continued its sittings through almost the entire 
year. It devoted its attention at once to the schools 
of Gloucester and to the history of the town. To the 
distinguished names I have mentioned in connection 
with it, may be added those of Dr. Ebenezer Dale, 
Benj. K. Hough, Dr. William Ferson and John W. 



Lowe. The Lynn Lyceum encouraged the produc- 
tion of dissertations and essays and divided itself into 
ten classes or departments covering agriculture, trade 
and manufacture.<, education, letters, morals, art and 
sciences, physiology, natural iiistory — including min- 
eralogy, geology, botany and chemistry — history and 
public improvements. Two outlying districts of 
Lynn, namely, Woodend and Swampscott, had early 
Lyceums of their own. The Beverly Lyceum often 
had a lecture, followed by a debate on the same even- 
ing. At one time it met twice in each week for 
debate, and the debates sometimes extended over 
several adjournments. It also voted by j-ea and nay 
vote on the weight of argument, as well as on the 
merits of the question. And the president of the Ly- 
ceum did not preside over the debates, but was re- 
quired to appoint in each case a chairman of the 
committee of the whole. Robert Rantoul, Sr., con- 
tributed a course of lectures on the history of the 
town which became the acknowledged basis of Stone's 
" History of Beverly." In a course on physiology, by 
Dr. Augustus Torrey, resort was had to the expedient 
of distributing a full printed synopsis of each lecture 
before its delivery. The Lyceum of Amesbury and 
Salisbury had expended nearly a hundred dollars for 
books and apparatus during its first season. That at 
Andover had followed an introductory by Holbrouk, 
and a second address by Judge White, with a course 
of six illustrated lectures on astronomy from Rev. 
Harvey Wilbur, which were delivered at intervals of 
two or three days, and cost seventy-five dollars. 
Then Rev. Calvin Stowe pointed out the dangers of 
the prevailing ideas iu education, especially those in- 
cident to Lyceums, and he was followed bj' Rev. E. 
W. Hooker in an essay claiming the Scriptures as the 
only basis of ethical science. At Bradford Merrimac 
Academy, one of the six large institutions of the kind 
then flourishing in the county, the students from 
abroad were allowed free admittance to the meetings 
of the Lyceum, probably in consideration of the use of 
Academy Hall, and a collection of mineral and vege- 
table specimens and other curiosities was begun, in 
1830, having amongst them what was thought to be 
a foot and leg of aboriginal sculpture. At North 
Andover meetings were held once a fortnight, the 
year round, save in the summer month-i, and head- 
quarters were established, with a reuling-room, in 
the brick building opposite the meeting-house. At 
North Danvers the meetings were largely attended, 
occurred three times each month, and were occupied, 
with " Lectures, Debates, Compositions on Miscella- 
neous Topics, Reports of Committees appointed to 
solve questions in Natural Philosophy and Mathe- 
matics, and to criticize Declamations and Composi- 
tions." Lectures were read on chemistry, mechanics, 
geography, natural history, phrenology, geometry, 
natural theology, anatomy and architecture. 

It would only be necessary to look beyond the 
countvin order to extend indclinitely this catalogue of 



XCVl 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



idiosyncrasies. The Nantucket Lycenm, one of the 
very earliest, incorporated bj' a special charter ap- 
proved February 12, 1827, at once took steps for the 
gathering of a museum of local industry, by issuing a 
printed call to whalemen, urging them to neglect no 
opportunity for bringing home specimens illustrative 
of their venturesome and romantic calling and giving 
them directions as to the best known means of secur- 
ing and preserving them. The Worcester Lyceum 
made the common law of business a special topic for 
instruction, and organized classes in chemistry, his- 
tory, geography and practical mechanics. Many of 
the Lyceums anticipated the functions of village im- 
provement clubs, embellishing, with shade-trees, the 
roads and lanes, beautifying the borders of lakes and 
streams, opening vistas and caring for the village 
green. And one at Williamstown, if the journals of 
the day may be trusted, attempted the introduction of 
a new industry and undertook the planting, in the 
spring of 1830, of twelve thousand white mulberry 
trees at its own cost. 

Such were the early Lyceums of Massachusetts, and 
Essex County contained between a fourth and a third 
of the whole number, when, in February, 1831, Mr. 
Secretary Vose, of Topsfield, presented the best re- 
port made by any county to the first gathering of the 
Massachusetts Lyceum at the State House in Boston. 
With a brief review of the doings of the State and 
National Lyceums this paper may fitly close. 

The first movement looking towards the organiza- 
tion of a State Lyceum in Massachusetts took place 
at the Exchange Coffee-House in Boston, November 
7, 1828. Daniel Webster filled the chair and en- 
dorsed the scheme, and George B. Emerson was secre- 
tary. Josiah Holbrook reported progress. Edward 
Everett pledged his support and urged that books 
and apparatus quite beyond the reach of single per- 
sons, could be owned and made of general use by Ly- 
ceums. The meeting adjourned for one week, and 
met again at the same place for the report of its com- 
mittee on the present condition and needs of the 
Lyceum system, when Edward Everett was called to 
the chair, atd after, discussion, another adjournment 
for one week was had. At the last meeting Dr. 
Charles Lowell took the chair and an elaborate re- 
port was submitted and adopted after debate, and laid 
before the people of the State, setting forth very forci- 
bly and plainly the purposes and advantages of the 
Lyceum and urging general attention to its claims. 
The movement had the endorsement, also, of Henry 
Ware, then acting president of Harvard College, of 
Alexander H. Everett, and of other names hardly 
less conspicuous and influential, but it lacked the 
vital energy of the town Lyceums. 

Later in the same winter, February 6, 1829, a meet- 
ing of members of the Legislature and others inter- 
ested, was held at the Representatives' Hall, resolu- 
tions voted and given to the public, and a committee 
raised to collect and report information on Lyceums 



in the commonwealth. This report was made at an 
adjourned meeting at the same place, February 19, 
1830, at which Governor Lincoln presided. It re- 
commended, through Alexander H. Everett,its chair- 
man, the formation of town and village Lyceums and 
of county Lyceums as an outgrowth and supplement 
to these, defined and described their objects, urged 
teachers to join them, proposed a State Lyceum, ap- 
pointed a State Central Committee, including many 
of the foremost names in Massachusetts, upon which 
Essex County was represented by Stephen C. Phillips, 
Riifus Choate, Benjamin Greenleaf, William Thorn- 
dike, Gayton P. Osgood, Alonzo Lewis and others, re- 
commended the Lyceums to co-operate in the pro- 
posed survey by Colonel James Stevens for a map of 
Massachusetts, proposed a scientific and practical ex- 
amination of the resources of each town, gave a defi- 
nition of the Lyceum as " a voluntary association of 
persons for mutual improvement," sent out a circular 
letter, with a promise of others, and urged in return a 
general response in the form of systematic reports from 
all the Lyceums in Massachusetts. 

In consequence of this action the Massachusetts 
State Lyceum was organized February 25, 1831, and 
of this Alexander H. Everett was president and Jo- 
siah Holbrook secretary. Dr. James Walker, Hon. 
John Davis and Judge White were among its vice- 
presidents. It arranged for an elaborate lecture course 
at the State House during the annual session of the 
Legislature, with a most exhaustive catalogue of sub- 
jects and a most distinguished list of speakers, includ- 
ing Judge Jackson, Horace Mann, Theodore Sedg- 
wick and James Savage. Its first anniversary meet- 
ing was held at the State House, February 1st, 2d and 
6th, 1832, the president in the chair and Stephen C. 
Phillips, of Salem, secretary. It appeared that the 
twenty-six towns in Essex County supported twenty- 
three Lyceums, a record quite in advance of any other 
section of the country. Salem had the largest Lyceum 
in the State, numbering twelve hundred members. 
That at Newton ranked next, and after Newton camei 
Newburyport, with four hundred and fifty, and Glou-| 
cester with four hundred. Haverhill with three huu'^ 
dred and fifty, was amongst the largest. Timothy 
Claxton took part in this meeting in an etfort toshov 
how Lyceums might be of service to struggling invenl 
tors in perfecting their designs and models. At the 
next meeting of the State Lyceum, which proved to" 
be its last, held February 20, 1833, Dr. Gannett and 
Rev. John Pierpont a])pear among the speakers. But 
the efforts of all these good men and true were unable 
to save it longer. 

The National Lyceum did not succeed much better. 
Organized in the United States Court Room in the 
City Hall at New York, May 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1831, in ac- 
cordance with a call issued January 13, by the State 
Lyceum of New York, sitting at Utica on its first 
gathering, the National Lyceum of America proceeded 
to adopt a constitution based upon the representation 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



of local Lyceums, each State and territory to send not 
less than three delegates, and not more than half its 
number of members in Congress. This body elected 
Hon. Stephen van Rensselaer, of Albany, N. Y., as 
its president, and Hon. Edward Everett and Hon. 
Thomas S. Griinke, of South Carolina were two of its 
five vice-presidents. It issued the usual appeals for 
support ; commended to the aid of local Lyceums the 
work of Colonel James Stevens, an eminent engiueer, 
then engaged in Massachusetts on the first State topo- 
graphical map produced in the country ; called for the 
establishment of normal schools ; questioned the poli- 
cy of retaining Latin and Greek in the advanced 
schools as a required study; urged the introduction of 
the natural sciences; and, after much labor of a more 
formal character, adjourned for a twelve-month. Its 
next meeting was in the Aldermen's Room in the City 
Hall at New York. May 4, 5, 6, 7, 1832, and here it 
was honored with the presence of an ex-president of 
the Spanish Cortes, of Zavala and Salgada, two 
Mexican ex-governors, and of Fortique, a representa- 
tive in the Congress of Venezuela, as well as at other 
times of the consul-general of Colombia, the Prussian 
Envoy, an Armenian essayist from Constantinople, an 
Atheuian professor, and a philosopher from London. 
It met again May 3, 4, -5, 6, 1833, in the same place, 
and elected President Duer of Columbia College its 
presiding oificer. It recommended a uniform system of 
meteorological observations, amongst the Lyceums of 
the country ; the introduction of vocal music and man- 
ual labor in the common schools; commended .Audu- 
bon's great work on the birds of America; heard let- 
ters from several leading personages in the West In- 
dies and the Central American States, as well as in 
various parts of the Union, and urged the formation in 
New York of a National Cabinet of Natural History, 
to be made up of contributions from local Lyceums. 
At a meeting in the same place. May 2, 3, 5, 1834, 
Massachusetts made a good report through Hon. Wm. 
B. Calhoun, and the state of education in Cuba, Po- 
land and Mexico were considered. It was voted to 
print an essay on the North American Indians by 
Schoolcraft, and a text-book on Constitutional Juris- 
prudence, furnished by President Duer. In May, 1835, 
the annual meeting was again held in New York, and 
the teaching of political economy and the fine arts in 
the public schools was advocated. John Pickering's 
researches in the dialects of the North American 
tribes were highly commended. Signs of approach- 
ing dissolution began to manifest themselves. At 
the meeting of May G, 7, 9, 1836, at the same place. 
Dr. Howe, of Massachusetts, explained his method of 
educating the blind, and New Grenada reported the 
purchase, at government cost, of twenty thousand 
slates and two hundred thousand slate-pencils ! Hol- 
brook proposed supplying every one of the eleven 
thousand counties in the United States with a cabinet 
of minerals of its own, furnished through the system 
of Lyceum exchange. In May, 1837, the annual meet- 



ing was held in Philadelphia. The disposal of the 
surplus revenue was discussed and Espy's theory of 
storms was commended, with a request to the local 
Lyceums to report their weather observations to Espy. 
Government was memorialized in favor of a weather 
bureau, Holbrook now produced his twelve-page 
prospectus of a "Universal Lyceum," with Henry 
Brougham at its head, a list of fifty-two vice-presi- 
dents, one for every week in the year, taken from all 
the nations of the earth, and one hundred and thirty- 
nine secretaries, besides Josiah Holbrook, who is 
styled " Actuary." The declared objects w^ere " the 
diffusion of knowledge over our globe," and " the ex- 
change of shells, minerals and plants." The meeting 
of 1838 was held at the free church in Hartford, Con- 
necticut, and sat but one day, May 15. Common- 
school matters occupied it largely, but it found time 
to consider also the questions of international copy- 
right and the improvement and embellishment of 
towns and villages. It complains of lack of funds and 
finds the American Institute of Instruction a growing 
competitor. It met once more ; this time at New York 
again, May 3, 4, 5, 1839 ; fifty-five delegates were pre- 
sent, but none from Massachusetts. It proposed a 
convention to sit for one week from November 22d, 
at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, just before the 
session of Congress, in order to influence that body in 
applying the Smithson Legacy, and also in favor 
of selling the public lands for educational purposes. 
It proposed to call for educational statistics in the 
next decennial census, and finally it proposed a Gen- 
eral National Convention of the whole L'nion to sit at 
Washington, D. C, in May, 1840. These never met, 
and so ended all but what survived in the town Ly- 
ceums, and possibly here and there a scattered county 
organization, of the Lyceum system of .Tosiah Hol- 
brook. This remarkable man seems to have died as he 
had lived, reaching out for more thau he could grasp. 
His lifeless body was found floating in a stream near 
Lynchburg, Va., May 24, 1854, and there was reason to 
believe that in clambering alone up the rugged blufl' to 
secure some rare mineral specimen or delicate flower 
of which he was iu search, he had missed his footing, 
and so lost his life. Few in any age have shown 
more unselfish devotion to a noble idea, and what he 
really did, however it may have fallen short of what 
he hoped, is monument enough for any num. 



CHAPTER VI. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 

Agriciilliirul— Medical — Railroad;*. 

EssE.x AoRlGiTLTUKAL SOCIETY.' — The idea of the 
formation of this society originated with Col. Timothy 
Pickering, who, at the head of forty men, made the 

1 By Benjamin P. Ware. 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



first armed resistance to British forces, February 28tli, 
1775, at Nortli Bridge, Salem. He called a meeting 
of farmers, and other inhabitants of Essex County, at 
Cyrus Cummings' tavern in Topsfield, Monday, the 
16th of February, 1818. Ichabod Tucker was chosen 
moderator, and Daniel Cummings, secretary ; these, 
with John Adams, Paul Kent and Elisha Mack, were 
appointed a committee to report a plan of organiza- 
tion. 

Timothy Pickering was chosen president, and Wil- 
liam Bartlett, Dr. Thomas Kittredge, John Heard 
and Ichabod Tucker, vice-presidents, Leverett Sal- 
tonstall, secretary, and Dr. Nehemiah Cleaveland, 
treasurer. 

Timothy Pickering was annually chosen president, 
for ten years to 1829 ; Frederick Howes, four years, 
from 1829 to 1833; Ebenezer Mosely, three years, 
from 1833 to 1836 ; James H. Duncan, three years, 
from 1836 to 1839 ; Joseph Kittridge, two years, from 
1839 to 1841 ; Leverett Saltonstall, four years, from 
1841 to 1845 ; John W. Proctor, seven years, from 
1845 to 1852 ; Moses Newell, four years, from 1852 to 
1856; Richard S. Fay, two years, from 1856 to 1858 ; 
Daniel Adams, two years, from 1858 to 1860; Allen 
W. Dodge, three years, from 1860 to 1863 ; Joseph 
How, two years, from 1863 to 1865 ; William Sutton, 
nine years, from 1865 to 1874; and Benjamin P. Ware, 
thirteen years, from 1874 to 1887, now holding the 
oiEce. 

The secretaries and treasurers of the society have 
been as follows : — 



SECRETARIES. 

David Cummings 1818-19. 

Frederick Howes 1819-20. 

John W. Proctor 182U-42. 

Daniel P. King 1842-44. 



Allen VF. Dodge 1844-fiO. 

Charles P. Preston 18r,0-85. 

David W. Low 1885- 

(Now in office.) 



TREASURERS. 

Ichabod Tucker 1818. William Sutton 1841-66. 



Edward H. Payson 1850-81. 

Gilbert L. Streeter 1881- 

(Now in office.) 



Daniel A. White 1819-23. 

Benj. R. Nichols 1823-26. 

Benj. Merrill 1826-28. 

Andrew Nichols 1828-41. 

There has been a carefully prepared address deliv- 
ered before the society, at its annual meeting, every 
year since its organization, except the five years be- 
tween 1823 and 1829. These addre.*se.s have been de- 
livered in every instance by a citizen of the county, 
invited by a vote of the trustees, and have been pub- 
lished in the transactions of the society, and form a 
valuable part of the agricultural literature of the so- 
ciety. Col. Timothy Pickering delivered the first ad- 
dre.ss in 1818, and again in February, 1820. The 
others were as follows : — 



Andrew Nichols, in October, 1820. 
Kev. Abiel Abbott, in 1821. 
Kev. Peter Eaton, in 1822. 
Hon. Frederick Howes, in 1823. 
Col. Pickering, again in 1829. 
Hon. James H. Duncan, in 1830. 
Kev. Henry Colman, in 1831. 
Rev. Gardner B. Perry, in 1832. 
Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, in 1833. 



Hon. Ebenezer Moseley, in 1834. 
Hon. Daniel P. King, in 1835. 
Hon. Nathan W. Hazen, in 1836. 
Eev. Nathaniel Gage, in 1837. 
Rev. Leonard Withingtou, in 1838. 
Rev. Allen Putnam, in 1839. 
Hon. Ashael Huntington, in 1840. 
Alonzo Gray, A. M., in 1841. 
Hon. Allen W. Dodge, in 1842. 



Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, iu 1843. 
Hon. John W. Proctor, in 1844. 
Rev. Edwin M. Stone, in 1845. 
Hon. Moses Newell, in 1846. 
Thomas E. Payson, Esq., in 1847. 
Josiah Newell, Esq., in 1848. 
Hon. Asa T. Newhall, in 1849. 
Hon Caleb Cushing, in 1850. 
Rev. Milton P. Braman, iu 1851. 
Hon. Henry K. Oliver, in 18.52. 
Hon. Joseph S. Cabot, in 1863. 
Hon. R. S. Fay, in 1854. 
Dr. James R. Nichols, in 1855. 
Ben. Perley Poore, Esq., in 1856. 
Dr. E G. Kelly, in 18,57. 
Dr. Geo. B. Loring, in 1868. 
Edward Everett, in 1858. 
lion. J. J. H. Gregory, in 1859. 
Rev. .lohn L. Russell, in 1860. 
Hon. Alfred A. Abbott, in 1861. 
Geo. J. L. Colby, Esq., in 1862. 
Hon. Daniel Saunders, in 1863. 
Hon. Darwin E. Ware, in 1864. 



Nathani^ Cleavland, Esq., in 1866. 
Hon. Otis P. Lord, in 1866. 
Rev. R. H. Seeley, D.D., in 1867, 
Dr. Geo. B. Loring, again in 1868. 
Benjamin P. Ware, Esq., in 1869. 
Hon. Benj. F. Butler, in 1870. 
Hon. Joseph S. How, in 1871. 
Hon. Wm. D. Northeud, in 1872. 
Rev. Charles B. Kice, i n 1873. 
John L. .Shorey, Esq., in 1874. 
Rev. Dr. E. 0. Bolles, in 1875. 
Cyrus M. Tracy, in 1876. 
Rev. O. S. Butler, in 1877. 
T. 0. Thurtow, Esq., in 1878. 
Dr. Gen. B. Loring, again in 1879. 
David W. Low, Esq., in 1880. 
Dr. James R. NicholB,again in 1881. 
Francis H. Appleton, Esq.,in 1882. 
Hon. Chas. P. Thompson, in 1881. 
Asa T. Newhall, iu 1884. 
Thomas Saunders, in 1886. 
Rev. John D. Kingsbury, in 1886. 
Dr. William Cogswell, in 1887. 



In connection with these addresses, fifteen original 
hymns, odes and songs, have been sung by selected 
choirs, and published in the transactions. There 
have also been published in the transactions of the 
society, (67) sixty-seven prize essays upon various 
subjects connected with agriculture, for which has 
been paid premiums varying from eight to twenty- 
five dollars each ; also (49) forty-nine prize reports of 
committees ; premiums paid for these from six dol- 
lars to ten dollars; in addition there have been pub- 
lished (626) six hundred and twenty-six extended re- 
ports of committees, containing original ideas and 
suggestions, each filling from one to ten pages of 
printed matter. 

These addresses, essays and reports contain the best 
thoughts, the broadest experiences and wisest sug- 
gestions of the most prominent farmers and profes- 
sional men of Essex County, in the last sixty -five 
years, and make up, principally, the agricultural lit- 
erature of the county. 

The Essex Agricultural Society, unlike all others 
in the State, owns no grounds, including a trotting 
track and show buildings ; it has no local abiding 
place. But instead, owns a tent, some portable cattle 
pens, twelve hundred exhibition fruit dishes, an expe- 
rimental farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which 
brings an income of from three hundred to .five hun- 
dred dollars per annum, besides conducting such ex-v! 
perinients as are required by the committee having 
that matter in charge. A library of eight hundred 
volumes of valuable books for reference and study, 
and funds invested in bank stock, the market value 
of which is $17,119.83. 

This society needs no trotting track, for it never 
paid a dollar for speed since its organization ; or for 
any other attraction, nor allows any on its grounds, 
except of a purely agricultui'al or horticultural char- 
acter, which must be grown or owned within the 
county. Domestic manufactures and works of art 
from citizens of the county receive the encourage- 
ment of the society. All stock competing for a pre- 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



XCIX 



mium must be owned in the county at least four 
months previous. Agricultural implements, from any 
source, are admitted for competition ; no entrance 
fees required from any competitor for premiums. 
The whole of the exhibitions are open, free to the 
public, except for admission to the exhibition hall, 
where twenty cents is charged. An average sum of 
three thousand dollars has been offered in premiums 
annually for the last ten years, and since its organi- 
zation the society has, as near as can be ascertained, 
awarded in premiums and gratuities an aggregate of 
§48,727.54. In addition, the society has supported 
three scholarships at the Massachusetts Agricultural 
College through the entire course of four years, at 
fifty dollars each per year, and for three years had a 
premium of one hundred dollars offered for the best 
prepared student, who shall enter the college from 
Essex County and continue through the four years' 
course. 

This society holds its annual exhibitions in differ- 
ent parts of the county where most needed and where 
suitable accommodations cau be provided. Since its 
organization, it has held its shows at Danvers, ten 
times; Lawrence, seven times; six each at Lynn, 
Topsfield, Haverhill and Xewburyport ; five times at 
Georgetown and Salem; four times at Gloucester; 
three each at Andover and Ipswich ; two at Peabody ; 
one at Newbury; and two others in doubt. This so- 
ciety has held, since required by the State Board of 
Agriculture, 1879, forty-eight institutes in different 
parts of the county where most wanted. At each 
meeting two sessions have been held, with a large at- 
tendance, and the subjects selected discassed with 
much interest and satisfaction to the farming com- 
munity, resulting in promulgating much practical 
knowledge and a growing interest in the farm. Two 
trials of mowing machines and other machines for 
mating hay, have been organized and conducted by 
the society, and two of plows and other implements 
for cultivating crops, each proved of great value to 
the farmers and were a complete success. The whole 
number of members since its organization is twenty- 
nine hundred and eighty-six ; the present number 
now living is fifteen hundred and eight. 

The society publishes annually an edition of from 
fifteen hundred to two thousand copies of its transac- 
tions, containing from one hundred and twentj' to 
, two hundred and twenty pages, for distribution 
I among its members and others 

The transactions published since the society's or- 
ganization make in the aggregate eighty-seven hun- 
dred and sixty-one pages of valuable and interesting 
: reading matter, and which are no inconsiderable part 
i of the agricultural literature of the State. 
1 Es.SEX South District Medical Society. - 
I This is one of the oldest of the district societies 
' that form the JIassachusetts Medical Society. It was 
organized Xovember 4, 1805, by ten physicians, who 
met at the Sun Tavern, in Salem ; Dr. Edward Aug- 



ustus Holyoke president and Dr. John Dexter Tread- 
well secretary. It consists of those members of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society who reside in Lynn, 
Swampscott, Xahant, Saugus, Lynnficld, Marblehead, 
Salem, Peabody, Danvers, Middleton, Beverly, Wen- 
ham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Hamilton, Essex, Manches- 
ter, Rockport, Gloucester. 

Its meetings are held every six weeks, either in 
Salem or Lynn, except occasionally during the sum- 
mer months, in other towns within the district. At 
these meetings written pa])ers are read and oral com- 
munications are made, giving an account of interest- 
ing cases that have occurred in their practice. 

The Library, which was established by a vote of the 
society at its first meeting, contains about twenty-five 
hundred volumes. The books from the libraries of 
the late Drs. E. A. Holyoke, A. D. Pierson and Samuel 
Johnson compose a large portion and are very valua- 
ble additions. The cireulatiuu is limited to members 
of the society. The library is deposited in Plummer 
Hall, Salem. 

The Es.SEX North District Medical Society 
was organized November 3, 1841. An application had 
been previously made to the Massachusetts Medical 
Society and granted by that body for the formation of 
the fellows of that Society practicing in Amesbury, 
Audover, Boxford, Bradford, Georgetown, Haverhill, 
Lawrence, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, Row- 
ley, Salisbury and West Newbury into an association 
to be entitled the Essex North District Medical So- 
ciety. At the date above mentioned Dr. Jonathan G. 
Johnson, of Newburyport, was chosen president; Dr. 
Rufus Lo'ogley, of Haverhill, vice-president ; Dr. F. 
V. Noyes, of Newburyport, secretary ; Dr. Isaac Boyd, 
of West Newbury, treasurer; and Dr. J. Spoflbrd, of 
Groveland, librarian. The Society chooses annually 
eight counsellors, and these in connection with the 
counsellors of other district societies in the State 
constitute the Board of Counsellors of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society. Five censors are also 
chosen annually, who examine applicants for admis- 
sion as to character and professional qualifications, 
and the consent of three censors is necessary (or ad- 
mission. 

Stated meetings are held quarterly. The annual 
meeting is held at Haverhill on the first Wednesday 
in May, at which ofllcers for the year are chosen, and 
other meetings in August, November and February 
at such places as may be from time to time deter- 
mined. 

BcsTON AND Maine Railroad extends from 
Boston to Portland, Me., a distance of 115.50 miles. 
This road was originally organized as the Andover 
and Wilmington Railroad Company. It took its pre- 
seut name in 1839. This company is now- the largest 
railroad corporation in New England. Its leased 
lines in Essex County are as follows : Eastern Rail- 
road, chartered April 14, 1830; Danvers Railroad; 
Lowell and Andover; Newburyport; WeH Amesbury; 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Chelsea Beach; Newburyport City; and Boston and 
Lowell and branches. President, George C. Lord ; 
General Manager, James T. Furber. 

Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad 
extends from East Boston to Lynn, along Revere 
Beach. It was chartered May 23, 1874, and was 



opened July 29, 187.5. It does a large summer busi- 
ness. Gauge three feet. Honorable Edwin WaUlen, of 
Lynn, is president. 

Boston, Winthrop and Shore Railroad extends from 
Point Shirley to Point of Pines. Honorable Edwin 
AValden, president. 



TUE 



History of Essex Co, Massachusetts. 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



Cfl AFTER I. 

SALEM. 

INTRODUCTORY. 



BY REV. OEOEGE BATCIIELOR. 



The writer of this iutroductory chapter is released 
from the ordinary duties and responsibilities of the 
chroniclers whose work he prefaces wfth some general 
views of the various epochs of the history of Salem. 
The careful precision a.s to names, dates and the 
order of events required of them must here give 
place to general views, rapid sketches and such 
characterization of men and times as may be ex- 
pected of the essayist rather than the historian. 

For more than a hundred years after the discovery 
of America by Columbus, New England was un- 
known. It was a century of exploration and dis- 
covery, and the Catholic Spaniard played a leading 
part in the process of opening a new world to civiliza- 
tion. His imagination was inflamed by what are 
now incredible stories of treasure to be discovered, 
of magical and supernatural manifestations to be 
noted in nature and human life, and by hopes of at- 
taining to some new and unheard of power over the 
secret forces of nature, then go unknown, and yet so 
tempting to the unscientific mind of the sixteenth 
century. He was animated, al.so, by zeal to convert 
or dispossess the infidel, and to commend himself as 
a loyal son of the church, thus at one happy stroke 
making his fortune both for this world and the next. 
In 1565 St. Augustine was founded, and in 1582 
Santa Fo was colonized and made a station of the 
church, and the Spaniard, keeping for the most part 
within those isothermal lines which, by an unwritten 
law of nations l\ave so largely controlled the course 
of empire, was elated by visions of inexhaustible 



wealth, national glory and religious propagandism 
for which the western continent ofiered such unex- 
ampled opportunities. 

To the Protestant Englishman during all this time 
New England was unknown except as au undistin- 
guished part of the western world. With the seven- 
teenth century the French, English and Dutch began 
to establish colonies in Nova Scotia, Canada, Vir- 
ginia and New York. Then New England begins to 
emerge slowly from the vast, unsurveyed bulk of the 
continent, and to attract the attention of those in 
whose keeping were the seeds which, for a hundred 
generations of English and Germanic life, had been 
preparing to grow into the social, civil and religious 
institutions of New England. "God sifted a whole 
nation," said Stoughton, " that he might send choice 
grain out into this wilderness." He might have said 
that the civil and religious institutions of the Ger- 
manic race were sifted to furnish precedents, apti- 
tudes and the specific religious impulses out of which 
to produce the Puritan Church and the New England 
Commonwealth. 

Reviewing the events recorded in this volume, and 
contemplating the rare and great qualities of the 
founders of Salem as manifested in some of the most 
heroic and dignified aspects of human life, and in 
crises of difficulty and danger ; regarding, also, with- 
out flinching or apology, the grim and cruel traits 
and deeds which disfigured their lives and stained 
their record, one need not be ashamed of his interest 
and admiration. The founders of Salem were not 
greater, wiser or better than other men. But the 
narrowness of their opportunity, together with the 
great use they made of it, rendered their qualities 
conspicuous, and the record of them a just cause of 
pride to all who inherit any share in their labors and 
rewards. As in some little Swiss canton, whore 
nature has thrust together and pushed high into the 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



air the sublimities of that Alpine scenery, of which 
every detail may be surpassed elsewhere, while the 
general efl'ect has no rival, so in this little township 
were to be brought together and set to do the drudgery 
of common life such gifts of culture, courage, wisdom 
and strength as commonly go to the founding of 
kingdoms and the conduct of empires. Indeed, in 
their own way, the way of intelligence and freedom, 
they were laying the foundations of institutions with 
influence more powerful and enduring than any em- 
pire which has risen or fallen since they lived their 
strenuous lives of homely toil and great endeavor. 
The events which wore crowded into the first century 
of what was then their obscure history, spread over a 
larger surface and connected by more evident ties 
with the fortunes of civilization, would have attracted 
universal attention. Now they become an imperish- 
able part of the history of human progress. 

In 1614 Capt. John Smith, prince among adventurers 
and good fellows, coasted, named and praised New 
England, and going home to England he spent much 
time in commending the newly-discovered "Para- 
dise" to rich and influential people. Then came the 
Pilgrims bound for a more genial climate; but driven 
out of their course by fortunate accident, they settle 
in Plymouth, and establish their church. But even 
in their little and well-sifted band there was not per- 
fect agreement in matters of religion, although that 
was their chief concern, and soon we see John 
Lyford, of no enviable reputation, with John Oldham 
and others, because they could not agree to " sepa- 
rate " from the Church of England, pushing out and 
exploring the coast to the northward to find or found 
a home. Among them was one Roger Conant, well 
commended then and afterward for his homely good 
sense and perfect honesty. They tarry awhile at 
Nantasket, where Capt. Miles Standish, coasting that 
way, had built a hut a year or two before, and there, in 
somewhat dubious case, they are waiting when the 
Dorchester Company in England, having by this time 
(162.3) forty or fifty ships passing to and fro, bringing 
over fishermen, salt, etc., and taking home cargoes of 
fish, beaver skins and such furs and other spoil of 
the wilderness as may be gathered there, summon 
Roger Conant to take charge of their station at Cape 
Ann. A charter has been secured, and hopes are en- 
tertained that now, after many misfortunes, some 
profit may accrue to the adventurers. Conant is to 
be Governor, Lyford minister to the half a hundred 
people gathered there, and Oldham is asked to come 
and trade with the Indians, which ofiice he declines. 
Misfortunes continue, however. Fire, sickness and 
quarrels (a fierce one with Miles Standish) break 
their courage, reduce their profits and finally cause 
the abandonment of the undertaking. 

Conant now has in mind an undertaking of another 
kind. Finding on the peninsula of Naumkeag a 
sheltered place where he thinks it possible for colo- 



nists to maintain themselves in comfort, he proposes 
to the Rev. John White, of the Dorchester Company, 
to establish there a jjlantation. It has been com- 
monly believed that he proposed to provide here a 
shelter for such unhappy creatures as might in Eng- 
land be persecuted for their religion. This is now 
disputed on the ground that he was not a " sepa- 
ratist " in Plymouth, and did not agree with John 
Endicott when he came, and that he was now proba- 
bly only looking out for a place where he and others 
might find life a little less hard to support on the 
usual terms. It is not impossible, however, that, 
" churchman" though he was, he had suffered enough 
for his religion to long for a place where the cursed 
jangle of theological discord might be forgotten, and 
other interests be made prominent. White promised 
him assistance of all needed kinds, and in 1626 Roger 
Conant, John Woodbury, John Balch and Peter Pal- 
frey (names to be remembered) begin the clearing of 
the forest and the building of houses. About twenty- 
five, all told, are gathered there, and Naumkeag (not 
yet Salem) begins to be. Two years later there were, 
it may be, thirty or forty persons in the colony. 
Some had followed Lyford to Virginia, and some had 
returned to England. Conant, resolute and patient, 
remained and kept with him those who were inspired 
by his confidence and shared his hopes, whether re- 
ligious or commercial. But, as so often happens, he 
was to sow that others might reap. He was too 
modest and undemonstrative to figure as a " person- 
age," and to meet the more ambitious views of those 
in England who were influential in the management 
of affairs; and so it happened, when the property of 
the Dorchester Company passed into the hands of the 
New England Company, that Conant was superseded 
by Capt. John Endicott. 

It was not Roger Conant, mild, tolerant, concilia- 
tory and unambitious, that the feeble colony needed, 
but John Endicott, the man of the iron hand and 
determined will, the man to tear the cross from the 
flag of England and defy the world when his blood 
was up and his religion was in question. As a btisi- 
ness transaction the transfer was justifiable enough. 
The parties to it on the other side of the water were 
buying and selling so much property at its commer- 
cial value. But on this side of the water it looked 
like the betrayal of a trust. Having no rights which 
they could legally defend, the old colonists felt the 
change to be grievous when, from being masters of 
the situation, if not the guardians of a refuge sacred 
to those who were oppressed for conscience' sake, they 
were suddenly and unexpectedly reduced to a hand- 
ful of ordinary colonists who were transferred with 
the soil, and could only take the hard choice to go or 
conform to the law of the land. They were heard to 
talk about "slaves" and "slavery," and for some 
months held aloof from the meetings of the new- 
comers. But Capt. Endicott occupied a higher social 



SALEM. 



position than they, and he was not a man to be 
trifled with. In 1629 Governor Endicott receives in- 
tclligenoc as follows: that the company at home has 
obtained a confirmation of their grant by letters 
jiatent from His Majesty, Charles I., and that he is 
confirmed as Governor, with a council styled " the 
Councill of Massachusetts Bay." The new-comers 
had the power. But they saw that it was hard for 
the others to submit, and were disposed to use their 
power kindly. The colony was now grown to in- 
clude, perhaps, three hundred persons, and at last 
the old settlers determined to make the best of it, 
and united in one body under Governor Endicott, and 
then, as we are told, " in remembrance of a, peace set- 
tled upon at a conference at a general meeting be- 
tween them and their neighbors after the expectance 
of some dangerous jar," they called the place Salem, 
or Peace. The story is a pretty one, and seems to 
furnish a natural and probable explanation of the 
change of name, but it is necessary to say that all 
such interesting statements are doubted or denied by 
modern investigators. It is held by some that Couant 
gladly received Captain Endicott and that their dif- 
ferences of ojiinion related to such matters as tlie 
morality of raising tobacco and other such affairs of 
minor importance. 

The story of ihe ecclesiastical and commercial for- 
tunes of Salem will be told elsewhere in the succeed- 
ing narratives. They were inextricably intertwined 
with each other. Both begin now to assume impor- 
tance, although many a weary day must pass before 
either of them will lie settled and prosperous. For a 
time the religious interests which they had at heart 
compelled them to postpone somewhat the temporal 
enterprises upon which depended their comfort and 
success. Whatever we may say of the purposes of 
Roger Conant, nobody need be in doubt as to the 
purposes of John Endicott. Religion was with him 
the first concern. He believed his creed. He had 
come here to give it room to grow into a new mode of 
life, and he did not intend to let anything among the 
powers terrestrial or demonic interfere with his pur- 
pose. But, before the temporal plans of the little 
community could be carried out, some very stern ne- 
ce.ssities were to try and to strengthen their faith. 
The winter of 1029 brought them little but trouble 
and sorrow. The climate, then as now, was rough 
and unsparing. No proper accommodations could be 
provided for so many families, their base of supplies 
was three thousand miles away, they were unused to 
such hardships and were ignorant of the dangers to 
be provided against. While, therefore, their friends in 
England were tkinking of them as happily established 
in the " Paradise " of New England, and were look- 
ing forward to the pleasure of joining them in the 
spring or summer following, they began to sicken 
and die of exposure to cold, and the hunger which 
comes not with absolute famine, but inability to eat 



the coarse food which they had. Some epidemic 
disease probably brought on shipboard, had been 
communicated to them, and the place had become in- 
fected and pestilential. When Winthrop came with 
Saltonstall, Dudley and Johnson, and a company, in 
seventeen ships, in all, a thousand or more before the 
season was over, they found a colony of men and 
women haggard with weakness and want and de- 
pressed with sorrow. More than eighty had died in 
that awful winter, and of those who remained many 
had scarcely strength to stagger to the shore to meet 
the new-comers and give them tearful welcome. To 
the gentlemen and ladies who had come to transfer 
the government of the colony to the soil of New 
England, and establish here homes even more splen- 
did than those they had left behind them, Salem of- 
fered at that time but few inducements. Winthrop 
therefore pushed along the coast, and soon he, with 
Dudley, Johnson, Saltonstall and the most of the 
new colonists, were laying the foundations of Charles- 
town, Boston and Watertown. The seat of govern- 
ment was transferred to Charlestown, and again the- 
hopes and ambitions of the men of Salem had ended 
in a bitter disappointment. To Governor Endicott 
was now measured out that which he had meted to 
Roger Conant, and probably he was no better pleased 
than he with the result. But this time there was 
no rebellion. Endicott was too good a discipli- 
narian to resist a higher authority, and it happened 
then, as it has many times since in Salem, that the 
good things provided for home use were passed over 
to the common account, and the commonwealth 
gained by her loss. 

We need not waste much time in praising the con- 
summate wisdom of the founders of Mas.-!achusetts. 
They were wise, and they did well, and what they 
wrote in their charters and constitutions, and estab- 
lished in their customs and laws, show that they were 
seeking the best things in human institutions and 
knew the value of them when found. 

But it is clear enough now that the Puritans were 
not the inventors of the system they established in 
New England, nor of the many complicated devices 
by aid of which they made their ideas effective in the 
conduct of aflairs, social and civil. They selected, in- 
deed, but they did not create out of pre-existen,t 
nothingness the institutions which here they cleared 
from much rubbish of ecclesiasticism and from the 
burden of the monarchy of England. Th^ begiiji- 
uings were small. Seen from the outside, they were 
mean and bare. The homes, labors au<l successes of 
the first colonists of Salem would Ije unworthy of our 
attention were they associated wi.th the lives of or- 
dinary settlers in a new country. But^ small though 
the beginnings were, these m«fn were beginning to 
store up and to train the energy which was afterw«rd 
to expand with tremendous force ia the (^peinng of 
the whole world tu cownierce and civilization, and in 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the establiahment of the best things in American 
life. 

In tlie New World, free to follow the bent of their 
minds, they emancipated themselves from many an 
impediment and returned to the natural tendencies 
of the Germanic race, to which they belonged, and 
which, in Europe, has ever since been slowly attain- 
ing to that which they arrived at quickly. Of that 
race they brought the traditions and tendencies, and, 
almost unchanged, some of its most ancient customs 
and laws. The town, the town-meeting, the common 
holding of lands, the pasturage under herdsmen of 
their goats, swine and neat cattle, the pastor who was 
not a priest and many curious customs which have 
seemed to us to be evidences of their independence, 
skill and ingenuity, or which look like the temporary 
expedients of necessity, were simply survivals of 
English and German habits, dating back sometimes a ' 
thousand years, or even in some cases as we now 
know, antedating European civilization itself, and 
originating as in that immemorial past of our race 
when its home was in Asia. 

Indeed, during the whole of the seventeenth cen- 
tury, the daily life of the people of Salem, if accur- 
ately represented to us now, would suggest European 
rather than American associations. Religion was 
the most important concern in that little settlement 
when it held a thousand souls. But, after all, the 
business of getting a living then, as now, occupied 
most of the waking hours. For the most part, their 
life on shore was rural, and their occupations and 
customs such as may even now be noted in secluded 
parts of the Old World. 

On a summer morning the good man and good 
wife were up with the sun, attending to their various 
tasks, for by six o'clock at the latest, and in some 
years by half an hour after sunrise, the herdsmen of 
various kinds will be heard blowing their horns as 
they pass each man's door, gathering all the swine, 
goats and neat cattle of the town into flocks and 
herds, to be cared for during the day in the great 
pastures and other common fields. " The Great 
Pen " is provided for the cattle, and if, at six o'clock, 
any townsman shall not have his cows milked and 
ready for the herdsman, he must follow after as he 
may, and be responsible for any damage done to (ir 
by his stray cattle. At half an hour before sunset the 
horns of the approaching herdsmen were heard again, 
and every man was required to care for his own 
swine and goats at home. Sometimes in town-meet- 
ing it was a matter which divided the suflrages of 
freemen, as it was voted, that in a given season, the 
swine should or should not be allowed to run at 
large by night. Such customs are unknown now in 
America. But they still survive in many of the pas- 
toral regions of Europe, such as the Black Forest and 
secluded valleys of Switzerland. 

Bimple, honest, God-fearing men and women made 



up the majority of the population. Their tasks were 
homely and laborious, and their tastes simple. But 
although from necessity their life externally was not 
unlike that of the European peasantry, they were 
neither stupid nor ignorant. Even those who had 
belonged to the servant class, and there were many 
of them, had passed through experiences which had 
sharpened their wits and greatly enhanced in their 
eyes the value of liberty. They had come over "un- 
der bonds " to serve a specified time in a condition 
not much better than slavery. Some had regained 
their freedom on the failure of commercial and in- 
dustrial enterprises, it being cheaper to let them shift 
for themselves than to find work for them or to re- 
turn them to England. 

The yeomanry were picked men who had come 
over, not only because they hoped to better their con- 
dition and give their children a better chance than 
they could have at home, but also because they were 
interested in great problems of religion and govern- 
ment, and believed that these problems could be 
worked out to better advantage in a new country 
where they might be free from tradition and adverse 
precedent. They were trained in a school of experi- 
ence which will show results in later generations. 

Among these were some who held with tenacity to 
the social distinctions of the old country. They were 
those of official and professional standing, such as in 
England would, if not bearing a title, be permitted to 
write " gentleman " after their names. In spite of the 
leveling influence of their experiences and of the 
theories they held, the old habits were not easily 
given up, and, unconsciously, even, the relations of 
master and servant were retained on the Old World 
footing, and the mutual reserve remained after such 
relations had ceased. It took two hundred years, under 
the most democratic of institutions, to abolish the 
distinctions of aristocracy, and to make a " yeoman " 
of like character and education seem as good as a 
"gentleman."' It was years before the possibility of 
establishing in Massachusetts an hereditary aristoc- 
racy ceased to be either a menace or a temptation. 

With the founding of Boston, Salem lost its rela- 
tive importance, but continued to be a centre of intel- 
ligence, and gradually, after long discipline, becamei 
one of the most influential towns in the common-i 
wealth. Its liberality and intellectual alertness werel 
shown very early in the treatment accorded to Roger 
Williams, who was loved and honored in Salem long 
after he was proscribed by the colonial authorities. 
Even John Endicott admired and defended him until 
further resistance to authority would have been re- 
bellion. The enthusiasm, humaneness and free 
thought of Roger Williams seem to belong rather 
to our time than to that of the Puritan, who, with 
all his goodness, was grim and sometimes cruel. The 
man who, in 1631, could advocate, aa he did, the 
rights of the savage, and in later years make his noble 



SALEM. 



plea for toleration, must have been a rare creature, 
and those who loved and honored him, as he was 
loved and honored in Salem, must have been, even 
then, capable of better things than the circumstances 
of the hard times in which they lived could offer 
them. When he goes into exile in l(i36 it is pleasant 
to read that Governor Winthrop, not in otflce, how- 
ever, gives him a private hint that he is wanted by 
the government, and that the safest place for him will 
be found on the shores of Narragansett Bay. 

The Puritan minister was a great personage in the 
little colony. From the nature of the case, religion 
being avowedly and actually first among the concerns 
of the community, he was a man of much official dig- 
nity and influence. He could not be elected to office 
nor long hold it in comfort unless he represented the 
best thought and feeling of the people and showed a 
gift for mastery. He was the most highly-educated 
man in town. He had leisure to correspond with 
men of like standing abroad. He was the organ of 
communication with the outside world. He had no 
competitors. The intellectual appetite of his towns- 
men was keen, and there were no adequate means of 
satisfying it in a time when they had no lectures, no 
concerts, theatres, newspapers, magazines, or many 
books. He was the peer of the best, and was freely 
consulted both in public and private by parishioners 
and magistrates as to questions of conscience and 
questions of policy. The first ministers were men of 
such parts and learning that they were largely inde- 
jieiident of each other and of their congregations. 
They seemed to have moved back and forth between 
the two continents with great freedom, and to have 
e.xcited great interest, both by their coming and their 
going. They have been over-praised, and condemned 
beyond their demerits; for they were neither so good 
nor so bad as they have sometimes been represented 
to be. They would not have been human had they 
not been tempted to magnify their office unduly, and 
they must have been more than human to emancipate 
themselves wholly from the bigotries and superstitions 
of their times. We shall soon see them doing some 
cruel work, and our modern blood will find it difficult 
to keep cool as we helplessly watch the unmerited 
sufferings of good, even if misguided, men, and we 
shall helplessly writhe as we hear the hissing whip fall 
upon the naked backs of women whom pastors and 
magistrates alike agree to punish in the name of God. 
But if we are wise, we shall reflect on all the circum- 
stances of the time and make such allowance as is 
due. 

The Puritan attempted to crush the imagination, 
and is, therefore, supposed to have been devoid of it. 
Hut the imagination is a faculty nimble of foot and 
light of wing. It goes where it is not sent, and 
works where it is most contemned. Often it trans- 
forms itself, and, because its lighter moods are not in 
favor, plods in the disguise of some heavy-footed fac- 



ulty, and masquerades as a phase of the sober reason, 
or still more homely common sense. In the Puritan 
the imagination did not exercise itself in the modern 
fashion nor after the manner of " ungodly play- 
wrights." It was not stimulated by such visions of 
wealth and conquest as turned the head of the Catho- 
lic Spaniard. It was in him a sober faculty, dealing 
with the well-attested realities of common life, and 
what he considered the equally well-attested realities 
of the supernatural world. Given the facts to work 
upon, and this creative faculty was capable of producing 
sur|)rising results. As the sober-visaged, plainly-clad 
Puritan sat in church listening to the long prayers 
and still longer sermons and lectures in which his 
favorite preacher described the city of G d, his im- 
agination, released from all restraint by his godly 
purpose, made many an excursion into the realm of 
those fair possibilities which on the earth were no- 
where actual. He saw new and holier churches, so- 
cieties, commonwealths arising to make the earth a 
safer home for the chosen children of God. He saw 
cities arise in the wilderness; fleets sailed over un- 
known seas, and broad lands, cleared, inhabited and 
wisely ruled, stretched in peaceful expanse before his 
comprehensive and creative imagination. These 
visions were not a waste of his time and energy ; for 
they were the working plans of the architect and the 
engineer, who was able to create that which he imag- 
ined. He could understand the proud boast of the 
Roman, who, if he could not play the fiddle, could 
make a small village into a great city. To describe 
the Puritan as without imagination is to deny to him 
that which w;is a chief characteristic of his laborious 
life. His stinnihis and delight came with and from 
the exercise of this power, by which the mind clearly 
sees that which, as yet, has never been. That which 
distinguished him from those who commonly and con- 
sciously use this power was the capital fact that they 
never used it solely for pleasure. It was an instru- 
ment as useful as the more homely tools of the work- 
ing intellect. That which in the Puritan was active, 
but disguised, in his posterity two hundred years later 
was to break out into the full fruit and flower of the 
imagination. Hawthorne was the legitimate product 
of the ancient stock. All along the line of modern 
life, when Puritanism had completed its emancipa- 
tion, there broke a wave of poetry. Bryant, Long- 
fellow, Holmes, Lowell and the rest of that distin- 
guished company only revealed the inherited traits 
which were in their ancestors, though not then mani- 
fest. Even Quakerism now sings in the poetry of 
Whittier. 

That Puritanism w.as not, in all its parts, so grim as 
we sometimes imagine was shown by the love the 
people of Salem hore to Roger Williams. It was 
made still more apparent that it was not without 
tenderness of heart and susceptibility to change of 
ibougbt when the great ".\ntlnomian Controversy" 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



came. In 1637 Anne Hutchinson, a great-hearted 
woman, nearly overturned both church and state. By 
her liberal ideas and impassioned eloquence she car- 
ried with her Henry Vane, the Governor, and a major- 
ity of the people of Boston, the ministers almost 
unanimously opposing her. She was, as even her 
enemies admitted, a woman of wonderful power and 
attractiveness. Her philosophical ideas were not un- 
like those of modern Transcendentalism, and in many 
ways she only anticipated the thoughts which two 
hundred years later Emerson was to make familiar to 
sympathetic audiences in Lyceum Hall. The dis- 
pute was carried into everything, interfering with the 
course of government, even down to the conduct of 
town affairs. It made it more difficult for John Endi- 
cott to carry on the Pequot War. The reaction from 
Antinomianism brought back into power VVinthrop, 
Endicott and the other old settlers — the " fathers and 
founders" — who were already, because of their seni- 
ority, becoming "distinguished townsmen." Mrs. 
Hutchinson found little open sympathy in Salem, 
because Hugh Peter was then at the full tide of hia 
remarkable success, and he, with Governor Endicott, 
severely punished all who rebelled. They gave Gov- 
ernor Winthrop their hearty support, and helped him 
back into power, thus re-establishing Puritan rule in 
Massachusetts. Still, before her tragical death at the 
hands of the Indians, in 1643, this remarkable woman 
had made an ineffaceable mark on the institutions of 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island and greatly strength- 
ened the impulse to grant, as well as claim, liberty of 
conscience. 

From this time on there are two parties in church 
and state, representing Puritanism and Puritanism 
ameliorated. They go on in Salem together until 
the cruel policy of Governor Endicott, together with 
the absurd notions of demoniacal influence then cur- 
rent, bear their proper fruit in the " Witchcraft De- 
lusion." Then Puritanism begins to relax its arbi- 
trary and merciless tyranny and milder counsels pre- 
vail. Meanwhile, we shall see the two in conflict 
and shall see how a false theory of duty can, in the 
name of righteousness, drive humane men to the most 
inhuman deeds. 

But the townsmen of Salem during this eventful 
seventeenth century were not solely given up to re- 
ligious contention. They had many other interests, 
some of them very absorbing. Their lives were not 
stagnant or dull. To have in rapid succession two 
such ministers as Roger Williams and Hugh Peter, 
and to trace with intelligent interest as they did their 
subsequent career, the one founding a colony, the 
other going to the scaffold to expiate the death of a 
king, was enough to sharpen the wits of the dullest 
and give him a lively interest in the aftiiirs of two 
continents. The great events of the rebellion, the Com- 
monwealth, the restoration of th e Stuarts and the Revo- 
lution all passed within the limits of a single lifetime. 



and every change in the fortunes of England was felt 
in the homes of Salem. Each man felt a responsibility 
for the issue of the battle over the seas, and when 
the commonwealth of England fell, the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts was accounted its lawful 
heir. 

But at home were many and engrossing occupa- 
tions and interests, some good and some to modern 
consciences, as much to be condemned as any of their 
religious excesses. Commerce began its beneficent 
career, and was for a hundred and fifty years a 
source of good things innumerable. It kept the in- 
tellect alert, gave knowledge of other nations and 
gradually liberalized the minds of all who were en- 
gaged in it. It produced a remarkable breed of men, 
to whom in time the burdens of ecclesiasticism became 
insupportable, and the Puritan spirit was at last trans- 
formed and a broad catholicity took the place of 
bigotry. But as yet we see only the beginnings, and 
we see them marred by many an evil practice. The 
distillery arose in the colony and began to pour its 
poisoned stream into all the homes of savagery. The 
ships which went out laden with New England rum 
returned sometimes freighted with African slaves, 
and tender consciences did not seem to be hurt by 
the transaction. It is recorded that negroes were 
brought to Salem as early as 1638. The laws of na- 
tions were not well defined in those days, and a war 
with any nation, or a war among unfriendly nations, 
gave excuse for privateering, which easily slipped 
into piracy. Pirates who preyed upon their own 
commerce were punished when caught, but those who 
only molested unfriendly nations were winked at, and 
it was not a thing unknown for a pirate to sail into 
Salem harbor and sell his plunder to the townsmen, 
who asked no questions so long as they got good 
bargains. Indeed, it is now quite impossible to tell 
the true story of those times without doing injustice 
to them, so greatly has our moral standard in many 
things been elevated. One can easily see, however, 
that there were many compensations for the Puritan. 
His world was not so colorless as it seems to us when 
we think only of his religion, and imagine that to 
have been his only absorbing interest. 

The internal arrangements of the colony at Salem 
were for many years matters of constant and grave 
concern. Things which seem to us trivial were then 
of great importance. The public lands were at first 
held by the government, and the towns, as agents of the 
colony, distributed them among their inhabitants. 
A law restricting this power of distribution to the 
towns was passed (as William P. Uphara, Esq., in- 
forms us) in 1635. The land was granted in small 
building-lots and planting-fields to those who were 
admitted to the privileges of the town. There could 
be no specu'lation in town lots. Only the occupiers 
could hold them. The rights of forest, field and shore 
were common, and to the householders pertained cer- 



SALEM. 



tain privileges of pasturage and other rights peculiar 
to the proprietors. A man was made a freeman by 
the General Court, and when he desired to settle, 
asked to be " admitted an inhabitant," and, if his re- 
quest was granted, became a member of a corpora- 
tion consisting of certain named persons and such 
others as they chose. 

Land was given to any one who became an inhabit- 
ant. At first there was no difficulty. But the ques- 
tion which arose when the late-comers were numer- 
ous, and insisted upon their full sliare of these privi- 
leges, became troublesome. Among the old settlers 
there were at least three distinctions of social rank 
attaching to freemen, non-freemen and servants. 
These were increased by an additional line drawn be- 
tween the cottagers and commoners, — those who liad a 
share in the original common rights and those who 
had not been admitted to such rights. The cottagers 
had great advantages, and for many years clung to 
their privileges. They even held meetings separate 
from the town. The contention at times must have 
been much more exciting than the news of a change 
of government in England, or the loss of the colo- 
nial charter, because it affected the fortunes of every 
householder in a direct way. It was not until the 
eighteenth century came in that the dispute was 
closed. In 1660 the general government passed a 
law that those who then had cottages or houses built 
should have rights in common land. About a gen- 
eration later it was a serious question what rights 
they should have (then a large number) who were 
not included under that law. The cottagers were those 
who held under the law ; the commoners were those 
who claimed a right, not by virtue of the act of 1660, 
but by right of habitation. In 1702 the town passed 
a vote settling this difference and admitting to a 
right in the commons all houses then built. In 1713 
the commoners, which term then included both com- 
moners and cottagers, organized under the province 
law, and are to this day represented by the " Great 
Pasture Corporation." These various measures were 
not agreed upon without great friction and excite- 
ment, and even the famous "witchcraft year," which 
came when the dispute was at its hottest, could only 
postpone the excitement over a matter which affected 
the fortunes of every townsman. The commoners at 
last voted to give up to tlie town the highways, burying- 
places, the common lands which lay within the town, 
bridge and the block-houses, with the training- 
grounds and various other relinopiishments, which 
brought the affairs of the town on to a modern 
footing. Hospitality was not a characteristic of those 
days. People were suspicious and jealous of new- 
comers and required of them proofs that they w-ould 
be safe and agreeable neighbors before the}' admitted 
them to a share of the common property. For tempo- 
rary purposes they granted them cottage rights and 
garden spots, but not every new-comer was welcome. 



Strolling adventurers were promptly arrested and re- 
quired to give an account of themselves. For a 
hundred years these internal relations of the com- 
munity were very important and influential. They 
have now nearly passed out of the memory of all but 
the students of antiquity. But they were important 
then, and in the various attempts made to adjust 
differences and find out that which was for the com- 
mon welfiire, the community was being compacted 
and trained to common action in a way which made 
all its strength available in its great days when it 
covered the sea with privateers and merchantmen. 

But before we take leave of the seventeenth century 
there are still some grievous things to be noted. The 
Friend is to us an emblem and suggestion of peace. 
But in 1657 he was to the people of Salem a creature 
to be abhorred and, by force if necessary, expelled 
from the community. It must be remembered that 
during all this century any, even the most innocent, 
trespasser was there illegally if he was not permitted 
by the authorities to make his home there. No mat- 
ter what his business, if he was forbidden to dwell 
there, and still persisted in ojjposition to the proprie- 
tors, he was regarded as being as much outside of his 
rights as a poacher or a burglar. There was not even 
a sidewalk where he could claim to be on public soil, 
or on the "King's highway." Every inch of soil 
belonged to the town and the proprietors. When 
undesirable persons, therefore, were present and re- 
fused to go away when warned, it was easy and alto- 
gether too natural for those in authority to begin with 
threats and then proceed to force, which became at 
last cruel much beyond the original intention. When 
Massachusetts decreed that Quakers remaining within 
her bounds must die, it was hoped and believed that 
the threat of death would be effectual. When it was 
discovered that martyrdom had its charms, and that 
for every Quaker hung there would be five more 
ready for hanging, the brief madness of the magis- 
trates yielded to the excited protests of all tender- 
hearted people, and the shameful law was repealed, 
but not until it had caused such deeds of cruelty in 
the colony, especially in Boston, as no good man can 
now contemplate without horror. The only plea to 
be offered in mitigation is that the magistrates feared 
overmuch a popular revolution and were driven to 
excess by overplus of official zeal. Still, we must 
remember that it was a century of perils and of fears. 
Safety lay in concert of action. The Jesuits, the 
Anabaptists, the Quakers, if permitted to come and 
proselyte, might bring in all kinds of political trouble 
and danger from foreign nations. The Dutch and 
Indians were near and dangerous, and the whole 
community lived in such fear of unseen perils as we 
can scarcely imagine. For all that, we cannot be 
reconciled to the whipping of women at the cart-tail 
nor the ofl'ering to sell Quakers to be taken as slaves 
to the Barbadoes. 



8 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



But the latter daya of the century approach with 
many fears, some prosperily and great distraction of 
mind and purpose. John Endicott had moved to 
Boston and died there in 1665. The race of great 
mercliants had begun with Holliugworth and others. 
Philip English, the famous Episcopalian, was dazzling 
the eyes of his neighbors with his enterprise and the 
magnificent style of his living. His house and offices 
were full of "bound servants," and he evidently paid 
little attention to the strait ways of Puritanism. 
The "founders " who came to old age all died before 
the century was out. There were among them Major 
Hathorne and Captain Curwen, the Hon. W. Browne, 
who, coming over before 1638, lived half a century in 
Salem, and were regarded as " distinguished towns- 
men " when they died. There was much wealth 
accumulating already and life began to go on with 
considerable stateliness and dignity. Even those who 
did not for themselves expect to arrive at any station 
of especial honor still easily lent themselves to the 
general mode of life and assisted in creating a public 
sentiment favorable to the production of men of grave 
manners, weighty ideas and comprehensive plans of 
public and private advancement. With this outward 
gravity, and not altogether consistent with it, there 
were many grotesque and extravagant notions con- 
cerning both nature and the supernatural. At a time 
when men knew so little of the world and its natural 
products as to expect to find lions in the American 
wilderness, and when the loadstone was supposed to 
have some magical power of indicating the place of 
the precious metals, when devils and demons, both in 
their own form and as possessing human beings, were 
supposed to be as common as bats and owls, at any 
time events might happen which would break the 
outward calm and throw the community into a fever 
of curiosity or of apprehension. 

At the end of the seventeenth century the town 
was, in many ways, in an unnatural condition. There 
had been numerous alarms and the real dangers were 
many. At any time enemies at home might trouble 
them, and against an irruption of foreign enemies 
there was no protection which was trustworthy. The 
more wealthy the community became the greater the 
danger that the ships of an enemy might sail into the 
ill-defended harbor and lay waste the town. Many 
losses had been incurred and the people were sore 
with apprehension, restless and ready for a panic of 
any sort. The occasion came, and Salem won an 
unpleasant and ill-deserved fame as the scene of the 
" Witchcraft Delusion." The sad tale will be hon- 
estly told in the narrative to follow. It is only 
necessary to say here that in our time men forget the 
multitudes who have been burned in Europe as 
witches and remember the score who went to an 
unhappy death on the scaffold in Salem, as if there 
were something peculiar in Salem witchcraft to dis- 
tinguish it from the common experience in such 



matters of the rest of the civilizred world. When the 
Zuni Indians came to Salem, a few years since, one ot 
them, speaking in Plummer Hall, told the people that 
he heard that they put their witches to death. He 
told them that they did right; the Zunis did the 
same. It was the only way to deal with them. The 
Indian had a face like Dante's, and his opinions were 
only the same as were held by all the civilized world 
down to the time when in Salem the long delusion of 
the ages finally gave way to the humaneness of 
modern feeling. In Northern Europe, as Topelius 
testifies, witches were slain by the hundred. This 
eruption in Salem was the last infamous outbreak of 
Puritan fanaticism, and it cleared the air for all the 
generations since. 

To do anything like justice to the people of those 
days we must remember that they were at the same 
time more happy and, in many ways, more cheerful 
than we are apt to think, and that they also were 
more hard and insensible to certain forms of human 
suffering than we are, and that, moreover, great sensi- 
bility could be a trait of the character in which were 
qualities which, to us, seem quite incompatible with 
it. We must also remember that many things which 
to us seem like acts of their free will did not seem so 
to them. To be obliged to whip an Anabaptist or a 
Quaker seemed to many a tender-hearted Puritan as 
necessary and as grievous as to us seem the unavoid- 
able sufferings which come by " act of God." That a 
certain brutality was cultivated by such theories is 
certain. The best argument against the whipping- 
post is that whatever the crimes of the culprit who 
suffers at one end of the whip, there will always be a 
brute at the other end of it — probably the worse brute 
of the two. When Hugh Peter died in England for 
his political offenses we have a picture of the times 
which it is now difficult to contemplate without a 
shudder. As he waited for his turn at the gallows he 
was compelled to see his friend Cooke cut down and 
quartered. "How like you this?" asked the execu- 
tioner, rubbing his bloody hands. When such things 
were going on it is hard for us to remember that the 
sun shone as brightly then as now over the lovely 
shores and bays of Salem ; that in summer the east 
wind was fresh and cool as it swept over the sparkling 
water, where the fisher boats floated and the fisher 
boys sang their ancient ballads or shouted to each 
other in careless jollity; that there was a merry sound 
from the herdsmen's horns as the kine came in fresh 
from the pastures in June, and that for anyone life 
was easy and careless and happy. But it was so, and 
many a legend, tradition and reminiscence of those 
early days show that sailors danced and were jolly, 
that rustics were as light-hearted at times, and even 
more content and satisfied than now. Society went 
on, as society must, with love-making and marriage, 
the love of children and the association of friends; 
and what men could not prevent, or thought they 



SALEM. 



could not, that they contrived to shut out and forget. 
In the days of the witchcraft excitement, however, 
there was no possibility of shutting out or forgetting 
the grizzly horror which might look in at any window 
and claim any victim. Whether one believed in all 
the possibilities of demoniacal i)ossession or only 
feared the passion of enemies and the mania of the 
populace, the danger and the fear were inevitable and 
oppressive. 

But those unhap]iy days passed. The common 
sense and good feeling of the community reasserted 
themselves, and the humaneness which had never 
been able to justify itself assumed an authority it had 
never had before. The modern period may be said to 
begin with the eighteenth century, although many a 
lapse and " many a backward streaming curve " show 
that progress then, as now, was not a regular progres- 
sion from evil to good or from good to better things 
in public and private life. 

The eighteenth century opened with renewed pros- 
perity. Commerce was establishing itself, and with 
many and wide relations with the foreign world, Sa- 
lem was becoming what it has always been since that 
time — remarkable for the number of its inhabitants 
who were cosmopolitan in their tastes and habits. 
The influence of a few men fostered a habit which, in 
time, produced a very peculiar and remarkable race 
of sailors and traders. Abandoning the ponderous 
methods of the older merchants, who built huge ships 
and founded permanent colonies, or occupied posts 
in foreign lands and carried on operations involving 
great expense and requiring to be protected by costly 
convoys and garrisons, the fishermen and traders of 
Salem learned to skirmish all abing the border-lines 
of the civilized world, and prepared themselves for 
the brilliant exploits of later years. But it took a 
hundred years to train the whole population and 
compact it so that when the time came, whether for 
privateering or commerce, every varied need could be 
quickly, naturally and cheaply provided for at home. 
For these purposes there were needed on the spot 
men of universal knowledge of the known world, able 
also to make a shrewd guess as to what lay out of 
sight in the undiscovered parts of the world. They 
needed trusty agents as intelligent, if not as far-see- 
ing, as themselves — men who could obey orders of a 
comprehensive character, with wit enough to modify 
them when new conditions arose. With them must 
go sailors who were bold, trusty, enterprising and in- 
telligent, coming out of families whose interests were 
identical with those of the merchants and traders. 
About these there must be a homogeneous and inter- 
ested population ready and skillful in all the trades 
and handicrafts needed by the main business of the 
place. We shall see, by and by, how all these con- 
ditions were prepared and what a mark .Salem made 
on the business of the world. For the present we only 
note the fact that the process was beginning. The 



fishing-boats and coasters, the trading smacks and 
larger craft plying between the West Indies and Sa- 
lem, and the ships which were slowly extending the 
European commerce of the colony, were training such 
a hardy, brave and intelligent seafaring population as 
can now be found in no city or town of any size any- 
where in the world. 

From this time on religious matters are less en- 
grossing and less distracting. Education, business 
and politics claim an increasing share of their atten- 
tion, and a town is slowly built up of a homogeneous 
population, prosperous, well educated, capable of 
taking an intelligent interest in all the affairs of the 
town and the Commonwealth. But the colonies, 
provinces now under royal Governors who are inclined 
to haughty ways and the exercise of irresponsible au- 
thority, are still small, isolated and feeble. The set- 
tlements are still scattered. Communication is infre- 
quent. Horses are few, and, until the beginning of the 
seventeenth century, carriages were almost unknown, 
while turnpikes and stage-coaches were yet to be in- 
triiduced as the novel apjilianccs (if a new civilization. 
Roads everywhere were bad, bridges were few, and 
the obstruction to public travel, except by a very 
few main highways, was so great that each separate 
community was nearly reduced to dependence upon 
its own resources, excepting such supplies as might 
come by water, the great common highway of com- 
merce. The water-ways were still used for most kinds 
of transportation, even among neighbors in Salem. 
For, as the town grew along the water's edge, with the 
frontdoors of the houses opening towards the harbor 
or the various rivers, while the lanes, out-houses 
and swine pens were behind, where the principal 
streets now are, it was more easy to convey all bulky 
articles a long distance by water than to carry them 
but a little way on land. The settlements sjiread 
along the bays and rivers, and even little creeks 
were useful to the farmer who sought a market for 
his surplus produce in exchange for needed supplies. 
With all their increased wealth and comfort, we must 
still think of them as a "feeble folk," scattered and i'evi, 
too few to live up to the independent ideas they have 
now been nourishing for a century. Money was 
scarce, even when comfort abounded, and stores 
could be provided at any time in a given place only 
by transporting them in kind. Virginia could not 
give a thousand bushels of wheat to Boston by send- 
ing a bill of exchange, as we might do to-day if a fam- 
ine occurred in Asia Minor, but must laboriously col- 
lect the grain from her own scattered wheat-fields 
and transport it from Virginia to Boston. 

With the fall of the colonial government and the 
coming of the royal Governors, new problems of the 
must perplexing kinds mllcd in upon them. From 
the beginning of the century the American Revolu- 
tion was preparing itself It took seventy-five years 
to breed the ideas, train the men and make it possi- 



10 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sible to provide the supplies which were at last to 
come to their highest uses'and expression in the repub- 
lic. During these years attention was more and more 
called to what were to become national problems- 
Provincial governors, however bad, served an excel- 
lent purpose when they turned the attention of the 
colonists away from the idiosyncrasies of religionists 
(good and bad alike), and concentrated the energies 
of the people in defense of their common rights and 
privileges. From the time that Sir Edmund Andros 
said to Mr. Higginson, in Salem, "Either you are 
subjects or you are rebels" it was certain that rebel- 
lion would come. It was already prepared for in the 
mind of every Salem householder who believed that 
his tenure was independent of the King. Even then 
it was claimed by Mr. Higginson that the lands of 
New England belonged not to the King, but to the 
people who occupied and paid for them. There miglit 
be doubt as to who were the rightful proprietors of 
the town lots and " common lands '' of Salem, but 
there was no doubt that the King was not one of them. 
In the "great pastures" even the "swineherds" 
would have resisted his claim to the feeding of a pig 
so long as he was not a " householder" in Salem. 

The reaction from the intolerance and over-religi- 
ousness of the preceding century was largely brought 
about by the enfoixed practice of the toleration which 
they had feared and abhorred. Being obliged to live 
in peace with Anabaptists, Episcopalians and Qua- 
kers, they learned, if not to like them, at least to do 
business with them, and at last to respect them as 
valuable members of the connnunity. Wearied with 
long strife which had proved to be so profitless, the 
peace which followed the establishment of public 
worship after the manner of the Friends and the 
" Churchmen " must have been a grateful surprise 
even to those who had predicted dire evils to follow 
the toleration of Episcopacy or heresy. The minds 
of men were now somewhat released from the contem- 
plation of insoluble theological problems, and the 
fears which had hung over the colony for a hundred 
years began to drift away or to dissolve before the 
splendor of the rising sun. Religion began to be re- 
garded as the beneficent guide of life to be privately 
followed and not publicly enjoined upon others. 

Many now living remember Dr. Holyoke, whose 
one hundredth birth-day was celebrated by a dinner 
at the Essex Coffee-House, in 1828, which he attended 
and at which he spoke. He was graduated at Har- 
vard College in 174(1, and therefore knew all of the 
men and women of the last half of the eighteenth 
century in Salem, and those older men and women 
also whose memories went back to the lifetime of the 
condiiores themselves. To men now living he may 
have told the stories related to him by men who heard 
them from the lips of John Endicott. His own mem- 
ory must have held some wonderful reminiscences of 
the hundred years in which the feeble provinces were 



growing to be a great nation, able twice within his 
knowledge successfully to meet the mother-country in 
arms, and on sea and land to prove herself invincible 
to any foreign foe. As a boy, in 1736, he may have 
ridden over from Marblehead on a pillion behind his 
father, or have sailed around Naugus Head in a fish- 
ing boat to see the funeral procession of Philip Eng- 
lish, and have listened that day to the tales of the 
grandams and goodies who remembered when he and 
his wife were arrested as witches. Perhaps he heard 
some of them slyly remind each other of having had 
a hand in the sport when the mob stripped and i)lun- 
dered his house. Some of them were in that proces- 
sion which marched out to the edge of the wilderness 
at Gallows Hill, or stood near enough to hear the dy- 
ing groans of Giles Corey. The older men that day 
would be sure to recall that other funeral when John 
Endicott was followed to his grave, in 1GG5, by his 
old companions, " the founders of the Colony." 
There would be several there who remembered seeing 
Robert Wilson's wife tied to the tail of a cart, and 
whipped from " Mr. Gedney's house to her own door 
in '61.'' As Dr. Holyoke iu later years recalled these 
things, and contrasted the hardships and perils of his 
own century and theirs, he must have remarked the 
fact that the hard and perilous experiences of his 
time were memories to be proud of and to rejoice 
over as their anniversaries came, while the most ex- 
citing and perilous experiences of the preceding cen- 
tury left shameful memories and bitter regrets. Be- 
ing born in Marblehead in 1728, Dr. Holyoke could 
not remember that in that year Gov. Burnet, finding 
it impossible in Boston to obtain an appropriation 
from the General Court for his salary, called a session 
in Salem, where he found the members still intracta- 
ble and unwilling to provide supplies for a " royal 
Governor." He would (piite naturally have been one 
of that crowd of six thousand people who assembled 
on Salem Common to he:irGe(^rge Wliitefield preach, 
and he certainly heard much of the heated contro- 
versy which began at that time and continued until 
the Congregational Church of New England was di- 
vided, three-quarters of a century later. Those who 
sympathized with George Whitefield and Jonathan 
Edwards at the time of the " great revival " then 
formed one party ; those who disapproved of their 
methods and doctrines formed another, and the lineal 
descendants or natural inheritors of the ideas and 
moral sympathies of these two parties are to-day in 
Salem, respectively called Orthodox and Unitarian 
Congregationalists. George Whitefield, loved, ad- 
mired and praised by one party, was by the other dis- 
trusted and condemned. But to all he was an object 
of exceeding interest and curiosity. Holyoke felt 
the earthquake shock in '55, the year that Lisbon 
went down. He saw Timothy Pickering as a boy in 
the streets and saw the children growing up who were 
to march with him to Winter Hill, when the British 



SALEM. 



11 



were retreating from Lexington, and get for a hard 
day's march, with none of the fighting which they 
went for, only curses hecause they did not get there 
sooner and capture tlie wliole force. He must have 
stood at the North Bridge when Colonel Leslie march- 
ed that way iind was met by the " proprietors of the 
North Fields," who a.ssured him that the way beyond 
the bridge was not the "King's Highway," which he 
claimed it to be, but a private way where passing was 
" dangerous " for those who were forbidden by the 
lawful owners. He was a man in middle life when 
the great events of the Revolution were coming to 
pass. He might have seen Lafayette in Salem in 
1784, and Washington in 1789, and may have owned 
one of the numerous beds occupied on that memora- 
ble occasion by the " Father of his country." No 
doubt he stood on the wharf when the "Grand Turk " 
sailed on her famous voyage to India and China, and 
went down to see her when she came in, the first 
to bring a cargo direct from Canton to New Eng- 
land. Some writers describe tho.se days as provincial, 
dull and uninteresting to any but traders and sailors. 
But the man must have been curiously made who 
could stand in the distinguished company certain to 
assemble at such a time and see the treasures of the 
oriental world begin to pour into that little old 
Puritan town and not have sensations which would 
stir his blood and cause his nerves to tingle as scarce- 
ly anything would but war. These men, whose ances- 
tors would not willingly associate with Anabaptists, 
Episcopalians or Quakers, were now ready to trade 
with Catholics, Buddhists, Mohammedans, Parsees, 
and idolaters of every hue and creed. Trading with 
them, they learned to respect them, and sometimes 
they even formed life-long friendships with men of the 
most diverse religious opinions. During his own life- 
time Dr. Holyoke had seen revolutionary changes of 
many kinds. He saw jthe little provinces become 
a powerful nation. He saw religion cast off its 
gloom and severity, while in social life austerity 
gave place to animation and a joyous activity. He 
saw also in their cradles, or playing in the streets, the 
boys who were to bring literary renown to the old 
town when her commercial laurels faded. Perhaps 
the boys are now growing up who, by the fame of 
their scientific achievements, will take up the succes- 
sion and make Salem as illustrious in science as she 
is now for the fame of her children, — Prescott and 
Hawthorne. 

Of the last cetitury Timothy Pickering was perhaps 
the most distinguished man born or living in Salem 
after 1750. He was conspicuous for the force and 
dignity of his character, for his many attainments 
and for his notable public services. Born in 1745, and 
dying in 1828, a descendant of one of the "founders," 
graduated at Harvard College, in his later years an 
oflScer of the First Church, a Unitarian before Chan- 
ning had begun to preach, his life was almost an e])it- 



ome of Puritan history in all its phases. From the 
time, in 1774, when the Colonial Legislature assem- 
bled in Salem and took measures to call a General 
Provincial Congress in Pliila(lel|)hia, Pickering was 
at the centre of events. A mere catalogue of the 
offices he held in that-half century will suggest the 
many services he rendered and his eminent fitness for 
public life. He was adjutant-general and quarter- 
master of Washington's army; delegate to the Con- 
stitutional Convention at Philadelphia ; Postmaster- 
General, Secretary of War and Secretary of State un- 
der Washington and Adams; United States Senator; 
Representative in Congress ; and president of the 
Essex Agricultural Society. But, eminent as he was, 
he was but one in a group of professional and busi- 
ness men of rare ability and great attainments. Many 
of the educated people of that time, as in the next 
generation, were familiar, not only with public 
affairs in their own country, but also were at home in 
foreign lands, and had much of the culture which is 
gained by travel after the usual course of education 
is finished. They were not provincial in any narrow 
sense. Those merchants who had no academic train- 
ing acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the world, 
which gave them great infiuence as advisers, and a 
large number of them were eminent outside of their 
counting-rooms. Such names as those of Benjamin 
Goodhue, Nathaniel Silsbee, the two brothers Jacob 
and Benjamin Crowninshield, Benjamin Pick- 
man and William Gray suggest to those who are fa- 
miliar with the history of the country the great ser- 
vices rendered by merchants in the early days of the 
republic. Goodhue and Silsbee were United States 
Senators. One of the Crowninshields was Secretary 
of the Navy, and one declined the same position some 
years before. Mr. Pickman was Representative in 
Congress after holding many posts of honor in Massa- 
chusetts, as did the other merchants named. Nathan 
Reed was well known, not only as member of Con- 
gress, but as jurist and inventor. He made a steam- 
boat with paddle-wheels as early as 1789. B. Lynde 
Oliver was a learned and famous physician of that 
time, being well versed in such knowledge as was 
then current in scientific circles, and an authority in 
optics. Nathaniel Bowditch everybody has heard of 
who ever smelled salt-water. He was famous both 
on sea and shore. His fame was so extensive and 
stable that even his contemporaries who used his 
"Navigator" and worked out their i)roblems by use of 
his tables, often thought of him as being as ancient 
and famous as^Sir Isaac Newton. After his marine 
experience was over he lived as a quiet business man 
in Salem, not especially conspicuous in a place and 
at a time when first-rate attainments and achieve- 
ments were expected of many men in many modes 
of action. 

As merchants at that time, no men were more con- 
spicuous in Salem, or elsesvhere, tlian Klias Haskett 



12 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Derby, Joseph Peabody and William Gray. The 
story of the commercial fortunes of the town will be 
told elsewhere. They were at their brightest in the 
period between the two wars with England and were 
the direct result and continuation of one of the most 
interesting and exciting episodes in the varied histo- 
ry of Salem. America had no navy when the Revo- 
lutionary War began. Exposed along all her line of 
coast to a descent of the enemy, but one defense was 
possible. Instant submission must have followed had 
not the whole merchant service of every kind offered 
itself with ships and men trained to enterprise and 
eager for adventure. It was to Salem, Beverly and 
Marblehead that Washington looked at once for an 
armed fleet, without awaiting the slow action of a 
loosely organized Congress or taxing the inadequate 
resources of scattered and half-appointed ship-yards, 
and these old sea-poris did not fail him in his neces- 
sity. They furnished, ready-made, the first navy 
of the war. Shipbuilding of every kind was 
pushed with all speed. Vessels of all kinds, large 
and small, were commissioned to sweep the seas and 
make lawful prize of war whatever could be captured 
belonging to the enemy. Salem entered into this 
form of war with great enthusiasm. It suited the 
adventurous spirit of her boys. Jonathan Ilaraden 
was a sea-dog of the approved pattern. Bold, perse- 
vering and indomitable, he made himself a terror to 
the enemy, and, with others of like temper and 
spirit, soon made Salem a magazine of supplies of 
every kind, taken from the merchantmen of Great 
Britain. At one time a famine was averted by the 
timely arrival of a prize laden with flour and dry 
goods. More than one hundred and fifty privateers 
sailed from this port during the Revolution. The 
extraordinary activity of the marine forces of the 
town left few to take part in the war on land, although 
when Colonel Pickering marched after a drum 
through the aisles of the First Church, calling for 
volunteers, the full quota of the town fell in behind 
him and followed him into the street. Privateering 
had all the charm of piracy without its crime and 
outlawry. It furnished adventure to match the de- 
sires of the most inflamed youthful imagination. The 
town was full of well-educated young fellows who 
were eager for excitement. The people were of a 
homogeneous breed, mostly the descendants of the 
English yeomanry. Every one knew his neighbor, 
and each one had a reputation to make or to main- 
tain. Every sailor boy expected some day to be ad- 
miral of a fleet or master of a vessel at least. All 
were intelligent, and sailed with a purpose. The re- 
sult was the training of a merchant marine of unex- 
ampled intelligence, enterprise and experience. When 
the war was over it was easy to see that the little town 
of five or six thousand inhabitants was swarming 
with sailors and privateersmen, rough, boisterous, im- 
patient of the plodding ways of business, spoiled for 



anything but a life of adventure. With the harbor 
crowded with swift-sailing vessels and the streets 
filled with idle sailors, with ship-owners not averse to 
the life of enterprise and adventure made familiar by 
war, all the conditions were prepared for the sudden 
enlargement of the mercantile resources of the town 
which followed. Many volumes would be required 
to hold the record of the times, the adventures in 
foreign lands, the hunt for new markets, the unex- 
pected discovery of obscure corners of the world, 
where salable products of the earth, rare in Europe 
and America, were common, and to the natives of lit- 
tle value, the conflicts with natives often murderous 
in disposition and cannibals to boot, the rivalries of 
fellow merchants, and the dangers from foreign na- 
tions, both on sea and shore. These, often told in 
part, familiar to many, have as yet never been pre- 
sented to the public in the fuUnes's which the great 
interest of the subject would justify. 

In this place it is possible only to call attention to 
the features of society at that time which are often 
overlooked, the dash and excitement of the common 
life and the brilliant cosmopolitanism of the rich, en- 
terprising and educated men who conducted these en- 
terprises. The sudden quiet which fell upon the 
town when the foreign commerce departed, the grave 
demeanor of the elders, who, their business being 
done, and their sons having gone to conduct other 
enterprises, quietly settled down to the enjoyment of 
wealth and leisure, have given the impression that it 
was always so in Salem. When those who are in mid- 
dle life now came upon the stage the play was over, 
the curtain was falling and the lights were going out. 
But when everything was fresh and all enterprises in 
full operation, when the store-houses were full, the 
wharves scenes of busy activity, and the young men 
of the town were coming and going on their travels 
and voyages, there was nothing dull or sluggish in 
the movements of society. Youth was predominant 
and hopefulness characteristic of the times. The un- 
exampled opportunities for young men drew them 
from all the neighborhood, and in those days the in- 
crease of population was largely of this class. An 
impression of gravity and severity is given by pic- 
tures of the men and women of that time, who, in 
dress and manner, seem ancient and stiff. At that 
time it was customary to mark distinction of age and 
standing by the fashion of the garments. Old men 
did not affect the sprightliness of youth either in gait 
or garment. In middle life one's coat was a little 
longer, his waistcoat a little more voluminous, his 
shoe buckles a little broader, and there was an air of 
repose and a suggestion of solidity which was regard- 
ed as not inappropriate to one who might be supposed 
to have done something and had passed the need of 
hurrying overmuch. It was a gravity not altogether 
without the compensations and quiet cheerl'ulness 
which come with well-filled pockets, and a heavy 



SALEM. 



13 



balance at the bank. The young men as they pros- 
pered were not averse to a little of the dignity which 
began to indicate that they were men of weight. All 
social distinctions were still marked by etiquette and 
<lrcss in a way now quite unknown. Until just be- 
fore the Revolution names of students were printed 
in the catalogue of Harvard College in the order of 
the social rank of their parents. Something is to be 
said for customs which mark off society into classes 
according to age and merit, and make it easier to 
grow old and more desirable to succeed in lawful en- 
terprises, because of the increased respect paid to the 
aged and the honorable. Old age in some ways began 
earlier than now. It is difficult for us to realize what 
an extension of the working capacity of the race has 
followed the great improvement of optical instru- 
ments since the beginning of this century. Timothy 
Pickering was near-sighted and wore glasses. A sol- 
dier has left on record the emotions with which he 
saw him ride along a line of camp-fires in the even- 
ing, his eyes blazing at intervals like balls of fire. 
He had never seen such a sight before. Many near- 
sighted people, having no glasses, were accounted 
queer, because they could not join with others in 
sports or many occupations, and the middle-aged, 
who were not rich enough or enterprising enough to 
provide themselves with the costly and ugly specta- 
cles then made, were early victims of old age and 
were laid on the shelf prematurely because they could 
not see. 

The intellectual excitements of the last part of the 
eighteenth century were many and strong. Inter- 
course with the whole world brought freight of many 
kinds besides that which paid duty at the custom- 
house. Puritanism had lost its hold upon the lead- 
ing classes and English Unitarianism waa coming in 
to make Salem a " peculiar place." But this, though 
influential, was as yet a silent force, working persua- 
sively, but not noisily. French Democracy, working 
in some ways to the same end, was a disturbing force 
of which more account was taken. France had been 
the friend of America in her well-nigh hopeless strug- 
gle. Lafayette was loved there next to Washington, 
and it was natural that French ideas should be popu- 
lar. But in the admixture of French ideas with Pur- 
itanism it is easy to see there were difficulties not 
easily overcome. " Infidelity " was a word of ominous 
meaning, and the atrocities of the French Revolution 
made it hard to keep one's balance when attempting 
to take from the French philosophers the good there 
undoubtedly was in their theories, and to avoid the 
evil which was only too apparent. Dr. Bentley was 
a Democrat and a sturdy fighter. He did not hesi- 
tate to avow his liberal opinions as to church and 
state and to take the consequences, and the conse- 
quences were sometimes unpleasant. He stood almost 
alone because of his opinions, a Roger Williams of 
later date, not doomed to banishment because the 



times had changed. Even so early as 1787 he was a 
leader in the ways which were by many accounted 
destructive. The story of the theological contests of 
the time belong in the ecclesiastical history of Salem, 
and will be told in its proper place. But the struggle 
was not wholly, perhaps not at this time mainly, the- 
ological. The questions in dispute were by all par- 
ties supposed to relate to the very foundations of 
social institutions and civil government. The new 
world of modern life was in jirocess of discovery. New 
ideas were pouring into minds both trained and un- 
trained in a tumultuous profusion which was bewil- 
deriug. Everybody knew that the old familiar forms 
into which society had been shaped by Puritanism 
were shifting and changing. To some the changes 
were welcome; to some they were alarming. Few- 
were indifferent to them, and no one knew what would 
come next, nor exactly what was desirable. The de- 
scendants of the Puritans, then as now, were conser- 
vative in action and slow to change the outward habit 
of their lives. The intellectual tumult, however, was 
none the less because veiled by the decent garb and 
weighty manners of the " respectable citizen." The 
peculiarities of Salem life cannot be understood by 
those who do not take into account the stress and 
tension of the minds of the men and women of tho-e 
days, and the great activity of intellectual faculties 
exercised on numerous questions which had no rela- 
tion to business and no concern with the traditional 
religious beliefs. It is not possible to account for the 
outburst of literary expression in the generation fol- 
lowing this on the supposition that the best society of 
the last days of the eighteenth century was a " purse- 
proud " aristocracy, of which the most conspicuous 
members were those who, by patient and unscrupulous 
dealings in Xew England rum, negroes, tobacco and 
salt codfish, had amassed wealth and were enjoying it 
in an atmosphere of dignified and exclusive dullness. 
The evil and the stupid elements of a commercial 
town were there, and no doubt in their full propor- 
tion. But there was that other something, the intel- 
lectual unrest and voiceless activity which came to 
expression a little later in sons and daughters trained 
to think, accustomed from childhood to familiar 
intercourse with the masters of thought and literature, 
and able themselves to contribute to the world's slowly 
accumulating treasure of immortal books. The liter- 
ature of a generation springs out of nothing but a 
previous generation prepared to nourish thoughtful 
sons and daughters. In the generation to come upon 
the stage as the great merchants pass away we shall 
see how the brilliant literary history of Salem was 
prepared for in these busy and laborious days after 
the Revolution. There was, in general society, at 
that time great formality and exclusiveness, due in 
part to the perilous strength of thought, out of which 
may come new dispensations of peace, or, with unfavi r- 
able conditions, contentions and disaster. Many of 



H 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the more " aristocratic " families had naaintained their 
loyalty to the royal government, and were perhaps all 
the more attached to their King because at a distance 
from their " old home " they idealized him. They 
had found Salem too hot for " tories," and at the be- 
ginning of the war had gone to England or the Brit- 
ish provinces. Among the " patriots " who remained 
the lines were strictly drawn between Federalists on 
the one side and Republicans on the other. The 
principles which were approved on either side were 
illustrated in many ways, and social life took its tone 
largely from the color of the political party to whiclr 
a family belonged. The one would give society some- 
thing of the stateliness of aristocratic society abroad, 
while the other would abandon all formal etiquette 
and return to the unconventional ways " of nature." 
To the P^ederalist, Thomas Jefferson riding unattended 
on horseback to take the oath of ofBce as President of 
the United States was simply demeaning him.self and 
degrading his office. To the Republicans he seemed 
to be setting an example of glorious republican sim- 
plicity. The two social ideals created social distinc- 
tions and produced rivalries which seem now incredi- 
ble and foolish. But we must remember that nothing 
is of small value when it illustrates a principle, and 
that by outward signs a community is educated to 
loyalty or dislike for a theory of social order upon 
which the safeiy or prosperity of all may depend- 
The men of these times were at the head of the 
streams <iut of which were flowing the main currents 
of the national life. They knew it and they felt their 
responsibility. 

At the beginning of the nineteenth century Salem 
was still a small town. The century was well on its 
way before fifteen thousand people gathered there. 
But it was the home of a vigorous race, — the product 
and flowering of the Puritan stock, enriched by cul- 
ture, made wise by many experiences of adversity 
and polished by travel and a wide experience with 
men of many creeds and customs. In a letter written 
at the time, Haskett Derby is described as "a fine, 
majestic-looking man." " He says little, yet does not 
appear absent ; has traveled much, and in his man- 
ners has an easy, unassuming politeness that is not 
the acquirement of a day." Such a description may 
be taken as almost typicil of the society of that time 
in its best aspects. There was no doubt pride, pre- 
tension and folly, such as always come and go with 
rapid changes of fortune. Tliere was no doubt a class 
whose arrogance was not justified by any service ren- 
dered to the public by themselves or their ancestors. 
Others were unworthy heirs of great names, and unfit 
custodians of family renown. There were the purse- 
proud who were ignorant, and the exclusive who, in 
order to be so, were obliged to forget their ancestry 
and exclude their kindred. But after making all the 
allowances which could be suggested by envy, by the 
ill-natured rivalry of other towns, or by jealous rivals 



at home, granting all that reason and the democratic 
sentiment of America claims for the rank and file of 
citizenship, still it remains true, and after making all 
deductions, fiiir and unfair, only the more conspicu- 
ously true, that in those days the little town of Salem 
was the home to a remarkable degree of intellect, cul- 
ture and high-bred character ; that it was not merely 
the dwelling-place of traders and speculators, but was 
an exceptional centre of attraction for a large number 
of men of comprehensive ideas, broad culture and a 
certain largeness of life not common then or now. In 
the chapters which follow on commerce and on litera- 
ture the story of the achievements of the men of Salem 
will show in what ways the energy which had been 
stored up and the knowledge which had been accum- 
ulating were put to use both in enriching the world 
and making it wiser, — two processes not always carried 
on together. Aside from this history of activity on 
the sea and the gathering up of literary power there 
is little to tell of these times before the War of 1812. 
What there is to be noted shows that a settled pros- 
perity has begun. The common is laid out, two banks 
are incorporated, the turnpike was opened, making 
rapid travel possible, two new banks were incorpo- 
rated, two military companies held their first parade, 
a ship came in from a voyage round the world and 
another made the first voyage for trade at the Fiji 
Islands, Nathaniel Hawthorne was born, the Athe- 
nieum was incorporated, and Messrs. Judson, Newell, 
Nott, Hall and Rice were, in the Tabernacle Church, 
consecrated the first missionaries to India. This lat- 
ter event, to many the most notable of the century, 
was one of the remarkable modern illustrations of the 
earnestness of the Puritan spirit in matters of religion, 
and it was a direct result of the meeting of two phases 
of the Puritan character. The spirit of enterprise 
opened the heathen world to commerce and the pious 
zeal of the church which had maintained the Puri- 
tan creed sent the gospel to complete the work of civ- 
ilization. The two purposes which united at the 
founding of Salem made the third century of its lile 
illustrious with the double triumphs of commerce and 
religion. The record of the Christian missionaries 
of New England shines with all the traits of heroism. 
In all the years which have followed since the sailing 
of the first missionaries in the brig "Caravan "in 1812, 
the Orthodox people of S.ilem have retained their in- 
terest in their work, and have been able with both 
money and advice to assist in generous measure. 

It would be a mistake to suppose that the large 
amount of liberal " leaven " in the ecclesiastical life 
of Salem was the result of any easy-going optimism 
on tlie part of the people, or that the changes which 
have passed over the Puritan spirit indicate any 
wholesale lapse of the people from the standards of 
their fathers. The change was the result of a battle 
fiercely but fairly fought, and it has left all parties in 
possession of an inheritancedirectly derived from their 



SALEM. 



15 



forefathers. The strife which followed the division of 
the Congregational body of Salein was probably the 
last one of its kind in Puritan history, and it would 
be an instructive exhibition if one could put the sym- 
bols of ecclesiastical discipline in chronological order, 
marking the two hundred years, with the gallows at 
one end and a "union Thanksgiving service " at the 
other. Tolerance in all matters of religion has become 
common-place in Salem. But all parties who date 
their ecclesiastical ancestry from the beginning are 
equally proud of their fathereand all claim, whatever 
their modern differences, to illustrate in important 
particulars the principles of the founders. Even the 
Episcopalians and the Quakers now live in peace 
with the descendants of those who persecuted them, 
and claim their share of the common inheritance, 
while not a few of the children of the persecutors 
have accepted the tenets of the men and women who 
suffered as disturbers of the peace and rebels against 
the ciiureh of God. Of no portion of her population 
is Salem more ])roud than of her " Friends." It is 
hard for her to forgive herself that in her borders 
they suffered violence. Their love of peace and their 
zeal for human liberty have conquered. Left to 
themselves, they have proved themselves to be not 
disturbers, but keepers of the peace, and as others 
adopt their rule of conduct their protest dies away 
and they are no longer to be distinguished from their 
friendly neighbors. 

The founding of the Andover Theological School 
and the oath imposed upon its pnjfessors, with its list 
of things to be opposed, are part of the ecclesiastical 
history of Salem, and show some of the influences at 
work in shaping her religious and social life. John 
Norris, of Salem, gave ten thousand dollars of the 
original endowment. The school was intended to 
ofiset the " latitudinarianism " of Harvard College. 
The heresies mentioned were those which in Salem 
were, or had been, regarded with more or less sym- 
jiathy and toleration. It is a list w hich could never 
liave been made in a western town. The professors 
were sworn to opposition, " not only to Atheists and 
infidels, but to Jews, Papists, Mohammedans, Ai'ians, 
Pelagians, Antinomians, Arminians, Socinians, Sabel- 
lians. Unitarians and Universalists." Now every one 
of these words stood for that which had been a be- 
lief heltl by men of Salem or their friends and busi- 
ness correspondents at some time in their troubled 
history. 

The war with England in 1812 was a disaster to 
Salem which her merchants dreaded and would have 
avoided. Their ships were abroad on all seas, and 
they protested against the peril and loss which they 
saw to be inevitable. But the war being declared, 
they turned their attention with characteristic vigor 
to the prosecution of it to a victorious conclusion. 
As in the Revolution, an efficient navy being wanted 
and not being available, an extemporaneous navy was 



speedily organized, and, as usual, the privateering 
fleet of Salem was greatly out of proportion to her 
small population. Ships and seamen were abundant, 
and the boys were natural sailors and sea-fighters. 
Of the enemy much spoil was taken and many prison- 
ers. But of the forty privateers, twenty-six fell into 
the hands of the Briti>h, and their crews lay in prison 
at Barbadoes and elsewhere. Dartmoor was filled 
with them, and until within a few years the survivors 
of captivity in that gloomy place recited the stories of 
their sufierings and release to admiring listeners. 

As commerce culminated and passed away, the in- 
tellectual vigor which had been evolved or educated by 
its enterprise and wide experience of the world began 
to manifest itself in other ways. The life of ])rofes- 
sional men in the town was attractive and their work 
lucrative, according to the modest standard of the 
time. Ministers, lawyers and doctors, of learning and 
ability abounded. Scholars were numerous and well 
equipi)ed. The men of native mental power, who had 
not been highly educated, sent their boys to Harvard 
College, and young men of wealth, education and the 
habit of foreign travel were in many families where 
culture was accounted at least as good as wealth. At 
that time all classes lived the year round in Salem. 
They might have outlying farms, and were in the 
habit of traveling much abroad, but the principal in- 
terests of the rich and educated families were at 
home. The influence of this concentration of in- 
terest, and the maintenance of a permanent domestic 
life in one place was favorable to the cultivation of 
the whole community. Men of exceptional gifts were 
not isolated from their townsmen. Those who were 
conspicuous for their wi-sdom were held in honor at 
home, and served the community like other citizens. 
For illustration every institution of the town might 
furnish an example, — Timothy Pickering was pres- 
ident of the Essex Agricultural Society ; Nathaniel 
Bowditch was president of the Essex Fire and Marine 
Insurance Company; Daniel A. White was president 
of the Athena'um and of the Essex Institute; Lever- 
ett Saltonstall held similar offices ; Colonel Francis 
Peabody founded the Lyceum ; and in the school 
committee for 1821 we find the names of Tim. Picker- 
ing, Joseph Story, Nat. Silsbee, Gid. Barstow, Lever- 
ett Saltonstall, John Pickering and others. In the 
list we have one who had been a cabinet officer under 
two Presidents, a member of Congress, an United 
States Senator, a justice of the Supreme Court, with 
others almost equally eminent, together with two 
physicians of fine attainments, and business men of 
prominence. Not one of the whole list is insignifi- 
cant. John Pickering made the first Greek lexicon 
with definitions in English, and not Latin, while 
among the teachers with whom the committee had to 
deal with then or a little later were such men as the 
author of "Worcester's Dictionary" and Henry K. 
Oliver. Rufus Choate was practicing law ; Nathaniel 



16 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hawthorne was just going to college at Brunswick ; 
the sculptor and poet, W. W. Story, was not quite old 
enough to enter school ; Jones Very, the poet, was a 
shy and modest lad of eight years ; Samuel Johnson, 
the eminent historian of the "Oriental Religions," 
was getting the first impressions of the East which 
were to turn his attention to its literature, and make 
him the first American scholar in that department of 
learning; and many boys were fitting themselves in 
the public, schools to become what they have been 
ever since — most important factors in the evolution of 
American society. Education was a "hobby" at 
this time, and money was at rapid rate being turned 
into brains and brain culture. Between 1815 and 
1832 seventy-nine Sali^m boys were graduated at Har- 
vard College alone. In 1828 seventeen boys entered 
Harvard College, and seven the same year went to 
other colleges. In those days young men, their 
travels being over, returned to live at home, and a 
proportion of the men to be met on Essex Street, 
unusually large for a town of its size, were college 
bred. The intense mental energy directed by the 
fathers into the channels of commerce could not be 
limited to them, and their sons, inheriting their 
ability with a wider range of experience and a greater 
knowledge of the world of books, became lawyers, 
judges, theologians, physicians, men of' science and 
men of letters, and exponents in all New England 
and the Northern States of the intellectual and 
"gentle" life." It was a period of wonderful intel- 
lectual stimulus and fertility. Within a radius of 
twenty miles from the custom-house, from which the 
" Scarlet Letter " was dated, the stock being homo- 
geneous and the conditions similar, there were pro- 
duced in the early part of the century in Boston, 
Cambridge, Salem and other towns. Story, the two 
Danas, Sparks, Everett, Ticknor, Prescott, Norton, 
Ripley, Emerson, Parker, Hawthorne, Rantoul, 
Holmes, Whittier, Motley, Lowell and many another 
of equal or lesser light, and they drew into their fel- 
lowship such men as Channing, Bancroft, Longfellow, 
Agassiz, Choate and Webster. The common family 
life out of which they came was, to a great extent, the 
common life of an ordinary social circle in Salem. 
Henry R. Cleveland, son of a ship-master, was one of 
the "five of clubs," and brought his companions, 
Sumner, Longfellow, Hillard and Felton, to enjoy 
the gay and witty society to be found about his home. 
Many a visitor from Cambridge and Boston sought 
the company of the accomplished men and beautiful 
women who constituted a genuine " society," and 
many of the daughters of Salem were taken away to 
grace the homes of other cities. 

Certain writers have much to say about the '' pro- 
vincialism " of Salem in the fir.'it half of this century. 
It is not necessary to deny any charge they may 
make, for no doubt it was provincial. But it was less 
so than any sea-port town of England at the same 



time, and was behind few English towns in the 
knowledge the people had of English literature of the 
better sort. Dr. Kirwan's philosophical library, made 
a prize of war in the Iri.sh Channel, became the basis 
of the present Athenfeum Library, a rare collection 
of good books both new and old. But it is safe to say 
that there was in that library no book so abstruse, so 
philosophical, or printed in language so uncommon 
as to be unfit for the use of numerous men and women 
in Salem. Rummage the closets of any old gambrel- 
roofed house to-day, and along with crackle-ware tea- 
pots and old silver porringers you will find some rare 
volume of "Seneca," the "Spectator," the "Dial," 
the common reading of Hawthorne and his playmates 
of seventy years ago or later. 

Salem became a city about the time when its most 
famous days were over. With the transference of its 
trade to the larger cities and more accessible markets 
its local prominence was greatly reduced. The build- 
ing of railroads and the multiplication of modern in- 
ventions reduced, instead of increasing, its relative 
importance. Great eflforts were made, and hopes 
were entertained, that the port of Salem might again 
become the centre of a great inland trade. Stephen 
C. Phillips lost his life in a burning steamer on the 
St. Lawrence River, while making an effort to open 
new provinces to the enterprise of Salem. His 
sons were prominent in the movement which resulted 
in the provision made by the city for an abundant 
supply of pure water. When the city charter was 
procured, most of the wealth wou by enterprise in all 
quarters of the globe was still held by citizens at 
home, or so invested as to swell the general resources 
of the city. But the inviting fields for enterprise 
opened in the Western States have caused the trans- 
ference of a large part of it to other places, and with 
it have gone many of those who have inherited it. 
Some of them are to be found in most of the large 
cities of the Eastern States and in Europe. The sons 
of Salem are officers of many western railways, and 
the money won in oriental trade now facilitates the 
transport of the grain which feeds the millions of 
Europe. 

The old Salem is gone. The men, the commerce, 
the Puritan spirit, the high-bred courtesy, the stately 
ways, the great men and women with strong local at- 
tachments,— these are gone. Nothing remains of the 
most stirring epoch in the life of the town but names, 
places, and a decreasing number of the families who 
trace their ancestry back of the nineteenth century, 
in Salem. 

A new Salem has taken the place of the old. A 
city stands where the old town won its renown, — a 
city with railroads, hor.se-cars, electric lights and cot- 
ton-mills, and a large foreign population. The man- 
sions built by merchants of English descent and train- 
ing are inhabited b_v operatives in the mills or labor- 
ers, who have no interest in the old ways or the 



SALEM. 



17 



former inhabitants. The Irish brogue and the 
French language are heard now where pure English 
was once the rule. The old wharves are rotting ; the 
ancient warehouses are silently falling to decay, and 
the beautiful shores of streams and harbors, which 
once delighted the eyes of their owners, are becoming 
an oflense to the poor who dwell along their borders. 
The custom-house, always too large for any reason- 
able expectations of prosperity, is much too vast for 
the diminishing commerce in dutiable goods. The 
old Salem is dead aud gone. Most of it does not even 
exist as a relic of a fast-fading antiquity. 

But a new Salem is rising. The points of activity 
and interest are no longer on her shores, which, for 
the present, are abandoned to chance and fate until, 
with renewed life and a more abundant leisure, meas- 
ures shall be taken to make them once more as 
beautiful and attractive as they were when " Lover's 
Lanes " and clean beaches were the resorts of the 
youth. The centres of life and business activity are 
DOW within the town, along that highway which, 
once a lane and then a street, took its curves from 
the line of the shores where the merchants lived and 
business was done. Two hundred years ago what is 
now Essex Street was a shady lane, where the goats 
and swine and cattle passed on their way to and from 
their pastures, and where, in the dewy freshness of a 
summer morning, the horns of the herdsmen sum- 
moned their flocks and herds, to be driven away to 
fields now inhabited by prosperous citizens. The 
shores are now deserted by commerce, and the shaded 
lanes of the old time are now the paved and lighted 
highways through which begins to move, with in- 
creasing energy, the business which is to repair and 
rebuild the fallen fortunes of the city. Home indus- 
tries, domestic commerce, manufactures, science, 
literature, music, art and education are now restoring 
the vanishing wealth, renewing the ancient renown, 
and making the city a centre of enterprises which are 
already enriching the national life. 

Since the nineteenth century began there have 
been three distinct periods in the progress of the city. 
First, there was the commercial and intellectual 
energy of the first thirty years. They were supposed 
to be without limit. But they were appropriated by 
the larger life of New England. Then came the 
slowly diminishing prosperity of the thirty years be- 
fore the War of the Rebellion, in which, in spite of 
costly endeavors to prevent it, the city lost its an- 
cient importance as a centre of business. The war 
ended the career of " Old Salem," and the new Salem 
began to be. The city lives no longer on its mem- 
ories alone, and is not distinguished solely for its an- 
tiquity. Business activity and scientific enterprise 
are rapidly preparing the conditions for a new career 
of progress, on new lines. The history of Old Salem 
is closed ; but in the new city, which is rising on its 
ancient foundations, its memories will be cherished, 
its annals will be preserved with care and enriched 
2 



with fresh discovery. The historic places where the 
good and evil passions of men were displayed in con- 
flict, and where great virtues made the contest illus- 
trious, will be visited, as the years pass, by an incrciis- 
ing number of pilgrims from all the newer parts of 
the country. The ideals of character which were the 
Puritan's finest contribution to the resources of mod- 
ern civilization, honored and revered on the spot 
which g.ave them birth, will be constant sources of 
virtue and intelligence. 

The people of Salem are proud of their ancestry and 
history, and a diligent band of local antiquarians is 
working out the story of the past, with results of more 
than local fame. But the city is entering upon a new 
career, and may become as notable for its achieve- 
ments in the years to come as it was justly famous in 
the past. 

The Athensum, the Essex Institute, the Pea- 
body Academy of Science and the societies and indi- 
viduals that are attending to music and art are yet to 
be heard from in a way not unworthy of Salem. The 
idea is being cultivated that wealth is not the sole 
foundation of good society, aud that the money made 
in the old times was not the princii^al gain. That 
money is now flowing in other channels, but it has, 
in flowing away from the place where it was accumu- 
lated, made it only the moi'e evident that it was one of 
the least of the treasures gained in the enterprising 
days of foreign commerce. Now attention is turned 
to the other things which are seen to be permanent 
and of staple value in good society. The new Salem 
will be rich, but its cultivation will be not incidental. 
It will be held to be of primary importance, and, with 
religion, good morals and wisdom, will enrich the 
national life far beyond any material contributions 
which it may make to the national prosperity. 



CHAPTER II. 

SALEU— {Continued). 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

BY KEV. EDMUND B. WILLSON. 



Thi.s history lays no cl.aim to completeness. It 
deals but slightly with the interior, the unorganized 
religious life of the first settlers of Salem, or of the 
later inhabitants of the place. It is little more than 
a liistorical sketch of the church-life of its people. 

Nor is it for the most part history now written for 
the first time. The main facts relating to nearly 
every church in the towu have been already collected 
and priuted — those of earlier date than the present 
century by the very competent hand of Rev. Mr. 
Bentley, minister of the East Church ; those falling 



18 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



within the present century by Charles S. Osgood and 
Henry M. Batchelder, in their historical sketch of 
Salem, published in 1879, whose contents vreie mani- 
festly verified with painstaking care so far as the 
authority for them could be had and the scope of 
that work permitted them to be included. 

The settlement of New England, it is to be borne 
in mind, was an enterprise in the interest of religion. 
"Civilized New England," says Palfrey, "is the child 
of English Puritanism." To know the child, there- 
fore, we should know something of its ancestry. Only 
briefest notices of the ante-migration period of Eng- 
lish Puritanism, however, can find rfiom here. 

When it is said that the colonizing of New Eng- 
land was in the interest of religion, it is not meant 
that secular interests had no voice in the councils 
that directed it. Hopes of advantageous trade and 
prospects of opening new fishing-grounds were not 
wanting. Philanthropic plans for converting and 
civilizing the Indians mingled with schemes for 
reaping solid gains from exchanging English goods 
for land, peltry, fish, whatever products might turn 
to account in a commerce between the Old World 
and the New. The sleepless love of adventure, thirst 
for roving and change, sure to be dreaming its fasci- 
nating dream of voyage and exploration in every tenth 
young Englishman's brain, of course played its part. 
The never failing, restless, religious adventurer — 
source of constant danger to the peace of the new 
settlement — would also be ready to embark in the 
first ship that sailed. It remains true that a religious 
purpose was predominant and controlling in the 
Puritan company that settled Salem. 

Up to the time of its leaving its English home for 
the West, the history of Puritanism is to be studied 
chiefly as the history of a national religious move- 
ment, of the rooting, spread and final prevailing of 
the ideas of the Reformation on English soil. It is 
our province to trace it more particularly after its 
landing in America, and more particularly still in the 
planting, growth and shaping of the institutions 
which it founded and fostered in this town. It lost 
nothing of its intensity of religious purpose when it 
left its native land. It became even a larger element 
in the life of the settlers of New England after their 
removal than it had been before, in that here they led 
a life of narrowed and simplified conditions. It had a 
more undivided supremacy. It had deeply colored 
and characterized their life and history before they 
came ; now it was the very life of their life. It im- 
bedded itself in their social and domestic customs, 
and took control of their political aims and plans. 

Lines of minor divergence naturally came to be 
drawn among the English reformers themselves, and 
that a good while before they sailed for these shores, 
as they found they were not agreed as to the ex- 
tent to which church reform should go, or what were 
the methods most hopeful for effecting it. Some 
counseled separation from the established church as 



the only way to realize a pure worship, with entire 
freedom of mind and conscience, seeing no other 
sure way to obtain relief from the despotism of the 
Church of Rome, whose spirit was still present and 
ruling, and whose methods still lingered in the 
Church of Episcopal England. Those who took this 
view were the Separatists, Brownists, Independents 
of their time, avowed advocates of democracy in 
church government, for which Robert Brown of 
Norwich was a strenuous contestant, and in which 
he led a considerable following. Others regarding 
the national church as a true church still, even in its 
degeneracy, and having an invincible antipathy to 
the least semblance of schism, firmly resisted the 
secession movement, and sought rather to purify the 
church of its formalism by the leaven of a more sin- 
cere and fervent piety. These were the Puritans. 

From the former class came the Plymouth colo- 
nists, — by the way of Holland, where they tarried a 
few years, and contemplated for a time making a 
permanent religious home under the tolerant laws, 
the Protestant leanings and the comparatively hos- 
pitable public sentiment of that country. 

The Puritans continued for a while their experi- 
ment of staying in the national church and there 
working out its reformation. They never formally 
abandoned it. But practically they did. They con- 
fessed to themselves after a time that they were not 
succeeding. Reluctantly they became more and 
more accustomed to turn their eyes to the sea and to 
think of the shores beyond. English trading com- 
panies were sending their ventures meanwhile to the 
wild and little-known bays and rivers of Virginia 
and their ships were ranging the whole long Eastern 
coast of the new continent. They might try their 
experiment there, they thought, under a less close 
and jealous scrutiny, and possibly pursue there, un- 
molested by savage neighbors, as they could not at 
home, unmolested by priests and prelates, the better 
religious life they craved. 

The reports that came from Plymouth were, to be 
sure, of hunger, cold, sickness, death and of return- 
ing malcontents, but also of an undaunted faith, a 
peaceful following of their own way in religion, and 
a fixed purpose to stay on the part of the conductors 
and earliest members of that community. A schis- 
matic the Puritan would never be, but a non-con- 
formist he could be. But at length non-conformity 
came to be no longer permitted in England. He 
looked now, then,oftener toward the sea, and thought 
more of a home and a church in the wilderness. 

John White, of the English Dorchester, " a famous 
Puritan divine," perhaps not thinking of a possible 
Puritan church at all, but only of a plantation com- 
bined with a fishing and trading-post, — John White, 
of whatever thinking, interested himself, at any rate, 
to induce some faithful men among the number of 
those who made voyages from his town for the pur- 
pose of fishing in these neighboring waters and bar- 



SALEM. 



19 



tering along these neighboring American coasts, and 
who were often for months together detained about 
these parts, to make a station at Cape Ann, " where 
the mariners might have a home when not at sea, 
where supplies might be provided for them by farm- 
ing and hunting, and where they might be brought 
under religious influences." 

In 1623 a plant was made, with this view, under 
Thomas Gardner as overseer. For some cause it 
failed. Two years later Mr. Eoger Conant, who had 
left the Plymouth colony from disaffection, and had 
come up the coast as far as Nantasket, being reported 
to the Dorchester associates as a "religious, sober 
and prudent gentleman," was invited by them to 
come to Cape Ann and to take charge of the planta- 
tion there. Though this confidence in the newly- 
installed director was not misplaced, the plantation 
still languished, and a year or two after, those en- 
gaged in it sold what remained of their vessels and 
supplies, disbanded, and, as a company, quit their 
joint proceedings. But a few, of better stuff" than the 
rest, and of more staying qualities of character, re- 
mained behind, and kept charge of the last importa- 
tion of cattle. Mr. White was not one to accept 
defeat. He kept up communication with Conant, who 
meantime had removed to Kahumkeike, as a preferable 
seat for the general purposes of colonization, and 
pleaded with him not to be discouraged nor to desist 
from the undertaking to which he had set his hand. 
If Conant and three others whom he named would 
engage to stay at Xaumkeag, he promised to obtain a 
patent for them and send them recruits, with provis- 
ions and goods suitable for trade with the Indians. 
The drooping spirits of the settlers were with some 
difficulty roused again, the faith of the English mer- 
chants was reinforced by the energetic representations 
of the Dorchester patron, so that they became willing 
to risk a portion of their wealth in another attempt. 
Not only Dorchester fishermen, but London mer- 
chants and gentlemen and others, were brought to 
put some capital at stake here. And it fell out that 
John Eudicott, "a man well known to divers persons 
of good note," "manifested much willingness" to 
accept the leadership of the new effort proposed, and 
came in the summer of 1628, at the head of a not 
large party, to take the management, which, after 
some objection from those already on the ground, 
was finally yielded to him, and the name of Salem, 
which has since come to honor, commemorates, it is 
said, the pacification of the dispute between the new- 
comers and the old, which for a while threatened to 
wreck the project. 

So Salem began in 1628. With its beginning began 
its worship. Probably under some tree, or if a shelter 
had been reared before the first Sabbath day came 
round, under its roof, it might be the roof of Conant's 
house, or of some original " planter's house " at first 
designed for common use. Their worshi]) followed the 
prayer-book of the English Church, in part, it is 



likely, but they easily loosened themselves from its 
ritual, and their worship became informal and spon- 
taneous — exposition, free prayer, mutual exhortations, 
— largely modifying the traditional forms of their 
Old World church-life, all parts recognizing the pecu- 
liarity of their situation as they supplicated for pa- 
tience, faith and constancy in the way of duty and 
self-sacrifice. 

Let us pause for a moment to observe this type of 
man who stands for the Salem founder. His portrait 
has often been drawn, but it differs pretty widely in 
the hands of diflferent delineators. The differences, 
however, will turn out to be mainly in the strength 
of the lines and the depth of the coloring. Under 
them all the same man is easily recognized. He is of 
firm make, and his figure, face and spirit always hold 
their place and are to be identified at a glance. It is 
thus that the author of the " History of New England 
during the Stuart Dynasty,"' has sketched his feat- 
ures. " The Puritan w.as a Scripturist — a Scripturist 
with all his heart, if, as yet with imperfect intelli- 
gence. . . . He cherished the scheme of looking 
to the word of God as his sole and universal directory. 

The Puritan searched the Bible, not only 
for principles and rules, but for mandates — and when 
he could find none of these, for analogies — to guide 
him in precise arrangements of public administration 
and in the minutest points of individual conduct. 

His objections to the government of the 
church by bishops were founded, not so much on any 
bad working of that polity, as on the defect of author- 
ity for it in the New Testament ; and he preferred his 
plain hierarchy of pastors, teachers, elders and dea- 
cons, not primarily because it tended more to edifica- 
tion, but because Paul had specified their offices by 
name. . . . The opposing party in the State was 
associated in his mind with the Philistine and Amor- 
ite foes of the ancient chosen people, and he read the 
doom of the King and his wanton courtiers in the 
Psalm which put the ' high praises of God ' in the 
mouth of God's people ' and a two-edged sword in 
their hand, to bind their King with chains and their 
nobles with fetters of iron.' . . . He would have 
witchcraft. Sabbath-breaking and filial disobedience 
weighed in the judicial scales of a Hebrew Sanhe- 
drim. His forms of speech were influenced by this 
fond reverence for the Bible. ... He named his 
children after the Christian graces, still oftener after 
the worthies of Palestine, or, with yet more singular- 
ity, after some significant clause of holy writ. 

"The Puritan was a strict moralist. He might be 
ridiculed for being over-scrupulous, but never re- 
proached for laxity. Most wisely, by precept, influ- 
ence and example — unwisely by too severe law, when 
he obtained the power — he endeavored to repress pre- 
vailing vice and organize a Christian people. Hia 
error was not that of interfering without reason, or 

■John Gorham Palfrey, vol. i. pp. 274-277. 



20 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



too soon. When he insisted on a hearing, villainous 
men and shameless women, whose abominations were 
a foul offense in the sight of God and of all who rev- 
erence God, were flaunting in the royal dressing-rooms. 
The foundations of public honor and prosperity were 
sapped. 

" In politics, the Puritan was the Liberal of his 
day. If he construed his duties to God in the spirit 
of a narrow interpretation, that punctilious sense of 
religious responsibility impelled him to limit the as- 
sumption of human government. In no stress, in no 
delirium of politics, could a Puritan have been brought 
to teach that, for either public or private conduct, 
there is some law of man above the law of God.'' 

The Puritan came to New England, as before stated, 
as a non-conformist, not as a separatist, with not less 
definite conceptions of whathe did not want in church 
forms and institutions than of what he did want. 
The ideal of the true church, which he had derived 
from the Scriptures, was of a brotherhood — a church 
of equals. The elder, the bishop, was but a minister. 
In him was no official superiority or authority, but 
such as he had been invested with by his brethren. 
To be rid altogether of the false claims and assump- 
tions of authority which the English, as well as the 
Romish hierarchy asserted, and sought to enforce, was 
what the Puritan saw clearly as his right ; it was one 
of the promised advantages dearest to his heart, lobe 
gained by his removal to some distant and obscure 
retreat, that there he would be less subject to jealous 
observation and easy interference, than under the 
immediate eye of the Lords Spiritual of England. 
Seeing his way so far, plainly, he set about modeling 
his church order accordingly, when he arrived in his 
new home. The church brotherhood was sufficient 
unto itself The local group of Christian people ac- 
quainted with one another, and assembling together, 
were competent to proceed with their worship in their 
own preferred way and to maintain their Christian 
fellowship on such grounds and conditions as seemed 
to them Scriptural and fitting, always under a common 
acknowledged responsibility to their consciences and 
their God. This was practically " separatism," or 
" independency," but as yet they did not call it by 
that name. 

This state of things was favorable to the growth of 
a free and natural church life, such as would develop 
spontaneously under the existing conditions. There 
was no preconceived form to which all intellectual 
conclusions, spiritual aspirations and prophetic vis- 
ions must mold their expression. Precedents sat 
loosely upon them. They asked themselves what they 
wanted, and what best satisfied their religious hunger 
and need, with the consciousness of a liberty of 
choice to which they had not been accustomed. So 
they felt their way along tentatively into the adoption 
of a church life such as suited their case as they found 
it then and there existing, regarding it at the same 
tinie s^s subject to modification as they should find it 



thereafter to require. If they made mistakes, they 
were free to repair them. They did make mistakes. 
They could not help it. They were made up in their 
individuality of the old traditions and the new long- 
ings. They put their free principles on trial, and 
when they ran against some rock of rare and excep- 
tional individualism like Roger Williams, or some ap- 
prehended social outcome of the largest liberality, 
like the familism or antinomianism, as they regarded 
it, of Ann Hutchinson, they felt a strain upon their 
before unquestioned postulates, and studied out the 
problem as they best could, to arrive sooner or later at 
some practical conclusion as to the next step neces- 
sary to be taken. They made their church polity, as 
has been happily said, as they went along. The churches 
of New England had this opportunity to grow up 
without an excess of swathing prescriptions, and 
profited by it as a child in an out-door life, and with 
not too much sheltering, dictation and repression of 
its activity, often derives strength from its freedom. 

This little Puritan colony was yet a child — in the 
principles and art of constructing society, framing 
government and learning how to live together in a 
self-controlling community, how to draw the line be- 
tween what might be safely conceded to individual 
choice and what must be enacted for the general 
good ; it was a child, it thought as a child, it under- 
stood as a child, in this new learning. In finding out 
how to use its newly-acquired liberty without abusing 
it, it could not leap to the highest wisdom at a bound. 
It must sometimes stumble and fall. If it rose again 
and went on to better things, taught by experience to 
avoid its earlier mistakes, its experiment was to be 
accounted a success. Man's idealism and his hard, 
practical wisdom for daily use in every-day life never 
walk together with even feet. The one hastens, the 
other lags ; the one sees forward, the other is half- 
blind, and only trusts in experience looking backward. 
Each corrects the other with much confidence that, 
both as to speed and direction, it is entitled to govern. 
It was as inevitable as it was human that the Puritan 
should sometimes push on with a daring that, to his 
old associates, seemed rashness, and sometimes mani- 
fest what posterity, with the teachings and experience 
of centuries behind it, to assure and reassure itsjudg- 
ment, loftily pronounces timidity and inexcusable in- 
consistency. A sufferer for his own dissent, how could 
he be so inconsistent as to turn and excommunicate, 
exile and crush out the dissenter from his own creed 
and church order ? It was simply because it fell to him 
to pass upon the questions that came to him for judg- 
ment two and a-half centuries ago, and not now. 
Where to draw the line between the liberty that is 
permissible and safe and the license that is reckless 
of consequences and destructive and must be checked 
— this is the question that is always up, with the in- 
dividual and with society, lasting on from age to age, 
but with applications new and difficult perpetually 
ar'sing in practice. It is as much our predicament as 



SALEM. 



21 



it was that of EnHicott and Winthrop, of Cotton and 
Higginson and Williams centuries back. Have we 
not to decide to-da_v «lietlier men who, for aught we 
know, are as honest and sincere as we are, shall be 
allowed openly and enthusiastically to teach any crowd 
it can gather, in the streets of any city, that the laws 
that they live under are oppressive, were enacted in 
the interest of the strong and rich and overbearing, 
and may be cast off, and the very foundations of so- 
ciety upturned and overthrown without scruple, 
whenever the power can be obtained for the purpose? 
Add to this, that a problem more delicate and diffi- 
cult still was before the Puritan mind, viz., how to 
steer clear of offense to the jealous and watchful home 
government, and at the same time preserve the liber- 
ties they had come here to enjoy, and were fully de- 
termined to maintain, and the hard conditions under 
which this Puritan child community was taking its 
tutelage may be the better appreciated, and a too free 
criticism of the inhabitants of New England in the 
first half of the seventeenth century will be likely to 
be postponed. 

Another condition in the circumstances under which 
the first settlers of New England organized their 
church system must not be overlooked, for it had a 
constant influence in giving a cast to the thought as 
well as a shape to the covenants, the discipline, the 
teachings and the whole institutional life of the peo- 
ple. This was the fact that the same community was 
regarded as both a church and a state. It was work- 
ing out a double problem. Half consciously and half 
unconsciously, its citizens were striving, in the dual 
capacity of citizens and Christian disciples, to realize 
at once, and in one, an ideal commonwealth and a 
true church. So, half consciously and half uncon- 
sciously, each of them, the church and the common- 
wealth, was tending to usurp at any time the func- 
tions of the other, and for a considerable period these 
New England communities were in the process of 
finding out whether or not the one could stand fir the 
other ; if not, how far the union was possible, and the 
identification could be made to hold. Though to the 
mind of the Puritan the problem inclined always to state 
itself in the form of the question, whether, in the last re- 
sult, the church, as representing more nearly the divine 
government, must not of right absorb to itself, as the 
higher and as sole heir of both, all inferior authorities, 
and take the ordering of human society in all its in- 
terests and relations under its own direction, and 
whether thus the ancient dream of a theocratic rule 
was not to come to realization in the earth, and that 
here, first, upon these American shores. The spell of 
this great hope was upon him alike when he set up 
tribunals for the trial and punishment of offenders 
against the peace of society, and when he fixed upon 
th'i true order of proceeding in church affairs. Qual- 
ifications for citizenship and for church membership 
constantly threatened with him to run into each other, 
get mixed and to become one and the same thing. 



And in the civil and the spiritual sphere alike he was 
free to enter on experiments which should test the 
practicability of his long-cherished theories. He 
made laws, and instituted courts, and prescribed mag- 
istracies, and called into being agencies of government, 
a step at a time, as exigencies arose and as new con- 
ditions pushed him to decisions, which he had been 
willing to leave till some necessity drove him to 
judgment and action. 

As a fact going to show in strong relief the predomi- 
nance of religious motive and purpose in the settle- 
ment of New England, the very leading part taken 
by the ministers in the administration of public 
affairs is to be noted. For a considerable period they 
were but little less conspicuous as counselors and 
founders in the establishment of civil government and 
in its conduct, than in constituting churches, settling 
what should be done in ecclesiastical matters and di- 
recting both worship and religious instruction. And 
these ministers of the earlier times of New England 
possessed high qualifications for the duties they were 
called to perform. Belonging to that class of persons 
whose original force of character and independence of 
thought and action had caused their exclusion from 
church dignities and chances of preferment in 
the Church of ilngland, they had had the best train- 
ing which the universities of Cambridge and Oxford 
afforded. " By the practice in the colony," it has 
been said, "the General Court, from time to time, 
propounded questions to the ministers or elders which 
they answered in writing. The proceeding was simi- 
lar to that under a provision of the Constitution re- 
quiring the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court to 
give to either branch of the Legislature, or the Gov- 
ernor and Council, upon request, opinions upon im- 
portant questions of law and upon solemn occasions. 
The opinions given by the ministers, which have been 
preserved, are very able, and will, in logic and sound 
reasoning, bear a not unfavorable comparison with 
opinions of justices given under the provision of our 
Constitution." ' 

Rev. Edward E. Hale, D.D., whose large informa- 
tion respecting early American history justly gives 
great weight to his statements, while discrediting the 
common notion that the early ministers of Massachu- 
setts exercised the controlling or leading influence in 
affairs of civil government which history and tradi- 
tion have ascribed to them, nevertheless says this of 
them: "There can be little doubt that John Cotton, 
minister of the First Church [in Boston], had very 
great authority here, while he lived, of a social or po- 
litical character. There can be no doubt, humanly 
speaking, but that Boston is Boston, because he came 
and lived here, be it observed, because Winthrop and 
Dudley wanted him to, and begged him to. 
Ami probably few affairs of importance were decided 



> Hon. William D. Northend : Address before Essex Bar Association, 

p. 7. (NJ 



22 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in which Cotton did not take part, and in which his 
advice was not respected." It is difficult to see upon 
what grounds Cotton is thus assigned a weight of in- 
fluence wholly exceptional, so that it could be said 
that " no trace of any such power appeared after- 
ward." If " there were countless instances," as Dr. 
Hale says there were, " when the ministers met with 
the court, advised with them and were consulted as any 
other intelligent gentlemen might be consulted," we 
read between these lines that many ministers were 
found to be " intelligent gentlemen," whom the court 
deemed it important to consult. Official respect 
purely, and authority as ecclesiastics it is not claimed 
that they received. Quite otherwise. In the first 
church organized in Massachusetts — that in Salem — 
those who had been ministers in the English Church 
were first " reduced to the ranks " among the Salem 
brethren, and then by those brethren raised or set apart 
to the position of ministers. " There were present, at 
the time, and on the spot," says Upham, "at least four 
persons who had borne the ministerial office in distin- 
guished positions, men of talent, learning and repu- 
tation, and eminent in worth as well as station." ' If 
they had great influence afterward, it was because by 
their solid intelligence and their consistent Christian 
carriage they entitled them.selves to a leading influ- 
ence. " The leaders led as they always will," says Dr. 
Hale,words emphatically applicable to men likeHiggin- 
8on, Williams and Peters, as well as to Cotton. "The 
clergy," says Palfrey, in a resume of the state of the 
Massachusetts colony in 1634, " now thirteen or four- 
teen in number, constituted in some sort a separate 
estate of special dignity. Though they were excluded 
from secular office, the relation of their functions to 
the spirit and aim of the community which had been 
founded, as well as their personal weight of ability 
and character, gave great authority to their advice. 
Nearly all were graduates of Oxford or Cambridge, 
and had held livings in the Established Church of 
England. Several had been eminent among their fel- 
lows for all professional endowments." 

The theology of the Salem colonists, as of the set- 
tlers of New England generally, was Calvinistic. 
The formularies emanating from the Westminster 
Assembly of divines embody it with virtual accuracy. 
It was held with no half indifference, no mental reserva- 
tions; not merely for substance of doctrine. Face to 
face, with a will to blink nothing of the terrible in- 
ferences involved, as before God, the sombre creed 
was confessed. And though, with Robinson, these con- 
fessors believed that more light would break forth 
from the word of God, they anticipated no such light 
as would soften the rigors of the divine government 
or lift the crushing doom of eternal pains from the 
non-elect — from the unbeliever and the impenitent 
who remained hardened to the hour of death. This 
was the Puritan's creed. His human feeling of com- 

> Address at rededication of the church, 1867, p. 12. 



passion and justice was too strong against it in many 
a genial hour, and in many a sympathetic tempera- 
ment, and he took refuge, as often as occasion required, 
from unbearable thoughts of the fate of the wretched 
lost, and unbearable thoughts of God, in the comfort- 
ing sentences of Scripture that reminded him that 
God would have mercy and not sacrifice. 

The first church in New England was that at Ply- 
mouth. It landed a completed church. The next, 
the first gathered upon the soil, was that at Salem. 
Its beginning possesses a curious interest and throws 
invaluable light upon the principles and aims that 
guided the founders of the earlier colonial churches. 
At every point in the proceedings it may be seen that 
it was a natural and gradual growth, rather than an 
artificial construction, built upon precedents. It ap- 
pears that seventeen days intervened between the first 
step taken in the business of organization and the 
final one. The 6th of August, 1629, has usually been 
assumed as the date of its institution. We should 
rather assign it to the 20th of July. On that day it 
exercised the highest functions of a corporate body, 
viz., held an election — voting in the choice of its most 
important officers, viz., those of pastor and teacher. 
True, it had no written constitution yet. Its cove- 
nant was not adopted till more than two weeks after- 
wards. So far as appears, it had not yet a list of en- 
rolled members. " Every fit member wrote, in a note, 
his name whom the Lord moved him to think was fit 
for a pastor, and so likewise, whom they would have 
for teacher." But nothing indicates how it was de- 
termined who were to be deemed " fit members." 
Perhaps it was by general assent of the assembly, any 
ballot being received if no objection was made. Per- 
haps each one was put upon his own conscience to 
decide for himself whether he ought to participate in 
the vote. At least the result was accepted without 
question or dispute. The day had been appointed as 
a " solemn day of humiliation for the choice of a pas- 
tor and teacher." It was a public assembly, meeting 
in response to this appointment which took action. 
" The former part of the day being spent in praise 
and teaching, the latter part was spent about the elec- 
tion." 

We are forbidden to suppose that this was a mere 
preliminary and informal selection, intended tobe rati- 
fied later, by the fact that the church then and there pro- 
ceeded to set apart the pastor and teacher-elect with 
solemn and formal ceremony of official investment. 
"So the most voice was for Mr. Skel ton to be pastor and 
Mr. Higginson to be teacher ; and they accepting the 
choice, Mr. Higginson, with three or four more of the 
gravest members of the church, laid their hands on 
Mr. Skelton, using prayers therewith. This being 
done, then there was imposition of hands on Mr. 
Higginson." Here are all the circumstances indica- 
tive of a completed installation of these two chief 
officers of the church ; and this was on the 20th of 
July. When the church or assembly proceeded to its 



SALEM. 



23 



next action, which was the choice of elders and dea- 
cons, it did leave ihnt business uncom)ileted, at that 
time, to be finished at a later day. Atter going so far 
as to designate the persons of its choice — perhaps by 
what we might call an informal ballot — it is quaintly 
added by Mr. Charles Gott, in his letter to Governor 
Bradford, that " they were only named, and laying on 
of hands deferred to see if it pleased God to send us 
more able men over." It is true that at the meeting 
which followed, August 6th, " appointed for another 
solemn day of humiliation for the full choice of elders 
and deacons, and ordaining them," not only were the 
elders and deacons chosen and set apart to their re- 
spective offices in a formal and solemn manner, but 
some ceremony of ordination took place also, in seem- 
ing repetition of that by which, on the 20th of July, 
the pastor and teacher had been ordained. In look- 
ing for the reasons for this we are left largely to con- 
jecture. AVhatever may have occurred in the consul- 
tations held by those interested between July 20th 
and August 6th, the election, which had taken place 
on the former day, must have been deemed valid, for 
it was left undisturbed, and no like form was gone 
through with again. But the church at Plymouth 
had been notified of the occasion, and representatives 
of that church had been invited and were expected 
to be present on August 6th. Their approval and 
assurance of fellowship were also expected to be given, 
and were valued, though especial care was taken that 
it should be understood beforehand that this proffered 
fellowship would be welcomed on the part of the 
Salem Church simply as an act of Christian courtesy 
and brotherly communion, and not as implying any 
ecclesiastical jurisdiction in one church over another. 
There had been correspondence previously between 
them of Plymouth and these of Salem in regard to 
the true principles and right method of church founda- 
tion and organization, in which there had appeared 
to be a general harmony of views and the utmost good 
feeling, though not entire concurrence in all points. 

On the 6th of August a covenant was to be present- 
ed for adoption, and a more definite recognition and 
enrollment of the members of the church was to be 
made by signing and accepting the covenant. In the 
absence of any definite testimony going to show the 
motive for the renewal of the act of ordination— the 
laying on of hands — upon the pastor and teacher- 
elect, we venture to think that it may have been part- 
ly that, upon review of the proceedings of July 20th, 
it was thought that the adoption and signing of the 
covenant would more properly have preceded the or- 
daining of the ministers; partly, perhaps, that the 
contemplated full constitution of the church designed 
to go into effect on the later day, together with the 
expected presence on that day of the Governor and 
others, messengers from the Plymouth Church, as 
guests of the Salem brethren, and appointed to bring 
greetings from the older sister church, made it seem 
to those who arranged the proceedings, fitting that 



the induction of the chosen ministers of the church 
into office should form a part of the observances of 
the time, as essential to their completeness. Gover- 
nor Bradford and his associates from Plymouth, "com- 
ing by sea and hindered by cross-winds," did not 
arrive till late in the day; but though not present 
at the beginning, " they came into the assembly after- 
wards, and gave them the right hand of fellowship, 
wishing all prosperity, and a blessed success unto 
such good beginnings." 

To assist us in determining — if that is possible — what 
was the form of the covenant adopted by the Salem 
Church in 1629, and to explain some of the contro- 
versies which have arisen over this nueation, it is nec- 
essary to present here certain facts in regard to the 
history of the records of this church. 

No records made contemporaneously, or nearly so, 
with the events and facts which they record are now 
in existence of an earlier period than 1660, the time 
when the ministry of John Higginson began. John 
Higginson was the son of Francis, who was chosen the 
first teacher in the Salem Church July 20, 1629, and 
who drew up the covenant adopted August 6th of the 
same year. There was a book of records purporting 
to cover the period from 1629 to 1660 in existence 
when John Higginson was ordained, or at least from 
1636 to 1660 ; when and how it began is obscure. It 
appears to have borne upon its pages some things 
which it seemed to the most considerate and exem- 
plary members of the church not well to hand down 
to posterity. A committee was appointed accordingly 
"to review the church book and to report such things 
to the church as they conceive worthy of considera- 
tion." In their report the committee say that : 
" They conceived the book itself and paper of it 
being old, not well bound, and in some places having 
been wet and torn, and not legible, is not like to last 
long to be of use to posterity ; therefore they thought 
it best if it were kept in a place of safety by the 
Elders — by that means it will be of use so Ion;/ as it will 
last. Only some few passages in it, which do reflect 
upon particular persons, or upon the whole church, 
without any church vote, and without the proof, they 
did mark in the book as thinking they should be 
struck out." At the same time, " some of the breth- 
ren propounded, which was readily consented to, that 
there might be liberty, to such as desired it, to see 
those passages mentioned in the former book for a 
month's time." This recommendation appears to 
have been satisfactory to the church, and to have 
been adopted and carried into effect. It accomplished 
all that was expected of it — perhajis more. Not only 
were the objectionable parts withdrawn from sight, 
but the book itself disappeared, and except some jior- 
tions of it which were transcribed into the new book 
of records, begun by John Higginson in 1660, its con- 
tents are unknown. It has been assumed that all that 
was important in it would be likely to be preserved, 
and to be contained in the record of the second Hig- 



24 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ginson. Very likely. We shall probably never know. 
Some will never cease to regret that they cannot know. 
If not important in any other sense, some will always 
think that even the expunged records are important 
to the completeness of history, and wish that it had 
been permitted them also to judge for themselves the 
wisdom of suppressing them. It would be interesting, 
no doubt, to see what picture the stormy time of Roger 
Williams' ministry left of itself on the old record- 
book. At least, as to the faithfulness and accuracy of 
the copy of those portions, purporting to be trans- 
cribed from the first book into the second, as far as 
they go, there should be no valid ground of doubt. 
But just here a new question, and an important one, 
precipitates itself upon us as tothis very point — name- 
ly, the accuracy of the copy. The old book, the first 
book of records, appears to have been begun no earlier 
than 1636, with the beginning of the ministry of Rev. 
Hugh Peters;^ consequently its record of events at 
the organization of the church, in ]629,was not strictly 
contemporaneous with the events. When we read there 
the covenant of 1629, as renewed in 1636, what confi- 
dence may we rightly have that the renewed covenant 
was the same that Francis Higginson wrote, and the 
church in Salem adopted August 6, 1629? Was it the 
same in substance only, or likewise in form? Over this 
question a spirited controversy has arisen within the 
last fifty years. 

John Higginson, minister of the church from 1660 
to 1708, and son of the framer of the covenant, him- 
self, as a youthof thirteen, having joined the church in 
1629, solemnly renewing this covenant with the church 
in 1660, records it as having been already "renewed" 
by the church in 1636, and he is our authority for say- 
ing that it is the covenant adopted in 1629, as he in- 
dorses it as such, the record in the margin running 
thus: "6 of 6th month, 1629, this covenant was public- 
ly Signed and Declared, as may appear from page 85, in 
this book." To this, as renewed in 1660, is prefixed 
a preamble adopted with it in 1636, which states the 
fact and shows the motive of the renewal at tha t 
time, 1636, and an additional article is appended to it 
at the end, which was adopted with it at the renewal, in 
1660, as applicable to the relation of the church to the 
Quakers at thai time, the fact and the motive of the 
addendum being likewise plainly stated, Mr. Higgin- 
son's intention seems clearly and unmistakably to 
have been to present the covenant of 1629 in its orig- 
inal and unaltered form, and to distinguish from it 
carefully the prefix and suffix above referred to as no 
part of it. We introduce it here as it stood, unques- 
tioned, for more than two hundred years. And to 
make evident the parts added in 1636 and in 1660, it 
is given as it stands in the record of Mr. John Hig- 
ginson in 1660, — 

' He wrote his own name Peter. It has been the modern usage to 
write it Fctcra. Dr. Palfrey, in his "History of New England," writea 
it Peter. 



O-ather my Saints together unto me Ifiat have made a Coveimnt with me by 
SdcrificK. Psa. 50 : 6: 

0. of 6/ft Month. 1629, Wee ichose names are here under icrtUen^ mem- 
This Covenant was bers of the present Church of Christ in Salem, 

ublickly Signed and having found by sad experience how dangerous 

Declared, as may it is to sitt lonee to the Covenant wee make 

appear from page 85, with our God : 2nd How Apt wee are to wan- 

in this Book. der into by pathes, even to the looseing of our 

Jirst aim.e-8 in entring into Church fellotoship : 
Doe therefore solemnly in the presence of tfie Eternall God, both for our 
own comforts, and those which shall or maye be joyned unto vs, renewe 
that Church Covenant we find this Church bound unto at theire first be- 
ginning, viz: That 

We covenant with the Lord, and one with an other; and doe bynd 
ourselves in the presence of God, to walke together in all bis waies, ac- 
cording as he is pleased to reveale himself unto us in his Blessed word of 
truth. And doe more explicitely ia the name and feare of God, profess 
and protest to walke as followeth, through the power and grace of our 
Lord Jesus. 

1 first wee avowe the Lord to be our God, and our selves his people in 
the truth ami airaplicitie of our Spirits. 

2 Wee give our selves to the Lord Jesua Christ and the word of his 
grace, fore the teaching, ruleing and sauctifyeing of us in matters of 
worship, and Conversation, resolveing to cleave to him alone for life and 
gtorie ; and oppose all contrarie wayes, cannons and constitutions of men 
in his worship. 

3 Wee promise to walke with our brethren and sisters in this Congre- 
gation with all watchfuUnes and tendernes, avoyding all jelousies, suspi- 
tions, backbyteings, censurings, provoakinga, secrete risings of spirite 
against them ; but in all offences tu follow the rule of the Lord Jesus, 
and to beare and forbeare, give and forgive, as he hath taught us. 

4 In publick or in private, we will willingly doe nothing to the ofence 
of the Church but will be willing to take advise for our selves and ours , 
asocasion shall be presented. 

5 Wee will not in the Congregation be forward eyther to shew cure 
oune gifts or parts in speaking or scrupling, or there discover the fayl- 
ingof oure brethren or sisters butt atend an orderly cale there unto ; 
knowinghow much the Lord maybe dishonoured, and his Gospell, in 
the profession of it, sleighted, by our distempers, and weaknesses in 
publyck. 

We bynd our selves to studdy the advancement of the Gospell in 
all truth and peace, both in regard of those that are within, or with- 
out, noe way sleighting our sister Churches, but using theire Coun- 
sell as need shalbe : nor laying a stumbling block before any, noe, 
not the Indians, whose good we desire to promote, and soe to con- 
verse, as we may avoyd the verrye appearance of evill. 

7 Wee hoarbye promise to carrye our selves in all lawful! obedience, 
to those that are over us, in Church or Commonweale, knowing how 
well pleasing it will be to the Lord, that they sliould have iocour- 
agement in theire places, by our not grieveing theyre spirites through 
our Irregularities, 

8 Wee resolve to approve our selves to the Lord, in our perticular cal- 
ings, shunning ydlenessaa the bane of any state, nor will wee deule 
hardly, or oppressingly with any, wherein we are the Lord's stew- 
ards : 

9 alsoe promysing to our best abilitie to teach our children and 
servants the kn jwledg of God and his will, that they may serve him 
also ; and all this, not by any strength of our owue, but by the Lord 
Christ ; whose bloud we desire may sprinckle this our Covenant made 
in his name. 

This Covenant teas renewedby the Church on a sollemne day of Hnmil- 
iation 6 of \ m^netk 1600. When also considering the potcer of Temptation 
amongst us by reason nf ije Quakers doctrine to the leavening of some in the 
place where we are and endangering of others, ih>e see cause to remember the 
Admonition of our Saviour ChiHstto his disciples Math. 10. 

Take heeil awl beware of ye leaven of the doctrine of the Pharisees and 
doe judge 80 farre as we utiderstand it yt ye Qnakers doctrine is as bad or 
worse tha7i that of ye Pharisees; Therefore we doe Covenant by the kelp 
of Jesus Christ to take heed and beware of the leaven of the doctrine of 
the Qnakers. 

The preamble, postscript and marginal note we 
have italicized. 

Until about fifty years ago, no doubt is known to 
have been publicly expressed or privately entertained 



SALEM. 



25 



that the covenant, as renewed in 1636, was, with a 
near approach to verbal accuracy, the same that was 
adopted in 1629. In connection with a " discourse 
delivered on the First Centennial Anniversary of the 
Tabernacle Church," in 1835, by Rev. Samuel M. 
Worcester, pastor of that church, and published, the 
author places the covenant of 1636 — the foregoing 
covenant of these pages — in an appendix, with the 
following passage taken from its lirst paragraph in 
quotation marks, namely : " That we covenant with 
the Lord, and one with another, and do bind our- 
selves, in the presence of God, to walk together in all 
his ways, according as he is pleased to reveal himself 
unto us in his blessed word of truth : " and follows 
the quotation with this explanatory observation, " I 
have seen fit to throw into the form of a quotation 
that part of the Preamble of the foregoing Covenant, 
which I suspect was, in substance at least, The Cove- 
nant ^ which the church was bound unto at their first 
beginning.' " [The italics are ours ] This conclu- 
sion, though couched at first in the form of a suspi- 
cion, was fortified with sundry reasons to support it, 
and affirmed later in more confident terms : " The 
conclusion is to my mind irresistible from the internal 
evidence alone, that the covenant printed in the Mag- 
nalia of Mather [that of 1636 as given above], and 
often cited as the covenant of the First Church at its 
beginning, could not have been the first Covenant of 
that church." 

Again, in a discourse delivered at Plymouth De- 
cember 22, 1848, and published the following year. 
Dr. Worcester reiterates the same opinion with 
greater emphasis, and qualified by no doubts : " W^hat 
has been generally printed, for a hundred and fifty 
years, as the First Covenant of that church, and 
adopted August 6, 1629, is not that covenant. It was 
adopted as a special covenant in 1636 " is his confi- 
dent decision, which he proceeded to support with 
the asserted facts and resulting reasonings which had 
brought his mind to this conviction. And yet, again 
in 1854, in discussion of the same subject before the 
Essex Institute, the same ground was firmly main- 
tained by him. In the next year, 1855, two publica- 
tions appeared, both issued by the Congregational 
Board of Publication, which gave their sanction to 
this later view of the first covenant. One was "The 
Ecclesiastical History of New England," etc., by Jo- 
seph B. Felt, Vol. I., and the other a new edition of 
Morton's " New England's Memorial," in the appen- 
dix to which the editor, or editors, indorse the same 
conclusion. Mr. Felt says, ' that " this cove- 
nant [of 1629] differs from the second, formed 1636, 
which has long been supposed to be the fir.st, and 
from the hand of Higginson, when it was probably 
drawn up by Peters at the later date." He api)ears 
to have relied, as Dr. Worcester had done, mainly on 
internal evidence as his warrant for this belief^ 



1 Pago 115. 

2i 



= Page 267. 



In the new edition of "Morton's New England's 
Memorial," Appendix A, under the heading "The 
Articles of Faith and Covenant of 1629," there is 
attributed to the editor of an earlier edition of the 
work, the learned Judge John Davis, an important 
oversight in not discovering that with the covenant 
of 1629 was adopted a separate confession of faith, 
and in misinterpreting history, in that he omitted to 
connect this confession of faith with the covenant of 
1629 as a virtual part of the constitution of the 
church at its beginning. 

The foregoing authorities, — Worcester, Felt and 
the editors of " Morton's Memorial," edition of 1855, 
witnessing to the strong probability, if not moral 
certainty of considerable and important differences 
between the covenant of 1629 and the renewed 
covenant of 1686 {if they be not reducible to one 
authority, viz. : the Rev. Dr. Worcester, followed by the 
others), lay especial stress upon the indications, or 
proofs, that the covenant of 1629 was adopted Jointly 
with a creed, or confession of articles of belief. The 
covenant proper of 1629 they believe to have been 
materially shorter than that of 1636, but to have had 
this credal adjunct, which made the church constitu- 
tion of 1629 to diti'er greatly from the renewed cove- 
nant of 1636 in being distinctly and emphatically 
doctrinal in its aspect. 

An arraignment so weighty as this of what had 
passed for verified history for many generations, 
though sustained by a sujiport so considerable, and 
by names of repute, was not likely to go long un- 
challenged. Nor did it. Taking only the time neces- 
sary to subject the evidence in the case to a rigid 
re-examination, the Hon. Daniel A. White, judge of 
probate of Essex County, and a leading member of 
the First Church for many years, replied to the 
published statements of Rev. Dr. Worcester, in which 
the traditions current for a couple of centuries as un- 
disputed truth were set aside as we have seen with 
great assurance as founded in misconception — as 
sanctioning "an egregious and singular error." Point 
by point the champion of the long accredited ojiinion, 
— namel.v, that the covenant of 1636 was, with no mate- 
rial difference, the covenant of 1629, — stoutly contend- 
ed for the trustworthiness of the ancient and long 
unquestioned opinion. The testimony of John Hig- 
ginson was held to be explicit. His knowledge of 
the facts was not to be impeached. What Cotton 
Mather said of the first covenant was also to be ac- 
cepted, he contended, with as much confidence as if 
it had been said by Higginson himself, for he, Hig- 
ginson, wrote that, having " known the beginning and 
progress of these (New England) churches unto this 
day, and having read over much of this history (in 
the Magnalia), I cannot but in the love and fear of 
God beaj witness to the truth of it." The first cove- 
nant is given by Mather as agreeing with that of 
1636, only differing from it in lacking its jueamble. 
The important testimony of Rev. John Fiske is also 



26 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cited by Mr. White — only lately brought to light, but 
dating almost from the renewal of the Covenant in 

1636, as Mr. Fiske came to Salem, from England, in 

1637, and was for some time an assistant of Rev. Mr. 
Peters. In Mr. Fiske's private book of records " we 
find recorded," says Judge White, " in the handwrit- 
ing of Mr. Fiske, the First Covenant of the Salem 
Church, with the preamble to its renewal, . . . 
Mr. Fiske's record of the Covenant being essentially 
the same as that which we have taken from the Salem 
Church book " (that already presented in this writ- 
ing)- • 

The "confession of failh," which Dr. Worcester 
supposes was adopted by the church in 1629, in con- 
nection with the first covenant, Mr. White believes 
— and believes he has proved — was of much later 
date, probably 1680, and was expressly declared not to 
be intended, even at that date, to be imposed as a rigid 
test upon all candidates for admission to the church. 
He produces much evidence to show that the impo- 
sition of doctrinal tests as a uniform and indispensa- 
ble condition of admission to church membership 
was expressly disavowed by the church at the begin- 
ning, and that for a long time at least it consistently 
adhered in practice to the position thus taken. Not 
denying that Mr. Francis Higginson was commis- 
sioned "to draw up a confession of faith and cove- 
nant in Scripture language," or that he did so, he 
finds all that these terms describe and define in the 
single instrument commonly known and spoken of 
as the first covenant; "covenant," or "confession 
of faith and Covenant," he finds it called, the terms 
being used interchangeably, and when designated as 
"the confession of faith and covenant," the pro- 
noun referring to it is in the singular number, indi- 
cating but one instrument or writing. Morton, hav- 
ing full knowledge of things from the beginning, 
writes, in his "New England's Memorial:" "The con- 
fession of faith and covenant fore-mentioned was 
acknowledged only as a direction, pointing unto that 
faith and covenant contained in the holy Scripture, 
and therefore no man was confined unto that form of 
words, but only to the substance, end and scope of 
the matter contained therein. . . . Some were 
admitted by expressing their consent to that written 
confession of faith and covenant ; others did answer 
to questions about the principles of religion that 
were publicly propounded to them ; some did present 
their confession in writing, which was read for them, 
and some that were able and willing, did make their 
confession in their own words and way. A due re- 
spect was also had unto the conversations of men, 
viz. : that they were without scandal." ' 

Besides much other external and historical evi- 
dence, too voluminous to be introduced here, but pre- 

• i 

1 '* New England's Memorial," Davis* edition, pp. 146-147. See also a 
tract, without date (in Boitun Athenaium Library. "B. 76; Sermons"), 
entitled "A Direction," etc. Ruferred to by both I>r. Worcester and 
Judge White as bearing upon this question. 



sented as bearing upon the writer's main conclusion 
and fortifying it. Judge White comments also care- 
fully upon the internal evidence in the alleged anach- 
ronisms contained in the covenant of 1636, much 
relied upon to prove that it could not have been the 
same as that of 1629. On this point he dissents from 
the judgment expressed by Dr. Worcester, Mr. Felt 
and the editors of "Morton's Memorial," edition of 
1855, and at the same time equally forecloses, it may 
be here observed, by unconscious anticipations, so 
far as the weight of his name goes, a similar opinion 
from another source presently to be noticed, — an 
opinion not expressed till after Judge White's death, 
— by his former pastor. Rev. Charles W. Upham. 

This opinion of Rev. Mr. Upham is remarkable, not 
only for the weight that justly attaches to any opinion 
of his upon matters to which he had given many 
years of study, and to which he brought a trained 
mind and habits of research, but still more for the 
reason that it is a direct reversal of an earlier opinion 
of his own on a point since strenuously controverted, 
without so much as an allusion on his part to any 
change of opinion, or to any judgment previously en- 
tertained and expressed, and now abandoned or mod- 
ified ; remarkable, moreover, as being in direct oppo- 
sition to the well-known and elaborately-maintained 
opinion of his able and candid parishioner. Judge 
White, with whom he had been in life-long associa- 
tions of intimacy, and the worth of whose deliberate 
judgment he knew so well how to estimate, and yet 
to his dissent from whose judgment he makes no ref- 
erence whatever that we have been able to discover. 
Mr. Upham's last conclusion, in regard to the identity 
of the covenant of 1629 with that renewed in 1636, is 
against it, and agrees with that of Dr. Worcester^ 
that thore were two covenants ; that of 1629 very 
short, that of 1636 quite long. But on Dr. Worces- 
ter's more important position, that there were articles 
of belief required to be adopted as a confession of 
faith, distinct from the covenant, but in force in con- 
nection with it, in 1629, — against this opinion Mr. 
Upham expresses himself on all occasions distinctly 
and emphatically. 

It is to be remembered that Rev. Charles W. Up- 
ham, whom we now cite, was for twenty years pastor 
of the First Church (from 1824 to 1844), conversant 
with its records and with early Salem history, and 
the author of important historical discourses of com- 
memoration, delineating with great fullness of detail 
the story of the early days of the Salem Church. 
Mr. Upham delivered a " Seco/id Century Lecture of 
the First Church." in 1829 of a historical character, 
and gives in an appendix, as the "first covenant of 
the First Church," the covenant already given on a 
preceding page of this work, it being the same as that 
which was renewed in 1636, he holding — that is, at 
that time — to the long-established and settled opinion 
upon the question in hand. Mr. Upham remarks at 
the end of the covenant that "at a veiy early period 



SALEM. 



27 



this covenant was displaced by another. It was re- 
stored and renewed at the ordination of John Hig- 
pinson in 1660. In the course of time it was again 
superseded, and for many years has not been used in 
the church." How much he may have meant by the 
expression, "at a very early [>eriod this covenant was 
dis|)laced by another," we cannot tell. He does not 
specify as to the time or the extent of the displace- 
ment. He may have had in mind the preamble of 
1636 ; if more than that, we cannot interpret his lan- 
guage, since no other changes are known to us pre- 
vious to 1660. 

On the 8th of December, 1867, Mr. Upham deliv- 
ered an address at the re-dedication of the First 
Church building. Without intimating an abandon- 
ment of a former judgment, he incidentally shows that 
his judgment upon the matter in question was quite 
difterent in 1867 from that he had expressed nearly 
forty years before, thus: "This renewed covenant of 
1636 bears the impress of the style of thought and ex- 
pression of Hugh Peters, whose name heads the list 
as from that date. . . . In most of the clauses the lan- 
guage and forms of thought were, as plainly appears, 
suggested by circumstances that had disturbed the 
peace and harmony of the church during the stormy 
agitations and conflicts of Roger Williams' period, 
and are therefore of temporary and retrospective in- 
terest. The passages that have no such special refer- 
ence, hut express sentiments of universal and perpet- 
ual obligation, are inscribed on the opposite wall. It 
will be noticed that it begins by quoting from the 
covenant at the ' first beginning ' of the church. From 
the aspect of the document in the church book, and 
its entire construction and import, it is highly prob- 
able that what is inscribed on that tablet in German 
text is all that wis taken from the first covenant. It is 
so complete in itself that the inference which the form 
of the document and the bearings of the contents seem 
to suggest, that it was the whole of that document, is 
almost unavoidable." 

What was "inscribed on that tablet in Geiman 
text" was this, — 

" We covenant with the Lord, and one with another, 
and do bind our.'^elves in the presence of God, to loalk to- 
gether in all his ways, according as He is pleased to re- 
veal Himself unto us, in His blessed word of truth." 

And this, says Mr. Upham, "it is highly probable 
is all that was taken from the first covenant." 

Perhaps no expression of our own opinion is called 
for, as to who is right in this controversy. If we have 
fairly placed the facts before the reader, and espe- 
cially if we refer him to the authorities in which he 
may find the merits of the question exhaustively 
treated (as we propose to do at the end of this ar- 
ticle), we shall put him in the way to form his own opin- 
ion for himself, if he cares to do so. We dismiss the 
interesting inquiry by simply calling attention, fur- 
ther, to the fact that those who have sought to invali- 
date the long-settled opinion that the covenant "re- 



newed " in 1636 is the same that was adopted at the 
founding of the church in 1629, appear to rest their 
argument and conclusion mainly upon the internal 
evidence aflbrded by the document itself In resting 
their case upon that, they give it, as it seems to us, its 
best support, the weight of the historical evidence 
alone being insufficient to sustain their position. 
Both Mr. Upham and Dr. Worcester think they find 
in the covenant, as renewed in 1636, traces of the 
church agitations, and of the special controversies in- 
tervening between 1629 and 163i). Mr. White does 
not. Mr. Upham, moreover, finds that " this renewed 
covenant of 1636 bears the impress of the style of 
thought and expression of Hugh Peters." Mr. White 
could not discover this . 

It should be borne in mind that this kind of evi- 
dence, while it may be strong and convincing in 
some cases, is peculiarly liable to take a more marked 
or a slighter coloring, or even an opposite hue, ac- 
cording to the interpreter's direction of approach 
and resulting point of view. It needs a judicial im- 
partiality, a very complete knowledge of the religious 
history of the time, and a keen and much practiced 
literary perception, to pass intelligently and convinc- 
ingly upon such points. The dilficulty is heightened 
by the circumstance that the very power of the recre- 
ative imagination, so necessary to reproduce vividly 
the life and thought of a past period, is itself often a 
snare and becomes an easy and frequent cause of the 
misconstruction of language. We follow with cau- 
tion, and not without a measure of distrust, a line of 
argument which grounds important inferences upon 
what are at best only inferences from premises incap- 
able of verification, therefore not compelling assent. 

No fact comes out more conspicuously in the early 
history of the Salem Church than that it intended to 
guard well its own independence. It was conscious 
of a new departure. It trod its untried way with 
caution, but with a firm foot. It was determined to 
make sure of this, namely, that the unit of human au- 
thority in matters ecclesiastical should be the body 
of members congregating and covenanting together in 
church fellowship, in any one appointed place which 
should give it local habitation and name. Each such 
congregation was competent and commissioned to 
manage its own affairs. It need acknowledge no 
earthly superior. The Scriptures were its law-book. 
In them it would seek to find out the mind of Christ, 
the Head of the Church, in whom resided, for it, 
the ultimate sovereignty in s[)iritual things. It was 
glad to exchange assurances of mutual good-will and 
fellowship with the elder sister church at Plymouth. 
It had no intention of cutting itself off from Chris- 
tian fraternal relations with the churches of the 
mother-country, and stood with an anticipating hand 
of welcome stretched forth in brotherly recognition 
to all the New-World congregations of Christian 
people which it foresaw planting themselves in a long 
succession by its side, and all around. But each church 



28 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



within its own borders constituted, under the Divine 
Head, a dominion of its own. It was in pursuance of 
this principle that the First Church in Salem had un- 
made the before-ordained ministers found within its 
own fold at the beginning, that it might make them 
ministers of its own creation and invest them with 
right and title to their office from itself. 

In other ways, it availed of every opportunity that 
offered to rea.ssert this principle. It looked with dis- 
trust upon a proposed affiliation of its ministers with 
the ministers of other churches in pastoral associa- 
tions, fearing that these associations would come in 
time to claim some power of direction and control 
within the churches, or would invent some form of 
ecclesiastical bondage, into which the churches of 
the colony might be drawn unconsciously, to the loss 
of their complete self-government. It was not long 
after its foundation before it conceived its independ- 
ence to be seriously threatened. Other churches 
which had sprung up around it, and such as had an 
honorable and weighty constituency, showed a dispo- 
sition to meddle in its affairs by taking cognizance 
of teachings by the ii^alem ministers, which they re- 
garded as not agreeing with the Scriptures, nor as 
being consistent with the peace and welfare of the 
community of new settlements in the colony. As 
often as there appeared to be occasion for it, this 
church reaffirmed, in clear and strenuous language, 
its purpose not to suffer its fellowship, — which it ex- 
tended freely and gladly as a sympathetic, helpful, 
brotherly communion, to all churches and all Chris- 
tians, — not to suffer it to become an entangling alli- 
ance, which might endanger its own freedom and 
autonomy. There was abundant justification for 
these precautions in the usurpation of ecclesiastical 
authority with which these Salem Christians had 
been lately only too familiar in England, and which 
warned them to keep a jealous guard against the 
forging of new fetters of spiritual domination and op- 
pression this side the sea, under the guise of better 
symbols of church order and of Christian living. 

The officers of the church as first organized in 
Salem were, besides the pastor and teacher, one or 
more ruling elders, deacons and deaconesses. Between 
pastor and teacher no distinction of precedence ap- 
pears to have been observed. It is probable that in 
the performance of their respective duties it was 
found that the work of each naturally overlapped 
that of the other to a considerable extent, and that 
experience showed before long that it was better to 
combine the two offices in one, as was done. 

The duties belonging to the office of the ruling 
elder were not very distinctly defined. He was an 
assistant to the pastor and teacher, but while under 
their general direction, he had an independent voice 
also as adviser and administrator in church affairs. 
The office came to Plymouth from Holland with the 
Pilgrim Church. That church found it in the Ee- 
formed Churches of the Continent and referred to the 



French Reformed Churches as its own precedent for 
establishing it, though in the French Churches the 
ability to teach was not held to be a necessary quali- 
fication for a ruling elder, as it was in the Dutch- 
English and American Churches.' For a hundred 
and fifty years, at least, ruling elders were chosen by 
some churches in Massachusetts as necessary to their 
complete organization, although Mr. Bentley says, 
" the office never existed but in name, and did not 
survive the first generation."^ Mr. Bentley regards 
the office as having been designed to represent the 
power of the church itself on the part of its general 
membership, the elder standing as a permanent 
watchman and makeweight against all assumptions 
of special authority on the part of the ministers. 
After his brusque and vigorous fashion he indicates 
how far short of answering its end was the device, by 
his brief and contemptuous notice of those who were 
elected to the place. " In the choice of an elder to 
rule the church, care was taken not to accept a civil 
officer, and Elder Houghton was appointed. He was 
a man of inotfensive ambition, and died in the next 
year after his appointment. Mr. Samuel Sharpe suc- 
ceeded him, but he was frequently absent, and never 
possessed even the shadow of power. He died in 1658. 
The independence of Mr. Williams and the sover- 
eignty of Mr. Peters rendered the office useless in 
their time, and it never obtained its influence. When 
Mr. John Higginson, the son of Francis, in 1660, re- 
turned to Salem and attempted to revive the form of 
government which his father had adopted, Mr. John 
Browne was elected elder, but we find no other ser- 
vices but of attending, for a short time, the private 
instructions of the pastor, who had secijred all the 
power." We have said that the office did not cease to 
be known with the first generation, or for a century 
and a half after, and it is true that the men called to 
the office even in the later years of its existence were 
not all colorless and valueless ciphers. But the fcHr 
of ministerial usurpation had very much died away, 
and the ruling elder was, in time, without functions, 
and disappeared. Mr. Bentley's assertion that it soon 
came to stand for little more than a name seems to be 
borne out by the history of the churches of the Mass- 
achusetts Colony. 

Deacons, but not deaconesses, are mentioned as offi- 
cers chosen at the organization of the Salem Church. 
They received the contributions of the church and 
distributed them, and made provision for the table of 
communion, serving also in the dispensation of the 
bread and wine in the observance. Deaconesses, if 
not chosen at once by the church at Salem, were, ac- 
cording to custom, regularly selected in the churches 
of the earliest colonial period. As at Plymouth, so at 
Salem. They were widows by preference, of at least 
three-score years, without carefully prescribed duties 

1 Felt's Eccl. Hist. Vol. i. p. 34. 

2The North Church in Salem chose a rulingelder as late us 1826 — pro- 
nounced by Felt " the only continuation of an ancient custom here." 



SALEM. 



29 



as to details, but were appointed to carry on a general 
ministry of visiting and comforting among the sick, 
poor and distressed. 

We have been more minute and explicit in specify- 
ing some of these forms of church-life and organiza- 
tion first adopted here, because this was the pioneer 
church. Offices, titles and usages now long familiar to 
every New England village were then new, or known 
only as existing in the English churches under other 
conditions, and where they had a diflerent signifi- 
cance; here, under an old name, went a new thing. 
New methods were on trial, and were carefully ob- 
served and studied, and sought to be adjusted to the 
circumstances of the time and people, and were not 
immediately and onre for all fixed in an unalterable 
form. 

Francis Higginson lived but a year after the found- 
ing of the church. On the 6th of August, 1630, just a 
year from the day when its organization was com- 
pleted, a day in whose doings he bore the leading part, 
he closed his earthly labors. He was born in 1588, 
and was, therefore, a little more than forty years of 
age when he came to Salem. He was a graduate of 
the famous English University of Cambridge — of 
Emanuel College, according to Mr. Upham ; of Jesus, 
says Judge White; of St. John's, says F. S. Drake 
(American biography); and Mr. Savage (Geneal. 
Diet.), seemingly warranting and reconciling all these 
assignments, has it : " Bred at Jesus College, Cam- 
bridge, where he took his A.B., 1600, but was of St. 
John's when his A.M. was given, 1613, though Mather 
asserts he was of Emanuel.' He was first settled in 
Leicester, England, where he had so high a reputa- 
tion as a preacher that " the people flocked to hear 
him from the neighboring towns." Neal, historian 
of the Puritans, says, " he was a good scholar, of a 
sweet and atfable behavior, and having a most charm- 
ing voice, was one of the most acceptable and popular 
preachers of the country." Becoming a non-con- 
formist he was ejected from his living and forbidden 
to preach in England. After this he resorted to 
teaching for a livelihood. He is characterized by Mr. 
Bentley as " grave in his deportment and pure in his 
morals. In his person he was slender, not tall ; not 
easily changed from his purposes, but not rash in 
declaring them. His influence in giving form and 
direction to the iirst church polity in America was 
second to none." Mr. Bentley, by a few strokes, pic- 
tures some of the results of Mr. Higginson's brief 
ministry in the social customs of the newly-gathered 
community at Salem, and shows in what spirit and 
along what lines of influence he wrought : " He 
lived to secure the foundation of his church, to de- 
serve the esteem of the colony and provide himself a 
name among the worthies of New England. When 
he died, he left iu the colony the most sacred guards 
U]>on the public manners. Cards, dice, and all such 
amusements, had no share of favour. Family devo- 
tions were inculcated and established, and the most 



constant attendance on public worship. The minis- 
ters visited families to assist in their devotions. Con- 
stant care of the poor was required ; the Indians were 
not permitted to trade in private houses ; all the 
inhabitants were instructed to unite in the labours 
which promoted their common interest; and the 
greatest confidence was required in all who were 
appointed in civil trusts." (Pp. 2-14-24.5.) 

Rev. Samuel Skelton, ordained the first pastor of 
the church, in association with Mr. Higginson as 
teacher, on the 20th of July, 1629, survived his col- 
league four years. He had been the minister of Gov- 
ernor Eudicott, in England, and was held by him in 
especial affection and esteem, as one to whom he had 
rea.son to look up as his spiritual father. His name 
is less conspicuous in the early annals of the Mass.a- 
chusetts churches than that of Higginson. He seems 
to have been a modest and retiring man, and is de- 
scribed by a contemporary as ''of gracious speech, 
full of faith, and furnished by the Lord with gifts 
from above." He was content to yield precedence to 
others, nor soured with jealousy when to them went 
the harvest of fame. " As he never acted alone,'' 
says Mr. Bentley, "he yielded to others all the praise 
of his best actions." The scant recognilion accorded 
to him among those who led in church afi'airs in the 
earliest days is further explained by his biographer 
by the fact that "there was a want of friendship be- 
tween the ministers of Boston and its neighborhood 
and the ministers of Salem. Everything which one 
party did was found fault with by the other." That 
he was a man of positive convictions and not lacking 
in courage would appear from his standing forward 
in defense of his colleague, Roger Williams, when 
the latter was assailed and in danger of being over- 
borne by those who uttered the sentence of popular 
condemnation against him. Mr. Skelton was prob- 
ably of about the same age as Mr. Higginson, having 
taken his first degree in 1611, two years later than 
Mr. Higginson. He was of Lincolnshire, educated at 
Clare Hall, Cambridge, and died August 2, 1634. 

Francis Higginson had been dead six months, and 
Mr. Skelton was carrying on his ministry alone in the 
Salem Church, when Roger Williams arrived in Bos- 
ton, early in February, 1631. Rev. John Wilson, 
minister of the First Church in Boston, was contem- 
plating a visit to England, and Mr. Williams was in- 
vited to supply his place during his absence, but de- 
clined on the ground that the members of that church 
were " an unseparated people." 

April 22d, following, he was invited to Salem as an 
assistant to Rev. Mr. Skelton. Having already 
promulgated some novel and unacceptable notions 
deemed subversive of the just authority of the magis- 
trates, the Massachusetts Court interposed a remon- 
strance against the action of the Salem Church, and 
succeeded in preventing Mr. Williams' coming to 
Salem. He soon went to Plymouth, and even there, 
though the teachings of the separatists were more in 



30 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



favor ia Plymouth than in Boston, and his personal 
qualities gained him a large influence, his "singular 
opinions" were not welcome to all, and after serving 
a while as assistant to Rev. Ralph Smith, he applied 
himself to manual labors and to trade for a liveli- 
hood, devoting much time also to acquiring the lan- 
guage of the Indians, though meanwhile never losing 
sight of the then agitating questions of church gov- 
ernment, and of individual responsibility in civil and 
ecclesiastical affairs. 

In 1633 Mr. Williams obtained, not without some 
difficulty, a dismission from the church in Plymouth, 
and returned to Salem ; returned accompanied by 
several members of the Plymouth Church, who pre- 
ferred to give up their home and church relations to 
severing the tie that bound them to their pastor. 
Arrived in Salem, he became an assistant to Mr. 
Skelton, though without formal ordination. And 
notwithstanding that he had come again under the 
censure of the Governor and Assistants of Massachu- 
setts for offensive writings and publications, in some 
of which he had denied the validity of the title of the 
Massachusetts Company to its territory, in that they 
had not the assent of the natives of the soil, yet he 
was invited and ordained, upon the death of Mr. 
Skelton, in August, 1634, to succeed him in the pas- 
toral charge of the church. In this office he con- 
tinued till October 19, 1635, when the opposition 
which his vigorous assertion of his views had aroused 
culminated in a sentence pronounced by the General 
Court that he should depart out of the jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts within six weeks, on account of hav- 
ing " broached and divulged divers new and danger- 
ous opinions against the authority of the magistrates, 
as also writ letters of defamation, both of the magis- 
trates and churches." " The colonial records," says 
Arnold, the historian of Rhode Island, " fix the date 
November 3d." Consent was given afterwards to the 
postponement of his removal till spring, upon con- 
dition of his refraining' from promulgating his 
objectionable doctrines. It was withdrawn subse- 
quently, upon the allegation that the conditions had 
been violated. Learning that he was to be sent at 
once to England, he anticipated the plans of his 
judges, escaping early in January to the South, 
through the wintry snows and storms, and finding a 
refuge on the banks of the Seekonk River, where he 
founded the State of Rhode Island. 

The teachings of Mr. Williams which gave offense, 
to be fully understood, must be sought for and ex- 
amined in the history of the time, at greater length 
than it is possible to consider them here. They 
dealt largely with definitions and distinctions bearing 
on the relations of the civil and spiritual authorities 
to each other, showing their respective limits, con- 
stantly raising questions of much nicety and diffi- 
culty, and yet questions immediately and vitally 
practical, as affecting issues at the moment pressing 
upon the people. The whole field of discussion 



being at the same time complicated with that larger 
problem which had exercised the minds of the colon- 
ists from the first, namely : the possibility of con- 
structing a civil order on a Biblical foundation. The 
severity of the course pursued by the magistrates and 
ministers has been ascribed in part, and probably not 
unjustly, to a feeling in the churches of Boston and 
the neighborhood not friendly to the Salem Church, 
which church had shown, from the first, a commend- 
able jealou.sy of interference by other churches, and 
a determination to maintain strictly its independence. 
It has been mentioned as a noteworthy fact that " in 
this court [for the trial of Mr. Williams], composed 
of magistrates and clergy, while some of the laymen 
opposed the decree [of exile], every minister, save 
one, approved it." ' 

If it be conceded " that there were faults on both 
sides, and that they were faults of the age rather than 
of the heart," it must be conceded, too, that this 
marked man was before his time in the discernment 
and announcement of some principles ecclesiastico- 
political, destined to stand the test of after-trial, 
since, in his transmitted ideas, as well as his charac- 
ter and bearing during those troublous days which he 
spent in Salem, he grows more illustrious under the 
light of experience, while the proceedings of those 
who drove him out from their company become 
more difficult of apology. Roger Williams has had 
the credit of being the promoter, if not the cause, of 
the act of Governor Endicott in cutting the cross 
from the English colors. It is not clear what part he 
had in it, if any. If any, he was not the man to dis- 
avow it; if any, he but represented a feeling dominant 
in many a Puritan's breast at the time, who, perhaps, 
more prudent than he, would not have counseled it, 
though pleased to see it done. Such was Roger 
Williams. " Open, bold and ardently conscientious, 
as well as eloquent and highly gifted, it cannot be 
surprising that he should have disturbed the magis- 
trates by divulging such opinions, while he charmed 
the people by his powerful preaching, and his ami- 
able, generous and disinterested spirit." 

Mr. Williams was born in Wales in 1599, resided 
in London during his youth, was elected a scholar of 
Sutton's Hospital (now the Charter House), July 5, 
1621, admitted to Pembroke College, Cambridge, Feb. 
8, 1623, graduated B. A. January, 1627, took orders 
in the Church of England, obtained a benefice in 
Lincolnshire, became a non-conformist, or "Separa- 
tist," and embarked at Bristol, Dec. 11, 1630, for New 
England. He died at Providence, R. I., in April, 
1683.'' 

1 "Arnold, History of Rhode Island," p. 38. 

- Porter C. Bliss, in Johnson's Cyclopiedia. — Since this notice of Roger 
Williams was prepared, intimations have come to ns that new liglit may 
be expected to be let in soon, upon the origin and early days of this 
striking figure in the history of primitive New England. The new 
matter found claims to be not only additional to the old and hitherto- 
accepted story, but corrective also. For example: It is sjiid that "the 
Roger Williams who was a foundation scholar at the Charter House in 



SALEM. 



31 



The infant church, already served by three minis- 
ters in half a dozen years, found its fourth in one 
horn to lead, Rev. Hugh Peters, who, after tilling the 
pastoral office for five busy and fruitful years, in 
which he governed and shaped with the decision of a 
master, was summoned away from this humbler field 
of labor to a broader theatre and a more famous ca- 
reer, in which his life assumed historical importance, 
and set him among the conspicuous actors of his age, 
ending tragically at the executiontr's block. Mr. 
Peters was born at Fowey, in Cornwall, in 1599, the 
same year as Roger Williams, and was educated at 
Trinity College, Cambridge, taking the degree of A. 
M. in li)22. Appointed to a London lectureship while 
still very young, he drew a large following by his for- 
cible and eloquent preaching. Li 1G29, it having be- 
come not only uncomfortable but dangerous for such 
as he, a Puritan and a popular preacher, to stay in 
England, he withdrew to Holland and became the 
pastor of a church at Rotterdam, whence he came to 
New England, Oct. 6, 1G3.5. He was invited to take 
charge of the church in Salem after the departure of 
Mr. Williams, and was settled Dec. 21, 1636. He was 
an able minister and something more, a clear-sighted 
administrator in civil-political and politico-economi- 
cal affiiirs. Without neglecting his duties as pastor, 
which he discharged with rare energy and faithful- 
ness, he set himself diligently to improving all the 
social regulations and habits of the place, on which 
the welfare of the new community depended. In the 
controversies, which he inherited from Mr. Williams, 
he showed no sympathy with the adherents of the 
latter, nor toleration for the opinions which had 
brought on him the condemnation of the ministers 
and the General Court. He spent little time over the 
comprehensive principles and enlightened distinc- 
tions laid down by his predecessor as to the relative 
authorities of the secular and ecclesiastical govern- 
ments, and the rights of the individual soul under 
each, while he plunged with assiduous zeal into stud- 
ies which he deemed of a more immediate and press- 
ing importance. He gave his attention to projecting 
measurps for promoting the business prosperity, the 
orderly living, the growth in population of the town; 
he devised measures for the better execution of the 
laws, for the preservation of peace and the establish- 
ment of beneficial industries. 

Respecting no man, says Mr. Bentley, has the pub- 
lic opinion been more divided than respecting Mr. 
Hugh Peters. This division of opinion he ascribes 
to the part he took in the commonwealth of England 
and in the death of King Charles, though intimating 
that " unkind reports " had been connected also with 



1C21. and who was Bent to the University in July, 1624, being a good 
scholar, was not the Roger 'Willianis of Rhode Island." So much, Rev. 
Gf*>rge E. Ellis, D.D., president uf the Massachusetts Historical Socie- 
ty, is reported— in the Boston D.o7y Atlverliser of March 11, 1887— to 
consider proven by the investigativns of the librarian of Brown Uui- 
versitj, Mr. Reuben A. Guild. 



the early part of his life, which reports, however, 
either never reached New England or were unheeded 
there. The Rev. Charles W. Upham, in his Second 
Century lecture, has vindicated his fame with a gen- 
erous and warm enthusiasm. But there is no differ- 
ence of opinion as to the great benefits which his life 
and labors in Salem, from 1636 to 1641, conferred up- 
on its people and its forming social habits and insti- 
tutions. He objected to the devotion of so much 
time as had been given to the numerous weekly and 
occasional lectures, to the neglect of the daily indus- 
tries, which he fostered as being nearest in the line of 
evident and pressing duties. His church greatly in- 
creased, showing that there had been no lack of faith- 
ful tillage therein. New and valued citizens were 
attracted to the place. He interested himself in re- 
forming the police system, encouraged commerce, 
caused new arts and employments to be introduced, a 
water-mill was erected, a glass-house, salt works, the 
planting of hemp was advised, and a regular market 
was set up. He formed a plan of carrying on fishery, 
. and of coa.sting and foreign voyages. Amid all his ac- 
tivities, it is repeated, "he did not forget his church." 
In Synod and Salem pulpit alike, he made his power 
constantly and beneficently felt. Clear-headed and 
wise, he was a check upon the invasion of supersti- 
tion, and in the excitement caused by Mrs. Ann 
Hutchinson's doctrine and influence, kept his church 
in the main free from its disturbing effects, and went, 
Mr. Bentley thinks, full far in the opposite direction 
of repression. The Massachusetts Colony, having 
occasion to find suitable persons to represent their in- 
terests in England with reference to the laws of excise 
and trade, it was not strange that Mr. Peters 
should be selected to be one for this commission. His 
qualifications for it were evident. His people resisted 
his acceptance of the appointment and remonstrated 
against it; they could not spare him. But they were 
overborne by the urgency with w-hich the claim for 
his services was pressed, and finally a reluctant assent 
was yielded, and on the 3d of August, 1641, he left 
with his colleagues for England. There he became 
involved in the revolution which brought Cromwell 
to supreme power. Peters was his counselor and fa- 
vored friend, and when the restoration gave back 
power to Cromwell's enemies, the lives of all his 
friends were held forfeited. Hugh Peters was a se- 
lected victim, and as such was beheaded in the Tower 
Oct. 16, 1660. 

Mr. Peters was assisted in his pulpit duties between 
1637 and 1640 by Rev. John Fiske, who taught a 
school in Salem about that time. Mr. Fiske was set- 
tled afterwards over a church in Wenham and still 
later in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It was he — be- 
fore alluded to in these pages — who copied from the 
earlie.st record-book of the church the covenant con- 
tained therein, with some other minutes, which have 
lately come to light, and have furnished important 
evidence as to the form of the first covenant. 



32 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTS', MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Rev. Edward Norris was settled as a colleague 
with Mr. Peters Miirch 18, 1(340. Mr. Bentley says his 
was the first ordination which was performed with 
great public ceremonies in Salem. He had come 
from England the year before, and joined the church 
here in December of that year ; had been a teacher 
and minister in Gloucestershire ; was distinguished 
for learning, was of a tolerant spirit, and had a large 
and well-balanced mind. He was a man to wield a 
wide and strong influence, and that for good. He 
fell upon troubled times, inheriting in his turn the 
unsettled controversies of his predecessor's ministry. 
A Mrs. Oliver, a follower of Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, 
had claimed, in the time of public service, the right 
of communion, without a covenant, and was sent to 
prison for disturbing the congregation, though soon 
set at liberty. During Mr. Norris' ministry she again 
openly asserted the same right, and was publicly dis- 
graced. 

The Anabaptists were busy. Mr. Endicott set his 
face against them as disturbers of the peace of the 
church and of the community ; a few were subjected 
to punishment, some confined to the town, or laid un- 
der other humiliating and annoying prohibitions. Mr. 
Norris took no active part in these proceedings, and 
seems rather to have endeavored to quiet and repress 
the public excitement than to promote it, and suc- 
ceeded in keeping the town in comparative tranquil- 
lity during his life. He died December 23, 1659, in 
time to escape the full force of the still greater dis- 
traction caused by the Quakers who had appeared in 
Salem in 1657. His abilities, attainments and high 
character were recognized throughout the colony. 
He wrote upon affairs of public interest temperately, 
yet forcibly. He assisted in constructing the system 
of ecclesiastical discipline " substantially contained 
in the Cambridge Platform,'' and yet he refused to 
substitute in his own church the platform of 1648, 
which he had helped to shape, for the one already in 
use, resolutely insisting on the maintenance of his 
church's independence. At the same time, with a 
rare consistency, he successfully restrained his own 
church from meddling in the controversies and the 
management of other churches. 

Mr. Norris was the last of the ministers of the first 
generation. " The consistent politicks, the religious 
moderation, and the ardent patriotism of Mr. Norris," 
says Mr. Bentley, " entitle him to the grateful mem- 
ory of Salem. He diverted the fury of fanaticism by 
industry, he quieted alarms by inspiring a military 
courage, and in the public morals, and a well-di- 
rected charity, with a timely consent to the incorpo- 
ration of towns around him, he finished in peace the 
longest life in the ministry which had been enjoyed 
in Salem, and died in his charge." ' 

Mr. Norris' ministry of nearly twenty years seemed 
long as measured by the average term of service of 

1 Col. Mass. Hist. Soc. for 1799 : p. 259. 



those who had preceded him. But it was short as 
compared with that of his successor. John Higgin- 
son, the son of the Eev. Francis, the first minister — 
"Teacher" — of Salem, was born at Claybrook, Eng- 
land, August 6, 1616, and accompanied his parents 
when they came to New England, in 1629, and was 
thirteen years old, therefore, when he arrived ; and at 
that age he joined the church. After his father's 
death he was assisted by the magistrates and minis- 
ters, who could not forget what the young church 
owed to the father, in continuing his education. At 
the age of twenty, and for four years after, he was 
chaplain at Fort Saybrook, Connecticut.. In 1641 
he taught a school in Hartford, and studied divin- 
ity with the Rev. Thomas Hooker ; in 1643 be- 
came an assistant to Rev. Henry Whitfield, of Guil- 
ford, whose daughter he married. From 1651 to 1659 
he was in sole charge of the church in Guilford. In 
that year, 1659, he took passage for his native land. 
The ve.ssel in which he sailed was obliged by stress of 
weather to put into Salem harbor. The church in 
Salem had recently lost its minister. A negotiation 
with Mr. Higginson w.as entered into which issued in 
an engagement on his part to remain and preach for 
one year. At the end of the year he was invited to 
become the pastor, accepted the invitation, and was 
ordained in August, 1660. Already forty-four years 
old, he continued in the ministry in Salem forty-eight 
years, till his death, December 9, 1708, at the age of 
ninety-two years. He was sole minister for twenty- 
three years, till 1683, — except that for four years, 
from 1672 to 1676, he had a so-called " assistant," ^ 
who did not assist, as is explained farther on. In 
1683, he being then sixty-seven years of age. Rev. 
Nicholas Noye< became his colleague. The settle- 
ment of Mr. Higginson was signalized by an addition 
to the covenant of the church, as a solemn declara- 
tion against the teachings and practices of the Qua- 
kers, as has been mentioned. It had been the custom 
of the church, from time to time, to " renew " the 
covenant, as has been noticed before, an act equiva- 
lent to a solemn re-affirmation of loyalty to its vows, 
and which was accompanied, in two instances at least, 
by an addition to Its original form, for the purpose of 
putting on record the church's sentiment or verdict 
upon special dangers and evils existing at the time. 
Thus, at the settlement of Rev. Mr. Peters, the church 
prefaced a " renewal of the covenant " with a pream- 
ble which has already been given on a previous page, 
it being of the nature of a penitent confession that 
they had experienced the danger of coming to " sit 
loose to the covenant made with God," and found 
how apt they were "to wander into by-paths, even to 
the loosing of their first aims in entering into church 
fellowship." So, now, in 1660, we come upon anoth- 
er tide-mark, showing how high had arisen the feel- 
ing against the Quaker invasion, the following being 

- Charles Nicholet. 



SALEM. 



33 



appended to the covenant : " When also considering 
the power of temptation amongst us by reason of the 
Quakers' doctrine to the leavening of some in the 
place where we are, and endangering of others, [We] 
do see cause to remember the admonition of our 
Savior Christ to his disciples. Math. 16 : Take heed 
and beware of the leaven of the doctrine of the Phar- 
isees, and do judge so far as we understand it that the 
Quakers' doctrine is as bad or worse than that of the 
Pharisees; therefore we do covenant by the help of 
Jesus Christ to take heed and beware of the leaven 
of the doctrine of the Quakers." "This ap])endix to 
the covenant sufficiently shows the stand taken by 
Mr. Higginson towards the Quakers. It is difficult 
in our time to conceive the excitement which the ar- 
rival of a shipload of Quakers from England in 1660, 
the year of Mr. Higginson's ordination, caused in the 
Massachusetts colony. A vigorous persecution had 
been iu progress for some time before, with the usual 
rewlt of increasing the boldne.'S and multiplying the 
number of the new sect. They were not altogether 
an inoffensive people. For, though they disclaimed 
the use of physical violence even in protection of 
themselves, among them were those who knew the 
irrit.iting power of arrogant and exasperating speech, 
and did not spare the use of it, accusing the magis- 
trate.s, miuisteri and the members of the churches of 
ignorance of the true religion, and of being unac- 
quainted with its spirit. Their interruption of pub- 
lic worship, their open denunciations of time-serving 
and hireling ministers, and their fanatical violations 
of good order and the public quiet in some cases, 
were calculated to inflame the popular mind to the 
highest pitch of anger ; and while this does not ex- 
cuse the heavy hand of persecution raised upon them, 
it explains and palliates the disgust and antipathy 
felt by many reasonable and worthy persons towards 
such intemperate revilers of men and women, who 
were, at least, as good as themselves, and were held 
in honor — deservedly or not — as appointed chiefs in 
church and state. " The wildest fanaticism on their 
part was met by a frenzied bigotry on the other." Mr. 
Higginson was active in turning upon them an unre- 
lenting harrying, for which Mr. Bentley says he was 
sorry afterwards. Eighteen of these unhappy per- 
sons are said to have been jjublicly punished in Sa- 
lem in the year 1661. And, as is always the case 
when men suffer for their opinions, the most blame- 
less met with the same fate as the most turbulent and 
aggressive. After the restoration of King Charles 
II., he took their case into consideration and put a 
stop to the persecution. It had lasted about five 
years. The excitement soon died away when the per- 
secution ceased. 

A " Direction " for a public profession of faith was 
lire|)ared by Jlr. Higginson, and printed in a dateless 
tract, already referred to, probably, says Ju<lge White, 
iu 1680, which, however, was " to be looked upon as 
a fit means whereby to express that their common 
3 



faith and salvation, and not to be made use of as an 
imposition upon any." This "Direction" became 
famous in the friendly but controversial discussion, 
already alluded to as having occurred thirty to forty 
years ago, between Rev. Dr. Worcester and Judge 
White, as to the form of the first covenant, it being 
regarded by the former as substantially identical with 
a confession of faith adopted by the church in 1629, 
along with the covenant, a position earnestly con- 
tended against by the latter as wholly untenable. 

In 1672 there came a man to Salem from Virginia, 
who, for a few years, filled quite a large place in the 
town and church — Mr. Charles Xieholct. He was 
invited to be the assistant of Mr. Higginson for a 
year, " for trial."' At the end of the year the engage- 
ment was renewed upon the same terms for another 
year, one condition of which being that he should 
have for. his maintenance "a free voluntary contribu- 
tion every Lord's day." When, at the end of the 
second year, he w-as offered again the same terms, 
they were j)robably not accepted, as, a little later, it 
was voted that, "it is agreed by a hand and free vote 
of the town for Mr. Xicholet's continuance amongst 
us during his life." At the same time (that is, early 
in 1674) the town voted a grant of as much land on 
the common as should be needed " for to build a new 
meeting-house for the worship of God." ' This meet- 
ing-house was begun and its frame erected, but was 
never finished. The invitation to Mr. Xicholet, ex- 
tended by the town instead of by the church — an 
unusual, if not an unprecedented proceeding — and the 
building of another meeting-house at some distance 
from the established place of worship, were painful 
proofs to the elder minister that there were restless and 
disaffected persons in his congregation not unwilling 
to show their discontent. "His enemies," says Mr. 
Bentley, " made by persecution, now had power to dis- 
tress him." His support had been partly withheld. 
Some who were not unfriendly thought it time that a 
portion of his burden of varied duties and wearing 
responsibilities should be transferred to an assistant. 
But the church had taken offense and exception at 
the manner in which the assistant was called — that is, 
in the town's having acted by itself. A remonstrance 
was sent to the General Court, which tribunal answered 
by declaring its disapprobation of such a departure 
from established usages, characterizing it .as not only 
very irregular, but as " expressly contrary to the 
known wholesome laws of this jurisdiction." Mr. Hig- 
ginson disapproved the course pursued by his assistant 
and the town. Mr. Xieholct explained and promised 
to be on his guard, but apparently continued his 
ministry and drew to himself a following of malcon- 
tents, and kept up the discord till, happily for the 
town, "after many farewell sermons," he "departed 
from America forever," in 1676. 

As time healed or softened the dissensions that 

iTowD Becards, pp. ITli, 208, 217, i-'S. 



34 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



attended Mr. Nicholet's ministry, it also made the 
burdens carried by the senior pastor, now without an 
assistant, to be felt more oppressively as he advanced 
in years. The way was thus prepared for another 
trial of the experiment of a colleague. In 1C82 Mr. 
Higginson recommended it; and on the 14th of No- 
vember, 1683, Mr. Nicholas Noyes was ordained. It 
was a choice fortunate for the church. Mr. Noyes' 
character, as drawn in the record-book of the church 
when he died, on the 13th of December, 1717, at the 
age of nearly seventy years, and at the end of a min- 
istry of thirty-five years, has been accepted as a just 
portraiture of the man — a portraiture the more enti- 
tled to be preserved and reproduced on suitable occa- 
sions, in that it is a calm after-judgment respecting 
one who bore a prominent part in the ever-memorable 
and mournful proceedings of the dark days of the 
witchcraft trials. It is the testimony of his contem- 
poraries; of those who should be presumed to know 
him best; who knew his mistakes and the sincerity 
of his lamentation on their account. " He was extra- 
ordinarily accomplished for the work of the ministry, 
whereunto he was called. . . . Considering his 
superior genius; his pregnant wit; strong memory; 
solid judgment ; his great acquisition in human learn- 
ing and knowledge ; his conversation among men, 
especially with his friends, so very pleasant, enter- 
taining and profitable; his uncommon attainments in 
the study of divinity ; his eminent sanctity, gravity 
and virtue ; his serious, learned and pious perform- 
ances in the pulpit ; his more than ordinary skill in 
the prophetical parts of Scripture; his wisdom and 
usefulness in human afl'airs ; and his constant solici- 
tude for the public good : it is no wonder that Salem 
and the adjacent part of the country, as also the 
Churches, University and people of New England, 
justly esteem him as a principal part of their glory." 
For one to have saved such a reputation as this, who 
had been a chief actor in bringing those accused of 
witchcraft to punishment, argues rare excellences of 
character. Mr. Bentley accords him exceptional 
honor as the one among all those ministers who were 
swept along by the storm, misled, silenced, non-pro- 
te.sting, accountable — the one who made all possible 
reparation afterwards ; an open, confessing, self-sacri- 
ficing atonement for the evil he had done and caused, 
to the extent of his ability. " Noyes came out and 
publicly confessed his error ; never concealed a cir- 
cumstance ; never excused himself; visited, loved and 
blessed the survivors whom he had injured; asked 
forgiveness always, and consecrated the residue of 
life to bless mankind. He never thought, in all these 
things, that he made the least compensation, but all 
the world believed him sincere." The glooms of the 
period of the witchcraft visitation have had no parallel, 
before or since, in the ancient town. It is not our 
province to depict its creeping horrors. It stands 
apart, a story of unrelieved tragedy. It was connected 
with the church-life of the people, but it was an epi- 



demic mania, an outcropping nightmare of supersti- 
tion, that swept like a sudden torrent over the region. 
" From March till August, 1692, . . . business 
was interrupted. The town deserted. Terror was in 
every countenance, and distress in every heart."' 
We thankfully leave the sombre task of telling the 
sad tale to another. 

We introduce here the few remaining minutes to be 
noted respecting Rev. Mr. Noyes. He was born in 
Newbury December 22, 1647, and was the nephew of 
the first minister of Newbury, Eev. James Noyes. 
For thirteen years before coming to Salem he had 
been settled in the ministry at Haddam, Conn. He 
was never married. 

During the witchcraft storm Mr. Higginson held 
himself aloof. " His only fault was his silent con- 
sent." He had gone too far with the Quakers, and 
learned the lesson of caution. But it was not in him 
to be strong enough, old man that he was, where all 
were stricken with the madness, to sound an alarm 
and call a halt. It was what all were waiting and 
praying for, from some one. But probably if any had 
been brave enough and far-sighted enough to cry 
aloud in protest, it would only have availed when the 
tempest was subsiding and far-spent ; earlier it would 
only have added another victim, possibly, to the pop- 
ular frenzy. Such a panic-stricken community could 
only come to its senses slowly, and when the fury of 
the blast was passed. Mr. Bentley's just reflections 
are in place here, and in the history of the church 
should not be omitted : " As soon as the judges ceased 
to condemn, the people ceased to accuse. Just as 
after a storm, the people were astonished to see the 
light at once break out bright again. Terror at the 
violence and the guilt of the proceedings succeeded 
instantly to the conviction of blind zeal, and what 
every man had encouraged all professed to abhor. 
Few dared to blame other men, because few were in- 
nocent. They who had been most active remembered 
that they had been applauded. The guilt and the 
shame became the portion of the country, while Salem 
had the infamy of being the place of the transactions. 
Every expression of sorrow was found in Salem. And 
after the death of Mr. Higginson, whose only fault 
was his silent consent, the church, before the choice 
of another minister, publicly erased all the ignominy 
they had attached to the dead, by recording a most 
humble acknowledgment of their error. After the 
public mind became quiet, few things were done 
to disturb it. But a diminished population, the 
injury done to religion, and the distress of the ag- 
grieved were seen and felt with the greatest sorrow." ' 

For six years from the death of Mr. Higginson Mr. 
Noyes was the sole pastor of the church. He being 
then nearly sixty-seven years old, Mr. George Curwin, 
son of Hon. Jonathan Curwin, was ordained as his 
colleague. Mr. Bentley says that Mr. Curwin was 

1 Bentley, pp. 270-271. 



SALEM. 



35 



proposed by Mr. N^oyes in 1709, soon after the death 
of Mr. Higginson, and would have been immediately 
ordained if those living beyond the town bridge had 
not hoped to become a separate church. In 1713 an- 
other church was formed, which is the lower parish 
in Danvers. Mr. Curwin's settlement followed in 
May of the next year. The opening of his ministry 
was fnW of promise, and excited in his people high 
hopes of usefulness, — hopes destined to an early 
blight. He died Nov. 23, 1717, at the age of thirty- 
four years, only four and a half j'ears from his ordina- 
tion. He was horn in Salem May 21, 1GS3, graduated 
from Harvard College in 1701, and ordained May 19, 
1714. The entry made upon the church book of rec- 
ords, of date Xov. 23, 1717, after recording his death, 
adds : " He was highly esteemed in his life, and very 
deservedly lamented at his death, having been very 
eminent for his early improvements in learning and 
piety, his singular abilities and great labors, his re- 
markable zeal and faithlulness in the service of his 
^Master. A great benefactor to our poor. The Eev. 
Mr. Xoyes his life was much bound up in him." 
These last words read more as prophecy than as rec- 
ord of a past accomplished, when we look on to the 
next entry upon the book. It is but twenty days 
later. It records the death, Dec. 13th, of the Rev. 
Nicholas Noyes. Within three weeks the church is 
bereaved of both its pastors. 

Mr. Samuel Fisk was called with great unanimity 
the next year to the church in Salem, and was or- 
dained on the 8th of October, 1718. He was a grand- 
son of Rev. John Fisk, herein before mentioned as 
sometime assistant to Rev. Hugh Peters, afterwards 
minister of Wenham and Chelmsford ; was born 
April 6, 1689, in Braintree, where his father, Rev. 
Moses Fisk, was many years minister, and was grad- 
uated from Harvard College in 1708. He was a man 
of acknowledged abilities and of great energy, but the 
unanimity with which his miui.stry was welcomed at 
the beginning gave place in no very long time to a 
rising alienation on the part of a portion of hit* con- 
gregation, which grew to a protracted and bitter con- 
troversy, — protracted and bitter even in comparison 
with other church contentions, proverbial as such are 
for their tenacity and implacability, — many of his 
parishioners becoming hopelessly estranged from him, 
the division culminating at last in the expulsion of 
Mr. Fisk from his pulpit in 173.5. Mr. Bentley as- 
cribes his loss of usefulness to high thoughts of church 
authority. Pamphlets of more than four hundred 
pages of printed matter remain in a Salem library 
(Athenieum) to represent the course of the correspond- 
ence and criticisms which grew out of the long con- 
test. The points involved were not chiefly theological 
or ecclesiiistical, but consisted largely of charges 
brought by members of the church of misrepresenta- 
tion and of a want of ingenuous, truthful and frank 
dealing on the part of Mr. Fisk as to an unwarranted 
interpolation in the church records in the matter of 



maintaining or discontinuing the church " lecture," 
an institution which had long existed, the interest in 
which had fallen off greatly, and the responsibility 
for whose decay, and close, and resunii)tion was mu- 
tually bandied back and forth between the minister 
and the dissatisfied brethren. Mr. Fisk was also accused 
of arbitrarily refusing to call church meetings except 
such as he pleased a.nd when he pleased, and of assert- 
ing a right of control in church matters generally 
deemed by a very considerable part of his congrega- 
tion to be unauthorized and inadmissible. As to one 
of the issues raised, Mr. Fisk and his followers seem 
to have planted themselves on unassailable ground. 
The aggrieved brethren seem to have been a confessed 
minority of the church. When, therefore, this ag- 
grieved minority, — supposing it to be such, — first 
called on a neighboring church,— the second in Bos- 
ton, — to come in, by its representatives, and endeavor 
to compose the existing difficulties, the majority de- 
clined to submit their case to this commi.saion for a 
hearing and decision. So, when a council of four 
churches made a similar attempt, and again, when a 
yet larger and more imposing council wjis summoned, 
they simply denied the jurisdiction of each and all 
such ecclesiastical courts, in steadfast adherence to 
that original principle laid down at the founding of 
the church, in 1(329, of the independence of each 
church, and they denied the authority of any other 
church or churches to interfere in its concerns. Unless 
by some formal vote it had surrendered this claim of 
autonomy in favor of some other paramount autliority 
as does not seem to have been claime<l, or the voice of 
the majority was arbitrarily suppressed by the pastor, 
which is perhaps charged by implication, it is difficult 
to see by what right the majority of this church and 
congregation were dispossessed of their meeting-house 
or any of their church rights, as was done, and sanc- 
tioned by the General Court. 

After the exclusion of Mr. Fisk from the pulpit, a 
majority of the members of the church withdrew and 
built another meeting-house near at hand.' The with- 
drawing members continued to use the title of " The 
First Church," their right to which could hardly be 
gainsaid, perhaps, except upon the ground taken by 
the courts of Massachusetts a hundred years later, 
viz. : that the church derives its designation from the 
parish out of which it has grown, and upon which its 
identification depends. Mr. Fisk took away with him 
the church book of records, retaining it through the 
peril d of his ministry. In 1762 Eev. Dudley Leavitt, 
the minister of the church which Mr. Fisk had led 
out in 1735 to a new home, died, much beloved and 
lamented. That church soon after opened a gracious 
and conciliatory correspondence with the church of 
the First Parish, proposing to relinquish to it the title 

1 They first placed it too near, — *• only twelve perches and eleven feet 
from the First parish ineeting-huiise." The General t.^urt interfered, 
iinil ordered that it should not »t*nd " nearer to the other Uian forty 
perches."' It was removed accordingly. 



36 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of the First Church from that time, and took for itself 
the title of " The Church of which Eev. Dudley Leu- 
vitt was late Pastor," — known since, and now for 
many years, as the Tabernacle Church. These over- 
tures were met in a like spirit. An amicable division 
of plate and other church property accompanied and 
attested the healing of the old wounds of dissension. 

Leaving, for the present, the notices of other 
churches formed in the town from time to time, we 
follow out first the sketch of the p'irst Church. During 
the years from 1735 to 1762 the old First Church and 
Society was called, and called itself the Church and 
Parish of the Confederate Society, or, for a shorter 
title and common use, the Confederate Church. Dr. 
Worcester says the secedersgave them the title. The 
effect of the division by which the society was cleft in 
1735 was depressing for a while, undoubtedly. But 
on the 5th of August, 1736, Mr. John Sparhawk was 
called by " the brethren adhering to the ancient prin- 
ciples of the First Church in Salem," with substan- 
tial unanimity, to the ministry among them, and was 
ordained on the 8th of December following. He was 
the son. of Rev. John Sparhawk, of Bristol, R. I., and 
was born in that town in September, 1713, and gradu- 
ated at Harvard College in 1731. He died April 30, 
1755, in the forty-second year of his age. He was 
described by his parishioner, Dr. Edward Holyoke, as 
" large in person, a man of dignity and an excellent 
preacher." If that people is to be accounted happy 
whose history affords few incidents or experiences 
deemed worthy to be recited, the same evidence may 
be taken as ground for the belief that a church is 
happy, its life one of peace, of silent, healthful, spir- 
itual growth, when it affords little material for the 
historian to record. The First Church entered upon 
such a period after the close of the rather tempestu- 
ous ministry of Mr. Fisk. The usefulness of Mr. 
Sparhawk's labors, and the affection in which he was 
held, is shown by the sincere sorrow caused by his 
death. The ministries which followed were of a like 
character, and, even down to this day, have generally 
abounded in quiet and diligent service on the part of 
the ministers, and been characterized by general har- 
mony and co-operation on the part of the church and 
congregation in maintaining the institutions of re- 
ligion and cultivating the spirit of the Christian 
gospel. 

Rev. Thomas Barnard succeeded Mr. Sparhawk. 
He was the son of Rev. John Barnard, of Andover, 
and was born in that place August 16, 1716, grad- 
uated from Harvard College in 1732, ordained at 
Newbury January 31, 1738, left his people there on 
account of " difficulties about Mr. Whitfield's preach- 
ing," and turned to the study and practice of law for 
a time. Re-entering the ministry, he was installed 
minister of the First Church in Salem September 17, 
1755. He was a man of solid excellencies, both of 
mind and character, not brilliant, but strong and 
rightly balanced, " much beloved by his society and 



esteemed by the public." He was disabled by paral- 
ysis in 1770, and a colleague was settled in 1772. Mr. 
Barnard died August 5, 1776. The colleague just re- 
ferred to was Mr. Asa Dunbar. There had been a 
division of feeling in the choice of a colleague, some 
desiring Mr. Barnard's son, Thom.as Barnard, Jr., to 
be invited to take the place, while a bare majority 
were for Mr. Dunbar. The organization of the North 
Church, with Mr. Thomas Barnard, Jr., for its minis- 
ter, was the result of the disagreement. But the parting 
between the brethren who went out and those who 
stayed behind was friendly, and characterized by an 
affectionate reluctance to take the decisive .step, and 
by a generous surrender of some of the vessels and 
sacred things belonging to the church, because they 
had come to it by gift from those who were now de- 
parting or from members of their families. Rev. Asa 
Dunbar was born in Bridgewater May 26, 1745, grad- 
uated at Harvard College in 1767, and ordained in 
Salem July, 22, 1772. His health before long be- 
came broken, and compelled him first to seek its res- 
toration in rest, and finally to resign his office, which 
he did April 23, 1779, his society consenting with re- 
luctance, and not until convinced that it was a neces- 
sity. Honorable and delicate testimonials of the 
mutual affection and confidence subsisting between 
the pastor and people were exchanged at parting. 
Mr. Dunbar studied law after leaving his ministry in 
Salem, and settled in Keene, N. H., where he prac- 
ticed his profession and lived greatly respected till 
June 22, 1787, the time of his death. He appears to 
have lived in Weston before coming to Salem ; he 
married there Mary Jones, in 1772, and had a child 
born there in 1776. After leaving Salem, and before 
settling in Keene, he probably lived in Harvard for a 
time, as he had children born there in 1780 and 1781. 
Mr. Bentley, a competent judge, and not given to un- 
meaning praise, characterized him as a man of genius. 
Rev. John Prince, who succeeded Mr. Dunbar, and 
whose ministry covered a period of fifty-seven years — 
for forty-five of which he had no assistance — was born 
in Boston July 22, 1751, graduated at Harvard College 
in 1776, and ordained minister of the First Church in 
Salem November 10, 1779.' Dr. Prince was a faith- 
ful and devoted minister and lived in the sincere af- 
fection and respect of his people during his long pas- 
torate. But he had greater fame as a devotee of 
natural science and an ardent philosophical investiga- 
tor than as a preacher. His parishioner, the late Hon. 
Daniel A. White, says of him that " he possessed the 
spirit of a true philosopher and a true Christian, and 
was alike distinguished for his mechanical ingenuity, 
his attainments in natural, in theological and general • 



1 The ministry of Dr. Prince has had no parallel for length in Salem, 
except in that of Rev. Dr. EinersoD, of the South Church, which ex- 
teniled over more than sixty-seven years, though for the first nine and 
the last thirty-two of the years of his ministry he was associated with col- 
leagues, and for many years before his death he performed almost no 
professional duties. 



SALEM. 



37 



learning, and for his various genius and taste, his ar- 
dent love of nature and of art, his single-heartedness 
and trulj- Christian temper, and for his amiable and 
generous disposition, especially as manifested in the 
gratuitous diffusion of his scientific discoveries and 
ini]irovements, and in imparting his rare knowledge 
at all times for the gratification and entertainment of 
others. His character will long be remembered with 
sincere admiration." He bequeathed to his society a 
library of nearly four hundred and fifty volumes. He 
was an honored member of various societiesorganized 
for the study of science, art and history, and received 
the degree of Doctor of Laws from Brown University. 
His death took place on June 7, 183(5. 

During the ministry of Dr. Prince the parish re- 
ceived valuable legacies from Charles Henry Orne, a 
merchant, and from Miss Mehitable Higginson, a 
descendant in the sixth generation from the first 
minister, and widely known as " a teacher of succes- 
sive generations of children," and " a blessing to the 
church and the town." More recently the permanent 
funds of the society were increased by a liberal be- 
quest from Hannah Haraden Ropes, and in 1867 
amounted to about ten thousand five hundred dol- 
lars. In the year 1817 the society became incorpor- 
ated as the First Congregational Society in Salem. 

In 1824 Mr. Charles W. TJpham was ordained as a 
colleague pastor with Dr. Prince. He was born in St. 
John, New Brunswick, May 4, 1802, graduated from 
Harvard College in 1821, and from the Divinity 
School in Cambridge in 1824. He was ordained in 
Salem the same year, December 8th, and filled a min- 
istry of twenty years, when impaired health caused 
him to resign, and he closed his ministry in Decem- 
ber, 1844. Mr. Upham was held in high esteem as 
an acceptable preacher and a man of scholarly at- 
tainments. He received, on retiring from his ministry, 
substantial tokens of the generous appreciation of the 
people whom he had served, and which he acknowl- 
edged with a warm recognition. He died in Salem 
June, 15, 1875, more than thirty years after his min- 
istry ended, having filled in the course of that time 
several important civil and political offices. He was 
mayor of Salem in 1852; elected to both Houses of 
the Legislature of the State at different times, and 
president of the Senate in 1857-58; member of the 
National House of Representativs in 1853-55 ; and of 
the State Convention of Massachusetts in 1853. In 
various sermons and addresses he sketched and illus- 
trated the history of the Salem Church, and contrib- 
uted for publication much historical and biographical 
material, relating to the men and times of early New- 
England. During his ministry he published a small 
work upon the " Logos, " another upon " Prophecy as 
an Evidence of Christianity ; " " Lectures upon Witch- 
craft," which, in 1867, he expanded into an elaborate 
work of two volumes of nearly one thousand duodec- 
imo i)ages. '' A Life of Sir Henry Vane," in iS/jarlcs' 
American Bioijrap/ti/, was from his pen. In 1856 he 



wrote the "Life, Letters and Public Services of John 
Charles Fremont," one of the Presidential candidates 
of that year. His last published literary work was a 
" Memoir of Timothy Pickering," in three volumes. 
He edited the Christian Ecgisfer in 1845-46, and was 
a frequent contributor to periodical publications, both 
religious and secular. 

Rev. Thomas Treadwell Stone was called to the 
vacant pastorship in June, 1846, and on the 12th of 
July following was installed in that office, with the 
simplicity of form observed in the primitive Salem 
Cliurch, the entire service being carried on and com- 
pleted by the congregation through its appointed rep- 
resentative and the pastor-elect. Mr. Stone was born 
in Waterford, Me., February 9, 1801, and graduated 
at Bowdoin College in 1820. He was ordained in 
Andover, Me., September 8, 1824, and continued to 
be pastor of that church till September, 1830, when 
he became preceptor of Bridgton Academy. After 
two years he resumed the ministry, and was settled 
in East Machias May 15, 1833. The anti-slavery 
agitation which came to its crisis after a quarter of a 
century in civil war in 1861, and which had been 
long straining threateningly the civil institutions and 
the political integrity of the nation, had also deeply 
disturbed the peace of a large proportion of the 
churches of the free States. Some ministers caused 
discontent in their folds by preaching upon the 
country's responsibility and duty in regard to the in- 
stitution of slavery, some gave equal offense by 
wholly refraining from the theme, and still others 
displeased their hearers by what they said or their 
manner of saying it. The public feeling was ex- 
tremely sensitive. The congregations were divided 
in sentiment. Expressions used in the pulpit, which 
in ordinary times might not have produced a ripple 
of commotion, in the inflammable state of popular 
feeling then existing, broke friendships, and sun- 
dered in many instances the bond that held pastor 
and church together. Mr. Stone, incapable of giving 
offense by any breach of Christian charity or cour- 
tesy, yet felt himself constrained to utter an earnest 
testimony against slavery as subversive of the plain- 
est principles of justice and humanity, and as equally 
condemned by the fundamental teachings and the es- 
sential spirit of Christianity. While his personal and 
professional character was unassailable and unim- 
peached, as it respected the purity and disinterested- 
ness of his motives and the singleness of mind and 
the high ability with which he discharged the duties 
of the ministerial office, some of his society became 
dissatisfied, and he was dismissed in February, 1S52. 
He was afterwards settled in Bolton, and is now 
passing a serene and studious old age, dividing his 
time between his home in Bolton and the homes of 
Lis children. 

January 6, 1853, the vacancy caused by the dismis- 
sion of Dr. Slone was filled by the installation of 
Rev. George Ware Briggs. Mr. Briggs was borji at 



38 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Little Compton, R. I., April 8, 1810, graduated from 
Brown University in 1825, and from the Divinity 
School at Cambridge in 1834, and was ordained in 
Fall River September 24, 1834, and installed in 
Plymouth, January 3, 1838, as colleague pastor with 
Rev. James Kendall, D.D. Dr. Briggs resigned his 
mini.stry in Salem April 1, 1867, and the same year 
was settled over the Third Congregational Society in 
Cambridge (Cambridgeport), where he still ministers, 
his society having refused not long since to accept his 
resignation. During Dr. Briggs' ministry in Salem 
the " irrepressible conflict " between slavery and 
freedom reached the stage of open war, and the at- 
tempted secession of the slave States brought the 
conflict to a termination in the emancipation of the 
slaves, the victory of the northern armies and the re- 
storation of peace between the North and the South. 
Dr. Briggs was a strenuous and able champion of the 
cause of freedom and of the maintenance of the na- 
tion's integrity during the war. 

Rev. James T. Hewes succeeded Dr. Briggs, Sep- 
tember 27, 1868. Mr. Hewes was born in Saco, Me., 
March 23, 1836 ; was ordained in South Boston, Feb- 
ruary 19, 1862 ; resigned June 4, 1864 ; settled over 
the Second Unitarian Pari.sh, in Portland, Me., June 
23, 1864. He resigned his Salem charge August 31, 

1875. With health already impaired before leaving 
Salem, he was installed in Fitchburg September 26, 

1876. After a ministry there of five years, seriously 
interrupted by ill health, he resigned, sincerely re- 
spected and beloved by his society, and after a year 
and a half spent in California, removed to Cambridge, 
where he died November 21, 1882. 

Rev. Fielder Israel, now in pastoral charge of the 
First Church, was installed March 8, 1877. He was 
born in Baltimore, Md., June 29, 1825, was in the 
]\Iethodist ministry for some years, and later had been 
pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wilmington, Del.> 
and of that in Taunton, Mass., before his settlement 
in Salem. 

The First Church has occupied successively four 
houses of worship on or near the same spot, Essex, 
corner of Washington Street. The first is still stand- 
ing — so much of it as to make its size, shape and gen- 
eral aspect visible and certain. The main timbers of 
its frame are preserved and are in their original 
places, the clothing of the skeleton only — that is, the 
boarding and plaster — having been from time to time 
renewed. "An unfinished building of one story," 
says Rev. Mr. Upham, "was temporarily used at the 
beginning for the purposes of the congregation." 
Houses had been provided at once, by order of the 
company in London, for dwellings for the two minis- 
ters, — Rev. Mr. Higginson's "directly south of and 
about fifty feet distant from the eastern part of the site of 
the present meeting-house " (ground covered at present 
by the southeastern corner of the Asiatic Block, now 
the rear room of the Salem Savings Bank, in which 
the corporation and its trustees hold their meetings). 



Mr. Skelton's house was farther south and to the east, 
on the southern side of the present Front Street. 
Neither of these two ministers lived to preach in the 
first meeting-house, which was contracted for in 1634, 
the year of Mr. Skelton's death, and which stood, it 
will be recalled, quite near the sites of their dwellings 
as just given. Mr. Norton was the builder of that 
first meeting-house. The trees for it were not felled 
till the beginning of 1635. and the house was erected 
the summer after. Its dimensions were twenty feet 
in length by seventeen feet in width, and twelve feet 
in the height of the posts. A gallery extended across 
the northern end, or side, whose front supporting 
beam rests now in its original position, the floor of 
the gallery rising towards the rear by a sharp pitch. 
The main floor of the house is supposed to have been 
of clay. The door opened on Essex Street when the 
building stood on its original foundation ; the gallery 
ran across the same end ; the preacher's place — and the 
pulpit's, when one was built — was opposite, that is, on 
the southern end. The windows were not glazed till 
1637. In 1639 the house was elongated southward by 
more than its original length, viz. : twenty-five feet. 
When a new house of worship was to be built, in 
1670, the town voted to appropriate the old house to 
the town's use for a school-house and watch-house. 
In the course of the next ninety years it was put to 
various uses by the town. It was in 1760, it is prob- 
able, that it was sold to Thorndike Proctor, and by 
him removed to a spot now in the field a few rods 
south of Boston Street, near the foot of Gallows (or 
Witch) Hill, a public road at that time running past 
it, and there it was occupied as a tavern, after which 
it stood awhile as a neglected and nearly empty stable 
and disused store-house. In 1864 it was presented 
to the Essex Institute by Mrs. David Nichols, its 
owner at the time, and removed to the rear of Plum- 
nier Hall, where it now stands restored to its primi- 
tive form by the liberality of the late Francis Pea- 
body, Esq., then president of the Essex Institute, in 
such a way that the original parts and the renewed 
portions, respectively, are easily to be distinguished 
from each other. The second meeting-house was built 
in 1670, on the western side of the site of the first. It 
was sixty feet long on Essex Street, fifty feet wide and 
twenty feet stud ; " cost one thousand pounds," says 
Rev. Mr. Upham, " had galleries, and was called by 
Cotton Mather ' the great and spacious meeting- 
house.' '' This house served the congregation nearly 
sixty years. In 1718 it was found to have become so 
decrepit as not to be worthy of repairing, and it was 
voted to build a new one to take its place on the same 
ground. 

This third meeting-house was seventy-two feet long 
on Essex Street, and fifty feet wide, with two tiers of 
gallery and a spire. " The steeple," says Mr. Upham, 
"was probably like that still preserved in the vener- 
able meeting-house of the First Church of Hingham, 
built in 1681, rising directly over the centre of the 



SALEM. 



39 



roof, the bell-rope coming down to the broad aisle, 
half-way between the pulpit and the main entrance." 
Great changes were afterwards made in the interior 
arrangement and in the external appearance of the 
building. A picture of it,- as it appeared in its latest 
form, may be seen among the collections of the Essex 
Institute, and is also preserved in the appendix to the 
sermon preached by Kev. Mr. Upham at the dedica- 
tion of the church edifice at present occupied by the 
society. The old house was taken down in 1826, 
and the new was built and dedicated November 16th 
of the same year. There are a few still living who 
remember the former, with its three tiei^s of windows, 
its tower and spire on its western end, and its front 
entrance upon its Essex Street side. 

The meeting-house built in 1826, and now in use, 
was materially changed in appearance both within 
and without in 1875. Without, it was originally a 
plain brick structure, cruciform in general outline, 
the central and main portion, that containing the 
auditorium, being nearly square, and in appearance 
much the same as now on its northern front ; high 
porches projecting from the middle of the eastern 
and western sides made the arms of the cross ; the 
building stood above a lower story devoted to business 
jiurposes, — stores, etc., as now. On the Essex Street 
side of either porch were doors of entrance to the 
auditorium and the gallery; the ascent from the 
pavement to the entrances was made by a short flight 
of steps, an iron fence with gates inclosing the re- 
cesses between the street and the steps. Within, a 
gallery extended along the Essex Street front, in 
which was the choir and organ, and some space for 
sittings besides; on the opposite, the southern side, 
was the rather high pulpit. In 1867 considerable 
changes were made from its first interior appear- 
ance; a smaller organ was substituted for the one 
which had been in use, and was placed with the 
choir, in an alcove or gallery, within the upper part, 
of the eastern porch; the front gallery was removed, 
and appropriate inscriptions were placed upon the 
northern wall, against which it had stood. In 1875 
the whole interior was changed to its present form, the 
pulpit or preacher's desk being carried to the western 
side, and a large new organ built in its rear. At the 
same time the two porches upon the eastern and 
western sides were replaced by extended additions on 
those sides reaching the entire length of the build- 
ing, providing not only stairways of access to the 
audience-room, but rooms adjoining for the minister's 
use and his library, for the Sunday-school library 
and for other convenient purposes. 

Society of Friends. — We now turn back to find 
and trace the offshoots from this parent stem of eccle- 
siastical growth in the Salem settlement. The earli- 
est of these was a gathering of (Quakers. Mention is 
made of the appearance of these people in Salem 
first ill 1656 or '57, only about ten years after George 
Fox began his itineracy and public preaching in 



England. The peculiar tenets and practices of the 
Quakers exhibit one of the numerous phases taken 
on by the new and freer spirit to which the Reforma- 
tion of the sixteenth century had given birth. It was 
an emancipation from bondage to legalism, ecclesias- 
ticism and hierarchies. It was usually characterized by 
more or less spiritual exaltation and religious enthusi- 
asm, [n some sanguine, imaginative and emotional 
temperaments, this new spirit burst forth, like new 
wine from old bottles, into ell'ervescent prophesyings 
and extravagant claims of illumination. Sincere and 
pure in motive as most of these people were, they 
were yet protestants of the protestants, and in many 
instances boldly arraigned the existing churches as 
needing a new baptism of the Spirit; as leaning with- 
out warrant wholly on the letter of the Bible. They 
afiirmed that each human soul might have its own 
immediate communication with God, its own inter- 
pretation of Christ, and its own revelation of truth, 
not to be superseded by any external authority. 
Very innocent and even commendable aflirmations 
these would perhaps be pronounced to-day; and were 
Endicott, Higginson and Wilson here now, they 
w(mld, it is likely, assent to them; while we who 
are to-day sitting complacently in judgment upon 
their conduct and upon that of the Southwicks and 
Maules, if we had been among them in their time, 
should have been Quakers and denouncers of Quak- 
ers in just about the same numerical proportions as 
they were. We need not be unjust to those who 
fined, sold and hanged Quakers, in order to do 
justice to the Quakers. The members of the 
churches of Salem and Boston could not know just 
the nature, conditions and the probable outcome of 
the problem which they had to deal with in Quaker- 
ism in 1656, as we now know it, viewing it in the 
light of history. When they first heard announced 
the peculiar views of these people, they recognized 
in them something like and yet unlike the teachings 
of Mrs. Hutchinson and of the Anabaptists, which 
they deprecated with genuine dread. To what would 
the new doctrines disseminated by these preachers, 
of which they had some not reassuring reports from 
England, lead, and where would they endi" Did the 
preachers themselves know? Or were they on a drift 
whose tendency they were quite unable to forecast? 
Now it is but common-place wisdom to .say that it 
was not right to judge the whole body or the great 
majority by the vagaries of a few unbalanced spirits. 
But the judgment had to be nuide then and there, 
by the contemiwraries of Robinson, Stevenson and 
Mary Dyer, and they could not tell at once who were 
the typical disciples of the new school and who were 
the exceptional zealots whose ways would be eventu- 
ally repudiated by the majority, — nor indeed whether 
the few might not yet become the majority, which 
was what they feared. They could not tell, nobody 
could, to what pitch this excitement might rise. 
Alarming possibilities loomed np to their ajiprehen- 



40 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUJ^TY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sive imaginations. Tlie ways and doctrines of these 
Quakers appeared to them to lead out to the un- 
fenced wilderness of antinomianism [no-law-ism] ; 
so their propagators were honestly, if mistakenly, 
held to be dangerous to the security of the new com- 
munities struggling to set up here law and order in 
commonwealth and church. The latter were con- 
tending with teachings and influences sincerely be- 
lieved to be disorganizing and hostile to the peace, if 
not to the existence, of the newly-planted colony. It 
is asking too much to require that magistrates and 
ministers, church-members and citizens, in the in- 
fancy of a great and critical experiment in the con- 
duct of civil and ecclesiasticalaft'airs, acting under cir- 
cumstances of frequent perplexity and serious embar- 
rassment making their own precedents as they went, and 
daily treading paths of uncertain ending, should have 
been exempt from the limitations of their age, and 
should have made the discovery, at once and on the 
spot, that the extreme of tolerance towards dissent 
and contradiction was a discreet and safe policy, to 
be fearlessly followed out in practice without any 
restrictions and under whatever provocation — a dis- 
covery which, after two hundred years of social 
progre.ss, hardly commands an unqualified and univer- 
sal acceptance. It would be disingenuous not to 
allow, however, that personal feelings, wounded pride 
and narrow and bitter prejudices doubtless mingled 
with considerations of public policy, however uncon- 
sciously, in promoting the persecution of the Quakers, 
Persecutors and persecuted were alike human. 
Grant that the doctrines of the Quakers had much 
truth to justify their earnest proclamation. They had 
too often, as uttered, the implication, if not the tone, 
of the Pharisee's " I am holier than thou," to the mem- 
bers of the New England Churches. Their authors 
were not sparing in the terms of self-humiliation, it 
is true, and this made the assumption of suj)erior in- 
sight, and nearer communion with God, the more irri- 
tating and offensive. The very truths and half-truths 
that were couched in many of the allegations made 
against the Christianity of the day, — allegations of un- 
due devotion to letter and form, and of lack of true 
religious experience and life, w-hich, if they had come 
from brethren within the church, or from supposed 
friends, might have been welcomed by the more 
spiritually-minded and conscientious of the fold, — were 
not to be borne when regarded as the false accusations 
of meddlesome, censorious and aggressive pretenders to 
superior piety. The cruelties visited upon the Quak- 
ers were simply horrible, almost beyond belief. Yet 
we may not flatter ourselves that it is because we are 
so much better than our fathers that we are to-day 
unanimous in this verdict. It is, that we are nearly 
a quarter of a millenium later than the Puritans of 
1650, and that between their time and ours a good 
deal has been learned. As to the aggravated sufferings 
to which the Quakers were subjected, however, this 
should be said : that in an age when all pains and 



penalties for crime were immeasurably heavier and 
more cruel than now, if the Quakers must suffer pun- 
ishment at all, the punishments inflicted upon them 
were not unusual, and therefore were such as should 
have been expected: fines, whippings, public disgrace, 
imprisonment, enslavement,' banishment and death. 
And furthermore it should be mentioned, though not as 
alleviating in the least the responsibility for the harsh 
treatment visited upon the Quakers, that some who 
suffered seemed rather to court martyrdom than to 
shriuk from it. The disturbances growing out of the 
visits of Quakers to the places of public worship ap- 
pear to have been less numerous and less violent in 
Salem than in some other places. As has been already 
mentioned, a Mrs. Oliver had, in Mrs. Hutchinson's 
time, and again afterwards, claimed in the open con- 
gregation the right to partake of the communion, 
though not a member of the church ; had denied the 
right of the church or the magistrates to prevent her ; 
and had suffered a brief imprisonment for the first 
offense, and was " publicly disgraced " after the second- 
One Christopher Holder, a Quaker, after being ban- 
ished, returned and spoke a few words in the meeting 
here, September 21, 1657, " after the priest had done," 
but "was hauled back by the hair of his head, and a 
glove and a handkerchief were thrust into his mouth." 
On the Monday he was sent to Boston, received 
thirty stripes and was imprisoned nine weeks. Samuel 
Shattock, for trying to prevent the stopping of Hol- 
der's mouth, was carried to Boston and imprisoned 
there. Lawrence and Cassandra Southwick, members 
of the church in Salem, for entertaining Holder and 
another of his sect,were sent to Boston and imprisoned. 
Some twenty persons are named by Felt [Annals] iis 
having been among the persons punished, or indicted 
for attending a Quaker Meeting at Nicholas Phelps'. 
So serious was the apprehension of evil to the churches 
from this source, that when the covenant was " re- 
newed," soon after the Rev. John Higginson's settle- 
ment, a special clause of warning against the leaven 
nfthe doctrine of the Quakers was added at the end, as 
has been noted already. 

The Quakers in Salem had their meetings at 
first in private houses. Their first meeting-house 
stood on the south side of Essex Street, on the 
space between the houses numbered at present 373 
and 377, and is said to have been built by Thomas 
Maule, in 1688. Maule had some years before been 
warned, as a Quaker, to quit the town, and two citizens, 
Samuel Robinson and Samuel Shadocke,had been fined 
twenty shillings each for "entertaining" him in 1669. 
In 1716 Maule bought the meeting-house he had built 
in 1688, for twenty-five pounds, the society having then 
built their second meeting-house, a plain building, as 
all Quaker meeting-houses are, on the present site of 

1 Mr. Bentley mentioned ttiat in 1659 "the heads of a family belonging 
to Salem were onlcreil to be sttlii." If, a& is probable, the reference is to 
Daniel and Provided Southwick, son and daughter of Ijawrence and 
Cassauira Southwick, the order waa not carried into effect. 



SALEM. 



41 



the Quaker burying-ground, at the corner of Essex 
and North Pine Streets, the latter street not having 
l)een opened. This second meeting-house is remem- 
bered by the older citizens of Salem, having been 
removed only about fifty-five years ago, that is in 
1832.' The brick meeting-house, on the corner of 
Warren and South Pine Streets, now occupied by 
the society, was built in 1832, upon land given for 
the purpose by a. friend, indeed, though not a Friend 
by sectarian designation, George S. Johonnot. 

A difl'erence as ti> discipline or doctrine, which arose 
among the New England Quakers towards the end of 
the first quarter of this century, led to earnest and 
protracted controversy, and finally to a practical divi- 
sion of the body into two sections, in 1843, sometimes 
popularly designated as " Gurneyites and Wilburites," 
from their adhesion, respectively, to John James Gur- 
ney, of England, and John Wilbur, of Rhode Island : 
each section claiming to be logically and spiritually 
in historical line with the founders of the sect. The 
latter conceived that the former " did not allow so 
full an agency to the Holy Spirit on the mind and 
heart as the primitive Friends did." The separation 
took effect in this region, at the New Enghind Yearly 
Meeting, in June, 184.5 ; and again at the Quarterly 
Meeting in August, and at the Monthly Meeting in 
September following, was ratified by the followers of 
the two representative men above named, and the two 
sections fell irreconcilably apart. The majority of the 
society in Salem held with Gurney, and those of the 
adverse views put up a small meeting-house at the 
corner of Essex and North Pine Streets, in 1847, which 
is now standing on the same spot, having been changed 
into a dwelling-house. 

Though the (Juakers have no fixed and salaried 
local ministers, the following persons are named 
in the " Historical Sketch of Salem," by Messrs. 
Osgood and Batchelder, as being "among the minis- 
ters acknowledged and recorded as such, from time 
to time, by the Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends 
(comprising the meetings of Salem and Lynn) : Mica- 
jah Collins, Mary Newhall, Moses H. Bedee, Avis 
Keene, Elizabeth Breed, Jane Mansfield, Benjamin 
H. Jones, William O. Newhall, Abigail Bedee, .Soph- 
ronia Page, Henry Chase, Hannah Hozier, Lydia 
Dean, Mary Chase, Daniel Page and Ruth Page." No 
records of the minority meeting in the house by the 
burial-ground, are known to have been preserved. Its 
numbers, not large at first, gradually diminished till 
the society became extinct. Among those who upheld 
that meeting, and were identified with it as ministers 
or well-known supporters, are remembered Nathan 
Page, David Butfum, Lois (Southwick) Ives and 
George F. Reed. Current rumor used to say that the 



1 The frame of it is now standiDg in Peabody, on tho Lynnfield road, 
liaving been purchased by the late Mr. Samuel Brown, taken down by 
hiui and eet up af;ain fur a barn near his dwelling-house. .\n addition 
baa been put to it, but its original size and form are easily to bo niailo 
out. 

3J 



last-named, a fine scholar and an able teacher,a mem- 
ber of the class of 1831 in Harvard College,- remarka- 
ble as a linguist, in character simple and guileless as 
a child, was sometimes, in the last days of the society, 
the only attendant at the meeting-house, and that 
then he sat there alone in silent worship and medita- 
tion what time the Spirit detained him. 

In 1671 the inhabitants of "the farms," or "Salem 
Village," as the lands now lying about " Danvers' 
Centre" were then called, regarding themselves as 
entitled by their numbers and their remoteness from 
the Salem Church to a nearer place of worship and 
the full services of a minister, began to hold religious 
services among themselves on the Lord's day, and 
constituted a church, the parent church assenting and 
regarding this church and congregation as a branch 
of itself Rev. James Bailey was the first minister, 
settled in October, 1671, and Rev. George Burroughs, 
of unhappy memory (as a victim of the witchcraft 
madness), succeeded him, November 25, 1680. On 
the 10th of November, 1689, this church was formally 
ge])arated from the mother church at Salem, and on 
the 15th of that month Samuel Parris was ordained 
its pastor. 

Marblehead, taken from Salem, was incorporated 
in 1649, but no church was gathered there till 1684; 
meantime .such of its people as had had or desired 
church fellowship continued to find it in connection 
with the church in Salem. On the other side of Bass 
River, in what is now Beverly, public worship was 
established in 1657, and Rev. John Hale was settled 
as the first minister in 1667. In 1713 a second church 
was formed in that part of Danvers, then called the 
lower parish, or " middle precinct," afterwards Souih 
Danvers, now Peabody. 

East Church. — The third church formed within 
the present territorial limits of Salem, regarding the 
Quaker " Meeting " as the second, was that commonly 
known by the title of the East Church. But as 
Quaker "meetings" were not held worthy to be 
counted as " churches " (members of Congreg.ational 
Churches being judges), and as the Quakers them- 
selves adopted another name for their assembly, this 
church styled itself the "Second " Church. It will 
be remembered that during the colleagueship of Mr. 
Nicholet with Rev. John Higginson (1672-76), eftbrts 
were made to establish a meeting, and that a meeting- 
house w!is partly built in the east part of the town, on 
the northeast border of the common. With the de- 
parture of Mr. Nicholet, the division in the society 
was virtually healed, and the meeting-house was not 
completed; but the idea of a church in that ipiarter 
did not wholly die out of the minds of the residents 
in those parts. When a committee of the First Parish 
reported " reasons for building a meeting-liouse" for 
the use of that parish early in the last century, it un- 

- Mr. Reed completed his college course, and had a part assigned him 
for commencement, but neglected to prepare for it, and did not take his 
degree. 



42 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



designedly gave strength to the project long enter- 
tained by the Eastern District of a separation from 
the parent church, and of building a meeting-house 
in the midst of the population to be accommodated 
thereabouts. As quoted by Dr. Flint in his sermon 
on leaving the old East Church, in 1846, this commit- 
tee's report alleged that " the house [of the First 
Church] was not big enough to hold the people, and, 
for want of room, many of the eastern end of the 
town, and many others on other accounts, stayed 
away from public worship ; and a great many, under 
pretence of being of the Church of England, went to 
Marblehead in boats, [so] that our harbor appeared 
more like a day of frolicking than anything else." 
The First Church resisted separation as long as it 
could, and more than hinted in its acquiescence at 
the last that the " proceedings of some of the said 
brethren" had been "irregular" and "contrary to 
good order ; " but seeing a meeting-house already 
built, and knowing that a minister was selected and 
ready to be ordained, it finally, in 1718, made a virtue 
of necessity, ceased from further opposition, and gave 
the Second Church its benediction at parting. 

The year 1718 was an eventful year to the First 
Church, made so by its having recently lost by death, 
both within three weeks, its two ministers (Rev. Mr. 
Noyes and Eev. Mr. Curwin), by the settling of 
another (Rev. Samuel Fisk), by the erection of a 
large, new church building for its own use, and by 
the completing of the new East Church building for 
the people living in that section, and the organization 
of a separate church and congregation there, over 
which Rev. Robert Stanton was ordained the minis- 
ter on the 8th of April, 1719. The East Society's 
meeting-house was situated hal f a mile to the east of the 
First Church, on Essex Street, at the corner of what was 
then Grafton's Lane (now Hardy Street). In the sermon 
of Dr. Flint, just above quoted, it is thus described, 
— " The house was in dimensions originally forty by 
sixty feet, and what has been called tunnel-shaped, 
the belfry and spire ascending from the centre of the 
roof" In 1761 this meeting-house was new sashed 
and glazed ; iu 1766 clap-boarded ; in 1770, " there not 
being room to accommodate the congregation," it was 
voted to enlarge it, which was done the following 
year by dividing it in the centre, carrying the western 
half fourteen feet farther west, and covering in this 
additional space. The seams, showing the lines of 
junction between the old part and the new, were 
visible in the plaster of the ceiling till the house was 
abandoned, in 1846. At the time of the enlargement 
a new steeple was built at the western end, and a 
porch was added at the eastern end. In 1846 the 
present church edifice was built and occupied. 

The birth-place of Rev. Robert Stanton, the first 
minister of the East Church, is not known. Mr. 
Felt gives 1692 as the year of his birth. He 
graduated at Harvard College in 1712, and died 
May 30, 1727, after a ministry of eight years. Dr. 



Flint, the fourth in the line of his successors, inters 
that his ministry was peaceful and happy, from the 
fact that nothing to the contrary has been recorded, 
and that his early death was regretted alike by his 
people and the community at large. Mr. William 
Jennison was ordained the year following Mr. Stan- 
ton's death ; that is, in 1728, May 2d. He was born 
in Watertown in 1705, and died in the same town in 
April, 1750, having been dismissed from the East 
Church Sept. 13, 1736. He graduated at Harvard 
College in 1724. His letter of resignation is pathetic 
in its humility. A disaffection of his society towards 
him had become general, the cause of which is not 
now known. " Honored and Beloved," he wrote, " I 
esteem myself very unhappy that I have fallen under 
your displeasure. Glad would I be, if it lay in my 
power to fulfill the ministry I have received among 
you, [.so] as to approve myself to God and to the con- 
sciences of all of us ; but when I consider the great 
and long uneasiness and dissatisfaction you have la- 
bored under (for which I am heartily sorry), I despair 
of being re-instated in your love and affection, so as 
to answer the great ends of the sacred office among 
you. I am therefore willing to accept a dismission 
from the sacred office among you, which I write with 
fear and trembling, not knowing at present what will 
become of me and mine; but earnestly trusting to 
your favor and kindness towards us under the diffi- 
culties of my situation, and which you have encour- 
aged me to hope for, upon my being freely and wil- 
lingly dismissed. I heartily wish the best of blessings 
to your dear church and flock. . . ." 

The long ministry of Rev. James Diman fol- 
lowed that of Mr. Jennison. Mr. Diman was 
born on Long Island, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1707, grad- 
uated at Harvard College in 1730, was librarian 
of the college two years, was ordained in Salem 
May 11, 1737, and died Oct. 8, 1788. His minis- 
try was peaceful for the most part, and so success- 
ful that an enlargement of the meeting-house was 
required in his day and was made. Towards the end 
of his pastorate, however, his society became desirous 
of a colleague. A large portion of the people had 
fallen out of sympathy with their minister's opinions 
and teachings, which were rigidly Calvinistic, and, in 
this, at variance with their own. i These divergencies 
led at length to an interruption of harmony ; feelings 
of personal coldness and alienation set in. After a 
reluctant assent to the expressed wishes of the society 
for a colleague, in 1783, and the settlement, the same 
year, of one who held theological views not in accord 
with his own, the senior minister manifested an in- 
creasing estrangement and withdrawal from his soci- 
ety. Mr. Diman is described as " of grave aspect, in- 
vested with the imposing dignity — rather stern and 
awe-inspiring — peculiar to the ministers of the age 
of huge wigs, which were a symbol of the clerical 
authority and the orthodox theology of the day." 

The colleague called to a.ssist Mr. Diman was the 



SALEM. 



43 



widely-known scholar, independent thinker, political 
writer and vigorous preacher, William Bentley, who 
" dispensed at once with the wig and creed of which 
it had been so long the symbol." Mr. Bentley wiis 
born in Boston June 22, 1759, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1777, was three years tutor there, ordained 
in Salem Sept. 24, 1783, died Dec. 19, 1819, the 
discourse at his funeral being preached by Professor 
Edward Everett, then connected with the college at 
Cambridge. The beginning of Mr. Bentley's ministry 
marked the transfer of the East Church from apparent 
allegiance to the theology of the Westminster Assem- 
bly to that of a liberalism not yet defined, but which 
later took the name of Unitarian. It cannot be said 
that the new minister brought about the change, since 
we have seen that the people of that church, in choos- 
ing a minister, showed a preference for one of a dif- 
ferent type from that of their senior pastor, even 
while the latter was yet preaching to them — they 
having already departed from the doctrinal faith up- 
held by him. This more liberal theology, which 
proved to be the nascent Xew England Unitarianism, 
was, to a wide extent, "in the air," in the last quarter 
of the last century, in Eastern Massachusetts, though 
not yet developed into an open and systematized con- 
fession of faith, nor exciting yet the opposition and 
alarm which it caused in the early years of the pres- 
ent century, greatly disturbing all the Congregational 
Churches of New England, and dividing a considera- 
ble portion of them into two polemic camps. Of the 
Boston clergy, a considerable number had ceased to 
hold to the creed of the New England founders. Some 
were pronounced in their disaffection and dissent; 
some simply refrained from teaching important parts 
of the creed of Calvin and the Westminster divines. 
Mayhew and Howard, of the West Church ; Chauncey 
and Clarke, of the First Church; and Lathrop, of the 
Second Church, who preached Mr. Bentley's ordina- 
tion sermon, were well known for their liberal opin- 
ions. So were Mr. Barnard, of the North Church, 
and Mr. Prince of the First Church in Salem; while 
the pastors of two churches of the Episcopal order in 
Boston and Salem, — Rev. James Freeman, of the 
King's Chapel in Boston, a friend and classmate of 
Mr. Bentley, and born the same year, and Rev. Na- 
thaniel Fisher, rector of St. Peter's in Salem — were 
by common repute of the same general way of think- 
ing. 

It was with men like these that Mr. Bentley was 
cl.assed theologically, if, indeed, he was not more 
unorthodox than they; and this fact recommended 
him the more as an acceptable candidate to the wor- 
shippers in the East meeting-house. Chiefly on ac- 
count of his political opinions, which were in accord 
with those of the Republicans of his day, as opposed 
to those of the Federalists, and on account of his 
frequent and strong enforcement of these ojjinions 
through the press, he was not in close and cordial 
professional fellowship with his clerical brethren of 



the neighborhood, they being ibr the most part Fed- 
eralists. Consequently his intercliange of ])ulpit 
services with them was much more restricted than it 
would otherwise have been, being confined to a few. 
He was an ardent patriot. On the 22d of February, 
1793, he delivered an oration commemorative of the 
birthday of George Washington to a very large 
assembly in the North meeting-house. Again, after 
the death of Washington, he was invited by the citi- 
zens of Salem to pronounce a funeral oration, which 
he did in the same place before a vast gathering of 
people. When the UnitedStates frigate "Constitution" 
was driven into Marblehead harbor by the British 
cruisers Tenedos and Endymion, on Sunday, April 
3, 1814, and a messenger brought the news to the 
church. Dr. Bentley promptly dismissed the congre- 
gation and hastened, with many of his parishioners, 
to the scene of the expected attack. 

Dr. Bentley was a man of broad culture, of a wide 
range of reading and research, and of a catholic mind. 
Thedeepand long-enduring influcncewhich heexerted 
is attested by the traditions that still live among the 
people of Salem, showing the authority that went with 
his name and word. He did not write for ])Osterity, 
but for his own time, caring little for fame. His fame 
reached beyond his immediate neighborhood and out- 
lasted his time, not because he planned it to be so, 
but because of the powers of his large and many-sided 
personality and his wealth of resources. He had 
much and varied learning, had it at command, and 
possessed along with it that bracing, balanced, health- 
ful "common sense" which is so H)(conimon. His 
heart was warm, his sympathies were quick, his hand 
was always in practice, both for giving and serving. 
"From all that I have learned of him," says his suc- 
ces.sor. Dr. Flint, " I have conceived of him as pos- 
sessed of a vigorous and brilliant intellect, — rapid and 
exuberant in thought, — of great ease and fluency of 
speech. — uutrammeled by the authority of names or 
systems in philosophy or theology, — interpreting the 
universe and the Bible fearlessly by the light, which 
enlighfeneth every man that cometh into the world, — the 
light of the soul, which is greater than the outward 
universe, or the mere letter of the Bible." Dr. Bent- 
lev never married. " Having no family ties to divide 
his cares and responsibilities with his people, he made 
them his family. And the aflection he manifested 
for them he had the happiness to know was cordially 
reciprocated by them." Once he wrote for posterity — 
a " Historical Sketch of Salem," published in the 
" Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society " 
(vol. vi.). 

Dr. Bentley's successor, just above quoted, was 
Rev. James Flint, born in Reading December 10, 
1779; graduated at Harvard College in 1802; ordained 
over the church in Bridgewater [East Parish] Octo- 
ber 29, 1806; installed pastor of the East Church, in 
Salem, September 19, 1821; he died March 4, 1855. 
He was the sole ministerof the East Church for thirty 



44 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



years, till 1851, h-lien Rev. Dexter Clapp became his 
colleague. The period of Dr. Flint's ministry was 
one of steady prosperity for the society. In 1846 the 
beautiful brick church, with front of free stone, was 
built on what is now Washington Square (then Brown 
Street), over against the southwest angle of the com- 
mon. Dr. Flint was a man of scholarly tastes, had a 
poetic temperament, and his graceful and vivid writ- 
ing, combined with an animated and warm delivery 
of his discourses, made him an attractive preacher, 
welcomed always in the pulpits of his denomination, 
as his presence was acceptable also on those more 
public occasions which brought him before his fellow- 
citizens at large. 

Rev. Dexter Clapp, installed as colleague with 
Dr. Flint December 17, 1851, was born July 15, 
181G, in Easthampton, Mass. ; graduated at Am- 
herst College, 1839, and at the Cambridge Divinity 
School in 1842; was ordained pastor of the Unitarian 
Church in Savannah, Ga., November 2G, 1843, and 
continued in the ministry there for a few years, after 
which he was settled over the Second Church in Rox- 
bury (First in West Roxbury) five years. He was 
minister of the East Church twelve years, till Feb- 
ruary, 18G4, when he resigned on account of ill-health. 
He died July 26, 1868. During his ministry in Salem 
his society was united and strong. It was with sin- 
cere regret that his resignation was accepted. He 
was a spiritually-minded man, an earnest preacher, 
and a high ideal of ministerial duty made both his 
pulpit and his pastoral services acceptable and effec- 
tive. 

A few months after his resignation Rev. Samuel 
C. Beane was called by the society to succeed him. 
Mr. Beane was born December 19, 1835, in Candia, 
N. H.; graduated at DartmQuth College in 1858, and 
from the Cambridge Divinity School in 1861 ; ordained 
in Chicopee, Mass., January 15, 1862; installed in 
Salem January 1, 1865; resigned January 1, 1878; 
installed in Concord, N. H., January 9,1878; resigned 
May 10, 1885, since which time hu has been a mis- 
sionary for Northern New England, appointed by the 
American Unitarian Association. Rev. George H. 
Hosmer was installed pastor of the East Church Jan- 
uary 1, 1879, and resigned January 1, 1886. He was 
born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 14, 1839; graduated at 
the Meadville Theological School, 1866 ; ordained as 
an evangelist in 1867, and after preaching in Deer- 
field, Mass., some time, was installed in Bridgewater 
December 17, 1868, where he remained ten j'ears. He 
was installed in Neponset February 20, 1887. Rev. 
William H. Ramsey, the present minister, was or- 
dained October 15, 1886. 

Episcopal. — St. Peler's.— The great majority of the 
first settlers of Salem brought with them no love of 
Episcopacy from the Old World home. John Lyford, 
the well-known disturber of the peace of Plymouth, 
"came hither also,'' as an associate of Roger Conaut, 
and held services for a time, before Endicott and his 



company came, according to the usages of the Eng- 
lish Church. He was here but a short time, however, 
as he went to Virginia in 1627, and died there the 
same year. Of Endicott's company there were a 
few — at least the two brothers Brown, John and Sam- 
uel — who did uot fail in loyalty to the Church of 
England. They were leading men and councillors. 
When they saw in the organization of the First 
Church that a new departure, amounting to a virtual 
secession from the National Church, was determined 
on, they, with some others of like mind, set up a sep- 
arate worship after the order of the Book of Common 
Prayer. When Governor Endicott summoned them 
to answer for their schismatic attitude towards the 
Salem Church, they persisted, " and therefore, find- 
ing those two brothers to be of high spirits and their 
speeches and practices tending to mutiny and faction, 
the Governor told them that New England was no 
place for such as they, and therefore he sent them 
both back to England at the return of the ships the 
same year." "This proceeding," says Palfrey, " had 
first raised, and for the present issue had decided, a 
question of vast magnitude. The right of the Gov- 
ernor and Company of Massachusetts Bay to exclude 
at their pleasure dangerous or disagreeable persons 
from their domain they never regarded as questiona- 
ble, any more than .a householder doubts his right to 
determine who shall be the inmates of his house." ' 
The experiment of Episcopal worship was not tried 
again with a view to permanency for a long time. To 
Mr. George R. Curwen's valuable notes, which I am 
kindly permitted to use, I am indebted for many in- 
teresting and important facts in the history of St. 
Peter's Church. He says that in 1727 Rev. George 
Pigot, then rector of St. Michael's, in Marblehead, 
delivered monthly lectures and administered rites of 
the English Church in Salem, from which he infers 
that there was an organized parish of that order here 
at that time. In 1733 a church was built on " Prison 
Lane" (now St. Peter's Street), and was consecrated 
June 25, 1734, the land on which it stood having been 
given in part for the purpose by Philip English and 
his family, a pew in the church being set apart to 
them as an equivalent for the rest. The gift was es- 
timated at nineteen-twenty-fourths of the value of the 
land, viz., ninety-five pounds, the other five-twenty- 
fourths representing the estimated value of the pew, 
viz., twenty-five pounds. This church had forty pews 
and a tower upon its western end. It gave place to the 
present Gothic stone building in 1833, which was en- 
larged in 1845 and further improved not many years 
since by the erection of the stone chapel annexed to 
it. Rev. Charles Brockwell, a graduate of Cambridge, 
England, was the first rector, entering upon his ofEce, 
says Mr. Curwen, October 8, 1738. (Mr. Felt says 
May 9, 1739.) November 27, 1746, he left St. Peter's, 
having been appointed by the Bishop of London to 

1 ' History of New England/' vol. i., p. 299, 



SALEM. 



45 



King's Chapel, in Boston. He died August 20, 1755, 
says Felt (April 20, 1755, say Osgood & Batchelder, in 
sketch of Salem), at the age of tifty-nine. 

Mr. Brockwell was educated at St. Catherine's Hall, 
Cambridge, and wa.s appointed by the Society (in 
England) for the Propagation of the Gospel in for- 
eign parts, to St. Andrew's Church, in Scituate, JIass., 
but " finding neither the place nor the people to an- 
swer his expectations," he removed to Salem. The 
officers of the Salem Church, in applying to the So- 
ciety in England for a clergyman to succeed him, in 
1747, testify to his faithfulness, and speak of theirs as 
"this infant, though tJourishing church." 

Rev. William McGilchrist was appointed his succes- 
sor. Mr. McGilchrist was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 
1703 ; graduated at Baliol College, Oxford, in 1731 ; 
ordained priest in 1733, and sent by the above-men- 
tioned missionary society, in 1741, to Charleston, 
South Carolina. After four years' service he was 
obliged, by the state of his health, to return to Eng- 
land. Recovering from his illness, he was appointed 
to succeed Mr. Brockwell in Salem, and entered on 
the duties of his office in 1747. He died in the min- 
istry in Salem, April 19, 1780, aged seventy-three 
years. His services seem not to have been quite con- 
tinuous, however, through the thirty-four years inter- 
vening between his settlement and his death. The 
opposition to the English Church establishment had 
not died out. The parish was not strong, though it 
gradually increased until 1761, when it was found 
necessary to add twenty feet to the length of the 
church building. It was not without difficulty, however, 
that, in the face of popular odium and legal ban, the 
small congregation upheld its standard. In 1777 the 
revolutionary spirit was impatient and intolerant. 
The Legislature passed a law prohibiting the reading 
of the Episcopal service under heavy penalties. 
Later, however, the service was reinstated by the 
rector. From 1771 to December, 1774, Rev. Robert 
B. Nichols, a native of the West Indies, educated at 
Queen's College, Oxford, was an assistant to Mr. Mc- 
Gilchrist. He was afterwards a chaplain in the 
British army, and became still later dean of Middle- 
ham, England. 

Rev. Nathaniel Fisher was the next rector. He was 
born in Dedhara July 8, 1742. The mother of Fisher 
Ames, the distinguished statesman and orator, was his 
sister. Mr. Fisher graduated at Harvard College in 
1763, taught a school in Granville, near Annapolis, 
Nova Scotia, under the patronage of an English mis- 
sionary society, soon after the Revolutionary War be- 
gan. In 1777 he went to London, and was there or- 
dained a priest by the celebrated Dr. Robert Liwth, 
Bishop of London, and was licensed on the 25th of 
September of that year as assistant to Rev. Mr. 
Wood, of Annapolis, and continued after the death of 
Mr. Wood, which occurred the following year, in 
charge of his mission in Annapolis and Granville, 
till the close of the vear 1781. On his return to Mas- 



sachusetts at that time he was invited to Saint Peter's 
Church, Salem, and entered upon his duties there, 
February 24, 1782. His ministry in Salem extended 
over a period of thirty years, and closed only with 
his life, on Sunday, December 20, 1812. Mr. Fisher 
became a man of leading influence in the Episcopal 
Church in Massachusetts, being active in the early 
years of his ministry in measures for the organization 
of that church in Massachusetts and parts adjacent, 
and was held in high respect by the clergy and laity. 
He was a man of independent mind and action, more 
than once casting a solitary vote in conventions of 
the Episcopal Church on important questions coming 
before them, when his voice alone broke the other- 
wise unanimous decision. He was a man of strongly- 
marked traits of character, " and very decided and 
fixed in his prejudices, which he took no pains to 
conceal." His demeanor, says his successor, Rev. 
Charles Mason, was somewhat stern, but he was a 
man of generous feelings and habits. In person he 
was strongly built and of a large frame. His consti- 
tution was vigorous, and remained firm till his death. 
In the preface to a volume of his sermons published 
several years after his death, it is observed that " to 
clearness of apjirehension the author joined a spright- 
ly imagination, which was exercised with care and 
modesty, and contributed equally to illustrate and en- 
liven his sentiments. This, as well as the other 
faculties of his mind, was regulated and enlivened by 
a devoted study of the ancient classics, which, to the 
latest period of his life, he read with the ardor of a 
true scholar.'' 

" In regard to these sermons," says Rev. Mr. Jla- 
son, " it may be proper to add that while they contain 
earnest and impressive appeals to the heart and con- 
science, especially those which the author last wrote, 
— we find in them no clear and distinctive instruc- 
tion upon the great orthodox doctrines of the church. 
They convey, indeed, no positive doubt in regard to 
any of these doctrines, but are deficient in such defi- 
nite statements as would show that the writer firmly 
and heartily maintained them. It is possible that 
they may not do entire justice to their author in this 
respect, and that the preferences of the editor, who is 
supposed to be a friend who afterwards joined the 
ranks of the Unitarian denomination, may have in- 
sensibly biased his judgment in the selection." The 
person referred to as having edited the volume of ser- 
mons was pr ibably the late Joseph Story, one of the jus- 
tices of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
Judge Story was a devoted friend and parishioner of 
Mr. Fisher, and to his pen is attributed a highly ap- 
preciative obituary notice of his pastor, which ap- 
peared in the Salem Gazette of December 25, 1812. 

At the time of Mr. Fisher's death the congregation 
worshipping in Saint Peter's Church was in a very fee- 
blecondition. Thecommercial misfortunes and restric- 
tions that led the way to the War of 1812 had operated 
disastrously upon the town, and especially upon the 



46 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Episcopal Society. The clergy of the town, of various 
denominations, severally in turn, supplied the pulpit 
of the church through a series of Sundays succeeding 
Mr. Fisher's death. The ministry of Mr. Fisher was 
followed by that of Rev. Thomas Carlile, who first 
officiated as lay reader, and after ordination entered 
upon the duties of rector January 22, 1817. He was 
born in Providence, R. I., January 12, 1792, and 
graduated at Brown University, 1809. His ministry 
was eminently useful to the parish, raising it from 
the low condition in which he found it to a position 
of comparative prosperity. He resigned the rector- 
ship October 6, 1822, and died in Providence March 
28, 1824. 

Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, who followed Mr. Car- 
lile, was born February 7, 1797, in South Carolina. 
He was educated at Princeton, studied medicine and 
practiced as a physician some years in Baltimore and 
New York. Changing his profession for that of the 
ministry, he first served St. Peter's Parish, as lay 
reader, in 1823, and for a i-hort time as rector, after 
ordination as a priest. He resigned December 5, 
1825, and removed to Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rev. Thomas W. Coit, the next rector, was born in 
New London, Conn., June 28, 180.3, graduated at Yale 
College, 1821, was settled in Salem July 16, 182U, re- 
signed March 22, 1829, and became rector of Christ 
Church, Cambridge, Mass. • He died in Middletovvn, 
Conn., June 21, 1885. His ministry in Salem, though 
short, was very useful to the parish. He was highly 
esteemed in the Episcopal Church, and wrote vigor- 
ously in defense of churchmen, as against the Puri- 
tans. 

The St. Peter's Parish was much disheartened 
when Mr. Coit left them, but entered into a corre- 
spondence with Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, bishop 
of the Eastern Diocese, and then rector of St. Mi- 
chael's Church, in Bristol, R. I., which resulted in 
his coming to Salem to take the pastoral charge of 
St. Peter's, which he did December 24, 1829. He 
continued in the office till June 26, 1834, when he re- 
moved to Boston. Mr. Gri.swold was born in Sims- 
bury, Conn., April 22, 1766, and died February 15, 
1843. He was widely known and universally esteemed 
through Eastern M;issachusetts for his personal vir- 
tues and his exemplary simplicity, dignity and fidel- 
ity in the responsible ofiice to whose duties he was 
devoted. During the ministry of Bishop Griswold 
the new stone church was built, his last official act 
being its consecration. 

Rev. John A. Vaughan was Bishop Griswold's 
s^uccessor. He entered upon his duties June 26, 
1834. Mr. Vaughan graduated at Bowdoin College 
in 1815, and resigned the Salem rectorship in 1836. 
Rev. Charles Mason followed him, being inducted 
into the ministry in Salem May 31, 1837. Mr. 
Mason wa-s a son of Jeremiah Mason, the eminent 
lawyer; was born in Portsmouth, N. H., July 25, 
1812; graduated at Harvard College, 1832. Dur- 



ing his ministry the church was enlarged by a chan- 
cel and vestry-room. The congregation increased 
and there was growing strength and constant 
union in the parish. Mr. Mason resigned May 30, 
1847, and became rector of Grace Church, Boston, in 
which office he continued until his death, March 23, 
1862. 

Rev. William R. Babcock came to the vacant 
rectorship April 30, 1848, and resigned April 18, 
1853. He was born in Westerly, R. I., March 28, 
1814 ; graduated at Brown University, 1837. From 
Salem he removed to Natchez, Miss. Rev. George 
Leeds succeeded him in the St. Peter's rectorship 
September 4, 1853, and resigned April 8, 1860. He 
was born in Dorchester, Mass., October 25, 1816. Mr. 
Leeds removed from Salem to Philadelphia, and died 
there April 15, 1885. 

Rev. William Rawlins Pickman was the next 
rector. He took charge of the parish October 
7, 1860, and left it in 1865. There was a serious 
interruption, in the course of his ministry, to the 
harmony which had existed before, and the agita- 
tion did not cease while he continued in office. 
Rev. James O. Scripture succeeded Mr. Pickman in 
November, 1865. He was born June 26, 1839 ; gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College, 1860, and died August 9, 
1868, having officiated in all the usual services, in- 
cluding the communion, at St. Peter's Church, the 
Sunday next preceding his death. He died sincerely 
mourned by his warmly attached and suddenly be- 
reaved congregation. From May 1, 1870, to March 28, 
1875, Rev. Edward M. Gushee filled the rectorship of 
St. Peter's, having been previously settled over St. 
Paul's Church in Wallingford, Conn. From Salem 
he removed to Cambridge, Mass., and is in charge of 
a church in that city. In 1872, during the ministry 
of Rev. Mr. Gushee, the stone chapel was erected in 
rear of the church. The pre-ent rector of St. Peter's, 
Rev. Charles Arey, D.D., commenced his services in 
Salem September 26, 1875. He came to Salem from 
St. John's Church in Buffalo, N. Y. He was born in 
Wellfleet, Mass., August 22, 1822. 

Tabernacle Chuech. — The Tabernacle Church 
is next in age among the churches of Salem. The 
causes of its origin have been already mentioned, 
in part, in the story of the First. Church, to which the 
reader is referred. In 1735 the disaffection in the 
First Church towards Rev. Samuel Fisk, its minister, 
came to a crisis, as has been stated, in his exclusion 
from the pulpit of that church, and his withdrawal 
with a majority of its members : Dr. Worcester says, 
"three-fourths, at least, of the church and society;'' 
the remaining members, in their petition calling for a 
meeting for reorganization, assert that the late minister 
" was dismissed by a major part of the brethren of the 
church of the First Parish, qualified by law to act in 
that matter." The preacherof the first Centennial Dis- 
course says that neither the day nor the month can 
be ascertained when Mr. Fisk and his friends deter- 



SALEM. 



47 



mined to establish themselves upon aseparate founda- 
tion, or when they consummated their determination 
by any formal process. In inquiring for the birth- 
day of this, the " Third," or Tabernacle Church, I in- 
cline to fix on May 4, 1735, as its probable date. 
This church conceived of itself a.s having had a con- 
tinuous life and identity with the church of li320. 
It was not till the 23d of May, 1763, that, by a formal 
vote, it relinquished the title of the First Church and 
assumed that of the Third Church. But its date of 
actual beginning may be assumed to be the first time 
it assembled after its expulsion from the meeting- 
house of the First Church. If the exclusion was, as 
the record says, on the 27th of April, 173o, there can 
be no doubt that the congregation met somewhere, 
probably enough at the house of Joseph Orne, the 
next Sunday, which would be May 4, 1735. They 
soon began the building of a new meeting-house, 
which was coni])leled in 1736. It will be remembered 
that they first placed it too near the house of the old 
parish, "only twelve perches and eleven feet" from 
it, and that the General Court ordered it to be re- 
moved to a limit "not nearer to the other than forty 
perches." This house stood nearly upon the site of 
the Perley Block, and was completed early in 173(5. 

In 1744 Mr. Fisk asked for a colleague. The 
confidence felt at first in his leadership and in the 
wisdom of the step taken in separating from the mother 
church, had begun to wane. Some correspondence 
was had with that church relative to an accommoda- 
tion. No agreement could be reached. Rev. Dudley 
Leavitt was called to be colleague with Mr. Fisk. He 
declined to take the office of colleague pastor, but, it 
was understood, might consider an invitation to be- 
come sole pastor. August 12, 1745, the congregation 
voted that Mr. Fisk be discharged from ecclesiastical 
relations with the society ; the church had taken simi- 
lar action twf) weeks before. The way being now 
considered open for Mr. Leavitt's settlement, the call 
to him was renewed and accepted, and he was or- 
dained October 23, 1745, not, however, peacefully. 
Mr. Fisk's friends were present at the time and place 
appointed in sufficient force to interrupt the public 
services and prevent the orderly proceedings of the 
ceremony. Those who had come together to settle 
the new minister retired from the tumultuous scene 
to a neighboring garden, where, under the shelter of 
a tree, the service of ordination took place. Mr. Lea- 
vitt died, sincerely lamented, February 7, 1762. The 
society prospered during his mini^try. The church, 
says Mr. Worcester, became "more Calvinistic" un- 
der his preaching. Mr. Leavitt was born in Stratham, 
N. H., in 1720, and graduated at Harvard College in 
1739. That his influence was marked in calming the 
troubled waters of controversy, that his mind was 
large and his spirit catholic, and that the impression 
made by his labors was deep and lasting, is shown by 
the fact that the church which had been led by his 
counsels not onlv surrendered its claim to the title of 



First Church, soon after his death, but voted to take, 
in affectionate commemoration of him, the title of 
"The Church of which Rev. Dudley Leavitt was late 
Pastor." It kept this name from August 2, 1762, to 
May 23, 1763, when it voted to assume the name of 
the "Third Church." 

Mr. John Huntington was ordained successor of 
Mr. Leavitt Sei)tember 28, 1763, but lived less than 
three years from his ordination, dying May 30, 1766 
at the early age of thiry years. He was born in Xor- 
wich. Conn., iu 1736, and graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1763. 

The next ministry was that of Rev. Jvathaniel 
AVhitaker, D.D., which continued for fourteen or 
fifteen mostly stormy years. He was settled July 
28, 1769, and his connection with the society was 
dissolved February 24, 1784. He made some un- 
usual conditious as preliminary to his acceptance 
of the society's invitation to Salem. The cus- 
tomary services of installation were not to be ob- 
served. Certain articles of agreement between him- 
self and the church must be adopted, changing ma- 
terially the method of church government and organ- 
ization from that usual with Congregational Churches 
making it essentially Presbyterian. He afterwards 
endeavored to bring the church formally into connec- 
tion with the Boston Presbytery. He was himself a 
Presbyterian. With a view to substitute some equiv- 
alent for the omitted installation service, he proposed 
that the Rev. Messrs. Diman, Barnard and Holt, neigh- 
boring ministers, should be invited to be present " as 
friends to the society and the common cause of relig- 
ion." This was done, and the ministers invited re- 
turned an answer declining the invitation, not wish- 
ing to countenance proceedings which they character- 
ized as "irregular," and remonstrating against the 
course taken, though in an entirely friendly spirit. 
The church was prepared to comi)ly with all requisi- 
tions made by the pastor-elect. He was a man of 
popular gifts; his preaching was much admired. He 
was energetic, active, inclined to assume power and to 
take control in whatever matters engaged his interest. 
The conditions of the union between pastor and people 
had not been very distinctly drawn. The church 
under the blinding glamours produced by the i>rciich- 
er's brilliancy, accepted everything, and soon awoke 
to the fact that they were entangled in the meshes of 
various concessions not well defined, opening doors to 
misunderstanding and contentions which in due time 
ripened into open and bitter strife. On the 6th of 
October, 1774, the meeting-house of the society was 
burned. At this time those who had been pushing a 
resolute opposition to Dr. Whittaker withdrew and 
organized the church now known as the South 
Church. Reports unfavorable to Dr. Whittaker's 
character had been in circulation, and the secession 
of those who had withdrawn did not bring peace. 
The attendance upon his ministrations fell olf, and 
after long and persistent efforts to accomplish the end. 



48 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the society relieved itself of its discredited pastor and 
of Presbyterianism, and resumed its place among the 
Congregational Churches of the town. 

After the burning of the first meeting-house the 
society built a new one on the corner of Washington 
and what was then Marlborough (now Federal) Streets, 
the site of the present church. The new church was 
built in 1776, though not Supplied with pews until the 
following year. The society was not in a condition to 
make the building of it easy, or to bring it promptly 
to completion. When dedicated, it was, says Dr. Wor- 
cester, without galleries, without pulpit and without 
even plastering upon the walls. Being modeled after 
Whitfield's London Tabernacle, the building, and 
from it the church and congregation took, in the pop- 
ular speech, its name, which in time was adopted by 
the society, though without any definite action au- 
thorizing it. The close of Dr. Whittaker's ministry, 
in 1784, was in striking contrast with its imposing 
beginning. His friends were few, he had no regular 
salary, his parish was weak, his fame tarnished. He 
was born in Long Island, N. Y., February 22, 1732, 
graduated at Princeton College, 1752, and died Janu- 
ary 21, 1795, in Virginia. 

Rev. Joshua Spaulding followed him. He was 
ordained October 26, 1785. The society recovered 
its strength under his ministry, and for a time 
prospered. The meeting-house, having added pul- 
pit and galleries, was finished and furnished. Mr. 
Spaulding, says Mr. Worcester, was a man of un- 
questioned piety, " but the vehemence and pungency 
with which he preached the distinguishing doctrines 
of grace often inflamed the enmity of the carnal 
mind," and tended to make him " less popular." En- 
gaging also in political controversy, both with pen 
and voice, and finally asserting his own right, as pas- 
tor, " to negative the votes of the church," he brought 
upon himself finally a warm and determined counter- 
action of his measures, within his church, and was led 
to ask a dismission, which took place April 23, 1802. 
He did not cease to minister to a portion of his flock, 
however, as those who disapproved of the action of 
the society in dismissing him withdrew with him 
from the church and organized " the Branch," or 
Howard Street Church, of which more is to be said in 
its place. Mr. Spaulding was born in Killingly, Conn., 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1786, resigned the 
pastorship of the Branch Church May 4, 1814, and 
died September 26, 1825, at the age of si.\ty-five years. 

The next minister, the fifth in the ministerial line of 
the Tabernacle Church, was Rev. Samuel Worcester, 
D.D. He was installed pastor of the Tabernacle 
Church in Salem, April 20, 1803, and continued in 
the oflSce till his death, June 7, 1821. His ministry 
covered a period of great religious activity, in and out 
of his church, in which he bore a conspicuous part. 
The Unitarian controversy, which divided many of the 
principal Congregational Churches of Eastern Massa- 
chusetts, was at its height. Dr. Worcester was a promi- 



nent champion on the orthodox side, and wrote in 
opposition to Dr. Channing, especially in review of 
the sermon preached by Dr. Channing at the ordina- 
tion of Mr. John Emery Abbot over the North 
Church in Salem, April 20, 1815. He was an active 
promoter of the organization of the American Board 
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in 1810, and 
became its corresponding secretary. In his church 
the first missionaries to India were ordained and com- 
missioned on the 6th of February, 1812. His influ- 
ence extended widely beyond his society, and was 
strong and deep within it. His labors outside his 
church became so weighty and engrossing that a col- 
league was settled in 1819, that his connection with 
his people might continue, though only a part of his 
time and strength could be devoted to their service. 
The meeting-house underwent no little change during 
these years. In 1804 it lost its dome and belfry in a 
tempest. The next year a steeple was built upon its 
front, changing it materially from its original tent- 
like form. Mr. Worcester was born in Hollis, N. H., 
November 1, 1770, graduated at Dartmouth College, 
1795, and had been five years pastor of a church in 
Fitchburg before his settlement in Salem. He was a 
younger brother of Noah Worcester, the " apostle of 
peace," and the author of " Bible News " and some 
other important contributions to the Trinitarian con- 
troversy, upon the Unitarian side. 

The colleague settled wi;h Dr. Worcester, July 21, 
1819, was Mr. Elias Cornelius, a native of Somers, 
N. Y., born July 31, 1794, graduated at Yale College 
1813, dismissed from the Tabernacle Church December 
22, 1826, to take a position in the service of the Amer- 
ican Education Society. He died February 12, 1832. 
His parish esteemed him an able and devoted man, 
and regretted his departure. February 14, 1827, 
John P. Cleaveland succeeded him. Mr. Cleaveland 
was born in Rowley July 19, 1799, graduated at 
Bowdoin College, 1821, was dismissed from the Tab- 
ernacle Church May 14, 1834. 

His successor, the eighth in the pastoral line, 
was Rev. Samuel Melanchthon Worcester, son of 
Rev. Samuel, chronicled above as the fifth in 
the line. He was born in Fitchburg, September 
4, 1801 ; graduated at Harvard College, 1822 ; 
from 1823 to 1834 professor in Amlierst Col- 
lege ; settled in Salem December 3, 1834 ; resigned 
January 31, 1860; died August 16, 1866. His tastes, 
though scholarly, and his training, though directed to 
service in the church, did not limit his sympathies 
and activities to scholastic or ecclesiastical lines. He 
was a true patriot and took a profound interest in the 
national crisis which the country passed through in 
the years from 1860 to 1865. He had represented 
the town of Amherst, the city of Salem and Essex 
County in the State Legislature. His orthodoxy was 
stanch and positive, but his spirit was genial and 
kind, and his bearing was courteous and friendly with 
all. 




/^A/VHj>^/l^ 



SALEM. 



49 



A new church — the present building — was erected 
in 1854, on or near the site of the old, and a large 
new chapel, of two stories, was built in its rear and 
in connection with it, in 1868, — the ample size and 
commodiousness of theae buildings attesting the 
prosperity of the society, and the largeness of the 
wants they were designed to meet. 

Mr. Charles Ray Palmer was ordained pastor of the 
church August 29, 18(50, and dismissed June 13, 1872. 
Mr. Palmer was born in New Haven, Conn., May 2, 
1834 ; graduated at Yale College, 1855, and, after his 
dismission from the Tabernacle Church, became the 
pastor of a church in Bridgeport, Conn. From June, 
1872 to Dec. 31, 1873, the church was without a pastor. 
On the last-named date Rev. Hiram B. Putnam was 
installed. His health failed, causing him to seek a 
dismission, which took place March 15, 1877. Mr. 
Putnam was born in Danvers January 27, 1840; 
graduated at Amherst College, 18G0, and had been 
settled over a church in West Concord, N. H., 
before his installation in Salem. Rev. De Witt S. 
Clark, the present pastor of the church, wa.s installed 
January 15, 1879. He was born in Chicopee, Mass., 
September 11, 1841 ; graduated at Amherst College, 
1863, and had been pastor of a church in Clinton, 
Mass., before his settlement in Salem. 

North Church. — On the 3d of ^March, 1772, 
The Proprietors of the Xorfh Meeting Houae organized 
themselves into a religious society with the above 
title, in the Salem Town Hall. They had been mem- 
bers of the First Parish; there were forty-three. On 
the 19th of July of the same year, fifty-two persons, 
having received a dismission from the First Church on 
the 16th of May preceding, met at the house of Ben- 
jamin Pickman, on Essex Street, opposite St. Peter's 
Street, constituted themselves a church, which they 
afterwards voted should be called the North Church. 
This secession from the First Parish grew out of a 
disagreement in the choice of a minister. In 1770 the 
highly-esteemed minister of the First Church, Rev. 
Thomas Barnard, became disabled by paralysis, and 
his people looked for a colleague. Thomas Barnard, 
Jr., a son of the pastor, who had a little before com- 
pleted his preparation for the ministry, supplied hia 
father's pulpit for some months, and about half of the 
society earnestly desired his settlement as colleague 
pastor. A small majority preferred another man, 
who, after much delay, was called and ordained. The 
disappointed friends of the younger Barnard were 
unwilling to give him up, and organized the new 
(North) society, as above related. A site for a 
meeting-house had been selected and purchased on 
the 14th of February, 1772, on the corner of Lynde 
and North Streets, on the western line of what 
was early known as " Sharpe's Training-Field." This 
meeting-house was first opened for public worship 
August 23, 1772, though not nearly completed. After 
occupying it three Sundays, the proprietors deter- 
mined to add side-galleries, not originally contem- 
4 



plated in the plan of the building committee. It 
was not considered finished till nearly five months 
after the society began to meet in it. It was a house 
of large capacity, and was on that account much re- 
sorted to for civic celebrations on tlie Fourth of July, 
and on other public days, for many years. Thomas 
Barnard, Jr., was ordained January 13, 1773, and 
continued in the pastoral office till October 1, 1814, 
the day of his death. He came of a ministerial an- 
cestry. His father, an uncle, a grandfather, a great- 
grandfather had all been preachers ; nor does this 
roll completely sum up the clerical kinsmen descended 
from the American progenitor. Rev. Francis Barnard 
of Hadley. Thomas Barnard, Jr., was born in New- 
bury, February 5, 1748 ; graduated at Harvard College, 
1766, and studied theology with Dr. Williams, of 
Bradford, afterwards professor at Harvard College. 
The North Society suffered in common with other 
churches during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Barn- 
ard at first leaned to the side of the Royalists, and a 
considerable number of his leading parishioners 
were pronounced Loyalists, including several who 
quit the country. He turned to the Whig side, how- 
ever, before long, and was afterwards steadfast in 
that way. Though but a young man, he made him- 
self prominent at the North Bridge, when Colonel 
Leslie, the British officer, came at the head of three 
hundred men from Marblehead, for guns supposed 
to be collected and deposited on the other side of the 
North River. He bore himself with dignity and firm- 
ness that day, albeit as a pacificator of the roused 
passions ready to burst into a flame. He has the 
credit of counseling the compromise which saved 
bloodshed, and led to the turning back of the King's 
troops, leaving the object of the expedition unac- 
complished. 

Dr. Barnard's long ministry justified the loyalty 
of his early friends. He was broad-minded, wise and 
catholic in spirit, effective as a preacher, genial and 
trustworthy as a friend and a pastor, fond of chil- 
dren, and the society was united and prosperous 
through his ministry. As a scholar he stood well 
among the scholarly. He was held in such honor 
among the preachers of his day, and was of such repu- 
tation in the churches and in the State, as to be often 
sought to preach on days of general public conven- 
tion, both ecclesiastical and other. Among the able 
pulpit leaders of thought in a highly intelligent com- 
munity, and at a time when theological inquiry was 
exciting great interest, and becoming more free and 
earnest, he held an eminent place, held it long, and 
at the close of his forty years and more of service, 
his influence showed no sign of waning. In his theo- 
logical opinions he belonged to the liberal school, and 
so educated his congregation that they elected a Uni- 
tarian to succeed him with hearty unanimity. 

That successor was John Emery Abbot, son of 
the distinguished head of Phillips Academy, in 
Exeter, N. H., Dr. Benjainiti .\bbot. Mr. Ab- 



50 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



hot was born at Exeter August 6, 1793, graduated 
at Bowdoin College 1810, and pursued his professional 
studies partly at Cambridge, under the direction of 
Dr. Henry Ware, Sr.; and partly with Dr. Wil- 
liam Ellery Channing, of Boston, who preached at 
his ordination as minister of the North Church, 
April 20, 1815. The sermon of Dr. Channing on this 
occasion produced a deep and wide-spread impression, 
and was followed by strictures and controversial 
arguments against its positions from the pen of Dr. 
Samuel Worcester, of the Tabernacle Church, in 
Salem. Mr. Abbot, not yet twenty-two years of age, 
taking charge of this large society, and giving him- 
self with great devotion to the studies and labors 
incidental to a position so exacting and responsible, 
broke down in health within two years. Rest and 
travel brought only temporary and partial alleviation 
to his illness, and he died at his father's house in 
Exeter October 7, 1819. Though his ministry was 
so short, it left a lasting influence. Mr. Abbot 
was a good scholar and a conscientious student. But 
his highest power lay in a soul of deep religious sen- 
sibility, a character of rare purity and loftiness of 
aim, and a consecrated fidelity. 

Mr. John Brazer succeeded him. His ordination 
took place November 14, 1820. Mr. Brazer was 
born in Worcester, Mass., September 21, 1789, grad- 
uated at Harvard College 1813, was appointed tutor 
in Greek in the college 1815, and from 1817 to 
1820 was tutor in Latin. His ministry in Salem 
ended with bis life, February 26, 1846. In Jan- 
uary, 1846, he left his home in Salem for a milder 
climate, his health requiring rest and change; and 
he died at the plantation of his friend and class- 
mate. Dr. Benjamin Huger, on Cooper River, near 
Charleston, S. C. Dr. Brazer was of a sensitive 
and nervous temperament, which made him seem 
reserved, almost shy, to many, but he was a friend 
of the poor, and a minister of comfort to the sorrow- 
ing. Conservative by nature, he was a preacher of 
commanding power, clear and logical in thought, 
grave and dignified in manner, serious and searching 
in bringing truth home to the conscience. For the 
twenty-five years and more of his ministry he held 
one of the largest and most intelligent congregations 
in Massachusetts in close and united attendance upon 
his services. During all this period the society was 
in a condition of the highest prosperity. It was 
during the ministry of Dr. Brazer that the present 
stone church was built on Essex Street. The ques- 
tion of building was some time in agitation. The 
project was not finally approved by all. But the 
majority having decided upon it, the corner-stone 
was laid May 16, 1835, and the church was dedicated 
June 22, 1836. It was finished at first perfectly 
plain in its interior, with white walls. In 1847 it 
was completely changed within, and assumed its 
present appearance, under the direction of the late 
Francis Peabody, Esq. 



Mr. Octavius Brooks Frothingbam was ordained 
successor to Dr. Brazer March 10, 1847. He was 
born in Boston November 26, 1822, graduated at 
Harvard College 1843, resigned his charge in Salem 
April 9, 1855, and was installed pastor of a newly- 
gathered Unitarian Society in Jersey City, N. J., 
September 11, 1855. The year following he re- 
moved to the city of New York and became the 
minister of the Third Unitarian Society in that city, 
where for many years he was widely known as an 
eloquent expositor of so-called "radical" religious 
thought. Leaving this position in somewhat im- 
paired health, Mr. Frothingham, after a period of 
travel and rest, has taken up his residence in Boston. 
Mr. Frothingham's ministry in the North Society 
produced some results worthy of notice. In the first 
years of it his theological views and his ideal of 
the ministerial aim were in closest accord with those 
of his hearers. They were what were termed, in the 
phrase of the day, conservative. But a change came 
— by the fault of nobody. The minister was in 
earnest in the pursuit of truth. It led him, in time, 
to conclusions which modified materially his pulpit 
utterances. Some persons who could not change 
with him no longer enjoyed bis ministrations as 
before. But we have to notice that an important edu- 
cation went on under this experience of listening 
to teachings in themselves not welcome, not accepted, 
but heard with respectful attention, because of the 
recognized ability and sincerity of the preacher. It 
gave the society broader sympathies, a more fear- 
less spirit of inquiry, and a tolerant, self-possessed 
and catholic mind towards all forms of honest thought. 
A habit of candid hearing grew ; novel and unaccept- 
able teachings were heard with patience ; the mind 
was not thrown off its balance by hearing its cher- 
ished opinions arraigned or denied. During the min- 
istry of Mr. Frothingham the society built its vestry, 
in the summer of 1853. 

Rev. Charles Lowe succeeded Mr. Frothingham. 
Mr. Lowe was born in Portsmouth, N. H., Novem- 
ber 18, 1828, graduated at Harvard College 1847, 
was tutor in Greek and Latin in the college 1850-51, 
ordained colleague pastor with Rev. John Weiss, 
in New Bedford, July 28, 1852, resigned in 1854, 
on account of ill-health, installed minister of the 
North Church, Salem, September 27, 1855, and re- 
signed July 28, 1857, as before, on account of ill 
health. On the 28th of May, 1859, he was in- 
stalled minister of the Congregational (Unitarian) 
Church in Somerville, and after a ministry of nearly 
six years, was once more compelled by the state of 
his health to resign. With a partial regaining of his 
health there came, as was always sure to come with 
returning strength, a desire of active service, and he 
gave several years of etBcient administration to the 
American Unitarian Association, as its secretary, be- 
sides editing for a time the Unitarian Review. Mr. 
Lowe died June 20, 1874. 




1 "^ 




5.' -"^ -^3-^ 



\~~~ 







UX^-7r\_ 



SALEM. 



51 



The present minister of the North Society is Rev. 
Edmund B. Willson, who was installed June 5, 1859. 
He was born in Petersham, Mass., August 15, 1820, 
was a little while in Yale College, and graduated at 
the Cambridge Divinity School, 1843, ordained in 
Grafton, Mass., January 3, 1844, installed in West 
Roxbury July 18, 1852. 

South Church. — Mention has been made of a di- 
vision in the Third (now known as the Tabernacle) 
Church, in 1774, growing out of dissatisfaction with 
Dr. Whitaker, and a secession or dismission of some 
thirty-eight members has been noticed as having 
taken place after the church was burned. Those 
withdrawing purchased the Assembly House, as it 
was called, built in 1766, which stood on the site of 
the present vestry of the South Church, and estab- 
lished public worship there. They organized a 
church, which an ecclesiastical council, so far as such 
a council was empowered to confer and confirm a 
title, authorized to take the name of the Third Church. 
An issue was made later as to its right to do so. It 
was argued that not even an ecclesiastical council 
has retroactive power to alter facts, or to enact that 
a misrepresentation shall have the force of truth ; that 
this was not made the Third Church in Salem by a 
declaration that such should be its name. There was 
a Third Church of the Congregational order (chrono- 
logically), and this was not it. We must suppose that 
the church worshipping in Cambridge Street considered 
itself, on some ground or other, as having come right- 
fully into pos8es.sion of the title which its mother 
church, Dr. Whitaker's, had enjoyed, but had now 
forfeited. It can hardly claim that, by reason of 
Dr. Whitaker's or the church's defection from Con- 
gregationalism to Presbyterianism, the title of the 
Third Church had lapsed or become a disused and un- 
claimed waif, which any cliurch might pick up and 
appropriate at will. If the transfer of Dr. Whita- 
ker's church to the Presbyterian body, real or quasi, 
had broken the line of descent, it surely had broken 
it as fatally for the daughter church as for the 
mother. If Dr. Whitaker's church was not the 
Third Church, there was none, or the North Church 
wa.s that, for the North Church was organized in 
1772. If the church worshipping on Cambridge 
Street was the Third Church, what was that church 
still existing under the ministry of Dr. Whitaker? 
It was not extinct. Had the withdrawing portion of 
the society conveyed away with it the entire and 
identical body, of which it had been but a member — 
a part? and could it assert its lineal and unbroken de- 
scent from Rev. Samuel Fisk's church? It seems 
to do so. What did this withdrawal of the aggrieved 
do to Dr. Whitaker's church ecclesiastically, legally, 
or as simple fact? Here it is to-day, under whatever 
name, the same church that has had a continuous 
life from 1735 to this year of grace. 

Such has been the general line of argument and 
statement pursued by those who have questioned the 



historical truth of that name adopted by the church 
of the South Society in February, 1775. We do not 
see how it is to be answered. There w-as one more 
church in Salem after February 14, 1775, than there 
had been before. Can there be any question which 
one began at that time, or that, in fact, the church 
of the South Society was the new one, whose ex- 
istence dates from that time ? 

The meeting-house of the Third Church, on Essex 
Street, was burned on the 6th of October, 1774. 
The dismissed members and those who joined 
them iu the new enterprise had their purchased 
house of worship ready for occupation on the 18th 
of December following. The church was, in the 
phrase of its own preference, "recognized" by a 
council called for that purpose, February 14, 1775, 
and this may be taken, in our judgment, as the date 
of the beginning of the church's independent exist- 
ence. The society called itself the Third Congrega- 
tional Society till March 15, 1805, when it was incor- 
porated under the title of " The Proprietors of the 
New South Meeting-house," on entering its new (the 
present) meeting-house on Chestnut Street. This 
house, built in 1804, was dedicated January 1, 1805. 
It was remodeled and renewed throughout in its 
interior in 1860, but its fine exterior architectural 
forms and proportions were preserved unchanged. 

The first minister was Mr. Daniel Hopkins, a younger 
brother of Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, R. I., 
the famed theologian and founder of a school of 
diviuity well known in the beginning of the cen- 
tury. He was born in Waterbury, Conn., October 
16,1734, graduated at Yale College, 1758, and taught 
a school for young ladies in Salem from 1766 to 
1778, this being " the first school for the exclusive 
instruction of young ladies ever instituted in Salem, 
and taught by a gentleman." While teaching he 
preached as opportunity offered. He was ordained 
November 18, 1778, and his ministry continued till 
his death, December 14, 1814, he having the assist- 
ance of a colleague from 1805. Mr. Hopkins pos- 
sessed some of the traits of his more distinguished 
brother.. They were both more than ministers, warm 
patriots, and did good service for their country dur- 
ing the Revolutionary crisis. Mr. Hopkins, of New- 
port, was a resolute foe to slavery ; the Salem brother 
was a forward advocate of independence. He was a 
member of the Provincial Congress in 1775, and in 
1778 was elected a member of the Council of the Con- 
ventional government. His theological views were 
in substantial accord with his brother's. His sermons 
were not written beyond a mere outline. " The doc- 
trines he preached," says his son-in-law and colleague, 
Mr. Emerson, "and the plain, direct and pungent 
manner in which he presented them, procured for 
him warm friends and bitter enemies. Such was the 
opposition awakened against hiui, that a committee, 
consisting of some of the most influential men in 
the town, waited upon him at his residence, and made 



52 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



a formal and earnest request that, for the peace of 
the community, he would leave the town. . . . 
With characteristic shrewdness, he closed his eyes, 
smoothed down his face and mildly said, ' Gentle- 
men, I smoke my own tobacco.' The committee 
withdrew and gave him no further trouble." At the 
same time that he is described as giving offense by the 
severity and point of his preaching, enforced, too, 
with the vigor of a man of strong native talent, he 
is said to have been of a kind and amiable disposition, 
affable and courteous in social intercourse, his con- 
versation marked by good sense and pleasantry. 

April 24, 1805, shortly after entering the new meet- 
ing- house, Mr. Brown Emerson was ordained "col- 
league pastor, and commenced a ministry of the re- 
markable length of sixty-seven years, ending with 
his life, July 25, 1872. During thirty-five of these 
years he was sole pastor, having been for the first 
nine years the junior pastor with Dr. Hopkins, and 
the last twenty-three years the senior pastor with two 
juniors, successively. Rev. Mr. Dwinell and Rev. Mr. 
Atwood. For the last fifteen or twenty years of his life 
his participation in the duties of the ministerial 
office was slight and infrequent, and for a few years 
had ceased altogether. He was born at Ashby, 
Mass., January 8, 1778, and graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1802. The union and strength in which 
the society maintained itself, while he ministered to 
it, best attest the quality of the man. In the days 
of his highest vigor and fullest activity he was a 
preacher acceptable to his hearers, and fulfilled the 
duties of his office to the satisfaction of those who 
attended upon his ministry. 

Mr. Israel E. Dwinell was ordained colleague with 
Mr. Emerson November 22, 1849, and resigned on ac- 
count of loss of health in 1863, and removed to Cali- 
fornia, in whose more genial climate he has filled a 
pastorate of many years in Sacramento, and since, for 
some years, a professorship in the Theological Sem- 
inary in Oakland, California. He was born in East 
Calais, Vermont, October 24, 1820, and graduated at 
Burlington, Vermont, in 1843. Rev. Edward S. At- 
wood succeeded Mr. Dwinell and is the present pas- 
tor of the church. He was born in Taunton, Massa- 
chusetts, June 4, 1833, graduated at Brown University 
in 1852, and was installed in Salem October 13, 1864. 
He had been pastor of a church in Grantville (now 
Wellesley Hills) previous to his settlement in Salem. 

Branch Church (or Howard Street). — It 
has appeared more than once in these annals 
that the Puritans did not leave behind them, 
on quitting England and its church establishment, 
the elements of dissent and causes of division. 
From every form of dissent dissenters were sure 
in time to arise ; and if doctrines afforded no pre- 
text for non-conformity, administration did. Some- 
times voluntarily, sometimes upon compulsion, the 
division took place, only to be followed by sub-divi- 
sion. The multiplication of churches came ofteuer 



from explosive forces within, producing cleavage, 
than from the requirements of increasing population. 
Each portion, majority and minority, seoeders and 
seceded-from, kept in itself its proportion of the seeds 
of separatism. Separatists who had once tried non-con- 
formity and self-exile had had a lesson and an experi- 
ence which rendered a repetition of the experiment by 
them the more probable and the more easy. Sometimes 
the pastor headed the exiles, as did Rev. Sam'l Fisk, lea- 
ving the church without a pastor ; sometimes the pastor 
drove a restive portion of the flock into the wilderness 
without a shepherd, as in the case of the thirty-eight 
brethren and sisters of Dr. Whitaker's church. And 
now again, in 1803, from this same church goes out 
the minister. Rev. Joshua Spaulding, leading forth 
such as preferred sharing with him exodus and uncer- 
tainty to remaining safe in the fold of the mother 
church without his voice to guide. In this way 
came into being " the Branch " Church (as it was at 
first called, afterwards (from its location, the Howard 
Street Church). These emigrants from the Tabernacle 
Church possessed abundance of energy and faith, if 
they were not rich in this world's goods. Organized 
December 29, 1803, after a brief period of meeting in 
a private house, then in a vestry loaned them, and 
for a time in chance pastures with neighboring flocks, 
they built a large and handsome meeting-house on 
Howard Street in 1804, which they dedicated Febru- 
ary 8, 1805. They were not a quiet people. Their 
history is colored by varying fortunes. The spirit of 
zeal, independence and aggressive reform had its 
home among them. -Temperance and slave-emancipa- 
tion numbered warm and self-sacrificing advocates in 
both pulpit and pew. Those who "sat under" the 
preaching of Rev. George B. Cheever and Rev. Charles 
T. Torrey were in no danger of sleeping under it, nor 
of resting in indifference to the great social evils of 
their time. 

After the example of the mother church, from 
which it had its birth, this church, for a time — from 
1814 to 1827— allied itself with Presbyterianism, and in 
time returned, after the same example, to the Congre- 
gational order. The characteristics of the first min- 
ister. Rev. Joshua Spaulding, have been touched upon 
in the notice of the Tabernacle Church. His minis- 
try in the Howard Street Church extended from April 
17, 1805, to May 4, 1814, when he resigned and re- 
moved to the State of New York. He died Septem- 
ber 26, 1825. For nearly five years after Mr. Spauld- 
ing's removal the church was without a pastor. It 
joined the Presbytery of Newburyport. Rev. Henry 
Blatchford was installed in its ministry January 6, 
1819, and resigned December 20th of the following 
year. He was born in Lansingburg, N. Y., graduated 
at Union College 1811, and died September 7, 1822. 
Mr. William Williams was ordained his successor 
July 5, 1821, and remained pastor of this church till 
February 17, 1832, when he resigned, on account of a 
division in the church, and on the 22d of November, 



SALEM. 



53 



1832, was installed pastor of a newly-gathered church 
branch of this " branch," composed of a very consid- 
erable following of members of the Howard Street 
Church, who withdrew with the pastor. 

Mr. George B. Cheever, the next minister of the 
church, was ordained Feb. 13, 1833, and resigned Jan. 
4, 1S3S. He was born in Hallowell, Maine, April 17, 
1807, and graduated at Bowdoin College 1825. His 
ministry was a busy one. An irrepressible vitality 
and mental activity gave his pen as little rest as his 
voice. He wrote for the journals and the reviews. 
His eyes were about him to see what was wrong and 
reprehensible in the customs of society and iu the 
conduct of individuals. For giving his pen too great 
freedom in his strictures upon these he incurred a 
suit of libel and a judgment involving thirty days' im- 
prisonment. His theology was Puritanic and posi- 
tive. His convictions were strong and urgent. He 
was a zealous preacher of reform, a vehement orator, 
aggressive and unsparing in attack upon whatsoever 
and whomsoever he found, in his judgment, hinder- 
ing the cause of which he was the champion. In 1838 
he became the pastor of the Allen Street Presbyterian 
Church in New Yorlc, and in 184(5 was installed pas- 
tor of the Congregational Church of the Puritans in 
the same city. He still lives in a vigorous old age. 

Rev. Charles T. Torrey was installed on the day on 
which Mr. Cheever was dismissed, January 4, 1838. 
He had been settled before as pastor of the Richmond 
Street Congregational Church, in Providence, R. I. 
He was born in Scituate November 21, 1813, grad- 
uated at Yale College 1833, resigned his charge in 
Salem July 21, 1S39, and, after having twice sutfered 
imprisonment iu Baltimore, Md., for alleged viola- 
tion of the laws of that State in conspiring with slaves 
to effect their escape from bondage, died in the Mary- 
land penitentiary May 9, 184(5. 

Mr. Torrey regarded it as a great crime to enslave 
a fellow-man. He preached this conviction. He car- 
ried his faith into practice, and suffered for it. The 
story of his martyrdom, as told by Henry Wilson in 
" the Rise and Fall of the Slave Power," possesses a 
sad, an almost romantic interest. " Well-born, with 
superior talents, education and professional prospects, 
a charming home, cheered by the presence of a lovely 
wife and little ones, he sacrificed them, disregarded 
the popular sentiment of the North, and braved the 
vengeance of the South, to aid the lowly and down- 
trodden." He claimed to have assisted four hundred 
slaves to obtain their freedom. He frankly told Rev- 
erdy Johnson, by whom he was defended in the 
courts of Maryland, that he had helped one of his 
slaves to escape. He attempted, with others, to get 
out of the Baltimore prison. Being betrayed, he was 
heavily ironed and placed in a damp and low arched 
cell, and treated worse than if he had been a murder- 
er. " I was loaded with irons weighing, I judge, 
twenty-five pounds, so twisted that I could neither 
stand up, lie down, nor sleep." December 30, 1843, 



he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in the 
penitentiary. After his death, even the officials of 
the Park Street Church, in Boston, refused their per- 
mission to have the funeral services over his dead 
body in that church. But an indignant multitude 
followed his remains to Mount Auburn with tokens 
of sorrow and sympathy. And Faneuil Hall, the 
evening after, echoed the mournful but honoring 
words of his eulogists. Whittier wrote : " There lies 
the young, the beautiful, the brave ! He is safe now 
from the malice of his enemies. Nothing can harm 
him more. His work for the poor and helpless was 
well and nobly done. In the wild woods of Canada, 
around many a happy fireside and holy family altar, 
his name is on the lips of God's poor. He put his 
soul in their soul's stead ; he gave his life for those 
who had no claim on his love save that of human 
brotherhood." 

Rev. Joel Mann, a native of Orford, N. H., and 
graduate of Dartmouth College 1810, was installed 
pastor of the Howard Street Church May 6, 1840, and 
resigned April 14, 1847. At the time of Mr. Mann's 
dismission the condition of the church seemed so 
hopeless of substantial revival from its divisions and 
losses, that the council called to dismiss him advised 
the church to " separate and unite with other 
churches till they can organize anew with a greater 
prospect of union and usefulness. The major part of 
the church complied, but the rest, claiming to be the 
Howard Street Church," still clung together, and 
maintained public worship, with small and steadily 
declining numbers, for about seventeen years longer. 
Rev. Messrs. M. H. Wilder, E. W. Allen and C. C. 
Beaman serving as ministers during that time. Rev. 
Mr. Beaman, the last of the number, came in 1857, 
and resigned October 2, 1864. The Howard Street 
meeting-house after being occupied a short time by a 
newly-formed " church of the New Jerusalem," was 
sold at auction, by authority of the Legislature June 
28, 1867, to the First Methodist Society in Beverly, 
and in 1868 was taken down, transported across the 
river, and set up again on Railroad Avenue, Beverly, 
with the exception of the tower, which was not found 
in good enough condition for re-erection. This year 
(1887) a lofty tower has been added to the front end 
of the church, and an extension hiis also been made 
in the rear. The building was well worth preserving, 
whether for itself or its history. It was designed un- 
der the advice and direction of Mr. Samuel Macintire, 
a Salem carpenter, famous also as a successful church 
builder, the South meeting-house on Chestnut Street, 
in Salem, having been designed by him. 

It will be seen by this brief sketch of the history of 
the Branch, or Howard Street Church,— not one of the 
older churches of Salem, beginning its existence with- 
in the present century, and but short-lived as the lives 
of churches are reckoned, having become extinct in 
about sixty years from its formation, — that it has had 
more of stirring incident, of eventful and disintegrat- 



54 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ing controversy, of salient characteristics in its mem- 
bership and of striking biographical episodes in the 
career of its pastors than usually falls to the lot of 
churches of much longer life. 

When the use of the North meeting-house was re- 
fused to Mr. Crowninshield and his friends, for the 
funeral services of Captain Lawrence and Lieutenant 
Ludlow, who lost their lives in the engagement be- 
tween the frigates Shannon and Chesapeake, in 
1813, the doors of the Howard Street meeting-house 
were opened, and there Mr. Story's eulogy was deliv- 
ered. The inherent spirit of Puritanism, with its 
flavor of intense individuality, fearless assertion of 
freedom, its equally fearless application of condemna- 
tory truth, its stiff, " conscientious contentiousness; 
or contentious conscientiousness,"- — this spirit has 
had many a jjicturesque illustration in the brother- 
hood of "the Branch." 

First Baptist Church — It has been claimed that 
there were Baptists in Salem as early as the period of 
Roger Williams' residence and ministry here. They 
were here prior to 1639, at least. That year, says 
Felt, William Wickenden, a Baptist preacher, moved 
from Salem to Providence. That year the Salem 
Church notified the Dorchester Church that it has 
excommunicated Roger Williams and nine others 
named, all but two of them having been re-baptized. 
Anabaptists they were often called — that name signi- 
fying the " re-baptized." It was not till December 24, 
1804, that the First Baptist Church was embodied in 
Salem. Its first place of worship was a frame build- 
ing, one story high, thirty-six by fifty-five feet in 
dimensions, standing not far from the spot now 
occupied by the meeting-house of the Bociety. 
" This house faced the West, and stood on a high 
bank, forty or fifty feet East of North Street, with its 
Southern side nearly on the line of the present Odell 
court." It soon gave place to the present brick 
meeting-house, which was dedicated January 1, 1806. 
Since its opening, considerable land has been pur- 
chased to constitute the front on Federal Street, which, 
with various other improvements, have given the 
house and lot their present attractive aspect. In 1868 
the interior of the building was reconstructed and 
improved throughout. October 31, 1877, it was vis- 
ited by fire, and its interior so destroyed as to require 
rebuilding entirely. 

The first minister was Mr. Lucius Bolles, born 
in Ashford, Conn., September 25, 1779, graduated 
from Brown University 1801, and settled in Salem 
January 9, 1805. His connection with the church 
in Salem, as an active pastor, practically ceased 
in June, 1826, when his release from the pastoral 
office was requested and obtained of the church, 
by the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, that he 
might become its corresponding secretary ; though 
for eight years after, till August 6, 1834, he con- 
tinued to be the senior pastor of the church, with- 
out discharging any of the duties of the office. He 



died in Boston January 5, 1844. When Mr. Bolles 
came to Salem, those who adhered to the theological 
views of the Baptists " were few in numbers and fee- 
ble in resources," says Dr. R. C. Mills, in his fiftieth 
anniversary sermon: "The state of piety in the 
American churches was low." In theological opinions 
the early Baptists of America were strictly Calvinistic. 
The disintegration of the Calvinistic creed had pro- 
gressed in Eastern Massachusetts at the time this 
church was formed, so far as to cause those who still 
held it in its integrity, deep solicitude for its mainte- 
nance. The Baptist denomination was cordially 
allied with its supporters of other names, and regarded 
itself as in some sort an especial bulwark against the 
spread of the opposite errors; as the case was set 
forth by one of its ablest advocates : " Infant baptism 
led to Arminianism, and that to Socinianism in 
churches which had been strictly Calvinistic." 

The Baptist Church increased from the first, and soon 
grew strong in Salem, under the devoted ministry of its 
earliest pastor. There was no considerable hostility 
at that time among the people at large, either to the 
tenets of this denomination respecting the mode and 
subjects of baptism, to which many persons inclined, 
or to their creed, the Unitarian controversy not having 
yet opened into public discussion. The use of the 
North meeting-house (corner of Lynde and North 
Streets) was asked for the ordination services at the 
settlement of Mr. Bolles, and was granted ; but, for 
some reason, they were held, not at the North, but 
at the Tabernacle Church; possibly because, though 
the vote granting the use at the North meeting-house 
passed, it became known that there were twelve dis- 
sentients among those voting. Dr. Bolles became 
eminent in his denomination. He laid his founda- 
tions well. A minister both capable and zealous, his 
period of service was long enough to educate a gener- 
ation, and so to fix habits, and to stamp his congre- 
gation with distinctive characteristics which have run 
on, doubtless, into the succeeding years. In twenty 
years, and before he left them, they were strong 
enough to colonize, and a second church was formed. 

Rev. Rufus Babcock was installed as colleague 
with Dr. Bolles August 23, 1826, and was practi- 
cally the sole pastor, his senior having relinquished 
to him all pastoral duties. Mr. Babcock remained 
till October 11, 1833, when he resigned to accept 
the presidency of Waterville College, in Maine, his 
resignation being accepted by his people with re- 
luctance. Mr. Babcock was born in Colbrook, Conn., 
September 18, 1798, and was graduated at Brown 
University, 1821. After leaving Waterville he was 
pastor of churches in Philadelphia, Poughkeepsie, 
New Bedford and other places. He died in Salem, 
Mass., May 4, 1874, while on a visit among old 
friends. 

August 6, 1834, Rev. John Wayland, having been 
a professor in Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., and 
called from that position to succeed Mr. Babcock, 



SALEM. 



55 



was settled pastor of the church, and continued in 
office until near the close of 1841, his resignation be- 
ing accepted November 12th of that year. Mr. Way- 
land afterwards became an Episcopalian. He was 
held in high esteem by his parishioners in Salem. 
He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas D. Anderson, who 
was settled March 15, 1S42. In 1848, his health hav- 
ing failed, he resigned, and his resignation was ac- 
cepted, January 28th of that year, with every testi- 
mony of regret on the part of the church at their loss. 

Rev. Robert C.Mills was installed as the next pastor 
of the church June 14, 1848. Dr. Mills' ministry 
continued till April 21, 1876, when he resigned, and 
within a few years after removed to Newton, in 
which city he now resides. Dr. Mills was born, Feb- 
ruary 6, 1819, in New York City, and graduated at 
the University of New York 1837. His was the long- 
est sole and active pastorate this church has known, 
being but little short of twenty-eight years. 

Rev. George E. Merrill .succeeded Dr. Mills February 
2, 1877 ; his health failed after some years of active ser- 
vice, and he resigned June 1, 1885. He was born in 
Charlestown December 19, 1846, graduated at Har- 
vard College 1869, and had been settled in Spring- 
field, Mass., from October, 1872, to January, 1877. 
In the more equalile and milder climate at the foot of 
the Rocky Mountains he has so far regained health 
as to be able to take charge of a Baptist Church at 
Colorado Springs, Col. Rev. Galusha Anderson, 
D. D., followed Mr. Merrill in the pastorship of the 
church, being recognized as pastor November 18, 
1885. He resigned his ministry January, 1887, to 
take the presidency of Granville College, Ohio. He 
had come to Salem from another important educa- 
tional position — that of the presidency of the Univer- 
.sity of Chicago, 111. Mr. Anderson was born in Ber- 
gen, Genesee County, N. Y., March 7, 1832, gradu- 
ated at Rochester, N. Y., 1854, was two years pastor 
of a Baptist Church in Janesville, Wis., from 1858 to 
1866 pastor of the Second Baptist Church in St. 
Louis, Mo., from 1866 to 1873 professor in the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Newton, from 1873 to 1878 pas- 
tor of the Strong Place Church in Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Free-Will Baptist — There were two or three 
kindred religious movements in the early years of 
the century, which were not very clearly distin- 
guished from one another in the popular appre- 
hension, but whose differences assumed no incon- 
siderable importance, for a time at least, to those 
who contended for their respective tenets and built 
upon them. They had this in common : that they 
marked in some cases a partial modification, in 
some a pronounced rejection of Calvinistic doc- 
trinal standards, as a ground of Christian commu- 
nion and church fellowship. They also indicated the 
ecclesiastical unrest of the time, and showed a long- 
ing tor greater spiritual freedom, a growing intel- 
lectual activity and courage, and, as a consequence, a 
perceptible widening of the scope of theological in- 



quiry and religious sympathy. We find a society 
formed in 1806, which built a meeting-house on Eng- 
lish Street in 1807, and which Messrs. Osgood and 
Batchelder mention as a society of " Free-Will Bap- 
tists, sometimes called Christians." These two are 
quite different denominations, divided on theological 
grounds and on the conditions of fellowship. The 
society that worshipped in English Street was formed, 
says Felt, as a Free-Will Baptist Society. Thirty 
years later, in June, 1840, a portion of the society, 
having imbibed the views of Alexander Campbell, 
withdrew and organized a separate meeting, taking 
the name of " Christians " (especially repudiating the 
name Christ-ians, by which they were more commonly 
called), and worshipped in several different places till 
they became extinct. A list of the ministers of the 
Free-Will Baptist vSociety in " Felt's Annals " contains 
the following names: John Rand (1806-07), Abner 
Jones (1807-12), Samuel Rand (1813-14), Moses How 
(1816-19), Abner Jones, 1821. George W. Kelton, 
William Andrews, William Coe and Christopher 
Martin are also said to have preached for this people 
prior to 1840. Among the ministers who preached 
for the Christians were William W. Eaton (1843-47), 
David 0. Gaskill (1847-50 or later). 

Universalist.— In 1804 a Universalist preacher, 
Samuel Smith by name, appointed a meeting at the 
Court House and preached, so far as is known, the 
first Universalist sermon ever heard in Salem. It was 
not altogether a satisfactory service to those who at- 
tended it, but served to bring together and make 
known to each other a considerable number of per- 
sons who were disposed to entertain with favor the 
views of that denomination. Between that time and 
1808 meetings were held, at first at irregular intervals, 
but soon weekly, as an established Sunday congrega- 
tion. Various ministers came and went, — the veteran 
John Murray, Hosea Ballou, Thomas Jones of Glou- 
cester, and others. The meetings were held in 
private houses at first, but a hall, or large room, in 
the new house of Nathaniel Frothingham, on Lynde 
Street, was found suitable, and there they stayed 
mostly, till their meeting-house was built. The soci- 
ety was organized in 1805, but its records for the first 
twenty-one years — from 18U5 to 1826 — are lost. In 
1808, Aug. 17th, it laid the corner-stone of its meet- 
ing-house, at six o'clock in the morning ! and on the 
22d of June, 1809, dedicated it, and installed a minis- 
ter the same day. A lot of land on St. Peter's Street 
(then known as Prison Lane), valued at a thou- 
sand dollars, had been given by Benjamin Ward for a 
meeting-house, covering, in part at least, the present 
site of the Central Baptist meeting-house, and now 
deemed more eligible than the spot in Rust Street on 
which the house was built, but not so regarded then ; 
it was accordingly sold, and the land bought on which 
the church now stands. The minister settled on the 
day the church was dedicated was Rev. Edward 
Turner, who came from Charlton, Mass., where he 



56 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



had been the minister of a Universalist society. He 
retained his connection with the Universalist society 
in Salem till June 1, 1814, when he accepted a call to 
the Universalist society in Charlestown, Mass. When, 
a few ye.ars later, the question whether all punishment 
for sin is limited to this life divided the Universalist 
denomination, Mr. Turner took the negative, and 
after severing his connection with the society in 
Charlestown he became identified with the Unitari- 
ans. He died in West Roxbury Jan. 24, 1853, at the 
age of seventy-six years. The line of ministers fol- 
lowing Mr. Turner may be conveniently given here, 
with their periods and in their order: Rev. Hosea 
Ballon, June 18, 1815, to Oct. 12, 1817 ; Rev. Joshua 
Plagg, Dec. 7, 1817, to March 1, 1820 ; Rev. Barzillai 
Streeter, Aug. 9, 1820, to Sept. 20, 1824 ; Rev. Seth 
Stetson, June 1, 1825, to March 23, 1828 ; Rev. Lem- 
uel Willis, March 25, 1829, to May 26, 1837 ; Rev_ 
Matthew Hale Smith, June 6, 1838, to April 5, 1840 ; 
Rev. Linus S. Everett, May 12, 1841, to April 12, 
1846 ; Rev. Ebenezer Fisher, May 4, 1847, to Oct. 7, 
1853 ; Rev. Sumner Ellis, Feb. 1, 1854, to Sept. 1, 
1858 ; Rev. Willard Spalding, March 4, 1860, to Nov. 
28, 1869; Rev. Edwin C. Bolles, D.D., June 18, 1871, 
to Sept. 1, 1887. 

Several of these were preachers eminent within 
their denomination, and the fame of two or three 
went beyond it. Mr. Ballou was one of the earliest 
apostles of Universalism, possessing great native 
vigor of intellect, unfailing courage and a power 
of plain, simple and direct statement which made 
him one of the ablest and most effective among 
the advocates of his faith in the times of its earlier 
promulgation, when it was unpopular, and kept its 
earnest defenders in incessant controversy. He went 
from Salem to Boston, and for more than thirty-five 
years labored there. Rev. Matthew Hale Smith be- 
came widely known both as a champion and an 
assailant of Universalism. Versatile and having a 
facile command of pen and speech, a too easy mobil- 
ity carried him away from one to another denom- 
ination and back again, and from one to another 
profession in such rapid succession that his confessions 
and renunciations lost their power of impression from 
their number and their nearness to each other. Rev. 
Mr. Willis' ministry is regarded as having been emi- 
nently useful, and helpful to the prosperity of the 
church. The ministry of Mr. Fisher and that of 
others since have been characterized by a devotion to 
Christian scholarship and a careful instruction of the 
people in religious truth. Dr. E. C. Bolles, the last 
of the line, now about leaving Salem, and whose 
pastorate is the longest upon the list, is known as one 
of the most prominent preachers in his own denomi- 
nation, while his services as a popular lecturer and 
speaker at gatherings non-denominational are in 
large demand. The society is large and prosperous, 
and has more than once given promise of coloniza- 
tion. 



A second Universalist society was indeed organ- 
ized in 1844, and held its first public meeting in 
Lyceum Hall on the 12th of May of that year. 
Afterwards its meetings were held in Mechanics' Hall, 
then in the Sewall Street meeting-house, and finally 
in Phflenix Hall. On the 6th of June, 1852, however, 
it voted to discontinue its meetings, and was dis- 
banded. Its first settled pastor was Rev. Day K. Lee, 
who was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Benjamin F. 
Bowles, S. C. Hewett and E. W. Reynolds. Again, 
about twenty-five years ago, — perhaps in 1861, — the 
experiment of maintaining a second Universalist 
place of worship was carried on for some months at 
liyceum Hall, but no permanent organization came 
of it. 

The Sunday-school connected with the first society 
was organized during the ministry of Mr. Willis, and 
by him. May 3, 1829, and " was the first in this de- 
nomination this side of Boston, and the third known 
to exist among the Universalists." It is at this time 
one of the largest, if not the largest, of the Protestant 
Sunday-schools in Salem. 

The meeting-house has undergone several exten- 
sive and costly transformations since it was built, 
both within and without. In January, 1840, the 
changes necessary for the reception of an organ 
were made. In 1842 the pews of the gallery were 
taken out and replaced by new ones of more con- 
venient form, the walls and ceiling were painted 
in fresco, and other larger and lesser changes 
in different parts of the building were made, some 
of them to prepare for the placing of stoves. In 
1855 still greater changes were carried through, with 
an outlay of several thousand dollars. The floor was 
raised, the old pews were removed, and an increased 
number with different arrangement took their place ; 
a new pulpit was put in, costing five hundred dollars 
and paid for by the ladies of the society. The whole 
interior was renewed in form and color. In 1857 the 
space in front of the church was opened and enlarged 
by the removal of a neighboring dwelling-house, 
while new fences and new bricking and boarding of 
side-walks made the approaches to it more roomy and 
pleasant. Again, in 1877, the spirit of improvement 
took the venerable building in hand and changed its 
whole aspect, internally and externally, bringing it to 
its present appearance. Its original square, plain 
tower, stopping so abruptly and baldly as to suggest 
the likelihood of its not having been finished according 
to the builder's original intention, was carried up to 
its present graceful height and proportions, with some 
not excessive ornamentation. The new coloring with- 
out and within produced marked effects. The pulpit 
regarded with so much pride in 1855, gave way to the 
modern platform and simple reading desk. It is now 
one of the largest and most satisfactory of the 
church edifices in the city, — a city which has a fair 
number of attractive houses of worship. 

Roman Catholics. — The parent Catholic Church 



SALEM. 



57 



in Salem was that of St. Mary. The first Roman 
Catholic services in the town were held in 1806 by 
Rev. John Cheverua, of Boston, the first Roman 
Catholic bishop of Massachusetts, and subsequently 
services were held occasionally by the bishop and Dr. 
Matignon during the intervening years till 1811, 
when services were held in a school-house on Hardy 
Street, by Rev. John O'Brien, who afterwards became 
pastor of the church in Newburyport. The first set- 
tled pastor was the Rev. Paul McQuade, who was 
here from 1818 to 1822. It was in 1821, and during 
his pastorate, that St. Mary's Church was built cm 
the corner of Mall and Bridge Streets. This issupposed 
to have been the first Catholic Church built in Essex 
County, the church in Newburyport not being built 
until 1848. Before that year (1848) Catholics came 
even from Newburyport, and of course from the 
nearer and adjoining towns, to the church in Salem, 
Bishop Cheverus sometimes walking from Boston to 
Salem to preach and celebrate Mass. The land on 
which the church was situated was deeded to Bishop 
Cheverus by the president, directors and company of 
the Marblehcad Bank, " for the use and benefit of a 
certain number of persons in Salem, who have or are 
about forming a Roman Catholic Church and society 
in said Salem." This church was built by subscrip- 
tions of citizens of Salem, some of whom were not 
Catholics, but entertained a kindly feeling towards 
the principal Catholics of the place, among whom 
were the late John Simon, Francis Ashton and Mat- 
thew Newport, representing, respectively, the three 
Catholic nationalities, French, Italian and Irish. The 
largest contributor was probably John Forrester, father 
of Simon, the great merchant of those days, who was 
himself of Irish birth, but a Protestant in religion. 
The following is a partial list of the clergy of this 
church: John Mahoney, 1826 to 1830; William 
Wiley, 1830 to 1834 ; John D. Brady, 1834 to 1840 ; 
James Strain, 1841 to 1842; Thomas J. O'Flaherty, 
1842 to 1846 (died March 29, 1846) ; James Conway, 

1846 to ; T. H. Shahan. 

When the Church of the Immaculate Conception 
was built on Walnut Street in 1857, the Church 
of St. Mary ceased to be occupied, that parish be- 
ing merged in the new one, and in 1877 the old 
church was torn down, and the land on which it 
stood was sold by decree of the Supreme Judicial 
Court, on the 20th of December, 1882, the terms 
of the deed by which tlie bishop acquired his title 
preventing the conveyance of an unquestionable 
title to another purchaser without this authority 
from the court. The line of pastors in the Church 
of the Immaculate Conception includes the names 
of Rev. Thos. H. Shahan, Michael Hartney and 
William H. Hally, with those of Rev. Charles 
Renoni, James Quinlan, Wm. J. Delahunty, M.at- 
thew Harkins, Wm. A. Kennedy, James J. Foley, 
Martin O'Brien and Thomas Tobin as a.ssistants. The 
rapidly increasing needs of the Catholic pojiulation 
4^ 



had already called so urgently for enlarged church 
accommodations, even before the church in Walnut 
Street was erected, that in 1850 the Church of St. 
James was opened on Federal Street, though not ded- 
icated until January 10, 1857. Its first pastor was 
Rev. Thomas Shahan, and he was succeeded by Rev. 
William Daley (who died in Rome), and Rev. 
John J. Gray, the present pastor. The Rev. J. 
Healy, Michael Master.son, William Shinnick, D. J. 
Collins and John Kelleherhave been assistant clergy- 
men in the parish since its organization. Two large 
schools, of five or six hundred pupils each, are carried 
on by sisterhoods of Notre Dame, connected with the 
two churches of the Immaculate Conception and St. 
James, respectively. An asylum for orphans and 
also, secondarily, for the aged and infirm, is main- 
tained on Lafayette Street, by a si.sterhood of the 
Gray Nuns of Montreal, and has at present about 
seventy children in its care. 

The French speaking Catholics of Salem, having 
become numerous, were gathered for worship in their 
own tongue in 1872, in the Church of the Immaculate 
Conception. There were about ninety families at 
that time. In 1873 they bought the old Seamen's 
Bethel on Herbert Street, and took the name of St. 
Joseph's Church. Rev. George Talbot was appointed 
the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. 01. 
Boucher, and on the appointment of the latter to the 
rectorship of the French Church in Lawrence, 
Father Talbot resumed the charge of St. Joseph's. 
Rev. J. Z. Dumontier succeeded him early in Janu- 
ary, 1878. In September, 1878, Rev. Octave LePine 
was appointed pastor, and on the 13th of July, 1879, 
the present pastor. Rev. F. X. L. Vezina was given 
charge of the congregation ; Rev. Joseph O. Gadoury 
is his assistant. On the 26th of August, 1881, as the 
congregation had much increased, the old building on 
Herbert Street was found inadequate, and the Lus- 
comb estate, on Lafayette Street, was bought, and 
steps were taken to build a new church, which was 
done in 1883, and services were held in it in March, 
1884. In April, 1886, the Elwell estate adjoining 
was bought for a parsonage. The French congrega- 
tion represents a population of about two thousand 
five huudred souls at present. 

Methodist Episcopal. — Organized Methodism in 
Salem dates back to 1821, when a church w.as formed. 
In 1822 Rev. Jesse Filraore became its first pastor. 
The next year, 1823, a church was built in Sewall 
Street, the same that is now occupied by the Wesley 
Chapel congregation, and which is about to be re- 
placed by a more substantial structure immediately in 
its rear, fronting upon North Street. This church 
did not unite with the General Conference till Feb- 
ruary, 1835. Mr. Filmore had resigned his pastorate 
in 1832, but became pastor of the church again in 
1835, and yet again in 1840, remaining till 1844. 

The following names are to be found upon its roll 
of pastors previous to the formation of a second 



58 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Methodist Church, in 1841 : Joseph B. Brown, 1832- 
33 ; Jefferson Hamilton, 1833 ; T. C. Macreading, 
1834; Aaron Waitt, 1834-35; J. W. Downing, 1835- 
38 ;T. G. Hilar, 1838-39. 

Trouble seems to have grown out of the ownership 
of the church building by the pastor, who had erect- 
ed it, and, as its owner, had a more potential voice 
and vote in its atfairs than ordinarily falls to the pas- 
tors of churches, and involved relations between pas- 
tor and people not found to be conducive to har- 
mony. 

This modest and not very ancient house of wor- 
ship has sheltered, at different times, and for longer 
or shorter periods, a great variety of worshippers, 
passing under uncongenial denominational names, 
resting here in turn temporarily on the road to 
larger and more permanent holdings elsewhere, or — 
on the road to further ecclesiastical transformation, 
or — on the way to extinction. 

Second Methodist. — In March, 1841, a second 
Methodist congregation was formed by members 
withdrawing from the first, who built a meeting- 
house in Union Street (afterwards occupied by one 
branch of the Second Advent Church). Rev. N. T. 
Spaulding was the first pastor, and among the earlier 
of his successors were Joseph A. Merrill, David K. 
Merrill, Horace Moulton, Phinehas Crandall, David 
L. Winslow, John W. Perkins; some of them, how- 
ever, for very short periods — from less than a year to 
two years. The difficulties in the Sewall Street 
Church continuing, the church in Union Street gradu- 
allv absorbed into itself the members of the former, 
and it became extinct. Meantime, its own pros- 
perity and increasing wants made a removal neces- 
sary, and the church on La Fayette Street, corner of 
Harbor Street, the present home of the society, was 
built in 1851, and dedicated January 5, 1853. Its 
roll of pastors since it has occupied its present place 
of worship is as follows : Luman Boydcn, 1851-53 ; 
A. D. Merrill, 1853-54; Daniel Richards, 1854-56; 
John A. Adams, 1856-57; Austin F. Herrick, 1857- 
59; John H. Mansfield, 1859-61 ; Edward A. Man- 
ning, 1801-62; Gershom F. Cox, 1862-64; Loranus 
Crowell, 1864-67 ; S. F. Chase, 1867-69; D. Dorches- 
ter, 1869-72 ; J. S. Whedon, 1872-74 ; George Collyer, 
1874-77;. Daniel Steel, 1877-79; George W. Mans- 
field, 1879-82; William P. Ray, 1882-85 ; T. L. Gra- 
cey, 1885-87. 

During the winter of 1871-72 the advisability of 
organizing another Methodist Church was consid- 
ered by the La Fayette Street Church, the result of 
which was that the old Methodist meeting-house in 
Sewall Street was purchased and re'dedicated. May 
24, 1872, and a new society was formed, taking the 
name of Wesley Chapel, and Rev, Joshua Gill, ap- 
pointed by the New England Conference its pastor, 
first held Sunday services therein May 26, 1872. 
Thirty-five persons bringing certificates from the par- 
ent church were constituted the new church. The 



following pastors have been successively in charge : 
Rev. Joshua Gill, 1872-74; William J. Hambleton, 
1874-77 ; William H. Meredith, 1877-80 ; Charles F. 
Rice, 1880-83; Willis P. Odell, 1883-86; Thomas W. 

Bishop, 1886 . Mr. Bishop is the present pastor. 

The church has enjoyed the services of devoted and 
capable pastors, and has had a large and substantial 
growth. Under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Odell the 
need of more room and better accommodations be- 
came so pressing that the enterprise of building an- 
other church to meet the wants of the society was 
taken up with spirit and harmony, and an encourag- 
ing subscription list was started with an assurance 
of final success. The work has gone forward in the 
hands of his successor, and the plans are perfected 
for a new church on North Street, which is to be of 
brick, with terra-cotta trimmings and a handsome 
tower, and which will have sittings for a thousand 
persons, its appointments in all other respects being 
designed to answer all the needs of a large and in- 
creasing congregation. By legislative enactment the 
church was authorized in 1886 to change its name to 
Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The Independent Congregational Society 
in Barton Square. — In the autumn of 1819 the 
North Church pulpit becoming vacant by the death 
of Mr. Abbot, that society invited Rev. Henry Col- 
man, pastor of a church in Hingham, to become its 
minister. The invitation was not unanimous, and 
was declined. Later, a portion of the First Parish de- 
sired that Mr. Colman should be invited to become a 
colleague with their minister, Rev. Dr. Prince, but 
failed to persuade the society to take the action they 
advocated. In 1824 these friends of Mr. Colman in 
the North and First Parishes withdrew from their re- 
spective churches, and organized the Independent 
Congregational Society in Barton Square. A church 
of brick was built and dedicated in Decembei', 1824. 
Rev. Henry Colman was installed February 16, 1825, 
and resigned December 7, 1831, on account of ill 
health. Mr. Colman had been pastor of the Third 
Church in Hingham thirteen years, and had taught 
a school there ; from 1820 to 1825 he taught a school 
in Boston. After leaving Salem he engaged in ag- 
riculture at Deerfield, Mass., and was employed by 
the State from 1836 to 1842 to investigate its agri- 
cultural condition and resources. In 1842 he was 
sent to Europe in pursuit of the same purpose, and 
the results of his observation were embodied in 
two octavo volumes. He also published reports 
ujion agriculture and silk culture, and two volumes 
upon European lile and manners. Visiting Europe 
a second time, for the benefit of his health, he died 
at Islington, England, August 14, 1849. He was 
born in Boston September 12, 1785, and graduated 
from Dartmouth College, 1805. Mr. Colman was an 
independent thinker, and did not always follow the 
conventional roads as a theologian and preacher, a 
fact in which lay, doubtless, one of the causes • 



SALEM. 



59 



though not the sole cause — of the want of unanimity 
in the North and First Churches in desiring liim for 
a minister. 

Mr. Colman was succeeded by Rev. James W. 
Tliompson, who was installed March 7, 1832, and 
remained in this ministry twenty-seven years, till 
March 7, 1859. Mr. Thompson had been settled 
in Isatick before his settlement in Salem, and 
left his church here to take charge of the Second 
Church in West Roxbury (Jamaica Plain), of which 
he continued the sole or senior pastor till his death, 
September 22, 1881. He was born in Barre, Mass., 
December 13, 1805, and graduated from Brown Uni- 
versity, 1827. The society increased and prospered 
during his pastorate. The church building was en- 
tirely reconstructed in its interior, galleries were 
added and a commodious vestry of brick was erected 
in connection with it, at the rear, to meet its increas- 
ing wants. 

L)r. Thompson was succeeded by Mr. Augustus M. 
Haskell, who was ordained January 1, 1802, and re- 
signed May 2, 1866. Mr. Haskell was chaplain of 
the Fortieth Massachusetts Regiment in the Civil 
War, from September 11, 1863, to November 5, 1864, 
and after his Salem ministry became the pastor of 
Unitarian Churches in Manchester, N. H., and West 
Roxbury (Boston), Mass., successively. He is still 
pastor of the latter society, He was born January 
24, 1832, in Poland, Me., and graduated at Harvard 
College, 1856. Mr. George Batchelor followed Mr. 
Haskell, being ordained October 3, 1866. He re- 
signed after sixteen years of service, November 1, 

1882, to take the pastoral charge of the Church of the 
Unity, in Chicago, 111., which he was obliged by ill 
health to relinquish after two or three years. Mr. 
Batchelor was born in Southbury, Conn., July 3, 
1836, graduated at Harvard College 1866, having 
completed a theological course at the Meadville 
School previous to his course in college. Rev. Ben- 
jamin F. McDaniel was installed jiastor January 7, 

1883, and resigned at the end of four years of service, 
January 1, 1887. He had been, before his Salem 
ministry, pastor of churches in Hubbardston, Mass., 
and Exeter, N. H., and left Salem to take pastoral 
charge of a church in San Diego, Cal. He, like 
a predecessor named above, did good service in one 
of the Union armies during the Civil War. 

Centr.^^l Baptist Church. — As mentioned before, 
in the sketch of the First Baptist Church, a colony 
from that church was dismissed and commissioned by 
it, in 1825, to establish a second church of ita order in 
the lower part of the city. It was duly organized 
January 19, 1826, under the name of the "Second 
Baptist Church," having its house of worship and 
chapel, on St. Peter's Street, ready for occupancy 
prior to its organization, though the dedication was 
delayed till June 8, 1826. In 1855 its name was 
changed, by a legislative act, to the " Central Baptist 
Church in Salem." 



August 23, 1826, Mr. George Leonard was or- 
dained its first pastor. He was compelled, by fail- 
ing health, to resign his ministry, which had opened 
with much promise, January 19, 1829. Mr. Robert 
F. Pattison was ordained September 9, 1829, but 
within six mouths asked and received a dismission, 
February 12, 1830. In October, 1830, Rev. Cyrus 
P. Grosveuor was installed pastor, and remained 
with the church till November 1,1834. Mr. Grosvenor 
became warmly engaged in the anti-slavery agitation, 
just opening, and which disturbed the peace of many 
churches, and broke the pastoral tie in not a few 
cases. It may be presumed to have had its share of 
influence in interrupting the harmony of the relation 
between Mr. Grosveuor and his people. 

Mr. Joseph Banvard was ordained pastor of the 
church August 26, 1835, and continued with it till 
March, 1846; and this period was manifestly one 
of increased activity, harmony and growth. Rev. 
Benjamin Brierly was installed Mr. Banvard's suc- 
cessor in September, 1846. His brief pastorate ended 
August 25, 1848. Mr. William H. Eaton followed 
him, and was ordained August 16, 1849. His 
society reluctantly consented to his dismission, in 
November, 1854. The next pastor was Rev, Daniel 
D. Winn, who came in October, 1855, and was dis- 
missed by his own desire, December 23, 1866. Dur- 
ing Mr. Winn's ministry the meeting-house was 
remodeled at a large cost. Early in 1867 Rev. S. 
Hartwell Pratt succeeded Mr. Winn, and resigned his 
charge October 21, 1870, to become pastor of the 
newly-formed Calvary Baptist Church, organized 
largely by his influence and under his direction. In 
January, 1872, Rev. David Weston, D.D., was settled 
in charge of the church, but being the same year 
elected professor of ecclesiastical history in Hamilton 
Theological Seminary, N. Y., he resigned, to the sin- 
cere regret of his church, September 27, 1872. April 
8, 1873, Rev. W. H. H. Marsh succeeded him, and 
remained seven years, to 18S0. Rev. Charles A. 
Towue, the present pastor, took charge of the church 
in 1881. 

The Crombie Street Church. — On the 16th of 
P'ebruary, 1832, one hundred and thirty-nine members 
of the Howard Street Church — the minister of that 
church, the Rev. William Williams, one of them — 
withdrew from it, with the purpose of organizing a 
separate church. They held their first meeting for 
public worship in Lyceum Hall February 19, 1832. 
The same day the Sunday-school, composed of their 
children, met at the same place. On the 6th of 
the next April they organized themselves into a re- 
ligious society, and took the name of the " Lyceum 
Society." The purchase of a brick building on 
Crombie Street, now their house of worship, then 
known as the Salem Theatre — which had been occu- 
pied as a theatre — having been eflected, at a meeting 
held in the office of Hon. Rufus (/hoate, on the 29tli 
of August, 1832, a committee wius chosen to make 



60 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the required changes in the building to adapt it to its 
new uses. These changes accomplished, the pulpit 
was in the centre of the western end, the choir-gal- 
lery was opposite the pulpit. Over the pulpit was ihe 
inscription, " Love the truth and peace," with the date 
of the church'.s institution — May 3, 1832 — and that of 
the dedication of its house of worship— November 22, 
1832 ; below were the names of the pastor and the 
architect. Between the lines, right under that in- 
scription, " Love the truth and peace," we may pre- 
sume that the recent emigrants from Howard Street 
read another inscription, invisible to the eye of flesh : 
" The end of our prayers, the desire of our hearts ; 
for which we have left home — a house in contention, 
divided against itself" The church took the name, 
" The New Congregational Church" on the 8th of 
May, 1832, and on the 17th of September of the same 
year, adopted the title, which has been permanent 
since, of the " Crombie Street Church." In 1851 the 
pulpit was carried to the opposite (the eastern) end 
the floor, which had sloped upward from the front, 
was brought to a level, the pews were reversed, the 
brick vestry was built in the rear and the walls and 
ceiling were painted in fresco; nine years later, in 
1860, the organ was carried to the rear of the pulpit, 
to stand as it now does, the congregation claiming to 
have been the first in Salem to dispense with choir- 
singing, which it did in 1850, and for which the pres- 
ent position of the organ was deemed better adapted. 
The first in the line of pastors has been already 
named — Rev. William Williams. He was born in 
Wethersfield, Conn., October 2, 1797 ; graduated at 
Yale College 1816 ; ordained pastor of Howard Street 
Church July 5, 1821. His ministry continued from 
November 22, 1832, to March 1, 1888. The new 
meeting-house was dedicated the same day that Mr. 
Williams was installed. After resigning his charge 
in Salem Mr. Williams was settled in Exeter, N. H., 
for a few years, after which, in 1812, he returned to 
Salem, and having studied medicine with Dr. Abel 
L. Peirson, of this city, established himself in the 
practice of medicine, in which he became successful. 
He died in 1860. Rev. Alexander J. Sessions, born 
in Warren, Mass., August 13, 1809, and graduated at 
Yale College in 1831, was the next pastor, settled 
June 6, 1838, and continued till August 22, 1849, 
when he resigned, and has since been the pastor of 
churches in Melrose, Scituate and North Beverly. He 
is still living in Beverly. The third paster was Rev. 
James M. Hoppin, born in Providence, R. I., Janu- 
ary 17, 1820 ; graduated at Yale College 1840 and 
settled as pastor of Crombie Street Cnurch March 27, 
1850. Mr. Hoppin remained till May 16, 1859. He 
has since been a professor in Yale College — first, of 
homiletics and pastoral theology and later of the 
history of art. December 29, 1859, Rev. Joseph 
Henry Thayer was settled as the fourth pastor of the 
church. He resigned this charge February 19, 1864, 
to accept the position of associate professor of sacred 



literature in the Theological Seminary at Andover, 
which oflice he continued to fill until 1882, when he 
resigned. He was appointed the next year lecturer 
on Biblical theology in the Divinity School of Har- 
vard University, and on the death of the eminent 
scholar, Ezra Abbot, professor of New Testament 
criticism and interpretation in the Divinity School, 
Professor Thayer was appointed to the same place, 
which he still holds. 

During the Civil War Mr. Thayer asked leave of ab- 
sence from his parish to become chaplain of the For- 
tieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers tor nine 
months. His term of service was from September 17, 
1862, to May 15, 1863. He was one of the American 
members of the company of New Testament revisers 
and translators in England and America, who brought 
out the Revised New Testament in 1880, and with 
their co-laborers who had given similar revision to 
the Old Testament, a revised translation at a later day 
of the whole Bible. Mr. Thayer w.is born in Boston 
November 7, 1828, and graduated at Harvard College 
1850. 

The fifth paster was Rev. Clarendon Waite, whose 
short term of service fell between the dates of April 
10, 1866, and December 3d of the same year (less than 
nine months). Being advised by his physicians that 
he could not expect the health requisite for the min- 
istry, he withdrew from his profession, and in just 
about a year afterwards died on a journey to a new 
field of labor to which he had been called (that of 
professor in Beloit College, Wisconsin). Mr. Waite 
was born in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, December 
12, 1830, graduated at Brown University, Providence, 
and had been seven years pastor of a church in Rut- 
land, Mass., before coming to Salem. Rev. Hugh 
Elder, the sixth pastor, was born in Dunfermline, Scot- 
land, March 26, 1838, and graduated at the University 
of Edinburgh 1863. He preached to the society and 
was invited to become its minister before the settle- 
ment of Mr. Waite, which invitation he declined. Af- 
ter the death of Mr. Waite he came again to preach ; 
was called again to the pastorate, accepted and was 
ordained January 28, 1868. He resigned at the end 
of August, 1884, to accept the position of pastor of the 
college church connected with Airdale College, in Brad- 
ford, England. The present pastor of the church, 
Rev. Louis B. Voorhees, was installed April 15, 1885. 
He was born June 10, 1847, in Rocky Hill, N. J., and 
graduated at Princeton College 1868. He had been 
pastor of churches in North Weymouth, in Worcester 
and in Grafton previous to his settlement in Salem. 

It needs but a reference to the fact that four of the 
seven pastors of this church have received ap- 
pointments to positions in educational institutions of 
the higher class to show that it has been favored with 
a line of scholarly men for its ministers. Better than 
that, they have been, as a whole, men devoted to the 
service of the people outside the church as well as in- 
side, thus helping the church to which they minister- 



SALEM. 



61 



ed to make an honorable history among the churches 
of the town. 

Second Advent. — A religious movement of con- 
siderable extent grew out of the preaching of Wil- 
liam Miller, the prophet of the millenium, who, for 
about ten years (from 1833 to 1843), stirred many com- 
munities to a high pitch of excitement with predic- 
tions of an early return of Christ to the earth ; the 
time was definitely set ; when it had passed unevent- 
fully another was set. After several such predictions 
had successively failed, though many lost faith and 
abandoned the body identified with the great expec- 
tation, others, still sanguine that it was no more than 
an error of time, and that a small one, settled into a 
belief that the Lord would appear soon to set up his 
kingdom ; and the latter have become a permanent 
sect. Mr. Miller never preached in Salem, as we can 
learn ; but a large gathering of his disciples, and of the 
curious to hear the exposition of his belief, was held 
in North Salem, in camp, in 1842. Preachers con. 
linued to set forth the millenial doctrine according to 
Mr. Miller from time to time, and on July 23, 1848, a 
church was formed, which, with intervals of suspend- 
ed services, has continued to the present time. In- 
deed, it has at times divided into two sects over con- 
troverted poiuts turning chiefly on the state of the 
" dead " between the body's dissolution and resurrec- 
tion. Sunday services have been maintained in two 
places of worship at the same time for a while. At 
present the society worships in its own church in 
Herbert Street. It has changed its place of a.ssembling 
several times; has been in Sewell Street (old Meth- 
odist meeting-house), in Union Street (Second Meth- 
odist), Holyoke Hall, 199 Essex Street, Hardy Hall, 
Washington Street. One of its sections, when there 
were two passing under the same name, met in a chap- 
el in Endicott Street. The pastorates of this church 
in both branches have been mostly short. Several, 
however, have continued for a period of a few years 
each. Rev. Lemuel Osier, Francis H. Berick, Rufus 
Wendell, Charles E. Barnes, George W. Sederqui-st, 
Frederick Gunner (Endicott Street) have at different 
times ministered to the society. The present pastor 
is Rev. George F. Haines. 

Episcopal : Grace. — A second Episcopal Church 
was organized in the year 18.58, under a movement 
arising in St. Peter's Church, the rector of St. 
Peter's, Rev. Dr. Leeds, remarking in the Jour- 
nal of the Diocese of 1859 : " The completion of 
the fifth quarter-century in the history of St. Peter's 
was celebrated Isy laying the corner-stone of another 
church edifice, to be known by the name of Grace 
Church." The new church, a Gothic frame structure, 
was consecrated June 2, 1859. The Rev. George D. 
Wildes was the first rector, his pastorate covering eight 
years, 1859-67. Rev. Joseph Kidder succeeded Mr. 
Wildes in 1868, and remained until July 1, 1870, 
when the present rector, Rev. James P. Franks, suc- 
ceeded him. Thesixtv communicants with which this 



church began had increased, at the twenty-fifth anni- 
versary of its consecration, to one hundred and fifty. 
The architecture of the church remains as it was at 
the beginning. 

New Church Society (oftener designated in 
popular speech as the Church of the JS\'w Jerusalem, or 
Swedaiboryian Church). — As early as 1840 those in- 
terested in the doctrines of the New Jerusalem met 
at the homes of difi'erent individuals and read the 
writings of the church. In 1845 Miss Mary Eveleth 
having joined the little baud, became their reader for 
most of the two or three following years ; after that 
Mr. Joseph Ropes was for a few years their leader. 
It was in 1861 that meetings began to be hold in the 
hall of the building which had been General H. K. 
Oliver's school-house, and which was erected by him, 
on Federal Street. At that time Rev. Warren Burton 
was their leader. Here a Sunday-school was first 
gathered. From this place a removal took place to 
Creamer Hall, on Essex Street, and on the 25th of 
January, 1863, the society was instituted by Rev. 
T. B. Hayward, who preached for the congregation 
two years, or more. Services were afterwards held in 
the Howard Street Church and in Hamilton Hall. 
Rev. Abiel Silver was minister from 1867 to 1869. 
The society was incorporated July 13, 1869. That 
year a lot of land was purchased for a church. On 
this laud the present church was built, and dedicated 
April 18, 1872. Rev. L. G. Jordan was the minister 
from June 6, 1869, to November 1, 1870. Rev. A. F. 
Frost began to preach for the society in 1872, but was 
not installed as pastor till January 25, 1875. He re- 
signed June 30, 1879. Rev. Mr. Hayden followed 
Mr. Frost, being engaged to preach for a year. After 
he left, dilTerent ministers preached from one Sunday 
to several months each, until April 1, 1884, when Rev- 
Duane V. Bowen was invited to become the minister 
of the society. The invitation w;is accepted, and he 
remains to the present time the minister. Rev. Mr. 
Bowen was ordained in the Unitarian ministry in 
1873, and had served parishes of that denomination 
before embracing the faith of the New Church and 
identifying himself with that body. In making the 
change he did not sever the bonds of frien<lship and 
syuij)athy by which he had been held in earlier 
fellowship with the communion of which he had been 
a member. Of the fifty-nine original members of the 
New Church Society, twenty have removed from the 
city, and fourteen have been " removed to the spiritual 
world," the speech of this church not recognizing 
such translation as death. 

Calvary Baptist Church. — On the 21st of Oc- 
tober, 1871, ninety members of the Central Baptist 
Church received letters of dismission from thatcluirch, 
for the purpose of constituting a new church, upon a 
somewhat different basis from that on which the par- 
ent church existed, believing " that the house of God 
should be free to all, without the sale or letting of pews, 
or the granting to a worldly pnipricturship a vole on 



62 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



any interest pertaining to the church." They met in 
the old Howard Street Chapel October 24, 1871, and 
organized under the name of " The Calvary Baptist 
Church of Salem." Rev. S. H. Pratt, who had come 
in their company from the Central Church, was chosen 
their pastor. The congregation transferred itself to 
Mechanic Hall for a time. Coming to feel the need 
of a church home of their own, Mrs. John Dwyer 
gave them land on which to build, and they proceeded 
to set up their meeting-house on the corner of Essex 
and Herbert Streets, meantime worshipping at the old 
"Bethel "on the latter street, till the new church 
should be ready. With much effort, their means not 
being abundant, they carried the enterprise through 
and dedicated their house on the 17th of November, 
1873. On the 17th day of March, 1874, the chuijch 
organized as a corporation under the general statutes 
of Massachusetts ; there was no society distinct from 
the church, the church itself being incorporated. 
" The seats are utterly free, no price or rent being 
charged for any seat, and no seat being assigned to or 
claimable by any person, and all seats being open to 
the first comer ; . . . the expenses are met by 
voluntary weekly offerings." Rev. Mr. Pratt resigned 
his charge May 4, 1873. For nearly a year they had 
the services of Mr. E. B. Andrews, a student of New- 
ton Seminary, and since professor both in Newton 
and in Brown University — services which were of great 
value beyond his religious ministry, as he worked 
strenuously to raise the money for the building of the 
church. Twice they invited him to become their pas- 
tor and twice their earnest call was declined. Rev. 
D. H. Taylor was ordained their second pastor Sep- 
tember 9, 1874. He continued tn the pastorate till 
January 12, 1877. On the 27th of the following March 
(1877) Rev. William A. Keese, then settled in Ells- 
worth, Me., was invited to take pastoral charge of the 
church, and accepting, began his labors May 6th, and 
resigned May 26, 1883, at the end of a ministry of six 
years. Rev. Samuel H. Emery, the present pastor, was 
settled January 2, 1884. He was ordained December 
5, 1877, and had been pastor of a church in Bellows 
Falls, Vt., previous to his settlement in Salem. 

Seamen's Society : Seaman's Bethel. — When Salem's 
prosperity rested largely upon commerce, and the 
town was not without a considerable population of 
seafarers and their families, some transient, some res- 
ident, they were regarded by the Salem churches as 
a class entitled to special missionary effort. In Aug- 
ust, 1824, a " Bftthel " was opened in a store at the 
head of Derby Wharf as a place of worship, and Rev. 
Eleazer Barnard became the minister. The next 
year Rev. Benjamin H. Pitman succeeded Mr. Bar- 
nard, remaining two years ; and in 1832 Rev. Michael 
Carlton was appointed, and continued in this work 
nearly thirty years, adding, in the latter years of his 
ministry, many of the offices of a minister at large 
and of a dispenser of the charities of the rich among 
the poor to his pastoral and missionary duti&s among 



sailors. A chapel was built on Herbert Street, and 
from its top the '' Bethel " flag long waved an invita- 
tion to all who would come, seamen and others, to 
worship. As the number of seamen has diminished 
in Salem, the special mission work in behalf of sailors 
has become desultory and intermittent at times. Rev. 
Benjamin Knight, a Baptist clergyman living in Salem, 
rather past middle life, took up and carried on the 
same miscellaneous work which Mr. Carlton had pur- 
sued, that of colporteur, preacher and pastor to 
seamen, agent of the charitable in seeking out and 
relieving cases of want, and advocate of temperance— 
in short, the work of a minister at large. Since Mr. 
Knight's death two organizations, not altogether 
friendly to each other, have grown out of his mission, 
both assuming the name of " Bethel " societies, and 
seeking to perpetuate a ministry to the neglected and 
the unchurched like that in which he labored so many 
years. Neither has a settled pastor. One worships 
in the same building in which Mr. Knight preached, 
at the head of Phillips Wharf, the other (lately incor- 
porated) on Derby Street, opposite the Bertram Home 
for Aged Men. 

Church of the Colored People. — Another 
mission enterprise was started by the Salem churches 
about sixty years ago, in 1828, to provide a separ- 
ate place of worship for the colored people of the 
town, it being their own desire to have a church 
home by themselves, in which they would be 
free from unpleasant and intrusive observation, 
and have a more perfect enjoyment of ministra- 
tions of their own selection, and more congenial 
to their feelings and religious habits. A chapel was 
built, in 1828, on South Street, afterwards known 
as Mill Street, and still later as (new) Washington 
Street, the chapel being removed when Washington 
Street was extended up the hill. This litile congre- 
gation called itself at tirst the " Union Bethel Church." 
It had James P. Lewis as a missionary in 1831. It 
several times changed its name. In 1839 it wa.s " Wes- 
leyan Methodist," in 1842 " Zion's Methodist," or 
" Equal Rights Zion's Methodist Church " (unless 
this was a branch of the former), in 1845 again the 
" Wesleyan Methodist Connection in America," in 
1854 " First Free-Will Baptist Society." In 1889 John 
N. Mars was its pastor; in 1845, Samuel Palmer; in 
1855, Rev. James H. Marston. It had many reorgan- 
izations. Its light sometimes flickered, sometimes 
seemed to have gone out. Messrs. Osgood & Batchel- 
der date its extinction within the year 1861. The Af- 
rican Methodist Episcopal Church has several timis 
within the last eight years sent preachers from its 
Conference to undertake a revival of public worship 
among the colored people, and the establishment of a 
church. Rev. Jacob Stroyer and Joseph Taylor have 
each continued efforts to this end for two or three 
years at a time, but unsuccessfully. The po|>ulation 
in whose interest the experiment has been tried is es- 
timated at about three hundred souls in all. Many 



SALEM. 



63 



of these are already respected members of other 
churches, satisfied with their church relations. The 
desire of many colored persons, sensitive to surround- 
ing opinion, and constrained by a self-respecting re- 
serve to have their worship apart and by themselves, 
has been well understood and sympathized with, and 
they have been liberally aided in their attempts to 
maintain their own separate meetings on Sunday. 
But it would appear to be wiser, hereafter, to seek 
their absorption in the other churches, where, it may 
be hoped, time and a growing appreciation of the 
spirit of true Christianity will make real the abolish- 
ment of all distinctions of class and race. 

MouMON. — For a few years a church of the " Latter- 
Day Saints," better known as Mormons, existed in 
Salem. It was organized January 1, 1842. Ten years 
before, Joseph Smith, the " prophet " of that sect, 
came to Salem, with associates, and propagated its 
tenets, not unsuccessfully ; in 1843 it had one hundred 
members. Erastus Snow remained here as its elder 
for a year or two. But in 1844, when all the pilgrims 
of this order were ^:etting their faces towards Nauvoo, 
in Illinois, their sacred city, the church in Salem 
obeyed the general impulse and made a clean exodus 
from among the aliens. 

Deaf Mute.s. — A small congregation of deaf mutes 
organized themselves into a religious society in 187G, 
and have had Kev. Philo W. Packard, one of their 
number, as their only pastor. They number about 
twenty persons. Mr. Packard was born in Boston 
February 25, 1838. 

LuTHER.iN Swedish Church. — -One finds the sim- 
ple record in the list of Salem churches for 1884-85 that 
" a Lutheran Swedish Church was organized June 15, 
1884 — no pastor — John Lonn its president. Its place 
of meeting. Central, corner of Charter Street." 

For many years a body of believers, classed as 
"Spiritualists," numerically undeKned and undefin- 
able, at times sufficiently organized for regular meet- 
ings, have had sessions from Sunday to Sunday for 
such communion, utterances and conferences as usu- 
ally characterize their congregations. Those who at- 
tend such gatherings are few compared with the num- 
ber of those who entertain opinions more or less con- 
current with theirs, but to whom they are private 
speculations, or a private faith, calling for no public 
and conventional proclamation, or separate and per- 
manent organization. 

The principal authorities consulted : 

Rev. (;. W. I'phitm's " Sermon at the Dedicntion of the First ChuiTh," 
November IG, lS2b ; " Second Century Lecture," 1829 ; "Address at the 
Rededication of the First Church," December 8, 1SG7. 

Rev. WiHiani Bentley's " Description of Salem" (''Ma«3. Hist. Col.," 
vol. vj., year 1799). 

Rev. .1. H, Felt's " .\nnal8 of Salem," two vols. ; Felt's " Ecclesiastical 
History of New England," vol. i. 

Hon. Daniel \. White's ''N. E. Congregationalism," 1861. 

Lectures by Judge White respecting the " Foundenj of Salem and the 
First Church " 

" Papen* Relating to Rev. Samuel Skelton," by William P. L'pham, 
Est). ("Hist. Col. of Essex Inst.," vol. xiii.). 

" Genealogy of the Slarsh Family," Skelton. 



"Sketch of Salem," by Charles Osgood and Ileiirj' M. Batchelder, 

1879. 

*• .\ddress before the Essex Bar .\ssociation," by lion. VVm. I>. North- 
end, president of the association. 1S.S5. 

"Discourse on the First Centennial .Anniversary of the Tabernacle 
Church, April 2r., 1835," by Rev. Samuel M. Worcester 

"Narrative of the Controversy between the Rev. Mr. Samuel FisU, 
the Pastor, and a number of the Brethren ol the First Church of Christ 
in Salem," 17.35 ; " Narrative of the Proceedings of the Ecclesiastical 
Council, convened in Salem in 17:H," 1735 ; other published pamphlets 
relating to the above controversy, bound together in a volume in the 
library of the Salem Athenaeum. 

" Brief History of Settlement of Third Church in Salem, ITr.o and of 
the Ecclesiastical Council of 1784," by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Whitaker. 

" Correspondence in Relation to the Third Church of 1735." 

" First Centenary of the North Church," 1872. 

"Semi-Centennial Sermon " by Rev. Robert C. Mills, D.D., First Bap- 
tist Church. 

" Semi-Centennial .\ddress on the Fiftieth .Anniversary of Dedication Of 
the Universalist Meeting-house and Installutionof Rev. Edward Turner,'' 
18.W. 

" Manual of Cronibie Street Church " 

" Manual of Central Baptist Church." 

" Historical Sketch of Calvary liiplist Church," by Rev. William A. 
Keese, in Report to the Salem Baptist .\ssociation, 1883. 

[In Library of Boston .\thena*um " B. 76, Sermons No. 7^-"] -^ 
tract of six pages ; its title page, iu part, " .\ Direction for a Publick 
Prof-ssion in the Church .\ssembly after the Private Examination of ihe 
Elders " [much referred to in the discussion between Dr. S. M. Worcester 
and Judge D. A. White respecting the covenant and confession of the 
Salem Church, adopted in lt;29]. 

" Reports of the Salem Society of Deaf Mutes, 1876, 1881, 1886." 

■'Roger Williams," article by Porter C. Bliss in "Johnson's Encyclo- 
p.Tdia." 

Sewell's " History of the Quakers." 

Sprague's ".\nnals of the American Pulpit." 

Jlorton'a " New England's Memorial," editions ol 1826 (Davis'), and 
of 18.15 (Cong. Pub. Soc). 

Drake's " History of American Biography." 

Savage's " Genealogical Dictionary." 

Barry's "History of Massachusetts." 

Arnold's " History of Rhode Island." 

Palfrey's " History of New England." 

"Salem Directories." 



CHAPTER III. 

THE COMMERCIAL HISTORY. 



BY CHARLES S. OSGOOD. 



Salem may justly be proud of her commercial his- 
tory. No other seaport in America has such a won- 
derful record. Flying from the mast of a Salem ship 
the American flag was first carried into the jiorts be- 
yond the Cape of Good Hope. Her vessels led the 
way from New England to the Isle of France and In- 
dia and China, and were the first from this country to 
display the American flag and open trade at St. Pe- 
tersburg and Zanzibar and Sumatra, at Calcutta and 
Bombay, at Batavia and Arabia, at Madagascar and 
Australia, and at many another distant port. Well 
may she ])roudly inscribe on her city seal Dicilk 
India' uxque ad ultlmum siiiiim. 

The colonists, in the War of the Revolution, were 
almost destitute of ships of war. They were engaged 



64 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in a struggle with one of the most powerful maritime 
nations, without the meiins to cope with their enemy 
on the liigh seas. Their own commerce was ruined, 
and it was essential to their success that provision 
be made for forcing the commerce of Great Britaiu to 
suffer in common with them, the fortunes and viciscii- 
tudes of war. Boston, New York, and the larger sea- 
ports, were occupied and nearly ruined by the enemy, 
and the main reliance of the country was on the ship- 
ping of Salem and the neighboring towns of Beverly 
and Marblehead. 

The merchants of Salem at this crisis showed that 
the resolution passed in town meeting June 12, 1776, 
that " if the Honorable Congress shall for the Safety 
of the United American Colonies declare them inde- 
pendent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, we will 
solemnly engage, with our lives and fortunes, to sup- 
port them in the measure," was no meaningless phrase- 
ology or idle boast. 

They turned their vessels into men of war, and 
built new ones for the service, equipped them with 
cannon, manned them with gallant seamen and sent 
them out to meet Great Britain on the deep. During 
this contest there were sent out from this port at least 
one hundred and fifty-eight vessels, manned by sev- 
eral thousand brave sailors from Salem. They mounted 
more than two thousand guns, carrying on an average 
twelve or fourteen each, and captured during the war 
as many as four hundred and forty-five prizes. 

The war ended, the merchants of Salem found them- 
selves in possession of man}' large and swift-sailing 
vessels which had been built for use as privateers. 
These being too large to be profitably employed in the 
coasting trade, or on the short voyages to other ports 
heretofore visited by Salem ships, their owners de- 
termined to open to distant countries new avenues of 
trade and bring to Salem the products of lands lying 
in the remotest quarters of the globe. 

There was no lack of seamen to man the vessels. 
The young men of the town, fresh from service on the 
armed ships of Salem, were eager to embark in just 
such ventures as a voyage to unknown countries ottered. 
They had served with Haraden in his daring exploits 
oft' the coast of Spain, and had been with West when, 
in the darkness of the night, he cut his prize out of a 
British harbor under the guns of the enemy. What 
wonder that after wielding the cutlass and the board- 
ing pike, they were not contented to put their hands 
to the plough or return to the daily drudgery of the 
work-shop. The spirit of adventure was awakened, 
and the more dangerous and perilous the undertaking 
the better it suited the temper of these wild and cour- 
ageous graduates from the deck of the privateersman. 

From the close of the War of the Revolution until 
the embargo in 1808, Salem was at the height of her 
commercial prosperity. The white sails of Salem's 
ships were unfurled in every port of the known world 
and carried the fame and name of Salem to the utter- 
most parts of the earth. 



The history of this period makes a tale which even 
the imaginings of romance could hardly parallel. It 
is crowded full of the accounts of daring adventures 
by brave seamen in unknown seas, of their encounters 
with pirates and savage tribes, of their contests with 
the armed ships of France and England and of their 
imprisonment among the Algerines and in the prisons 
of France and Spain. 

It was the young men of Salem that officered her 
ships, sailing as captains at an age when the boys of 
the present time are scarcely over their school-days. 
At the beginning of one of the East India voyages of 
nineteen months, neither the captain (Nathaniel Sils- 
bee), nor his first mate (Charles Derby), nor his sec- 
ond mate (Richard J. Cleveland), was twenty years of 
age, and yet these boys carried ship and cargo safely 
to their destination, with imperfect mathematical in- 
struments and with no charts but of their own mak- 
ing, and returned with a cargo which realized four or 
five times the amount of the original capital. With 
no power to communicate with home, the success of 
the undertaking was largely in the hands of these 
youthful captains. Their duty was not ended when 
the ship arrived safely in port, for upon their judg- 
ment and sagacity in buying and selling depended the 
profits of the voyage. 

In those early days, when a vessel left Salem har- 
bor, there was often nothing heard from her until af- 
ter the lapse of a year or more she would come sailing 
back again. To-day the earth is girdled with the tele- 
graph, and the arrival of a ship in the foreign harbor 
can be known at home almost within an hour of her 
reaching port. Then, foreign prices were unknown 
and the result of a voyage might be splendid success 
or ruinous disaster; now, a voyage is merely a passage 
from port to port with the market ascertained before- 
hand at either end. 

When Captain Jonathan Carnes set sail for Suma- 
tra, in 1795, on his secret voyage for pepper, nothing 
was heard from him until eighteen months later, he 
entered with a cargo of pepper in bulk, the first to be 
so imported into this country, and which sold at the 
extraordinaiy profit of seven hundred per cent. This 
uncertainty which hung over the fate of ship and 
cargo lent a romantic interest to these early voyages 
which this age, with its telegraph and steamship, has 
destroyed. 

The lower part of the town, in the days of Salem's 
commerce, was full of bustling activity. The wharves 
were crowded with vessels discharging their cargoes, 
gathered from all nations, or loading for another ven- 
ture across the seas. Sailors fresh from the distant 
Indies were chatting on the street corners with com- 
panions about to depart thither, or were lounging 
about the doors of the sailor boarding-houses with 
that indescribable air of disdain for all landsmen 
which seems always to attach to the true rover of the 
seas. They were looked upon by the younger por- 
tion of the community with that curiosity which is so 



SALEM. 



65 



near akin to awe, with which we regard those about to 
start upon, or who have just returned from some un- 
commonly perilous undertaking. 

The shops were full of strange and unique articles 
brought from distant lands. The parrot screamed at 
the open door and in the back shop the monkey and 
other small denizens of foreign forests gamboled at 
will, sometimes escaping to the neighboring house- 
tops, much to the delight of the small children who 
gathered to watch their capture with upturned faces 
and expressions of intense interest in the result of the 
chase. Derby Street in those days was well worth a 
visit, if only for the suggestions of foreign lands that 
met the eye on every hand. 

Salem at that time was one of the principal points 
for the distribution of foreign merchandise, over 
eight million pounds of sugar being among the im- 
ports of the year 1800. The streets about the wharves 
were alive with teams loaded with goods for all parts 
of the country. It was a bu.sy scene with the coming 
and going of vehicle-', some from long distances, for 
railroads were then unknown and all transportation 
must be carried on in wagons and drays. In the 
taverns could be seen teamsters from all quarters sit- 
ting around the open fire in the chilly evenings, dis- 
cussing the news of the day or making merry over 
potations of New England rum, which Salem in the 
good old times manufactured in abundance. 

All this has changed. The sail-lofts where on the 
smooth floor sat the sail-makers, with their curious 
thimbles fastened to the palms of their hands, busily 
stitching the great white sheets of canvas that were 
to carry many a gallant ship safely through storm 
and tempest to her destination in far-distant harbors, 
and that were to be reflected in seas before unvexed 
by the keel of an American vessel, are deserted or 
given over to more prosaic uses, the ship-chandlers' 
shops are closed and the old mathem.atical instrument 
maker has taken in his swinging sign of a quadrant, 
shut up his shop and, as if there was no further use 
for him here, has started on the long voyage from 
which there is no return. 

The merchandise warehouses on the wharves no 
longer contain silks from India, tea from China, pep- 
per from Sumatra, coffee from Arabia, spices from 
Batavia, gum-copal from Zanzibar, hides from Africa, 
and the various other products of far-away countries. 
The boys have ceased to watch on the Neck for the 
incoming vessels, hoping to earn a reward by being 
the first to announce to the expectant merchant the 
safe return of his looked-for vessel. The foreign 
commerce of Salem, once her pride and glory, has 
spread its white wings and sailed away forever. 

It remains for us to-day to gather together as well 
as we may the facts and incidents of this memorable 
epoch in the history of our city and preserve them as 
a precious legacy from the Salem of the past to the 
Salem of the future. 

Although commerce has sought other ports and is 
5 



no longer prosecuted here, the influence of the old- 
time merchants, whose energy and enterprise, whose 
daring and far-sightedness, made such an unparal- 
leled chapter in the history of Salem, still lingers 
with us. Salem to-day owes to these men the high 
position she holds in the world of science. Their 
broad and liberal views, stimul.ited by contact with 
all nations, prepared their descendants, the Salem of 
to-day, for the good work which is now being carried 
on in our midst. Their rare and unique collection of 
curiosities now in the possession of the Peabody 
Academy of Science grows in interest each year, 
being one of the principal points of attraction to 
visitors. As such it will always remain, a perpetual 
monument to the far-seeing and public-spirited mer- 
chants and ship-masters of Salem. 

Salem was undoubtedly chosen as a good place for 
settlement by Roger Conant, who described it as " a 
fruitful necke of land," because of its harbors and 
rivers. Situated on a peninsula, with North River 
on one side and South River on the other, all parts 
of the town were readily accessible by water. Salem 
was from the first and of necessity a maritime place. 
The Massachusetts Company, that sent John Endi- 
cott to Salem, was a trading company, and the home 
Governor, Matthew Cradock, writes to Endicott in 
1629 to send, as return cargoes, "staves, sarsaparilla, 
sumach, two or three hundred firkins of sturgeon and 
other fish and beaver." 

The early, long-continued and staple trade of 
Salem was in the product of the fisheries. The har- 
bors and rivers swarmed with fish, and the supply 
was so plentiful that large quantities were often used 
for manure. From 162;i to 1740 Winter Island seems 
to have been the headquarters of the Salem fishing 
trade, and that trade was the staple business of 
Salem down to a much later period. In 1643 the 
merchants of Salem were trading with the West 
Indies, with Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands. 

Between 1640 and 1650 the commercial career of 
Salem received an impetus, and her vessels made 
voyages not only to the mother-country but to the 
West Indies, Bermudas, Virginia and Antigua. Her 
wealth was great in proportion to her population, 
and Josselyn, writing in 1644, sa^-s "in this town are 
some very rich merchants." In 1663 William Hol- 
lingworth, a Salem merchant, agrees to send one 
hundred hogsheads of tobacco from the River Poto- 
mac by ship from Boston to Plymouth in England, 
the isle of Jersey or any port in Holland, and thence 
to said island for seven pounds sterling per ton. 

From 1670 to 1740 the trade was to the West In- 
dies and most ports of Europe, including Spain 
France and Holland. From 1686 to 1689 inclusive 
Salem is trading to Barbadoes, London, Fayal, Penn- 
sylvania, Virginia and Antigua. The great majority 
of her vessels are ketches from twenty to forty tons 
and carrying from four to six men. Only one ship 
appears among them, and her tonnage is but one 



66 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



hundred and thirty tons. In 1698-99 registers are 
taken out for two ships of eighty and two hundred 
tons, a barque, three sloops and twenty ketches. The 
ketch of those days was two-masted, with square sails 
on the fore-mast and a fore-and-aft sail on the main- 
mast, which was shorter than the fore-mast. The 
schooner, which gradually supplanted the ketch, 
first appears in our Salem marine about 1720. Felt 
says that " Andrew Robinson, of Gloucester, origi- 
nated the name of schooner in 1709." John John- 
son, of Salem, in 1693, "having for nigh three years 
followed the trade of boating goods " to and from 
Boston, " sometimes twice a weeke," complains to 
Governor William Phipps of the cost of entering and 
clearing. 

In 1700 the foreign trade of Salem is thus described 
by Higginson : " Dry, merchantable codfish for the 
markets of Spain, Portugal and the Straits, refuse fish, 
lumber, horses and provisions for the West Indies. 
Returns made directly to England aie sugar, mo- 
lasses, cotton, wool, logwood and Brasiletto-wood, for 
which we depend on the West Indies. Our own pro- 
duce, a considerable quantity of whale and fish-oil, 
whalebone, furs, deer, elk and bear-skins are annually 
sent to England. We have much shipping here, and 
freights are low." 

Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, writing of the commerce 
of Salem in 1749, says : " The commerce of this town 
was chiefly with Spain and Portugal and the West 
Indies, especially with St. Eustatia. The cod fishery 
was carried on with success and advantage. The 
schooners were employed on the fishing banks in the 
summer, and in the autumn were laden with fish, 
rum, molasses and the produce of the country and 
sent to Virginia and Maryland, and there spent the 
winter retailing their cargoes, and in return brought 
corn and wheat and tobacco. This Virginian voyage 
was seldom very profitable, but, as it served to keep 
the crews together, it was continued till more advan- 
tageous employment offered." 

Comparatively little mention is made in this chap- 
ter of the commerce of Salem prior to the Revolu- 
tion. The colonial trade was narrow and limited, 
and was restricted by the short-sighted policy of the 
home government. Trade was carried on with the 
West Indies, with the mother-country and with some 
other of the European ports, but the famous record 
of Salem as a commercial port begins with the close 
of the Revolutionary War. 

Colonel Higginson, in his recent article on " Old 
Salem Sea-Captains," says " there is nothing more 
brilliant in American history than the brief career of 
maritime adventure which made the name of Salem 
synonymous with that of America in many a distant 
port. The period bridged the interval between two 
wars ; the American Revolution laid its foundation ; 
the later war with England saw its last trophies." 

It is to this period that this chapter is largely de- 
voted, and it has been the endeavor of the writer to 



present as complete an account of Salem's commer- 
cial triumphs as can be gathered, the records of the 
custom-house and the files of contemporaneous news- 
papers being gleaned for material for the work. The 
log-books in the custody of the Essex Institute have 
also been carefully examined. These form a curi- 
ously interesting collection suggestive of life on 
ship-board, and of the old ship masters who made the 
entries in them from day to day. It is to be regretted 
that a large proportion are devoted wholly to the direc- 
tion and force of the wind, to the latitude and longi- 
tude and the details of the ship's course. But now 
and then, especially among those belonging to the 
East India Marine Society, most interesting accounts 
are given of the customs and manners of foreign na- 
tions. 

In one of the oldest of them we find this entry, 
made in the Indian Ocean : " A wave just broke over 
the ship and came in at the cabin w'indow, making a 
blot on the log;" and there is the blurred writing, 
just as the salt water left it a hundred years ago ; a 
trifling incident, but how real it makes the voyage to 
us! As we turn the pages, yellow with age and 
musty even now with the smell of the ship, we seem 
almost to be sailing the distant ocean and feel the 
force of the wave as it dashes against the vessel and 
throws its spray through the cabin window. 

In the following pages it has been found most con- 
venient to trace the course of trade with different 
countries separately, although it must be understood 
that many vessels visited several of the ports named 
in the course of a single voyage, — one, for instance, 
starting from Salem stopping at Manilla, and thence 
on to Canton, returning direct to Salem. 

The Caxton Trade.— Elias Hasket Derby led 
the way to India and China, and opened for Salem 
that extensive foreign commerce which will always 
hold a prominent place in her history. His enter- 
prise and vigor was something rarely paralleled. Not 
content to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, he 
turned bis eyes to the Cape of Good Hope and the far- 
distant Indies, and determined to measure his strength 
with the incorporated companies of England and 
France and Holland, which then entirely monopo- 
lized the commerce of the East. He boldly entered 
into competition with that great and powerful mo- 
nopoly, the East India Company, which Queen Eliza- 
beth incorporated on the last day of the sixteenth 
century, a company whose Governor, Josiah Child 
(formerly an apprentice, sweeping one of the count- 
ing-rooms of London), became the possessor of bound- 
less wealth, the companion of nobles, and one from 
whom King Charles II. graciously accepted a gift of 
ten thousand guineas,^a monopoly which held in its 
powerful grasp the whole trade of England, with the 
distant East, issuing its edicts from the India House 
on Leadenhall Street to its subjects in India, com- 
manding them to disregard the votes of the House of 
Commons ; and which, as late as the year 1800, when 



SALEM. 



67 



the ship " Active," of Salem, George Nichols, mas- 
ter, arrived at Liverpool, from Salem, with a cargo of 
Surat cotton, compelled her to carry it to London and 
dispose of it from the warehouses of the Company in 
that city. 

Mr. Derby, on the 28th of November, 1785, cleared 
the ship " Grand Turk," Ebenezer West, master, 
for the Isle of France, with the purpose to visit 
Canton. This vessel went to the Isle of France and 
China, and returned to Salem in .June, 1787, with a 
car^oofteas, silks and nankeens, making the first 
voyage from New England to the Isle of France, In- 
dia and China. 

In the year 1790 there were three arrivals from 
Canton. The brig " William and Henry," Benjamin 
Hodges, master, one hundred and fity tons, was en- 
tered, in May, to Gray & Orne. Captain Hodgeji was 
a good type of the master mariner of that period. He 
was born in Salem, April 2(5, 1754. When the East 
India Marine Society was formed, be was chosen its 
president. He brought to Salem the first full cargo 
of tea direct from Canton. He died April 13,180(5. 
Captain Hodges makes the following quaint entry in 
his log-book, under date of Friday, Dec. 25, 1789, when 
leaving China for home : " Discharged the pilot after 
much altercation, having promised him fifty-six dol- 
lars, which I only intended as a conveniency, as 
forty dollars is the established customary price, which 
sum was all I intended and all I did pay him. How- 
ever unjust it may appear to promise with an inten- 
tion not to perform, yet it is necessary in dealing with 
such rascals as the Chinese, who are ever ready to 
take undue advantage, and, as the vulgar say, ' Two 
cheats is an even bargain,' and the only method to 
keep pace with such faithless villains." Evidently 
Captain Hodges was not impressed with the honesty 
of the average Chinaman. 

Captain Hodges also gives a list of the American 
vessels then lying at Canton, fourteen in all, of which 
five hailed from Salem, four from New York, three 
from Philadelphia and two from Boston ; and of 
the two Boston ships, one, the " Massachusetts," of 
one hundred and ninety tons, had a Salem man, 
Benjamin Carpenter, for captain. Captain Carjien- 
ter, although he does not appear to have made any 
voyages from Salem, was intimately connected with 
our marine societies. He was one of the founders of 
the East India Marine Society and an early member of 
theSaleinMarineSociety, which last-named society has 
in its possession a log-book of a voyage made by him 
in the ship " Hercules," of Boston, from that place to 
the East Indies, in 1792. His crew con.sisted of 
thirty-nine men, thirteen of them from Salem. All 
but two or three of the crew were between nineteen 
and twenty-four years of age, Captain Carpenter put- 
ting down his own age at forty. This log-book is 
remarkable for the elegance of the penmanship and 
the skill displayed in making pen-and-ink sketches of 
islands, rocks and other objects of interest to mariners. 



The ship " Astrea," James Magee, master, and 
Thomas Handasyd Perkins, supercargo, of three hun- 
dred and thirty tons, arrived in June to Elias H. 
Derby, with a cargo of tea, paying $27,109.18 as 
duties ; and the ship " Light Horse," Ichabod Nich- 
ols, master, two hundred and sixty-six tons, in June, 
to Elias H. Derby, with a cargo of tea, paying 
$16,312.98 as duties. There is no year when the 
direct arrivals from Canton numbered more than 
three. The " Astrea " was one of Mr. Derby's favor- 
ite ships. She was distinguished for speed, having in 
one voyage to the Baltic, made the run in eleven 
days from Salem to the coast of Ireland. Preparing 
for a voyage to Canton was in those days a serious 
undertaking. The "Astrea " was sent up the Baltic 
for iron, a schooner was sent to Madeira for wine, 
and specie was collected from New York, Philadel- 
phia and Baltimore. In February, 1789, the " .\strea" 
was dispatched for Canton with an assorted cargo, 
consisting of iron, wine, butter, candles, ginseng, beef 
and flour. The cargo of the " Astrea " was entrusted 
to the joint care of Captain JamesMagee and Thomas 
Handasyd Perkins. This bist-named gentleman was 
afterwards for many years a leading merchant of Bos- 
ton, and one of the founders of the Boston 
Athena?um. 

As showing how completely the merchant was 
obliged to rely on the judgment of the officers of his 
ship a few extracts from the letter of instruction 
given by Mr. Derby to the officers of the "Astrea " 
may be interesting. He writes as follows : 

"Salem, Febniary, 1780. 
"Capt. J.iMES Magee, Jr.. Mr. Thom.as H. PERKPiS • 

"Gent£, — The ship '.Vstrea' being ready for 3ea. I do a<Ivise and onler 
you to coine to sail and make the best of your way to Batavia, and on 
your arrival there you will dispose of such a part of the cargo as you 
think may be moat for my interest. If you find the price of sugar to be 
low, you will then take into the ship as much of the best white kind as 
will floor her, and tifty thousand weight of coffee, if it is as low as we 
have heard, and fifteen thousand of saltpetre, if very low ; some nut- 
megs and fifty thousand weight of pepper ; this, you will stow in the 
fore peak, for fear of its injuring the tea.*. At Batavia you must, if 
possible, get as much freight for Canton as will pay half or more of your 
charges, — that is, if it will not detain you too long— as by this addition 
of freight it ^vill exceedingly help the voyage. If Messrs. Blanchard .t 
Webb are at Batavia in the Brigantine 'Three Sisters,' and if they 
have not stock sufficient to load with coffee and sugar, and if it is low, 
and you think it for my advantage, then I would have you ship me 
some coffee or sugar and a few nutmegs to complete his loading. If his 
brigantine can be sold for a large price, and sugar and coffee are too 
dear to make any large freight — in that case it possibly may be for my 
interest to have her sold, and for them to take passage with you to Can- 
ton, but this must not be done unless you. Dr. Blanchard and Capt. 
Webb shall think it greatly for my iuterest. It is my order that in case 
of your sickness, you write a clause at the foot of thes_* orders, putting 
the command of the ship into the person's hands that you think the 
most equal for it, not having any regain! to the station he at present ha^ 
in the ship. Among the silks, you will get me one or two pieces of the 
wide nankeen satin, and others you will get ad directed. Get me two 
potaof twenty pounds each of ginger, that is well put up; and lay out 
for my account fifteen or twenty pounils sterling in curiosities. There 
will be breakage-room in the bilge of the ship, that nothing dry can go 
in; therefore, in the crop of the bilge, you will put some boxes of 
China, such as are suitable for such places, and filled with cups and 
saucere, some bowls, and anything of the kind that may answer. .\1- 
tboui;li 1 have been a liltlc purliciilar ill these orders, I do not mean 



68 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tlieni as positive ; and you have leave to break them in any part where 
you by culcuhatlon thinlt it for my interest. 

" Your friend and employer, 

" Elias Hasket Derby." 

The '*Astrea" did not make so successful a voyage 
as was anticipated. American ships were beginning 
to follow the lead of the *' Grand Turk," and between 
the fall of 1788 and 1791, no less than fifteen Ameri- 
can vessels arrived in Canton. Mr. Perkins was 
obliged to sell the large invoice of ginseng at twenty 
thousand dollars, less than the prime cost. Four 
ships of Mr. Derby, the "Astrea,'* " Light Horse," 
"Atlantic" and "Three Sisters," were lying at Can- 
ton in the summer of 1789. Two of these ships were 
sold, and the proceeds of all their cargoes was shipped 
in the "Astrea" and ** Light Horse," both of which 
vessels arrived safely in Salem, in June, 1790, with 
728,871 pounds of tea for Mr. Derby. The entire 
importation into the United States during this year 
was 2,601,852 pounds. This unprecedented importa- 
tion was disheartening to the China merchants, as it 
was largely in excess of the consumption which at 
that time was less than a million pounds. An unex- 
pected duty had also been imposed on teas which 
bore heavily upon the importers. 

We therefore find no further arrival from Canton til! 
1798, when the ship " Perseverance," Richard Wheat- 
land, master, enters in April with a cargo of tea and 
sugar to Simon Forrester, paying in dutie^s $24,5()2.10. 
Captain Wheatland was largely endowed with the 
bravery, vigor and enterprise which were so essential 
to a successful ship-master in the times when it was 
sometimes necessary to fight a passage to the destined 
harbor. He was born in Wareham, England, in Octo- 
ber, 1762, and began his seafaring life in the city of 
London. He served on a British man-of-war for three 
years, holding some small office on board the ship. 
After the peace of 1783, Captain Wheatland, being in 
the West Indies, became acquainted with Captain 
William Silver, of Salem, and at his solicitation came 
to Salem, where he afterwards resided. He married 
a daughter of his friend, Captain Silver. She died 
shortly after her marriage, and he subsequently mar- 
ried a daughter of Stephen Goodhue. He was the 
father of George Wheathmd, now the senior member 
of the Essex bar, and of Dr. Henry Wheatland, the 
president of the Essex Institute. As illustrating the 
dangers to which commerce was exposed at this time 
as well as the bravery of Captain Wheatland and his 
crew the following letter is given, together with the 
heading which precedes it in a local paper, and which 
shows the bitterness with which the French nation 
was then regarded by the press and people, — 

"A sea fight gallantly and victoriously maint.ained by the ship 'Per- 
severance,' Captain Richai'd Wheatland, of this port, against one of the 
vessels of war uf the ' Terrible Republic' The Freni-h rascals, con- 
trary to the laws of war and of honor, fought under false colors, whilst 
the ' Eagle,* true to hie charge, spread his winga on the American flag." 

The following is Captain Wheatland's letter to his 
owners ; 



" Ship ' Perseverance,' Old Straits of Bahama, January 1, 1799. 
" Gentlemen : 

" Conceiving we may possibly meet an opportunity of forwarding this 
immediately on our arrival at Havana, or perhaps before, induces me to 
give an account of our voyage thus far. 

"Until December 26 met with nothing very material, except heavy, 
disagreeable weather off" the coast, and, having the wind so far to the 
westward as to preclude the possibility of making our passage round the 
bank, were compelled, contrary to our wishes, to go through the Old 
Straits of Bahama. On the afternoon of the 27th were boarded by the 
British frigate 'Komilla,' Captain Rolles, our papers examined and we 
treated with great politeness. They purchased, at our own prices, a 
number of articles from the cargo and of the people. Three days before, 
they had captured a French privateer sloop of ten guns and sixty men, 
and retook an American brig, her prize. After two hours' detention we 
were permitted to proceed, which we did without meeting any interrup- 
tion till Monday, December 31. For particulars of that day we give an 
extract from a Journal kept on hoard. 

" December 31, Key Remain in sight, bearing south, distance four or 
five leagues. A schooner has been in chase of us since eight o'clock, 
and has eveij^ appearance of a privateer. At one o'clock p. m., finding 
the schooner come up with us very fast, took in steering-sails, fore and 
aft and royals; at half past one about ship and stood for her; she imme- 
diately tacked and made sail from us; we fired a gun to leeward, and 
hoisted the American ensign to our mizzen-peak ; she hoisted a 
Spanish jack at main top-mast head, and continued to run from 
us. Finding she outsailed us greatly, and wishing to get through the 
narrows, in the Old Straits, at two o'clock p. m., we again about ship, 
and kept on o\tr course. The schooner immediately wore, fired a gun to 
leeward and kept after, under a great press of sail. At half past two she 
again fired a gun to leeward, but, perceiving ourselves in the narrows, 
above-mentioned, we kept on, to get through them, if possible, before she 
came up with us, which we effected. At three o'clock, finding ourselves 
fairly clear of Sugar Key and Key Laboas, we took in steering-sails, 
wore ship, hauled up our courses, piped all hands to quarters and pre- 
pared for action. The schooner immediately took in sail, struck the 
Spanish jack, hoisted an English Union flag and passed under our lee at 
considerable distance. We wore ship, she did the same, and passed each 
other within half musket. A fellow hailed us in broken English, and 
ordered the boat hoisted out and the captain to come on board with his 
papers, which he refused ; he again ordered our boat out, and enforced 
his orders with a menace, that in case of refusal he would sink us, using 
at the same time the vilest and most infamous language it is possible to 
conceive of. 

"By this time he had fallen considerably astern of us; he wore and 
came up on our starboard quarter, giving us a broadside as he passed our 
stern, but fired so excessively wild that he did us very little injury, while 
our stern-chasers gave him a noble dose of round-shot and langrage. We 
hauled the ship to wind, and, as he passed us, poured a whole broadside 
into him with great success. Sailing faster than we, he ranged consider- 
ably ahead, tacked, and again passed, giving us a broadside and a furi- 
ous discharge of musketry, which they kept up incessantly till the 
latter part of tlie engagement. His musket balls reached us in every 
direction, but his large shot either fell short or went considerably over 
us, while our guns, loaded with round shot and stiuare bars of iron, six 
inches long, were plied so briskly and directed with so good judgment, 
that before he got out of reach we had cut his mainsail and fore topsail 
all to rags and cleared his decks so effectually that when he bore away 
from us there were scarcely ten men to be seen. 

' He then struck his English, and hoisted the flag of the ' Terrible Re- 
public,' and made off with all the sail she could carry, much disap- 
pointed, no doubt, at not being able to give us a fraternal embrace. The 
wind being light, and knowius he would outsail us, added to a solicitude 
to coni]ilete our voyage, prevented our pursuing hirn ; indeed we had 
sulficient to gratify our revenge for his temerity, for there was scarcely a 
single fire from our guns but what spread entirely over his hull. The 
action, which lasted an hour and twenty minutes, we conceive ended 
well ; for, exclusive of preserving the property entrusted to our care, we 
feel a confidence we have rid the world of some infamous pests of so 
ciety. We were within musket-shot the whole time of the engagement 
and were so fortunate as to receive but very trifling injury ; not a per. 
son on board met the slightest harm. Our sails were a little torn, and 
one of the quarter-deck guns dismounted. 

"The privateer was a schooner of eighty or ninety tons, copper bottom 
and tbught five or six guns on a side. We are now within fortv -eight 
hours' sail of Havana, where we expect to arrive in safety ; indeed we 



SALEM. 



69 



have no fear of any privateer's preventing iis, unless greatly superior in 
force. Tlie four quarter-tieck puns will require new carriages, ami one 
of them was entirely (iisniounted. 
" Wh reiiuiin with esteem, 

"Gentlemen, 
" Your humble servant, 

*' RlCllAKD WHEATLANn." 

There ia appended to this letter, in the newspaper, 
the following comment: 

" The gallantry of young Mr. IngersoU, on board the ' Perseverance,' 
we are well assured, contributed greatly to second the determined 
bravery of Captain Wheatland in defending the ship. Indeed the whole 
ship's company deserve well of their owners and of their country." 

Captain Wheatland, after retiring from the sea, was 
engaged in commerce. He died in Salem in March, 
1830. 

The ship " Elizabeth," Daniel Sage, master, arrived 
from Canton in June, 1799, consigned to William 
Gray, and the ship " Pallas," William Ward, master, 
to Samuel Gray, William Gray and .Toseph Peabody, 
with a cargo of tea and sugar, paying a duty of SO(i, 
927.65, arrived in .luly, 1800. In May, 1802, the ship 
"Minerva," M. Folger, master, belonging to Clitrord 
Crowninshield and Nathaniel West, entered from 
Canton and was the first Salem vessel to circumnavi- 
gate the globe. She sailed around Cape Horn, stop- 
ped one degree south of Chiloe, went to the Island of 
Mas-a-Fuera, where she took seals, wintered south of 
Lima and proceeded to China. She came home 
around the Cape of Good Hope. 

The .ship " Concord," Obed Wyer, master, entered 
from Canton in July, 1802, with a cargo of tea to 
Gideon Tucker and Pickering Dodge, paying a duty 
of Si20,477.53 ; and in April, 1803, the ship "Union," 
George Hodges, master, to Ichabod Nichols and thirty- 
nine others, entered with a cargo of tea, paying a duty 
of $43,190.79. Thet-hip "Friendship," William Story, 
master, arrived from Canton, Sumatra and the Isle of 
France, in August, 1804, to Jerathmael Pierce, with 
tea, coffee and pejjper, paying a duty of $31,.")14.19. 
The ship " Eliza," William Richardson, master, ar- 
rived in May, 1807, to Pierce and Wait, and the ship 
" Hercules," James M. Fairfield, master, with a cargo 
of tea and cassia, paying a duty of $45,575.98, in March, 
1808, to Nathaniel West. In April, 1810, the brig 
" Pilgrim," Charles Pearson, master, arrived to Rich- 
ard Gardner, and the ship " Hunter," Philip P. Pinal 
master, with a cargo of tea, sugar, candy and cassia, 
to Jerathmael Pierce, in May, 1810. 

The brig " Active," William P. Richardson, master, 
arrived vviih a cargo of tea and cassia, consigned to 
James Cook, and paying duties to the amount of 
about thirty-two thousand dollars. The "Active" 
left Salem June 1, 1810, and went to the Feejee Is- 
lands, where she remained till July 26, 1811. She 
arrived in Salem, March 27, 1812, one hundred and 
eighteen days from Canton. 

The brig "Canton," Daniel Bray, Jr., master, ar- 
rived in May, 1817, from Canton and Marseilles, to 
Joseph Peal>ody and Gideon Tucker, having per- 



formed the voyage to Canton and Europe in eleven 
months and twenty-five days. The .ship "China," 
Benjamin Shreve, master, cleared for Canton, May 24, 
1817, and arrived in Salem March 30, 1818, with a car- 
go of tea, nankeens and silks to Joseph Peabody and 
others, and ])aying a duty of $il5,.348.56. In January, 
1819, the ship " Hercules," James King, Jr., master, 
arrived with a cargo of tea and sugar, paying a duty 
of $51,765.49 and consigned to Nathaniel We.st, Jr. 
and others. The ship " Osprey," Stephen Brown, 
master, arrived from Canton, via Boston, in July, 1819, 
one hundred and seventeen days from Canton, to 
William P. Richardson, and the ship " Midas," Tim- 
othy Endicott, master, entered from Canton, via Bos- 
ton, to Pickering Dodge, with a cargo of tea, cloves 
and sugar, in September, 1819, one hundred and forty- 
three days from Canton. In February, 1820, the ship 
" Friendship," Thomas Meeke, master, entered from 
Canton to Pickering Dodge and others, with a cargo 
paying a duty of $21,677,44. 

The brig " Leander," owned by Joseph Peabody, 
made three voyages direct from Canton, entering in 
March, 1825, in April, 1826 and in July, 1829. Charles 
Roundy was master on the first two voyages and N. 
Smith on the last ; the cargoes paying duties of $86, 
847-47, $92,392.94 and $84,043.82 respectively. The 
ship " China," H. Putnam, master, entered from Can- 
ton in April, 1825, to Joseph Peabody and others, pay- 
ing a duty of $22,987.32. 

The ship "Sumatra," owned by Joseph Peabody, 
made six voyages direct from Canton, entering in 
April, 1829, in April, 18.30, in October, 1831, in 
June, 18.34, in December, 1836, and in October) 
1841. Charles Roundy was master on the first four 
voyages, and Peter Silver on the last two. When re- 
turning on the last voyage. Captain Silver speaks the 
ship "Echo," dismasted, with one hundred and forty 
passengers bound for New York. He could not board 
the distressed vessel at once, because of the storm 
then prevailing, but lay by until he was able to send 
his boat and supply her with sails and provisions. He 
took on board his own vessel twenty-four of the pas- 
sengers, including several sick ladies, and landed them 
at Holmes lloll. For the kind and timely assistance 
rendered, Captain Silver was presented by the ]ia.ssen- 
gers with a silver pitclier, and each of his mates with 
a silver cup. 

The ship " Eclipse," William Johnson, niastfr, en- 
tered from Canton in August, 1832, consigned to 
Joseph Peabody. The above-named comprise all the 
vessels that entered at the Salem Custom-house, direct 
from Canton, bringing a full cargo of Canton goods. 
There were many other Salem vessels that went there 
in the course of their voyages, or that cleared from 
Salem for Canton and returned to other ports. The 
ship " St. Paul," Chas. H. Allen, master, and owned 
by Stephen C. Phillips, went to China from Manilla 
and on her return to Salem in March, 1845, broufiht 
iiart of a cargo of tea iind other merchandise from 



70 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



China. All the direct trade from Canton to Salem 
after 1825 was carried on by Joseph Peabody. 

Among the vessels that cleared for Canton was the 
ship *' Brutus," Richard Crowninshield, master 
March 7, 1798. The ship " Gov. Endicott," Benjamin 
Shreve, master, cleared for Canton May 5, 1819, and 
experienced a tremendous gale on July 31st, during 
which the whole watch, consisting of the second-mate 
and heven men were washed overboard and lost, and 
her mizzen-mast and rudder were carried away. She 
arrived at St. Salvador in a crippled condition on the 
26th of September. 

From a journal kept by Mr. Samuel Gondhue on 
board the ship "Sumatra," Charles Roundy, master* 
on a voyage to Manilla and Canton, the following ex- 
tracts are made as giving some general account of the 
incidents of such voyages, 

'* Sunday, May 24, 1829.— At three o'clock in the morning got under 
way from Derby wharf, and in fifteen minutes dropped anchor in the 
harbor. At seven o'clock the passengers came on board and we got 
uuder way and stood to sea. For passengcra we have Mr. Low and 
wife. Mrs. Harriet Low and servant and Mr. Amniidon. The ship's 
company consists of tlie captain, his two mates, Mr. Johnson and Mr. 
Shephard, eleven hands before the mast, cook and steward, making 
twenty-one persous in all on board. At eight o'clock we discharged our 
pilot, and at ten o'clock we got our breakfast. Tha wind was fair and 
blowing a good breeze, fast taking us from our native laud. 

"Wednesday, June 3d. — Very pleaBant and delightful weather. We 
have been employed for several days in cleaning our guns, small arms, 
boarding pikes, etc., and in making wads and other warlike prepara- 
tions, as we shall soon be in the way of pirates. 

'Sunday, June 21s(.— This is the fourth Sunday at sea, and we are 
now drawing near the equator. 

"Monday, June 22d. — Just as the watch was called at four p.m., we 
discovered a barque just on our weather bow about eight miles from us. 
He had his royals furled top-gallant sails clewed up, courses hauled up, 
and main top sail to the mast. He seemed to be laying too to speak to 
us. On our nearer approach, he being two or three miles on our weather 
bow, saw him to be a small craft with painted ports, and instead of a 
barque it was a brig with a jigger mast and a false stern. It was evi- 
dently a man of-war or a pirate in disguise. The wind beginning to 
head us oflf, all hands were called to tack ship to the westward. In a few 
minutes a heavy rain squall came up, and we soon lost sight of our 
suspicious neighbor. 

'^Monday, June 29th. — Thirty-seven days out. About one p.m. crossed 
the Equator with a six-knct breeze. 

" S'ltniiUiy, July 2otk — This fureiioon saw two very largo whales very 
near us. They appeared to be very old and had barnacles on their heads. 
They passed very slowly under our stern with their mouths wide open. 

Wedne^d'ty, Jnhj 2'Mh. — Had strong breezes during the day. The dis- 
tance ran was two hundred and one miles, the greatest day's work since 
leaving Salem. 

"Sitiid(i_y, AuQiist \Wi. — For the last twenty days ending yesterday we 
sailed three thousand nix hundred and eight uiiles, averaging one hun- 
dred and eighty miles a day. Caught a large porjjnise weighing about 
three hundred and Iifty pounds. It was very fortunate for us to get 
some oil as our stock of oil has been out four or five days. 

*-Wednesday^ Augmt 2Hh. — At eleven p.m. we saw the Island of Java, 
and at eight a.m. we passed Java Head with a fine eight-knot breeze 
and got fairly inside the Straits of Sunda. Came to anchor otf Angier, 
and a Dutch boat came off for news and letters, and afterwards came off 
again, bringing fowls, vegetables and fruit. They informed us that the 
ship ' Lotus,' Thomas Moriaty, captain, had gone up the Straits three 
days before bound to Canton. 

" Ttu'irfay, September 8th. — About two P.M. we entered the Bay of 
Manila after a very short passage of one hundred and six days from 
Salem. As we went up the bay the rain at intervals poured down in 
torrents, giving us a specimen of Manila weather, at this season of the 
year. At dark we passed the point of Cavite, and at seven o'clock came 
to anchor about two miles below Manila. We found the ship 'Man- 
darin,' of Salem, William Osguod, captain, and tlu^ shi]), ' Rustitution,' 



Capt. Kinsman, and a New York brig were at Cavite. Thus, of the five 
ve3.sels laying in a single port, three of them are Salem ships. 

*' Monday, September 14Wt. — Went ashore at Manila. The streets, some 
of them are wide with tolerable good accommodations for foot passengei-s. 
The lower stories of all the buildings are occupied as shops or stores. 
The upper stories are used as dwellings. The shops for the most part 
are kept by Chinese. They are not very neat, and are generally filled 
with a great variety of articles, such as hats, dry goods, fancy articlee, 
etc. We passed a bridge built of stone over a canal. There were 
plenty of beggars on the bridge who had a very miserable appearance. 
There are several large churches in the suburbs. One very large one of 
stone we went into. They were saying mass over a corpse. After 
hurrying over a parcel of Latin, like a ship in a squall, and throwing a 
little water and burning some incense, the corpse was carried off. The 
inside of the church was paved with flag-stones, and was filled with 
Malays, a large proportion being small boys, who appeared to be very 
devout. I do not think the city is very strongly fortified. It was once 
taken by the English. We met a number of carriages something like a 
barouche. They were filled with ladies who all have a kind of olive 
I)ale complexion, but aie otherwise tolerably handsome. They dress 
very splendidly and generally have no head dress excepting a handker- 
chief or piece of muslin. I never saw any of them walking, I suppose 
they think themselves too good to touch the earth. Among the Malay 
women there is but very little beauty. They are of a copper color and 
have a kind of hopping gait, something resembling a cock turkey. Tlieir 
dress is but little more than a piece of cloth tied round their waist. 
They wear wooden shoes which have nothing above the sole excepting a 
small place for a toe. At eight o'clock we returned to the ship. If I 
waa to live here I should nnich rather be on board our ship than on 
shore among a parcel of Spaniards, Malays, pigs and dogs. 

" Thiesdmj^ Septe7nber 2lirf— At8 30we got under way after laying in 
Manila fifteen days, and taking in four thousand piculsof rice, and a 
light breeze took us slowly out of sight of the turrets and towers of 
Manila. 

*"■ Wedneaduy , September SOth. — We are sailing along aimmg the Ladrone 
Islands. There are plenty of fishermen about us. The fishermen are a 
very hardy set of people. Their whole fortune is in their boat and that 
is their sole dependence. They carry their families in their boat and 
sometimes there are two or three generations, from the white-headed old 
man to the young babe. Their boats are kept in good order and 
generally have two masts, with mat sails. They mostly fish two or three 
in company with nets, and come to anchor in the night among the 
islands. They are, indeed, a very independent set of men. It is but 
nine months since we were going along these islands bound home. We 
have made two passages, laid in Salem one month, been to Manila, and 
are now here again. At three p.m. we came to anchor iu Macao roads. 
At ten o'clock the next morning our passengers left us, and no doubt 
were glad to get on shore after being so long on shipboard. Several 
Chinese junks passed us bound into Macao. They generally have two 
or three masts, and have an eye painted on each bow. They have large 
wooden anchors, and sail very clumsily. 

*' Saturday, October '.id. — Got under way for Lintiu, and in the afternoon 
we passed a great number of craft of all descriptions, mostly fishing boats. 
We generally siiw that the wife had the helm while the men were at 
work on the nets or laying still, and there were plenty of young brats, 
blackguarding every one that passed, for that I believe is the first 
thing they learn. The town of Liutin is small and is the principal place 
for smuggling opium, which sells here for eight hundred dollars a picul 
of one hundred and thirty-three pounds. 

'* Tuesday, October fith. — About eleven o'clock we passed a fort which 
stands at the entrance of Whampoa Kiver. There was a mandarin came 
off to go up the river with us, and, though dressed in his gaudy roln-s 
and arrayed in all his state, his first business after coming on board was 
to beg a bottle of rum. Soon after passing the entrance we came in 
sight of a large pagoda which stands upon high land and is about two 
hundred feet high. 

"Monday, October I2th. — This morning five of us started in the boat to 
go up to Canton. We passed a duck boat. The ducks were let out on 
the sliore to feed, and I should think there were several hundred of 
them. When the keepers want tbem they sing out, and the last one in 
generally gets a Hogging. Some distance from the city you can tell you 
are drawing near to a large commercial city, by the clouds of sniuke 
hanging over it, and the forests of nuists in the river. At the head of 
Whampoa River stands a fort. It is square and built of stone and brick, 
and has about thirty small pieces of cannon in it. They are lashed with 
rattan to blocks of wood. We soon landed at Canton, and were busy 
making what little purchases we were able to affurd. The shop-kecjK-r^^ 



SALEM. 



71 



are always ready at the landing place to lead you to tbeir shops, recom- 
mending their goods above all others. Their shops, especially those in 
China and New Streets, are very clean, and their goods make a hand- 
some show. They generally have an Eniilish sign over their door, but 
go by the Chinese names, e.vcept some in Hog Lane, such as 'Jimmy,' 
'Good Tom,' ' Young Turn,' etc., anil among others, 'General Jackson,' 
recommended himself to us. We were not much gratified in finding the 
hero, an inferior, black-looking Tartar, sun ounded by a few pieces of 
inferior silks, some pictures, etc. .\t six o'clock we returned to the 
ship. 

" Thnrsdatj^ Decemher llth. — At three o'clock this morning six of us 
started in the pinnace for Canton. After breakfast we went up China 
Street to finish making our purchases, and while there saw a procession 
of a mandarin. He was preceded by about a dozen dirty-looking Tar- 
tars with bamboos, and no other uniform than a dirty led cap. One had 
an instrument something like a tambourine, another something like a 
fife, which made a hard screeching sound The mandarin was in a 
palanquin and carried by two Tartars. At the head of the street there 
was a theatre. The players were very active, and their dress was rich 
and s]dendid. They are paid by the shop-keepers ef the street, and at- 
tract great numbers of Chinese. At the entrance of China Street there 
was a large figure of Josh, and around him were burning several lights, 
while before him were heaps of oranges, also a roast pig and a turkey. 
About four o'clock we started on our return to the ship. 

**Weihi€sdafi, Decemher Ziilh. — Having got all our cargo of tea on board, 
we got underway and dropped down the river on our way home. After 
an uneventful passage, the 'Sumatra' arrived safely in Salem harbor, 
with her cargo of tea, in April, 1830." 

The India Trade.— Indi<a was visited soon after 
the close of the Revolutionary War by Salem vessels. 
The trade was opened by Elias Hasket Derby, and 
the ship " Atlantic," commanded by his son, was the 
first vessel to display the American ensign at Surat, 
Bombay and Calcutta. This was in the year 1788. 
The ship " Peggy " arrived in Salem, June 21,1789, 
with the first cargo of Bombay cotton brought to this 
country, consigned to E. H. Derby. The brigantine 
"Henry," Benjamin Crowninshield, master, of one 
hundred and twenty-five tons burden, and manned 
by eight men, arrived at Salem, from Madras, Bengal 
and the Isle of France, consigned to E. H. Derby and 
John Derby, Jr., January 10, 1791, and on May 13, 

1793, the ship " Grand Turk," Benjamin Hodges, 
master, of five hundred and sixty-four tons burden, 
and owned by E. H. Derby, arrived from Madras 
with 1,031,484 pounds of sugar, 500 bags of saltpetre, 
464 pieces of redwood, 3,900 hides, 709 bags of gin- 
ger, 830 bags of pepper, and 22 chests of tea, 
the cargo paying a duty of $24,229,65. The " Grand 
Turk" had sailed, outward bound, Sunday, March 11, 
1792, at 3 P. M., and Captain Hodges writes in his 
log book that " great numbers of our friends assem- 
bled at the old fort and expressed their good wishes in 
the old English custom of three huzzas." The 
schooner " Polly and Sally," George Crowninshield, 
master, and consigned to Richard Crowninshield with 
sugar, pepper and coffee, arrived from Bengal in May, 

1794. The l)rig "Enterprise," William Ward, master, 
entered in August, 1794, from India, consigned to 
William Gray. The ship " Henry," Jacob Crownin- 
shield, master, entered from India and Cowes, in 
November, 1794 to E. H. Derby. " The ship " Wash- 
ington," Benjamin Webb, Jr., master, entered July 
11, 1795, from Calcutta, via. Boston, with a cargo of 
sugar to John Fisk. The ketch " Eliza," Stephen 



Phillips, master, appears to be the first vessel to ar- 
rive at Salem direct from Calcutta. She entered Oc- 
tober 8, 1795, with a cargo of sugar to E. H. Derby. 
The " Eliza " cleared from Salem for the East Indies, 
December 22, 1794, with an outward cargo of 48 
casks of brandy, 22 barrels of naval stores, and 106 
pairs of silk stockings. 

There were five arrivals from India in 1796, — Feb- 
ruary 23d, the brig " Friendship," George Hodges, 
master, to Joseph Osgood, Jr., from Calcutta; April 
18th, the snow " Peggy," Josejih Ropes, master, to E. 
H. Derby, from India ; April 18th, the ship " John," 
Jona Moulton, master, to William Gray, from Calcut- 
ta ; August 16th, the brig " Hind," Jona Hodges, 
master, from Calcutta; and September 20th, the 
ketch " Eliza," Stephen Phillips, master, to E. H. 
Derby, from Calcutta. 

From a New York paper, under date of April, 1796, 
we make the following extract: "The 'America,' 
Captaiu Jacob Crowninshield, of Salem, Mass., com- 
mander and owner, has brought home an elephant 
from Bengal in perfect health. It is the fir.st ever 
seen in America, and is a very great curiosity. It is 
a female, two years old, and of a species that grows to 
an enormous size. This animal sold for ten thousand 
dollars, being supposed to be the greatest price ever 
given for an animal, in Europe or America." 

There were four entries from India in 1797, — in 
May, the bark "Essex," John Ropes, master, to Wil- 
liam Orne, from Calcutta ; in May the ship " Wil- 
liam and Henry," John Beckford, master, to William 
Gray, from Bengal ; in May, the ship '' Benjamin," 
Richard Gardner, master, to E. H. Derby, from Cal- 
cutta and the Cape of Good Hope ; and in July, the 
ship " Betsey," Nathaniel Silsbee, master, from Cal- 
cutta and Madras, consigned to Daniel Pierce and 
Nathaniel Silsbee, with sugar, coffee and pepper, 
paying a duty of $10,753.20. 

During the year 1798 there were nine entries from 
Calcutta ; the largest number of entries in any single 
year. The years 1803 and 1818 show the same num- 
ber. The entries from Calcutta for the year 1798 
were, — in January, the ship " Recovery, Joseph 
Ropes, master, to E. H. Derby ; in January, the ship 
" Lucia," Thomas Meek, mtister, to William Gray ; 
in March, the bark " Sally," Benjamin Webb, master, 
to Thomas Saunders & Co. ; in March, the brig 
" Good Hope," Edward West, master, to Nathaniel 
West ; in March, the brig " Adventure," James Barr, 
Jr., master, to John Norris ; in March, the ship 
" Betsey," Josiah Orne, master, to Sanuiel Gray & 
Co. ; in March, the ship " Mary," Nicholas Thorn- 
dike, master ; in May, the ship " Sally," Josiah Obear, 
master; and in July, the ship " Belisarius," John 
Crowninshield, master, to George Crowninshield & 
Sons, with a cargo of sugar, 10,76" pounds of sugar- 
candy, and 118,215 pounds of cofi'ce, from Calcutta 
and the Isle of France. 

There were but two enterics in 1799. The ship 



72 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Recovery," Joseph Ropes, master, entered May 7th, 
to E. H. Derby. This vessel had touched at Mocha 
on her outward passage, and displayed the American 
flag for the first time at that port. The ship 
"Ulysses," Josiah Orne, master, entered July 10th, 
to William Gray. Both entries were from Calcutta. 
The above-named vessels comprise all that arrived 
from India prior to the year 1800. 

The limits of this chapter will not permit a full list 
of the subsequent entries, but the names of a few are 
given as showing the Salem merchants and ship- 
masters engaged in this trade. The ship "Active," 
Timothy Bryant, master, with a cargo of 180,000 
pounds of cotton to Bryant & Nichols, entered from 
Bombay, in August, 1800. The ship "Vigilant," 
James Clemmons, master, entered from Bombay, in 
February, 1801, with a cargo of cotton to Simon For- 
rester. The bark " Eliza," Benjamin Lander, mas- 
ter, entered from Calcutta, July, 1801, with a cargo 
of sugar and other merchandise to Joseph White. 
The ship " Hazard," Henry Tibbetts, master, entered 
from Calcutta, May, 1802, with sugar, cigars and 
cordage, to John and Richard Gardner, paying a 
duty of $10,298. 

The brig " Sally," William Ashton, master, entered 
from Calcutta in February, 1803, to Jacob Ashton & 
Co., with a cargo of sugar, payinga duty of $10,()31.5-1. 
The ship " Lucia," Solomon Towne, master, entered 
from Calcutta in August, 1804, with a cargo of sugar, 
indigo and cheroots, to William Gray aud others, and 
paying a duty of $24,001.08. 

The ship " Argo," Stephen Field, master, entered 
from Calcutta in March, 180.5, with a cargo of sugar 
to Philip Chase and others, and paying a duty of $32,- 
799.47. The ship " Mary Ann," Edward Norris, 
master, entered from Calcutta, April, 1806, with a 
cargo consigned to John Norris, and paying a duty of 
$14,797.68. The ship "Franklin," Timothy Well- 
man, 3d master, entered from Calcutta in October, 
1806, with a cargo of sugar to Joseph Peabody, and 
paying a duty of $19,734.60. The ship " Friendship," 
Israel Williams, master, entered from Madras in No- 
vember, 1806, with a cargo of pepper, coffee and indigo 
to Pierce & Wait, paying a duty of $21,093.21. The 
ship "Exeter," Thos. B. Osgood, master, entered from 
Bengal in October, 1807, with 3.56,043 pounds of cotton, 
11,141 of indigo, and 80,731 of sugar, payinga duty of 
$16,331.21, and consigned to Benjamin Pickman, Jr. 

The ship " Union," William Osgood, master, en- 
tered from Calcutta in September, 1811, with a cargo 
to Stephen Phillips, and paying a duty of $26,408.23. 
The ship " Restitution," David D. Pulsifer, master, 
entered from Calcutta in October, 1812, with a cargo 
to Simon Forrester, and paying a duty of $51,526.33. 
The brig "Caravan," Augustine Heard, master, en- 
tered from Calcutta in March, 1813, with a cargo to 
Pickering Dodge, paying a duty of $26,975. The 
bark " Patriot," Nathan Frye, master, entered from 
Calcutta in March, 1816, to John H. Andrews. 



In October, 1816, forty-two vessels had cleared for 
India since the close of the War of 1812, and sixteen 
of them carried out three million hard dollars. The 
ship " Malabar," Josiah Orne, master, entered from 
Bombay in June, 1817, with a cargo of cotton and 
pepper to John W. Rogers, paying a duty of $18,- 
769.40. The ship " Endeavour," Timothy Bryant, 
Jr., master, entered in September, 1817, to Dudley L. 
Pickman. The brig "Alexauder," David A. Neal, 
master, entered from Bombay in September, 1817, 
with cotton to Jonathan Neal. 

The ship "(lentoo," Nathaniel Osgood, master, en- 
tered from Calcutta in June, 1818. The cargo of this 
vessel, as was often the case with large vessels sent on 
distant voyages, was the property of a large number 
of persons. It consisted principally of sug.ar and 
cotton, and the consignees were Pickering Dodge, 
Nathaniel Sil.sbee, Francis and George Lee, John 
Belknap, Francis Quarles, Samuel P. Gardner, Baker 
& Hodges, Henry Pickering, John Derby, Philip and 
A. Chase, Samuel G. Derby, John W. Rogers, John 
Stone, Humphrey Devereaux, Nathaniel Osgood and 
Samuel G. Perkins. The whole duty paid was $29,- 
270.55. The brig " Lawry," John Holman, master, 
entered from Calcutta in May, 1820, to John Derby, 
and paying a duly of $20,693.99. 

The brig " Naiad," Nathaniel Osgood, master, ar- 
rived from Calcutta in January, 1821, with a cargo 
to Pickering Dodge, paying a duty of about $24,000. 
The ship "Aurora," Robert W. Gould, master, arrived 
from Siam in January, 1823, with a cargo of pepper 
and coffee to Willard Peele. The brig "Ann," 
Charles Millett, master, arrived from Bombay in 
November, 1825, to Henry Prince. The brig " Reaper," 
J. F. Brookhouse, master, entered from Bombay in 
February, 1830, consigned to Robert Brookhouse. 
The brig " Nereus," Thomas Farley, master, entered 
from Bombay in April, 1830, consigned to John W. 
Rogers. The ship "Catherine," Joseph Winn, Jr., 
entered from Calcutta in October, 1831, consigned to 
Joseph Peabody. The brig " Quill," S. I. Shillaber, 
master, entered from Bombay in October, 1832, con- 
signed to N. L. Rogers & Brothers. The brig 
" Cherokee," W. B. Smith, master, entered from 
Bombay in February, 1837, consigned to Michael 
Shepard. The ship " W^illiam and Henry," Charles H. 
Fabens, master, entered from Bombay in September, 
1839, consigned to David Pingree. 

In 1842 there were three entries from Calcutta, — 
the ship " General Harrison," W. Lecraw, master, in 
February ; the ship " Isaac Hicks," Newell, master 
in September ; and the ship " New Jersey," Barry, 
master, in December, all with cargoes consigned to 
Francis Peabody. The last entry at Salem from ports 
in India of a vessel consigned to a Salem merchant 
was that of the bark " Brenda," H. Bridges, master, 
in August, 1845, with a cargo of pepper and cordage 
to Michael Shepard, paying a duty of $31,793.65. 
Within the last few years there have been several en- 



SALEM. 



<3 



tries from Calcutta of vessels bringing cargoes of jute 
butts to the factories here. 

A detaileil history of these India voyages could not 
fail to be interesting, and would contain many thrill- 
ing accounts of the perils of the sea. In January, 
1788, the ship "Juno," Henry Elkins, master, and 
owned by E. H. Derby, cleared for the East Indies, 
and when forty hours out was found to be sinking. 
Every effort was made to free her, but without suc- 
cess, and in twenty minutes she went down. The 
crew escaped in one of the ship's boats, and were 
picked up and taken to Demerara. In 1793 the ship 
"Astrea," on a trading voyage from Madras to Pegu, 
was seized by the king of the latter place as a trans- 
port for stores to his army in Siam, who had gone 
thither to attack that empire. Captain Gibant and 
his second mate were detained as hostages for the 
performance of the voyage. In March, 1807, the ship 
" Howard," Benjamin Bray, master, from Calcutta, 
was lost at Grapevine Cove, Gloucester. The captain, 
second mate and two seamen were drowned. On 
Thursday, October 28, 1819, the brig " Naiad," Na- 
thaniel Osgood, master, arrived at Salem from Cal- 
cutta, with a cargo consigned to Pickering Dodge. 
On the Monday night previous the " Naiad " was 
struck by lightning, and the second mate, Mr. Wil- 
liam Grillen, of Salem, was instantly killed. He was 
on the maintopsail yard at the time, and, on being 
struck, fell into the water with his clothes on fire. 
The first mate was knocked down and one of the men 
severely injured. The vessel received but trifling 
damage. 

From the year 1800 to 1842, inclusive, only the 
years 1809, '14, '15, '38, '39 and '41 passed without an 
entry at S^alem from some of the ports of India. The 
whole number of entries during that period from 
Calcutta were one hundred and fifteen, the years 
1805, '06 and '07 showing seventeen, and the years 
1816, '17 and '18 showing twenty-one. There 
were twenty entries from Bombay during the same 
time, six from Bengal, six from Madras, three from 
Siam, and two from Ceylon. During the periods 
from 1802 to 1807, and from 1816 to 1822, there was 
the greatest activity in the Calcutta trade. 

From 1816 to 1840 the Salem trade with Calcutta 
was mainly carried on by Joseph Peabody. He was 
the owner of the famous ship " George," which made 
voyages between Salem and Calcutta with the regu- 
larity of a steamer. The " George" was built in 1814 
for a privateer by an association of ship-carpenters, 
who were thrown out of employment by the War of 
1812. Peace came on before she was sold, and Cap- 
tain Peabody bought her for sixteen dollars per ton. 
She measured three hundred and twenty-eight tons, 
and was a full-rigged ship. The "George" made 
twenty-one voyages to Calcutta between 1815 and 
1837. She sailed from Salem May 23, 1815, on her 
first voyage, and arrived home June 13, 1816, one 
hundred and nine days from Calcutta. The length of 
5i 



her voyages was surprisingly regular, varying but a 
few days in all her pas.sages between Calcutta and 
Salem. She sailed from Salem August 5, 1836, on 
her last voyage, reaching Salem on her return Mav 
17, 1837, one hundred and eleven days from Calcutta. 
Previous to her leaving Calcutta on her twenty-first 
voyage, the Banian merchants of that port presented 
to the ship a complete and beautiful " freedom suit" 
of silk signals and colors. Her commanders were 
William Haskell, Thomas West, Samuel Endicott, 
Thomas M. Saunders, Jonathan H. Lovett, Jr., and 
Benjamin Balch, Jr. Her sujiercargoes were Daniel 
H. Mansfield, Ephraim Emmerton, Jr., George W. 
Endicott, Samuel Endicott, Samuel Barton and James 
B. Briggs. Her cargoes paid in duties §651,743.32. 
After her last voyage to Calcutta she was sold to Jef- 
ferson Adams and Caleb Smith, and went to Rio 
Janeiro, where she was condemned about January 12, 
1838. Mr. Peabody imported from Calcutta, between 
1807 and 1840, about 1,050,000 pounds of indigo, of 
which the ship "George" brought, in seventeen 
voyages, 755,000 pounds. 

The Batavia Trade. — In the Indian Ocean, 
near the island of Sumatra, lies the island of Java, 
and here again Salem vessels were the first to display 
the American ensign. There was quite an extensive 
trade with this island in the early days of Salem's 
commerce. Of the seventy-two arrivals from Batavia 
between the years 1796 and 1855, thirty-five were pre- 
vious to the year 1807, and seventeen during the 
years 1817, '18, '19 and '20. From 1806 to 1816 there 
was no arrival. 

The brig " Sally," Benjamin Webb, master, cleared 
for Batavia Sept. 30, 1795, and entered from the same 
place Sept. 6, 1796, with a cargo of pepper and sugar 
to Thomas Saunders & Co. The schooner '' Patty," 
Edward West, master, cleared for Batavia Sept. 26, 

1795, with wine, brandy, gin, tobacco, lead and iron, 
and entered from that place, on her return, Oct. 3, 

1796, with pejiper and sugar, consigned to Nathaniel 
West. The bark " Vigilant," John Murphy, master, 
entered in February, 1797, with 238,746 pounds of 
cofiee and 168,604 pounds of sugar, consigned to 
Simon Forrester. The brig " Eunice," Enoch Sweet, 
master, entered in July, 1797, with coffee and pepper 
to George Dodge and others. The brig " Star," John 
Burchmore, master, entered in November, 1797, to 
John Norris & Co. The bark " Eliza," Gamaliel 
Hodges, master, entered in February, 1798, and again 
in December, 1799, to Joseph White." The brig 
" Olive Branch," Jonathan Lambert, Jr., master, en- 
tered in 1798, consigned to Ashton & Lambert. The 
ship " Friendship," Israel Williams, master, entered 
July 4, 1798, with 301,687 pounds of cofl'ee and 111,- 
087 pounds of sugar, to Pierce & Wait, and paying a 
duty of $18,376.13. The brig " Exchange," William 
Richardson, master, entered in August, 1798, to 
Ezekiel H. Derby. The ship " Hazen," Jonathan 
Hodges, master, entered in August, 1798, consigned 



74 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to William Orne. The ship " Franklin," James 
Devereux, master, entered in October, 1801, with 
315,742 pounds of coffee, 164,699 ot pepper and 155,- 
797 of sugar, consigned to Joseph Peabody, and pay- 
ing a duty of 129,709.40. Tlie same vessel, with the 
same master and consignee, entered in March, 1804, 
and May, 1805. 

The ship " Margaret," Samuel Derby, master, en- 
tered in June, 1802, with coffee and other merchan- 
dise, consigned to John Derby and Benjamin Pick- 
man. The " Margaret " cleared for Sumatra Nov. 19, 

1800, with iifty thousand dollars in specie, twelve 
casks of Malaga wine and two hogsheads of bacon. 
She left Salem Harbor on the 25th of November, and 
anchored in Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, Feb. 4, 

1801. Leaving Table Bay February 10, she reached 
Bencoolen Roads, Sumatra, on the lOlh of April, one 
hundred and thirty-six days from Salem. Without 
stopping to trade at Sumatra, the vessel proceeded to 
Batavia, arriving there on the 25th of April. While 
at Batavia Captain Derby made a bargain with the 
Dutch East India Company to take the annual freights 
to and from Japan, and left for that place with his 
cargo June 20, 1801. 

The " Margaret arrived at the port of Nagasaki 
July 19, being obliged to fire salutes and dress the 
vessel with flags before entering port. Mr. George 
Cleveland, who was clerk for Captain Derby, gives an 
interesting description of his visit to the city of Naga- 
saki. " In the first place,'' he says, " we went to 
Facquia's, an eminent stuff merchant. Here we were 
entertained in such manner as we little expected. We 
had set before us, for a repast, pork, fowls, meso, eggs, 
boiled fish, sweetmeats, cake, various kinds of fruit 
and sacky and tea. The lady of the house was intro- 
duced, who drank tea with each of us, as is the cus- 
tom of Japan. She appeared to be a modest woman. 
The place we next visited was a temple, to which we 
ascended from the street by at least two hundred 
stone steps. Adjoining this was the burying-ground. 
We went next to the glass-house, which was on a 
small scale ; thence to a lac-ware merchant's, where 
we were entertained with great hospitality. Thence 
we went to a tea-house, or hotel, where we dined. 
Alter dinner we were entertained with various feats 
of dancing and tumbling. Towards dark we returned 
to the island, and so great was the crowd in the streets 
to see us pass that it was with difliculty that we could 
get along. The number of children we saw was truly 
astonishing. The streets are narrow, and at the end 
of every street is a gate, which is locked at night. The 
houses are of two stories, built of wood. 

"The Japanese observed one fast when we were 
there. It was in remembrance of the dead. The cer- 
emonies were principally in the night. The first was 
devoted to feasting, at which they fancy their friends 
to be present ; the second and third nights the graves 
are lighted with paper lamps and, situated as they 
are on the side of a hill, make a most brilliant ap- 



pearance. On the fourth night, at three o'clock, the 
lamps are all brought down to the water and put into 
small straw barques with paper sails, made for the 
occasion, and, after putting in rice, fruit, etc., they are 
set afloat. The exhibition was very fine. 

" As the time was approaching for our departure, 
we began to receive our returns from the interior, 
brought many hundred miles. These consisted of the 
most beautiful lacquered ware, such as waiters, writ- 
ing-desks, tea-caddies, knife-boxes and tables. We 
also received a great variety of silks, fans in large 
quantities and a great variety of porcelain. The East 
India Company's cargo had already been put on 
board. The jirincipal article was copper in small 
bars. The company's ships have been obliged to take 
their departure from the anchorage opposite Nagasaki 
on a certain day to the lower roads, no matter whether 
it blew high or low, fair or foul, even if a thousand 
boats should be required to tow them down. We, of 
course, had to do as our predecessors had done. 
Early in November we went to this anchorage and 
remained a few days, when we sailed for Batavia, 
where we arrived safely after a passage of a month." 

This account is interesting because the " Margaret " 
was the first Salem vessel and the second Ameri- 
can vessel to visit Japan. The .ship "Franklin," of 
Boston, commanded by Captain James Devereux, of 
Salem, was the first American vessel which traded 
with Japan, having been employed to make the same 
voyage as the "Margaret" two years previously. 
Commercial intercourse was not opened with Japan 
till half a century later ; the American Treaty, the 
result of the expedition under Commodore Perry, 
which opened her ports to the world, being dated 
March 31, 1854. Previous to this time all the trade 
with Japan was in the hands of the Dutch, who were 
obliged to submit to the grossest indignities. 

The ship "Henry," John Barton, master, entered 
from Batavia in July, 1802, to John Derby and Ben- 
jamin Pickman. The ship " Herald," Zachariah F. 
Silsbee, master, entered in May, 1804, to Nathaniel 
Silsbee. The brig " William " arrived Aug. 31, 1802, 
consigned to Jonathan Mason. She lost her captain, 
John Felt, and her mate by sickness during the voy- 
age. The ship " Mary and Eliza," Nathaniel Haw- 
thorne, master, arrived in October, 1804, with coflee, 
nutmegs, sugar and mace, to Joseph White. The 
bark " Georgetown," George Ropes, master, arrived 
in April, 1806, to Stephen Phillips. The ship 
" Henry," Benjamin Russell, master, arrived in May, 
1806, to Edward Russell and others. The ship " Her- 
cules " made two voyages, entering in March, 1816, 
and March, 1817, to Nathaniel West, commanded on 
the first voyage by Edward West and on the second 
by James King, Jr. The ship " Erin," Nathan Cook, 
master, entered in November, 1819, to Henry Picker- 
ing. The brig " Franklin," John White, master, en- 
tered in September, 1820, to Stephen White. The 
brig " Roscoe,'' J. M. Ropes, master, entered in Au- 



SALEJI. 



75 



gust, 1827, to Charles Saunders. The bark " Henry," 
R. Wheatland, master, entered in December, 1835, 
consigned to Samuel Cook and others. 

The ship " Union," William Osgood, master, from 
Pulo Penang. with a cargo of pepper and tin, con- 
signed to Stephen Phillips, was cast away on the 
northwest point of Baker's Island, Feb. 24, 1810, dur- 
ing a snowstorm and lost with most of her cargo. 

The brig " Java," Nathaniel Osgood, master, from 
Batavia, went ashore on the bar off Nauset, Cape Cod, 
on the night of February 9, 1832, in a snowstorm. 
The crew narrowly ascaped in the boats. The cargo, 
consisting of 585,000 pounds of coft'ee, 13,500 pounds 
of nutmegs and 91,000 pounds of block-tin, was 
owned by Jonathan Neal. The vessel was a total 
wreck. 

The ship " Sumatra," Peter Silver, master, made 
two voyages from Batavia, arriving at Salem in Sep- 
tember, 1842, and August, 1843, consigned to Joseph 
Peabody. Captain Silver ha-s a strange experience on 
one of these voyages. He sees a vessel in distress, 
and bearing down finds her to be the bark " Kilmars," 
of Glasgow, with no person on deck except a female, 
who seems almost frantic. He sends a boat and 
brings her on board. She was about eighteen years 
old, and wife of the commander of the bark. Two 
months before the vessel had sailed from Batavia 
with a cargo of sugar for Europe. The crew, shipped 
at Batavia, were many of them discharged convicts. 
The captain received an intimation that the crew 
contemplated obtaining possession of the vessel, and 
when it became certain that such was their intention, 
he charged the ringleader with the design and, in the 
altercation that followed, shot and wounded him. 
He then succeeded in confining the crew in different 
parts of the vessel, and endeavored with the help of 
two boys, to navigate his vessel back to Batavia. In 
the early morning, before the vessel was discovered 
by Captain Silver, the captain with the two boys had 
started in a boat for the shore to procure help. The 
captain's wife finding her husband missing was fear- 
ful that he had been killed by the mutineers, but she 
found that they were still confined. Dreading lest 
they would soon break out, she took her stand on the 
rail, determined to throw herself overboard if they 
regained the deck. Only twenty minutes after she 
was taken from the " Kilmars " the crew broke out, 
took charge of the vessel and made sail. In order to 
avoid a collision. Captain Silver steered away from 
the vessel and arrived at Batavia, where he placed 
the lady under the charge of the Dutch Government. 
The " Kilmars " subsequently reached Angier, where 
the authorities took possession of her and adopted 
measures for the trial of her crew. The captain and 
the boys were picked up in the Straits of Sunda. 
Anxiety and overwork had made him partially in- 
sane. When he left his vessel he had expected to be 
able to return at once with help. 

The ship " Rome," Nathaniel Brown, master 



arrived from Batavia in December, 1842, consigned 
to B. W. Stone. The last arrivals in our harbor from 
Batavia, were the " Buckeye," in August, 1853, and 
" Witch," in November, 1855, both consigned to 
Edward D. Kimball. 

The Sumatra Trade. — Salem sent the first ves- 
sel that ever sailed direct from this country to Suma- 
tra, and a Salem captain commanded the last 
American vessel that brought a cargo of pepper from 
that island. In the year 1793, Captain Jonathan 
Carnes of Salem, being at the port of Bencoolen, 
learned that pepper grew wild on the northwestern 
coast of Sumatra. On his return to Salem he made 
known his discovery to Mr. Jonathan Peele. who 
immediately built a schooner and gave Carnes the 
command. The vessel was called the "Rajah," and 
was of one hundred and thirty tons burden, carrying, 
four guns and ten men. In 1795 he set sail for 
Sumatra, the destination of the vessel and the object 
of the voyage being kept a profound secret. The 
" Rajah " cleared at Salem November 3, 1795, for India, 
having on board two pipes of brandy, fifty-eight cases of 
gin, twelve tons of iron, two hogsheads of tobacco 
and two boxes of salmon. The vessel was absent 
eighteen months, during which time her owner Mr, 
Peele had no tidings from her. At last she entered 
Salem harbor, with a cargo of pepper in bulk, the 
first to be so imported into this country. This cargo 
was sold at a profit of seven hundred per cent. Such 
an extraordinary voyage created great excitement 
among the merchants of Salem, and they were all 
anxious to discover in what part of the Eastern 
World the cargo had been procured. But the matter 
still remained a secret. Captain Carnes was prepar- 
ing for another voyage; and the Salem merchants 
determined if possible to penetrate the mystery, 
despatched several vessels to the port of Bencoolen 
where it was known Carnes got his first knowledge 
of the trade. They were not successful, however, and 
had to make up their voyages in some of the ports of 
India. But the secret voyages to Sumatra did not 
long continue. By the first of the present century the 
mystery was penetrated, and the whole ground open 
to competition. 

The brig " Ra,jah " made several voyages to Suma- 
tra, under command of Captain Carnes, entering .at 
Salem in October, 1799, with 158,544 pounds of pep- 
per, and in July, 1801, with 147,776 pounds, the last 
consigned to Jonathan & Willard Peele. 

The firm of George Crowninshield & Sons were 
largely engaged in the early Sumatra trade. The 
ship " Belisarius,'' Samuel Skerry, Jr., master, made 
several voyages for this firm, entering at Salem in 
July, 1801, with 320,000 pounds of pepper; in July, 
1802, with 306,542 pounds; and in September, 1803, 
with 276,459 pounds. The ship "America" made 
two voyages, commanded by John Crowninshield on 
the first and Jeremiah Briggs on the second, and 
entering in November, 18(tl, with 815,792 jjounds of 



76 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pepper, paying a duty of $53,842.27, and clearing 
January 2, 1802, on the second voyage, returning in 
October, 1802, with 760,000 pounds, paying $50,031.76. 
The ship " Concord," Jonathan Carnes, master, made 
two voyages, entering in November, 1803, and in 
August, 1805. The ship "John," John Dodge, mas- 
ter, entered in October, 1807, and the ship " Fame," 
Holten J. Breed, master, in April, 1812, with 623,277 
pounds of pepper, paying a duty of $37,396.62, all 
consigned to this firm. 

Joseph Peabody entered upon this trade early. 
Among his vessels were the ship " Cincinnatus, John 
Endicott, master, which entered in September, 1803, 
with 307,824 pounds of pepper ; and in November, 
1807, commanded by William Haskell, with 347,000 
pounds. The ship "Franklin," Samuel Tucker, 
master, which entered in September, 1810, with 539,- 
585 pounds. The ship " Janus," John Endicott, 
master, which entered in December, 1809, with 537,- 
989 pounds, and in December, 1810, with 547,795 
pounds. The '' Janus " sailed from Salem April 1, 
1810, and arrived at the Vineyard on her return, 
November 26, 1810, making one of the shortest 
voyages ever made from Salem to Sumatra and back. 
These were among Mr. Peabody's early voyages. 
He continued the trade until about the time of his 
death, in 1844. The ship " Sumatra," Peter Silver, 
master, which entered in July, 1838, and the ship 
" Eclipse," George Whitemarsh, master, which en- 
tered in February, 1840, in February, 1841 and in 
December, 1842, and the ship " Lotos," Benjamin 
Balch, Jr., master, which entered in November, 1841, 
were among the later voyages. 

Abel Lawrence & Co. were the consignees of the 
brig "George Washington," Timothy Bryant, master, 
which entered in November, 1803, and of the ship 
" Putnam," Nathaniel Bowditch, master, which en- 
tered in December, 1803, with 425,000 pounds of 
pepper and 42,000 pounds of coffee from Sumatra and 
the Isle of France, and paying a duty of $27,034.67. 
Captain Bowditch afterwards became distinguished 
for his mathematical works and as an astronomer, 
and achieved a world-wide reputation by his treatises 
on navigation. 

Captain Bowditch writes in his journal of this 
voyage : 

" On your arrival at Sumatra you contract with the 
Datoo for the pepper and fix the price. If more than 
one vessel is at the port the pepper which comes daily 
to the scales is shared between them as they agree. 
Sometimes the Datoo contracts to load one vessel 
before any other is allowed to take any, and he holds 
to this agreement as long as he finds it for his inter- 
est to do so, and no longer, for a handsome present or 
an increase of the price will prevent the pepper from 
being brought in for several days, and the person 
who made the agreement must either quit the port or 
else give an additional price. The jirice in 1803 was 
from ten to eleven dollars per picul. The price has 



risen there being now thirty sail of American vessels 
on the coast. 

" The pepper season commences in January, when 
they begin to gather the small pepper at the bottom 
of the vine; in March, April and May is the height 
of the crop. The best pepper grows at the top of the 
vines and is gathered the last. It is larger and more 
solid than that gathered at an earlier period. Some 
suppose that the pepper is all gathered in May, 
but I was in some of the gardens in July, and found 
at the top of the vines large quantities which would 
be ripe in a few days. Some calculate on two crops, 
but from the best information I could procure, there 
is only one. The pepper is generally weighed on 
American scales. It is sold by the picul, equal to 
one hundred and thirty-three and one-third pounds. 
What is weighed in the day is paid for in the even- 
ing, they being unwilling to trust their property 
in the hands of those they deal with; in the same 
manner it is not prudent to pay in advance to the 
Datoo, as it would often be difficult to get pepper or 
money of him again." 

The ship " Good Hope," George Cleveland, master, 
entered in January, 1805, consigned to Nathaniel 
West. The ship " Freedom," John Reitb, master, in 
January, 1805, consigned to Jonathan & Willard 
Peele. The bark " Eliza," Joseph Beadle, master, 
entered in August, 1806, consigned to Joseph White 
& Co. The ship " Union," George Pierce, master, 
entered in October, 1806, consigned to Stephen Phil- 
lips, with four hundred and sixty-five thousand two 
hundred and seventy-one pounds of pepper, paying a 
duty of $28,606.26. The ship " Eliza," James Cook, 
master, entered in October, 1807, with one million 
twelve thousand one hundred and forty eight pounds 
of pepper, consigned to James Cook, and paying a 
duty of $66,903.90. The ship "Herald," Z. F. Silsbee, 
master, entered in December, 1809, consigned to 
James Devereux. The bark " Active," William P. 
Eichardson, master, entered in December, 1809, con- 
signed to John Dodge, Jr. The bark " Camel," 
Holten J. Breed, master, entered in July, 1816, con- 
signed to William Silsbee. The bark " Eliza and 
Mary, Nathaniel Griffen, master, consigned to Wil- 
liam Fettyplace, entered April, 1823. The brig 
" Jane," Thomas Saul, master, entered in November, 
1823, consigned to Willard Peele. The brig " Persia," 
Moses Endicott, master, in July, 1824, with one hun- 
dred and sixty thousand pounds of pepper to Dudley 
L. Pickman. The ship "Friendship," Charles M. 
Endicott, master, entered in July, 1831, consigned to 
William Silsbee, and the ship " Delphos," James D. 
Gillis, master, entered in October, 1831, consigned to 
Z. F. Silsbee and others. The bark " Malay," J. B. 
Silsbee, master, entered in November, 1836. The 
bark " Borneo," C. S. Huntington, master, in April, 
1842, consigned to Z. F. Silsbee. 

David Pingree was the consignee of the ship 
"Caroline Augusta," which entered in August, 1842, 



SALEM. 



77 



and in November, 1845. She was commanded on the 
first voyage by E. D. Winn, Tucker Daland was the 
con.signee of the brig " Lucilla," which entered in 
June, 1842 and in November, 1846. H. W. Perkins 
was the master on the first voyage and D. JMarsiiall 
on the second. This was the hist vessel to arrive at 
Salem from the coa-t of Sumatra. 

The trade with Sumatra was, at one time, mainly 
carried on by Salem merchants, and a large propor- 
tion of the pepper consumed was distributed to 
all countries from the port of Salem. From the year 
1799 to 1846 inclusive, but five years (1813, '14, '15, 
'22 and '37) passed without an entry at Salem from 
the island of Sumatra. During that period there 
were one hundred and seventy-nine arrivals, the 
years 1809, '10 and '23 showing ten each, the largest 
number in any single year. 

Although the direct trade between Salem and Su- 
matra ceased in 1846, Salem vessels and Salem ship- 
masters were engaged in it until a much later date. 
The last Salem vessel on the coast was the ship "Aus- 
tralia," J. Dudle)', master, owned by Stone, Silsbee & 
Pickman. She was there in 1860. There is no direct 
trade to-day between the United States and Sumatra. 
Captain Jonathan Carnes, of Salem, commanded the 
first American vessel that ever procured a cargo of pep- 
per in bulk from the Island of Sumatra, and a Salem 
captain was master of the last American vessel that 
visited that coast. The bark " Tarquin," Thomas 
Kimball, master, and William F. Jelly, mate, both of 
Salem, arrived at New York in 1867, and this arrival 
closed the American trade with the Island of Su- 
matra. The " Tarquin " was owned by John L. Gard- 
ner, of Boston. 

The energy and fearlessness of our early navigators 
was something almost marvellous. In vessels of but 
one hundred and fifty tons they boldly set sail for 
ports never before visited by Americans, and without 
chart or guide of any kind, made their way ai^id 
coral reefs and along foreign shores. Even as late 
as 1831, when a United States war vessel was de- 
spatched to the Island of Sumatra, no chart of the 
coast could be found in the possession of the govern- 
ment. The United States frigate " Potomac" sailed 
for the East Indies in 1831, and in the journal of her 
voyage it is stated that it was the original intention 
of her commander to prepare charts and sailing di- 
rections for the guidance of other mariners, but that 
" this duty has been much more ably performed than 
it could have been with our limited materials." For 
this important service our country is indebted to 
Captains Charles M. Endicott and James D. Gillis, 
of Salem, Mass.. The former, who was master of the 
" Friendship," when she was seized by the Malays 
at Quallah-Battoo, has been trading on this coast for 
more than fifteen years, and during that period he 
has, profitably for his country, filled up the delays 
incidental to a pepjier voyage, by a careful and reli- 
able survey of the coast, of which no chart was pre- 



viously extant which could be relied on. Captain 
Endicott has since published the results of his labors 
in a well executed chart, which comprises all that 
portion of the coast which is included between Sin- 
kel, 2° 18' and 4° 15' north. Actuated by a like com- 
mendable zeal for the commercial interests of his 
native country, Captain Gillis has extended the sur- 
veys to latitude 5° north, and published an excellent 
chart, accompanied also with sailing directions. 
These are important acquisitions to our knowledge of 
this coast, and will increase the security of our mer- 
chants and mariners. We gladly embrace this oppor- 
tunity to acknowledge our obligations to both these 
gentlemen for much valuable information and many 
interesting facts. 

Salem, therefore, was not only the first at Sumatra, 
but the first to make it safe for others to follow her 
lead, and as long as American vessels visited the coast 
their commanders were provided with copies of the 
charts prepared by these Salem shipmasters. 

The dangers of the coral reefs were not the only 
ones our mariners had to contend with. The natives 
of the island were cruel and treacherous, and ready 
to commit any atrocity for the sake of plunder. 

The ship " Putnam," commanded by Captain John 
Carlton, was captured by the Malays on the 28th of 
November, 1805, and several of the crew massacred. 
The " Putnam " was at anchor in the outer roads of 
Rhio (island of Bentang), where she had been trading 
with the natives for pepper. The captain had already 
closed his business at Rhio, when the fatal catastro- 
phe took place. There was at the time a Malay brig, 
belonging to Lingen (a neighboring island), lying in 
the inner roads, besides two English brigs, viz., the 
"Malcolm," Captain Fenwick, and the "Transfer," 
Captain Matthews. On the 26th the captain, having 
been ashore and on board the " Malcolm " to transact 
some business, was informed on his return that a boat 
from the Lingen brig had made a visit to his ship in 
his absence, and from their behavior excited strong 
suspicions of a design to cut her off. They had also 
been on board several times before without any ap- 
parent business, but to gratify their curiosity. Cap- 
tain Carlton, apprehensive of their design, endeavored 
to excite the caution and courage of his officers and 
crew, confident that there was no danger but from 
negligence or timidity. The next morning (the 27th) 
the captain sent the third officer to the Malay brig to 
forbid their again coming on board the ship. He at 
the same time repaired and set the boarding nettings 
and made other preparations for defense. About five 
in the afternoon his apprehensions were renewed, by 
observing the Malay boat again coming toward the 
ship, whereupon he ordered every man to arm him- 
self, and have everything in readiness, in case of an 
attack ; but his apprehensions were lessened on the 
boat's nearer approach, by observing a Chinese mer- 
chant in it. The merchant came on board and offered 
to barter pepper for tin, on terms which the officers 



78 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



(who had wanted an opportunity of selling their pri- 
vate adventures) accepted, and, to make the bargain 
more sure, took thirty dollars of him as earnest. Not 
one of the Malays could, at this time, be persuaded 
to enter the ship, and at sunset they returned to the 
brig. 

On the 28th Captain Carlton found it necessary to 
go on shore once more, to close his business with the 
Rajah, previous to sailing. He was much averse to 
leaving the ship again on account of the suspicious 
conduct of the Malays, who were expected on board 
with pepper as agreed for. However, as the brig lay 
to the southward, and as it blew a perfect gale to the 
northward, he thought there was little probability of 
any boat coming on board that day ; he therefore took 
the pinnace, with Mr. Fenno, his clerk, and two hands, 
and proceeded on shore. On his return, about five in 
the afternoon, he called on board the "Malcolm" to 
take his leave. He had been there only a few min- 
utes before he was alarmed by the sight of his ship's 
boat coming along side, with seven of the crew on 
board, three of them dangerously wounded, viz., Mr. 
Samuel Page Pierson, second officer ; Stephen Hol- 
land and William Brown, the two former mortally. 
The men were taken on board and their wounds im- 
mediately dressed. This shocking sight but too 
plainly indicated the unhappy event which had taken 
place. The Malay boat, with sixteen men on board, 
had been to the ship with the pepper. It seems, not- 
withstanding all the causes for suspicion, they were 
received very unguardedly on board the ship and 
without the people having their arms at hand in case 
of an assault. The pepper was taken in, and the 
hands were about weighing it, when it was observed 
that the Malays, about six in number, were secretly 
receiving their creases from their fellows in the boat. 
On this the second ofiicer, Mr. Pierson, stepped to- 
ward them and directed them to return to their boat. 

This served as a signal to begin their savage a'.tack, 
in which Mr. Pierson fell, mortally wounded. The 
Malays in the boat immediately reinforced their com- 
rades in the ship. The first officer received a slight 
wound, and, being closely pursued, escaped over the 
bows. Richard Hunt followed, but afterwards got up 
by a rope into the fore-channels, where one of the 
Malays creased him through the netting and he 
dropped below the channels and held on for some 
time but was probably badly wounded and fell into 
the water and was seen no more. A number of others 
fled at the onset of the Malays. The cook, a black 
fellow, by the name of George Cowley, was heard to 
say a few minutes before the Malays began the mas- 
sacre that he would not fight if they did attempt to 
take the ship ; he accordingly concealed himself be- 
low and was not seen after the action. A black man, 
by the name of Henry Annuls, was killed on deck as 
soon as the action began. Ciesar Thomson, the stew- 
ard, a mulatto, was struck at the same time, but, being 
a brave man, he seized a handspike and knocked the 



assailant down and another after him ; but a third 
gave him a mortal wound. Stephen Holland, a sea- 
man, at the beginning of the attack, got over the 
bows, where he stood for a few minutes, when, spying 
a handspike on the deck, he sprang and seized it. 
With this he knocked down several of the Malays, 
but, unfortunately, received a mortal stab at last. At 
length, what with those who were killed and wounded 
and those who had escaped to places of safety, Wm. 
Brown, a carpenter of the ship, was left to maintain 
the contest alone ; which he did with great bravery 
and success, and was thereby the means of saving the 
lives of those who survived the rencontre. He had 
seized a strong stick, of about three feet in length, on 
the end of which the cook had fastened an iron coffee- 
mill ; this was an excellent weapon, and he dealt 
such deadly blows among his antagonists with it that, 
after a severe contest, he cleared the decks of them. 
He received two wounds ; the first was between the 
shoulders, but nit deep, as he caught the hand of the 
Malay and broke the force of the blow, and with a 
well-aimed stroke be laid the fellow at his feet. Im- 
mediately he had three more upon him, who, finding 
him resolute, retreated aft, and in following them he 
observed a fourth, who was standing upon a cask 
above him, aiming at him ; he attempted to seize his 
hand, but was not so fortunate as before ; he caught 
his arm, however, but, his hand being bloody, it 
slipped up to his elbow, and the fellow creased him 
over the left shoulder; the force of the weapon was 
in some measure stopped by its striking the spine, 
though it went through his back on the right side of 
the spine. Notwithstanding this, he drove all the 
Malays abaft the mizzenmast, when Henry Pettit 
came down from the fore-top, where he had been 
during the action. He brought aft a handspike and 
kept the Malays at bay until Brown went below and 
bnmght up a spear, with which he quickly drove 
th^m all into the water, where they were picked up 
by their boat, which had cut their fastenings and 
dropped astern for that purpose. There were twelve 
or thirteen of the Malays who had been engaged on 
board ; one was left dead upon deck ; four were car- 
ried off wounded, some, it was supposed, mortally, 
during the struggle, and seven or eight were driven 
overboard by Mr. Brown. 

Brown and Pettit then attempted to fire a swivel 
into the boat as she passed under the stem ; but the 
confusion of the scene probably prevented their prim- 
ing it properly, so that it did not go off". The Malays 
being thus driven out of the ship, Brown ran fore 
and aft, in order to rally those of his shipmates who 
had abandoned him in the conflict, calling out that 
the decks were clear and they might return with 
safety. Having collected them together. Brown ad- 
vised the chief officer to display a signal that would 
bring them assistance from the ships in the inner 
roads ; but the officer being fearful of their returning 
to a second attack, gave orders for abandoning the 



SAliE.M. 



79 



ship, though the boat had by this time pulled off two 
or three miles, more in tear, no doubt, of being de- 
stroyed by a shot from the ship than with any idea of 
renewing their attack upon her; only half of their 
number remaining in a condition for action, one hav- 
ing been killed and seven others wounded. The 
Malays observing the shij) to be thus abandoned by 
the crew, returned, of course, and took possession of 
her. 

The mortification of Captain Carlton at being in 
this sudden and unhappy manner deprived of his 
ship is not to be described. He immediately ap- 
plied to the English vessels to assist him in attempt- 
ing her recovery. Captain Fenwick, of the " Mal- 
colm," ^■ery promptly, and Captain Matthews, of the 
" Transfer," with reluctance, consented to pursue the 
pirates. They accordingly set sail, and at eight 
that evening anchored in the straits of Lingen. At 
daylight the next morning they weighed anchor 
and steered for Lingen ; at eight a.m. saw the pirates 
from the top gallant-yards ; at half pa.st past five p.m. 
the "Mtrlcolm" was within cannon-shot, but the 
" Transfer,'' not sailing so well, three or four leagues 
astern ; at six, within pistol-shot of the ship, and the 
pirate brig about musket-shot distance, on the lee 
quarter of the "Malcolm." The ship then commenced 
firing and the "Malcolm" immediately returned a 
broadside with a discharge of musketry. The brig 
also hauled to and brought her bow-cha-sers, the only 
guns she had to bear, on the " Malcolm " and fired 
them once, without any judgment or etl'ect. The ship, 
whose guns were in excellent order, well-leveled and 
supplied with plenty of powder and round shot, kept 
up a well-directed fire for half an hour, and the "Mal- 
colm " received considerable damage in her hull, rig- 
ging and boats ; and Mr. Trask, the first oflicer of the 
" Transfer," but who had gone on board the " Malcolm" 
as a volunteer, was unfortunately killed. The "Mal- 
colm," during this rencontre, kept up as brisk a fire 
as circumstances would admit of. She was badly 
equipped for fighting. She had no gun-tackle and 
only two rammers and sponges, and one of those was 
lost early iu the action, and only seven men to work 
the guns. Her deck was extremely round, and the 
brig very crank ; and the guns being fought to lee- 
ward, they upset every time they were discharged, 
and several times pitched out of the jiorts, breech up, 
and stood perpendicularly. Yet, under all these dis- 
advantages, the "Malcolm " discharged as many as 
ten broadsides ; the musketry, also, was well served, 
and the pirates were completely silenced in half an 
hour and bore away, and had it been earlier in the 
day, the ship would probably have been recovered. At 
the close of the action the third officer of the " Put- 
nam" was badly wounded in his right hand and 
arm by the going off of a gun while he was loading 
her. When the " Transfer " came up Captain Mat- 
thews was requested to follow on and renew the ac- 
tion, but he declined, and, as he was depended on 



as the pilot, Captain Fenwick was obliged to follow 
him, and they hauled to, to the eastward, and an- 
chored, while the pirates were left to proceed unmo- 
lested. At daylight next morning they hove up and 
made sail for Lingen ; again discovered the pirates, 
and at three p.m. were on the point of renewing the 
attack upon them, when Matthews tacked about, and 
they were obliged again to give up the ship when she 
seemed almost to be in their possession, and follow 
the " Transfer " towards Lingen. 

At daylight, December 1st, they found that they 
were in shore of the pirates. Matthews got first under 
way; but, to the astonishment of those on board the 
" Malcolm," hauled on a course directly from them. 
Captain Fenwick, judging it not prudent to pursue 
alone, followed the "Transfer" into Lingen roads, 
leaving the pirates in quiet possession of their prize, 
when another opportunity had presented of recover- 
ing her with little effort. Captain Carlton, after this, 
made api)lication to the Governor of Malacca and to 
Admiral Trowl)ridge for assistance to recover his ship, 
but could obtain none, and was obliged to submit to 
the mortification of giving her up as a total loss. 

The foregoing account is gathered from correspond- 
ence published in the Salem papers at the time of the 
piracy. 

The ship " Marquis de Somerulas," Captain Story, 
was attacked by the Malays at Sumatra September 
18, 1806, and one man was killed and sev.-ral wounded, 
but the crew succeeded in driving away the attacking 
party. 

The ship " Friendship," Charles M. Endicott, mas- 
ter, was attacked at the port of Quallah-Battoo by 
the native Malays. The first mate, Charles Knight, 
was killed and several of the seamen wounded. 

Captain Endicott was ashore at the time, receiving 
pepper to be sent on board. Observing something 
unusual in the conduct of those aboard the ship. 
Captain Endicott determined to return to her at once, 
but hardly had he started with his men when crowds 
of Malays began to assemble on the banks of the 
river, brandishing their weapons and otherwise men- 
acing him. At the same time three Malay boats, 
with forty or fifty men each, came out of the river and 
pulled toward the ship. Convinced that the only 
way to recover the ship was by obtaining assistance 
from some other vessel, Captain Endicott directed his 
boat's course to Muckie, a port about twenty-five 
miles distant, where he knew two or three American 
vessels were lying. Arriving there, he found three 
vessels, among them the brig " Governor Endicott," of 
Salem, H. H. Jenks, master, and the ship " James 
Monroe," J. Porter, master, of New York. These 
vessels proceeded at once to Quallah-Battoo. The 
" Friendship " was meanwhile in the possession of the 
Malays, who plundered her of the specie and every 
other movable article. Four of her crew jumped 
overboard at the time of the attack, and swam a dis- 
tance of two miles before they could find a safe place 



80 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to land. After wandering about in the buslies, almost 
without food, for three days, they found a canoe, and 
made their way to the residence of a friendly native, 
named Po Adam, who furnished them with clothing 
and carried them aboard one of the American vessels. 
Upon the arrival at Quallah-Battoo of the three ves- 
sels, before mentioned, an attack was made upon the 
town, and the " Friendship " was boarded and re- 
captured. Her voyage having been broken up, the 
" Friendship " returned to Salem, where she arrived 
July 16, 1S31. About a year thereafter the United 
States frigate " Potomac," before referred to, bom- 
barded Quallah-Battoo as a |)unishment for the con- 
duct of the natives towards an American vessel. 

Another Salem vessel, the " Eclipse," had a some- 
what similar experience on the coast of Sumatra in 
1838. While the mate and four hands were ashore, a 
party of Malays boarded the vessel and killed the 
captain, Charles P. Wilkins. The crew, finding 
themselves overpowered, escaped, some by ascending 
the shrouds, and some by jumping overboard and 
swimming ashore. The Malays then plundered the 
ship of specie, opium and everything else of value, 
and departed with their ill-gotten gains. The men 
aloft descended, lowered their boat, and rowed to a 
French bark lying at an adjoining port. The next 
morning the crew returned to the vessel, and during 
the night they set sail and left the island. The 
"Eclipse" had a sad ending. She sailed from 
Sumatra July 10, 1849, under command of Captain 
Daniel Cross, and was never after heard from. She 
had on board a cargo of pepper, consigned to Tucker 
Daland and Henry L. Williams. 

The Manila Trade. — In the early days of Salem 
commerce, when her enterprising and energetic mer- 
chants were seeking to establish trade with hitherto 
unknown countries, and her ships were ploughing the 
seas which had never before floated an American 
vessel, the ship "Astrea," commanded by Henry 
Prince, and owned by that king among merchants, 
Elias Hasket Derby, entered the harbor of Manila, 
the capital city of the Phillipine Islands, situated on 
the island of Luzon. Obtaining there a cargo of 750,- 
000 pounds of sugar, 63,695 pounds of pepper, and 
29,767 pounds of indigo, she entered at Salem in May, 
1797, and paid a duty on her cargo of $24,020. A 
journal of this voyage, kept by Nathaniel Bowditch, 
afterwards so famous as a mathematician, is on the 
files of the East India Marine Society. The "Astrea" 
left Salem March 27, 1796, and went to Lisbon, Ma- 
deira and Manila, arriving at the latter place October 
3, 1796. On the passage home, February 18, 1797, 
the ship sprung a leak, and two men were obliged to 
be kept at the pumps constantly from that time till 
the 22d of May, 1797, when the vessel arrived at 
Salem. 

In the precise and rather formal handwriting of 
Dr. Bowditch we find in his journal the following ac- 
count of his experience at Manila: 



" The city of Manila is about three or four miles in 
circumference, is walled all round, and cannon are 
placed at proper intervals ; but we were unable to get 
much information with respect to the state of the 
place, as they were shy of giving any information to 
foreigners. The buildings within the walls are all of 
stone, and none except the churches are more than 
two stories high, on account of the violent earth- 
quakes, which they have generally at the breaking up 
of the Monsoon. The month of March is when they 
most expect them, but on the 5th of November, 1797, 
we experienced several violent shocks at about two 
P.M., which came from the northward and proceeded 
in a southerly direction, continuing with violence 
nearly two minutes. It threw down a large house a 
half a league from the city, untiled several buildings, 
and did much other damage. It was not observed on 
board the ship lying ofi' the bar. The motion of the 
earthquake was quicker than those usual in America, 
as the latter are generally preceded by a rumbling 
noise ; the former was not. 

"The suburbs of Manila are very extensive, and 
most ot the business is done there. The houses of the 
wealthier class are of two stories, built of stone ; the 
poorer sort live in bamboo houses with thatched 
roofs. No house can be built in the suburbs without 
the particular permission of the Governor, in which 
the dimensions of the buildings are stated, fearing, 
if they are too high, that an enemy might make use 
of them for attacking the city, as was the case when 
the English took the place formerly, for one of the 
churches near the walls was very serviceable to them; 
it has since been pulled down. 

"There are but few Europeans in the settlement; 
all the women have a little of the Indian blood in 
their veins, excepting the lady of the Governor and 
two or three others, though by successive intermar- 
riages with Europeans they have obtained a fair com- 
plexion. The natives (like all other Malays) are ex- 
cessively fond of gaming and cock-fighting. A 
theatre is established for the latter business, from 
which the government draws an immense revenue, 
this diversion being prohibited at any other place ; 
sometimes there are 5,000 or 6,000 spectators, each of 
which pays half a rial. A large sum arises from the 
duties on tobacco and cocoa wine. Tobacco is pro- 
hibited, but if you smuggle any on shore, it cannot be 
sold for more than the cost in America, notwithstand- 
ing the retail price is very high ; particular people, 
licensed by the king, are the only persons allowed to 
deal in it. All the natives chew dreca and betel, 
though not mixed with opium, as in Batavia. This, 
with chewing and smoking tobacco, makes the teeth 
very black. The cigars used by the women, and 
which they smoke all day, are made as large as they 
can possibly get into their mouths. The natives are 
about as honest as their neighbors, the Chinese ; they 
stole several things from us, but, by the goodness of 
the police, we recovered most of them. On the 3d of 



SALEM. 



81 



December, 1797, they broke into the house where we 
lived, entered the chamber where Captain Prince and 
myself were asleep, and carried off a bag containing 
one thousand dollars without awaking either of us or 
any of the crew of the long boat, sleeping in the ad- 
joining chamber. The guard boat discovered them as 
they were escaping and pursued them; they, in en- 
deavoring to escape, ran afoul of a large boat, which, 
upsetting them, the money went to the bottom, and, 
what was worse, the bag burst and the money was all 
scattered in the mud, where the water was eight feet 
deep ; however, b}' the honesty of the captain of the 
guard, most of it was recovered. The thieves were 
caught, and, when we were there in ISOO, Mr. Kerr 
informed us that they had been whipped and were to 
be kept in servitude several years. 

"The same day another robbery was committed 
equally as daring. The day the indigo was shipped 
the second mate came ashore with several of the 
people to see it safe on board. The boats we had 
provided not taking all of it, we sent the remainder 
aboard with a black fellow to guard, who was es- 
teemed by Mr. Kerr as an honest fellow, but he had 
been centriving to steal a couple of boxes. When the 
' Casco,' containing the indigo, had passed the bar, a 
small bo.it came aboard with two boxes tilled with 
chips, stones, etc., appearing in every respect exactly 
like those full of indigo, and pretending that we had 
put on board two wrong boxes, they exchanged their 
boxes for two real boxes of indigo, but in bringing 
them ashore they were detected and the indigo 
returned. 

" There are great numbers of Chinese at Manila, 
but they are all obliged to become Catholics. It is 
from them that most of the sugar is purchased. They 
trade considerably with China. Their junks arrive 
at Manila in January, and all their goods are depos- 
ited and sold from the Custom-House." 

From 1797 to 1858, the date of the last arrival from 
this port, there were eighty-two entries at Salem from 
Manila. The period from 1829 to 1839 shows the 
largest number of arrivals, thirty of the eighty-two 
entries being made during that time. 

The ship " Folansbe," Jonathan Mason, Jr., master, 
entered in May, 1799, with sugar and indigo, con- 
signed to John Collins & Co. The ship " Laurel," 
Daniel Sage, master, entered in July, 1801, with 115,- 
133 pounds of indigo and 124,683 of sugar, consigned 
to William Gray, and paying a duty of $32,382.26. 

The ship " Fame," Jeremiah Briggs, master, en- 
tered in March, 1804, consigned to Jacob Crownin- 
shield. The " Fame " visited the coast of Cochin 
China in search of sugar and Captain Briggs in his 
journal relates the following interesting incidents 
connected with his visit : 

" The king of Cochin China has about five hundred 

vessels of war of all denominations, principally boats 

from about forty to ninety feet long, a number of 

junks and four ships carrying thirty guns each, about 

(i 



four hundred tons, rigged and sailed European 
method. The boats that are reserved for the use of 
the royal family are the most elegant work that I 
ever saw ; the painting was superb. The one which 
is called the king's is one hundred feet long and not a 
butt in her. She mounts eight guns, six pounders, 
and one twenty-four pounder. I saw a great number 
of brass cannon, eighteen and twenty-four pounders, 
that were cast in the country. Elephants are kept to 
the number of five hundred, trained for war. The 
first mandarin is captain of two companies and like- 
wise these animals. They are manteuvered by a boy 
sitting on their head with a hook, with which he turns 
them. The city is composed of an astonishing num- 
ber of small huts thatched. There is no other kind 
of house except those of the first mandarins. The 
council-house is a large building. I suppose it would 
contain one thousand people. It is entirely open in 
front, they having a looking-glass about ten feet long 
in it. There was a very large stone, about eight feet 
long, two and a half wide and one and a half thick ; 
it was hung with a bolt through the middle and so 
nicely balanced that the touch of a finger would set it 
going ; by .striking it with a stick it would ring like 
a bell. The citadel or fort is about three-fourths of a 
mile in circumference; it has a wall of twenty-five 
feet, which the present king is now extending two 
miles. The streets are laid out in European style. 
He has now one hundred thousand men at work lay- 
ing out the roads, building the walls, etc. The king 
himself attends every day. He is mounted on an ele- 
phant. His dress is yellow silk, and he is attended by 
a guard of two hundred men armed with spears, each 
spear with hair upon it dyed red. He keeps thirty- 
two concubines. They all live together in one house 
which they are not allowed to leave. It is built upon 
the water and communicates with the land by a 
bridge. The king is thirty-one years of age, a man 
very well informed. Their churches are entirely 
without ornament. I saw a number of the Cochin 
Chinese that were Christians. They appeared very 
mild in their manners." 

The ship " Essex," Joseph Orne, master, entered in 
May, 1805, with sugar and indigo from Manila, con- 
signed to William Orne, and paying a duty of $18,- 
443.70. The ship " Horace," John Parker, master, 
entered in May, 1806, consigned to William Gray. 
The ship " Exeter," Thomas B. Osgood, master, en- 
tered in June, 1806, with 14,589 pounds of indigo and 
702,064 of sugar, consigned to Benjamin Pickman, 
Jr., and paying a duty of .$23,520.33. 

From 1806 to 1816, there seems to have been no 
entry from Manila at the port of Salem. The ship 
" Endeavour," Timothy Bryant, master, entered in 
May, 1816, consigned to Nathan Robinson. The ship 
" Perseverance," Samuel Hodgdon, master, in May, 
1820, consigned to Williard Peele. The brig " Ann," 
Charles Millett, niiister, in July, 1824, consigned to 
Henrv Prince. The brig " Peru," William Johnson, 



82 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jr., master, in April, 1825, consigned to Stephen C. 
Phillips. The ship " Endeavour," James D. Gillis, 
master, in September, 1826, consigned to Nathaniel 
Silsbee. The bark "Derby," Allen Putnam, mas- 
ter; entered in March, 1827; in April, 1829; J. H. 
Eagleston, master; and again in July, 1832, J. 
W. Cheever, master, consigned to Stephen C. Phil- 
lips. The ship " Mandarin," William Osgood, 
master, entered in March, 1830, consigned to Pick- 
ering Dodge. The ship " Sumatra," Charles Roun- 
dy, master, entered in November, 1832, consigned 
to Joseph Peabody. The brig "Charles Doggett," 
William Driver, master, entered in November, 
1832, consigned to Richard S. Rogers. The ship 
"Lotus," George W. Jenks, master, entered in June, 
1832, consigned to Pickering Dodge. The ship 
" Brookline," Charles H. Allen, master, entered in 
April, 1837, consigned to Stephen C. Phillips. The 
ship " Caroline," Charles H. Fabens, master, entered in 
April, 1842, consigned to David Pingree. The ship "St. 
Paul," belonging to Stephen C. Phillips, was almost as 
famous in connection with Salem's trade with Manila 
as was the ship "George" in the Calcutta trade. The 
" St. Paul " made twelve voyages between Salem and 
Manila. She sailed on her first voyage from Salem 
June 3, 1838, and arrived at Manila in one hundred 
days, which was the shortest passage made by the 
ship from Salem to Manila. She reached Salem, on 
her return, in April, 1839, in one hundred and forty- 
eight days from Manila. Joseph Winn, Jr., com- 
manded the ship on this voyage, having also been 
master on her previous voyage from New York to 
Manila, and back to Salem, where she arrived, for 
the first time, April 29, 1838. On her second and 
third voyages she was commanded by George Pierce, 
and entered at Salem April 4, 1840, and July 7, 1841. 
Joseph Warren Osborn was master on the fourth and 
fifth voyages, and she arrived at Salem August 8, 
1842, and January 8, 1844, making on the last voy- 
age the long passage of one hnndred and eighty- 
eight days. On her sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth 
voyages, she was commanded by Charles H. Allen, 
entering at Salem March 17, 1845, March 12, 1846, 
March 19, 1847, and April 6, 1848. William B. Davis 
was ma-ster on her tenth voyage, sailing from Salem 
May 18, 1848, and returning March 26, 1849. Cn her 
elveventh and twelfth voyages she was commanded by 
Charles H. Allen, returning to Salem on her eleventh 
voyage January 7, 1851, and sailing from Salem, on 
her twelfth voyage, July 5, 1851. On the 9th of De- 
cember, 1851, she went ashore on Masbata Island, in 
the Straits of San Bernardino. She was subsequently 
raised and sold to Spanish parties, but never returned 
to Salem. 

The last arrival at Salem from Manila was the 
bark " Dragon," Thomas C. Dunn, master, which 
entered in July, 1858, with a cargo of hemp, con- 
signed to Benjamin A. West. Salem merchants con- 
tinued the trade with Manila for some time there- 



after, but their vessels entered and cleared at other 
ports. Tucker Daland and Henry L. Williams, Henry 
Gardner, B. W. Stone & Brothers and Silsbee & Pick- 
man were extensively engaged in this trade. The 
last-named firm still continues the trade with Manila. 

Tub Isle of France Trade. — In the Indian 
Ocean, not far from the eastern coast of Madagascar, 
lies a small island, called the Isle of France, or Mau- 
ritius. The climate of this island is remarkably fine. 
Throughout the year the thermometer ranges from 
76° to 90° in the shade. The Dutch formed a settle- 
ment there in 1644, but subsequently abandoned it. 
A more successful attempt to form a permanent es- 
tablishment was made by the French in 1721. It 
remained in French hands until the year 1810, when 
it was taken by the British in an expedition under 
General Abercromby, and has since remained a Brit- 
ish possession. 

When the merchants of Salem, after the close of the 
Revolutionary War, sought to establish commercial 
intercourse with foreign ports never before visited by 
American vessels, the Isle of France was among the 
first places to which tliey sent their ships to bring 
home cargoes of sugar, which was the staple article 
of export. Elias Hasket Derby dispatched the 
" Grand Turk," Ebenezer West, master, there in No- 
vember, 1785, and she returned to Salem in June, 
1787, making the first voyage from New England to the 
Isle of France. In December, 1787, the " Grand 
Turk " made another voyage to the Isle of France, 
under the charge of Elias Hasket Derby, Jr. He sold 
the vessel, and remained on the island about a year, 
when he went to India and thence back to Salem. 

Of the arrivals at the Isle of France in 1789, ten 
were from Salem, five from Boston, two from Phila- 
delphia, one from Virginia, three from Baltimore, one 
from Beverly and one from Providence. 

The schooner " Richard and Edward," George 
Crowninshield, master, entered January 4, 1790, con- 
signed to George Crowninshield. The brig " Wil- 
liam," Thomas West, master, entered in December, 
1791, consigned to William Gray. The ship "Henry," 
Jacob Crowninshield, master, cleared for the Isle of 
France June 25, 1791. She was of one hundred and 
ninety tons burden, and carried ten men. Her out- 
ward cargo consisted of 60 boxes of wax and 50 boxes 
of sperm candles, 18 barrels hams, 3000 feet of oars, 
14 tons iron, 13 hogsheads tobacco, 17 casks oil, 102 
barrels beef and pork, 27 casks ale, 6 kegs flints, 287 
barrels flour, 424 cases and 190 jugs of Geneva, 25 
boxes soap, 6 boxes chocolate, 43 kegs lard, 62 quin- 
tals fish, 6 hogsheads West India rum, 12 bags pimento, 
16 cannon, 88 hundredweight shot, 1 hogshead, 4 
crates ware, 40 barrels tar, 4 barrels pitch, 30,000 feet 
lumber, 175 casks powder, 7 saddles and bridles, 12 
tables and 5 desks. She entered on her return in 
November, 1792, with 172,749 pounds of sugar, con- 
signed to Elias Hasket Derby. The brig " Hind," 
John Beckford, master, entered in January, 1793, 



SALEM. 



83 



consigned to William Gray. The brig "Peggy,"' 
Amos Hilton, master, entered in August, 1793, con- 
signed to John Fisk. The ship " Aurora," Thomas 
Meek, master, entered in March, 1794, with 424,034 
pounds of sugar, consigned to William Gray. 

The ship "Benjamin,'' one hundred and sixty-one 
tons, Nathaniel Silsbee, master, cleared for India De- 
cember 10, 1792, and entered in July, 1794, from the 
Isle of France with cotton, indigo, sugar and pepper, 
consigned to Elias H. Derby. Her outward cargo con- 
sisted of tobacco, cordage, shooks, iron, lead, salt, 
provisions and earthen ware. Twelve thousand glass 
tumblers, costing less than !?1000, were exported 
in this ship and arriving when there was no glass- 
ware on the island, sold for $12,000. Captain Sils- 
bee was but twenty years old when he assumed com- 
mand of the " Benjamin." The brig " Peggy," John 
Edwards, Jr., master, entered in May, 1795, consigned 
to John Fisk. The brig " Rose," John Felt, master, 
entered in July, 1795, consigned to Elias H. Derby. 
The ship " Belisarius," George Crowninshield, Jr., 
master, entered in July, 1795, with tea, cotfee and 
indigo, consigned to George Crowninshield & Co., 
and again in October, 1796, with the same description 
of cargo. The brig " Hope," Samuel Lambert, mas- 
ter, entered in June, 1796, consigned to Ashton & 
Lambert. The ship " Martha," George Ropes, mas- 
ter, entered from the Isles of France and Bourbon in 
May, 1797, with 416,993 pounds of coftee, 136,617 
pounds of sugar and 13,262 pounds of cotton, consigned 
to Elias H. Derby, and paying a duty of $23,317 88. 
The ketch " Eliza," Stephen Phillips, master, entered 
in July, 1797, consigned to Elias H. Derby. The 
brig " Katy," Job Trask, master, entered in July, 
1797, consigned to Benjamin Pickman, Jr. 

There were nine entries at Salem from the Isle of 
France in 1798, the largest number in any single 
year. Among the entries were the ketch " Brothers," 
John Felt, master, in April, consigned to Ezekiel H. 
Derby ; the ship "Martha," John Prince, Jr., master, 
in June, consigned to Elias H. Derby, with 260,000 
pounds of cotree. 336,603 of sugar and 17,803 of cot- 
ton, paying a duty of $24,943 47, and the bark 
"Vigilant," Daniel Hathorne, master, in October, 
consigned to Simon Forrester. 

The trade with the Isla of France was largely car- 
ried on by Elias Hasket Derby, and after his death, 
in 1799, the Salem trade with this island decreased. 
The years 1797 and 1798 show seventeen arrivals and 
were the years when the most trade was carried on 
between Salem and this island. There were a few 
direct arrivals after 1798. The bark " Two Brothers," 
Samuel Rea, master, entered in April, 1806, consigned 
to Thorndike Deland. The brig "Sukey," Henry 
Prince, Jr., master, entered in August, 1808, con- 
signed to Stephen Phillips. There were a few arri- 
vals in later years, and some vessels bound to or from 
other ports touched at this island ; but the largest 
direct trade was prior to the year 1800. 



The Mocha Trade.— On the 26th of April, 1798, 
Captain Joseph Ropes, in the ship " Recovery," left 
Salem, bound direct for Mocha, Arabia Felix, with 
fifty thousand dollars in specie, and arrived at that 
port on the 9th of September. This was the first 
American vessel that ever displayed the stars and 
stripes in that part of the world. The captain says 
that the arrival of the strange ship was viewed with 
great interest by the authorities, who could not di- 
vine from whence she came, and made frequent in- 
quiries to know how many moons she had been com- 
ing. Captain Ropes went from Mocha to Calcutta, 
and thence to Salem. The first vessel to arrive at 
Salem from Mocha with a full cargo of cofl'ee was the 
ship " Recovery," Luther Dana, master, which ar- 
rived in October, 1801, with 216,286 pounds of coffee 
consigned to Elias H. Derby, 7,485 pounds to Henry 
Prince, 11,825 pounds to Nathaniel Bowditch, 34,917 
pounds to Clifford Crowninshield and 33,181 pounds 
to Nathan Robinson, and paying a duty of $16,844.39. 
The ship " Ulysses," Henry Elkins, master, entered 
from Mocha and Muscat in January, 1802, consigned 
to George Crowninshield & Sons. The brig " Ed- 
win," Joseph J. Knapp, master, entered in Novem- 
ber, 1803, consigned to Charles Cleveland & Co. The 
ship " Bonetta," Benjamin Russell, master, entered 
from Mocha in February, 1804, with 268,851 pounds 
of coffee consigned to Benjamin Pickman, Jr. 

In 1805, there were eight arrivals from Mocha, the 
largest number in any single year ; and during that 
year there was landed at Salem over two million 
pounds of Mocha coffee. The entries were: the ship 
"Margaret," Henry Elkins, master; the ship " Two 
Sons," Thomas Ball, master ; and the ship " America," 
Benjamin Crowninshield, master, — all consigned to 
George Crowninshield & Sons ; the brig " Suwarrow," 
William Leach, Jr., master, consigned to William 
Leach and others ; the bark " Eliza," Joseph Beadle, 
master, consigned to Joseph White; the ship "Mary," 
Samuel King, master, from Aden, consigned to John 
Norris ; the ship " Commerce," Thomas Bancroft, 
master, consigned to Nathaniel West ; and the bark 
" Mary," Daniel Bray, Jr., master, consigned to Ben- 
jamin Derby and John Derby. 

George Crowninshield & Sons had three vessels 
which entered from Mocha in 1806 ; the ship " Mar- 
garet," Henry Elkins, master; the ship "John," 
William Fairfield, master; and the brig "Telema- 
chus," Benjamin Frye, master. The ship "Frank- 
lin," Timothy Wellman, 3d, from Mocha and Aden, 
entered in December, 1808, with 532,365 pounds of 
coffee consigned to Joseph Peabody, and paying a 
duty of $26,618.25. The brig "Coromandel," Wil- 
liam Messervy, master, entered in October, 1813, 
with a cargo of coffee consigned to John Derby, and 
paying a duty of $28,587.60. The brig " Beulah," 
Charles Forbes, master, entered from Mocha in 
April. 1820, consigned to John W. Rogers. The 
brig "Ann," Charles Jlillett, master, entered in 



84 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



May, 1827, consigned to Michael Shepard. After the 
opening of the Zanzibar trade the vessels engaged in 
that trade visited Mocha and obtained a part of their 
cargo there, and to the account of that trade reference 
may be had for later dates. 

The Madagascar Trade. — The American trade 
with the island of Madagascar was opened by Nath- 
aniel L. Rogers & Brothers, eminent and enterprising 
merchants of Salem. Robert Brookhouse was also 
among the pioneers of this trade. The brig " Thetis," 
Charles Forbes, master, appears to be the first ves- 
sel to enter, with a full cargo from that island. She 
arrived in November, 1821, with 216,519 pounds of 
tallow, consigned to J. W. & R. S. Rogers. The 
brig " Beulah," Charles Forbes, master, which entered 
from Mocha in April, 1820, consigned to John W. 
Rogers, touched at Madagascar on her passage, and 
brought from there a small quantity of tallow. This 
appears to be the first American vessel to trade at 
Madagascar. The brig "Climax," G. W. Grafton, 
master, entered in March, 1822, consigned to Robert 
Brookhouse. The brig "Thetis," William Bates, 
master, made three voyages, entering in January, 
1823, in February, 1824, and in January, 1825, 
consigned to Richard S. Rogers. The brig " Reaper," 
Robert Brookhouse, Jr., master, entered in Decem- 
ber, 1824, consigned to Robert Brookhouse. The 
brig " Nereus," B. W. Brookhouse, master, entered in 
December, 1825, consigned to Nathaniel L. Rogers. 
The brig " Susan," Stephen Burchmore, master, 
entered in August, 1826, consigned to Robert Brook- 
house. 

At the time of the opening of the trade with Mada- 
gascar Zanzibar was a small settlement, and no trade 
was carried on there, gum-copal, the principal staple, 
being carried to India by the Sultan's vessels, to be 
cleaned. The trade with Zanzibar was an extension 
of the Madagascar trade. The vessels subsequently 
engaged in that trade usually touched at Madagascar 
and Mocha, and made up their cargoes in part in 
each place. In the account of the Zanzibar trade 
will be found the later arrivals. 

The Zanzibar Trade. — As Salem had been first 
at Sumatra and Madagascar, so she was first at Zanzi- 
bar. But little of the uncleaned guni-eopal, which 
was the staple article of export, was brought to this 
country until after the " Black Warrior," belonging 
largely to N. L. Rogers, and commanded by John 
Bertram, was there in 18.31. Captain Bertram arrived 
at Zanzibar while the Sultan's frigate was lying in 
the harbor, ready to carry the gum-copal to India, and 
made a bargain for what was on hand and for future 
cargoes. The " Black Warrior" arrived in Salem in 
March, 1832, with the first large quantity of unclean- 
ed gum-copal that had been imported into this coun- 
try. For some time thereafter the gum-copal trade 
was monopolized by Salem merchants, and all the 
gum-copal used was distributed from the port of 
Salem. 



But the " Black Warrior," although taking the first 
large cargo from Zanzibar, was not the first vessel to 
open trade with that port. The brig " Ann," Charles 
Millett, master, and owned by Henry Prince & Son, 
left Salem March 12, 1826, for Mocha. When she ar- 
rived there, in June, Captain Millet found a great 
scarcity of bread-stuffs, and, leaving a clerk in charge 
of the business, he left Mocha for Zanzibar and 
Lamo, where he obtained a cargo of small grain, and 
purchased ivory and other articles for the homeward 
cargo. The " Ann " went from Zanzibar to Mocha, 
and from thence to Salem, arriving May 9, 1827. 
This was the opening of American trade with Zanzi- 
bar. The same vessel made a second voyage to Zan- 
zibar, leaving Salem August 9, 1827, arriving home 
April 10, 1829, having visited many new ports on the 
east coast of Africa. On the passage home, February 
20, the " Ann " lost her masts and was otherwise 
badly wrecked. She also lost her mate and two men. 
For their skill in navigating the vessel into port the 
insurance companies presented the commander with 
a service of plate ; his clerk, John Webster, with a 
silver pitcher ; and the rest of his men with three 
hundred and thirty dollars. 

The three-masted schooner "Spy," Andrew Ward, 
master, ninety-one tons, appears to be the first vessel 
to enter at the Salem Custom-House from Zanzibar. 
She arrived at Salem August 11, 1827, one hundred 
and ten days from Zanzibar, with a cargo consigned 
to Nathaniel L. Rogers & Brothers. Cajitain Ward 
reported that the " Susan," Burchard, master, touched 
at Zanzibar about the 1st of March, and that the 
" Fawn," of Salem, had also been there. The " Spy " 
was built at Essex in 1823, and was the first three- 
masted schooner of which there is any record. On 
ihe 12th of January, 1825, the brig " Laurel." Lovett, 
master, owned by Robert Brookhouse, left Salem for 
South America. Finding markets dull, the captain 
sailed for ports east of the Cape of Good Hope, and, 
about the 10th of July, left Port Louis, Mauritius, 
for Zanzibar, stopping at the island of Johanna on 
the way. This was the first time the American flag 
was displayed at that Island, and the king gave a re- 
ception in honor of the event. The vessel arrived at 
Zanzibar the 20th of July, 1825, and, although not 
the first to open trade, seems to be the first to have 
displayed the American flag at that port. From 
Zanzibar the " Laurel " proceeded to Mombas, and 
from there to Patta, Lamo and other small places, in 
all of which she appears to have displayed the Ameri- 
can flag for the first time. The " Laurel " arrived in 
Salem, on her return passage, June 3, 1826. 

From the year 1827, when the " Spy " entered from 
Zanzibar, to the year 1870, when the last entry from 
that port was made at Salem, there were one hundred 
and eighty-nine arrivals from Zanzibar. The period 
from 1840 to 1860 was the time of the greatest activ- 
ity in this trade, one hundred and forty-five of the 
one hundred and eighty-nine entries being made be- 



SALEM. 



85 



tween those years. Nathaniel L. Rogers & Brothers, 
John Bertram, Michael Shepard, David Pingree, 
Joseph Peabody, Andrew Ward, Nathaniel We.ston, 
James B. Curwen, Ephraim Emmerton, Tucker 
Daland, Michael W. Shepard, George West and Ben- 
jamin A. West were among those engaged in this 
trade. 

Among the earlier arrivals were the brig "Cipher," 
S. Smith, master, in March, 1834; the brig "Tigris," 
John G. Waters, master, in July, 1834, consigned to 
David Pingree; the brig "Thomas Perkins," J. P. 
Page, master, in November, 1834, consigned to 
Putnam I. Farnham; the brig "Leander," J. S. 
Kimball, master, in April 183(5, and again in Au- 
gust, 1837, consigned to Joseph Peabody; the brig 
" Palm," N. W. Andrews, master, in November, 1836, 
consigned to John Bertram; the brig "Cherokee," 
W. B. Smith, master, in April, 1837, consigned to 
Michael Shepard ; the bark " Star," E. Brown, mas- 
ter, in November, 1839, again in 1842, W. B. Smith, 
master, and agaiii in September, 184G, in October, 
1847, and in January, 1849, William McFarland, mas- 
ter, consigned to Michael Shepard ; the brig " Rich- 
mond," William B. Bates, master, in October, 1840, 
to Ephraim Emmerton ; the brig " Kolla," A. S. Per- 
kins, master, in January, 1841, and again in January, 

1843, consigned to David Pingree ; the brig " Rattler," 
F. Brown, master, in May, 1841, and again in 1843, J. 
Lambert, master, consigned to Michael Shepard ; the 
bark " Brenda," Andrew Ward, master, in March, 

1844, with one hundred and forty-two thousand one 
hundred and twenty-four pounds of dates and other 
merchandise, consigned to Michael Shejiard and John 
Bertram ; the brig " Richmond," William B. Bates, 
master, entered in December, 1845, consigned to 
Ephraim Emmerton ; the bark 'Eliza," A. S. Perkins, 
master, entered in May, 1846, consigned to George 
West and David Pingree ; the bark " Orb," W. Cross, 
master, entered in November, 1846, and again in 
March, 1848, C. F. Rhoades, master, consigned to 
Tucker Daland; the bark "Sophronia," B. R. Pea- 
body, master, entered in January 1849, and again, E. 
A. Emmerton, master, in October, 1850, consigned to 
Ephraim Emmerton ; the bark " Iosco," Groves, ma.s- 
ter, entered in January, 1852, consigned to Michael 
W. Shepard, and again in December, 1852, consigned 
to John Bertram. 

Space will not permit the enumeration of any large 
proportion of the arrivals from this port, but enough 
have been given to indicate the merchants who were 
engaged in the Zanzibar trade. Many of the vessels 
touched at Madagascar and Mocha, and obtained a 
part of their cargoes at those places. For years this 
trade was largely in the hands of Salem merchants, 
and Salem was the principal point of distribution for 
ivory, gum-copal and Mocha coffee. 

Among the vessels lost while engaged in this trade 
was the bark " Peacock," Joseph Moseley, master, 
and owned by John Bertram, which was wrecked on 



a reef near Majunga, Madagascar, August 0, 1855, 
and with the cargo was a total loss. The bark 
"Arabia," John Wallis, master, and owned by Benja- 
min A. West, sailed from Salem, on her first voyage, 
July 4, 1857. On the passage home. May 9, 1858, 
while off the Cape of Good Hope, she fell in with the 
"Ariadne," bound from Bombay to Boston. This 
being in a crippled and sinking condition, her crew, 
twenty-three in number, were taken on board the 
" Arabia." The supply of water was inadequate for so 
large an addition to their number, and Captain Wal- 
lis thought it prudent to enter Table Bay and procure 
an additional supply. At the entrance to the bay the 
"Arabia" was becalmed. The night was dark, and 
about 2 A.M., the vessel struck on a reef and became 
a total loss. The cargo was saved and sold. The bark 
" Iosco," Clau.ssen, master, and owned by John Ber- 
tram, was wrecked on a reef off Zanzibar, July 7, 1858. 
Both vessel and cargo were lost. The bark " Guide," 
McMullen, master, and owned by ,Tohn Bertram, was 
wrecked on the Ras Hoforn, east coast of Africa, on 
the night of September 4, 1860, and with her cargo 
was a total loss. The bark " Jersey," James S. Wil- 
liams, master, owned by John Bertram, was built at 
Salem in 1869, and was wrecked at Madagascar on 
her first voyage. 

The large importation of uncleaned gum-copal, an 
article which, prior to 1832, had been sent to India to 
be cleaned, led to the establishment by Jonathan 
Whipple of a factory at the foot of Turner Street, in 
Salem, to clean and prepare the gum for the market. 
Prior to the establishment of Mr. Whipple's fiictory, 
Daniel Hammond had been engaged in cleaning the 
gum, but Mr. Whipple was the first to establish the 
business on an extensive scale. At first the gum was 
cleaned by being scraped with a knife. Mr. Whipple 
soon introduced the process of washing it with an 
alkali. The uncleaned gum was deposited in tubs of 
alkali liquor and allowed to stand over night. It was 
then taken and placed upon large platforms in the open 
air, and carefully dried and brushed. The gum was 
then sorted as to size and color. 

This business was established about 1835, and in- 
creased very rapidly. Mr. Whipple commenced by 
employing four or five men, but at the time of his 
death, in 1850, the number of men employed averaged 
thirty-five or forty, and the amount of gum cleaned 
each year was about one million five hundred thous- 
and pounds, the gum losing in weight about one- 
quarter part during the process of cleaning. Mr. 
Whipple was succeeded by his sons, who continued 
the business under the name of Stephen Whipple & 
Brothers. The business was prosperous until the year 
1861, when an import duty of ten cents a pound was 
imposed on the uncleaned gum. The gum was there- 
after cleaned on the coast of Africa before shipment, 
and the business diminished until it wa.s finally 
abandoned altogether. 

The trade with Zanzibar, Madagascar, Arabia and 



86 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the east coast of Africa has been continued by Salem 
merchants from the summer of 1826, when the ' Ann " 
was there, to the present day. In 1846, Salem had 
nine vessels there. The successors of the firm of 
John Bertram still continue the trade, but their ves- 
sels no longer enter the port of Salem. The last 
arrival at Salem from Zanzibar was the bark " Glide," 
May 1, 1870, and this was also the last arrival at Sa- 
lem of any vessel owned in Salem from beyond the 
Cape of Good Hope. 

The Cape of Good Hope Trade. — When the 
merchants of Salem, at the close of the Revolutionary 
War, sent their vessels on long voyages, the Cape of 
Good Hope was among the first places visited. In 
this a.s in most other trades established with distant 
countries Elias Hasket Derby was the first to lead the 
way. In 1781 he built at the South Shore a fast sail- 
ing ship of three hundred tons called the " Grand 
Turk " for use as a privateer. She carried twenty- 
two guns, and was remarkably successful in capturing 
prizes. In November, 1784, Mr. Derby despatched 
this vessel, under command of Jonathan Ingersoll, on 
the first voyage from Salem to the Cape of Good Hope. 
The cargo of the "Grand Turk " consisted, in part, of 
rum, which was sold to an English East India-man 
and delivered at the Island of St. Helena. From 
there she returned to Salem, via the West Indies, ar- 
riving in 1785. He bought in the West Indies, Gren- 
ada rum enough to load two vessels, sent home the 
" Grand Turk, " and returned himself in the " Atlan- 
tic." 

A striking incident is connected with this voyage 
of Captain Ingersoll. On his passage to Salem he res- 
cued the master and mate of the English schooner 
" Amity," whose crew had mutinied and set their 
officers adrift in a boat. After their arrival at Salem, 
Captain Duncanson of the " Amity " was sitting one 
day with Mr. Derby in his counting-room, and while 
using his spy-glass he saw his own vessel in the offing. 
Mr. Derby promptly manned one of his own brigs, 
put two pieces of ordnance on board of her, and, tak- 
ing with him the English captain, boarded and recap- 
tured the " Amity." 

Mr. Derby purchased a vessel which had been cap- 
tured from the British during the Revolutionary War. 
He named her the " Light Horse." This bark he 
sent, in January, 1787, to the Cape of Good Hope, un- 
der command of John Tucker. 

The captain wrote his first letter from Table Bay, 
dated May 15, 1787, giving an accountof asaleof part 
of the cargo. From the Cape he went to the Isle of 
France, sold the remainder of his cargo, loaded with 
coflee and some India goods, and returned to Salem, 
arriving in January, 1788. 

The brig " Hope," of one hundred and sixty tons 
burden, carrying eight men, made an annual voyage 
between Salem and the Cape of Good Hope for six 
consecutive years, entering at Salem in February, 
1790, in August, 1791, in July, 1792, in June, 1793, 



in May, 1794, and in July 1795. She was command- 
ed on the first three voyages by Jonathan Lambert, 
and on the last three by Samuel Lambert, and her car- 
go was consigned, on each voyage, to Jacob Ashton 
and others. The schooner " Ruth," Jonathan Lam- 
bert, Jr., master, entered in July, 1796, consigned to 
Jacob Ashton and others. The ship " Betsey," Jere- 
miah L. Page, master, entered in May, 1804, consign- 
ed to Abel Lawrence & Co. 

Coffee, wine, pepper, sugar, ivory and aloes were 
among the articles imported. Most of the direct 
trade with the Cape of Good Hope, was carried on be- 
fore the commencement of the jiresent century, and 
Jacob Ashton and Jonathan Lambert appear to have 
been largely engaged in it. 

The Austealian Trade. — Wherever a new chan- 
nel of trade was opened for Americans, Salem was 
either the first to open it, or her vessels followed close- 
ly after the pioneers. She was found asking for ad- 
mission to the port of Sydney, in 1832, and by a spe- 
cial order of the council, passed that year, the ship 
" Tybee," Charles Millett, master, was allowed to en- 
ter that port. This vessel was owned by Nathaniel 
L. Rogers and others, and was the first American ves- 
sel to enter the ports of Australia. The " Tybee " en- 
tered at Salem from Sydney January 20, 1835, again 
in March, 1836, and again in June, 1837. Joseph 
Rogers commanded her on these voyages, and her car- 
go consisted mainly of wool. The ship " Black War- 
rior," William Driver, master, entered from Sydney 
in September, 1835, and the ship " Shepherdess," J. 
Kinsman, master, in May, 1836, both bringing cargoes 
of wool. All the above-mentioned cargoes were con- 
signed to Nathaniel L. Rogers & Brothers. This trade 
did not prove profitable and it was not long continu- 
ed, the direct entries at Salem, from Sydney, being 
confined to the years 1835, '36 and '37. 

The Feejee Island.s Trade. — The enterprise of 
Salem merchants seems not to have been confined by 
the limits of the civilized world, but to have extended 
to all habitable countries, however remote and how- 
ever peopled. Salem was as familiar a name to the 
cannibals of the Feejee Islands, during the first half 
of the present century, as it was to the savages of 
Africa and Madagascar. In many of those wild coun- 
tries, the untutored natives thought Salem comprised 
all the remainder of the outer world about which they 
knew so little. Captain William P. Richardson, of 
Salem, was at the Feejee Islands in the bark "Active," 
in 1811. He sailed from Salem June 1, 1810, and left 
the Feejee Islands July 26, 1811, for Canton. He ar- 
rived at Salem March 27, 1812, one hundred and 
eighteen days from Canton. This was the first trad- 
ing voyage from Salem to the Feejee Islands. Com- 
mercial intercourse with these islands began about 
1806, probably by the vessels of the East India Com- 
pany. 

When Commodore Wilkes went on his famous ex- 
ploring expedition, he took with him as pilot and inter- 



SALEM. 



87 



preter, Captain Benjamin Vanderford, a Salem ship- 
master, who, having made many voyages to these is- 
lands, was familiar with the customs and language of 
the natives. Captain Vanderford died March 23, 
1842, on the passage home; and the commodore, writ- 
ing of him says : " During the cruise I had often ex- 
perienced his ust fulness. He had formerly been in 
command of various! vessels sailing from Salem, and 
had made many voyages to the Feejee Islands. Dur- 
ing our stay there, he was particularly useful in su- 
perintending all trade carried on to supply the ship." 
Commodore Wilkes was indebted to another Salem 
captain for bringing one of the vessels of his squad- 
ron, — the " Peacock," — safely into port, on the 12th 
of July, 1840. Captain J. H. Eagleston, of Salem, 
who was trading there at the time, rendered him this 
important service. The commodore, in his report to 
the government, says : "The squadron is much in- 
debted to Captain Eagleston for his attention and as- 
sistance. I am also indebted to him for observations 
relating to gales." 

Captain Eagleston made voyages to these islands 
between 1830 and 1840, in the bark " Peru," the ship 
" Emerald," the brig " Mermaid " and the ship 
" Leonidas." On one of his passages in the " Leoni- 
das " he caught several albatrosses, and tied to the 
neck of each a quill containing a slip of paper, on 
which was written "Ship Leonidas, of Salem, bound 
to New Zealand." One of these birds was caught by 
a French vessel off the Cape of Good Hope, several 
hundred miles away from the spot where it was first 
caught by Captain Eagleston. The news reached 
Salem March 21, 1840, and was the first news of this 
vessel since she sailed, on the 9th of August. Cap- 
tain Eagleston sailed for Stephen C. Phillips, who 
was a prominent merchant of Salem from about 1828 
to the time of his death, in 1857. Mr. Phillips was 
largely engaged in trade with the Feejee Islands, with 
Manila and other Eastern ports. In 1846 Salem had 
six vessels engaged in trade with the Feejee Islands. 
The usual voyage was from Salem to the Feejee 
Islands, where the vessel would remain, collecting 
the beche-de-mer, a sort of sea slug, found on reefs and 
in shallow water, and after drying and preparing 
them for the market, carry them either to Manila to 
exchange for sugar and hemp, or to China to ex- 
change for tea, the voyage usually consuming about 
two years. Salem almost monopolized this trade, 
and, in a work written in London, in 1858, by Thom- 
as Williams and James Calvert, missionaries at these 
islands, it is stated that the tralfic in sandal-wood, 
tortoise-shell and beche-de-mer, "has been, and still 
is, chiefly in the hands of Americans from the port of 
Salem." There are many curious articles at the Pea- 
body Academy of Science at Salem, which were 
brought from the Feejee Islands during the early 
voyages. 

Among the Salem merchants engaged in this trade 
were Nathaniel L. Rogers & Bros., Stephen C. Phil- 



lips, Samuel Chamberlain & Co. and Benjamin A. 
West. The bark " Zotott"," Benjamin Wallis, master, 
made several voyages to the Feejee Islands. Captain 
Wallis, on two of these voyages, covering a period 
from 1844 to 1850, was accompanied by his wife, who, 
upon her final return, wrote an account of her trav- 
els, in a book entitled, "Life in Feejee." She men- 
tions seeing the brig " Elizabeth," the bark "Samos," 
Captain H. J. Archer, the bark "Pilot," Captain 
Hartwell and the brig " Tim Pickering," all of Sa- 
lem, during the first voyage. The " Samos " was af- 
terwards condemned at Manila. The " Tim Picker- 
ing," Walden, master, while lying at Ovalou, in the 
Feejee Islands, was driven ashore in a severe gale, 
April 5, 1848, and became a total loss. Captain Ben- 
jamin Vanderford was at the Feejee Islands about 
1819, in the ship "Indus," and about 1822 in the 
" Roscoe." The bark " Dragon," Thomas C. Dunn, 
master, sailed from Salem February 22, 1854, and ar- 
rived at the Feejee Islands, a distance of sixteen 
thousand seven hundred and seventy miles, in eighty- 
five days, making the shortest passage ever made 
from the United States. She crossed the equator in 
twenty days, and passed Port Phillip, New Holland, 
seventy-three days out. She reached Salem from 
Manila September 4, 1856, with one thousand one 
hundred and seventy bales of hemp, consigned to 
Benjamin A. West. 

The seamen of Salem, visiting these islands, were 
exposed to peril of their lives from the ignorant and 
deceitful inhabitants, and to disaster to their ships 
from hidden reefs, of the existence of which they 
were unaware. In August, 1830, the brig " Fawn," 
James Briant master, and owned by Robert Brook- 
house, was lost at the Feejee Islands, and Captain 
Charles Millett, of the ship " Clay," gave captain and 
crew a passage to Manila. The ship " Glide," in 
March, 1832, was driven ashore at Tackanova, and 
lost. Her boat's crew were attacked by the natives, 
at Ovalou, December 26, 1831, and two of them killed. 
In the same gale which destroyed the " Glide," an- 
other Salem vessel, the brig " Niagara," was lost, at 
an island one hundred and forty miles from Tacka- 
nova. 

The brig " Charles Doggett," owned by Nathaniel 
L. Rogers & Bros., and commanded by George Batch- 
elder, was at Kandora, one of the Feejee Islands, in 
September, 1833, and her crew were curing the beche- 
de-mer for the East India market. They were at- 
tacked by the natives for the sake of plunder, and 
five of the crew were killed, including Charles Ship- 
man, the mate. The remainder escaped in the boats, 
but were all more or less injured. James Magoun, of 
Salem, who had lived among the islanders several 
years, was dangerously wounded. On the way to 
Manila, the vessel touched at the Pelew Islands, and 
the crew were again attacked by the natives, and a 
boy was killed. The vessel reached Salem, from 
]Manila, in October, 1834. 



88 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The story of a previous voyage of the " Charles 
Doggett," under the command of William Driver, is 
one of most romantic interest, and deserves a place 
in history. As an introduction, it may be well to 
give a brief account of the mutiny of the "Bounty," 
which, though an oft-repeated tale, is still one of 
thrilling interest. Captain William Bligh was sent 
by the British Government in the "Bounty" in De- 
cember, 1787, to Tahiti. He reached that island in 
October of the following year, and remained there six 
months, collecting bread-fruit plants, with which he 
started for Jamaica. Twenty-four days out, on the 
28th of April, 1789, a part of the crew mutinied, and 
forced Captain Bligh and eighteen men into the 
ship's launch, which they cast adrift, turning their 
own course back to Tahiti. The captain and his 
companions arrived on the 14th of June, after suffer- 
ing almost incredible hardships, at the island of 
Timor, a distance of three thousand six hundred 
nautical miles from the place where they were aban- 
doned. The mutineers, after staying at Tahiti for 
some time, fearing pursuit, sailed eastward, taking 
with them eighteen natives, six men and twelve 
women, and leaving part of their comrades at Tahiti. 
They landed at Pitcairn Island, a solitary island in 
the Pacific Ocean, lying at the southeast corner of 
the great Polynesian Archipelago, having an area of 
only one and a quarter square miles. Here they 
took up their residence, and burned the " Bounty." 
From the time they left Tahiti, in 1792. nothing was 
heard of them, until an American, Captain Folger, 
touched at the island in 1808. At this time, all the 
men, save Alexander Smith, and several of the wom- 
en, were dead. The island was visited by British 
vessels in 1825 and 1830. 

In 1831 their numbers had increased to eighty- 
seven, and the island was scantily provided with 
water. At their own request, they were transported 
by the British Government to Tahiti. All the origi- 
nal settlers were dead, and their descendants had 
been reared away from contact with the world, and 
were, despite their wild ancestry, virtuous and re- 
ligious. Never having looked upon vice, they found 
themselves among a people where virtue was un- 
known. Disgusted with the immoralities of the Ta- 
hitians, the most loose, voluptuous and unchaste peo- 
ple that exist under the tropic sun, they yearned 
with a homesick longing for the isolation and quiet 
of the little island that had so recently been their 
home. 

It was at this time that the brig " Charles Doggett," 
William Driver, master, and owned by Nathaniel L. 
Rogers & Brothers, arrived at Tahiti. These poor 
homesick people besought Captain Driver to take 
them back to their native island. For their own 
sake, but above all for the sake of their children, they 
desired to leave this land of sensual indulgence. 
Captain Driver finally consented to carry them, sixty- 
five in number, back to the island, fourteen hundred 



miles away, from whence they had so recently 
arrived, taking in pay some old copper, twelve blan- 
kets and one hundred and twenty-nine dollars in 
missionary drafts. They left on the 15th of August, 
1831, and were landed on Pitcairn Island on Septem- 
ber 3rd, after an absence of about nine months. In 
1855, finding their numbers again too large for the 
island, for they now numbered two hundred and two, 
they petitioned the British Government, and, in 1856, 
were removed to Norfolk Island. In 1859, two fami- 
lies, in all seventeen, returned to Pitcairn Island. 
An English writer, in speaking of them, says: "From 
their frequent intercourse with Europeans, the Pit- 
cairn Islanders have, while retaining their virtuous 
simplicity of character and cheerful, hospitable dis- 
position, acquired the manners and polish of civilized 
life, with its education and taste." 

May it not well be said that a Salem vessel saved 
this people from sinking into the immoral life that 
surrounded them at Tahiti, and that in their strange 
and romantic history there is no chapter more impor- 
tant than that which records the assistance rendered 
them by Salem in their time of need ? 

The South American Trade. — The trade be- 
tween Salem and South America has been quite ex- 
tensive. This trade began early, and continued to be 
jirosecuted after trade with other foreign countries 
had been abandoned. On the 25th of August, 1789, 
the schooner " Lark" arrived from Surinam with 
sugar and cocoa. The brig " Katy," Nathaniel 
Brown, master, cleared for Cayenne in April, 1798, 
with fish, flour, bacon, butter, oil, tobacco, candles 
and potter's ware. The schooner "Sally," Daniel 
Proctor, master, cleared for Cayenne in March, 1802. 
For forty years, from 1820 to 1 860, there was constant 
commercial intercourse between Salem and the ports 
of South America. 

Para was the port most frequently visited, there 
having been four hundred and thirty-five arrivals at 
Salem from that port, mainly between the years 1826 
and 1860. The largest number of arrivals in a single 
year was in 1853, when twenty vessels entered. The 
last entries were in 1861. Rubber, hides, cocoa, 
coffee and castana nuts were among the articles im- 
ported. A few of the entries from Para are given, to 
indicate the merchants engaged in this traffic : The 
schooner " Betsey," James Meagher, master, entered 
from Para in March, 1811, with cassia, coffee and 
cocoa, consigned to John Howard; the schooner 
" Four Sisters," Joseph Ervin, master, in August, 

1811, with one hundred and thirty-eight thousand 
pounds of cocoa, to William Orne; the schooner 
"Resolution," Edward Brown, Jr., master, in July, 

1812, consigned to Jeremiah L. Page; the brig "Mer- 
cator," Samuel B. Graves, master, in September, 1817, 
to Robert Upton ; the schooner " Cyrus," Benjamin 
Russell, master, in March, 1820, to Robert Upton ; 
the schooner " Charles," Richard Smith, master, in 
August, 1822, to Michael Shepard ; the schoon^ 



SALEM. 



89 



"Phcebe," Benjamin Upton, master, in December, 
1824, to Robert Upton ; the schooner " Leader," Na- 
thaniel Griften, master, in April, 1826, to Richard 
Savory ; the schooner " Dollar," Thomas Holmes, 
master, in April, 1826, to David Pingree; the schoon- 
er " Cepheus," Charles Holland, master, in August, 
1826, to Joseph Howard; the brig " Romp," Clarke, 
master, in December, 1828, to Thomas P. Pingree and 
Michael Shejiard ; the schooner " Gazelle," Warren 
Strickland, master, in August, 1830, to James Brown ; 
the brig " Abby M.," R. Wheatland, master, in Octo- 
ber, 1830, to Gideon Tucker ; the brig " Amethyst," 
John Willis, master, in July, 1831, to Robert LTpton ; 
the brig " Fredonia," S. K. Appleton, master, in Sep- 
tember, 1832, to Benjamin Creamer ; the brig " De- 
posit," G. E. Bailey, master, in January, 1842, to 
James Upton (this vessel made regular trips between 
Salem and Para) ; the brig " Mermaid," C. Conway, 
master, in April, 1842, to P. I. Farnham ; the brig 
"Eagle," M. S. Wheeler, master, in December, 1842, 
to Benjamin Upton ; the brig " Deposit," under com- 
mand of Charles Upton, entered in March, 1844, and 
made several voyages thereafter, consigned to Luther 
Upton; the brig "Granite," S. Upton, master, en- 
tered in October, 1844, and made regular trips, to S- 
F. Upton ; the brig " Rattler," C. W. Trumbull, mas- 
ter, entered in July, 1846, and made a number o 
voyages, consigned to John Bertram ; the brig " M' 
Shepard," H. B. Manning, master, entered in March 
1853, and continued for some time in the trade, con- 
Bigned to John Bertram. Messrs. Phippen and Endi- 
cott were the last among the Salem merchants engaged 
in this trade. There were two entries in the year 
1861, and these entries closed the trade of Salem with 
Para. 

There has been a large trade between Salem and 
Cayenne, beginning in the last century. The whole 
number of arrivals from this port between the years 
1810 and 1877 was about three hundred. The largest 
number of entries in a single year was in 1835, when 
there were eleven entries from that port. From 1835 
to 1840 inclusive, there were fifty-eight entries. The 
Cayenne trade was the last foreign trade engaged in 
by Salem merchants at the port of Salem. 

Among the entries from that port was that of the 
brig "Trial," Eben Learock, master, in June, 1810, 
with molasses and cofl'ee, consigned to Francis 
Quarles ; the schooner " Rachel," Mark Knowlton, 
master, in August, 1812, to John AVinn ; the brig 
'• Return," Henry King, master, in March, 1813, to 
Thomas Perkins ; the schooner " Essex," Thomas 
Cloutman, master, in May, 1816, with cocoa, molasses 
and almonds, to William Fabens; the brig " Ram- 
bler," W. D. Shatswell, master, in February, 1821, to 
William Fabens, and in February, 1828, to Benjamin 
Fabens ; the brig " Cynthia," in July, 1821, to J. H. 
Andrews ; in 1824, to Michael Shepard, and in 1825, 
to David Pingree ; the brig " General Jackson," 
Shatswell, master, in May, 1826, to P. I. Faridiam ; 
7 



the brig " Jeremiah," Joshua F. Safford, master, in 
June, 1821, to David Pingree; the brig " Rotund," 
Joseph R. Winn, master, in May, 1825, to Benjamin 
Fabens; the schooner " Betsey and Eliza," Benjamin 
Pickering, master, in August, 1829, to Joseph Shats- 
well ; the schooner " Numa," D. R. Upton, m:\stcr, 
in March, 1833, to Robert LTpton ; the brig " Romp," 
Peter Lassen, master, in September, 1851, to Joseph 
Shatswell ; the brig " Esther," W. H. Fabens, master, 
in February, 1850, to Benjamin Fabens, Jr., and in 
August, 1850, Peter Lassen, master, to Charles H. 
Fabens ; the bark " Lawrence," Fabens, master, in 
September, 1851, to Charles H. Fabens. 

David Pingree and Jo.seph Shatswell were largely 
engaged in this trade. The Fabens family for four 
generations have carried (m the trade between Salem 
and Cayenne. William Fabens began it about 1816, 
Benjamin Fabens about 1825, Charles H. Fabens 
about 1850, and Charles E. and Benjamin H. F.abens 
about 1869. The successive generations have prose- 
cuted the trade continuously from 1816 to the present 
day. The last named removed the business to Boston 
in 1877, and now carry it on from that port. The 
last arrival at Salem from a South American port was 
the schooner "Mattie F," which was entered from 
Cayenne, by Messrs. C. E. & B. H. Fabens, March 
21, 1877. The entry of the "Mattie F." closed the 
foreign trade of Salem. 

The trade between Salem and Buenos Ayres is the 
next in importance. From 1816 to 1860, inclusivCj 
there were one hundred and twenty-one arrivals at 
Salem from this port. The period of greatest activity 
was from 1841 to 1860. Robert Upton, James Upton, 
David Pingree and Benjamin A. West were among 
the merchants priocipally engaged in this trade. The 
entries from this port include that of the brig " Nancy 
Ann," John B. Osgood, master, in April, 1816, to 
Stephen Phillips; the ship " Diomede," Samuel L^ 
Page, master, in March, 1817, to Philip (/base ; the 
brig " Cambrian," H. G. Bridges, master, in June, 
1823, to Joseph Peabody ; the brig " Bolivar Libera- 
tor," James Garney, master, in January, 1831, to P. 
I. Farnham ; the bark " Chalcedony," J. E. A. Todd, 
master, entered in April, 1841, and made several voy-^ 
ages thereafter, commanded by Captain Todd, and a 
number after 1849, with George LTjjton as master (she 
was consignedjon these voyages to James Upton) ; the 
bark " Three Brothers," Welch, master, entered in 
May, 1843, consigned to David Pingree; the brig 
"Cherokee," Mansfield, master, entered in October, 
1843, consigned to Michael Shepard; the brig "Ga- 
zelle," Dewing, ma.ster, in November, 1843, to John 
Bertram; the brig " Olinda," S. Hutchinson, master, 
in December, 1843, to Gideon Tucker ; the bark 
"King Philip," George Upton, master, in June, 1844, 
to James Upton ; the brig " Gambia," G. E. Bailey, 
master, in September, 1848, to Benjamin A. West; 
the bark "Maid of Orleans," Charles Upton, master 
iu September, 1848, and uri several sub.sequent voy- 



90 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ages, consigned to James Upton ; the bark " Man- 
chester," S. Upton, master, in May, 1853, to Robert 
Upton; the brig "Russell," in August, 1854, to Geo. 
Savory; the bark "Salera," in August, 1860, to Jas. 
Upton. The last entry at Salem from Buenos Ayres 
was in 1860. 

Rio Grande was a place with which Salem mer- 
chants traded quite extensively. Hides and horns 
were the principal articles imported. From 1817 to 
1860 there were one hundred and fifty-five arrivals at 
Salem from that i>rovince, and of that number, one 
hundred were during the period from 1845 to 1854 in- 
clusive. The largest number of arrivals in a single 
year was seventeen, in the year 1851. The Uptons 
were largely interested in this trade, as they were in 
most of the Salem trade with the ports on the eastern 
coast of South America. Robert Upton, James Up- 
ton, Benjamin Upton, Luther Upton and H. P. Upton 
and David Pingree, George Savory, Thomas P. Piu- 
gree, Benjamin Webb and David Moore were among 
those engaged in trade with Rio Grande. 

From the list of entries from that place at Salem a 
few are given. A complete list would hardly interest 
the general reader. The brig " Trader," John Eve- 
leth, master, entered in June, 1817, with tallow con- 
signed to Edwiird Lander; the brig "Rotund," John 
Ingersoll, master, in July, 1822, to Gideon Tucker; 
the brig " Cynthia," Shillaber, master, in October, 
1828, to David Pingree ; the brig " Abby M.," R. 
Wheatland, master, in October, 1829, to Putnam I. 
Farnham and others ; the brig " Quill," Thomas Far- 
ley, master, in November, 1831, to Nathaniel L. Rog- 
ers & Bros. ; the brig " Mermaid," George Savory, 
master, in May, 1841 to Benjamin Upton ; the brig 
" Northumberland," Kane, master, in November, 
1842, to Thomas P. Pingree; the bark "Chalcedony," 
J. E. A. Todd, master, in October, 1846, to James 
Upton, and in May, 1847, to Luther Upton ; the brig 
" Russell," R. F. Savory, master, in May, 1847, to H. 
P. Upton ; the bark " William Schroder," J. E. A. 
Todd, master, in March, 1848, to Robert Upton ; the 
bark " Wyman," J. Madison, master, in July, 1849, 
to James Upton (this vessel made many trips be- 
tween Salem and Rio Grande, commanded by George 
Harrington); the bark "Sophronia," E. A. Emmer- 
ton, master, in July, 1849, to Ephraim Emmerton ; 
the schooner " Maria Theresa," O. Baker, Jr., master, 
in August, 1849, to D. R. Bowker ; the brig "Draco," 
E. S. Johnson, master, in October, 1849, and in April, 
1850, to David Moore ; the brig " Prairie," E. Upton, 
inaster, in November, 1850, to George Savory and 
others- the bark "Delegate," D. Marshall, master, in 
January, 1851, to Benjamin Webb and others; the 
bark " Arrow," in June, 1860, to James Upton. There 
were two entries from Rio Grande in 1860, and with 
those entries the Salem trade with that place closed. 
There was a single entry from Rio Grande in 1870, 
but neither vessel nor cargo was owned by Salem 
merchants. 



The Salem trade with Montevideo began about 
1811, and ended in 1861. There was no entry from 
this port between 1811 and 1823. The largest num- 
ber of entries was during the years 1847, '48 and '53. 
Robert Upton, James Upton and Benjamin A. West 
were among those engaged in trading with that port. 
Hides and horns were the principal articles imported. 
The brig " Hope," Benjamin Jacob.s, master, entered 
in June, 1811, consigned to Thomas Perkins; the ship 
" Glide," Nathan Endicott, master, entered in Novem- 
ber, 1823, consigned to Joseph Peabody ; the brig 
" Chalcedony," George Upton, master, in May, 1839, 
and in (October, 1847, to James Upton ; and in March, 
1848, to Luther Upton ; the bark " Zotoff," G. E. 
Bailey, master, in January, 1853, and again in Au- 
gust, 1853, to Benjamin A. West; the bark "Peacock," 
Upton, master, in April, 1853, to Robert Upton ; the 
bark " Argentine," George Upton, master, in June, 
1853, to James Upton; the bark "Miquelon," S. 
Hutchinson, in July, 1853, to E. H. Folmer; the 
brig "Mary A. Jones," in January, 1860, and again 
in July 1860, to Benjamin A. West. There was a sin- 
gle entry in 1861, the last entry at Salem from Mon- 
tevideo. 

In the years 1824 and 1825 there were twenty-four 
entries from Maranham. From 1817 to 1858 there 
were one hundred and ten entries. Joseph Howard 
and James Brown were among those most largely in- 
terested in this trade. The brig " Henry," George 
Burchmore, master, entered from Maranham in Jan- 
uary, 1817, consigned to Stephen White; the brig 
" Anson," Haskett D. Lang, master, in May, 1819, to 
P. & A. Chase ; the brig " Alonzo,'' George K. Smith, 
master, in August, 1819, to Joseph Howard ; the brig 
"Betsey," Timothy Ropes, master, in August, 1819, 
to George Nichols ; the schooner " Mermaid," John 
Willis, master, in April, 1824, to Pickering Dodge ; 
the schooner " General Brewer," George Gale, master, 
in August, 1825, to Stephen White; the brig "Stork," 
Stephen Gale, master, in November, 1825, to James 
Brown and others ; the brig " Calliope," George 
Creamer, master, in March, 1826, to Robert Upton ; 
the schooner "Spy," Benjamin Russell, master, in 
April, 1826, to Nathaniel L. Rogers & Bros.; the brig 
" Edward," Thomas C. Whittredge, master, in May, 

1826, to Thomas Whittredge; the schooner "Sally 
Barker," F. Quarles, master, in June, 1826, to Mi- 
chael Shepard ; the brig " Stork," Oliver Thayer, 
master, in July, 1826, to Joseph Howard ; the brig 
" Cynthia," Benjamin Shillaber, master, in April, 

1827, to David Pingree ; the brig " Wm. Penn," S. K. 
Appleton, master, in January, 1836, to John F. 
Allen; the brig "Amethyst," R. Hill, Jr., master, in 
February, 1837, to J.ames Upton ; the brig " Palm," 
in September, 1840, to Thomas P. Pingree; the 
schooner "East Wind," in June, 1858, to Phippen & 
Endicott ; and this entry closed the Salem trade with 
Maranham. 

Surinam was visited early by Salem vessels. The 



SALEM. 



91 



period of the greatest activity in this trade was be- 
tween the years 1797 and 1810. There were twelve 
arrivals at Salem from this place in 1799, and the 
same nnmber in 1804. There were two entries in 
1800, the lust made at Salem from Surinam. Coftee, 
cocoa, sugar, cotton, molasses and distilled spirits, 
were the principal articles imported. 

The schooner "Saint John,'" W. Grafton, master, 
entered from Surinam in October, 1791, consigned to 
Joseph Waters. The brig " Lydia," Eben Shillaber, 
master, in August, 1790, to William Gray. The 
brig "Three Friends," John Endicott, master, in Oc- 
tober, 1790, to Jonathan Gardner and Joseph Pea- 
body. The schooner " Cynthia," Hezekiah Flint, 
master, in December, 179G, to Joseph Peabody and 
Thomas Perkins. The schooner " Diligent," James 
Buffington, master, in February, 1797, to Joseph 
Sprague & Sons. The brig "Katy," Nathaniel 
Brown, master, in August, 1798, to Benjamin Pick- 
man, Jr. The schooner " Fame," Downing Lee, 
master, in April, 1798, to Samuel Gray and John Os- 
good. The brig " Neptune," Robert Barr, master, in 
May, 1797, to John Barr. The ship "Henry," Ste- 
]ihen Webb, master, in June, 1799, to Elias H. Der- 
by. The ship "Belisarius," Edward Allen, master, in 
August, 1799, to George Crowninshicld & Sous. 
The schooner "Helen," Samuel King, master, in No- 
vember, 1799, to Benjamin West. The ship "Atlan- 
tic," Eben Learock, master, in April, 1804, to Joseph 
Peabody. The bark " Active," John Endicott, mas- 
ter, in July, 1804, to Benjamin Hodges. The schoon- 
er " LTnion," Moses Yell, master, in December, 1807, 
to Michael Shepard. The brig " Nabby," Hardy 
Phippen, master, in April, 1808, to Samuel Archer, 
3d. The brig "Union," Timothy Kopes, master, in 
October, 1823, to John H. Andrews. The brig 
"Rambler," S. Upton, master, in March, 1829, to 
Benjamin Fabens. The brig " Cynthia," John G. 
Waters, master, in August, 1829, to David Pingree. 
The ship " William and Henry," C. H. Fabens, mas- 
ter, in January, 1838, to David Pingree. The brig 
" Mary Francis," in July, 18.5.T, to Joseph Shatswell. 
The bark " Lawrence," in Ajiril. 1857, to Charles H. 
Fabens. The brig " Elizabeth," in April, 1860, and 
in August, 1860, to Benjamin Webb. The above- 
mentioned entries show the names of the Salem mer- 
chants engaged in trade with Surinam. 

There were three entries at Salem from Rio Janeiro 
in 1810. The largest number of entries in a single 
year was in 1824, when six vessels entered from that 
port. The schooner "Mercury," Edward Barnard, 
Jr., master, entered from that ])ort in June, 1810, con- 
signed to Nathaniel West. The brig " New Hazard," 
Edward Stanley, master, in July, 1810, to John Gard- 
ner, Jr. The ship " Marquis de Someruelas," Thomas 
Russell, master, in July, 1810, to John Gardner, Jr. 
and Michael Shepard. The ship ".John," Jeremiah 
Briggs, master, in March, 1811, to George Crownin- 
shicld. The brig " Cora," P. P. Pinel, master, in De- 



cember, 1811, to Jerathmael Pierce. The brig 
"Alonzo," Philemon Putnam, master, in April, 182-'?, 
to Joseph Howard. The ship " Friendship," Rich- 
ard Meek, master, in November, 1823, and again in 
November, 1824, to George Nichols. The brig 
"Pioneer," Andrew Ward, master, in April, 1824, to 
John W. Rogers. The brig " Edward," Thomas C. 
Whittredge, master, in August, 1824, to Thomas 
Whittredge. The brig "Roscius," J. Kinsman, mas- 
ter, in November, 1824, to Robert Upton. The brig 
"Thom.as Perkins," B. Shillaber, ma.ster, in Septem- 
ber, 1832, to Michael Shepard. The bark " Richard," 
J. Hodges, master, in November, 1832, to Joseph 
Hodges. The bark " Imaun," Batchelder, master, in 
April, 1852, to Benjamin A. West. The entry of the 
" Imaun " closed the Salem trade with Rio Janeiro. 
The principal articles imported were coffee and sugar. 

In August, 1832, the brig "Mexican," of Salem, 
owned by Joseph Peabody, and connnanded by John 
G. Butman, of Beverly, left Salem for Rio Janeiro, 
having on board twenty thousand dollars in specie. 
On September 20th, between the hours of eight and 
nine A. m., she was hailed by the piratical Spanish 
schooner, " Pinda," Commander Gilbert. The pirates 
came on board the " Mexican," and threatened all 
hands with instant death unless the specie was im- 
mediately produced. They obliged the crew to bring 
the boxes containing it on deck, when they at once 
transferred it to the schooner. They then ransacked 
the cabin and rifled the captain's pockets, taking his 
watch and money. Not being successful in finding 
any more specie aboard the brig, the pirates returned 
on board their schooner. In eight or ten minutes 
they came back, apparently in great haste, shut all 
the crew below, fiistened the companion-way, fore 
scuttle and after hatchway ; stove the compa-sses to 
pieces in the binnacles, and cut away tiller-ropes, 
halliards, braces and most of the running rigging. 
They then took a tub of tarred rope-yarn, and wh.at 
they could find combustible about the deck, put it 
into the caboose-house and set it on fire. As soon as 
the pirates left, the crew of the " Mexican " reached 
the deck through the cabin scuttle, which the pirates 
had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire, 
which, in a few moments, would have set the main 
sail on fire and destroyed the masts. The crew im- 
mediately repaired damages, as far as possible, and 
set sail for home, where they arrived October 12th. 
It was, doubtless, the intenti-on of the pirates to burn 
the brig, but seeing another ve.ssel in the distance, 
and being eager for more plunder, they did not stop 
to fully accomplish their design, and the crew thus 
escaped a horrible fete. The "Mexican" had a 
crew of thirteen men ; among those now living are 
John Battis, Jacob Anderson and Thon;as Fuller, all 
of Salem. 

Our government ordered a vessel to cruise in pur- 
.suit of the pirate, but she soon gave up the chase as 
ho])rless. The piratical ve.ssel w.as afterwards caji- 



92 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tured by an English vessel, and on August 27, 1834, 
H. B. M. brig " Savage," Lieutenant Commander 
Loney, commanding, from Portsmouth, England, ar- 
rived in Salem harbor with sixteen of the pirates as 
prisoners. They had an examination in Salem, and 
then were taken to Boston, and tried before Chief- 
Justice Story. Five of them were banged June 11, 
1835. Bernardo de Soto, the mate of the " Pinda," 
when master of the Spanish brig, "Leon," had, in 
1831, at great personal risk, rescued seventy-two per- 
sons from the burning ship "Minerva," of Salem, 
Captain George W. Putnam, and for the bravery and 
humanity displayed by him on this occasion, he was 
pardoned by President Jackson. 

Pernambuco was a port at which many Salem ves- 
sels touched for orders. There were not a great many 
direct entries at Salem from that port. The largest 
number was in 1826, when there were six entric*. 
Among the entries were the brig "Welcome Return," 
Jeremiah Briggs, master, in September, 1809, con- 
signed to Josiah Dow. The schooner "Hannah," 
Edward Briggs, master, in June, 1810, to Josiah 
Dow. The brig " Alonzo," Isaac Killam, master, in 
August, 1811, to John Derby. The schooner "Ris- 
ing States," Samuel Lamson, master, in March, 1812, 
to James Cook. The ship " Endeavor," Nathaniel 
L. Rogers, master, in May, 1812, to John Forrester. 
The brig " Levant," Samuel Eea, master, in October, 
1812. to Joseph Peabody. The brig " Cora," Philip 
P. Pinel, master, in September, 1815, to Jerathniael 
Peirce. The brig " Eliza," Stephen Gale, master, in 
November, 1819, to Benjamin Barstow. The brig 
" Eliza and Mary," S. Benson, master, in November, 

1825, to S. White and F. H. Story. The brig " Olin- 
da," E. Wheatland, master, in December, 1825, and 
in June, 1826, to Gideon Tucker. The brig " Wash- 
ington," A. Marshall, master, in August, 1826, to 
William Fettyplace. The brig " Amethyst," R. Hill, 
Jr., master, in May, 1836, to Robert Upton. The 
brig " Mermaid," George Savory, master, in May, 
1840, to Putnam I. Farnham. The brig " Gazelle/' 
J. Dewing, master, in March, 1841, to Joseph Shats- 
well. The entry of the " Gazelle " closed the direct 
trade between Salem and Pernambuco. The jjrinci- 
pal article imported thence was sugar. 

Bahia, Paraiba and Patagonia on the eastern coast, 
and Valparaiso, Lima and Guayaquil on the western 
coast of South America, were among the places from 
which vessels entered at the port of Salem. The 
trade with these places was not very extensive. The 
brig " Blakely," Benjamin Fabeus, master, entered 
from Bahia in July, 1819, with molasses, consigned 
to William Fabens. The brig "Lion," J. P. Felt, 
master, entered from Bahia in June, 1821, consigned 
to John Dike. The brig " Augusta," Seth Rogers, 
master, entered from Bahia in March, 1824, consigned 
to Gideon Tucker. The brig " Mercator," Aaron 
Miller, master, entered from Bahia in September, 

1826, consigned to John F. Andrew. The schooner 



" Generous," E. B. Hooper, master, made several 
voyages in 1832 and '33 between Salem and Paraiba, 
consigned to Michael Shepard. The ship " China," 
H. Putnam, master, entered from Lima in July, 
1828, consigned to Joseph Peabody. The brig 
" Herald," Aaron W. Williams, master, entered from 
Guayaquil in August, 1824, consigned to George 
Nichols. The brig "Phcenix," George Hodges, Jr., 
master, entered from Guayaquil in December, 1826, 
with one hundred and sixty-six thousand one hun- 
dred and twenty pounds of cocoa, consigned to Moses 
Townsend. The brig " Java," Nathaniel Osgood, 
master, entered, from Guayaquil in January, 1829, 
and proceeded to New York. 

The West Coast of Africa Teadb. — If the na- 
tives on the west coast of Africa have been temper- 
ate they have been so in spite of the efforts of the 
Salem merchants, to supply them with the materials 
for intemperance. The trade opened early, and Oc- 
tober 6, 1789, the schooner " Sally," and October 8, 
1789, the schooner "Polly," cleared for Senegal, each 
with a cargo of New England rum ; and from that 
time forward, Salem has contributed largely to spread 
a knowledge of the potent qualities of New England 
rum, of the astounding effects of gunpowder and of 
the consoling influences of Virginia tobacco, among 
the savage tribes of the West Coast. The Salem 
trade with this coast has been quite extensive. The 
period of the greatest activity was between the years 
1832 and 1864. During that time, there were five 
hundred and fifty-eight arrivals at Salem from the 
West Coast of Africa. From 1844 to 1860, only the 
years 1854 and 1855 show less than twenty entries. 
Robert Brookhouse, Daniel Abbot, Putnam I. Farn- 
ham, David Pingree, William Hunt, Charles Hoff- 
man, Edward D. Kimball and George West, were 
among those engaged in this trade. Hides, palm- 
oil, peanuts and gum-copal, were the principal ar- 
ticles imported. Among the entries were the brig 
" St. John," Thomas Bowditch, master, which en- 
tered from Sierra Leone in June, 1796, consigned to 
Henry Gardner & Co. The brig "Sukey," John Ed- 
wards, master, which entered from Senegal in July, 
1801, consigned to Henry Prince & Co. The brig 
" Star," Richard J. Cleveland, master, entered from 
Goree in July, 1808, consigned to John Derby. The 
brig " Siren," James Vent, master, entered in March, 
1828, consigned to Robert Brookhouse. The schoon- 
er " Fredonia," Charles Hoffman, master, in Septem- 
ber, 1829, to Daniel Abbot. The brig "Shawmut," 
J. Emerton, master, in July, 1831, to Robert Brook- 
house. The schooner " Complex," J. Burnham, mas- 
ter, in June, 1832, to Richard S. Rogers. The schoon- 
er " Dollar," John Stickney, master, in September, 
1835, to Putnam I. Farnham. The brig "Selina and 
Jane," Joseph Rider, master, in August, 1836, to 
David Pingree. The brig " Elizabeth," N. Frye, 
master, in March, 1837, and in November, 1837, J. 
A. Phipps, master, consigned to William Hunt. 



SALEM. 



93 



The brig "Cipher," J. Rider, master, in August, 1839, 
to Charles Hoft'man. The brig "Tigris," N. A. 
Frye, master, in December, 1840, to Robert Brook- 
house. The brig " Malaga," S. Varney, master, in 
Octobei, 1844, to E. G. Kimball. The brig "Her- 
ald," P. Ayres, master, in February, 1845, to William 
Hunt. The brig " Hamilton," H. Tufts, master, in 
March, 1847, to Edward D. Kimball. The brig 
" Fawn," J. Rider, master, in June, 1847, to George 
■West. The brig " Tam O'Shanter," J. R. Francks, 
master, in February, 1848, to Benjamin Webb. The 
brig " Ohio," Josiah Webber, master, in April, 1848, 
to Edward D. Kimball. After 1848 the trade was 
largely in the hands of Robert Brookhouse, Edward 
D. Kimball and Charles Hotfman. The last arrival 
at Salem from the Wes^ Coast of Africa was the brig 
"Ann Elizabeth," from Sierra Leone, which was en- 
tered by Charles Hoft'man in July, 187.S. Salem mer- 
chants are still engaged in this trade, but their vessels 
do not enter the harbor of Salem. 

The West India Teade — The early trade of Sa- 
lem was mainly in the product of her fisheries. The 
first settlers came hither for the purpose of establish- 
ing a fishing and trading post, and among their first 
acts was the building of stages on which fish could be 
dried and prepared for consumption. The islands of 
the West Indies offered a market for the exchange of 
the fish for other products, such as sugar, cotton and 
tobacco, and it was natural that a trade between Sa- 
lem and those islands should commence at a very 
early period. The island of Barbadoes, one of the 
Carribbean group, was one of the earliest places at 
which Salem vessels traded. Salem was trading with 
Barbadoes as early as 1G47. William Hollingworth, 
then a merchant in Barbadoes, writes to his mother, 
Mrs. Eleanor Hollingworth, at Salem, under date of 
September 19, 11)87, that " fish now att present bares 
a good rate by reason ye Newfoundland men are not 
yet come in but I believe itt will be low anuffe about 
three months hence. Oyle will be ye principal com- 
uioditie. Pray lett my brother see this letter. I can- 
not tell what to advise him to send as yett besides 
oyle but in a short time wee shall see what these New- 
foundland men will doe, what quantity of fish they 
bring in, and then I will advise him further." 

The ketch " Providence," John Grafton, master, on 
her passage from Salem to the West Indies, in Sep- 
tember, 1669, was cast away on a rock in a rainy 
night, and six of the crew were drowned. The mas- 
ter, mate and a seaman remained on the rock till 
morning. They then succeeded, with difficulty, in 
reaching an island about half a mile away, where they 
found another of their company. There they remain- 
ed eight days sustained by salt fish ; and the last four 
days by cakes made from a barrel of flour which had 
been washed ashore. After four days they found a 
piece of touch-wood and a flint, and with the aid of a 
small knife, they struck fire. They framed a boat 
with a tarred miinsail and some hoops, and then fas- 



tened pieces of boards to them. With this boat, so 
made, they sailed ten leagues to Anguilla and St. 
Martin's, where they were kindly received. Joshua 
Ward was one of these sufferers. 

The dangers to which these early navigators were 
exjiosed we can hardly realize. With no correct 
charts and with the rudest instruments, they had no 
method of fixing their exact location while at sea. 
The dangers of approaching coasts were also vastly 
greater, ow-ing to the want of light-houses. Boston 
light-house was first lit up in 1716 ; Thatcher's Island 
light-house in 1771 ; and Baker's Island light-house 
in 1798. It is related that in 1788 a schooner from 
Bilboa, bound for Marblehead, was only saved from 
shipwreck by a seaman first seeing the rock in our 
harbor called " Satan," close to the bows (there was a 
snowstorm at the time), and shouting the fact to the 
crew ; the captain being then for the first time aware 
of his true longitude on the coast. 

Salem was trading with the Barbadoes for cotton 
in 1685, for in September of that year, as the small- 
pox raged there, the selectmen order " that all cotton- 
wool imported thence shall be landed on Baker's Is- 
land." In 1686 the Governor issues a pass to the 
pink "Speedwell," Thomas Beadle, master, to go to 
Barbadoes; to the ketch ' Hannah," John Ingcrsoll, 
master, for Fayal and Barbadoes; to the ketch "In- 
dustry," Lewis Hunt, master, Ibr St. Christopher's ; 
and to the ketch " Penelojje," Edward Hilliard, mas- 
ter, also for St. Christopher's. In 1688 a similar i)as9 
is issued to the ketch " Diligence," Gamaliel Haw- 
kins, master, and the ketch "Virgin," John Allin, 
ma.ster, both bound for Antigua ; and in 1689, to the 
pink " Dove," Zebulon Hill, master, and the ketch 
" James Bonaventure," Philij) Prance, master, both 
bound for Barbadoes. In 1688 Philip English is trad- 
ing with St. Christopher's. 

The records of our early commerce are vague and 
fragmentary, but enough is known to indicate that 
the Salem trade with the West Indies was continued, 
in a greater or less degree, from the year 1638, when 
the ship " Desire " made a voyage to New Providence 
and Tortuga, and returned laden with cotton, tobacco, 
salt and negroes (slaves), the latter the first imported 
into New England, to a very late period in her com- 
mercial history. In 1639 the first importation of in- 
digo and sugar seems to have been made, and in 1642 
eleven vessels sailed from New England for the West 
Indies with lumber. The custom-house records 
prior to the Revolution have disappeared. Possibly 
they were destroyed in the great fire of 1774, when 
the custom-house was burned, or, it may be, carried 
to Halifax at the breaking out of the war. They 
have never been found, and we must content ourselves 
with such information as can be gleaned from other 
sources. 

The law imposing a tax on sugar and molasses 
created great dissatisfaction among the Salem mer- 
chants, and there were uianv forfeitures in conse- 



94 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



quence. Tt was upon a petition of James Cockle, Col- 
lector at Salem, for a warrant to search for smuggled 
molasses, heard at the old State House in Boston, Feb- 
ruary, 1761, that James Otis made his immortal plea 
against writs of assistance. 

The temper of the usually law-abiding people of Sa- 
lem regarding the imposition of these duties may be 
judged by their treatment of poor Thomas Row, who 
seems to have performed only his duty as a customs 
officer. From a local paper under the date of Sep- 
tember 13, 1768, the following extract is made : 

" One Eow, a Custom House waiter, on Wednesday 
last, by informing an officer of the Customs that some 
measures were taken on board a vessel in this Har- 
bor, to elude the payment of certain duties, engaged 
the attention of a number of the inhabitants, who de- 
termined to distinguish him in a conspicuous manner 
for his conduct in this service. Between the hours of 
ten and eleven A. M. he was taken from one of the 
wharves and conducted to the Common, where his 
head, body and limbs were covered with warm tar, 
and then a large quantity of feathers were applied to 
all parts which, by closely adhering to the tar, exhib- 
ited an odd figure, the drollery of which can easily be 
imagined. The poor waiter was then exalted to a seat 
on the front of a cart, and in this manner led into the 
Main Street, where a paper, with the word ' Informer ' 
thereon, in large letters, was affixed to his breast, and 
another paper with the same word to his back. The 
scene drew together, within a few minutes, several 
hundred people, who proceeded with Huzzas and loud 
acclamation, through the town; and when arrived at 
the bounds of the compact part, opened to the Right 
and Left, when the waiter, the confused object of 
their ridicule descended from his seat, walked through 
the crowd and having received the strongest assur- 
ances that he should, the next time he came to this 
place, receive higher marks of distinction than those 
which were now conferred upon him, went immedi- 
ately out of town." 

While the trade between Salem and the West In- 
dies was probably continuous from 1638 down to quite 
recent times, the last entry from Havana being in 
1854, the period of the greatest activity was from 1798 
to 1812. The entries from Havana and Martinico 
were four each in the year 1797, while in 1798 there 
were twenty-one from Havana and thirteen from Mar- 
tinico. The largest number of arrivals from Havana 
in a single year was in 1800, when there were forty- 
one entries from that port. During that year there 
was imported into Salem over eight million pounds of 
sugar. In 1805 there were twenty-eight entries from 
Havana, and forty-four from Martinico. Between 
1798 and 1812 there were three hundred and thirty- 
two entries from Havana, and two hundred and thirty- 
two from Martinico. There was a large trade in the 
latter part of the last century between Salem and Aux 
Cayes, Port-au-Prince and the other ports of the is- 
land of St. Domingo, and with the island of St. Eus- 



tatia. But while Salem vessels were found in almost 
every port in the West Indies, Havana and Martinico 
were the principal places with which trade was car- 
ried on. 

A list of the merchants engaged in this trade would 
include the names of almost every one interested in 
commerce during the years that the West India trade 
ilourished. Benjamin Pickman was engaged exten- 
sively in this trade and amassed a large fortune in it. 

It is not possible, in the space allotted to this chap- 
ter, to give any extended list of the vessels entering 
from the West Indies. In the palmy days of this trade 
Salem was a point of distribution for large quantities 
of sugar and coffee, and the buyers from all parts of 
the country must have given a bustling and busy as- 
pect to streets now quiet and almost deserted. It was 
a custom in those days to make up the cargo of a 
large vessel by inducing various persons to send ad- 
ventures, the owner of the vessel getting a commission 
for buying and selling. The brig " Massafuero," An- 
drew Haraden, master, entered from Havana in Sep- 
tember, 1805, with 150,000 pounds of sugar consigned 
to Joshua Ward, Jr. ; 9000 to Timothy Wellman ; 6000 
to Eben Seccomb ; 62,000 to S. B. Doane ; 2000 to Wil- 
liam Monroe; 20,000 to Robert Hooper & Sons ; 4000 
to John Jenks ; 65,000 to William Gray ; 4000 to Ben- 
jamin H. Hathorne ; 5000 to Joshua Pope ; 3000 to 
Joshua Phippen, Jr., and with a small quantity of 
merchandise consigned to Benjamin West. Among 
other entries from Havana, we find the ship " Mount 
Vernon," Elias H. Derby, Jr., master, which entered 
in May, 1799, with five hundred thousand pounds of 
sugar, consigned to Elias Hasket Derby, and paying 
a duty of .'B12,842.15, and the ship " Martha," Nicholas 
Thorndike, master, which entered in December, 1799, 
with four hundred thousand pounds of sugar; the two 
vessels landing nearly a million pounds of this com- 
modity. In October, 1809, the schooner" Neutrality," 
Benjamin Fabens, master, entered from St. Barthol- 
omew's with sugar and coffee consigned to William 
Fabens. The Fabens family for several generations 
have bt;en engaged in trade with the West Indies as 
well as Cayenne. The last vessel to enter at Salem 
from Havana was the brig " Vincennes," on June 29, 
1854, consigned to Phillips, Goodhue & Bowker. 

The RUS.SIA Trade. — Salem vessels opened the 
American trade with St. Petersburg. On the 15th of 
June, 1784, the bark " Light Horse," Captain Buffin- 
ton, was sent by Elias Hasket Derby with a cargo of 
sugar, and she was the first American vessel to trade 
at St. Petersburg. 

Salem merchants, in the palmy days of her com- 
merce, were largely engaged in trade with Russia. 
There have been two hundred and eighty-nine arrivals 
from the ports of Russia at Salem. The period of the 
greatest activity in this trade was from 1797 to 1811 
inclusive, one hundred and sixty-two of the two hun- 
dred and eighty-nine entries having been made dur- 
ing that time. The largest number in a single year 



SALEM. 



95 



was in 1811, when there were thirty-one entries. The 
war caused a suspension of the trade, and in 1812 
there were but three entries and none in 1813 and 
1814. In 1815 there were nine entries, and the trade 
continued till 1829, when it ceased almost entirely, 
there having been but about six entries after that 
year. The last vessel to enter from St. Petersburg 
was the ship " Eclipse," Johnson, master, to H. L. 
AVilliams, in September, 1843. All the East India 
merchants carried on more or less trade with Russia, 
and brought from there duck, hemp and iron, with 
which to make up their cargoes for the East. Elias 
Hasket Derby, William Gray, .Toseph Peabody, Na- 
thaniel West, William Orne, Nathaniel Silsbee, Gid- 
eon Barstow, Thomas Perkins, Pierce & Waite, Ste- 
phen Phillips, Joseph White, Pickering Dodge, Si- 
mon Forrester, William Silsbee, Stephen White, Dud- 
ley L. Pickman, John H. Andrews, James Devereux 
and Samuel Orne were among the Salem merchants 
engaged in this trade. A few of the earlier entries 
are given, showing the ports from which the vessels 
arrived. 

The brig " Ceres," Thomas Simmons, master, enter- 
ed from Russia, in October, 1789, with 1,546 pieces of 
sail-cloth and sheeting, 180 bundles of hemp, 948 bars 
of iron, and 359 hundredweight cord.ige. The brig 
" Iris," Benjamin Ives, master, entered from St. Peters- 
burg in October,1790. The brig " Hind," John Bick- 
ford, master, cleared forthe Baltic, June 17, 1790, with 
600 barrels of tar, 10 barrels of turpentine, 4 hogsheads 
tobacco, 27 casks of rice, 21 hogsheads New England 
rum and 73 chests of Hyson tea, and entered from St. 
Petersburg, on her return, in November, 1790. The 
ship " Commerce," John Osgood, master, entered from 
St. Petersburg in December, 1790, again in Novem- 
ber, 1791, and again in September, 1792. All these 
vessels were owned by William Gray. The brig 
'' Good Intent," M. Haskell, master, entered from Rus- 
sia in December, 1791, again in November, 1792, and 
again in November, 1793, consigned to Simon Forres- 
ter. The brig " Polly and Betsey," Gamaliel Hodges, 
master, entered from St. Petersburg in November, 1794, 
consigned to Joseph White. The bark " Essex," John 
Green, master, entered from Russia in January, 1795, 
and again in October, 1795, consigned to William 
Orne. The bark "Vigilant," Richard Wheatland, 
master, entered from Russia in October, 1795, consign- 
ed to Simon Forrester. The brig " Hopewell," James 
Dowling, master, entered from St. Petersburg in Sep- 
tember, 1797, consigned to Nathaniel West. The 
bark " William," Benjamin Beckford, Jr., master, en- 
tered from St. Petersburg in January, 1798, and again 
in August, 1798, consigned to William Gray. The 
brig " Neptune," Robert Barr, master, entered from 
Russia in October, 1798, consigned to John Barr. 

The first entry from Archangel appears to be that of 
the shi]> '' Perseverance," Richard Wheatland, mas- 
ter, in October, 1798. She proceeded to Boston with 
her cargo. The brig " Fanny," Jesse Smith, nmster. 



entered from Archangel in November, 1798, with 
hemp, cordage, candles and soap, consigned to John 
Derby, Jr. The ship "Cincinnatus," Samuel I^ndi- 
cott, master, entered from St. Petersburg in Novem- 
ber, 1799, consigned to Joseiih Peabody. The brig 
'■ Good Hope," Nicholas Thorndyke, master, entered 
from St. Petersburg in October, 1801, consigned to 
Nathaniel West. The ship" Mount Vernon," Samuel 
Endicott, master, entered from St. Petersburg in Sep- 
tember, 1804, consigned to Joseph Peabody. The 
brig "Admittance," C. Sampson, master, entered 
from St. Petersburg in September, 1805, consigned to 
John Osgood. The brig "Augusta," Timothy Hara- 
den, master, entered from Archangel in September, 
1810, consigned to Joseph Peabody. The ship 
" Friendship," Edward Stanley, master, entered from 
this same port in September, 1811, consigned to Jer- 
athmael Peirce. The ship " America," Samuel 
Briggs, master, entered from Riga in April, 1812, 
consigned to Benjamin W. Crowninshield. The ship 
"Herald," Eleazer Graves, master, entered from 
Archangel in August, 1815, consigned to Nathaniel 
Silsbee. The brig " Saucy Jack," Nathaniel Osgood, 
master, entered from Archangel in November, 1815, 
consigned to Pickering Dodge. 

Among the later arrivals was the brig " Niagara," 
Oliver Thayer, master, which entered from Cron- 
stadt in September, 1828, consigned to Joseph Pea- 
body. 

The last two arrivals from Archangel apj>ear to 
have been the ship " Diomede," Samuel L. Page, 
master, which entered from that port in October, 
1820, and the schooner " Regulus," George Chinn, 
master, which entered in November, 1820, consigned 
to Edward Lander and others. The last arrival from 
Cronstadt was the brig "Mexican," H. Johnson, 
master, which entered in August, 1836, consigned to 
Joseph Peabody. There was no other arrival I'rom 
Russia until September, 1843, when the ship 
" Eclipse," Johnson, master, entered from St. Peters- 
burg, the last vessel to arrive at Salem from that 
port. 

Trade with Spain and Portugal. — Among the 
earliest ports to which Salem sent the products of her 
fisheries for a market, were those of Spain and Portu- 
gal. This trade began before the year 1700, in 
which year Higginson speaks of the foreign trade of 
Salem, as being in "dry merchantal)le codfish for the 
markets of Spain and Portugal." Bilboa and Lisbon 
were among the ports earliest visited. In 1710 the 
ship " Macklesfield," a frigate of three hundred tons, 
belonging to London and from Lisbon, was cast 
away outside of Baker's Island and lost. In Febru- 
arv, 1715, the ship "Hopewell," Unuled with fish for 
Bilboa and anchored in the harbor, was driven 
ashore on the rocks in South Field. Most of her 
cargo was unloaded befi)re she was got off. 

Bilboa and Lisbon are mentioned as ports with 
which Salem vessels traded from 1714 to 1718. 



96 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTS", MASSACHUSETTS. 



Philip English was trading at Spanish ports from 
1G94 to 1720 ; and Richard Derby, from 1732 to 1757. 
The last entry from Bilboa was in 1809. The years 
lcS03 and 1807 show each eight entries from Lisbon. 
From 1800 to 1808 the trade with Spain and Portu- 
gal was at its height. Bilboa, Cadiz, Barceluna, Ma- 
laga, Tarragona, Alicant, Lisbon and Oporto were 
among the ports from which Salem vessels brought 
cargoes. After the War of 1812 there were but few 
entries from either of those ports, saving that of an 
occasional cargo of salt from Cadiz. 

The ship " Astrea," Henry Prince, master, entered 
from Alicant in April, 1799, with fifty-eight thousand 
and three gallons of brandy and four thousand four 
hundred and forty-six gallons of wine, consigned to 
Elias H. Derby, and paying a duty of $20,930.59. 
The brig " Favorite," Henry Rust, Jr., master, enter- 
ed from Bilboa in December, 1800, consigned to Peter 
Lander & Co. The schooner " Willard,'' from Ali- 
cant in July, 1800, with red wine and brandy, to 
Willard, Peele & Co. The brig " Essex," Joseph 
Orne, master, from Barcelona in July, 1800, with red 
wine and soap to William Orne. The brig "Nancy,'' 
Thomas Barker, master, from Tarragona in October' 
1801, with brandy to Samuel Gray. The snow " Con- 
cord," William Leech, Jr., master, from Oporto in 
September, 1802, with port wine, etc., to William 
Gray. The brig " Hannah,'' Clifford C. Byrne, mas- 
ter, from Malaga in November, 1802, with wine, etc., 
to Joseph White. The ship " Restitution," John 
Derby (3d), master, from Lisbon in April, 1805, with 
wine, figs and salt to Simon Forrester. The bark 
"Active," William P. Richardson, master, from Ma- 
laga in June, 1807, with twenty-three thousand seven 
hundred and forty-six gallons of Malaga wine to 
Timothy Wellman, Jr. The brig " Washington," 
Nathan Story, master, from Barcelona in July, 1807, 
with red wine, brandy and soap, consigned to 
Stephen Phillips. The brig " Sukey and Betsey," 
Caleb Cook, master, from Malaga in November, 1807, 
with wine and raisins to Edward Allen. The ship 
" Sally," Nathan Cook, master, from Lisbon in Sep- 
tember, 1824, with salt, etc., to James Cook. The 
last entry from Lisbon was in 1829. The principal 
articles imported from Spain and Portugal were salt, 
wine, brandy and soap. 

Teade with other European Ports. — Prior to 
the War of 1812 Salem vessels were to be found in 
all the principal ports of Europe, and Salem mer- 
chants were trading with Copenhagen, Gottenburg, 
Stockholm, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotter- 
dam, London, Liverpool and Bordeaux. The princi- 
pal trade with Copenhagen was between 1796 and 
1807. There were eight entries in 1799; that with 
Gottenburg, from 1809 to 1812, and from 1820 to 1823, 
there being thirteen entries from that port in 1810; 
that with Antwerp, from 1817 to 1830, there being 
nine entries from that port in 1827 ; that with Ham- 
burg, from 1798 to 1802, there being five entries iu 



the last-named year; that with Amsterdam, from 
1802 to 1806, there being five entries in the first- 
named year ; and that with Bordeaux, from 1794 to 
1807, there being twelve entries in 1804 and the same 
number in 1805, the whole period showing sixty-nine 
entries. There were only occasional entries from the 
other ports. The last entry from Copenhagen was 
in 1816 : from Amsterdam, in 1823 ; from Antwerp, in 
1836 ; from Hamburg, in 1828 ; from Gottenburg, in 
1837 ; from Rotterdam, in 1834 ; and from Bordeaux, 
in 1815. 

From Copenhagen the brig " Francis," J. Wallace 
master, entered in March, 1792, and again in Novem- 
ber, 1702, with iron and glas.s, consigned to William 
Gray. The early trade with Copenhagen seems to 
have been carried on largely by Mr. Gray. John Fish, 
Ezekiel H. Derby, Joseph Peabody, Thomas Perkins, 
and George Crowninshield & Sons were also engaged 
in this trade. The whole number of entries from 
Copenhagen was forty-five. The last entry was the 
schooner '' Rover," Josiah Dewing master, in August, 
1816, consigned to Pickering Dodge. 

The brig " Hector," Captain Lewis, arrived in 1788. 
While the brig lay at Marlstrand, where she dis- 
charged her cargo, a Swedish ship was wrecked on a 
very rough and rocky part of the island in a violent 
storm. The crew, with assistance from the land, 
soon got safely ashore, except the mate, who went 
overboard with the fore-mast, to the top of which he 
had retreated for safety. The mast remained attached 
to the wreck by the shrouds, and the man continued 
his hold on the mast, the waves continually breaking 
over him. The sea was in such violent agitation and 
the shore so rugged that an attempt to recover him 
was extremely hazardous. About twenty sail of 
Swedes were then in the harbor, whose boats were 
many of them employed to succor the distressed ob- 
ject, but returned without eft'ecting it, intimidated by 
the danger. At length application was made to Cap- 
tain Lewis's crew for their assistance, with the ofi'er 
of a considerable pecuniary reward if they would 
make the attempt, even should it fail of success, but 
they nobly refused going on a mercenary principle. 
However, from pure motives of humanity, the mate 
and six hands went ofi' in a boat, at the utmost haz- 
ard of their lives and under the discouraging repre- 
sentations of those Swedes who had before sailed, 
surmounted every danger, and brought the sufferer, 
with just the remains of life, ashore, after hanging, 
as it were, by a straw several hours in the water. 
The ofl'er of money was now repeated to them, and 
again refused. The Governor of the place being 
made acquainted with the transaction, sent for these 
brave Americans to his house, and, taking each of 
them by the hand, made the most honorary acknowl- 
edgments for their successful exertions to rescue 
from destruction a subject of Sweden, but a stranger 
to them, and presented the mate with a golden spoon 
and each of the othfrs with a silver spoon, as testi- 



SALEM. 



97 



monies of their heroism and humanity, and also 
granted them the liberty of walking in any part of 
the city at any time of day or night, a privilege in 
which even their own subjects are not indulged. In 
short, so much was this act admired that it gained 
them every mark of respect from the citizens, and 
tlie name of an American, says the account, became 
synonymous with that of hero and friend. 

From Gottenburg the schooner " Nancy," Richard 
Derby master, entered in August, 1791, with iron, 
consigned to E. H. Derby, Jr., & Co. and John Fisk. 
The ship "Nancy," J. Devereux master, entered in 
August, 1792, consigned to John Fisk. From 1794 to 
1804 there were no entries from this port. The ship 
" Rising States," Benjamin Beckford, Jr., master, en- 
tered in February, 1804, with hemp, to William Gray. 
The schooner " Saucy .Tack," Benjamin Upton ma.ster, 
in September, 1809, with glass, to Timothy Wellman, 
Jr. The brig "Neptune," Henry King master, in 
December, 1810, with cordage, steel and sheet-iron, 
to John Saunders. The ship " China," Hiram Put- 
nam, master, in October, 1820, with iron, to Joseph 
Peabody. The brig " Jane," Thomas Saul master, 
in July, 1820, with iron, to Willard Peele. The brig 
" Roscoe," J. Briggs master, in October, 1825, with 
iron, to Charles Saunders. The brig "Cynthia," 
Benjamin Shillaber master, in October, 1826, to 
David Pingree. The ship " Borneo," I. Nichols mas- 
ter, in September, 1835, with iron, consigned to Z. F. 
Silsbee. The brig " Leander," J. S. Kimball master, 
in August, 183t), to Joseph Peabody. The whole 
number of entries from Gottenburg was sixty-one. 
The last entry was the brig " Mexican," in July, 1837, 
consigned to Joseph Peabody. 

From Antwerp the ship " Messenger," Edward 
Stanley master, entered in June, 1817, consigned to 
John Forrester. The brig "Nancy Ann," John B. 
Osgood master, in August, 1817, to Stephen Phillips. 
The brig "Naiad," Nathaniel Osgood master, in July, 
1823, to Gideon Barstow and others. The brig 
" Indus," Thomas Moriarty master, in April, 1826, to 
Pickering Dodge. The brig " Centurion," William 
Duncan master, in May, 1826, with linseed-oil, to 
Nathaniel West, Jr. The ship " Friendship," Na- 
thaniel Osgood master, in May, 1827. The brig 
" Niagara," Oliver Thayer master, in August, 1829, 
to Joseph Peabody. The whole number of entries 
from Antw-erp was fifty-five. The last entry was the 
brig " Curlew," J. Cheever master, in October, 1836, 
consigned to Edward Allen. 

From Amsterdam the brig "Peggy," Jonathan 
Derby master, entered in September, 1794, with 
glassware, paint, iron, steel and ribbons, consigned to 
Benjamin Pickman, Jr. The ship " Essex," Solomon 
Stanwood master, in September, 1800, with forty-two 
thousand eight hundred and seventy-one pounds of 
cheese, five thousand pounds of nails and eight thou- 
sand gallons of gin, to Nathaniel West and William 
Gray. The ship " Minerva," Matthew Folger master, 
7 



in September, 1802, with gin, steel and cheese, to 
West, Williams & Crowninshield. The whole number 
of entries from Amsterdam was twenty-three. The 
last entry was the ship " Endeavour," James D. Gillis 
master, in October, 1823. 

From Hamburg the schooner "John," lioujamin 
Webb master, entered in December, 1792, with steel, 
glass and spirits, consigned to John Fisk. The 
schooner " Patty," Edward Allen, Jr., nuister, in 
October, 1794, with gin, brandy, hemp and Bohea tea, 
to Nathaniel West. The brig " Hope," Benjamin 
Shillaber master, in October, 1794, to John Norris. 
The brig " Salem," Oliver Obear master, in June, 
1799, with gin and hemp, to William Gray. The 
ship " Friendship," Israel Williams master, in July, 
1799, to Peirce & Wait. The brig " Thetis," Jolin 
Fairfield master, in November, 1799, to Jonathan 
Gardner. The schooner "Cynthia," John H. An- 
drews master, in November. 1801, to Pickering Dodge 
and others. The brig "Helen," Samuel C.Martin 
master, in December, 1816, with iron, to Humphrey 
Devereux. The brig " Roscoe," Benjamin Vander- 
ford master, in September, 1823. The whole number 
of entries from Hamburg was thirty-six. The last 
entry was the brig " Texel," Samuel Wells master, in 
January, 1828. 

From Rotterdam the ship " Peggy," James Very 
master, entered in August, 1791. The ship "Active," 
George Nichols master, in August, 1803, with gin, to 
Benjamin Hodges & Co. The bark "Georgetown," 
Joshua Saftbrd master, in September, 1806, to Pick- 
ering Dodge. The brig " Indus," John Day master, 
in November, 1823, with white-lead, nutmegs and 
mace, to Henry Prince. The whole number of 
entries from Rotterdam was sixteen. The last entry 
was the ship " Borneo," C. Prescott master, in May, 
1834. 

From Bordeaux the brig " Essex," John Green 
master, entered in November, 1790, consigned to 
Orne & Saunders. The brig "Columbia," Henry 
Rust master, in April, 1792, to William Gray. The 
brig "Nancy," Edward West master, in July, 1794, 
with wine and sweetmeats, to John Derby, Jr. The 
brig " Favorite," Peter Lander master, in October, 
1795, to John Norris & Co. The schooner " Betsey," 
Israel Williams master, in November, 1796, with 
brandy, wine and cheese, to Peirce & Wait. The 
brig "Exchange," William Richardson master, in 
May, 1797, with claret wine and brandy, to Ezekiel 
H.Derby. The schooner "Jason," Benjamin West, 
Jr., master, in June, 1797, to Benjamin West & .Son. 
The brig " Nancy," Jonathan Neal master, in August, 
1797, to William Gr.ay. The brig " Catherine," Dan- 
iel Gould master, in May, 1803, to Joseph Peabody. 
The brig "Pompey," James Gilchrist master, in 
March, 1804, with wine and twenty-one thousand 
seven hundred and seventy-two gallons of brandy, to 
Joshua Ward, The ship " Prudent," Edward Ford 
master, in July, 1804, to Nathaniel West, The brig 



98 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Edwin," Penn Townsend master, in October, 1804, 
with wine and prunes, to Moses Townsend. The brig 
" Industry, J. Coolv master, in February, 1805, to 
William Orne. The ship "Algol," Thomas Foliiisbie 
master, in October, 1807, with wine, to Nathan Rob- 
inson. The whole number of entries from Bordeaux 
was seventy-five. The last entry was the schooner 
" Cyrus," Benjamin Upton master, in November, 
1815, with brandy, yellow ochre and prunes, to Robert 
Upton. 

From Stockholm the ship "China," H. Putnam 
master, entered in August, 1823, consigned to Joseph 
Peabody. The brig " Centurion," Samuel Hutchin- 
son master, in October, 1829, with iron, consigned to 
Gideon Tucker. 

From Christiana the brig " Industry," Samuel 
Smith master, entered in ^March, 1812, with iron 
hoops and window-glass, to William Orne. The 
brig "Cuba," Josiah B. Andrew master, in Novem- 
ber, 1816, with iron, steel and glass, to John Andrew. 
On the 7th of January, 1796, the ship "Margaret," 
of Boston, John Mackey master, with a valuable 
cargo from Amsterdam, went ashore in Salem harbor, 
on the Eastern Gooseberry, during a snow-storm. 
The captain and three others perished on the wreck. 
The rest were saved by men from Marblehead. On 
the 11th of the same month the brig " John," Eben- 
ezer B. Ward master, from London, was lost on the 
Great Misery during a snow-storm. There was at 
this time no light on Baker's Island, and these ship- 
wrecks led the Salem Marine Society to send a mem- 
orial to Congress, dated in February, 1796, in which 
it is stated that " much of the projierty and many of 
the lives of their fellow-citizens are almost every year 
lost in coming into the hai-bor of Salem, for want of 
proper lights to direct their course. No less than 
three vessels, with their cargoes, and sixteen seamen 
have been lost the present season." The act author- 
izing the erection of a light-house on Baker's Island 
was approved April 8, 1796, and the lights were shown 
for the first time January 3, 1798. 

On the 21st of February, 1802, the ship " Ulysses," 
Captain James Cook, the "Brutus," Cai)tain William 
Brown, owned by the Messrs. Crowninshield, and the 
" Volucia," Captain Samuel Cook, belonging to Israel 
Williams and others, sailed from Salem for Bordeaux 
and the Mediterranean. When they departed the 
weather was remarkably pleasant for the season, but 
in a few hours a furious snow-storm commenced. 
After using every exertion to clear Cajie Cod, the 
tempest forced them the next day upon its perilous 
shore. The " Volucia" struck in the forenoon and 
the other two in the evening. The first was saved 
with part of her cargo, but the others were total 
wrecks. The saddest part of this catastrophe was the 
loss of life in the " Brutus." One hand was killed 
by the fore-yard prior to the ship's striking, another 
was drowned while attempting to reach the shore, 
and the commander, with six men, perished with the 



cold after they had landed. Captain Samuel Cook, of 
the " Volucia," was associated with mercantile affairs 
in Salem for a long period. He was born August 3, 
1769, and was the son of Stephen and Elizabeth 
(Newhall) Cook. In 1797 he was commanding a 
vessel bound for Cadiz. During the palmy days of 
the East India trade he was engaged in distributing 
that wealth through the South. He died in Salem 
December 10, 1861, having lived through the whole 
period of the rise and decline of the commerce of 
Salem. 

Mediterranean Trade. — Besides the Spanish 
ports on the Mediterranean, Salem vessels visited 
Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Leghorn, Messina, Paler- 
mo, Smyrna and Trieste. Salt, wine, brandy, figs, 
raisins, almonds, candles and soap were among the 
articles imported from those ports. Leghorn and 
Marseilles were the ports most frequently visited. 
From 1804 to 1808 there were forty-six entries from 
the former and twenty from the latter port. From 
1821 to 1829 there were forty-one entries from Leg- 
horn and seventeen from Marseilles. The last entry 
from Leghorn was in 1841 and from Marseilles in 
1833. The principal trade with the Mediterranean 
ports was from 1800 to 1808. 

From Leghorn the ship " Martha," John Prince, 
Jr., master, entered in July, 1799, with 40,893 gallons 
of wine, 18,490 gallons of brandy and 6744 pounds of 
soap, consigned to Elias H. Derby, and paying a duty 
of .'i:!l2,840.12. The ship "Lucia," Thomas Meek 
master, in July, 1800, with brandy, soap, etc., to Wil- 
liam Gray, and paying a duty of $20,301. The brig 
" Sukey," Samuel Sweet master, in August, 1800, to 
Simon Forrester. The ship " Friendship," Israel 
Williams master, in September, 1805, to Peirce & 
Wait. The brig " Betsey," Andrew Tucker master, 
in June, 1806, with soap, tallow, figs, currants, raisins, 
almonds and candles, to Joseph Peabody and Gideon 
Tucker. The ship " America," Joseph Ropes master, 
in June, 1807, to Nathaniel Silsbee. The ship 
"Hope," James Barr master, in November, 1807. 
The brig " William and Charles," I.saac Killam mas- 
ter, in November, 1807, with soap, candles, currants 
and wine, to Michael Shepard. There were no entries 
from Leghorn from 1808 to 1816. The ship "So- 
phia," Jonathan P. Felt master, entered in April, 
1816, consigned to Charles H. Orne. The ship 
" Eliza," William Osgood master, in January, 1821, 
to Stephen Phillips. The brig " Essex," William 
Fairfield master, iu January, 1822, with candles, soap, 
raisins, etc., to Nathaniel Silsbee. The ship " Two 
Brothers," William Messervy master, in February, 
1823, to Holton J. Breed. The brig " Gov. Endicott," 
H. C. Mackay master, in October, 1823, to Pickering 
Dodge. The brig " Malay," J. Richardson, master, 
in May, 1825, with lead and currants, to Nathaniel 
Silsbee. The bark " Patriot," John Marshall master, 
in August, 1826, to John H. Andrew. The ship 
"Janus," Henry G. Bridges master, in August, 1829, 



SALEM. 



99 



with salt, wine and letter-paper, to Gideon Tucker. 
The brig " Amazon," Oliver Thayer master, in March, 
18.!2, with -salt, etc., to Joseph Peabod)'. The la.st 
vessel to arrive from Leghorn was the brig "Mexi- 
can," H. Johnson master. She entered in Septem- 
ber, 1839, in March, 1840, and in September, 1841, 
consigned on each voyage to Joseph Peabody. The 
whole number of entries from Leghorn was one hun- 
dred and thirteen. 

From INIarseilles the schooner " LTnion," Stephen 
Field master, entered in October, 1802, consigned to 
Edward Allen. The ship " Ulysses,'" William Mug- 
ford master, in August, 1804, with prunes, almonds, 
18,199 pounds of soap, 48,233 gallons of wine and 
1571 gallons of brandy, consigned to William Gray. 
The ship "Endeavour," James Buffinton master, in 
July, 1805, with 44,902 gallons of claret wine, etc., to 
Simon Forrester. The brig " Industry," Jonathan 
Cook master, in March, 1806, to William Orne. The 
brig " Sukey," Samuel B. Graves master, in Novem- 
ber, 1807, to Nathan Pierce. The schooner " Aga- 
wam," Francis Boardman master, in June, 1816, to 
John Dodge. The ship " Perseverance," James Sil- 
ver master, in October, 1S16, with salt, brandy and 
claret wine, to Willard Peele and William Fettyplace. 
The brig " Cygnet," Samuel Kennedy master, in 
July, 1823. with wine, to Stephen White. The brig 
" Java," William H. Neal master, in September, 
1823, with 35,295 gallons of red wine, 1045 gallons of 
oil and 9708 pounds of soap, to Jonathan Neal. The 
ship " Endeavour," J. Kinsman master, in December, 
1827, to Dudley L. Pickman. The ship " Messenger," 
James Buffinton master, in January, 1828, to John 
Forrester. The ship " Bengal," J. Richardson mas- 
ter, in August, 1830, to Pickering Dodge. The 
wliole number of entries from Marseilles was fifty- 
three. The last entry was the brig " Roque," T. Sea- 
ver ma.ster, in February, 1833, with salt, etc., to 
Joseph Peabody. 

From Naples the ketch " John," Stephen PhillijJS 
master, entered in March, 1799, with 25,000 gallons 
of brandy and 46,417 pounds of soap, consigned to 
Elias H. Derby, and paying a duty of Sll,299. The 
brig " Cruger," John Barton master, in July, 1800, 
with soap and wine, to John & Richard Derby. The 
ship "John," Daniel Bray master, in May, 1804, with 
32,437 gallons of wine, to Benjamin Pickman, Jr. 
The brig " Belleisle," Samuel Leech master, in Au- 
gust, 1805, to Pickering Dodge and Nathan Robin- 
son. The ship "Hercules," Edward West master, 
was seized in Naples in 1809, but Captain West had 
the good fortune to obtain her release in order to 
transport Lucien Bonaparte and family to Malta, 
thus saving his ship from confiscation. The " Her- 
cules " was owned by Nathaniel West. The schooner 
" Joanna," Jonathan Hassam master, entered in Jan- 
uary, 1810, with brandy, etc., to Samuel Gray. The 
last entry from Naples was the ship " Francis," Wil- 
liam Haskell master, in August, 1810. This vesse' 



was purchased of the Neapolitan government by the 
American consul to bring home the crews of Ameri- 
can vessels confiscated by order of that government. 
She brought two hundred and fourteen persona, a 
large number of whom belonged in Salem. The Sa- 
lem vessels and cargoes condemned at Na])les were 
valued at seven hundred and eighty-three thousand 
dollars. 

The ship "Margaret," of Salem, William Fairfield 
master, left Naples April 10, 1810, with a crew, fifteen 
in number, and thirty-one passengers. On Sunday, 
May 20th, a squall struck the ship, and she was 
thrown on her beam-ends. As every person on board 
was on deck at the time, they all reached either the 
bottom or side of the ship, the waves at tiie time 
making a continual breach over her. Monday morn- 
ing the sea was tolerably smooth, and one of the 
boats having been repaired. Captain Fairfield and 
fourteen men left the ship in her, and were picked up 
on .Saturday, May 26th, by the brig " Poacher," of 
Boston. The sufferings of those left on the wreck 
can hardly be imagined. After the long-boat had 
departed they raised a signal of distress. On the 
28th a gale swept away the stage they had erected, 
and the provisions they h.'id gathered, except a small 
quantity of w-ine and salt meat. On the 30th they 
made another stage over the forecastle, and so kept 
themselves out of the water. June 3d one of the 
number died of fatigue and famine. For seven days 
they had nothing to drink each day but an allowance 
of three gallons of wine for all, and a glass of vine- 
gar for each man. Many could not resist the temp- 
tation to quench their thirst from a pipe of brandy 
which had been saved from the cargo. On the 5th 
twelve of their number, overcome by their hardships 
and privations, died, and another on the next day. By 
the sixth the whole of the upper deck had gone, and 
no food was left but beef and pork, which could not 
be eaten because there was no fresh water. Since 
the time of the disaster, May 20th, four vessels had 
passed in sight of the sufferers on the wreck and 
added the pangs of disappointed hope to their other 
trials. 

On the 7th, five of the number left the wreck in a 
small yawl. These were John C. Very, E. A. Irvin, 
and Jeptha Laytu, of Salem; Henry Larcom, of Bev- 
erly; and John Treadwell, of Ipswich. They left 
about ten survivors on the wreck, and from these no 
tidings ever came. Who can imagine their agony, as 
hope gradually faded out, and they died one by one 
in mid-ocean. The escape of those in the small boat 
is a remarkable instance of human endurance, amid 
sufferings and hardships almost incredible. For six- 
teen days after leaving the wreck they had nothing to 
sustain them but brandy, a gill in twenty-four hours; 
and to quench their thirst were obliged to resort to 
most revolting means. On the night of June 22d 
there was a fall of rain, and water was caught in 
handkerchiefs, sufficient to partially allay their thirst. 



100 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



June 23d, Treadwell, worn out with fatigue, hunger, 
and thirst, died without a struggle. The same day 
they caught some rudder fish, which was the first food 
they had eaten since they liad left tlie wreck. On the 
twenty-eighth Layth died, leaving three survivors in 
the boat. The next day, with a heavy sea running, 
they lost their oars and mast, and having nothing to 
steer by they gave themselves up for lost. They had 
already been passed by three vessels, when, on the 
30th, they saw another in the distance, and strained 
every nerve to get in her track. In this they were 
successful, and Captain Stephen L. Davis, of Glouces- 
ter, the master of the vessel, received them and treated 
them with great care and kindness. Tossed about in 
a small and shattered boat for twenty-three days, with 
scarcely any food or water to sustain them, exposed to 
storms and gales in which it seemed hardly possible 
that such a craft could keep afloat, their escape from 
such extraordinary perils and privations is hardly 
paralleled in the history of marine disasters. 

From Messina, the ship "Prudent," Benjamin 
Crowninshield, master, entered in December, 1803, 
with 11,406 gallons of red wine, 6,413 gallons of white 
wine, 4,303 gallons of brandy, and 9,810 pounds of 
soap, consigned to Nathaniel West. The ship " Two 
Brothers," John Holman, master, in October, 1804, to 
Israel Williams. The brig " Louisa," Kichard Ward, 
Jr., master, in August, 1810, to James Cook. The brig 
"Harriot," Samuel Becket, master, in October, 1811, 
with soap, raisins, almonds and wine to Nathaniel 
Silsbee. The brig " Eliza and Mary," Thorndike 
Procter, master, in August, 1818, to Stephen White. 
The last entry was the brig " Centurion," Samuel 
Hutchinson, master, in June, 1831, with currants, oil, 
&c., to Gideon Tucker. 

From Smyrna, the brig "Independence," Nathaniel 
L. Rogers, master, entered in April, 1810, to Dudley 
L. Pickman. The brig "Reward," James Hayes, Jr., 
master, in July, 1810, with almonds, raisins and figs, 
consigned to Charles H. Orne and Dudley L. Pick- 
man. The brig " Resohition," Samuel Rea, master, 
in April, 1812, to Joseph Peabody. The brig "Hope," 
John Beckford, master, in December, 1829, with one 
hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds of figs, to 
Daniel Abbot and Robert Stone. The last entry was 
the brig " Leander," James Silver, master, in January, 
1831, with salt, figs, raisins and wool, to Joseph Pea- 
body. 

From Trieste, the brig "Texel," Charles Hill, mas- 
ter, entered in December, 1825, with olive oil and 
lead, consigned to John W. Rogers. The bark " Eliza," 
Samuel Benson, master, in July, 1829, with hemp and 
glass, to Stephen White. 

The brig " Persia," John Thistle, master, from 
Trieste for Salem, belonging to Silsbee, Stone & Pick- 
man, and having a cargo of rags and sumac, was 
wrecked in the storm of March 5, 1829, on a rocky 
shore near Brace's Cove, about a mile and a half below 
Eastern Point, Gloucester, and all on board peri.'ihed. 



From Genoa, the brig "Nereus," David A. Neal, 
master, entered in March, 1822, with raisins, &c., to 
John W. Rogers. The brig " Rebecca," J. P. An- 
drews, master, in July, 1831, to John H. Andrew. 

Among other entries was that of the brig "Telema- 
chus," Penn Townsend, master, from Constantinople 
in May, 1810, with cordage figs, raisins and currants, 
to David Burditt. 

Among the last voyages projected by Elias Hasket 
Derby was one up the Mediterranean, by the ship 
"Mount Vernon," in 1799. Hostilities had com- 
menced between the United States and France. 
American trade had been rendered unsafe, and, as a 
consequence, a great demand for sugar had arisen in 
the ports of the Mediterranean. At this crisis Mr. 
Derby had built the ship " Mount Vernon," of three 
hundred and fifty-six tons, equipped her with twenty 
guns, manned her with fifty men, and, after loading 
her with eight hundred cases of sugar, placed her in 
the hands of his son, Elias Hasket, with a sailing- 
master. The cargo cost forty-three thousand two 
hundred and seventy-five dollars. The following 
letter, written by his son, is interesting as showing 
the risks attending our commercial ventures at this 
period : 



" K. H. Derby, Esq., Salem : 



' GlBRALTAE, Ist .\UgUSt, 1799. 



" Uonored Sir : I think you must be surprised to find me here soearly. 
I arrived at this port in seventeen and one-half days from the time my 
brother left the ship. In eight days and seven hours were up with 
Carvo, and m.ade Cape St. Vincent in sixteen days. The firet of our 
passage was quite agreeable ; the latter light winds, calm, and French- 
men constantly iu sight for the last four days. The first Frenchman we 
saw W.1S off Tercira— a higger to the southward. Being uncertain of his 
force, we stood by him to leeward on our course, and soon left him. July 
2Sth, in the afternoon, we found ourselves approaching a fleet of up- 
wards of tlfty sail steering nearly northeast. We ran directly fur their 
centre; at four o'clock found ourselves in their half-moon; concluding 
it impossible that it could be any other than the English fleet, continued 
our course for their centre to avoid any apprehension of a want of confi- 
dence iu them. They soon dispatched an eighteen-gun ship from their 
centre, and two frigates — one from their van and another from their 
rear — to beat toward us, we being to windward. On approaching, under 
easy sail, the centre ship I fortunately bethought myself that it would be 
but common prudence to steer so far to windward of him as to be a 
grape-shot distance from him, to observe his force and manteuvering. 
When we were abreast of him he fired a gun to leeward and hoisted 
English colors. We immediately bore away and meant to pass under 
his quarter, between him and the fleet, showing our American colors. 
This movement disconcerted him, and it appeared to me he conceived we 
were either an American sloop of war or an English one in disguise, at- 
tempting to cut him off from the fleet ; for, while we were in the act of 
wearing on his beam, he hoisted French colors and gave us his broad- 
side. We iuiuiediately brought our ship to the wind and stood on about 
a mile ; wore -toward the centre of the fleet ; hove about and crossed 
him on the other tack, about half grape-shot distance, and received his 
brotidside. Several of his shot fell on board of us and cut our sails, two 
round-shot striking us without much damage. All hands were active in 
clearing ship for action, for our surprise had been complete. In about 
ten minutes we commenced firing our stern-chasers, and in a quarter of 
an hour gave him our broadside in such a style as evidently sickened 
bini ; for he immediately luffed in the wind, gave us his broadside, went 
in stays in great confusion, wore ship afterward in a large circle, and 
renewed the chase at a mile and a hslf distance, a manceuvre calculated 
to keep up appearances with the fleet and to escape our ihot. We re- 
ceived seven or eight broadsides from him, and I was mortified at not 
having it in my power to return him an equal number without exposing 
myself to the rest of the fleet, for I aju persuaded I should have had the 
pleasure of sending him h«.me, had he been separate from them. 



SALEM. 



101 



" At midnight we had distanced them, the chasing rocket-signals 
being almost out of sight, and soon left them. We ttien kept ourselves 
in constant preparation till my arrival here ; and. indeed, it has been 
requisite, for we have been in constant brushes ever since. The day 
after we left the tleet we were chased till night by two frigates, whom 
we lost sight of when it was dark. The next morning off Cape St. Vin- 
cent, in tlie latitude of Cadiz, were chased by a French lateen-rigged 
vessel, apparently of ten or twelve guns— one of them an eighteen 
pounder. AVe brought to for him : his metal was too heavy for oun?, and 
his iKwition to windward, where he lay j ust in a situation to cast his shot 
over us, and it was not in my power to cut him off; we, of course, bore 
away and saluted him with our long nines. He continued in chase till 
dark, and when we were nearly by Cadiz, at sunset, he made a signal to 
his consort, a large lugger.'whom we had just discovered ahead. Having 
a strong breeze, I was determined to pass my stern over him, if he did 
not make way for nie. He thought pru<lent so to do. -\t midnight we 
made the lights in Cadiz City, but founil no Knglish tleet. After laying 
to till daylight, concluded that the French must have gained the 
ascenilency in Cadiz, and thought pnident to proceed to this place, where 
we arrived at twelve o'clock, popping at Frenchmen all the forenoon. 
At ten \. M. off Algesiras Point, were seriously attacked by a large 
latineer, who had on board more than a hundred men. He came so 
near our broadside as to allow our six-pound grape to do execution hand- 
somely. We then bore away and gave him our stern guns in a cool and 
deliberate manner, doing apparently great execution. Our bars having 
cut his sails considerabl.v. he was thrown into confusion, struck both hie 
ensign and his pennant. I was then puzzled to know what to do with 
so many men ; our ship was running large, with all her steering-sails 
out, so that we could not inmiediately bring her to the wind, and we 
were directly off .\Igesiras Point, from whence I had reason to fear she 
might receive assistance, and my port ((Iibralt"r) in full view. These 
were circumstances that induced me to give up the gratification of bring, 
ing him in. It was, however, a satisfaction to flog the rascal in full 
view of the English fleet, who were to leeward. The risk of sending 
here is great, indeed, for any ship short of our force in men and guns — 
but particularly heavy guns. Two nines are better than six or eight 
sixes ; and two long twelves or thirteen pounders do better than twenty 
sixes, and could be managed with few men. 

"It is absolutely necessary thai two government ships should occasion- 
ally range the straits and latitude of Cadiz, from the longitude of Cape 
St. Vincent. I have now, while writing to yon, two of our countr.vmen 
in full view, who are prizes to these villains. Lord St. Vincent, in a fifty- 
gun ship, bound fur England, is just at this moment in the act of re- 
taking one of them. The other goes into Algesiras without mclesta- 
tion. 

" I find that nothing is to be done here with advantage except to ob- 
tain information from above. I have been offered thirty dollars to de- 
liver my sugar at Naples, where I think I shall go ; but rather expect to 
sell at Venice, Constantinople or Genoa, in ca-se the French are driven 
from there. I have concluded to touch at Malaga with Captain Young, 
of B.ipton. and obtain what information I can ; and think I may direct 
Sir. White how to lay out the projierty in his hamls, against my return, 
as I think it fur your interest to have it out of Spain. You need have 
but little aj)prehen9ion for my safety, as my crew are remarkably well 
trained and are perfectly well disposed to defend themselves, and I think, 
after having cleared ourselves from the French in such a handsome 
manner, you may well conclude that we can effect almost any thing. If 
I should go to Constantinople, it will be from a passport from Admiral 
Kelson, for whom I carrj' a letter to Naples. 

" Your affectionate son, 

" Elias II.4SKET Derby." 

In subsequent letters Mr. Derby writes : " My sales 
here amount to about $120,000, which I have found 
impossible to invest immediately in a cargo proper for 
America. I have, therefore, contracted for $60,000 in 
silks called ormazene, and about seven hundred casks 
of wine. In the meantime, whilst the silks are in the 
loom, I have thfiUght it for your interest to purchase 
two polacca-rigged ships, of two hundred and ninety 
and three hundred and ten tons, both of them very 
fine ships, almost new and great sailers. They are 
now ready to proceed with the ' Mount Vernon ' for 



Manfredonia, to take on your account cargoes of wheat 
to Leghorn, which, from the rising state of the mar- 
ket, I think will more than clear the ships. They 
cost, with all expenses, about .^10,000. Thetwoships 
made a voyage for wheat and cleared nearly $30,0(10 
in two and a half months." Mr. Derby dined with 
Lord Nelson and the officers of the fieet at Kaples. 
The beautiful Lady Hamilton was present at this 
dinner. The "Mount Vernon " arrived home safely, 
with a cargo of silks, wines and brass cannon, and 
realized a net profit of more than one hundred thou- 
sand dollars on a capital of forty-three thousand, two 
hundred and seventy-five dollars, the cost of the out- 
ward cargo. 

The foregoing account illustrates the great disad- 
vantages, in some respects, under which the commerce 
of that period was prosecuted. Mr. Derby desired to 
return to Salem from the Mediterranean by the fall 
of 1799, but his silks must be manufactured and he 
must wait till the red wine of Port lolo is ready to 
ship. "Exchange on London," he says, "is very 
disadvantageous, besides the uncertainty of it, and to 
leave property in a distracted country like this, where 
they guillotine six a day, three or four times a week, 
would be madness.'' So he must perlbrce remain til! 
his cargo is ready, and that he may not remain in 
idleness, he buys two ships and freights wheat to Leg- 
horn, and makes nearly thirty thousand dollars in 
less than three months. He returned in 1800 with 
the " Mount Vernon " and a valuable cargo. Great 
as were the obstacles placed in the way of trade at 
that period, these very drawbacks made possible the 
sometimes enormous profits of the voyage, so that 
although to-day trade is carried on with greater facil- 
ity, there ia no such opportunity for making a for- 
tune in a single venture, as was possible about a 
hundred years ago. 

The Nova Scotia Trade.— About the year 1840 
the trade between Salem and Nova Scotia, and the 
other British provinces on the eastern coast of North 
America, began to be vigorously prosecuted, mainly 
by English vessels, whose captains often owned both 
ship and cargo. This trade increased very rapidly. 
Wood, coal and plaster were among the principal 
articles of import. In 18-10 there were fifteen entries; 
in 18-1.5, one hundred and seven ; in 1850, three hun- 
dred and ninety-one ; in 1855, three hundred and twen- 
ty-eight: in 1800, two hundred and fifteen ; iu 1805, 
one hundred and eighteen ; in 1870, one hundred add 
seventeen; in 1875, fifty-nine; iu 1878, fifty-three; in 
188(!, ninety. During the thirty years from 1841 to 1870, 
inclusive, there were five thousand seven hundred and 
twenty-fourentries. The period of thcgreate-st activity 
was from 1848 to 1857, inclusive, when there were 3253 
entries, or an average of 325 for each year. 

Tin: California Trade.— A letter giving definite 
information of the discovery of gold in California 
reache<l Salem in October, 1848. The brig "Mary 
and Ellen " was then fitting for sea. A cargo suita- 



102 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ble for the California trade was at once put on board, 
by Stephen C. Phillips and others, and the brig, un- 
der command of Captain J. H. Eagleston, was cleared 
October 27, 1848, for the Sandwich Islands via Cali- 
fornia. Salem again takes the lead, for this was the 
first vessel to .sail for California from Massachusetts 
after the gold discovery. Both vessel and cargo were 
sold in California. The first vessel that cleared from 
Massachusetts for San Francisco direct, with an as- 
sorted cHrgo and passengers, was the bark " Eliza," of 
Salem, loaded by .John Bertram and others, and com- 
manded by Captain A. S. Perkins. She left Salem 
December 23, 1848, and arrived at San Francisco 
June 1, 1849. Alfred Peabody, of Salem, was among 
the passengers, and upon his arrival he found that 
Captain Eagleston had already sold the " Mary and 
Ellen," and her cargo. John Beadle, Jr., Dennis 
Rideout, George P. Buffum, George W. Kenney and 
Jonathan Nichols, all of Salem, were passengers with 
Mr. Peabody. 

The bark "Lagrange," Joseph Dewing, master, 
sailed from Salem for San Francisco March 17, 1849, 
taking as passengers the "Salem and California 
Trading Company," among whom were Joseph Dew- 
ing, Anthony Francis, Nicholas Bovey, J. K. Vincent, 
P. Oilman, John H. Pitman, H. B. Bogardus, H. A. 
Tuttle, C. R. Story, A. Robbins, John McCloy, George 
Harris, C. C. Teele, Joseph L. Bartlett, William P. 
Leavitt, Thomas B. Flowers, Eben Chapman, Charles 
E. Brown, William H. Sibley, 0. A. Gordon, John 
H. Dakin, Daniel Couch, D. A. Nichols, Moses 
Prime, Edward Fuller, William Brown, B. F. Sym- 
onds, William Sinclair and James Stewart, of the 
Trading Company, and Nathaniel Osgood and Rich- 
ard H. Austin, all of Salem. On board the same ves- 
sel were twelve passengers from Danvers, four from 
Lynn, two each from Manchester and Beverly, four 
from Gloucester and about ten from other places. 

The ship " Elizabeth," J. S. Kimball, master, was 
cleared for San Francisco April 3, 1849, by W. P. 
Phillips. Brackley R. Peabody and Robert M. Cope- 
land, of Salem, went as passengers. The bark " Ann 
Parry," \Vm. M. Harron, master, was cleared June 20, 
1849, tor San Francisco, by Benjamin Webb. James 
C. Briggs and Wra. H. Clark, of Salem, were passen- 
gers. The ship " Talma," Wm. B. Davis, master, 
cleared September 11, 1849, and the bark "Backus," 
A. D. Caultield, Jr., master, cleared November 28, 
1849, for San Francisco. In the " Backus " Joseph 
Allen, Charles R. Julyn, Thomas W. Taylor, Wm. 
Stafford and Wm H. Brown went as passengers. 

The ship " Crescent," John Madison, master, 
cleared for Benicia, Cal., Decembers, 1849. She had 
been purchased by the Salem Mechanics' Trading 
and Mining Association, and was loaded with one 
hundred and thirty thousand feet of lumber, framed 
and made ready for erection into houses, and the 
frame-work of a small steamboat. On the 6th of De- 
cember the "Crescent" left Salem with the following- 



named members of the association as passengers : 
Albert Lackey, Thomiis J. Giffbrd, Dean C. Symonds, 
John Madison, Thomas Dickson, Jr., John H.New- 
ton, Jonathan Davis, Eben Waters, Nathaniel Jenk- 
ins, John D. Chappie, Edward A. Wheeler, George 
S. Nichols, John P. Dickson, Joshua Pope, Oilman 
Andrews, Israel Herrick, Charles L. Hardy, Wm. 
Graves, Wm. P. Buft'um, Asa A. Whitney, Wm. H. 
Searles, James Gardner, Payne Morse, Benjamin S. 
Boardman, Samuel H. Larrabee and John Nichols, 
all of Salem, and a number from Lawrence, Fitch- 
burg, Lynn and Newton, in all numbering about 
sixty-one. She arrived at her destination May 26, 
1850, and was sold, with her cargo, very soon after 
arrival. 

During the gold excitement a large number of 
Salem residents went to California, sailing from other 
ports. Stephen C. Phillips and John Bertram were 
among those engaged in the California trade. 

Salem Tonnage. — In 1793 twelve ships were 
owned in Salem; in 1807, sixty; and in 1833 only 
twenty-nine. In 1825 there were thirty-two ships, 
five barks, ninety-five brigs, sixty schooners, and six 
sloops owned in Salem, measuring thirty-four thou- 
sand two hundred and twenty-four tons — the ship 
"Nile," of four hundred tons, was the largest; and in 
1828 thirty ships, one hundred and two brigif, eight 
barks and thirty schooner.^, the largest being the ship 
" Arabella," of four hundred and four tons. In 1833 
there were one hundred and eleven Salem vessels en- 
gaged in the foreign trade. 

For some time after Salem ceased to be a port to 
which vessels from foreign countries brought their 
cargoes, Salem merchants continued to own a large 
amount of tonnage, but they transacted their busi- 
ness mainly in Boston and New York. At the pres- 
ent time (1887) there are hardly a dozen vessels hail- 
ing from Salem engaged in the foreign trade. The ship 
" Highlander," 1352 tons, owned by Benjamin W. 
Stone ; the ships " Sooloo," 963 tons ; " Mindoro," 
1021 tons; and " Panay," 1190 tons, owned by Sils- 
bee, Pickman & Allen ; the barks " Glide," 493 tons, 
and " Taria Topan," 631 tons, owned by Ropes, Em- 
raerton & Co.; the three-masted schooners "Benja- 
min Fabens," 687 tons; "Charles H. Fabens," 301 
tons; and " George K. Hatch," 378 tons, owned by 
C. E. & B. H. Fabens; and the bark "Fury," 310 
tons, owned by Henry O. Roberts, are all that are left 
to carry the name of Salem to foreign lands, and none 
of these ever enter the port of Salem. 

Where once vessels were arriving — sometimes two 
in a single day— from India or other remote ports, 
but a solitary schooner found her way into Salem 
harbor from a foreign port, other than those from the 
British provinces, during the year ending June 30, 
1878, and she brought a cargo of coal from England. 
At the custom-house, where, in the week ending Sep- 
tember 15, 1798, seven Salem vessels — three ships, one 
bark and three brigs — cleared for Copenhagen, there 



SALEM. 



103 



was cleared, during the year ending June 30, 1878, one 
vessel to the West Indies and one to Liverpool, the 
sinjrle entry and the two clearances heing in the month 
of Dcctiuber. The whole number of foreign entries for 
that year was seventy-nine, of which eiglit were Amer- 
ican vessels and the total tonnage was 8183. The 
number of foreign clearances was ninety six, of which 
nine were American vessels, the total tonnage being 
10,090. 

The Whale Fishj;ry. — After the decline of the 
foreign commerce of Salem it was hoped tliat the 
whale fishery might be successfully prosecuted, and 
for a short time there was quite a fleet of whalers 
hailing from this port. Stephen C. Phillips was agent, 
in 1841, for the ships "Elizabeth,'' 398 tons, and 
"Sapphire," 36o tons; and the barks " Emerald," 271 
tons; "Eliza," 240 tons; "Henry," 262 tons; and 
"Malay," 2(j8 tons. John B.Osgood was agent in the 
same year for the ships " Bengal," 300 tons ; " Izette," 
280 tons ; " James Maury," 395 tons ; and " Mount 
Wollaston," 325 tons ; and the barks " Reaper," 230 
tons, and "Statesman," 258 tons. Nathaniel Weston 
was agent for the bark " Palestine," 248 tons. The 
"Malay" was lost July 27, 1842, on Europa Rocks, 
in Mozambique Channel. The "Eliza" was con- 
demned at Tahiti, June 15, 1843, and the " States- 
man " at Talcahuana, November 3, 1844. 

During the year ending April 1, 1837, sperm oil to 
the value of $124,440 and 108,065 gallons of whale 
oil, valued at S40,866, were landed at Salem. There 
were 432 hands employed in this business. During 
the year ending April 1, 1845, there was landed at 
Salem 45,705 gallons of sperm oil, valued at $39,306, 
and 18,345 gallons of whale oil, valued at $5686, the 
number of hands employed being 110. The hopes 
entertained at the outset in regard to the whale fi.-'h- 
ery were destined never to be realized. 

Felt says, in 1847, " There are two whalers from 
Salem. The prospect is that this perilous employ- 
ment, recommenced in hope as to its increase, contin- 
uance and profit, will soon terminate in disappoint- 
ment." Benjamin Webb had some vessels engaged 
in this fishery, and John C. Osgood was agent of the 
last whalers that hailed from the port of Saletn. This 
business was abandoned several years ago, and to-day 
no whalers are owned in Salem. 

The Coasting Trade. — While Salem has lost her 
foreign trade, the harbor of Salem is not entirely bar- 
ren of vessels, for a large amount of tonnage — larger 
even than when she was at the height of her com- 
mercial prosperity — now engaged in the coasting 
trade, brings coal to Salem for distribution to the mills 
of Lowell and Lawrence, In 1870 there entered the 
harbor 1812 coasting-vessels, having an aggregate 
tonnage of 213,514, and 1237 vessels measuring 203,- 
798 tons entered during the year ending June 30, 
1878. In 1885 there arrived at S.alem 1599 vessels, 
with a tonnage of 270,000. The Salem and New York 
Steamship Company maintained a line of steam pack- 



ets between Salem and New York from July, 1871, to 
June, 1872. 

The " Massachusetts," the first steamboat to enter 
Salem harbor, arrived from New York in July, 1817, 
and was employed for a short time in making excur- 
sions in the bay. She was regarded at the time as a 
great curiosity, and attracted considerable notice from 
the towns-people. In this connection the fact is 
worthy of mention that Dr. Nathan Reed, of Salem, 
was the actual inventor of the first steamboat with 
paddle-wheels in American waters. Dr. Reed Wiis 
certainly a most versatile genius. He was successively 
a student of medicine, ajiothecary, inventor, member 
of Congress, and finally chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Maine. He was born in Warren, 
Mass, in 1759, and graduated at Harvard in 1781. He 
studied medicine with Dr. E. A. Holyoke, of Salem, 
and afterwards kept an apothecary shop in that 
place. 

While keeping store in Salem he presented a peti- 
tion to Congress in 1790, stating, among other discov- 
eries, that he had made one "of the application of 
steam to the purposes of navigation and land car- 
riages." This petition was accompanied by a recom- 
mendation from a select committee of the American 
Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also the in- 
ventor of a patent for the manufacture of nails, which 
originated the building of the Danvers Iron Works. 
The trial-trip of his newly-invented steamboat was in 
the summer of 1789, and he had on board such dis- 
tinguished guests as Governor Hancock, Hon. Nathan 
Dane, Dr. E. A. Holyoke and the Rev. Dr. Prince. 
His trip was from his iron works, at Danvers.port, to 
the Essex Bridge, at Beverly. Fulton's success on the 
Hudson was sixteen or eighteen years later. So 
Salem has not been behind her neighbors in naviga- 
tion, whether under steam or canvas. 

Dr. Reed represented this district in Congress, and 
in 1807 removed to Maine, where he was for many 
years chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas. 
He died at Belfast in 1790. His house in Salem stood 
on the site now occupied by Plummer Hall. 

The Customhouse. — Hand-in-hand with com- 
merce come the collectors and oflicers of the customs 
revenue. Belbre 1819, and during the palmy days of 
Salem commerce, there was no government building 
for the accommodation of such officers. Salem has 
been established as a port of entry at least since 
1658. In 1G63 Hilliard Veren was collector, and in 
1683 Marblehead, Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Row- 
ley, Newbury and Salisbury are annexed to the port 
of Salem by order of the Court of Assistants, and it 
is decreed that this port and Boston shall be lawful 
ports in this Colony, where " all ships and other ves- 
sels shall lade or unlade any of the plantations' enu- 
merated goods, or other goods from foreign ports, 
and nowhere else, on penalty of the confiscation of 
such ship or vessel, with her goods and tackle, as 
shall lade or unlade elsewhere." 



104 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



At an early period commerce seems to have cen- 
tred about Creek Street and the hicality of the present 
Granite Railroad Station. This is the supposed lo- 
cation of the " Port House on the South river," men- 
tioned in an order of the Quarterly Court in 1636. 
All the " cannowes of the South Syde are to be 
brought before the Port House att the same time, to 
be viewed by the Surveiors." These "cannowes" 
were used for transporting passengers to North and 
South Salem before the days of bridges, and in them 
they sometimes went fowling "two leagues to sea." 
There was another port-house on North River, and 
much business was done in former years on that side 
of the town. 

The custom-house for thirty-four years was in a 
building on the corner of Gedney Court, erected in 
1645, and known as the French house, having been 
tenanted at some time by French families. In 1774 
the custom-house seems to have been on Essex 
Street, between Washington (then School) and North 
Streets, and to have been burnt in the great fire of 
October 6, 1774, which destroyed the Rev. Dr. Whit- 
aker's meeting-house, eight dwellings and fourteen 
stores. It is not unlikely that the custom-house rec- 
ords were also destroyed in this fire, thus accounting 
for the lack of any such records prior to the Revo- 
lution. 

In 1789 it was on the site of the present bank 
building in Central Street. Major Hiller was then 
collector. In 1805 it was removed, under Colonel 
Lee, to the Central Building, on the opposite side of 
the street, where a carved eagle and shield, lately 
restored, still mark the spot. In 1807 it was in 
Essex Street for a time, opposite Plumuier Hall; in 
1811 it was on the corner of Essex and Newbury 
Streets, and, in 1813, in the Central Building again, 
where Colonel Lee resided, and whence, in 1819, it 
was removed to the government building erected for 
the purpose at the head of Derby Wharf, where it 
now remains. This building stands upon land bought 
of the heirs of George Crowninshield, and was the 
site ot the Crowninshield mansion-house, which was 
removed to make way for the present structure. It 
was, says Hawthorne, "intended to accommodate a 
hoped-for increase in the commercial prosperity of 
the place — hopes destined never to be realized — and 
was built a world too large for any necessary pur- 
pose, even at the time when India was a new region, 
and only Salem knew the way thither." This cus- 
tom-house is a substantial, two-story, brick building, 
with a large warehouse in the rear, the whole sur- 
mounted by a cupola, from which the inspectors can 
watch for incoming vessels. It is now out of all pro- 
portion to the business of the port, and the time is 
not far distant when it will be abandoned for some 
smaller quarters. 

There has been collected in imposts at the port of 
Salem, since the organization of the Union in 1789, 
more than twenty-five millions of dollars. From 



August 15, 1789, to 1791, the amount collected was 
$108,064.48, and the number of foreign entries was 
205. From 1791 to 1800, inclusive, the duties were 
$2,949,817.19, and the foreign entries 1508. From 
1801 to 1810, inclusive, the duties were $7,272,633.31, 
and the foreign entries 1758. From 1811 to 1820, 
inclusive, the duties were $3,832,894.81, and the for- 
eign entries 835. From 1821 to 1830, inclusive, the 
duties were .$4,685,139.58, and the foreign entries 
1226. From 1831 to 1840 the duties were $1,987,- 
509.12, and the foreign entries 903. From 1841 to 
1850 the duties were $1,534,558.58, and the foreign 
entries 2327. From 1851 to 1860, inclusive, the du- 
ties were $1,816,676.42, and the foreign entries 3693. 
From 1861 to 1870, inclusive, the duties were $846,- 
741.74, and the foreign entries 1,420. The large in- 
crease in tbe number of foreign entries since 1841 is 
due to the large trade then carried on between Salem 
and Nova Scotia. From 1871 to 1878, inclusive, the 
duties were about $223,911.96. The duties for the 
quarter ending December 31, 1807, when the embargo 
was otHcially announced in Salem, were $511,000, 
which is the largest amount ever collected at Salem 
in a single quarter. The goods were imported in 
twenty-two ships, three barks, nineteen brigs and 
twenty-three schooners. In 1868 there was collected 
in duties $118,114.37, of which $30,000 was paid in a 
single month. In 1878 the whole amount collected 
was only about $11,000, of which only about $3600 
was for direct imports. In 1886 the amount collected 
was about $28,767. 

CoUeclors of Customs. — The successive collectors since tlie Revolution 
have been Warwick Palfray (Ijorn October, 171.5 ; died October 10, 
17117), from 1776 to 1784; Joseph Hiller (born March 26, 1748; died 
February 9, 1814), 1784 to ISOi; ; William R. Lee (born 1744 ; died in 
office, October 26, 1824), 1802 to 1824; James Miller, 1825 to 1S49 ; 
Ephraini F. Miller, 1849 to 1857 ; William B. Pike, 1857 to 1861 ; Wil- 
lard P. Pliilli]i8, 1861 to 1865 ; Robert S. Rautoul, I81I6 to 1809 ; Charles 
W. Palfray, 1809 to 1873 ; Cbarles H. Odell, 1873 to 1885 ; Richard F. 
Dodge, 1885 to the present time. 

Deputy Collectors. — The deputy collectors, under the present organiza- 
tion, have been : Charles Cleveland, from 1789 to 1802 ; William VV. 
Oliver, 18o3 to 1839 ; John B. Kniglit, 1839 to 1843 ; Ephraim F. Miller, 
1843 to 1849 ; J, Linton Waters, 1849 to 1854 ; Henry E. Jenks, 1854 to 
1857 ; Chipman Ward, 1857 to 1859 ; Henry Derby, 185!) to 1801 ; Eph- 
raim F. Miller, 1861 to 1864 ; Chiirles S. Osgood, 1864 to 1873 ; J. Frank 
DaltoD, 1873 to 1881 ; A. Frank Hitchings, 1881 to the present time. 

Sitneijars. — The surveyors during the same period have been Bar- 
tholomew Putnam, from 1789 to 1809 ; (Jeorge Hodges, 1809 to 1817 ; 
John Saunders, 1818 to 1830 ; James Dalrymple, 1830 to 1834 ; Joseph 
Noble, 1834 to 1838 ; Edward Palfray, 1838 to 1841 ; Stephen Daniels, 
1841 to 1843; Nehemiah Brown, 1843 to 1846; Nathaniel Hawthorne, 
1840 to 1S49 ; Allen Putnam, 1849 to 1854 ; Lewis Josselyn, 1854 to 
1867 ; Ebenezer Dodge, 1857 to 1861 ; William 0. Waters, 1861 to 1803 ; 
Charles F. Williams, 1803 to 1805 ; Joseph Moseley, 1865 to 1871 ; 
Charles D. Howard, 1871 to 1875, when the office was abolished. 

Nttv<tl 0.{licers. — The naval officers have been William FickmaD, 
from 1789 to 1803; Samuel Ward, 1803 to 1812 ; Henry Elkins, 1812 to 
1829; John Swasey, 1829 to 1842 ; Abr.aham True, 1842 to 1840 ; John 
D. Howard, 1846 to 1849 ; William Brown. 1849 to 1853 ; Charles Millett, 
1853 to 1858 ; John Ryan, 1858 to 1860 ; Joseph A. Dalton, 1861 to 1865, 
when the oflRce was abolished. 

The two most prominent names in this list are 
those of Nathiiniel Hawthorne and James Miller, 
— the one, the uuequaled master of romance; the 



SALEM. 



105 



other, "New Englantf's most distinguished soldier." 
Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem July 4, 
1804, in the house now numbered twenty-one, on 
Union Street. He was a descendant of Major Wil- 
liam Hathorne, who came with Governor Win- 
throp, in the " Arbella." The name is an old and 
honored one in Salem, and prominently connected 
with its early history. On the death of his father, 
in 1808, he lived for a time with his maternal grand- 
father, Richard Manning, on Herbert Street. For a 
year he lived in Raymond, Me., and then returned to 
Salem. He was graduated at Bowdoin College in 
1825, in the same class with the poet Longfellow. 
He was appointed weigher and gauger at Boston in 
1838, and was removed in 1841 for political reasons; 
he was surveyor at Salem from 1846 to 1849; and 
consul of the United States at Liverpool from 1852 to 
1856. 

The growing interest in Hawthorne as a writer 
brings to the Custom-House a crowd of curious 
travelers from far and wide. The room he occupied, 
the desk on which he wrote, the stencil-plate with 
which he put his name on packages, the room in 
which he tells us he found the manuscript, telling 
the sad, strange story of Hester Prynne, were, until 
a few years since, preserved and examined with in- 
terest by tourists. The Custom-House was re- 
furnished in 1873, and his desk was deposited by his 
successor in office with the Essex Institute. He died 
in Plymouth, N. H., May 19, 1864, while making a 
short journey, in the company of his friend and class- 
mate, President Franklin Pierce. 

James Miller was born in Peterboro', N. H., in 
1776. He was bred to the law, and left the courts 
for the camp, on being appointed by Jefferson, in 
1808, a major in the Fourth L'nited States Infantry. 
He was with General Harrison throughout his fa- 
mous western campaign of 1811 ; after this followed 
Brownstown, Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, and 
from the last dates his national fame and his briga- 
dier's commission. At that battle Major-General 
Brown was in command, and was disabled ; and 
Scott, of the First Brigade, was also disabled. It was 
plain that a certain hill, whose frowning front bris- 
tled with artillery, was the key to victory. At this 
juncture. Colonel Miller was called on to storm the 
work. " I'll try, sir ! " was Miller's reply, and as he 
gays, with his regiment reduced to less than three 
hundred men, he at once obeyed the order. Two 
regiments ordered to his support quailed and turned 
back. "Colonel Miller," says the official record, 
" without regard to this occurrence, advanced steadily 
and carried the height." " Not one man at the can- 
non," says he, in writing to his wife, "was left to put 
fire to them." The memorable words, " I'll try, 
sir ! " were at once embossed upon the buttons of his 
shattered regiment, which was presented with a cap- 
tured gun, for distinguished gallantry. On the fol- 
lowing November, Congress voted him a gold medal 
7i 



bearing his likene-ss, his famous words, and the names 
of Chippewa, Niagara and Fort Erie. He was also 
presented with a sword by the State of New York. 
General Miller was Governor of Arkansas Territory 
in 1819. He died July 7, 1851, in Temple, N. H. 

Mr. Cleveland and Mr. Oliver are remarkable 
among the deputy collectors. The former was born 
in Norwich, Conn., June 21, 1772, and died June 5, 
1872, coming within sixteen days of living out the 
century. At the age of ninety-eight he attended Jlr. 
Oliver's funeral, who died at ninety-one. Mr. (Jliver 
was connected with the Custom-House forty-six 
years. He was born in Salem December 10, 1778, 
and died December 29, 1869. 

Jonathan Pue, now immortalized in " The Scarlet 
Letter," became " searcher and surveyor " in 1752, 
and died suddenly in office, March 24, 1760. In 
1734 William Fairfax, whose name was afterwards 
pleasantly associated with that of Washington, left 
the collectorship of this port and removed to Vir- 
ginia. 

Marine Insurance Companies. — The rapid in- 
crease in the shipping at this jiort which took place 
after trade was opened between Salem and the East 
Indies led to the organization of a number of insur- 
ance companies where the merchants could insure 
ship and cargo. At the different offices of these com- 
panies the merchants assembled in the evening to 
transact their business, to read the papers and to hear 
the general gossip of the day. Here the shipmasters 
recounted the perils they had encountered, and com- 
pared notes with each other regarding the voyages 
from which they had just returned ; and here, in the 
busy days of Salem's commerce, all was bustle and 
activity and life. Many of the offices were retained 
long after the business had greatly diminished, and 
became a place where the retired shipmasters of Sa- 
lem resorted to discuss the news of the day, and re- 
count the departed glories of the past. 

The E.ssex Fire and Marine Insurance Company 
was incorporated March 7, 1803, William Gray and 
others incorporators, and was located in the building 
on Essex Street, facing Central Street; Nathaniel 
Bowditch was its president for many years. The 
Merchants' Insurance Company, Peter Lander, presi- 
dent, was located in the store now occupied by 
Thomas B. Nichols, on the west side of Essex House 
yard. The Salem Commercial Insurance Company 
was incorporated in 1818, N. Silsbee, Joseph Storv 
and others incorporators ; George Cleveland, for 
many years, president. The Mercantile Insurance 
Company, incorjjorated in 1825, John Winn, Jr., pres- 
ident, was located on the western corner of Essex and 
St. Peter's Streets. After that company gave up bus- 
iness the Essex Insurance Company was formed and 
occupied the same location. The Oriental Insurance 
Company, incorporated in 1824, was located in the 
East India Marine building, and subsequently re- 
moved to Asiatic Bank building. The Social lusur- 



106 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ance Company was incorporated March 1, 1808, and 
revived June 5, 1830, for ten years, to settle old 
claims. The Salem Marine Insurance Company, 
which was incorporated in February, 1856, and com- 
menced business in February, 1857, is the only ma- 
rine insurance company now doing business in Salem. 
William Northey is president, and F. P. Kichardson 
secretary. 

Ship-Building. — It was natural that early atten- 
tion should have been given to ship-building in a 
settlement where the staple article of trade was the 
product of the fisheries. In 1629 the Home Company 
sent six ship-builders to Salem, of whom Robert 
Moulton was chief. Salem Neck was used for ship- 
building from the very earliest period. So many peo- 
ple were located in that vicinity in 1679 that John 
Clifford was licensed to keep a victualling liouse for 
their convenience. In 1636 Richard Hollingworth, 
a ship-builder, who came to Salem in 1635, gets a 
grant of land on the neck from the town, and builds 
a ship of three hundred tons there in 1641. It is 
most probable that prior to 1637 Robert Moulton and 
his shipwrights built several small decked vessels for 
the fisheries and for trading. The Home Company 
ordered three shallops to be built in Salem in 1629, 
doubtless for fishing purposes. From 1629 to 1640 
Salem had not much shipping of her own ; but in 
the latter year the Rev. Hugh Peters, of the First 
Church, a man of great energy and sagacity, inter- 
ested the people in ship-building, and in a few years 
an abundant supply of vessels were built. Salem be- 
came noted as one of the principal places in the col- 
ony for building vessels. 

From 1659 to 1677 there appear to be four noted 
ship-builders in Salem, one of whom, Jonathan Pick- 
ering, gets a grant of land about Hardy's Cove from 
the town, to himself and heirs forever, to build ves- 
sels upon. From 1692 to 1718 seven ship-builders 
appear prominent in Salem, among' whom are Joseph 
Hardy and William Becket. In 1662 the town au- 
thorities endeavor to accommodate, at Burying Point, 
near the foot of Liberty Street, those desirous of 
graving vessels. In 1676 Salem is said to be one of 
the principal places for building vessels, at four 
pounds per ton. Of the twenty-six vessels belonging 
to Salem in 1698-99, seventeen were built here. From 
1700 to 1714, inclusive, registers were granted to four 
ships, three barks, nine brigs, twenty-four sloops and 
nineteen ketches belonging to Salem. They ranged 
from fifteen to ninety tons, and forty of them were built 
here. In 1705 the ship "Unity," of two hundred and 
seventy tons, was built in Salem, for Boston and Lon- 
don merchants, and in 1709 Joseph Hardy built the 
brig " American Merchant," of one hundred and 
sixty tons burden. In 1712 a sale is recorded by 
Ebenezer Lambert, shipwright, of Salem, of ye good 
sloop " Betty,'' lately built, of about eighty tons bur- 
den, to Benjamin Marston, of Salem, for two hundred 
and forty jjound.s, or three jiouuds per ton. 



Vessels were built or repaired in Salem on the neck, 
including Winter Lsland ; on the creek running into 
South River, near the foot of Norman Street; at the 
Burying Point near the foot of Liberty Street, and at 
other places on the South River ; at Frye's Mills on 
the North River; and at Hardy's Cove. Referring 
to the creek running into the South River, Felt says, 
writing in 1842, that " its course was from the South 
River, below the mills, and up between Norinau and 
High Streets. A century since boys would go in 
boats from its waters to a swamp in Crombie Street, 
and collect eggs from blackbirds' nests. Britton's 
Hill, running from Summer Street, formerly had a 
ship-yard, whence ves-ols were launched into the 
creek. An octogenarian vividly remembers a brig of 
one hundred and fifty tons, which was built on the 
margin of the same waters." It seems hardly credible 
that the principal ship-building of the town was at 
one time carried on in this locality, for scarcely a 
vestige remains to-day of the creek or cove, and the 
South River is gradually disappearing from view, and 
at this point runs through a covered culvert. 

The Beckets have been famous as ship-builders in 
Salem. Tlie ship-yard of the Beckets was situated 
between Phillips' Wharf and Webb's Wharf. This 
place has been known as Becket's Beach, and is di- 
rectly in front of the old mansion-house built by 
John Becket about 1655. It was occupied by the 
Beckets as a ship-yard from 1655 to 1800, a period of 
one hundred and forty-five years. After 1800 Retire 
Becket built his vessels on land farther to the east- 
ward. 

The most famous vessel built by Retire Becket was 
the yacht " Cleopatra's Barge," of one hundred 
and ninety-one tons burden, whose owner. Captain 
George Crowninshield, spared no expense in her con- 
struction or in her appointments. She was built for 
a pleasure-trip to the Mediterranean, and excited 
wonder, even at Genoa, for her beauty, luxury and 
magnifi(!ence. She was launched October 21, 1816, in 
the presence of an immense concourse of people. 
During the winter of 1817 the harbor was frozen over 
to the Haste and Coney Island, and this vessel having 
returned from her voyage, a great many people drove 
over the ice in sleighs to visit her. Retire Becket 
also built, in 1799, the brig " Active," of two hundred 
and six tons, in which William P. Richardson made 
the first trading voyage from Salem to the Feejee Is- 
lands, in 1810 ; and in 1800 the ship " Margaret," of 
two hundred and ninety-five tons, which made the 
first voyage from Salem to Japan, leaving Salem No- 
vember 10, 1800, under command of Samuel Derby ; 
and in 1794, for Elias H. Derby, the shij) " Recovery," 
of two hundred and eighty-four tons, which, under 
the command of Joseph Ropes, first displ.ayed the 
stars and stripes at Mocha. He also built for Elias H. 
Derby, in 1798, the ship "Mount Vernon," of three 
hundred and fifty-six tons; for George Crowninshield 
& Sons, 1804, the ship "America," of four hundred 



SALEM. 



107 



and seventy-three tons, famous as a privateer in the 
War of 1812 ; for Z. F. Silsbee and James Devereux, 
in 1807. tlie ship " Herald," of two hundred and sev- 
enty-four tons. The last vessel built by Mr. Becket 
wa.s the brig " Becket," of one hundred and twenty- 
eight tons, for John Crowninshield, in 1818. 

Ebenezer Mann came to Salem from Pembroke in 

1783, and in the same year commenced building ves- 
sels in a yard near Frye's Mills, on North River, and 
continued in the business until about the year IStld. 
Among the vessels built by Mr. Mann was the brig 
"William," of one hundred and eighty-two tons, in 

1784, for William Gray; the brig "Fanny," of one 
hundred and fifty-two tons, in 1785, for Benjamin 
Goodhue; the bark "Good Intent," of one hundred 
and seventy-one tons, in 1790, for Simon Forrester ; 
the schooner "Betsey," of one hundred and eight 
tons, in 1792, for Jerathmael Peirce ; the brig " Hind," 
of one hundred and fifty-seven tons, in 179o, for Wil- 
liam Orne ; the ship "Good Hope," of one hundred 
and eighty-eight tons, in 1795, for Nathaniel West ; 
the bark " Eliza," of one hundred and eighty-seven 
tons, in 179t), for Joseph White ; and the ship " Pru- 
dent," of two hundred and fourteen tons, in 1799, for 
Nathaniel West. 

Christopher Turner, who came to Salem from Pem- 
broke, where he was born in 1767, continued the bus- 
iness of ship-building at Frye's Mills after Mr. Mann 
retired. He built, among others, the schooner" Essex," 
of one hundred and fourteen ton^*, in 1800, for Wil- 
liam Fabens, for the West India and Cayenne trade. 
The ship "Ponipey," of one hundred and eighty- 
eight tons, in 1802, for William Orne. She was after- 
wards sold to Joshua Ward, made into a brig, and 
commanded by James Gilchrist. The ship " Hope," 
of two hundred and eighty-two tons, in 1805, for J. 
& J. Barr. The ship " Hunter," of two hundred and 
ninety-six tons, in 1807, for Jerathmael Peirce. ' The 
briff " Romp," of two hundred and thirty-two tons, in 
1809, for Nathaniel Silsbee. She was commanded by 
William Lander, and was confiscated at Naples, in 
1809, on her first voyage. The ship "Rambler," of 
two hundred and eighty-six tons, in 1811, for George 
Nichols. She was captured by the Br'tish in 1812, 
while commanded by Timothy Bryant. Mr. Turner 
built, at Union Wharf, for George Crowninshield, the 
sloop "Jefferson," of twenty-two tons, for a pleasure- 
yacht. She was launched in March, 1801, and is be- 
lieved to have been the first real yacht built in the 
United States. 

David Magoun built, on the neck, between the gate 
and Colonel John Hathorne's house, in 1805, the ship 
" Alfred," two hundred tons, for Joseph White. 

Barker & Magoun built, at the same place, the 
schooner "Enterprise," two hundred tons, in 1812, 
and the schooner "Gen. Stark," in 1813. 

Enos Briggs wasone of the most noted ship-builders 
in Salem. He came here from Pembroke in 1790, and 
built the ship " Grand Turk," of five hundred and 



sixty tons, for Elias Ha-sket Derby. She was built on 
the lot of land next east of Isaac P. Foster's store, 
and was launched ]May 10, 1791, and reiilaced the ship 
"(irand Turk," of three hundred tons, which was 
sold at the Isle of France in 1788. A Salem paper at 
the time of the launching calls her " the largest ship 
ever built in this country." 

Having built the " Grand Turk," Mr. Briggs re- 
turned to Pembroke for his family. They arrived at 
Salem July 4, 1791, and the sloop in which they came 
brought, also, the frame of a dwelling-house, which 
he erected on Harbor Street, and which, for many 
years after his decease, was occupied by the family of 
his daughter, Mrs. Nathan Cook. Mr. Briggs was born 
in Pembroke July 29, 1746, and died in Salem Octo- 
ber 10, 1S19. His ship-yard in Salem was located be- 
tween Peabody and Harbor Streets, west of the 
Naumkcag Cotton-Mills. Here he built for Elias Has- 
ket Derby, in 1792, the ship " Benjamin," of one 
hundred and sixty-one tons, which was afterwards 
commanded by NAthaniel Silshee ; in 1794, the ketch 
"Eliza," of one hundred and eighty-four tons, which, 
under command of Stephen Phillips, made some of 
the early voyages to Calcutta and the Isle of France; 
in 1795 the ketch "John," of two hundred and fifty- 
eight tons, and the ketch " Brothers," of one hundred 
and forty-eight tons ; and, in 1796, the ship " Martha," 
of three hundred and forty tons. For George Crow- 
ninshield & Sons he built, in 1794, the ship " Belisa- 
rius," of 261 tons. For Peirce & Wait, in 1797, the 
ship " Friendship," of 342 tons, afterwards command- 
ed by Israel Williams. For Joseph Peabody, in 1798, 
the schooner "Sally," 104 tons; in 1798, the brig 
"Neptune," 160 tons; in 1801, the brig " Catherine," 
158 tons; in 1803, the ship "Mount Vernon," 254 
tons; in 1804, the ship " Janus," 277 tons; in 1805, 
the ship " Augustus," 246 tons ; in 1807, the ship 
"Francis," 297 tons; in 1811, the ship "Glide," 306 
tons; in 1812, the brig "Levant," 265 tons ; and in 
1816, the ship " China," of 370 tons. For Nathaniel 
West, 1794, the schooner " Patty," 111 tons, which, 
under command of Edward West, made one of the 
earliest voyages from Salem to Batavia ; and in 1801, 
the ship "Commerce," 239 tons. For Benjamin Pick- 
man, in 1803, the ship " Derby," of 300 tons. For 
Simon Forrester, in 1805, the ship "Messenger," 277 
tons. For William Gray, in 1806, the ship " Pac- 
tolus," 288 tons. Mr. Briggs built, while in Salem, 
fifty-one vessels of 11,500 tons, among them the fa- 
mous frigate " Essex," of 8.50 tons, built in 1799. 

Elijah Briggs, on the death of his cousin Enos, con- 
tinued the business of ship-building at the yard in 
South Salem. He built for Pickering Dodge, in 1819, 
the ship " Gov. Endicott," 279 tons ; in 1828, the 
ship" Lotos," 296 tons; in 1828. the ship "Mandarin," 
295 tons; and in 1829, the ship " Rome," 344 tons. 
For Jonathan Neal, in 1820, the brig " Java," 225 tons. 
For John Forrester, in 1823, the ship " Emerald," 
271 tons. For Joseph Peabody, in 1824, tlie brig 



108 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Mexican," 227 tons, and the brig " Amazon," 202 
tons. For Gideon Tucker, in 1825, the brig " Olinda," 
182 ton8. Mr. Briggs was born in Scituate July 17, 
1762, and died in Salem May 29, 1847. 

Elias Jenks and Ichabod JR. Hoyt continued the 
business of ship-building in South Salem down to 
1843, and built their vessels a little to the westward of 
the spot occupied by Enoa Briggs. They built for 
Joseph Peabody, in 1827, the ship " Sumatra," 287 
tons ; in 18.31, the ship "Eclipse," 326 tons; in 1833, 
the ship " Naples," 309 tons ; and in 1837, the ship 
" Carthage," 426 tons. For Nathaniel L. Rogers & 
Brothers, in 1828 the ship " Crusoe," 350 tons. For the 
Messrs. Silsbee, in 1831, the ship " Borneo," 297 tons ; 
and in 1840, the ship " Sooloo," 400 tons. For Thorn- 
dike Deland, in 1836, the schooner " William Penn," 
125 tons. For David Pingree, in 1843, the bark 
" Three Brothers," 350 tons. 

In 1834, there had been built in Salem for the for- 
eign trade since 1789, sixty-one shijis, four barks, 
fifty-three brigs, three ketches, and sixteen schooners, 
measuring 30,557 tons. 

On the 1st of December, 1825, there was launched 
from the ship-yard of Mr. Cottle, in North Salem, near 
Orne's Point, a schooner of 40 tons, built for the 
use of the American missionaries at the Sandwich 
Islands. She was called the "Missionary Packet," 
and sailed from Boston January 17, 1826, for the Sand- 
wich Islands. 

Samuel Lewis built, in 1849, the bark " Argentine," 
for Eobert Upton, and in 1850 the brig " M. Shepard," 
160 tons, for John Bertram. 

John Carter built, in 1854, under the superintend- 
ence of A. H. Gardner, on the eastern side of Phillips 
Wharf, for Edward D. Kimball, the bark " Witch," 
417 tons ; and subsequently, at the same place, for 
other parties, the ship " Europa," 846 tons. 

Edward F. Miller, whose ship-yard was at the point 
of land in South Salem opposite the end of Derby 
Wharf, built for R. W. Ropes & Co., in 1855, the brig 
"Mary Wilkins," 266 tons; and in 1859, the bark 
" La Plata," 496 tons. For Benjamin A. West, in 
1857, the bark " Arabia," 380 tons. She was lost at 
the Cape of Good Hope on her first voyage. For 
John Bertram, in 1856, the bark " Guide ; " in 1861, 
the bark "Glide," 493 tons; in 1869, the bark " Jer- 
sey," 599 tons, which was lost at Madagascar on her 
first voyage ; and. in 1870, the bark " Taria Topan," 
631 tons. For John C. Osgood and others, in 1862, 
the brig " Star," 250 tons. 

Joshua Brown built, near Miller's ship-yard, the 
schooner "Prairie Flower," 106 tons. This vessel was 
launched on the 27th of April, 1858. She sailed from 
Salem Tuesday, June 8, 1858, for Boston, to obtain a 
part of her fishing outfit. A large party of young 
men were on board, invited by the owners to make the 
trip to Boston. About 2 p.m., when in the Broad 
Sound and entering Boston harbor, the schooner was 
struck by a sudden gust of wind and capsized. The 



water rushed into the cabin, filling it, and of those 
there at the time, seven were drowned. They were all 
under thirty years of age, and all of Salem. Osgood 
Sanborn was 28; Daniel R. Fitz, 24; George C. 
Clarke, 24 ; Francis Donaldson, 21 ; William H. Rus- 
sell, 20 ; William H. Newcomb, 20 ; and Lewis B. 
Smith, 14. The remainder of the party were rescued 
by vessels that chanced to be near the scene of the 
accident. No such calamity had occurred in Salem 
since the 17th of June, 1773, when the King's boat, 
belonging to the custom-house, was capsized in Salem 
harbor during a squall, and three men and seven 
women, all of Salem, were drowned. Mr. Brown 
built a number of other vessels, among them the 
schooner " David B. Newcomb," 92 tons, in 1860, and 
the brig " Albert," 325 tons, in 1862. 

Salem Merchants. — This chapter should not be 
closed without some notice of the men whose enter- 
prise and daring made for Salem her brilliant com- 
mercial record. 

Among the earliest of the merch.ants was Captain 
George Curwin, who was born in England in 1610. 
He settled in Salem about 1638, and was extensively 
engaged in commerce. His books of account show 
that he had embarked in the London trade previous 
to 1658. He died on the 3d of January, 1685, leaving 
a large estate, comprising four ware-houses and two 
wharves in Salem, and a ware-house and wharf in 
Boston, and the ketches "George," "Swallow,' 
" John " and " William," valued at £1050. 

Captain Walter Price, who died in 1674, and Cap- 
tain John Price, who died in 1691 ; John Turner, 
who died in 1680 ; William Bowditch. who died in 
1681 ; Joseph Grafton, Sr., who died in 1682 ; William 
Brown and John Brown, who died about 1687, '88 ; 
Henry Bartholomew, who died in 1691 ; Richard 
Hollingworth and his son, William Hollingworth, 
were all engaged in commerce in Salem. 

Philip English came to Sakm before 1670, and in 
1675 married the daughter of another Salem mer- 
chant, Mr. William Hollingworth. In 1676 he is at 
the Isle of Jersey, commanding the ketch "Speed- 
well." He had so flourished in 1683 that he put up 
a stylish mansion on the eastern corner of Essex and 
English streets. It was one of those ancient mansion 
houses, for which Salem was once noted — a venerable 
many gabled, solid structure, with projecting stories 
and porches. Down to 1753 it was known as Eng- 
lish's great house. It stood until 1833, long tenant- 
less and deserted, and when torn down a secret room 
was found in the garret, supposed to have been built 
after the witchcraft furor, as a place of temporary 
security in case of a second outcry. 

In 1692 Philip English was at the height of his 
prosperity. He was trading with Bilboa, Barbadoes, 
St. Christopher's and Jersey, as well as with several 
French ports. He owned twenty-one vessels, besides 
a wharf and warehouse on the neck, and fourteen 
buildings in the town. It is probable that his wife 



SALEM. 



109 



was over-elated by their prosperity, and forgot her 
humble friends of former days, for she is now called 
" aristocratic," and the prejudice thus engendered 
against her doubtless led to her being " cried out" 
against for withcraft. Both Mr. English and his wife 
were so accused. From 16!)4 to 1720 Mr. EnjrHsh 
sends ketches to Newfoundland, Cape Sable or Aca- 
dia to catch fish, and sends these fish to Barbadoes or 
other English West Indies, Surinam and Spain. He 
also had a number of vessels running between Salem 
and Virginia and Maryland. 

Mr. English was put into Salem jail, .so says Felt, 
in 172.5, for refusing, as an EpLscopalian, to pay taxes 
for the support of the East Church, .\bout 1734 he 
retired from trade, and in 1735 he was put under 
guardianship as being clouded in mind. He died in 
1736, aged about eighty-six years, and was buried in 
the Episcopal church-yard. 

The name of Derby is intimately associated with 
the commerce of Salem — Roger Derby, born in l(i43, 
emigrated to America in 1(371 from Topsham, in the 
South of England. He was a member of the Society 
of Friends, and first settled in Ipswich, but having 
been fined for non-conformity, he removed to Salem 
where he embarked in trade. At his decease in lti98 
it appears by his inventory, that he possessed a house, 
wharf and warehouse. His son Richard, born in 
1679, engaged in maritime affairs, but died in 1715, 
leaving, among other children, a son Richard, born 
in 1712, whose son, Elias Hasket Derby, was the 
most eminent among Salem's merchants. The last- 
named Richard, in 1736, at the age of twenty-four, 
was the master of the sloop " Ranger," bound from 
Salem to Cadiz and Malaga. In 1739 he sails in the 
"Ranger" to St. Martin's, and in 1742 he is master 
and part owner of the " Volant," bound for Barbadoes 
and the French Islands. In 1757 he retired from the 
sea and became a merchant of Salem, relinqui^hing 
his vessels to his sons John and Richard. 

The commerce in which Mr. Derby was engaged 
was pursued in vessels ranging from 50 to 100 
tons. His vessels, laden with fish, lumber and 
provisions, cleared for Dominica or some Windward 
Isle in the British West Indies, and then ran through 
the islands for a market. The returns were made in 
sugar, molasses, cotton, rum and claret, or in rice and 
naval stores from Carolina. With the returns from 
these voyages assorted cargoes were madeof oil, naval 
stores, and the produce of the islands for Spain and 
Madeira, and the proceeds remitted partly in bills on 
London, and partly in wine, salt, fruit, oil, iron, lead 
and handkerchiefs to America. The commerce of 
these days was bold and adventurous. Few vessels 
exceeded 60 tons burden, and they were exposed 
not only to the dangers of the seas, but also to the 
buccaneers and French and Engli.sh cruisers. During 
the French War, from 1756 to 1763, Mr. Derby owned 
several ships as well as brigantines, carrying each 
eight or ten cannon. He was owner of part of the 



cannon which Col. Leslie was sent down from Boston 
by Gen. Gage to capture, in 1775. His son John car- 
ried to England the first news of the battle of Lex- 
ington, and returned to Salem with the first intelli- 
gence of the effect it (>roduced in London. 

Mr. Derby was born in Salem September 16, 1712, 
and died there November 9, 17cS3. 

The second son of the last named Richard Derby, 
Elias Hasket, was born in Salem August 16, 1739, 
and was Salem's most eminent merchant. He was 
the pioneer, and led the way while others followed. 
His vessels were the first from New England at India 
and China, and largely to his courage and sagacity 
Salem is indebted for the prominent place she held as 
a commercial port. Until his coming, the trade of 
Salem was narrow and limited. He opened the ports 
of the whole globe to the Salem ships, and made the 
name of Salem familiar wherever trade penetrated or 
civilization ventured. 

At an early age he entered the counting-room of 
his father, and from 1760 to 1775 he took charge of 
his father's books, and engaged extensively in trade 
with the English and French islands. At the com- 
mencement of the Revolutionary War, he had seven 
sail of vessels in the trade of the West Indies. Many 
of the rich men clung to the mother country, but Mr. 
Derby espoused the cause of the colonists. His trade 
and that of Salem was ruined by the war. Indignant 
at the oppressive course of Great Britain, Mr. Derby 
united with his townsmen, and Salem fitted out at 
least one hundred and fifty-eight armed vessels during 
the Revolution. 

From 1771 to 1785 the tonnage of Salem declined, 
and did not revive till the opening of the India trade, 
when it increased with astonishing rajiidity. 

On the 15th of June, 1784, the barque " Light 
Horse" was sent by Mr. Derby to St. Petersburg with 
a cargo of sugar, and opened the American trade 
with that place. 

In November, 1784, he despatched the ship "Grand 
Turk," of 300 tons, Captain Jonathan Ingersoll, 
on the first voyage from Salem to the Cape of 
Good Hope. A Ithough this voyage was not very suc- 
cessful, it gave Mr. Derby an insight into the wants 
and jirices of the Indian market, and Nov. 28, 1785, 
he cleared the same vessel under command of Eben- 
ezer West, for the Isle of France, with the purpose to 
visit Canton, went to the Isle of France, Batavia and 
China, and returned to Salem in June, 1787, with a 
cargo of teas, silks and nankeens, making the first 
voyage from New England to the Isle of France, 
India and China. 

In December, 1787, Mr. Derby again despatched 
his ship " Grand Turk " on a voyage to the I^^le of 
France under the charge of his .son, Elias Hasket 
Derby, Jr. The " Grand Turk " was sold at a great 
profit, and the son remained at the Isle of France 
until the arrival, about a year afterwards, of the ship 
" Atlantic," when he proceeded to Surat, Bombay) 



110 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and Calcutta, and first displayed our eusign at those 
ports. He bought, at the Isle of France, the ship 
"Peo;gy," sent her to Bombay for cotton and then back 
to Salera, where she arrived June 21, 1789, with the 
first 'jargo of Bombay cotton. One of his vessels was 
the first to display the American flag at Siam and 
another made the first voyage from America to Mocha. 

In February, 1789, Mr. Derby sent, for the first 
time, the ship " Astrea" on a direct voyage to Can- 
ton. American ships were now following the lead of 
the " Grand Turk," and we find fifteen there in 1789, 
five of tbem belonging to Salem, and four to Mr. 
Derby. In 1790 he imported into Salem 728,871 
pounds of tea. In May, 1790, the brig " William and 
Henry," Captain Benjamin Hodges, owned by Gray 
& Orne, entered this port with a cargo of tea, which 
was among the first of .such cargoes imported in an 
American bottom. When Mr. Derby first engaged in 
the India trade there were no banks, and he rarely 
purchased or sold on credit. While his large ships 
were on their voyages to the East he employed his 
brigs and schooners in making up the assortment for 
cargoes by sending them to Gottenburg and St. 
Petersburg for inui, duck and hemp; to France, Spain 
and Madeira for wine and lead ; to the West Indies 
for spirits ; and to New York, Philadelphia and Rich- 
mond for flour, provisions, iron and tobacco. In the 
brief space of fourteen years (from 1785 to 1799), he 
made one hundred and twenty-five voyages, by at least 
thirty-seven different ves.sels, of which voyages forty- 
five were to the East Indies or China. Among the 
oflicersof his ships, who were afterwards distinguished, 
were the Hon. Nathaniel Silsbee, late United States 
Senator from Massachusetts and Dr. Nathaniel Bow- 
ditch. 

In 1798 the nation appeared to be on the eve of a 
war with France, and was without a navy. John 
Adams was President, and the administration, in June, 
1798, passed an act authorizing the President to accept 
such vessels as the citizens might build for the na- 
tional service, and pay for them in a six per cent, 
stock. Subscriptions were opened in Salem, and Mr. 
Derby and Mr. William Gray each subscribed ten 
thousand dollars, and William Orne and John 
Norris each five thousand dollars, and in a brief 
period some seventy-four thousand, seven hun- 
dred dollars were subscribed. Mr. Enos Briggs, 
who had built many of Mr. Derby's fastest ships, 
was instructed to build a frigate, to be called 
the " Essex." The keel was laid April 13, 1799, 
and September 30th following she was successfully 
launched. She proved the fastest ship in the navy, 
and captured property to the amount of two million 
dollars. Admiral Farragut served on the " Essex " 
as a midshipman. 

Mr. Derby made one more brilliant voyage before 
he closed his career, although he did not live to ascer- 
tain its results. Hostilities between France and the 
United States had commenced when Mr. Derby sent 



a ship of four hundred tons, called the " Mount Ver- 
non," equipped with twenty guns, manned by fifty 
men and loaded with sugar, to the Mediterranean. 
The cost of the cargo was forty-three thousand two 
hundred and seventy-five dollars. The vessel was at- 
tacked by the enemy, but escaped, and arived safely 
in America with a cargo of silks and wines, and real- 
ized a net profit of one hundred thousand dollars. 
Before her arrival Mr. Derby died, Septembers, 1799, 
and left an estate which exceeded a million dollars, 
and was supposed to be the largest fortune left in this 
country during the last century. 

The mansion in which Mr. Derby lived while ac- 
quiring his fortune still stands on the corner of Wash- 
ington and Lynde Streets, and was, for a long time, 
occupied by another Salem merchant, Robert Brook- 
house. Mr. Derby erected an elegant and costly edi- 
fice on the site now occupied by Derby Square, and 
laid out walks and gardens from Essex Street to a 
terrace which overhung the South River. The man- 
sion was finished, but was occupied by Mr. Derby but 
a few months before his death. For some twelve 
years thereafter it was in the possession of his oldest 
son, but with the embargo and war there came a check 
to the prosperity of Salem, and no one was willing to 
incur the expense incident to living in such a palatial 
structure. The buildings and gardens were closed for 
years, and finally gave place to the square and market 
which now bear the name of Derby. 

Crowninshield is another family name whose mem- 
bers contributed to the commercial prosperity of Salem. 
John Crowninshield was born in 1696, was a Salem 
captain in the West India trade about 1724 and died 
in 1761. He was the father of George Crowninshield, 
who was born in Salem in 1734, and who married a 
sister of Elias Hasket Derby. George Crowninshield 
built a mansion-house on Derby Street, which was 
demolished to make room for the present Custom- 
House in 1816. After the Revolution, and until the 
embargo, he was engaged in commerce with his sons, 
and in the War of 1812 was successful in priv.ateering, 
the most famous of his vessels being the " America." 
He died in 1815. 

His son George was the owner of the famous pleas- 
ure yacht, the " Cleopatra's Barge," in which he vis- 
ited the ports of Europe. It was the firat American 
vessel to cross the ocean solely on a pleasure excur- 
sion. He returned in October, 1817, and on the 26th 
of the following November, while the yacht was lying 
at the port of Salem, he died suddenly in her cabin at 
the age of fifty-one. 

Jacob Crowninshield was a member of Congress, 
and was appointed Secretary of the Navy in 1805, but 
declined on account of ill health. Benjamin W. 
Crowninshield was Secretary of the Navy from 1814 
until 1818, and a member of Congress from 1823 until 
1831. He built and lived in the house which is now 
the Home for Aged Women, on Derby Street. He 
died in 1851. 



SALEM. 



Ill 



The Pickmans were among Salem's successful mer- 
fhaiits. Col. Benjamin Pickman, who was born in 

1700, wH.s largely interested in the West India trade, 
and as the principal article of export to those islands 
was the product of the fisheries, he engaged extensive- 
ly in the prosecution of that industry. His fish-flakes 
extended from North Street through Federal to Bcxston 
Street, and down to the river. He amassed a large for- 
tune in this business, and, in recognition of the service 
rendered him by the codfish, he had a carved and 
gilded effigy of that fish placed on the side of each 
stair in the |)rincipal hall of his house, which he built 
iu 17"iO, and which still stands on Essex Street, next 
the East India Marine Building. The front of this 
house is now hidden by a block of stores. Col. Pick- 
man died in 1773. His sons, Benjamin and William, 
were merchants of Salem, and his grandson, Dudley 
L. Pickman, a son of William, who was born in 1779, 
and died in 184G, was largely engaged in the East 
India trade, and was an eminently successful mer- 
chant. 

Silsbee is a name prominent in the annals of Salem's 
commerce. Nathaniel Silsbee, an eminent master 
mariner and confidential agent of Elias Hasket Derby, 
was born in Salem November 9, 1748. At a very early 
age Mr. Silsbee was entrusted with the charge of a 
vessel and cargo to the West Indies, and subsequently 
he was owner of several vessels employed in that 
trade. He commanded the " Grand Turk " on a voy- 
age to the West Indies and afterwards to Spain. In 
the course of a few years he embarked in business on 
his own account, and soon acquired an independent 
fortune, which unfortunately was lost by reverses in 
business. He died June 25, 1791, leaving three sons, 
each of whom were masters and supercargoes of ships 
while in their teens, and became eminent and success- 
ful merchants. Nathaniel, born in 1773 ; William, 
born in 1779 ; and Zachaviah F., born in 1783. 

The eldest son, Nathaniel, followed his father in the 
command of the ships of Elias Hasket Derby, and in 
1793, at the early age of twenty was on a voyage to the 
Isle of France as captain of the new ship " Benjamin," 
of one hundred and sixty-one tons. From the Isle of 
France he proceeds to the Cape of Good Hope, re- 
turns to the Isle of France, and brings his sliip liome 
with large profits. In 179(5 Mr. Derby dispatches him 
in the ship " Benjamin " to Amsterdam, and thence 
to the Isle of France, with a credit of ten thousand 
dollars for his own private adventures. After selling 
his cargo at a great profit he purchases a new ship of 
four hundred and fifty tons and returns to Salem, 
with a full cargo of East India goods for his owner, 
and such favorable results for himself as to enable 
him to commence business on his own account, in 
which he soon achieves a fortune. 

After the attainment of a competency, Mr. Silsbee 
devoted many years to the civil service of his country. 
He was chosen a member of Congress in 181(i, and 
served in the House until 1821, and in the United 



States Senate from 1826 to 1835. In 1823, '24 and '25 he 
was president of the Massachusetts Senate. lie died 
in Salem, July 14, 1850. 

Captain Nathaniel West and his elder brother, 
Ebenezer, and his younger brother, Edward, were 
prominent in the early commercial days. Ebenezer 
was, for nearly four years, during the Revolution, a 
prisoner of war, and was exchanged shortly before 
peace was declared. He subsequently had command 
of E. H. Derby's fiimous ship, the " Grand Turk," and 
in her made the first voyage from New England to 
Canton. Edward, while in command of his brother 
Nathaniel's ship " Hercules,'' was seized at Naples iu 
1809, but had the good fortune to obtain her release, 
in order to transport Lucien Bonaparte and family to 
Malta, thus saving his ship from confiscation. In 1775, 
Nathaniel, at the age of nineteen, being in command 
of a merchant ves-el iu the West India trade, was 
captured by a British frigate and compelled to 
serve as midshipman in the British navy. Not long 
after he escaped and went to Spain, where he em- 
barked for Salem in the privateer "Oliver Cromwell," 
Captain Cole, of this port. He made several cruises 
in the " Oliver Cromwell," and took many prizes. He 
participated with the famous Captain Haraden in 
several contests, and made successful cruises as cap- 
tain of the privateer " Black Prince," carrying eight- 
een guns, and one hundred and fifty men. On one 
occasion, with Captain Nathaniel Silsbee as his lieu- 
tenant, he put into Cork, on a dark night, and cut out 
and took away a valuable prize. 

Cai>tain West subsequently embarked in commerce, 
and pursued it with continued success until he had 
amassed a large fortune. In 1792 he built and des- 
patched the schooner " Patty," under command of his 
brother Edward, and she was the first American ves- 
sel to visit Batavia. His ship "Minerva" was the 
fir.-t Salem vessel to circumnavigate the globe. His 
ship " Hercules,'' under his brother Edward's com- 
mand, on the conclusion of the war with Great Britain, 
in 1815, was the first vessel to sail from the United 
States for the East Indies, under the terms of the 
treaty. He was born in Salem January 31, 1756, and 
died here December 19, 1851. In person he was of 
fine figure and of majestic mien and gait. He never 
forgot the dignity which belonged to his years and 
station. He was a gentleman of the old school in 
manners and dress, and adhered with scrupulous te- 
nacity to the costume of his early years. 

William Gray was a prominent merchant of Salem. 
He was born in Lynn, June 27, 1760, moved to Salem 
at an early age, and entered the counting-room of 
Richard Derby. He became one of the largest ship 
owners in Salem, and followed the lead of Mr. E. II. 
Derby in sending ships to Canton and ports in the 
East Indies. In 1805 Salem had fifty-four ships, 
eighteen barks, seventy-two brigs and eighty-six 
schooners, five ships building and forty-eight vessels 
round the cape. In 1807 sixty sliips, seven barks, 



112 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



forty-two brigs, forty schooners and three sloops in 
the merchant service, and one hundred fishermen and 
schooner.s; and of these William Gray owned fifteen 
ships, seven barks, thirteen brigs and one schooner, 
or one-fourth of the tonnage of the place. 

From 1801 to 1810, inclusive, the duties collected 
at Salem amounted to $7,272,633.31, and these were 
the years of Mr. Gray's greatest activity. 

His former mansion, is now the Essex House. About 
1808 he left the Federal party and joined the Demo- 
crats, upholding Jefferson in the Embargo Act of that 
year. Party feeling ran high, and Mr. Gray, finding 
a growing coolness towards him among many of his 
former associates, left Salem in 1809 and moved to 
Boston, where, in 1810 and 1811, he was chosen lieu- 
tenant-governor, and where he died November 3, 
1825. During his life he accumulated a great prop- 
erty. As a merchant he was industrious, far-seeing 
and energetic ; as a citizen patriotic and public- 
spirited, and he may well be classed among Salem's 
" princely merchants." 

Joseph Peabody was another eminently successful 
merchant, who lived to see the decline of that com- 
mercial prosperity to which he had contributed so 
largely. He was born in Middleton December 9, 
1757, and during the Revolutionary War he enlisted 
on a privateer, and made his first cruise in E. H. 
Derby's " Bunker Hill," and his second in the " Ran- 
ger." In 1782 he made a trij) to Alexandria in the 
"Ranger" as second oflicer, and on his return the 
vessel was attacked by the enemy, and Mr. Peabody 
was wounded. After peace was restored he was pro- 
moted to a command in the employ of the Messrs. 
Gardner, of Salem, and soon realized a sufBcient sum 
to purchase the vessel known as the "Three Friends." 
He retired from the sea in 1791, and engaged actively 
in commerce. The brig " Three Friends," Joseph 
Peabody, master, entered from Martinico in June, 
1791, with a cargo of molasses and sugar consigned to 
Mr. J. Gardner, and this was probably his last voyage. 
During the early years of the present century he built 
and owned a large number of vessels, which in every 
instance he freighted himself His vessels made 
thirty-eight voyages to Calcutta, seventeen to Canton, 
thirty-two to Sumatra, forty-seven to St. Petersburg 
and thirty to other ports of Europe. He shipped, at 
different times, seven thousand seamen, and advanced 
thirty-five to the rank of master, who entered his em- 
ploy as boys. 

The disastrous effects of the embargo and war were 
shown in the diminution of vessels in the foreign 
trade of Salem from one hundred and fifty-two, in 
1807, to fifty-seven in 1815. In ISIG forty-two In- 
diamen had sailed and sixteen returned since the 
war. In 1817 Salem had thirty-two ships, two barks 
and eighteen brigs in the India trade ; and from 1808 
to 1817 the .arrivals from foreign ports were nine hun- 
dred and thirty six, which yielded an annual average 
of duties of three hundred and seventy-eight thousand 



five hundred and ninety dollars. In 1821 one hun- 
dred and twenty-six vessels were employed in foreign 
commerce, fifty-eight of them in the India trade, the 
largest being the ship "China," H. Putnam, master, 
three hundred and seventy tons. 

A few facts relating to the connection of Mr. Pea- 
body about this time with the China trade are in- 
teresting. In 1825 and 1826, the " Leander," a lit- 
tle brig of two hundred and twenty-three tons, 
brclught into Salem cargoes from Canton, which paid 
duties amounting, respectively, one to $80,847.47 and 
the other to $92,392.94. In 1829, 1830 and 1831, the 
"Sumatra," a ship of only two hundred and eighty- 
seven tons, broftght cargoes from the same port, pay- 
ing duties of $128,363.13, in the first case ; $138,480.- 
34, in the second, and $140,761.96 in the third, the 
five voyages paying duties to an aggregate of nearly 
$587,000. No other vessel has entered Salem paying 
$90,000 in duties. Both brig and ship were owned 
by Mr. Peabody, and were commanded on each voy- 
age by the same gentleman. Captain Charles Roundy, 
a good type of that class of m:ister mariners whose en- 
ergy and fearlessness carried the name of Salem to 
the remotest ports, and whose uprightness and busi- 
ness integrity made that name an honored and re- 
spected one in those far-off countries. Mr. Peabody 
died at Salem, January 5, 1844. 

Nathaniel L. Rogers was an enterprising and 
prominent merchant of Salem, and opened the Ameri- 
can trade with Madagascar, Zanzibar and Australia. 
He was horn in Ipswich, August 6, 1785, and died 
July 31, 1858. Associated with him in business wag 
Richard S. Rogers, another successful merchant, who 
wag born in 1790, and died in Salem June 11, 1873. 

Robert Brookhouse was engaged in trade with 
Madagascar, Patagonia, the Feejee Islands and large- 
ly with the West Coast of Africa. He was very suc- 
cessful as a merchant, and accumulated a large 
property. He was born December 8, 1799, and died 
June 10, 1866. After his death his son Robert, with 
William Hunt, Joseph H. Hanson and Nathan A. 
Frye, continued the trade with the West Coast of 
Africa. 

These brief notices of a few of the prominent mer- 
chants of Salem should not be closed without some 
reference to the last of their number, whose vessels 
arrived in her harbor from ports beyond the Cape of 
Good Hope. 

John Bertram was born on the Isle of Jersey, Feb- 
ruary 11, 1796, and died in Salem March 22, 1882. 
Mr. Bertram came to Salem at an early age ; and in 
December, 1813, we find him sailing from Boston in 
the schooner " Monkey " as cabin boy. He arrived in 
Charleston, S. C, early in 1814, and left there in an 
American privateer in March. The privateer was 
captured, and he was taken to Bermuda and con- 
fined in the Bermuda and Barbadoes prison-ships. 
Having been born on the Isle of Jersey, and being 
familiar with the French language, he was released. 



SALEM. 



113 



as a Freiiclimaii, after which he shipped on an 
American schooner and started for home, but was 
again talcen prisoner, and carried to England, where 
he arrived in April, 1815, after peace had been de- 
clared. 

In 1824, with V. I. Farnhain an.l others, Mr. Ber- 
tram chartered the schooner "General Brewer," and, 
in company with Captain W. B. Smith, sailed for 
.Saint Helena. When a few days out, he met the 
brig ■' Elizabeth," of Salem, Story, master, bound also 
for Saint Helena. Captain Story came on board the 
" General Brewer," and took tea with Captain Ber- 
tram; and each was desirous that the other shcuild 
not know his destination. They each announced 
themselves as bound for Pernarabuco. Captain Ber- 
tram suspected, however, that the "Elizabeth" was 
bound to Saint Helena, and he was extremely anxious 
to arrive there first, and di.spose of his cargo. As 
night came on, in order to lighten liis vessel, he had 
his entire deck-load of lumber passed aft and thrown 
overboard, and by crowding on all sail, day and 
night, he arrived at Saint Helena, disposed of his 
cargo, and was coming out of the harbor, just as the 
"Elizabeth" arrived. From Saint Helena, Captain 
Bertram went to Pernambuco, on his way to 
Salem. After his return home, he purchased the 
"Velocity," 119 tons burden, and, with Captain 
\V. B. Smith, again set sail for Saint Helena. He 
went from there to the Cape of Good Hope, and 
thence to the llio Grande and the Coast of Patago- 
nia, at wliich latter place he remained, engaged in 
trading tor hides, while Captain Smith made trips up 
and down the coast in the "Velocity." After being 
at Patagonia for some time. Captain Bertram and 
Captain Smith both sailed for Pernambuco in the "Ve- 
locity," and there found Captain Thomas Downing, 
of Salem, in the brig " Combine," of 133 tons 
burden. They purchased the "Combine" of Cap- 
tain Downing, and Captain Bertram returned 
in her to Patagonia. Captain Smith came back 
to Salem in the "Velocity," and arrived there 
in August, 182G, with a cargo of two hundred 
and eight thousand two hundred and ninety-one 
])Ounds of beef, consigned to Peter E. Webster. 
After trading for awhile on the coast, Captain J5er- 
tram returned to Salem iu the "Combine," arriving 
December 14, 1S26. He afterwards made another 
trip to Patagonia in the "Combine," returning to 
Salem in July, 1827, with one hundred and thirty- 
five thousand one hundred and twenty-two pounds of 
beef He was on the coast of Patagonia for about 
three years. 
8 



Un his final return to Salem the lirm of Nathaniel 
L. Rogers & Bros, offered him an interest in the ship 
" Black Warrior," of 231 tons burden, and he sailed 
in command of her from Salem in December, 1830, 
for Madagascar, Zanzibar and Mocha. Captain 
Henry F. King, of Salem, was with him on this 
voyage, serving as his clerk. He loaded with a 
large quantity of gum-copal in bulk, and established 
a trade there which continues to the present time. 
He returned from this voyage March 31, 1832. Mr. 
Bertram was connected in this business in the 
' early years with Michael Shepard, Nathaniel Wes- 
ton and Andrew Ward. 

From 1845 to 1857 he was trading with Para. He 
sent, in December, 1848, one of the first vessels from 
Massachusetts to California after the gold discovery, 
and the favorable accounts he received from her in- 
duced him to send three vessels from Salem the next 
si)ring with full cargoes, and two others shortly after. 
He also engaged in the California trade with Messrs. 
Glidden & Williams, of Boston. While Captain Ber- 
tram was engaged in the California trade he built, 
with others, the ship "John Bertram," 1100 tons, 
at East Boston, and she was launched in sixty 
days from the time of laying her keel, and in 
ninety days was on her way down Boston har- 
bor with a full cargo on board, bound for San 
Francisco. Although many predicted that a vessel 
built so hastily would not last long, their predictions 
have not beeu verified, and the ship is still afloat, 
sailing under a foreign flag. She sailed for San Fran- 
cisco on her first voyage January 10, 1851. Ca|itain 
Bertram has been connected with the building and 
management of several railroads in the \Vest. He 
founded, and has maintained at his own expense, the 
" Old Men's Home," and he was largely instrumental 
in establishing the Salem Hospital. As a merchant, 
he was enterprising and energetic; as a citizen, pub- 
lic-spirited and charitable. His name worthily 
closes the long list of eminent merchants who have 
given Salem a history unparalleled in the annals of 
American commerce. 

The foregoing notices of Salem merchants are by 
no means complete, and doubtless some, equally 
worthy of extended mention, are omitted. The 
names of others, particularly of those of the latter 
period of our commerce, will be found in the ac- 
counts of the difi'erent trades, ft is not possible, in 
the limits of a single chapter, to do full justice to all, 
but the sketches just given will serve as an examjilc of 
the class of men who nuide the nanieof S;dem famous 
in the commercial annals of the State and nation. 



114 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

S.\LEM -(Continued). 
THE HANKING INTEREST. 



BY HENEY M. BATCH ELDER. 



The Easex Hank— The Saletn Natimtal Bank — Thr Merchants' National 
Bank— The Commercial Bank— The National Exchange Bank—TlieAdalic 
Natiivil B ink—The Mercantile National Bank — The Mechanics' and 
Traders' Bank — The Nanvikeag National Bank — The Bank of General In- 
ti-rcst — The North American Bank— The Salem Savings Hank— The Salem 
Fire Cenl^ Sarings Banks. 

Theek are nine banks in Salem — seven banks of de- 
])Osit and discount, and two savings banks. 

In 1782 a branch of the Bank of North America 
was located in Boston, and in 1784 the Massachu- 
setts Bank was established in that city. Eight years 
later the first bank was opened in Salem. It was 
styled the " Essex Bank," and commenced business 
July 2, 1792, with a capital of about three hundred 
thousand dollars. 

It was in 1786 that, by Congressional order, ac- 
counts were kept in dollars, dimes and cents instead 
of pounds, shillings and pence. On account of busi- 
ness troubles, specie payments were suspended from 
1837 to 1839, and again at the breaking out of the 
Civil War in 1861. This last suspension lasted until 
1876. 

The Essex Bank, occupied a room in the build- 
ing now known as the " Central Building," on Cen- 
tral Street, which street was for a time known as 
Bank Street. It expired in 1819, though its affairs 
were not fully wound up till 1822. 

The Salem Bank now the Salem National 
Bank, was incorporated March 8, 1803, with a capi- 
tal of two hundred thousand dollars. This was in- 
creased to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars irf 
1823 ; reduced in 1859 to one hundred and eighty- 
seven thousand five hundred dollars ; restored to two 
hundred thousand dollars in 1865; increased in 1873 
to three hundred thousand dollars, which is the 
present cajiital. Its presidents have been Benjamin 
Picknian, 1803; Joseph Peabody, 1814; George Pea- 
body, 1833; Benjamin Merrill, 1842; George Pea- 
body, 1847 ; William C. Endicott, 1858 ; Augustus 
Story, 1875; S. Endicott Peabody, 1882. Its cashiers; 
Jonathan Hodges, 1803; John Moriarty, 1810; 
Charles M. Endicott, 1835; George D. Phippen, 
1858. 

The bank was originally located in a brick building 
on the south side of Essex Street, next west of the 
Benjamin Pickman estate, nearly opposite St. Peter 
Street. This building stood in from the street, and 
was erected for the accommodation of the Salem 
Bank and the Salem Marine Insurance Company on 
the lower floor, and the East India Marine Museum 
on the second. 



The Salem Bank adopted the national system in 
1864, and moved to the Holyoke Building, Washing- 
ton Street, in 1866, where it is still located. 

The Merchants' Bank was incorporated June 26, 
1811, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, 
which was afterwards increased to four hundred 
thousand dollars, and reduced in 1815 to the original 
figure. The bank was first located in the Union 
Building, on the corner of Essex and Union Streets, 
later in the Biiwker Block, and in 1855 removed to 
the second floor of the then newly-built Asiatic 
Building on Washington Street. In 1883 it was re- 
moved to its present location, in the Northey Build- 
ing, on the corner of Essex and Washington Streets. 
Its presidents have been Benjamin W. C'rowninshield, 
1811 ; Joseph Story, 1815 ; John W. Treadwell, 1835 ; 
Benjamin H. Silsbee, 1851 ; George R Eramerton, 
1880. Its cashiers: John Saunders, 1811 ; John W. 
Treadwell, 1813 ; Francis H. Silsbee, 1835 ; Benja- 
min H. Silsbee, 1848 ; Nathaniel B. Perkins, 1851 ; 
George R. Jewett, 1883 ; Henry M. Batchelder, 1883. 
The bank became the Merchants' National Bank, 
December 30, 1864. 

The Commercial, now First National Bank, 
was incorporated February 12, 1819, with a capital 
of three hundred thousand dollars, which was re- 
duced to two hundred thousand dollars in 1830, and 
restored in 1851. This bank first opened its doors at 
its present location, in the Central Street Bank 
Building. It presidents have been Willard Peele, 
William Sutton and Eben Sutton. Its cashiers : Na- 
thaniel L. Rogers, Zachariah F. Silsbee and Edward 
H. Payson. It was the first bank in the city to enter 
the national system, becoming the " First National 
Bank " in June, 1864. 

The Exchange Bank was incorporated January 
31, 1823, with a capital of three hundred thousand 
dollars, which was afterwards reduced to the present 
amount, two hundred thousand dollars. It com- 
menced business in a building on the site of William 
Gray's garden, No. 172 Essex Street, the building ex- 
tending to the corner of St. Peter Street. It was re- 
moved to the First Church building in December, 
1864, occupying at that time the rooms on the corner 
of Washington Street, but was transferred to the 
southwest corner of the building in 1875. The bank is 
now numbered 109 on Washington Street. Its presidents 
have been Gideon Tucker, John Webster, Henry L. 
Williams, Nathan Nichols. Its cashiers: Johri 
Chadwick, Joseph H. Webb. It became the 
National Exchange Bank February IS, 1865. 

The Asiatic Bank was incorporated June 12, 
1824, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, 
which was increased to three hundred and fifteen 
thousand dollars. It commenced business in the 
Central Street Bank Building ; removed from there 
to the East India Marine Building, on Essex, oppo- 
site St. Peter Street, and in 1855 changed its quarters 
to the Asiatic Building, on Washington Street, where 



SAIvK.M. 



115 



it is slill located. Its pixsidcuts luive beeu Stephen 
White, Nathan W. Neal, Thomas P. Pingree, Josei)h 
S. Cabot, Leonard B. Harrington ; and its cashiers : 
Henry Pickering, Joseph S. Cabot William H. 
Foster and Charles 8. Ilea. Mr. Foster, who re- 
tired from the oHice of cashier in 1884, had been in 
the service of the bank for sixty years, since its or- 
ganization. It became the Asiatic National Bank 
December 8, 1864. 

The Mercantile Bank was incorporated March 
4, 1826. Its capital has always been two hundred 
thousand dollars, and it has always been located on 
Central Street, first in the Central Building, on the 
west side of the street, and since 1827 in its present 
quarters in the Central Street Bank Building, nearly 
opposite. Its presidents have been Nathaniel L. 
Rogers, David Putnam, John Dwyer, Aaron Perkins, 
Charles Harrington. Its cashiers: .John A. South- 
wick, Stephen Webb and Joseph H. Phi])iien. The 
bank became the Mercantile National Bank January 
10, 1865. 

The Mechanics' and Traders' Bank was incor- 
porated March 10. 1827, with a capital of two hun- 
dred thousand dollars, but never commenced 
business. 

The Naujikeag Bank was incorporated March 
17, 1881, with a capital of two hundred thousand 
dollars, which was subsequently increased to five hun- 
dred thousand dollars. It commenced business in the 
store of Benjamin Dodge, on Essex Street, opposite 
the Essex House, thence was removeil to the Man- 
ning Building, now Bowker Place, from there to the 
Ea.st India Marine Building, and in 1872 to its pres- 
eut quarters, on the second floor of the Asiatic 
Building, Washington Street. Its ])residents have 
been David Pingree, Edward D. Kimball, Charles H. 
Fabens, William B. Parker, David Pingree, (Jr.,) and 
1 Joseph H. Towne. Its cashiers have been Joseph G. 
Sprague, Joseph H. Towne and Nathaniel A. Very. 
The Naumkeag became the Naumkeag National 
Bank in December, 1864. 

The Bank of General Interest was also in- 
corporated March 17, 1831, with a capital of two 
hundred thousand dollars. John Russell was presi- 
dent and William H. Russell cashier. It ceased 
business in 1842. 

The North American Bank was incorporated 
March 31, 1836, with an authorized capital of three 
hundred thousand dollars. It never went into opera- 
tion. 

The Salem Savings Bank was incorporated Jan- 
uary 2!', 1818, as the " Institution for vSavings in the 
town of Salem and Vicinity." Thename was changed 
to the Salem Savings Bank in 1843. It commenced 
business on Central Street, thence removed to the 
Bowker Building, and in 1855 to the present location 
in the Asiatic Building, Washington Street. 

Its presidents have been Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, 
1818; Joseph Peabody, 1830; Nathaniel Silsbee, 



1844; Dauiel A. White, 1851 ; Zach. F. Silsbee, 1861 ; 
John Bertram, 1864; Joseph S. Cabot, 1865; Beiija- 
min H. Silsbee, 1875; Peter Silver, 1879; William 
Northey, 1883. The treasurers have been William 1'. 
Richardson, 1818; William Gibbs, 1820; William 
Dean, 1821; Peter Lander, .Tr., 1822; Daniel Bray, 
1823; Benjamin Shrove, 1837; Henry Ropes, 1839 ; 
William Wallis, 1861; Charles E. Symonds, 1865 ; 
William H. Simonds, Jr., 1870. In 1855 the bank 
removed to the Asiatic Building, Washington Street, 
which it now owns. Its depositors number between 
sixteen and seventeen thousand, and the amount on 
deposit averages $6,500,000. 

The Salem Five Cents Savings Bank was in- 
corporated in 1855. It opened for business in the 
second story of the Downing Block, No. 175 Es.sex 
Street, removing from there into its present quarters on 
the second floor of the Northey Building. Its presi- 
dents have been Edward D. Kimball, 1855 ; Edmund 
Smith, 1861 ; Henry L. Williams, 1862; John Kins- 
man, 1879 ; William H. Jelly, 1882. Its treasurers : 
J. Vincent Browne, 1855 ; Charles H. Henderson, 
1868. The number of depositors is over eight thou- 
sand, and the amount on deposit averages more than 
$2,500,000. 

The aggregate capital of the national banks of Sa- 
lem is 82,015,000, and the combined surplus funds and 
undivided profits on August 1, 1887, was over $900,000. 
The amount on deposit on the same date was over 
•~?1,700,0(M). 



CHAPTER V. 

f^XLEil.— Continued. 
THE PRE.SS. 



liY GII.UEKT I.. STRKETER. 



The history of the press in any community, if prop- 
erly executed, is a chronicle of the times, a correct 
narrative of the passing events of the period. It is 
the business of the journalist to "catch the manners 
living as they rise," but the correctness of the picture 
will depend, of course, upon the skill of the artist. 

It is, difticult to appreciate the condition of our 
early colonial community before the days of the news- 
paper, which now seems so essential to a ])roper 
knowledge of events. It is manifest that the ordinary 
gossip of the community, and the verbal narration of 
events transpiring elsewhere, satisfied every want. 
There were printing presses in the colony long before 
sufficient patronage could be obtained to warrant the 
establishment of a newspaper. There was a printing 
press in Cambridge as early as 1639, and as the infant 
university was located there, as well as the local gov- 
ernment of the colony, the persons concerned in it 
were encouraged by grants of land from the {rcneral 



116 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Court. Subsequently, in 1(574, a printing press was 
"set up" in Boston, and this was by special leave of 
the General Court, which had previously ordered, in 
16G4, that there should be no other press than that in 
Cambridge ; for, besides the cost of importing a 
printing press from England, and the great cost of 
paper and other materials, the early printers had to en- 
counter the objections of the Puritan authorities, who, 
although ready to patronize the press to some extent, 
looked upon the freedom of printing with a jealous 
eye. They early appointed certain trusted clergymen 
to act as licensers of the press. 

The first attempt to establish a newspaper in North 
America was made in 1600,. when (September 25th) a 
single number of a small sheet was printed in Boston 
by Richard Pierce for Benjamin Harris. It was con- 
demned at once by the public authorities, and it is 
believed that a second number was never issued. It 
was fourteen years after this before another party ven- 
tured to try the experiment, and this person was John 
Campbell, the postmaster of Boston, who succeeded 
in establishing the Boston yews Letter. 

Wliile, therefore, Salem was the third town in the 
colony, in the order of time, to enjoy the advantages 
of a public printing press, it was nearly a century later 
than Boston in getting one. The arrival of this press 
in Salem, in 1768, was a great event. Although the 
town contained many literary persons of distinction, 
and the inhabitants were generally well educated, the 
literary resources of tlie town which were available 
by the public were quite limited. There were few 
books, for they were very costly, and these were in 
possession of tlie wealthy families. Most families 
were esteemed fortunate if they possessed the Bible, 
the almanac and a few approved sermons. The first 
attempt to collect a library in Salem was when the 
Social Library was formed, and this was after the 
printing press was established. 

But the decade preceding the Revolution was one 
of great intellectual activity. The press in the colony 
had been relieved from the supervision and control of 
the clergy, and its absolute independence was nearly 
secured. Several newspapers had been commenced 
in Boston, and there was a general disposition to en- 
courage and sustain such publications. 

The person who undertook to establish the printing 
business in Salem was Samuel Hall, a young man, a 
native of Medford, and one who, from his qualities of 
mind and energy of character, was well suited to per- 
form the task of a pioneer in this matter. He was a 
practical printer, and had learned his trade of his 
uncle, Daniel Fowle, who was the first printer in 
New Hampshire. Before coming to Salem he had 
been concerned with Mrs. Anne Franklin, sister-in-law 
of Benjamin Franklin, in the publication of the New- 
port (R. I.) Mercury, a newspaper originally estab- 
lished by James Franklin, and which has been con- 
tinued until this time. 

Mr. Hall was in sympathy with the rising party of 



young men who were becoming restive under the 
yoke of the mother-country, and he was afterwards 
active in the Revolution ; and it is quite probable 
that he was assisted in his enterprise by leading per- 
sons of the patriotic party. 

Mr. Hall opened his office in Salem in April, 1768. 
It was located on Main Street, a few doors above the 
Town-House — about where the Creamer block is sit- 
uated. This locality was then, as now, near the 
centre of business. The Town-House was a wooden 
building of two stories, next above the First Church, 
on the spot between the present church and the para- 
pet of the railroad tunnel. It was where the town- 
meetings were usually held (in the lower story), and 
was also occupied, in the second story, as a court- 
house. It was afterwards called the State-House, as 
the Provincial Assembly of Massachusetts convened 
therein in 1774, with John Hancock as president. 
It was a building of humble pretensions, its chief 
claim to notice arising from the circumstance that it 
was a painted building, which was an uncommon 
distinction in those days. In front of the building, 
extending on either side of the door, was a wooden 
bench, where the elderly men of the town were ac- 
customed to assemble to gossip and converse on pub- 
lic and private matters. 

1. The Essex Gazette. — Mr. Hall soon resolved 
to commence a newspaper here. Salem was the 
principal place in the colony outside of Boston. It 
was a town of about five thousand inhabitants, largely 
engaged in the fisheries and in the coastwise and 
West India trade, and was generally prosperous. 
There were many wealthy and eminent people here, 
some occupying important positions in the colonial 
or in the royal service. The town was also noted for 
its intellectual culture and the elegance of its society. 

Proposals were issued by Mr. Hall in July, 1768, 
for publishing a paper to be entitled The Essex 
Gazette, to be issued weekly, on Tuesday, at 6«. M. per 
annum. The prospectus was full and explicit in re- 
gard to the character of the proposed paper; and, as 
indicating the spirit in which the enterprise was 
started, we quote the following passage : 

* ' I shaU exert myself to obtain as general and fresh a Collection of News 
as will lay in my Power, both Foreign and Domestic, and insert it with 
accuracy ami in due order ; and I slmll at all times aSrii'liiou.sIy endeavor 
to procure and carefully luiblish, as I nniy have room, any Compositions 
that nuiy have a tendency to promote Keligion, Virtue, Industry, good 
Order, a due sense of the Rights and Lilierties of our Country, with the 
Importance of true and genuine principles of patriotism, and whatever 
may servo to enliven and animate us in our known Loyalty and Affec- 
tion to our gracious Sovereign. In short, any Pieces tliat nuxy be pro- 
ductive of Public Good, or contribute to the innocent Aumsenient and 
Entertainment of my Readers, will be inserted with Pleasure ; and any 
writings of a Contrary Nature will, if offered for Insertion, be instantly 
rejected." 

These comprehensive, patriotic and emphatic state- 
ments of his intentions, with more of a similar char- 
acter, constituted Mr. Hall's introduction to his 
readers. And all that he here promised he thoroughly 
performed, for he was prompt and faithful in the 



SALKM. 



117 



execution of all his contracts, devoting himself with 
great energy and spirit to the discharge of his 
duties. 

The first number of the paper appeared August 2, 
1768, and was a very creditable publication in its 
typographical execution and the general character 
of its contents. It was printed upon a crown sheet, 
folio, ten by sixteen inches, three columns to the 
page. This diminutive sheet, less than one-third the 
size of the Gazette of to-day, was s]inlcen of in the 
prospectus as " four large pages, printed in folio." 
It was doubtless considered as large at that time. 
The head was adorned by a rude wood cut, compris- 
ing the figures of two Indians, with a codfish over- 
head, and a dove with a sprig in its bill in the centre. 
This device bears some resemlilance to the Essex 
County seal, and was probably intended to be em- 
blematical of peace, the fisheries and successful emi- 
gration. A portion of this device is contained in the 
seal of the city of Salem. The head-line assured the 
reader, in the common phraseology of that day, that 
the sheet contained " the freshest advices, both for- 
eign and domestic." It bore as a motto a quotation 
from Horace, "Omne tulit punctuni qui miscuit utile 
dulci." 

The contents of the paper were such as were looked 
for in public prints at that time, chiefly items of polit- 
ical news from various parts of the world, very con- 
cisely stated, and selected with care and good judg- 
ment. Foreign news occupied a large share of the 
columns. Domestic news was given simply, under the 
names of the several towns in the colonies, whence it 
was received. A few advertisements filled out the 
sheet. The contents were mostly selected, but few 
original pieces, either editorial or contributed, ap- 
pearing in the columns in those days. The public 
did not estimate so highly at that time as they seem 
to now, the off-hand remarks, speculations and eflu- 
sions generally, of editors and their correspondents. 
Among the contributors to Mr. Hall's paper was Col. 
Timothy Pickering, then a rising young man, and 
afterwards an officer in the Revolutionary army and 
Secretary of State of the United States. He pub- 
lished a series of able and elaborate articles upon the 
importance of a reorganization of the militia, which 
had great influence in arousing attention to the sub- 
ject, and which suggested complete plans for increas- 
ing the efficiency of that branch of the public service. 
His father, Deacon Timothy Pickering, also fre- 
quently communicated with Mr. Hall's readers, 
usually to rebuke some growing evil in the commu- 
nity or to encourage some good work. 

Mr. Hall was eminently qualified for the task he 
had undertaken. He possessed business talents, enter- 
prise, ability, editorial tact and judgment, and withal 
sympathized entirely with the state of the public 
mind at that time with respect to the mother-coun- 
try. He had commenced his paper at an important 
season. The causes were then activelv at work 



which soon eventuated in the Revolution. A spirit 
of independence was growing up in the breasts of 
the people, and the principles of civil and political 
liberty were undergoing a thonuigh discussion. With 
this condition of popular feeling Mr. H.all sympa- 
thized warmly and earnestly. 

Subscribers to his Gazette were obtained, not only 
in this town, but also doubtless in most of the princi- 
pal ])laces in the colony ; for a newspaper at that 
period was a much more important thing than at the 
present day, when such publications abound in all 
directions. There were then but five papers in the 
state, all of which were in Bo.ston, namely, the News 
Letter, Evening Post, Gazette, Chronicle and Advertiser. 
There was none at the eastward except in Ports- 
mouth. No regular stages or other means of trans- 
portation having been established, excepting a single 
stage to Boston, Mr. Hall's eastern subscribers were 
supplied by a post-rider, who left the office on publica- 
tion mornings for the towns between here and New- 
buryport, depositing the papers on the way. To ob- 
tain the most recent news from Boston, he incurred 
the ex])ense of a special messenger from that town, 
(in the previous day, who brought the latest papers. 
The news from New York was a week old, from Phila- 
delphia a fortnight, and from London two months. 

In 1772 Mr. Hall admitted his younger brother, 
Ebenezer, into partnership with him. Their business 
connection continued until the death of Ebenezer, in 
Cambridge, February, 177(), aged twenty-seven. 

The Exsex Gazette was published here nearly seven 
years, a period which embraced the most imp< rtant 
events that immediately preceded the Revolution. 
All the great questions which agitated the colonies 
during that time were discussed in its columns. The 
odious taxes imposed by the King, the non-importation 
agreements, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Port 
Bill, the Tea troubles, the doings of the people in 
their town-meetings and other primary assemblies, the 
popular hatred of the officers of the crown, and other 
similar topics were laid before Mr. Hall's readers in 
the succession of their occurrence. 

In October, 1770, an attempt was made to injure 
the subscription of the paper on account of an al- 
leged partialit}- in its ccdumns towards the nonimpor- 
tation agreements. But the ett'ort was unsuccessful, 
and seems to have resulted in the increase rather than 
diminution of the list. The number of subscribers at 
this time was about seven hundred. 

As indicative of the spirit of the paper, we may 
(juote an article which appeare<l March b, 1771. This 
was the anniversary of the massacre in State Street, 
Boston. The columns on this occasion were draped 
in black. On the first page was a mourning tablet, 
surrounded by heavy black lines, upon which was in- 
scribed the following animated declaration: 

"As A Solemn anii Peki'MUai, MKMOBIAI. : 
"or tlio Tyranny of tlie Britisli Administration of Oovernmcnt In tha 
vi'ar»1768, 1700,011(11770: 



118 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Of the fatal and tlestructive Consequences uf {|uurteiing ArniieB, iu 
Time of Peace, in lK>puloU8 cities : 

"Of the riducnloua Policy, and infamous Absurdity, of supporting 
Civil Government by a Military Force. 

"Of the great Duty and Necessity of tiruily opposing Despotism at its 
first Approaclies; 

"Of the detestable Principles and arbitrary Conduct of those Minister)^ 
in Britain who advised, and uf their Tools in America who desired, 
the Introduction of a St;inding Army in this Province in the Year 
1768: 

"Of the irrefragible Proof which those Ministers themselveB thereby 
produced, that the Civil Government, as by them administered, was 
weak, wicked and tyranical : 

" Of the vile Ingratitude and abominable Wickedness of every American^ 
who abetted and encouraged, either in Thought, Word, or Deed, tlie 
establishment of a Standing Army among his Countrymen : 

"Of the unaccountable Coniiuct of those Civil Governors , tha innnediate 
Representatives of his Majesty, who, while the Milifarn were tri 
umphantly insulting the whole Lfgislative Authority of thii: 
State, and while the blood of the nuissacred Inhabitants was {lowing 
in the Stl-eets, persisted in repeatedly disclaiming all Authority of re- 
lieving the People, bj any the least Removal of the Troops : 

" And of the savage Cruelty of the IMMEDIATE PEEPETKATOKS, 
" Be it forever Remvmhereil, 
That this Day, THE FIFTH OF MARCH, is the Anniversary of 

PRESTON'S MASSACRE— IN KING STREET- BOSTON— NEW ENG- 
LAND— 1770. 
In which Five of his Majesty's Subjects were slain and six wounded. 

By the Discharge of a Number of Muskets from a Party of Soldiers 
under the Command of Capt. Tuomas Preston. 
GOD Save the People 1 
" Salem, March 5, 1771." 

In May, 1775, soon after the Concord fight - a lull 
account of which, as well as of Leslie's invasion, etc., 
had appeared in the Gazette — Mr. Hall transferred 
the publication of his pajier from Salem to Cambridge, 
for political purposes. The last number issued here 
was dated May 2d, and the next number in Cam- 
bridge May 12th. The office was in a building of 
the college, Stoughton Hall. The title was then en- 
larged to the Xew England Chronicle or Essex Ga- 
zette. This movement was made " at the desire of 
many respectable gentlemen of the Honorable Pro- 
vincial Congress," with whom Mr. Hall was in high 
favor. The paper was continued in Cambridge 
until the evacuation of Boston by the British, when 
it was removed thither, and at the same time the 
title of Essex Gazette was dropped. 

Before Messrs. Hall left Salem, their printing- 
oiBce was burnt out by the great lire of October, 1774, 
which destroyed a meeting-house, custom-house, 
eight dwellings, fourteen stores and several barns and 
out-buildings. The meeting-house destroyed was the 
Rev. Dr. Whitaker"s, which was succeeded by the 
Tabernacle, and stood on King Street just above 
School Street, about where the Endicott building 
now is. The custom-house was just above. 
The printing-office was subsequently located 
in a brick building on School Street, which was 
afterward incorporated iu the brick block near the 
corner of Norman Street. 

2. The Salem Gazette axd Newbury and 
Newbueyport Advertiser. — Before Mr. Hall left 
town another newspaper was commenced, July 1, 
1774, with the foregoing elaborate title. It was pub- 
lished by E/.ekiel Russell, from Boston, an unsuccess- 



ful printer, who had been an unsuccessful auctioneer 
also. His antecedents were those of a Tory. In 1771 
he had published in Boston a small paper called the 
Censor, which was iu the interest of the loyal party, 
and soon expired. _ He had also been known, in 1773, 
as the printer of a hand-bill entitled " The Trades- 
men's Protest against the proceedings of the Mer- 
chants relative to the new Importation of Tea." This 
handbill excited so much feeling among the patriotic 
merchants and tradesmen that, at a large town-meet- 
ing in Faneuil Hall, the printer and the authors of it 
were pronounced as "detestable," and the protest it- 
self as " false, scandalous and base." Mr. Russell's 
office in Salem was " in Ruck Street, near the State 
House," somewhere on Washington Street, near the 
depot, we presume. The head of the paper an- 
nounced that it was " A Weekly, Political, Commer- 
cial and Entertaining Paper — Influenced neither by 
Court or Country." But the Country decided that it 
was influenced by the Court. The editor was sus- 
pected of a bias in favor of the British, probably on 
account of his previous course in Boston, and the 
paper accordingly terminated in a few months an un- 
popular career. 

3. The American Gazette, or the Constitu- 
tional Journal. — This was the title of another 
paper by Mr. Russell, the author of the previous one; 
and like that, it failed to command public confidence 
and support. It was published during the Revolu- 
tion, commencing June 19, 177(>, and closing in a few 
weeks. It was nominally published by John Rogers, 
at Mr. Russell's office; but as Rogers was merely 
Russell's journeyman, and owned neither press nor 
types, the latter was doubtless the true proprietor. 
The printing-office at this time was near the upper 
end of Main Street. The paper was published weekly, 
on Tuesday, at eight shillings a year. The device at 
the head of the paper, coarsely cut in wood, was that 
of an open journal, supported by two figures— one that 
of fame with her trumpet, and the other an Indian with 
his bows and arrows. Beneath the volume was a ship 
under sail. 

Some time after the suspension of this paper Mr. 
Russell removed to Danvers, and printed for a few 
years near the Bell Tavern, and then returned to 
Boston. There he continued the printing business, 
in a small way, until his death, in 1796, at the age of 
fifty-two. 

Mr. Russell seems to have experienced through life 
a constant succession of the reverses of fortune. Be- 
sides the fruitless eflTorts we have mentioned, he had 
been a publisher of the Portsmouth Mercury, in com- 
pany with Thomas Furber, and that paper continued 
but three years. It is said that Mr. Russell's wife 
was the "better half" of his family, assisting as a 
practical printer in his office, composing popular bal- 
lads for publication, and assuming the business upon 
his death. 
4. The Salem Gazette and (!eneral Adver- 



SALE.M. 



11!) 



TiSEE. — For nearly five years during the Revolution 
there was no paper in .Salem. But in 1780 Mrs. 
Mary Croucli, widow of a ])rinter in Charleston, S. C, 
removed hither with her ]irc.-s and types, and De- 
cemher 6, 1780, issued a prospectus, in the name of 
Mary Crouch it Co., for the publication of the Salem 
Gazette and General Advertiser. For this purpose 
they announced "an elegant assortment of type and 
printing materials," and stated their purpose to re- 
late such matters as should refer '' to the safety and 
welfare of the United States, to the liberties and in- 
dependence of which the Salem dnzttle will be ever 
sacredly devoted." The first number of the paper 
was dated January 2, 1781. It was of the crown size, 
issued weekly at fifty cents a quarter. The paper was 
more miscellaneous than its jiredecessors had been. 
It commenced the publication of stories, tales and 
other entertaining articles. 

Mrs. Crouch exhibited spirit and enterprise, but 
was unable to succeed with the paper, which lasted 
only nine months, closing October 11th of the same 
year. She assigned as reasons for the stoppage, " the 
want of sufficient assistance, and the impossibility of 
wbtaining house-room for herself and family to reside 
near her business." Her printing-office was at the 
corner of Derby and Hardy Streets. Mrs. Crouch 
afterwards removed to Providence, her native place. 

5. The Salem Gazette. — In just a week after the 
close of Mrs. Crouch's paper Samuel Hall aarain en- 
tered upon a career as publisher in Salem. He had 
returned from Boston, and jirobably bought Mrs. 
Crouch's materials. He commenced a new paper en- 
titled The Salem Gazette, the first number of which 
was dated October 18, 1781. It was of the size and 
general character of his previous paper. He contin- 
ued the publication of this series of Gazettes for a 
little more than four years, enlarging the sheet in the 
third volume, and bringing it to a close in this town 
November 22, 1785. At that time he removed the 
paper to Boston. 

In finally terminating his connection with Salem, 
Mr. Hall stated that he did so only under the pres- 
sure of stern necessity. His business had been ma- 
terially injured by a ta.\ upon advertisements, which 
had been imposed by the Legislature the previous 
summer. This tax, in conjunction with the decline 
of trade, had operated so disastrously as to deprive 
him of nearly three-quarters of the income of his 
paper from that source, and on this account he ac- 
cepted the advice of friends, who recommended his 
removal to Boston. The contracted circulation of 
the paper, and the great expense attending its publi- 
cation in Salem, he said, rendered a burdensome tax 
upon his advertising columns insupportable. The 
expense of procuring intelligence from Boston alone, 
by special messenger, was so great that to defray it 
he would gladly have given more than half the profits 
of all the newspapers circulated in this town. 

The tax on advertisements, of which ^Ir. Hall 



complained so bitterly, was voted by the Lcgislaturo 
July 2, 178"), and had elicite<l an outcry of indigna- 
tion from nearly all the papers in the State. It was 
imposed to aid in licpiidating the war debt incurred 
during the Revolution. It required the payment of 
six pence on each advertisement of twelve lines or 
less, and one shilling on those of twenty or leas, and 
so on in proportion. This act was denounced in 
severe terms as an infringement of the liberty of the 
press, as the " Bostouian Stamp Act," etc. When 
the law went into operation. Mr. Hall spoke of it in 
the Gazette an follows: 

" No printer can iiuw aiivertise, even in h\» owit paper, any buotvti or 
pieufs of jneti/ or devotion, not excepting tlie IIoi.v Itim.K, witliout pay- 
ing a lieavy tax for it. How this acconln witti Itis Fxcellency's lata 
' Proctaniation for tlie encouragement of /'it///, Virfiit; Educatlun anti 
Miiiiiters,* let tile franiei-a of the act determine. Were it not for ttie tax 
upon advertisinj; good books, tlie Printer liereof wontd inform the Pnl)- 
lic ttiat tie lias just puMistied ' Extracts from Dr. Priestly's Catechism,' 
wliieh tie setts at five coppers single, and two shillings the dozen." 

In leaving, Mr. Hall said he should always retain 
the most grateful recollection of favors received in 
this place, and should " always endeavor to promote 
the interests and reputation of the town of Salem." 

The removal to Boston was executed with charac- 
teristic promptness, so that not a single issue of the 
paper was omitted, the next number, under the new 
name of Tlie Massachusetts Gazette, appearing as a 
continuation on the regular day, November 28th. 
Mr. Hail made arrangements to supply his Salem 
subscribers as usual, by a carrier. Ho subsetinently 
sold the Gazette to other parties. He afterwards 
printed a paper for a short time in the French lan- 
guage, entitled Courier de Boston, — the first paper in 
that language in New England. In 1789 he opened 
a book-store in Cornhill, which he sold in 18U5 to 
Lincoln & Edmaiids, of which firm Could & Lincoln 
were the modern successors. 

l\Ir. Hall, as we have stated was born in Medfbrd 
November 2, 1740, of Jonathan Hall and Anna 
Fowle. He died October 30, 1807, aged sixty-seven 
years. He was an industrious, accurate and enter- 
prising printer, a judicious editor and excellent man. 
His life was one of active usefulness and of remark- 
able success. Besides his newpaper publications, he 
was the printer and publisher of many works of var- 
ious degrees of importance, some of them of consid- 
erable value. The list of his publications during his 
residence in Salem, and subsetpicntly in Boston, 
would reflect great credit on him as a man of business 
enterprise. In his papers he advocated liberal opin- 
ions with firmness and discretion, and always com- 
manded the confidence and respect of the best men 
in the community. " The country," says Mr. Buck- 
ingham, "had no firmer friend, in the gloomiest per- 
iod of its history, as well as in tlie days of its young 
and increasing prosperity, than Samuel Hall." 

r>. The Salem Chronicle and Essex .AnvEU- 
■PlsEli— The short interim succeeding Mr. Hall's sec- 
ond serie-i was followed, :\I:ircli :'.(), 178(;, by the 



120 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



commencement of a weekly paper with the foregoing 
title, by George Roulstoue. It continued less than a 
year, and possessed no special interest. It was 
jirinted on Paved Street, on a crown sheet, at nine 
shillings. 

7. The Sai.em Gazette. — The present Salem Ga- 
zette was commenced October 14, 1786, when John 
Dabney and Thomas C. Gushing issued the first num- 
ber of The Salem Mercury, which in 1790 (January 
•5th) assumed the name of The Salem Gazette, and has 
•so continued ever since. Mr. Gushing was a native 
of Hingham. He had served his apprenticeship with 
Mr. Hall, and had afterwards, in 1785, been con- 
nected with John W. Allen in the publication of the 
American Recorder and Charlesiown Advertiser, in 
Charlestowii. He was twenty -two years of age when 
he came to Salem, and, from his intercourse with so 
excellent a master as Mr. Hall, had doubtless been 
strengthened in the liberal principles and correct 
Jbabits which he brought to his new undertaking. 

The Mercury was printed weekly, on Tuesday, on a 
■demy sheet, four columns to a page, and chiefly in 
long primer type. The price was nine shillings a 
year. The contents of the paper gave evidence of 
care in the selection, and the original communica- 
tions were from competent writers. Party lines had 
not been drawn at that early period, and the political 
<:haracter of the paper was simply that of an ardent 
advocate of the new Federal Gonstitution, the adop- 
tion of which, in our own State, and in other States 
successively, was recorded in terms of exultation. 

Mr. Dabney withdrew from the paper at the close 
of the third volume, October 6, 1789, and opened a 
book-store, leaving Mr. Gushing sole proprietor of 
the business. He continued thus until October 14, 
1794, a period of five years, and then transferred the 
publication to William Garlton, his partner in the 
Bible and Heart Book-store. This book-store was a 
noted place of resort for the leading gentlemen of 
the town, such as Dr. Bowditch, Dr. Holyoke and 
Dr. Prince, for many years. The store was subse- 
quently carried on successfully by John M. Ives, 
John P. Jewett and D. B. Brooks, and it is now Mr. 
Young's music-store. There were formerly wooden 
figures of a Bible and a heart suspended over the 
door, which, during the War of 1812, in a time of 
great political excitement, were torn down in the 
night by some mischievous persons, and thrown into 
the harbor. It was upon the occasion of a li.st of 
privateers in our harbor being published in the Ga- 
zette by the foreman of the office. 

The excited and virulent jjolitical feeling at various 
times between 1802 and 181.0, embracing the events 
connected with the last war with (;reat Britain, was 
fully exhibited in the columns of the Gazette. Al- 
though Mr. Gushing was himself of a mild and 
peaceable disposition, he allowed a pretty free use of 
his columns by writers who did not emulate his own 
virtues. The llepublican ]>arty was assailed in vio- 



lent and olten extremely personal language. Sar- 
casm, ridicule and severe deinuiciation were freely 
employed. Nor was the Register at all backward in 
returning the assault in a similar tone and spirit. 
This mode of warfare led, on several occasions, to 
serious personal difficulties. 

In the fall of 1802 a violent contest arose between 
the Federal and Republican parties, concerning the 
election of a member of Congress from this district. 
The result was favorable to the Republicans. When 
it was over, in November, the editors of the Register 
and Gazette were called upon to answer for the tone 
of their papers, the former by a libel suit and the 
latter by threats of personal violence. Mr. Gushing 
was visited at his house by Captains Richard and 
Benjamin Growninshield and Mr. Joseph Story, and 
taken into a private room, where he was charged 
with malicious publications, of a purely personal and 
offensive character, against the complainants and 
their friends, designed to injure them in the estima- 
tion of the community. After detailing their griev- 
ances at some length, Captain Benjamin Grownin- 
shield threatened to shoot Mr. Gushing if he contin- 
ued to publish such things as they had complained 
of. Mr. Gushing replied that it had been his en- 
deavor to keep his paper free from undue personali- 
ties, though he considered public characters and 
public conduct as proper subjects of animadversion; 
and as for the future he should give no pledges, but 
should be governed by his regard for decency, and 
endeavor to give no just cause of offense. The con- 
versation became so loud and boisterous that it 
alarmed the females of Mr. Cushing's family, who 
called a number of persons into an adjoining apart- 
ment, as listeners ; and thus the whole affair became 
a matter of public notoriety. The excitement which 
ensued was so great that Mr. Gushing was obliged to 
publish a full account of the interview. 

Party politics continued to rage for several years 
afterwards with a degree of violence which has not 
been exhibited since. 

One of the most amusing circumstances connected 
with this period was that of the Pictorial Gerry- 
mander. The Democratic Legislature of 1811-12 
had carved and cut up the towns of Essex County in 
such a manner as to favor the election of a Demo- 
cratic member of Congress from Essex South. The 
district thus formed was very strange in its outlines, 
running from Salem all around the line of back 
towns, Lynn, Andover, Haverhill, etc., and ending at 
Salisbury. This curious arrangement struck the eye 
of Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated painter, as present- 
ing the outlines of a natural monster, and he accord- 
ingly took his pencil, and by affixing claws to the 
lower extremities at Salem and Marblehead, wings to 
the back at Andover, and a ' horrid beak' at Salis- 
bury, produced the figure of a creature which he said 
would do for a Salamander. But Major Benjamin 
Russell suggested that it might more properly be 



SALEM. 



121 



called a "Gerrymander," in allusion to Elbridge 
Gerry, the Democratic Governor of the State. It 
ever after received this title. An engraving of the 
monster was inserted in the Gazelle and other papers, 
and ])rinted upon handbills, as an electioneering 
document. In 1813, when the Democrats were de- 
feated, the Federalists were in high glee over the 
" Gerrymander," which had been so useful to them, 
and on the morning after the election in April, a fig- 
ure of the skeleton of the deceased monster appeared 
in the Gazette, with the appropriate epitaph, 
•• Hatched 181:2— killed 1813." This device was exe- 
cuted by Mr. Appleton, the jocose partner of Mr. 
Gushing in his book-store, who cast a block of type- 
metal and engraved the figure during the night pre- 
vious to its publication. There was subsequently 
published a picture of the nondescript in its coffin, 
and a fac-simile of the grave-stone, together with 
an amusing programme of mock ceremonials at its 
funeral. 

Mr. Gushing relinquished the publication of the 
Gazette Dec. 31, 1822, on account of infirm health, 
and, in retiring from a post he had so long occupied, 
bade adieu to his friends in a graceful note. He died 
Sept. 28, 1824, aged sixty. As an editor and pub- 
lisher, as well as a member of the firm of Gushing & 
Appleton, he had secured a host of friends, who re- 
membered him as " the amiable and gifted Gushing." 
His qualities of mind and heart were such as com- 
manded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. 
He was steadfast and conscientious in his political 
opinions, a j^erson of thorough integrity in his busi- 
ness aftairs, gentle and pleasing in his manners. He 
is described as having had strong powers of mind, 
warmth of fancy, various and extensive knowledge, 
and a familiar acquaintance with the best of English 
literature, which gave attraction and fascination to 
his conversation. 

Among the writers for the GVirW/e during Mr. Gush- 
ing's connection with it was the late Benjamin Mer- 
rill, who was a constant and voluminous contributor 
to its columns, and whose writings contributed largely 
to its success and influence upon tlie public mind. 

The next publishers of the [laper were Caleb Gush- 
ing, a son of Thomas G., and Ferdinand Andrews, who 
commenced at the beginning of 1823. Mr. Gushing 
withdrew at the end of sis months, and Mr. Andrews 
contitnied sole publisher until April 1, 1825, when he 
sold half of the establishment to Galeb Foote. Mr. 
Foote had served his ajqjrenticeship with Mr. T. C. 
Gushing, who had himself been an apprentice of Mr. 
Hall, and thus was established a personal connection 
between the original Essex Gazette and the Salem Ga- 
zette of to-day. In 1826, Oct. 1st, the other half of the 
Gazelle was purchased by William Brown, of Mr. 
Andrews, who removed to Lancaster and established 
a paper in that town. He afterwards returned to 
Salem to publish the Landmark, and was subsequently 
a proprietor of the Boston Daily Eoeiti/if/ Trarellfi: 



In 1.833, Jan. 1st, Mr. Foote became sole proprietor 
of the Gazette. He was assisted for some time by 
John B. Ghisholm, and afterwards for many years by 
Major William Brown. In 1851, Jan. 1st, Nathaniel A. 
Horton became associated with Mr. Foote as publisher 
and editor, and so remains at the present time. From 
Jan. 1, 1847, until Oct. 3, 1851, the Gazette was issued 
tri-weekly, on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. At 
the latter date the Saturday edition was discontinued 
in favor of an enlarged semi-weekly. Since the mod- 
ern division of parties the Gazette has been a zealous 
and efficient advocate of the views of the Republican 
party, in entire harmony with its old antagonist, the 
Megistei: 

The printing-office previous to 1792 was somewhere 
near its present location, and for two years subsequent 
to that time in Stearns' Building. It was afterwards 
removed to the present neighborhood ; then to No. 8 
Paved Street. From 1825 to 1827 it occupied the 
rooms now improved by the Register office. It was 
thence removed to Golumbian Hall, in Stearns' Build- 
ing, and in 1831 to quarters in the Holyoke Building, 
where it remained until January, 1874, when it occu- 
pied its present commodious quarters in Hale's Build- 
ing. 

8. The Salem Register. — This paper was com- 
menced during the first year of the present century, 
May 12, 1800, when the first number was issued with 
the title of 77ie Impartial Register. It was jjublished 
on Monday and Thursday, by William Garlton, who 
had withdrawn from the Gazette and dissolved his 
partnership in the book business witli Thomas G. 
Gushing several years before, as we have already 
stated. The Register started in opposition to the 
Federal jjarty, and, during the violent political strug- 
gles which ensued, was an able supporter of the Re- 
publican cause. It selected for its motto the following 
lines: 

'■ \\\ parties here may plead an honest, favorite cause. 
Whoever reasons l>est on Nature's, Wisdom's Laws, 
Proclaims eternal Truth — gains Heaven's and Men's applause." 

Dr. Bentley aided Mr. Carlton in his new publica- 
tion, as he had previously done in the Gazette, and 
his famous summaries and variety of miscellaneous 
and local articles soon gave the paper a decided char- 
acter. In a few months, Aug. 7th, the title was enlarged 
to Tlie Salem Impartial Register. This was continued 
until Jan. 4, 1802, when the word "Impartial" was 
dropjied, leaving The Salem Register. At the same 
time the original motto gave place to the well-known 
verse which is still printed in the pa])cr, and which 
was written impromptu by the late Judge Story, who 
is said to have scribbled it in pencil on the side of a 
printer's case. 

" Here shall the Press the People's ItiKhts maintain, 
I'nawed by Influence, and unhrihed by Cain ; 
Here Patriot Truth her glorious precepts draw. 
Pledged to Religion, Liberty and Law." 

During the autumn of this year (1802) the editor, 



122 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Carlton, was convicted of a libel on Timothy 
Pickering, and suffered imprisonment tlierefor. This 
occurred just after the election of a member of Con- 
gress for this district, when Jacob Crowninshield, the 
Democratic candidate, waschosen over Mr. Pickering, 
who was the Federal candidate. The Register had as- 
serted that " Robert Listen, the British Ambassador, 
distributed five hundred thousand dollars amongst the 
partizans of the English nation in America," and in- 
timated that Mr. Pickering might have partaken of 
" these secret largesses,'' " some little token, some 
small gratuity, for all his zealous eiForts against lib- 
erty and her sons, for all his attachment to the inter- 
ests of England," at the same time indulging in con- 
temptuous flings toward the distinguished ex-Secre- 
tary of State. To answer for this article Mr. Carlton 
was indicted by the grand jury, and tried before the 
Supreme Court, at Ipswich, in April, 1803. He was 
convicted, and sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred 
dollars and the costs of prosecution ; to be imprisoned 
in the county jail two months, and to give bonds, with 
two sureties in four hundred dollars each, to keep the 
peace for two years. This unfortunate aft'air is simply 
illustrative of the acerbity of jjarty feeling at that 
time. 

In a little more than two years after this imprison- 
ment Mr. Carlton died, July 24, 180.5, aged thirty- 
four years. He had suffered from fever during his im- 
prisonment as stated by Dr. Bentley, and continued 
feeble until the day before his decease, when he was 
suddenly seized by violent fever and derangement, 
which terminated his life in twenty-four hours. Mr. 
Carlton was a native of Salem, and descended from 
two of the ancient families of the country. His con- 
stant friend said of him : " He always possessed 
great cheerfulness of temper and great benevolence of 
mind. He was distinguished by his perseverance, in- 
tegrity and uprightness. To his generous zeal the 
public were indebted for the early information which 
the Ee<jisler gave of the most interesting occurrence.". 
To a tender mother he was faithful, and to his family 
affectionate. The friends of his youth enjoyed the 
warmth of bis gratitude. His professions and friend- 
ships were sincere. He was an able editor and an 
honest man." 

Previous to the death of Mr. Carlton the printing- 
oflice was removed (January 3, 1803) from its origi- 
nal location in the house on Essex Street, next below 
the Franklin building, to a room over the post-office, 
where Bowker's building now stands. At the same 
time a new head-piece was mounted, a figure of Lib- 
erty, with the motto, " Where liberty is, there is my 
country." 

After the death of Mr. Carlton the Register was 
published for his widow, Elizabeth, until the 26th of 
August ensuing, when she died also. It was then 
continued " for the proprietors," — Dr. Bentley and 
Warwick Palfray, Jr., contributing to its columns for 
nearly two years. In August, 1806, an advertisement 



appeared, stating that '" The Salem Register having 
been supported iu its editorial department by the 
voluntary assistance of its friends since the decease 
of the late editor, Mr. Carlton, the proprietors are 
desirous of obtaining an editor to conduct the same 
in future." No new arrangement was commenced, 
however, until July 23, 1807, when a " new series," 
entitled The Eise.v Register, was commenced by 
Haven Pool and Warwick Palfray, Jr., assisted by S. 
Cleveland Blydou. At this time the famous motto- 
verse was dropped, and the following sentence adopt- 
ed as a substitute: "Let the greatest good of the 
greatest number be the pole-star of your public and 
private deliberations." [Ramsay.] Mr. Blydon's 
name remained in the paper only about six months, 
when, January 6, 1808, it was withdrawn. The pub- 
lication days were then changed tp Wednesday and 
Saturday, " for various reasons, some of a public and 
some of a private nature." The favorite motto was 
again resumed. 

On June 28, 1811, Mr. Pool, the eldest proprietor, 
although only twenty-nine, suddenly died, after a 
short illness, leaving Mr. Palfray the sole editor and 
publisher for the next twenty-three years. Mr. Pool 
was described in an obituary notice as " an affection- 
ate husband, kind pareat and dutiful son. He was of 
a cheerful disposition, constant and ardent in his 
friendships and excessively fond in his domestic at- 
tachments." He is remembered as a genial and gay 
companion. 

The printing-office was located successively in the 
three buildings next below the Franklin Place until 
April 28, 1828, when it was transferred to Stearns' 
Building, and on October .5, 1832, it was finally re- 
moved to Central Building, where it now remains. 

On February 1, 1823, the old publication days, 
Monday and Thursday, were resumed. On January 
1, 183.5, John Chapman, who had entered the office as 
an apprentice in 1807, was admitted as partner in the 
business, and continued until his death. 

The death of Mr. Palfray, who had been identified 
with the Register as Mr. Cushing had been with the 
Gazette, occurred August 23, 1838, at the age of fifty- 
one years. He was a native of Salem,, a descendant 
of Peter Palfray, one of the first settlers of this place 
— having arrived here several years before Governor 
Endicott. Mr. Palfray served his time as a printer 
with Mr. Carlton, whose oflice he entered in 1801. He 
assumed a share in the charge of the Register while 
yet a minor, and his tact and good judgment, thence- 
forth exerted, largely increased the circulation of the 
paper, and gave it popularity and influence. He was 
the sole conductor during the times of the embargo 
and the war with England, when political feeling ran 
very high, and was much embittered by personal hos- 
tilities. "Yet, notwithstanding all the excitements 
of those periods," said his eulogist, the late Joseph E. 
Sprague, " Mr. Palfray gave as little just cause of of- 
fense as any man living could. Possessed of most 



SALEM. 



12a 



generous and honorable feelings, he never willingly 
gave just cause of offense to a political opponent. 
Personal allusions were always painful to him — and 
at those periods of deadly feud, when he was placed 
at the editorial desk, it was his greatest pleasure to 
take from the papers handed him for publication the 
poisoned arrows; and when he could not consistently 
with political duty, wh(dly remove personal allusions, 
to soften them to the utmost limit.*' ..." With 
but slight advantages of education, there were but few 
who were more u.?eful to society. His heart was the 
abode of pure thoughts — his life the exemplar of good 
principles. The tongue of calumny, in the times of 
bitterest political animosities, never breathed a sylla- 
ble against the spotless purity of his life and char- 
acter." 

Though Mr. Palfray never sought office, he held 
several public trusts. He was a member of the city 
government at the time of his death, and vice-presi- 
dent of the Mechanic Association. He had served 
with usefulness in both branches of the Legislature. 

After the death of Mr. Palfray, the paper was con- 
tinued by the surviving partner, Mr. Chapman, — the 
family of the former retaining an interest in the pub- 
lication. Mr. Chapman, by the soundness of his 
judgment and the integrity of his principles, contrib- 
uted largely to the continued success of the Register, 
although he was not a regular contributor to its col- 
umns. The paper was an able exponent of the pur- 
poses of the Whig party during the entire period of 
its existence, and Mr. Chapman was made a member 
of the Governor's Council in recognition of the value 
of his services to his party. And afterwards, when 
the Republican party triumphed in the election of 
Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United 
States, Mr. Chapman was appointed postmaster of 
Salem. On January 1, 1830, Charles W. Palfray, a 
son of the former proprietor, and a graduate of Har- 
vard University, assumed the place vacated by his 
father. In 1S41, January 1st, the earlier name of 1/te 
Salem Rerjister was again adopted. Eben N. Walton 
became associate publisher and editor, January 1, 
1873, and since the death of Mr. Chapman, April 
19, 1873, the paper has been published by Palfray ct 
Walton. 

The Register during the more than half-century of 
its existence hiis received the contributions of able 
pens. Dr. Bentley and the late Sheriff Sprague were 
voluminous and influential writers in its columns for 
a great many years. Judge Story, during his residence 
in Salem, was a frequent contributor. So was Andrew 
Dunlap for many years previous to 182-'). The " Sum- 
maries " of Dr. Bentley have become famous. These 
concise and curious medleys were furnished regularly 
for a quarter of a century. They often extended to a 
column and a half of close matter, and sometimes to 
several columns. They were continued until the very 
close of his life, the last " Summary " appearing in the 
Register pul)lished on the very day of his death, the 



last da/ of the year 1811). These contributions from 
Dr. Bentley's industrious pen were thus constantly 
furnished without ever a dollar being received by him 
as compensation. He labored without the expecta- 
tion or desire of reward. 

9. The Weekly Visitant. — In 180(j, during the 
rage of party politics, a periodical was commenced by 
Haven Pool, of a purely literary character, though 
not of great pretensions. It was an octavo, entitled 
The Weekly Visitant, published on Saturday evening 
"directly west of the Tower of Dr. Prince's Church." 
Price two dollars per year. It seems to have been 
designed to afl'ord its patrons more agreeable reading 
than was furnished in the political papers, an idea 
which was expressed in the couplet adopted as a 
motto : 

"Ours are the plans of fair, deligbtful peace, 
Uiiwarped by parly rage, to live like brothere." 

10. The Friend. — The Visitant had a successor 
the next year in The Friend, started by Mr. Pool, in 
connection with Stephen C. Blyth, as editor, January 
3, 1807. It was published weekly, on Saturday even- 
ing, of the common new.spaper form, at two dollars 
per year. It was announced as a " new and neutral 
paper," and was therefore spoken of as "a scheme novel 
in its design ; " nevertheless it was hoped that by 
avoiding insipidity it might be made interesting. 
Like its predecessor, this paper indicated a desire for 
peace in the community by selecting a peaceful motto 
from Ecclesiasticus : " Sweet language will multiply 
friends ; and a fiiir speaking tongue will increase 
kind greetings." The Friend lasted about six months, 
until July 18th, and was then merged in the Register, 
with which the publisher and editor also formed a 
connection. Mr. Blyth had changed his name to 
Blydon, during the year, by consent of the General 
Court. He was a native of Salem, and taught school 
here. He afterwards removed to Canada, and is be- 
lieved to have died there. 

11. 12, 13. HuMOROfs PrBi.icATioNs. — In 1807 
and 1808 Mr. John S. Applet«ii, of the firm of Gush- 
ing & Appleton, who was known as a ready wit, got 
out two or three small humorous publications, which 
had a temporary run as periodicals. One of these 
was "The Fool. By Thomas Brainless, Esq., LL.D., 
Jester to his Majesty, the Public. A new and useless 
paper, of no particular form or size, issued at irregu- 
lar intervals; and the price to be left at the generosity 
of the public." This was issued in 1807. Then there 
was "the Barber's Shop, kept by Sir David Razor,'' 
published by Gushing & A]ipleton in 1808 and print- 
ed by Joshua Gushing, a brother of Thomas C. Gush- 
ing. Another of these ephemeral sheets, the Punches 
of those days, was Salmagundi, from the same 
source. In all of these the Republican party was the 
object of ridicule and satire. 

14. The (Jo.si'EL Visitant. — This was the title of 
a quarterly octavo magazine, commenced in Salem in 
1811. to espouse the doctrine of Univeralism. It is 



124 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



interesting from the circumstance tliat it was the first 
regular periodical issued by that denomination in this 
country. There had been previously an occasional 
publication in Boston entitled The Berean, — contain- 
ing the proceedings of an association, — eight numbers 
of which were printed at irregular intervals, without 
regard to time ; but the Visitant was the first regular 
periodical. It was started at the suggestion of a Con- 
ference of Universal Ministers, assembled at Glouces- 
ter in January of that year. The conductors were 
Thomas Jones, of Gloucester, Hosea Ballon, of Ports- 
mouth, Abner Kneeland, of Charlestown, and Edward 
Turner, of Salem, all prominent clergymen of that 
communion, settled over societies in the places 
named. The contents of the magazine were chiefly 
sermons, essays and briefer articles upon religious 
and doctrinal points. The price was twenty-five 
cents a number. The numbers for June and Septem- 
ber were printed at the Register office ; that for De- 
cember, by Ward & Coburn, on North Street; and 
that for March, 181:2, was published in Charlestown. 
The second volume did not appear until 1817, when it 
was printed by Warwick Palfray, Jr. It was now edit- 
ed by Hosea Ballon and Edward Turner. At the com- 
mencement of Vol. 3, April, 1818, the publication 
was removed to Haverhill and assumed by P. N. Green. 
1.5. The Salem Ohseever. — The first number of 
The Observer was i)ublished January 2, 1823, by Wil- 
liam and Stephen B. Ives — the former an apprentice 
of Mr. Gushing, of the Gazette. It was of the royal 
size, and issued weekly on Monday evening, from the 
Washington Hall building. No. 2 Court Street. Price, 
two dollars. The paper was designed to be a literary 
and miscellaneous sheet, eschewing party politics, — a 
character which it has maintained until the present 
time. It was edited by Benj. Lynde Oliver, E.sq., dur- 
ing the first year. After the fifth number the time 
of publication was changed to Saturday evening, 
which arrangement continued for twenty-two num- 
bers, and then Saturday morning became the time of 
publication, and so continues now. At the commence- 
ment of Vol. 2, 1824, the title was changed to Salem 
Observer, and at the same time Joseph 6. Waters, 
Esq., became editor, as successor to Mr. Oliver. At 
the conclusion of the year Mr. Waters withdrew from 
the responsibility of the paper, but continued to be a 
contributor for several years afterwards. In 1825, 
January 15th, the name was enlarged to Salem Litera- 
ry and Commercial Observer, and this was borne until 
January 3, 1829, when the title Salem Observer was 
resumed. 

The printing-office was removed, November 25, 
1826, from its original location to "Messrs. P. & A. 
Chase's new brick building in Washington Street." 
There it remained until 1832, February 4th, when it 
was again removed to quarters in Stearns' Building 
which it occupied for fifty years. In 1882 the pro- 
prietors erected the Observer Building, of three 
stories, of brick, in Kinsman Place, next to the City 



Hall, and these commodious quarters they still oc- 
cupy. In 1837, January 7th, Mr. George W. Pease, who 
had served his apprenticeship in the office, was admit- 
ted to the partnership, and in 1839, January 5th, Mr. 
Stephen B. Ives withdrew, leaving the firm of Ives & 
Pease. 

The Observer has from the beginning "pursued the 
even tenor of its way" as a well-established family 
newspaper, experiencing fewer changes of fortune 
than some papers we have mentioned, and therefore 
affording fewer incidents "to make a note of." Es- 
tablished in a time of intense political excitement as 
a non-partisan paper, it was the first to succeed upon 
that basis. 

At the termination of Mr. Waters' editorship, Sol- 
omon S. Whipple became a regular contributor to its 
columns, and afterwards Wilson Flagg, Kev. E. M. 
Stone, Edwin Jocelyn and Stephen B. Ives, Jr. Gil- 
bert L. Streeter became associated with the Observer 
on January 1, 1847, and, with the exception of a biief 
period of two years, has been a regular contributor 
ever since. 

16. Salem Courier.— In 1828, September 17th, 
Charles Amburger Andrews began a weekly paper, 
the Salem Courier, which was published on Wednes- 
day, at three dollars, from an office in the East India 
Marine Hall building. It proclaimed itself " strictly 
independent," a supporter of Adams' administration, 
an opponent of the tariff, etc. It became, however, 
a theological rather than a political paper, and was a 
zealous antagonist of the doctrines of Calvinism. Its 
editor was a pleasant and humorous writer, and had 
able correspondents. But the paper was continued 
for only one year. Mr Andrews was a member of the 
bar, and served as a representative of the city in the 
Legislature. He died June 17, 1843. 

17. The Hive. — This was a small weekly publica- 
tion for children, commenced on Saturday, Septem- 
ber 21, 1828, by W. and S. B. Ives. The picture of 
a bee-hive ornamented its first page, and its contents 
were mostly selected. 

After the fifth number it was issued on Wednes- 
day. It continued for two years. The first volume 
was 16mo and the second an 8vo. It was one of the 
earliest of papers intended exclusively for children, 
which are now so numerous and excellent. 

18. Ladies' Miscellany. — A small weekly folio, 
with this title, was commenced January 6, 1829, a 
specimen number having been issued on the 7th of 
November preceding. It was printed at the Register 
office by John Chapman, on Tuesday, at one dollar 
per year. It was designed " to furnish a supply of 
amusing, instructive and unexceptionable reading to 
the Ladies of Salem and vicinity." At the close of 
the volume the issue was suspended for want of sup- 
port, but April 7, 1830, a second volume was com- 
menced, on Wednesday, in consideration of a " consid- 
erable accession to the list of subscribers." At the 
close of this volume the publication ceased. 



SALEM. 



125 



19. Essex County Mercury. — The publication 
of a diminutive weekly paper by the proprietors of 
the Gazette was conimeuced in 1831, June 8th, under 
the name of Saleni Mercury. It has since been much 
enlarged, and is now entitled Essex County Mercury, 
Danvers, Beverly and Marhlehead Courier. It is made 
U]) mainly from the columns of the (iazctte. 

20. Salem Advertlser. — The first organ of the 
modern Democratic party in Salem was The Commer- 
cial Advertiser, commenced April 4, 1832, by Edward 
Palfray and James R. Cook. It was started as a 
semi-weekly, on Wednesday and Saturday. The 
office was in Central building, over the Savings 
Bank. It was an earnest advocate of the election of 
General Jackson to the Presidency, and throughout 
its existence of seventeen years continued to uphold 
the views of the Democratic party. After the first 
year the additional title of Essex County Journal was 
adopted, and it was published as a weekly, on 
Wednesday, until July S, 1837, when Palfray & Cook 
sold out tf) Charles ^V. Woodbury, who issued it as a 
semi-weekly again, under the name of The Sidem Ad- 
vertiser. Thus it was continued until February, 
1849, when it was a weekly once more uiitil its final 
close, August 1, 1849. From October 1(5, 1841, until 
September 11, 1844, the title wna Salem Advertiser and 
Argus, after which the word "Argus " was omitted. 

So many persona were connected with the Adver- 
tiser at various times, as editors and publishers, that 
we must mention them briefly. During tlie pro- 
prietorsliip of Mr. Woodbury, Wm. B. Pike served as 
editor forabout six weeks from October 17, 1838. Henry 
Blaney serveil two terms as proprietor, first, from March 
11, 184(*, until October Iti. 1841, and again from June 
21, 1843, until September 11, 1844. Benjamin Kings- 
bury, Jr., was editor during the political campaign of 
1840. Edward Palfray took a second turn of two 
years between Mr. Blaney's two periods. H. C. 
Hobart and F. C. Crowninshield were the editors 
during the campaign of 1844. Mr. Hobart after- 
wards went to Wisconsin, and became Speaker of the 
Assembly. Mr. Crowninshield enlisted for the Mexi- 
can War, and was a lieutenant of a comjiany. Messrs. 
Varney, Parsons & Co. were the next publishers, 
from November 20, 1844, to December 31, 1845, and 
were succeeded by Messrs. Perley & Parsons, Mr. 
Varney having gone to the war as a corporal. The 
final publisher was Mr. Eben N. Walton, who began 
February 15, 1847, and continued to the end. Mr. 
Woodbury, an earlier editor, and once postmaster 
here, was the third one who went to the war. He was 
drowned on his way back. Before he came to Salem 
he published the Gloucester Democrat. Edward Pal- 
fray, the projector of the paper, and the person who 
was longest editor of it, died at the Worcester Hos- 
pital in 184G, April 14th, aged forty-one. He was a 
spirited and forcible writer, a zealous Democrat and 
a kind-hearted man. 
21. Saturday Evening Biilletix. — This was 



the title of a small neutral paper, published weekly 
by Palfray &, Cook, at the Advertiser office. Price, one 
dollar. It continued for one year, from May 18, 
1833, when it was relinquished in favor of a political 
journal. It was edited by Nicholas Devereux. 

22. The Constitutionalist. — This was the po- 
litical journal which followed the Bulletin. Its pub- 
lishers were the same. It was a small weekly. It 
sustained Marcus Morton for Governor and Joseph 
S. Cabot for Congress. The duration of tliis paper 
was from June 28, 1834, until the close of the year — 
a little more than six months. 

23. The Landmark. — Iq 1834, August 20th, a semi- 
weekly paper, entitled The Landmarh, of goodly size 
and elegant tyi)ography, sent out its first number from 
a new printing-office, corner of Essex and Liberty 
Streets. It was printed on Wednesday and Satur- 
day by Ferdinand Andrews, formerly of the Gazette, 
and subscfinently j)ublisher of the Boston Traveller, 
and was edited by Rev. Dudley Phelps. 

'X\\6 Landmark \\'a% started in the i)eriod of "the 
Unitarian controversy," and was intended to coun- 
teract the influence of Unitarianism, which was prev- 
alent in Salem at that time. It was also intended to 
give utterance to anti-slavery and temperance senti- 
ments, both of which topics were beginning to at- 
tract sericms attention. On .Tanuary 31, 1835, a com- 
munication was published in the Landmark upon the 
subject of temperance, which caused more excitement 
in the community than any other publication either 
before or since. It was the famous article by Rev. 
George B. Cheever, then the young pastor of the 
Branch Church in Howard Street, entitled "Enquire 
at Amos Giles' Distillery." It set forth in lurid 
colors the evils attending the manufacture, sale and 
use of intoxicating liquors, and depicted, with great 
severity of language, the responsibility of those en- 
gaged in the liquor business. It was understood to 
have personal reference to a prominent and reputable 
citizen of Salem, a deacon of the First Church, nho 
was a distiller, and was alleged to contain liliehius 
matter. The editor of the Landmark apologized in 
the next number for the api)earance of the obnox- 
ious article, but this did not allay the public excite- 
ment ; and a fortnight afterwards Mr. Cheever was 
publicly whipped in Essex Street, just above Sewell 
Street, by Ellas Ham, the forenum of the distillery, 
who used a cowhide for the purpose ; and in the even- 
ing of the same day an attack was made upon 
the Landmark office, with the apparent design of 
wrecking it, but it was defended from the inside, and 
the assault failed. Mr. Ham was fined fifty dollars 
for the whipping. Jlr. Cheever was tried for libel, 
and, although defended by Rnfus Choate, was con- 
victed, and sentcnce<l to a fine of one tliousand dol- 
lars and imprisonment in Salem jail for one month. 
He was escorted to jail by his friends, an<l was fur- 
nishe<l with every convenience and luxury. The 
parties to these events subsequently and consequently 



126 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



left town. Mr. Ham became an active friend of tem- 
perance in after-years. Mr. Phelps retired from the 
Landmark, and Mr. Cheever left the Branch Church 
and entered upon a distinguished career in New 
York City. The Landmark was not sustained in its 
advanced position, and its publication ceased Novem- 
ber 2, 1830, in a little more than two years from the 
outset. 

24. The LifiHTHOUSE. — During the time of the 
I_jandmark a small weekly paper, entitled Tlie Light- 
house, was printed at the Gazette office, and " edited 
by an Association of Gentlemen," the design of which 
was " to represent the sentiments and espouse the in- 
terests of liberal Christianity." It was recognized as 
an antagonist of the Landmark, and was continued 
from June 11th until October 31st of the year 1835. 
The first nine numbers were issued on Monday ; the 
remainder on Saturday. 

25. Essex County Democrat. — This was the ti- 
tle of a paper removed hither from Gloucester in the 
fall of 1838, to sustain Joseph S. Cabot, and the in- 
terests of the Cabot section of the Democratic party, 
in distinction from those of the Rantoul section. It 
was edited and published by Joseph Dunham Friend. 
The first number was issued November 2d of that 
year. After continuing for a time as a semi-weekly, 
on Tuesday and Friday, it became a weekly. It ex- 
pired in about three months. 

26. The Harrisonian. — During the exciting po- 
litical contest of 1840 a small campaign paper, en- 
titled The Harrkoitian, containing speeches and 
documents, was published by the editor of the Ga- 
zette. It was commenced on Saturday, February 22d, 
and continued weekly until the election, lending its 
aid to the Whig nominees. 

27. The Whk;. — This also was a campaign paper, 
a few numbers of which were published in 1840 at the 
Register office, to promote the election of General 
Harrison to the Presidency. Such campaign sheets 
as the ^Yhig and Harrisonian were numerous during 
the memorable contest of that year, and exerted a 
large influence in favor of the election of Harrison 
and Tyler. They were published at very low rates, 
and freely purchased by political clubs for gratuitous 
distribution. 

28. Genius of Christianity. — This was the title 
of a small semi-monthly sheet, printed at the Observer 
office, for the Rev. A. G. Comings, for two years from 
January 1, 1841. It was a religious paper, as its ti- 
tle indicates. Mr. Comings was a pre.aeher of the 
Campbellite faith, and had a society in a room on 
Washington Street, opposite the court-house. 

29. The Christian Teacher. — This was substan- 
tially the same puljlication as the Genius of Christi- 
anity, containing, as it did, the same matter as that 
sheet, thrown into a quarto form, once a month, for 
circulation through the mail. It was issued during 
the year 1832. The printers and editor were of 
course the same. 



30. " The Locomotive, an Independent Journal." 
— In April, 1842, William H. Perley commenced a 
weekly paper in Lynn, entitled The Locomotive, which 
was removed to Central building, Salem, December 
17, 1842, and published here on Saturday, until July 
8, 1843 — about six months. A few numbers in Feb- 
ruary were published semi-weekly, on a diminutive 
sheet. From May 13th it was published by Perley & 
Whittier. It was humorous and miscellaneous in its 
character. 

31. Essex County W.\shingtoxiax. — This paper 
was printed in Lynn, by Christopher Robinson, and 
was published in Lynn and Salem, on Thursday, dur- 
ing a portion of the year 1842. Its connection with 
Salem was brief and merely nominal. It was one of 
the earliest of the numerous temperance periodicals 
which sprang up at the time of the Washingtonian 
or moral suasion movement. The editor at one time 
was the Rev. David H. Barlow, of Lynn. 

32. Salem Washingtonian. — This paper, like 
the preceding one, had only a nominal connection 
with our city. It was printed in Boston, by J. B. 
Hall, published by Theodore Abbott, and edited by 
Charles W. Denison. Its Salem office was in Wash- 
ington Hall (then permanent!)' occupied by a tem- 
perance society), whence it was circulated on Satur- 
day, fora short time, in 1843, commencing July 8th. 
It soon afterwards assumed the title New England 
Washingtonian , and was published in Boston under 
that name for several years. 

33. Independent Democrat. — A division existed 
in the Democratic party in 1843, which led to the es- 
tablishment of a weekly paper here to sustain David 
Pingree as a candidate for Congress against Robert 
Rantoul, Jr. It was entitled Lndependent Democrat ; 
was commenced March 6th, and continued for a few 
weeks only. Wm. H. Perley was the printer. 

34. The Voice of the People. — In 1843, May 7th 
Sylvanus Brown, who was then in Salem Jail for dis- 
turbing a religious meeting, published at the IjOCo- 
motive office three numbers of a small sheet with the 
foregoing designation, beginning May 7, 1843. Mr. 
Brown was one of the sect of " Comeouters," then 
somewhat numerous, so called because they came out 
from the churches as a protest against the pro-slavery 
tendencies of the pulpit. 

35. Voice Around the Jail. — In 1843 Henry 
Clapp, Jr., issued a small transient publication with 
the foregoing title, from W. H. Parley's printing-of- 
fice. Mr. Clapp was editor of the Lgnn Pioneer, and 
was then an occupant of Salem Jail under a sentence 
for libel. His " Voice " in this printed form was in 
favor of radical reform. Mr. Clapp was a Garrisonian 
Abolitionist, and a man of genius, and subsequently 
became prominent as a journalist in New York City. 

36. The Evangelist. — For the second time the 
publication of a Universalist periodical was begun in 
Salem, Aug. 12, 1843. It was a small weekly, with 
the foregoing title, issued on Saturday from Samuel 



SALEM. 



127 



T. Damon's office in Manning's Building. The edi- 
tors were L. S. Everett, J. M. Austin and S. C Bulke- 
ley, the first settled over the Universalist society in 
Salem, and the others pastors in Danvers. The 
Evangelist was sustained only six months. 

37. Essex County Reformer. — This was the 
third temperance paper published here as an aid to 
The Wasliinijtoiikm or moral suasion movetnent. It 
was issued weekly, on Saturday, upon a small sheet, 
lioiu the office of S. T. Damon. T. G. Chipman was 
the editor. It lasted three months from Sei>tcmber 2, 
184:!. 

3S. The Temperance Offering. — The Rev. N. 
Hervey, who preached to a Free Church in Washing- 
ton Hall, commenced P'ebruary, 184.5, a monthly 
12mo periodical, with the title named above. Dur- 
ing that year it was printed at the Gazette office. The 
second and last volume, for 184G, was printed in Bos- 
ton, of octavo size, and with the additional title of 
I'lmth's Cascade. The volumes have since been 
issued in book-form. 

39. Salem Okaci.e. — In 1848 two numbers of a 
small advertising sheet, called T/te Oracle, were pub- 
lished for the months of .Tanuary and February by 
Henry Blaney. Four more numbers, enlarged, for 
the four months following, were printed at the Ga- 
zette office for Jos. L. Wallis, editor. 

40. E.SSEX County Times. — This paper was a 
Democratic weekly, published in the fall of 1848, by 
E. K. Averill. It began in Marblehead, where ten 
numbers were issued, and ended its brief period here 
with three numbers more. It was issued irregularly. 
The principal writer for its columns was E K. Aver- 
ill, Jr., who was better known as a writer of "yellow 
covered literature" for Gleason's publishing house 
in Boston. 

41. The Free World. — This was a spirited cam- 
paign paper, published during the Presidential con- 
teat in 1848, in support of Van Buren and Adams, 
the Free-Soil candidates. It commenced August loth, 
and continued on Friday until November 10th. The 
editor was George F. Chever, Esq. It was printed at 
the Observer office. 

42. Salem Daily Chronicle. — The first attempt 
to establish a daily paper in vSalem was made by 
Henry Blaney, who, in 1848, March 1, began the 
Sa/ein J>aily Chronicle. It was printed in Bowker's 
building, and published every afternoon at one cent a 
copy. It took no part in politics and was short lived. 

43. The Asteroid.— In August, 1848, William H. 
Hutchinson, a job printer, commenced a small 
monthly sheet for the entertainment of the young 
peoi)le in our public schools, etc., entitled as above. 
It was continued here for several months, and was 
then removed to Boston. 

44. Essex County Freeman. — The Free-Soil 
movement in 1848-49 led to the establishment of 
several new papers in different parts of the common- 
wealth. One of these was the Esse.v County Freeman, 



the first number of whicli was i.ssned by (Jilbert L. 
Streeter and William Porter August 1, 1849. It was 
designed to aid the jiolitical anti-slavery movement, 
and in pursuance of this purpose sustained the nomi- 
nations of the Free-Soil party, and subsequently 
those of the coalition of the Free-Soil and Demo- 
cratic parties. It was published semi-weekly, on 
Wednesday and Saturday, at three dollars per year, 
from an office in Hale's building. In ]85(), Nov. 2r>th, 
Mr. Streeter withdrew his interest in the paper, but 
remained as editor. The publication was continued 
by Mr. Porter until 1852, Feb. 11th, when he withdrew, 
and the publication was assumed by " Benjamin W. 
Lander for the Proprietors." At the same time ( !eo. 
F. Chever, Esq., associated himself with the former 
editor as joint conductors of the jiajjcr. In the be- 
ginning of the next year the establishment was pur- 
chased by Rev. J. E. Pomfret, the former editors con- 
tinuing their services in that department for several 
months. Mr. Pomfret was the publisher of the jiaper 
for one year, after which Edwin Lawrence, of the 
Lynn Baij State, become the proprietor. He issued 
it weekly until June 14, 1854, when tlie publication 
ceased, alter a term of five years. 

45. The National Democrat. — On Saturday, 
May 24, 1851, Mr. .Tames Coffin issued a .specimen 
number of the National Democrat, but the patronage 
ofiered did not warrant a continuance of the paper. 
It was designed to oi)pose the coalition of the Free- 
Soil and Democratic parties. 

46. The Union Democrat. — The next movement 
for an anti-coalition Democratic paper was more suc- 
cessful. The Union Democrat lasted over ten months. 
It was commenced by Samuel Fabyan, a printer from 
Boston, July 31, 1852, and closed October (Hh, wlien it 
was removed to Boston. The office was in Bowker's 
building. Published on Wednesday and Saturday. 

47. Massachusetts Freeman. — This was the 
titleof a weekly Free-Soil paper, published for a short 
time by J. E. Pomfret, commencing June 8, 1853. It 
was made up from the columns of the Essex Countij 
Freeman. Mr. Pomfret, previous to his commence- 
ment in Salem, had published several papers, the last 
of which was the Amesbury Villager. He was a min- 
ister of the Universalist persuasion, and afterwards 
settled in Haverhill. 

48. The People's Advocate. — This ]iaper was 
begun in Marblehead, in November, 1847, by Rev. 
Robinson Breare, a Universalist minister, and bore 
the title of The Marblehead Mercury. In 1848 it be- 
came the property of James Coffin and Daniel R. 
Beckford. In 1S49 it was entitled The People's Advo- 
cate and Marblehead Mercury, and in August of that 
vear Mr. Coffin became sole proprietor. In October, 
1.S53, it abandoned its neutral position iji favor of the 
advocacy of the views of the Democratic party. In 
October, 1854, the printing-office was moved to Salem 
and the title of the paper was abbreviated to T/ie 
People's Advocate. It was discontinued in ]8()1. 



128 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNT V, MASSACHUSETT:^ 



49. Salem Daily Journal. — The second at- 
tempt to establish a daily penny paper in Salem was 
made by Edwin Lawrence in 1854. He published 
the first number of the Salem Daibj Joiu-nal on the 
24th of July of that year. It was published in the 
afternoon, as the Chronicle had been in 1848. The 
experiment was not successful, and the publication 
was abandoned November 24, 1855, after a trial of 
over a year. The Journal was at first neutral, after- 
wards favorable to the Native American party, and in 
the fall of 1855 approved the Republican nomina- 
tions. Mr. Lawrence, previous to his removal to Sa- 
lem, had published the Newbiiryport Union, Lynn Bay 
State and Essex County Freeman. 

50. The Essex Statesman. — These were no news- 
paper ventures during the unsettled period immedi- 
ately preceding the outbreak of the Rebellion, and it 
was not until 1803, the secimd year of the war, that a 
new publication was undertaken. This was the Essej: 
Statesman, commenced on January 17th, and pub- 
lished on Wednesdays and Saturdays by Edgar Mar- 
chant, and afterwards by Benjamin W. Lander. It 
was announced a.s a " conservative " paper and was 
conducted as a moderate opponent of the national 
administration. It terminated after four years of dif- 
ficult existence. 

51. The Post.— In July, 1872, Charles H. Webber 
began the publication of a weekly paper entitled Tlie 
City Post, which was continued under the successive 
title-s of Salem City Post and Salem Evening Post. Mr. 
Webber, after a few years, disposed of the paper, 
which had become a semi-weekly, to Charles D. 
Howard. The latter proprietor, in 1885, sold the 
concern to " The Telegram Publishing Co.," a new 
penny daily. The Post was a professed neutral paper 
with Democratic leanings. 

52. The Salem Evening News, a small daily 
penny paper, begun October 16, 1881, by Robert 
Daman, issued from a new office on Central Street. 
The News, having become prosperous, was subse- 
quently enlarged and removed to Brown's building, 
on Essex Street. The main purpose seems to have 
been to collect the local news and gossip of the town, 
in which it has been quite successful. 

53. The Evening Telegeam. — This venture of a 
small penny daily, in rivalry of the News, grew out of 
the suspension of the Post, as has been mentioned. 
The first number was issued by " The Telegram Pub- 
lishing Company," on February 9, 1885, and it con- 
tinued until March, 1887, when, becoming embar- 
rassed, the plant was sold out to the publishers of the 
Daily Times. 

54. The Daily Times. — A new trial of the penny 
plan by parties previously interested in the Telegram. 
The first number was issued March 21, 1887. 

55. The Salem Pdblic. — A weekly paper com- 
menced Saturday, April 23d, 1887, by Charles F. 
Trow, at $1.50 per year. Devoted chiefly to the in- 
terests of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. 



Trow had been connected with the Jlethuen Tran- 
script and the Salem Telegram. 

This completes the list of newspapers published in 
Salem by subscription since the introduction of the 
printing press by Samuel Hall, more than one hun- 
dred years ago. Besides these, several advertising 
sheets have been issued, such as the Pariltion, pub- 
lished by David Conrad for about four years, and the 
Fireside Favorite, published for a yet longer time and 
still continued by John P. P'eabody. These have 
been circulated gratuitously, principally for the busi- 
ness advantage of their [)roprietors. 

Another series of periodicals, of a scientific character, 
deserve to be enumerated. To review the contribu- 
tions of Salem authors to the literature of science 
would be an elaborate work, quite beyond the scope 
of this paper. Benjamin Lynde Oliver was a distin- 
guished contributor to scientific works before the 
Revolution, and his " Essay on Comets" was pub- 
lished in Salem from Mr. Hall's press. The names 
of Count Benjamin Rumford, John Pickering, Na- 
thaniel Bowditch, Edward A. Holyoke, Charles L. 
Page and others more recent would be included in 
this category. For the periodicals published in Salem 
for the promotion of scientific knowledge we are in- 
debted to the Essex Institute and the Peabody Acad- 
emy of Science. The former society has been prolific 
in publications within the past few years, its priced 
list showing about one hundred and fifty pamphlets 
and books. The "Journal of the Essex County Nat- 
ural History Society," from 1838 to 1852, was followed 
by the " Proceedings and Communications " of the 
Institute from 1848 to 1868, and then by " The Bulle- 
tin," issued quarterly. These publications contained 
an account of the regular and field meetings of the 
society, and papers of scientific value. Besides these, 
the Institute issues its " Historical Collections," quar- 
terly, at three dollars a year, containing papers of 
historical, genealogical and biographical interest and 
of permanent value to students in general and local 
history. Although no name is given of the editor of 
these publications, it is well known that the public 
are indebted for them to the indefatigable industry of 
Dr. Henry Wheatland, who is, indeed, the founder of 
the Institute itself. 

Another serial originally issued under the auspices 
of the Institute was "'2'Ae American Naturalist, an 
Illustrated Journal of Natural History." This very 
meritorious magazine is still published. After its first 
volume it was published under the auspices of the 
Peabody Academy of Science for four years, and since 
that time it has been issued in New York and Phila- 
delphia. The original editors at its commencement 
in March, 1867, were A. S. Packard, Jr., E. S. Morse, 
A. Hyatt and F. W. Putnam. 

Another serial, miniature in size, was begun in 
May, 1886, by the " Cuvier Natural History Club," 
under the name of "The Amateur Collector." The 
price is twenty-five cents a year and it appears 



SALEM. 



129 



monthly. The youthful naturalists who projected 
and have maintained this little enterprise design it 
chiefly to awaken an interest in natural history in the 
minds of young people. 

We have now passed in rapid review the periodical 
literature of Salem, chiefly its newspapers, during the 
piist century. The reader has observed, doubtless, 
that only a few of these many enterprises have been 
permanently successful. Most of the journals which 
we have named died in early infancy, only three of 
the whole number having survived a generation. The 
multiplication of newspapers during this period has 
been exceedingly rapid, and yet where one has suc- 
ceeded, perhaps fifty have failed. Often commenced 
merely as business speculations, rather than to meet 
the wants of the community, they have not been sus- 
tained by the public, because not needed. 

When Mr. Hall issued his proposals for the publi- 
cation of a " Weekly Ptiblick Paper" in this place, 
such a vehicle of information was greatly desired. 
Newspapers were few in number and confined to the 
large seaboard towns. The}- were looked for and read 
in the country with the deepest interest. The ap- 
pearance of the weekly sheet was an event of import- 
ance to people of all classes. Now they abound 
everywhere. Almost every considerable village in the 
country can boa.st its local print. Then, the e.Kpense 
attending the publication of a newspaper was very 
great. Paper was scarce and costly, and other ma- 
terials obtainable only by importation from the 
mother-country. The style of the papers, in respect 
to typographical appearance, was quite inferior. The 
old iLsstx Gazette is a curiosity of the printer's art, 
although it was in all respects a superior paper for 
those days. 

During the past fifty years the art of type-making 
has advanced rapidly, and wonderful improvements 
have been made in presses and other contrivances 
and materials emidoyed in the printing business. The 
artof wood-cutting has been, we might almost say, dis- 
covered since the days when grotesque devices, clum- 
sily executed, figured so extensively at the head of 
the little colonial journals. The rude wood-cuts 
which then were supposed to adorn the public sheets 
are curious and amusing exhibitions of the infancy of 
this delicate art, now .so useful in elegant and cheap 
illustrations. If any one is interested to see the first 
difficult beginnings of the engraver's skill, he may 
find many singular specimens in Thomas' "History of 
Printing," a valuable and rare work, now out of print. 
A few instances are also given in Mr. Buckingham's 
interesting Reminiscences of the newspaper press, to 
which work, as well as the former one, we are in- 
debted tor some of the statements in this account. A 
comparison of the uncouth adornments of the papers 
of the Revolutionary period with the exquisite wood 
engravings in the monthly illustrated magazines now 
published affords a contrast nearly as great as that 
exhibited by the toilsome operations of an old hand- 
9 



press beside the wonderful rapidity of the lightning 
cylinder machines of the present day. 

The ancient newspapers were of small dimensions, 
printed on large types, with clumsy presses and upon 
coarse paper. Such were the early [irints of Salem. 
They were less various in their contents than those of 
our time, and were made up without much order or 
method. They were less full and minute in respect to 
local and general information. But little eflbrt was 
made to gather the countless fragments of news which 
now distend the columns of the public journal. In all 
these respects there has been a groat improvement in 
the public prints. But in regard to honest industry 
and enterprise, public spirit, boldness and freedom of 
expression, patriotic and noble endeavor, we do not 
know that any superiority can be claimed for the 
modern journals. In these particulars the publishers 
of ante-Revolutionary times were generally worthy of 
the highest praise. 



CHAPTER VI. 

SALEM — ( Continued). 
EDUCATIONAL. 



BY WINFIELD S. KEVINS. 



The public and private schools of Salem have ever 
occupied a high place among the educational institu- 
tions of the country. If Salem did not establish free 
schools as early as Virginia, it was, doubtless, because 
the settlement here was not as early. The first set- 
tlement in Virginia was made in 1607, and her first 
public school is believed to have been established in 
1621, fourteen years later. The real settlement of 
the Massachusetts Bay colony was in 1628, when .lohn 
Endicott and his fellow- voyagers came to Salem, al- 
though Conant and a few others had located here in 
1626. In 1637, nine years after the coming of Endi- 
cott, John Fiske opened a public school in Salem. 
In Boston, in 1636, a petition was presented to the 
authorities asking for a free school. Whether it was 
established before 1642, at which time we find the 
first definite mention of it in the records, we know 
not positively; probably it was. But to whomsoever 
shall ultimately be awarded the honor of establishing 
the " first free school," this is true : that while 
Salem maintained hers from 1637 down to 1887, in un- 
broken succession, the Governor of Virginia, in 1671, 
"thanked God there were no free schools, nor print- 
ing, and hoped they would not have any these hun- 
dred years," and long years thereafter the Old Do- 
minion taxed schoolmasters twenty shillings per 
head. 

These early " free " schools were not, be it under- 
stood, as free as the schools of 1887, when not only 
house and tuition are free, but also books, stationery 



130 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and other supplies. The town of S.ilem in those 
diiys appears to have borne the larger part of the ex- 
pense of the master, and taxed the balance to the 
parents of such as could pay. A vote, passed Sep- 
tember 30, 1G44, said : " If any poor body hath chil- 
dren or a childe to be put to school, and not able to 
pay for their schooling, that the town will pay it by a 
rate." John Fiske, the first schoolmaster, relin- 
quished the office in 1639, and was succeeded by Ed- 
ward Norris in 1640. Norris was evidently the onl)' 
teacher in the town school for twenty years after. In 
1670 Daniel Epes, Jr., was employed at a salary of 
£20 a year, and, also, "to have besides halfe-pay for 
all scollers of the towne, and whole pay from 
strangers." Mr. Norris was voted £10 as a sort of 
pen.sion in 1671. In July, 1672, he resumed the mas- 
tership of the grammar school for one year. At the 
expiration of that time, and until his death, in 1684, 
he was voted an allowance each year from £10 to 
£15. Some time during Mr. Norris' teachership the 
school came to be called a grammar school, and so 
continued for several years. Latin and Greek were 
taught. Mr. Epes, in 1677, agreed with the select- 
men to teach English, Latin and Greek, and fit pupils 
for the university ; also to teach them good manners 
and instruct them in the principles of the Christian 
religion. In 1768 tuition in the public schools was 
made free to all and ever since has been so. 

This school has always been classed as the imme- 
diate predecessor of the present classical and high 
school. Perhaps this is the simplest way, although 
it might with just as good grace be said to be the pred- 
ecessor of our present grammar schools. However, 
adopting the customary division, we find no evidence 
that there was more than one school until 1712, when 
Nathaniel Higginson established a "school for read- 
ing, writing and cyphering, in the north end of the 
town-house." This school was for some time known 
as the writing school, but gradually assumed the 
name of English school, which it bore for many 
years. The other was known as the Latin or Gram- 
mar school, as the speaker or writer chose, as often 
one as the other, for nearly a century, the former 
name gradually superseding the latter. The English 
and Latin schools were united in 1743, and separated 
three years later. 

During all this time and until about 1793 these 
schools appear to have been for boys exclusively. In 
the last-named year the town instructed its committee 
to " provide at the writing school, or elsewhere, for 
the tuition of girls in reading, writing and cypher- 
ing." In 1827 the town voted to have two high 
schools for girls. One was located in Beckford Street, 
and known as the West school, the other in Bath 
Street, and known as the East school. This was un- 
doubtedly the first time that females were provided 
with high school instruction. But to return to the 
boys' Latin, or grammar school, we find that its 
course of study in the eighteenth century comprised 



the branches now commonly taught in the grammar 
schools, and, in addition, Latin and Greek. The dead 
languages seem to have been deemed of more import- 
ance than the English branches. In 1752 the com- 
mittee orders tliat all boys who go to the grammar 
school must study Latin as well as read, write and 
cipher. In 1809 the committee ordered that " Latin 
and Greek languages. Geography, English Grammar, 
the principles of Arithmetic, and writing be taught 
in the Grammar schools, but that one-half the time, 
at least, of each scholar be devoted to Latin and 
Greek, so that the other studies be subservient to the 
learned languages." 

The Latin school was transferred to the new build- 
ing prepared for it on Broad Street on April 19, 
1819. It began with a principal and Latin usher, 
and an assistant in the English department. The 
number of pupils reported as being in the school the 
following month was eighty-six, and one year later. 
May 4, 1820, one hundred and thirteen. The Eng- 
lish department was discontinued in a few years, and 
the school, under the principal and an assistant, was 
a classical school, fitting boys to enter the univer- 
sity. The school was divided in 1827, and Henry K. 
Oliver took charge of the English High school, as 
this portion was called. Mr. Oliver was appointed 
June 16, 1827. The school continued to increase in 
numbers and enlarge its curriculum until about 1839, 
when two recitation rooms were added and two as- 
sistants appointed. 

The school was mostly renamed in 1845. The Lat- 
in school was called the Fiske ; the Boys' High school 
the Bowditch ; the Girls' High school the Saltonstall. 
Nine years later the Fiske was merged in the Bow- 
ditch, and in 1856 the Bowditch and Saltonstall were 
united under the name of the Salem Classical and 
High school. To-day it is known as the Classical 
and High school. The course of study was divided, 
in 1882, into a four years' classical and a three years' 
English course. Thus we have traced, very briefly 
of necessity, the rise and growth of the first Salem 
public school until it has become one of the strong- 
est high schools in the country. In its long line of 
forty three masters, from John Fiske down, have been 
men of more than ordinary ability and some of more 
than local reputation. 

The grammar schools as we know them now are 
generally considered as having had their origin in 
that writing school which Nathaniel Higginson 
opened on September 1, 1712, when the. committee 
"agreed" with him "to keep a writing, cyphering 
and reading school in the north end of the town- 
house, which is now fitted up for a school, for one 
quarter of a year from this 1st day of September, and 
to be paid for the same seven pounds ten shillings in 
money." This school evidently filled the place now 
filled by the primary schools ; and the grammar 
school work of the present day was combined with 
the curriculum of the Latin school in those days. 



SALEM. 



131 



The school which Mr. Higginson thus started appears 
to have given satisfaction, for on September 25, 1713, 
the committee agreed " that Mr. Nathaniel Higginson 
i.s desired to continue to keep the school till 25 
December, and to be paid proportionally." On 
March 9, 1713, the committee is "agreed that Mr. 
Nathaniel Higginson be desired to keep the writing 
school for one quarter longer ... at not exceeding 
ten pounds the quarter." On April 13th following, the 
committee " agrees ' that he shall keep the school 
for one year from the preceding March for thirty-six 
pounds. His successor was John Svvinnerton, who 
began his labors on January 2, 1716. Nathaniel Hig- 
ginson was the son of John and Sarah (Savage) Hig- 
ginson, the grandfather of Rev. Francis and great- 
grandfather of Rev. John Higginson, the first and 
sixth ministers of the First Church in Salem. He 
was born April 1, IIJSO, and died in 1720. He lived 
in a house that occupied the site of the present East 
Church, near the Common. 

This school was known sometimes as the Writing 
school and sometimes as the English school, the 
former name gradually giving way to the latter, un- 
til it was finally dropped. It soon began to act as a 
feeder to the Latin school, lor in July, 1717, the com- 
mittee voted that four boys be promoted from the 
Reading and Writing school to the Grammar school. 
We find no trace of more than one English school in 
the town proper previous to 1785. As early as 1700 
the town granted money for schools at Ryall Side 
(Beverly), Middle Precinct (Peabody), the village 
(Danvers)and Will Hill (iliddleton), where the in- 
struction was probably substantially that of the Eng- 
lish or Writing school. In 1785 three English schools 
were opened, — one in the centre of the town, Edward 
Norris, master ; another in the eastern part of the 
town, with John Watson master and a third in the 
western end, with Isaac Hacker master. An Eng- 
lish school was opened in North Salem in 1807, and 
one in South Salem in 1819, the latter being fir.'rt 
known as the South English school. This school was 
snljsequently located on Ropes Street, and named the 
Brown school. In 1874 it was transferred to tiie 
new house on Hazel Street, and soon after called the 
Saltonstall Grammar school. Another English or 
Grammar school was established in the east part 
of the town, on Williams Street, in 1821. The High 
school for girls opened on Beckford Street, in 1827, 
subsequently became the Higginson Grammar school. 
In 1841 a new school was opened on Aborn Street, for 
both sexes, under charge of Charles Northend. Four 
years later it was named the Epes school. In 1876 
the Higginson and Epes were united with the Hacker, 
on Dean Street, all under the name of Bowditch 
Grammar school. The Girls' High school, on East 
Street, in 1827, was the original of what is now the 
Bently school for girls, Grammar and Primary. The 
Centre school was, in 1841, united with the Williams 
Street and East Street schools as the Union school. 



and located near Forrester Street. In 1845, when the 
general renaming of schools took place, this school 
received the name of Phillijis' Grammar. The North 
English in North Salem became the Pickering. 

In 1729 generous Samuel Brown, in giving two hun- 
dred and forty pounds to the school fund, provided 
that one hundred and twenty pounds should go to the 
Grammar school, sixty pounds to the English school, 
and sixty pounds to a Woman's school. His lan- 
guage w'ould seem to indicate that while the two first 
named then existed, the other was to be established. 
He did not state what should be taught in the other 
two, but in the Woman's school the interest of the 
donation was "to be yearly improved for the learning 
of six very poor children their letters, and to spell 
and read, who may he sent to said school six or seven 
months." This was, undoubtedly, the founding of our 
primary school. But the records of the school com- 
mittee give no indication of the establishment of the 
school until March 20, 1773, when a vote was passed 
which would indicate quite clearly that no action had 
been taken previously. It read : 

"The interest of said Brown's donation and legacy 
to a Woman's Reading School, being about eight 
pounds and four shillings per annum, be given to 
Mrs. Mary Gill, for which she is to teach nine 
poor boys to spell and read this year. This and to 
find them in firing during the winter, provided she 
admits but sixteen other schollars into her school." 
To this is appended in the records the following. 
" We, the subscribers, advise to the order. Asa Dun- 
bar, Wm. Brown, one of tlie Posterity of the Donor." 
It is evident that Mrs. Gill was already keeping a pri- 
vate school, and that this money was paid to her for 
teaching small poor children. 

By the old town records, however, it appears that 
at a town-meeting ou May 16, 1764, a vote was passed 
" that the School Committee be empowered to draw 
fifty dollars out of the Town Treasury and ai>ply the 
same for the instruction of the poorest children of the 
town in reading at Women's School." On March 3, 
1770, Timothy Pickering petitioned the selectmen to 
" Be pleased to insert a line in your warrant for the 
next Town-Meeting to know if the Town will take 
into their consideration their vote passed in May, 
1764, respecting the schooling the poorest people's 
children at Women's School, etc." Whether this |)e- 
tition means that no action had been taken on the 
vote of 1704, or whether we are to infer that the peti- 
tioners desired a reijetition of that, ive do not know. 
The records of the meetings of the school committee, 
not very full for those years, make not the least men- 
lion of this matter, nor do the accounts show any 
orders drawn to pay any one for the purposes speci- 
fied. But this omission may be due entirely to the 
incompleteness of the record. 

Early the tbllowing month (his entry was made: 
" The committee met the 8th inst. and agreed that 
the following-named Boys be jiut to the Charity 



132 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



School kept by Mrs. Gill, and there be taught for six 
months from the 10th inst." Then follow the names 
of ten boys. 

On August 10th the committee "agreeJ that an 
order for two pounds, three shillings and six jjence 
be drawn in favor of Mrs. Mary Gill, being one-quarter 
of a year's interest of Samuel Brown, Esq., his Dona- 
tion and Legacy." From this time on appears an 
order for the payment of Mrs. Gill every three months. 
The conclusion is irresistible that she was the first 
teacher of a free public woman's school, and that our 
primary schools date from April 10, 1773, and not 
from 1729, the year of Colonel Brown's donation. 

Thus we have three independent schools of three 
distinct grades corresponding to our present high, 
grammar and primary. 

Two years later, in Mr. Brown's will, leaving an 
additional one hundred and fifty pounds for the 
school fund, he speaks of the " Latin," " English " and 
" woman's " schools. In 1801 a notice about the 
schools mentions the grammar school, where all the 
higher branches were taught, including Latin and 
Greek, and three public schools for children of both 
sexes and not less than five years of age, where the 
alphabet, spelling and reading would be taught. 
Primary schools have continued as a separate de- 
partment of our educational institutions down to the 
present time, and are now deeme<l the foundation of 
our school system. During a portion of the past 
eighty years we have had " intermediate " schools 
for such as had passed the primaries, but could not be 
classed in the grammar schools. There are now 
eleven primary schools, and no intermediate existing, 
although the school committee in 1885 authorized the 
establishment of one when needed. 

From 1807 to 1843 colored children were educated 
in separate schools most of the time. It is supposed 
that previous to that time they were not instructed at 
all by the town. Chloe Minn was the first teacher of 
a primary school for colored children. As early as 
1830 a girl of color was admitted to the high school. 
Some opposition being manifested to this, and the le- 
gality of the act questioned, the committee took 
counsel of eminent legal lights, and was informed 
that the colored girl had as much right in the school 
as a white child. It is needless to say that the pres- 
ent generation sees, without thought of protest, black 
and white, native and foreign, educated together, not 
only in the same school, but side by side in the same 
class. 

From the settlement of Salem down to 1712 the ed- 
ucational interests of the town were controlled by the 
people themselves, cither by direct vote or instruc- 
tions to the selectmen. In 1712 the citizens in town- 
meeting assembled chose Samuel Brown, Josiah 
Walcot, Stephen Sewall, John Higginson, Jr., and 
Walter Price to have charge of the schools. Commit- 
tees were chosen by the people every year thereafter, 
until Salem was incorporated as a city in 183(5. Under 



the charter, members of the school committee were 
chosen by the City Council until 1859, when the 
power was restored to the people, to whom it properly 
belongs. The mayor and president of the Common 
Council are, by the charter, made members of the 
board, the people electing three members from each 
of the six wards. The ofiice of superintendent of 
schools was created in 1865, and Jonathan Kimball 
elected to the position. It was discontinued in 1872 
and revived in 1873, when A. D. Small was elected 
superintendent. It was again discontinued in 1880, 
since when the schools have been supervised by sub- 
committees. 

It is not proposed in a brief chapter like this to 
trace out all the sites occupied by school-houses 
during the past two hundred and fifty years. It is 
important, however, to learn something of the houses 
used by the earlier schools and of the spots where 
they stood. Of Mr. Fiske's school-house we know 
nothing. The church may have served the purpose, 
as it did for town-meetings. In 1655 the school was 
kept in the town-house, which then stood near what 
is now the southerly end of the railroad tunnel. A 
year later the town empowered a committee " to have 
the school-house repayred." Whether this indicates 
an independent house for school purposes, or has ref- 
erence to the room in the town-house used by the 
school, no one knows. In 1672 Daniel Andrews was 
voted pay for keeping school in his house. 

About 1700, perhaps shortly before, grants of school 
money were made to the inhabitants " without the 
bridge," also to those at Ryall Side, Middle Precinct, 
and the village. Just where their school-houses were lo- 
cated it is impossible to say. On June 16, 1712, the 
town voted "that the watch-house, adjoining the town- 
house, be for the future set apart and improved for a 
school-house . . . and that the same be re- 
paired and fitted conveniently for the use aforesaid." 
The watch-house stood beside the town-house ; most 
antiquarians say to the south of it ; but when, in 1712, 
the school committee "agreed with jVathaniel Hig- 
ginson to keep a writing, ciphering and reading 
school," it was to be "in the north end of the town- 
house, which is now fitted up for a school." Of 
course this meant the watch-house, and the language 
indicates clearly that it was at the north end of the 
town-house, and not the south.' This town-house 
was the one which stood in the middle of what is now 
Washington Street, opposite the Brookhouse estate, 
on the corner of Lynde Street. The watch-house 
continued in use for some years, and the schools were 
kept in this street so long that it came to be known as 
"school-house lane." 

In 1760 the town voted to erect a brick school- 
house, a great step tbrward in the march of educa- 



1 Felt, in bis "Annals of Salem," and otlier local historians locate 
this school "in the north end of the town," but the records of the school 
committee say "in the north end of the town-Zjciifif,'* 



SALEM. 



133 



tional progress. This building stood near where the 
previous school-house had. It was taken down in 
178o to make room for a new court-hou.se, and quar- 
ters hired elsewliere for the schools. They were not 
long without a home, for on March 24th the town 
voted to build the Centre school-house, 24x86 feet, a 
portion of which was to be occupied by a library. 
This building was of wood, two stories high. The 
Latin school occupied rooms here. Other houses 
were undoubtedly soon built for the East and West 
schools. The next school-hou.ie built was probably 
that in North Salem, which was on the corner of 
North and School Streets. The High school now oc- 
cupies a fairly commodious building on Broad Street, 
where it has been located since 1856. For thirty- 
seven years previous it had occupied the neighboring 
building now used by the ("Jliver Primary school. 

The largest school building in the city is the Bow- 
ditch, on Dean Street, built in 1870 at a cost of eighty- 
five thousand dollars, including land. The Phillips 
Grammar school, on Lower Essex Street, occupies an 
eight-room house, built in 1883 at a cost of thirty- 
three thousand and five hundred dollars. The 
Bently Cirammar and Primary, on Essex Street, near 
the Phillips, was built in 1861 and enlarged in 1886. 
The four-room building in North Salem, occu[>ied by 
the Pickering Grammar school, was built in 1862, at 
a cost of twenty thousand dollars. The Saltonstall, 
on Holly Street, South Salem, the only wooden gram- 
mar school-building, and built in 1874, cost sixteen 
thousand dollars. Of the primary school-houses all 
are small and mosi of them are old, wooden four-room 
buildings. The Bertram is the only one of recent 
date. 

The jiay of the earlier teachers was small. Mr. 
Epes, in 1677, was to have twenty pounds from the 
town, and if that was not enough with tuition to 
make sixty pounds, the selectmen were to make up 
the balance. If it was more than enough, he was to 
have it and be free from all taxes, trainings, watch- 
ings and wardings. In 1699 Mr. Whitman was to 
"have fifty pounds in money, each scholar to pay 
twelve pence a month," and " what this lacked was to 
be made up out of the fund sett apart for grammar 
schools." Thus the compensation ran along for some 
years with slight variations, but, on the whole, slowly 
rising. Mr. Nutting had ninety pounds in 1729. At 
the close of the eighteenth century the master of the 
English school had one hundred and fifty pounds and 
" found ink," and the grammar master one hundred 
and thirty pounds, and nothing said about ink. In 
180,3 each of the four school mistresses " is to have a 
salary of one hundred dollars and four cords of wood." 
In 1819, when Thomas Henry Oliver (General H. K. 
Oliver) succeeded Mr. Clark in the Latin school as 
"usher," it was at a salary of six hundred dollars, and 
in 1824, as " assistant," he had nine hundred dollars and 
Mr. Eanies, the master, twelve hundred dollars. The 
same salary was paid to Oliver Carleton in 1840, wliile 



Rufus Putnam, as master of the High school, had one 
thousand dollars. The masters of the other schools 
had seven hundred dollars each and the assistants 
from two hundred dollars to two hundred and filty 
dollars. Teachers in the ]>riniary school received 
one hundred and fiity dollars. Perhaps this part of 
the story may as well be completed with brief allusion 
to salaries paid in 1887. The master of the High 
school has two thousand two hundred dollars ; 
the sub-master, one thousand five hundred dollars; 
the first assistant, eleven hundred dollars ; other 
assistants and principals of piimary schools, six hun- 
dred and fifty dollars ; male principals of grammar 
schools, one thousand eight hundred dollars ; one 
female principal one thousand five hundred dol- 
lars; assistants in grammar and primary schools, five 
hundred dollars. 

In the days when those small salaries were paid, a 
year of teaching was a year indeed. The school-bell 
was ordered to be rung (in 1700) at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
from March 1st to November Ist; at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
the remainder of the year, " ye school to begin and 
end accordingly." A half-century later the only vaca- 
tions were "general election, commencement day and 
the rest of that week, fasts, thanksgivings, trainings, 
Wednesday and Saturday afternoons." This, says 
Felt, was a liberal allowance compared with what 
their predecessors had enjoyed. Now we have, in 
all, full three months' vacation besides Wednesday 
and Saturday afternoons. Are our boys and girls 
more healthy than those who went to school " from 
morning to night," and "the year round?" For 
nearly two centuries the girls were not granted the 
same privileges as boys. They went to school four 
days in the week from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., atid 
4.30 to 6 P.jr., from April 1st to October 1st, the idea 
being, evidently, that they needed but little educa- 
tion. 

A State Normal school for girls was established in 
Salem in 1854. The city provided the site and erected 
the building at a cost of about $13,200. The State 
reimbursed $6000 of this amount and the Eastern 
Railroad Company contributed $2000 additional. 
The building was enlarged in 1870-71, at a cost of $2'),- 
000. It was dedicated on September 14, ISf)!, having 
been opened for the admission of pupils on the pre- 
vious day. Richard Edwards was principal from the 
opening to September, 1857; Professor Alpheus 
Crosby from October, 1857, to September, 1865, and 
Professor Daniel B. Hagar from September 6, 1865, 
to the present time. The aims and methods of the 
school are best stated in the langiuige of the circu- 
lar : 

"The ends chiefly aimed .at in this school are, the 
acquisition of the necessary knowledge of the Princi- 
ples and Jfethods of Education, and of the various 
branches of study, the attainment of skill in the art 
of teaching, and tlie general development of the men- 
tal powers. 



134 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" From the beginning to the end of the course, all 

studies are conducted with especial reference to the 
best ways of teaching them. Recitations, however 
excellent, are not deemed satisfactory unless every 
pupil is able to teach others that which she has her- 
self learned. In every study the pupils in turn occu- 
py temporarily the place of teacher of their class- 
mates, and are subjected to their citicisms as well as 
those of their regular teacher. Teaching exercises of 
various kinds iorm a large and important part of the 
school work." 

Private schools have always been an important fac- 
tor among the educational agencies of old Salem. 
The first mention which Felt, in his Annals, makes of 
these institutions is under date of January 1, 1770, 
when, he finds, Daniel Hopkins, who was afterwards 
a minister in Salem, had leave to open a private 
school for reading, writing and arithmetic. He adds 
that a teacher in one of the public schools had " re- 
cently taught in the evening on his own account.'' 
We can hardly believe that for one hundred and forty 
years after the settlement here there were no private 
schools. That they existed, but are unrecorded, we 
have no doubt Two years and a half after the above 
leave was granted, Cbarles Shimmin is advertising to 
instruct children and youth in English, book-keep- 
ing, geography, astronomy, etc. A year or so later 
(1773) Elizabeth Gaudin opened a school to instruct 
young ladies in plain sewing, marking tent and Irish 
stitch. In about 1780 Mrs. Mehitable Higginson, 
widow of John Higginson, who died in 1818, aged 
ninety-four years, with her daughter Mehitable, began 
a private school, which she kept many years, and 
which became of great repute. Nathaniel Rogers 
and his wife, Mrs. Abigail Dodge Rogers, parents of 
the Messrs. Rogers, leading merchants in Salem 
during the first half of this century, kept a famous 
school during the latter part of the la.it and early in 
this century. Thomas Cole came from Marblehead 
and opened the well-known female school in 1808, 
and continued until about 1834, when he resigned on 
account of his health. He lived eighteen years after- 
wards, and was an active member of the school com- 
mittee. 

In 1782 Mr. Bartlett adds composition and history, 
and in 1783 Nathan Reed adds grammar and elocu- 
tion. It will be seen that the branches taught in 
private schools were mainly additional and supple- 
mentary to those in the public schools. In 1802, says 
Felt, William Gray, Benjamin Pickman and others, 
" desirous to atford their sons the privileges of a school 
with few pupils, under a teacher of high character 
and attainments, and subject to their immediate con- 
trol," concluded to have such an establishment. 
They employed Jacob Knapp, and in 1803 built a 
school-house for him. The number of pupils was 
limited to thirty, and Mr. Knapp's salary, which was 
twelve hundred dollars the first three years, was for 
the remaining five years fixed at the, for those times, 



munificent sum of two thousand dollars. This school 
was in Church Street, and later moved to the vicinity 
of the common. A similar school, known as the Sa- 
lem Private Grammar school, was begun in 1807, on 
Chestnut Street, where the Phillips house now stands. 
Several other schools, on a similar plan, were opened 
in difterent parts of the city about this time. The 
public schools appear not to have given satisfaction. 
The town was economizing, and began, as usual, with 
the schools. A vote to build a new house was revoked 
in 1820, and the old one repaired ; teachers' salaries 
were reduced. The higher branches, like geography, 
history, grammar and elocution, appear to have been 
long finding a place in the school course. A census 
taken in 1820 revealed 27-iO children of school age, of 
whom 226 boys, out of some 1300, were in private 
schools. From 1806 to 1820 Felt finds seventy-five 
advertisements of piivate schools. In 1816, the year 
before the course of study in the public schools was 
enlarged, seven masters set up private schools, and it 
is believed that half the children in town attended 
them. The enhirgement of the course reduced the 
private schools by one-half. In 1820, however, there 
were 69 private schools, with 1686 pupils, the amount of 
tuition being $18,836, against $8592.89 paid by the town. 
Four-fifths of the amount paid for private tuition was 
for girls and small children of both sexes, they not 
having been provided for properly in the town schools. 
Eleven years later there were 70 private schools, 
with 589 males and 1001 females, the cost of tuition 
being $22,700, while the cost of the public schools, 
with 1236 pupils, was $8877. The number of private 
schools had been reduced to 49 in 1S43, with 972 pu- 
pils, at an annual cost of $13,594.75. The public 
schools instructed about 2000 pupils at a cost of 
$14,816.86. Thereafter the number of private schools 
diminished until, aside from the parochial schools, 
there are now less than a dozen. The number of 
pupils attending them is 365, out of a school popula- 
tion of 5140. The three Roman Catholic parochial 
schools contain 917 girls and no boys. 

In closing this chapter it seems not inappropriate 
to say a word about the schools of Salem as they exist 
to-day, just two hundred and fifty years after Mr. Fiske 
began that " first free school." The High School had, 
in 1887, an enrollment of 216, and the average attend- 
ance was 180. The corps of teachers consist of a mas- 
ter, two male and five female assistants. The grammar 
schools are five in number. The Bowditch, for both 
sexes, with a male principal and twelve female assist- 
ants, had a membership of 479; the Bently, for girls 
only, with five female teachers, 176 ; the Phillips, for 
boys only, with a male principal and seven female as- 
sistants, 267 ; the Saltonstall, for both sexes, with a 
principal and seven assistants, 255 ; the Pickering, 
for both sexes, with a principal and four assistants, 
174. 

The primary schools showed the following member- 
ship: Bently, 163 ; Bertram, 148; Browne (six teach- 



SALEM. 



135 



ers) 193 ; Carlton, 173 ; Endicott, 169 ; Lincoln, 195 ; 
Lynde (five teachers), 217; Oliver (five teachers), 
222; Pickman, 133; Prescott, 1 35 ; Upliam, 152; 
Naumkeag, 110- making a total of 3546. 

Those primary schools not otherwise mentioned 
had lour teachers. There is an " unattached " teach- 
er, who goes from school to school to relieve the prin- 
cipal while she supervises the work in other 
rooms. The Naumkeag, located in the house on Ropes 
Street, is an ungraded school. It is intended for such 
pupils as cannot be conveniently classified in the 
graded school, but its patronage is now entirely of 
French Canadian children, who must be taught the 
English language first of all, and its various branches 
subsequently. This school was established in 1869, 
and is in charge of a principal and one assistant. 
Evening schools are kept through the fall and winter 
months — one for boys and one for girls. The attend- 
ance has always been small and somewhat irregular. 
The course of study is of a somewhat miscellaneous 
character. 

The courses of study in the several schools do not 
diifer materially from those now generally pursued in 
all public schools. Added to the common branches 
of learning are music, under the direction of a special 
instructor, drawing, history of the United States, and 
physiology and temperance hygiene. All books, slates, 
pencils, stationery and general supplies used in the 
schools are, by law, furnished to the pupils free ot 
expense. The cost of introducing these, in 1884, for 
4000 pupils was about §9000, in addition to the 
$2000 worth then in the school-houses. The cost 
was somewhat above the average for the State. The 
cost of replenishing, in 1885, was above $5000, and in 
1886 $6200, which is also above the average for the 
State. This latest addition to the expense of maintain- 
ing free public schools, however, makes them free in 
fact as well as in name. The child may now come to 
them " without money and without price." The total 
cost of the Salem schools in 1886 was $81,507.16. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SALFM- (Conlinued). 
LITERATURE. 



BY GEO. B. LORING. 



While we contemplate with profound interest the 
material growth of a community, and trace its pro- 
gress in agriculture and commerce and the arts of 
life, we turn always with more attention to the intel- 
lectual operations by which it has taken its stand 
among the thoughtful and cultivated. The work of 
man's hands is alwavs interesting, but the fruits of 



his mental toil arrest our most solemn attention, and 
take us into a higher atmo8i)here where dwells his 
divine genius. The development of letters in a new- 
ly-settled country is always slow. Men engaged in 
organizing States have no time for books. Author- 
ship is a work of establislied government, developed 
industries, a prosperous condition. The defenders of 
a frontier and the organizers of war seldom write his- 
tories or poems. Achilles fights and Homer writes. 
When States are to be organized, and towns founded, 
ami farms outlined, the scholars are obliged to wait 
for their turn. The adage " iw/er arma silent ler/en" 
should include also et litene. In the early colonial 
days of our country the work of the condilores imperi- 
orum was so coustant and pressing that there was nei- 
ther time nor opportunity for intellectual work, other 
than that which belonged to the church and the state. 
Until within fifty years American literature has been 
a prediction, and it required all the scholarly enthu- 
siasm and confidence in the American mind, which 
Mr. Everett, just then returned from the schools of 
Europe, po.ssessed to foretell the eflTeet of free institu- 
tions on the public mind here. When he pronounced 
his oration at Harvard in 1824, in which he appealed 
to the scholars to do their duty, and placed before 
them the picture of a great literary republic, ju.st then 
beginning to dawn, he was obliged to look back upon 
a feeble and meagre contribution by American 
authors to the libraries of their country. At that 
time no poet greater than Joel Barlow had appeared 
among us. Charles Brockden Brown was the chief 
novelist. Hutchinson stood foremost as a historian. 
No scientist had either explored or written, except 
Franklin, at once scientist, essayist, statesman, diplo- 
matist. That long array of poets, and historians, and 
novelists, and essayists, and scientists, and jurists, and 
statesmen, and divines, which now fills the world 
with their brilliant performances, and has placed 
the literature of the United States along with that of 
any other nation, ancient or modern, has accom- 
plished all its work since that prophecy of Mr. Ever- 
ett was made. Great declarations had been pro- 
claimed, urgent protests had been put forth, essays 
upon forms of government had been written, sound 
constitutions had been organized, the pulpit had 
threatened with vehemence and exhorted with religious 
fervor, theological disputations and moral es.says filled 
the colonial libraries. There was no necessity for 
gratifying the imagination, which at that time had 
but a small abiding-place. The surrounding reality 
was more remarkable than any tale tluit could be 
told. And the songs of Zion apjiealcd to their hearts 
with a warmth unknown to the most fervid lines of 
love. 

All these influences were especially strong in the 
community of Naumkeag. The leaders of the colony 
were men of deep thought, strong convictions and 
stern purpose. They had an abiding faith, and they 
alwavs hi'lil themselves in readiness to defend it. It 



136 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was a liberal education to listea to the sermons of 
Francis Higginson and Samuel Slielton, the pastor 
and the teacher of the First Church, and to the pro- 
found philosophy and radical doctrines of Roger Wil- 
liams — all scholars of Oxford and Camljridge. The 
public utterances of Hugh Peters, preacher, civilian, 
manufacturer, merchant, more than filled the place 
of an attractive volume. Harvard sent into the Sa- 
lem pulpit the brilliant but deluded Noyes, the com- 
manding Curwin, the devout Fisk, aud in later colo- 
nial days Barnard, the pious and prudent, and Dun- 
bar, the fervid and patriotic. Stejiping aside a mo- 
ment from his official duty, the Rev. Mr. Higginson 
published " Generall Considerations for the Planta- 
tions in New England, with an Answer to Several 
Objections ; " and '' a true relation of his last voyage 
to New England." 

This book was published as early as 1(529. It sets 
forth the reasons for supporting the settlement, es- 
pecially at Naumkeag, and defines its object to be 
the planting of the Gospel on these shores, the erec- 
tion of a refuge for Christians, provision for the poor 
and needy who could not procure homes in England, 
economy of living in that extravagant and wasteful 
age, a supply of education for the poor, the support 
of a particular church aud to set an example of faith 
and devotion to the cause of Christ. 

Roger Williams, who commenced his remarkable 
career in Salem, began his work of authorship in 
1643. In that year, during a voyage to England, he 
composed his " Key to the Language of America," 
the first treatise on the subject prepared on this con- 
tinent. This was soon followed by a book entitled 
the " Bloody Tenent," in which he denounced the 
views of John Cotton, that it was the duty of the 
magistrate to regulate the doctrines of the church, to 
which Cotton replied in a volume called the " Bloody 
Tenent washed and made white in the Blood of the 
Lamb " To this Williams rejoined in " The Bloody 
Tenent yet more Bloody by Mr. Cotton's endeavor to 
wash it White." In these books he most earnestly 
maintained the doctrine of religious toleration and 
entire freedom of conscience. His last publication, 
so far as known, is entitled " George Fox digged out 
of his Burrows," a book which appeared in 1672, in 
reply to Pox's " Defence of the Quakers." Prior to 
this, however, he published, in 1652, " The Hireling 
Ministry none of Christ's, or a Discourse touching 
the Propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ," and the 
same year " Experiments of Spiritual Life and 
their Preservations." He also addressed many letters 
to John Winthrop and John Winthrop, Jr., Governor 
of Connecticut from 1633 to 1635. In all these works, 
written during a stormy life, and amidst scenes of the 
greatest trial and excitement, will be found that 
vigor of thought, independence of feeling, philosoph- 
ical power and devotion to strong conviction for 
which Roger Williams was distinguished. 

Hugh Peters entered upon his varied career in this 



country October 6, 1635, at which date he landed in 
Salem. He was settled as the successor of Roger 
Williams December 21, 1636, and while performing 
most efficient service as minister of a parish, he de- 
voted himself to regulating the police force of the 
town, to encouraging commerce and manufactures aud 
to the general welfare of the community. Educated 
at Jesus College and Trinity College, Cambridge, he 
commenced life as a comedian, but soon took holy 
orders in the Church of England, and was for some 
time a lecturer of St. Sepulchre's, London. He soon, 
however, became a non-conformist and fled to Hol- 
land, where it is said he " used his powerful eloquence 
and pulpit eccentricities with great effect," until he 
emigrated to America. It was with this mental cul- 
ture and this remarkable experience that he com- 
menced his labors as pastor of the First Church in 
Salem, and pursued his literary career. He was the 
author of '" Good Work for a Good Magistrate," 1651, 
in which he recommends the burning of the histori- 
cal records in the Tower ; "A Dying Father's Last 
Legacy to his Only Child," 1660, and " a number of 
political tracts, occasional sermons," etc. He also 
published " Amesii Lectiones in Psalmos, cum Epist. 
Dectic," 1617. The opinions of historians and biog- 
raphers with regard to Hugh Peters differ widely. 
He is called a grand imposter and an arch-traitor on 
the one side, and on the other side he is eulogized as 
a martyr to the cause of civil and religious freedom, 
a pure and able divine and a devoted philanthropist. 
That he had extraordinary ability and immense en- 
ergy no man can doubt, nor can we fail to recognize 
his influence in raising the New England colonies 
into a position of power and effect, which is still felt 
throughout the country. 

In 1690 Thomas Maule published " Truth Set and 
Maintained," — an ardent plea for the Quakers as a 
means of spreading the Gospel. He was indicted for 
the publication of a book, " wherein is contained divers 
slanders against the churches and government of this 
province," and for saying at the honorable court in 
Ipswich " that there were as great mistakes in the 
Scriptures as in his book." He was, however, ac- 
(fuitted. 

It seems proper to record here the mental attain- 
ments and eflTorts of a youthful prodigy who, while 
he left no mark of his great powers, occupies a place 
in the list of those who represent the early culture 
and scholarship of Salem. Nathaniel Mather, a son 
of Increase Mather, lies buried in the Charter Street 
Bnrying-grouud, with the inscription on his grave- 
stone, "an aged person who saw but nineteen winters 
in this world." He was born in 1669 and died Octo- 
ber 17, 1688. He was graduated at Harvard in 1685. 
At sixteen he delivered an oration in Hebrew, and 
ranked among the first scholars of his time. When 
a mere child he repented in sackcloth aud ashes that 
he had " whittled on the Sabbath-day, and thus re- 
proached his God by his youthful sports." At twelve 



SALEM. 



137 



he cried out " Lord, give me Christ or I die." His 
brother, Cotton Mather, says of him, " Nor did he 
slubber his prayers with hasty amputations, but 
wrestled in them for a good part of an hour togei her." 
He died at nineteen, " an aged person," as recorded 
on his grave-stone in the Charter Street Burying- 
ground, and left, it is true, a most slender record be- 
hind him. But the scholar who contemplates his 
career will admire his genius and will picture to him- 
self the brilliant work he would have accomplished 
for mankind a;;d his country had his life been spared 
and his promise been fulfilled. His memory belongs 
to the community where his ashes lie and his radiance 
illumines the dawn of letters in the colony. 

In Salem Village the Rev. Peter Clark, an able and 
earnest minister, published in 1752 a " Defense of 
Infant Baptism," and in 1760 "The Doctrine of Orig- 
inal Sin Vindicated Again." In 1728 he published a 
sermon at the ordination of William Jennison at the 
East Church. He died in ITOfi, aged seventy-five. 

It w'ill be noticed that authorship has thus far been 
confined to the clergy. Until 1700 the provincial 
and colonial theocracy was complete. The clergy 
organized the State, constructed the laws, provided 
municipal regulations, exercised a general and close 
supervision of public aft'airs and directed the current 
of literature. The libraries of that day were full of 
volumes of sermons, moral essays, treatises on theol- 
ogy, books of devotion, all well exemplified by the 
numerous productions of Roger Williams and Hugh 
Peters. 

At the opening of the eighteenth century the cur- 
rent of thought changed. The manil'eat mistakes of 
the preceding three-quarters of a century were fully 
realized, and the law-givers were busy in reforming 
the code, and the publicists and theologians com- 
menced the work of explanation. The State bad be- 
come organized; the theory on which it was con- 
structed had become operative; the doctrinal contests 
were largely over ; and the minds of the community 
had settled into a degree of repose which created but 
few active authors and writers. The Indian wars 
commenced, and for many years the active forces of 
the colony were engaged in the horrors of forest war- 
fare. The strong men organized train-bands ; the 
brave mothers kept careful watch of the homes ; the 
clergy who were not engaged in active military ser- 
vice inspired the hearts of the people with faith 
and courage. From the breaking out of the Indian 
wars until the close of the French war the opportu- 
nity for study and meditation was small ; and during 
the remainder of the century, which was occupied by 
the War of the Revolution and the civil conflicts of 
the construction of the Constitution, the thought of 
the people was turned to questions of state, and the 
science of government occupied very largely the 
minds of those who were engaged in literary work. 
In public debates, in the newspaper press, in a flood 
of pamphleteering, may be found the fruits of the 
9i 



mental efibrt of the day. There was neither time 
nor opportunity nor inclination for poems or novels ; 
and theological disputations were suspended before 
the all-absorbing topics which a great struggle for 
freedcim, and a great declaration and defense of pop- 
ular rights, had created. Science asserted itself, it is 
true, from time to time. Franklin pursued his obser- 
vations on electricity, and, so far as Salem is con- 
cerned. Judge Andrew Oliver published in 1772 "An 
Essay on Comets," "Papers on Lightning, Thunder 
Storms and Water-spouts," and an account of a dis- 
ease among the Indians, while Benjamin Thompson, 
later Count Rumford, was imbibing here, as an ap- 
prentice in John Appleton's shop, his passionate love 
of science. 

In 1740 Dr. Edward Augustus Holyoke, who was 
born in 172S, was graduated at Harvard, and, in 1749, 
commenced in Salem the practice of medicine, which 
he continued eighty years. He publislicd many med- 
ical articles in the reviews of his profession, and sci- 
entific papers in the " Memoii-s of the American 
Academy of Science." He possessed great repose of 
body and spirit, and that balance of powers which 
usually attends longevity. 

It was about 1770 that Timothy Pickering com- 
menced his career as soldier and statesman by pub- 
lishing a manual of military tactics which he used in 
drill service before the breaking out of the Revo- 
lutionary War, and whose principles he applied in a 
critical review of the military training of his superior 
officers as the war went on. He found time, in the 
midst of his duties in the army, in Congress, in the 
Cabinet and in agriculture, to publish an exhaustive 
letter on the " Conduct of the American Government 
towards Great Britain and France," and a " Review 
of the Correspondence between President John 
Adams and W. Cunningham," besides many valuable 
papers connected with his varied official service. 
Colonel Pickering was not only governed by a high 
sense of duty throughout his long career, and by 
strong convictions, but he also expressed himself in a 
nervous, vigorous style, and in controversial corre- 
spondence was a most formidable foe. To no man is 
this country more indebted for its independent na- 
tionality and the strength of its institutions. He per- 
formed his service with such fearlessness and honesty 
that he was at times placed on the defensive ; but he 
now stands in the front rank of the great and pure 
men of the Revolutionary and Constitutional period in 
our history. In a literary point of view, he has left 
for the imitation of those statesmen who come after 
him a clear and impressive style and great power of 
statement. 

The adoption of the Constitution and the organiza- 
tion of the Union found the country almost entirely 
absorbed by political controversies, and most vigorous 
endeavors to restore the languishing business of a 
people eshausted by a long war and a feeble and un- 
satisfactory system of government. The pulpit, the 



138 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



bar and the newspaper press absorbed nearly all the 
cultivated talent of the country. The progress of 
Ariuinianism and the development of Unitarianism 
gave rise to a most animated theological controversy, 
and the issues, growing out of various interpretations 
of the Federal Constitution, brought out a strong 
body of writers on these subjects. Rev. Thomas Bar- 
nard, of the North Church, published many occa- 
sional sermons, beginning in 1786, among which may 
be found an eloquent discourse delivered on the death 
of Washington, following in this respect his father, 
Rev. Thomas Barnard, of the First Church, who be- 
gan his publications in 1743. 

One of the most remarkable writers and investi- 
gators of that day was Rev. .John Prince, LL.D., who 
was born in Boston in 1751, and died in Salem in 
1836. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1776, 
and was ordained minister over the First Church 
in Salem in 1779. He was a most indefatigable 
worker, and applied himself to scientific research, 
often at the expense of bis ministerial and parochial 
duties. He was an intimate friend of Count Rum- 
ford, who commenced his great career in this town as 
author and investigator in 1765, and joined in many 
of his inventions and scientific experiments. He 
improved largely the air-pump, and tested many plans 
for warming rooms. He published many sermons, 
among which are a Fast Sermon in 1798, a Charitable 
Sermon in 1806, a sermon on the death of Dr. Barnard 
in 1814, and a sermon before the Bible Society in 1816. 
His labors and his character were noticed by many 
scientific, literary and historical societies, and were 
reviewed by many leading periodicals of the day. 

Dr. Prince exerted a commanding influence on the 
community in which he lived and his memory is 
warmly cherished in Salem. In theology he passed 
from Arminianism to Unitarianism with many of his 
clerical associates, and set a noble example of the ca- 
pacity of a liberal-minded man to retain his faith 
while pursuing his theological investigations and 
modifying his views. His style was simple and some- 
what severe, but it was used by him to convey sound 
doctrine, and a fund of valuable information and 
much food for thought. 

William Bentley was ordained over the East Church 
four years after Dr. Prince commenced his labors at 
the First Church. He was born in Boston in 1759; 
was gi-aduated at Harvard in 1777 ; and died in 1819. 
He was one of the ablest men of his time. His learn- 
ing was extensive, and he used it, not only in the 
pulpit, but also in the newspaper press, to which he 
was a liberal contributor, and in a more elaborate 
work upon the history of Salem. He was at one 
time the editor of the Essex Register. In poli- 
tics he was an ardent Republican and espoused the 
cause of Jefferson and advocated his interpretation of 
the Constitution. In theology he was an extreme 
Arminian, and paused not when he reached Unitarian- 
ism, but adopted with great force and ability those 



doctrines which since his day have been more gener- 
erally accepted by the followers of Emerson and Par- 
ker and the German school. He was a most ardent 
patriot and left his pulpit in mid-service to defend 
the town of Marblehead and the frigate " Constitu- 
tion," when she was chased into that harbor, now fa- 
mous as the rendezvousof the competingyachts of the 
country. Dr. Bentley was at his death warmly eulo- 
gized by Edward Everett, at the time a professor 
in Harvard College. But it was not found con- 
venient to publish the sermon. He left his valuable 
library to the theological school at Meadville, and 
the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester. He 
was a most beloved pastor and friend, and his memory 
is held as a most precious legacy by the descendants 
of those who loved him in his lifetime, and worshipped 
his spirit after death. Dr. Bentley published: "A 
Sermon at Stone Chapel, Boston," 1790; "Sermon on 
the death of Jonathan Gardner." 1791; "Psalms and 
Hymns," 1795; "A Masonic Discourse," 1796 ; "Ar- 
tillery Election Sermon," 1796; "Sermon on the 
death of General Fiske," 1797; "A Masonic Dis- 
course," 1797 ; " Masonic Charge," 1798 ; " History of 
Salem," 1800; "Sermon on the death of B. Hodges," 
1804; "Sermon on the ordination of Joseph Richard- 
son Hingham," 1806 ; " Election Sermon," 1807. 

These two distinguished divines performed great 
service in the work of sustaining the literary reputa- 
tion and power of Salem — a duty which before their 
death was taken up by one of the most learned and 
exemplary sons of this town, the Hon. John Picker- 
ing. He was born in Salem in 1772, a son of Timothy 
Pickering, and spent his early life in public service at 
home and abroad. He was secretary of legation to 
Portugal, and afterwards private secretary of Rufus 
King, in London. He filled many important positions 
as instructor at Harvard, practiced law in Salem until 
1830, was a Senator from Essex and a member of the 
House of Representatives from Salem, and revised and 
arranged the Statutes of Massachusetts. He was, 
during his life, a most diligent student. His works 
are of great value to the scholar, and attracted the 
favorable attention of learned men at home and 
abroad. In 1816 he published " a vocabulary or col- 
lection of words and phrases which have been sup- 
posed to be popular in the United States," a work 
which was accepted at once as of great value by 
scholars on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1829 he 
published a volume " On the Adoption of a Uniform 
Orthography for the Indian Languages of North . 
America," to which students of etymology made con- I 
stant reference. In 1836 he published " Remarks on 
the Indian Languages of North America," accepted 
as a most valuable treatise by General Cass, W. H. 
Prescott, Du Ponceau, Ludewig and others. In 1826 
he published " A Comprehensive Lexicon of the Greek ■ 
Language, adapted to the schools and colleges of the 
United States," a book which ran through many edi- 
tions and was published in Edinburgh by Professor 



SALEM. 



139 



George Dunbar, with additions. The third American 
edition was so enlarged aud improved as to be ae- 
ce|)ted as final authority. Mr. Pickering also pub- 
lished "A Fourth of July Oration in Salem, "in 1804; 
" Eulogy on Nathaniel Bowditch, before the Academy 
of Arts and Sciences,'' 183S ; " Lecture on the Alleged 
Uncertainty of the Law,"' 1834; "Dr. Edwards' Obser- 
vations on the Language of the Muhekaneew In- 
dians," 1823; "Eliot's Indian Grammar," 1822; 
" Father Kasles' Dictionary of the Abnaki Lan- 
guage," and the " Vocabulary of Josiah Cotton," and 
" A Grammar of the Cherokee Language." He ed- 
ited with a memoir " Peirce's History of Harvard 
University." In connection with Judge White, of 
Salem, he published an edition of "Sallust," in 1805. 
He also published a translation of " M. Dupin's Ref- 
utation of J. Salvador's Trial of Jesus," prefixed to 
the " E.xamination of the Testimony of the Four 
Evangelists;" "A Review of the McLeod Inter- 
national Question ; " " Remarks on Greek Grammar; " 
" An Address Before the American Oriental Society ; " 
" A Paper on the Roman Law ; " " An Article on 
National Rights ; " " An Essay on the Agrarian 
Laws ; " " An Essay on the Pronunciation of Greek ; " 
one on the " Priority of Greek Studies ; " one on the 
" Egyptian Jurisprudence; " papers on the "Cochin 
China Language," and " Prescott's History of Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella." 

The scholarship of Dr. Pickering, especially as a 
linguist, has seldom been surpassed. He had a pro- 
found knowledge of more than twenty languages. 
President Felton said of him that "he was one of the 
noblest and most learned men our country has pro- 
duced." He possessed great purity of character and 
a most amiable and gentle disposition. His mind 
was enlarged by much learning and his heart was con- 
stantly warmed by his devotion to scholarly labor and 
his daily intimacy with the works of students of all 
ages and every country. 

During tlie years occupied by Jolin Pickering in j)er- 
forraing his great literary work, Joseph Story entered 
upon his remarkable career as poet, legislator, law- 
yer and jurist. He was born in Marblehead Septem- 
ber 18, 1779 ; was graduated at Harvard in 1798 ; was 
admitted to the bar in 1801, and commenced the 
practice of his profession at once in Salem, where he 
resided until appointed professor of law at Harvard 
in 1829. He was a lawyer who had acknowledged 
power as an adviser and an advocate, even in the 
early days of his professional labors. He was a most 
influential member of the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives, and during his term of service in 
Congress, to which he was elected as a Jeffersonian 
Republican, in 1808, he pursued a course of great 
independence and commanding influence. During 
this period of his public career he had entered upon 
the field of authorship with great zeal, and was al- 
ready recognized as an eloquent orator, a graceful 
scholar and an able expounder of the law. As early as 



1804 he published a poem, entitled "The Power of 
Solitude," which, whatever may have been its poetic 
merit, indicated the grace and fervor of the author's 
mind. He then commenced his long catalogue of 
treatises on various branches of the law. He pub- 
lished "A Selection of Pleadings in Civil Actions" in 
1806 ; " The Public and General Statutes passed by 
the Congress of the United States from 1789 to 1827; " 
"Commentaries on the Law of Bailments," 1832; 
" Commentaries on the Constitution of the United 
States, with a preliminary review of the Constitu- 
tional History of the Colonies and States before the 
adoption of the Constitution," 1833 ; " Commentaries 
on the Conflict of Laws, Foreign and Domestic, in 
regard to Contracts, Rights and Remedies, and espe- 
cially in regard to Marriages, Divorces, Wills, Succes- 
sions and Judgments," 1834; "Commentaries on 
Equity Jurisprudence as administered in England 
and America," 1835 ; " Commentaries on Equity 
Pleadings and the incidents thereto, according to the 
Practice of the Courts of Equity in England aud 
America," 1838 ; " Commentaries on the Law of 
Agency as a Branch of Commercial and Maritime 
Jurisprudence, with occasional Illustrations from the 
Civil and Foreign Law," 1839; "Commentaries on 
the Law of Partnership as a Branch of Commercial 
and Maritime .lurisprudence," 1842 ; " Commentaries 
on the Law of Bills of Exchange, Foreign and In- 
land, as administered in England and America, with 
occasional Illustrations from the Commercial Law of 
the Nations of Continental Europe," 1843; "Com- 
mentaries on the Law of Promissory Notes, and 
Guaranties of Notes and Checks on Banks and Bankers, 
with occasional Illustrations from the Commercial Law 
of the Nations of Continental Europe," 1845; be- 
sides numerous decisions on his circuit as United 
States justice, of which Sir James Mackintosh said 
they were " admired by all cultivators of the law 
of nations." 

It would not be supposed that in the midst of such 
vast and constant labor as a lawyer, professor, jurist 
and author, Judge Story would have found time for 
productionsof a more purely literary character,and yet 
the list of these is long and interesting. He delivered 
in Salem an eulogy on George Washington, 1800; 
eulogy on Captain J. Lawrence and Lieutenant C. 
Ludlow, 1813 ; sketch of the life of Samuel Dexter, 
181G ; charge to the grand juries of the Circuit Courts 
at Boston and Providence, 1819; charge to the grand 
jury of the Circuit Court of Portland, 1829; address 
before the members of the Surtblk bar, 1821 ; dis- 
course before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Har- 
vard, 182(3; discourse before the Esse.K Historical 
Society, 1828; discourse on inauguration as Dane 
Professor of Law in Harvard University, 1829 ; ad- 
dress on the dedication of the cemetery at Mount 
Auburn, 1831 ; discourse on the funeral obsequies of 
John Hooker Ashmun, 1833 ; discourse on the life, 
character and services of Hon. John Marshall, LL.D., 



140 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1835; lectures on the Science of Government, 1838; 
discourse before the Ahimni of Harvard College, 
1842; charge to the grand jury of Rhode Island on 
treason, 1845; with many occasional speeches and 
pamphlets. 

America has produced but few men equal in all 
respects to Judge Story. As a student he combined 
patience, diligence, comprehension and enthusiasm to 
a most extraordinary degree. He turned his atten- 
tion in his early life to the hardest of all sciences, in 
which dispassionate judgment and cold deliberation 
are essentially required. And yet he filled the tem- 
ple of the law with a genial warmth and a radiant 
glow which could not be surpassed by any work of 
taste and imagination, and has rarely been equaled 
in those spheres which are dedicated to fervor and 
devotion. He had a sacred regard for the law, and 
he inspired his hearers with the same sense of reverent 
admiration. His mind, with its vast grasp and broad 
understanding, worked on with the rapidity of light. 
And while exercising his vigorous powers, he had 
most genial attractions for his associates, and those 
whom he taught, and in his famiU' he always won 
the most ardent alTection by his kindness and gen- 
tleness and simplicity. He was a great lawyer, a great 
author, a great citizen, and a kind and affectionate 
parent. Mrs. Farrar said of him, " He was the beau- 
ideal of a judge." His justice was always tempered 
with mercy. 

The career of Nathaniel Bowditch, which, in an in- 
tellectual point of view, is one of the most remarkable 
and admirable records in history, commenced in Salem 
almost contemporaneously with that of John Picker- 
ing and Joseph Story. Pickering was born in 1772, 
Bowditch in 1773, and Story, who made no delays in 
his youth, in 1779. Pickering delivered his first ora- 
tion in Salem in 1804. Bowditch published "The 
Practical Navigator " in 1802, and Story was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Salem in 1801 to overtake in 
accomplishment his great contemporaries. They 
removed to Boston about the same time, carrying 
with them the great reputation they had already 
achieved. 

Dr. Bowditch was born in Salem in 1773, and died 
in Boston in 1838. He began life in the forecastle of 
an East Indiaman, and before he had relinquished 
his interest in navigation he had become the mariner's 
guide across the trackless sea. Placed in charge of 
an insurance company in Salem, he advanced from 
"The Practical Navigator" to the"Mecanique Celeste," 
and the interpreter of Laplace to all English-speaking 
nations, and when he was called to a higher posi- 
tion in Boston as the organizer and president of the 
Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, an 
enduring monument to his financial wisdom and 
skill, he continued his studies still, until he accom- 
plished that great literary work upon which his fame 
rests so securely. He seems to have been indifferent 
to all obstacles from the beginning to the end of his 



great career. At ten years of age he was compelled 
by poverty to labor for his own living. He followed 
the seas, mostly in a subordinate capacity, until he 
had reached mature manhood. And when he en- 
tered upon the great work of his life he was obliged 
to call his family about him, and confer with them 
as to the possibility of his publishing his volumes 
without outside aid. The same economy and cour- 
age which bore him through his early trials bore him 
also through the later struggles, fortunately support- 
ed as he was by the resolute determination of his 
wife and children. While engaged in his work he 
seemed to be unconscious of disturbance or interrup- 
tion, and his most difficult calculations were made in 
the midst of the amusements of his family. The 
"Mecanique Celeste " appeared in four large volumes 
in 1829, '32, '34, '38. And by the strength of his 
genius he stood in the front rank of the great students 
and mathematicians of the world. 

Dr. Bowditch possessed this great mental power, 
but he was remarkable also for his foresight, prudence, 
integrity and courage. His influence was felt in 
commercial circles, in scientific associations, in the 
government of Harvard College, and on the lives of 
those who bore his name, and went out from his 
domestic circle to practice the virtues he had given 
them as his best legacy. 

The Rev. Samuel Worcester, D.D., commenced a 
long and useful career as pastor, preacher and author 
in charge of the Tabernacle Church in Salem, in 1803. 
He was born in Hollis, N. H., in 1770, was graduated 
at Dartmouth in 1795 and died in 1821. He was a 
theological scholar of great ability, and entered with 
zeal and power into the controversies of his day. 
From 1810 until his death he was corresponding sec- 
retary of the A. B. C. F. M., and he was untiring in his 
eflicient support of that association. He published 
six sermons on the doctrine of " Eternal Judgment," 
1800 ; "A Discourse on the Covenant with Abraham," 
1805; "Three Letters to the Rev. W. E. Channing on 
Unitarianism," 1815; an edition of Watts' Hymns, 
1818 ; many magazine articles and the first ten Reports 
of the A. B. C. F. M. He was considered one of the 
ablest supporters and advocates of orthodox Christian- 
ity, and was counted worthy of elaborate reviews and 
notices by such writers as Jeremiah Evarts, A. P. 
Peabody and Rufus Anderson. Dr. Worcester added 
much to the literary reputation of Salem, and his 
presence and services gave importance to the town. 
He presented a fine example of the New England 
clergy of a former date ; and he raised a standard 
which his theological associates were proud to follow, 
and which has served as a mark for those who have 
succeeded him. He brought harmony and strength 
to a church organization which had passed through 
many trials and changes, and gave it the proud dis- 
tinction of sending forth the first foreign missionaries 
to the East Indies. 

The Rev. Elia.s Cornelius was settled as an associate 



SALEM. 



141 



of Dr. Worcester in 1819, and dismissed in 1826. He 
was the author of " The Little Osage Captive," 1822, 
and a " Sermon on the Trinity," 1826. 

Benjamin Peirce, who was born in Salem in 1778, 
and died in 1831, contributed largely to the literature 
of his times. He became librarian of Harvard Col- 
lege in 1826, and retained this station until his death. 
He was the author of a " History of Harvard College 
from 16.36 to the Revolution ; " a "Catalogue of the 
Library of Harvard College," 1830. He was a dili- 
gent scholar and a most useful oflicial in the college. 

The Rev. .lames Flint was born in Reading 1779, 
was graduated at Harvard 1802, and installed over 
the East Church 1821. He died in 1855. He had 
great mental powers, a glowing imagination, an in- 
cessant activity. Ralph Waldo Emerson said he had 
genius. His literary remains consist of a volume of 
sermons, occasional sermons and addresses and a few 
sweet and fervid hymns scattered here and there in 
the collections for churches. There are those who 
remember him with great esteem and reverence. 
He published : " The Christian Ministry," 180G ; 
"Sermon on Ordination of Rev. N. Whitman Bil- 
lerin," 1814; "God a Refuge in Times of Calamity 
and Danger,"' 1814; " Election Sermon," 1815 ; "Dis- 
course at Plymouth on the Landing of the Pilgrims," 
181G; "Ordination of Scth Alden, Marlboro'," 1819; 
"Sermon on the Death of Rev. Abiel Abbot," Beverly, 
1828; "Sermon on the Sabbath," 1828; "Sermon on 
Indolence," 1829; "Change: Phi Beta Kappa Poem, 
Harvard," 1839; "Collection of Hymns," 1843; 
"Sermon on the Vanity of Earthly Possessions," 
1844; "Sermons on Leaving the East Church," 1845; 
"Sermon on the Death of Dr. Brazer," 1846; "Ser- 
mons on the Deaths of President Taylor and Hon. U. 
Silsbee," 1850; "Posthumous Volume of Sermons 
and of Poems," 1852. 

The Rev. .John Brazer was born in Worcester in 
1789, was graduated at Harvard in 1813, where he was 
tutor and professor until 1820, in which year he was 
ordained pastor of the North Church. Dr. Brazer 
was a most polished scholar, and on all public occa- 
sions when he was called on to deliver a sermon or ad- 
dress he acquitted himself with great taste and finish. 
His style was not easily surpassed. He was a strong 
and consistent and conservative Unitarian, and his 
congregation was one of the largest and most influen- 
tial in the town. He delivered the Dudleian Lectures 
at Harvard in 1836, and published a volume of ser- 
mons about the same time. His labors were mostly 
confined to his parish, and he left a valuable literary 
harvest from his fertile and well-cultivated mind. 
Dr. Brazer published; "Discourse for Promotion of 
Christian Education," 1825 ; " Sermon on the Death 
of Dr. Holyoke," 1829; "Power of Unitarianism," 
1829; "Ordination of Jonathan Cole," 1829; "Me- 
moir of Dr. Holyoke," 1830; "Sermon on the Value 
of the Public Exercises of Religion," 1832; " Efficacy 
of Prayer," 1832; "Duty of Active Benevolence," 



1835; "Essay on Divine Influence," 1835; "Lesson 
of the Past," 1837; "Present Darkness of God's 
Providence,'' 1841 ; " Sermon on the Death of Hon. 
Benj. Pickman," 1843; "Sermon on the Death of 
Hon. Leverett Saltonstall," 1843; "Posthumous vol- 
ume of Sermons." 

Henry Pickering, a brother of John Pickering, born 
in 1781, was for some time a merchant in Salem, and 
afterwards removed to New York. He printed a vol- 
ume of poems for private distribution in 1830, and a 
poem entitled the "Ruins of Paestum " in 1822. He 
possessed the scholarly tastes of the faibily, and en- 
joyed a fine reputation as a gentleman of refinement 
and learning. 

As a friend of the distinguished authors just enu- 
merated, and as a graceful scholar, wise legal adviser 
and patron of letters, no man ever stood higher than 
the Hon. Daniel Appleton White. He was horn in 
Methuen in 1776, was graduated at Harvard in 1799, 
and devoted himself for some years to teaching. He 
was admitted to the bar in 1804, and was appointed 
judge of probate for Essex County in 1815, at which 
time he took up his residence in Salem for the re- 
mainder of his life. He died in 1861. He published a 
"Eulogy of Washington at Haverhill," 1800 ; " View of 
the Jurisdiction of the Court of Probate in Massa- 
chusetts," 1822; a "Eulogy of Nathaniel Bowditch," 
1838 ; an address at the consecration of Harmony 
Grove Cemetery, 1840 ; " New England Congregation- 
alism in its Origin and Purity," 1861 ; besides numer- 
ous pamphlets. 

Judge White led a long and useful life in Salem. 
His literary work was always done with great taste 
and skill, with a purity and terseness of style rarely 
equaled, and with great wisdom and humanity. His 
mind was always guided by a high moral sense. In 
his connection with public aftairs he always exercised 
the most untiring devotion to the welfare of the com- 
munity, and steadily entertained lofty views of the 
duties of a Christian commonwealth. To the libraries 
of Salem and to the educational work of the Lyceum, 
which he founded, and the Essex Institute, which he 
patronized liberally, he rendered a service which 
should never be forgotten. He was known as the 
friend of the scholar and of sound learning. 

In 1818 the friends of Rev. Nathaniel Fisher pub- 
lished a posthumous volume of his sermons preached 
at St. Peter's Church, which were considered of a high 
order. He was born in Dedham in 1742, and died in 
Salem in 1812. 

In the same year (1818) Benjamin Lynde Oliver, a 
gentleman of great ability and attainments, published 
his first volume, entitled " Hints on the Pursuit of 
Happiness." He followed this with "The Rights of an 
American Citizen," 1832; "Law Summary," 1833; 
" Practical Conveyancing," 1838 ; " Forms of Prac- 
tice," 1841 ; " Forms in Chancery, Admiralty and 
Common Law," 1842. Mr. Oliver wasdistinguishcd for 
his brilliancy in conversation and his high social quali- 



142 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ties. He was a most skillful chess-player, and was 
considered an authority in that intricate game. He 
was born in 1788, and died in 184.3. He was a son of 
Rev. Thomas Fitch Oliver, an Episcopal minister, who 
published an interesting discourse on Masonry in 
1784. He was also a nephew of Dr. B. Lynde Oliver, 
who died in Salera in 1835, aged seventy-five, and who 
published many medical treatises. 

In 1824 the Rev. Josiah Willard Gibbs, who was 
the son of Henry and Mercy (Prescott) Gibbs, and born 
in Salem in 1784, commenced the publication of his 
philological works, consisting of "A Hebrew and 
English Lexicon to the Old Testament, including the 
Biblical Chaldee from the works of Prof. W. Gese- 
nius ; " an edition of the above for schools, in 1828; 
"Philological Studies" with English illustrations, 
1857 ; and "A New Latin Analyst," 1859. Professor 
Gibbs was a long time professor of sacred literature 
in Yale College. He was a profound scholar ; his 
works were republished in London, and were favora- 
bly noticed by the most accomplished linguists. 

While yet a junior in Dartmouth College, Charles 
Dexter Cleveland commenced his literary career. He 
was born in Salem December 3, 1802 ; was graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1827, and in 1830 was elected 
professor of Latin and Greek in Dickinson College, 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He entered upon the work 
of authorship in 1S26, at which time he published 
" The Moral Characters of Theophrastus," with a 
translation and critical notes. This he followed with 
"An Epitome of Greek Antiquities," 1827; "First 
Lesson in Latin on a New Plan," 1827; "The Na- 
tional Orator," 1827 ; Xenophon's "Anabasis," with 
English notes, 1880; "A Compendium of Greek An- 
tiquities," 1831; "First Lessons in Greek," 1832; 
" Sequel to First Lessons in Latin," 1834 ; an edition 
of Adams' " Latin Grammar," 1836 ; "An Address of 
the Liberty Party of Pennsylvania to the People of 
the State," 1844; " First Latin Book," and " Second 
Latin Book," 1845 ; " Third Latin Book," 1848 ; "A 
Compendium of English Literature," 1848 ; "Hymns 
for Schools," 1850 ; " English Literature of the Nine- 
teenth Century," 1851 ; an edition of Milton's " Poet- 
ical Works," 1853 ; "A Compendium of English 
Literature," 1858. His Latin series have always 
been highly esteemed by scholars ; and his edition of 
Milton is most satisfactory, both to the scholar and 
the general reader. His devotion to ancient and 
modern literature has given his country a noble 
movement in American scholarship ; and it has been 
said of his work that " good taste, fine scholarship, 
familiar acquaintance with English literature, un- 
wearied industry, tact acquired by practice, an inter- 
e.st in the culture of the young, a regard for truth, 
purity, philanthropy, religioH, as the highest attain- 
ment and highest beauty — all these were needed, and 
they are all united in Mr. Cleveland." 

The Rev. Samuel Melancthon Worcester began his 
work as an author in 1826. He was a son of the Rev. 



Samuel Worcester, to whom allusion has been made; 
was born in 1801 ; was graduated at Harvard in 1822; 
was for many years tutor and professor in Amherst 
College, and was settled over the Tabernacle Church, 
in Salem, in 1834. He was recording secretary 
of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, from 1847 to 1866. In 1826 he published 
" Essays on Slavery," by Vigorinus; in 1854 "A Me- 
morial of the Tabernacle Church ; " many sermons 
and discourses ; and many articles in reviews and 
periodicals. He represented Salem in the Massachu- 
setts Legislature in 1866. Dr. Worcester had great 
industry and a strong mind controlled by sincerity 
and honesty of purpose. He resembled his father in 
the sturdy vigor of his style and in the purity of his 
purpose. He resigned his pastorate in 1859, but not 
until he had strengthened the work his father con- 
solidated, and had seen his people collected in the 
new church edifice which they erected in 1854. 

The Rev. Jo.seph B. Felt has intimately connected 
his name with the history of Salem, by his faithful 
and accurate annals of the place. He was born in 
Salem in 1789, was graduated at Dartmouth in 1813, 
and soon became the acknowledged historian of many 
localities in Essex County. He published histories 
of Ipswich, Essex, Hamilton and Salem, in all of 
which he displayed great patience of research and 
great capacity for arrangement and selection. He 
also published "Collections from the American Statis- 
tical Associations on Towns, Population and Taxa- 
tion " in 1847, and a " Memoir of Roger Conant" in 
1848. He is highly esteemed as a reliable annalist, 
and an honest and capable searcher after truth ; and 
he is accepted as authority on all matters which he 
has investigated and recorded. He ranks among the 
most faithful of historians. 

The work of social reform has at times occupied 
most absorbing attention in Salem, and has been sup- 
ported by some of her ablest and most conspicuous 
citizens.- Among the most remarkable of her re- 
formers was the Rev. George B. Cheever, who, while 
pastor of the Howard Street Church, exerted himself 
most vigorously and conscientiously in behalf of 
human freedom and temperance. He was born in 
Hallowell, Me., in 1807 ; was graduated at Bowdoin 
College in 1825, and not long after was settled in 
Salem as pastor of the "Branch Church." His fear- 
less hostility to the traffic in and the use of ardent 
spirits led him into the most violent contest, in which 
he maintained his position with great courage and 
persistency, and in an attitude far in advance of his 
times. While here he published "Inquire at Deacon 
Giles' Distillery," a work which produced a stirring 
social commotion in the town, but won for him the 
reputation of an ardent and brave reformer. He 
afterwards settled in New York as pastor of the Allen 
Street Church, 1845 ; and as pastor of the Church of 
the Puritans in New York, in 1846. He published 
" The American Common-Place Book of Prose," 



SALEM. 



143 



1828, and of "Poetry," 1829; "Studies in Poetry," 
1830; "Lectures on Hierarchical Despotism" and 
"Lectures on Pilgrim's Progress," 1843; "Wander- 
ings of a Pilgrim in the Shadow of Mont Blanc," 
1846 ; "The Hill of Ditliculty," 1849 ; " The Voice of 
Nature to her Foster-child," "The Soul of Man," 
1852 ; "A Reel in the Bottle for Jacob in the Dol- 
drums," 1852; "Journal of the Pilgrims at Plym- 
outh," 1848; "Punishment by Death: its Author- 
ity and Expediency," 1849; " Windings of the River 
of the Water of Life," 1849; " Powers of the World 
to Come," 1853; "Lectures on Cowper," 1856; 
"God against Slavery," 1857. 

These works indicate the tendency of Dr.Cheever's 
mind ; they also indicate his great power and versa- 
tility. He has made a mark in his time which will 
never be obliterated, and he has done much to direct 
the public mind in the paths of morality, rectitude 
and virtue. 

At the time when Dr. Cheever commenced his ca- 
reer in Salem the Rev. Charles W. Upham had just 
entered upon his pastorate in the (First) Congrega- 
tional Church as colleague of Dr. Prince. Mr. Up- 
ham was born in St. John, New Brunswick, 1802; 
was graduated at Harvard, 1821, and settled in Salem 
in 1824. For twenty years he was minister of this 
parish, at the end of which time he resigned, and 
pursued diligently his work as public official and au- 
thor. He was a member of the Thirty-third Congress ; 
Representative to the General Court in 1849, '59, and 
'60; State Senator in 1850, '57 and '58, and one year 
presiding officer of that body. He was mayor of the 
city in 1852. 

Mr. Upham became an author at an early period 
of his career. He published, in 1828, " Letters on the 
Logos." This was followed by "Principles of Congre- 
gationalism," 1829; "Lectures on Witchcraft," 1835; 
" Salem Witchcraft, with an account of Salem Village," 
1867; "Discourse on the Funeral of Rev. John Prince," 
1836 ; "Life, Explorations and Services of John Charles 
Fremont," 1856; "Lifeof Sir Henry Vane," 1836; "Life 
of John Quincy Adams," 1839; oration, July 4, 1844; 
oration before the New England Society, N. Y., 1846 ; 
" Life of Washington," 1852 ; and the last three vol- 
umes of the " Life of Timothy Pickering," a work 
commenced by Octavius Pickering, a son of Timothy 
Pickering, a graduate of Harvard in 1810, and for 
many years reporter of the Supreme Court of Ma.s.sa- 
chusetts. 

Mr. Upham was a graceful and forcible writer. His 
sermons, while a preacher, were extremely attractive 
to old and young, and wore filled with a warm Chris- 
tian spirit. In his work as a public servant he set 
an example of honest conviction and a fearless dis- 
charge of duty. His contributions to the history of 
his country were most valuable. The " Life of Sir 
Henry Vane" which he contributed to Sparks' "Ameri- 
can Biography" has always been accepted as one of the 
most brilliant works of the kind in the English lan- 



guage. His "History of Witchcraft" is elaborate, 
graphic and exhaustive; and his share of the "Life of 
Timothy Pickering" is a charming record of the great 
work of that remarkable man. Mr. Upham, at his 
death, left a circle of warm and devoted friends, and 
an honorable record in the community in which he 
spent so many long and laborious years of his life. 

In 1800 William Biglow, or, as he sometimes sub- 
scribed his name, Gulielmus Magnushumilis, was 
engaged as a teacher in Salem. He was born in 
Natick in 1773, was graduated at Harvard in 1794, 
and died in 1844. He was the author of the " His- 
tory of the Town of Natick from 1650 ;" and of the 
town of Sherborne from its incorporation to the end 
of the year 1830. He contributed a Latin poem on 
the occasion of the second centennial of Harvard, in 
1836. He published "Elements of Latin Grammar," 
1811; "Education," a poem, Salem, 1799; "Phi 
Beta Kappa," poem, 1811; "Poem on Intemper- 
ance," Cambridge, 18.34; "Recommencement, or 
Commencement Again," Boston, 1811 ; several school 
books. He married a daughter of Peter Lander, of 
Salem. He was a scholar of extensive reading, and 
was well known to numerous acquaintances as a so- 
cial companion of original wit and fancy, and pos- 
sessing a fund of anecdote, which he would commu- 
nicate with facility in prose and rhyme. 

The Hon. Joseph G. Sprague delivered a eulogy on 
Adams and Jefferson in 1826, and published many 
political and biographicpl essays. Lieutenant John 
White, U. S. N., published " Voyage to the China 
Seas," 1826. 

Dr. R. D. Mussey practised medicine in Salem at 
this period, and earlier for several years. He was en- 
gaged in lecturing on chemistry in 1816, and removed 
to accept a professorship at Dartmouth College, and 
afterwards at Cincinnati. He published many medi- 
cal essays and an elaborate treatise on tobacco. He 
married a daughter of Dr. Joseph Osgood, of Salem. 

Dr. Daniel Oliver was engaged with Dr. Mussey in 
popular scientific lectures in Salem. He resided here 
for many years, and was afterwards professor of the 
theory and practice of medicine at Dartmouth Col- 
lege. He published " First Lines in Physiology," in 
1835. 

It was in this period of the literary history of Salem 
that Nathaniel Hawthorne commenced his inspired 
work. Born in Salem July 4, 1804, he led a quiet 
and secluded life for thirty years, pa.ssing shyly 
through the schools of the town and inconspicuously 
through Bowdoin College, where he was graduated in 
1825. His first appearance as an author was in The 
Token and The Democratic Review, where he published 
anonymously a series of tales so attractive that the 
most brilliant minds of the country commenced a dili- 
gent search for the author, who was supposed for a 
long time to be a female of great delicacy of fancy and 
keen knowledge of human nature. In 1837, however, 
he collected these productions into a volume entitled 



144 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Twice-Told Tales," and the position of Hawthorne 
in the world of letters was at once recognized. The 
book received a most flattering review by Longfellow, 
a warm and cordial reception by Miss Mitford and 
a moat enthusiastic welcome from all that class of re- 
fined and aesthetic students who were gathering 
round Emerson, George Eipley, Margaret Fuller, 
Theodore Parker and their charming and critical as- 
sociates. On the other hand, the hard students re- 
joiced in his appearance. From this time until his 
death, in 1864, a period of less than thirty years, he 
held various official positions conferred upon him for 
his merit as an author; and he sent forth that collec- 
tion of romances which have given him an immortal- 
ity in the world of letters and have elevated the po- 
sition of the American mind to the rank accorded to 
genius in all ages and among all nations. " TheScar- 
let Letter," " The House of the Seven Gables," 
" Blithedale Romance," " Mosses from an Old Manse," 
"Grandfather's Chair," "The Wonder Book," 
"Tanglewood Tales," "The Marble Faun," "Our 
Old Home," " English Note-Book," " American Note- 
Book " all came out in rapid succession, and now oc- 
cupy the dearest corner in every well-appointed li- 
brary, at home and abroad. 

By his many reviewers Hawthorne has been com- 
pared with nearly all the great writers of fiction, 
whose works have been accepted as beyond mere fig- 
ments of the fancy. That he surpassed them all in 
his comprehension of the motives of the human heart 
there can be no doubt. It was a supernatural ele- 
ment in him which gave him his high distinction. 
When he entered upon his work as a writer he left 
his personality entirely behind him. In this work he 
allowed no interference, he asked for no aid. He was 
shy of those whose intellectual jjower and literary 
fame might seem to give them a right to enter his 
sanctuary. In an assembly of illustrious authors and 
thinkers he floated reserved and silent around the 
margin of the room and at last vanished into outer 
darkness. The working of his mind was so sacred 
and mysterious to him that he was impatient of any 
attempt at familiarity or even intimacy with the di- 
vine power within him. His love of personal soli- 
tude was his ruling passioa ; his intellectual solitude 
was an overpowering necessity. And so in great 
loneliness he toiled, conscious that no human power 
could guide him, and that human sympathy was of 
no avail. He appeared to understand his own great- 
ness so imperfectly that he dared not expose the mys- 
tery to others ; and the sacrednes? of his genius was 
like the sacredness of his love. That this sentiment, 
so natural and admirable, made him somewhat unjust 
to his literary associates there can be but little doubt. 
For while he applied to them the powerful test of 
his own genius, before whose blaze many of them 
withered, his retiring disposition kept him at a dis- 
tance almost fatal to any estimate of their true pro- 
portions. And even when he admired and respected 



the authors among whom he moved, and was proud 
of the companionship into which his genius had ele- 
vated him, he never overcame his natural sensi- 
tiveness with regard to the demand they might make 
on him as a fellow-artist, to open his creations to 
their vision and with regard to the test Ihey might 
apply to him. For his sturdy manhood he sought 
intimates and companions, — not many, but enough to 
satisfy his natural longing for a fellow; for his genius 
he neither sought nor desired nor expected to find 
companionship. For his old oflicial friends he had a 
tender affection ; for the strong and practical young 
men with whom he set forth in life he had an abid- 
ing love and attachment; they satisfied the longings 
of one side at least of his existence. For the throne 
on which he sat in the imperial realm of his own 
creative thought he de.sired no associate; his seat 
there was for himself alone ; his reign there was su- 
preme. And when he retired to that lonely room 
which he had set apart at the height of the tower which 
overtopped his humble abode in Concord, and with- 
out book or picture, alone with a solitary seat and 
desk, having none to commune with except nature, 
which stood before his windows to cheer his heart, 
and he entered upon his work, his creation moved 
steadily and majestically, as when the morning stars 
sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. 
At the fuundation of Hawthorne's genius lay those 
strong and sturdy characteristics which he had in- 
herited from a long line of agricultural and maritime 
ancestors. And these characteristics he never sur- 
rendered. He found lor them a sympathetic feeling 
in the few companions whom he met in the ordinary 
service of his life. They were genuine as nature had 
made them— neither tasteless nor artificial nor cor- 
rupt. And in their association his mind found the 
repose which all nature requires. But this was by no 
means his life ; and let those w ho assume that his 
companions led him into bad practices, even were 
they so inclined, remember that he found his eternal 
rest with someof the sweetest and purestspirits of his 
time. Let those who flippantly accuse him of dissi- 
pation and vulgarity remember that he found his home 
among the noblest characters in the community in 
which he lived, and let their regard and love for him 
attest his nobility and purity. They say he was pure 
and chaste and honorable — and their testimony is 
enough. He had no fondness whatever for social 
pleasures, good or bad, and never entered into them, 
nor did he establish between himself and his fellow- 
men the superficial intimacy upon which society rests. 
But his instinct led him into the companionship of 
the refined and gentle, whose life was made beautiful 
by the constant presence of poetry and art and the 
highest intellectual culture. Salem, in Hawthorne's 
day, was filled with brilliant and beautiful women ; 
and they worshipped at a distance this mysterious 
divinity, whose delicate fancies charmed their hearts, 
and whose glowing eye and sturdy form, and dome- 



SALEM. 



145 



like head crowned with a luxuriant "pomp of hair,'' 
and fair and noble face, made up in him the ty])e of 
imperial manhood. The doors of the most delightful 
society were open to him. But he selected from a 
secluded nook a modest flower, gave her his heart and 
united with her in exploring the beauties of art and 
letters, and in building up a home of great simplicity 
and love. Hawthorne knew many ideal homes in his 
day, but none more beautiful than his own, which 
was always in accord witli the delicacy of his taste 
and feeling, and on entering which he was obliged to 
leave no unworthy qualities, no discordant habits 
behind. No act of his life and no association had un- 
fitted him for such companionship as he found there. 
He embodied in all his relations with life the finest 
of those characteristics which have made his native 
place the home of strong and versatile powers, and of 
faculties which have produced adeep impression upon 
the world. 

Julian Hawthorne, a son of Nathaniel and Sophia 
Peabody Hawthorne, was born in Boston in 1846, 
but passed much of his childhood in Salem while his 
father was surveyor of that port. He has devoted 
himself entirely to literature, and has displayed most 
remarkable faculties in the creation of fiction and the 
delineation of romance. It is easy to trace the re- 
semblance between his own mind and that of his 
father, and easy also to distinguish the difference. 
At an early age he has secured a foremost place 
among the authors of the country, and has added 
much to the literary wealth of his times. To powers 
like his the future is full of bright promise. 

The Rev. Thomas W. Coit. who was connected with 
Saint Peter's Church until 182(3, was born in 1803 ; 
was graduated at Yale in 1821 was ordained, July 
16, 1826, resigned March 2.3, 1829. He was a scholar of 
good capacity and attainments, was professor of Trinity 
College, and president of Transylvania University. 
He published "The Theological Common-Place 
Book" in 1832 ; " Remarks on Norton's Statement of 
Reasons," 1833 ; " The Bil)le " in paragraphs and par- 
allelisms, 1834; "Townsend's Chronological Bible," 
1837 ; " Puritanism, or a Churchman's Defense against 
its Aspersions," 1844. 

Elizabeth Palmer Peabody has devoted a long life 
to a most valuable literary labor. She was born in 
1804, and spent her early years in Salem witli her 
sisters, who became the wives of Nathaniel Hawthorne 
and Horace Mann. She commenced her literary 
work early in life, publishing " Reconls of a School," 
" Spiritual Culture," " Dick Harbinger, the Pioneer," 
" The Present," " Introduction to Grammar," " First 
Steps to History," 1833 ; " Key to the History of the 
Hebrews," 1833; "Key to Grecian Hi.story," 1833; 
"Chronological History of the United States," 1856; 
"Memorial of Dr. Vvilliam Wesselhoeft," 1859; 
" Translation of De Gerando's Moral Self-Education," 
1859; "Bern's System of Chronology," 1852 ; "The 
Esthetic Papers," 1849 ; " E-say on Language," 1857 ; 
10 



and many papers in the ChrUtian Rraminer and 

Journal nf Education. She has engaged most zeal- 
ously in many reforms and has always combined 
great humanity and kindness with careful scholar- 
ship. She was an early disciple of Dr. Channing, and 
she cultivated most intimate relations with Washing- 
ton Allston, Emerson and the leaders of what is now 
known as the Concord Scliool of Philosophy. Her 
last publication, "An Evening with Allston, and 
Other Essays," is a most graceful and profound pro- 
duction. She is now eighty-three years of age and 
retains all her vigor of thought and power of expres- 
sion. Her sister, Mrs. Hawthorne, has publislied a 
charming volume of letters, and her sister, Mrs. JIann, 
has written an admirable " Life of Hon. Horace 
Mann," and has published a valuable dlition of his 
works. 

The talent and accomplishments of these three wo- 
men deserve a more elaborate notice than can be 
given here. They were daughters of Dr. Nathaniel 
and Elizabeth (Pahner) Peabody, who resided a long 
time in Salem and elsewhere in Essex County. Mrs. 
Peabody was the daughter of General Joseph Pearce 
Palmer, a patriotic officer in the Revolutionary army, 
and was one of a remarkable family. Her sister 
Catherine was the mother of George P. Putnam, the 
distinguished publisher and liberal patron of letters. 
Her sister Mary married Royall Tyler, chief justice 
of Vermont, poet and essayist, and was the motlier of 
learned clergymen and college professors ; and her 
sister Sophia married Dr. Thomas Pickman, of Salem, 
an able and beloved physician of the town. The 
daughters of Dr. Peabody inherited the talent of their 
mother's family, and they have made many contril)u- 
tions to the literature and art of the country. Their 
associates and companions were among the most 
learned men and women of their time, by whom they 
were held in great aft'ection. The last survivor, 
Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, even in her old age, oc- 
cupies her mind with all objects of philanthropy and 
charity, and enjoys the profound respect and esteem 
of all who know her, and of all who renieinber her 
constant labors in the cause of good learning and ed- 
ucation. 

One of the most diligent and studious of Salem au- 
thors was Jonathan Cogswell Perkins, lawyer and jurist, 
and so learned and accurate an annotator of the nu- 
merous law books he i)ublished that he has been placed 
by the best authorities "by the side of Story and Jlet- 
calf " He was born in Chebacco Parish, Ipswich (now 
Essex), in 1809, was graduated at Amherst in 1832. 
studied law with Rufus Choaxe and at the Cambridge 
Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1835. In 
1848 he was appointed judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas of Massachusetts, " and proved liimself to be a 
learned and able, as well as a just and upright judge." 
He published nine volumes of the second edition of 
" Pickering's Mas-^achu.setts Reports," 1885-41 ; " Chit- 
ty's Criminal Law," 1847 ; " Chitty on Contracts, with 



146 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Valuable Annotations," seven editions from 1839 to 
1859; "Jarman on Wills," 1849; "Abbot on Ship- 
ping," 1854; " Daniell's Chancery Practice," 1851 ; 
" Collyer on Partnership." 1850; "Chitty on Bills 
and Notes," 1854; " Arnould on Insurance," 1851); 
" Sugden's Law of Vendors and Purchasers of Real 
Estate," 1851; " Angell on AVater-Courses," 1869; 
" United States Digest," 1840 ; " Chitty on Pleadings 
in Civil Actions," six editions from 1844 to 1866 ; 
"Brown's Chancery Reports," 1814; "Vesey, Jr., 
Chancery Reports," 1844-45. After a busy and la- 
borious life, of great value to the profession of law, 
Judge Perkins died Dec. 12, 1877. 

Benjamin Peirce (Professor) was born in 1809 and 
graduated at Harvard 1829. He was Hollis profes- 
sor of mathematics in 1832, and Perkins professor 
of astronomy and mathematics from 1842 to 1867, 
having been previously tutor in mathematics. In 
1867 he was appointed superintendent of the United 
States Coast Survey. Professor Peirce was truly a 
mathematical genius. He comprehended a problem 
with great rapidity and clearness, and he stated it, 
with his conclusion, with a conciseness never sur- 
passed by mathematicians of aay era. No proposition 
was too small to receive his attention and none too 
large to be mastered by his powerful mind. His pub- 
lications were numerous, and they stand in the front 
rank ot mathematical works. He published " Ele- 
mentary Treatise on Plane Trigonometry," 1835 ; 
" Elementary Treatise on Spherical Trigonometry," 
1836 ; " Elementary Treatise on Sound," 1836 ; " Ele- 
mentary Treatise on Plane and Solid Geometry," 
1857 ; " Elementary Treatise on Algebra," 1837 ; 
" Elementary Treatise on Curves, Functions and 
Forces," 1841; "Tables of the Moon, arranged in a 
form under the superintendence of Charles Henry 
Davis, lieutenant U. S. N.," 1853 ; " Physical and 
Celestial Mechanics, Developed in Four Systems of 
Analytic Mechanics, Celestial Mechanics, Potential 
Physics and Analytic Morphology," 1855; besides 
many articles on " Meteors," " Latitudes," " Pertur- 
bations of Uranus and Neptune," " Comets," " Sat- 
urn's Ring," " Tails of Comets," " Moon Culmina- 
tions," "Celestial Mechanics and Meteors." His 
diligence was great, as was also his power of applica- 
tion, and his amiability and patience enabled him to 
pursue his work continuously amidst the interruptions 
incident to his duties as teacher and professor. His 
position among the scientists of his day was among 
the foremost, and it is related of him that he secured 
by letter, for a fellow-student and observer, to M. De 
Lesseps, the plans and measurements of the Suez 
Canal, which had been repeatedly refused to those 
who applied as statesmen and diplomatists. He died 
in 1880. 

A brother of Professor Peirce, Charles Henry, born 
in Salem in 1814, and a graduate of Harvard in 1833, 
was formany years examiner of drugs and medicines 
for the port of Boston, and published " Translation of 



Stockhardt's Principles of Chemistry," 1850, a work 
which was highly commended ; and " Examinations of 
Drugs and Medicines," 1852. Dr. Peirce died in 1855. 

Charles T. Brooks, who was a contemijorary of Pro- 
fessor Peirce, ])ossessed a mind of an entirely difierent 
order. He was born in 1813, was graduated at Har- 
vard in 1832, and was ordained pastor of the Unita- 
rian Church, Newport, R. I., in 1887. He had a 
quick imagination, a graceful fancy and a deep love of 
poetry. His sermons were characterized by great 
piety and strong faith, as well as by a progressive lib- 
erality. It was chiefly as a poet, however, that he 
distinguished himself and took his place among the 
scholars and authors of the country. He published 
"Schiller's William Tell," translation 1838; transla- 
tion of " Mary Stuart," and the " Maid of Orleans," 
1839; " Titan," from Jean Paul Richter, 1840 ; 
"Specimens of German Songs," 1842; translation of 
Schiller's "Homage of the Arts," 1847; "Poems," 
1848; the controversy touching the " Old Stone Mill 
at Newport," 1851 ; " German Lyrics," 1856 ; " Songs 
of Field and Flood," 1854. 

Mr. Brooks was distinguished not only for his 
ability as a sch(dar and poet, but for the sweetness of 
his disposition and the purity of his life. His pres- 
ence in the pulpit was a benediction, and he bore the 
trials which fell upon him with a calm and patient 
submission which won the admiration of all who 
knew him. 

The essays and poems of Jones Very were published 
in 1839. He was born in 1813, as was Mr. Brooks, 
just preceding, and was graduated at Harvard in 1836, 
four years later. His progress towards distinction 
was not rapid, but it was sure and constant. His rank 
in college was good, his ability was recognized and he 
was appointed Greek tutor in the university soon after 
his graduation. The first issue of his poems and es- 
says attracted universal attention. They were char- 
acterized by great religious fervor, a fine imagination, 
great delicacy of thought and a pure, simple and ef- 
fective style. His sonnets were especially charming. 
He was intimate with the beauties of nature and drew 
many a lesson from the flowere by the wayside and the 
fair landscape which lay around his home. His soul 
was, at the same time, fidl of aspiration, and he saw 
the hand of the Creator in all the natural objects 
about him. On every subject which came under his 
notice he turned a " dim religious light," and you 
rose from his essays with the feeling that you had 
been led to the contemplation of his themes by the 
prophet of the Lord. It was said of him, by one of the 
ablest of his critics, that" he always piped the sweet, 
sad notes of religious melancholy," but he also taught 
the most unbounded faith and the most confident re- 
liance on that divine power to which he turned for 
inspiration, and on which he leaned throughout his 
sincere and thoughtful and pious life. He was oneof 
the most sympathetic of men, and one of the most 
inspired. 



SALEM. 



147 



Robert Rantoul, Jr., one of the most eloquent and 
brilliant of all the sons of Essex County, hardly 
ideiUifKHl hinisolf with Salem, except as a law-student 
in the ofiices of John Pickering and Leverett Salton- 
stall, and a lawyer from 1829 to 1831. At this time, 
however, he took so active a part in the mental ac- 
tivity of the town, that he has given an opportunity 
for enrolling his name in this list of cultivated and 
intellectual men. Mr. Kantoul was born in Beverly, 
1805 ; was graduated at Harvard, IS2G ; was admitted 
to the bar, 1820 ; and died in 1S.')2. During this com- 
paratively short period he devoted himself largely to 
public service and won great distinction as a lawyer, 
legislator and orator, with powers which, had they 
been exercised in more purely literary work, would 
have won for him greater distinction still. His com- 
manding presence in the Massachusetts Legislature is 
well remembered. His bold and gallant stand in 
Congress is recalled with admiration by his contem- 
poraries who remain. He was a fearless advocate of 
the principles in which he believed, and he was the 
most inspiring popular orator of his day in Massachu- 
setts. He was formidable as an adversary and all- 
powerful as an ally ; a generous and kindly opponent 
and a tender and devoted friend. His early argument 
in behalf of popular education, and his unanswerable 
attack on the Ten Million Bank Bill, which he defeated 
in the Massachusetts Legislature; his report against 
capital punishment ; his oration at Concord, in 1850 ; 
his reply to attacks made on him in Congress, in 1852 ; 
hi.'' speech to his devoted constituents in Salem, July 
o, 1852 ; his arguments as United States district 
attorney, from 1845 to 1849 — all indicate great mental 
grasp, extraordinary keenness of perception and mas- 
terly skill in arrangement. When he died a great career 
was suddenly and prematurely closed. And in the 
great struggle which followed, in the opening of which 
he took a conspicuous and important part, and which 
ended only with the Civil War, his friends, his State 
and his country, when disheartened by adversity, were 
encouraged by the thought that the spirit of Kantoul 
was with them, and mourned that liis voice could be 
no longer heard. His recorded words gave great in- 
spiration to those on whom the burthen of the contest 
fell when he was gone ; and his name is warmly 
cherished by the few now living who knew him, and 
by the many who have learned from their fathers to 
admire his courage, his genius and his gentle and 
ati'ectionate spirit. 

On the organization of the Barton Square Unita- 
rian Church, in 1824, the Rev. Henry Colman was 
installed as pastor, February Id, 1825. Mr. Colman 
was born 1785, and died 1849. He continued his 
connection with the church seven years, and then 
withdrew to a broader and more active sphere of 
duty. He became one of the most useful and inter- 
esting of agricultural writers. He published " Re- 
ports of the Agriculture of Massachusetts," 1849 ; 
" European Agriculture and Rural Economy," 1851 ; 



" Agriculture and Rural Economy of France, Belgium, 
Holland and Switzerland," 1848 ; and " European 
Life and Manners," 1849. He spent many years in 
England, investigating agriculture and society, and 
he was the first to describe the domestic economy of 
that country, into whose well-organized homes he was 
most cordially admitted. His style was graceful and 
graphic, and his intercourse wa.s genial and highly 
attractive. 

In 1842 Richard J. Cleveland published a narrative 
of " Voyages and Commercial Enterprises,' which 
was most favorably noticed by the leading reviews of 
the day. His son, Henry Russell Cleveland, born in 
1808, graduated at Harvard in 1827, died in 1848, 
and published " Remarks on Classical Education 
of Boys by a Teacher," 1834 ; " Life of Henry 
Hudson," 1838; " Addre-ss Delivered Before the 
Harvard Medical Association," 1840; "A Letter to 
the Hon. Daniel Webster on the Causes of the De- 
struction of the Steamer ' Lexington,"' 1840; besides 
many papers to the North American Revleio and the 
New England Magazine. Mr. Cleveland was a sound 
scholar and a graceful and forcible writer. His early 
death was deeply deplored. 

One of the most brilliant and fascinating of Amer- 
ican writers and historians was William Ilickling 
Prescott, who was born in Salem, 179(5, and died in 
Boston in 1859. He was a son of Judge William 
Prescott, who resided in Salem from 1789 to 1808, and 
who was intimately connected with the most im- 
portant business enterprises of that day, and whose 
name appears on many of the important documents. 
Mr. Prescott was graduated at Harvard in 1814, and 
I having been disabled by a painful accident from en- 
f lering upon a professional li'e, lie commenced at once, 
! under great obstacles a literary career which he pur- 
sued with great diligence and success until the close 
lofhislife. He published, in 1837, "The History of 
Ferdinand and Isabella,'" and stepped at once into 
the list of the great historians of the world. It was 
universally known that this fascinating and elaborate 
work had been accomplished under difficulties which 
would have discouraged the most enthusiastic and 
devoted student, and the entire world of scholars was 
filled with admiration of the accomplishment and the 
tenderest sympathy with the heroic author. The 
history was translated into German, French, Spanish, 
Italian and Russian, and was enrolled at once 
among the classic productions of the world. But Mr. 
Prescott did not relinquish his work here. Dependent 
upon a reader for his data, and employing an appa- 
ratus constructed in a writing csise for the blind, he 
"pursued his solitary way." His mind acquired great 
strength as he went on with his work, and he retained 
and arranged the materials he had accumulated 
with marvelous facility. In 1843 he published the 
"History of the Conquest of Mexico, with a Prelimi- 
nary View of the Ancient Civilization," and a 
"Life of the Conqueror, Fernando Cortez ; " and 



148 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, iMASSACHUSETTS. 



the world of scholars was once more filled with ad- 
miration of his " pure, simple and eloquent style, 
keen relish for the picturesque, quick and discerning 
judgment of character, calm, generous and enlight- 
ened spirit of philanthropy." In 1847 this was fol- 
lowed by the " History of the Conquest of Peru, 
with a Preliminary View of the Civilization of the 
Incas," a work which was as enthusiastically re- 
ceived as its predecessois. His style was again ad- 
mired ; his candor and fidelity and power of descrip- 
tion were warmly commended by authors and readers 
alike. The " History of the Reign of Philip the 
Second, King of Spain," appeared in 1855. The ma- 
terials for this work, the preparation of which oc- 
cupied six industrious years, were gathered without 
regard to trouble, labor and expense, and the work it- 
self opened one of the most thrilling and important 
chapters in the history of the greatest and most stormy 
periods of Continental Europe. The brilliancy of 
the volumes drew from the historian Macaulay, then 
in the height of his power, the warmest praise. 
" The genius of Mr. Prescott," said he, "as a histo- 
rian, has never been exhibited to better advantage 
than in this very remarkable volu)ne, which is 
grounded on ample and varied authority." In 1857 
he published "The Life of Charles the Fifth after his 
Abdication," Modestly insisting that Robertson had 
most faithfully recorded the policy and events 
of this great monarch's reign, he devoted him- 
self to the unrecorded years of his life of retirement, and 
sup])lenicnted the brilliant pages of Robertson with a 
touching narrative of the close of the great life to 
whose career they had devoted their fine historical 
powers. In addition to these important works, Pres- 
cott published biographical and critical miscellanies 
containing reviews and essays of great interest, — 
"Charles Brockden Brown, the American Novelist;" 
"Asylum for the Blind;" " Irving's Conquest of 
Grenada ; " " Cervantes ; " " Chateaubriand's English 
Literature ; " " Bancroft's United States ; " '' Madame 
Calderon's Life in Mexico:" "Moliere;" "Italian 
Narrative Poetry ; " " Poetry and Romance of the 
Italians;" "Scotch Song;" "Da Ponte's Observa- 
tions ; " " Ticknor's History of Spanish Literature." 
Mr. Prescott was sixty years old when his last vol- 
ume was published. For more than a quarter of a 
century he had pursued his great career. In many 
respects he was the greatest of American historians. 
Scholars recognized him as one of the most brilliant 
of their number, when that number in this commu- 
nity was not small. The American people remem- 
bered with pride that the blood of the brave com- 
mander of the patriot forces at Bunker Hill was flow- 
ing in his veins. A Christian community loved him 
for the beauty of his character, and for the high 
moral standard which he had followed through life. 
His biography was written by all the biographers; 
his works were reviewed by all the reviewers ; his 
character as a scholar was discussed with admiration 



by Edward Everett, and George E. Ellis, and Francis 
Lieber, and Theodore Parker, and A. P. Peabody, 
and by all the historical societies of the world. No 
American writer has won higher renown, no Ameri- 
can citizen has received more profound respect and 
warmer love. 

Alpheus Crosby, who took charge of the Normal 
School in Salem Oct., 1857, was born in 1810, and died 
in Salem April 17, 1874. He was graduated at Dart- 
mouth in 1827, and was appointed professor of Greek 
and Latin languages in that college. He was a dili- 
gent and careful scholar, and published " A Greek 
and General Grammar," " Greek Tables," " Greek 
Lessons," "An Edition of Xenophon's Anabasis," 
" First Lessons in Geometry," " A Letter of John Fos- 
ter, with Additions," "An Essay on the Second Ad- 
vent." Professor Crosby was for many years princi- 
pal of the Normal School in Salem, and after retiring 
from that position passed the remainder of his life in 
this city. 

Edwin P. Whipple, who was born in Gloucester in 
1819, was for a long time employed as clerk in a bank 
in Salem,'and for a time was the librarian of the Salem 
Athen:eum. where he acquired tho.-^e literary tastes 
which he afterwards exercised with so much activity 
and usefulness. He began to write for magazines 
early in life, and soon acquired a good reputation as 
a facile and graceful essayist. He was an interesting 
popular lecturer, selecting his themes with great skill 
and treating them with great wit and discrimination 
He published " Essays and Reviews," 1848 ; " Lec- 
tures on Subjects connected with Literature and Life ;" 
" Washington and the Principles of the Revolution ;" 
"An Oration before the City Authorities of Boston, 
July 4, 1850 ;" " Character and Characteristic Men," 
1867, in which he discussed Character, Eccentric 
Character, Intellectual Character, Heroic Character, 
the American Mind, the English Mind, Thackeray, 
Hawthorne, Edward Everett, Thomas Starr King 
and Agassiz. He was considered "one of the ablest 
of Americar critics." His lectures were esteemed as 
miniature histories, and were highly valued. He was 
accepted by Prescott, and Griswold, and Bowen, and 
Thomas. He was not accepted by Edgar A. Poe. 

George B. Loring was b(u-n in North Andover, (at 
that time included in Andover) November 8, 1817. 
He entered Harvard College in 1834, and entered 
the Harvard Medical School, where he was graduated 
in 1842. He was in practice from 1842 to 1850 ; sur- 
geon of the United States Marine Hospital, Chelsea, 
1843 to 1850 ; commissioner to revise the United 
States Marine Hospital system, 1840; member of the 
Massachusetts Legislature, 1806 to 1868; president of 
the New England Agricultural Society from its foun- 
dation, 1864, to the present lime ; United States Cen- 
tennial Commissioner, 1872 to 1876; president of the 
Massachusetts Senate, 1873 to 1877; member of the 
United States House of Representatives, 1877 to 1881 ; 
United Stat(S Commissioner of Agriculture, 1881 to 



SALEM. 



149 



1SS5. In the midst of his public career he has been 
active as a writer on many and diverse topics, and a 
speaker on many and various occasions. He has 
pul>lished " An Essay on Phlebitis," Xew England 
Journal of Surgery and Medicine, 1843; "An 
Oration on Constitutional Freedom, the Corner- 
stone of the Republic," 1856 ; " Review of the 
Scarlet Letter," 1851 ; " Reply to the Church Re- 
view on the Scarlet Letter," 1851 ; " Letters from 
Europe in the Boston Post," 1848-49; " Modern Ag- 
riculture," 1858 ; " The Farmer's Occupation," 1858; 
" Agricultural Education," 1858 ; " Farm Stock, Mas- 
sachusetts Report on Agriculture," 1859 ; " The Re- 
lation of Agriculture to the State in Time of War," 
18()2 ; " Scientific and Practical Agriculture," 18(54 ; 
" The Assassination of Lincoln," 18(55 ; " The Unity 
and Powfr of the Republic," a Fourth of July ora- 
tion, Newburyport, 18(55; "The State of the Union^ 
a Speech in the Massachusetts House of Repre- 
sentatives," 1866; "The New Era of the Repub- 
lic," 1866; " Dedication of the Soldiers' Tablets at 
Bolton," 1866; "Classical Culture," 1867; "The 
Power of an Educated Commonwealth," 1867 ! 
"Agricultural Investigation," 1867; "Oration on the 
Dedication of Soldiers' Monuments at Weymouth," 
1868; "Semi-Centennial of the Essex Agricultural 
Society," 1868; "The Development of American 
Industry," 1869; "The Connection of the State Board 
of Agriculture with the Agricultural College," I860; 
'• Tiie Struggles of Science, Address before the Amer- 
ican Institute," 1870; "Oration Dedicating the 
Memorial Hall, Lexington," 1871 ; " Speech at the 
Dedication of the Morse Statue, New York," 1871 ; 
" Oration at the Bi-Centennial Celebration at Dun- 
stable, Mass.," 1873; "Speech in the Mas-acliusetls 
SiMiate in behalf of the Museum of Comparative 
Zoology," 1873 ; "Eulogy of Agassiz," 1873; "The 
People and Their Books," an address jledicating the 
Thayer Library at Braintree, 1873; "Oration at the 
Centennial Celebration at Sherburne," 1874; "Ora- 
tion at Centennial Celebration of Swansea," 1875 ; 
" Address on Tree-planting before the Fern Cliff .\s- 
sociation," Lee, Mass., 1875 ; " A Speech in the Mas 
sachusetts Senate in Favor of Rfscinding the Re- 
solves Condemning Charles Sumner," 1874; "k 
Speech in the Massachusetts Senate on the Railroail 
Policy of Ma.'isachusetts," 1874 ; "S|)eech on Suflhigt- 
as a Right under a Republic," Massachusetts Semite, 
1874; " k\\ Oration at the Centennial of Leslie's Re- 
treat from Salem,"' 1875 ; "Oration at the North Church. 
Boston, on the Centennial Anniversary of hanging out 
the Signal Lanterns to warn Paul Revere of the Ad- 
vance of the British Troops to Concord," April 18, 
1875; " Oration at Bloody Brook," 1875; "Oration 
Dedicating the Mugford Monument at Marblchcad," 
1875; "Sketch of the Massachusetts Surgeons in the 
Revolutionary Army," 1875; "The Farm- Yard Club 
of Gotham," an account of New England families and 
farming (i)p. 600), 1876 ; " Eulogy of Dr. S. G. Howe,'' 



Mas.sachusetts Senate, Jan. 21, 1876; "Oration 
on Speculative Masonry," 1876 ; " Speech before the 
New England Society," New York, Dec. 10, 1875 ; 
"Speech in the United States House of Representa- 
tives on Specie Payments," 1877 ; " Speech on the Col- 
legeof William and Mary in Congress," 1878; "Speech 
on American Industry and the Tariff, in Con- 
gress," 1878; "Defence of Massachusetts in Con- 
gress," 1880; "The American Pidblem of Land- 
holding." 1880 ; " Eulogy of Caleb Gushing," 1879 ; 
"Address on the Cobden Club and the American 
Farmer," 1880; " Education, the Corner-stone of the 
Republic," speech in Congress, 1880; "Eulogy of Judge 
Collamer,'' in Congress, 1880; " Eulogy of Garfield, 
Lodge of Sorrow, Washington," 1880; "Speech on the 
Anniversary of John Winthrop's Landing in Salem,'' 
June 22, 1880; " Washington as a Statesman," 1882 ; 
"Opening Address at Mechanics' and Manufactur- 
ers' Institute, Boston," 1881 ; " Address at the Cotton 
Convention, Atlanta, Ga.,'' 1881; "Address at the 
Tariff Convention, New York," 1881; "Address be- 
fore the Mississippi Valley Cane-Growers' Associa- 
tion," 1882 ; " Address before the American Forestry 
Association, St. Paul, Minn.," 1883 ; " Oration at the 
Ninety-fifth Anniversary of the Settlement of Mariet- 
ta, Ohio," 1883 ; " The Cattle Industry," 1884 ; " The 
Infiuence of the Puritan on American Civilization," 
1885; "Puritanism, the Foundation of Liberal Chris- 
tianity," 1887; "New England Agriculture," 1887. 
Dr. Loring has also contribute<l to the Southern Lit- 
erary Messenger, the Massaehnselts Quarferb/ and the 
.Viirfh American Review, and has delivered a great 
number of occasional speeches in addition to tho.se 
enumerated, besides many political addresses in State 
and national campaigns. 

Edward Augustus Crowninshield, son of Hon. B. 
W. and Mary (Boardman) Crowninshield, born in 
Salem, 1817, was graduated at Harvard, 1836, and 
died, 1859. His literary taste led him to the collec- 
tion of rare books ; his valuable library contained 
the " Bay Psalm Book," 1640 ; Morton's " Memorial ;" 
Winslow's " Hypocrisy Unmasked, " 1645; Coryat's 
"Crudities," 1611. 
t Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditcli, a son of the great 
mathematician, who was graduated at Harvard in 
1822, published a "Memoir of N. Bowditcli," 1839; 
" History of the Massachusetts (ieneral Hospital," 
1851; and "Suffolk Surnames," 1855. Dr. Henry I. 
Bowditcli, another son, wlio was graduated in 1828, 
has published translations of valuable treatises on 
medicine. 

William W. Story, the son of Judge Story and 
antlidr of his biograjihy, was horn in Salem in 1819, 
and was graduated at Harvard in 1838. He look the 
degree of Llj.B. at the Dane l,aw-S(lio(il, and was ad- 
mitted to the liar in 1841. He published " Report of 
Cases Argued and Determined in the Circuit Court 
of the United States for the First District," 1842-47 ; 
" Nature and Art, a Poem," 1844; "Treatise on the 



150 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Law of Contracts under Seal," 1844 ; " Treatise on the 
Law of Sales of Personal Property," 1847 ; " Poem de- 
livered at the Dedication of Crawford's Statue of 
Beethoven, at the Boston Music Hall," 1856; "The 
American Question," 1862; '"Eoba di Roma," 1862; 
" Proportions of the human figure according to a new 
Canon for practical use," 1866; " Grafiti d' Italia," 
1869; '-The Poet's Portfolio," 1855; besides poems 
and articles in the Atlantic Monthly, the Boston Mis- 
cellany and Blackwood's Magazine. As an artist, Mr. 
Story has taken a front rank. For this he had an 
early love. The admirable bust of his father was oni' 
of his first works, and there is in existence a crayon 
portrait of one of his classmates, taken a short time 
after they left college, which, as a likeness and as a 
drawing, is admirable. In sculpture he has produced 
busts of his father, J. R. Lowell, Josiah Quincy, The- 
odore Parker, Edward Everett, and statues of Everett, 
Chief Justice Marshall and Professor Henry. He has 
also created in marble the Shepherd Boy, Little Red 
Riding Hood, the Libyan Sibyl, Cleopatra, Judith, 
Holofernes, Sappho, Saul, Medea and others of great 
beauty and power. His genius as author and artist 
are everywhere acknowledged, and be has shed great 
lustre on bis country. 

Among the cultivated men of Salem, William C. En- 
dicott has accomplished, as lawyer, writer, jurist and 
statesman, a work of which his native city will always 
be proud. He was born in Salem in 1826, and was 
graduated at Harvard in 1847. Having taken his de- 
gree at Cambridge, he was admitted to the bar in Essex 
County, and commenced the practice of his profession 
in Salem. His judgment as a lawyer was soon recog- 
nized, and he became one of the leaders of the bar 
and one of the best of ollice advisers. The grace and 
finish of his style liave always been recognized in his 
public performances, among the most interesting and 
elaborate of which are his orations on the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversar)' of the landing of John Endi- 
cott, celebrated in Salem in 1878 ; his address before 
the Young Men's Union on Patriotism, as bearing on 
the duties of the citizen ; address on John Hampton 
and his relation to the great Puritan movement here 
and in England; lecture on Chivalry; agricultural 
address at Sterling on the relation of agriculture to 
the stability and permanence of the State; speech on 
the death of N. J. Lord. Mr. Endicott's services on 
the Supreme bench of Massachusetts are highly es- 
teemed, and his conduct of afl^airs as Secretary ol 
War, to which he was appointed in 1885, will place 
him on the list of sound and judicious Cabinet minis 
ters. 

The Essex bar has furnished many names which have 
added to the intellectual reputation of Salem, and 
foremost among these stands that of Rufus Choate. 
Mr. Choate was born in 179'J, and was graduated at 
Dartmouth in 1819, and died in 1859. Entering at 
once upon the studv and practice of his profession, 
first in Danvers and then in Salem from 1828 to 1834, 



he secured and retained during his life a most bril- 
liant reputation as an advocate. He commenced the 
study of law with Wm. Wirt, in whose office he re- 
mained one year, and completed his studies with 
Judge David Cummins, of Salem. He was admitted 
in September, 1813, to the Common Pleas bar and in 
1825 to the Supreme Court bar. His skill and elo- 
quence in the courts were acknowledged to be unri- 
valed. In addition to this, he charmed his hearers 
with addresses and orations of great originality and 
beauty, and his readers with glowing admiration of 
the peculiar grace and power of his style. Whatever 
he touched he adorned, wliether it was the record of 
the Puritan at Massachusetts Bay, or the Pilgrim at 
Plymouth, or the oratory of the ancients, or the ro- 
mances of the moderns. He found rest and repose in 
his library after the labors of the day, and some of his 
most touching eloquence was bestowed upon the 
solacing power of books. He was elected to the 
Massachusetts Legislature in 1825, to the Massachu- 
setts Senate in 1827, to Congress in 1832, to the 
United States Senate in 1841, to the Massachusetts 
Constitutional Convention in 1852. Those who have 
heard his startling oratory will understand bow 
impossible it is to describe the power of his 
speech, and will sympathize with the exclama- 
tion of Henry Clay, at the close of one of Mr. 
Choate's superb speeches in the United States Sen- 
ate, "What will Massachusetts send here next?" 
The two volumes of his biography by Professor 
Brown contain all that remains of his many speeches, 
orations and arguments as member of Congress from 
the Essex District, as United States Senator from Mhs- 
sachusetts, as occasional orator and as lawyer at the 
bar. It is unnecessary to enumerate them here. His 
words still linger with those who knew him — his 
wit, bis wisdom, his learning, his inimitable repartee. 
And, more than all, his lovable and affectionate 
spirit remains with those who loved him and were 
tenderly regarded by him. 

Nor should the strength of his associates here at 
the bar be overlooked, — the sound learning and hon- 
est purpose and judicial integrity of Samuel Putnam ; 
the polished scholarship of John G. King; the pro- 
found legal knowledge of N. J. Lord ; the wit and 
humor of Benjamin Merrill ; the quaint solemnity of 
Judge David Cummins ; the sturdy power of Otis P. 
Lord ; the delicious geniality, and courtly bearing, 
and persuasive tongue, and Christian spirit of 
Leverett Sallonstall, the senior — all fond of sound 
learning, all unrecorded authors, all pillars of the 
literature of Salem. The treatise of David Roberts 
on "Admiralty," published in 1859; the admirable 
address of Asahel Huntington before the Essex Ag- 
ricultural Society, and his speeches in behalf of the 
temperance reform in the court-room and before pub- 
lic audiences; the volume of earnest and eloquent 
speeches published by Wm. D. Northend, with his 
elaborate papers on the Essex Bar and the Puritans 



SALEM. 



151 



on the administration of President Peirce, and on the 
decision of the Maine judges upon the election returns 
of 1SS2, and his excellent address before the Essex 
Agricultural Society ; the "Notes of Travel, or Recol- 
lections of Zanzibar, ^locha," etc., 1854, by J. B. F. 
Osgood ; the conclusive opinions of Judge L. F. Brig- 
ham ; and the valuable publication on " Trusts,'' Ijy 
Jairus W. Perry — all be'ong to the literary record ot 
the city, and bear witness to the culture and attain- 
ments of this portion of the Essex bar. 

Joseph Hodges Choate, born in Salem in 1832, 
was gra<luated at Harvard in 1852, setl led as a lawyer 
in New Yorlc, and has risen to tlie front rank as a 
counselor and advocate. His eloquence, and wit, and 
wisdom as a public speaker have given him great 
distinction among scholars and great influence with 
the people. 

To the works of the physicians, already referred to 
should be added the " Remarks on Fractures," and the 
" Memoir of Dr. Holyoke," furnished bv Dr. A. L. 
Peirson, the learned physician, the skilll'ul surgeon, 
the devoted student who strengthened the bond be- 
tween the profession here and all the great centres 
of the country ; and also the translations of Dr. 
Charles G. Putnam, a son of Judge Samuel Putnam, 
of most honorable memory, the sanitary writings of 
Dr. George Derby, a son of John Derby, who estab- 
lished the Board of Health in Massachusetts, of which 
he was a valuable member, after having rendered 
most valuable and efficient service in the Union army 
during the Civil War. 

And the clergymen of the town also, from the early 
days until now — what have they not done to add to 
the literary reputation of the community? The ser- 
mons of John Emery Abbott, who died in 1811), the 
beloved pastor of the North Church, the most blessed 
consoler and adviser of his flock ; the profound medi- 
tations of the Rev. T. T. Stone, published in 1854; the 
well-balanced views of the Rev. J. W. Thompson ; the 
sweet inspirations and wise counsels of the Rev. 
Charles Lowe; the delightful historical review of 
the North Church, and the long series of thoughtful 
and pious sermons of the Rev. E. B. Willson; the 
brilliant and searching speculations of the Rev. O. B. 
Frothingham ; the " Bow in the Cloud," pointed out 
for every mourner by the Rev. George W. Briggs ; the 
sound utterances of the Rev. Brown Emerson ; the 
excellent work of the Rev. E. S. Atwcod as a pulpit 
orator, and faithful biographer of John Bertram ; the 
active and vigorous labor of the Rev. E. C. Bolles, 
brilliant in the pul[>it, charming in the lecture-room, 
invigorating as a companion ; and the history of the 
First Baptist Church, by the Rev. R. C. Jlills— all 
these are a portion of the treasure which the pulpit 
of Salem has poured into its literary storehouse. To 
this list belongs the name of the Rev. Samuel John- 
son, who was born in Salem in 1822, the son of Dr. 
Samuel Johnson, was graduated at Harvard in 1842, 
and having completed his studies at the Divinity 



School at Cambridge, commenced his work as pastor 
and preacher. Possessed of a most powerful mind 
and a fine moral sense, he set his standard high and 
endeavored faithfully to reach it. In his religious be- 
lief he coincided with Theodore Parker, whom he 
resembled in the fervor of thought and e.Kpression, 
the severity of his h'gic and the purity of his charac- 
ter. His sermons, delivered with a most impressive 
voice and manner, were carefully-jjrepared essays on 
all public questions of religion, morality and politics. 
His contributions to the literature of the country as 
an author of essays, and especially of " Oriental Relig- 
ions," were rich and valuable. .\nd he was counted 
among the intellectual luminaries wliich flash across 
the heavens in independent paths, and wlien gone 
leave the observer bewildered with wonder and admi- 
ration. 

The Rev. James M. Hoppin has published " The 
Notes of a Theological Student " and "The Tempta- 
tions of American Young Men," and has also deliv- 
ered an address, dedicating Plummer Hall, in 1857; 
and published " Eurojiean Travels.'' He was born in 
Providence, R. I., in 1813 ; was settled over Crorabie 
Street Church in 1850 ; was profe.-isor of homiletics and 
pastoral theology in Brown University, and is now 
professor of the history of arts. 

Xhe Rev. Henry W. Foote, the pastor of King's 
Chapel, Boston, a son of the venerable editor of the 
Salem Gazette, has published a history of King's Chap- 
el and many occasional sermons — eulogies of distin- 
guished members of his parish ; the Rev. George 
L. Chancy, also a native of Salem, now at Atlanta, 
has published an interesting and valuable series of 
books for boys ; the Rev. George B. Jewett, at one 
time professor at Amherst and afterwards minister at 
Na>hua, N. H., spent the closing years of his life in 
Salem, engaged in work on a " Dictionary of the 
Greek Testament ; and the Rev. J. Henry Thayer, 
pastor of Crombie Sireet Church in 1859, lecturing 
at Cambridge ou " Biblical Theology." 

Around the literary institutions of the town, more- 
over, has always gathered a studious and inquiring 
body of investigators and writers. The Essex Insti- 
tute — who can measure the amount of scientific and 
hi-storical research it has inspired in Essex County"? 
For its guide and leader aud organizer too much prai.se 
canuot be recorded. For much more than half a cen- 
tury Dr. Henry Wheatland hasdevotedall histimeand 
powers to this valuable institution. From a small 
society organized for historical research in the county, 
he has raised it into the highest position, and placed 
it with the strongest and most useful in the land. .As 
he went on in his work with a patience and diligence 
unexampled, all the best forces contributed to his 
support and that of his organization. The wealthy 
contributed of their store, the scientist gave the re- 
sults of his investigations, the learned gathered to 
its councils, a body of students has been graduated 
from its halls who have adorned the higher semina- 



152 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ries of learning — F. W. Putnam, the devoted student 
and recognized authority in zoology, and the early 
explorer of'the Mammoth Cave, and more recently the 
Indian Mounds in Ohio, particularly those in 
the valley of the Little Miami ; John Robinson, 
whose treatises on Trees and Ferns are now accepted 
by the United States Geological Survey as the best of 
the kind in the country ; John H. Sears, the accom- 
plished and independent botanist and geologist; E. 
S. Moore, who has opened up the domestic art of Ja- 
pan and delineates animal development, and advocates 
evolution with inspiring zeal and great artistic skill; 
Alpheus S. Packard, author of " (3bservations on the 
Glacial Phenomena of Labrador and Maine, with a 
View of the Recent Invertebrate Fauna of Labrador," 
1867 ; a guide to the study of insects, and a treatise 
on those injurious and beneficial to crops, 18G9; and 
reports as United States commissioner to consider 
and report upon the Rocky Mountain locust; and 
Alpheus Hyatt, a most devoted student and teacher 
of natural history. The work which Dr. Wheatland 
has accomplished will endure as long as the recorded 
history of Essex County, the remains of its architec- 
ture, the specimens of its domestic economy, the in- 
terest in its geological structure, the beauties of its 
flora and fauna, shall find a place in the admirable 
institution he has founded and developed, and as 
long as Essex County shall remain in reality or 
history. 

One of the most diligent and active literary friends 
of the Institute is Robert S. Rantoul. He is a son of 
Robert Rantoul, Jr., was graduated at Harvard in 
1853, and at the Law School, in Cambridge, in 1856. 
His contributions to the publications of Salem, where 
he has re-sided since his admission to the bar, have 
been numerous and important. He has published 
"Notes on Wenham Pond," 1864; "The Cod in Mas- 
sachusetts History," 1856 ; " Address on taking the 
Chair of the Essex Liberal Conference," 1869 ; " Port 
of Salem," 1870 ; '• Argument before the Finance 
Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature upon 
the Preservation of Salem Harbor," 1870 ; " Decora- 
tion day Address before the Chipman Po^t G. A. R., 
Beverly," 1871; "Notes on odd works of Travel," 
1872 ; " Report as arbitrator between the Common- 
wealth and the Massachusetts Historical Society in 
the matter of the Hutchinson papers,'' 1874 ; "Cen- 
tennial Oration at the Celebration at Stuttgart, Wur- 
temburg," July 4, 1876 ; " Memorial address on the 
death of Freiligrath, Stuttgart," 1877; "Address on 
resuming the chair of the Liberal Conference," 
1880 ; " Oration at the Two Hundred and fiftieth An- 
niversary of the Landing of Wiuthrop," 1880; 
"Sketch of Cat (now Lowell Island)," 1880 ; " Me- 
moir of Benjamin Peirce," 1881; " Early Quarantine 
Regulations at Salem," 1882 ; " Memoir of James 
Kimball," 1882; "Note on the Authenticity of the 
portraits of Governor Endicott," 1883; "'Sketch of 
James O. Saffbrd," 1883; "Report to the Massa- 



chusetts Legislature against abolishing the Poll Tax 
as a prerequisite for suffrage," 1885 ; " Two Reports 
against the Biennial Amendments of the Constitu- 
tion, 1884-85 , "The Essex Junto — the long embargo ; 
thegreat Topsfiekl Caucus," 1808, 1882. " Material for 
a History of the Name and Family of Rentoul — Rin- 
toul — Rantoul," 1885 ; "A Contribution to the His- 
tory of the Ancient Family of Woodbury," 1887 ; 
Mr. Rantoul's work has been done with great ac- 
curacy and fidelity. 

This sketch would not be complete without an enu- 
meration of the contributions which have been made 
by an accomplished and cultivated group of authors 
who have found recreation and pleasure in their work. 
Among these, Robert Manning |)ublished, in 1838, his 
valuable "Book of Fruits;" his son, Robert Man- 
ning, the secretary of Massachusetts Horticul- 
tural Society, his recent valuable history of 
that society. Heniy K. Oliver, the accomplished 
teacher, the rare musical composer, the immor- 
tal author of "Federal Street," published, in 
1830, " The Construction and Use of Mathematical 
Instruments ; " Elizabeth Saunders reviewed " Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella" in 1841, andadvocated with great 
zeal the cause of the North American Indian ; Thomas 
Cole published " Microscopy as Applied to Ferns and 
Plants;" John Lewis Russell issued many valuable 
papers on botanical subjects; George A. Ward pub- 
lished " Biographical Essays," and " The Journal and 
Letters of Samuel Curwen " were published in 1 842 ; J. 
Fisk Allen issued his " Essay on Grape Culture," and 
his striking monogram on the "Victoria Regia; " 
James F. Colman published his graceful volume of 
poems in 1846; W. P. Upham published his "Brief 
History of Stenography " in 1877; his "Memoir of 
General Glover," a collection of letters on the siege 
of Boston ; his " Records of Salisbury ; " E. H. Derby 
published " The Catholic Letters and Record of a 
Jurist to a Young Kinsman Proposing to join the 
Church of Rome," 1856; Charles Pickering prepared 
an elaborate " Report of Wilkes' South Sea Expedi- 
tion;" John B.Derby published "The Musings of a 
Recluse," 1837 ; " Major Samuel Swett published a 
paper on " Who Commands at Bunker Hill,'" and de- 
livered a Fourth of July oration in 1805, at the South 
Meeting-house; Perley Derby published his "Genea- 
logical Researches into thcFamiliesof Thomas White, 
of Marblehead, and Mark Haskell, of Beverly, and of 
the Sons of Reginald Foster," 1872 ; George H. Dever- 
eaux published a "Translation of the Literary Fables 
of Yriarte," 1855, and " Sam Shirk, A Tale of the 
Woods of Maine," 1871 ; William Giles Dix put forth 
"The American State and Statesman," 1876; and 
" The Deck of the ' Crescent City,' " 1853 ; James H. 
Emerton issued " Life on the Seashore," and " Short 
Communications in the Papers of the Institute;'' 
Joseph Warren Fabens published " Life on the Isth- 
mus," 1853; and "The Camel Hunt," 1851; George 
D. Phippen has published "Botanical sketches" and 



SALEM. 



153 



" History of the Old Plauters in the Institute List ; " 
D. B. Hagar, the accomplished teacher of the Nor- 
mal School, has published from time to time that inval- 
uable series of school books which have won for him 
a high reputation : Primary Lessons in Numbers, Ele- 
mentary Arithmetic, Common School Arithmetic, Key 
to Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, Manual of Dicta- 
tion Problems. John M. Ives published, in 1847, "The 
New England Bonk of Fruits ; " James Kimball 
published •' A Journey to the West in 1817," and " De- 
struction of Tea in Boston Harbor ; " " Explora- 
tion of Merrimac River," and " Notes on the Richard- 
son and Russell Families ;" and James P. Kimball, his 
son, issued his papers on " Ores and Metals Taught 
in the Mining Schools of Europe," which led to his 
selection as director of the Mint, for which service 
he is so admirably fitted ; Stephen H. Phillips issued 
his paper on witchcraft; JohnT. Devereux published 
a collection of poems he had contributed to periodi- 
cals; Gilbert L. Streeter prepared for the institute 
''The History of Newspapers," " Clergymen of Salem 
in the Revolution," " Historical Notes of Salem Scen- 
ery ;" James A. Emmerton "The Genealogy of New 
England Families from English Records ; " Henry F. 
Waters discovered, for the admiration of scholars, the 
birth-place of John Harvard, and wrote upon the 
" Home and Genealogy of Shakspeare ; " C. M. Endi- 
cott published a valuable paper on " Leslie's Retreat," 
and the " History of the Salem and Danvers Aque- 
duct;" Dr.G. A. Perkins published "The Genealogy 
of the Perkins Family and the Fabens Family ; " 
•lames Upton an " Essay on the Ripening of Pears ; " 
Leverett Saltonstall, the junior, " A Memoir of Oliver 
Carlton;" Edw. A. Silsbee " Talks on Architectural 
and Art Topics;" Ernest Fenollosa, one of the most 
brilliant scholars of Harvard, 1874, is made professor 
at Tokio, Japan, and is a most diligent and distin- 
guished student of Japanese art ; E. Stanley Waters 
" History of the Webb and Ropes Families;" Wins- 
low Upton, professor of astronomy in Brown Univer- 
sity, on the " Eclipse of 1878 ; " Wm. G. Barton pub- 
lished a paper on " Thoreau, Flagg and Burroughs," 
and a paper on "Pigeons and the Pigeon Fancy;" 
Rev. B. F. McDaniel a paper on the "Geology and 
Mineralogy of Essex County ; " Oliver Thayer, " Early 
Recollections of Essex Street;" Charles S. Osgood 
and H. M. Batchelder published their most excellent, 
faithful and graphic sketch of Salem, 1879; the fugi- 
tive poems of William P. Andrews, together with his 
volumeof the "Sonnets and Lyrics of Jones Very," 
accompani'^d by a most sympathetic and appreciative 
notice, have secured for him an enviable place in the 
ranks of the authors of Salem; W. L. Welch, "An 
Account of the Cutting Through of Hatteras Inlet, 
N. C. ; " George M. Whipple, an interesting sketch of 
the "Musical Societies of Salem;" Henry M. Brooks 
has published " Olden Time Scenes," a most interest- 
ing collection, and A. C. Goodell, Jr., has edited with 
great care and accuracy "The Laws and Resolves of 
101 



the Province of Massachusetts Bay," and has con- 
tributed many papers on historical matters which 
have attracted great attention, his services in this 
direction having elevated him to the presidency ot 
the Massachusetts Historic Genealogical Society ; 
Pickering Dodge, in 1840, " A Treatise on Modern 
Painters ; " Thomas Sanders, in 1886, a spirited and 
instructive " Examination of the Agriculture of Essex 
County," which was published by the Essex Agricultu- 
ral Society at Newburyport; and Samuel M. Caller 
published, in 1881, a sketch of the Southwick family, 
descendants of Lawrence and Cassandra Soutliwick. 

Of the female writers, Caroline R. Derby, a daugh- 
ter of E. Hersey Derby, published, under the name of 
D. R. Castleton, a series of tales in Harper's Montldy 
so striking and beautiful that the readers of that 
magazine sought for her identity, to pay her the trib- 
ute she deserved. Her fugitive poems were of a high 
order. She published " The Ruler's Daughter " and 
other poems in 1877, and a novel entitled " Salem, or 
a Tale of the Seventeenth Century," which was read 
with great interest. 

"The Half Century of Salem," prepared with 
great care and discretion, was published by Mrs. M. 
A. Silsbee in 1887. 

Sarah W.Lander published, in 1874-75, her fascina- 
ting stories, — " Spectacles for Young Eyes," " Boston," 
"Rhine," "St. Petersburg," "Zurich," "Berlin," 
" Rome," " New York," — a most attractive and in- 
structive series, and " Fairy Bells," a translation from 
the German. 

Maria Cummins, a daughter of Judge David and 
Maria (Kittredge) Cummins, was born in Salem in 
1830, and passed her early life in that city. She ap- 
peared as an authoress in 1854 with a novel, entitled 
" The Lamplighter," which was instantly received 
with great favor. It ran through editions amounting 
to seventy thousand copies in less than a year, and 
stands among the most popular American tales. Miss 
Cummins published a charming story, entitled "Ma- 
bel Vaughan,"' in 1857, which was declared by some 
critics to be far in advance of " The Lamplighter." 
In both these works she displayed great power of de- 
lineation and a most graceful style. 

Mrs. Kate Tannatt Wood has contributed from her 
lil)eral store the series of tales which have delighted 
old and young,— "Six Little Rebels," "Dr. Dick," 
" Out and About," " Duncans on Land and Sea," 
" Doll Betsey," " Jack's First Contract," " Toots and 
his Friends," "Twice Two," "All Around a Rock- 
ing," " Hester Hepworth," " Hidden for Years," 
"The Minister's Scent," "That Dreadful Boy, a 
Novel," " Headlands, a Novel." Poems, — " Dan's 
Wife," "Christmas at Birch's," " Dinah's Ciiristmas," 
"Papa's Valentine" and many more, and many con- 
tributions to the magazine literature of the d.ay. 

Mary L. Horton published poetical and jjrose com- 
positions, 1832. 

Lydia L. A. Very has issued a volume of i)oems uf 



154 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



rare merit, and, in connection with her sister, has 
published "The Essays and Poems of Jones Very," 
her brother, which is invaluable as a complete collec- 
tion of the works of this remarkable writer. 

Mary Orne Pickering prepared during her life a 
biography of her father, John Pickering, a faithful 
and in.structive work, which was published in 1887. 

Mrs. Martha Perry Lowe, wife of the Rev. Charles 
Lowe, pastor of the North Church, published "The 
Olive and the Pine " and " The Palm," and has since 
given to the public a most interesting biography of 
her devout and faithful husband. 

Mary Wilder (Foote) Tileston, a sister of the Eev. 
Henry W. Foote, has published " Helps by the Way," 
" Quiet Hours" and "Sursum Corda" and many ad- 
mirable selections of poetry. 

Sarah Savage, a daughter of Ezekiel Savage, in 
1833, contributed some well written and fascinating 
stories to "Scenes and Persons, Illustrating Christian 
character." Among her publications were " Trial and 
Discipline," "James Talbot," "Alfred" and "The 
Backslider." She died in 1835, and left an enviable 
reputation as an author of taste and ability and great 
delicacy of fancy. 

Elinor Forrester (Barstow) Condit published in 
1869 "Philip English's Two Cups." 

Hannali G. Creamer published "A Gift to Young 
Students," " Eleanor," " Delia's Doctors," &c. 

Lucy W. Stickney published the " Genealogy of 
the Kinsman Family " and assisted her father, Mat- 
thew A. Stickney, in his "Genealogical Researches." 

Mrs. M. D. Sparks, widow of Jared Sparks and 
daughter of Hon. Nathaniel Silsbee, published a 
charming volume of poems, hymns, Homes, Harvard 
in 1883. 

Mary N. Plumer, in 1881, wrote an interesting es- 
say on "The Dissemination of Seeds," Mrs. Chadwick, 
in 1853, published " Home Cookery," and Mrs. George 
H. Devereux, also, a book on cookery. 

In preparing this sketch of the literary history of 
Salem great care has been taken to include all who 
have contributed their share to the record, those who 
had a temporary interest in the town, as well as those 
who passed their lives here, those who set forth in 
life here and left their homes, and those who were 
adopted even for a short season. When we consider 
the population and the commercial character of Sa- 
lem, the number of writers recorded here is extraor- 
dinary, and presents a remarkable list of the literary 
sons and daughters, native and adopted, of the town. 
If in the collection there are any omissions, it must 
be attributed to the difficulty attending an extended 
research among so great a mass of materials of di- 
verse descriptions. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SALEM— ( Continued). 

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

BY HENKY C. GAUSS. 



The manufacturing interests of the city of Salem, 
although occupying in their total valuation, a fourth 
place among those of the manufacturing centres of 
Essex County, are only within a few thousand dollars 
of being second in the valuation of their general 
manufactures. The census of 1880 gives Salem a total 
of manufactured products of $8,440,350, of which 
the leather manufacture contributes nearly one-half 
Since the compilation of that census, the increase in 
the volume of the leather business, together with the 
increase of the shoe manufactures and that of other 
lines, with the establishment of at least two new in- 
dustries, have augmented the volume of manufac- 
tured products in the city till it would be safe to 
place the total valuation at the time of writing at, at 
least, nine millions of dollars. 

There are represented in Salem thirty-one of the 
more important lines of manufacturing industries, 
including most of the general lines of manufacture, 
with several specialties. As has been said, nearly 
one-half of the volume of manufacturing products is 
contributed by a single industry, one that makes Sa- 
lem the most important centre of its prosecution in 
the country, and one that was the first to be establish- 
ed. This is the 

Leather Manufacture. — The leather business 
of Salem has had a slow but steady growth, and with 
but few checks. Philemon Dickinson is the first re- 
corded tanner; he flourished in 1639. The early tan- 
neries were probably on land now bordered by the 
northern side of Washington Square and by Forrester 
Street, — the excavation for a cellar for a house built 
by Charles W. Whipple on the latter street, in 1886, 
having revealed the rotted boards of vats with an ac- 
cumulation of tan-bark, the deposit going to some 
depth, causing an inconvenience in placing the foun- 
dation. Other excavations in the same vicinity also 
have disclosed traces of ground bark. The same sub- 
stance, together with the horns of cattle, has been 
found at the foot of Liberty Street, and it is believed 
that a tannery was established there at an even earlier 
date than that of those on Forrester Street. 

One, or perhaps two, tanneries sufBced the primitive 
demands of the early settlers for leather, and even in 
1768 there were only four tanneries established in 
Salem. Just previous to the above date Joseph 
Southwick, a preacher-tanner of Danvers, introduced 
the first-recorded improvement in the process by put- 
ting his old horse at work grinding the bark in a 



SALEM. 



155 



stone mill. If the old gentleman looks down now on 
the labors of his successors, he must be vastly inter- 
ested in the evolution of his slow-going stones, with 
their capacity of a slab of hark in half an hour, to 
the whirring bark-mill of to-day that devours a car- 
load in an equal time. 

From the last part of the eighteenth century the 
tanneries deserted their location in the lower part of 
the town and began to make their habitat along 
the course of the then clear and stenchless North 
River. In ISOl there were seven tanneries situated 
in the valley that soon came to be called " Blubber 
Hollow," and the number of these gradually increased, 
extending up the stream and along Boston Street till, 
in 1850, there were eighty-three establishments, of 
which thirty-four were tanneries, as many currying- 
shops, fifteen shops which carried on both trades, 
and two morocco-dressers. The value of the leather 
tanned and curried was in the vicinity of $869,047.70, 
and five hundred and fifty hands were employed. 
The large number of establishments may be accounted 
for by the fact, stated by a veteran tanner, that the 
owner of the shop, with only four or five men, gener- 
ally constituted the. shop's crew. 

About this time there was a great depression in the 
leather trade in Salem that continued several years. 
It eventually was removed, and the American civil 
war, with the wars of the Crimea, that followed the 
first years of its recuperation, gave it an impetus it 
had never before had, and its progress has never since 
been checked to any material degree, while its present 
prospects, with improved railroad facilities and im- 
proved processes of manufacture, are brighter than 
ever before. 

There are at present in Salem fifty-four firms en- 
gaged in the manufacture of leather, — twelve tanners, 
fifteen curriers, twent\'-one tanners and curriers, and 
six morocco-dressers. The census of 1880 gives fifty- 
two establishments with nine hundred and ten 
employees, $1,167,050 invested as capital, and a value 
of production of $4,209,004. That there has been an 
increase in the volume of the business since that date 
all the leather men agree, and, after careful considera- 
tion, it is thought that it is not too high to estimate 
the capital employed at $1,350,000, a volume of pro- 
duction of $4,750,000, and a total employment of nine 
hundred and fifty men. 

The leather manufactories lie, for the most part, in 
a well-defined district, well compacted and lying on 
the following streets: Boston, both sides, from E.ssex 
to Goodhue; Goodhue, northern side; Grove, western 
side, to Harmony Grove Cemetery; Mason, eastern 
side, to oil works ; South Mason and Franklin. There 
are also a number of scattered shops on the short 
s-treets leading up "Gallows Hill." 

There have, of course, been great improvements in 
machinery in the leather trade since Parson South- 
wick's bark-mill, but there is still room for many 
inventions that will lessen the time of production of 



leather, and aid to supersede, to a degree, hand- 
labor. There has been, and, perhaps, still is, a preju- 
dice among manufacturers in favor of hand-labor and 
against machine, but the late strike taught them that 
machines could be used, and a revolution in the 
business in this respect is expected by many leather 
men. 

The Late Stkike. — The late strike above re- 
ferred to was the second of the great leather strikes 
that have been inaugurated in Salem. It had its true 
origin in the attempts of the Knights of Labor, to 
which the employees almost universally belonged, to 
enforce a new price-list for splitting and some other 
branches, together with a ten-hour-a-day time sched- 
ule. The manufacturers refused to entertain price- 
list or time schedule, and as a strike in some depart- 
ments was imminent, posted the following circular: 

"Whereas, At a meeting of the leather manufacturers of Salem and 
Peabody, at which over sixty members were present, the subject of dic- 
tation to us in the management of our business was referred to a com- 
mittee with full power to act as in their judgment may seem best, and 
that we follow such course as they may advise. That committee having 
met, reported the following resolutions : 

*' That hereafter we employ only such men as will bargain individu- 
ally with us and agree to take no p;irt in any strike whatever; 
and all men desiring so to be employed by us may report Tuesday 
morning, July 13th, at the usual hour of this factory. 

"That we are determined to stand by the men who do so, and also 
determined to run our business without any dictation, 

"F. R,Tl!TTI,E, 

*'G. W, Vaknicy, 
•'Alvan a, Evans, 
"Geo. H. Poor, 
'■W, F. Wiley, 
"Franklin Osborne. 
"JrLY 12, 1886. '^Cotumittee.'' 

This stroke at once removed the contest from every 
question of wages and hours, and threw down the 
gage of battle directly before the order of the 
Knights of Labor. It took up the defiance and a 
generally strike w'as ordered. Men left their work 
by scores. Shops were left with hides in the lime, 
without a hand to save them, except the proprietor. 
Some shop crews worked till the stock was put out of 
danger, and then left. The manufacturers combined 
and helped those whose stock was spoiling, to save it. 
All, however, could not be cared for, and a loss of 
several hundred dollars was sustained. The manu- 
facturers, as soon as possible, began to import non- 
union help from Maine and the provinces, and the 
new workmen, by careful supervision, were able to 
take the place of the skilled labor in part, and the 
manufacture of leather went on after a short delay. 

The success of the manufacturers in partly filling 
the places of the strikers irritated the latter, and after 
a series of petty and very annoying persecutions, the 
enmity broke out into open riot, beginning in Peabody 
on August 7th, when non-union men and their board- 
ing-houses were stoned by angry mobs. It extended 
to Salem on the Monday following, on the 9th, and 
the non-union men, their boarding-houses and some 
tanneries were subjected to the same treatment. The 
riot, however, was promptly sii|ipressed by the police. 



156 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.; 



and a system of patrol established that prevented 
further outbreaks. 

Finding that open riot was ineffectnal, a guerrilla 
warfare was adopted; whenever a non-union man was 
found away from police protection he was assaulted. 
Details of strikers also followed the non-union men 
about, the boycott was used, and every means possi- 
ble put in practice to induce the men to leave. Some 
men did go, but their places were soon filled, while 
the strikers, despite help from the Knights of Labor, 
grew weaker and weaker. 

The culmination came on Thanksgiving Day ; a mob 
attacked two brothers named Yeaton on Boston 
Street, and also stopped a horse-car and beat three non- 
union men who were its occupants. The long series 
of outrages disgusted the better class of the strikers, 
and, with the cessation of help from the order, the 
strike was declared off. This was on Sunday, No- 
vember 28th. Those strikers who could find work 
went back, but many whose places were filled were 
unable to get back and much suffering was caused 
among the poor employes as a result. 

The result of the strike to the manufacturers was 
that it gave them perfect freedom from the Knights 
of Labor dictation, and although the losses of stock 
were considerable, the loss was lessened by the in- 
crease in the price of leather and the stoppage of a 
threatened over-production. The result to the em- 
ployees was disastrous, — a long term of idleness, with 
the vice idleness brings, brought want to many a 
family, and the winter of 1886-87 was one of sore 
distress in many cases. 

Cotton Manufacture. — Next to the leather 
business, the manufacture of cotton cloth is the most 
important industry carried on in Salem. The cotton 
goods manufacture is vested in a single concern, the 
Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company, incorporated April 
5,1839. The original capital of the company was $200,- 
000. The first mill was erected in 1847, the capital 
stock being increased to $700,000 meanwhile. 

This first mill is four hundred by sixty feet, con- 
tains 32,768 spindles and 643 looms, with a capacity 
of 0400 yards of cloth a week. At the time of its 
completion it was regarded as the finest and best- 
appointed mill in the country. 

The first mill being a success, twelve years later a 
still larger building was erected by the company, the 
capital being increased to $1,200,000. The second 
mill is four hundred and twenty-eight by sixty-four 
feet and contains 35,000 spindles and 700 looms. 

Since the building of the second mill, three addi- 
tional mills, slightly smaller, have been built, the last 
one, on the opposite side of Union Street from the 
others, being constructed in 1883, the first loom being 
started Jan. 12, 1884. 

The Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company has now a 
capital of one million five hundred thousand dollars, 
and its plant consists of five mill buildings, with ma- 
chine-ahop, storage-houses, etc. The total number of 



spindles in the mills, is one hundred thousand, and of 
looms, twenty-four hundred. The power in the mills 
on the eastern side of Union Street is furnished by 
two pairs of Corliss engines of twenty thousand 
horse-power total, and in "Mill No. 5" by a four 
hundred horse-power engine. The mills are lighted 
by twenty-ttvo hundred gas jets and six hundred and 
fifty incandescent lights, gas works and an electric 
light plant being situated on the premises. 

The production of cotton cloth by the mills during 
the yeir 188G was eighteen million seven hundred 
and fifty thousand yards, at a valuation of about one 
million five hundred thousand dollars, and sixteen 
thousand bales of cotton were consumed. There are 
fourteen hundred operatives employed in the mills, 
and the yearly pay-roll is four hundred and twenty 
thousand dollars. 

The Naumkeag Mills have always taken a front 
rank in the cotton manufacture of New England for 
the quality of the cloth produced and their solid 
financial standing, the stock at present being quoted 
many points above par. The relations with the oper- 
atives have for the most part been harmonious. The 
company has experienced no disastrous fires, and the 
whole course of the company has been, to a great ex- 
tent, a prosperous one. The mills are now models of 
appointment and management. 

Shoe Manufactures. — Next to the manufacture 
of cotton goods, the largest industry in Salem is the 
manufacture of shoes, which, while not as extensive I 
as that of some other towns of the county, is still 
fairly large and is increasing. There are twenty-one 
manufacturers of shoes in the city, the grades being 
mostly medium and fine ladies' and children's shoes. 
There are, besides, twenty-five shops for the manu- 
facture of inner-soles, stiffenings, etc., and two shoe- 
stitching shops. ' 

The capital employed in the shoe business in Salem 
is about one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars, with a value of production of about nine hun- 
dred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and a total 
number of eight hundred and fifty employees. The 
manufactories are mostly grouped in the vicinity of 
the Boston and Maine Railroad depot, on Mill, Wash- 
ington, Dodge and Lafjiyette Streets, although two of 
the largest are on Boston Street. 

The relations between employer and employe in 
the shoe factories of Salem have been harmonious 
during the past few years and, save one or two minor 
troubles, there have been no strikes. The projected 
street over the South River is expected to open up 
land that will be utilized for shoe manufactories, and 
with good railroad facilities, nearness to the leather 
supply and no labor difficulties, Salem offers many 
advantages for location of shoe manufactories. 

Jute Bagging. — The manufacture of jute bagging 
is now carried on in Salem at two establishments. 
The first jute-mill was established in the fall of 1865, 
when the late Francis Peabody built the jute-mill on 



SALEM. 



157 



Sk erry Street. Two years later a tract of land on English 
and Webb Streets, the old English estate, was bought 
and a second mi\\ built by a company known as the 
India Maminieturing Co., formed at the same time. A 
second company, called the Bengal Bagging Co., was 
formed in 1S70 to carry on the Skerry Street mill, 
but, in 1875, all the property fell into the hands of 
David Xevins & Co., of Boston, and, since the death 
of the elder Nevins, a year or two ago, has been car- 
ried on by his son. 

The two mills have now over a thousand spindles, 
with a cai)acity of five million yards of bagging a 
year. The total value varies, but averages three 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The amount of 
jute-butts consumed annually is twenty-two thou- 
sand five hundred bales, at a value of eight dollars 
per bale. The two mills employ a total of two 
hundred and sixty-eight hands, of which one hun- 
dred and one are females and one hundred and two 
youths and children. 

The jute-butts are brought from Beng.il, from the 
port of Chittagong, in large vessels that give the in- 
habitants of Salem their only occasional sight of large 
sized, square-rigged vessels, and the import duties 
make up the greater part of tlie receipts of the 
Salem custom-house, the amount received from each 
vessel being in the vicinity of two thousand dollars. 
The bagging is mostly shipped South for use in baling 
cotton, especially large shipments going to Galveston, 
Tex. 

White-Le.4.d Manufacture. — The manui'acture 
of white-lead as a pigment from pig, or blue-lead, is 
one of the oldest industries in the city, it having 
been established in 1826. In that year two lead-mills 
were started, one by the first Salem Lead Company 
and the other by Colonel Francis Peabody. Both 
were situated in South Salem, the first on the site of 
the Naumkeag Cotton-Mills, the other where La- 
grange Street is now situated. 

Ihe first Salem Lead Company had a cajjital stock 
of over two hundred thousand dollars, but the enter- 
prise proved unprofitable and, after an expenditure 
of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, the 
works were sold at auction in 1835 for the sura of 
twenty thousand five hundred dollars. 

The works established by Colonel Peabody were 
more successful, and were carried on at Lagrange 
Street till 1843. In 1830 the Wyman GristMills, at 
Forest River, were purchased and used for grinding 
and mixing the lead. In 1843 the Forest River Lead 
Company (incorporated in 1846) purchased the works 
of Colonel Peabody, tore down the sheds on Lagrange 
Street, and established the entire plant at Forest 
River. The manufacture of white-lead to the amount 
of one thousand tons annually was carried on by the 
company till 1882, when it made an assignment. 
The works were operated for a time by a Boston firm, 
hut were finally abandoned in 1883, and have since 
remained unoccupied. 



The present Salem Lead Company was incorporated 
February 7, 1868. It has its works at the foot of 
Saunders Street. They consist of a large three-story 
mill, with corroding-sheds in the rear. The company 
has a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dol- 
lars employed at this factory, and the annual product 
is about fifteen hundred tons of while-lead, dry and 
ground in oil, together with a considerable amount of 
sheet-lead and lead-pipe. About thirty hands are 
employed. 

Oil Manufacture.— The refining and manufac- 
ture of oils has been an industry in Salem from 1835, 
when Caleb Smith began the oil and candle manufac- 
ture on the site of the present Seccomb Oil Works. 
Col. Francis Peabody began the same industry a year 
later, also in South Salem. The latter did a large 
business, buying in one year one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars' worth of sperm and whale oils. 
He also manufactured a large quantity of candles 
and imported the first machine for braiding caudle- 
wicks. 

There are now four manufactories of oils in the 
city ; two, however, are unimportant. Seccomb, 
Thayer & Sons carry on the manufacture at the "old 
stand,'' established by Caleb Smith. They manufac- 
ture lubricating and curriers' oils to a small extent. 
The Seccomb Oil Company, which was established in 
1865, was dissolved in 1885. 

The Salem and South Danvers Oil Company was 
organized in 1855, and have a capital of forty-eight 
thousand dollars. Since the organization the com- 
pany has manufactured considerable quantities of 
kerosene and curriers' grease and oils. 

On June 14, 1887, the works of the company took 
fire from a spark blown from a burning tannery on 
South Mason Street, and within three-quarters of an 
hour a stock worth ten thousand dollars, with all the 
wooden buildings of the plant, were totally destroyed. 
The stills, however, and other manufacturing jjiant 
were not materially injured, and the work of rebuild- 
ing was re-commenced at once, although some citi- 
zens made an attempt to have the Board of Aldermen 
refuse a permit to rebuild on that site. The manu- 
facture of kerosene has been given up, and the man- 
facture of curriers' grease and oils entered on on a 
large scale. 

The Adamanta AV'orks. — The latest established 
industry in Salem has been that of the manufacture 
of paints, etc., by new processes, by the Adamanta 
ManuTacturing Company .at the former Rowell farm, 
on Salem Xeck. 

The Adamanta Manufacturing Company organized 
in 1885 with a capital of three hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, for the prosecution of the numufac- 
ture of a number of articles under different patents, 
mostly German, purcha.sed, in the autumn of 1885, the 
estate, on Salem Neck, known as the Rowell farm. 
This land was admirably fitted for the purpose of 
the manufactory, being secluded and with easy water 



158 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and land access. Building was commenced in Feb- 
ruary, 1886. A long, low, fire-proof building was 
constructed for the manufactory, together with the 
necessHry out-buildings, and in September, 1886, work 
was commenced. At present there are about twenty- 
five men employed, a number of whom are Germans, 
as is the superintendent. 

The products of the works are enamel paints, var- 
nish, a steam-proof pitch and an artificial rubber. 
The present manufactory is a merely experimental 
one, but a large quantity of the articles produced has 
been sold; the demand is said to be increasing, and 
a large manufactory is among the probabilities; in- 
deed, plans for such are being now considered. 

Manufacture of Type-Writees. — A second 
industry of importance that has lately been estab- 
lished in Salem is the manufacture of type-writers, 
under the Hall patents. In May, 1885, the plating 
and polishing works of E. C. Bates, on Front Street, 
were removed to the building 200 Derby Street, and 
with a large plant the manufacture of the Hall type- 
writer was begun, together with that of light ma- 
chinery and electrical goods. The Hall Type-Writer 
and Machine Company was incorporated in April, 
1886, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, 
at one hundred dollars per share. The company now 
employs fifty men, and produces an average of two 
hundred type-writers a month, at an annual value of 
ninety-six thousand dollars. The business of manu- 
facturing light machinery and electrical work, mostly 
by contract for Boston and New York firms, is also 
large. 

Manufacture of Cars. — Two companies for the 
manufacture of cars have been established in Salem. 
In 1863 the Salem Car Company began the manu- 
facture of horse cars at the present car-shops of the 
Boston and Maine Bailroad, on Bridge Street. 
The project was unsuccessful, and the works were sold 
to John Kinsman, after having been in operation a 
short time. This gentleman manufactured a few 
railroad cars there, and then sold the works to the 
Eastern Railroad. They are now operated by the 
Boston and Maine Railroad as repair-shops, the bulk 
of the repairs for this section being made there. 
About one hundred and fifty hands are employed, and 
during leisure seasons a few cars are built, several of 
the best rolling stock on the Eastern Division having 
been constructed here. 

The Atlantic Car Company was organized in 1872, 
and commenced the manufacture of railroad cars at 
works built by them on Broadway, in South Salem. 
The works only- ran for a year, the business crisis in 
1873 being the cau.se of their closing. The buildings, 
after being unoccupied for four years, were used as a 
furniture manufactory. This in turn failed, and, 
after a long period of idleness, the works were again 
started up as a manufactory of the " Humiston Pre- 
servative." This also failed, and the United States 
Patents Company took the plant; that continued for a 



year or two, then failed ; and in 1886 the Poor Broth- 
ers, of Peabody, bought the plant, and altered it over 
into a tannery, with several hundred vats, and em- 
ploying a large number of men. 

TheGas-Light COiMPANY. — The Salem Gas-Light 
Company was organized in April, 1850; works were 
built at the foot of Northey Street, and the first stores 
lighted December 17, 1850, and the street lights on 
December 25th of the same year, A large amount of 
gas has been manufactured. When the city electric 
light system was put in operation, in 1S86. the greater 
part of the street lights were given up. The change, 
however, caused but little diminution in the produc- 
tion of gas, as it was found that the increased use of 
gas by individuals nearly made up the deficit. 

The present plant of the company, having been .in 
constant use for thirty-seven years, has gone out of 
date, besides being in a bad condition, and the com- 
pany has in process of construction, at its lot on 
Bridge Street, new retorts and apparatus of an im- 
proved pattern. A wharf, gas-holder and other build- 
ings had been constructed there some years before, 
and when the present works shall be finished the 
company will have a complete plant. The manufac- 
ture of gas will be carried on there, and the Northey 
Street works abandoned. 

The present works contain fifty-five retorts, and 
41,858,000 cubic feet of gas were manufactured 
there during 1886. The selling price was $1.75 a^ 
thousand feet. The new works will have a much 
greater capacity than have the old. 

Electric Lighting Co. — Salem was among the 
first cities in New England to introduce electric 
lights. In 1881 a small plant was set up in the rear 
of the West Block, and a few lights started. The 
first lights were lighted December 18, 1881. The 
light, used at first by the storekeepers as an adver- 
tisement, came rapidly into favor, and, in April, 
1882, the Salem Electric Lighting Company, with 
a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, was incor- 
porated, and took the plant established in 1881. The 
demand for lights increased rapidly, and in the fall of 
1886 the city of Salem closed a contract with the com- 
pany for one hundred and twenty-nine lights for two 
years from Oct. 1, 1886, at forty-seven cents a night for 
one hundred lights, and forty-five cents for the re- 
mainder, the lights to burn all night and superseding 
four hundred gas-lights. The number was afterward 
increased to one hundred and forty-seven lights, 
which are now located and make Salem one of the 
best lighted cities in the State. 

In June, 1885, the incandescent light was intro- 
duced, and quite a number of stores are lighted with 
the lights, as well as the Council and Aldermanic 
chambers at City Hall. 

The electric lighting station is situated in the rear 
of the West Block, on Essex Street, in a specially 
constructed building, whose tall, iron chimneys are a 
prominent feature in a bird's-eye view of Salem from 



SALEM. 



159 



any point. The plant consists of eight arc dynamos, 
of a capacity of thirty lights each, of which five are 
employed on the city lights. There is an incandes- 
cent dynamo, burning two hundred and fifty lights. 
The power is supplied by boilers of three hundred 
horse-power, with three engines, respectively one hun- 
dred and seventy-five, seventy-five and sixty horse- 
power. The station is a well-appointed one, and the 
lights give good satisfaction. 

Ml.SCELLAXEOrS MANUFACTURES. — The Hst of 

the more important manufactures of Salem is now fin- 
ished, but the miscellaneous manufactures are large 
in total and comprise most of the domestic industries 
and manufactures, with the employment of a large 
number of operatives. There are two iron foundries, 
employing about twenty-five men and producing a 
large amount of castings for the different manufac- 
tories of the city and county ; eleven machine-shops, 
most of which manufacture machines under patents ; 
and one boiler-shop. The total. value of the product 
of the metal-working establishments of the city is 
about seven hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars. 

The building trades are well represented, Salem 
being a centre for the district in this respect, and the 
total value of the building products is in the vicinity 
of three hundred thousand dollars. 

Boxes, to the value of thirty -five thousand dollars, 
are made ; stone-work, of a value of thirty thousand 
dollars, is produced ; and the printing and publishing 
interests have a value of production of fifty thousand 
dollars. 

Defunct Industries. — The ,Salem Laboratory Com- 
pany. — Among the few industries which have been 
relinquished in Salem, the manufacture of chemicals 
was the oldest. The manufacture of chemicals was 
begun on Lynde Street early in the present century, 
and continued by the Salem Laboratory Company, 
incorporated in 1819, which continued the manufac- 
ture above alluded to, removing the works to North 
Salem. A considerable amount of chemicals were 
manufactured up to 1884, when the company was 
dissolved on account of decreasing profits and other 
considerations. The buildings have been partly de- 
molished, and one has been utilized asacurrying-shop. 

The Cooperage Business. — During the years of the 
commercial prosperity of Salem, and especially at the 
times of the AVest India and West African trade, the 
cooperage business of Salem was quite extensive, ten 
or twelve firms being engaged in the manufacture of 
fish butts, molasses and rum hogsheads, etc. With 
the decrease of the commerce the business declined, 
and is almost extinct, there being now only two 
shops, employing six or eight men, and turning out 
a few hundred lead kegs and half-barrels yearly. 

Gum Copal C'/eaniny. — Another very important in- 
dustry during the lime of the trade with the west 
coast of Africa was the cleaning of gum copal and 
other varnish gums, carried on at Hunt's wharf. 



Nearly all the varnish gums used in this country 
at that time were landed at Salem, and in a rough 
state. The business of preparing these gums for use 
grew to considerable proportions, but the imposing of 
a duty on the rough gums caused the business of 
cleaning them to be transferred to Africa, so that al- 
though small lots have been cleaned within six years, 
the business is now entirely extinct. 

The Coal Business. — The principal industry of 
Salem, outside of the direct manufacturing interests, 
is the transshipment of coal, for the most part to the 
factories of Lowell and Lawrence. During the year 
1886 — a year below the average in the amounts of 
coal received, owing to great coal strikes — the amount 
of coal brought to Salem was 184,163 tons, at an 
average valuation of five dollars per ton. The coal 
was brought in three hundred and sixty-three sailing 
vessels and thirty steamers, whose aggregate tonnage 
would probably be as great as that of any year in 
Salem's palmiest commercial days. 

The coal trade of Salem has been established since 
1850. In that year the Salem and Lowell Railroad 
was completed to Salem, and coal began to arrive at 
Phillips' wharf for the mills in Lawrence and Lowell. 
A business of one thousand tons was done the first 
year, and the amount rapidly increased till, in 1871 
and 1872, two hundred thousand tons was the aggre- 
gate. In the former year a coal-pocket was built, but 
in the latter the road was leased to the Boston, Lowell 
and Nashua road and the larger part of the business 
transferred to Boston, and under the later regime of 
the Boston and Lowell the business has been still 
further decreased. During 1886 the aggregate of tons 
landed at Phillips' wharf was 26,645, mostly brought 
in small vessels of one hundred to five hundred tons 
capacity, the gradu.al filling up of the docks prevent- 
ing the entrance of larger vessels. 

The greater part of the coal coming to Salem is 
landed at the Philadelphia and Reading Company's 
pier, situated a short distance below Phillips' w'harf, 
and built in 1873- The pier consists of a wooden - 
walled bulkhead, having a coal "pocket" with a 
capacity of eight thousand tons, and a long bridge 
connection. The bridge is about fourteen hundred 
feet in length and the wharf seven hundred feet. The 
depth of water at low tide is eleven feet. Most of the 
coal is brought in the iron steamers of the company, 
whose average capacity is 1660 tons. They run at 
regular intervals during the greater part of the year, 
the round trip from Philadelphia, including loading 
and unloading, taking about two weeks, although, 
under especially favorable circumstances, it has been 
made in one. The coal received fr(<m the steamers 
and sailing-vessels is temporarily stored in the pocket 
and shipped away by rail as fast as cars can be pro- 
cured. Most goes to the mills of Lowell, Lawrence 
and Haverhill. The total amount of coal received at 
the pier in 1886 was 106,247 Ions. 

Besides the coal received for direct transshipment. 



ico 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



a large amount is received for the supply of a con- 
siderable local and district demand. There are thir- 
teen retail coal dealers in the city, mostly situated on 
Derby Street and along the South River. The total 
shipments of coal received by them during 1886 were 
53,801 tons. 

Owing to the precarious state of the demand for 
labor in the coal business in Salem, and also to the 
transient natui'eof the labor itself, as no special train- 
ing is needed for coal handling, and many take to it 
as a makeshift, it is difficult to ascertain how many 
receive support from the pursuit of that grimy call- 
ing. It is safe to say, however, that three hundred 
men, in round numbers, are employed by the coal 
trade of the city. 

The Horse-Railroads. — The Naumkeag Street 
Railroad. — The benefit that the establishment and 
growth of the two horse-railroad companies running 
from Salem has been to the city is almost inestimable. 
It has turned into the cotfers of the Salem merchants 
money that has in former years gone to Boston ; it 
has made Salem, in fact, what she is in position, the 
centre of the southern part of Essex County. It is 
safe to say that it has doubled the retail trade of the 
city. 

The first act of incorporation of a horse-railroad 
in this city was obtained in 1862, under the name of 
the Salem Street Railway Company. The road was 
built to South Danvers (now Peabody), and the first 
car run July 8, 1863. In the same year the road was 
extended to Beverly, the line being opened for travel 
on October 28th. In May, 1864, a branch was built 
to South Salem, and five years later, June 4, 1869, a 
North Salem branch was put in operation. 

The old Salem company, however, proved an un- 
profitable investment, and in 1875 a new company, 
known as the Naumkeag Street Railway Company, 
leased the property of the old road, and, by careful 
management and display of considerable enterprise, 
soon establ shed the scheme on a paying basis. 

The first extension of the tracks under the new 
company was to the '' Willows," the picnic ground of 
Salemites for generations, the line being opened June 
10, 1877. A year or two later several of the heavy 
stockholders of the rnad purchased a tract of land 
there, and erected a " Pavilion " and theatre, besides 
making a small park there, and this, with many im- 
provements made on the public land by the city, was 
opened as a summer resort on June 10, 1880. 

The opening of the " Willows " was one of the 
great factors of the success of the Naumkeag road ; 
immense crowds of people were attracted to the place, 
as many as eight thousand people being on the 
grounds on some occasions, and, for the most part, 
transjiorted by the horse-car lines. 

Dating from the opening of the " Willows," and 
especially since 1883, the extension of the rails of 
the Naumkeag Street RailroaJ has been steady and 
rapid. In 1883 the Beverly track was extended to 



the Gloucester crossing; a little later a branch was 
laid to the northern side of Harmony Grove, which, 
however, has since been given up as not being profit- 
able. 

In the spring of 1884 a line was projected to the 
town of Marblehead, whose transportation facilities 
by railroad were very meagre. The line was com- 
pleted in August, 1884, the first car being run August 
18th, and being received with great enthusiasm by 
the Marbleheaders. The line ha-s met with good suc- 
cess, although it was prophesied that it would prove 
unprofitable during cold weather ; the use of stoves in 
the cars, however, removed that objection, and the 
cars have a good patronage all through the winter. 

The increasing traffic on the line between Salem 
and Beverly, together with the foreseen extension to 
Wenham, led the directors of the road to have another 
line through Beverly constructed. It was built through 
Rantoul Street, and connected with the Cabot Street 
line at the Gloucester crossing, the line being opened 
on June 16, 1886. 

The line in Peabody was then extended through 
Lowell Street previous to July 2, 1886 ; and on August 
21st the Marblehead tracks were extended through the 
town to Franklin Street. 

The greatest addition to the road was consummated, 
however, in the connection of the Beverly tracks 
through North Beverly to Wenham depot and to 
Asbury Grove, the latter branch, however, being used 
only in summer. The road, about seven miles in 
length, was completed May 23, 1886, and formally 
opened on the 26th. This road was a grea* stroke of 
policy; it accommodated an immense local trade, be- 
sides " booming " building interests along the lino. 

On June 1, 1886, by legislative enactment the Naum- 
keag road assumed the franchise of the old Salem 
Street Railway, and, with the purchiise of the Salem 
and Danvers in the spring of 1887, assumed an entire 
control of the local tralfic. 

The Naumkeag Street Railroad Company at pres- 
ent has a capital of $250,000 of paid-up stock, di- 
vided among forty-nine stockholders, with a net debt 
of $257,959.52, and total assets of $636,240.23. The 
road has a length of 30,119 miles, of which 7,785 
miles were the original property of the Salem road, 
and 8,800 miles that of the Danvers road, making the 
extensions made by the Naumkeag Company during 
their occupancy 13,534 miles. 

The consolidated road has at the time of writing 
105 cars, 390 horses and 112 employes, with an annual 
pay-roll of $69,340.50. 

The Naumkeag system is divided into four 
branches, each with its stables, cars and euperin- 
tendent, but under the direction of the superintendent 
of the main branch. The latter includes the tracks 
in Salem, Beverly, to the Gloucester crossing, Peabody 
and to the " Willows." The stables are situated on 
Webster Street and at Beverly Cove. The Danvers 
branch includes all the old Danvers track, and has 



SALEM. 



161 



stables in Danvers and Peabody. The Murblehead 
branch inchides the Marblehead tracks and stables on 
tlie road, and the Wenham branch inchides the tracks 
below the Gloucester crossing, having stables at 
W'enhani, near the town hall. 

The total earnings of the consolidated road for 1886 
were $190,4GS.50, with a total expense of $1.54,977.79. 
Besides the extent of the Naumkeag tracks, connec- 
tion is made at Peabody and Marblehead with the 
Lynn and Boston Street Railway, whose lines extend 
the entire distance to Boston, making a distance of 
some thirty miles in diameter reached by the road. 

Salem and Danvers Street Railroad — In the I'all of 
1883 a party of Salem, Peabody and Danvers capi- 
talists formed a stock company for the purpose of 
constructing a horse railroad from Salem to Danvers. 
They were incorporated May 15, 1884, under the 
style of the Salem and Danvers Street Railway Com- 
pany, with a capital stock of seventy thousand dol- 
lars, afterward increased to one hundred thousand 
dollars. The construction of the road was pushed 
rapidly, and five miles of track were built and the 
road equipped at a cost of §62,783.24. The road was 
opened for travel June 2-5, 1884, and during the first 
three months of its operation the net income was 
$5239.93. In the spring of 1885 a connection of the 
Danvers track with that of the Naumkeag Street Rail- 
road in Peabody was begun and completed July 9th, 
the cars running from Salem through Peabody to Dan- 
vers and vice versa. Several branches to Tapleyville 
and other parts of Danvers were also built, so that the 
road had access to every part of the town, and con- 
trolled all the local tratfic. 

It was feared by the Naumkeag road that the pro- 
posed filling of the South River would give the Dan- 
vers road a location through the heart of the city, 
and a movement was made to get control of the road, 
which was accomplished in April, 1887, the Na- 
umkeag road paying one hundred and sixty-five dol- 
lars for a small balance of stock, and assuming the 
debt of the Danvers corporation. 

The road is now running in conjunction with the 
Naumkeag system, cars of the road being run through 
from Danvers to Beverly. 

Railroad Commuxicatiox. — The steam railroad 
communications of Salem are excellent, the Boston 
and Maine Railroad, Eastern Division, formerly the 
Eastern Railroad, which was opened in August, 1878, 
and the Boston and Lowell Railroad, which has a 
terminus here, give rapid and cheap transportation to 
every part of the Eastern New England States and 
Canada. There are twenty-three regular trains to 
Boston on the Boston and Maine daily, with twenty- 
two extras and eleven Sunday trains, and a nearly 
equal number of trains going east. The trains on the 
Boston and Lowell road are also frequent. 

The freight facilities are equally good, and the 
amount of business transacted at both stations 
amount to a very large sum annually. 
11 



Retail Trade.— The retail trade of Salem is 
large, especially in the dry-goods line, and has greatly 
increased since the extension of the horse-car lines. 
The dry-goods trade includes eighteen firms, and the 
stores are large and handsome, including three which 
occupy the entire blocks in which they are situated. 
The largest clothing-store east of Boston is also estab- 
lished here, with largestores devoted to other lines, and 
Essex Street, the centre of the retail trade, is lined 
with stores that e(iual, if not surpass, any in Essex 
County. 



CHAPTER IX. 

SALEM (Continued). 

MISCELLANEOUS. 



BY WU.I.I.i.M T. DAVIS. 



Ix the preparation of the history of Salem, several 
writers have been engaged, each confining himself to 
the special department assigned to him, and thus ne- 
cessarily leaving untouched some sulijecls, the omis- 
sion of which would make the history unfinished and 
incomplete. This chapter, therefore, will include a 
reference, to the government of Salem as a town, to 
its organization as a city, the adoption of a city seal, 
the earlier and later water- >vorks, the witchcraft delu- 
sion and to such associations and organizations as 
have not been treated in the departmental work. 

The settlement of Salem may be dated 1626, when 
Roger Couant, with his companions, leaving Cape Ann 
took up his temporary residence at Naumkeag, as Sa- 
lem was then called, or it may be dated September 6, 
1628 (old style), when John Endicott cast anchor in 
Salem harbor, as governor of the colony, sent by the 
MassachusettsCompany,iu London, of which Matthew 
Cradock was governor, to make a pernianent settle- 
ment on the shores of Massachusetts' Bay. As the 
city has inscribed the date 1626 on its seal, it is per- 
haps useless either to inquire how completely the set- 
tlement by Conant was abandoned, or to question the 
claim -of the earlier date. 

.Salem, like Plymouth, was never incorporated as a 
town. At the first meeting of the Court of Assistants, 
held at Charlestown, August 23, 163U, it was recognized 
as a distinct plantation or town, and with Mattapan 
was exempted from the common charge (or the sup- 
port of Rev. Mr. Wilson. Its character as a town was 
not questioned after the arrival of Winthrop in 1630, 
but its boundaries were uudefined, and those, of course, 
were to be settled by the General Court of the Colony. 
Thus, at the Court held on the 41 h of March, 1634, it 
was ordered that " Mr. Nowell and Mr. May hewe slial 1 
.set out the bounds betwixt Saugus (Lynn) and Salem 
and betwixt Salem and Marble Harbor;" and at the 
Court held on the 3d of March, 1635-36, it was "re- 



162 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ferred to John Humfrey, Esq., and Capt. Turner, to 
set out the bounds betwixt Salem and Fpswich." On 
the 13th of March, 16.38-39, it was "ordered that the 
bounds betwixt Salem and Linn shall begin at the 
cliffe by the sea, where the water runs, as the way 
lyeth by the ould path thatgoeth to Linn at the south 
end thereof next to Linn & the whole pond to bee in 
Salem bounds; &froni that part to run upon a straight 
line to the island in the Humfreys pond & from that 
island to run upon a straight line to 6 great pine trees 
marked, called by the six men that layd out the 
bounds, the 6 mens Bounds ; & from these trees to run 
upon a straight line unto another little pine tree 
marked by the side of a little hill beyond the trees, to 
run upon the same line so farr as o' bounds shall 
reach, into the conntrey." 

At first Salem included within its recognized limits 
Beverly, Panvers, Manchester, Peabody, Marblehead, 
Middleton and parts of Topsfield,Wenham and Lynn. 
Beverly was incorporated October 14, 1668, and a part 
annexed to Danvers, April 27, 18.57. Danvei-s was in- 
corporated June 16, 17.57 and divided into Danvers 
and South Danvers, May 18, 1855, the name of the 
latter being changed to Peabody, April 18, 1868. 
Manchester was incorporated May 14, 1645 ; Marble- 
head, May 2, 1649; Mkldleton, June 20, 1728; Wen- 
ham, May 10, 1643; Topsfield, October 18, 1650. A 
part of Salem was also annexed to Swampscott, April 
3, 1867, and the boundary line between Salem and 
Danvers was changed March 17, 1840. 

At a General Court held March 3, 1635-36, it was 
ordered that " whereas, particular towns have many 
things which concerne onely themselves, and the or- 
dering of their own affairs, and disposing of business 
in their own town, it is therefore ordered, that the 
freemen of every town or the major part of them shall 
onely have power to dispose of their own lands, and 
woods with all the privileges and appurtenances of 
the said towns, to grant lots, and make such orders as 
may concern the well-ordering of their own towns, not 
repugnant to the laws and orders here established b.v 
the General Court; as also to lay mulcts and penalties 
for the breach of these orders, and to levy and distrain 
the same, not exceeding the sum of xxs. ; also to choose 
their own particular officers, as constables, surveyors 
for the highwa.vs, and the like; and because much 
business is like to ensue to the constables of several 
■towns, by reason they are to make distresses, and 
gather fines, therefore that every town shall have two 
constables, where there is need, that so their office 
may not be a burthen unto them, and they may attend 
more carefully upon the discharge of their office, for 
which they shall be liable to give their accompts to 
this Court when they shal be called thereunto." 

In accordance with the above act of the General 
Court the Town of Salem chose, at a meeting held on 
the 19th of the 4th month (June) 1637, a committee 
of twelve " for manadgin the affaii's of the town." A 
part of the record of this meeting is lost, and the ac- 



tual election of this committee is not found on the 

town books. The deficiency is, however, supplied by 
the town Book of Grants, which contains the follow- 
ing entry: 

" The 20th of the 4th monuth, 1C37. 
"A towne meeting of the 12 men appoynted for the businee thereof 
whose names are here under written: 

Mr. Hatborne. Taniell Ray. 

Mr. Bishop. Bobt. Moulton. 

Mr. Conuaugbt. Mr. Scruggs. 

Mr. Gardiner. Jeffry Massy. 

Jolin Woudbery. John Balch. 

Peter Palfrey. John Holgrave." 

Mr. Hathorne was William Hathorne, Mr. Bishoj^ 
was Townsend Bishop, Mr. Connaught was Roger 
Conant, Mr. Gardiner was Thomas Gardiner and Mr. 
Scruggs was Thomas Scruggs. This committee was 
the prototype of the Board of Selectmen of a later 
period. There had been previously chosen, on the 
16th of the 9th month (November), 1635, a committee 
consisting of Captain William Traske, John Wood- 
berry, Mr. Conant, Jefl'ry Massy and John Balshe as 
"overseers & L.ayers out of Lotts of ground for this 
presinct of Salem, but are to have directions from y' 
towne where they shall lay y" out, and in leiwe of y' 
paynes they are to have 4d. the acre for small lotts, 
and 10s. the hundred for great lotts rightly & exactly 
laid out & bounded ; and 3 of these may doe the 
worke." 

There had also been appointed in the latter part of 
March, 1636, a committee of thirteen, whose names 
are not given, who were called " the towne represent- 
ative," but the committee of twelve above referred to 
seems to have been the first committee with the broad 
powers delegated to it of managing the affiiirs of the 
town. The meetings of this committee are called in 
the records town meetings, and by their direction in- 
habitants were admitted, lands granted, raters were 
chosen and the general business of the town was con- 
ducted. At the meeting of the committee held on 
the 20th of the 10th month (December), 1637, John 
Endicott appears as a member, and on the 29th of the 
8th month (October), 1638, Mr. Fisk, but whether 
John, or William, or Phineas, does not appear. 

At a general town meeting held the 31st of the 10th 
month (December), 1638, seven men were chosen 
" for the managing of the affaires of the towne for a 
twelve moneths, viz.: Mr. Endecott, Mr. Hathorne, 
Mr. Conant, John Woodbury, Laurence Leech, Jeffry 
Massy and John Balch." Under date of the 11th 
month (January), 1639-40, it is recorded that "the 
ould Seaven men continewed still." The next year 
the committee consisted of the same persons, and in 
1642 of Mr. Endicott, Mr. Hathorne, Mr. Massy, Peter 
Palfrey, Laurence Leech, Mr. Gardiner and William 
Lord. In 1643 Henry Bartholomew was substituted 
for IMr. Leech, and at the meeting at which the new 
committee was chosen, held the 4th of the 10th month 
(December), 1642, it was ordered "that the seaven 
men chosen for the managing of the aflaires of the 
towne, or the greater number of them, shall meete to- 



SALEM. 



iGa 



gether monethlie one the second day of the weeke, 
in the morninge, to begine the second day the weeke 
next being the 11th of the 10th mo., 1643, upon the 
penaltie of tenne shillings, to be leavied one the whole 
or upon such of them as are absent w'*^ out just 
ground." 

Up to this date while the meetings of the freemen 
of the town were called general town meetings, those 
of the seven men were called particular town meet- 
ings. After this date they were called "meetings 
of the 7 men," or " town meetings of the 7 men." In 
1644-4o the same persons served as the committee, 
and in 1G4(3 eight men were chosen, viz.: Captain 
Hathorne, William Lord, John Hardey, Mr. Corwine, 
Sergeant Porter, Samuel Archer, Ed. Batter and 
William Gierke. In 1647 William Hathorne, Edmond 
Batter, George Corwin, Jeffry Mhssv, John Porter, 
Henry Bartholomew and Emanuel Downing made uj) 
the board of seven men, and about this time their 
meetings were sometimes called meetings of the 
** townsmen." 

From this date the seven men were called select- 
men, and the following is a list of selectmen down to 
the incorporation of the city in 1S86: 



1G48. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Roger Conant. 

Thoiuus Lathrop. 

Henry Bartholomew. 

John Porter. 
1649. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

Roger Conaat. 

Jeftry Massy. 

Henry Bartholomew. 

George Coi-win. 

Walter Price. 
1050. 

Win. Hathorne. 

Emanuel Dowing. 

George Corwin. 

Jeffiy Massy. 

Roger Conant. 

Walter Price. 

Henry Bartholomew. 
1651. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Roger Conant. 

John Porter. 

Jeffry Massy. 

Henry Bartholomew. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 
1652. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Roger Conant. 

John Porter. 

Walter Price. 

Jacob Barney. 

George Corwin. 

Edmond Batter. 
1653. 

George Corwin. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Roger Conant. 

John Porter. 



Jeftry Massy. 

Walter Price. 

Kdmond Batter. 
1(154. 

George Corwin. 

Roger Conant. 

John Porter. 

John Gedney. 

Richard Prince. 

Jeffry Slassy. 

Kdmond Batter. 
1655. 

George Corwin. 

John Porter. 

Jacob Barney. 

Jeffry Blassy. 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Jno. Gedney. 

Edmond Batter. 
1G50. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

John Porter. 

Jeffry Massy. 

Edmond Batter. 
1657. 

Wm. Browne. 

G«orge Corwin. 

John Porter. 

Jacob Barney. 

Richard Prince. 

Jeffry Massy. 

Walter Price. 
1658. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Roger Conant. 

Thomas Lathrop. 

Edmond Batter. 

Jos. Buice. 
1659. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

George Corwin. 

Walter Price. 



Wm. Browne. 

Edmond Batter. 
1600. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Walter Price. 

Roger Conant. 

Thomas Lathrop. 

Edmond Batter. 

John Porter. 
1661. 

Wm. Browne. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

George Corwin. 

John Porter. 

Roger Conant. 

Walter Price. 

Edmond Batter. 
1662. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Walter Price. 

Edmond Batter. 

John Porter. 

Henry Bartholomew. 
1663. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Walter Price. 

Edmond Batter. 

George Gardiner. 

Heuiy Bartholomew. 
ir.6-1:. 

Win. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Walter Price. 

Thomas Lathrop, 

Edmond Batter. 

Henry Bartholomew. 
1665. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 



George Corwin. 

Edmond Batter. 

Thomas Lathrop. 

Walter Price. 
1666. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Edmond Batter. 

Thomas Lathrop. 

George Putnam. 

Walter Price. 
1667. 

Wm. Browne. 

John Porter. 

Nathaniel Putnjim. 

George Putnam. 

Humphrey Woodbury 

John Pickering, 

Edmond Batter. 
1668. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

George Gardiner. 

John Corwin. 

Benjamin Gardiner. 

John Pickering. 

Eiimond Batter. 
1669. 

George Corwin. 

Edmond Batter. 

Bartholomew Gedney. 

John Putnam. 

John Corwin. 

Wm. Browne. 

John Pickering. 
1670. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

John Porter. 

Henry Bartholomew 

Jos. Gmfton, Sr. 

George Gardiner. 

Wm. Browne, Jr. 
1671. 

Wm. Hathorne. 

Wm. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

Edmond Batter. 

Walter Price. 

John Putnam. 

Walter Price, Jr. 
1672. 

Win. Browne. 

Henry Bartholomew. 

John Corwin. 

Bartholomew Gedney. 

Edmond Batter. 
1673. 

Wm. Hathorne, 

George Corwin. 

John C'Orwin. 

Henry Bartholomew. 

Jos. Grafton, Sr. 

Richard Prince. 
1674. 

Thomas Lathrop. 

George Corwin. 

John Corwin. 

Jos. Croswell. 

John Flint. 

Xicholfts ilanuing. 
1675. 

Geoi^e Corwin. 

Edmond Battir. 

.lohn Corwin. 

Wm. Browne, Jr. 

John Putnam. 



John Pickering. 

John I'rice. 
1676. 

Edmond Batter. 

Joi)n Corwin. 

Wm, lirowiie, Jr. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr, 

Bartholomew Gedney. 

John Pickering. 

John Price. 
1677. 

Jos. Grafton. 

Philip Cromwell. 

John Higginson. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr. 

Lieut. Leach. 

Edward Flint. 

Wm. Trask. 
167S. 

John Corwin. 

Wm. Browne. 

Philip Cromwell. 

John Turner. 

John Higginson, 

Jolin Hathorne. 
167y. 

John Corwin. 

Wni. Browne. 

George Corwin. 

John Higginson. 

Philip Cromwell. 

Tsi-ael I^orter. 

.Tohn Hathorne. 
1680. 

Edmond Batter. 

John ("orwin. 

W'm, Brov\ nt^ 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr, 

John Putnam. 

Israel Port ?r. 

John Hathorne. 
1681, 

John Corwin. 

Wm. Browne. 

John Price. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr. 

Israel Porter. 

John Pickering, 

John Hathorne. 
1682. 

John Corwin. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr. 

John Price, 

John Hathorne. 

John Pickering. 

Samuel Gardiner, Jr. 

John Higginson. 

Israel Porter. 
1683. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr. 

John Price. 

John Hathorne. 

John Higginson. 

.lohn Pickering. 

Israel Porter. 

Sanniel Gardiner, Jr. 
1684. 

Bartholomew Gedney. 

John C<jrwin. 

John Price. 

John Ruck. 

Thomas CardintT. 

Daniel .Andrew. 

Samuel Ganiiner, Jr. 
lGt>5. 

Bartholomew Cedney, 

John Higginson. 

John lUitlv. 



Israel Porter. 

Wm. Porter. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

Timothy Lindall. 

Wm. Hirst. 
1G8G. 

John Ruck. 

John Price. 

John Leech. 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Samuel Gardiner, Sr. 

Timothy Lindall. 

Wm. Hii-sl. 
16S7. 

John Price. 

John Ruck. 

"Wm. Hirst. 

John Higginson. 

Samuel Ciudiner. 

Robert Kitching. 
1688. 

.John Putnam. 

Kathtniel Putnam. 

Edward Flint. 

John Higginson. 

John Price. 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Samuel Gardiner, .Jr. 
1689. 

John Putnam, 

John Pickering. 

Israel Porter. 

Captain Sewall. 

Wm. Hii-st. 

Benjantin Gerrish. 

Samuel Gardiner. 
1690. 

Stephen Sewall. 

John Pickering. 

Israel I'orter. 

Wm. Hirst. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

Daniel Andrew. 

Benjamin Gerrish. 
1691. 

Israel Porter. 

Thomas Flint. 

Benjamin Marston. 

Josiah Wolcott. 

Manasscli Marston. 

Robert Kitching. 

Daniel Parkniau, 
1G92. 

Samuel Gardiner, 

Stephen Sewall. 

Israel Porter. 

John Putnam. 

John Pickering, 

Edward Flint. 

Robert Kitching. 
1693. 

Wm. Hirst. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Israel Porter. 

Benjamin Gt-rrish, 

Jolin Pickering. 

Edward Flint. 

Robert Kitching. 
1694. 

Wm. Hirst. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Timothy Lindall. 

EdwaPl Flint. 

Benj:(miu (it-rrish. 

Israel Porter. 

.Samuel Browne. 
1695. 

Wm. Hirst. 



164 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Israel Porter. 

Samuel Browne. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Timotliy Lindall. 

Benjamin Gerrish. 

Samuel Gardiner. 
1G96. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Israel Porter. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

\\m. Hirst. 

Timothy Liiulall. 

Manasseh Marston. 

John Turner. 
1G97. 

Benjamin Browne. 

John Higginson. 

AVm. Hirat. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Kdward Hilliard 

Samuel Nui-se. 
1G98. 

Benjamin Browne. 

John Higginson. 

\Vm. Hii-st. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Samuel Browne. 

Benjamin Gerrish. 

Josiab Wolcott. 

inoo. 

.Itisiah Wolcott. 

Philip English. 

Daniel Andrew. 

Edward Flint. 

Jeremiah Neale. 

Joseph Putnam. 

Peter Osgood. 
1700 

Wm. Hirst. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Samuel Browne. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

Daniel Andrew. 

Joseph Herrick. 

Daniel Kpes. 
1701. 

VVni. Hirst. 

Samuel Browne. 

Jona. Putnam. 

Jos. Herrick. 

John Higginson. 

Daniel Kpes. 

Stephen Sewall. 
1702. 

\Vm. Hii-st. 

Sitniuel Gardiner. 

John Higginson. 

Walter Price. 

John Putnam. 

Jos. Herrick. 

Daniel Epes. 
17l):i. Same. 
1704. 

Wm. Hi ret. 

Josiah Wolcott. 

Walter Price. 

John Browne. 

John Turner. 

Jona. Putnam. 

Daniel Epes, 
1705. Same. 
1706, 

Samuel Gardiner. 

Walter Price. 

John Turner. 

Tiiomas Flint. 



Peter Osgood. 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Daniel Epes. 
1707. 

Josiah Wolcott. 

Captain Gardiner. 

Captain Turner. 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Jona. Putnam. 

John Higginson. 

Daniel Epes, 
170S. 

Josiah Wolcott. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

John Browne, 

John Turner. 

Walter Price, 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Daniel Epes, 
1V09, 

Samuel Gardiner. 

John Turner. 

John Higginson. 

Peter Osgood. 

John Gardiner. 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Jona. Putnam. 
1710. 

Stephen Sewall. 

Samue! Gardiner. 

Jona, Putnam. 

Benjamin Putnam. 

Jos. Orne. 

John Pickering. 

John Gardiner. 
1711, 

Josiah Wolcott- 

Walter Price. 

Wm. Gedney. 

Jos. Putnam. 

John Browne, 

James Lindall. 

John Trask. 
1712. 

Josiah Wolcott. 

Benjamin Lynde, 

Wm. Gedney. 

Francis Willoughby. 

Jos, Putnam. 

John Trask. 

Walter Price. 
1713. 

Benjamin Lynde, 

Wm. Gedney. 

Francis Willoughby, 

Peter Osgood, 

Walter Price. 

Abel Gardiner. 

Jos. Herrick. 
1714. 

Wm, Oedney. 

Peter Osgood. 

Samuel Gardiner. 

F. Willoughby. 

Wm. Pickering. 

Walter Price. 

Jos. Herrick. 
1715, 

Stephen Sewall. 

Captain Pickering, 

Jos, Orne. 

James MonUon. 

Walter Price, 

Philip English. 

Jos. Putnam. 
1716. 

Philip English. 



Jos. Orne. 

James MouUon. 

Jos. Herrick. 

Wm. Pickering. 

John Pickering, 

Jos Putnam. 
1717. 

John Pickering. 

Jos. Orne, 

Wm. Pickering. 

Jos. Putnam. 

James Moulton. 

Samuel Ruck. 

Thos. Barton. 
171S. 

Wm. Bowditch. 

Wm. Pickering. 

James Moulton. 

Jacob Manning. 

Benjamin Flint. 

Benj. Gerrish. 

John Putnam. 

1719. Same with Thos. 
Barton for J. Putnam, 

1720. Same. 
17-21. 

Wm, Bowditch. 

Job. Wil/ard. 

Benjamin Flint, 

Benjamin Gerrish. 

Thos. Barton. 

Jotin Putnam. 

James Moulton. 
1722. 

Wm. Bowditch, 

Daniel Epes. 

Jus. Willard. 

Tho.s. Fuller, 

Benjamin Flint. 

Benjamin Gerrisli, 

Thos. Barton, 
1723, 

Wm. Bowditch. 

Jacol> Manning. 

Daniel Epes. 

Thomas Fuller. 

John Cabot. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Thos. Barton. 
1724. 

Jacob Manning. 

Benjamin Flint. 

Benjamin Gerrish. 

Daniel Epes. 

Thomas Fuller. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Thomas Barton, 
1725. Same witli Wm. 
Bowditch for Mr. 
Gerrish, 
1726. 

Wm, Bowditch, 

Jacob Manning. 

Benjamin Flint. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Thomas Flint, 

Thorndike Proctor, 

Tiiomas Barton. 
1727. 

Same with Ichabod 
Plaisted for Mr. 
Blanniug. 
1728. 

Daniel Epes. 

Jos. Oine, Jr. 

Thomas Flint, 

Ichabod Plaisted. 



Samuel Barnard. 

Miles Ward. 

Thomas Barton. 
17-9. Same. 
1730. Same with John 
Higginson for Mr, 
Barton. 
1731. 

Thomas Barton. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Benjamin Flint. 

Ichabod Plaisted. 

Thorndike Proctor. 

Samuel King, 

John Higginson, 
1732. 

Thomas Barton, 

Daniel Epes. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Thorndike Proctor. 

Ichabod Plaisted. 

Miles Ward. 

John Preston. 

Samuel Flint. 

John Higginson, 
1733, Same with Samuel 
Browne for Ichabod 
Plaisted, 
1734. 

Thomas Barton, 

Daniel Epes. 

Jos, OruQ, Jr. 

Thorndike Proctor. 

Thomas Flint. 

Samuel King. 

Ed. Kitchen. 

Israel Andrew. 

John Higginson. 
1735. 

Thomas Barton. 

Jos. Orne, Jr. 

Daniel Epos. 

Ichabod Plaisted, 

Thorndike Proctor, 

John Preston. 

Samuel Flint. 

John Turner, Jr. 174G. Same with Jona 1760, 

John Higginson. Gardner and Thomas George Williams. 

1736, Same with Samuel Lee for Mr, Pickman. 
Barton for Thomas 1747. Same with James 
Barton. Jeffrey for Mr. Lee, 

1737, Same with Josliun 1748. 
Hicks and Samuel Nathl. Andrew. 

Orne Jona Gardner. 
James Jeffrey. 
James Putnam, 
T. Proctor. 
John Proctor, Jr. 
Eben Work. 
1749. 
T. Proctor. 
Saml. Gardner. 
Warwick Palfray. 
Saml. King. 
Saml, Holton. 
Eben Work. 
John Higginson. 



Eben. Moulton. 

Daniel Marble. 

T. Proct.>r. 

Saml. West. 

Ezekiel Marsh. 

Jos. Putnam. 

John Leach, 

John Gardner, 
1741. 

Jos. Putnam. 

John Gardner. 

Ben. Ive-^. 

John Leach. 

Daniel Marble, 

Benj. Browne. 

Daniel Epes. 

T. Proctor. 

John Clarke. 
1742. 

Captain Pickman. 

Benj. Ives. 

Daniel Epes. 

Col. Bronne. 

Jos. Putnam. 
1743. 

Benj. Ives. 

Benj. Pickman. 

l)aniel Epes. 

Jos. Putnam, 

Benj. Browne. 
1744. 

Benj. Pickman, 

John Leach. 

Nathanl Andrew. 

Daniel Epes, Jr. 

Benj. Browne. 

Stephen Putnam. 

John Higginson. 
1743. 

Benj, Pickman 

Daniel Epes. 

Nathl. Andrews. 

Benj. Browne. 

James Putnam. 

Wm. Porter. 

John Higginson. 



Endicott for 
and Proctor. 
1738. 

Daniel Epes. 

John Preston. 

Samuel Flint. 

Samuel Barton. 

Joshua Hicks. 

Samuel Endicott. 

Wm, Lynde. 

Richard Elvires. 

John Higginson. 
1739. 

John Higginson, 

Samuel Flint. 

SaniueJ Barton. 

John Preston. 

Thorndike Proctor, 

Daniel Epes. 

Dr. Cabot. 

Capt. Pickman. 

Capt. Ives. 
1740. 

Thomas Flint. 



1753. Same. 
1754. 

Joshua Waru. 

T. Proctor. 

Abraham Watson. 

Timothy Orne. 

Nathl. Ropes. 

1755. Same with John 
Nutting for Mr, Ward. 

1756. Same with Ste- 
phen Higginson for 
Mr, Nutting, 

1757. Same. 

1758. Saml. Gardner. 
Nathl, Ropes. 
Benj. Goodhue. 
Benj. Herbert. 
Jona Ropes, Jr. 

1759. Same with Peter 
Frye for Nathl. Ropes. 

(The records from 1760 

to 1764 are missing.) 
1765. 

Saml. Curwen. 

Wm. Browne. 

Richard Lee. 

Richard Derby. 

Jose pi 1 BUney. 
1700. 

Jos. Blaney. 

John White, Jr. 

Jona Gardner, Jr. 

Jeremiah Hacker. 

T, Proctor. 
1767. 

Jos. Blaney. 

Benj. Pickman, Jr. 

Jeremiah Hacker. 

T. Proctor, Jr. 

David Phippen. 
1768. 

Jos. Blaney. 

Jona Gardner, Jr. 

David Phippen. 

Jeremiah Hacker. 

Benj. Osgood. 



Jacob Ashton. 
Saml. Barton, Jr. 
E. H. Derby. 
George Dodge. 

1770. Same with John 
Felt for Mr. Ashton. 

1771. Same. 

1772. Same with John 
Gardnerfor Mr. Derby 

1773. 
George Dodge. 
George Williams. 
John Gardner, 
Henry Gardner. 
Tim. Pickering, Jr. 

1774. Same with Wm. 
Pickman, and Wil- 
liam Northey forMr. 
Dodge. 



1750. Same with Saml. 1775. 

Flint for Mr. Holton. Tim. Pickering, Jr. 



1751. 
Joa. Bowditch. 
Jona Gardner. 
John Leach. 
Abraham Watson 
John Higginson. 

1752. Same with T. Proc- 
tor for Mr. Higginson. 



T. Proctor. 
John Hodges. 
Ebon Beckford. 
Joseph Spraguo 
1776. 
T, Pickering, Jr. 
John Gardner (3d). 
John Hodges. 



SALEM. 



165 



Joim Peele, Jr. 
Ebeii BeckforJ. 
Jus*"!)!! Spraguo. 
Jacob Ashton. 
1777. 

Richard Ward 
John GurdiuT (:Jd). 
Ehen Beckfurd. 
Jacob Ashton. 
Jona Peele, Jr. 

1778. Same with Wil- 
liam Pickinau for Mr. 
Ward. 

1779. Same. 
1780. 

Benj. Goodhue, Jr. 

Miles Greenwood. 

John Norris. 

Peter Landen. 

John Itvitlintun, 
1781. 

Saml. FlagE. 

John Fisk. 

Joshua Ward. 

Jona. Ingersoll. 

Jerathmel Price, 
17S2. 

Wm. West. 

Joshua Ward. 

,Ji)hn Ai)pleton. 

Francis Cabot, Jr. 

Jona Waldo. 
1783. Same with Wm 



E. H. Derby. 
179i. 

Jona. Waldo. 

Jacob Sanderson. 

E. H. Derby. 

Benj. Ward, Jr. 

Edward Norris. 
1795. Same. 
17110. Same with Jona. 

Lambert for Mr. Der- 
by. 
1797. Same with Nathl. 

Ropes for Mr. San- 
derson. 
1708. Same with Amos 

Hovey for Mr. Ropes. 
1799. 

Jona. Waldo. 

Benj. Ward. 

Amos Hovey. 

Saml Ward. 

Jona. Lambert. 
ISOO. Same. 
1801. Same with Jacob 

Sanderson and John 

Gardner for Messra. 

Ward. 
1802. 

John Buffinton. 

John Ilathoriie. 

Jona. Mason. 

Benj. Ward. Jr. 

Addison Richardson. 



Gray for Mr. Waldo. ISO:^. Same with John 
1784. Same with Saml. Punchard for iMr. 



Pierce for Mr. Cabot. 

1785. Same. 

1786. Same. 
1787. 

John A])pleton. 

.lofihna Ward. 

Wm. Gr.iy. 

Saml. Pierce. 

John Fisk. 
1788. 

Wm. Gniy, Jr. 

Edward Pulling. 

John Halhorne, 

Saml, Ward. 

Edward Norris. 

John Bnfllnton, 

Wm, Northey. 
1789. 

Wm. Northey. 

John Fisk. 

Richard Ward. 

Wm. Gray. 

Saml. Ward, 

Jona. WaMo. 

John Puffinton. 
1790. Wm. Northey. 

Joseph Spia:.^uc, 

Geo. Crowuiushield. 

Nathl. Richardson. 

John Hathorne. 
1T91. Edward Norris. 

John Hathorne. 

Nathl. Richardson, 

Jona, M'aldo. 

Nehemiah BufTinton, 
1792. Same with Jos. 
Sprague for Mr. Buf- 

fington . 
179:i. Eben Putnam, 

John SaundeifJ, Jr. 

Wm. Gray, Jr. 
Joseph Wliite, 



IMason, 
1804. Same with Moses 

Townsend for Mr. 

Puncbard, 
1805. 

John Hathorne. 

Benj. Ward, Jr. 

.Addison Richardson. 

Moses Townsend, 

Nfliemiah Buffinton, 
ISdO. 

Jona. Mason, 

John Hathorne. 

B. Ward. Jr. 

Samuel Rupes. 

Henry Prince. 
1S07. 

John Hathorne, 

Moses Townsend, 

James Cheever. 

Benj. Crowninshield. 

Benj. Ropes, 
1808. 

John Hathorne. 

Moses Townsend. 

Benj, Ropes. 

George S. Johonnot. 

Joseph Ropes. 
1809. 

Moses Townsend. 
Jo.seph Ropos. 

Samuel Ropes. 

Edward Allen. 

Joseph Winn. 
1810. 

Moaes Townsend. 

Joseph Winn. 

Jona. Neal, Jr. 

.JoBliua Ward. 

Benj. Crowninehield. 
1811. 

Moses Townsend. 



Joshua Ward. 
B. W. Crown inshield. 
Thos M.Woodbridge. 
Joseph Ropes. 
1812. 

Samuel Ropes. 
Ab.d Lawrence. 

Philip Chase. 
Wm. Mansfield. 

Michael Webb. 
181.3. Same. 
ISH. Same. 
181.'-). 

Sanniel Rope.s. 

Abel Lawrence. 

Wm. Slausfield. 

Abijah Northey. 

Benj. H. Hathorne. 
1S16. 

Moses Townsend. 

Joseph Winn. 

Joseph Ropes. 

John Crowninshield. 

Henry Elkins. 
1817. 

Wm. Mansfield. 

Michael Webb. 

Moses Townsend. 

Saml. Eudicott. 

Joseph Ropes. 
1818. 

Wra. Mansfield. 

Wm. Fettyplace. 

Saml. Endicott. 

Gideon Barstow. 

John Prince, Jr. 
1819. 

Saml. Endicott. 

John Crowninshield. 

John .Andrews. 

JuliM Howani. 

Perley Putnam. 
182n. Same. 
1821. Same with James 

Silver fur 31r. Crown- 
inshield. 
1822. 

Perley Putnam. 

James Silver. 

Willard Peele. 

Timothy Bryant. 

Abijah Northey. 
1823. 

Perley Putnam. 

Tim. Bryant. 

Andrew Tucker. 

John Stone. 

George Hodges. 
1824. 

Perley Putnam. 

John Stone. 

Andrew Tucker. 

Wm, Proctor. 

Benj. Fahens. 
182.^. Same with JcBeph 

Howard for Mr. Proc- 

t.r. 
182G. 

Periey Putnam. 

Andrew I'ucker. 

Benj. Fabens. 

Joseph Howard. 

John Foster. 
1827. 

Andrew Tucker. 

Benj. Fabens. 

David Moore. 



Perley Putnam. 
N. L. Rogers. 

1828. Same with Henry 
King for Mr. Rogere. 

1829. Same. 

1830. Same with Nathl. 
Frothingham for 5Ir. 
Rogeit}, 

1831. 

Benj. Fabens. 
Nathl. Frothingham. 



Isaac Newhall. 
Benj. Blanchard. 
Jos. Cloutiuan. 

1832. Same with Henry 
Whipple for Mr. Fa- 
bens. 

1833. 



Holton J. Breed. 
1834. 

Natbt. Frothingham, 
Nehemiah Brown. 
Samuel Holman. 
Perley Putnam. 
George Peabody. 



Nathl. Frothingham. 1835. Sumo with John 
N. L. Rog.-rs. Stone for Mr, Froth- 

Joseph Beadle. ingham. 

David Pingree. 



The meetings of the town, in the early days of the 
colony, were held in the meeting-house of the First 
Parish. The church and the town were practically 
identical and the name meeting-house was derived from 
the fact that it was the general place of meeting, not 
alone on Sunday, but on all public occasions. This 
meeting-house stood near the southeasterly corner of 
Washington and Essex Streets, and was erected in 
1634. About the year 1677, a building for town pur- 
poses was erected in the middle of School, now Wash- 
ington Street, near what is now Lynde Street, and 
facing south. The upjier part was fitted for a court- 
house, and there the Court of Oyer and Terminer, 
organized by Governor Phipp-*, in lfiD2, for the trial 
of the witches, was held. 

Essex County was established May 10, ](U^^ and on 
the 14th of November, 1644, Salem was made the 
shire of the county; but precisely where the courts 
were held previously to 1677, is not definitely known. 
It is probable, however, that the meeting-house was 
used as a court-house, as well as a town-house. A 
prison was erected in 1668, near the southwesterly 
end of the meeting-house, and this fact adds force to 
the suggestion that the meeting-house was used for a 
court-house. 

In 1719, a second town and court-house combined 
was erected on School, now Washington Street, near 
the southerly end of the railroad tunnel. In this 
building the General Court met, October?.!, 1728,— 
April 2, May 28 and June 2-^5, 1729, — by order of Gov- 
ernor Burnet, because he believed that undue influ- 
ence was exerted in Boston against a grant for his 
salary. 

On the 25th of May, 1774, the General Court was 
adjourned by Governor Gage, to meet at Salem on the 
7th of June; and again the Salem Town-house be- 
came historic. The session lasted eleven days, during 
which the court protested against its removal from 
Boston, and on the 17th passed a resolve appointing 
James Bowdoin, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, 
John Adams and Robert Treat Paine delegates to the 
Congress at Philadelphia, "to consult upon measures 
for the restoration of harmony between Great Britain 
and the Colonies." Upon this action. Governor Gage 
at once, on the same day, dissolved the court ; and so 
ended, in the old Town-house in Salem, which ought 
to be standing to-day, the last General Court in Mass- 
achusetts, under a Provincial (Tovernor. 

On Thursday, the first of Septt-mber, writs were 
issued by the Governor for a new court, to meet at 



165a 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTS, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Salem on the 5th of October, but were recalled by 

proclamation. The Assembly met notwithstanding, 
and organized with John Hancock, Chairman, and 
Benjamin Lincoln, Clerk; and on the 7th of October 
voted " that the members aforesaid do now resolve 
themselves into a Provincial Congress, to be joined 
by such other persons as have been or shall be chosen 
for that purpose, to take into consideration the dan- 
gerous and alarming situation of public affiiirs in this 
province, and to consult and determine on such mea- 
sures as they shall judge will tend to promote the 
true interest of His Majesty and the peace, welfare 
and prosperity of the province." 

After this action, the Congress adjourned to Con- 
cord, where it was more formally organized by the 
election of Mr. Hancock, President, and Mr. Lincoln, 
Secretary ; and after several sessions in Concord and 
Cambridge, finally dissolved. Thus the old Town- 
house again became memorable, and was not only the 
scene of the last act under the old dispensation, but 
the scene also of the first act under the new. 

In 1785, another building was erected for the joint 
use of the town and county, in the middle of Wash- 
ington Street, nearly opjjosite the Tabernacle Church, 
and town meetings were there held until the erection, 
in 1816, of the Town House in Derby Square, which 
was used until the incorporation of the city in 1836. 

The second prison was built in 1684, near the corner 
of Federal and St. Peter's Streets, and the present 
prison was built in 1813. 

The lands within the territory of Salem were origi- 
nally held by the freemen of the town, and all grants 
were made by them. The historical sketch of Salem 
by Charles S. Osgood and H. M. Batchelder, pub- 
lished in 1879, says that, — 

"With increasing population, tliis metliod of holding the lands be- 
came unwieldy and cumbei'Sonie. and in 1713 the then owners of the 
common lands under the province laws became organized into a quasi 
corporation with the title of Commoners. In 1713 the commoners 
granted all the highways and burying-places and common lands lying 
within the town bridge and block-honses to remain forever for the use of 
the town of Salem, and tho Common was then dedicated forever as a 
training-field. In 1714 the commoners, at a meeting held at the meet- 
ing-house of the first parish in Salem, voted that Winter Island be 
wholly removed and granted for the use of the tishing rights to use the 
same to be let by the Selectmen of Salem ; and the same year the Neck 
lauds were granted and reserved to the town of Salem for a pasture for 
milch cows and riding horses, the same to be fenced at the town's 
charge. 

*'In 1722-23, Feb. 26, the grand Committee of the commoners who 
had charge of affairs reported the whole number of rights to be 1132, 
and the number of acres held, 3733, Several distinct proprietaries were 
formed under an act of the colonial legislature ; and the conimonera of 
the two lower parishes having 790 rights and 2500 acres of land lying 
between .Spring Pond and Forest Kiver, organized themselves into a 
corporation. This organization continued until 185.0, when they were 
incorporated into the Great Pasture Company, and by that company the 
last of the common lands, about 400 acres in extent, are now held." 

The training-field referred to in the above extract 
was at the time of its grant an uneven and spongy 
piece of ground, scarcely fit for the use to which it 
was dedicated until ISOl, when Elias Hasket Derby, 
the colonel of the militia, raised about two thoiisaHd 



five hundred dollars by subscription and put it in or- 
der. In 1802 it was named by the selectmen Wash- 
ington Square, and it is now enclosed by an iron fence, 
within which are two rows of trees, mostly elms. 

In the early part of 1836 a determined effort was 
made to change the town government for that of a 
city. The population of the town, which, according 
to the census of 1830, was 13,886, had then probably 
reached 15,000. Its property valuation the year be- 
fore was j!8,250,000, and the amount raised by taxa- 
tion for county and town expenses was $40,391.31. 
The amount of tonnage of vessels owned in the dis- 
trict, which included Beverly, was 34,906, consisting 
of 30 .ships, 12 barks, 70 brigs, 124 schooners and 14 
sloops. The expression of the town was that of a 
city, except so far as its form of government was con- 
cerned. It had a police court, of which Elisha Mack 
was the judge, and Ezekiel Savage and Joseph G. 
Waters were the special justices. Its lawyers were 
Leverett Saltonstall, Benjamin Jierrill. John Glen 
King, Larkin Thorndike, Solomon S. Whipple, 
Ebenezer Shillaber, Joseph G. Waters, Asahel Hun- 
tington, Stephen P. Webb, David Roberts, George 
Wheatland, Nathaniel J. Lord, Charles A. Andrews, 
Francis H. Silsbee, George H. Devereux, John S. 
Williams, Joseph H. Prince and Jonathan C. Per- 
kins. Its physicians were Oliver Hubbard, Joseph 
Torrey, Samuel Johnson, Abel L. Pierson, George 
Choate, John G. Treadwell, Edward A. Holyoke, 
Benjamin Cox, Elisha Quimby, Nathaniel Peabody 
Dentist, A. J. Bellows and Horatio Kobin.son. 

It had seventeen churches and chapels, eight stock 
banks, with a combined capital of one million eight 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, one savings bank, 
five stock insurance comjjanies with a combined capital 
of eight hundred thousand dollars, one Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company, one Latin school, one English 
high school, seven English schools, one of which was 
for colored children, two girls' high schools, seven 
primary schools and forty-seven private schools. It 
had also among the libraries the Salem Atheuenm with 
seven thousand five hundred volumes, the Essex and 
another circulating library with six thousand volumes, 
the Salem Mechanic Association's Library with seven 
hundred and fifty volumes, the Colman Circulating 
Library with five hundred volumes and the Essex 
Historical Society Library. In the fire department 
there were one receiving and eight suction engines, 
one hose company, one hook and ladder company and 
three sail carriages, and there were in the militia 
the Salem Light Infantry, the Mechanic Light In- 
fantry, the Salem Artillery, the Salem Independent 
Cadets and four companies of infantry of the line. 
The newspapers at that time were the Salem Gazette, 
issued semi-weekly, Tuesday and Friday, started in 
1773; the Essex Register, semi-weekly, Monday and 
Tliursday, established in 1800 ; the Salem Observer, 
weekly, Saturday, established in 1822 ; the Salem 
Mercury, weekly, Wednesday, established in 1831 ; 



SALEM. 



165b 



the Commercial Advertiser, weekly, Wcdiicstlay, es- 
tablished ill 1S32; and the Landmark, semi-weekly, 
Wednesday and Saturday, established in 1834. 

At that time railroad counections bad not been 
made and the following facilities for travel were open 
to the people of Salem. The Salem and Boston Stage 
Company advertised tliat scats could be taken at the 
Lafayette Coffee Hou.se, Salem Hotel, at the office in 
Court Street, and at the office in West Place, and 
that three stages would leave at seven A. M, two at 
7A, one at eight, one at nine, one at ten, one at two 
P. M., one at 1} and one at four P. M., all returning 
the same day. On Sunday, one at four P. M. 

Osborne's Line left the office on Essex Street, 
nearly opposite the market, daily, except Sunday, at 
seven A. M,, returning in the afternoon. 

The stages of the Great E^istern Line left the Cof- 
fee House for Boston at 10* A. M., 2 J P. M., 3J P. M., 
and 4 and G P. JI. 

Besides this there were the Gloucester, and Beverly, 
and Manchester, and Marblehead, and Lynn stages. 

At a town-meeting held on the 29th of January, 
1836, " to act on the petition of George Peabody and 
others to ascertain the sense of the town in relation 
to the adoption of a city form of government and to 
take any measure in relation thereto." Leverett Sal- 
tonstall was chosen moderator. It was voted on mo- 
tion of Elias Hasket Derby " that a committee of 
three be chosen from each ward, who, together with 
the selectmen, .shall be a committee to take the sub- 
ject into consideration and to report at an adjourn- 
ment of this meeting as to the expediency of adopt- 
ing a city form of government," and the following 
were chosen to serve on the committee : 



Ward 1. Thomas Fark-ss. 

Josepli G. Waters. 

Joseph IIo(igt!S. 
WarJ 2. lloUuii J. Breed. 

Nathl. Silsbee, Jr. 

J. T. Andrew. 



Ward a. Jos S. Cabot. 

Wm. B. Pike. 

Leverett Saltonstall. 
Ward i. N. L. Rogers. 

Michael Sliepurd. 

Ehen Symonda. 



The town at that time had been divided into dis- 
tricts or wards under the provisions of law now con- 
tained in llie thirty-fourth chapter of the General 
Statutes. 

Ac the adjourned meeting held on the 1.5th of Feb- 
ruary it was voted in accordance with the report of 
the committee that it was expedient to adopt a city 
form of government, and that the committee with six 
added, be instructed to draw up and submit to the 
Legislature an act for that purpose, which shall not 
take effect unless accepted by the people. .Joseph 
Peabody, Benjamin Merrill, Gideon Barstow, Eben 
Shillabcr, Isaac Gushing and Nathaniel J. Lord were 
added to the committee. 

An act "to establish the city of Salem" was ap- 
proved by Edward E\erett, Governor, March 23, 1S3(), 
and warrants were at once issued for a town-meeting 
to be held April 4th. At this meeting Benjamin 
Merrill was chosen moderator, and on the question 
of the acceptance of the charter eight hundred and 



two votes were cast, of which si.K hundred and seven- 
teen were in the affirmative. On the 2.')th of April an 
election was held for mayor, six aldermen and twenty- 
four members of the council. Of 1104 votes for mayor 
Leverett Saltonstall received 752; Perley Putnam, 
260; George Peabody, 56; and David Putnam, 36. 
The organization of the government took place in the 
Tabernacle Church, on Monday, May 9th, when, 
after a prayer by Rev. Dr. Brazer and the administer- 
ing of the oath of office by David Cummins, one of 
the justices of the Court of Common Pleas, the mayor 
delivered his address. Thus the second incorporated 
city in the Commonwealth entered upon its career, 
Boston had been incorporated onlj' fourteen years be- 
fore, February 22, 1822, and Lowell, the third city, 
was incorporated less than a montli afterwards, on 
the 1st of April, 1836. 

It is not proposed in this chapter, somewhat dis- 
jointed and fragmentary in its character, to enter into 
any details of the history of the city. It is intended 
merely to supply such deficiencies as other chapters 
covering various specified departments necessarily 
leave. 

It was not until December, 1837, that any move- 
ment was made towards the adoption of a city seal. 
Ou the 18th of that month an order was introduced 
into the Board of Aldermen, providing for the ap- 
pointment of two members with such as the Council 
might join to consider and report upon the expedien- 
cy of jirocuring a seal. The Council concurred, and 
on the 19th of February, 1838, at a meeting of the 
Aldermen an ordinance was introduced providing 
that a device should be adopted with the word Salem 
in the centre, inclosed in an olive wreath, and in a 
circle round the margin the words "Founded Sepf., 
1628. City Incorporated, 1836.". Tliis ordinance was 
passed by the Aldermen on the date of its introduc- 
tion, but in the Council it was referred on the 5th of 
March to its committee on the seal, who on the 12th 
reported a recommendation which was adopted that 
the further consideration of the ordinance be referred 
to the next City Council. On the 9th of April, 1838, 
the ordinance was taken from the files and referred 
to a joint special committee, consisting of Aldermen 
Peabody and Holman, and Councilmen Oliver, Put- 
nam and Hunt. Mr. George Peabody submitted a de- 
vice to the committee of which he was the chairman, 
which with some alterations was approved. On the 
25th of February, 1839, the committee through Henry 
K. Oliver, chairman, on the part of the Council re- 
ported to the Council " an ordinance to establish the 
City Seal." Be it ordained by the City Council of the 
city of Salem that the following be the device of the 
seal of said city, to wit: In the centre thereof a shield 
bearing ujion it a ship under full .sail, approacliing a 
coast, designated by the costume of the person stand- 
ing upon it and by the trees near him, as a portion of 
the East Indies ; beneath the shield this motto, 
"Divitis Indiic usque ad ultinuim siinini," signifying 



165c 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" To the farthest port of the rich east," and above the 
shield a dove bearing an olive branch in her mouth. 
In tlie circumference encircling the shield the words: 

" Solynia condita, 1628. 
Salem founded, 102S." 
'* Civitatis regimine donata, 1636. 
Incorporated as a City, 18:i6." 

The ordinance was recommitted with instructions 
to ascertain the correct date of the settlement of the 
city, but finally adopted after substituting 1626 for 
1628, and changing Solyma to Salem. The commit- 
tee to whom the date of settlement was referred re- 
ported that they had "investigated the subject and 
do not find any reason for changing the date as at 
present affixed to the proposed seal. As the history 
of the settlement of the town is so well known, they 
do not think it necessary to bring forward all the facts 
in relation to it. The whole question seems to turn 
upon the point whether the settlement is to date from 
the time when Roger Conaut, Peter Palfray and others 
came here in 1626, and built a few houses, but with- 
out the means of remaining, or the lirae in 1628, 
when Endicott came out with colonists, and all the 
means necessary for founding a colony. The subject 
may admit of some argument, but the committee are 
of opinion that it would be better to fix the period of 
foundation of the town as it has been generally re- 
garded, and will be found stated in many of our val- 
uable gazeteers and other similar books in 1628, as 
this was undoubtedly the first permanent settlement." 
This report was signed by George Peabody, chairman, 
but notwithstanding its recommendation the date was 
changed as we have seen to 1026, and the seal was 
finally adopted March 11, 1839, nearly three years 
after the incorporation of the citj'. 

The introduction of water into Salem, and the final 
evolution of its present water system cover a period 
of more than sixty years. The first practical scheme 
for the supply of water for the inhabitants of Salem 
and Danvers was conceived in 1796. About that 
time a wave of excitement swept over the State con- 
cerning the supply of water to towns, and during the 
last five years of the last century a number of water 
companies were incorporated. Luther Eames aud 
others, of Boston, were incorporated Feb. 27, 1795; 
Lemuel Stewart and others, of Williamstown, Feb. 26, 
1796; Theodore Sedgwick and others, of Stockbridge, 
June 1.5, 1796; John Bacon and others, of Richmond, 
November 24, 1796 ; Calvin Whiting and others, of 
Dedham, June 15, 1796 ; Chandler Robbins and 
others, of the South Parish of Hallowell, then in 
Massachusetts, February 9, 1797 ; Eli Stearns and 
others, of Lancaster, February 14, 1797; and Wm. 
Davis and others, of Plymouth, February 27, 1797. 

A meeting of those interested in the scheme was 
held December 30, 1796, at the Sun Tavern, and those 
present were Abel Lawrence, William Gray, Jr., 
Samuel Gray, Joshua Ward, Ichabod Nichols, Wil- 
liam Orne, Jerath Pierce, William Lang, Nathaniel 



West, Jacob Ashton, Squiers Shove, John Jenks, Ed- 
ward Southwick, Jonathan Dean, Joseph Fenno, 
Benjamin Carpenter, Abner Chase, Philip Chase, | 
Aaron Wait, Jacob Crowninshield, Joseph Aborn, 
James Bott, Edward Pulling, Folger Pope, John 
Gardner, Jr., Samuel Derby, John Norris and John 
Daland. Mr. Ashton was chairman, and John Jenks , 
clerk, and a committee was appointed consisting of I 
Edward Southwick, of Danvers, William Gray, Jr., 
and Joshua Ward, of Salem, to procure an act of in- 
corporation. A charter was accordingly obtained, 
dated March 9th, 1797, under the style of tlie " Pro- 
prietors of the Salem and Danvers Aqueduct." The 
charter provided that the towns of Salem and Dan- 
vers should have the privilege of placing conductors 
into the pipes for the purpose of drawing such water 
therefrom as might be necessary "when any mansion 
house or barn or other building" should be on fire, 
without paying therefor. 

The proprietors organized April 7, 1797, by the 
choice of William Gray, Jr., president ; Jacob Ash- 
ton, vice-president; John Jenks, treasurer ; Joshua 
Ward and John Norris, of Salem, and Edward South- 
wick, of Danvers, directors. Thomas Nichols was 
chosen agent. The capital was fixed at ten thousand 
dollars, divided into a hundred shares of one hundred 
dollars each. The plant of the company consisted 
at first of a large hogshead sunk into the spongy 
ground in the neighborhood of Brown's and Spring 
Pond, of pine logs with a three inch bore, and a res- 
ervoir on Gallows Hill, ten feet deep and twenty-four 
feet square. The works were completed in the spring 
of 1799, and water was supplied to families at a yearly 
rate of five dollars. This rate was raised the next 
year to sixty cents per month. In 1802 a new foun- 
tain was built on land bought of Wiliiam Shillaber 
to the southwest of the old one, and the supply was 
suflScient to enable the company to lead a pipe to 
Gray's Wharf and sell water to the shipping at twelve 
and a half cents per hogshead. 

In 1804 the old logs were replaced by new ones 
with five-inch bore and paid for by assessments on 
the shares which, up to 1807, amounted to two hun- 
dred and sixty-five dollars per share, or twenty-six 
thousand five hundred dollars in all. In 1805 a new 
tariff of rates was adopted similar to that of the Bos- 
ton company, to wit : — 

For a family of five persons Eight dollarB. 

For a family of six and less tban twelve Ten " 

For a family of twelve or upwards Twelve " 

For a public or boarding bouse Twelve " 

For a West India Goods Store, from Eight to Twelve " 

For a mansion house and West India Goods Store under the same roof, 
to be supplied from one tube Si.\teen dollars. 

Up to November, 1807, the company had expended 
on their works, including lost dividends, forty-four 
thousand one hundred dollars, making the cost of the 
shares four hundred and forty-one dollars each. In 
1810 William Gray, Jr., resigned the presidency, and 
was succeeded by Jacob Ashton. In 1816, owing to 



SALEM. 



165d 



a deficiency of water, all branches leading to manu- 
l'actorit«, bathing hunses and stables were cut off, arul 
lin-caiitions were taken against waste. At a date not 
I'ar I'roni 1817 another reservoir was built on tfewall 
Sirect with a capacity of twenty-two thousand gal- 
lons, and U|) to 1818, from 18tl7, regular dividends, 
wiili tbrcc exce|itions, were paid. In 1819 an ar- 
rangement was made with the .Salem Iron Coni|iany 
to erect a Ijoring mill, and for the first time the log.s 
were bored by machinery. During the [leriod ex- 
tending from 1818 to 18:21 the earnings of the com- 
pany were expended in layiug new yellow pine logs, 
and very soon after arrangements were made with a 
view of connecting the pipes by iron castings. Up 
to this time it is presumed that in Salem as in other 
places one end of the log was tapered down and driv- 
en into its fellow log, the bore of which had been 
reamed out to receive it. An iron band encircled the 
butt of each log to prevent splitting when driven 
into. The iron connections were tubes tapered 
slightly on the outside at each end and with a flange 
in the middle. This flange served two purposes, pre- 
venting unequal entrances of the two ends of the 
tube, and when settled in the body of the wood by 
the operation of driving the logs home, lessening the 
danger of a leak. 

In the winter of 1829-30 Mr. Ashton, the president, 
died, and Joseph Peabody took his place. From 1821 
to about 1834 the aftairs of the comjiany went on 
smoothly, and for the most part regular dividends 
wen- paiil. Little complaint was heard of a scarcity 
of water, but this was owing less to the abundance 
of supply than to the low standard of peojde's wants 
com])ared with those of to-day. and to the free use of 
pumps and wells owned either by individuals or the 
town. In 18.55 there were no less than sixty town 
pumps in various streets, of which the following is a 
list:— 

Twii in Kuglish Street nuar Derby Street. 

One ill Derby Street lieur Tnrner Street. 

Two in Derby Street near tlie Cn*toin Uunse, 

Twu in K6se.\ Street near Uerliert Street. 

Two in Neptnne Street near Elm Street. 

Twu ill Liberty Street near tlie Centre. 

Two in Derby Square. 

Two in Waiiiiin^ton Street corner of Esse-x Street. 

Two in Hri.i{;o Street near Pleasant Street. 

Two at foot of Central Street. 

Two in Kast Street near Essex Street. 

Two in KsBox Street near Daniels Street. 

Two in liatli Street near Newbury Street 

Two in IJruwn Street near Winter Street. 

Two in St. Peter Street near Brown Street. 

Two in Marlboro Street near the Court House, 

Two in Mill Street near Ni.rnian Street. 

Two in High Street nearlbe Centre. 

One in Crombie Street near the Centre. 

Two in Essex Street near Summer Street. 

Twu in Essex Street near Hainiltuu Street. 

Two in Essex Street near Flint Street. 

Two in Essex Street near IJnfTiim's Corner. 

One ill Sewall Street near the Centre. 

Two in Federal Street near North Street. 

Two in Federal Street near Beckford Street. 

Two in Federal Street near Dean Street. 

lU:i 



Two in Boston Street near Federal Street. 

Two in Boston Street near Smith's Store. 

Two in North Saleiii. 

one ill South Salem near Peabody Street. 

Two in South Salem near Putnam's Store. 

In 1834 an act of iiH'in-poration was obtained liy 
another company, but its o)ier;itions were successfully 
checked by a reduction of the tariff, and no action 
was taken under its charter. In the same year a six- 
inch iron pipe was laid in Essex Street from North 
to Newbury Streets, at a cost of five thousand dol- 
lars, which sum was paid out of the earnings of the 
company. At various other times new pipes were 
laid, old lines of pipe extendcl :ind the founttiin res- 
ervoirs improved and enlarged, so thtit in 1844 it was 
estimated that the company had expended one hun- 
dred thousand dollars on their works. In 1849 the 
condition of the company had become so perplexing, 
owing to increasing demands for water without ade- 
quate means of su|)plying it, that its stockholders be- 
came somewhat discouraged. At this juncture the 
steam cotton mill felt greatly the need of water, and 
its proprietors conceived the project of buying up the 
shares of the Aijueduct and securing control of the 
corporation. The result was a revolution in the or- 
ganization of the company and the election of a new 
board of management, consisting of William D. Wa- 
ters, president; Ebeuezer Sutton, vice-president; and 
.foseph S. Leavitt, John Lovcjoy, William Lunimis 
and C. M. Eudicott, directors. Under the new man- 
agement the number of shares was increased to one 
thoiLsand at one hundred dollars each, a line of pipe 
was laid to Spring Pond; the capital was again in- 
creased to two hundred thousand dollars and before 
the summer of 1.8.'J0 an iron main pipe of twelve 
inches bore, measuring sixteen thousand one hundred 
and sixty-five feet, was completed, with a reservoir 
capable of holding six hundred and fifly-two thou- 
sand gallons. From this time on until 18(10 improve- 
ments and extensions were constantly going on, iron 
pipes replacing the decayed wooden ones and sources 
of supply being enlarged to such proportions that at 
the last mentioned date a statement of the aflairs of the 
comjiany showed a capital stock of two hundred thou- 
sand dollars, forty miles of jiipe including branches, 
thirty-six hundred takers, and reservoirs and fountains 
of one million one hundred thousand gallons capacity 
besides Spring Pond of fifty-nine acres as a reserve. 
Hut still the supply was inadequate to meet the de- 
mand, and in 180.5, with a view to defeat the move- 
ment then going on to build city water-works, a con- 
nection was made with Brown's Pond, and a sixteen- 
iiich main laid as far as the heail of Federal Street. 
But the movement on the part of the city could not 
be checked, — it went successfully on, tiiid ihe result 
was the retirement of the olil comjiany ami the use 
of its pipes for the supply of the adjoining town of 
Peabody. 

It is not necessary to give a detailed history of the 
present water system. A brief sketch will be suffi- 



165e 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cient. On the 12th of October, 1863, John Bertram 
and ninety-three others petitioned the City Council 
" to take the necessary measures to procure from the 
Legislature power to establish city water-works." On 
the 23d of November, ISfiS, the City Council chose in 
convention, Stephen H. Phillips, James B. Ciirwen 
and James Upton, a committee to collect evidence 
showing the necessity of a larger sujjply of water and 
submit the same to the Legislature in support of the 
petition which the mayor had been directed to pre- 
sent when action was taken on the petition of Mr; 
Bertram. The petition of the mayor, supplemented 
by a second petition, asked for authority to take water 
from Humjihrey's, Brown's and Spring Ponds and 
Wenham Lake. At the hearing before the Commit- 
tee of the Legislature, on the 29th of February, 1864, 
the petitioners were represented by Robert S. Ran- 
toul, and were opposed by the Aqueduct f'ompany. 
On the 13th of May, 1S64, an act was approved which 
provided that the city might take water from either 
Wenham Lake, or Brown's and Spring Ponds, and 
that the City Council should determine by joint ballot 
at least fourteen days before the first Monday in Decem- 
ber, 1864, which source they would select, the act to 
be void unless accepted by a majority of the voters at 
a meeting to be held on that day. On the 14th of 
November, 1864, the City Council decided by a vote 
of twenty-two to five to select Wenham Lake, and on 
the 5th of December, the citizens voted to accept the 
act by a vote of ten hundred and twenty-three yeas 
to one hundred and fifty-one nays. 

On the 22d of May, 1865, Stephen H. Phillips, 
James [B. Curwen and James Upton, were chosen 
water commissioners, and on the 26th of June, Frank- 
lin T. Sanborn and Peter Silver were chosen in the 
places of Messrs. Curwen and Upton, who declined 
to serve. Mr. Phillips was made chairman, James 
Slade was apijointed engineer, Charles A. Swan as- 
sistant engineer and Daniel H. Johnson, Jr., clerk. 
After many vexatious delays, on the 12th of Febru- 
ary, 1866, the commissioners advertised for propo- 
sals for the construction of a reservoir on Chipman's 
Hill, in Beverly, and on the 18th of May the work 
was begun, by Collins & Boyle, the contractors. In 
July a Worthing'ton pumping engine was bought at a 
cost of forty thousand dollars, and in the same month 
Willard P. Phillips was chosen commissioner in the 
place of his brother, Stephen H. Phillips, who had 
resigned. In October, contracts were made with J. 
W. and J. F. Starr, for six thousand feet of thirty 
inch, and twenty-five thousand feet of twenty inch 
iron pipe, and in the following April, with Boynton 
Brothers, for a pipe bridge and syphon at Bass 
Eiver. 

On the 3d of February, 1868, a contract was made 
with George H. Norman, of Newport, R. I., to fur- 
nish and lay the iron and cement distribution pipes, 
and to set hydrants and gates. On Wednesday, De- 
cember 2, 1868, the filling of the distribution pipes 



commenced, and on the 25th the houses and citizens 
were supplied. On the 19th of November, 1869, Mr. 
Phillips, on the part of the commissioners, transferred 
the charge of the works to the City Council, up to 
which time the amount ex|)ended was one million 
dollars. 

AVenham Lake is situated in Beverly, and Wenham 
has an area of three hundred and twenty acres, with 
an extreme depth of fifty three feet and a level of 
thirty-one feet above mean high tide. Its distance 
from City Hall is four miles and six-tenths, and it is 
capable of supplying two and a half millions of gal- 
lons of water d.aily. The reservoir on Chipman's 
Hill is four hundred feet square, with a cajiacity of 
twenty million gallou.s, and a level, when filled, one 
hundred and forty-two feet above mean high tide. 

The works are in the charge of a board of five 
members, one of whom is chosen annually by concur- 
rent vote of the City Council ibr the terra of five years. 
Up to December 1, 1885, the total cost of the works 
was $1,423,783.48, and the income from rates for the 
year 1885 was $62,886.47. The number of takers is 
at present about 8000. 

The Witc'hckaft Delusion. — The extraordinary 
delusion concerning witchcraft which prevailed in 
Salem during the latter part of the seventeenth cen- 
tury must not be omitted in this narrative. It fur- 
nishes material for a sad chapter in the history of the 
town, and one which every lover of his kind pitying 
their infirmities, and sympathizing with their woes, 
would gladly see expunged and forgotten. It was no 
new delusion, and in Salem was only peculiar in the 
extent to which it possessed and infiuenced the minds 
of men. It was a part of the theology of the times, 
and had been handed down from generation to gene- 
ration, from the earliest days of Christian history. In 
the 18th verse of the 22d chapter of Exodus it is 
written, " Thou shalt not sutler a witch to live." In 
the 27th verse of the 20th chapter of Leviticus it is 
also written, " A man also or a woman that hath a 
familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put 
to death ; they shall stone them with stones; their 
blood shall be upon them," and in the 18th chapter 
of Deuteronomy are found these words : " There shall 
not be found among you any one tliat maketh his son 
or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth 
divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter 
or a witch; or a charmer or a consulter with familiar 
spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer, for all that do 
these things are an abomination unto the Lord ; and 
because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth 
drive them out from before thee." 

A belief in witchcraft was universal, for it rested on 
what was thought to be divine authority. It was con- 
fined to no class, no order of minds, no degree of edu- 
cation. It was as much a matter of fact as the fires of 
hell and infant damnation. Nor was the punishment 
of death judged by the standards of the day excessive 
or unjust. As early as 1646 the Massachusetts Gene- 



SALEM. 



165 



ral Court, following scriptural command, passed a 
law that " if any mau or woman be a witch, that is, 
hath or consuhetli with a familiar spirit thej- shall be 
put to death." Xl the same time thirteen other 
offenses were made punishable by death in accordance 
with quoted passages of !Seri])ture ; nor docs this seem 
so strange when we reflect that the only lingering ar- 
gument for capital punishment in our own day rests 
on the Old Testament books of Exodus and Numbers 
and Leviticus, which declare that " he that killeth 
any man shall surely be put to death." 

So far was obedience to Scripture authority carried 
in dealing with actual or constructive ofienses that 
after the defeat and death of King Phili]), in lti76. 
most of the ministers of the Massachusetts and Ply- 
mouth Colonies who were consulted as to what dispo- 
sition should be made of his innocent son quoted from 
the Bible to justify their opinion that he should be 
put to death. Among those consulted were llev. John 
Cotton of I'lymouth, Rev. Samuel Arnold of Mai'sb- 
field and Rev. Increase Mather of Boston. The two for- 
mer, in a united opinion, said " they humbly conceive 
on serious consideration, that children of notorious 
traitors, rebels and murderers, especially of such as 
have been jirincipal leaders and actors in such horrid 
villanies, and that against a whole nation ; yea, the 
whole Israel of God may be involved in the guilt 
of their parents, and may Salva repiiblica be adjudged 
to death, as to us seems evident by the Scripture in- 
stances of Saul, Achan, Haman, the children of whom 
were cut otrby the sword of justice for the transgres- 
sions of their parents, although concerning some of 
these children it may be manifest that they were not 
capable of being co-actors therein." 

Mr. Mather said : " It is necessary that some effec- 
tual course should be taken about him. lie makes 
me think of llailad, who was but a little child when 
his father (the chief sachem of the I'^lomitcs) was killed 
by Joab ; and had not others fled away with him I am 
apt to think that David would have taken a course 
that Hadad should never have proved a scourge to 
the next generation." 

This incident is quoted to .show how potent in the 
witchcraft age what was believed to be literally the 
word of God was in its control over the juilgments 
and actions of men. 

Nor was the delusion confined to New England. 
It prevailed wherever the Scriptures were read and 
were recognized as authority. Chief Justice Matthew 
Hale, in his charge to the jury, on the trial of Rose 
Cullender and Amy Deering for witchcraft, in 1G65, 
said : " That there were such creatures as witches he 
made no doubt at all. For first the Scriptures had 
affirmed so much. Secondly, the wisdom of all na- 
tions had provided laws against such persons, which 
is an argument in their confidence of such a crime. 
And such hath been the judgment of the Kingdom, as 
appears by an Act of I'arliament which hath provided 
punishment proportionate to the quality of the offence." 



The expression of such an opinion by the highest 
legal authority in England, and the existence of the 
statute to which he refers are sufficient to illustrate 
the universal prevalence of the delusion and the be- 
lief in the necessity of the severest punisluncnl of the 
guilty. 

It was not Salem witchcraft, but the witchcraft of the 
world. The people of Salem were constituted like 
others of their generation. The inflammable material 
lying hidden within the delusion existed in every 
community ; it haiqiened to be Salem where the 
spark ignited them and caused the consuming flame. 
It has been estimated that in Europe during the si.\- 
teeth and seventeenth centuries, more than a hun- 
dred thousand of both sexes were convicted of witch- 
craft and burned, drowned or hanged. 

All through the earlier life of the American colonies 
there had been what might be called .sporadic cases 
of supposed witchcraft whii-h finally resulted like 
sporadic cases of disease in a violent epidemic at 
Salem. Hon. Wm. D. Northend in an address deliv- 
ered December 8, 1885, before the Essex Bar Asso- 
ciation says that " within half a century before the 
trials for witchcraft in this (Essex) county, accusations 
against persons for witchcraft had been made in Bos- 
ton, Dorchester, Cambridge, Springfield, Fladley, 
Groton, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury, Hartford, 
Hampton, Portsmouth and Salmon Falls in New 
Hampshire. During this period in the colony five 
persons were executed upon conviction of witchcraft, 
as follows: JIargaret Jones, of Charlestown, executed 
at Boston, June 15, 1(548; the wife of Henry Lake, of 
Dorchester, about 1650; Annie Hibbins, of Boston, 
June 19, 1656 ; Mary Parsons, of Springfield, May 29, 
1657 ; and Goody Glover, of Boston, November 16. 
1686." 

There had been also accusations within the county 
of Essex and in Salem and its vicinity. h\ 1658 
.lohn Godfrey, of Andover, was accused of causing 
losses in the estate of several people and "some afflic- 
tion in their bodies also." In November, 1669, 
"Goody Burt," a widow, was prosecuted, a physician 
testifying that no natural cause could have led to 
such ettects as were wrought by her. Phillip Reed, a 
physician, preferred similar charges against Margaret 
Gilford, and in 1679 Caleb Powell was arrested as the 
warrant of arrest stated " for suspicion of working 
with the Devil to the molesting of William Morse 
and his family." 

It is worthy of note that the delusion concerning 
witchcraft never made any considerable headway in 
the Plymouth colony. The people of that colony 
probably had as firm a faith in witchcraft as the peo- 
ple of Mas.sachusetts, but it never grew into a panic 
as it did in the sister colony. Their laws against 
witchcraft were as severe as those of Massachusetts, 
and death was the punishment for "solemn compac- 
tion or conversing with the devil byway <)f witchcraft 
or conjunction." Only two cases, however, were 



165g 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



brought before the courts of the colony, in one of 
which the accuser was sentenced to be either whipped 
or to make public acknowledgement of her offense, 
and in the other the accused was acquitted. The fol- 
lowing record of these cases may be interesting to 
readers : 

" (leneral Court. March 5, IGGO. 

"Joseph Sylvester, of Marshfield, Joth acknowledge to owe and to 
atand indebted nnto his majesty, his heirs, &c., in the snm of twenty 
pounds sterling in good and current pay ; the condition of this obliga 
tioD is that in case Dina Sylvester shall and doth appear at the Court ol 
assistants to be bolden at Plymouth, the first Tuesday in May next, and 
attend the Courts determination in reference to a complaint made by 
Wm. Holmes and his wife about a matter of defamation ; that then this 
obligation to be void or otlierwise to reinain in full force and virtue. 

" In witness the above bounden hath hereunto set his hand the iUh of 

March, 1000. 

"Joseph Svlvkster. 

"Dina Sylvester being examined aaitb the bear she 6aw was about a 
stone's l^brow from the highway when slie saw it ; and being examined 
and asked what manner of tail the bear had, she said she could not tell 
for bis head was towards her. 

*' May 9, IGGl. Concerning the complaint of Wm. Hulines, of IMarsh- 
field, against Dinah Sylvester for acfusing his wife to be a witch. The 
Court have sentenced that the said Dina shall cither he publicly whii)ped 
and pay the sum of five pounds to the said Wm. Holmes, or in case she 
the said Dina Sylvester shall make public acknowledgement of her fault 
in the premises that then she shall bear only the charge the Plaintift" hath 
been at in the prosecution of his said suit. The latter of which was 
chosen and done by the said Dinah Sylvester, viz., a public acknowledge- 
ment made as followeth. 

"May 9, 1061. To the Hon. Court assembled, whereas I have been 
convicted in matter of defamation concerning Goodwife Holmes, I do 
hereby aclinowledge I have injured my neighbor and have sinned 
against God in so doing, though I had entertained hard thoughts against 
the woman ; for it had been my duty to declare my grounds, if I had any, 
unto some magistrate in a way of God and not to have divulgnd my 
thoughts to others to the womans defamation. Therefore I do acknowl- 
edge my sin in it, and do humbly beg this Honorable Court to forgive 
me and all other Christian people that bo oftended at it, and do promise 
by the help of God to do so no more ; and, although, I do not remember 
all that the witnesses do testify, I do rather mistrust my memory and 
submit to the evidence. 

"The mark of Dinah Svi.vksteu. 



the country and was cleared of this inditement in prucesse of law by a 



* March 0, 1070-77. 



' The Inditement of Mary Ingham. 



" Mary Ingham : Thou art indited by the name of Slary Ingham, the 
wife of Thomas Ingham, of the towne of Scituato in the jurisdiction of 
New Plymouth for that thou, haveing not the feare of God before thyne 
eyes, bast by the bealp of the devill in a way of witchcraft or sorcery, 
maliciously procured much hurt, mischeiffe and paine unto the body of 
IMehittable Woodworth, the daughter of Walter Woodwortb, of Scituate 
aforesaid, and some others and particularly causing her the said Mehitta- 
ble to fall into violent fitts, and causing great paine unto severall parts 
of her body att severall times, soe as shee the said Mehittablo Wood- 
worth hath bin almost bereaved of her sencis, and hath greatly lan- 
guished, to her much suffering thereby, and the procuring of great 
greiffe sorrow and charge to her parents ; all which thou hast pn>cured 
and don against the law of God, and to his great dishonor and contrary 
to our 80V lord the Kinge, his crowue and dignitee. 

" The said Mary Ingham did putt herselfo on tbe tryiill of God and 



jury of twelve men whose names follow : 



'Sworn, ■ 



Mr. Thos. Hucken'<. 
John Wadswortb. 
John Ilowland. 
Abraham Jackson, 
Eenajali Pratt. 
John Blacke, 



f Marke Snow, 
j Joseph Bartlett. 
I John Richmond. 
Sworn. -j j^j.jjj xalbutt. 

John Foster. 
Seth Pope. 



"The jury brought in not guilty, and soe the said prisoner was 
cleared as above said." 

While the witchcraft panic never extended to the 
old colony, the case of Dinah Sylvester, above quoted, 
bears the strongest internal evidence of the deep-seated 
belief there in witchcraft itself. That it should have 
been considered a serious defamation of character, 
and a deadly wound to personal reputation to be 
charged with communing with the devil shows that 
such a communion was an offense in the existence of 
which the whole community had faith, and one as 
real and positive as murder or any other well defined 
crime. It is probable that if at the commencement 
of the panic an accuser had received the punishment 
awarded to Dinah Sylvester, it would never have 
passed beyond its incipient and opening stage. 

Various causes have been assigned to the outbreak 
of the excitement in Salem and its mad, but fortunately 
short, career. None of them, however, are satisfac- 
tory. Like vitiated blood in the human system, it 
gradually and necessarily came to a head, and as the 
location of the ulcer which gives relief to the body 
depends on some trivial and unknown cause, so in 
some mysterious and accidental way Salem became 
the gathering point from which was to be thrown otl' 
that insane delusion, which had for generations and 
centuries poisoned and terrified the minds of men. 
In the early months of the year 1692 the panic be- 
gan. On the 29th of February warrants were issued 
for the arrest of Tituba, an Indian servant of Mr. 
Parris, Sarah Osborn, a woman who was bed-ridden, 
and Sarah Good, a woman of ill-repute, who, upon 
the complaint of Joseph Hutchinson, Edward Put- 
nam, Thomas Putnam and Thomas Preston, were 
charged with afflicting sundry persons in remarkable 
and unaccountable ways. Other accusations and 
arrests speedily followed. Mr. Upham, in his ex- 
haustive work on witchcraft, says, — "There was no 
longer any doubt in the mass of the community that 
the devil had effected a lodgment in Salem village. 
Church members, persons of all social positions, of 
the highest repute and profes.^ion of piety, eminent 
for visible manifestations of devotion, and of every 
age, had joined his standard and become his active 
allies and confederates." Arrest followed arrest, each 
arrest adding to the panic, and the panic leading to 
new arrests. On the arrival of Sir William Phipi)s 
at Boston on the 14th of May, 1692, bearing the 
charter of the "Province of Massachusetts Bay in 
New England," and bis commission as its Governor, the 
prisons at Salem, Ipswich, Boston and Cambridge were 
full of i)ersons awaiting trial for the crime of witch- 



SALEM. 



165h 



craft. Governor Pliipps was a believer ia witchcraft, 
as was William Stoughton, the Lieuteiiant-Govcriior, 
and took iiniiierliate steps to bring the accused to trial. 
Under the charter the General Court alone had the 
power to establish courts of justice, but by an unwar- 
rantable usurpation of authority, the Governor or- 
ganized a (,'ourt of Oyer and Terminer to act in and 
for the counties of t^uffolk, Essex and Middlesex, and 
appointed William Stoughton, of Dorchester, chief 
justice, and Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Haverhill, 
Major John Richards, of Boston, ;\Iajor Bartholomew 
Gedney, of Salem, Wait Winthrop, Captain t^amncl 
Sewall and Peter Sargent, of Boston, associate jus- 
tices. Mr. Saltonstall declined the appointment, and 
.Jonathan Corwin, of Salem, was appointed in his 
place. Stephen Sewall was appointed clerk, and 
Thomas Newton attorney-general, the latter being 
succeeded in oHice, July 22, 1(592, by Anthony Check- 
ley. George Corwin, of Salem, was apjiointcd sheriti'. 
The commissions of the court were dated May 27, 
1(592, and the court convened at the court-house in 
Salem on the 2d of June. The court-house and the 
Salem town-house were combined in one building, 
which stood in the middle of what is now Washington 
Street, near Lyn<le Street, and facing south. I'nder 
the colony a law had been passed, as has already been 
stated, making witchcraft a crime, and fixing as a 
jienalty the punishment of death. Sir Edward An- 
dros during his administration adopted the colony laws, 
but after his expulsion and under the new charter it 
was supposed that prosecutions for witchcraft cnuld 
only be made under the old English statute of .lames 
the First. The first trial was that of Bridget Bishop, 
of Salem. She was convicted on the 8th of June and 
executed on Gallows Hill on the 10th. Cn the day 
of her conviction the General Court came together 
and passed an act reviving the old colonial law, and 
under that law it is presumed the subseipient trials 
were hehl. After the conviction of Bridget Bishop 
the court adjourned to June 29th. During the recess 
the Governor and Council sought the advice of tlic 
principal ministers in Boston and vicinity, who on 
the lotli of June replied in writing, advising that all 
the proceedings should be "managed with an exceed- 
ing tenderness towards those who may be complained 
of, especially if they have been persons formerly oi 
an unblemished reputation;" "that the evidence 
ought certainly to be more consider.able than barely 
the accuseil persons being represented by a spectre 
unto the atHicted, and that they should not esteem 
alterations made in the suH'erers by a look or touch of 
the accused to be an infallible evidence of guilt." 
They nevertheless recommended "speedy and vigor- 
ous prosecutions," according to the directions given 
in the laws of (Jod and the wholesome statutes of the 
English nation tVir the detection of witchcraft. 

The court again met on the 29th of .Tune, and con- 
tinued with several adjournments to September 17th, 
when it adjounu'd to the lirst Tuesday in Noveinbrr, 



before which time it was formally dissolved. During 
its various sessions twenty-seven persons were con- 
victed and condemned to death, as follows, — Bridget 
Bishop, Sarah (rood, Sarah Wildes, Elizabeth How, 
Susanna Martin, Rebecca Nurse, ( !eorge John Proctor, 
George Jacobs, John Willard, Martha Carrier, Martha 
Corey, Mary Eastey, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Mar- 
garet Scott, Wilmot Reed, Samuel Wardwell, Mary 
Parker, Elizabeth Proctor, Dorcas Hoar, Mary Brad- 
bury, Rebecca Eames, Mary Lacy, Ann Foster, Abi- 
gail Hobbs and Abigail Faulkner. ()f these Eliza- 
beth Proctor was pardoned on the gmund of insulli- 
cieut evidence, and the six following her on the list 
finally escaped punishment. Such is the record of a 
court established expressly for the trial of criuus inin- 
ishable by death, but without a justice on its bench 
educated to the law. In such a court unfamiliar with 
judicial methods, ignorant of the rales of evidence 
and not untouched by the popular frenzy, the trials 
were little more than a formal condemnation of per- 
sons already tried and convicted l)y the judgment of 
an excited and reckless people. 

After the dissolution of the Court of Oyer and 
Terminer, the Superior Court of .Tmlicature was es- 
tablished in November, 1(592, with William Stoughton 
chief justice, and Thomas Danforth, Wait Winthroj), 
.lohn Richards and Samuel Sewall associate justices. 
This court had jurisdiction in cases of witchcraft, and 
at its session in Essex County in the .Fanuary follow- 
ing, indictments for the otleuse were found against 
fifty persons, and all who were tried were acquitted 
except three, and these were pardoned by the Gov- 
ernor. All not tried were discharged on payment of 
tliirty shillings each to the attorney general. At the 
first session of the Court of Middlesex County several 
persons in prison under indictments were tried but 
all were acquitted. The storm of infatuation had 
burst and spent its force, the moral atmosphere of the 
community was cleared and the sober judgment of 
men once more held sway. Let the present generation 
while it passes judgment on the delusions of a former 
age be sure that it is itself, free from delusions and 
follies if less dangerous and cruel, yet as little con- 
formable to the standards and tests which wisdom 
and common sense should apply to the acts of men. 

Little remains to be mentioned in this chapter. 
The industries, the schools, the churches, the com- 
merce, the military, and many of the leading as.socia- 
tions, are fully treated in other chapters. The fol- 
lowing perhaps ini]ierfect list will furnish some idea 
of the field in which the literary and scientific and 
benevolent tastes and energies of the people of Salem 
find ojiportunities for their exercise, — 

Salem .\tlicii;i-uiii iiicoriioialL'ti in ISIlt 

Salem Lyceum iiistituli'il in l.s:!(l 

Yonng Mph'* Tnitin inBtitnteii in I8.V1 

.Siiluni Maiinn Society inslitnleii in 17(10 

KnsI Tnilia Marine Society instituted in IV'.W 

Salurn Kraternity organized in IWi'.l 



166 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Young Mea^B Christiaa Assuciatiou organised iu 1858 

Plummer Farm School incorporated in 1855 

Salem Hospital organized iu 187;i 

Salem Dispensary organized in 1820 

Old Ladies' Home founded in 1801 

Salem Charitable Mechanic Association organized in 1817 

Harmony Grove t'emetery Corporation incorporated in 1840 

Salem Female Charitable Society incorporated iu 1804 

Samaritan Society organized in 18:j;j 

.Salem Female Employment Society incorporated in 18U7 

Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association. ..incorporated iu 1844 
Seamen's Orphans' and Cliildren'g Friend Sociely.. ..inc. in 1841 
City Orphan Asylum of Salem Sisters of Charity.. founded in 18tJ6 

St. Peter's Guild organized in 1872 

American Association for the Advancement of Science..org. 1840 

Bertram Home for Aged Men incorporated in 1877 

Essex Institute founded in 1848 

Association for Relief of Aged and Destitute Women in Salem, 

organized in ISijO 
Notre Dame Educational Institutes. 

Peabody Academy of Science founded in 1867 

Woman's Friend Society and Working Women's Bureau, 

organized in 187C 

American Hibernian Society organized in 188C 

American Legion of Honor organized in 1879 

Ancient Order of Hibernians. 

Ancient Order of United Workmen in three lodges. 

The Oriental Lodge, No. 4 organized in 1878 

The John Endicott Lodge, No. ]2 organized in 1879 

Puritan Lodge, No. 62 organized in 1880 

Bethel Aid Society organized in 1880 

Colonial Club , organized in 1882 

Boston and Maine R. R. East Division Car Department Mutual 

Benefit Association organized in 1809 

Jejinie Wade Counrril, No. 2, Daughters of Liberty. ..org. in 1877 

Essex Agricultural Society incorporated in 1818 

Essex Bar Association organized in 1856 

Essex South District Medical Association organized in 18()5 

Franklin Mutual Benefit Association incorporated in 1882 

Pliil. Sheridan Post 34, Grand Army of the Republic.org. in 18G7 
Improved Order of Red Men. 

Naumkeag Tribe, No. .T instituted in 1888 

Knights of Honor Salem Lodge, No. 150 organized in 1875 

Knigbts of Pythias North Star Lodge, No. 38. ..organized in 1870 

The Liberal Club, organized in 1882 

Loyal Association, No, 5, Stationary Engineer8..organized in 1883 

Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters organized in 1880 

Master Carpenters' and Builders' Association. ..organized iu 1SS6 

Naumkeag Grocers' Association orj^anized in 1885 

Local Branch, No. 302, of Order of Iron Hall. .organized in 1886 
Niagara Council, No. 11, of United American Mechanics, 

organized in 1872 
Roger Williams <"nuncil, No. 94, of Order of United Friends, 

organized in 1883 

North Salem Union Chapel Association organized in 1881 

John Endicott Colony, Nt). '.t, of Pilgrim Fathers org. in 1880 

Hawthorne Council, No. 331, of Royal Arcanum org. in 1879 

Salem Council of same, No. 14 organized in 1877 

Salem Firemen's Relief Association organized in 1878 

Salem High Scliool Association organized in 1807 

Salem Mutual Benefit Association organized in 1873 

Salem Oratorio Society organized iul808 

Salem Police Relief Association organized in 1877 

Salem Belief Committee organized in 1873 

Salem Schubert Club organized in 1878 

Salem Seamen's Bethel Society organized in 1883 

Salem Society of Amateur Photographers organized in 1885 

Salem Society of Deaf Mutes incoiporated in 1878 



Salem Symphony Club organized im 1885 

Colonel Henry Merritt Camp No. 8 of Sons of Veterans, 

organized in 1884 

Urban Club organized in 1884 

Ward One Associates organized in 1883 

Twelve Temperance Associations. 

Winslow Lewis Commandery, Knights Templar org. in 1865 

Salem Council Royal and Select Masters (Masons). ..lost, in 1818 

Washington Royal An.h Chapter (Masons) instituted iu 1811 

Sutton Lodge of Perfection (Masons) .-...instituted in 1864 

Essex Lodge of Free and Accepted Musons chartered in 1793 

Starr King Lodge of Free and .\t;cepted Masons chartered in 1804 

Essex County Masonic Mutii:il Uelief Association org. in 1876 

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. 

Royal Enterprise Lodge, No. 1895 instituted in 1878 

Naumkeag Encarnpment, No. 13, I. 0.0. F organized in 1845 

Salem Encampment, No. 11, I. 0. 0. F organized in 1884 

Unity Canton, No. .'», Patriarchs Militant, I. O. 0. F..org. in 1883 

Essex Lodge, No. 26, I. 0. O. F orj^anized in 1843 

Fraternity Lodge, No. 118, I. 0. O. F organized in 1846 

Union Relief Committee, I. O. 0. F organized in 1877 

Union Lodge, No, 11, Degree of Rebekah organized in 1870 

Odd Fellows' Mutual Benefit Association organized in 1869 

Three bicycle clubs. 
Three boat clubs. 
One yacht club. 

In closing this chapter, it is only necessary to add 
a few statistics. According to the last census in 
1885, the population of Salem was 28,0S4, and the 
valuation iu the same year ^27,765,824. During the 
yearl885, 1599 vessels arrived at Salem, 114 of which 
were from foreign ports, and their aggregate tonnage 
was 270,003,29 tons. The receipts for duties in the 
same year were $20,145.01, and the customs expenses 
$7,095.15. If to the business by sea which these fig- 
ures represent the large inland commerce by rail be 
added, it is easy to see that while Salem has lost the 
foreign trade upon which, as its seal indicates, its 
early prosperity was based, it has nevertheless made 
a satisfactory advance in its industries, its population 
and wealth. 



CHAPTER X. 

SALEM — {Continued). 
SOCIETIES, ETC. 

The Literary and Scientific Societies.^ — A 
history of the literature of Salem, giving an account 
of those who have individually devoted themselves to 
this pursuit or collectively in the organization of the 
various institutions of learning, for the enctmrage- 
ment of which a beneficent public spirit has existed 
from the beginning, and has worthily exerted itself 
as exigencies called it forth, would form an interest- 
ing and important chapter in the history of Salem. 

Sufficient space has not been allowed to do justice 
to the subject in this communication. It will be 
fully treated elsewhere. A few incidents that have 

1 By Henry Mlieatland. 



SALEM. 



167 



occurred in this direction can only be noted in their 
chronological order. 

As preliminary to the notice of these institutions of 
learning, a brief allusion to some of the agencies 
leading ultimately to their present condition may not 
be deemed inappropriate. 

The first great transaction in the settlement of the 
town was the organization of the church, a step 
mai-ked by profound wisdom as well as ardent piety. 
Francis Higginson, " the father and pattern of the 
New England clergy," as he is justly called, prepared 
a document, which, w'hile it formed an admirable 
manual of Christian faith and duty, eml)odied the 
principles of improvement and progress, and recog- 
nized the importance of a right education of children. 

His brave compeer, Gov. Eijdicott, heartily co- 
operated with him, and subsequently took a provident 
care for the education of poor children at the ex- 
pense of the town. 

Salom has been blessed above most other towns in 
the wisdom, learning, piety and energy of the leading 
men among the early settlers or their immediate de- 
scendants. At the opening of the Grammar School 
arrived Rev. John Fiske, a learned scholar and di- 
vine qualified for the work. Roger Williams, after- 
wards the founder of Rhode Island, and Hugh I'ders, 
who proved himself an able statesman and powerful 
friend of the whole colony, as well as a [lopular 
preacher and an energetic benefactor of .Salem. 

Peters's effective influence gave an im[)ulse to in- 
dustry and euterprise in every direction. Then we 
had the Browncs, whose charities, through successive 
generations, Howed freely in aid of education, learn- 
ing, religion and the i>oor. William Browne was 
here with Fiske and Peters, to catch the love of 
learning from the one and the spirit of commerce 
from the other, and for more than half a century was 
considered a liberal and successful i)romoter of learn- 
ing. He came over with his wife, in ItjSo, residing 
in Salem till his death, in 1G8S. William Browne, 
whose name appears among the early members of the 
Social Library, was a descendant in the fifth genera- 
tion. Emanuel Downing came to Salem in 1(336, 
where he lived in great esteem, after representing the 
town in the General Court. His wife, Lucia, was a 
sister of Gov. ,lohu Winthrop, His son George was 
then a lad of some fifteen summers, preparing under 
the tuition of Rev. John Fiske to enter the college, 
where he graduated in the first class, that of 1642. 
The son went to England, eiiterecl Cromwell's service 
and became highly distinguished. 

Major William Hathorne came over in the"Arbella," 
with Winthrop, as stated by Savage, and came to 
Salem in 1636. Salem tendered him grants of land. 
From that time his name appears in the records as 
holding imjiortant positions, as commissioner, Speak- 
er of the House of Representatives, counsel in cases 
before the courts, judge on the bench, etc. Johnson, 
in his " Wonder-working Providence," thus says of 



him : " Yet through the Lord's mercy we still retaine, 
among our Democracy, the Godly Captaine, William 
Hathorn, whom the Lord hath imbued with a quick 
apprehension, strong memory and Rhetoriek, volu- 
bility of speech, which hath caused the people to 
nuike use of him often in I'ldilick Service, especially 
when they have to do willi any foreign government." 
He died in 1681. 

His son John seems to have inherited many of his 
prominent traits of character, and to have succee<ied 
to all his public honors. He died in 1717. The 
name appears, thus far, to have been as prominent in 
the civil history of that period, as it has been in the 
elegant literature of the present, in a descendant of 
the sixth generation, Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

Other contemporary families of the colonial and pro- 
vincial periods might be named of eqtial or superior 
distinction in the hi.story of Salem, actuated by a 
like public spirit and not less zealous in promoting 
the higher interests of the town as well as its com- 
mercial prosperity, as Pickmau, Orue, Curwen, Hig- 
ginson, Cabot, Pynchon, Oliver, Lynde, Turner, 
English and others. 



The Salem Athen.eum was incorporated in 
March, 1810. Its conception was suggested undoubt- 
edly by the Boston Athemeum, organized some three 
years earlier. The charters of the two institutions 
are in many respects similar, the leading objects of 
both being the promotion of literature, the arts and 
sciences. The founders of the Salem Athenaeum were 
actuated by high motives, and laid a broad basis for 
future operations, commencing at first \vith a library, 
and trusting to the future for the further extension of 
their views and plans. To this end they purchased 
the Social and Philosophical Libraries. 

The S()C1AI> LiiUvAry. — This reminds us of the 
Social Evening (.'lub, composed of the leading spirits 
of the town, which fl(nirished during the middle of 
the last century, and wiis wont to hold its meetings 
weekly at the Tavern House of Mrs. Pratt, to discuss 
the topics of the day, especially those of a literary or 
scientific character. The fiillowing are understood to 
have been mendiers : Benjamin Lynde and Nathaniel 
Ropes, both of the bench of the Sui>erior Court of the 
Province, the former, as well as his father, its chief 
justice ; William Browne, judge of the Superior Court, 
afterwards Governor of Bermuda; Andrew Oliver, 
judge of the Common Pleas; Rev. Thomas Barnard, 
of the First Church; Dr. E. A. Holyoke, a young 
physician ; Stephen Higginson, Benjamin Pickman 
and Timothy t)rne, merchants; William Pynchon, 
an eminent lawyer, and others. A taste for literature 
and knowledge, and a zeal in the prosecution of sci- 
entific studies, were thus imparted to this community, 
of which the imprints can be distinctly traced through 
our suliseiiuent history. The first movement in this 



168 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



direction was the meeting of gentlemen, many of 
whom wore members of this club, at the Pratt Tavern 
on Moiulay evening, March 31, 17G0, for the i>ur|)Ose 
of "founding a handsome library of valuable books 
apprehending the same may be of very considerable 
use and benefit under proper regulations." A sub- 
scription was iii)ened, funds obtained, and Rev. Jere- 
miah Condy, a Baptist minister of Boston, being 
about to visit England, was employed to purchase the 
books. On their arrival a meeting of the subscribers 
was held, May 20, 1761, of which Benjamin Pickman 
was moderator and Nathan Goodale clerk. The Social 
Library was thus put in operation. The books im- 
ported, with those given by members or otherwise 
procured, amounted to -115 volumes. The society was 
incorporated in 1797. It may be regarded as the 
pioneer of all the institutions established in this place 
for the promotion of intellectual culture. 

The Philosophical Libeary. — This also calls to 
remembrance some of the scenes in the Revolutionary 
period ; the Cabota' privateer-ship " Pilgrim ; '' its 
bold and stalwart commander, Hugh Hill ; his daring 
exploits ; the capture of a schooner in the English 
channel, having on board the library of Dr. Richard 
Kirwan, a distinguished chemist; the bringing of 
these books into the neighboring port of Beverly; 
the purchase ef the same by several scientific men of 
Salem and its vicinity, of whom may be mentioned 
Rev. Maniisseh Cutler, of the Hamlet Church in Ips- 
wich, now Hamilton, Rev. Joseph Willard of Beverly, 
afterwards president of Harvard College, Dr. Joshua 
Fisher of Beverly, Dr. E. A. Holyoke, Dr. Joseph 
Orne, Rev. Thomas Barnard and Rev. John Prince, 
all of Salem. They made it the foundation of the 
Philosophical Library in 1781. To show Dr. Bow- 
ditch's estimate of the value and character of these 
books, this extract from his will is inserted: 

Ilenlf "It is wcU-knuwn that the valuable Scientific library of the 
celebrated Dr. Kicbiii-d Kirwan, was dtiriug the Ivevolutionary war, 
captured in the British Channel, on its way to Ireland, by a Beverly 
Privateer, .and that by the liberal and enlightened views of the owners 
of the vessel, the library thus captured was sold at a very low rate, and 
in this numuer was laid the foundation, upon which has since been buc- 
cessfnUy established tlie Pbilosopliiral Library so called and the present 
Salem Athenannn. Thus, in early life, I found near me a better collec- 
tion of Philosoiiliical and Scientific books tlian could be found in atiy 
other part of the Ihiitetl States nearer than Philadelphiii, and by the 
kindness of its proprietors I was permitted freely to take the hooks from 
that library and to consult and study them at pleasure. This inestima- 
ble advantage has made me deeply a debtor to the Salem Athena'um. 
and I do, therefore, give to that Institution the sum of one tljousand 
dollars, the income thereof to be forever applied to the promotion of its 
objects and the extension of its usefuluess." 

Athen.kum. — The rooms of the Athenaeum in Cen- 
tral Building, Market (now Central) Street, were 
opened to the proprietors on Wednesday, July 11, 
1810, with a goodly collection of books upon the 
shelves, duly arranged and properly classified. 

In April, 1815, the library was removed to rooms in 
Essex Place; in 1825 to rooms over the Salem Bank ; 
in 1841 to Lawrence Place, and in April, 1857, to 



Plumraer Hall, the present resting place for this val- 
uable and increasing collection of books. 

The present number of volumes is about twenty- 
one thous.md. These have been obtained principally 
by moneys arising from the sale of shares and annual 
assessments and subscriptions, although many valua- 
ble works have been received as donations from the 
friends of the institution. 

The number of shares is one hundred. Each share 
entitles the jiroprietor to take from the library four 
liooks at one time. Books which have been in the 
library one year can be retained four weeks; if less 
than that time, two weeks ; recent periodicals, in 
numbers, one week. Persons not projirietors, ap- 
proved by the trustees, may have all the i)rivileges of 
proprietors in the use of books for one year, on the 
payment of one dollar in addition to the annual as- 
sessment, which is determined at the annual meeting. 
The assessment for several years past has been five 
dollars. 

Officers o/ the Stikin Alheuicum for the year 188T-S. — Edmund It. Will- 
.-^oii, president; Henry Wheatland, clerk; Uichard C. BlauniDg, treas- 
urer; William (.'. Endicott, .Ir., Richard C. Manning, George P. Mes- 
servey, William Nortliey, Charles S Osgood, George A. Perkins, Fred- 
erick P. Richardson, Henry Wheatland, Ednnind B. Willson, trustees ; 
.Mice II. Osborne, librarian ; .\uuie E. Suell, aassistant librarian. 

Plummee Hall. — On the 13th May, 1854, at her 
residence in Salem, " died Mi.ss Caroline Plumnier," 
leaving bequests to the city of Salem for the founding 
of a Farm School of Reform " for boys in the city of 
Salem ; " to Harvard College for the foundation of a 
Professorship of Christian Morals, and to the Salem 
Athenteum the sum of thirty thousand dollars "for 
(he purchasing of a piece of land, in some central and 
convenient spot in the city of Salem, and for building 
thereon a safe and elegant building of brick or stone, 
to be employed for the purpose of de|iositing the 
books belonging to said corjioration, with liberty also 
to have the rooms thereof used for meetings of any 
scientific or literary institution, or for the deposit of 
any works of art or natural productions." Thus, by 
the noble bequests of this lady, an impetus has been 
given to the cause of literature, science, philanlliropy 
and noble living, which will ever make her name 
respected, honored and beloved, not alone in the city 
of Siilem or within the walls of Harvard, but wherever 
learning and liberality shall find a home. 

The location selected is upon one of the leading 
thoroughfares of the city and near its centre, with 
agreeable and attractive surroundings, and about 
which cluster many associations of exceeding interest 
to the student in history, the scholar, the scientist and 
the general public. 

The buildiug is in the form of a parallelogram, 
ninety-seven feet three inches long by fifty-three wide. 
The exterior walls are faced with pressed brick, and 
are forty-five feet in height above the under-pinning, 
which is four feet six inches high and is cjf luuvvn 
sandstone. The steps, doorway, wimlow-dressings, 



SALEM. 



169 



balcony, belts, &c., are also of the same stone. The 
style of the building is Romanesque. On the first 
floor were arranjred the scientific and historical col- 
lections of the In^stitute ; on the second floor the 
libraries of the Athciiii'Um and of the Institute. The 
shelving in the library-rooms having lieen completed 
and the books placed upon the shelves, though not 
finally arranged, the building was accepted at a meet- 
ing of the proprietors, held on Monday, September 
21, 1857, and dedicated on Tuesday, the sixth of 
October following. The order of exercises was as 
I'd Hows : 

.Mrsir, hy a vnluiitrer flinir uiulHr thy ilircctiun uf Sliiiiuel Ftjiiullut.!!, 
..r Siiluni ; 

HvMS, liy Hon. Junipli (iilln-rt Wiiters, uf S.-ilem ; 

I'UAVKK, by Uov. Ot'urge Wart- Brings, uf the First Church, Sjileni ; 

Hi MN, by Uev. .loiies Very, of SHlein ; 

ADiiKEs.'i, by Uev. .Jamr.s Miisou Uoppiu, uf the Crombie Street 
(_'hurch, SahjTTi ; 

HvMN, by Rev. Charles Timothy Brooks, of Newport, U. I. 

Bt:NEl)lc_-rios, by Rev. Robert Curtis Mills, of the Fii-et Bajitisf 
Clmrch, Salem. 

The following letter from the historian rrcsctitt, 
received among others in response to invitations tn 
attend the dedication, will I)e read with interest : 

PLi'l'KRELL, Oct. Ci, lS.n7, 

J)EAR Sin: I, liit«t evening, hiol till' pleasure uf receiving the invita- 
tion of the cuiiiiiiittee to atti-nil the ileilieatioli of riuimiier Hall. Unfur 
tuuately, being absent fruiu town, it iliil not reach nie till tuo late tu 
profit by it. I beg yun will present my acknowledgments to the com- 
mittee for the honor they have clone ine. I need not assure them that I 
take a sincere interest in the ceremonies of the day, for I am attached to 
Salem by the reminiscences of many happy hours passed there in boy- 
hood ; and I have a particular interest in the spot which is to be covered 
with the new editice, from its having been that on which I first saw the 
Ir _-ht myself. It is a jileas-int thought lo me, that through the enlight- 

t liberality of my deceased friend Miss rlumiiier, it is now to be con- 

. . i;ited to so noble a purpose. 

\\'ith great lespect, believe nie, dear Sir, 

Very truly yours, 

\\'M- H. PlEESroTT. 

I>R. tJEonoK Cuo.M'E, Ples. Suleiii .\tlien;eulii. 

Prexidfii/s of tin; Suleiii Af/inxnim. 

Edward .Augustus llolyoke I810-:;n 

Benjamin Piekman 1829-3.^i 

Ichabod Tucker 183.'.-38 

Daniel .Viniletun W'hile 1838-40 

Benjamin Merrill 1840-47 

Stephen Clarendon Phillips 184"-.'")ll 

Oeorgc Clioale 18511-114 

Alphens Crosby lsr,4-7 4 

William Mack 1874-Sll 

Kdmiind Biirko Willson 1886 



Cler/:.'< 



.lohn Sp.arhawk .\ppb'loii 1810-14 

John Pickering 1S14-1'.I 

.lohn (ilen King 1810-.)I 

Ebenezer Shillaber 1831-41 

William I'utnaiii Ricliarilson 1841-46 

Henry Wheatland 1S4C 

The Kssex Ik.stitdte. — The Essex Institute was 
formed by the union of the Essex Historical Society 
and ihe Essex County Natural History Society, and 
was organized, under an act of incorporation granted 
by the Legislature of Massachusetts in February of 
1848, on the 1st of March fnllnwing. 



The Essex Hktork al Society. — At the sug- 
gestion of Hon. John Glen King and George A. 
Ward, Est]., several gentlemen, many of whom were 
active in the organization of tlie Salem Athen;euni, 
eleven years before, assembled on the 21st of Ajiril, 
1821, Hon. Joseph iStory presiding, aiwl formed them- 
selves into an as.sociation under the name of the Essex 
Historical Society, the leading object of which was 
the collection and preservation of all authentic ma- 
terials illustrating the civil history of the county of 
Essex, and in i'urtherance (hereof they invited the co- 
operation of other kindred societies. An actof incor- 
poration was obtained from the Legislature, June 27, 
1821. The first corporate meeting was held on Wed- 
nesday, June 27, 1821, due notice having been given 
of tiie call at which the act was accepted and the so- 
ciety organized by the adoption of rules and regula- 
tions and the election of officers to serve until the 
annual meeting fixed on the 6th of September, in 
commemoration of the landing of Governor John En- 
dicott on that day (0. S.), 1628. 

The venerable Dr. E. A. Holyokc, who always took 
the most lively interest in whatever concerned Ameri- 
can literature and science, was elected the first presi- 
ileiit. It is quite remarkable that in I'acli stage in the 
progress of institutions of this chariicter in Salem, a 
leading part was taken by one man, Dr. Holyoke; he 
signed the call for the meeting at the tavern of Sirs. 
Pratt in 17G0, and was an original subscriber to the 
funds then raised to establish the Social Library ; he 
was one of the purchasers of Dr. Kirwan's books, thus 
co-operating in founding the Philnsophical Lilirary ; 
he was the first president of the Salem Athenicum, 
and the first president of the Essex Historical Society. 
The zeal and ability of the members and their friends, 
in a short time, gathered together a good collection of 
portraits and antique relics, illustrative of the early 
history of the county and the nucleus of a library con- 
taining files of several newspapers, pamphlets, docu- 
ments, etc. These were first depositeil in Essex 
Place, on Essex Street, facing Central ; then in the 
room over the Salem Bank, where Downing Block 
now .stands, afterwards in Lawrence Place, at the cor- 
ner of Washington and Front Streets, until the union 
which formed the Institute. 

On the (ith of September, 182,'i, the day of the 
:innuai meeting, Hon. Leverett Saltonstall delivered 
a public address, which was well received, before 
the society, in the First Church. On Thursday, 
the 18th of September {N. S.), 1828, the mem- 
bers of the society, with their invited guests, met 
to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the 
landing of Endicott. The orator of the day was the 
Hon. Jo.seph Story, one of the justices of the United 
States Supreme Court, an original member and the 
vice-president of the society. The president of 
the society. Dr. Holyoke, the centennial anni- 
versary of whose birth was appropriately observed 



170 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



by the medical profession of Boston and Salem 
on the thirteenth of the month preceding, pre- 
sided. The secretary was the Hon. Joseph G. Waters, 
secretary of the society for the twenty-one years pre- 
ceding the union, in 1848. He will be long remem- 
bered for his deep interest in our literary and scien- 
tific institutions and for his versatile gifts and exten- 
sive knowledge of English literature and history. The 
society had on its roll of membership at that time 
many men of wide distinction. Probably no society 
in the United States could claim a greater number of 
influential men in the various walks of life. The elo- 
quent address of Hon. Mr. Story at the North Church ; 
the intellectual and social banquet at Hamilton Hall ; 
these, and other interesting incidents connected 
therewith, rendered the occasion one long to be re- 
membered in the annals of the society. 

OFFICERS OF THE ESSEX HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

Presidents. 

Edward Augustus Hol.voke 1821-29 

Benjamin Pickman 1829-35 

Ichabod Tucker 1835-37 

Baniel .ippletou White 1837-48 

Recording Secretaries. 

Oeorge Atkinson Ward 1821-22 

Jolm White Treadwell 1822-24 

William Proctor 1824-27 

Joseph Gilbert Watere 1827-48 

The Essex County Natural History Society. 
— A communication was printed in the Salem Gazette 
for Tuesday, February 1, 1831, under the signature of 
Ebah, suggesting the feasibility of organizing a So- 
ciety of Natural History ; other coinnuinications oc- 
casionally appeared, but the various suggestions did 
not begin to take a tangible form until December, 

1833, when, on the evening of Saturday, the 14th, a 
meeting of those friendly to the subject was held, 
which resulted, after several adjournments, in the or- 
ganization of the Essex County Natural History So- 
ciety, Dr. Andrew Nichols, of Danvers, president; 
William Oakes, Esq., of Ipswich and Rev. Gardner 
B. Perry, of Bradford, vice-presidents; John M. Ives, 
Esq., of Salem, secretary and treasurer ; Rev. John 
Lewis Russell, of Salem, cabinet keeper and libra- 
rian ; William Oakes, Esq., of Ipswich, John Clarke 
Lee, of Salem, Charles Grafton Page, of Salem, 
Thomas Spencer, Esq., of Salem, curators. 

Upon the organization of the society the attention 
of its members was mainly devoted to horticulture ; 
its rooms were opened occasionally during every sea- 
son with greater or less frequency, as circumstances 
would permit, for exhibitions of fruits and flowers. 
The first exhiliitiou took place on Tuesday, July 11, 

1834. The first general exhibition, which continued 
several days, occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, 
September 14th and 15th, 1841. 

These exhibitions, though not an original object, 
became, in the course of years, one of the most 



important features of the society. For several 
years exhibitions were held weekly during the sum- 
mer months, with an annual show in September, and 
increased in interest with each successive season. 
Several nurseries were established, the demand for 
fruit trees, ornamental trees and shrubs increased, 
and Salem, for some years became, as it were, a cen- 
tre for horticultural operations. The exhibitions at 
the Metropolis were largely indebted to the Salem 
gardens for their requisite jiroportion of fruits and 
flowers. 

This city and its vicinity bad a goodly array of en- 
thusiastic and successful cultivators of the choicest 
gifts of Flora and Pomona ; among them the name of 
Robert Manning stands as a pioneer in the cultiva- 
tion of fruit, especially of the pear. The garden of 
Mr. J. Fisk Allen exhibited, for .several seasons, a 
fine disjjlay of that gorgeous lily, " Victoria Regia," 
and his excellent treatise on that flower, with illus- 
trations, finds a place in every well stored library. 
Salem was also noted for the great variety of grapes 
aud other fruits grown under glass. The gardens and 
grounds of the Messrs. Putnam, Lee, Cabot, Emmer- 
ton, Upton, Ives, Bertram, Hoffman, Derby, Phippen, 
Ropes, Oliver, Glover, Bosson, Gardner and others, 
may be mentioned in this connection. 

The Journal of the Essex County Natural Histonj 
Society, comprising one volume in three numbers, is- 
sued in 1836, 1838 and 1841, was published by the 
society. i 

Officer.s of ES.SF.X CouNTV Natural IIistorv Society. 

Pi-esideiUs. 

Andrew Nichols 18.33-15 

Jolm Lewis Russell 1845-48 

Secrttariei. 

John M. IvcB 1833-35 

Henry Wheatland 1835-48 

During the autumn of 1847 the Historical and the 
Natural History Societies held several meetings to ef- 
fect a union. A joint committee was appointed to 
draft a plan to serve as a basis of organization. The 
plan offered by the committee was accepted by the 
two societies at a meeting held January 14, 1848. 
An act of incorporation was obtained in February of 
that year, and upon its acceptance, on the 1st of 
March following, the Essex Institute was organized. 

The organization of the two societies being on an 
entirely different basis, generous concessions were 
called for from both [larties to bring about the de- 
sired results. 

The Historical Society always had a small mem- 
bership. Members were elected by ballot, aud an 
entrance fee was required. There was no regular 
assessment, though occasionally one was levied ; the 
rooms were never opened to the public at stated 
times, though persons could obtain access by calling 
upon the librarian or some officer, who was always 
courteous and ready to grant such a favor. 

The Natural History Society was differently con- 
stituted. Any inhabitant of the county could be- 



SALE.M. 



171 



come a member by signing the constitulion and paying 
the small annual assessment. The rooms were al- 
ways central anil accessible, and were frequently 
opened for horticultural and other exhibitions, the 
aim being to make them attractive and thereby to 
awaken au interest in the objects of the society. The 
collections increased in vahie and importance, the 
membership was enlarged, and consequently more 
means were available to extend its operations. 

The Institute, in organizing in 18-18, took up with 
vigor the work of its two component members, as 
well as new undertakings of its own. If the Essex 
Historical Society had busied itself with collecting 
and perpetuating the liistory of the county, the In- 
stitute, with its new blood, hoped not without reason 
to push this important portion to still greater results. 
If the Natural History Society had been successful in 
its delightful exhibits of fruits and flowers, so did the 
Institute at the outset perpetuate this excellent ex- 
ample and call to its aid a new class of generous con- 
tributors. Jloreover, it began at once, by means of 
field meetings and other popular and original appli- 
ances to make science, local tradition and history, 
literature and the arts, so far as it could with its 
modicum of means and membership, a part of the 
daily diet of the people. 

The librar)' and various collections were removed 
to Plummer Hall as soon as the shelving and cases 
were prepared for their reception. 

The several departments of the Museum were ar- 
ranged on the first floor, and were well represented ; 
in several of the classes of the animal kingdom the 
collections were inferior to but one or two others in 
the country. Those in some classes were arranged 
and identilied, and catalogues commenced. In con- 
sequence of a liberal use of its rich supply of dupli- 
cates, the Institute became the recipient of large 
and valuable collections from scientific itistitutions 
and individuals, both in this and foreign countries. 

These various scientific collections, containing some 
one hundred and forty thousand specimens are now 
deposited at Kast India Marine Hall, in the custody 
of the trustees of the Peabody Academy of Science, 
according to terms of agreement signed May 29, 1867, 
by the contracting parties. 

The Peabody Museum was, after thorough re-ar- 
rangement, dedicated to the pul)lic on Wednesday 
afternoon, August 18, 18(19, the first day of the meet- 
ing, in Salem, of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science. 

All contributions of specimens in natural history 
which have since been received by the institute, 
either by donations or otherwise, have been likewise 
deposited with the trustees above named, at East 
India Marine Hall. 

The collections of antique relics, paintings, portraits, 
engravings, etc., are placed in thehalls of the institute, 
and are of great historic value, and will be alluded to 
in another place. 



The agreement by which the institute has occupied 
Plummer Hall, jointly with the Athen;eum for thirty 
years, was cancelled from the end of April by the gov- 
erning board of the two institutions, February 25, 
1887, and at the same time another agreement was 
adopted to go into efiect on the 30th of A])ril, 1887, 
by which the institute retains the use of the first 
fioor and the basement for the deposit of a portion of 
its library and collections, and the hall to be used for 
lectures and meetings, horticultural and art exhibi- 
tions, and for other purposes not inconsistent with 
the provisions of Mi.ss Plummer's will. Each society, 
as heretofore, may freely consult the books of the 
other. 

Library. — The library of the institute contains 
about fifty thousand bound volumes, and some one 
hundred and fifty thousand pamphlets. In the early 
stages of the growth of a great library, its energies 
are mainly absorbed in mere accumulation. At a 
later stage, and when exchanges are established and 
a law of growth confirmed, while accretions are not 
less rapid, more attention can be given to extending 
its usefulness and acquainting others with the value 
and character of its treasures. The institute library 
has now reached this stage. It is for the first time 
able to display its quality and richness in the new 
building purchased March 12, 1880, and since suita- 
bly fitted tor the purposes intended. Among the 
valuable features which, on being catalogued, it will 
be found to contain, are, — 

A very complete collection of the legislative and 
official publications of Massachusetts from early dates, 
as well as those of several other States of New Eng- 
land and of the Union at large. 

A large and daily increasing collection of the works 
of the authors of Essex County, both native and resi- 
dent, already counting about six hundred volumes. 
Full files of newspapers possessing to the antiquary, 
the historical student and the c<inveyancer, a value 
hardly to be exaggerated. 

Some eight thousand volumes of English, Greek 
and Latin classics, also historical and other works, 
selected for the private library of the donor, the late 
.ludge Daniel A. White, first president ol the Essex 
Institute. A collection of some three hundred Bibles 
and parts of Bibles of curious antiquity, including one, 
doubtless the oldest book in Essex County, dated be- 
fore the discovery of America, in the year 1481), a well 
preserved copy brought from a Carmelite Monastery 
in Bavaria, and presented to the institute October 2, 
1858, by Rev. J. M. Hopi)in, then of Salem, now a 
professor in Yale College. Part of the library of the 
late Francis Peabody, the third president of the in- 
stitute, containing some three thousand volumes, 
principally, architectural, horticultural and scientific. 
Also the libraries of the late Augustus Story, com- 
prising about fifteen hundred volumes of literary and 
historical books — and that of the late William Sutton, 



ir^ 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



about sixteen hundred of agricultural and historical 
works. 

The China Library, containing nearly seven hun- 
dred volumes, an unique collection of publications 
relating to that country and her people; the Library 
of the Art Department, numbering upwards of five 
hundred volumes, together with many periodicals in 
its various branches, to which additions are being 
constantly made, and a small Musical Library. 

A large portion of the books are arranged in the 
new building, — the Historical in the western section 
of the second floor ; the Literary in the eastern sec- 
tion and the Essex County books in the central. On 
the third floor are the Theological, in the western 
section ; Scientific, in the eastern ; the Directories, 
Horticultural and Educational Books, in the central. 

The national, state and city Documents, those re- 
lating to Einance and Trade, bound volumes of News- 
papers and Pamphlets, are retained in Plummer Hall. 
The large room is furnished with settees and chairs, 
and is used for lectures, concerts, meetings and exhi- 
bitions of Art, Horticulture, etc. 

Meetings of the Institute. — Regular meetings are held 
on the first and third Monday evenings of each month ; 
field meetings, during the summer months, at such 
times and places as may be api)ointed by a special 
committee. 

The Institute was organized in the spring of 1848. 
It at once introduced a system of field meetings, 
unique and interesting, as well as useful to those who 
have attended them. These meetings gather from 
one to three hundred or more persons ; four or five of 
them are held in each season. Railroads, local au- 
thorities, church committees, educational, scientific 
and literary organizations, have uniformly united their 
efforts to make attendance easy and agreeable. The 
first of these gatherings was held at Danvers, June 
12, 1849, and, with the interval of three .summers, in 
1853-4-5, they have since been uninterrupted. One 
hundred and thirty-five field meetings have been held 
in ninety-si-x different places in thirty-three of the 
towns and cities of the county of Es.sex, and twelve 
meetings in twelve towns or cities beyond the county 
limits. Members of the Institute and all others are 
invited on equal terras. A spot is selected for its 
scientific and historical interest, and with some regard 
to its facilities for trans])ortation, shelter and refresh- 
ment. Physicists and anti(|uarians, especially local 
students of science, tradition and history, are sought 
out. The party attending provides itself with a bas- 
ket luncheon, and is usually transported at half fare. 
Reaching its destination, it is often welcomed by a 
local committee, deposits its baskets and extra cloth- 
ing, and, in self-appointed sections, follows the lead 
of its specialists in botany, geology, entomology, local 
history or antiquity, to various points of interest in 
the neighborhood. Coming together at noon in the 
village church, the school-house, the town hall, or 
some inviting grove, a meeting is held, after the bas- 



kets are emptied, and the results of the previous 
rambles are exhibited, compared, analyzed and dis- 
cussed. 

In yet another way has the effort been successful to 
make science and sociability tributary to each other. 
For several seasons, beginning May 1, 181)6, and for 
several evenings during each season, meetings were 
held, which might be described as microscope shows. 
From twenty-five to fifty instruments of every variety 
of make, were brought together in Hamilton Hall, 
where the friends of the Institute, to the number of 
two hundred, passed most agreeable evenings in ex- 
amining the specimens shown, in listening to the 
comments of experts and specialists, and in general 
social relaxation. The occasions owed much of their 
success to the intere.st and labor of the late well- 
known microscopist, Edwin Bicknell. 

Lectures. — During the past fifteen or twenty years, 
regular courses of lectures have been delivered annu- 
ally in the winter months, with perhaps a few excep- 
tions ; and before this occasionally as opportunities 
offered. These embrace a wide range of topics in 
science and literature. In addition to the above, 
courses of lectures or single lectures have been given 
by those who were or are now active members of the 
institute. 

Commemorations. — The fiftieth anniversary of the 
organization of the Essex Historical Society was ob- 
served on the 21st of April, 1871. The address was by 

A. C. Goodell, Jr., Esq.; an excellent choir, under the 
direction of General H. K. Oliver, sang an original 
hymn, written for the occasion by Rev. Jones Very ; 
after which remarks were made by Rev. George D. 
Wildes, of New York City ; General H. K. Oliver 
and J. Wingate Thornton, of Boston ; and Dr. George 

B. Loring. , 

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the organization 
of the Essex Institute, on the 5th of March, 1873, 
was commemorated by a banquet in the rooms of the 
Institute, with addresses by the President, His ICxcel- 
lency Governor William B.Washburn, Mayor William 
Cogswell of Salem, Hon. George B. Loring, president 
of the Massachusetts Senate, Hon. John E. Sanford, 
speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tives, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of New England 
Historico-Genealogical Society, Prof. 0. C. Marsh, of 
Yale, and others. 

The centennial of the Destruction of the Tea in 
Boston Harbor, December 10, 1773, was noticed at a 
special meeting on that evening by an address from 
James Kimball, Esq., whose grandfather, William 
Russell, was one of the actors on that occasion. 

The first centennial of the meeting in Salem, Octo- 
ber 5, 1774, of that memorable body which formally 
and finally resolved itself into a Provincial 
Congress and established in Massachusetts " a gov- 
ernment of the people, by the people & for the peo- 



SALEM. 



173 



pie," was commemorated b}' an address from A. C. 
Goodell, Jr., Esq.; a fine double quartette, under the 
direction of Afr. M. Fenollosa, sang some ]iatric>tic 
pieces. 

The directors of the institute, in compliance with 
several official circulars and personal letters from the 
chief of the Historical Department of the Centennial 
Exhibition at riiiladelphia, made an exhibit of spec- 
imens illustrative of the HistoiT of Essex Counly. 
Portraits of Governors Endicott, Leverett and Brad- 
street, of 8ir Richard Saltonstall, Rev. Dr. UFanasseh 
Cutler and Colonel Timothy Pickering and about one 
hundred articles of historical interest, also an album 
containing one hundred and twenty photograplis il- 
lustrating our city, were coutribnted. These remained 
during the exhibition. 

The commemoration of the two hundred and fif- 
tieth anniversary of the landing of .Johu Endicott at 
Salem, September 6, 1628, was conducted by the Es- 
sex Institute, Sei>tember 18, 1878. The forenoon ex- 
ercises, in Mechanic's Hall, consisted of an organ vol- 
untary by Mr. B. J. Lang, reading of Scripture and 
prayer by Rev. R. C. Mills, hymn by Rev. Jones 
Very, poem by Rev. C. T. Brooks, ode by Rev. S. P. 
Hill, oration by Hon. W. C. Endicott; Mrs. Hemans' 
hymn, " The Breaking Waves Dashed High," sung by 
Mrs. J. H. 'West; poem, by W. VV. Story, read by 
Prof. J. W. Cliurchill ; the one hundredth Psalm 
sung by a chorus. 

The guests then proceeded to Hamilton Hall, where 
an elegant lunch was served by Cassell. The divine 
blessing was invoked by Rev. R. C. Mills, D.I). The 
president opened the afternoon speaking, and was 
lollowed by Rev. E. C. Bolles, toast master. Governor 
.\. H. Puce, Mayor H. K. Oliver, Hon. R. C. Win- 
throp, President of Massachusetts Historical Society, 
Hon. M. P. Wilder, President of the New England 
Historico-Genealogical Society, Dean Stanley, of 
Westminster Abbey, Hon. W. C. Endicott, Hon. 
L. Saltonstall, Prof. B. Peirce, Hon. G. B. Loring, 
Rev. F. Israel, Joseph H. Choate, Es(j., of New York, 
B. H. Silsbee, Esq., President East India Marine 
Society, and Rev. E. S. Atwood. 

The two huiulred and fiftieth anniversary of the 
arrival of .lohn Winthrop at Salem, with the charter 
and records of the Massachusetts Bay Company, oc- 
curring on the 22d of June, 1880, the first field meet- 
ing of the season was held on that day, at the Pavil- 
ion on Salem Neck, and the occasion was devoted to 
a commemoration of this important event. At 1 I'.M. 
lunch was served in the dining hall ; at 2.30 o'clock 
the afternoon session was held in the great hall 
below. 

The president introduced Robert S. Rantoul, Esq., 
who then delivered an historical and eloquent ad- 
dress. Rev. De Wilt S. Clarke, read a poem written 
for the occasion by Miss Lucy Larcom, who was 
present, and was followed by Colonel Thomas Went- 
worth Higginson, of the Governor's statt', a lineal de- 



scendant of Rev. Francis Higginson. Hon. George 
Washington Warren, i>residenl of Bunker Hill Mon- 
ument Association ; Hon. George B. Loring, M.C., 
Mayor H. K. Oliver, anil Seth Low, Esij., of Brooklyn, 
N. Y.; .selections from the correspondence were read 
by Rev. E. S. Atwood, and a communication from E. 
Stanley Waters, E.sq., by Rev. George H. Ilosmer, 
giving a reminiscence of his predecessor in the puljjit 
of the East Church, Rev. William Bentley, D.l)., 
whose birthday this gathering also commemorated, 
he having been born in Boston June 22, 17oi). The 
proceedings at these coninienioralions were fully re- 
ported and are in jnint. 

77if Pnblicatiniis of /he Iintlilute. — " Proceedings and 
Communications," v<ils., 8vo., 1848-tlS. These vol- 
umes contain a large number of descri])tions and fig- 
ures of new species, especially of corals, insects and 
polyzoa, and many valuable pajiers in natural history. 
The first three volumes also contain many important 
historical papers. In addition to the papers on spe- 
cial subjects, the volumes contain the proceedings of 
the meetings of the institute, the records of the addi- 
tions to the library and the museum, and many im- 
porta?it verbal communications made at the meetings, 
etc. 

" Dulletin," 17 vols., 8vo, issued quarterly ; :i con- 
tinuation of the " Proceeilings of the Essex Institute," 
containing an account of the regular and field meet- 
ings of the society and papers of scientific value. 

"Flora of Essex County," by John Robinson, 8vo, 
pp. 200. 

" Historical Collections," 28 vols., 8vo, issued quar- 
terly, contain extracts from the records of courts, par- 
ishes, churches and towns in this county ; abstracts of 
wills, deeds and journals; records of births, ba|)tisms, 
marriages and deaths, and inscriptions on tombstones ; 
also papers of historical, genealogical and biograph- 
ical ijiterest. In these volumes will be found mem- 
oirs of the following persons: of Daniel A. White, by 
George W. Briggs; of George A. Ward, Daniel P. 
King and Francis Peabody, by Hon. Charles W. lip- 
ham ; of Asahel Huntington, by Hon. Otis 1^. Lord; 
of Henry C. Perkins, by Rev. Samuel J. Spalding, of 
Newbury port; of James Upton, by Rev. Robert C. 
Mills; of Augustus Story, by Rev. Charles T. Ihooks, 
of Newport. R. I.; of Benjamin Peirce, James Kim- 
ball, Charles Davis and .lames O. Safiiird, by Robert 
S. Rantoul ; of .lohn Bertram, by Rev. E. S. Atwood ; 
of John Lewis Russell, .lohn C. Lee and Charles T. 
Brooks, by Rev. E. B. Willson ; of Gen. John Glover, 
by William P. Upham ; of Jones Very, by William P. 
Andrews; of Oliver Carlton, by L. Saltonstall ; also 
genealogies of the families of Gould, Chipman, 
Browne, Pope, Fiske, Koi)es, Hutchinson, I'.ecket. 
Higginson, Webb, Gedney, Clarke, Silsbee, Fabens, 
Newhall, Perkins and Town.send. 

The institute exchanges publications with fifty soci- 
ties in Germany, fourteen in France, eight in Switzer- 
land, five in Belgium, four each in Sweden, Russia, 



174 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Italy and Norway, three each in Austria and Den- 
mark, two each in Spain, Australia, South America 
and Java, one each in Portugal, China, Tasmania, 
Mexico, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, four in 
Canada, sixteen in Cxreat Britain (besides receiving 
the government surveys of India and the United 
Kingdom), and with twenty-seven miscellaneous, forty 
scientific and thirty-three historical societies in the 
United States of America. 

Art Exhibitions — In February, 1875, the proposal 
of the Misses Mary E. and Abby O. Williams, of Sa- 
lem, to deposit temporarily their valuable collection 
of paintings, many of which were copied by them 
from acknowledged masters during a residence of sev- 
eral years in Rome, and had earned the praise of Rus- 
kin, was gratefully accepted. 

The collection was received on Thursday, March 
4th, and it had been found expedient, with so fine a 
basis, to arrange an art exhibition, and to solicit other 
contributions. The exhibition was opened Thursday, 
March 11th, and continued to Friday evening, March 
19th. From the day that notice was given, pictures of 
all kinds were sent in with the greatest liberality, and 
some three or four hundred of them were hung upon 
the walls of the exhibition-room. 

The second exhibition opened on Tuesday, Novem- 
ber 9, 1875, and closed Wednesday, the 17th. The 
eastern ante-room was occupied with a display of 
bronzes, porcelain and pottery ; this was the first ce- 
ramic exhibition in Salem. 

Encouraged by this success, exhibitions have been 
held in June, 1879, in April, 1880, and in May, 1881, 
May, 1882, May, 1883, May, 1884, and June, 1886. 

The collections in these exhibitions have been con- 
fined, with one or two exceptions, to the recent pro- 
ductions of Essex County artists. 

Manuscripts. — The collection of manuscripts is 
large and valuable, consisting of original (diarters, 
commissions, account-books, records and papers of 
extinct local organizations, such as old stage and in- 
surance companies, orderly-books in our several wars, 
court papers, correspondence, journals, almanacs with 
written notes ; also a large number of log-books con- 
taining records of voyages made at the period of our 
city's commercial prominence. 

The day books of Dr. E. A. Holyoke contain an ac- 
curate record of hi.s professional jiractice; they com- 
prise one hundred and twenty-three volumes of ninety 
pages each. The first entry was July 6, 1749, the 
last February 16th, 1829. 

Membership. — The members of the institute number 
about three hundred and fifty. Resident member- 
ship is secured by election and the payment of an 
annual assessment of three dollars, and this entitles 
the member to admittance to all horticultural, anti- 
quarian and art shows during the year, to the use of 
the books of the library to the extent of four vol- 



umes at a time and to consultation, free of cost, of 
the books of the Salem Athenaeum, whose share- 
holders enjoy the reciprocal right of consulting 
free the books of the Essex Institute. Life mem- 
bership of the institute is obtained by paying at one 
time the sum of fifty dollars. 

OFFICERS OF THE ESSEX INSTITUTE. 

PresideiUs. 

Dftliiol Applekm \\liite. 1«48-61 

Asahel Huntiugtou 18G1-G5 

Francis Peabocly 1865-67 

Henry Whcatlaud 1868- 

Secrttariea. 

Henry WheaUanJ 1848-08 

Aniua Howe Johnson 18G8-70 

John Kobiusou 1870-71 

Amos Howe Johnson 1871-73 

John Robinson 1873-75 

George Munton Whijiple 1875- 

The Library. — It began with a few shelves of books, 
miscellaneous and unselected in a small back room. 
There are now some five or six thousand volumes. The 
increase in the size of the library, and the greatly in- 
creased use of it, have made necessary a migration 
from room to room, until it has reached its third sta- 
tion, where it has fair accommodations in the room 
which is the last added to the suite occupied by the 
Fraternity. 

This library has been gathered by gift wholly. It 
is the only free public library in Salem. Its large 
number of readers show an active circulation. The 
number of books lost is very small comparing favor- 
ably with all known similar institutions in this re- 
spect. 

Its Reading- Room is supplied with the Salem papers 
by the favor of the publishers, and from .some of their 
offices come besides many of their most desirable ex- 
changes, several daily and weekly newspapers, 
pictorial weeklies, religious, scientific and literary 
periodicals. 

In 1875 the Fraternity became incorporated under 
the statutes of Massachusetts, that it might hold and 
administer larger funds, and that its permanence and 
efliciency might be the better a.ssured. 

Its Funds. In 1873, Dudley P. Rogers of this city 
bequeathed the income of fifteen thousand dol- 
lars to the Fraternity with something more at the 
death of certain favorite animals. Miss Harriet A. 
Deland died June 29, 1876, leaving by will five thous- 
and dollars. Martha G. Wheatland died June, 1885, 
leaving two thousand to the Fraternity. With the 
income accruing from these funds and subscriptions 
from its friends collected annually, and small sums 
occasionally from other sources, the Fraternity, with 
the gratuitous assistance of several ladies and gentle- 
men, is enabled to do some good work in the promo- 
tion of the objects of its organization. 

Officers for the year 1887-88. — Henry Wheatland 



SALEM. 



175 



president; G. W. Mansfield, secretar)- ; Willium 
Northey, treasurer. 

East India Marine Society. — Soon after the 
termination of the Revolutionary War, the merchants 
of Salem directed their attention to the opening of 
new avenues of trade, especially with the countries 
beyond the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn with 
which this country hud previously no coMUMcrcial 
relations. 

Elias Hasket Derby was the pioneer in this direc- 
tion. His ships were the first to visit any of these 
ports, and to him, in a great degree, may be attributed 
the establishment of the East India trade in Salem. 
Other vessels soon followed, and gradually an e.\ten- 
sive business was developed, which created great ac- 
tivity in the various industries of this place, especially 
those connected with the building, rigging and fitting 
for sea of vessels of various kinds. The young men 
of Salem and its vicinity, on leaving the school, the 
academy, and tlie college actuated by the prevail- 
ing spirit of the period, for the most part entered 
upon a commercial career, and found employment in 
the counting-room, on sliipboard, or with some of the 
commercial agencies established in these distant 
ports to facilitate the conducting of their business 
(jperations. The influence of these surroundings 
greatly modified public sentiment, and the outcome 
was the organization of an instituti<in, having in view, 
the assisting its unfortunate members or their fami- 
lies, in improving themselves in the knowledge of navi- 
gation and of the various trades in which they were 
engaged, and incidentally in collecting a museum 
which should represent the peculiarities of the 
strange people, and strange places visited by its mem- 
bers in their long and distant voyages. 

During the summer and early autumn of 17'Jlt, 
the first suggestion of such an institution was made by 
a few shipmasters who were standing under the lea 
of a store on the end of Union Wharf, where they were 
in the habit of congregating, during the intervals be- 
tween their voyages. An agreement was drawn up and 
signed by .lonathan Lambert, Jona. Ingersoll, Jacob 
Crowninshield, John Gibaut, Nathaniel Silsbee and 
others to form an association consisting of such ship- 
masters only, as have had a register from Salem, and 
who had navigated those seas at or beyond the Cai)e 
of Good Hope, to be called the East India Marine 
Society, or by any other name which may hereafter 
be determined. And they also further agree that the 
first meeting to carry into efl['ect the above purposes 
shall be held at Capt. Webb's tavern, on the IStii of 
September (Wednesday evening), 1799. 

The meeting was held, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to prepare the articles and to report at the 
meeting to be held on Monday, October 14, 1799. 

At the adjourned meeting the articles were read 
separately and adopted. Officers chosen a.s follows: 
Benjaniin Hodges, president; Ichabod Nichols, .Jona- 
than Lambert, Benjamin Carpenter, committee of ob- 



servation ; Jonathan Hodges, secretary ; Jacob Crown- 
inshield, treasurer. 

Rev. William Bentley of the East Parish, many of 
whose parishioners followed the sea and were inter- 
ested in or members of the new society writes in his 
journal : 

" 7'r(€S(f'i</, I 'rtoher 22, ITl*^'. Cuplaiil Ciiines fl jlii Silm:iti;l sliowed me 
varioup spcinieiis nf shells, a large oyHtei-Khell. a petrilied iiiii8llruom 
rup iiiiil Hteiii, two spec-ilneus of boxes in Kold, with the pen work ex- 
treniely nice and open llowei>,. the work is of niieuininonlv fhiii plales of 
gold, l.,v the Malaj'S. 

" It is proposed hy ttie new tnarine society, railed the Kast India 
Marine Society, to make a cabinet. This society has been lately thoiij^lit 
of. i'aptain i^libant lirst mentioned the plan to nte tliis snnimer, and 
desired me to give him some plan of articles or a sketch. The tirst 
friends of the institution met and chose a committee to compare or di- 
gest articles from the sketches given to them. Last week 1 was in- 
formed that in the preceding week the members met and signed the 
articles proposed by the committee and Inid t hosen otlii ei>^. (See 
above.) 

" ThttrKtUttj. S'irrwhrr 7. ITT'.t. Mr. Caines has presented his curiosities 
to the new-formed Kast India Marine Society and they are proviilinga 
museum and cabinet. The above were the tiist sia'cimens given to the 
Society. 

** Xovemher 6, 17ft'.', Hooms weie obtained in the Stearns' building on 
the north east corner of Essex and Court, n()W Wasilington, Streets for 
their meetings and a place for the deposit of books, charts, etc., and in 
July of the following year glass cases were puivided to aiiange therein 
the specimens that bad been accumulated." 

This may be considered one t)f the earliest museums 
in this country, and it has had a world-wide lame. 
There was at that time a museum in Boston which 
commenced with an exhibition of a few wax figures at 
the American Coffee-house, on State Street, Mr. 
Daniel Bowen the proprietor. In 179.5 he moved his 
collections to a hall in Bromfield Street, when it 
took the name of the Columbian Jluseum; it was de- 
stroyed by fire .January 3, 1803. JJther collections 
were formed but had not a continuous history, nor 
were any of these earlier museums establisheil for 
scientific purposes. 

The act of Incorporation having passctl lioth 
branches of the Legislature was approvetl by the 
Governor March 3, 1801. The objects are: 

1st. To assist the widows and children of deceased 
members who may need the same from the income of 
the funds of the society, which were obtained from 
the fees of admissions and the annual assessments; 
also from donations and bequests. 

2d. To collect such facts and observations as tend 
to the improvement and security of lutvigatioii. For 
this purpose every member bound to sea was author- 
ized to receive a blank journal, in wdiich he is to in- 
sert all things worthy of notice which occur during 
his voyage, particularly his observations on the vari- 
atitni of the comptiss, bearings and distances of capes 
and headlands, of the latitude and longitude of the 
ports, islands, rocks anil shotds; and ujion his return 
to deposit the same with the society. These journals 
are afterwards bound in volumes under the direction 
of the inspector, with a table of contents or index. 
Ninety of these journ;ils, prior to IX.'jl, of voyages 
made to various parts of the world, and in several in- 



176 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



stances to places rarely visited, have already been de- 
posited ; recourse has often been had to them to cor- 
rect the latitudes and longitudes of our ships, also for 
historical purposes. 

Many of the journals are beautiful examples ot 
neatness and fine penmanship, and are embellished, 
here and there, with diagrams, maps, drawings of 
coasts and even with sketches of native craft. The 
society was in constant communication with the 
United States Government and the scientific records 
made by its members have received more than ordi- 
nary mention by well-known authors of works on me- 
teorology. The endorsement of the society was ever 
considered a guarantee of the highest character. 
Commodore Maury in compiling his well-known 
wind charts continually used the society's journals, 
and Captains Charles M. Endicott and James D. Gillis, 
members of the society, prepared charts of Sumatra 
which are spoken of in the report of the cruise of 
the United States frigate " Potomac," which vessel 
was sent out in 1831 for the purpose of performing 
this in connection with other work, as " more ably 
performed (l>y these gentlemen) than it could have 
been with .nir limited material." (See Hist. Sketch 
ofSalem, p. 151.) 

To the library of which these journals formed tlie 
nucleus, were added by purchase and gift " books of 
history, of voyages & travels and of navigation; 
among them are several rare valuable editions ot the 
celebrated voyages of Perouse, Cook & Vancouver." 
With " the same view the President and committee 
have authoritv to purchase books of similar character 
as they may deem useful to the society." This was 
more applicable in the palmy days of the India trade 
in Salem than at the present time ; since then other 
institutions have been organized, whose objects are 
mainly to take care that this and allied cla.sscs ot 
books are accessible to scholars as well as to the gen- 
eral reader. -a • i 
3d. To form a museum of natural and artificial 
curiosities, particularly such as are to be found be- 
yond the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. This 
has been obtained, to a considerable extent, by the 
valuable donations of the members as well as ot 
others friendly to the institution. The fame of this 
Museum was, at first, in a great measure, due to pub- 
lic interest as a collection of curiosities, and not on 
account of its scientific value; yd the originators of 
this work devised for themselves methods and 
plans based upou the orderly ways of transacting 
business at that time, which are very commendable. 
They instructed the members whenever their voyages 
should take them among uncivilized people to collect 
the utensils, weapons and dresses of such people; 
also accounts of native customs were often noted in 
their journals or communications by letter to the so- 
ciety-collections of shells, birds, mammals, etc., also 
specimens of the flora and of the geology were con- 
tributed. 



The scientific man of to-day finds among these 
fruits of their labor much valuable and interesting 
material to aid him in his researches and investiga- 
tions, especially in the science of anthropology. They 
builded better than they knew. 

The Annual Festivals of the .S'ocicl;/ in November 
were very attractive and interesting to the public in 
the early years of its history. The society formerly 
paraded through the streets, the officers usually 
dressed in Eastern costume, with battle axes, spears 
and other warlike weapons ; there was also a palan- 
quin, in which reclined a boy apparelled iu most 
gorgeous habiliments, borne by persons in the East 
Indian dress, attended with fan and hookah bearers 
and every other accompaniment of an East Indian 
eipiipage. 

The exercises of the day closed with a banquet 
with toasts, sentiments, etc. These have now passed 
away, and the annual gathering is not marked by 
any outward display. We copy from the press of 
that day a report of the meetings iu 1801 and 1805. 

On Wednesday last was the annual meeting of the 
East India Marine S(XIEty. On this occasion is 
the choice of their ofticers, and an elegant dinner is 
provided. Before dinner the members proceeded 
from their hall under an escort of the cadet company 
and attended with an excellent band of music. As 
their cabinet displays the richest collection of East- 
ern curiosities, and furnishes the (.rincipal dresses 
and ornaments, as well as martial instruments and 
inventions of the oriental nations, a proper exhibi- 
tion was made for the gratification of the numerous 
citizens assembled to view the procession. The 
whole s'cne provoked curiosity, and indulged it, 
while good taste and dignity of manners justified it. 
Capt. Benjamin Hodges has continued to receive the 
annual invitation to be their president, while all the 
members have generously contributed to afford such 
communications and such articles as have enriched 
their records and their collections. The Museum is 
decorated with instructive historical paintings, at the 
expense of the society. The celebrated navigators ap- 
pear on its walls. Rich specimens in the whole ex- 
tent of Natural History are already obtained, and no 
country is forgotten which has afforded anything to 
the antiquarian, the historian, or the friend of com- 
merce.' 

On Wednesday last The E.\st India .Marine 
Society had their annual meeting, with ihe festive 
scenes in which they recall their former friendships, 
recount their services and urge their common zeal 
for the promotion of the end of their society. Thei. 
success has been worthy of their great attempts, and 
their exertions have been such as have been unpre- 
cedented in our country. Their museum, happy in 
its arrangements and elegant in its display of it.-i rich- 
es,— with the many suliject-i it embraces— the great 



i Salon Segisler, Monday, November li, 18lH. 



SALEM. 



177 



variety with wliicli it is enriched, does honor to their 
taste, their inquiries and their diligence. It was a 
great diminution of their pleasure to be deprived of 
the company of their president, Capt. B. Hodges, who 
was unable to attend. Captain Carpenter, the vice- 
president, presided on the occasion with dignity. 

The military parade was by the Light Lifantry, 
under Captain Saunders, and the procession w;us ad- 
mired as a just display of the eastern manners. The 
wliole scene was powerful in convincing us of the 
personal merit of the members, of the benefits from 
their institution, and of the zeal with which they 
have promoted its best reputation.' 

Xovember 2, 1803, the society voted to take the 
room in the second story of the building then being 
erected for the accommodation of the Salem Bank 
and the Salem Insurance Company on the first floor, 
on the eastern portion of the land now occupied by 
the Downing Block — dimension of the i-ame forty 
feet by titty-four. On the 7th of JIarch, 1804, a com- 
mittee was appointed to remove the collections and 
to arrange the same in the new hall. 

July 8, 1817, — Voted to accept the invitation from 
the committee of arrangements to join the procession 
this day, — reception of James Monroe, President of 
the United States. Also voted that the president of 
the society be requested to wait on the President of 
the United States of America, and in the name of the 
society to invite him to visit the museum with his 
suite, and also to wait on the Governor of the com- 
monwealth with a similar invitation, — and at such 
time as they shall appoint for the purpose, the officers 
of the society to attend them to the hall. 

July 5, 1820, Voted that the president and commit- 
tee be authorized to procure printed copies of the 
catalogue ^ now preparing, to furnish each member 
(or the family of each member deceased) with a copy 
and to present the same in the name of the society to 
such gentleTuen of the town and its vicinity as the 
president and committee may think proper. 

Voted, That the president and committee be au- 
thorized to engage Dr. Seth Bass to superintend the 
museum under their direction and for such compen- 
sation as they may judge reasonable. 

January 7, 1824. — Voted, That the subject of en- 
larging the hall or procuring another hall be submit- 
ted to a committee. May 19, 1824, the committee re- 
ported that a new building may be erected that will 
accommodate the society in the most convenient man- 
ner and they subjoin for their consideration the fol- 
lowing proposal, to be oflFered for subscription imme- 
diately : — 

1 Salem lieguter, Monday, November 11, ISOo. 

2The first priuted catalogue of objects in the museum, journals, list of 
members, etc., while the collections were in the Salem Bank Building. 
This gave 2209 members. In 1825 the museum moved to the East India 
Marine Hall, and by the impetus thus given the collections were rapidly 
augmented, so that iu 1S31, when the second edition wa-s printed, be- 
sides having some entailment, gave 4299 members for the museum. 

12 



" A lot of land may bo had near tho present hall, of a proper size for 
erecting the contemplated buibliiig, and that it may be completed in tho 
course of the next year, proposjils for erecting a btiilding of about 45 by 
1>.^ feet for E. I. M. S. and other purposes, by an association to be incor- 
porated for the purpose under llio name of the East India Marine Hall 
Corporation ; one hundred and fifty sliares at 8I0U each ; the society to 
take as many siiares as tliey may deem pruin-r, the remainder to mem- 
bers of tile society or otlier parties." 

Twenty-sixth Aiinivcrsart/ — Dedication of the Sew 
Hall, Friday, October 14, 1825.— Celebration by a 
public procession and dinner, on the occasion of 
taking possession of the hall which they have lately 
erected and fitted up in splendid manner for their 
accommodation. This hall, over one hundred feet in 
length and forty in breadth, is as chaste and beautiful 
a specimen of architecture as our country can exhibit, 
and filled as it is by the rare and curious productions 
of nature and art from the four quarters of the globe, 
forms a cabinet unrivalled in this and excelled per- 
haps by few in any country. 

On this occasion the society was honored by the 
company of the President of the United States and 
many other distinguished guests, amongst whom were 
Mr. Justice Story, of the United States Supreme 
Court; Hon. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, member 
of Congress for this district; Hon. Josiah Quincy, 
Mayor of Boston; Hon. Mr. Hill, of the Executive 
Council ; Hon. Timothy Pickering, President Kirk- 
land, of Harvard University, and a large number of 
merchants, professional men and others. 

The society, with its guests, moved iu procession at 
two o'clock from Hamilton Hall, under the direction 
of liichard S. Rogers and Jonathan P. Saunders, 
Esqrs., and, escorted by a fine band of music, pro- 
ceeded through some of the principal streets to their 
new hall on Essex Street. The occasion drew together 
a vast concourse of citizens, who te.'ititicd by repeated 
cheers and greetings their happiness at beholding the 
Chief Jlagistrate. 

The dinner was served in a style of magnificence. 
The religious services were performed by Rev. Dr. 
Kirkland and Rev. Mr. Cornelius. Hon. Stephen 
White, President of the Society, presided at the tables. 
The President of the United States appeared in good 
health and spirits. The toasts were announced by 
John W. Treadwell, Esq., the Corresponding Sec- 
retary. 

December 31, 1866.— The report of Mr. John B. 
Silsbee, respecting the arrangements for the transfer- 
ence of its building and collections to the Essex In- 
stitute, or Mr. Peabody or his trustees, was read and 
accepted. 

Too much [iraise cannot be given to the thoughtful 
originators and promoters of this institution, which, 
after flourishing for three-quarters of a century, trans- 
fers to younger hands the care and continuance of its 
scientific and other collections, reserving for itself the 
administration of its noble charities, which will con- 
tinue as long as the in.stitution exists. 

Superintendents of Museum, Seth Bass, M.D.,Mal- 



178 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



thus A. Ward, M.D., George Osborne, M.D., Charles 
G. Page, M.D., Henry Wheatland, M.D., George D. 
Phippen. 

The Peabody Academy of Science. — With the 
decline of Salem's foreign commerce the East India 
Marine Society found it more and more difficult to 
obtain means for conducting the museum which it 
had maintained with increasing success since 1799. 
Few new mepibers joined the society, and the pro- 
ceeds of its invested funds and membership assess- 
ments were all required for the charitable objects of 
the organization. The museum, therefoi'e, became a 
burden, and serious thoughts were entertained of sell- 
ing the collections. 

At about the same time the Essex Institute had ac- 
cumulated a large and valuable collection of objects 
relating to natural history, the care of which, with 
the limited means then at its disposal for this purpose, 
threatened to seriously embarrass the society and dis- 
perse the band of scientists who had collected and 
were working under the auspices of that in.stitution. 

In 1866, through the instrumentality of Mr. Fran- 
cis Peabody, at the time president of the Essex Insti- 
tute, the existing condition of affairs with these insti- 
tutions was brought to the attention of Mr. George 
Peabody, of London. After a very careful considera- 
tion of the matter, both on the part of Mr. Peabody 
and those interested in the institutions here, a general 
understanding was arrived at, and ou February 26, 
1867, Mr. George Peabody generously placed in the 
hands of several gentlemen the sum of one hundred 
and forty thousand dollars, " for the promotion of 
.science and useful knowledge in Essex County," to 
be expended in a manner indicated by a letter of trust 
and as understood between himself and the trustees 
named, and who, on Saturday, March 2, 1867, or- 
ganized as the "Trustees of the Peabody Academy 
of Science," with Mr. Francis Peabody as president. 
The East India Marine Hall property was purchased 
and the large exhibition-room was refitted for museum 
])urp()ses with a special portion of the fund, according 
to the request of the donor. The museum of the East 
India Marine Society and the natural history and eth- 
nological collections of the Essex Institute were then 
placed in the hands of the academy trustees as per- 
manent deposits. These were arranged in East India 
Marine Hall, which was dedicated August 19, 1869, 
and opened to the public, the act of incorporation, ap- 
proved April 13, 1868, having passed both branches 
of the Legislature. 

Thus, through the instructions of the founder, the 
work of the institution was clearly indicated, and, 
although the funds were given for the benefit of the 
citizens of the county, the directions as to the pur- 
chase of the East India Marine Hall property and 
the agreements with the societies depositing their col- 
lections definitely located the institution in Salem, 
where its work must be conducted. 



It has been the effort of the trustees to carry out 
Mr. Pcabody's wishes by managing the affairs of the 
institution on as broad a plan as the income from the 
funds will permit. The museum, to which very large 
additions have been made by the trustees since 1867, 
through exchange, purchase and by gift, is arranged 
as an easy object-lesson in natural history. All the 
specimens in the cases are labelled clearly, larger 
cards and signs being placed to indicate the groups of 
the animals or minerals and the divisions of the eth- 
nological collections. By this means the difficult 
problem of a catalogue for the use of visitors is 
avoided. This system is with the trustees a necessity, 
as the visitors to the museum number upwards of forty 
thousand annually, and are, with very few exceptions, 
persons without any scientific training whatever, and, 
in order that the museum shall be of any benefit to 
them and furnish them with instruction, the arrange- 
ment of the collections must at once be made simple 
and attractive. The office of the academy is ever 
open to any one who may desire to make inquiries as 
to the nature of any rock, animal or plant, or, in fact, 
anything coming under the general head of science. 
All such inquiries are answered as far as possible, and, 
at least, the inquirer is directed where he may gain 
the information he seeks. In 1876 a summer school 
of biology was established by the trustees, which was 
conducted for .«ix seasons, and only discontinued when 
it was found that very few persons from Essex County 
cared to avail themselves of its instruction, nearly all 
the students coming from the Western States. Dur- 
ing the continuance of the school, lectures were given 
and laboratory work conducted by well-known special- 
ists in all branches of natural history. In addition 
to this work, special students have been received at 
the academy and classes in various branches of natu- 
ral history are from time to time conducted, and, 
since the completion of the addition to the building 
and the opening of Academy Hall, public lectures 
have been given by men of acknowledged scientific 
attainments at such hours and at a rate of admission 
so low as to come within the reach of all. Of scien- 
tific memoirs the academy has published two volumes, 
chiefly of original researches by the officers of the 
academy, and, in addition, nineteen annual reports, 
several of which include scientific papers, have been 
issued. By a system of exchange, a large library of 
the publications of similar institutions, both of this 
country and abroad, has been brought together. 

The officers of the academy at the present time are : 
Trustees, — William C. Endicott, President ; Henry 
Wheatland, Vice-President ; Abner C. Goodell, Jr., 
Secretary; all of Salem; James R. Nichols of Haver- 
hill, George Peabody Russell of England, S. Endicott 
Peabody of Salem, George Cogswell of Bradford, .lohn 
Robinson of Salem, Treasurer. The last three named 
have been chosen to fill vacancies caused by the deaths 
of Mr. Francis Peabody and Dr. Henry C. Perkins 
and the resiguation of Prof. Asa Gray. 



SALEM. 



179 



The first director under the trustees was Professor 
Frederick Ward Putnam, now of Cambridge, who was 
followed in 1876 by Dr. AlpheusS. Packard, Professor 
in Brown University, and, in 1880, by the present di- 
rector. Prof. Edward S. Jlorse. 

The museum and a.ssistants there employed are in 
charge of the Treasurer, Mr. Robinson. The museum 
is open free to the public every week day from 9 to 5 
o'clock, and, pending the completion of the new ex- 
hibition room in the addition to the main building, as 
at present arranged in East India Marine Hall, it con- 
tains, on the western side of the main floor, an educa- 
tional collection illustrating the orders of the animal 
kingdom, arranged in their proper sequence, from the 
lowest forms to the highest. This collection was 
chiefly derived from the Essex Institute in tlio year 
1867. 

On the eastern side are arranged the Ethnological 
collections, principally received from the East India 
Marine Society, which are subdivided according to 
races or countries. This collection ranks among 
the very highest in importance in America. It is 
especially rich in South Sea Island implements, cloths, 
models, idols, domestic utensils, etc., and Chinese, 
Japanese, and East Indian life-size models of native 
characters, besides the boats, clothing, utensils, imple- 
ments of war and of domestic use from these coun- 
tries, and from Africa, Arabia, and North and South 
America. The collection from Japan is very fine, 
having been formed by the director during his la.st 
visit to that country. A collection from Korea and 
another illustrating the Indian Tribes of North 
America, have just been added to the museum. 

The gallery is devoted to the Natural History and 
Archaeology of Essex County. Nearly all of the spe- 
cies of the flora and fauna are represented by pre- 
served specimens; the collection of birds and that of 
native woods being especially fine. The academy has, 
also, the best local collection of prehistoric implements 
and utensils of stone, bone and clay to be found in 
Essex County. 

An educational collection of minerals has recently 
been arranged in the central gallery case. 

Academy Hall, previously referred to, is on the 
lower floor of the fire-proof addition to the East India 
Marine Hall building. It has a pleasant audience- 
room with a seating capacity for three hundred and 
fifty persons, and is well ventilated and tastefully 
decorated. The hall was arranged primarily for the 
use of the academy, but, having a separate public 
entrance, it is rented for .such other purposes as are 
deemed suitable by the trustees. 

The Salem Lyceum was founded in the month of 
January, 1830, " for the purpose of mutual instruction 
and ration al entertainment by means of lectures, 
&c." The persons engaged in this formation were 
among the principal gentlemen of the town. The 
first meeting was held at the house of Colonel Francis 



Peabody, on January 4, 18.30 ; a meeting was subse- 
quently held in Town Hall, where a committee was 
appointed " to prepare a constitution and submit the 
same for inspection to the citizens of Salem." 

On the evening of .January l.S, 18:W, a meeting 
was held at the Essex House, and a formal organiza- 
tion was ertected by the choice of Daniel A. White, 
president; Stephen C. Phillips, vice-president; 
Charles W. Uphara, corresponding Secretary ; Stephen 
P. Webb, recording secretary ; Francis Peabody, 
treasurer, and a board of ten managers which in- 
cluded the names of Rufus C'hoate, Leverelt Salton- 
stall and Caleb Foote. 

In the original plan a series of public debates was 
contemplated, but this intention was never carried 
out. A course of lectures was, however, started at 
once, and in the first course all but four were de- 
livered by gentlemen of Salem. The lectures were 
first giveu in the Methodist meeting house on Sewall 
Street, and afterwards in the Universalist meeting- 
house. But duriug the summer of 1830 plans were 
adopted for the construction of the present Lyceum 
Hall, which was built and ready for occupancy in 
January, 1831, at a cost of $3036, the land upon 
which it was erected costing seven hundred and fifty 
dollars. 

For over half a century an annual course of lectures 
has been delivered before the Salem Lyceum, and 
during a portion of that time the demand for tickets 
has so far exceeded the seating capacity of the hall that 
a duplicate course has been given — geutlemen's tickets 
at the outset were sold for one dollar, and ladies' 
tickets for seventy-five cents ; but it was not consid- 
ered proper for ladies to purchase tickets unless " in- 
troduced" by a gentleman, and the tickets issued to 
them ran as follows : "Admit to the Salem Lyceum 

a Lady introduced by ." In the changes 

which fifty years have brought about, ladies not only 
purchase tickets on equal terms with gentlemen, but 
appear upon the platform as lecturers, without ques- 
tion or comment. 

Nearly a thousand lectures have been delivered be- 
fore the Lyceum, and it is doubtful if any other in- 
stitutiou in the country could present such a distin- 
guished list. Judge Daniel A. White delivered the 
first lecture, his subject being " Advantages of Knowl- 
edge," and the list of lecturers includessuch names as 
Daniel Webster, Rufus Choate, Edward Everett, John 
Quincy Adams, Caleb Cushing, Charles Sumner, 
Henry Wilson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wen- 
dell Holmes, Wendell Phillips, Louis Agassiz, George 
Bancroft, Charles Francis Adams, Horace Mann, 
Jared Sparks and Robert C. Wiiithrop. Among the 
Salem lecturers were Judge Daniel A. White, Francis 
Peabody, Rufus Choate, Thomas Spencer, Stephen C. 
Phillips, Henry Colman, Henry K. Oliver, Charles 
W. Upham, Leverett Saltonstall, Joshua H. Ward, 
Caleb Foote and George B. Loring. Rali)h Waldo 
Emerson lectured in thirty-two diflcrent courses. 



180 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



His firat lecture was given in 183.5, and his last in 
1870. 

The Lyceum can no longer offer such attractions to 
its patrons. The public taste has changed, and de- 
mands amusement rather than instruction in such a 
form. The purely literary lecture as a source of 
general entertainment is almost a thing of the past. 
The small cost of the cheap editions of the books of 
the present day which enables an author to address a 
larger audience at le-s inconvenience to himself, may 
have something to do witb this change. Whether 
this be so or not the interest in the Lyceum lectures 
has not been maintained of late years, and the time 
may not be far distant when it will be deemed ad- 
visable to bring the affairs of this old time institution 
to a close. 

The board of officers at present consists of President, 
George B. Loring ; Secretary, Charles S. Osgood ; 
Treasurer, Gilbert L. Streeter. Trustees, George 
Peabody and Caleb Foote, and a board of eight man- 
agers. 

.Salem Fraternity. — On the 7th of February, 
1869, Mr. Alfred Stone, of Providence, formerly a 
resident of Salem, by invitation addressed a meeting 
at the East Church, explaining the working of the 
Providence Union. The next evening a few persons 
came together in the parlor of Benjamin H. Silsbee, 
Esq., to confer upon the matter further. Other meet- 
ings followed at the same place, and resulted in the 
formation of the Salem Fraternity, under a constitu- 
tion which states the purpose of the organization to 
be "to provide evening instruction and amusement" 
for such of our population as " being confined to 
their work during the day need recreation at the 
close of their labors." 

The experiment fairly began on the 21st of April, 
1869, on which evening the western range of rooms 
on the second floor of Downing's Block, 175 Essex 
Street, was opened for the purpose from front to 
rear. The place was well chosen ; central, accessible, 
attractive in its principal rooms, while the thorough- 
fare of the Essex Street promenaders led directly past 
its door. The rooms were designated as amusement, 
reading, school and work-rooms. 

A year and a half after its opening a winter course 
of lectures was started. On Saturday evenings the 
games and amusement were suspended, and their 
room was taken for this object. Gen. H. K. Oliver 
gave the first lecture on Saturday evening, October 
22, 1870, subject " Good Manners." These lectures 
were continued on successive Saturday evenings for 
several years with great success, interspersed with 
familiar talks upon different mechanical trades and 
various industries by practical workers in them. 

The Young Men's Union was organized in 1855, 
and was for many years a flourishing institution. It 
maintained a reading-room, and each season a course 
of lectures and entertainments was given under its 



auspices, but, failing to maintain its membership, it 
was dissolved some four or five years ago. 

Salem Charitable Mechanic Association. — 
Organized October 1, 1817; incorporated June 4, 
1822 ; consists of regular apprenticed mechanics and 
of manufacturers, citizens of the city of Salem and 
vicinity. Its object is to extend the means of use- 
fulness b.y encouraging the ingenious, by assisting the 
necessitous, and by promoting mutual good offices 
with each other. 

A donation of books from Mr. Oliver Parsons, in 
April, 1820, laid the foundation of the library be- 
longing to this institution. A committee was then 
appointed to solicit contributions, and in July of that 
year the number of volumes amounted to three hun- 
dred. In January, 1821, Mr. Benjamin Pickman pre- 
sented a complete set of Rees' Cyclopaedia. From this 
time the library has annually increased by donations 
and special appropriations, and at present numbers 
five thousand one hundred and twenty-five volumes. 
It is deposited in the middle eastern room under the 
Mechanic Hall, and is opened on Saturday evenings 
for the delivery of books. This institution early 
adopted the plan of having popular lectures on liter- 
ature and science delivered to the members and their 
families. The first lecture was delivered by Dr. 
George Choate on Thursday evening, January 24, 
1828, in Franklin Hall. These lectures were contin- 
ued weekly, usually on Thursday evenings, during the 
winter season, for about thirty-eight years. They 
have since been delivered in their rooms, Derby 
Square, then Washington Hall, Lyceum Hall and 
Mechanic's Hall. 

This association was instrumental in the building 
of Mechanics' Hall, in 1839. A stock company was 
incorporated for this purpose, in which the association 
invested a portion of its funds, the remainder of the 
stock being taken by the Salem Lyceum and the 
members and friends of the association. In 1870 it 
was enlarged and entirely remodelled, in its present 
condition. 

In September, 1849, its first meeting was held in 
the above-named building. It was very successful 
and creditable to the Board of Managers and all who 
were interested in its success. 

The fir.st exhibition under the auspices of the gov- 
ernment of the association was held at the Mechanic's 
Hall, Salem, commencing on Monday September 24, 
1849. A good representation of the products of our 
varied industries was arranged upon the tables mak- 
ing a very creditable appearance. Forty-four medals 
and fifty-two diplomas were awarded by the judges. 

Odd Fellowship.' — The exact date of the origin 
of Odd Fellowship in Massachusetts is not known. 
The first lodge, self-instituted and without a charter, 
held its sessions in Boston. No records of its early 
meetings were preserved. On the 26th of March, 

1 By Daniel B. Hagar. 



SALEM. 



181 



1S20, it was organized by the choice of officers, the 
arloption ol" a name, and of laws for its government, 
anil the commencement of a record of its proceedings. 
It was instituted under the name of Massachusetts 
Lodge, No. 1. On the 11th of March, 1823, Siloara 
Lodge, No. 2, was instituted. On the 28th of March, 
Ma.ssachusetts Lodge wrote fo the Grand Lodge of 
Maryland, recognizing it as the Grand Lodge of the 
order in the United i^tates, and asking for a charter 
to be granted to it as the Grand Lodge of Massachu- 
setts. The request was granted, and the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts was duly organized June 9, 
1823. 

The growth of the order in Massachusetts was not 
rapid, and after a few years it became nearly e.xtinct. 
Prior to 1832 seven lodges had been instituted, all of 
which had at that time ceased to exist, Merrimac 
Lodge, No. 7, being the last to give up. The Grand 
Lodge of the State died with the subordinate 
lodges. In 1883 Merrimac Lodge was revived, 
and was placed under the jurisdiction of the 
Grand Lodge of the L^nited States. On the 22d of 
June, 1841, Massachusetts Lodge, No. l,was reorgan- 
ized. By request of these two lodges, the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts was reinstated December 23, 
1841. From this time the growth of the order was 
encouraging. Within two years the number of 
lodges increased to twenty-five. Between 1850' and 
1860 there was a period of declension in the pros- 
perity of the order in Massachusetts. Since 18G0 the 
order has rapidly grown in numbers and influence, 
nntil it has come to be recognized as the leading ben- 
eficial order in the commonwealth. The present 
number of lodges is one hundred and ninety-one; the 
number of members, according to the last report, 
August, 1887, is thirty-four thousand six hundred 
and sixty-two. 

The organization of the order includes the Grand 
Lodge, the Subordinate Lodges, the Grand Encamp- 
ment, Subordinate Encampments, Cantons of Patri- 
archs Militant, and Lodges of the Daughters of Re- 
bckah. 

Essex Lodge, ^"o. 26.— On the 20th of October, 
1843, the first step was taken towards establishing a 
lodge of Odd Fellows in Salem. Adrien Low, G. D. 
Lyons, William Durant, Thomas Harvey and C. C. 
Hayden met at the house of Mr. Low, and, after de- 
liberation, determined to apply to the Grand Lodge 
for a charter for Essex Lodge, No. 26, I. 0. O. F. 
The charter was granted, and on the evening of No- 
vember 6, 1843, the grand officers duly instituted the 
lodge and installed its officers. The officers were, — 
N. G., Thomas Durant; V. G., C. C. Hayden ; Secre- 
tary, George Russell ; Treasurer, Adrien Low ; W., 
W. Merrill; C., B. F. Steadman ; L G., T. E. Page; 
R. 8. N. G., T. Harvey ; L. S. N. G., J. Kimball ; R. 
S. V. G., N. Goldsmith ; L. S. V. G., W. Saunders ; 
R. S. S., W. R. Allen ; L. S. S., I. T. Kimball ; Chap., 
I. P. Atkinson. 



The lodge at once entered upon a very prosperous 
career. 

At the close of the year 1844, it numbered one 
hundred and thirty-four members, and January 1, 
1849, five years and two months from its organization, 
it numbered three hundred and fifty-seven mem- 
bers. The whole number of members from its forma- 
tion to the present time is nine hundred and twenty- 
five ; of these one hundred and thirty-seven have died. 
The present number is three hundred and eighty- 
seven. A large number of members have withdrawn 
from Essex Lodge to aid in establishing other lodges. 
It furnished three of the five charter members of 
Atlantic Lodge, four of the five for Ocean Lodge, 
and four of the five for Holton Lodge. For the or- 
ganization of Fraternity Lodge, it gave forty-three 
members ; for Bass River Lodge, thirty-one ; for 
Magnolia Lodge, twenty-seven; for Danvers Lodge, 
eleven. Essex Lodge has furnished in part the mem- 
bership of some fifteen lodges. 

Since its organization the lodge has paid in weeklj' 
benefits to the sick, $26,580.87 ; in funeral benefits, 
$.")826.10; in other charities, $3366.39; total, $35,- 
773.36. This amount does not include frequent pri- 
vate subscriptions not entered on the lodge books. 

The lodge has a trust fund of over $15,000, which 
is at present under the chargeof three trustees, Rufus 
B. Giftbrd, Daniel B. Hagar and Charles H. Kczar. 

The membership of the lodge has included men of 
every profession and almost every occupation ; many 
of whom have held prominent positions in city and 
State and in the high ranks of Odd Fellowship. One 
of its members, Levi F. Warren, has been Grand 
Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and 
one, Rufus B. Gilford, has been Grand Patriarch of 
the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts, and Grand 
Representative to the Sovereign Lodge of the United 
States. 

The Noble Grands of Essex Lodge, in their order 
of service, have been : William Durant, C.C. Hayden, 
James Kimball, Thomas Harvey, Adrien Low, War- 
ren G. Rayner, Joseph A. Goldthwait, Richard Lind- 
ley, Thomas H. Lefavour, George Russell, Henry Lus- 
comb, Benjamin S. Grush, John W. Rhoades, Walter 
S. Harris, Hale Hildreth, Charles E. Symonds, Alvah 
A. Evans, Joshua W. Moulton, Simeon Flint, Enoch 
K. Noyes, Robert P. Clough, E. B. Phillips, Willis 
S. Knowlton, Samuel B. Foster, George C. S. Choate, 
Benjamin S. Boardman, Charles B. Luscomb, Charles 
H. Manning, Samuel Fuller, Rufus B. Gilford, George 
W. Kingsley, Thomas Oakes, Walter Norris, James 
M. Brown, John R. Norfolk, Jonathan S. Symonds, 
Joseph Beadle, Edwin Verry, Joseph A. Kimball, 
Moses H. Sibley, Seth S. Currier, Joseph Swasey, 
Albert Day, Benjamin Edwards, I/Ovi F. Warren, 
John White, William Holland, CUiarles Adams, Elea- 
zer Hathaway, Richard N. Knight, Edward E. Dal- 
ton, James Donaldson, William P. Hayward, Natha- 
niel M. Jackman, John S. Wardwell, Jr., Perry Col- 



182 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



lier, George M. Harris, Aaron C. Young, George H. 
Blinn, John F. Staniford, Joseph Batchelder, John 
H. Russell, Henry Conant, William D. Dennis, Wil- 
liam R. Tebbetts, Aaron J. Patch, William O. Arnold, 
Charles Babbidge, John Wilson, William P. Poiis- 
land, George M. Gallup, Charles C. Roades, Charles 

B. Trumbull, Joseph N. Petersen, John E. Kimball, 
John E. Matthews, Frank Cousins, Benjamin A. 
Touret, David B. Kimball, Clarence Hayward, 
Howard C. Kimball, Amos J. Vincent, Robert E. 
Hill, Daniel B. Hagar, Arthur S. Palfray, George Z. 
Goodell, Warren B. Perkins, A. L.. Burnham, An- 
drew J. Wilson. 

The Secretaries have been : George Russell, James 

C. Briggs, Samuel B. Buttrick, Amory Holbrook, 
Jonathan F. Worcester, Israel D. Shepard, John G. 
Willis, Joseph Farnham, Franklin Grant, Benjamin 
S. Boardman, Charles E. Symonds, Charles B. Lus- 
comb, John W. Moulton and E. B. Phillips; the last 
named has been secretary since 1858. 

The Treasurers have been : Adrien Low, Nathaniel 
Goldsmith, James Harris, E. B. Symonds, Samuel 
Smith, John Beadle, Jr., Rodney C. Fletcher, Robert 
P. Clough, Volney C. Stow, George C. S. Choate, 
James M. Brown, John J. Ashby, Andrew H. Lord, 
Charles H. Norris, John P. Langmaid, William P. 
Hayward and John Wilson. 

The present chief officers of the lodge are : N. G., 
A. J. Wilson; V. G., E. A. Reed; Secretary, E. B. 
Phillips; Treasurer, John Wilson. 

Fraternity Lodge, No. 118, was instituted November 
13, 1847, at Lynde Hall. The charter under which 
the lodge exists is signed by Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin, 
at that time Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
Massachusetts. Of the Board of Grand Officers that 
instituted the lodge. Judge W. E. Palmenter, now 
chief-justice of the Municipal Court of Suflblk County, 
is the only survivor. 

The charter members were James Kimball, Adrien 
Low, Stephen AVhittemore, Jr., T. H. Lefavour, 
George Russell, AVilliam Lummus, Jesse Smith, S. B. 
Buttrick, Ephraim Annible, William Saunders, B. R. 
White, Gardner Barton, John Barlow, Joseph Hunt, 
James Harris, Jr., Nathaniel Wiggin, Alexander 
McCloy, C. B. Elwell, Alva Kendall, John Lovejoy, 
John G. Willis, Franklin Grant, William Brown, 
Joseph Farnuni, S. O. Dalrymple, Jonathan Perley, 
George W. Pease, Jonathan F. Worcester and D. C. 
Haskell. 

The first board of officers were James Kimball, 
N. G. ; Stephen Whittemore, V. G. ; Jonathan F. 
Worcester, Sec. ; Thomas H. Lefavour, Treas. ; Frank- 
lin Grant, W. ; William Brown, C ; John Lovejoy, 
L G. ; E. Annible, 0. G.; Joseph Farnum, R.S. N. G.; 
S. O. Dalrymple, L. S. N. G. ; C. B. Elwell, R. S. V. G. ; 
Alva Kendall, L. S. V. G. ; Jonathan Perley, R. S. S. ; 
George W. Pease, L. S. S.; Trustees, S. B. Buttrick, 
Jesse Smith and James Harris, Jr. 

These brothers were all active members of the 



order : Messrs. Kimball, Low, Whittemore, Lefavour 
and Russell having been at the head of Essex Lodge, of 
Salem, and many others having held other positions 
in that lodge. 

The lodge inaugurated an entirely new arrange- 
ment of the system of dues and benefits. The Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts endorsed and especially com- 
mended the system of Fraternity Lodge, and it has 
been substantially adopted by all Odd-Fellows' Lodges 
in the country. 

Of the twenty-nine original members, nine are now 
living (July 1, 1887), and in active membership, hav- 
ing held continuous membership more than forty 
years; all the other charter members are dead. 

The Noble Grands of this Lodge, in regular order, 
have been James Kimball, Stephen Whittemore, 
Jr., Joseph Farnum, Jonathan F. Worcester, Benja- 
min Whittemore, I. D. Shepard, George H. Pearson, 
Jonathan Perley, S. 0. Dalrymple, William Brown, 
H. E. Jocelyn, H. E. Meloney, Alva Kendall, E. C. 
Webster, William B. Brown, F. H. Lefavour, C. B. 
Elwell, Charles Estes, William B. Ashton, John R. 
Smith, N. A. Horton, George L. Upton, Joseph J. 
Rider, T. H Lefavour, William M. Hill, Richard 
Harrington, T. M. Dix, W. H. Caulfield, C. D. Stiles, 
Charles Odell, A. J. Lowd, J. W. Averell, Joseph L. 
Lougee, C. H. Ingalls, Edward F. Brown, T. B. 
Nichols, N. A. Very, R. W. Reeves, G. C. Fernald, 
John P. Tilton, J. A. Hill, William Harmon, Charles 
B. Fowler, B. L. Morrill, B. M. Kenney, George H. 
Hill, Jesse Robbins, W. D. Gardner, W. G. Ham- 
mond, Samuel C. Beane, A. J. Tibbets, W. L. Welch, 
Charles Phelps, James A. Evans, J. R. Lambirth, W. 
A.Upton, F. A. Newell, C. H. Harwood, David Allen, 
William Meade, Joseph A. Sibley, E. W. Woodman, 
I. G. Taylor, Edward Mitchell, John M. Raymond, 
E. 0. Richards, W. S. Nevins, A. B. Fowler, A. W. 
Batchelder, H. C. Strout, George W. Burnham, J. D. 
H. Gaus, George Putney, Fred. Tibbets. 
• The secretaries, in regular order, have been Jona- 
than F. Worcester, Richard Gardner, I. D. Shepard, 
Daniel T. Smith, William Archer, Jr., H. E. Meloney, 
Joseph J. Rider, T. H. Lefavour, N. A. Horton, Wil- 
liam M. Hill, Joseph L. Lougee, C. H. Ingalls, J. P. 
Tilton, C. B. Fowler, J. W. Averell, J. A. Hill, A. J. 
Lowd. 

The treasurers have been T. H. Lefavour, I. D. 
Shepard, A. B. Keith, James A. Wallis, George R. 
Buffum, T. M. Dix, Joseph Farnum, Joseph L. 
Lougee. 

The present trustees of funds are William M. Hill, 
George Russell, N. A. Very, C. B. Fowler, E. F. 
Brown. 

The present number of members is three hundred 
and twenty; fifty-nine members have died. The 
lodge has paid for relief of members, $12,544.67; for 
burial of the dead, $2640; for other charitable pur- 
poses, $2376. The lodge has remaining a large fund 
for relief. 



SALEM. 



183 



An examination of the list of members of tliis 
liiflge, in its forty years of history, shows that its 
members have been among the most prominent citi- 
zens of Salera. Two have filled the position of mayor 
of the city, thirteen have served as aldermen, five 
have served as president of the Common Council, 
sixty-four as members of the Common Council, and 
others in many prnniinent public positions in State, 
county and municipal affairs. 

In the order itself the members of this lodge have 
been highly honored. Nathaniel A. Very has served 
as Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of 
Massachusetts, and William M. Hill has served as 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of JIassachusetts; 
and other members have filled many important posi- 
tions in the Grand Encampment and the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts. 

yaumteag Encampment, No. 1.3, /. 0. 0. F. — The 
Naumkeag Encampment was organized June 26, 
1845. Its members are connected with various sub- 
ordinate lodges including Essex, Fraternity, Holton, 
Bass Eiver, Agawam, Ocean, Hoekomoco, Asylum, 
Me., and Boston. The large majority of the members 
belong to Essex and Fraternity Lodges. The present 
number of members is three hundred and fifteen. 
Fifty-three of its members have died. 

Its first officers were: C. P., William Archer, Jr.; 
H. P., Benjamin H. Grush; S. W., Israel D. Shepard; 
J. W., John C. Howard; Secretary, Samuel B. Foster; 
Treasurer, William Saunders, Jr. 

The present officers are: C. P., William A. Saun- 
ders; H. P., C. C. Rhoades; S. W., Andrew J. Wil- 
son; J. W., Edward N. Reed; Secretary, E. B. 
Phillips; Treasurer, J. Archer Hill. The trustees of 
its fund are Samuel A. Potter, Aaron C. Young and 
James Buxton. 

The Chief Patriarchs, in the order of their service, 
have been: William Archer, Jr., Samuel B. Foster, 
Franklin Grant, John C. Howard, Walter S. Harris, 
James Kimball, Jonathan Perley, Jr., Jefford M. 
Decker, Stephen Whitmore, Joseph Farnum, Jr., 
John White, Robert P. Clough, James H. Conway, 
Edward C. Webster, Alva A. Evans, E. B. Phillips, 
Isaac Young, Simeon Flint, Andrew H. Lord, Rufus 

B. GifTord, Nicholas Woodbury, John E. Smith, An- 
drew F. Wales, B. W. Standley, Richard L. Woodfin, 
Thomas Cakes, William A. Foster, John R. Norfolk, 
Joseph J. Rider, Thomas W. Webber, George M. 
Hildreth, Moses H. Sibley, Joseph Swasey, Simon 
Lamprell, John E. Davis, Daniel F. Staten, Eleazer 
Giles, Caleb Prentiss, Jr., Ezra Stanley, John Conway, 
Jr., William M. Smith, T. D. Hanuers, N. A. Very, 
Abram A. Fiske, Charles H. Ingalls, Charles F. Wil- 
kins, Charles B. Fowler, Andrew J. Tibbetts, Aaron 

C. Y'oung, George H. Blinn, Jr., William D. Gardner, 
William O. Arnold, James W. Averell, Joseph N. 
Peterson, N. M. Jackman, George M. Harris, Frank 
Cousins,S. A^ugustusStodder, Wesley K. Bell, Edward 
F. Brown, F. A. Newell, Albert Day, Jr., John Wil- 



son, George W. Ingalls, William E. Mead, Andrew J. 
Lord, George W. Grant, Fred. J. GifJbrd, Arthur S. 
Palfray, Arthur R. Millett, C. D. Bliss, J. O. Buxton, 
Robert E. Hill, A. J. Vincent, J. K. Saunders. 

Salem Encampment, No. 11, /. 0. 0. F. — The Salem 
Encampment was organized January 1, 1884, with 
fifty-eight charter members. Since that time fifty- 
eight members have been initiated, making the total 
number one hundred and sixteen. Of these, one has 
died and one has been dropped, leaving the present 
number one hundred and fourteen. 

The Chief Patriarchs, in- the order of service, have 
been : William E. Mead, George Millett, John M. 
Raymond, Otis Buruham, I. G. Taylor, W. P. Pouss- 
land, W. H. Dayton, E. M. Carpenter. 

The present leading officers are: C. P., E. M. Car- 
penter; H. P., J. F. Lovejoy; S. W., A. M. Batch- 
elder; J. W., W. L. Nevens; Secretary, A. J. Lowd ; 
Treasurer, W. I). Dennis. 

This Encampment pays for sick benefits one dollar 
per week ; for funeral benefits, fifty dollars. 

Union Lodge, Daughters of jRebeiah, Ko. 11, /. 0. 
0. F. — Union Lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah 
was instituted April 12, 1870. Sixty-nine charter 
membei-s were present at its first meeting, mostly 
from Essex Lodge. 

Its first officers w-ere, N. G., Eleazer Hathaway ; 
V. G., Eliza A. Ingalls; Recording Secretary, Charles 
H. Ingalls; Permanent Secretary, Sarah H. Baker; 
Treasurer, Margaret J. Robin.son. 

The present membership consists of seventy-nine 
brothers and ninety-two sisters. 

The present officers are, N. G., Amos J. Vincent ; 
V. G., Eliza A. Ingalls ; Recording Secretary, E. B. 
Phillips; Permanent Secretary, Lulu H. Graham; 
Treasurer, Lydia A. Tyler. 

Patriarchs Mititant, I. 0. 0. J!— Canton Unity, No. 
5, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
.lanuary 6, 1883, as Unity Uniformed Degree Camp, 
No. 5, with twenty-seven charter members. The offi- 
cers installed were, Commander, George H. Blinn ; 
Vice-Commander, Walter J. Norris ; Officer of the 
Guard, William O. Arnold ; Secretary, John Wilson ; 
Treasurer, Samuel A. Potter. Among the charter 
members were Nathaniel A. Very, Past Grand Rep- 
resentative, and William M. Hill, then Mayor of 
Salem. 

The camp grew' in a short time to one hundred and 
thirty-five members, taking its membership from Sa- 
lem, Beverly, Ipswich, Gloucester, Danvers, Peabody, 
Marblehead and Lynn. 

On the 12th of February, 1886, Unity Camp was 
merged into a canton, taking the nanieCirand Canton 
Unity, No. 5, P. M., I. O. O. F. It consisted of three 
component cantons, numbered 13, 14 and 15. The 
ofilcers of the new organization were : 

No. 13. Captain and Commandant. Arthur S. Pal- 
fray ; Lieutenant, Charles F. Wilkins; Ensign, Chas. 
D. Bliss. 



18-i 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



No. 14. Captain, William W. Pinder; Lieutenant, 
Charles W. Wallis; Ensign, George O. Tarbox. 

No. 15. Captain, John Karcher; Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam E. Luscomb ; Ensign, Horace A. Roberts. 

Clerk of Grand Canton, John Wilson; Accountant, 
Samuel A. Potter. 

The canton made a creditable appearance in the 
parade on the 22d of September, 1886, given in hon- 
or of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, at Boston. It 
turned out the largest number of any canton in the line. 

Many of the most prominent men of Essex County 
are members of the canton. 

Its present officers are : 

No. 13. Captain and Commandant, Fred. J. Gif- 
ford, of Salem ; Lieutenant, George H. Stickuey, of 
Salem ; Ensign, A. S. Edwards, of Beverly. 

No. 14. Captain, Arthur R. Millett, of Salem; 
Lieutenant, W. G. Hussey, of Salem ; Ensign, Ed- 
ward N. Reed, of Salem. 

No. 15. Captain, John E. Graham, of Salem ; Lieu- 
tenant, John O. Buxton, of Peabody ; Ensign, Joseph 
C. Shepherd, of Gloucester; Clerk, John WHson ; 
Accountant, Henry C. Millett. Cantons pay no ben- 
efits, its objects being social. 

Odd Fellows' Burial- Ground. — A joint committee 
consisting of Brothers Walter H. Harris, Alvah A. 
Evans and Nathaniel M. Jaekman, of Essex Lodge, 
and Brothers G. C. Fernald, William M. Hill and 
Nathaniel A. Very, of Fraternity Lodge, purchased 
eight lots in what was then known as the Orne Street 
Cemetery, since called Green Lawn Cemetery. The 
price paid was $218.40, each lodge paying one-half 
that amount. 

This purchase was made in August, 1868. In 1871 
the sum of two hundred dollars was expended in 
grading these lots into one large lot, and putting it 
into a good condition. A monument was erected 
upon the lot in 1884, at the cost of eleven hundred 
and twenty-five dollars. The fund for the erection 
of this monument was donated by Naumkeag En- 
campment, the same being a part of the proceeds of 
a fair held by that encampment. 

The monument is of granite and consists of a base 
and sub-base of hammered stone, a square stone upon 
whose several faces are the memorial inscriptions, an 
octagonal stone embellished with emblems of the 
Order, a polished column, around which is twined a 
vine of leaves, and upon its summit a polished globe. 
It is four feet five inches square at the base, and is 
thirteen feet high. 

The lot is under the care of a joint committee, con- 
sisting of three brothers from each lodge. 

Up to the present time, there have been fifteen in- 
terments in the lot ; five bodies have been removed 
to other lots, leaving at present ten graves, four of 
which represent an entire family — father, mother and 
two children ; one is that of a brother of a lodge in a 
distant part of the State ; the remainder are those of 
brothers belonging to the Salem Lodges. 



CHAPTER XI. 
SALEM — ( Continued). 
MIILITARY HISTORY. 



BY CHARLES A. BENJAMIN. 



Unlike many cities of equal historic importance, 
Salem is fortunate in her inability to point to a record 
of battles fought within her limits or sieges sustained 
by her. No turreted walls have enclosed her, nor, 
with one exception, since the precautions takeu in the 
earliest life of the infant settlement, have her streets 
been watched by sentinels or, except in peaceful 
parade, echoed to the tread of armed men or rumble 
of artillery. As her name imports, she has indeed 
been a city of peace, and her citizens for nearly two 
centuries, have, withinherborders, enjoyed immunity 
from the scourge of war. Her fame rests upon the 
success of her people in the paths of commerce and 
manufacture ; their devotion to science and art and 
a charity and large-heartedness that, accompany- 
ing wealth, have prevented want and made her ever 
the abode of comfort and plenty. But although thus 
given to peaceful pursuits and preserved in herself 
from the devastation and ruin of war, this by no 
means implies that Salem has not indirectly sufi'ered 
from its efl'ects, or that her men have been slow to re- 
spond to the demands of their country upon their pa- 
triotism and courage ; for they have manfully borne 
their full part in the wars of the nation, and sus- 
tained its honor and that of their native town on all 
occasions. In every Indian skirmish, and on every 
smoke-wreathed field known in our history, from the 
taking of "Sassacus his fort" to Bunker Hill and 
Gettysburg, or fighting their guns on the ocean in 
all latitudes, have stood the men of Salem, patriotic, 
brave and enduring. Their blood has wet the sod 
from tlie chapparal of Mexico to the sliores of the 
great lakes, and their shattered bones lie fathoms 
deep in every sea. 

This, then, is the military history of Salem — not 
that of a Saragossa or Leipsic, shaken in her own 
territory with the thunder of cannon, the crash of 
failing walls, and the groans of the wounded and dy- 
ing — but steadfastly enduring in almost every cycle of 
her existence the departure of numbers of her best 
and bravest, and keeping green the memory of those 
who never returned, with tears, but in great honor 
and gratitude. 

Within the limited space necessarily given in a coun- 
ty history to a monograph of this character, it is impos- 
sible to render full justice to all those whose services 
constitute the military record of the city, and if any 
for themselves or their ancestors or kindred shall feel 
neglected in this particular, their indulgence is re- 
quested on this account, and because of the sometimes 
scanty sources of information existing, with relation 



SALEM. 



185 



to the connection of individuals with the warlike 
events of our history. 

The first settlers of Salem, in common with their 
neighbors, landing in the wilderness and surrounded 
by a race of savages not numerous, but singularly ac- 
tive and enterprising, to whose keen, though unaiught 
comprehension, their habits appeared objectionable 
and their civilization a menace, soon found that a 
conciliatory attitude was ineffectual to remove the 
suspicions of the Indians and enable the colonists to 
rely upon their good faith. The Indian, once fairly 
committed to a friendship upon a sound basis, may be 
expected to keep his engagements, and is a .steadfast 
ally. When, however, as has usually been the case 
in our history, treaties and alliances were forced 
upon him as the weaker party, he fully realized the 
moral weakness of these compacts, and felt justified 
by his simple code of ethics in evading them upon 
the least sign of bad faith on the other side, or by 
simple treachery, followed by such violent eflbrts to 
as far as possible restore the proper equality of num- 
bers between himself and his antagonist, as made the 
Indian wars extremely destructive and cruel. 

Our ancestors therefore found it essential to their 
continuance here, to organize for defense. At the 
meeting of the Court of Assistants in September, 
1630, the first step was taken in this direction by the 
appointment of Captains Underbill and Patrick, 
doubtless old English soldiers, as military instruct- 
ors (probably charged also with the early organiza- 
tion of the forces), and an assessment was levied 
upon the various settlements for their mainteuance. 
Salem's share toward this comfortable billet for these 
old veterans was three pounds. 

In the following April the same authority di- 
rected that the companies should be drilled by their 
officers on each Saturday : Captain Underbill or 
Patrick no doubt superintended the operation, and 
with the latitude presumably allowed to the military 
hope of the pious colonists, were doubtless some- 
times permitted to be well sustained with strong 
waters and to swear freely at both officers and men, 
after the fashion of military instructors in all ages. 
Every man was at this time required to bear arms, 
and the colony seemed to be establishing itself on a 
sound military basis. Several cannon were brought 
to Salem about this time. 

In August of the same year (1631), a considerable 
hostile body of Tarrentines or Eastern Indians,— pro- 
bably from Maine, — made their appearance in the 
vicinity of Salem, and caused much alarm to the set- 
tlers, as they were reputed to be puissant in warfare 
with the unpleasant habit of eating their captives. 
The people, however, fell in at once, and dragging 
out their six pounders, discharged them into the 
woods in the supposed direction of the enemy: 
whereat the Tarrentines, being unaccustomed to the 
sound of heavy ordnance, and apparently finding it 
disagreeable, took themselves ofi" without further de- 



lay. This bloodless victory scored one for the Salem 
men, and must have been a gratifying result of their 
first engagement with the enemy. 

About this time Captain John Endicott com- 
manded an expedition composed of Salem men and 
other colonists to the number of ninety, to beat up 
the Indians who had gathered about Block Island 
with mischievous intent and had committed some 
depredations. The Fabian policy of the gentle savage 
prevented any general fight, although a few Indians 
were picked ofl' by some accurate long-range practice, 
and the general effect of this energy and promptness 
appears to have been salutary. 

While bearing a hand generally upon the simple 
fortifications and block-houses built for the safety of 
the colony, the Puritan warriors of Salem keptup their 
military habits by frequent drills, though they do 
not seem to have been engaged with the Indians 
again until 1036. It was on the occasion of a parade 
of the Salem company during this interval that the 
Cross of St. George was cut out of its colors by the pious 
sword or command of Capl. John Endicott, whose mili- 
tary and religious instincts seem to have been quite 
equally developed. This a-sertion of the puritan di.s- 
like of papistical emblems, raised a considerable 
breeze on both sides of the Atlantic, and the offense to 
the authority of the Crown was only condoned after 
suitable apologies. In August, 1636, hostilities hav- 
ing broken out with the Pequod Indians, a force of 
four small companies under Captain Endicott, one 
of which comprised the Salem contingent and was 
commanded by Ensign Davenport, of this place, was 
sent out against the enemy. Marching westward 
they had some skirmishes with the Indians, and re- 
turned September 1-ith, after inflicting on them consi- 
derable loss, while themselves losing but two men 
killed and a few wounded. The military officers ap- 
pointed for Salem that winter were, Captain William 
Trask, Lieutenant Richard Davenport and Ensign 
Thomas Reade. 

The following year Salem furnished two officers. 
Captain Trask and Lieutenant Davenport, and twenty- 
eight men as a part of the quota of one hundred and 
sixty from the Massachusetts Colony, who, under the 
general command of Captain Stougliton, marched to 
join the Connecticut forces in the campaign against 
the Pequod chiei', Sassacus, who had assumed a hos- 
tile attitude. Before the arrival of the Massachusetts 
reinforcement,- Colonel Mason had severely defeated 
the Indians, but they gallantly rallied, and the forces 
of the colonists having united, nearly e.Kterminatcd 
them in a second engagement where Lieutenant 
Davenport and a party of his Salem men particularly 
distinguished tlieniselves. Lieutenant Davenport was 
promoted, and in 1644 was appointed as captain to 
the command of the castle in Boston harbjr. Later 
on he became a colonel, but had then removed from 
Salem. 

There followed a considerable period during which 



186 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the settlers were not harassed by the Indians to any- 
great extent ; but realizing their constant danger, 
their vigilance was not relaxed and the military were 
kept in a good and increasingly efficient condition, 
with numbers continually augmenting, while the gar- 
rison and outpost duty they were required to perform 
was arduous and constant. 

The discipline of the colonial soldier seems to have 
been carefully looked after at this time, for we read 
that it was enacted that " any disobeying his officer 
should be set in the bilboes or stocks, or be whip- 
ped." Jlilitary officers also directed the arms that 
men should carry in going from home, and particu- 
larly when attending church. The sight of a stal- 
wart citizen of Salem of to-day, heavily armed and 
marching up and down the sidewalk in front of the 
First Church door narrowly wutching every ap- 
proach, while Sunday morning service was in pro- 
gress ; and the subsequent exit of the congregation 
at its close, each man with a heavy matchlock carry- 
ing a bullet of fifteen to the pound, on his shoulder, 
would strike us as rather odd ; but it was quite the 
correct thing in the sixteen-forties at the very same 
place. 

As a sample of the good fighting stuff of which the 
ancient Salemite was constructed, it might not be out 
of place to draw attention to the military talents of 
that distinguished Salem divine, the Eev. Hugh 
Peters, who officiated in the First Church at about 
this time, and who doubtless imbibed some of the 
belligerent spirit of his colonial parish : for, some time 
later being in England, he served as chaplain of one 
of the " Ironsides " regiments of Cromwell's army, 
and on one occasion in Ireland, we are told, took 
command of the regiment, and handled it in action 
like a born soldier. It is to be regretted that the 
active part he took in the affairs of the English Com- 
monwealth ultimately cost him his head. 

In the summer of 1645 war was declared by the 
colonists against the Narragansett tribe, and the 
Salem military marched with other troops against 
them. The Indians, however, do not seem to have 
laid in sufficient ammunition or had their tomahawks 
properly sharpened, for they " weakened," if the ex- 
pression may be permitted, and sued for peace, which 
was concluded before the combatants came to blows. 
In October of that year the officers appointed for the 
Salem company were: Captain William Hathorne; 
Lieutenant William Clark and Ensign William 
Dixey, while John Endicott, who had previously held 
that commission, was continued as sergeant-major- 
general, which, though now an obsolete title, was 
then given to the commander-in-chief of the forces of 
the colony. 

Fifteen years later we find the military estab- 
lishment of what had now become the County of 
Essex, well organized and containing two troops of 
cavalry, one of which was composed of men of Salem, 
Manchester, Lynn and Riverhead, under Captain 



George Curwen and Lieutenant Thomas Putnam of 
Salem, and Cornet Walter Price of Manchester. 

Captain Thomas Lathrop of Salem, though he may 
afterwards have been of Beverly, was, in 16IJ3, ap- 
pointed to command the Eastern foot company of the 
town. It would appear that at this early date there 
were two standing companies of infantry and part of 
a company of cavalry furnished by the town of Salem, 
which, considering the probable population of the 
settlement, must have comprised a large part of its 
able-bodied men. 

Quiet continued to prevail until in 1675 the sudden 
uprising of Philip, Chief of the Wampanoags, with 
his tribesmen and allies, dispelled the fancied se- 
curity of the colonists and called into immediate ac- 
tion their well-appointed and trained forces. Never- 
theless, so well had this astute warrior laid his 
plans and so carefully had they been kept from the 
knowledge of those whom it was his purpose to anni- 
hilate, that his preconcerted attack was a complete 
surprise and for a time it seemed as if the accomplish- 
ment of that purpose was by no means impos.sible. 

Towns were destroyed in an hour, large numbers of 
the people were massacred and the outlying settle- 
ments were abandoned by the inhabitants who flocked 
toward the larger towns to the eastward. In the 
hasty muster and advance of the troops to succor 
their hard-pressed brethren, their eagerness in some 
cases outran caution, and in the first contact with the 
insidious foe they had difficulty in holding their own 
and met with some severe reverses. 

Captain Lathrop, before mentioned, while in com- 
mand of a picked body of young men of the Essex 
companies, called by contemporaneous writers " the 
flower of Essex," was convoying a supply train, and 
being ambuscaded in Deerfield while crossing Muddy 
Brook, was killed with seventy of his men — nearly 
his entire force. Hearing the noise of the firing, 
Captain Mosely hastened from the upper part of 
Deerfield with his company, and finding the Indians 
engaged in scalping Lathrop's men, attacked them 
without hesitation, though greatly outnumbered, and 
drove them off with severe punishment. The com- 
pany of Captain Mosely seems to have contained 
many Salem men and his lieutenants, Savage and 
Pickering, both of Salem, did much in aid of his 
victory by their resolution and gallantry. As in 
Lathrop's company there were also a number of Sa- 
lem young men, this town shared in the general 
mourning of the county over the disaster that befell 
them. 

The powerful Narragansett tribe, having at length 
allied themselves with Philip, the colonists deter- 
mined to avail themselves of the inclement weather 
of approaching winter that would draw the Indians 
together, and, with a very strong force, to deal this 
tribe a crushing blow that should render them pow- 
erless for future harm. Thirty-one men, under Cap- 
tain Gardner, were drawn from the Salem companies 



SALEM. 



187 



and joined the force that marched southward to at- 
tack tlie stronghold in Rhode Ishmd, where a large 
part of the Narragansetts were gathered. In the at- 
tack upon this palisaded fort in a morass, which was 
signally successful and utterly broke the power of 
that formidable tribe, Captain (ifardner and six 
other men of Salem were killed and eleven wounded, 
which would indicate that the men from this town 
were not shii-king their work to any great extent. 

Hostilities continued during the following year 
and while the enemy had been much weakened and 
the military had begun to get hold of their work and 
were equal to the Indians when they could find them, 
yet with such subtle foes and in a country full of 
difficulty for moving columns, constant vigilance 
had to be exercised, and the troops had little rest. 
More men were impressed from Salem for active ser- 
vice. Those remaining strengthened the main fort 
here and built "garrisons" (block-houses), for the 
protection of the farm people outside of the town. 
These were all garrisoned, and the militarj' of Salem 
must have been nearly all on duty during this time, 
at home or with the active forces. Lieutenant John 
Pierce and Ensign Gardner were appointed in the 
winter of 1676 to the foot company lately com- 
manded by Captain Gardner, who fell at the Narra- 
gansett Fort. 

In the spfing of this year Captain George Curwen, 
of Salem, who was commanding a troop of cavalry in 
the field, had a difliculty with a Major Henchman, 
liis superior officer, and the General Court, — which 
useful body, by the way, seemed to be available for 
any service from expounding doctrine, to sitting as a 
general court-martial — sentenced the gallant captain 
to dismissal and a fine of £100. As, however, he 
seems to have been too good an officer to lose, and 
quite likely the General Court finding that they had 
lilundered about the evidence, he was presently re- 
stored to his rank. Although the record is silent on 
this point, it is also to be hoped that he got back his 
hundred pounds. 

In September of that year, Major William Hathorne, 
with part of the Salem contingent bore a hand in the 
final surprise of Quecheco, where the greater number 
of the Indians remaining in arms were cajrtured and 
King Philip's war ended ; that gallant chief having 
been killed the previous month. 

Civilization has its advantages, and looking at the 
question practically, it is perhaps best that its on- 
ward marcli should not be obstructed by a few sav- 
ages. Nevertheless it is difficult to withhold admira- 
tion for this man Philip and his brave followers, who, 
believing that the English were driving them from 
the land of their fathers, died in the ettbrt to preserve 
their inheritance as gallantly as did Leonidas or 
Winkelreid. jVs to the Iniiian methods of warfare, 
if they made more cruel work of it than the pious 
Puritan did on several occasions, the chroniclers have 
n)uch misled us. 



Early in 1677 some Eastern or Maine Indians 
rather disgusted the Salem ship-owners by capturing 
a number of their vessels that were on that coast, pro- 
bably engaged in fishing. Exactly how it was done 
is not clear, and the fact is rather surprising ; for 
while dashing fighters on land, the red man has rarely 
gone in much for naval distinction. However, in 
some way or another in this case they managed to 
pick up " no less than thirteen ketches and captivate 
the men,'' so goes the record. The ketch was a small 
schooner-rigged vessel which was much used in tliose 
days. As was quite customary', on receipt of this intel- 
ligence, a fast was immediately ordered, while an 
armed ketch with a crew of forty men and doubtle.-s 
the destructive big guns that had proved so noisily ef- 
fective on a previous occasion, was dispatched as a 
man-of-war to the rescue. " The Lord gave them 
success," is the l;rief and pious record of this first of 
Salem's long list of maritime victories. Matters 
rather calmed down after this naval exploit for a 
dozen years or so, and the good Puritans of Salem in 
the absence of war's alarms, were able to improve 
their material condition and to indulge in those 
fierce doctrinal squabbles in which their souls took 
stern enjoyment. But their military matters were 
not neglected, and in 1689 Jonathan Walcott was ap- 
pointed captain, and Nathaniel lugersoll and Thomas 
Flint, respectively lieutenant and ensign of the new 
company formed at Salem village, afterward the town 
of Danvers. Samuel Higginson, of Salem, was about 
this time serving as lieutenant-colonel of the South 
Essex regiment that embraced the Salem companies 
and those of adjacent towns. 

The Indians in this year, instigated by the French, 
gave signs of restlessness, and in July seventy men 
were told off from the Essex lower regiment of foot, 
that included the Salem companies, to join in the de- 
fence of the frontier towns. Captain B. Gedney, who 
declined, and subsequently Captain S. Sewell, Lieu- 
tenant Robert Kitchen and Ensign Edward Flint 
were appointed officers of the West Salem company. 

The companies of Salem seemed to have been well 
filled, for Capts. Sewell and John Price were presently 
ordered to organize four companies from their com- 
mands. The names of the new officers commissioned 
in consequence of this mobilization do not appear. 
As the savages became more threatening in their 
demonstrations and tilings were looking rather blue, a 
fast was now ordered in Salem. It is pleasant to ob- 
serve the practical military preparations that in each 
emergency accompanied the prayers of our excellent 
ancestors. They were ever buckling on the sword, as 
it were, even while they were in the act of bending 
the knee. 

In August Captain Simon Willard marched with 
a contingent from Salem and vicinity to Casco Bay, 
while the Essex lower cavalry troop, po.ssibly still 
under the efficient command of our old friend Captain 
Curwen, were ordered to Ncwichewannock. 



188 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Late in the fall Captain Willard writes to the gov- 
ernor for supplies for the Casco Bay outpost, and 
takes occasion to say that " the parents of his soldiers 
"are much displeased because they have not already 
" returned as was promised." What effect this state- 
ment had upon the governor does not appear, but it 
is to be hoped that the displeasure of their parents 
was not visited upon the unhappy young recruits 
themselves when they ultiniateh' turned up in Salem. 
In 1690 war was declared against the French by the 
Colonists, who were much harassed by them in the 
fisheries and by their Indian allies in the Eastern set- 
tlements. Great military activity prevailed and while 
a few Salem men form part of the one hundred and 
sixty from Massachusetts reporting at Albany, four 
companies under Maj. John Price, Capts. Sewell and 
Walcot, and other othcers whose names are not given, 
join the larger New England force preparing to at- 
tack Port Royal, the French stronghol J in Nova Sco- 
tia. Benjamin Gedney, of Salem, now a colonel, and 
apparently held in high estimation, was appointed 
to command this expedition, but he declined the honor 
in favor of Sir William Phipps, who this year captured 
the place. 

No especial mention is found of the conduct of the 
Salem portion of the beleaguering force, but it requires 
little penetration to feel quite assured of their gallant- 
ry on every opportunity, and it is pleasant to observe 
that Colonel Gedney is upon his return, placed upon 
the committee to divide the plunder obtained from 
Port Royal, which was very valuable. Let us hope 
that he saw to it that Salem received her just share 
thereof. 

The cavalry (Essex lower troop) now under com- 
mand of Captain Brown, of Salem, are in the field 
again this year, though the direction of their service 
is uncertain — probably to the eastward — while three 
hundred and eight men of Colonel Gedney's regiment, 
doubtless then under his command, from Salem and 
vicinity, rendezvous late in the year, and take part in 
the unsuccessful expedition against Montreal and 
Quebec, Captain John Curwen being one of the offi- 
cers, with no doubt others from Salem. 

A desultory warfare was continued with the French 
and their Indian allies for a long period, during which 
there is little to be gleaned in the chronicles, of the 
doings of the Salem soldiery. In fact little actual 
fighting was done by any body in thispart of the coun- 
try, though the scouts and Indians had no end of 
quiet amusement in the depths -of the forest, bush- 
whacking and .scalping each other to their heart's 
content. 

In 1692 Colonel Gedney went down to Wells, Me., 
with an escort of thirty troopers (probablj' of the Essex 
lower troop) and made a peace with the Maine In- 
dians, independently-of the French, which appears to 
have endured until 1695, when, by the bad faith, ac- 
cording to Colonel Gedney's account, of one Captain 
Chubb in command at Kittery, the Indians again 



took up arms, obliging the colonel to march on that 
place with four hundred and sixty men. We pre- 
sume that this imposing force, combined with Colonel 
Gedney's diplomatic abilities, restored the broken 
peace, for there do not seem to have been any further 
d'fficulties in that region for some little time there- 
afterwards. 

In 170.3 we find the Governor ordering the impress- 
ment of twenty men for the " Flying Horse," an 
armed cruiser of Salem. As the good people of the 
town with solemn pleasure watched the fitting out of 
this vessel, how little did they realize the very large 
number of armed cruisers that were, in later times, to 
be sent from their harbor ! It appears that the buc- 
caneers of the Spanish main, who had for many years 
been making things very unpleasant for treasure-ships 
and settlements in the vicinity of the equator, now 
began to extend their operations to the northward 
and appeared occasionally off the New England coast. 
Hence arose the necessity for this incipient naval 
force. 

In the year 1704 a party of pirates, in a vessel com- 
manded by one Quelch, remained off and on the coast 
for a time, having a secret rendezvous in a house near 
the entrance of Marblehead harbor. AVhere the armed 
cruiser was at the time is not clear, except that she 
was out of the way. However, the good people of Salem 
got along without her very well, according to the 
record ; for, the character of the gang developi jg itself 
by some depredations, they were tracked to Gloucester, 
and Major Stephen Sewall, with one party, and Judge 
Samuel Sewall (who, by the way, was the chief pro- 
moter ofthe expedition), in personal charge of another, 
followed them down and carried their vessel by board- 
ing, killing or capturing the entire lot after a rattling 
fight. The survivors were promptly hanged as a sug- 
gestion of the insalubrity of the New England climate 
to gentlemen of their profession. The hint was not 
lost upon the unhanged residue, and it was not until 
eighteen years later that the exploit of the notorious 
Capt. Low in Marblehead harbor, indicated that these 
lively sea-rovers must have learned of the demise of 
the belligerent Salemjustice, andhadgood hope ofthe 
immunity that they actually enjoyed on that oc- 
casion. 

During the interval of comparative repose that en- 
sued for Salem and vicinity, in common with the rest 
of the colony, between King William's and Queen 
Anne's War, there is nothing to record. But this af- 
forded but a brief breathing-space, and soon the border 
towns were again suffering from Indian attacks, and 
the Colonists involved in expensive and abortive 
expeditions in the effort to conquer Canada, so much 
desired by England. The pressure of danger was not 
severely felt in Salem just now, since we find the town 
indulging in a rather acidulous controversy in 1706 
with the Governor, as to whether Fort Anne, in Salem 
should be repaired by the town or the Province. 
In August, 1708, Major Walter Turner, with Cap- 



SALEM. 



189 



tains John Gardner and Walter Price and a Salem 
contingent, join with other troops in pursuit of a party 
of French and Indians that had threaded the wilder- 
ness in one of their numerous raids and suddenly ap- 
peared near the northern towns. A sharp action, 
in which the enemy were discomfited and driven off, 
and John Gyles, of falem, lost an arm, with a few 
others killed and wounded, was the net result. 

There is little to record in the next few years of a 
military character that concerns Salem. Although 
until the peace of Utrecht, in 1711, there was constant 
warfare on ihe border. 

In 1714 the town petition the General Court- — hav- 
ing evidently had enough of the Governor in this 
matter — to repair and garrison Fort ,\nne. We are 
not told the result. 

The peace of New England began to be again dis- 
turbed in 1720 by French intrigues among the Eastern 
Indians whose depredations on the border recom- 
mence, although it is uncertain as to what part Salem 
took in the Norridgewock episode and other border 
affairs that succeeded. 

Soon after the opening of the French War, in 174.5, 
we read that Capts. Grant, King, White and Covell, 
all of vSalem, embarked with the troops bound for 
Cape Breton and the siege of Louisbourgh. Capt. 
George Curwen also took part in that brilliant and 
successful campaign, for an extract from a letter from 
him to his wife says "young Gray (of Salem) is killed, 
June 2d, in the attack upon a battsry, and three more 
of Grant's men missing." The officers mentioned were 
doubtless in command of men from Salem and vicinity. 

In the spring of 1746, a French fleet being reported off 
the coast with an army, preparing for an attack upon 
Boston, the Salem companies march to its protection. 
Perhaps this circumstance may have come to the 
knowledge of the French commander; at any rate the 
force made no landing: as a matter of fact it never 
got very near Boston, if it were, as is jirobable, the one 
commanded by the Duke D'Anville. 

In 1755 the final war between the French and Eng- 
lish on this continent was formally opened, so to 
speak, although, as usual, the Indians instigated by 
French officers and priests, had precipitated actual 
hostilities for a year or more before, and in the early 
part of the spring of this year Salem sends twenty-eight 
men, her quota of reinforcements to Col. Johnson's 
army operating towards Cron-n Point. To refresh the 
spirits of these men before their departure, the Rev. 
Mr. Clarke preaches them a sermon entitled, "a word 
in season to soldiers." We trust that in their con- 
duct at the ensuing battle of Lake George, the good 
effects of Jlr. Clarke's exhortations were made mani- 
fest. Captain Samuel Flint on September 25th (1755) 
marches with his company to join the same army. 

In Jlay, 1755, Col. Piaisted leaves Salem to assume 
his command at Crown Point; probably in the expe- 
dition about to move under Col. Winslow. 

A libtral bounty is offered about this time by the 



General Court for the scalps of any Indians of all ages 
and both sexes, and a fast is ordered in Salem to 
pray for victory over the French and Indians. 

In the spring of the following year (1757) a force of 
eighteen hundred men was drafted in Massachusetts, 
and under command of Col. Jcseph Frye, of And- 
over, marched to reinforce the garrison of Forts Ed- 
ward and William Henry. Captains Goodhue, 
Piaisted, Clarke and Pickman, of Salem, commanded 
companies in this force. Other Salem officers may 
have been with it, and some, at least, of the men in 
these companies were volunteers from Salem. King 
George promised £10 to every man who should enlist 
this year, and in the case of these men he failed to pay 
up. The old gentleman doubtless having considerable 
paper maturing about that time, may have been a little 
short. At any rate they got no money out of him, and 
a number of loyal citizens of Salem made it up to 
them by private subscription. The names of the men 
receiving this bounty were, — 

In Capt. Goodhue s Company. 



Petor Stokey. 
Jacob Verry. 
David MoiriU. 
David Phipt'ii, Jr. 
Barnabas n«rrick. 
James fiould. 
Thomas Synionds. 
jVpbauis Seavy. 



J..hn Elkins. 
Joliii Haley. 
John Ward, Jr. 
Eleazer Symonds. 
Josfiph Sand.s. 
Jolin Colliiia. 
Moses Townsend. 



In Capt. Plaisted's Company. 



.Tohn Swariays. 
Robert KUiot. 



John I.eaman, Jr. 
Edward Ross. 



//) Capjf. Clarte's Company. 

Tliomas Kneeland. SamU Merritt. 

John W'ebb. .Jos. Kborn. 

Jo. Syinond. Jos. Silsby. 

Jolin Osgood. Jolin Dowst. 

The record gives none of the luimes of the men in 
Capt. Pickman's company, who received this money, 
although it indicates that there were some. ' It will be 
remembered that Liid Loudon, this year, withdrew a 
large part of bis army from the Charaplain country 
and elsewhere for his abortive attempt upon Louis- 
bourgh, which by the peace of Aix la Chapelle had 
been returned to the French. The astute Montcalm 
saw his opportunity and reckoning, with reason, upon 
the probability of Loudon's failure in the east, marched 
straight south with a strong army of French trooi>s 
and Indians, and suddenly appeared before Fort Wil- 
liam Henry. In the short siege of the place, followed 
by its surrender and the subsequent shocking Indian 
massacre, Richard Butman, Daniel Robertson ami 
possibly others of Salcni were killed, while six 
Salem men were captured and carried to Canada. 
The.se things had a depressing influence upon Salem, 
and another fast was ordered. 

In 1758 General Abercrombie's bloody repulse be- 
fore Ticonderoga was hardly calculated to raise the 
spirits of the people, but there was hardly time to 



190 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



have a fast ordered in Salem, before the very differ- 
ent news of General Amherst's recaptuie of Louis- 
bourgh that followed almost immediately after would 
seem to have obviated the necessity for it. 

Whether any vSalem men were with Abercrombie 
cannot be stated with certainty, but as his force con- 
tained over nine thousand provincial troops there can 
be little doubt of it ; some also were presumably serv- 
ing under Amherst. 

There is extant a journal of one Gibson Clough, of 
Salem, a private of Ca])tain Giddings' company, in 
the Fourteenth Provincial Regiment, that under Col- 
onel Jonathan Bagley, was sent to reinforce the gar- 
rison of Louisbourgh after its capture. 

Captain Giddings and a considerable portion of his 
company were evidently from Salem as well as 
Clough, whose running account of his experiences 
gives a fair idea of the life of the New England sol- 
dier of that day. Some of his comments are rath- 
er amusing. Speaking of certain disciplinary pro- 
ceedings he remarks that " there is no spair of whip 
here;" and further on in an apparent fit of disgust 
with the service, he says, "if we get clear this year, I 
think we shall be unwise if we come here again to 
serve our King and country." 

As the severe weather of a Cape Breton October 
approaches, Mr. Clough observed that they would soon 
stand in need of winter clothing and good liquors 
. ..." for to keep up our spirits ;"...." But," 
he dryly adds, " we are not likely to get liquors or 
cloathes !".... He describes, in his odd manner, 
the dismantling of the fortificalions of Louisbourgh 
and the daily incidents of garrison and outpost duty ; 
tells of the news of tlie taking of Quebec by General 
Wolfe and of the subsequent operations of General 
Amherst against Montreal and the French lake forts, 
all of which is filtered through the usual camp ru- 
mors and gossip. For the most part our friend writes 
in very low spirits, until his final description of his 
return home with Amos Hilton, Jonathan Buxton, 
Eobert Picket and Daniel Butman, of Salem, and other 
comrades whom he does not name, which is marked, 
to use his own words, by " great joy and content." 

At the capture of Quebec Captain John Tapley, of 
Salem, took part, with no doubt other Salem men, 
although it is probable that a larger number of them 
were serving with General Amherst's army, that 
failed to reach Quebec in time to co-operate witb 
Wolfe, but performed signal services the following 
year in the reduction of Montreal and the remaining 
French posts that finally ended the dominion of that 
people on this continent. 

Lemuel Woods, a soldier in this army, believed to 
be from Salem, wrote a fragmentary journal that has 
been preserved. No doubt his soldierly qualities were 
superior to his scholarship ; for his style, even for a 
diary, must be regarded, in whatever light we view it, 
as very slovenly. He speaks of Lieutenant Gran- 
ger and Ensign Peabody having obtained permission 



to look at the works of Fort Ticonderoga after its 
surrender, naively adding, .... "I accidentally 
went with them and viewed the fort," etc. (we de- 
cline the reproduction of his spelling). When the 
journal, in describing the accidental death of a man 
of his regiment, says, .... "a heavy stick slipped 
and stove him all to mash, and they brought him over 
and buried him," .... we must admit a con- 
ciseness of expression that in a measure redeems 
Mr. Woods' manuscript ; but when, in another place 
he speaks of the camp being .... "all in a combus- 
tion a raging things up for a sudden push when called 
for," ... .it seems hardly worth while to quote 
more although the diary is of much interest as illus- 
trating the life of a soldier of the time in active ser- 
vice. 

The French wars were now ended. The people of 
the colonies while impoverished by the aid rendered 
the mother-country, had nevertheless learned their 
strength ; and the presence among them of a large 
body of trained soldiers, just returned from efficient 
service in the field where they had often proved 
themselves fully the equals of the British regulars, 
did not tend to make them tolerant of any tyrannical 
measures of the Crown. So for the next fifteen years 
the people of Salem, in common with their neigh- 
bors, were warming up in their quarrel with the 
mother-country. 

The General Court meeting in Salem in 1774, Gov- 
ernor Gage brought down two regiments as a display 
of lorce that should overawe the court and the people. 
But upon his return to Boston the troops were with- 
drawn, fortunately without any collision with the 
exasperated people. 

It was in Salem that the Revolution really began, 
when the General Court, the same year, formed itself 
into a Provincial Congress, and subsequently, after 
adjourning to Concord, appointed oflicers independ- 
ently of the crown and proceeded to procure arms 
and ammunition. Here also occurred the first actual 
collision with the British troops, which, though with- 
out bloodshed, resulted in their retirement without 
the accomplishment of their purpose. 

For on Sunday morning, February 26, 1775, Colonel 
Leslie in command of a battalion of infantry, sailed 
around from Boston and debarking at Marblehead, 
marched rapidly to Salem, with the purpose of seizing 
some cannon and munitions collected and stored at a 
point across the North River. A draw bridge that 
was there had been raised by the people, who shrewd- 
ly guessed their unlawful object. In endeavoring to 
push across in batteaux moored near by, some resist- 
ance was made by the crowd, and one man received 
a slight flesh wound from a soldier's bayonet. The 
number of people increased, and some prominent 
citizens warning Colonel Leslie that with the present 
temper of the people he would never take his com- 
mand back alive if he persisted or fired upon them, he 
said that if, as it was a matter that concerned his honor. 



SALEM. 



191 



they would permit him to pass the bridge, be would 
immediately withdraw. This was agreed to, and the 
bridge being lowered, he led bis men across and at 
once countermarching, returned to Marblchead and 
re-embarked for Boston. This bloodless expedition 
was the first military movement made by the English 
in the Revolutionary War. On April 18th, Colonel 
Pickering, with three hundred men from Salem, 
marched in pursuit of the British troops retreating 
from Lexington, but failed to come up with them. 
Captain Hiller commanded one of his companies. 
Some others from Salem were in the engagement, 
however, and Benjamin Pierce was killed at Lexing- 
ton village. 

Just previous to the Lexington aflair Salem had 
been getting in order for the. coming war. A general 
muster was held March 14th, of all jiersons liable to 
military duty in the town armed and equipped. The 
new pine tree flag was raised, perhaps for the first 
time, on this occasion. 

The Provincial Congress had recommended the tac- 
tics and manual of 1764 (probably English) for the pro- 
vincial troops, but very shortly aftei', the system pre- 
pared by Colonel Timothy Pickering, of Salem, was, 
it appears, adopted. 

No compromise seemed possible after Lexington. 
Men arranged their affairs and joined the army, now 
gathering near Boston. A lady writing from Salem, 
June 10, 1775, says : " The men are listing very fast ; 
3 or 400 are gone from here." Many of those who 
were able to do so, now sent their families back into 
the country, to Nantucket and other inaccessible 
places, believing Salem to be too near the scene of 
hostilities for safety. 

In the historic engagement of Bunker Hill that 
naturall}' followed the jirompt erection of works com- 
manding Boston, a few Salem men took part, and 
Lieutenant Benjamin West, of Salem, a gallant 
young officer, was killed at the breastworks. As has 
been stated, many Salem men now joined the fighting 
force as minute-men, militia or Continentals. Col- 
onel Timothy Pickering, who seems to have had a 
genius for military matters, made " a plan of exer- 
cise " or tactics, already spoken of, that the Congress 
ordered to be used by oflScers of the Massachusetts 
Militia. He was, in 1776, appointed quarterma.ster- 
general of the army, and served as such and as adju- 
tant-general, with distinction throughout the war. In 
an interesting diary of one Lieutenant Craft, from 
Manchester, kept while serving with the army in 
the environs of Boston, are many allusions to oflBcers, 
whose names indicate that they may have been from 
Salem. His regiment, at any rate, was raised in 
lower Essex County, and doubtless largely in Salem, 
and Colonel William Mansfield, who commanded it, 
was a Salem man. The pay of the army was not ex- 
cessive at this time, captains receiving six pounds 
per month, and lieutenants four and three pounds; 
sergeants forty-eight shillings, and privates forty 



shillings. Captain John Felt commanded a com- 
pany of artillery in service this year, his lieutenant 
being John Butler, both of Salem. 

The same year (1770) Fort Lee was built to com- 
mand Salem harbor, and a company of men, under 
Captain John Symonds and Lieutenant Benjamin 
Ropes, Jr., stationed as its garrison. In 1777 forty- 
four men w^ere raised in Salem as her quota for the 
army, presumably under a Captain Greenwood, for 
we read that he marched from Salem on public ser- 
vice with his company, on November 11th, 1777. 
Fifty-four men additional were also drafted to act as 
guards for Burgoyne's surrendered army,underCaptain 
Simeon Brown. Another company, under Cai)tain 
Benjamin Ward, also marched to join the army at 
New York December 17, 1777. This was doing 
pretty well for a little town in one year, and in 1778 
we find the town still promoting enlistments by voting 
bounties to the men who should volunteer for the 
army. This would indicate that even in that day of 
intense patriotism, it was necessary to use extraor- 
dinary means to induce men to be steadily food for 
powder, while they might be quite ready to dodge 
about as minute-men for a few days' fun. 

In July of this year Captain Samuel Flagg com- 
manded a small company raised for special service in 
Rhode Island. Captain Flagg's lieutenants were 
Miles Greenwood and Robert Foster. Major Hiller, 
of Salem, also had a command in this expedition, 
which, under General Sullivan, attempted, with the 
co-operation of the French fleet under the Count 
D'Estaing, to wrest Rhode Island from the English, 
who held it under Sir Robert Pigot. Owing to the 
failure of the French fleet to render the promised as- 
sistance, the objects of the expedition were not at- 
tained. Considerable mention is made of the ser- 
vices of the Salem company in the accounts of this 
campaign. 

The same year the town had to proceed with the 
additional task of raising forty-two men for the Con- 
tinental army, and some others for some special short 
enlistment not particularly described. 

In 1779 a committee are appointed in Salem to 
raise thirteen more men for the Rhode Island service 
and twenty-eight for the Continental army, in which 
they no doubt had difficulty ; for it is stated that in Oc- 
tober large additional pecuniary inducements, in ad- 
dition to Continental and State pay, were voted to 
recruits to serve three months in the army. On De- 
cember 11th Captain Addi-son Richardson marched 
with his company to join the army. 

Early in 1780 the town voted a very large sum for 
those days, to devote to the raising of sixty-two men 
to serve for six months in the army. 

These records bear continual testimony to the 
baneful practice so prevalent in that war of enlisting 
men for short terms of service. It was a constant 
cause of complaint by the officers of the Continental 
Army, and did much to destroy its efficiency. 



192 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Major Samuel King, of Salem, an aide to General 
De Kalb, was killed in action this year in South Caro- 
lina, and Captain Nathan Goodale, of Salem, is also 
reported as made prisoner by the enemy. 

A letter dated in camp near West Point, on the 
Hudson, February 12, 1782, to Joshua Ward, from a 
Salem soldier of the Continental Army, whose signa- 
ture does not appear, asks to have sent him certain 
articles on credit, and speaks of the hardships endur- 
ed by the army without supplies or money. Captain 
Flint, killed this year in the first day's battle at Sara- 
toga, is believed to have been from Salem. Mention 
should be made of Colonel Samuel Carleton, of the 
Continental line, who was from Salem, and who so 
distinguished himself that Washington declared him 
to be one of the most intrepid officers who served 
under him. 

Of the special part taken by Salem and her soldiers 
in the succeeding years of this war, there is too little 
trace. There is evidence, however, that her record 
in point of numbers and service was quite up to the 
average, though it is to be regretted that so little can 
be written of the gallant deeds of her officers and 
men in an army where all were so brave and steadfast, 
and that, though in the appendix a list is given of the 
names of those who served from Salem, there is some 
doubt as to its accuracy, and it tells nothing of the 
actions in which those men took part, or of the char- 
acter of their service. 

But in tlie record given of the part borne by Salem 
and her citizens in our revolutionary armies, though, 
it were much more complete, but a small part of her 
services to the country can be fully comprehended. 
Long before the colonies took the first decisive ac- 
tion that resulted in their independence, Salem had 
been steadily increasing her commerce, and in 1775 
she had become au important port of entry, her mer- 
chants were becoming wealthy and a large part of her 
people followed the sea. Very soon after the war 
broke out, it became evident that a navy was almost 
as necessary to our success as an army. Congress 
fitted out a few armed vessels, but the resources of the 
young nation were inadequate to equip any sufficient 
number to cope with the powerful navy of Great 
Britain, or even to be of much use in the destruction 
of her commerce. 

Here, then, was the opportunity of Salem, with her 
ships lying idle at her wharves in fear of English 
cruisers, and her fine seamen idling about her streets. 
Procuring commissions for private armed cruisers and 
letters of marque and reprisal for her trading ships, 
she fitted out her ablest and swiftest vessels with heavy 
guns and powerful crews well officered,iand sent them 
over the sea in quest of the enemy's merchantmen. 
Nor did they neglect her smaller men-of-war, but, as 
eager for glory as plunder, promptly attacked any 
armed ship whose weight of metal was not absurdly 
disproportionate to their own, and in the majority of 
cases with success; while her trading vessels made 



their voyages well armed, and with double complement 
of men, and showed their teeth when interfered with or 
when falling in with a vessel whose chances of capture 
were sufficiently good tojustify the risk to their owners. 
Our privateer navy was intensely active and suc- 
cessful, and played an important part in that contest, 
severely crippling the enemy's merchant marine and 
keeping her navy busy in every part of the world to 
protect it. 

It is impossible to give more than a glance at the 
exploits of the gallant officers and men who ranged 
the seas in the Salem privateers, sending in a rich re- 
turn of captured vessels to their owners. 

And it is not to be understood that in the capture 
of these merchantmen no fighting was involved. 
Many of the English trading vessels were letters of 
marque, and nearly all carried guns and had strong 
crews well armed, aud, defending themselves with 
true English courage, they were often onl)* taken after 
a severe struggle. The actions between our privateers 
and British men-of-war or privateers were of the most 
sanguinary description, and were only finally deter- 
mined by boarding and a hand-to-hand fight on the 
deck of one or the other of the vessels. 

The Salem privateers and letters of marque formed 
a large part of those sailing from American jjorts 
during that war, aud, indeed, the principal business 
of the town became that of privateering, the results 
of which laid the foundation of many fortunes that 
are but now being dissipated. 

Some of the regulations governing the crews of 
Salem privateers in the Revolution were curious. 
The owners of the vessel, after deducting outfit and 
expenses, took one-half of the value of the prizes, and 
the officers and crew the other half, divided in certain 
proportions according to rank. A prize of $500 was 
given to the man first sighting a sail, and $1000 and 
best firelock to the first man to board the enemy. For 
the loss of a leg or arm in action $4000 was paid as 
compensation, $2000 for an eye and $1000 for a joint. 
If one of the crew were detected in thieving, he suf- 
fered the loss of all prize money, which, to judge by 
the liberal schedule above given, must have been in 
some cases a severe penalty. 

As illustrating the work of these gallant little ves- 
sels, it is related that the ship "General Pickering," 
sixteen guns. Captain Jonathan Harraden command- 
ing, on May 20, 1780, engaged and whipped an Eng- 
lish man-of-war of twenty guns; on June 1st fought 
and took a schooner of fourteen guns and fifty-seven 
men, and on the 4th boldly lufi'ed up and sustained 
the attack of the "Arguilles," thirty-four-gun frigate, 
and though quite unable to take a vessel of such size, 
beat her off" after an engagement of nearly two hours. 
The " Julius C«jar," of Salem, a small schooner, the 
same year, simultaneously engaged two vessels, both 
of heavier metal than herself, aud made it so warm 
for them that they were glad to make sail and leave 
their plucky little antagonist in possession of the field. 



SALEM. 



193 



In June, 1782, it took a British s.loop-o('-war four hours 
to capture the little privateer "Jack," of Salem, and 
she did not strike until her captain, David Ropes, and 
more than half her crew were killed or wounded. 

The "Jack" was a small ship that had the pecu- 
liarity of having a mizzen mast that could he taken 
down at sea and as easily put up agaiu. By this ex- 
pedient she constantly deceived the enemy and 
escaped capture, appearing alternately as a ship and 
a brig. 

Captain Perkins, of Salem, commanding a small 
privateer, had on one occasion manned two prizes, and 
was making the best of his way home with only four 
men left before the mast, when an English privateer 
([uickly hove in sight. Instead of running away, he 
immediately made all sail for her, and she, not liking 
his apparent I'eadiness for a fight, wore around and 
sailed away. A rather amusing incident occurred to 
the privateer Oliver Cromwell, Captain James Barr, 
when cruising in the West Indies in 1779. Sighting 
a vessel with low top-masts and apparently no guns 
in a fog off the coast of Cuba, one morning, she sup- 
posed it to be a large merchantman and was ranging 
up alongside, when in a trice up went a string of jjainted 
canvass that covered her ports, and the " Oliver Crom- 
well " narrowly escaped being blown out of water by 
the discharge of a frigate's full broadside. She was 
much crippled, but managed to get away in the fog 
and light breeze. 

The letter of Marque "Eanger" twenty men, when 
anchored in the Potomac, the night of July 5, 1782, 
was attacked by sixty tories in boats. The captain, 
Lucum, was shot at the first volley and Joseph Peabody, 
of Salem, second officer, springing to the deck in his 
night clothes, drove the enemy ofi" by the clever ex- 
pedient of directing the crew to drop cold shot into 
the boats. One was sunk and the others pulled 
away. 

Many more incidents of this character might be 
given did space permit ; sufiice it to say that these 
are but a sample of the adventures of the Salem 
fighting marine during these years. 

It would be intei'esting reading could we follow the 
adventures of Captain John Leach, who commanded 
at different times the privateers " Brutus," " Frank- 
lin," " Eagle," " Dolphin " and " Greyhound ; " Capt. 
Nathan Brown the first commander of the "Jack" 
and also of the ship "Hunter;" Capt. Joseph Rob- 
inson, who commanded the ship " Pilgrim " and also 
the " Franklin ; " Capt. Sam'l Masury of the schooner 
"Panther;" Capt. John Donaldson, who sailed the 
brig " Captain ; " Capt. John Mason of the brig 
" Lion ; " Captain Jacob Wilds, who sailed in the 
privateers "Greyhound," "Hawk" and "General 
Greene;" Capt. William Patterson, who commanded 
the ship "Disdain" and brig "Favorite;" Capt. 
Benj. Dean of the strong sloop "Revenge;" Capt. 
Benj. Moses, another commander of the ship "Oliver 
•Cromwell ; " Captain Anthony Diver, a former officer 
13 



of the English Navy, who was a lieutenant on several 
ve.ssels, and later ably comnuinded the privateers 
"Civil Usage" and "Sturdy Beggar;" Capt. Ebe- 
nezer Pierce of the schooner " Liberty ; " Capt. John 
Gavett of the brig " Flying Fish ; " Cai)t. John 
Brooks, also a commander of the " Junius Brutus; " 
Capt. Edward Rolland, also of the brig "Sturdy Beg- 
gar ; ■' Capt. AVilliara Carleton, who sailed the heavily 
armed and manned sloop " Blacksnake; " Capt. Benj. 
Hammond of the schooner " Greyhound ; " Capt. 
Charles Hamilton commanding the ship "Jason;" 
Capt. John Fearson of the ship " William ; " Capt. 
'J'homas Benson who had the schooner " Dolphin," 
and later the ship " Hendrick ;" when he was captured 
in the latter in 1782, a petition to the General Court 
asked that an exchange be arranged forthwith for 
Capt. Benson, his services being so valuable to the 
country. There were also Captains John Revell, 
Forrester, Mascoll (killed while boarding an enemy's 
ship in 1777), McDaniel, Daniel Ropes, J(diu Buf- 
finton, John Carnes, John Turner, Samuel Tucker, 
Joseph Lynde, Pratt, Briggs, Cook, Baker, Brook- 
house, Gray, Nehemiah Bufiinton, Dunn, James 
Cheever, Neili, John Felt, lugersoll, Crowell, Bald- 
win and many others, all Salem men, commanding 
Salem ships with good Salem ollicers and crews, and 
handling them with great seamanship and bravery. 
It is impossible to give a list of the other officers and 
crews of the vessels sailing as privateers from Salem 
during the Revolution. Their aggregate would be 
little, if any, under five thousand men, first and last, 
and would comprise a large majority of the able- 
bodied men of the town who did not join the army. 
They were largely sea-faring in their training, and 
took to this rough and tumble naval experience as 
naturally as ducks to water. 

A fairly accurate register of the privateers of Salem 
in this war, will be found in the appendix; and the 
following copy of the commission of a Salem priva- 
teer commander in the Revolution may be of inter- 
est: 

"The Delegates of the United States of Nhw Hampshire, Massachu- 
setts Bay, Rliotle Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jei^sey, Penn- 
sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, N'U-tli Carolina, Sontli Caro- 
lina and Georgia. To all unto whom tliese presents shall come, send 
greeting — know ye, that we have granted and by these piesenis do grant 
license and authority to Samuel Cioel Mariiuu-, Commander of the 
Schoouor called tho ' Creyhoutul ' of the Inirthen of forty tons or there- 
abouts, belonging and others — mounting six csrriage guns and navi- 
gated by eleven men, to fit out and set forth the said schooner in a war- 
like manner, and by and witli the said schooner and the crew there()f, 
by Force of Arms to attack, snlidue and take all ships and other vessels 
whatsoever carrying .Soldiers, .\rni9, Gunpowder, Ammunition, Provi- 
sions, or any other Contl'aband Goods to any of the British Armies or 
ships of war employed against these iruiled States. .\nd also to attack, 
seize and take all ships or oilier vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of 
Great Britain, or to any subject or snhjecls thereof, with their Tackle, 
Apparel, Furniture and Ladings on the High Seas <u- between high and 
low water marks (the ships or \essols, together with their cargoes be- 
longing to any Inhabitant or Inhabitiinls of liermuda. Providence and 
the nahama Islauils, such other ships ami vessels bringing Persons with 
intent to settle and reside within any of the United States, or bringing 
Arms, ammunition or warlike stores to the said States for the use 
thereof, which said shiiis or vessels you shall sufler to l)ass uuniolesled, 



194 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the commanders thereof permitting ii peaceable search and giving satis- 
factory information of the contents and lading and destination of the 
voyages, only excepted). And the said ships or vessels so apprehended 
as aforesaid and as prizes taken, to carry into any Port or Harbor 
within the dominions of any nentral State willing to admit the same, or 
into any Port within the said United States in order that the Conrts 
there instituted to hear and determine Causes Civil and Maritime, may 
proceed in due form to Condemn the said captures, if they be adjudged 
lawful prizes, or otherwise according to the usage in such cases at the 
port or in the State where the same shall be carried. The said Samuel 
Croel having given Bond with sufficient sureties that nothing be done 
by the said commander of schooner or any of his officers, Marines, or 
company thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the usage and Customs 
of Nations, and that he shall not exceed or transgress the Powers and 
Authorities contained in this Commission. And we will and require all 
our oiRcers whatsoever in the Service of the United States to give succor 
and assistance to the said Samuel Croel in the Premises. This commis- 
sion shall continue in force until the Congress shall issue orders to the 
contrary. Dated at Boston, 14th day of October, 1779, and in the 4th 
year of the Independence of the United States of America. 
" By order of the Congress, 

" John Jay, President. 
" John Avery, AUeiit. 

' Chas. Thompson, Secretary.'^ 

Aftei' the Revolution the new nation being nomin- 
nlly at peace with other countries, there is nothing to 
record until the War of 1812, though Salem shipping, 
which had vastly increased in value since the inde- 
pendence of the country had been established, suf- 
fered considerably from the depredations of the 
French navy, which, had we been a little stronger, 
were a quite sufficient casus belli. 

Subsequently, that government frankly recognizing 
their fault in this matter, paid over a large amount to 
the United States as an indemnity fund for the ship- 
owners who had suffered loss. Our government, with 
a calm dishonesty for which an individual would have 
been promptly punished, put the money in its coffers, 
and no part of it has, up to date, been paid to those 
to whom it properly belonged. As it is difficult to get 
a government indicted and put into States prison, 
or even to force it to file an answer in a civil proceed- 
ing, the unhappy people who were swindled in this 
matter were obliged to die without getting their 
money, and their heirs have since hung around the 
steps of the capitol at Washington or caught the mem- 
bers of Congress in the lobbies in the hitherto vain 
attempt to recover their own. 

A little later, when the Barbary corsairs began to 
pick up our merchantmen, with some Salem vessels 
among them, we felt that if we could not make it con- 
venient to quarrel with France, wc did not propose to 
have Algiers or Tripoli tread upon us, and promptly 
whipped those people .into the belief that we were 
something of a naval power, after all. 

AVhat part was taken by such Salem men as were 
serving in the United States navy, in that quite cred- 
itable little war, we cannot say, but it was doubtless, 
as usual, efficient and valuable. 

In 1798, it being obvious that the United States 
needed a navy, and the government having no facili- 
ties for ship-building, a request was made that the 
citizens of certain maritime localities loan funds to aid 
in the equipment of the navy. In Salem a large sura 
was subscribed, and the frigate " Essex," afterward 



to become a very famous vessel, was built by Salem 
ship-builders on Winter Island, rigged and turned 
over to the government. It was a patriotic task for a 
little town of nine thousand inhabitants to undertake. 
The " Essex " proved a very fast sailer, and had a 
noted career. 

The following are the names of the subscribers to 
this loan, on which the government paid only six per 
cent, while borrowing other moneys at eight percent., 
a fact well known to these gentlemen : 



Wni. Gray, Jr 1(10,000 

Elias H.Derby 10,000 

Wm. Orne 6,000 

John Norri.s 5,000 

.John Jenks 1,600 

Ebr. Bickford 2,000 

Benj. Pickman, Jr 1,000 

Stephen Webb 6no 

Benj. Pickmiin 1,000 

Jos. Pcabody 1,600 

John Osgood 1,000 

Wm. Prescott 1,000 

Ichabod Nichols 1,000 

Benj. Caipenter 500 

Jacob Ashton 1,000 

Jan)es King 500 

Samuel Gray 2,000 

Wm. Ward 600 

Joshua Ward 760 

Joiiathim Neal 2,000 

John Deland 100 

Joseph Newhiill 100 

Benj. Goodhue 800 

Nttthl. Batchelder 50 

Dauiel Jenks 600 

Samuel Archer 100 

Jos. Vincent 200 

Joshua Kichardson 500 

Jos. Mosely 100 

Wait & Pierce 2,000 

Tlios. Saunders 500 

Abel Lawrence 600 

Hardy Ropes 200 

Thos. Gushing 60 

E. A. Holyoke 800 

Moses Townsend .*.., 100 

Timothy Wellman, Jr 100 



John Derby 1,000 

Edward .Ulen, Jr 600 

Page & Ropes 100 

Thomas Perkins 600 

John Blurphy 600 

Joseph Cabot 600 

Edwd. Killen 100 

Ezekiel H.Derby 1,000 



Jona. Mason 

Saml. Ropes, Jr 

Paml. Brooks 

Asa Pierce 

Natlia. Pierce 

Upton & Porter 

Buffnm & Howard.. 

Jos. Osgood, Jr 

AVm. Appleton 

John Hathorue .... 
Isaac Osgood 



60 

60 

60 

80 

.. 250 

400 

450 

25 

60 

200 

.500 

Elias H. Derby, Jr 400 

Jona. Lambert 40 

Henry Osborue 50 

Joseph Hill 300 

Walter P. Bartlett 100 

Israel Dodge 6f,0 

Saml. Very 100 

Brackey Rose 100 

AsaKilhnm 20 

A lady, by J. Jenks 50 

Benj. West, Jr 3,50 

Thomas Chipman TOO 

Eichd. JIanning, Jr 200 

David Patten 50 

Edw. J. Sanderson 200 

Jolin Treadwell 500 

John BalT 000 

Wm. Luscomb 300 

Jona. Waldo 40 

Thos. Bancroft 100 

Nathl. West 1,500 

Saml. Mclntire 100 

Benj. Felt 100 

George Dodge 1,000 

Peter Lander 200 

Stephen Phillips 1,000 

Kichd. Derby, Jr 1,500 

Jos. Waters 415 

C. Crowninshicld . 600 

John Pickering 200 

Ednnind Upton 300 



John Murong 60 

Lane & Son (in work) 100 

Elms Briggs 50 

Ephraim Emmerton 100 

Wm. Marston 260 

Edw. Lang 100 

Thos. Webb , 200 

Michael Webb 100 

Edmund Gale 10 

Benj. Webb, Jr 100 

Richard Manning 1,000 

Benj. Hodges 500 

John Beckett 100 

James Gould 50 

Total 874,700 

During the years that preceded the War of 1812, 
the Salem merchantmen in common with othei'S lost 
men by the high-handed impressments of the British 
men of war, that exercised a pretended right to take 
from the ship of any nation met on the high seas, 
such seamen as their officers chose to consider English 
subjects; and as they were in need of sailors they 
were by no means nice in drawing distinctions. 
Therefore, while opposed on general principles to the 



SALEM. 



195 



embargo and subseciui'iit declaration of" war against 
England, these unwarrantable acts had left sufficient 
sting in the minds of the Salem merchants and sea- 
men to render them very ready to again sweep the 
seas with their privateers to the serious detriment of 
the British merchant marine. Again it may be said, 
without much exaggeration, that from commerce this 
became the principal business of Salem, and if it 
were possible to give a list of the men who at some 
time during this war, served on her privateers and 
letters of marque, it would give a very Jiiir idea of the 
seafaring portion of the town's population. 

In writing of the exploits of the privateers of Sa- 
lem in this war, it is difficult to know how to begin 
and where to end. For three years forty vessels, 
practically men of war, cruised from this port heavily 
armed, and officered, and manned by as skillful and 
brave navigators and seamen as were then afloat. 
And this does not include over one hundred letter of 
marque trading vessels, that kept the sea and did 
some fighting as well as trading. Of these, as their 
warlike character was merely incidental, we shall be 
unable to make more than this passing mention. 

With regard to the privateers, the records of the 
time are more or less imperfect: some of the deeds 
performed by them are recounted while others are 
unnoticed, and the history of their actions and cap- 
tures is imperfect and unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, 
it is impossible to turn this remarkable page in the 
history of the town without glancing at the careers 
of a few of these notable vessels, and recalling some 
of the incidents of their warfare. 

The daring with which these fine vesseLs were 
fought and the brilliant seamanship that so fully 
utilized their admirable sailing qualities, were the 
wonder and exasperation of the English navy, and 
caused British merchants many hours of painful reflec- 
tion. 

These qualities of vessel and crew were never bet- 
ter illustrated than in the ship " America," twenty 
guns, and carrying a crew of one hundred and fifty men, 
more or less. She was owned by George Crownin- 
shield, and was the largest privateer sailing from 
this port. Admirably commanded by Captains 
Joseph Ropes, John Kehew and John W. Cheever at 
different times, she was considered by some to be 
the fastest vessel afloat during that war. JTcr success 
in capturing prizes was phenomenal, and the amount 
realized by her owner was verj* large; her captures 
up to March, 1814, were estimated at the value of 
$1,100,000. Unlike the greater number of privateers, 
she escaped capture by the enemy, and may be said to 
have died peacefully in her bed, long subsequent to 
the war. 

A smaller full-rigged ship, called the ".Vlfred," 
sixteen guns and one hundred and ten to one hundred 
and thirty men, was an effective cruiser. She was 
built in Salem in 1805, and at her launch the rudder, 
which, against the remonstrance of the builder, was 



already hung, struck the bottom and was thrown out, 
falling immediately across the stern-post and stop- 
ping the vessel, so that she lay aground one tide. 
When floated she was found to be badly "hogged." 
She was brought to the wharf and large blocks of 
wood placed under her stern-post and forefoot, and 
her weight brought upon the extremities, which caused 
her to settle in the centre and resume her original 
lines. She was never apparently the worse for this 
severe test of her elasticity, but proved a good ship 
and fast sailer. When fitted as a privateer she sailed 
less well than previously and was altered into a brig. 
She seemed under both rigs to have had bad luck with 
her spars in heavy weather. As a brig she was pro- 
bably over-sparred, but that had not been the case 
when shi])-rigged. She was well commanded by Cap- 
tains Stephen Williams and Philip Be^som, under 
both of whom, if the vessel lost a fewsticks, she never 
failed to send in prizes enough to fully atone for this 
one foible. Two of her prizes alone sold for one hundred 
and twenty thousand dollars. She was ultimately 
cai:)tured in February, 1814. 

The ship "Alexander," eighteen guns and about 
one hundred and forty men, was commanded on her 
fir.st cruise by Captain Wellman, and gave promise of 
a successful career, which was fully borne out by her 
performances on the next cruise under Captain Ben- 
jamin Crowninshield, when, with the greater part of 
her crew away in seven prizes just previously taken, 
she was, on May 19, 1813, crowded on shore in Wells' 
bay by two English men-of-war, and captured. So 
closely was she pressed by the enemy that only twenty 
men of her crew succeeded in reaching the shore and 
escaping. 

The otlier full-rigged privateer sailing from Salem, 
the ship "John," sixteen guns and a strong crew of 
one hundred and sixty or more men, was commanded 
by Captains Fairfield and Crowninshield (who after- 
wards commanded the Alexander), and after a short 
season of great usefulness, in which she picked up some 
twenty English merchantmen, more or less, was in her 
turn picked up by an English frigate in February, 
1813, and Salem saw her no more. 

Of the privateer brigs of Salem, perhaps the most 
profitable and fortunate was the "Grand Turk." She 
was large for the time, carried eighteen guns and one 
hundred and fifty men, and became noted for her good 
qualities as a sailer and her audacity and uniform 
good fortune. At one time, in 1813, under one of her 
two gallant commanders. Captain Breed or Greene, she 
stood oft' and on at the month of the English channel for 
twenty days, capturing a number of vessels almost in 
sight of their home ports; finally eluding all pursuit 
and making off in safety. She was never captured. 

The smaller brig, "Montgomery," twelve guns, 
commanded in turn by Captains Holton J. Breed (who 
was also in the " Grand Turk "), Joseph Strout (who 
had been a naval officer), and Benjamin Upton, was 
almost as fortunate a vessel as the "Grand Turk." 



196 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



She made many prizes and distinguished herself by 
some hard fighting. On one occasion she had a des- 
perate action with a large, heavily-armed ship, which 
she captured after losing many men, her then captain, 
Upton, being severely wounded. At another time, 
falling in with a British troop ship, near Surinam, full 
of soldiers and carrying eighteen guns, a man-of-war 
to all intents and purposes, she attacked without hesi- 
tation, and after two hours' hot work, drew oti'for re- 
pairs, intending to "resume business at the old stand," 
as it were, as soon as she could splice up some of 
her rigging and plug two or three troublesome shot- 
hole-s. But the Englishman liad had quite enough of 
lier, and crowding all sail made good her escape. 
After a very successful series of cruises, the " Mont- 
gomery " was ultimately obliged to succumb to supe- 
rior force, but it took the British line-of-battle ship, 
" La Hogue,'' seventy-four guns, to bring her to terms. 
The " fore and aft " rig seems to have commended 
itself to those engaged in privateering, doubtless from 
the fact that by pointing higher, a schooner could 
more easily work to windward of a largo merchant- 
man, while, in case of pursuit by a man-of-war, she 
could go off dead before the wind, still holding one of 
her best points of sailing. At all events, the greater 
number of our privateers in this war, from all ports. 
were top-sail schooners, twenty-three of this class 
sailing from Salem. These vessels were, some of them 
of fair size for the time, others very small, but nearly 
all were good sailers and were always well handled. 
They carried but few guns, but one of these was usu- 
ally a large one, and their strong crews of daring sea- 
men, eager for the chance of boarding, rendered them 
exceedingly formidable to everything they met, short 
of an enemy's frigate. They chased, fought and ran 
away, as the occasion required, with equal bravery 
and address. Most of them met their fate sooner or 
later, but this resulted u.sually from their own temer- 
ity, and not before the English had paid for them 
many times over, in their prizes taken. 

Boom can be given to the notice of but few of these 
gallant little vessels, though a book might well be 
filled with the record of their exploits. There was a 
little pink-sterned fishing schooner changed into a 
privateer, called the "Fame," of only thirty tons, and 
carrying two six-pounders, that had wonderful luck 
and was never cajjtured, though finally lost in a storm. 
She sailed fast, and her excellent reputation did not 
seem to suffer under any of her numerous command- 
ers, for she changed them, apparently, at almost every 
cruise; being commanded successively by Captains 
Webb, Upton, Poland, Greene, Chapman, Endicott, 
Brookhouse and Evans. 

The "Frolic," a much larger schooner, carrying 
one twenty-four pounder and a smaller gun and com- 
manded by Captains Green and Odiorne, proved a 
very lively vessel in more senses than one, sweeping 
the sea like a broom during her short life, though her 
captures were not of great value. She was built on 



Salem Neck, and was very fast, but had the peculiar- 
ity of being unduly sharp aft; so much so, indeed, 
that she was unseaworthy, and on her second cruise, 
being taken aback in a slight squall, ran stern 
under as far as the main hatch, and was only saved 
from swamping by great exertions. So little did her 
crew enjoy this particular phase of her frolicsomeness, 
that they came aft in a body and offered the captain 
tn give up all advances if he would abandon the 
cruise. The British man-of-war "Heron," happening 
around about this time, saved the officers from any 
embarrassment on this score by capturing and burn- 
ing the vessel, in spite of her desperate endeavors to 
escape through a long stern chase. 

Dr. Benjamin F. Browne, well remembered by our 
citizens, was taken on board of the " Frolic," and 
many are familiar with his experiences in Dartmoor 
prison, where he and his shipmates were confined un- 
til the peace. He narrowly escaped being shot in the 
savage suppression of restlessness among the prison- 
ers, by Colonel Shortland, commanding the guard. 
Dr. Browne, in those days, of course, a mere boy, 
took also a short cruise on the ship " Alfred," already 
spoken of. 

The " Dolphin " was a still larger schooner, carry- 
ing more men, though less weight of metal, than the 
"Frolic." She was built in Baltimore, before the 
war, and altered to a privateer, and under Captain 
Jacob Endicott, made, perhaps, as good a record as 
any privateer schooner sailing from Salem in propor- 
tion to the time of her service ; for she was captured 
in September, 1812. A single vessel and cargo taken 
by her brought the large .sum of sixty thousand dollars. 
A lady passenger, on one of the prizes taken by the 
'• Dolphin," in a published letter, bore pleasant testi- 
mony to the politeness of Captain Endicott, who 
caused her to be landed at the jjort most convenient 
to her destination and scrupulously secured to her all 
her money and baggage. Judging from the batteries 
carried by some of the ships taken by the " Dolphin," 
she must have done considerable fighting, first and 
last. 

The vicissitudes sometimes attending the career of 
a privateer were well illustrated by the "John " and 
" George," a fine American-built schooner, captured 
early in the war by an English man-of-war,and for some • 
reason turned adrift. She was found off Cape Sable 
by the American privateer " Regulator," August 13, 
1812, and sent in to Salem, where, being found to be 
fast, she was turned into a privateer. She made one 
short cruise under Capt. Sinclair, in which she was suc- 
cessful. Her name was then altered to the " Revenger," 
though it would seem as if the name she already bore 
had given her sufficiently good luck. Certainly the 
new one brought her none, for she was captured on 
her very next cruise. The Englishmen who bought 
her continued her as a privateer, again changing her 
name to the "Retaliation." Subsequently a Portsmouth 
privateer retook her, but she was lost to Salem, and 



SALEM. 



197 



her further changes of name are no longer a matter 
of history. 

The " Dart," a small schooner of but forty tons and 
two small guns, commanded successively by Captains 
Davis, Symonds, Green and Poland, under each of 
whom she was admirably handled, was a profitable ' 
little vessel. She sailed well and took some valuable 
prizes. One in particular, a large armed merchant- 
man, heavily manned and carrying si.K guns, she 
gallantly took after a most determined resistance. 
She was never captured, though, as if the elements 
conspired with the enemy against these plucky little 
vessels, both she and the " Fame " already spoken of, 
were wrecked in the Bay of Fundy. 

The " Fair-Trader," another little schooner, of the 
same tonnage as the " Dart," seems to have been a 
good cruiser, and under her Captain John R. Mor- 
gan took a number of prizes before her capture in 
September, 1812. 

The largest privateer schooners that sailed from 
Salem during the war were the " Diomede," com- 
manded by Captain J. Crowninshield ; the "Enter- 
prise," Captain Morgan; and the "Growler," Captains 
Graves and Lindsay. They were all built for this pur- 
pose on the " Baltimore Clipper" model, and were .all 
ultimately captured by the enemy after a more or less 
fortunate service. The "Diomede" was a very fast 
sailer. On one short cruise of a few weeks she sent 
in six vessels, and among others of her captures was 
one large ship carrying sixteen guns ; while among 
the "Growler's" captures, one vessel and cargo are 
mentioned as valued at one hundred thousand dol- 
lars. 

Four sloops figured .is priv.ateers from Salem in this 
war, of which the little " Jefferson " was very suc- 
cessful considering her size, which was that of a mere 
pleasure boat, for which purpose, indeed, she was 
originally built in Salem. She carried one gun and 
twenty men, and managed to escape capture. 

The sloop " Wasp," rather larger, was also built in 
Salem, carried two six pounders and twenty-five men. 
Upon her first cruise after making some captures, she 
was herself t.aken, but in a manner that reflected 
honor upon her captain and crew. Attacked by the 
British schooner-of-war " Bream," of ten guns, she 
only surrendered, after a close fight of half an hour, 
and a running fight of nearly nine hours, most of the 
time at musket range, during which Captain Ervin 
in vain tested the tine sailing qualities of his little 
vessel to the utmost, in the effort to escape. So great 
was the gallantry displayed in the defence of the 
" Wasp," that Captain Ervin and his crew were 
treated with the greatest consideration by their gen- 
erous captors, after the surrender of the sloop, and 
when walking in the streets of St. John on jiarole 
Captain Ervin was pointed out as the Salem captain 
who defended his vessel with such heroism. 

The " Polly " was a large, powerful sloop, built on 
the Hudson before the war. She was oversparred until 



it was ascertained that she sailed better by shortening 
her mast. She kept the sea as well as vessels of any 
class, and could go to windward of anything she was 
after, while no English ship could catch her in the 
open sea. She was not taken until April, 1814, and 
then only by being cornered and driven ashore by an 
English corvette. This, bj' the way, seems to have been 
a favorite manoeuvre of the enemy in dealing with 
our swift and sometimes audacious little privateers. 
The English man-of-war "Indian," twenty-two guns, 
had previously tried to come it over the "Polly" 
in a difterent style, and failed most signally ; for both 
vessels being becalmed off Cape Sable, she sent in 
her launch anil other boats to board her, but the 
"Polly" beat them off with such slaughter that it was 
with difficulty that they could get back to their ship, 
which made no further effort to molest her ant?gonist, 
and made off when a breeze arose. Captains Samuel 
C Hardy and Robert Evans successively handled 
this wonderful little vessel with great skill, and with 
her one twelve pounder and eight sixes, and a strong- 
crew of sixty men, she was for nearly two years a most 
effective sea rover. 

A large number of the privateers were captured by 
the enemy, as will be seen by the list given in the ap- 
pendix ; but so great was the aggregate value of their 
prizes that the pecuniary loss to the owners was of 
little consequence, .although many good men of their 
crews lost their lives or languished long in English 
prisons. 

There were a number of small craft, launches and 
open boats that ran out on occasion, and made some 
captures, being, in the hands of desperate men, no 
mean antagonists. Mention should be made of the 
schooner " Helen," loaned by the Messrs. White and 
Knapp, Salem merchants, at their own ri-^k, and 
fitted out and manned by a volunteer crew^ of seventy 
men, gathered by fife and drum in Salem streets, all 
within the sp.ace of about four hours. It appears that 
news was received Nov. 12, 1812, in Salem, that the 
"Liverpool Packet," a well-known and very active 
British privateer, had been seen inside of Halfway 
Rock, and this sudden expedii ion was organized for her 
capture. The Englishmen had sailed for St. John in 
time to avoid the "Helen," but the incident suffi- 
ciently indicates the high spirit of the time and the 
courage of the men, who, at a moment's notice, were 
ready to attempt the capture of a strong and well- 
armed vessel. 

It would seem that m.any English prisoners came 
this way, for in 1814, and perhaps previously, tlie 
government maintained the prison-ship "Aurora" in 
the North River, in which many were confined, prin- 
cipally sea-faring men. 

During the war, in addition to the ordinary militia 
and the volunteer companies of the town there was a 
company of sea-fenciblcs, so called, organized and com- 
posed entirely of masters and mates of mercliantmen 
who were idle, to serve as artillerists or otherwise, as 



198 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the coast was threatened from time to time by British 
men-of-war. 

The venerable William H. Foster, now living, was 
a member of the cadet company of that day, and was 
also acting as assistant to the United States provost 
marshal of the district, in which capacity he took the 
parole of three English otiieers, who had been taken 
in Maine, and reported to be paroled until exchanged. 
Mr. Foster's youthful appearance, and the easy absence 
of ceremony in dealing with them, rather astonished 
the Englishmen, one of whom, a colonel, remarked 
that it would have taken several British officers to man- 
age such a matter with them, instead of one young boy. 
Young Foster looked after them that night, and in 
the morning they were sent to Andover, where, with 
others, they enjoyed for a time the good air and 
ample religious and literary privileges of that hill 
town, if any there were there then. We were econom- 
ical of men and means in the prosecution of that war. 

Mr. Foster also remembers various alarms, muster- 
ings and marches hither and thither on various occa- 
sions. When the frigate " Constitution " was forced 
to take refuge in Marblehead harbor from a pursuing 
squadron of the enemy, the company of fencibles 
dragged their twenty-four pounders over to the shore 
of that town to play on the enemy in case they should 
follow her. The English vessels, not being acquainted 
with the shore and depth of water, did not venture 
in, and an attack with boats upon a formidable 
frigate was out of the question, of course. 

The next day the "Constitution" was brought 
around to Salem by Joseph Perkins, the harbor pilot, 
who died but a few years since, and anchored under 
the guns of the fort. With the crowd of others from 
Salem and Marblehead who lined the headlands, Mr. 
Foster a year later shared in the intense excitement 
and bitter disappointment of witnessing the combat 
of the ill-fated "Chesapeake" with the "Shannon," 
in which our shij) was taken but a mile or two off 
shore. 

It is to be regretted that a list of those who served 
in the army during the war of 1812 from Salem can- 
not be given, as in that existing at the State house 
the residences of the men are not given. The num- 
ber was, it is understood, not large, as the war was 
not over-popular in this neighborhood, and the tastes 
of a maritime people led them to seek the enemy on 
their proper element. 

It may not be considered out of place to allude to 
the services of General Miller, who held a command 
in this war, and who, though not originally from 
Salem, was long identified with the town by his resi- 
dence here. His modest but determined answer to 
General Scott, at the battle of Lundy's Lane, when 
asked if he could carry a certain position with his 
brigade, followed by his gallant and successful attack, 
will ever live in the memory of his countrymen. 

The Mexican War called for but few regiments to 
augment the strength of the regular army. The 



names of the few from Salem who served in the Mas- 
sachusetts regiment of volunteers, commanded by Col. 
Caleb Gushing, of Newburyport, are to be found in 
the appendix. This regiment served in the army 
commanded by General Scott, and took part in the 
engagements that signalized its resistless march from 
Vera Cruz to Mexico. If any men from this place 
joined the so-called New England regiment, it lias been 
impossible to obtain their names. 

It is proper to speak of some vr)lunteer militia or- 
ganizations that have been identified with the history 
of the town ; for without a hearty recognition of the 
long existence of some of them in the face of many 
difficulties, and of the services they have directly and 
indirectly been able from time to time to render, no 
military record of Salem would be complete. 

Incidentally, it may be stated that under the system 
adopted soon alter the Revolution, the entire male 
population of the State, within certain ages, was en- 
rolled as a militia, and were liable to be called out by 
the Governor for service within the State upon any 
emergency. Meanwhile they were required to attend 
at certain stated times and places for musters or train- 
ings in companies, regiments and brigades of local 
establishment, under officers chosen and commissioned 
by the Governor. With the heterogeneous mass of 
raw material that, under this system, were, within the 
memory of man, annually formed upon Salem Com- 
mon, under officers for the most pari quite ignorant of 
the simplest requirements of military duty, it is not 
necessary to trouble ourselves in an article that as- 
sumes to treat of things military. These gatherings 
served to amuse the people, and the vanity of many 
excellent citizens was tickled by military titles that 
often as ill-fitted their characters as their uniforms 
did their persons. 

Here and there in the State, however, from the be- 
ginning, there were a few, who, having a real desire to 
learn the duties of soldiers and to be of some use in 
case of need, formed themselves into volunteer com- 
panies by permission of the State, elected men of mil- 
itary instincts and application as their officers, and 
in neat uniforms and equipments steadily labored to be 
as far as possible real and not caricatures of soldiers. 
They kept alive the germs of the military spirit sown 
in the different wars, and furnished tactical schools 
that proved of value when the State or nation re- 
quired troops for actual service. The superiority of 
these organizations over the mob of enrolled militia, 
became ultimately so apparent that Governor Banks, 
some years before the war, remodeled the entire mil- 
itary establishment of the State upon the volunteer 
plan that has endured to this day, and furnishes us 
with two brigades of fairly instructed militia. 

Of the original volunteer companies the Salem 
Light Infantry, the Mechanics' Light Infantry and 
the Salem Cadets were among the beat in the State. 

First parading, July 4th, 1806, under Captain John 
Saunders, the Salem Light Infantry was from the out- 



SALEM. 



199 



set a select body of men, numbering in its ranks in 
every period some of the most substantial citizens of 
the town, and actuated always by a strong esprit du 
eorpsxhat told in its invariable excellence in drill and 
discipline. 

It did some slight service as coast guards during 
tlie War of 1812, and at the breaking out of the civil 
war in 1861, went to the front with the Eighth Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Militia, and served three months. 
One incident of this service was its voyage from An- 
napolis to New York as guard for the old frigate " Con- 
stitution,'' which relic of our former naval prowess, the 
government was determined should not fall into the 
hands of the enemy. It subseijuently served nine 
months, in 18(52-63, as part of the 50th ^Ia.ss. Militia, in 
the service of the United States, seeing plenty of warm 
work in the Department of the Gulf. And in 1864 
it again volunteered for another three months' ser- 
vice. Throughout the war the company was con- 
stantly sending from its ranks large numbers of men, 
in the aggregate nearly three times the number it con- 
tained in 1861, many of whom held commissions. 

The war record of this company is remarkable. 
Doing much service as an organization, and repeated- 
ly, when at home, filling its ranks and as often de- 
pleting them in the manner alluded to, it seemed a 
never failing conduit for the augmentation of our 
armies in the field. The company still endures with 
good numbers as a part of the Eighth Regiment Mas- 
sachusetts Militia, and is a credit to the city. 

Older than the organization just described, by over 
twenty years, the Second Corps of Cadets, originally 
formed as a company in 1781, under Captain Stephen 
Abbott, constantly vied with the other in the high 
character of its membership and in the maintenance 
of a good state of drill and efficiency. During the 
War of 1812 it performed similar duty at intervals, 
and during the War of the Rebellion did three 
months' duty in the service of the United States. 
From its ranks went only less officers and men 
to the active army than from those of its rival. 
Organized at present as a small battalion of two 
companies, it presents a fine appearance when on du- 
ty, and is ju-tly regarded as one of the crack military 
bodies of the State. 

The Mechanics' Light Infantry first paraded under 
Capt. Perley Putnam, July 4, 1S07. As its name im- 
plied, it was composed originally of young mechan- 
ics and was always a most excellent company, as it 
is to-day, although its numbers are somewhat reduced 
from what they should be. It went to the front with 
the Fifth Militia Regiment in April, 1861, for three 
months; and few companies have ever had fuller 
ranks than it showed on that occasion. 

The Salem City Guard, organized about 1848, was 
said to be a good company in its prime, though it no 
longer exists. Certainly its old members may feel 
that though dead, it is on the field of honor, as it is 
the only militia company of Salem that enlisted as 



such for the three years' service in the War of 1861. 
It died as a militia company, to become a part of the 
Fortieth Mass.ichusetts Infantry Volunteers, where it 
saw plenty of service. 

The Salem Artillery, a company organized in 1787, 
and two juvenile organizations formed of boys under 
eighteen, the Washington Rangers and the Washing- 
ington Blues, both first parading aljout 1807, were 
short-lived, neither surviving after about 1815. 

The three companies of militia above spoken of as 
now existing in Salem, do not stand merely as relics 
of the past, like the Ancient and Honorable .\rtillery 
of Boston, but are essentially military in character, 
and to be relied upon for any necessary service. 
In the case of the Light Infantry and Cadets, the 
commemoration of their past glories, — their historical 
department, if it may be so described, — is well cared 
for by their respective veteran corps, that turn out in 
large numbers on all anniversaries and other festive 
occasions with side arms and impressive chapeaus, 
and in the customary closing exercises of the day, in- 
dulge in much jovial reminiscence and display con- 
vivial talents of the highest order. 

Before considering the part taken by Salem in the 
war fought for the preservation of the Union, mention 
should be made of the defensive works that have from 
time to time been erected within her limits. 

The harbor and town of Salem have never been 
specially well fortified, and a word will dispose of the 
history of her defences of this nature. 

There is some mention of an early structure, prob- 
ably a block-house, within a stockade that stood on 
the highest point in the present city limits, which 
would be that now occupied by the Sewall Street 
Methodist Church. This work, strengthened from 
time to time, was no doubt the one alluded to as Fort 
Anne, and was presumably the main reliance of the 
place against Indians. Another work of equal an- 
tiquity was the Darby Fort, erected in 1629, on the 
Marblehead Side, probably on Naugus Head, where 
the present earth work is located. 

During the Indian wars, block-houses were erected 
at various points on the outskirts of the settlement to 
guard the plantations, and were in times of danger 
furnished with garrisons, though probably unprovid- 
ed with cannon. 

In 1643 a considerable fort was built on Winter 
Island, originally styled Fort William, which was 
maintained at intervals, until the Revolutionary War, 
when it was strengthened and mounted with a few 
guns. The land and fort were ceded to the United 
States in 1794, and in 1799 its name was changed to 
Fort Pickering; it has, since that time, been in an 
alternate condition of grassy dilapidation or neat ef- 
fectiveness, according as peace or war has prevailed 
in the land. The work on the hill on the neck to the 
north of Winter Island, is the successor of a breast- 
work existing on that spot at a very early day, that 
has from time to time been restored. In the Revolu- 



200 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tionary AVar it was called Fort Lee — and perhaps 
still retains the name. 

Away on the point the builders of cottages may 
have found traces of an old battery that commanded 
the islands and Beverly harbor during the Revolution, 
under the name of Fort Juniper. It has now disap- 
peared, and the yachtsmen and cottagers flirt and 
make merry, where once the sad-faced patriot senti- 
nel looked out over the bay in the moonlight and 
wondered at the inscrutable providence that kept him 
out there in the cold instead of suffering him to slum- 
ber in his comfortable bed in the town, but a mile 
away. 

This is no place to discuss the causes that led to the 
Civil War. The long strain imposed upon our institu- 
tions by Negro Slavery, that anomaly in a nation found- 
ed upon the theoretical equality and freedom of allmen, 
was not to be relieved longer by hollow compromises, 
in which both parties felt defrauded. And yet at the 
North there prevailed an optimistic feeling of secu- 
rity — a reluctance to believe that their brethren of 
the South were willing to sever a Union of States 
baptized with the blood of their fathers, and present- 
ing, with all its defects, such a grand illustration of a 
successful government by the people for the people 
To the last they hugged the hope that the Southern 
bluster would evaporate and, in some manner, the dif- 
ferences between the sections be healed. 

The sound of the first gun fired upon Fort Sumter 
awakened the North from this dream, and with a de- 
termination that the Union should remain inviolate 
quite as strong as that of the South for its dissever- 
ment, it arose and bent its great strength and vast 
resources to the task of defeating the aims of the 
secessionists. Handicapped by want of preparation, 
its purpose was firm, and in spite of traitors at home 
and false friends abroad, it finally and most thoroughly 
accomplished this work. 

Salem shared with other Massachusetts towns in her 
sudden anger at the attack of the batteries of Charles- 
ton. On the evening of April 17th, the Wednesday after 
the firing upon Fort Sumter, an earnest meeting of 
citizens was held in Mechanics' Hall, at which the 
mayor, Hon. S. P. Webb, presided and read a strong 
address, which was subsequently published, in which 
the people were called upon to forget party differences 
and uphold the government in its effort to preserve 
the country. Patriotic speeches were made and reso- 
lutions, prepared by a committee made up without 
regard to the previous party affiliations of its mem- 
bers, were unanimously adopted. They expressed the 
determination to stand by the government, pledged 
life and fortune to the preservation of the Union, and 
to the protection and care of the families of those 
about to go into the field. Several thousand dollars 
were subscribed on the spot for this purpose, and a 
permanent committee chosen to secure more funds, 
composed of the following well-known gentlemen : 
S. P. Webb, .John Bertram, R. S. Rogers, W. D. 



Pickman, B. A. West, G. F. Browne, W. P. Phillips, 
N. B. Mansfield, William McMullan, E. W. Kimball, 
G. H. Devereux, W. D. Northend, J. V. Browne, C. 
W. Upham, George Peabody, W. C, Endicott, Charles 
Mansfield, David Pingree, A. Perkins, J. S. Jones, R. 
S. Rautoul, A. C. Goodell, R. C. Manning, Samuel 
Brown, J. C. Stimpson, and B. M. Perkins. 

Meanwhile the first call of the President for State 
troops to be sent for the defence of the capital, had 
been promulgated, and some of the military compa- 
nies being under orders to march, the town was sim- 
mering with the excitement of their approaching de- 
parture. 

On the following day the Salem Light Infantry, 
called the Zouaves, under Captain Arthur Devereux, 
numbering sixty-two muskets, left Salem for Boston, 
where, though on the militia rolls as Company A, 
Seventh Militia Regiment, they were attached to the 
Eighth Regiment, and w-ere at once sent forward. 
Two days later, April 20th, two other companies, the 
Mechanics' Light Infantry, under Captain George 
Pierson, and the City Guard, under Captain Henry 
Danforth, left Salem and went direct to the City of 
Washington as part of the Fifth Militia Regiment. 
Upon the departure of each of these companies 
they were addressed at their armories by the mayor 
and other prominent citizens amid a gathering of 
their friends. They were bid God-speed, and urged to 
remember the high duty they were called upon to 
perform, while at every step of their march through 
the streets they were cheered by enthusiastic crowds, 
many of whom only regretted that circumstances pre. 
vented their being also in the ranks. The city was 
a unit in its enthusiasm, and while there was plenty 
of "gush," if the word may be pardoned, and an 
exaltation of sentiment greater than our national 
temperament has been usually given to, the occasion 
justified it, and it was hearty and genuine to the last 
degree. In these companies over two hundred men 
left Salem for Washington within five days from the 
call of the President. 

But the Governor of Massachusetts, and other far- 
seeing men in the State, were fully persuaded that the 
immediate and pressing need for soldiers would not be 
confined simply to the protection of the National 
Capital ; that the South was making no mere demon- 
stration, and that to preserve the integrity of the na- 
tion there might be required another and different 
army from the militia regiments now ha.stening to 
Washington. The tread, therefore, of the marching 
troops was still sounding in Salem's streets, when re- 
cruiting offices were opened at the suggestion of pro- 
minent citizens, to provide for the unknown contin- 
gencies of the future. 

Captains Coggswell and Fitzgerald began at once to 
enlist men for three years' service, and had but little 
difficulty in doing so. At an Irish patriotic meeting 
forty men were enlisted on the spot. The City Coun- 
cil of Salem had, meantime, voted $15,000 at its first 



I 



SALEM. 



201 



meeting after tlie surrender of Sumter, to be used in 
aid of tlie families of absent soldiers. 

April 24th, the pa.st members of the absent Light In- 
fantry organized under the style of the Veteran Light 
Lifantry, for such duty as might be required of them 
about home. 

Captain Charles Manning, who had been enlisting 
men for the Fourth Battery of Light Artillery, had 
his rolls filled, and added to the military enthusiasm 
of the hour by a drill on Salem Common, on May 3d, 
and the same day the Fitzgerald Guards were para- 
ded. This company went into camp on May 10th as 
part of Colonel Cass's Irish Regiment, afterwards the 
Ninth Massachusetts Infantry, On Sunday, May 
12th, Captain Coggswell's company, then styled the 
Andrew Light Guard, marched from their barracks 
on Winter Island to attend church in a body, and 
two days later they left the city for Camp Andrew, in 
Roxbury, wliere they were incorporated with the 
Second Massachusetts Volunteers. The company 
was presented with a color on its departure from the 
city. 

Both of these companies were uniformed by the 
city and private subscriptions, supplemented by the 
personal work of the patriotic women of Salem. 

And .so the long i)atriotic excitement fed by these 
events continued. Perhaps never in the hi.story of 
any country was there seen such an outburst of disin- 
terested enthusiasm so well sustained as marked the 
first few months of the war in the entire North. And 
it was fully shared in Salem. Every one was desirous 
of doing something in aid of the cause. Men and 
women seemed for the time to lose sight of the petty 
aims and thoughts of every-day life, and were digni- 
fied by a common love of their country and a desire 
to serve it. 

Every man who enlisted was in the eyes of his 
friends a hero. Nothing was too good for him. And 
this honest admiration and the enthusiastic ovations 
given to the departing soldiers, did indeed make he- 
roes of the meanest among them, and they went to 
the front with a high courage that courted the oppor- 
tunity to fully deserve the encomiums .showered upon 
them. 

At home the newspapers were crowded with war 
news, genuine and speculative. The published letters 
of absent soldiers to their friends were read with 
avidity, and their sage prognostications as to the 
plans of the enemy and the possibilities of the future 
were only less interesting than the views of a host of 
military strategists, who now arose and recommended 
movements, and criticized the officers in command of 
the troops, as freely as if military science had been 
imbibed with their mothers' milk. 

The great puzzle was as to the movements of the 
enemy. Where their position was not known, it was 
nevertheless stated with as much precision by the 
military newspaper correspondent as though he ex- 
amined 'their lines daily. The masked battery and 
13i 



other military spectres were worked for all they were 
worth, and the people strained their understanding 
to the utmost to master the intricate details of posi- 
tions, evolutions, strategy and logiatique, not always 
realizing the ignorance of those who wrote so fluently 
on these subjects. On the street corners, in the old 
corner book-store and other centres of quasi-public 
consultation, the all-absorbing topics were of a mili- 
tary character, and that group was fortunate that 
included some tactical veteran of the light infantry or 
other militia organization, on whose words the others 
hung as they were those of an oracle. 

Military notices and advertisements for recruits be- 
gan to appear in the papers, while the announcement 
to the effect that " the ladies of such and such a church 
" would meet on such an afternoon to make clothing 
" for a certain company, or that such other ladies 
" would meet to make Havelocks," and other similar 
notices indicated that the feminine portion of the 
community were not only talking (which of course 
they needs must always do) but also vigorously work- 
ing, as indeed they were. Although prevented by na- 
ture from .shouldering muskets, the women of Salem 
were then and throughout the war, filled with a pa- 
triotic fervor that found practical expression in such 
liberality of means and effort as gave great aid and 
comfort to the Salem men in the field, and to the un- 
fortunates who languished from time to time in hos- 
pital. 

When the militia companies went out and the vol- 
unteers were enlisting in advance of the resources of 
the government for their equipment, the fair ones of 
Salem laid aside their embroidery and sewed for dear 
life on rough uniforms, being fully repaid for their 
toil when watching the gallant forms marching 
through the streets in garments with each stitch of 
which they were familiar. 

In a newspaper of the time the mayor recommends 
the Havelock as a useful article for the soldier in a 
warm climate, and states that he has a pattern at his 
office for the use of those desiring to make them. So 
this remarkable ])roduct of this .stage of the war cost 
the Salem ladies many hours of work; and as the mi- 
litia man or recruit with this queer imitation of the 
servicealile article worn in the East Indian service 
on his head, passed proudly by on the sidewalk, the 
benevolent ladies who had cut and made it little real- 
ized how soon it would be thrown away or used as a 
dish-cloth in camp. 

May 24tli ten men went on to reinforce the Salera 
Light Infantry, and great excitement was caused in 
Salem by the advance of the national forces acro.ss 
the Potomac into Virginia, and the wild rumors of 
accompanying engagements that bad no founda- 
tion. 

General Andrews, ol Salem, was put in command 

of the forts of Boston harbor early in June. Later in 

the month the city was enthusiastic over the engage- 

! ment at Philippi, West Virginia, where our troops 



202 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



gained a slight success, and General Lander, of Sa- 
lem, led in his brigade. The families of the men in 
the field who required it, now regularly received the 
aid that was continued to all throughout the war. 
Drill clubs were formed in the city to familiarize men 
with the use of arms in view of future needs. In 
their ranks were many men who distinguished them- 
selves later in the war. The Veteran Light Infantry 
also met often and drilled vigorously. As the full 
extent of the rebel strength transpired, and it ap- 
peared that all the Southern States were determined 
to join in the secession movement, authority was given 
to the States to raise more troops, and early in July 
recruiting offices were again opened in Salem by A. 
Parker I^rowne, J. C. Putnam and N. W. Osborne. 
Meanwhile the companies of Cogswell and Fitzgerald 
were fast learning iheir duties in camp. 

July 16th considerable excitement was caused by 
the report of the rebel privateers "Sumter" and 
"Jeff Davis" being upon the coast. But the times 
had changed. The town no longer swarmed with 
seafaring men, and no recruiting party marched 
through the town, beating up a crew to go out and 
take them, as in the days of 1812. A few .super- 
annuated ship-masters, men of wealth and ease, were 
about all that remained to remind one that this had 
been a maritime town and a great centre of com- 
merce. 

During July it was daily expected that our army 
would advance, and as the enemy were now known to 
be in some force in its front, a decisive action was 
anticipate<l. The month wore on full of earnest 
work, and with an underlying feeling of suppressed 
excitement and strained expectation, until at length 
the day came — that day of sorrow and deep mortifica- 
tion. The first confused reports, contradictions and 
excuses soon crystalized, and the full extent of the 
disaster at Bull Pviin struck the people of Salem, as 
the entire North, like a blow. Stunned at first, they 
soon recovered and began to grasp the full meaning of 
this defeat. They saw that a great war was only just 
begun : That the eflbrts already put forth could be 
regarded as but an earnest of what must continue in- 
definitely, and that if the nation was to endure, faith 
and patriotism nuist be subjected to a steady strain, 
and men, money and effort given without stint. 

The first stage of the war was over; the time ol 
wild enthusiasm, of exaggerated sentiment and un- 
thinking elation excited by the novelty of the situa- 
tion, had jjassed. Men and women were sobered and 
realized the heavy burden of bloodshed, grief aud loss 
that they must bear ; and they took it up without hesita- 
tion, here as elsewhere. Men began to arrange their 
affairs that they might join the army, and the drill 
clubs were assiduously attended, while the recruit- 
ing officers found little difficulty in filling their 
ranks. 

The returning short term companies were greeted 
with a kindness and warmth that served to fix the 



resolution of most of their members to return to the 
army. Every engagement with the soldiers was 
rigidly kept, and there was an increa-sed effort made in 
all directions to furnish all that the government 
should require of Salem. The patriotic work of the 
ladies was continued with unabated zeal, and as the 
war continued they never relaxed their energies. 
They organized or assisted in fairs in aid of the 
sanitary commission. Their Dorcas Societies incon- 
tinently threw over the poor whom they had always 
hitherto had with them, and picked lint f<ir the 
wounded, or knit socks of the stoutest yarn and jior- 
tentous dimensions for the soldier well or ailing. 
They gave freely of money, medicines aud delicacies 
(or army necessities, hopefully kept up the cheerful- 
ness of the men at home ; while during the long war 
there were few among them who did not have some 
one especially dear to them, who had gone with the 
army, and to whom, if living, they sent words of lov- 
ing encouragement, or for whom, if dead, they shed 
many tears, while they still worked on for the living. 

In this connection reference should be made to the 
Field Hospital Corps raised in Salem, in May of this 
year, by the Rev. D. G. Wildes, rector of Grace 
Church. This corps was composed of sixty volunteers | 
from Salem and vicinity, and w is said to be the first 
effort for a systematized ambulance department in 
the army. 

On the day following the battle of Bull Run, the 
" Essex Cadets," a company recruited by Lieut. A. 
Parker Browne, marched under Capt. Seth A. Bux- 
ton from Salem to join the camp of instruu-tion. It 
subsequently was incorporated with the Fortieth 
Regiment Massachusetts Infimtry. 

Early in September the first company of sharp- 
shooters unattached, containing many Salem men, 
left the State for Washington, and on the 4th of the 
month, Capt. Ethan A. P. Brewster's Company "A," 
of the Twenty-Third Slassachusetts Infantry, that 
had been recruiting in Salem, marched from town to 
the camp at Lynnfield, followed on the 7th liy Capt. 
John F. Devereux's Company, subsequently attached 
to the Eleventh Infantry. 

A drill club that had been steadily keeping to their 
work for some months, voted about this time to en- 
list in a body for the war, and on the 18th of Octo- 
ber, marched under Capt. Geo. M.Whipple, to Lynn- 
field, to join as its Company " F," the Twenty-Third 
Infantry, which was now completed. Containing two | 
full Salem companies, this regiment, on the 31st of the 
month, marched into Salem and were reviewed on the 
Common, just before leaving for the seat of war, to the 
great pride and satisfaction of the people. 

Meanwhile there had been constant recruiting for 
other companies. On the 8th of October a second 
company of sharpshooters, under Capt. E. Wentworth, 
left fiir the front as part of the Twenty-Second Infan- 
try ; and Capt. Charles M. Devereux's Company " H," 
Nineteenth Regiment, were mustered into service in 



SALEM. 



203 



November, and left the State Dec-ember 13tli, while 
early in December Capt. John Daland's and (ieorge 
F. Austin's Companies partly recruited in Salem and 
attached to the Twenty-Fourth Infantry, were ordered 
South with their regiment. 

Capt. Manning's Fourth B.attery of Lisrht Artillery, 
entirely raised in Salem, had been mustered into ser- 
vice and enibarUed on transports for the department 
of thedulf. 

In the foregoing account of tlie various military or- 
ganizations leaving for the front, it is Viy no means to 
be understood that they comprised all of the officers 
and men who had entered the service from Salem 
during the first nine months of the war. But those 
have been spoken of who.se departure had some pecu- 
liar interest for the nia.ss of the people by some cir- 
cumstances of their organization or otherwise. For, 
during this time Salem men were joining other com- 
panies and regiments daily, and going to the front, as 
will be seen by the brief notices of the various regi- 
ments, a little further on. Salem was indeed doing 
her duty in this first year of war, and as the event 
[iroved, she had byno means exhausted her resources. 
To the end of the war she continued to furnish men 
and money liberally. Her quota was usually forth- 
coming. 

Early in l.'^(12, two military funerals in her streets, 
of officers of distinction, served to remind the people, 
had it been necessary, that war was not all pomp and 
glitter, but meant deatli and sorrow. Salem did honor 
to her illustrious dead, and the obsequies of General 
Lander, whodicd in West Virginia, and of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Henry Mcrritt, killed in action at Newberne, 
gallantly leading the Twenty-Third Regiment, occur- 
ring on the 8th and 21st of March, were impressive, 
and attended by a large concourse of people. 

Recruiting was resumed in 18G2. The Federal 
armies in the field were very large; but when the 
heavy work of the war fairly opened, and the long 
rolls of the killed and wounded on the Peninsula be- 
gan to be read, it was clear that those armies must be 
replenished, from time to time, for years to come per- 
haps; and so men were again flocking to the rendez- 
vous and marching to the front. 

Captain S. C. Oliver's Company of the Thirty-fifth 
Infantry, containing some Salem men, went forward 
with that regiment in August, 1862, and September 
8th three companies under Captains D. H. Johnson, 
Richard Skinner and Henry Danforth, that had been 
partly recruited in Salem during the summer for the 
Fortieth Infantry, were forwarded with the regiment 
to Virginia. The last mentione<l of these companies 
was the City Guard, with ranks filled up by fresh 
enlistments. The Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fortieth 
was Joseph A. Dalton of Salem. 

November 19th Captain George Putnam's Com- 
pany, " A," of the Fiftieth Militia Regiment, left the 
State fiir the Department of the Gulf for nine months' 
service. This C(jmpany was the Salem Light Infantry 



filled up by special enlistments, many of its original 
members being already in service in other parts of the 
army. 

December 27th Company E, recruited in Salem 
for the Forty-eighth Jlilitia Regiment, by Captain 
(feorge Wheatland, for nine months' service, em- 
barked on transports for the Department of the Gulf. 

July 10th of the following year (18G3) the draft 
was ordered in the Northern States, and . Captain D. 
H. Johnson, as Provost Marshal, completed the rolls 
here and began to draw the names. Rut few men, how. 
ever, were drafted in Salem, as the city made every 
effort to fill her ([uota by offering heavy bounties to 
volunteers, and in the main succeeded. 

November Kith, 1863, the Twelfth Unattached 
Company of Heavy Artillery, raised in Salem under 
Captain J. W. Richardson, occupied the forts on 
Salem Neck. This com])any, then commanded by 
Captain Jos. M. Parsons, in June of the following 
year (18(54) was ordered to Washington. 

May 12, 1864, the Salem Light Infantry, Captain, 
R. W. Reeves, again left Salem for one hundred days' 
garrison duty, to relieve the regular volunteer troops 
from this service and enable them to be put in at the 
friirit. 

In addition to the very large sums contributed by 
individuals, from time to time during the war, in aid 
of the soldiers, of their families' and to [U'omote en- 
listments, the amount of which cannot be ascertained, 
the city a|)propriated and expended on account of the 
war one hundred and si.x thousand eight hundred and 
eighty-five dollars, exclusive of over two hundred 
thousand dollars, State aid to the families of the men 
in the field, which latter was ultimately refunded to 
her by the State. She responded to all calls upon her 
for men, about three thousand entering the array and 
navy during the war out of an entire population of a 
little over twenty-one thousand. In the partial ac- 
count given of the departure of these men from Sa- 
lem, no tnention has been made of the character of 
their service or that of the regiments to which they 
belonged. It could not be expected that any extended 
history of these organizations can be here given, and 
only a glance at the careers of those containing more 
or less Salem men is permitted by the limitation of 
this article. 

The militia regiments that first went out in the 
spring of 1861, had a valuable experience of the 
duties of the soldier in active service, learning the 
use of arms and camp and outpost duty ; bnt they 
were not engaged with the enemy excc|)t the Fifth 
regiment, in which were the Salem City Guard and 
Mechanics' Liglit Infantry Com[ianies, that took 
some part in the battle of Bull Run though suffering 
but slight lo.ss. 

The first regiment to he raised for the service of the 
United States, in this State, was the 2d Massachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry, that began to be formed before 
the Government had called for other than militia 



204 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



regiments. The Company commanded by Captain 
Cogswell, containing many Salem men, was attached 
to it, and at the close of the war this officer returned 
in command of the regiment and with the brevet of 
a brigadier, while of the Salem enlisted men, five had 
earned commissions. The Second had a distinguished 
record. With Colonel Gordon and Lieutenant-Col- 
onel George L. Andrews, (of a Salem family) both 
West Pointers, it was from the beginning a thoroughly 
instructed and efficient regiment. It served under 
General Patterson in ISGl, and subsequently remained 
in the Shenandoah Valley under General Banks, dis- 
tinguishing itself as a part of the rear guard in his re- 
treat to the Potomac in May 1862. Closely engaged in 
the battle of Cedar Mountain under the same officer, 
it there lost nearly half of its officers and one-third 
of the men. It took part in the succeeding battles of 
Centreville and Antictam, and the following year 
lost heavily at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
Forming part of the force sent to New York to sup- 
press the draft riots, it was then sent to Alabama 
where the regiment was furloughed for re-enlistment 
and returned with recruited ranks in time to take 
part in General Sherman's severe Atlanta campaign, 
subsequently marching through Georgia and continu- 
ing northward through the Carolinas in the resistless 
march of that officer until its fighting days were ended 
at Raleigh by the news of Lee's surrender. At the 
muster out, July 14, 1805, there were but four officers 
and one hundred men remaining of the original full 
regiment that had marched from the State to the front. 

In the Ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer 
Infantry there were a large number of Salem men, 
particularly in company F, originally called the 
Fitzgerald Guard, already mentioned. Serving in 
front of Washington from its muster in June, 18i5], 
when it became a part of the great Army of the Poto- 
mac, in whose fortunes it shared until its muster-out 
in June, 1864. In Morell's division of the fifth 
corps, it took part in all the battles of the ill-fated 
peninsula campaign, and in the determined stand 
made by Porter in command of this corps at Gaines' 
Mill, the Ninth lost twenty officers and three hundred 
and sixty men. Still, and always in the fifth corps 
under Porter, and afterwards under Warren, the reg- 
iment was engaged at Centreville, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and 
through the Wilderness to Spottsylvania, on all these 
historic fields acquitting itself with great gallantry 
and sufl'ering heavy losses. The regiment was mus- 
tered out at the expiration of its term of service in 
June, 1864. Four of the enlisted men from Salem 
had received commissions in addition to the three 
officers origin.iUy marching from the city. 

The Twenty-third Regiment Massachusetts Infan- 
try had peculiar claims upon the city by reason of 
the large number of its citizens in the ranks, and the 
interest attaching to one of its companies that, in a 
sudden burst of patriotic feeling had resolved them- 



selves, by a vote, from a drill-club of amateurs into a 
company of United States soldiers with plenty of 
hard service immediately before them. The regi- 
ment was sent to Annapolis, and a few months later 
joined General Burnside's expedition that took Roa- 
noke Island and occupied Newberne. It suffered 
some losses in these operations, including Lieutenant- 
Colonel Merritt, already mentioned. Later, in the 
same department, under General Foster, it was en- 
gaged at Heckman's farm, Arrowfield Church and 
Drury's Bluff. In the later action it lost heavily, 
being exposed to a flank attack. 

Under General Stannard, the Twenty-third joined 
the Army of the Potomac just before the battle of 
Cold Harbor in which it took part, subsequently 
doing duly in the trenches at Petersburg. Being 
returned to its old department, it was put in during 
the final operations in that quarter in 1865, being last 
engaged at Kingston. It was finally mustered out of 
service in June, 1865, a large number of the regiment 
having re-enlisted the previous year. Six of its en- 
listed men from Salem returned home with commis- 
sions, excepting one. Lieutenant Richard P. Wheeler, 
who had died of w(mnds received in action. 

The Twenty-third was a thoroughly good regiment 
and always did its work in gallant style. 

Captain Arthur F. Devereux, who had drilled the 
Salem Light Infantry Company just before the war 
to a wonderful point of excellence, upon the return 
of that company JVom its three months' service, aided 
in raising the Nineteenth Regiment, Massachusetts 
Infantry, going out as its lieutenant-colonel and 
returning in command as a brevet brigadier-general. 
He took with him as officers nine or ten of his old 
light infantrymen and near one hundred recruits from 
Salem, besides many from the vicinity. The Nine- 
teenth was a regiment always noted for its drill and 
precision of movement and distinguished itself in 
many actions. It took five stand of colors, and was 
twice complimented in general orders. 

Getting its initiation at Balls' Bluff, it took part in 
the Peninsular battles, Centreville, Bristoe Station, 
Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg (there forming the 
advance that crossed the river in pontoons), fought at 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and 
succeeding engagements, and after the rough winter's 
work in front of Petersburg, was in at the death at 
Appomatox, where one of its captains was killed by 
the last shot .said to have been fired by the enemy. 
Capt. George W. Batchelder, of Salem, was killed at 
Antietam. 

The 24th Volunteer Infantry contained several offi- 
cers and a considerable number of men from Salem. It 
was a well instructed regiment, and always displayed 
good qualities in the face of the enemy. Accompany- 
ing the Burnside expedition it took part in the en- 
gagement prior and subsequent to the occupation of 
Newberne, and being sent to the siege of Charleston 
was in the attempt on Fort Wagner and other actions 



I 



SALEM. 



205 



in that vicinity until ordered to St. Augustine, Fla., 
ill the latter part of IStJS. In the spring of 18(>4 it 
was transferred to the Tenth Corps, Army of the 
James, where, at the battle of Drury's IJluff, it sull'er- 
ed considerable loss. Later at Deep Bottom and in 
subsequent service in front of Petersburg, the regi- 
ment lost heavily. It continued to participate in the 
operations tliat resulted in Lee's surren<ler. Having 
largely re-enlisted at the expiration of its first three 
years of service, the regiment was not finally mus- 
tered out until January 20, 1866, remaining on duty 
as part of the garrison of Richmond, Va. Adjutant 
Charles G. Ward, of the Twenty-fourth, of Salem, was 
killed in action May 6, 1864. 

In the Eleventh Infantry were a nnmlier of men 
recruited in and about Salem. Its list of engage- 
ments is that of those of the Army of the Potomac, in 
which it served from the first battle of Bull Run to 
the close of the war, and always with distinction. 
The Salem men who served in the Twelfth Infantry 
known as the Webster Regiment, after making the 
campaign with General Banks in the Shenandoah 
Valley and at Cedar Mountain, had a similar experi- 
ence in the succeeding engagements of the Army of 
tlie Potomac through the battle of Cold Harbor, after 
which those that were left were mustered out at the 
expiration of their term of service. 

In the Fortieth Infantry there were a considerable 
number of officers from Salem, and it was recruited 
partly here. The regiment entered the service in 
September, 1862, served in Virginia until in the di- 
vision of General Gordon (the former colonel of the 
Second Infantry) it was sent to Suftblk to reinforce 
General Peck, who was facing Lougstreet's army. 
From there sent to the South Atlantic coast, it was 
engaged at Seabrook farm, S. C, and subsequently 
forming a part of the Florida expedition, sufl'ered se- 
verely at Olustee and the accompanying actions in 
that ill-advised campaign. The regiment was sent 
north in time to engage in the final operations of the 
Army of the Potomac, entering Richmond in April, 
186S. Lieut. George C. Bancroft, from Salem, was 
killed at Old Church, Va., June 1, 1864. 

The Seventeenth Infantry contained nearly seventy 
Salem men. Raised in 1861, after a few months' gar- 
rison duty at Baltimore, it reported at Newberne, N. 
C. It was engaged at Kinston and Goldsborough. On 
the 16th of December, 1863, an attack was made on 
Newberne by a strong force of the enemy, and the 
Seventeenth lost heavily in repelling it. Later it 
was engaged at Washington, N. C. Subsequently, 
March 8, 1865, the regiment was heavily engaged at 
Wise Forks, N. C, in the advance made from the 
coast to connect with General Sherman. Garrisoning 
Greensboro', N. C, until July 11, 1865, the regiment 
was then mustered out of service. 

The single officer and sixteen or eighteen men of 
Salem who served with the Thirtieth Massachusetts 
Infantry, known as the Eastern Bay State Regiment, 



were, with it, engaged in the principal actions in the 
department of the Gulf during 1862 and 186;'.. Re- 
enliating in 1864 it, upon return from furlough, was 
put into the Nineteenth Corps and transferred to 
Washington, and ultimately the Shenandoah V^al- 
Icy, where it was engaged in Sheridan's battles, spe- 
cially distinguishing itself at Cedar Creek. The 
regiment remained in service in (Tcorgia until 1866. 

In the Thirty-Second Infantry were rather more 
men from this city. Tliis regiment, going to the 
front early in 1862, after a short period of garrison 
duty, became a part of the Army ol'the Potomac, and 
remained with it to the end, being engaged in nearly 
every battle fought by that army, from the Peninsu- 
lar campaign to the moment that the Army of North- 
ern Virginia laid down its arms. Its only commis- 
sioned officer from Salem, Captain Charles A. Dear- 
born, was killed at Fredericksburg. 

The Thirty-Fifth Infantry had three officers from 
Salem, although but few enlisted men. Its record is 
very similar to that of the regiment last mentioned, 
although it did not go into action until Antietam. 
Lieutenant Charles F. Williams, of this regiment, from 
Salem, died of wounds September 22, 1868. 

The Twenty-Eighth and Twenty-Ninth regiments 
of infantry numbered but i'evi men in their ranks 
from Salem. Mustered into service in 1861, the 
Twenty-Ninth took part in the engagements of the 
Army of the Potomac from Gaines' Mill to Freder- 
icksburg, when it was ordered West, and bore a 
hand at Vicksburg and in other engagements in the 
cotton States, being ordered North, and taking part 
in the Cold Harbor battle and in the succeeding ope- 
rations in front of Petersburg. The Twenty-Eighth, 
entering the service early in 1862, was put into the 
-Army of the Potomac in season for the battle of Cen- 
treville and every subsequent jiitched battle of that 
army, ending at Ream's Station. Like all Massachu- 
setts regiments these did their duty well. The Thirty- 
Ninth Infantry, commanded by Colonel Charles L. 
Pierson, of Salem, contained but few others from this 
town. It was a good regiment and saw its share of 
service. 

Mention should be made of the two colored Massa- 
chusetts regiments, the Fifty-Fourth and Fifty-Fifth 
Infantry, both of whom had some officers (who were 
white) from Salem, and some recruits also. Both 
regiments were sent to Hilton Head, participated in 
the Olustee campaign in Florida, and took an active 
part in the operations against Charleston, S. C. They 
were in the assault on Fort Wagner, where the Fif- 
ty-Fourth lost heavily, and wherever engaged showed 
such courage and soldierly conduct as did much to re- 
move the predjudice entertained at first for this class 
of troojis. They remained in service in that depart- 
ment until their final muster-o'.it. Lieutenant Edwin 
R. Hill, of the Fifty- Fifth, of Salem, was killed in ac- 
tion December 9, 1864. 

There was a considerable aggregate contingent of 



206 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Salem men in the Fifty-Sixth, Fifty-Seventh and Fifty- 
Eighth regiments, ]jarticuliirly in the latter, whose 
Lieutenant-Colonel, John Hodges, of Salem, was killed 
while leading the regiment, July 30, 18G4. These 
regiments were raised late in the war (ISU.S), but got 
into very heavy work when their turn came, and as is 
often the case with full regiments coming to the front 
from garrison duty, they were kept well in the advance, 
where they were very willing to go. They all lost 
severely in the Virginia campaign of 1864-G5, and 
well-earned a good place in the roll of honor of their 
State. 

In the First, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, 
Twentieth and Twenty-second Regiment.s of Massa- 
chusetts Infantry, there was but an aggregate of f(jur 
officers and about seventy enlisted men from Salem, 
exclu.sive of the fir.st and second companies of sharp- 
shooters hereafter mentioned. The.se regiments were 
all connected with the Army of the Potomac from the 
time of its tirst mobilization and bore a distinguished 
part in its many sanguinary engagements. All were 
mustered out at the expiration of their three years' 
service at various dates in 1864, with the exception of 
the Twentieth that re-enlisted, but had the misfortune 
to be surrounded at Reams Station, August 23, 181)4, 
where the entire regiment was killed or captured. 
Lieutenant Richard Derby, the only commissioned 
officer from Salem in the Fifteenth Regiment, was 
killed at Antietara. 

The two companies of sharpshooters raised in this 
State took a number of keen rifle shots out of Salem, 
particularly the Seccmd company that had nearly all 
its officers and about thirty men from this city. This 
company was attached to the Twenty-second Ma.ssa- 
chusetts Infantry, and shared in the honors and 
fatigues of that gallant regiment in the Army of the 
Potomac from the beginning, doing valuable service 
in its particular line of duty on many fields. It was 
subsequently attached to the First and Twentieth 
Regiments of Infantry. 

The first company though commanded by a Salem 
man, had few in its ranks from here. Serving unat- 
tached in General Lander's command until the death 
of that officer in West Virginia, it was subsequently 
attached to the Fifteenth, and later to the Nineteenth 
Infantry, taking the creditable part in the battles of 
the Army of the Potomac that was borne by those 
distinguished regiments. Its first captain, John Saun- 
ders, of Salem, was killed at Antietam. 

Salem was well represented in other branches, in 
the three years' service. The First Regiment of 
Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, commanded by Col. 
Tannatt, of Salem, a West Point graduate, had more 
Salem men in its ranks than any regiment that left 
the State. Raised in 1862, it did duty in its proper 
sphere in charge of the heavy guns in diflerent 
fortre.sses in the belt around Washington, at Mary- 
land Heights and elsewhere. In General Pope's cam- 
paign in 1862 the regiment was ordered as infantry 



to the front and participated in the battle of Centre- 
ville. After another period of service in garrison, it 
again took the field in May 14, 1864, and in Tyler's 
powerful division of heavy artillery, lost heavily at 
Spottsylvania. It continued at the front in the third 
and second corps, taking a distinguished part in the 
succeeding work of the Army of the Potomac, until 
the surrender of Lee's army, and was finally mustered 
out at the expiration of its term of service. 

The Second and Third Regiments of Heavy Artil- 
lery contained many officers and men from Salem. 
The former did garrison duty at various points in 
North Carolina and south-eastern Virginia during its 
term of service, as well as some active duty in the field. 
Two of its companies were captured in April, 1864, 
in an engagement at Plymouth, N. C. The Third, 
raised late in 1864, served in the fortifications in front 
of Washington. 

The Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery that has 
already been alluded to, was raised, early in the war, 
entirely in Salem. It was embarked at Boston, ac- 
companying General Butler's expedition for the re- 
duction of New Orlean.s, and it remained in the ex- 
treme South during its entire service of nearly four 
vears. It was first engaged at Baton Rouge, was at 
the siege of Port Hudson, and on the Bayou Teche 
campaign. In General Canby"s force it entered Ten- 
nessee and was engaged at Morganzia, and on Grier- 
son's raid, in 1864. Joining the land force sent against 
Mobile, it took part in the siege and capture of that 
place, where it remained until sent to Texas, serving 
there until its muster out in October, 1865. It was an 
excellent battery, well handled, and eflicient in action. 

The Fifth and Thirteenth Batteries of Light Artil- 
lery contained more or less Salem men, and the first- 
named was ultimately commanded by Captain Charles 
A. Phillips, of Salem. This battery left the State in 
December, 1861, and was always attached to the Army 
of tlie Potomac, doing excellent service and sull'ering 
severely. The Thirteenth Battery served in the De- 
partment of the Gulf, being present at the siege of 
Port Hudson, on the Bayou Teche campaign, and on 
duty in various parts of Louisiana. It was formed 
later than the Fifth, leaving for the South, January 
20, 1863. 

In the Third Massachusetts Cavalry, several officers 
and a considerable number of men from Salem had a 
varied and arduous service. Originally recruited as 
the Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry, in 1862, it was 
sent to the Department of the Gulf, where, shortly 
after, to meet the need in that quarter of mounted 
troops, the regiment was for a time used as Mounted 
Infantry. This anomalous condition was presently 
changed, and they were organized as the Third Cav- 
alry and equipped and instructed accordingly. Tak- 
ing part in the siege operations at Port Hudson and 
in the Red River campaign, the regiment was in 1864, 
shipped North with General Emory's Nineteenth 
t'orjjs, and joined the Army of the Shenandoah. Here 



SALEM. 



207 



it \va,s remounted and put in the First Brigade, Second 
Cavalry Division, participating in General Sheridan's 
brilliant campaign. After the Rebellion had been 
iiuellcd this regiment vvns sent upon the plains with 
other cavalry, to hold down certain restle-ss Indian 
tribes. It was ultimately mustered out of service in 
the fall of IStJo. Lieutenant Tickering D. Allen, of 
this regiment, from Salem, was killed at Brashear City, 
La., June 2, 1803. 

A number of men were recruited in Salem for the 
Second Massachusetts Cavalry that went out in l.Sl)2. 
This regiment had the peculiarity of having live full 
com]iaoies from the Slate of California. It served in 
Virginia, and at one time enjoyed the equivocal dis- 
tinction of being specially detached to hunt down 
the guerrilla, Colonel Mosby and his command, which 
was very much like the historical search for the Irish- 
man's Hea. Allowed later to fly at higher game, the 
regiment did good lighting at Aldie, Xorlli Anna 
Bridge and elsewhere. Being ordered to the Valley, 
it participated in the campaign of 1S(;4, and ulti- 
mately accompanying Sheridan's column to Rich- 
mond, fought in the closing engagements at Five 
Forks and Sailors' Creek, and was present at the sur- 
render at Ap[)oniatox. 

In the First Regiment of ^Massachusetts Cavalry a 
few Salem men enlisted in IStil. This was one of the 
first mounted regiments in the field and had an ex- 
cellent name for a long and valuable service of four 
years, almost constantly in Virginia. A battalion, 
originally recruited to reinforce this regiment, was 
ultimately attached to the Fourth Massachusetts Cav- 
alry, raised in 1864, and in which were some men from 
Salem, and saw considerable hard service in the closing 
work of the war. 

Of the short-term regiments the Forty-eighth and 
Fiftieth regiments of Massachusetts Militia, that served 
nine months in 18(12 and '03, contained each a large 
number of Salem men. These regiments were both 
sent to the Department of the Gulf where they took 
part in the siege of Port Hudson and the other active 
operations then going forward in Louisiana and Tex- 
as. Their service was arduous and well performed. 
The principal number of the Salem men in the Fif- 
tieth were in Company A, already alluded to as being 
the Salem Light Intantry. 

The Seventh Militia Regiment also entered the 
service in 1862 for six months' service taking the 
larger ])art of one com[iany from Salem. 

In the Fourth Heavy Artillery, the First Battalion 
of Frontier Cavalry, and the Sixty-first Infantry, all 
eidisted, late in the war, for one year's service, there 
was a considerable aggregate of Salem men. The 
first did garrison duty at Washington, and the second 
served on the Canada frontier a few months, while 
the Sixty-first reached the Army of the Potomac in 
time to do .some hard work in the closing engage- 
ments of the war. The First Battalion of Artillery, 
was somewhat recruited in Salem. It served during 



the war, but only in home garrisons. It is proper to 
observe that in all of the regiments raised late in the 
war, were many veterans who had already served with 
honor in older organizations. 

Slention has already been maile of the first three 
months' troops that went forward in 1861. Those that 
went later in the war for this term, were used to re- 
lieve the regular volunteer troops from garrison duty, 
that they might join the armies in the field in press- 
ing emergencies. 

This hasty review of a few facts in the career of the 
regiments in which the men from Salem served, is the 
only means possible to convey an idea of the services 
those men performed for the country. Any individual 
record of nearly three thousand men is of course out of 
the question, and it would bean invidious task to se- 
lect especial ca.scs for remark where all were good and 
faithful soldiers. The few names mentioned have 
necessarily ajipeared as essential parts of the narra- 
tive or to add here and there to its interest. If some 
regiments have appeared to receive more attention 
than others, it is in no sense to be taken as in deroga- 
tion of the services of the latter, but must be attrib- 
uted to the greater interest naturally attending those 
containing the largest number of Salem men, or, in 
.■-ome cases, to the greater facilities of obtaining infor- 
mation concerning them. 

We cannot follow the history of the vessels of our 
navy, in which many men from Salem served. These 
men were scattered through the various fleets, on .so 
many ships of war, that it would be an impossibility to 
write of the work performed by those vessels within 
the limits of this article ; and their aggregate number, 
though large, was small in comparison with the num- 
ber who served on land. The record of Salem on the 
sea, however, is good in this war, as in all others. 
Some fifty-.seven offifcrs and three hundred and 
twenty-five seamen, many of the latter being warrant 
and petty officers, entered the navy during the war, in 
addition to such others as might have been serving 
when it opened. This small proportional number of 
seamen indicates the fact that few vessels sailed from 
or obtained their crews in Salem at the outbreak of 
the war; while the large number of offiiters who were 
mainly drawn from the officers of merchant vessels, 
ecjually shows that the traditions of the old Salem 
families kept many men upon the sea as captains and 
mates of merchantmen sailing from other ports. It 
is doubtful whether any town in the country of equal 
si/.e furnished as many volunteer officers for the navy 
during the war, as Salem; and their proverbial exc'el- 
lence in the duties of their profession, made them of 
great value upon the quarter-decks of the mcn-of-vvar 
in which they served. 

A number of these officers commanded vessels, 
among others Lieut. Com. Wm. (i. Sallonslall who 
commanded the "Commodore Ilidl," the "Governor 
Buckingham," and the "Kensington;" Lieut. Lewis 
D. Voorhies the "Gemsbok;" Lieut. John Roberts a 



208 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sloop of war; Lieut. William C. Rogers the gunboat 
''Anderson " and also the '* Huntsville ;" Lieut. Henry 
Pitman an armed schooner; Master Thos. W. Hutch- 
inson who also commanded the "Huntsville;" Master 
Abraham A. Very, for a time, the " Camliridge," and 
Ensign Charles Boyer the *' Yantic ;" Ensign Robert 
H. Carey who also commanded the " Anderson " and 
Ensign Charles Wilkins a gunboat ; Ensign James S. 
Willianis commanded a vessel in one of the blockad- 
ing squadrons and Ensign William M. Swasey a dis- 
patch boat. Others no doubt may have held similar 
commands, many were executive officers and nearly 
all were given responsibilities in excess of the require- 
ments of their nominal rank in the service. 

The names of officers and seamen are found in the 
appended list of those who entered the two services 
during the Civil War, and the work they did appears 
in the wonderful record of the navy ; in the blockad- 
ing squadrons; attacking the strong works of the ene- 
my on the coast and on the banks of our great rivers, 
and sweeping distant seas in pursuit of his nimble 
privateers. 

A few officers and enlisted men from Salem also 
served with regiments not of this State, but it has not 
been possible to note any facts regarding such regi- 
ments. Their names appear in the appended list. 

It is with reluctance that the imperfect record of 
this great war is finished. If it may seem monotonous, 
it is the monotony of numerous gallant deeds per- 
formed simultaneously by many men. (Ireater variety 
might imply less heroism ; and the history of men in- 
tent on one great purpose may well like that of suc- 
ceeding events, repeat itself. 

The military history of Salem must end with the 
events of 1865; for since that date there has been no 
war nor hardly rumor of war in the land, excepting 
where away in the western country the indomitable 
red man still occasionally stirreth up a little strife. 
In closing, it may only be added that volumes might 
be written of the valiant deeds performed for two 
centuries Vjy her sons afloat and ashore. Perhaps 
enough has been here suggested, however, to indicate 
that this quiet city can, on occasion, hold her own 
with many an old fighting town, and that amid the 
arts of peace here cultivated so assiduously, the strong 
spirit of war slumbers but lightly in the breasts of 
her people, ready to be aroused at the first menace to 
the rights and liberties of the nation,^ 

Appendix (No. 1). 
1774, May 17. As a Committee of Correspondence, 
the following persons were chosen : 

George Williams. Jonathan Gardner, ji. 

Stephen Higgiuson. Joseph Sprague. 

Richard Manning. Richard Derby, jr. 

1 The writer of the foregoing article begs to acknowledge his indebted- 
ncBB forniany facts to Felt's "Annals of Sali-m," CViggcshairs "Pri- 
vateers," many papei-s in the Plistnrical Collections of tlie Essex Iniititiitr 
and the files of the Salem Gazette, in addition to the usual fields of his- 
torical research. 



Jonathan Ropes. Warwick Palfray. 
Timothy Pickering, jr. 

1775, October 16. A list of the Committee of Safety 
and Correspondence, now elected: 

Timothy Pickering, jr. John Feit. 

Thomas Mason. John Hodges, 

Samuel Williams. Joseph Vincent. 

Jacob Ashton. Joseph Spragne. 

Samuel Webb. David Felt. 

Richard Ward. Bartholomew Putnam. 

William Nurthey. George Williams. 

Benjamin Ward, jr. Jonathan Peele, jr. 

Joshua Ward. Alirahani Weston. 

Stephen Osborn. John Fisk. 

Abraham Gray. Samuel Ward. 

Warwick Palfray. Nathan Goodale. 

John Pickering, jr. Jonathan Andrews. 

John Gardner (3d). George Osborn. 

Joseph lliller. Dudley Woodbridge. 

An enlistment, August 15, 1777, to reinforce the 
American army till last of November, as one-sixth of 
the able-bodied militia of Salem, according to a re- 
solve of General Court, August 8th. 

Capt, Zadock Buffinton. Benjamin Tarbox. 

Jonathan Southwick. Nicholas Hopping. 

Edmund Munyau. Isaac Holt. 

John Curtis. Nathaniel Safford. 

Ebenezer Tuttle. Job Abbott. 

Benjamin Hudson. Nathan Skerry. 

Elijah Johnson. Samuel Cheever. 

Joshua Moulton. Benjamin Gardner. 

Joseph English. Joseph Twiss. 

Stephen Barker. Ephraim Skerry. 

William Holman. James Austin. 

Israel Burrill^ Benjamin Shaw. 

William Clougb. Joseph Flint. 

Elisha Newhall, Jeremiah Newhall. 

Jo>ihua Pitman. William Meak. 

Joshua Gould. Daniel Foster. 

Thomas Cheever. Samuel Lovcjoy. 

Abel Mackintire. Edward Brown. 

Natlianiel Holden. Samuel MeiTitt. 

John Ward. William Newhall. 

Ezekiel Diuicklee. Thorndike Proctor. 

Cape Briton (black). Joshua Cross. 

List of men drafted to help guard Burgoyne's troops 
at Winter Hill in 1777: 



Mansel Burrill. 
Benjamin Brown, jr. 
Asa Peirce. 
Samuel Skerry. 
Jonathan Very, jr. 
Timothy Welman. 
Nathaniel Osgood, jr. 
Stephen Cleaveland. 
William Proseer. 
John Flint. 
Edward Barnard, 
Isaac Osgood. 
John Gardner, (4tli). 
Stephen Webb. 
Benjamin Hathorn. 
John Carwick. 
Edward Britton. 
Samuel Miisury. 
William Young. 
Thomas Ruce. 
John Dove. 
Jonathan Ashby. 
Samuel Bond. 
Jesse Farson. 
William Cook. 



.Joshua Couvers. 
Samuel Blyth. 
Nathaniel Perkins, 
Thomas Palfray. 
Benjamin Daniels. 
Littlefield Sibly. 
Joseph Ross, 
Benjamin Peters. 
James Andrews. 
William Pynchon, jr. 
Reuben Alley. 
Benjamin Cheever. 
Joseph Kempton, 
Gabriel Mutiyon. 
Edmund Henfield, jr. 
Joseph Baron. 
Andrew Ward. 
Joseph Young. 
James Boardnian. 
Nathaniel Lang. 
Stephen Oshorn. 
John Wood. 
Janie.'» Symond?. 
Nathan Kimball. 
Joseph Cook. 



SALEM. 



209 



David ftlansfield. James Guuld. 

David Bfadle. Joseph Oook, jr. 

Soldiers in the Coutinenlal army whose fiimilies 
receiveil assistance in 1777. 



Col. Samuel Carlton. 
Soluiiioli Wi^bl>er. 
Thomas Needhiun. 
William Skeldun. 
Kphraiiii Iiig:ina. 
AVilliaiii Jopliii. 
Asa Whitti^morc. 
Saiiiii*^! Oakman. 
Rirliard Mayhory. 
Jostipli Slamiry. 
Williani Gray. 
Benjainin Latherby. 
Capt. Thomas Barues. 
Joseph Millet. 
Samuel Crowd. 
Stephen Uall. 
James Orav. 



Douglass ]4Iiddleton. 
Capt. Ebenezer Winship. 
Abraham Moi-se. 
Cliarles A'anderford. 
Curiielius Biiigen. 
William BriKbt, 
Thouias Keeue. 
Sannud Murray. 
William Bright. 
GibHim Cloiigh. 
t-Mmuiid Gale. 
Joseph Cook. 
John Masury. 
Joseph Metcalf. 
Nathaniel \eedham. 
Sauuitd Bishop. 



These two, Peter Pitman ami Xatlil. Knights, were 
of the army, 1776. 

Besides the preceding, there were other sokiiers of 
Salem in the army from 1777 to 1780, as follows: 

George Ulmar. Abraham Bolton. 

John Peirce. .lohn Gillard. 

Timothy Dwyer. Thomas Rurhe. 

Thomas Rkherson. Jephtha Ward. 

Joel Chandler. William Lockbead. 



Valentine Beron. 
John Darrago. 
William Liscom. 
Spencer Thomas. 
Joseph Synimes. 
Samuel Askins, 
David Levit. 
Moses Chandler. 



(Element Gunner. 
Samson Freeman. 
William Graviel. 
Jonas Child. 
William Woster. 
Riciiard Downing. 
Georgo Venner. 



In the records of Ma-ssachusetts quota iu the army, 
the following were of Salem, 1780: 

Nathaniel Hathorn. Brown Vellett. 

Alexander Baxter. Edward Lee. 

Fortune EUory. Daniel Williams. 

Capt. Nathan Goodale. David Collins. 

William Fitzael. George Tucker. 

Men hired by Salem to serve six months in the 
Continental army, according to resolve of General 
Court. June 5. 1780: 



Josieph English. 
James Turner. 
William Jlorgan. 
Noah Parker. 
Samuel Royal (black). 
Benjamin Oliver (Idack). 
Thomas 3Iorse. 
James P. Bishop. 
Robert Thompson. 
Charles Brien. 
John Burk. 
James Smith. 



Edward Prize. 
John Gamgus.Jr. 
Humphrey Fears. 
John Tracy. 
Benjamin Knowles. 
Robert Stutson. 
John Ward. 
James Smith. 
Tiiomas Sheridan. 
William Long. 
.MiL-hael Condon. 
John Green. 

These belonged here and thirteen others, belonging 
elsewhere, were named with them. 

Xames of soldiers|hired;from December, 1780, to Feb., 
1781, to serve three years in the Continental army: 

John Hale. Mi.ha.d Garrin. 

Peter Harris. Benjamin Oliver. 

Nicholas Wallis. .Alexander Smith. 

John Smith. William Ryan. 

John Bryan. Joisepb Williams. 

14 



Peter Mass. 
James Fitzgerald. 
Samuel Appey (negro). 
Loudon (negro). 
Thomas Wbiddick. 
Joseph Laroache. 
Kdward Rudge. 
Samuel (uegro). 
John Ducture. 
Samuel Wardsworth. 
PaulHolbrouk. 
Alexander Camjibell. 
James Welch. 
Maurice Barrett. 
Patrick Swaney. 
John Dean. 
Eneas McDonald. 
Pulydore (oegro). 
Charles Colley. 
Benjamin Peters. 



William Tector. 
Joseph Liotier. 
Cesar (negro). 
William McLaughlan. 
Raii'Ial McFadin. 
James Ketwel. 
John Smith. 
Benjamin Daland. 
Jonathan Gardner. 
John Still. 
Samuel Payne. 
William Gray. 
John Riley. 
Lawrence Verues. 
Micliael Alley. 
Edward Smith. 
John Jackson I negro). 
William Thompson. 
Nathan Williams. 
John Youans. 
William Wetnmre. 

1781. John Coolin, \Villiam Cooper, Benjamin 
Webb and Thomas Lakeman were in the army. 

Men detached to service in Rhode Island, accord- 
ing to resolve of General Court, June 16, 1781 : 

Major Joseph Hiller. Samuel Cbeever. 

Francis Haynes. Joshua Pitman. 

William Orne. Theophilus Batchellor. 

Lewis Hunt. Capt. Simeon Brown. 

Jnhn Dove. William West, jr. 

Edward Nnrris. Seth Ring. 

Samuel Symonds (3d). Joseph Millet. 

Francis Cook. Francis Boardman. 

John "Wiburt. Samuel Jones. 

Jonathan Gardner (3d). *'aleb Foot. 

Joseph Daland. John Emmerton, jr. 

Ebenezer Nutting. Charles Britton. 

George Frazier. David Beadle. 

Joseph English. Nathaniel Brown. 

Thomas Symonds. Richard Manning. 

James Masury. Abel Lawrence. 

Nathan Prince. William Thomas. 

David Bickford. Penn Townsend. 

Benjamin Lang. David IngersoU. 

Robert Hill. James Carrel. 
Cheever Mansfield. 

From May 25th to July 11th, 1782, enlistments to 
serve in the army three years: 

Jacob Northrnp. Samuel Buckman. 

Josiah Phelps. Joel Northrup. 

Edward Bessley. Daniel Weller. 

John Adams. John Melony. 

Peter liigersoll. Edward Rudge. 

James Smith. Samuel Locke. 

David Jones. John Coats. 

William Leonard. John Hiibbard. 

Andrew Bulger. Thomas Brown. 

John Dorsey. James Slater. 

John Taylor. David Davis. 

Alanson ilamner. Abraham Newport. 

Mose.s Hall. William Lamson. 

William Tector. William Taylor. 

Eliphaz Spencer. Thomas Poware. 

Benjamin .Johnson. Nathaniel Williams. 
John Fogarty. 

The names of the following officers who served in 
the Revolutionary armies, and are all believed to 
have been from Salem, do not appear in the foregoing 

lists : 

Col. Timothy Pickering. Capt. Samuel Flagg. 

Lieut. Benjamin West. Capt. Greenwood. 

Col. William Mansfield. Lieut. Miles Greenwood 



210 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Capt. John Felt. 
Lieut. John Butler. 
Capt. Juhn Symonds. 
Lieut. Benjamin Ropes, jr. 
Capt. Benjamin Ward. 



Lieut. Robert Foster. 
Capt. Addison Richardson. 
Major Samuel King. 
Capt. Flint. 



APPENDIX (No. 2.) 
List of Salem Privateers of the Revolution. 

{This is believed to include 'Letters of Marcpie.') 
SHIPS, 



rilgrim 

Essex 

Franklin 

Scourge 

Disdain , 

Congress 

Royal Louis 

PoruB 

Grand Turk 

Rattle Snake... 

Rover , 

Cromwell 

Jason 

Marquis 

Hendrick 

Junius Brutus.. 

Rhodes 

Harlequin 

Neptune 

Mohawk 

Buccaneer , 

Cicero 

Rambler 

Defence 

Independence.. 

Jack 

Black Prince... 
Bunker Hill ... 

Hector. 

Jack 

Hunter , 

Pickering , 

Renown 

Roe Buck 

Trenton 



Thirty-five ships. 

Tyger 

Montgomery 

Sturdy Beggar 

Captain 

New Adventure 

Active 

Hero 

Fortune 

Swift 

Blood-hound 

Flying-fish , 

Fox , 

Cato 

Chase 

Brandywine 

Cutter 

Eagle 

Fame 

Hampden 

Hornet 

Lexington 

Lincoln 

Lion 

Maccaroni 



Number 
of Guna. 


Weight 
of Metal. 


No. of 
Men. 


IS 


9 


120 


20 


6 


110 


18 


6 


100 


2(1 


6 


110 


20 


6 


110 


29 


9 


130 


18 


6 


100 


20 


9 


130 


24 


6 


120 


20 


4 


95 


20 


4 


95 


16 


6 


100 


16 


6 


100 


16 


4 


75 


18 


6 


100 


20 


6 


no 


20 


6 


110 


20 


4 


95 


16 


4 


75 


22 


6 


110 


18 


9 


120 


18 


9 


120 


16 


6 


95 


14 


6 


85 


16 


4 


70 


12 


9 


60 


18 


6 




20 


6 




22 


6 




14 


4 




18 


4 




16 


6 




14 


4 




12 


4 




12 


6&4 




622 




2645 


GS. 

16 


4 


70 


14 


4 


60 


14 


4 


60 


10 


3 


45 


14 


3 


65 


14 


4 


60 


8 


4 


40 


14 


4 


60 


14 


4 


60 


14 


3 


55 


10 


3 


45 


14 


3 


55 


14 


3 


55 


10 


3 


45 


6 


3 




10 


3 




12 


4 




16 


4 




14 


4 




10 


3 




8 


3 




12 


4 




IG 


6 




14 


4 





Names. 

Monmouth 

PJuto 

Rambler 

True American 

Tyger 

Wildcat 

Thirty-two brigs. 



Number 
of Guns. 



14 
10 
10 
14 



392 



SCHOONERS. 

Greyhound 8 

Lively 8 

Shackle 6 

Pine Apple 6 

Languedoc 6 

Doipbiu 6 

G 

Panther 4 

Beaver 10 

Blackbird 10 

Civil Usage | 10 

Civil Usage / each. 

Centipede 6 

Congress 8 

Cutter 8 

Delight 4 

Dolphin I 10 

Dolphin J each. 

Fly 10 

Fox 10 

General Gates 8 

Greyhound 6 

Hammond 10 

Hampden 8 

Harlequin 10 

Hawk 10 

Hornet 14 

Lark 12 

Lively 14 

Modesty 8 

Pompey 6 

Scorpion 6 

Shark lo 

Skulpion , 10 

Swett 1*2 

Tatne Bush 10 

Warren 10 



Thirty-seven schooners. 



320 



Weight No. of 

uf Metal. Mfn. 

4 

3 

6 

4 

3 

4 



SLOOPS. 

Fish-hawk 8 

Hazard 6 

Black Snake 12 

Bowdoin 8 

Jack 14 

Morning Star 8 

Revenge 10 

Rover 8 

Bowdoin 8 

Nine sloops. 82 

Seven shallops, names not mentioned 

RECAPITULATION 

Vessels. 

Ships 3S 

Brigs 32 

Schooners 37 

Sloops 9 

Shallops , ■ 7 

Total 120 



3 


35 


3 


35 


3 


30 


3 


3'l 


2 


25 


3 


3.1 


3 


.30 


3 


20 


Swivels. 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




2 




3 




Swivels. 




2 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




2 




2 




Swivels. 




3 




3 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




3 




2 




2 




Swivels. 




Swivels. 




3 




Swivels. 




3 






235 


4 


40 


3 


30 


3 




3 




4 




3 




3 




3 * 4 




2 






70 


120 


mon. 


)N. 




Guns. 


Men. 


022 


2645 


392 


870 


320 


235 


82 


70 




120 



SALEM. 



211 



NAME 



Active 

Alexander. 



Alfred . 



America 

Brk Vomit 



Buckskin . 
Cadet . 



Castigatoi . 

Cossack 

EJart 



Diomede. 
Dolphin... 



Enterprize. .. 
Fair Trader. 
Fame 



Frolic 

Galliniper 

Gen. Putuani 

Gen. Stark 

Grand Turk.. 
Growler 



Helen... 
Hulkar. 



Jefferson . 
John 



( 

t 
Jolni A Guul,;'-.... ( 

Lizard 

Montgomery ... 

Orion 



LHvl 

Phajni.x . 
Polly 



Recovery .. 
Regulator. 



Revenge.. 
Scorpion .. 



Swift 

Swiftsure . 



Terrible.. 



Viper.. 
Wasp.. 



Sch. 
Ship 

Ship 
Brig 

Ship 

Boat 

Sch. 
Si'h. 

Launt'h 

Sch. 

Sch. 

Sch. 

Sch. 

Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 

Sch. 

.Sch. 

Sch. 

Sfh. 

Brig 

Sch. 

Sch. 
•Boat 

Sloop 

Ship 

Sch. 

Sch. 
Brig 

Boat 

Boat 
.Sch. 
Sloop 

Sch. 
Sch. 

Sch. 

Sloop 

Sch. 
Launch 



Sch. 
Sloop 



(APPENDIX No. 3). 
list of the privateers. 

Belonging to Salem during the War of 1812. 



WeiL'ht 

of 
Metal 



u 


1 


200 


10 


,17 


I 




2 


30 


2 


190 


10 




2 


5 





6 





20 


1 


96 


1 




8 


20 


2 


75 


1 




2 


.'>7 


1 




2 


14 


1 


27 


1 


10 


1 








14 


1 


30 


2 



9 " 
C " 



Muskets 
12 lbs. 
4 " 
C " 

3 " 
(Jar'nade 

IS lbs. 

4 " 



12 '• 

6 " 
12 " 

6 " 
18 " 
12 " 

6 " 

24 " 
6 " 
6 " 

32 " 
18 Car. 
9 lbs. 
12 Car. 

9 lbs. 

24 " 
t; " 
6 " 
Muskets 

4 Car. 

Gibs. 

12 " 
6 " 
(J " 

6 " 
18 " 
Muskets 

Muskets 
nibs. 
12 " 
6 " 

3 " 
24 " 

G " 
12 " 
" 

4 " 



4 " 

Muskets 



4 lbs. 
6 " 



Where 
Built 



16 
50 

40 

20 

45 

40 

100 

70 

100 

35 
30 

60 

30 

60 
50 
150 

100 

70 
16 

20 

105 

50 

30 
100 



Salem 
Baltimore 



Salem 



Salem 

Salem 
Baltimore 

Boston 

Salem 

Salem 

Salem 

New York 

Baltimore 

Salem 
New York 
Essex 

Salem 

Eng. built 

Boston 

Salem 

Wiscasset, 
Me. 

Baltimore 
Braintrcp 
Salem 

Salem 

Salem 

New York 

Salem ■ 
Mcdford 

Salem 

Salem 
Salem 
Poughkep- 
sie, N. Y. 
Saiem 
New Y'ork 

New Y'ork 

Salem 

Eng. built 
Salem 

Salem 

Salem 
Salem 



When 
Built 



1810 

1808 



1813 
1808 

1814 

1813 

1813 

1800 

1814 

1812 
1809 
1804 

1813 

1807 

1814 
1813 
1812 

1812 
1792 
1813 

1801 

1794 

1810 

1813 
1812 



1813 
1814 
1800 

1810 
1808 

1810 

1812 

1808 
1813 



1814 
1813 



David 
Magonn 

Retiah 
Becket 
Leach & Teague 



Webbi Beadle 
Webb 4 Beadle 



Commander 



Benj. Patterson 
(T. Wellm.an, jr. 
I B. Crowniushield 

Step'n Williams 

Philip Besson 

Joseph Ropes 

John Kehcu 

Jas. W. Chever 

John Upton 

Bray 

William Cailey 
Josiah Eiwell 
Ste'n G. Clarke 
.Spencer Hall 
John Upton 
William Davis 
T. Symonds 
John Green 
Abner Poland 
J. Crowninshield 

Jacob Endicott 



Barker A ilagoun John R. Morgan 
I John R. Morgan 
Webb, Upton, Poland 
Green, Chapman ,4 Evans 
Nathan Green 
J. B. H. Odiorne 
Tim. Wellman 
Andrew Tucker 

John Evans 

Barker & Magonn I John Evans 
j William Rice 
[ Holten J. Breed 
Nathan Green 
Under Sup't'nce Sam'l B. Graves 
Capt. J. J. Knapp Nath'l Lindsey 

John Upton 
Leach & Teague Samuel Lanison 

John Keheu, J. H. 



Captured 



Christ'er Juriier 
Enos Briggs 



Leach .k Te.agne 



Leach & Teague 

Leach & Teague 
William Rowell 



Wm. Huliss 

Leach & Teague 

Leach 4 Teague 

Leach & Teague 
William Huhn 



Downie, S. Giles 
J. Wellman, jr. 
James Fairiield 
B. Crowninshield 
John Sinclair, jr. 

Samuel Loring 
Holten J. Breed, Bcnj. 
Upton, Joseph Strnut 
John Upton 
Jonathan BIythe 
William Duncan 
Stephenson Richards 
Sam'l C. Hardy 
Robert Evans 
Joseph Peele 
James Mansfield 

John Sinclair, jr. 

.Stephenson Ki<'hards 
Thomas Osborne 
Harvey Clioate 
Stephen Clarke 
Charles Berry 
James Thomas 
John Greene 
Joseph Preston 
Ernest A. Ervin. 



Sept., 1812 
May 19, 1813 

Feb., 1814 

Sold at auc- 
tion 
June, 1831 
Sold 
Sept., 1812 



March, 1813 



May, 1814 



May, 1813 
Sept., 1812 



May, 1813 
and burnt 



Nov. 


1814 


July 


1813 


Aug. 


1813 


1814 




Feb., 


1813 


Nov. 


1812 



1814 

May, 1813 



April, 1813 

April, 1814 

1812 
Sept., 1S12 



(APPENDIX No. 4). 
List of officers and enlisted men from Salem who served in the Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers during 

the Mexican War. 



CrowiiiiishieM, CbarleB B Cajtt. 

Crgwuiushieia, John C Ist, Lieut. 



Cliarlea C. Varney, Levi Curtis Privates. 

Augustus Chanibeiiain, Lucius Giover.... Musicians. 



212 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



APPENDIX No. 5. 
List of Commissioned Ofiicers from Salem. War of the Rebellion. 



.Mien, Pickering P 1st Lieut., 3d Cav. ; killed. 

Ames, George L., Capt. ; Bjt. Lieut. Col. D. S. 

Com. Dept. 
Andrews, Richard F., 2d Lieut. U. S. 0. T. (36th 

U, S. Vols). 

Annable Ephraim A 2d Lieut. 2d H. Art. 

.\therton, Charles H 2d Lieut. Ist H. Art. 

Austin, George F Capt. 24th Inf. 

Avery, Henry Act. Ensign, Na\-y 

Babson, Ed»in Act. Ensign, Navy 

Baker, Charles H Engineer, Navy 

Bancroft, George C Ist Lieut. 40th Inf. ; killed. 

Batstow, Simon F Major, Gen. Meade's Staff. 

Batchelder, Charles J (L) 1st Lieut. 3d Cav. 

Batchelder, George W Capt. 19th Inf. ; killed. 

Bates, Charles H Ist Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Bertram, Joseph H. M Major, U. S. Pay Dept. 

Black, Patrick W Capt. 9th Inf. 

Bott, ThomaaE Capt. 11th Inf. 

Boyer, Charles Act. Ensign, Navy 

Brewster, Ethan .4.. P Maj. 23d Inf. 

Briggs, Joseph B 1st Lieut. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Brooks, Charles W 1st Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Brown, Kobert B Capt. 2d Inf. 

Browne, A. Parker Maj. 40th Inf 

Browning, George F Capt., Bvt. Maj. 2d Inf. 

Bruce, Daniel, Jr U. S. C. T. 

Buffum, G. B Capt. 

Buffum, Robert Lieut. 4th Tenn. Cav. 

Burnett, Servington S...2d Lieut. 48th Inf. Militia. 
Buxton, Seth S Maj. Ist H. Art; died in service. 

Calef, Benjamin S., Capt., Maj. Gen. Birney's Staff. 

Carey, Robert H Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Center, Addison Capt. 23d Inf. 

Chadwick, John C, Capt. 19th Inf, Lieut. Col. 92d 

U. S. 0. Inf. 

Chapman, George T Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Chase, Charles W Capt. 40th Inf. 

Chase, Thorndike Clerk Com. Dept. 

Chipman, Andrew A., 1st Lieut. 12th Inf. ; 4th H. 

Art. ; Trans. 39th Inf. 

Chipman, Charles G Capt. 54tb Inf. (colored). 

Chisholm, T Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Clough, Benjamin P Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Cogswell, William., Col. 2d luf. ; Bvt. Brig. Gcu. 

Coleman, Francis M 2d Lieut. 3d H. Art. 

Cox, Charles G Maj. 40th Inf. 

Cummings, Walter C Lieut. 

Cummings, William C 2d Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Daland, John Capt. 24th Inf. 

Dalton, Joseph A Lieut. Col. 40th Inf. 

Dalton, Samuel 1st Lieut. 1st H. Art. 

Danforth, Henry F Capt. 40th Inf. 

Davidson, Heni-y, Jr., 1st. Lieut. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Dearborn, CharlesA., Jr Capt. 32d Inf. ; killed. 

Derby, T. Putnam, Jr Capt. 4th U. S. C. T. 

Derby, Richard Capt. 16th Inf. ; killed. 

Devereux, Arthur F., Col. 10th Inf. ; Bvt. Brig. 

Gen. 

Devereux, Charles U Capt. 19th Inf. 

Devereux, John F Capt. 11th Inf. 

Dimon, Charles A. R., Col. Ist U. S. Vols. ; Bvt. 

Brig. Gen. 
Dodge, Elliot C, Lieut. 1st Regt. N. Y. Excelsior 

Brigade. 

Dodge, Richard F Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Dodge, Thomas F 2d Lieut. 2d H. Art. 

Doherty, John 1st Lieut. 9th Inf. 

Driver, Joseph M., Chap. Hospital, Washington. 

Dudley, L. E 13th Inf. 

Durgin, Horace Q. M. 18th Inf. militia. 



Edwards, Charles W 2d Lieut. 2d Inf. 

Edwards, Shuball Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Emilio, Louis F Capt. 54th Inf. (colored). 

Emmerton, Charles S 1st Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Enimerton, George R 1st Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Emmerton, James A Sui-g. 2d 11. Art. 

Endicott, Charles Act. Master, Navy. 

Evans, Alvan A Ist Lieut. 2d Co. Sharps. 

Evans, John W., 2d Lieut. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. mi- 
litia. 

Fabens, George Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Fallon, Thomas R 2d Lieut. 9th Inf. 

Farmer, George S., Lieut. 4tli H. Art. ; Died at 
Andersonville Prison before receiving commis- 
sion. 

Finney, George Act. Master, Navy. 

Fisher, Charles Engineer, Navy 

Fisher, George A., Ist Lieut. 23d Inf. ; Trans. U. S. 
Sig. Corps. 

Fitzgerald, Edward Capt. 9th Inf. 

Ford, John F 1st Lieut. 48th Inf. militia. 

Foster, Joseph C 2d Lieut. Salem Cadets. 

Fowler, Philip M Capt. (U. S. C. T). 

Fox, John L Surg. Navy. 

Frye, Charles H Capt. 2d N. C. Vols. 

Frye, Nathan A., Jr., 2d Lieut. 59th Inf. ; not 
mustered. 

Gardner, George W Capt. 24th Inf. 

Getchell, George H Capt. 

Glidden, Joseph H 1st Lieut. Cth luf. militia. 

Goldthwait, Joseph A., 1st Lieut. 2d Inf. ; Capt. and 

C. S. U. S. Vols. 

Gordon Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Goodale. Joshua C 2d Lieut. 2d H. Art. 

Goss, James W 1st Lieut. 1st H. Art. 

Gray, George C, 2d Lieut. 1st Co. Sharps. ; Capt_ 

178th N. T. Vols. 
Grant, Frederick 1st Lieut. 2d H. Art, 

Hale, Henry A., Capt. I9th luf. ; Bvt. Lieut. Col. 

and A. A. G. Vols. 

Ilamblett, Samuel H 1st Lieut. 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Hancock, John Midshipman, Navy. 

Haunan, Dennis B Surg. 

Harrington, Daniel Midshipman, Navy. 

Harrod, Benjamin C let Lieut. 1st II. Art. 

Haskell, Augustus M Chap. 40th Inf. 

Hatch, C!liarlesF .-^ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Hayward, Charles H 1st Lieut. 23d Inf. 

Henfield, Amos Capt. 3d Cav. 

Hill, Edwin R., 1st Lieut. 2d Inf. ; Trans. 66th Inf. 

(colored) ; killed. 

Hill, William A Capt. 19th Inf. 

Hiltz, Jacob C 1st Lieut. 2d U. S. Vols. 

Hobbs, Edward let. Lieut. 1st H. .\rt. 

Hodges, Johu, Jr Lieut. Col. 6th Inf. ; killed 

Hodges, Thorndike D Capt. Ist N. C. Vols. 

Holt, Frank 2d Lieut. Ist Bat'n F. Cav. 

Hoyt, S Capt. 

Hurd, William H 2d Lieut. 50lh Inf, militia, 

Hutchinson, Thomas W Act. Master, Navy. 

Jackson, Andrew Act. Ensign, Navy. 

James, Henry Engineer, Navy. 

Johnson, Daniel H., Jr Capt, 4uth Inf, 

Johnson, Thomas H 2d Lieut. Salem Cadets. 

Kelley, Thomas 2d Lieut. 30th Inf. 

Kemble, Arthur Act Asst. Surg., Navy. 

Kenny, Jonathan A 2d Lieut. Salem Cadets. 

Kimball, Frank Lieut. 

Kimball, Jacob Act. Lieut., Navy. 

Kinsley, Benjamin F 



Lakeman, John R Ist Lieut. 23d Inf, 

Lander, Frederick W Brig, Gen, 

Lee, Charles J ^d Lieut. 48th Inf. militia, 

Lee, John R 1st Lieut, and Q, M. let Inf. 

Lee, Robert G Act. Master, Navy. 

Leonard, James 2d Lieut. 3d H. Art. 

Loud, Charles A. 

Luscomb, Joseph H Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Luscomb, Henry R 2d Lieut. 3d H. Art. 

McGourty, Patrick 2d Lieut. 11th Inf. 

Manning, Charles H Capt. 4th Bat. L. Art, 

Manning, Joseph A. .2d Lieut,, Gen, Butler's Staff. 

Manning, Thomas H let Lieut. 4th Bat L. Art. 

Mansfield, William D Capt. 14th N. Y. Vols. 

Slarks, Joliu L Maj., Salem Cadets. \ 

Marks, Thomas H .\ct. Ensign, Navy 

Meban, Dennis Capt. 2d Inf, 

Merritt, Henry Lieut. Col. 23d Inf. ; killed. 

Merrilt, Henry A 1st Lieut. 2d H. Art. 

Millet, Charles (2d) Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Millet, Edward .\ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Millet, Frank Act. Ensign, Navy. i 

3Iillet, William H Act. Ensign, Navy, 

Miller, Frederick L Engineer, Navy. 

Miller, James Capt. 4th Cav. 

Milward, Benjamin F 1st Lieut. 69th Inf. 

Jloody, Converse ('.apt. Md. Vols, 

iloseley, Joseph Act. Master, Navy. 

Mullaly, John E Capt. 17th Inf, 

Neal, William S Ass't. Engineer, Navy. 

Nichols, James B Capt. 24th Inf, 

Nichols, James W 2d Lieut, 4ath Inf 

Noyes, Isaac S Ist Lieut. 7th Inf. militia. 

Nutting, William G Act. Lieut. Navy, 

O'Brien, Martin Capt, 9th Inf, 

O'Donnell, James 1st Lieut. 9th Inf. 

O'Leary, Timothy Capt. 9th Inf. ' 

ttliver, Samuel C, Lieut. Col. 1st H. .\rt. ; Lieut. 

Col. •2d H. Art. ; Bvt. Col. 
Osborne, Nathan W. N., Capt, 13th U. S, Inf, 

(Vols), 

Palmer, William L Maj, l:ith Inf. ; Bvt, Col, 

Parsons, Joseph M Capt. 3d H, Alt. 

Peirson, Charles L., Col. 59lh Inf. ; Bvt, Brig. 

Gen. 

Peirson, George H Col. 6th Inf. militia. 

Peirce, Charles H .\ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Perkins, Charles T 1st Lieut. 24th Inf. j 

Plialan, Edward A Capt. 2d Inf. ■ 

Phalan, Michael (W) 1st Lieut. 9th luf, 

Phillips, CharlesA Capt, 5th Bat. L. Art.; Bvt. 

Maj. 

Phillips, Edward P. (B) Lieut. 

Phillips, Edward W., Ist Lieut. 50th Inf, Militia, 

Phipps, John Act. Eusign, Navy 

Pickering, John., Capt. 13th L'nat. Co. H. Art ; 3d 

H. Art. ; Adj. S. 0. ' 

Picknian, Benjamin 1st Lieut. 3d Cav, 

Pitman, Henry Act. Lieut., Navy. 

Pollock, John Lieut. Col. 40th Inf 

Pool, Marcus M 2d Lieut. (1st H Art). 

I'ope, Frank Capt, 1st H, Art, 

Pope, James Capt, 1st H, Art. 

Price, Benjamin S .Act. Asst. Pay Master, N«\,v 

Putnam, George D Capt. 50th Inf. militia. 

Putnam, Henry C Act. 3Iaster, Navy, 

Putnam, William S .Act, Ensign, Navy, 

Quimby, Samuel F .^ct. Asst. Surg., Navy. 



SALEM. 



213 



Kedmond, Philip E., Ist Limit, 9th Inf.; died in 
service. 

Reeves, Robert W., Capt. 13th fuat. Co. Tuf. mil- 
itia. 

Reynolds, John P.,jr Capt. lilth Inf. 

Richardson, James M., Capt. llitll Unat. Co. H. 
.\rt. 

Roberts, John Act. Lieut., Navy. 

Rogers, William C Act. Lieut. Navy. 

Rose, Stephen C Lieut. Col. 

Ross, William H Capt. 

Rowell, Sidney B M Lieut. 3d n. Art. 

Safford, John B Asst. Engineer, Navy. 

Saltonstall, William G .\ct. Lieut. Com., Navy. 

Sanders, Charles Ist Lieut. 48th Inf. militia. 

Saunders, John ('.apt. 1st Co. .Sharp.; killed. 

Servey, William T .\ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Sherman, Charles F 2d Lieut. .17th Inf. 

Shreve, William P., 1st Lieut. Gen. Birney's 
Staff. 

Skinner, Richard, jr Capt. 4i)tli Inf. 

Smith, Albert P Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Smith, Joseph C Ist Lieut. 1st H. .\rt. 

Smith, Lawrence P .\ct. Ensign, Navy 

Smith, Robert Capt. 2d Co. Sharp. 

Smith, Samuel .-ict. Ensign, Navy 



Snapp, Philip J 1st Lieut. -.iid Inf. 

Staten, Edward H.,Capt. tjth and 7th Inf. militia. 
Stevens, George 0., Ist Lieut. 13th Itiat. Co. Inf. 

militia. 

Stiles, Charles D 1st Lieut. 2d Co. Sharp. 

Stinipsvni, KdwanI S...lst Lieut. 55th Inf. (colored). 

Stoddard, Bonjaniin F Capt. 2'lth Inf. 

Stone, Lincoln R., Surg. ;id Inf. ; o4th Inf. (colored); 

V. S. Vols. 
Syinouds, Benjamin K., 1st Lietit. .'iltth Inf. and 

Wth Inf. 

Symonds, H. C >laj. 

Swa-sey, William M .\ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Tannatt, Th..nias R Col. 1st U. Art.; inth Inf. 

Thayer, J. Henry Chap. 4c;ith Inf. 

Upton, Edwunl Ist Lient. 2d Co. Sharp. 

Upton. William B Capt. 1st U. S. Vols. 

Very, Abraham A .\ct. Ensign Navy. 

Voorhies, Lewis D Act. Lieut. Navy. 

Walcott, Alfred F Capt. 21st Inf. 

Walcott, Charles F., i.'ol. lllst Inf. ; Bvt. Brig. 

Gen. 
Ward, .Andrew A Act. IMaster, Navy. 



Ward, Charles G.,lst Lieut, and Adi. 24tb Inf ; 

killed. 

Ward, John L Capt. 50th Inf. militia. 

Waters, Edward S., Vol. Kngineer, Gen. Burnside's 

Staff. 

Waters, John .Act. Knsign, Navy. 

Webb, .\ugnstine F 2d Lieut. 40th Inf ; killed. 

Webb, Francis R .\ct. Ensign, Navy 

Webb, Joseph H 1st Lieut. 40th Inf. 

Wentworth, Louis E Capt. 2d Co. Sharp. 

West, W. <:. 

Wheatland, George, jr Maj. 4Htll Inf. militia. 

Wbeoler, Richard P , 2d Lieut. 23d Inf.; died of 

wounds. 

Whipple, George M Capt. 23d Inf. 

Wliite, Caleb B. 

Wildes, George G Chap. 24th Inf. 

Wilkins, Charles \ct. Ensign, Navy. 

Wiley, George 2d Lieut. 48th Inf. Militia. 

Williams, Charles F., jr., 2d Lieut. 35th Inf. ; died 

of wounds. 

Williams, James S .Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Williams, 'William A Engineer, Navy. 

Wilson, Edmund B Chap. 24th Inf. 

Wilson, Jacob H 2d Lieut. 40th Inf. 

Winn, John K Act. Ensign, Navy. 

Woods, George H Lieut. Col. 



APPOINTMENTS (neither Commissioned nor Enlisted -Men). 

Berry, Williatn'H Surg.'a Stew., Navy. Luscomli, Abial T Snrg.'s Stew., Navy. 

Dalton, J. Frank Capt.'s Clerk, Navy. Webber, Joseph Snrg.'s Stew., Navy. 

Farrington, George P., jr Surg.'s Stew., Navy. Wells, Charles H Surg.'s Stew., Navy. 

Haniblett, Augustus P. .. Paymaster's Stew., Navy. 



LIST OF ENLISTED MEN FROM SALEM IN WAR OF REBELLION. 



Abbott, Adolphus 23d Inf.; V. K. C. j Anderson, Edward Navy 

Abbott, Benjamin F 4th H. Art. j Anderson, James H., jr Navy 

Abbott, Charles J Wagoner, 24th Inf. ' .Andrews, Gilman A Corp. 60th Int. militia 



.Adams, Charles H 23d Inf. ; 3d 11. Art. 

Adams, Charles P.. ..1st Co. Siharps., 5th Inf. militia 

Adams, Charles 1st H. Art. 

.Adams, George W Navy 

.Adams, George W 2d H. Art. 

Adams, Henry 2d H, Art. 

Adams, Henry J..32d luf. ; V. K. C. ; 2d Co. Sharps. 
Adams, Henry P Ist Bat'n H. Art. 



Anthony, Joseph E 11th U. S. Inf. 

Anthony, Joseph ^th Inf. militia 

.Annis. Joseph E 40th Inf. 

Appleton, John L 2d Inf. 

Archer, George N 8th Inf. militia 

Archer, Benj. F. (H.) 2d Co. Sliarps. 

Archer, Rufns P., jr 4th H. Art. 

Archer, William II Corp. 2d Co. Sharps 



Adams, John H Wth Inf. I Arnold, Edward H 4th H. Art. 



Adams, Thomas M 0th Inf. militia 

Adams, Peter F 6th Inf. militia 

Ahern, John 3d H. Art. 

Aldrich, Edward M 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Aldrich, Moses H 7th R. I. 

Allen, Benjamin, jr 11th Inf. ; died of wounds. 

.Allen, Charles F .Wth Inf. militia. 

Allen, Edward F 2d H. Art. 

Allen, Henry lOth Inf. 

Allen, Horatio D ttorp. 23d Inf. 

Allen, George W 4th Cav. 

Allen, William H 2d Co. Sharps. 

.Allen, James Corp. 

Allen, John N .-iSth Inf. 

Allen, William A Navy. 

Alton, Samuel T 2d Inf. ; died of wounds. 

Ambrose, Charles 22d Inf. ; trans. Navy. 

Ames, Eben Navy 

Ames, M. Eugene Navy 

Anderson, Thomas B Navy 

Anderson, George F , jotU Inf. 

Anderson, Aust 18th Inf. 

Anderson, J.jseph .54th Inf. ;' .55th Inf. (colored). 

Anderson, William Navy 

Anderson, William J Navv 



Arnold, Isiuic S Ist H. Art. 

Arnold, James E IstH. Art., V. R. C. 

Arnold, James E 3d Cav. 

Arnold, James H 2.id Inf. 

Arnold, Joseph E 1st H. Art. 

Arnold, Peter 2d Cav. 

Arringtun, Benjamin E I'. S. Vet. Vols. 

Arrington, Benjamin F 23d Inf. 

Arrington, Benjamin R 17th Inf. 

Arrington, James, Jr 23d Inf. ; U. S. V. R. C. 

Arrington, John R Navy 

Artemus, John -'iSth Inf. 

Arvedson, C. K Navy. 

Arvedson, William L Sergt. 24th Inf. 

Arvedson, Cliarles F Navy 

Ashbcll, Wyatt 1st H. Art. ; died in service 

Ashby, Elias W Sergt. S. C. 

Astroiil, Carl 30th Inf. 

Atkinson, Frank E 1st Sergt., 62d Inf. 

Attwood, Frank Ist Sergt., G2d Inf. 

Austin, Aldoii K S. C. ; 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Austin, Amos P Corp., 1st Bat'n F. Cav. 

Austin, Everett E 13th Unat. Co., Inf. militia. 

Austin, Orlow 13th Inf. 

Austin, William R -3d Inf. 



Avery, John W. C, 1st H. Art. ; died Anderson- 

ville Prison. 
Ayres, Loren (Lorron) 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Babbidge, William 17th Unat. Co. 

Babbidge, William A -JOth Inf. militia 

Babcock, John F Corp. 4th Cav. 

Babcock, John H 7th Inf. ; 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Bacheller, William H 17th Inf. 

Eager. Henry ^^Vf 

Bagley, Daniel I Navy 

Bailey, Edward A., (Edwin A.) 'id Inf. 

Bailey, Therou 1st H. Art. 

Bailey, Warren K I'Jth Inf. 

Bailey, William ..'id H. Art.; 17th Inf. 

Bainee, Richard Navy 

Baker, Barney 3d Cav. ; V. R. C. 

Baker, Benjamin '2d II. Art. 

Baker, Edwin D 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Baker, Henry C .50tb luf., militia; 30th Inf. 

Baker, Robert 20th Inf. 

Baker, William H 1st H. Art. ; V. B. C. 

Baker, Peter '-'3'' I°f 

Batch, William D Corp. 50th Inf., militia 

Balfe, Thomas 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Bulger, Patrick 2d Cav. 

Ball, George H. A I'Jth Inf.; U. S. Cav. 

Ballard, Francis A ''Oth Inf. 

Ballard, George R '«< H. Art. 

Baltazar, Ca.stano Navy ; drowned at sea, 1873- 

BareilBon, Abraiii F., S. C. ; .''.oth Inf., militia ; 2d 
Cav. 

Barge, William >st U. S. V. U. C. 

Barker, Benjamin 

Barker, Charles F 

Barker, John. 

Barnard, Samuel, 4lh liat'n L. Art, died in service 



2d Inf. 

..S. 0. ; .50th Inf. 



214 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Barnard, Samuel, jr 23d Inf., V. E. C. 

Barnard, William H 17t.h Unat. Co. 

Barnard, William H Navy 

Barnes, Israel D 2d Unat. Co. ; died in service 

Barnes, Michael D 3d H. Art. 

Barnes., John 11th Inf. ; died of wounds, 18G2 

Barnett, Patrick 62d Inf. 

Barnum, S. G Navy 

Barriugton, Archibald 43d U. S. C. T. 

Barrington, A Navy 

Barters, John. 

Bartlett, Calvin Ist H. Art. 

Bartlett, Jeremiah I Navy 

Barrett, Cornelius Navy 

Barrett, Peter 69th Inf. ; died of wounds. 

Barrows, Henry Navy 

Barry, Edward Navy 

Barry, Edward A :id H. Art. 

Barry, John H 13th Unat. Co 

Barry, William H 5th Inf, militia 

Bassett, Eben Navy 

Bassett, John A 7th Inf. 

Bassett, Robert C, 1st H. Art. ; died Andersonville 
Prisou. 

Batchelder, Charles IstH. A. 

Batchelder, George H 3d H. Art 

Batchelder, George W Sergt. Sth Inf., militia 

Batchelder, John 11th Inf., V. R. C. 

Batchelder, John H Corp. 2d Co. Sharps. 

Batchelder, Richard Sergt. 3d Cav. 

Batchelder, Walter 1st H. Art. 

Batchelder, George H 11th Inf. 

Batchelder, George H SW Inf. 

Batchelder, William H 17tb Inf. 

Bateman, Cliarles Isl Cav.; killed. 

Bateman, Jusepli 48tb Inf. militia 

Bateman, Thomas 48th Inf. militia 

iiauer, Anton 23d Inf. 

Bauer, Ignace (Iguaz) 5tU Bat. L. Art. 

Baxter, John Navy 

Beach, William, jr .' 10th Inf. 

Beadle, John (3d) Navy 

Beals, WilUam A 4th H. Art. 

Becker, Joseph Corp. 3d H. Art. 

Becker, Peter 23d Inf. 

Beckett, Daniel C Corp. Ist H. Art. 

Beckett, Edward C Navy 

Beckett, William H 29th Inf. ; 36th Inf. 

Beckford, John M Ist H. Art. 

Beckford, Jonathan A 1st H. Art. 

Beckford, Eben 23d Inf., V. R. C. 

Beckford, Jefferson (A.) Ist H. Art. 

Begg, William H 1st H. Art 

Bell, James Navy 

Bell, William H 7th Inf. ; Sergt. 2d Cav 

Bellows, James 1st H. Art. 

Bellows, John 9th Inf. 

Bennett, Abram K S. C. 

Bennett, George A., 13th Unat. Cu. ; 50th Inf. mili- 
tia; Ist Bat'n F. Cav. 

Bennett, Larrington Corp. 4stli Inf. militia 

Benson, Samuel B Ist Sergt., 69th Inf. 

Berg, William K 5th Inf. militia ; 2d Co. Sharps. 

Berrin, Lewis Navy 

Berry, Edward A 3d H. Art. 

Berry, James A 62d Inf. 

Berry, William H Sergt. Ist Bat'n, F. Cav. 

Berry, William E 22d Inf. 

Beston, James Blacksmith, 3d Cav. ; V. R. C, 

Bickford, William F., 6th Inf. militia ; Ist H. Art. 

Bigelow, Walter R 4th H. Art. 

Biuney, Thomas J 62d Inf. 

Birmingham, John 61st Inf. 

Birney, Thomas J (See Binney, Thomas J.) 

Bissell, Wesley T 40th Inf 

Bixby, Joseph H. (A.) 7th Bat. L. An. ; V. R. C. 

Black, William ;..Navy 



Blaisdell, George E 23d Inf 

Blake, Darius G 2d Inf. 

Blanchard, Andrew J., 23d Inf. ; died in rebel prison 

Blanchard, Daniel 11th Inf. ; killed 

Blanchard, William H 2d Cav. 

Blinn, George H., Sergt. 13th Unat. Co.; Corp. 60th 
Inf. militia; Ist Bat'n F. Cav. 

Bly, Benjamin (Joseph) Corp. 24th Inf. 

Boden, Thomas C 50th Inf. militia. 

Boden, Hiram C Navy 

Bodwell, John A... .6th N. H. Vols. ; died in service 

Boleud, James 32d Inf. 

Bolton, Thomai) IstH. Art. ; trans. Navy 

Bonner, John 32d Inf. 

Borden, Thomas Navy 

BouBley, George E 7th Inf. militia 

Bousley, Nathaniel C 50th luf. militia 

Bousley, Theophilus F 48th Inf. militia; killed 

Bovey, James G 1st Sergt. Ist H. Art. 

Bovey, Nicholas Sergt. 4th Bat. L. An. 

Buvey, Thomas L 50th Inf. militia 

Bowen, Francis 28th Inf. 

Bowen, James W Navy 

Bowen, Thomas E lot H. Art 

Bower, Anton 23d Inf. 

Bowler, Henry A., 1st H. Art. ; died Andersonville 
Prison. 

Bownar, John 22d Inf. ; 2.3d Inf. 

Boyce, Henry 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

Boyce, John F., 4th Bat. L. Art.; died in service. 

Boyd, George Navy 

Boyle, Michael W Ist Sergt. 9th Inf- 

Brackett, Warren 2d H. Art. 

Bradford, Francis Navy 

Bradley, James Navy 

Bradley, John 1st H. Art. ; died of wounds 

Brady, Edward 9th Inf 

Brady, James 23d Inf.; 2d Inf. 

Brady, Patrick R 9th Inf. ; 32d Inf. 

Brady, Thomas Navy 

Braman, John Navy 

Bray, G. Parker Ist H. Art. 

Bray. Isaac Navy 

Breed, Elhridge H 3d H. Art 

Breed, Frank S 62d Inf 

Breed, Otis J 3d H. Art. 

Brennan, Michael 4th H. Art. 

Brickley, John 11th luf 

Briggs, Edward L. P 4th Bat, L. Art 

Briggs, Henry F., 6tb Inf. militia ; detailed in Navy 

Brigham, Azel P Pr. Mus. lUh Inf. 

Brigham, William H. B Mus. 11th Inf. 

Britton, John 3d Cav. 

Broderick, Dennis 9th Inf. ; 6Ist Inf 

Brooks, Horace A., 60th Inf. militia ; 1st Bat'n F. 
Cav. 

Brooks, Joseph H Sth Inf. militia 

Broo'ss, Richard 'iOth Inf. ; killed 

Brooks, Samuel H 23dluf. ; died of wounds 

Brown, August Navy 

Brown, Albert W..8th Inf. militia ; 7th Inf. militia 

Brown, Augustus 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Brown, .\ugustuB, 1st Sergt. 50th Inf. militia ; 1st 

i-ergt. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 
Brown, Benjamin K., Sergt. Sth Inf. militia ; Wag- 
oner, 3d Cav. 

Brown, Charles Na\'y 

Brown, Charles Navy 

Brown, Charles A Corp. 4Sth Inf. militia 

Brown, Charles W 62d Inf 

Brown, Edmund A Navy 

Brown, Elhridge K Sth Inf. militia 

Brown, Ezra L 23d Inf. 

Brown, Ezra W 23d Inf. 

Brown, Frederick C 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

Brown, George A., Sth Bat. L. Art. ; died in service 
Brown, George L 22d Inf. 



Brown, George A., Sth Inf. ; Corp. 19th Inf. ; died 

of wounds. 

Brown, George 19th Inf. 

Brown, Henry F Mus. 23d Inf. 

Brown, Henry, jr 30th luf 

Brown, Herbert A. Navy 

Brown, Jeremiah W Ith Bat. L. Art. 

Brown, James Ist H. Art. 

Brown, James 9th Inf. 

Brown, James Navy 

Brown, James H 1st H. Art. 

Brown, James E Navy 

Brown, John B Mus. 7th Inf. 

Brown, John B 11th Inf. ; died of wounds 

Brown, John H Navy 

Brown, OUver 24th Inf. 

Brown, Patrick Ist Cav. 

Brown, Samuel 1st H. Art. 

Brown, Patrick 24th Inf. 

Brown, Samuel A S. C. 

Brown, Thomas E 1st H. Art. 

Brown, Thomas W 48th Inf. militia 

Brown, William '22d Inf. 

Brown, William P Sijth Inf. militia 

Brown, George A Sth Bat'n L. Art. 

Browne, John B Mus. S. C. 

Browning, Clement A Corp. 3d H. Art. 

Bruce. Robert P Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Bruce, SulUvan Navy 

Bryant, Enoch.jr 19th Inf. 

Bryant, Timothy W 50th Inf. militia 

Buckley, Bartholomew S Ist H. Art. 

Buckley, John 6th Bat. L. Art. 

Buckley, Patrick Ist H. Art. 

Buckley, Timothy Navy 

Buffam, Charles C S. C. 

Bullum, George W 23d Inf. 

linker. William H lOth Inf. 

Bullock, Attwood C 1st H. Art. 

Bulger, James Sth Inf. militia; Sergt. 40th Inf. 

Bulger, Patrick 2d Cav. 

Bunipus, Elisha Navy 

Burbank, Nathan P 2d Inf. 

Buichstead, David W Corp. 23d Inf. 

Binding, Edward W 5th Inf. 

Burg, William R (See Berry, William R.) 

Burgess, Charles H., 2d H. Art. ; 3d Cav. ; died in 

service. 

Burgess. William H Artificer 3d H. Art. 

Burke, Michael 4th Cay. 

Burke, Richard 9th Inf. 

Burnes, Charles E 12th Inf. 

Burnei', George W l'2th Inf.; died of wounds 

Burnham, Joseph P 3d Cav. 

Burnham, John 9th Inf. 

Burns, John 9th Inf. 

Burns, John 11th Inf. ; killed. 

Burns, John H 4th Bat. L. Art. 

BuiTill, Francis A 1st H. Art. 

Busted, Andrew Sergt. 4{lth Inf. 

Buswell, John H 2d Cav. ; Gist Inf . 

Butler, Benjamin F 39th inf ; trans. Navy 

Butler, Charles 4th Cav. 

Butmau, George^A-,Mus. 59th Inf. ; died in service 

Butnian, Luther C 22d Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf. 

Buton, Maurice Navy 

Bntterfleld, Hiram 17th Inf. 

Buxton, Alonzo D Ist H. Art. 

Buxton, Augustus Ist H. Art. 

Buxton, Charles W Wagoner, 17th Inf. 

Buxton, Edward H 4th Cav. 

Buxton, George, jr Wagoner, 17th Inf 

Buxton, George B Sth Inf. miUtia 

Buxton, George-F., 5th Inf. militia ; Q. M. Sergt. 2d 

H. Art. 

Buxton, George E ■ S. C. 

Buxton, John 4l8t Inf. 



SALEM. 



215 



Buxton, John 11 1st H. Art. 

Buxton, Samuel U oth Inf. militia 

Buxton, Thomas, 1st H. .\rt. ; died .\ndereonville 
prison. 

Cadieu, Charleii I! Navy 

Cain, Patrick Kth Inf. 

Cahill, IiarthoIoniew...4th H. .\rt. Died in service 

Callahan, John ISth Inf. militia ; 4th H. -\rt. 

Callahan, Patrick nth Inf. 

Calavacan, Charles 'i2d Inf. ; killed 

Call, Aaron W Corp.4Mth Inf. 

Call, Isaac 40th Inf. ; V. K. C. 

Call, Georpe Wth Inf 

Call, George A 1st H. Art. 

Call, Oeorge A 23d luf. 

Call, Samuel L Bat'n G.,3(I Penn. 

Call, Thomas? ITtli Cnat. Co. 

Campbell, John C 1st H. Art. 

Campion, Kdward J 'lOlh Inf. 

Campion, Patrick J Sergt. 20th Inf. 

Cane, Thomas 28th Inf. 

Caras, Lattara 19th Inf 

Carey, George A Navy 

Carey, Hugh Mh Inf 

Carey, James 32d Inf ; died in service 

Carey, John 'Mh Inf 

Carlin, Samuel 2d Inf. 

Carroll, Charles I3th Unat. Co. 

Carroll, James 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Carroll, Peter Ist H. Art. 

Carlisle, John 18th Inf. 

Carleton, David 19th Inf 

Carlton, John \V 8th Inf. militia 

Carlton, David. ..Sergt. 23d Inf. ; Missing, supposed 
killed 

Carlton, Joseph G. S Corp. 23d Inf. 

Carney, Richard Corp. 9th Inf 

Carr, Thomas F 3d H. Art. 

Carr, William H 7th Inf. militia 

Carpenter, Isaac W 3d Cav. 

Carter, William II 7th Inf. militia 

Carter, William H...Corp. l:ith Unat. Co. ; 4th Cav. 
Carter, Simon. 

Casey, Daniel 20th Inf 

Casey, Daniel (David) 13th Unat. Co. Inf. 

Casey, Thomas Navy 

Cashin, David Corp. Oth Inf 

Cashion, Robert 9th Inf 

Caspersen, .John P 12th Inf. ; killed 

Cassidy, James 23d Inf. 

Oassidy, .lames 2d H. Art. 

Cassell, Charles C, 64th Inf (colored) ; trans. 6Sth 

Inf (colored). 
Cassell, John 31., 34th Inf (colored) ; trans. 65th 
Inf. (colored). 

Cashrsn, John l-'th Unat. (3o. Inf. 

Caswell, George A S. C. 

Cate, John H 19th Inf ; trans. Navy 

Gate, Samuel A otb Inf. militia ; Navy 

Chalk, Henry T Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Chamberhiin, Luther L Sergt. 2d H. Art. 

Chamberlain, Charles E. A. 

Chamberlain, Garland A. ..Sergt 2Uth Unat. Co. H. 
Art. ; 3d II. Art. 

Chambers, John W 1st H. Art. 

Chandler, Benjamin F 2d Cav. 

Chandler, Isaac H..Corp. D9th Inf ; .'tDth Inf mil- 
itia ; died of wounds. 

Chandler, John Corp. 6th Inf militia 

Chandler, George A 7th Inf. militia ; Navy 

Channell, George W 3d H. .\rt. 

Chapman, Joseph R 4th H. Art. 

Chapman, Lewis A 4tb Bat. L. Art ; trans. 13th 

Bat. 

Chappie, WMlliam F 8th Inf militia ; 23d Inf 

Chase, Benjamin E 7th Inf militia 



Chase, Charles il..3f.tli Inf : Hosp. Stew. U. S. Vols. 

Chase, Charles P Corp. 24th Inf 

Chase, George Navy- 
Chase, George E 48th Inf. militia 

Chase, Jacob C .'i.'Sth Tnf (colored) 

Chase, John R 48th Inf militia 

Chase, John R. o7th Inf.; 59th Inf 

Chase, Lyman A 2d H. Art. 

Cheney, Joseph H 7th Inf militia 

Cheney, Richard K. W n2d Inf 

Cliesley, Charles II, jr -. 24th Inf 

Chesley, Edward A 4th H. Art. 

Chessman, Charles H .^Oth Inf militia 

Chick, Daniel 3d H. Art. 

Chick, William H loth Inf 

Childs, Charles N Navy 

Chipman, James G 1st H. .\rt. 

Chipman William F. T 3d II. Art. 

Chipman, William H I3th Unat. Co. Inf 

ChipniaEi, .\n'irew T I7th Inf 

Chisni, Wini,ani 20th Inf 

Chitnian, William H 13th Unat. Co. lof 

Chrystal, Samuel 19th Inf 

Chute, Lsaiah 7th Inf militia 

Chute, Rupart J Mus. 7th Inf. militia 

Claiborne, George C 3d Cav. 

Cl.-iflin, William 11 8th Inf militia 

Clark .Mbion J 23d Inf 

Clark, Charles A. D Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Clark, Edward A .'ith Inf militia ; 29th Inf 

Clark, Henry M Corp. 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Clark, Charles? 1st Bafn H. Art. 

Clark, John A 19th Inf ; killed 

Clark, John F....lBt H. Art. ; Corp. .Sth Inf militia 

Clark, John W C2d Inf 

Clark, Patrick Navy 

Clark, Patrick 20th Inf 

Clark, Sylvester W 6th Inf militia ; 24th Inf ; 

killed 

Clark, William Navy 

Clark, William B .ioth Inf militia 

Clark, William W 23d Inf 

Clarrage, Edward D. (F.) 1st H. Art. 

Clarrage, James 11th Inf; Navy 

Clements, Charles II 2d Co Sharps 

demons, William H .....Hh Inf. militia ; 2d Co. 

Sharps 
Clough, Robert P., 1st Sergt. 6th Inf. militia, S. C. 

Clough, William H id H. Art. 

Clough, William H. (V.) I7th Inf. 

Clynes, Frank H Corp. 23d Inf 

Clynes, John Oth Inf 

Coburn. Geo. E 54th Inf (colored). 

Cocklin, John Oth Inf. 

Cokclin, John J. (I.) Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Cochrain, George 39th Inf. 

Cochran, Daniel Oth Inf 

Cochran, James, 11th Inf. 

(Tehran, James Corp. 40th Inf. 

Cochran, John 2d luf ; killed, 1862 

Cochran, Thomas H 24th Inf 

Cochrane, James Ist Bat'n H. .\rl. : Irans. navy 

Cochrey, Bartholomew Oth luf 

Cogan, John Oth Inf. 

Cogger, James 4th H. .\rt. 

Coggin, Thomas 48tli Inf militia. 

Cogswell, Epes, Artificer 4th Bat. L. Art. ; died in 

service. 

Cohane, John Sergt. llth luf 

Colcord, David B 1st H. .\rt. 

Cole, Robert Killed. 

Coleman, Patrick 'M l"f 

Collier, Charles D Ist H. Art. 

Collier, John F 1th H. Art. 

Collins, Charles H 23d Inf 

Collins, Edward A., 13th Unat. Co. Inf militia, 

23d luf 



Collins, Cornelius F 3d H. Art. 

Collins, Edward, jr S. C. 

t'ullins, George W 23d Inf 

Collins, Jeremiah 30th Maine Vols. 

Collins, John G 4th Cav. 

Collins, John H 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Collins, John llth Inf 

Colony, Moses G. 

Colman, Benjamin F S. C. 

(.'-olnian, George B., 54[h Inf (colored) ; trans. 55th 

Inf (colored). 

Colwell, Patrick ..4Sth luf militia, 3d H. Art. 

Conant, George W G2d Inf. 

Coney, Charles W., 1st II. .\rt. ; died .\ndersonvilIe 

Prison. 

Conner, Patrick Ist H. .\rt. 

Conners, Cornelius 2d Cav. 

Connolly, James Oth Inf. 

Connors, Jeremiah 2d Inf. 

Connor, Henry 2d Inf. 

Converse, Francis T Bugler 2d H. .\rt. 

Converse, Augustus 2d Cav. ; mus. lOtli Inf. 

Converse, Josiuh L., Bugler 2d H. .\rt. ; mus. 19th 

Inf 

Conway, Dentils Sergt. 62d Inf. 

Conway, James., I3th Uoat. Co. Inf. militia ; Sergt. 

62d Inf 

Coogan, John 9th Inf. 

Cook. .Welbert P 1st H. Art. 

Cook, David N., 17tli Inf, 13lh Unat. Co. Inf 

militia. 

Cook, Frank 22d Inf ; Navy. 

Cook, George B 50th Inf militia. 

Cook, George W .Wth Inf militia. 

Cook, Jeremiah V. R. C. 

Cook, Peter S llth Inf 

Cook, William S 23d Inf 

Copeland, George A S. C; ; 60th Inf militia; 

23d luf 

Corcoran. Daniel Oth Inf 

Corcoran, John ■2d Inf. 

Corrigan, Daniel 10th luf. 

Coriigan, John 27th Unat. Co. Inf 

Cottle, Alfred 1st H. Art. 

Cottle, Samuel 19th Inf ; tiaus. Navy. 

Cotter, Simon 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Cottrell, William A 1st H. Art. 

Coughlin, Edmund C 'iSth Inf 

Coughlin, John 9th Inf 

Coughlin, Thomas H Wagoner 24tli Inf 

Cousins, Joseph H 13th Unat. Co. Inf militia. 

Cowee, George L...4th Bat. L. .Art.; died in service. 

Cowley, .Tohli H Ist H. Art., V. R. C. 

Cowley, Richard 3d U. Art. 

Crane, .Albert J 2A Co. .Sharps. 

Crawford, James, Corp. Ist Cav. (Co. K, New Bat. 

Cav.). 

Crawford, Wallace l,^th Inf ; trans. 20th Inf 

Creden, Cornelius 9th Inf 

Critchet, Charles E 24th Inf 

Crocker, Josiah M '23d Inf 

fronan, Jeremiah let Sergt. Oth Inf 

Cronan, John Ist Bat'n. H. Art. 

Cronin, John Slst Inf. 

Cronin. Patrick '. 17th Inf 

Cross, George ....48th Inf militia. 

Cross, George W,, Isf II. Art. ; died Andersonville 

Prison. 

Crosson, James F 2d Inf. 

Crowley, Jeremiah 2'2d Inf 

Crowley, Florance 42d Inf 

Crowley, Philip 30lh Inf. ; died in service. 

Crswell, Freeman llth Inf 

Cullen, John llth Inf 

Cummings, Edward I) 12th Inf 

Cunningham, John Navy. 

Gunaidgham, John J 1st Bat'n. U. Art. 



216 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cunningham, Lawrence 9th Inf. 

Cunningham, Matthew, Corp. Ist. Bat'n. II. Art., 
11th Inf. 

Cunningham, Tlionias li*th Inf. ; trang. Navy. 

Cunningham, William W 11th Inf. 

Cunniff, Martin Pr. Mus. 4(lth Inf. 

Curran, ,lohn 17th Inf. 

Currier, Charles W Ist H. .\rt. 

Curtis, .\lon20 67th Inf., 5'.lth Inf. 

Curtis, Jacob 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Cutler, Nathan I' let Sergt. Ist H. Art. 

Cutts, Benjamin S. C. 

Ciitts, Richanl A S. C. 

Cusick, Patrick 9th Inf. 

Cusick, l^atrick 'Jth Inf. 

Dailey.John Uth luf 

Dailey, Patrick 4th Bat. h. An. 

Dailey, Thomas 62d Inf. 

Dale), Bartholomew 41st Inf 

Daley, Charles P Sergt. 2(1 H. Art. 

Daley, .lames 22d Inf. ; killed. 

Daley, James P lath Inf.; V. R. C. 

Daley, John 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Daley, Jeremiah Ist Inf. 

Daley, Lewis T 62d Inf 

Daley, Patrick l;ith Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Daley, Timothy 2d Inf 

Dalrymple, Ceorge 50th Inf militia. 

Dalrymple, George W... 1.3th Unat. Co. Inf. niititia. 

Dalrymple, Simon 8th Inf militia. 

Dalrymple, William H Corp. 60th Inf militia. 

Dalton, Charles H Sergt. S. C 

Dalton, Eleazer M., Jr Ist H. .\rt. ; killed. 

Dalton, James 2d H. Art, 22d Inf. 

Dalton, Sepherino M Sergt. 1st H. Art. 

Dalton, Patrick 40th Inf., V. R. C. 

Dalton, William T S. C. 

Danforth, George Corp. 62d Inf 

Danforth, Robert K Corp. 1st Bat'n. H. .\rt. 

Daniels, Edward A 48th Inf. militia. 

Daniels, John B-..5th Inf. militia. 4Sth Inf militia. 

Daniels, William Corp. 48th Inf militia. 

Daniels, William F Sergt. 23d Inf 

Daniels, William, Jr 23d Inf 

Danigan, Thomas 40th Inf 

Darcy, James. 

Darcy, Michael Navy. 

Darcy, Thomas 9th Inf. 

Davenport, David 6th Inf. militia. 

Davis, .\ndrew L Ist H. .\rt. 

Davis, Benjamin r...26th Inf : trans. 6th V. S. Art, 
Davis, Charles W...Sergt. 23d Inf., 5th Inf. militia. 

Davis, George 5th Art., U. S. C. T. 

Davis, George \ Sergt. 1st II. An. 

Davis, James D., 4tli Bat. L. Art. ; died in service. 

Davis, Jefferson R Mus. 2d II. Art. 

Davis, Samuel Corp. 40th Inf. 

Davis, Warren P Corp. S. C. 

Day, John 4th Vt. Vols. 

Day, John Navy. 

Day, John M Corp. 3d Cav. 

Dean, Charles S 4th Cav. 

Dearborn, Henry F Navy. 

Deboa, James .'. 9th Inf ; V.R. C. 

Deland, Alfred N Corp. IstH. Art. 

Deland, Charles Navy. 

Dehiier, Henry 28th Inf. ; Navy. 

Dempsey, .Tames 9th Inf. 

Derby, Charles W 1st H. Art. 

Derby, Perley 23d Inf ; V. R. C 

Derwin (or Dervin), Michael 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Desmond, Dennis 9th Inf 

Desmond, John 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Desmond, John 17th Inf. 

Devine, John 17th Inf 

Devine, Michael 9th Inf. 



Dickson, Augustus 4th Cav. 

Dinsniore, William 0th Inf 

Dix, Charles E Navy. 

I>ix, James Navy. 

Dockham, William S 48th Inf. militia. 

Dodd, James Navy. 

Iiodge, Charles W 6th Inf militia. 

Dodge, Charles P., Jr S. C. 

Dodge, George A 47th Inf 

Dodge, Eben P 23d Inf 

Dodge, Joseph H fltli Inf ; died in service. 

Dodge, Joseph R..6uth Inf militia ; died in service. 

Dodge, Judsou F Navy. 

Dolan, Patrick 9th Inf 

Dominick, Joseph .6th Inf militia ; 29tb Inf. 

Donahoe, Patrick F 7th Inf ; 2d Cav. 

Donahue, Thomas, 4th Bat. L. Art. ; died in ser- 
vice. 

Donegan, Thomas 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Donelly, Patrick O 9th Inf 

Donovan, John 9th Inf 

Donovan, Patrick II Corp. 17th Inf 

Donovan, Timothy 4th II. Art. 

Dougherty, Michael S Ist H. Art. 

Douglass, Albert, 48th Inf militia ; Trans. 2d R. I. 
Cav. 

Douglass, Albert Navy. 

Douglass, Albert C 8th Inf. Militia; 19th Inf 

Dow, George W 5th Inf 

Dowdell, Charles Oth Inf 

Downing, Henry W., Corp. S. C. ; Sergt. 2d H. 

Art. 
Dowst, Joshua W., Sergt. 6th Inf militia ; 3d Cav. 

Drahan, Nicholas V. R. C. 

Draper, William M Hosp. Stew. U. S. A. 

Dresser, Charles F 1st H. Art. ; died in service. 

Driscoll, John Otli Inf 

DriscoU, John 12th Inf 

Driscoll, Timothy 9th Inf 

Driver, Samuel 19th Inf 

Driver, Stephen P Q M. Sergt. 23d Inf 

Drown, William P 6th Inf militia. 

Dudley, W'arren - 23d Inf 

Duffee, John R 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Duggan, Morty 48th Inf. militia. 

Duggan, William 9th Inf 

Dunham, Nicholas 13th U. S. V. R. C. 

Dunn, James 19th Inf 

Dunuigan, John Navy. 

Dunnegan, Thomas.. 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Diirgin, Thomas .69th Inf ; trans. 67th Inf 

Dupar, William G Navy. 

Dutra, Theodore 2d Unat. Co. 

Dwight, Freeman 27th Inf 

Dwinell, David L. M Sergt. 1st H. Art. 

Dwinell, AVilliam P., 13th Unat. Co. Inf militia; 
4th Bat. L.Art. ; trans. 13th Bat. L. Art. 

Eagan, Richard F 13tli Unat. Co. Inf militia 

Easterbe, Thomas W 7th Inf militia. 

Eastley, Alfred 19th Inf 

Eaton, Alpheus 6th Inf militia. 

Eaton, Horace D 50th Inf militia. 

Eck, William 22d Inf 

Edgerly, Charles E 23d Inf 

Edgerley, Samuel A Sergt. 24th Inf 

Edwards, George 23d Inf. 

Edwards, George K V. R. O. 

Edwards, George W., Corp. 40th Inf ; died in ser- 
vice. 
Edwards, John L., 6th Inf. militia ; 4th Bat. L. 
Art. ; detailed as sailor, 1801. 

Edwards, Joseph 2d N. Y. 

Edwards, Richard L , 24th Inf 

Edwards, William 19th Inf 

Edwards, William P Corp. 19th Inf 

EmmeiBon, Charles H 2d Inf ; killed. 



English, James W 6th Inf militia. 

Entwistle, Thomas 23d Inf 

Enwright, James 19th Inf 

Estes, George H Ist H. Art. ; killed. 

Estes, John F., Mus. 13th Unat. Co. ; Corp. 1st 
Bat'n F. Cav. 

Estes, William P. R 19th Inf > 

Evans, Daniel 11th Inf 

Evans, George (E) 6th Inf. militia ; Navy. 

Evans, James G 20tli luf 

Evans, William 50th Inf. militia; 3d H. Art. 

Fabens, William P 3d H. Art.; died in service. 

Fairfield, John H Ist Bar' n U.Art. 

Fairfield, Samuel G 1st H. Art. 

Fairfield, William 1st U. Art. 

Fairfield, William 3d H. Art. ; V. R. C. 

Fairfield, William 22d Inf 

Fairley, Alexander 19th Inf 

Farley, Charles (M) 1st II, Art. 

Farley, George E 48th Inf. militia. 

Farley, James H *23d Inf. ^ 

Farmer, Joseph P Ist II. Art. 

Fallon, Patrick 17th Int. 

Farnham, George A 4th Cav. 

Farnum, Henry A 3'2d Inf. 

Farrell, Edwar.l 4th H. Art. 

Farrell, John 9th luf 

Farrell, John - 3d H. Art. ; trans. Navy, -i 

Farrell, Robert 0th Inf.; killed. 

Farrell, Owen 22d Inf 

Farrell, William 6th Inf. militia. 

Fauuce, Moees D Artificer 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Feldgen, Hiram S Sergt. 17th Inf 

Felt, David H 17th Inf 

Fennell, John 62d Inf 

Ferguson, George P Ist H. Art. 

Ferguson, Samuel A., 6th Inf militia ; Ist H. Art. | 

Ferrick, James 62d luf j 

Ferris, Edward 22dlnf. j 

Fessenden, George 2d Cav. ' 

Field, Charles V. R. ' 

Field, Joseph (John) W 8th Inf niilitin 

Fields, Robert M 17th Inf. 

Fillebrown, Charles F 1st H. Art. 

Finley, Edward. ..30tli Inf. militia; died in ser- 
vice. I 

Finngan, Thomas Navy^ 

Firth, John A 2d H. Art. 

Fischer, William L. (F) 23d Inf. 

Fish, Charles W 23d Inf ; died in service. . 

Fisher, Francis A Corp. 3d H. Art. I 

Fiske, Peter 19th Inf. 

Fitch, John 19th Inf. ( 

Fitzgerald, Conrad 2d Inf 

Fit/.gerald, George Navy. 

F'itzgerald, Michael 3d H. Art. 

Fitzgerald, Terrance 3d Cav. 

Fitzgerald, Timothy. 

Fitzgerald, William Navy. 

Fitzgerald, John 0th Inf ; trans. 32d Inf. 

Flaherty, Thomas 9th Inf 

Flakefield, Charles 2d H. Art. ; died of wounds. 

Flakelield, John, jr 38th Inf militia. 

Flannigan, Nicholas Navy. 

Flaunigan, Thomas Navy. 

Fleet, George 1st H. Art. ; killed. , 

Flemming, Hugh Navy. 

Flemming, Slichael Na\ y 

Fletcher, Francis H Sergt. 54th Inf (color-'-i 

Flood, John 6th Inf. militia ; 48th Inf militia. 

Flowere, William H.,jr Ist H. Art. 

Flynn, Thomas 23d Inf 

Fogg, James W Navy. 

Foley, .lames 3d Cav.. 62d Inf. 

Folsom, Nathaniel F Ist H. .\rt. 

Foote, George Y 48th Inf militia 



SALEM. 



217 



Foote, Jiihu C IstH. Art. (Band). 

Foote, Moses F....4th Bat. h. Art. ; Jieil iu service. 

Forbes. Charles 11th Inf. 

Ford, Charles T 24th luf. 

Ford, Jeremiah L 48th Inf. militia. 

Ford, Samuel A Navy. 

Ford, Stephen. 

Forneas, William F. (L| 23d Inf. 

Foss, John G oOth Inf. militia ; 3d H. Art. 

Foss, Juhn h 23d Inf. 

Foster, IsajicP., jr Sergt. 8. C. 

Foster, John M Hosp, Slew, oth Inf. militia. 

Foster, Charles W 1st H. Art. 

Foster, Patrick Ist 11. Ait. ; died in service. 

Foster, William J S. C. 

Fountain, James W 6.">th Int. (colored) 

Fountain, Willirtiii 5Jth Inf., trans. 55th Inf. 

(culond). 

Fowler, Newton G 7th Inf, militia. 

Fuwier, Edward Navy. 

Fowler, Samuel M., Cuip. 1>1 II. Art. ; died An- 
deraonville Prison. 

Fowler, William T., Sth Inf. militia; Sergt. 2.1d 
Inf. ; killed. 

Fowler, William W Navy. 

Fox, Lawrence 17th Inf. 

Foye, Edward Navy. 

Francis, Joseph, 4ttth Inf, uiiliiia; o'Jth Inf. ; 
killed. 

Francis, Moses F Navy. 

Franklin, George 28th Inf. 

French, Harry B 56th Inf. 

French, John G2d Inf. 

Freeze, Noah L 19th Inf.; 47tb Inf. militia. 

Friend, Joel M 50th Inf. militia. 

Friend, Alfred Corp. 24th Inf. ; died of wounds. 

Friend, Frederick Navy. 

Friman,Karl 22d luf. 

Frothintjliam, Gustavutt, Int U. Art.; died iu ser- 
vice. 

Frothinghiun, John F., Ist H. Art. ; died of 
wuuiids. 

Frye, Alfred, 1st H. Art. ; died Andei-sunville Prison. 

Fne, I'auiel M 12th Inf., V. It. C. 

Furbush, Edward W 20th luf 

Furtony, Michael Navy. 

Full, William L 1st. H. Art. 

Fuller, Charles G U. S. Signal Corps. 

Fullum, John 17th Inf. militia. 

Gaffiiey, rhristopher. 

Gage, Andrew J 2d Co. Sharps. 

Galarcar, Charles. See Calaracaii, Charles. 

Galivan, Michael 13lh Unat. Co. Inf. 

Gallagher, Joseph Navy. 

Gallagher, Thomaa 17th Inf. 

Gallagher, William G 1st Bat'n F. Cav. 

Gallnear, Charles '.id Co. Sharps.; killed. 

Gallucia, Hezekiah A 3d H. Art. 

Galloway, F. N Navy. 

Galloway, John H 20th Inf 

Gammon, James 1st H. Art. 

Gauley, John H 9th Inf.; killed 

Gannou, John 4th H. Art. 

Gannop, John 9th Inf. 

Gardner, Abel 5th luf. uiilitta ; 2d Co. Sharps. 

Gardner, Albert G Pr. Mus. 23d luf. 

Gardner, Benjamin B 2d Inf. 

Gardner. Charles II lUth Inf. 

Gardner, Benjamin F 2i)th Inf. 

Gardner, Charles W.,5lh luf. militia : S. C. ; Navy. 

Gardner, Charles W 50th Inf. militia. 

Gardner, Edward L 47th Inf. militia. 

Gardner, George A Navy. 

Gardner, Horace B Ut H. Art. 

Gardner, Howard P Ist II. Art. 

Gardner, John Mus. 7th Tuf militia. 

14A 



Gardner, James W 2d Co. Sharps., 22d Inf. 

(^iardner, Benjamin S. 

Gardner, Joseph D S. C. 

Gardner, Robert 2d Inf. 

Gardner, William 3d U. S. xVrt. 

Gardner, William D , S. C. 

Gardner, William H 5th Inf. militia. 

Gardner, William H.. 48th Inf. militia. 

Garney, .John W 23d Inf. 

Gairity, John 3Uth Inf 

Garrity, Patrick, 4th Bat. L. Art., trans. 13th Bat. 

Gas3, Williaui II Navy. 

Gehow, James Navy. 

Geigle, Edward Sergt. 9th Inf. 

Getchell, Charles E Corp. S.C. 

Cietchell, Chailea L 23d Itif. ; died iu service. 

Getchell, Edward E 2.id Inf. 

Getchell, George F 1st H. Art. 

Getchell, James A 1st H, Art. 

Getchell, Stephen IstH. Art. 

Gibbions, Lyman '■2d Inf. 

Gibbs, William, 54th Inf., trans. 55th Inf. (colored); 
killed. 

Gibson, John F 3d H. Art. 

GifFord, Charles P...Iat Co. Sliarps. ; died in service. 
Gifford, Frank, "th Inf. militia; 4th Cav.; died in 
service. 

Giles, CharlesH Mb Inf. militia. 

Giles, Israel iDth Inf. 

Gillespie, James S Ist H.Art. 

Gillespie, Joseph A 23d Inf. 

Gilley, George S 2d H. Art., trans. Navy. 

GilloD, Hugh 11th Inf.; died in service. 

Gilman, Charles B 14th Bat. L. Art. 

Gilman, John T 5th Inf. militia. 

Gilman, Joaoph 4th Bat. L. Art., trans. Y. li. C. 

Gilman, Simon F I4th Bat. L. Art. 

Glazier, James E. (B) 23d Inf. 

Glazier, George W S. C. 

Gluss, George Navy. 

GleasoH, John ;;Uth L'liat. Co., U. Art. 

Glidden, Joseph H 5tli luf. militia. 

Glover, James, Jn. See Grover. 

Glover, Joseph N 4»>ili Inf. militiii. 

Glover, Heury B 11th Inf; killed. 

Glover, William H 48th Inf. militia. 

Glover, George D Sergt. S. C. 

Goldsmith, William H 4th N. H. Vols. 

Guldtliwaite Benjamin F 23d Inf. 

Goldtbwaite, Charles A 9th Bat. L. Art. 

Goldthwaite, (ieorge C S. C. 

Goldtliwaite, Luther M 1st H. Art. 

Goldthwaite, Warren V 1st Bat'n F. Cav. 

Goodhue, Amos D 32d Inf., traus. V. R. C. 

Goodhue, Hiram B S. C. 

Goodhue, John E 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Goodrich, William 6th Inf. militia. 

Goodsell, Heury I9th Inf. 

Goodwin, George 19th Inf. 

Goodwin, Thomas 29th Unat. Co. H. Art. 

Gordon, George E Ist Inf. 

Gorman, Jamts Ist H. Art. 

Gormau, John 57th Inf., traus. from 59th Inf. 

Gorman, Michael Navy. 

Gorman, Thomas 1st H. Art. 

Gorman, Thomaa 'Jth Inf., trans. V. R. C. 

Gorten, Samuel Sergt. ,62d luf. 

Goss, Charles H 8th Wik 

Guss, George L fith luf militia, 23d Wis. 

Gu3S, Samuel (I.)T 1st U. Art. 

Gould, James lat N. Y. Exculsior Brigade. 

Gove, Charles F 29th Inf. 

Gould, Gilmau J 2d N. H. Vols. 

Grady, Dennis Navy. 

Graham, William, 'jlh Inf.; reported killed as Gor- 
ham. 

Grahaui, William 4tii Cav. 



Grant, Benjamin H S. C. 

Grant, Edward H 23d Inf. 

Graaer, Charles Navy. 

Gray, George A 48th Inf. militia. 

Gray, George A 4th H. Art. 

Gray, Everhardt 3d H. Art. 

Gray, John 3d H. Art. 

Gray, John (II.) '23d Inf. 

Gray, Joseph let Co. Sharps. 

Gray, Robert 2d N. Y. H. Art. 

Gray, William 19th Inf. 

Greeley, Thomas J Corp. 24th Inf. 

Green, George P Navy. 

Green, George W 4th H. Art. 

Green, Joseph II ..Ist H. Art,; died in service. 

Green, John Navy. 

Green, Thomas., lillh Irtat. Co. luf. militia; Corp. 
9th Inf. 

Green, William U 2d Inf. 

Greenough, Daniel S., :id Inf.; died of wounds, 

1864. 
Greenough, Johu W., Jr., Corp. 23d Inf; died of 
VFounds. 

Grieve, Thomas V. B. C. 

Griffin, Benjamin 55th Inf. (colored). 

Griflin, Eben, Jr S. C. 

Griffin, Henry, 13th Unat. Co. luf. militia ; Cist Inf. 

Griffin, John 29th Unat. Co. H. Art. 

Grithn, Thomas 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Griffiu, Thomas J 48th Inf. militia. 

Griffin, William 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Grimes, Charles H., lat 11. Art. ; 2;)th Unat. C«. li. 
Ai-t. 

Grimes, Ismel W 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Grimes, Oliver 1st H. Art. 

Grimes, Robert Z9th Unat. Co. H.Art. 

Grimes, Warren S yth Inf. 

Grimes, William H 23d Inf. 

Grinson, Thomas L...12ih Inf.; missing, supposed 
killed. 

lirosvenor, Edward P 23d Inf. 

Grover, James, Jr 5th luf.; militia. 

Grover, Johu, Jr 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Grocer, Johu C 4th Cav. ; Navy. 

Grnsh, Benjamiu .S Sergt. 4uih Inf. 

Guilford, Elbridge H., Corp. 5th Inf. militia ; de- 
tailed as sailor. 

Guilford, Samuel W Sergt. 4Uth luf; killed. 

Gwinn, Charles H., Sergt. 6th Inf. militia; 7th 
Itif. militia. 

Gwinn, Edward .\., Corp. 4i)th Inf.; died of 
wounds. 

Ilackett, Harrison 5th Inf. militia, 3d H. Art. 

Haekett, Michael 28th Inf. 

Hadley, Horace L 5th Inf. militia. 

Hale, Joseph S 48th Inf. militia. 

Haley, James 62d Inf. 

Hall, Edwin A Mb Inf. militia, Sergt. 23d Inf- 

Hall, James A., Oth Inf. militia, G2d Inf. 

Hall, Thomas 22d Inf. 

Hall, William H., 5lh luf. militia, 48th Inf. mi- 
litia. 

Ham, Edwin 2d Inf. 

Hammond, William G., ttirp. l.Jtli Unat. Co. Inf. 
militia. 5oth Inf. militia. 

Hancock, John E Ist H. Art. 

Hausbaw, Johu Navy. 

Hanson, George 4Mh Inf. militia. 

Hanson, John 9th Inf., tnins. Navy. 

Hanson, George W 35th Inf. 

Hanson, Parker W 7th Inf. niililia, 3d H. .\rl. 

Hardmau, James 20th luf. 

Harmon, M. I> Navy. 

Harrington, Daniel oUtb Inf.; died of wounds 

Harringtou, F. H. W Nary 

Hiuringtou, Leuminl 50th Inf. militia. 

Harrington, Michael 19th Inf., V. R. C. 



218 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Harrinjjton, Philip F 4tii H. Art. 

Harrington, William H 5LL Inf. militia 

Harris, Alphonzo 50th I uf. militia. 

Harris, John.Jr SadUUr, 1st Bat'n F. Cav. 

Harris, Juhn P 1st H. Art. 

Harris, William S outU Inf. militia. 

Harrison, George 19th Inf. 

Hart, John 17th Inf. 

Hart, John W 5th Inf. militia. 

Hart, Joseph L 4th Bat. X,. Art ; died in service. 

Hart, Timothy *20th Inf. 

Hartman, Charles 16th Inf. 

Hartwell, Joseph W 7th Inf. militia. 

Hartwell, William H 23d Inf. 

Haskell, Benjamin F 19th Inf. 

Haskell, Charles.... Cor p. liith Inf. ; died in service. 

Haskell, Charles F 7th Inf. militia. 

Haskell, Elijah Navy. 

Haskell, Edward B S. C. 

Haskell, William H IstH. Art. 

Hassett, Martin 30th Inf. ; died in service. 

Hatch, Henry J 

Hatch, Thomas C.lyth Unat. Co. Inf. militia ; 1st 
Bat'n F. Cav. 

Hathaway, Stephen F Ist H. Art. 

Hauseman, William 19th Inf. 

Hawes, James Navy 

Hawthorne, William H Master's Mate, Navy. 

Hay, John 

Hayden, Thomas Navy 

Hayes, Benjamin Corp. 9th Inf. 

Hayes, James 2d H. Ai-t. ; trans. Navy. 

Hayes, John 57th Inf. 

Hayes, Juhn I I9th Inf. 

Hayes, Mauricw 3oth Inf. ; died in service. 

Hayes, Thomas Navy 

Hayford, William B....l6t H. Art., 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hayward, Charles E 1st H. Art. 

Hazard, John Navy 

Hazeton, Augustus 48th Inf. militia. 

Hazeltou, David Jr 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hazelton, Andrew. 48th Inf. militia. 

Healy, Dennis 9th Inf. 

Heaney, Richard 9th Inf 

Heeney, Thomas 2d Cav. 

Heeney, William A IstH. Art. 

Helpin, James. ..55th Inf. (colored) ; died in service. 

Helt, Benjamin G 1st H. Art. 

Hemmenway, Frederick Navy. 

Hendei-son, Charles H Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Henderson, Ephraim 1 1st Sergt. let H. Art. 

Henfield, James H., 29th Unat. Co. H. Art., 1st 
Sergt. 1st Bat'n 11. Art. 

Henfield, Joseph H S. C. 

Henneasy, Arthur Navy. 

Hennessy, David :^d Inf. 

Hennessey, James P 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hennessy, John Corp. 9th Inf. 

Henry, Michael 1st Cav. 

Henville, William W 1st Cav. 

Herrick, Benjamin, jr Ist H. Art. 

Herrick, Benjamin F 2d Unat. Co Inf. militia. 

Hersey, WillianiH 1st H. Art. 

Hewitt, Edwin W 23d Inf. 

Heywood, George 23d Inf. 

Hicks, Samuel Navy 

Hibhard, Curtis A 5th Inf, militia. 

Higbee, Stephen D S. C. 

Higgins, Thomas 02rt Inf. 

Higginbotham, John Navy 

Higginbotham, Joseph 23d Inf. 

Hig-'ey, Gilman S 2.'id Inf. 

Hifield, Thomas Navy 

Hill, Charles H 3d H. ,'\rt. 

Hill, Horace L 1st Inf. 

Hill, James ; 5th Inf. militia 

Hill, Thomas Navy 



Hill, Thomas G Navy 

Hilton, Charies H 62d Inf. 

Hilton, Edward W 1st Cav. 

Hinckley, George U., 23d Inf ; died Anderson- 

ville Prison. 

Hinds, Richard 48th Inf. militia. 

Hines, Thomas F Corp. 48th Inf. militia. 

Hiues, Thomas T 6th Inf. militia 

Hitchings, Abijah F., 8th Inf. militia ; Sergt. I'Jth 

Inf. 

Hoar, Thomas V. R. C. 

Hobbs, George Artificer Ist H. Art. 

Hobbs, Nathan F Navy 

Hodgdon, George B Corp. 23d Inf. 

Hogan, James 56th Inf. ; died of wounds 

Holden, John 11th Inf. 

Holmes, George H 1st H. Art. 

Holmes. Francis W Navy 

Holland, Thomas Navy 

Homer, George H lyth Inf 

Hood, Osborn Navy 

Hopkins, John Ist II. Art. 

Hoiton, George IstH. Art. 

Horrigan, Jeremiah 19th Inf. 

Howard, Austin Navy 

Howard, Daniel L 4th H. Art. 

Howard, David A., 6th Inf. militia ; 27th Unat. Co. 

Inf. 

Howard, Fben BJ 1st H. Art. 

Howard, Frank C 8th Inf. militia 

Howard, Fletcher 2 2d Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf 

Howard, John H 5th Inf. militia 

Howard, Nathaniel K. 6th Inf. militia 

Hovey, William 48th Inf. militia 

Howe, James Navy 

Howes, Christopher H 6Uth Inf. militia 

Hoyt, Charies C Sergt. 4Sth Inf. militia 

Hoyt, George N Gist Inf 

Hoyt, John A 6th Inf. militia; 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hoxflin, Frederick 22d Inf. 

Huddle, Benjamin 17th Inf. 

Hughes, Edward 9th Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Hughes, James Navy 

Hunter, John Navy 

Huntress, Charles W 4th H. Art. 

Huntress, John E 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hurd, George S Navy 

Hnrd, William H 5th Inf. militia 

Hurley, James Navy 

Hurley, 'John Navy 

Hurley, John F Q. M. Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Hurley, William 2d Cav.; killed 

Hurly, William Oth Inf. ; died in service 

Hurrell, John 9th Inf.; killed 

Hurty, James Navy 

Huse, Edward yth Inf. 

Huse, Stephens 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Husmann, Johannas 22d Inf. ; Navy 

Hutchinson, George C. 2d Co. Sharps; trans. V. R. C. 

Hutchinson, Goodwin Navy 

Hutchinson, John L., Artificer, 20th Unat. Co. H, 
Art.; 1st H. Art. 

Hutchinson, William 2d H. Art. 

Hutchinson, William 23d Inf. 

Hytyes, George 22d luf ; Navy 

Ingalls, John 11th Inf.; died in service. 

Ingalls, John D 48th Inf. militia. 

Ives, George A 44tli Inf. 

Ivei"8, William Ist Cav. 

Ivory, John , 62d Inf. 

Jackson, Andrew 48th Inf. militia. 

Jackson, James W. C Navy. 

James, John. ...54th Inf; trans. 55th Inf. (colored). 

James, John Navy. 

Janes, Edwin 17th luf. 

Janes, John 50th Inf. militia. 



Janes, William H V. K. C. 

Jaques, John Navy 

Jaques, Joseph 4Sth Inf. militia; Navy. 

Jarvis, M'illiam H 19th Inf. 

Jeffs, James M Ist H. Art. 

Jefl"reys, William F 48th Inf. militia. 

Jennis, James D 32d Inf. 

Jennie, Thomas J 32d Inf.; trans. V. R. C. 

Jewell, Charles C...7lh Inf militia ; Sergt. 2d Cav. 

Jewell, David N Navy. 

Jewell, Franklin 2d Inf.; killed. 

Jewett, Charles S... wagoner 40th Inf ; trans. V. R. C. 

Jewett, Lewis T 1st H. Art. 

Jewett, John W V. R. C. 

Jewett, Thomas E Sergt. 48tU Inf. militia. 

Johnson, Alfred 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Johnson, Charles I7th Inf 

JubnsoD, Frederick A Corp. l2th luf; V. R. C. 

Johnson, Frank E 5th Inf. militia. 

Johnson, George Ist Inf.; trans. 11th Inf 

Johnson, Henry Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Johnson, John H 1st H. Art. 

Johnson, John O. 2d Cav. 

Juhnsou, Louis 28th Inf. 

Johnson, Lewis Navy. 

Johnson, Peter Navy. 

Johnson, Samuel Navy. 

Johnson, Samuel F Navy. 

Johnson, William B. F 1st H. Art. 

Jones, Alexander 17th Inf 

Jones, John Navy. 

Jones, John J Navy. 

Jones, Stephen F 1st Sergt. 17th Inf. 

Jones, Thomas T Navy. 

Jones, William U 19th Inf. 

Jonlan,Johii 19th Inf. 

Jordan, William 9th Inf. 

Joyce, Juhn 19fh Inf 

Joye, Robert U , 2d Inf. 

Junkee, Augustus L... 2d Inf. 

Kain, John 22d Inf; trans. 32d Inf. 

Kane, Dennis F. Navy. 

Kavanaugh, James Navy. 

Kayler, Patrick.. llth Inf. 

Kearney, Peter IGth Inf. 

Keating, John L 3d Cav.; trans. Navy. 

Keating, IVlichael 9th Inf. 

Keating, Patrick 9th Inf.; killed. 

Keenau, Michael 9th Inf.; killed. 

Keene, Charles 4th Cav. 

Kehew, Francis A. .5th Inf. militia; Sergt. 24th Inf. 

Kehew, George 5th Int. militia; 24th Inf. 

Kehew, John H 5th Inf. militia; 24th Inf. 

Kehew, Samuel B 1st H. Art. 

Kell, William 9th Bat. L. Art. 

Kclliher, Jameo Com. Sergt. Ist Cav. 

Kelleher, John 9th Inf 

Kelliher, Jeremiah Navy. 

Kelliber, Murtnion Navy. 

Kelly, Charles Navy. 

Kelley, Charles D 9th Inf. 

Kelly, Edward.. Com. Sergt, 1st Cav.; 8tb Inf. militia. 

Kelly, James 28th Inf. 

Kelly, James 9th Inf 

Kelley, James.. Navy. 

Kelley. John 9tb Inf. 

Kelley, Juhn 9th Inf. 

Kelley, John 9th Inf 

Kelley, John 30th Inf. 

Kelly, Luke Navy. 

Kelley, Michael 9th Inf. 

Kelley, Michael 2d Cav. 

Kelly, Patrick Navy. 

Kelley, Simon P 9th Inf. 

Kellogg,. Fred B 1st H. Art. 

Kendall!, William H 60th luf, militia. 



SALEM. 



219 



Kennedy, Martin 9th Inf. 

Kennedy, Martin Navy. 

Kennedy, Michael. ..4Sth Inf. militia; trans. 2d R. 

I. Cav. 

Kennody, Miohiiel Navy. 

Kennelly, Havid OtU Inf. 

Keuney, Bonjnmin M 23d Inf.; trans. V. R. C. 

Kenuey, Thomas F Navy. 

Koniiison, Orriu W 23d Inf. 

Kershaw, Samnel 20th Inf. 

Ketchaiu. Francis H 

Kezar, Albert 4th Bat. h. Art.; died in service. 

Ee7.ar. Albert 3d Cav. 

Kezar, Alouzo V.ith Unat. Co, Inf. militia. 

Kezar, Alonzo C llth Inf.; 17th Inf 

Kezar, Charles H S. C. 

Kezar, George L 2d H. Art. 

Kezar, George W... Sergt. fi2d Inf. 

Kezar, Walter A Sergt. 2ltth Inf. 

Kiernan, Eugene. 4th H. Art. 

Kilbride, Daniel 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Kilhum, Alexander S 40th Inf. 

Killiam, William G S. C. 

Kimball, Charles A S. C; 3d H. Art. 

Kimball, George S S. C. 

Kimball, llomce W Navy. 

Kimball, Jiinies, jr llth Inf. 

Kimball, Joseph A 40th Inf. 

Kimball, Palmer 2d Inf. 

Kimball, William L oth Inf. militia ; 1st Cav.; 

Sergt. 3d H. Art.: tmns. Navy. 

King, George Navy. 

King. John 2d Inf. 

King, John llth Inf.; trans. V. R. C. 

King, Obey Navy. 

King, Peter 2d H. Art. 

Kingsley, George W 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Kingsley, John 3d H. Art. 

Kingsley, William P.. Ist H. Art. 

Kinsley, James H I9lh Inf. 

Kinsman, Joseph N.. 23d Inf.; died in service. 

Kirklaud, James M .....Corp. Ist Bat'n II. Art. 

Kirwin, Charles Navy. 

Kittredge, Uenry 3Uth Inf.; died in service. 

Kittredge, Henry A. .Corp. .JOth Inf.; died in service. 

Kleever, Ferdinand Navy. 

Kuapp, Saumel W l;jth Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Knight, Charles Navy. 

Knight, Jeremiah 3d H. Art., 2d Inf. 

Knight, Solomon Navy. 

Knowles, David L Navy. 

Knowlton, George..50th Inf. militia: died in service. 

Kuuwlton, George W 2d Co. Sharps. 

Knuwlton, 31ai-cu8 A Navy. 

Knowlton, Samuel 23d Inf. 

Knowlaud, John B 2d il. Art. 

Kohaue, Michael 2d H. Art. 

Kyle, Robert Corp. 4oth Inf.; killed. 

Lablair, Lotiis llth Inf. 

Lacey, James Navy. 

Lacy, Thomas Navy. 

Lackey, Frank llth Inf. 

Ladd, Daniel W Q. M. Sergt. 1st Cav. 

Laduc, Joseph Navy. 

Lahey, Jeremiah 40th Inf. 

Lakeman, Horace I'.tth Inf. 

Lakeman, Nathan. ..Q. M. Sergt. Ist H. Art.; Super. 

Lamb, Hiram O Oth Inf. militia ; S. C. 

Lanison. George A 13th Unat. Co. Inf. niilitiu ; 

50th Inf. militia. 

Lancy, Patrick Navy. 

Lander, Benjiimin W Q. M. S. 

Landt-r, William T 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Landers, David 2d H. Art. 

Landgren, George Navy, 

Landgreu. John H.. Navy, 



Land}', Michael, jr 

Lane, Charles H Navy. 

Lane, William H Ist Inf. 

Lang, Josei)h 2d Cav. 

Langdell, George W 50th Inf. militia. 

Laiigriiaid, George W 2d Inf. 

Larrabne, Joseph N Corp. 48(h Inf. miiitia. 

Larrabee Samuel W Ist Sergt. 48th Inf. militia. 

LarrabcM, Warren 48tli Inf. militia. 

Lan-abee, William W 2d Inf.; killed. 

Lawrence, John Navy. 

I^awton, George F 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Leach, Daniel E Corp. S. C. 

Leach, HarriB flth Inf. militia. 

Leach, Lehbens, Jr Sergt. l.^th Unat Co. Inf, 

militia. 

Leach, Robert Navy. 

Leahy, David Ist H. Art. 

Learey, Henry Navy. 

Leary, Dennis... 2d H. Art. ; 17th Inf. ; died Ander- 
Bonville Prison. 

Leary, Timothy '-ttli Inf. 

Le^Ty, Timothy 19th Inf. 

Leavitt, Israel P. ..Corp. 17th Inf, ; 5th Inf. militia. 

Lechood, John Navy. 

Lee, Francis H 23d Inf. 

Lee, John \V..Ut H. Art. ; 3d H. .^rt. ; trans. Navy. 

Lee, Joseph, Jr -"lOth Inf. militia. 

Lee, Robert G 59th Inf. 

Lee, M'illiyni H Navy. 

Lee, William R 69th Inf. ; trans. 57th Inf. 

Lee, William S o7th Inf. 

Lee, York M Navy. 

Le Grand, Charles E.. Bugler Ist Bat'n F. Cav, ; l3th 
Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Lehan, Wdiiam 22d Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf. 

Leighton, M'illiam., 2d Cav, ; died in service. 

Lenakin, William Navy. 

Lendholm, Charles F 99th N. Y. Inf. 

Leonard, John H Sergt. 17th Inf. 

Llewellyn, Patrick 

Llewellyn, Thomas J 9th Inf 

Lewis, Chancy H Corp. Ist H. Art. 

Lewis, Charles W Mus. 3d H. Art. 

Lewis, Daniel S I9th Inf. 

Lewis, Eneas I Navy. 

Lewis, George B 2d Co. Sharps, 

Lewis, Henry 1st H. Art. 

Lewis, Henry Navy. 

Lewis, John Navy. 

Lewis, Roland F Corp. 17tli Inf. 

Lewis, Thomas W 3d H. Art. 

Libby, Henry, ..5th Inf. militia ; St-rgt. "tti Inf. mi- 
litia. 

Libby, John F 7th Inf. militia. 

Libby, Melviu J Navy. 

Lightfoot, Joseph 25th Inf ; died of wounds. 

Lilee, Jack Navy, 

Linehan, (.'onneUns J. ..13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

Linehan, Dennis Corp. 1st Cav. 5tli Inf. militia. 

Linehan, John Sergt. 2d H. Art. 

Linehan, John 53d Inf. 

Linehan, Thomas E 23d [uf. 

Little, Thomas Navy. 

Litllefield, Daniel .llth Inf. 

Littleficld, Elmer S. C. 

Littletietd, Moses II Corp. 4th Bat L. .\rt. 

Littlefield, Joseph \ Navy. 

Lobdell, Richard T Navy. 

Locke, Cyrus. ...7th Inf. Diilitia; Corp. 7th Bat. L. 
Art. 

Logan, Jeremiah Corp. Isl H. .\rt. 

Long, Andrew Navy. 

Long, George 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Long, Henry Navy. 

Long, Knb-rt J 12th Inf. ; trans. Navy. 

Looby, Thomas 4th Bat. L. Art. 



Loratta, Anthony Navy. 

Lord, Charles L .Oth Inf. militia; S. 0. 

Lord, Francis S. C. 

Lord, George C 6th Inf. militia. 

Lord, Henry C 13th Inf. 

Lord, Thomas H ; 2d Cav. 

Lorigan, John Sergt. 91h Inf. 

Lorrigan, Michael 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Loring, John ]7!h U. .S. Inf. 

Loud, David, Jr S, C. 

Loud. Elbridge Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Loud, George B 3d Cav. 

Loud, Joseph G S. C. 

Low, Cornelius H 1st H. Art- ; trans. V. R. C. 

Low, George H .'>th Inf, Militia. 

Low, .Tames W oth Inf. Militia. 

Lt.wd. Albert J Sergt. .^th Inf. Militia. 

Lowd, Jacob R 5iitb Inf. Militia ; ftorp 4th Cav. 

Lowd, William H Navy. 

Lowry Blichaol Navy. 

fjucey, Daniel Navy. 

Lucy, Michael P 17th Inf. 

Luiidgren, James F Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Lundy, Michael Gist Inf. 

Lunt, William J 5th Inf. militia. 

Luscomb, Charles P.. 5th Inf. militia; Navy. 

Lusconib, George W... Sergt. 59th Inf. ; trans. 57th 

Inf. ; 50th Inf. militia ; 8th Inf. militia. 

Luscomb, Henry R.. Navy. 

Luscomb, William H Corp. 24th Inf. 

Lusconib, William F 1st H. Art. 

Luscomb, William L Ist H. Art. 

Lusk, Joseph H 1st H. Art. 

Lynch, Charles Navy. 

Lynch, Francis E Navy. 

Lynch, James Navy. 

Lynch, James 9th Inf. 

Lynch, John Navy. 

Lynch, Patrick 48th Inf. militia. 

Lynch, Patrick, .,4th Bit. L. Art. ; trans. 13th Bat. 

L. Art. 

Lynch, Patrick 9th Inf. 

Lynch, .Jeremiah 22d Inf. ; died in Rebel Prison- 
Lynch, W'illiam 9th Inf. 

Lyons, Charles H 3d H. Art. 

Lyons, James 48th Inf. militia. 

Lyons, Patrick 4th H. Art. 

Lynn, Matthew Sergt. 9th Inf. 

Lyon, James W 1st R. I. Inf. 

McAdams, Patrick G2d Inf. 

McCabe, Patrick. ..48th Inf, militia ; .'S9th Inf. ; died 
in service. 

McCabe, William H Ist Cav. : killed. 

.McCalterty, Noal 2itth Inf. 

MctJann, Hugh l"fh Inf. 

!\IcCiirthy, Daniel Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

McCarthy. Daniel 9th Inf. 

McCarthy, Dennis W Oth Inf^ 

SlcCarthy, John Corp. 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Mc('avthy, John...4lh Hat. L. Art. ; died in service. 

McCarthy, Michael Sergt. 1st Bat'n IL Art. 

McCarthy, Patrick 9(h Inf. 

McCarthy, Patrick 9th Inf. 

McCarty, John 9th Inf. 

Mct'arty, John Navy. 

McCUlInn, George H 2d H. Art. ; tnins. 17th Inf. 

Mc(;ioud, Alfred Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

McCloy, John B 23d Inf. 

McCloy, Robert Corp. S. C. 

McCommic, .John.... 13lh Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

McCormick, Charles Navy. 

McCorniicU, Thomas 23d Inf. 

McCormick, Thomas 28th Inf. 

M<-Donald. Eneaa 17th Int. 

McDonald, Philip Hh H. Art. 

McDonnell, David 59th Inf. ; died in service. 






220 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



McDonnell, John I3th Unat, Co. Inf. militia. 

McDonnell, PUilip I'^th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

McDonnell, Philip 2d Inf. 

McDonongb, Enos 17th Inf. 

McDiifBe, Augustus P '^3d Inf. 

McDuffle, Dana H Navy. 

McDuffie, George Navy. 

McDuffie, Hugh Sergt. 5th Inf. militia; let Cav. 

McDugal, John 48th Inf. militia. 

McFaddeu, Albert 32d Inf. 

McFiirland, Clutrles 5th Inf. militia. 

McFarland, Charles. ..Sergt. 12th Inf. ; trans. 20th 

Inf. 

McFarland, James 9th Inf. 

McFarland, Pt-ter... 40th Inf. ; died in service, 

McGordis, Charles Ist H. Art. ; died of wounds. 

McGrath, John 9th Inf. 

McGuire, Charlea 2d Cav. 

McGuire, Patrick 9th Inf. ; killed. 

McGuire, Thomas yth Inf. 

McGuire, Thomas L'2d Inf.; trans. 5tli U. S. Art. 

McGurty, Patrick nth Inf. 

Mcllugh, Patrick H 9tb Inf 

Mclntire, Charles.. 17th Inf. ; lOth Tnf. 

Mclntire, George 24th Inf. ; died of wounds, 

McKcnnau, Francis iSlth Jnf. 

McKenn.v, Rubert 20th Inf. 

McKenzie, John W 2d Co. Sharps. ; killed. 

McKinley, Barney Navy. 

McKliget, James 9th Inf. 

McKormick, John '.Hh Inf. 

McKown, John B...lBt H. Art. ; died a prisoner at 

Milan, Ga. 

McLaughlin, Andrew Navy. 

McLaughlin, James 

McLaughlin, Michael 24th Inf. 

McLord, Alfred let Bat'n U. Art. 

McMahon, James Uth Inf. ; killed. 

McMaUon, John .' Hith Inf. ; killed. 

McMahon, Philip. ..7th Inf. militia; 1st Bat'n II. 

Art. 

McMurphy, Benjamin F 7th Inf. militia. 

McMurphy, James F 4th H. Art. 

McNamara, Michael 20th Inf. ; died in service. 

McNaniara, Peter .9th Inf. ; killed, 

McNeal. Di.niel F 19th Inf. 

McNeil, Mi«hael..7th Inf. Militia ; Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

McNulty, James (Ist) 3d Cav. 

McShane, James 22d Inf. 

McShea, John 17th Inf. 

McShea, Thomas 3d H. Art. 

McSweegan, James 62d Inf. 

McSweeney, Morgan 9th Inf. 

McVey, Charles Navy. 

Mack, William 2d H. Art. 

Mackie, John A 50th Inf. militia. 

Madden, Stephen 62d Inf. 

Maddicutt, John Navy. 

Maddin, John, 4th Bat. L. Art. ; trans. 13th Bat. L. 

Art. 

Magoun, Samuel B 11th Inf. 

Magrath, David, Corp. ; 28th Inf. ; trans. V. R C 

Magner, John 4th Bat. L. Art. ; died in service. 

Mahoney, Dennis, 9th Inf. ; trans. Navy as Daniel 

D. Mahoney. 

Mahoney, James, jr Navy. 

Mahoney, John C 24th Inf. 

Mahoney, Timothy +th H. Art. 

Mallen, Henry 'Sd Cav. 

Maloney, Edward t9th Inf. 

Maloon, William H S. C. 

Malowe, John Navy 

Manning, Albert E 23d Inf. 

Manning, Daniel A., artificer; 4th Bat. L. Art. ; 

died in service. 
Planning, Horace Ist H. Art ; died in service. 



Manning, Peter 11th Inf. 

Manning, Philip A., Gth Inf. militia ; Ist Bat'n F, 
Cav. 

Manning, Richard H 3d H. Art. 

Manning, William H let H. Art. 

Manning, Wdliam S Corp. 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Manser, John B 62d Inf. 

Manstield, Charles H 8th Inf. militia, 11th Inf., 

U. S. Eng. Corps. 

Mansfield, Daniel R S. C. 

Mansfield, George S..Corp. 23d Inf.; trans. V. R. C. 

Mansfield, James, jr 5th Inf. militia 

Mansfield, John R....5th Inf. militia ; 7th Inf. mili- 
tia ; Wagoner 1st Bat'n H. -Vrt, 

Marley, Richard 17th Inf. 

Marr, Michael 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

Marshall. Ezekiel H S. C. 

Marshall, Robert C 3d H. Art. ; trans. Navy 

Marshall, John H 4th Bat. L. Art. ; trans. 13th 

Bat. L. Art. 

Marshall William F 48th Inf. militia 

Martin, Edward 4<ith Inf. 

Martin, George A Mu8. 59th Inf. ; killed 

Martin, Heury 23d Inf. 

Martin, William II 17th Inf. 

IMathews, Lawrence 9th Inf. ; died of wounds 

Mathews, Vincent 48tb Inf. militia 

Matthews, Henry Navy 

Matthews, Henry 28th Inf. 

Masury, Thomas A 29th Inf. ; died of wounds 

Ma.\field, Charles O Corp. 1st H. Art. ; super 

Maxfield, James, jr 5th Inf. militia 

Maxfield, John G 2d Cav. 

Maxfield, John V ItJt Maine H. Art. 

Maxwell, Adam 4th H. Art. 

Maxwell, Silas 17th Inf. ; died in service 

May, Henry E 2d Co. Sharps., Iranw. V. R. C. 

Meade, William E Navy 

Meady, Albert C let H. Art. 

Meady, Daniel F 2d Co Sharps 

Meek, Henry M..5th Inf. militia ; Ist Bat'n F. Cav. 

Mehan, John C Navy 

Mehan, Mathew 17th Inf. 

Melcher, George P.. ..Ist H. Art. ; Ist Bat'n H. Art 

Melcher, John E 1st H. Art. 

Melcher, Levi L..5th Inf. militia ; 7th Inf. militia; 
2d Co. Sharps 

Melden, William R I9th Inf. 

Meldram, Orin 24th Inf. 

Melley, William, jr 4th Bat. L. Art. ; died in 

service 
Mellow, Henry. 

Melville, Frank 2d Cav. 

Merrill, Amos Clerk Prov. Marshall's off. 

Merrill, John C S. C. 

Merrill, Parker., Com. Sergt. 3d Cav,; trans. V. B.C. 

Merrill, William R 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

Messenger, Hugh G 62d Inf. 

Metcalf, George W let Cav. 

Meyer, William 39th Inf 

Miles, Crrin A 11th Inf. 

Miller, Allen, jr 2d Co. Sharps. 

Miller, Arthur J. (G.) 22d Inf 

Miller, Jacob 19th Inf. 

Miller, James 50th Inf. militia 

Miller, Thomas Navy 

Millett, Andrew J ... Q. 31. Sergt. let H. Art. 

Millett, Charles, 2d S. ('. 

Millett, Daniel 11th Inf. ; died in service 

Millett, George Navy 

Millett, William H S. C. 

Millett, William S llth Inf. ; trans. 11th Bat. 

Millett, William llth Inf. 

Milton, B. Sylvesters Ist Cav. 

Miner, Albert H 7th Inf. militia 

Miner, John T 4Dth Inf. 

Minnahan, John.., let Bat'n H. Art. 



Mitchell, Edward S. C. 

Mitchell, Patrick 48th Inf. militia 

Mitchell. William I'.itli Inf. 

Mitchell, William F 4th H. Art. 

Monarch, Eben 3Uth Inf. 

Monarch, George U Itit H. Arr. 

Munaghai), Joseph H...Com. Sergt. 9th Inf. ; Cum. 
Sergt. 32d Inf. 

Monies, William H Sergt. 3d H. Art. 

Monroe, Robert C 23d Inf. 

Moody, Convei-se 8th Inf. militia 

Mooney, John 19th Inf. 

Moore, John G 1st Inf. 

Moore, Thomas lyih Inf. 

Moore, Thomas H Saddler 5th Cav. 

Moran, Frank 3d H. Art. 

Moran, James llth Inf, ; killed 

Murau, Nathaniel 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

JMoran, .Matthew Navy 

Morgiiu, Francis llth Int 

Morgan, John A Navy 

IMurgati, Joseph Navy 

Morgan, Joshua Navy 

Morgan, Michael 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Morgan, Patrick 23d Inf. ; died Andersouville 

I'risjn 

Moruney, Thomas let Bat'n H. Art. 

Moirill, Gilinan L llth Inf. 

Morrill, Henry 0.. fithluf. militia 

Morris, James Ist H. Art. 

Morrif,, George U. S. C. T. 

Morrison, George M Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Morrison, John 22d Inf. 

Morrison, John ..2d Co. Sharps. ; killed 

Moriissey, John Corp. 3d H. Art.; trans. Navy 

Morrissey, John 9th Inf. ; killed 

Morse, Charles C 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Morse, George l>t Bat'n H. Art. 

Morse, George F 5Uth Inf. militia 

Morse, George W...Sergt. 2d il. Art.; 5th Inf. 

militia. 

Morse, Henry Ist H. Art. 

Morae, James 62d Inf. 

Morse, John 1st H. Art. 

Morton, Charles 48th Inf. militia 

Morton, Ge'irge 13th Inf. 

Morse, John R 5th Inf. militia 

Moses, John E 59th Inf. 

Moser, John H 5tli Inf. militia 

Moulton, Charles E Gth Inf. militia 

Moulton, Nathan E Corp. 4th H. Art. 

Moynaban, HumiJirey 9th Inf 

Mullaly, Michael 17th Inf. 

Mullaly, William Sergt. 17th Inf 

MuUane, Martin 3id Inf. 

Mullen, Patrick A *24th Inf; killed. 

Mulligan, Martin 3d Cav. 

Mulready, Stephen (H) 19lh Inf. 

Mulready, Thomas Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Munroe, Alexander A 23d Inf. 

Munroe, George, 4th Bat. L. ■\rt. ; died in service. 

Monroe, Isaac M 4th H. Art. 

Munroe, Robert Navy 

Munroe, Stephen N 5th Inf. militia 

Murphy, Christopher 9th Inf. 

Murphy, Cornelius 2d Cav. 

Muiphy, Hugh E I7th Inf. 

Murphy, James Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Murphy, John 3d H. Art. 

Murphy, John 48th Inf. militia 

Murphy, John 5th But. L. Art, 

Jluiphy, Jolin 5tli Bat. L. Art. 

Murphy, Luke 19th Inf.; killed. 

Murphy, Michael 48th Inf militia 

Murphy, Michael 3d Cav, 

Murphy, Michael IfltSergt. 9th Inf. 

Murphy, Michael 9th Inf 



SALEM. 



!'•_'] 



Murphy, Patrick .-. Nary 

Miirpliy, Peter 48th Inf. militia 

Murphy, Thomas (let) Ist Bal'u H. Art. 

Murphy, Thoiuas 6th Bat. L. Art. 

Murpliy, William 59th Inf.. tmns. 5Ttb Inf. 

Murphy, William 13th L'uat. Co. luf. militia. 

Murphy, William H 2:)cl Inf. 

Murphy, William H 7th Inf. militia 

Murray, George lat H. Art 

Murray, Jeremiah. Corp. 2d Inf. ; trans. 4tli V. S. 
Art. 

JIurray, John 27th Unat. Co. Inf. 

JIurray, iVIartin -Ith Cav. 

Musgrave, Peter Corp. 1st H. Art.; killetl 

Mynehau, John Navy 

Naglo, Jacoh Corp. 'i;l<l Itif. 

NaoB, Henry E Navy 

Nay, Joseph B...Sergt. 5th Inf. militia ; lltli V. S. 

Inf. 

Neal, James M 1st 11. Art, 

Neal, William W Navy 

Needham, James 2:M Inf. 

Needhani, Jame^ F - 1st H. Art. 

Neil, Edward 9th Inf.; killed 

Nelson, James F C<jrp. ISth Inf. militia 

Nelson, Jeremiah Corp. ."iOtli Inf. militia 

Neville, Patrick 3d Cav. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Newconib, Charles B., Jr Sergt. 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Newell, Charles O Sergt. 2(Jth Inf. 

Newton, .\lhertE... .Corp. l.ith I'nat Co. Inf. mili- 
tia ; 50th Inf. militia. 

Nicholas, Ben.jamin Navy 

Nirho!', .\rra Navy 

Nichols, Benjamin C 1st H. Art- 
Nichols, Geoige A Sergt. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. 

militia; 50th Inf. militia. 

Nichols, William C Mns. 21th Inf. 

Nichols, William H 3d...i;th Inf. militia ; 7th K. I. 

Cav. 

Nickerson. .\nsel 3d H. .\rt 

Niles. Amos Navy 

Nimblett, Benjamin F .... Corp. 23d Inf. ; 5th Inf 

militia. 
Nimblelt, John W 3d H. Art, ; trans. 2'.itli Unat. 

Co. H. Art 

Noble, AlexanderJ 1st H. Art. 

Noble, James A .5uth Inf. militia 

Nolan, Francis Corp. 24tli Inf. 

Nolan, Thomas 4th Bat. L. Art. ; trans. 13th 

Bat. ; died iii service. 

Nolan, Thonjas 3,1 H. .\rt. 

Noland, Thomas Ist H. .\rt. 

Noonaii, John 24th Inf. 

Norcross, Orlando W ...1st H. .\rt. 

Norris, William E 17th Inf. 

Norton, John 9th Inf. 

Nonrse. George A - 23d Inf. 

Noyes, Charles W fi2d Inf. 

Noyes. Edward D 19th Inf.; kiiled 

Noyes, George S Corp. C2d Inf. 

Norwood, Alexander 4()th Inf. 

Nugent, John 28tb Inf. 

Nugent, Sylvester 11th Inf. 

Nutter, Horace 1st Bat'n H. .irt. ; 2d H. Art. 

Nutting, Joseph H 4<lth Inf. 

O'Brien, Edward ;ith Inf. 

O'Brien, James 1.3th Unat. Co. Inf. militia. 

O'Brien, John .5th Bat. L. Art. 

O'Brien, John Ist 9th Inf. 

O'Brien, John 2d 9Hi inf. 

O'Brien, Stephen 4th H. \rt. 

O'Brien, Thomas 9th Inf. 

Ober, Oliver .50th Inf. militia ; died iu service 

O'Callahan, Eugene gth Inf. 

O'Connell, Timothy 19th Inf. ; killed 

O'Connor, James 9th luf. 



O'Connor, James llth Inf. 

O'Connor, John 20th Inf. 

O'Connor, John nth Inf. militia 

O'Donuoll, Donald 2d 11. Art. 

O'Donuell, John .Navy 

O'Donnell, Patrick 9th Inf. 

O'Oonnell, William. 

Ogden, James lOlh Inf. 

O'Hara, Patrick 4th Bat. L. Art. 

ci'Ilaia, Patrick 9th Inf. 

O'Hara, Patrick J 12th Bat. L. Art. 

O'llare, .\udrew J 2d Inf. 

O'Hare, Charles H nth Inf. 

O'Hare, Charles II Z'd Inf. and Mus. 23d Inf 

tl'IIare, PoIoniuB 2d Inf. 

O'Keefe, John 24th Inf. 

O'Keefe, .lohu 9tli Inf. 

0'Keefe,Patrick 9th Inf. 

Oldson, Charles (F) Navy 

Oldson, Kdwin U , Mus. .59th Inf. 

Oldson, Francis T 2Jth Inf. ; died of wounds 

oldson. (Jeorge D Navy 

(ddson, Jolin H Navy 

Oldson, Joseph H Cth Inf. militia 

O'Leary, Dennis 2d IJ. .\rt. 

"'Neal, Thomas 24lh Inf. 

ll'Neil, Michael 2il Cav. 

D'Rourke, John 9(h Inf., U. S. M. C. 

O'Shea, I'atiick 17th Inf. 

Sullivan, Timothy 1st Bat'n II. .4rt. 

O'Snllivan, Timothy 29th Inf. 

Oshorn, Frederick M 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Osborn, John B 4tb H. Art. 

Osborn, Josiah B 1st H. .\rt. 

Osborn, Stephen H 23d Inf. 

Osborn, William E ;M Unat. Co. Inf. militia 

t)sborne, John B Navv 

Osborne, John II 5lh Inf. militia; Navy 

Osborne, Laban S 5th Inf. militia ; Ist H. Art. 

Osborne, Stephen H 23d Inf. 

Osgood, Cyrus M 2d Co. Sharjis : killed 

Osgood, Edward T 8th Inf. militia ; 23d Inf. 

Osgood, (ieorge E 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Osgood, William II. ..Ist Bat'n II. Art.; 2d II. Art. ; 

Navy 
Owens, James I9th Inf. 

Packard, William f,2d luf. 

Paine, Charles D Gth Inf. militia 

Paine, Joseph A., Jr 23d Inf. 

Paine, William 51th Inf. : trans. .55th Inf. 

(colored). 

Paishley, Sylvester nth Inf. 

Palmer, Cliarles W 1st H. Art. 

Palmer, George 1st H. Art. 

Palmer, William H lith Inf. militia 

Palmer, William H. H 50th Inf. militia 

Parker, Alfred Navy 

Parker, George F 21th Inf. 

Parrott, Fmncis Ist IT. .\rt. 

Parshley, Nathaniel D Isl H. Art, 

Parshley, Sylvester 7th Inf. militia; 9th Inf 

Parsons, Cyrus 5th Inf. militia ; 7tli Inf. militia 

Parsons, Eben 4th Bat. L Art. 

Pareons, George W Ist H. Art.; killed 

Pai-sons, William I)., 23d Inf. ; died Andersonville 

Prison. 
Patch, John S....23d Inf.; missing. Supposed killed 

Patten. Frank r)2d Inf. 

Patten, James M 6th Inf. militia 

Peabody, William Ist Hat'n II. Art. 

Peabody, William M....6tb Inf. militia ; 4th Hat. 

L. Art. 
Peach, George S,, 1st Sergt,, 5th Inf. militia; .Sergt, 

24th Inf, 

Peach, (ieorge W 4th H. Art 

Peach, Thomas S 4th H. Art. 



Peach, William, Jr 5th inf. militia ; 40tli Inf. 

I'eckbani, Charles, 1st Bat'n H. Art. ; died in service 

I'eiicc, Charles H ist II. Art. 

IV'iirlar, .loll 11 9th Inf. 

I'endergast, ■I'liomas.... 1st H. An. ; died in service 

IVpper, Waller A Navy 

Percliard, Clement II ,50th Inf. mililia 

Perkins, Asa B Navv 

Perkins, Charles, ..Corp. 13lh nnat.Co. Inf. mililia ; 

5l)th Inf. militia ; Ist Bat'n F. Cav. 

Perkins, Cliarb;s C 1st Inf. 

Pej-kins, Eben S 23d Inf- 

Perkius, Francis M 50th Inf. militia 

Perkins, George II ,5l)th Inf. mililia 

Perkins, Henry Kith Unat. Co. Inf mililia 

Perkins, .lames W 60lh Inf. niihlia 

Perkins, Josi'ph A Sth Inf. militia ; S. C. ; 1st 

Bat'u F. Cav. 

Perkins, Joseph II., (N.) .5th Inf. militia 

Perley, John E Navy 

Pcrley, Thomas A 5(lth Inf. militia 

Perry, Henry W .5th Inf. militia 

PelTV, Henry E Navy 

Perry, Horace S Ist II. Art. 

Peny, William A .5th Inf. mililia 

Pervier, Benjamin L Mus. 3d H. Art. 

Peterson, Andrew G., Corp. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. 

militia; .50tli Inf. militia ; l.st Bat'u F. Cav. 

Petel-son, Thomas S Navy 

Pettengill, George nth Inf. militia 

Plielan, Tliomiu* nth Inf. 

Phelaii, Thomas J Corp. Ist II. Ml 

Phillips, Angelo- :)d H. Art, 

Phillips, Benjamin A 2d H, Art. 

Phillips, Edward B 

Phillips, .himes L 31th Inf.; trans. V. E.G. 

Phillips, .lolm Ist H. Art. 

Phillips, Phinoas W 7th Inf. militia 

Pbippen, Abraham I7th Tuf. ; died in service 

Phippen, Charles H 5lh Inf. mihtia ; Sergt. 7th 

Inf. militia ; 1st H. Art. 

Phippen, David 4th Bat. I.. Art. 

Phippen, Edw.ird A., Jr .ith Bat. I.. Art. 

Phippen, George P Corp. 23d Inf. 

Phippen, Joshua 2d. 

Phippen, Joshua B 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Phippen, Kobert A Ist H. Art. 

Phippen, Kobert C Ist H. Art. 

Phippen, William II Ist H. Art. 

Phipps, Henry B,, Corp. 1st H. Art. ; died Ander- 
sonville Prison. 

Phinney, Edwin Corp. 9th Inf. ; trans, ;i2cl Inf, 

Pickering, Benjamin F Sergt, Otli Inf, militia ; 

Corp. 7th Inf. militia. 

Pickering, Benjamin P S. C. 

Pickett, Charles 1st Sergt. 40th Inf. 

Pickman, Hersey D Corp. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. 

militia; 50th Inf. militia. 

Pierce, Alden J 27th Inf. 

Pierce, David II Sth Inf. mililia 

Pierce, John Ist Bat'n H. Art. ; 2d 11. Art. ; 

V. R. C. 

Pierce, Thomas Navy 

Pierce, William Corp. 2d Cav. 

Pierce, William H 27[li Inf. 

Pike, George N 4th H. Art. 

Pinckton, William 23d Inf. 

Pilikham, Charles F., Artificer, Ist Bat'n H. Art. ; 

died in service. 

Pinkhaiu, Charles II Sergt. S. C. 

Pinkbani, William A 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Piper, John F .•<crgt. .59th Inf. 

Pitman. John H Mast. Male.; Navy 

Pitman, Nathaniel, (.Ir, or F ,), 1st II. .\rt. ; died of 

w,iiinds 1804. 

Pitman, William Ist H, Art, 

Pitman, William II lat H. Art. 



222 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Pitts, Albert W 1st II. Art. 

Pitts, Otis '_':id Inf. 

Pirt, Isaac Navy 

Place. Charles A 12th N. H. Vols. 

PiunuiicT, David 10th Maine Inf.; killed 

PInninier, Ffiiiik Sergt. 24th Inf. 

Plutnmer, George Sergt. Ist H, Art. 

Plummer, Lewis K Sergt. 22d Inf. 

Pollock, David M 23d Inf. 

Pond, Frederick A 50th Inf. militia 

Pond. Joseph P., Jr 59th Inf. 

Poor, Horace A llth Inf. 

Poor, James, Jr Ist H. Art. ; 5th Inf. inilitiii 

Pope, Benjamin C 23d Inf. ; V. R. C. 

Pope, Joseph 2d Inf. 

Pope, TIioniasS.,5th Inf. militia; 1st Bat' n F. Cav. 

Porter, Charles llth Inf. 

Pope, Thomas Navy 

Porter, William T Ist H. Art. 

Potter, Francis B I2th Inf. ; died in service 

Ponlson, Lewis 2d Cav. 

Pousland, David N S. C. 

Ponsland, Edward A Navy 

Pousland, John H., Corp. Ist Bafn H. Art. ; 2d U. 

Art. ; oth Inf. militia. 

Powell, Nf tlmniel Navy 

Powers, Charles H Navy 

Powers, E Iward 9th Inf. : trans. 32d Inf. 

Powers, Edward E 19th Inf. ; trans. Navy 

Powers, James. Oth Inf.; killed 

Powers, John 1st H. Art. 

Powers, Richard, Jr 3d Cav. 

l*ower6,'Stepheu A.... 48th Inf. militia 

Powers, William F Corp. 3d H. Art. 

Pratt, A. W Navy 

Pratt, Calvin L., 5tli Inf. militia ; 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Pratt, Edward L Navy 

Pratt, Edwin F., Sth Inf. militia ; Corp. 4th But. 

L. Art. 

Pratt, James F 1st H. Art. 

Pratt, John W.. Sergt. 4(ith Inf. 

Pratt, Lewis R Sergt. 2d H. Art; Sth Inf. militia 

Pratt, William A 3d H. Art.; trans. Navy 

Pray, Joseph let Bat'n 11. Art- 
Pray, Joseph S 3d H. Art. 

Preble, John V. R. C. 

Preston, Charles H 19th Inf. 

Preston, John C 2d Inf. 

Preston, John F 59th Inf. ; killed 

Preston, John H Mns. 2d Inf. 

Preston, Otis P., 5Uth Inf. militia; died in service 

Preston, William A TiOth Inf. militia 

Price, Bufns 19th Inf. 

Price, William H. See Prime, William H. 

Prime, William H 23d Inf. 

Prime, Joshua S 17th Inf. 

Prime, William H. H Hosp. Stew. 

Prince, George 23d Inf. ; died of wounds 

Prince, William W S. C. 

Pulsifer, Charles A Ist 11. Art. 

Pulsifer, David F 23d Inf. ; killed 

Puisifer, Nathaniel F., let H. Art. ; died in service 

Pulsifer, William H Navy 

Purheck. John H 1st H. Art. 

Purbeck, John H 9th Inf. ; Ut U. Art. 

Pnrbeck, William L 5th Bat. L. Art. ; killeil 

Putnam, Perley Navy 

Quinlan, Thomas yth Inf. 

Quinn, John 5th luf. militia 

Quinn, Joseph 2d Inf. 

Quinn, Joseph 17th Inf. 

Qninn, Patrick 23d Inf. 

Q\iinn, James Mus. 19th Inf. 

Quinn, James 23d Inf. 

Quinn, John V. R. C. 

Quinn, John ..Ist Cav. 



Quinn, John Navy 

Radford, George A S. C. 

Ragan, Michael let II. Art. ; died in service 

Ranisdell, Alonzo 0., 4th Bat. L. Art. ; trans. 13th 

Bat. L. Art. 

Ramsdell, Joseph R 3d H. Art. 

Ramsdell, Peter A Corp. Sth Inf. militia ; 3d H. 

Art. 

Ramsdell, William F 3d H. Art. 

Randall, Charles W Sergt. 1st H. Art. 

Raymond, Alfred A.,.jr I'.Hh Inf. 

Read, William 10th Inf. 

Real, Joseph F 2d H. Art. 

Reardon, Daniel 2d Inf. 

Redman, John 13th Unat. Co., Inf. militia 

Reed, Benjamin A 23il Inf. 

Reed, Thomas 2Hh Inf. 

Reeves, Edward 1st H. Art. 

Reeves. William H Ist H. Art. ; died in service 

Regan, B. F 12th Inf. 

Regan, Dennis Oth Inf. 

Regan, Edmund. Oth Inf.; died of wounds 

Regan, James 9th Inf. ; killed 

Regan, Stephen 4th H. Art. 

Regan, Stephen. 28th Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Regan, Timothy 4th H. Art. 

Remick, James (See Reniick, Patrick) 

Remick, Patrick Sergt. Oth Inf. 

Renion, John C S. C. 

Restell, John 19th Inf. 

Restell, John, jr 19th Inf. 

Rice, Benjamin B 7th Inf. militia 

Rice, George Hosp. Stew. U. 6. A. 

Rice, William H. C 2d Inf. 

Richards, John H 23d Inf. 

Richardson, Alfred 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Richardson, Alfred J 2d H. Art. 

Richardson, Henry H 5th Inf. militia 

Richardson, Jolin H 55th Inf. (colored) 

Richardson, William L 39th Inf. 

Rioker, Francis M S. C. ; 23d Inf. 

Kicker, James, Sergt, 2d N. H. Vols. ; died of wounds 

Ricker, Richard 2d Cav. 

Ricker, Richard 17th Inf. 

Ricker, William H 2d Cav. 

Rider, Joshua Gth Inf. militia 

Rinks, John H Navy 

Rix, Asa W. S Sth Inf. militia 

Roach, 3Ucliael Navy 

Roark. Frank 22d Inf. ; trans. 32fl Inf. 

Roarke, Thomas Mns. 32d Inf. 

Roberts, George 59th Inf. ; died of wounds 

Roberts, Henry L 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Roberta, James 19th Inf. 

Roberts, John 2d Co. Sharps. 

Roberts, John S 23d Inf., 3d H. Art. 

Roberts, Samuel, jr 19th Inf. 

Roberts, Stephen H 2d Co. Sharps. 

Roberts, William 5th Bat. L. Art. 

Roberts William I! 1st H. Art. 

Robbins, Louis L Corp. 23d Inf. 

Robbins, Nathaniel A Corp. S. C. 

Robbinson, Edward L., Ist Sergt. 22d Inf. ; trans. 

32d Inf. ; trans. V. B. C. 

Robinson, Harry S 17th Inf. 

Robinson, Jeremiah 4th Cav. 

Robinson, John, 50th Inf. militia 

Robinson, John G Q,. 31. Sergt. 48th Inf. militia 

Robinson, Nathaniel F Corp. SOtli Inf. militia 

Robinson, William 2d Cav. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Rock, John 18th Inf. 

Rodigrass, John S 19th Inf. 

Rodwell, John A. ..6th N. H. Vols. ; died in service 

Rogan. Cornelius Oth Inf. 

Rogan, William 9th Inf.; died in service 

Rogan, William N 9th Inf.; died in service 



Rogers, Benjamin H llth Inf. 

Rogers, Henry N llth Inf. 

Rogers, John E 6th Inf. militia 

Rogers, John E Navy 

Rogers, Joseph C 23d Inf. 

Rogers, Joseph S. S llth Inf. 

Rogers, Simon A..Ist Bat'n H. Art. ; died in service 

Rollins, Abijah 2,id Inf. 

Rollins, James Navy 

Rollins, William 19th Inf. 

Ronan, Wm. H.. ..Corp.3d H.Art. ;48th Inf. militia 

Rooney, Peter I9th Inf. ; trans. 2Cith Inf. 

Koss, Daniel M 1st Cav. 

Ross, J. Perrin Sth Inf. militia 

Ross, Joseph H let H. Art. 

Ross, AVilliam H..8tb Inf. militia ; 19th Inf. ; killed 

Ross, William P Ist H. Art. 

Ronke, John Oth Inf. 

Rounds, Edward H Corp. 23d Inf. 

Rowe, George E 4Uth Inf. 

Rowe, James II 61st Inf. ; died in service 

Rowell, Thomas A., Q. M. Sergt. 3d H. Art. ; Corp. 

7th Inf. militia. 

Rowley, Robert (ith Inf. militia 

Ruee, Benjamin B 2d H. Art. 

Rull, Benjamin B Ist Bat'n U. Art. 

Runey, Peter See Rooney, Peter 

Russell, Albert W llth luf. 

Russell, George F Ist H. Art. 

Russell, JohnH Sergt. 40th Inf. 

Russell, Martin V. B Mns. let 11. Art. 

Rust, Edwin F., 4th Bat. L. Art. ; traue. 13th Bat. 

L. Art. 

Ruth, Edward .'iOth Inf. ; trans. 57tb Inf. 

Ruth, Edward Navy 

Ruth, John 59th Inf. 

Ryan, John 3d Cav. 

Ryan, John 19th Inf. 

Rjan, John P , Navy 

Ryan, Patrick 48ih Inf. militia 

Safford, George W 50th Inf. militia 

Sanborn, Edward D 3d H. Art. 

Sanborn, Horace E 1st 11. Art. 

Sanborn, Joseph W., C'orp. 13th Unat. Co. militia ; 

50th Inf. militia. 

Sanborn, John F 5th Inf. militia 

Sargent, Charles 23d Inf. 

Sargent, Thomas J Ist H. Art. 

Sassfiekl, Edward 3d U. S. Inf. 

Saunders, Charles 2d Cav.; trans. V. R. C. 

Saunders, David E., jr Sergt. Siith Inf. militia 

Saunders, Henry T...Corp. 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Savory, John 2d H. Art. ; died Florence Prison 

Sawyer, Caleb let H. Art. 

Sawyer, Nathaniel 1st H. Art. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Scanlan, Michael l^th Inf. 

Scates, David M 24th Inf. 

Scheledel, Otio 22d Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf. 

Scopic, Leo 28th Inf. 

Schultz, Carl F 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Schweitzer, George 22d Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf. 

Scribncr, Luther .Corp. 4th Cav. 

Scriggins, Joshua C 23d Inf. 

Scriggins, William J 50th Inf. militia ; Navy 

Scully, John II .9th Inf. 

Scully, Patrick 48th Inf. militia 

Searles, George 5th Inf. militia 

Seger, John llth Inf. 

Seltou, Thomas E Navy 

Semons, Francis A., Corp. 7th Inf. militia; Sth Inf. 

n])litia. 

Senter, William C 23d Inf. 

Shanley, William J Sth Inf. militia ; 3rt H. Art. 

Shapine, John 23d Inf. 

Sharp, Thomas 3d H. Art. 

Sharkey, Charles 17th Inf. 



SALEM. 



223 



Shatan-ell, Joseph A 7th Inf. militia 

Shaw, Brown E 2.3d Inf. 

Shaw, Cohn See Sliaw, Orlin 

Shaw, Cyrus P 8th Inf. militia 

Shaw, .luhn Navy 

Shaw, Jolin ...Corp. Ut H. .\rt. 

Shaw, Xeil 7th Inf. militia 

Shaw, Orlin Corp. lUh Inf. ; died of wounds 

Shaw, Walter G. C. C, Corp. 24tli Inf. ; 40tli Inf. ; 
4Bth Inf. militia. 

Shea, Daniel 9th Inf. 

Shea, Patrick 2d H. Art. 

Shea, Patrick 9lh Inf. ; died of wounds 

Shea, Timothy 9th Inf. 

Shearin, Charles H inth Inf. 

Sheannan, James L Navy 

Shearman, William Navy: .o.^th Inf. 

Sheelian, Edward ITth Inf. 

Sheehan, John J...Gth Inf. militia ; Ith Bat. L. .\rt. 

Shehan, Patrick Navy 

Sheehan, Timothy 1st II. .\rt. 

Sherlock. Thomas T 9th Inf. ; died iu service 

Sherman, William Navy 

Sherman, Wni., .Mth Inf. ; trans. .>"jth Inf. (colored) 

Sherwin, William, jr Scith Inf. 

Shine, Cornelius A 2d Cav. 

Shirley, John 2d H. Art 

Shorten, James 9th Inf ; V. B. C. 

Shorten. Michael Corp. 2d Cav. 

Short, Charles H 50th Inf. militia 

Short, Joseph A 29th Inf. : killed 

Shutes, John B Ut H. .\rt. 

Sikey, William H 2d Co. Sharps 

Silver, Augustus -4th Bat. L. Art. 

Silver, W. A..4th But. L. Art.; trans. 13th Bat. L. AH. 

Simmons, Francis X 5th Inf militia 

Simmons, William 2d 11. Art. ; died of wounds. 

Simon, John F,. Corp. 50th Inf. militia ; died in serv. 

Simonds, Edward A 1st Sergt. S. C. 

Simonds, William 19th Inf ; 40th Inf. 

Simiinds, William H 40th Inf. 

Simons, Francis A :ld H. Art. 

Simpson, John \ Navy 

Sinclair, David 2lth Inf. 

Sinclair, James 62d Inf. 

Sislie, KoLert 28th Inf. 

Skerry, Edward S 1st H. Art. 

Skerry, George L 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Skinner, Emery B 1st H. .\rt. 

Skinner. James N 50lh Inf. militia 

Skinner, Philip G Sergt. S: C. 

Sleunian, Charles A 50th Inf. militia 

Sloper, William A 5th Inf. militia 

Sluman, William H Navy 

Small, William M 61st Inf. 

Smealhers, .loseph Ist II. Art. 

Smith, A. P., Corp. 23d Inf. ; 9th Inf. ; 8th Inf mil. 

Smith, Benjamin F Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Smith, Charles Navy 

Smith, Charles F 23d Inf. 

Smith, Daniel F V. R. C. 

Smith, Frederick W 8th Inf. militia; 23d Inf. 

Smith, Harley P 7th Inf. militia 

Smith, Henry 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Smith, Henry J Sergt. 20th Inf. 

Smith, Henry J 5th Inf. militia; 2d Cav. 

Smith, James E 2.3d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Smith, James S 8tli Inf. militia 

Smith, John 1st H. Art. 

Smith.'John Iltli Inf.; 23d Inf 

Smith, .John A 19th Inf. 

Smith, John B 1st Inf. 

Smith, John F 13th I'nat. Co. Inf. militia 

Smith, Jonathan C..." IstH. Art. 

Smith, J. .Tewett Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Smith, Lorenzo 23d Inf. 

Smith, Patrick 48th Inf. militia; died in service 

Smith, Samuel H...8th Inf. militia ; Sergt. 19th Inf. 

Smith, Thomas R 1st H. Art. 

Smith, Timothy lOlh Inf. 

Smith, William Ist H. Art. 

Smith William A 1st U. Art. : V. R. C. 

Smith, Wm. A.,.T4th Inf. (colored) ; trans. 5.ith Inf. 

Smith, William J 20th Inf. ; kined 

Smith, Winiam R 7th Inf. militia 

Smith, William 15th Bat. L. Art. 

Snell, Nicholas P..Corp. 1st H. Art. ; died of wounds 
Solen, Nathaniel See Soley, Nathaniel 



Soley, Frank 13lh Unat. Co. Inf militia 

Soley, Franklin 7th Inf. militia 

Soley, Nathaniel 1st H. Art. 

Somner, Sehan IGth Inf. ; trans, llth Inf 

Soper, Jeremiah V. R. C. 

Southard, Geo. F 50th Inf. militia 

Soiithaifl, (.Southward) Samuel S 2;{d Inf. 

Southwick, Edward 48th Iitf militia 

Sonthwick, Elhridge M., 7th Inf. militia ; 3d U. Art. 

Southwick, Joseph llth Inf 

Slianlding, J. C Navy 

Spencer, Hiram B 1st Cav. 

Spoffiird, .lohn B Navy 

Spring, Patrick .9th Inf 

Stacey, Peter 48th Inf militia 

Stafford, James M 1st Sergt. 2d Inf. 

Stamper. William V llth D. S. Inf. 

Staniford, Daniel.. Corp. 0th Inf. militia ; S. C. 

Stanley, .Vbrahani J Mus. 24th Inf 

Staples, E. C Navy 

■Staples, Ellas C 1st H. Art , killed 

Staples, George 2d Inf, killed 

Staten, .\lexander 4th Cav. 

Staten, M'illiam H. 1' 1st Maine Vols. 

Stearns, William Navy 

Stenford, Joseph 19th Inf 

Sterling, William S Sergt. 62d Inf 

Stevenson, John H Navy 

Stevenson, Rohert 30th Inf, 

Stevens, Daniel W 17th Inf. 

Stevens, Edward P 8th Inf militia 

Stevens. John, Navy 

Stevens, John 2d Cav. 

Stevens, John 28th Inf. 

Stevens, Samuel 62d Inf. 

Stevens, Samuel .\., Gth Inf. militia ; 2d Maine Vols. 

Stickney, David Navy 

Stickney, George A 1st H. Art. 

Stickney, Joseph Navy 

Stickney, Joseph A Navy 

Stillman, Amo.s....S. C, ; 50th Inf militia ; 23d Inf. 
.Stillman, Edward, Mus. 13th Unat. Co. Inf. militia ; 

Mus. 50th Inf. ; Mus. S. C. ; 1st Bat. F. Cav. 

Stillman, James II 23d Inf. 

Stillman Samuel 2d Co. Sharps., killed 

Stimpson, Edwaril A 48th Inf. militia; Kith Inf 

Stacker, Charles II S. C. 

Stotldard, George A .'0th Inf militia 

Stone, Charles Corp. Ist Co. Sharps. 

Stone, Benjamin F 17th Inf 

Stone, George B 23d Inf. 

Stone, George L Gth Inf militia 

Stone, Joseph 11. S 4th Cav. 

Stover, Nathaniel F., 4Sth Inf militia ; 3d H. Art. ; 

died in service. 
Stnifford, .lames M. (see Stafford, James 51.) 
Stratton, Benj. F., 50th Inf. militia ; died in service 

Stuffles, John 3d V. S. Art. 

Sullivan, Cornelius 3d Cav. 

Sullivan, John - Navy 

Sullivan, Matthew llth Inf. 

Sullivan, Patk., 9th Inf. ; died Andereonville Prison 

.Sullivan, Patrick 3d U. .S. Art. ; killed 

SuUivan, Timothy 2d H. Art. 

Sumner, .lolin A 5th Inf militia 

Swaney, WillLam H 2.3d Inf, killed 

Swasey, Lewis G., Sergt. 3J 11. .\rt.: Corp. IstH. Art. 

Swasey, Thomas S. B 3d Cav. ; Navy 

Sw'asey, William R 8th Inf. militia 

Swasey, William R Gth N. II. Vols. ; killei^ 

Sweenev, Daniel, (David) 9th Inf 

Sweeney, John 2d Cav, 

Sweeney, Morgan, 2d Inf.;59th Inf ; trans. 57th Inf 

Swaney, William 48th Inf militia 

Sweeny, WilliaTu II 23d Inf. 

Sweet, Hartford S 23d Inf. 

Sweetland, Alouzo 8th Inf militia 

Sweetzer. Benj. F-, Sergt. .5GtIi Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Swett, Francis F V. R C. 

Symonila, Clias. A,, -"tth Inf militia ; lat Bat. F. Cav. 
Symonds, Edward A., .5nth Inf. militia ; 3d H. Art. 

Symonds, Geo. H S. (--. 

Symonds, Henry A 40th Inf. ; trans. 24th Inf 

Symonds, Joseph P 48th Inf. militia 

Symonds, J. Shove. 

.Symonds, Nathaniel A., Corp. Gth Inf. militia ; 5th 

Inf. militia. 
Symonds, Nathaniel C 23d Inf. 



Symonds, Stephen G 7th Inf. militia 

Symonds. William H 40lh Inf. 

Sykes, Edwin 57lh Inf. 

Tarbox, Asa llth Inf. 

Tarliox, David V. R. C. 

Tarbox, Henry .M, (H.) 17th Inf 

Tarbox, Jonathan S lat H. Art. 

Tarbox, Randall 1st Inf. ; died in service 

Tarbox, .Samuel A Wagoner 23d Inf 

Tarbox, William H lat H. Art. 

Tareno. Sareno I'jth Inf 

Tato, (.'harles Navy 

Taylor, Charles loth Inf 

Taylor, James 3d Cav. 

Taylor, Peter Gist Inf 

Taylor, Thomas Isl Cav. 

Taylor, William 3d Cav. 

Taylor, William II 3d H. Art. 

Teague, .Amos G 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Teagiie, Robert 1st H. .Art. 

Teague, Thomas A Ist H. Art. 

Teague, Wm. 11., 5th Inf militia; 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Tedder, John T lat Bat'n H. Art. 

Terrance, Edward Gist Inf 

Therin, Charles H 17th Inf 

Thiers, Patrick 17th Inf. 

Thomas, Charles S, Corp. 2d Co. Sharps 

Thomas, Eli C..23d Iiif ; died Andersonville Prison 

Thoniiis, Geoige W 17th Inf. 

Thomas, James 19th Inf. ; died in service 

Thomas, Joseph F Gth Inf militia 

Thomas, Richard II 23d Inf V. R. C. 

Thomas, Samuel W Navy 

Thomas, Stephen W., Jr 1st H. Art. 

Thomas, Warren 23d Inf 

Thomas, WiUiam II. H 3d H. Art. 

Thompson, Darius N Corp. 3d H. Art. 

Thompson, E<iward C I9th Inf 

Thompson, F. B.....4th Bat. L. Art. ; died inaervice 

Thompson, George A 5th Inf. militia; killed 

Thompson, George H 19th Inf. 

Thompson, .lohn N .5th Inf militia 

Thompson, William 2d H. Art. 

Thorndike, Theodore .\ otth Inf militia 

Thorner, Samuel R 40th Inf 

Thornton, John 23d Inf 

Thrasher, Nath,, 4lh Bat L. Art. ; died in service. 

Tibbetts, Andrew R..". 23d Inf. ; V. R. C. 

Tibbet Is, George F 8th Inf militia ; 1st H. .\rt. 

Tibbetts, WmiamR IstH. Art. 

Tierney, Patrick Corp. 9th Inf. 

Timmins, Garritt Sergt. 9th Inf 

Timmins, Patrick Corp. 9th Inf 

Tirrell, William 19th Inf 

Tiviss, John W Navy 

Tobey, William, jr..Corp. 5th Inf militia ; 1st Cav. 

Tobin, James 4th H. Art. 

Toby, Stephen W 1st H. Art. 

Tolman , Stephen W 40th Inf 

Toomey, John 18th Inf. ; trans. 32d Inf 

Toomey, John. 

Torr, Joseph 40th Inf 

Towle, AlbertL Corp. S. C. 

Towne, Samuel 1st H. Art. 

Towns, Calvin I Ist H. .\rt. ; died of wounds 

Townsend, WilliaDi U 23d Inf. ; died in service 

Tracy, John 9th Inf. ; died in service 

Tracy, Joseph, jr 3d Cav. 

Tracy, William 9th Inf 

Trac.v, William 17th Inf 

Trafton, Charles 3d H. Art.; 17th Inf. 

Trainer, Thomas Ist H. Art. 

Trainer, Thomas 3d II. Art. ; trans. 29th Unat. 

Co. H. Art. 

Trask, Amos W 23d Inf 

Trask, David B. 

Trask, Edward 19th Inf. 

Trask, Henry 5th Inf. militia 

Trask, Henry A,...4lh Hut. 1.. Art. ; trans. V. R. C. 
Tra.sk, James E Kith Unal. Co. Inf militia ; 60th 

Inf militia. 

Trask, .Toseph E 23d Inf. 

Trask, Moses A 2d Co. Sharps 

Tray, James Navy 

Trofatter, Klias .4 Wagoner 50Ih Inf militia ; 

died in service 
Trout, Bradford U Uth Inf 



224 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Tiull, Chailua W 4tli Bat. L. Art. ; died in 

service 

Tucker, Henry G 1st H. Art. 

Tuclier, Horace S. C. 

Tucker, John H 4Sth Inf. militia; Hth Inf 

Tucker, Joseph W 1st H. \n. 

Tucker, Timothy 2il Cav. 

Tuclter, William W 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Tufts, John A 4tli Bal. L. Art. ; dieil in service 

Tufts, Kufus W 5th Inf. militia 

Tukey, Greenleaf S Coip. 50th Inf. militia 

Turner, Jame.s H., jr Ist H. Art. 

Turell, Benjamin F Navy 

Tschopik, Leo 28th Inf. Probahly same as Leo 

Schopic. 

Tuttle, William H 50th Inf. militia 

Twist, Joseph C 3d H. Art. ; trans. 29th Uuat. 

Co. H. Art. 

Twiss, Joseph C, 1st 17th Inf 

Twiss, Joseph C, 2d ITtli Inf. 

Twohig, .lohn 9th Inf. 

Twomey, Thoma.s Corp. 2d H. Art. 

Tyler, Alfred S. C. 

Tyler, Jesse Ist H. Art. 

Tyler, J. H 17th Inf. 

Upham, Benjamin N 7th Inf. militia 

Upham, Franklin 1st H. Art. 

Upham, Joshaa W .', Ist H. Art. 

Upham, Oliver W. U S. C. ; 233 Inf. 

Upham, Warren J Ist H. Art. 

Upton, Daniel S. C. 

Upton, Edward Sergt. 69th Inf. 

Upton, Robert 1st H. Art. 

Upton, W^arren A .50lh Inf. militia. 

Upton, William R. 

Usher, Horace D 1st H. Art. 

Valentine, Herbert E 23d Inf. 

Vanderford, Benjamin F Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Varina, William Corp. G2d Inf. 

Varney. Henry 1st H. Art. 

Vaughn, Charles E 32d Inf.; killed. 

Veno, Felix 48th Inf. militia; Ist Bafn H. Art. 

Very, .\braham A 4th Cav. 

Very, Edwin Mus. 23d Inf. 

Very, Ephraim P 48th Inf. militia. 

Very, Nathaniel O S. C, 

Vinnah, Francis J Navy. 

Viannah, Frank Corp. 23d Inf. 

Vincent, Amos J 2d R. I. 

Voller, Benjamin H 2d Inf. 

Wadleigh, Curtis E 2.3d Inf. 

Wait, Ashbel 1st H. Art. ; died in service 

Walcott, Royal E 23d Inf. 

Walden, William W. P Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Waldrun, James Navy- 

Waldrou, John 23d Inf. ; trans. V. R. C. 

Waldron, Joseph K., C'ori). fjth Inf. militia ; S. C. ; 

3d H. Art. 

Walker, David A Sergt. 33d Inf. 

Walker, W. A Sergt. 59th Inf. 

Walker, William Corp. 3d H. Art. 

Wallace, John A 2d Inf. ; died in service. 

Walsh, James Corp. 4Sth Inf. militia. 

Walsh, John 9th Inf. 

Walsh, Martin 9th Inf 

Walsh, Patrick 9th Inf. 

Walsh, William H., Mus. 4Sth Inf. militia ; Ist 

Bat'n F. Cav. 

Walton, Edward A 1st H. Art. 

Walton, John H., 71h Inf. militia ; 17th Unat. Co. 

Inf. militia. 

Walton, Joseph A 48th Inf. militia. 

Walton, Joseph H Corp. 22d Inf. 

Ward, James L 7th R. I. Cav. 

Warner, Abraham F., Corp. I9th Inf.; died Ander- 

sonvillo.Pi'ison. 

Warner, Clarence A Corp. 1st H. Art. 

Warner, Edward L 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Warner, Frank B 50th Inf. militia. 



Warner, Geo, L., Sergt. 19th Inf. ; died in service. 
Warner, John V., 4th Bat. L. Art., trans. 13th 

Bat. L. Art. 
Warner, William W., 26th Inf.; died in service, 

Warren, Edward J 5th Inf. militia. 

Warren, Moses 5th Art. U. S. C. T. 

Warren, William H Corp. 2iith Inf. 

Washburn, Horace W 1st Bat'n H. Art, 

Wiishington, John S 54th Inf. (colored) 

Waters, Henry F 23d Inf. trans. V. R. C. 

Waters, Horace 19th Inf. 

Waters, James V., ol th Inf. militia ; died in service 
Watson, John F....Sergt.l3thUnat. Co. Inf. militia 

Watts, Charles Navy. 

Watts, Charles E IstH, Art. 

Watts, Richard IstH. Art. 

Watts, Thomas Navy. 

Webb, Henry, jr 4Uth Inf. 

Webb, James H - Navy. 

Webb, John F Com. Sergt. Ist H. Art,; S. C. 

Webber, .Mendel S 5th Inf. militia. 

Weeks, William H 6th Inf. militia. 

Weir, George Navy. 

Welch, Charles 2d Cav. 

Welch, James H Navy. 

Welch, John (1st) 3d Cav. 

Welch, John Ist H. Art. 

Welch, John 41st Inf. 

Welch, John(2<J) :id Cav.; killed 

Welch, John A Navy. 

Welch, ^licliael Navy. 

Welch, Jli.hael 7th luf. militia, 

Melcli, Miciiaol, 4th Bat. L. Art. ; died in service. 

Welch, Tliomafi Navy. 

Welch, Walter 9th Inf. 

Welch, William 2d H. Art. 

Welch, William L 23d Inf. 

Welch, W. P 5th Inf. militia. 

Wellraan, Charles C, 1st H. Art.; died Ander- 

sonville Prison. 

Wellman, George IstH. Art. 

Wellman, Timothy A 40th Inf., trans. V. R. C. 

Wells, George .\ S. C. 

Wells, S. C 11th Inf. 

Wentworth, Charles .\ 4Uth Inf. 

Wentworth, Charles F 62d Inf. 

Wentworth, Ezra N Navy. 

Wentworth, John 3d Cav. ; V. R. C. 

Wentworth, John H Sergt. Ist H. Art. 

Wentworth, John H., 4th Bat. L. Art.; died in 

service. 
West, George, 5th Inf. militia ; 7th Inf. militia. 

West, W. C Corp. 

Weston, Charles 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Weston, Richmond Navy. 

Westwood, George G2d Inf. 

Wettey, Slartin. 

Whalley, Thomas Navy. 

Wheatland, Simeon J., 54th Inf. , trans. 55th Inf. 

(colored). 
Wheelan, S. B...5th Inf. militia ; 1st Bat'n H. Art. 

Wheeler, Michael 1st H. Art. ; died in service 

Wheeler, Samuel B 2d H. Art- 

Whelan, John Navy 

Whclan, John 9th Inf. 

Whelan, Michael 9th Inf. 

Whiarty, Thoma8 4th Bat. L. .\rt. 

Whicher. Ira S 11th luf. 

^Vhite, Francis P 4tli H. Art. 

White, Henry F 5th Inf. militia 

White, John 62d Inf. 

White, Thonuw 5th Inf. militia 

White, William Navy 

Whitman, William W 7th Inf. 

Whitmar^h, Leander Navy 

Whitmore, Wiliiam W S. C. ; 7th Inf. militia 

Whitney, Samuel 4th H. Art. 

WTiitridge, Charles E 8th Inf. niiUtia 

Whittemore, Henry Navy 

%Vliittemore, William W 1st Bat'n Art. 

Wiggin, Benjamin T Ist H. Art. 

Wiggin, George F S. C- 



Wiggins, Georgo A G2d Inf. 

Wilber, Wesley Navy 

Wildes, Hayward L 4Ih Bat. L. Art. ; trana. 13th 

Bat. L. Art. 

Wiley, Edwin W 7th Inf. militia ; 3d H. Art. 

Wiley, George E 1st Sergt 59th Inf. ; killed 

Wiley, John G 2d H. Art. 

Wile.v, Moses, Jr 48th Inf. militia ; 19th Inf. 

Wiley, William Ist Inf. ; 40th Inf. ; 24th Inf. 

Wiley, William F .Sergt. 24th Inf. 

Wilford, John B 3d Cav. ; trans. V. B. C. 

Wilkins, Albert (2d) Sergt. Ist H. Art. ; super. 

Wilkiiis, Ed. M 3d H. Art. 

Wilkins, George G 23d Inf. ; killed 

Wilkins, James G Navy 

Wilkins, Michael C 1st H. Art. 

Willburn, James 11th Inf. 

Willett, Allen Navy 

Willey, Albert W 24th Inf. 

Willey, Edward A Navy 

Willey, George M 17th Inf.; Navy 

Willey, Mark L Navy 

Willey, Mark L., Jr Navy 

Willey, William (See Willey, Albert W.) 

Williams, .\rthur .S U. S. Eng. Corps. 

Williams, Charles A Sergt. 6th Inf.,militia 

Williams, Edward Navy 

Williams, George 19th Inf- 

Williams, G...54th Inf.; trans. 55th Inf. (colored). 

Williams, John Na^'y 

Williams, John ..Navy 

Williams, .John F Navy 

Williams, John H Sergt. 1st H. Art. 

Williams, John H 2d Cav. 

Williams, Henry 5th Inf. militia; 39th Inf. 

Williams, Martin V .4Stb Inf. militia 

Williams, Richard Navy 

Williams, Thomas Navy 

Williams, Thomas J 23d Inf 

Williams, Thomas J 3d Cav 

Williams, William D., 5th Inf. militia ; 4th Bat. L. 

Art. ; died in service. 

Willis, John Navy 

Willis, Lewis U. S. C. T. 

Williston, Samuel P Sergt. 4th Bat. L. Art. 

Williston, William D id Inf. ; killed 

Wilson, James Navy 

Wilson, John H Navy 

W^ilson, Joseph H 2d Inf, 

Wilson, Joseph H Navy 

Wilson, Richard M 1st H. Art, 

Wilson, Thomas 19th Inf. 

Wilson, William H Navy 

Winchester, Isaac 23d Inf. 

Winchester, S,..Corp. 23<1 Inf. ; died Audersonville 

Winn, Edward A Master's Mate, Navy 

Winter, Lawrence 9th Inf. ; died in service 

Winters, John 3d H. Art. 

Wil)pich, John 48th Inf. militia 

Withington, Francis 2d Cav. 

Wood, John 19th Inf. 

Wood, John 19th Inf. 

Wood, .Sanniel A Navy 

Wood, William P 1st H. Art. ; I8th V. R. C. 

Woodbine, Abel Navy 

Woodbury, George H oOlh Inf. militia 

Woodbury, Josiah H Corp. ■2.3d Inf 

Woodbury, Levi Ist Bat'n H. Art. 

Woodell, Eli Navy 

Wooden, William 19th Inf. 

Wright, James Navy 

Wright, Nathaniel F 59th Inf. 

Wright, Richard Navy 

Wyatt, Andrew .1. (W.) Mus. 23d Inf. 

Wynder, Thomas 3'2d Inf 

Yasinski, Edmund A S. C. 

York, Edward W .3d U. Art. ; trans. Navy 

Young, Aaron C Artificer, Ist H. Art. 

Young, Charles H 11th Inf. 

Young, James 99th N. Y. Inf. 

Young, William A Sergt. 3d Cav- 



Note. — The foregoing List of Soldiers of the Revolution is taken from Felt's Annals of Salem, with a little addition ; as also that of the Privateers of 
that War. The List of Privateers of the War of 1812 is the one made by Mr. Leavitt, found in the Historical Collections of the Essex Institute ; while the 
lists of those serving in the War of the Rebellion were carefully compiled for me from all sources by Mr. F. V. Wright, and are believed to be very nearly 
correct. It was desired to append a list of those from Salem who had attained rank and distinction in the regular army and navy throughout our history ^ 
but in the accessible rosters-their residences when appointed are not given, C, A, B, 



SALEM. 



225 



CHAPTER Xir. 

SALEM — (Continued). 
CIVIL HISTORY. 



BY HENRY M. BROOKS. 



Salem was incorporated as a city 3Iarch 22, 
1836, and the charter wa.s accepted April 4, 1836, 
by a vote of six hundred and seventeen for, to one 
hundred and eighty-five against it. It was the sec- 
ond city incorporated in the commonwealth, Boston 
having been the first, and Lowell the third. 

Leverett Saltonstall was the tirst mayor, 
elected April 25, 1836, and resigned in December, 
1838. He was a descendant of Sir Richard Salton- 
stall, and was born in Haverhill, June 13, 1783 ; was 
educated at Phillips Academy and at Harvard, where 
he graduated in 1S02. In 180.T he commenced the 
practice of law in Salem, where he was eminently 
successful, and where he was always held in great 
esteem. A State Senator in 1831 ; elected member of 
Congress in 1838, and served with distinction until 
1842. In politics he was a Whig, but had the respect 
of men of all parties. He was a member of the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the 
Massachusetts Historical Society ; author of a histor- 
ical sketch of Haverhill. Mr. Saltonstall was quite 
interested in music and was, with General Oliver, 
prominent in promoting musical taste in Salem. He 
died in Salem May 8, 1845. 

Stephen Clarendon Phillips was the second 
mayor, elected December 5, 1838, holding the office 
until March, 1842. He was born in Salem, November 
4, 1801 ; graduated at Harvard in 1819. He was a 
distinguished merchant, at one time largely engaged 
in the Manilla and Fiji Island trade ; Representa- 
tive in Congress from 1834 to 1838, and had pre- 
viously represented the town of i-^alem at the General 
Court at various periods. Originally a Whig, he 
joined the Free-Soil party in 1848, and was a candi- 
date for Governor. Mr. Phillips was especially inter- 
ested in the cause of education, was a member of the 
State Board of Education, and gave the whole of his 
salary as mayor to the city for the benefit of the pub- 
lic schools. He g.ive also a great deal of personal 
attention and time to the subject. In the latter part 
of his life he engaged largely, in the lumber trade, 
and while visiting Canada in 1857 he was one of the 
ill-fated passengers on board thesteamer "Montreal," 
burnt on St. Lawrence River on the 2Gth of June of 
that year. He was a very benevolent man and greatly 
beloved and respected wherever known. 

Stephen Palfray Webb was the third m.ayor, 

served in 1842, '43, '44, •'60, '61 and '62, and was city 

clerk from 1803 to 1871. He was born in Salem, 

March 20, 1804; graduated at Harvard in 1824. He 

15 



was a lawyer by profession. Besides holding the 
offices mentioned, Mr. Webb was elected mayor of 
San Francisco in 1854, during a temporary residence 
in that city. He was not elected a second term, as it 
was said he " refused to get rich " out of the office. 
Noted for honesty and integrity, as well as for social 
qualities, he made many friends. He died at Brook- 
line, Mass., September 29, 1879. 

Jo-seph Sebastian Cabot was the fourth mayor, 
and served four years, — 1845, '46, '47 and '48. He 
graduated at Harvard in 1815. He had been cashier 
and president of the Asiatic National Bank, and was 
at one time bank commissioner ; president of the 
Salem Savings Bank, president of Harmony Grove 
Cemetery Company, president of the Massachusetts 
Horticultural Society ; always interested in finance 
and horticulture. He was a gentleman of integrity, 
much esteemed, but rather retiring in his habits; 
had been in former years a Democratic candidate for 
Congress. He was born in Salem, October 8, 1796, 
and died June 29, 1874. 

Nathaniel Silsbee, Jr., was the fifth mayor, 
and served in 1849, '50 and again in 1858 and '59. 
He was born in Salem, December 28, 1804, and was 
the son of Hon. Nathaniel Silsbee, a distinguished 
Senator in Congress; graduated at Harvard in 1824. 
He was a merchant, and for several years the treas- 
urer of Harvard College. He resided in Boston and 
Milton some years before his death, which occurred 
July 9, 1881. 

David Pingree was the sixth mayor, serving from 
March, 1851, to March, 1852 ; a well-known merchant. 
He was born in Georgetown, December 31st- 179.5, 
and inherited wealth from his uncle, Thomas Per- 
kins, an old Salem merchant, once of the firm of 
Peabody (Joseph) & Perkins. Mr. Pingrce did a 
large business in Salem, owning many vessels en- 
gaged in the East and West India and African trade ; 
was largely interested in Eastern lands, and owned 
Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, which is still 
in possession of his heirs. He was one of the builders 
of the famous carriage-road to the summit. He was 
president of the Naumkeag Bank from its organization, 
in 1831, and president of the Xaumkeag Cotton Com- 
pany from its establishment, in 1845, until his death, 
March 31, 186."!. 

Charles Wentworth Upham was the seventh 
mayor, serving in 1852. He was born at St. John, 
N. B., May 4, 1802, and graduated at Harvard in 
1821 in the class with Ralph Waldo Emerson. He 
was minister of the First Church in Salem from 1824 
to 1844, for the first twelve years as colleague with 
Rev. John Prince, LL.D. Retiring from the minis- 
try, he was subsequently elected member of Congress 
from the Essex South District, serving with great 
satisfaction to his constituents from 1853 to 1855 ; he 
represented the city at the General Court for several 
years, and was president of the State Senate in 1857 
and 1858; Whig and Kepublican in politics. An 



226 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



eloquent speaker and excellent writer, Mr. Upham 
was distinguished as an author. Among his most 
valuable works are the " History of Salem 'Witch- 
craft" and "Life of Timothy Pickering." He also 
wrote a "Life of Fremont." At one time he edited 
the Christian Register, of Boston, and contributed 
from time to time to various periodicals. Mr. Ujiham 
was noted not only for his intellectual but social 
qualities. He died June 15, 1875. 

AsAHEL Hdntington was the eighth mayor, serv- 
ing from March, 1853, to March, 1854. He was 
born at Topsfield, July 23, 1798, and graduated at 
Yale in 1819. He was a prominent lawyer ; elected 
district attorney in 1830, resigned in 1845, but was 
again elected in 18J7, and held the office until 1851, 
when he was appointed clerk of the courts for Essex 
County, in which office he contintied until his death, 
September 5, 1870. He was deeply interested in the 
cause of temperance, and frequently lectured on the 
subject, and was an effective speaker. He was twice 
a representative at the General Court ; was president 
of the Essex Institute, also president of the Naum- 
keag Cotton Company. Mr. Huntington was highly 
esteemed by the people of Salem and of Essex 
County. 

Joseph Ai^drews was the ninth mayor, having 
been elected on the Know-Nothing or Native Ameri- 
can ticket in 1854 and 1855. He was born in Salem, 
December 10, 1808; began business as a clerk in one 
of the Salem banks, and in 1832 was elected cashier 
of the Commercial Bank, in Boston, where he re- 
mained until the bank closed, in 1838. He was 
always interested in military matters, and commanded 
at one time the Salem Light Infantry. He was brig- 
adier-general of Massachusetts Militia at the break- 
ing out of the Civil War, and was placed in command 
at Fort Warren, in Boston harbor, where he had 
charge of the State troops before their departure to 
the seat of war. He removed to Boston and died 
there February 8, 1869. 

William Sluman Messeevy was the tenth 
mayor, serving in 1856-57. He was born in Salem, Au- 
gust 26, 1812, and began business in a counting-room 
in Boston about 1830. In 1834 he went into business 
in St. Louis, Mo. In 1839 he was a Mexican trader, 
and spent several years in Chihuahua and Santa Fe. 
When the Territory of New Mexico was organized he 
was elected delegate to Congress, and was afterwards 
acting Governor. Having had financial success in 
his various operations, he returned to Salem in 1854, 
and was soon afterwards made a director in various 
corporations. He was interested in literary and scien- 
tific institutions, and a great reader. He was also in- 
terested in politics; an Old Line Democrat, but during 
the war a strong Kepublican. He died February 19, 
1886. 

Stephen Goodhue Wheatland was the eleventh 
mayor, and served in 1803 and 1864. He vfas born 
at Newton, August 11, 1824, and graduated at Har- 



vard in 1844. He was a lawyer by profession ; rep- 
resented the city at the General Court for a number 
of years; was a director in several corporations, and 
has been president of the National Exchange Bank. 

Joseph Barlow Felt Osgood was the twelfth 
mayor (1865), and was born in Salem July 1, 1823 ; 
graduated at Harvard in 1846. He is an able law- 
yer ; has been a member of the State Senate and 
House of Representatives. At present he is judge of 
the First District Court of Essex County, which posi- 
tion he has held since its establishment, in 1874. 

David Roberts was the thirteenth mayor, and 
served from January, 1866, to September 26, 1867, 
when he resigned on account of a disagreement with 
the aldermen. He was an attorney and counselor-at- 
law, having graduated at Harvard in 1824. At one 
time he was a representative at the General Court ; 
was author of a work on admiralty law and practice. 
He was born in Hamilton, April 5, 1804, and died in 
Salem, March 19, 1879. 

William Cogswell was the fourteenth mayor, 
and was elected on the resignation of Mayor Roberts, 
September 26, 1867, and held the office in 1868 and 
1869, and again in 1873 and 1874. He was born in 
Bradford, August 23, 1838; a graduate of Harvard 
Law School ; practiced law in Salem. He served 
with distinction in the War of the Rebellion ; went 
first as captain in the Second Massachusetts Regi- 
ment aud rose to the rank of brevet brigadier-general ; 
and was with Sherman in his famous march through 
Georgia. Since the war he has held the office of 
State Inspector of Fish for several years ; has several 
times represented the city in the Legislature, and the 
district in the State Senate. He is at present Repre- 
sentative in Congress from Essex District. 

Nathaniel Brown was the fifteenth mayor (1870 
-71), and was born in Salem, March 18, 1827. He 
began business as clerk in the counting-room of 
Messrs. Stone, Silsbees & Pickman, noted East India 
merchauts; went to sea, and was for many years an 
intelligent ship-master. In 1871, as president of the 
Salem Marine Society, he delivered an address on the 
centennial anniversary of that society's incorporation. 
He died in Salem December 10, 1879. 

Samuel Calley was the sixteenth mayor, and 
held the office in 1872 and again in 1881 and 1882. 
He was born in Salem, April 13, 1821 ; was a house- 
painter by trade, but always greatly interested in 
political and municipal affairs ; Republican in poli- 
tics, and was representative at the General Court in 
1870 and 1871. He died January 1, 1883. 

Henry Laurens Williams was the seventeenth 
mayor (1875-76), and was born in Salem, July 23, 
1815. He began business in the counting-room of 
N. L. Rogers & Brothers, well-known merchants. In 
1836 he went into the employ of Joseph Peabody, the 
noted merchant. After the -death of Mr. Peabody, 
in 1844, he founded the house of Williams & Daland, 
in Boston. Later he was for some years a director of 



SALEM. 



227 



the Eastern Railroad Company, president of the 
Five-Cents Savings Bank and of the National Ex- 
change Bank. He died September 27, 1879. 

Henry Kemble Oliver was the eighteenth 
mayor, serving in 1877, 1878, 1879 and 1880. He was 
born in Beverly, November 24, 1800; graduated at 
Harvard in 1818. He was a .school-teacher in 
Salem from 1819 to 1844 ; was the first master of the 
English High School ; afterwards opened a private 
school for boys and, later, a school for young ladies. 
He was interested in military matters, and was adju- 
tant-general from 1844 to 1848. Elected agent of the 
Atlantic Cotton Mills, at Lawrence, he removed to 
that city in 1848 ; mayor of Lawrence in 1859 ; agent 
of the Board of Education in 1858 and 1859 ; State 
treasurer from IStil to 18(56; chief of the State Bu- 
reau for Labor for some years. He possessed great 
knowledge of the art of music, and composed numer- 
ous excellent Psalm tunes, such as " Federal Street," 
" Merton," etc. ; published a few years ago a collection 
entirely of his own compositions ; was made one of 
the judges of musical instruments at the Centennial 
Exhibition, in Philadelphia, in 1870. He was also 
well versed in mathematics and astronomy. In short, 
he was a man of very varied talents and accomplish- 
ments. He died at Salem, after a long illness, Au- 
gust 12, 1885, and had a public funeral from the 
North Church, of which he had long been a member, 
and was formerly the organist. 

William Millett Hill was the nineteenth 
mayor (1883 and 1884), and was born in Salem, Au- 
gust 16, 1831. He was a currier by trade ; a Demo- 
crat in politics ; was president of the Common 
Council from 1873 to January 14, 1875, when he was 
appointed city marshal, which office he held until 
1877, after which he was appointed ujjon the State de- 
tective force. 

Arthur Lord Huntington was the twentieth 
mayor, and served in 1885. He was the son of the 
Hon. Asahel Huntington, a former mayor, and was 
born in Salem August 12, 1848 ; graduated at Har- 
vard in 1870 ; a lawyer by profession. He was presi- 
dent of the Common Council in 1877 and 1878. 

John Marshall Raymond was the twenty-first 
mayor, elected December 8, 1885, and again in De- 
cember, 1886, and is the present incumbent. He was 
born June 16, 1852, and is a graduate of the Boston 
University. 

The following is a tabulated list of mayors : 

Leverett Saltonstall From 1836 to 1838 

Stephen C.Phillips " 1838 " 1842 

Stephen P. Webb " 1842 " 1845 

Joseph S. Cabot " 1845 " 1849 

Nathaniel Silsbee, Jr " 1S49 " 1851 

David Pingree " 1851 " 1852 



18.52 to 1853 


18.53 


' 18.54 


1854 


' 1856 


1850 


' 1858 


1858 


' 1860 


1860 


" 1803 


18G3 


< 1865 


1805 


' 1806 


180G 


' 1867 


18C7 


' 1870 


1870 


' 1872 


1872 


' 1873 


1873 


' 1875 


1875 


' 1877 


1877 


' 1880 


1880 


• 1882 


1882 


• 1884 


1884 


" 1885 


1883 





Chark'a W. Upham From 

Asahel Huntington •* 

Joseph Andrews '» 

William S. Messervy " 

Nathaniel Silsbee, Jr. fre-elected) *' 

Stephen P. Webb (re-elected) " 

Stephen G. Wheatland " 

Joseph B. F. Osgood " 

David Roberts *' 

William Cogswell " 

Nathaniel Brown " 

Samuel Calley ** 

William Cogswell (re-elected) *' 

Henry L. Williams " 

Henry K. Oliver '* 

Samuel Calley (re-elected) ** 

William M. Hill » 

Arthur L. Huntington *' 

John M. Raymond " 

PRESIDENTS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL. 

John Glen King (H. U., 1S07), lawyer 183&-37 

Richards. Rogers, merchant .'....1838 

John Russell, president Bank of General Interest 1839-41 

Joshua H. Ward (H. U., 3829), lawyer and judge 1842-44 

David Putnam, dry-goods merchant 1844 

Joseph G. Sprague, cashier Naumkeag Bank 1845-47 

Jona. C. Perkins (Amherst, 1832), lawyer and judge ...1848 
Benjamin Wheatland (H. U., 1819), treasurer New- 
market Company 1849-51 

John Whipple, cabinet-maker 1852-53 

Daniel Potter, blacksmith and deputy sheriff. 1854-55 

John Webster, treasurer Newmarket Company 1856 

William C. Endicott (H. U., 1847), lawyer and justice 
Supreme Judicial Court, present Secretary of War. 

(I.S87) 1857 

Stephen B. Ives, bookseller 1858 

Henry L. Williams, merchant 1859 

James H. Battis, cigar manufacturer 1860 

Stephen G. Wheatland (H. U., 1844), lawyer 18GI-G2 

William G. Choate (H. U., 1852), lawyer 18G3-64 

Gilbert L. Streeter, editor and bank officer I8i;5, '70-72 

Charles S.Osgood, lawyer, deputy collectorand register 

of deeds IS&J-OS 

William M. Hill, currier 1873-75 

George W. Williams, clerk 1875 

George H. Hill, druggist 1876 

Arthur L. Huntington (H. U., 1870), lawyer 1877-78 

William A, Hill, leather dealer 1879-80 

John M. Riiymond, lawyer 1881-82 

William Leonard, shoe dealer 1883 

Charles H. Ingalls, manufacturer 1884 

John Robinson, treasurer Peabody Academy 1885-86 

William E. Meade, locomotive engineer 1887 

PRESENT CITY GOVERNMENT (18S7). 

Mt-iyor. 

John M. Raymond. 

Aldermen. 

John H. Batchelder, president. 

George A. Collins. George W. Varney. 

William L. Hyde. Oliver D. Way. 

William S. Mclntire. Urban K. Williams. 

President of Common Council. , 

William E. Sleade. 

Citii Clerk. City Treasurer. Water Hoard. 

Henry M. Meek. F. A. Newell. Alonzo H. Smith, president. 

CUy SoliciUrr, 

Forrent L. Evans. 



228 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 



JOHN ENDICOTT. 

John Endicott was born in Dorchester, England, in 
1588. In 1623 a company known as the Dorchester 
Company established a colony at Cape Ann, near 
what is now Gloucester. This colony consisted of 
about fifty men, under the leadership of Roger 
Conanty/and not long afterward removed to Naum- 
keag (now Salem). The Dorchester Company was or- 
ganized by Rev. John White, of Dorchester, who, in 
response to letters from Couant favoring a permanent 
settlement, wrote to him that if he and John 
Woodbury, John Balch and Peter Palfray would re- 
main at Naumkeag, he would, as soon as possible, ob- 
tain a patent and forward more men and supplies. 
In accordance with this promise, Mr. White obtained 
a patent from the Council for New England, dated 
March 19, 1628, conveying to six persons — Sir Henry 
Rosewell, Sir John Young, John Humphrey, Thomas 
Southcote, John Endicott and Simon Whitcomb — a 
tract of country described as " that part of New Eng- 
land lying between three miles north of the Merri- 
mac, and three miles to the south of the Charles 
River, and of every part thereof in the Massachusetts 
Bay ; and in length between the described breadth 
from the Atlantic to the South Sea." Some changes 
were afterwards made in the list of grantees by the 
retirement of Rosewell, Y'oung and Southcote, and 
the substitution of Sir Richard Baltonstall and others 
in their places. 

Under this patent, John Endicott, described as "a 
man of dauntless courage, benevolent, though aus- 
tere, firm, though choleric, of a rugged nature, which 
his stern principles of non-conformity had not served 
to mellow," was sent out from England, and arrived, 
with his wife and a band of emigrants, in the ship 
"Abigail " at Salem September 6, 1628. He had been 
appointed in England Governor of the plantation, 
while Matthew Cradock bad been chosen Governor 
of the Massachusetts Company in London. After his 
arrival in New England the English Company ap- 
plied for a charter, which might give them authority 
to establish a government within the territory granted 
to them by the Council for New England. The 
charter was granted and passed the seal March 4, 
1629. This charter created a corporation under the 
name of the " Governor and Company of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay in New England." In 1630 John Win- 
throp, as Governor under the charter, assumed con- 
trol of the colony, having arrived in June of that 
year. At the first meeting of the Court of Assistants, 
held at Charlestown August 23, 1630, it was ordered 
" that the Governor and Deputy-Governor for the time 
being shall always be justices of the peace, and that Sir 
Richard Saltonstall, Mr. John.son, Mr. Endicott and 
Mr. Ludlowe shall be justices of the peace for the 
present time, in all things to have like power that 
justices of the peace hath in England for reformation 



of abuses and punishing of offenders.'' On the 7th 
of September, 1630, he took his seat as one of the as- 
sistants, and occupied that position many years. In 
1636 he was appointed one of the magistrates to hold 
the Salem Court, and in the same year colonel of the 
regiment composed of the militia of the towns of Sa- 
lem, Saugus, Ipswich and Newbury. In 1637 he was 
chosen " to be one of the standing consell ibrthe term 
of his life," and in 1641 was chosen Deputy-Governor. 
In 1644 he was chosen Governor and removed to 
Boston, and served almost continuously in that office un- 
til his death in Boston March 15, 1665. In 1645 he was 
made sergeant major-general, the highest military offi- 
cer in the colony, and in 1652 established a mint, which 
was engaged in coinage more than thirty years. He 
was a man of good education, of fearless disposition 
and determined will. Whatever credit may be due 
to others in the successful establishment of the Mas- 
sachusetts colony, it may be reasonably doubted 
whether his presence and influence were not essential 
parts of the great whole, which gave it a permanent 
life. 



SIR RICHARD SALTONSTALL. 

Sir Richard Saltonstall was born in Halifax, Eng- 
land, in 1586, and died in England about 1658. He 
was one of the grantees under the patent from the 
Council for New England, obtained by Rev. John 
White in behalf of the colony at Naumkeag, e-tab- 
lished under the leadership of Roger Conant. In the 
charter to the Massachusetts Company, which passed 
the seal March 4, 1629, he was the first named of the 
eighteen assistants provided for in that instrument, 
and came to New England with Wiuthrop in 1630. 
In March, 1635-36, he had a grant of one hundred 
acres of land in Watertown, and in June, 1641, a 
grant of five hundred acres " below Springfield." He 
finally returned to England, having previously revis- 
ited it in 1631. In 1644 he was in Holland, and there 
the portrait of him now in the posse^^sion of his de- 
scendants was painted. Breadth of mind and a liberal 
spirit were his marked characteristics, and have been 
inherited by the successive generations of his descend- 
ants. In 1651, in a letter to Rev. John Wilson and 
Rev. John Cotton, he lamented the narrow spirit of 
persecution prevailing in the colony, and urged upon 
them the exhibition of kindlier and more charitable 
judgment and treatment of those who had been sub- 
jected to persecution. 

Sir Richard is spoken of more in detail in the 
sketch of Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, of Salem, in the 
chapter on the Bench and Bar, and in that sketch 
may be found a full statement of his family and an- 
cestry. 



JOSEPH PEABODY. 

Joseph Peabody was born in Middleton, in Essex 
County, which was made up of parts of Salem, Tops- 
field, Boxford and Andover, and incorporated June 



/ 




OF MASSACHTSETTS 



.usq_ k..a-^ir -^^l^u 




7Mcoir 



230 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The West Indies, the Spanish Main and the northwest 
coast came also within the range of his enterprises. 

The business of Mr. Peabody always had Salem for 
its headquarters, and from and to that port all his 
vessels sailed, and from there was distributed in 
coasting vessels the merchandise which they had 
brought from all parts of the world. His ships were 
built and equipped there, and it may be easily imag- 
ined how much employment he gave to his townsmen 
and how largely he promoted the prosperity and 
growth of the town. 

At various times he had as partners in business 
Mr. Thomas Perkins, who sailed with him in his early 
privateering voyages, and Mr. Gideon Tucker, both 
of whom, though men of great business capacity, 
reaped abundantly the benefit of the master-mind of 
their partner. 

The career of Mr. Peabody sufficiently indicates, 
without a definite analysis, his character. To have 
accomplished it he must necessarily have possessed 
certain qualities, without which it would have been a 
failure instead of a remarkable success. His temper- 
ament was cool, his judgment was unerring, his esti- 
mate of men was almost infallible. He was cautious 
and careful in making his calculations and reaching 
conclusions, but his calculations when made were 
always correct and from his conclusions no argument 
or obstacles could swerve him. But underlying and 
supplementing all his qualities as a business man was 
the experience of his early life at the lowest round in 
the commercial ladder, which made his steady progress 
comparatively easy and sure. 

Mr. Peabody died on the 5th of January, 18-1:4, at 
the age of eighty-six \ears. His widow died on the 
28th of February, 1854, at the age of eighty-seven 
years. 

COL. FEANCIS PEABODY. 

Colonel Francis Peabody was the son of Joseph 
Peabody, of Salem, and a lineal descendant from 
Lieutenant Francis Peabody, of St. Albans, Hert- 
fordshire, England, born in 1614, who came to New 
England in the ship "Planter" in 1635 and first settled 
in Ipswich. In 1638 Lieutenant Francis Peabody re- 
moved to Hampton, in the old county of Norfolk, but 
iu or about the year 1650 took up his permanent resi- 
dence in Top-field. He married Mary, daughter of 
Reginald Foster, and had children. 

Joseph, one of his descendants, was born Dec. 12, 
1757, whose sketch is included in this volume ; mar- 
ried, first, August 28, 1791, Catherine, and second, 
October 24, 1795, Elizabeth, daughters of Rev. Elias 
Smith, of Middleton. 

Colonel Francis Peabody, one of the sons of Jo- 
seph, born December 7, 1801, was placed, at ten years 
of age, in Dummer Academy, at Byfield, under the 
care of Rev. Abiel Abbott. At the age of twelve he 
was placed in a select private school kept by Jacob 
Newman Knapp, in Brighton, where he remained 



four years. Here ended his academic education. His 

predilection for scientific pursuits was so strong that 
a collegiate career was abandoned, and his time and 
energies were devoted to the study of mechanics and 
chemistry. In 1820, at the age of eighteen, he took 
passage in the ship " Augustus," belonging to his 
father, to Russia to re-establish his health, which had 
been seriously impaired by a fever which, during its 
ravages, threatened his life and had left him somewhat 
enfeebled. From Cronstadt, the port of destination, 
Mr. Peabody made a tour into the interior of Russia 
and returned home in the " Augustus '' with renewed 
health and a zeal for his chosen work strengthened 
and matured. During the next two winters he at- 
tended courses of scientific lectures in Boston and 
Philadelphia, in the latter city forming an acquaint- 
ance with the distinguished scientist. Dr. Hare, which 
proved of special benefit to him in his course of 
study. 

Nor was his enthusiasm confined to scientific pur- 
suits. His attention was turned to military matters, 
and as whatever subject he applied his mind to he 
studied with earnestness and easily mastered, he was 
soon in command of a battalion of artillery and was 
rapidly promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy of a regi- 
ment. In 1825 he was transferred to the infantry as 
colonel of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Second 
Division of the Massachusetts Militia, and ever after- 
wards bore the title which he thi'n acquired. Hon. 
Charles W. Upham, an intimate and devoted friend 
of Colonel Peabody, in a memoir, to which the writer 
of this sketch is indebted for much of its material, 
says that, " having exhausted the activities of a mili- 
tary life, it had no charms for Francis Peabody, and 
he forthwith gave himself back to his predominating 
tastes and to the inexhaustible satisfactions they 
afforded him. Yielding again and now once for all 
to the spirit of the place, he renewed his philosophi- 
cal and inventive operations and engaged in branches 
of business, manufacturing and commercial, to which 
they led him, remaining always on hand, however, to 
bear his part in movements for the general welfare." 

Colonel Peabody was among the first to introduce 
the system of public lectures on scientific and literary 
subjects, which did so much to instruct the last gen- 
eration and spread intelligence among the people. 
In 1828 he gave a free course of lectures in Franklin 
Hall, in Salem, on the history and uses of the steam- 
engine, and the next season gave a similar course in 
Concert Hall, in the same city, on electricity. These 
lectures awakened in the community a sense of the 
value of knowledge, which took form in the estab- 
lishment of lyceums not only in Essex County, but 
throughout the commonwealth. 

Colonel Peabody had, in 1826, connected himself 
with the establishment of the business of the " Forest 
River Lead Company," but in 1833 he built the paper- 
mills in Middleton. At a later date he began on an 
extended scale the business of refining sperm and 





'^ilca^-Zhi/z^. 




232 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



that denomination being among his most vahied 
friends. Strong good sense, sound judgment, great 
clearness of perception and statement were his most 
strilving cliaracteristics. Eminently just and honora- 
ble in all his dealings and despising everything false 
or tricky, he was nevertheless a man of strong preju- 
dices, but he did not allow them to betraj' him into 
injustice. Mr. Pickman was not only an accom- 
plished merchant, familiar with everything relating 
to accounts, the laws and usages of insurance, bank- 
ing and exchanges, but extensive reading, aided by 
an excellent memory, had given him a vast fund of 
general information, particularly on historical and 
geographical subjects and the politics of Europe and 
this country, as well as a good knowledge of the best 
English and French literature. He was a large man 
physically, fully six feet two inches in height, of 
striking presence, with a fine head and expansive 
forehead, indicating decided brain-power. His man- 
ners had all the dignity and courtesy of the old 
school. The brick house on the corner of Chestnut 
and Pickering Streets, built in 1819, was occupied by 
him until his death, which occurred in 1846. He 
was married, in 1810, to Catherine, daughter of 
Thomas Sanders, of Salem. Three children .survived 
him : Catherine Sanders, married to Kiehard S. Fay, 
of Boston; Elizabeth Leavitt, to Richard S. Rogers, 
of Salem ; and William Dudley, to Caroline, daughter 
of Zachariah F. Silsbee, of Salem. 

A son of the last, born in Salem in 1850, and a 
grandson, born at Geneva, Switzerland, in 188.>, both 
bear the name of Dudley Leavitt Pickman. 



RICHARD S. ROGERS. 

Richard Saltonstall Rogers was born in Salem 
January 13, 1790, and was a lineal descendant, not 
from John Rogers, the martyr, as has been supposed 
by some, but from another John Rogers, a contem- 
porary of the martyr, living in another jjart of Eng- 
land. This John Rogers had two sons, — the Rev. 
Richard Rogers, of Weathersfield, and John, who 
lived in Chelmsford. The latter son, John, was the 
father of Rev. John Rogers, of Dedham, England, 
who was the father of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, who 
was born in Haverhill, England, in 1598, came to New 
England in 1636, and was settled at Ipswich in 1637. 
The Rev. Nathaniel Rogers married Margaret Crane, 
and was the father of Rev. John Rogers, of Ipswich, 
born in Coggeshall, England, in 1630, who graduated 
at Harvard College in 1649, and was its president 
from April 10, 1682, until his death, July 2, 1684. 
The Rev. John Rogers, the president, married Eliza- 
beth Dennison, and was the father of another Rev. 
John Rogers, of Ijaswich, who was born in Ipswich 
in 1660, and graduated at Harvard in 1684. The last 
John married Martha Whittiugham, and was the father 
of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, of Ipswich, born Septem- 
ber 22, 1701, and a graduate at Harvard in 1721. 



The Rev. Nathaniel Rogers married, first, December 
25, 1728, Mary, daughter of John Leverett, presi- 
dent of Harvard College, and widow of Colonel John 
Denison, of Ipswich, and second, Mary, daughter of 
Thomas Burnam, and the widow of Daniel Staniford. 
By his second wife he had Nathaniel, born March 11, 
1762, and a graduate at Harvard in 1782. The last 
Nathaniel married Abigail, daughter of Colonel 
Abraham Dodge, and had Nathaniel Leverett, 
August 6, 1785, who married, October 24, 1813, Har- 
riet, daughter of Aaron Wait, of Salem ; John 
Whittingham, who married Austin, daughter of Colo- 
nel Benjamin Pickman, of Salem; Richard S., the 
subject of this sketch, January 13, 1790; William 
Augustus, who graduated at Harvard in 1811 ; and 
Daniel Dennison, who died in infancy. 

About the year 1790, after the birth of his two 
oldest children, Nathaniel Rogers removed from Ips- 
wich to Salem. Richard Saltonstall, with his 
brothers, was educated at the common schools, and 
in early manhood entered with energy and enthu- 
siasm upon a business career. At that time Jerath- 
mael Peirce, the father of Benjamin Peirce, librarian 
of Harvard College from 1826 to 1831, and grand- 
father of the late Benjamin Peirce, professor of 
astronomy and mathematics at Harvard, was, with 
Aaron Wait, under the firm name of Wait & Peirce, 
largely engaged in Salem in the foreign trade. Na- 
thaniel Leverett Rogers, the oldest brother of Rich- 
ard, married, in 1813, Harriet, the daughter of Mr. 
Wait, and through his influence Richard obtained 
large consignments of merchandise to Rus-sia, and 
spent several years in that country engaged in the 
management of the affairs of that enterprising house. 
In 1816 he sailed as supercargo in the ship "Friend- 
ship," belonging to the same house, on a voyage to 
Lisbon and Calcutta, and after successive voyages in 
that capacity, and one voyage on the ship " Tartar," 
as master, he, with his next oldest brother, John 
Whittingham Rogers, was taken into partnership by 
his oldest brother, Nathaniel Leverett Rogers, who 
had already established himself at Salem in foreign 
trade, under the name of Rogers Brothers. The three 
brothers, all of whom were quick-sighted, quick- 
witted and quick to act where shrewd calculation and 
clear judgment led the way, started at once on a 
career which, during twenty years, overcame every 
ob.stacle in the way of its success. 

The older readers of this sketch will remember 
the vessels in their employ and the captains who 
commanded them, — the " Grotius," " Augustus," 
"Tybee," "Clay," " Nereus," "Quill" and "Charles 
Daggett," will be recognized as names of vessels of 
which not a timber-head remains, while the names of 
their masters — Woodbury, Ward, Skerry, Neal, Far- 
ley, Vanderford, Kinsman, Lamson, King, Mugford, 
Bowditch, Brookhouse and Drevin — only recall the 
past and its busy days of active commercial life. 
With these ships and masters the Rogers Brothers 





44^^^.±:5-^ 




J;^C^ X^.^. 



SALEM. 



233 



were the pioneers in the Zanzibar and New Holland 
trades, and besides numerons voyages to South 
America and various European ports, there were per- 
formed by them more than one hundred and twenty 
voyages around either Cape Horn or the Cape of 
Good Hope. 

Those who are familiar with the facilities which 
ocean cables aff'ord to the merchant who sends his ship 
to-day into distant seas find it difficult to a|)preciate 
the judgment and skill and heroic courage without 
which no man could successfully engage in foreign 
commerce fifty years ago. Now the owner communi- 
cates with his master in every port, and orders are 
postponed to meet the exigencies as they arise. Then 
a one or two or three years' voyage was planned at 
the start, and its successful termination was a triumph 
of business skill. Of this skill the Rogers Brothers 
were largely the possessors and until unexpected and 
undeserved reverses met them, in 1S42, their career 
was smooth and prosperous. 

But the reverses were not sufficient to discourage 
or depress Mr. Rogers. He met them with the same 
undaunted courage which he had always exhibited 
when perils threatened and disaster was nigh. He 
again adopted the occupation of his early life and 
sailed as supercargo to Australia in the ship "lanthe," 
Captain Woodbury, opening with hope a new chapter 
in his life. He afterwards became engaged in com- 
merce to some extent with his brotlier-in-law, W. D. 
Pickman, of Salem and Boston, and never ijermitted 
himself, as long as health and strength remained to 
fall away from active and absorbing pursuits. 

Mr. Rogers married, May 14, 1822, Sarah G., 
daughter of Hon. Jacob Crowninshield, and had Wil- 
liam Crowninshield; Richard Denison, who married 
Martha Endicott, daughter of Colonel Francis Pea- 
body; Jacob Crowninshield, who married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Colonel Francis Peabody ; Sarah and 
George, who died early; and Arthur Saltonstall.Hemar- 
ried, second, March 17, 1847, Elizabeth L., daughter of 
Hon. Dudley L. Pickman, of Salem, and had Dudley 
Pickering; George Willoughby, who married .Tose- 
jdiine Lord, of Peabody ; and Elizabeth P., who 
married Mr. Pound, and resides in England. 

Mr. Rogers was a man who never sought popularity 
nor office. His individuality was strong, his opinions 
were his own and not easily changed, his will was 
indomitable, and for many years his influence in 
political and civil life was marked. He was at 
various times a member of the Common Council of 
Salem and of the Legislature, but the methods of 
modern politicians were distasteful to him and he had 
no ambition to keep them company. He died June 
11, 1873, at Salem, at the ripe age of eighty-three 
years. 



CAPT.ilX JOHX BERTRAM. 

Among the names which Salem holds in loving and 
lasting remembrance, there are few, if any, which are 
15i 



more highly esteemed than that of .Tohn Bertram. 
He was a notable representative of a class of men 
who, as civilization advances, grow more and more 
important in their influence upon society. In a bus- 
iness age like our own, a great merchant is pre-emi- 
nently a factor of force. He and his work touch the 
community at an infinite number of points. His 
honest successes are an inspiration to the nuiltitude 
of workers, the patience and industry by which he 
wins his wealth and .standing are a rebuke to the 
idlers who take life easily and hope to find short cuts 
to fortune, his methods are suggestive and healthful, 
and his history is a school book for beginners to 
study. In the record of human activities there is 
nothing finer than the story of the career of a trulj' 
great and honorable merchant. 

And both as a great and honorable merchant John 
Bertram was exceptionally eminent. He owed noth- 
ing to fortune. Born in humble circumstances with no 
friends to push him, and no capital with which to 
begin the world, he shouldered himself to the first 
rank of successful business men by sheer force of 
will and i)atient endurance. He first saw the light 
in the Isle of Jersey, February 11, 1796. His family 
were residents of the Parish of St. Saviour, to which 
parish his ancestry as far back as he was able to 
trace it had always belonged. The Bertram 
family belonged to the middle class, in 
the somewhat peculiar society of the unique island 
which is both French and English. The ancient 
parish church is still standing, and in later life Mr. 
Bertram had the pleasure of revisiting the very local- 
ity where, as a boy, he had played, and of entering 
again the old church in whose very shadow he had 
perhaps in his earlier years nursed ambitions and 
hopes that were to be realized in his later life. Be- 
yond question, that old church and its surroundings 
had something to do with imparting a permanent 
tinge to his thoughts and feelings, for through a long 
life he showed a profound reverence for and interest 
in religious matters, and a sketch of the old church 
procured in his later years was one of the most highly 
estieemed of his household treasures. 

The family came to America in 1807, and settled in 
Salem. Like all adventurous Salem boys of that day, 
John conceived a grand pa.ssion for the sea. The 
shop where he worked was within hearing of the lap- 
ping of the waves, and through the windows he could 
catch sight of the lines of masts and the white gleam 
of the canvass and the songs of the sailors outward 
or homeward bound, seemed to invite him to become 
a wanderer on the ocean. At last a decision was 
reached, and in December, 1812, Captain Bertram, 
then sixteen years old, shipped for his first voyage on 
board a vessel bound for Alexandria and Lisbon, 
rated on the ship's lists as a " boy " with a pay of 
five dollars a month. Then came the exciting times 
of the War of 1812, and after his return from his first 
voyage he followed the adventurous life of a privateer 



234 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



until he found himself a prisoner on board the prison 
ship " Alicant," at Bermuda, and in 1815 one of the 
unhappy captives confined in the prison ship at 
Plymouth, England. 

The close of the war released Captain Bertram from 
his captivity, and he found himself at home again, 
with very little to show for his years of hard service. 
But the boy's romance had become the purpose of 
the man, and he was soon afloat again, serving in 
vessel after vessel, voyaging to all parts of the world, 
rising from grade to grade, until he found himself in 
command, retiring from the hard life of the sea in 
1832, after twenty years of tasking and faithful ser- 
vice. From thence on he continued in the ordinary 
routine of commercial business until 1848, when the 
discovery of gold in California set the world on fire. 
Captain Bertram was quick to discern the value of 
this new opening for business, and sent out the first 
vessel from the States after the discovery of gold, and 
the third vessel which arrived from any port. He, 
with oth:rs, subsequently built a number of ships for 
the trade, most of them clippers, some of them very 
large. From 1852 to 1858 he gradually narrowed the 
range of his commercial business, until at last he 
confined it to trade in the Indian seas. In 1856 he 
became interesttd in Western railroads, and carried 
into the new business the same energy and caution 
and foresight which had characterized him in other 
departments of activity. There, as elsewhere, his 
ability commanded success, and his faculty for organ- 
ization enabled him to spend his last years with his 
business so well in hand, that he was free from 
anxiety and relieved from overburdensome labor. 
At the same time he did not intermit his vigilance. 
Useful occupation was his delight, and he devoutly 
believed that if a man wished to be well served, he 
must serve himself. His quiet office was an observa- 
vatory, whose windows looked north, south, east and 
west, and he kept watch of what was going on that 
concerned him, both on the far shores of Zanzibar 
and beyond the roll of the Mississippi. Wherever 
the business was the man was, to plan and oversee 
and superintend. 

Perhaps the most notable thing about Captain 
Bertram — certainly the thing by which he will be 
longest and most lovingly remembered — was bis open- 
handedness. He was no importunate creditor in the 
transaction of busine-ss. The number of obligations 
due him, which were cancelled without payment, will 
never appear upon the open record. Impatient as he 
might be at any attempt to defraud him, intolerant 
as he was of ail shiftlessness and extravagance, yet 
when misfortune overtook his debtors, they had 
nothing to fear from him. Instead of being their 
persecutor, demanding the pound of flesh nominated 
in the bond, he was sure to become their helper. He 
took especial interest in young men in their early 
business struggles, and was ready to assist them, both 
with advice, which, however valuable, is cheap, aud 



also with financial aid, which most men do not fur- 
nish so readily. He had been young himself, and 
knew all the perplexities of beginnings, and, out of 
his own experience, caught the impulse to save 
others from what he had suffered himself 

And this open-handedness was not a matter of sel- 
fish calculation. It came out of large-heartedness. 
This business consideration was supplemented by 
most munificent liberality. During the dark days 
of the War of the Rebellion he was a most intense 
patriot, in pur-e as well as profession. The wants of 
the soldiers never plead with him in vain, and he 
often anticipated the cry for help before it was ut- 
tered. The records of the Grand Army show that 
this generous interest was not a momentary enthusi- 
asm. To the close of his life he kept in mind the 
needs .and the deserts of the defenders of the Union, 
and his unrecorded liberalities in their behalf were 
quite as numerous as his formal donations. The for- 
lorn condition of the race whom the war liberated 
was constantly and pressingly present with him, and 
any plan for their elevation was sure to receive gen- 
erous consideration at his hand ; so that he made 
himself powerfully felt in the schools and educational 
movements undertaken in behalf of the freedmen. 
Soldiers and freedmen alike never lost a better friend 
than Mr. Beriram. 

The needs of his own community made constant 
and large demands upon his sympathy. He was 
always ready to listen to a story of want, and no de- 
.serving applicant failed of a helping as well as a 
hearing. His generous instincts often foresaw the 
formal appeal for assistance. He kept a list, to 
which he was constantly adding new names, of needy 
families, 1o whom he annually sent supplies of fuel, 
and he left in trust to the city a large amount, the 
income of which was to be used year by year in pro- 
viding wood and coal for the poor, and no nobler or 
more judicious legacy was ever made. Morning by 
morning his hand kindles the fires on scores of the 
hearthstones of the destitute, and his memory is kept 
alive by the gracious light and warmth in multitudes 
of the homes of poverty. A benefaction of that sort 
is a well-considered charity. 

Captain Bertram's liberalities of this nature were 
numerous. His gifts to the Salem Hospital, his 
establishment of the Bertram Home for Aged Men, 
his legacy to the Children's Friends' Society were all 
on a munificent scale, and will go on doing a work of 
blessing for generations to come. 

No other single citizen of Salem has done more for 
the good name and real welfare of the municipality 
than Captain John Bertram. His life was a striking 
illustration of the fact that wise and generous giving 
does not impoverish a man. The serene content of 
his old age was the result of a useful and unselfish 
life, — a forcible and instructive lesson to those whose 
highest ideal of living is a constant struggle for 
merely personal advantage. The tears of the hun- 







:^<~fi^(l..^?''^~' *^eX^7-x^»^»^^^^ 



SALEM. 



235 



dreds whom he had helped, that watered his grave 
wlien he was borne to his rest at the ripe term of 
eighty-six years, were the most satisfying tribute j 
which any man can receive. The regret at his less, 
wHh which his name is always .spoken, is conclusive 
evidence that a useful and generous life is the fairest 
which any man can live. This is the true earthly 
immortality which is best worth the having. 

So long .IS Salem is well spoken of by those who 
are acquainted with the ancient city, there will be 
coupled with its other claims to regard and renown 
the name of John Bertram. 



J.\COB PCTXAM. 
The late Jacob Putnam was one of the founders of 
the leather business in this vicinity. He was a man 
of a kindly nature, of indomitable energy and un- 
flinching integrity, and possessed a large share of that 
intuitive knowledge of human nature which lies at 
the foundation of success in every vocation. 

He was of English descent and traced his lineage 
back among the earliest settlers of this Common- 
wealth, to John Putnam, of Aylesbury, Buckingham 
County, England, who, with his wife and three sons, 
sailed from London, in 1631, for New England. He 
disembarked that same year in Boston, and, after a 
short stay in Charlestown, proceeded with his family 
to the then infant village of Salem, and here fixed 
his new place of abode. That he had been a man of 
note and had attained prominence in his native coun- 
try is shown by the ftict that a tract of land in Salem 
was now granted to him by the Crown for distin- 
guished services rendered to the English government. 
Upon this tract he soon erected a house for himself 
and one also for each of his three sons, and devoteil 
himself to the subjugation of the wilderness and the 
\ development and improvement of his new estate. 
His family increased and multiplied with the lapse of 
years, and by the achievements of many of its mem- 
bers the family name of Putnam has attained a de- 
servedly high reputation both in the arts of peace 
and of war. The immediate descendants of this first 
emigrant were active, discreet and courageous men, 
fully alive to all the interests of the early settlers of 
New England and active and stirring in all the ex- 
citing struggles which marked our colonial history. 
They took part in all the combats with the Indians, 
at Bloody Brook, Brookfleld, Lancaster and other now 
famous fights. The family soon attained prominence 
in Salem and, indeed, in the whole of Essex County, 
the sound judgment and vigorous integrity of its mem- 
bers making them fit leaders in all new enterprises, 
from the institution of a church to the prosecution of 
a business venture, and safe guides to wise decisions 
on the many knotty points that tasked the ingenuity 
of our ancestors as they laid broad and deep the 
foundations of our present commonwealth. 

General Israel Putnam was from one of the branches 



of this family ; and his impetuous zeal and daring, 
which might have degenerated into audacity had it 
not been so shrewdly tempered with New England 
discretion, have been displayed in many other mem- 
bers of the family. 

One of the sons of this John Putnam, the founder 
of the family, was Nathaniel, and through him, his 
son Benjamin, his grandson Stephen, and his great- 
grandson Stephen, the younger, a share of the ances- 
tral estate originally granted by the Crown to John 
Putnam came to Jacob Putnam, the subject of this 
sketch, and fifth in the line of descent from the origi- 
nal settler. Jacob Putnam was born at Danvers No- 
vember 17, 1780, near the close of the Revolutionary 
War. and grew up to manhood in Salem and in Danvers. 
He did not enjoy great op])ortunities of education, 
having to depend upon the common schools of his 
neighborhood for the slender education which he ob- 
tained from others. But his best education, as is not 
infrequently the case, was that which he owed to 
himself alone. He had inherited the traits of his an- 
cestors in no small measure, and his good judgment 
and common sense enabled him always to be equal to 
the demands of any situation in which he found him- 
self, and fully capable of carrying on an active busi- 
ness career. The same adventurous spirit which had 
fi)und vent in the daring achievements of General Put- 
nam led Jacob Putnam in his early manhood to seek 
fortune in maritime commerce; but his sound judg- 
ment soon persuaded him to settle down into the 
steady pursuits of a business life. In the year 1805 
he made a trip to Calcutta in the good ship "Boston 
Packet," and was absent from his home for two years. 

Upon his return to Salem from this voyage, in the 
year 1807, he established himself in the hide and 
leather business. This busine.ss he prosecuted in all 
its branches, dealing in hides, tanning, currying and 
marketing the finished product, extending his opera- 
tions as opportunities offered, and always availing 
himself of whatever improvements were within his 
reach. He also engaged in the South American trade 
importing both hides and India rubber from that 
country. He was interested in the Sumatra tradeand 
became a ship-owner and importer. He continued 
the active prosecution of his business until his death, 
which occurred January 18, 186(5, when it pa.ssed to 
his youngest son, George F. Putnam, of Boston, the 
present proprietor. 

Mr. Putnam's wife was the daughter of Captain 
James Silver, of Salem, an East India merchant. 

Though Mr. Putnam held himself aloof from any 
political office, he was a highly public-spirited man, 
and always took a sagacious and intelligent interest 
in all matters relating to the improvement of his na- 
tive city. His generous and kindly nature was 
also active in many directions, especially in private 
charities, for he had none of that vanity which seeks 
to make a public display of its benefactions; and his 
humane and kindly disposition was known by its 



236 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



fruits to many a poor family, which had good reason 
to mnurn his death. 

Mr. Putnam was also a man of deep feeling of patriot- 
ism and eager to promote the welfare of his country. He 
served as a soldier in the War of 1812, doing duty 
on the sea-coast defenses at Salem, and serving the 
public and his country in other directions. He took 
a deep interest in the prosperity and success of the 
religious enterprises of his day, both in his native 
city and in the country at large, and contributed gen- 
erously towards their support. He was interested in 
fostering everything that would promote the pro- 
gress and prosperity of his community and of his 
country. A man of the highest probity and honor, 
his character was unstained, and be died respected 
and honored bv all who knew him. 



STEPHEN C. PHILLIPS. 

Stephen Clarendon Phillips was descended from 
Rev. George Phillips, who was tlieson of Christopher 
Phillips, of Rainham, in the county of Norfolk, Eng- 
land. Rev. George Phillips was born in W9S, and 
was educated at Tittleshall. He entered Gouville & 
Cain's College, Cambridge, April 20, 1610, receiving 
the degree of A. B. 1613 and A. M. in 1617. He came 
to New England in the " Arbella" in 1630, and set- 
tled in Watertown, wliere he died. By a first wife, 
who was a Hayward, he had a son, Samuel, born in 
1625, who graduated at Harvard in 1650, and suc- 
ceeded Rev. Ezekiel Rogers as minister of Rowley. 
Samuel married, in 1651, Sarah, daughter of Samuel 
Appleton, a native of England, who was one of the 
first settlers of Ipswich. By a second wife (Elizabeth 
Welden) Rev. George Phillips had Zerobabel, Febru- 
ary 5, 1632 ; Jonathan, October 19, 1633 ; Theopbilus, 
April 28, 1636 ; Annible, October, 1637 ; Ephraim, 
1640; Obadiah, 1641 ; and Abiel. Jonathan, one of 
these children, married, January 26, 1680, Sarah, 
daughter of Jeremiah Holland (Harvard College, 
1645), was a schoolmaster and magistrate, and died at 
Watertown, his native place, in 1704. His cliildren 
were Sarah, born September 14, 1682 ; Abigail, April 
22,1683; Jonathan, 1685 ; George, Nathaniel, Eliza- 
beth, Ruth, Sarah and Hannah. Jonathan, one of 
these children, was born in Watertown, and married, 
February 27, 1717, Hepzibah, daughter of Stephen 
Parker, of that place. He removed, in 1719, to Mar- 
blehead, and. about 1740, to Newport, R. I., where he 
died. His children were Stephen, born July 18, 
1718, Ruth and others. Stephen, one of these chil- 
dren, was born in Watertown, and married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Thomas Elkins, of Marblehead. He was 
a prominent man, deacon of the Congregational 
Church, and, in Revolutionary times, an ardent 
patriot and a member of the Committee of Safety and 
Correspondence. He died in Marblehead March 1, 
1801. His children were Mary, born August 22, 1755 ; 
Elizabeth, November 28, 1757 ; Sarah, February 23, 
1760; Stephen, November ;i3, 1764; Lydia, January 



17, 1767 ; William, November 15, 1769. Stephen, one 
of these children, was born in Marblehead, and for 
some years was a ship-master in the employ of E. 
Hasket Derby, of Salem. About the year 1800 he re- 
moved to Salem, after which time he was engaged in 
commerce, except during the last few years of his 
life, when he spent his summers on his estate in North 
Danvers. Salem continued, however, to be his resi- 
dence, and there he died October 19, 1838. He mar- 
ried Dorcas, daughter of Dudley and Dorcas (March) 
Woodbridge, of Salem, who died at Salem June 15, 
1802. 

Stephen Clarendon Phillips, the subject of this 
sketch, was the son of the last-named Stephen, and 
was born in Salem November 4, 1801. But the dis- 
tinguished character of his ancestry is not confined to 
the family whose name he bore. Through his mother 
(Dorcas Woodbridge) he was descended from Rev. 
John Woodbridge, a follower of Wickliffe, in the 
latter part of the fifteenth century, whose son John 
braved the dangers of the same faith, as did a line 
of four direct descendants, all clergymen, and all 
named John. The last John, minister at Stanton 
Witts, in England, married Sarah, the daughter of 
Robert Parker, and sister of Thomas Parker, who 
came to New England and settled in Newbury in 
1695. His son. Rev. John Woodbridge, came to New 
England in 1635, and died in Newbury, March 17, 
1695. He married, in 1639, Mary, daughter of Gov- 
ernor Thomas Dudley, and thus the Dudley as well as 
the Woodbridge blood runs in the veins of the Phillips 
family. Nor is this all ; Benjamin Woodbridge, son 
of the last Rev. John, and great-grandfather of Dorcas 
(Woodbridge) Phillips, married Mary, grand-daughter 
of Rev. Nathaniel Ward, of Ipswich, the author of the 
" Body of Liberties," adopted as a code of laws by the 
General Court of MasPachusetts in 1641. 

Mr. Phillips graduated at Harvard in 1819, and at 
once entered into active business as a merchant, and 
in 1822, at the age of twenty-one, was the head of a 
family, an extensive business man and Representative 
in the General Court. On the 6th of November in 
that year he married Jane Appleton, daughter of 
Willard Peele, of Salem, who died December 19, 1837. 
On the 3d of September, 1838, he married Margaret 
Mason Peele, sister of his first wife, who died at 
Salem July 15, 1883. The children of his first wife 
were Stephen Henry, born August 16, 1823, whose 
sketch may be found in the history of the Bench and 
Bar, in the second chapter of this work ; Willard 
Peele, September 7, 1825, well known in recent years 
as one of the efficient and successful trustees and man- 
agers of the Eastern Railroad; George William, No- 
vember 27, 1827 (Harvard, 1847); Henry Ware^ 
August 19, 1829; Jane Peele, February 24, 1833; 
Margaret Peele and Catharine Peele (twins), June 30, 
1835 ; and Abbott Lawrence, December 7, 1837. The 
children of his second wife were Walter Mason, May 
26, 1839; Charles Appleton, January 30, 1841 (Har- 







^^\ ;:;^^^^ 




"y "*)•>! J/Zi'^cW-^ 




?^ 



^ 



SALEM. 



237 



vard, 1860); Edwar.l Woodbridge, August 3,1842; 
and Catharine, July 7, 1844. 

Mr. Phillips was an ardent lover of his native city, 
a man of overflowing public spirit, and with a heart 
which beat with warm sympathy in response to the 
appeals of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen in be- 
half of all deserving enterprises and charities. The 
educational interests of Salem won his early and con- 
stant aid and support, and for many years he pre- 
sided over the board which had them in charge. In 
1830 ■ he was chosen State Senator, and in 1834 
was chosen in the place of Rufus Choate, who had 
resigned his seat, to represent the Essex South Dis- 
trict in Congress. His duties in Washington were 
ably performed, and by his generous spirit, his 
thorough integrity, his business methods and his 
kindly deportment, he won the confldeuce and friend- 
ship of both political friends and foes. The regard in 
which he was held by his brother Eejiresentatives was 
well illustrated by Mr. Hardin, of Kentucky, whom 
Mr. Cushing described as " the gray-haired Nestor of 
the House, and its perpetually snarling Thersites," 
who, in a reply to a speech of Mr. Phillips, said that 
" if all the members of the House were like this gen- 
tleman from Massachusetts, God would never have re- 
pented that he made man." 

After one re-election, in 1836, Mr. Phillips retired 
from Congress, and in 1839 was chosen to succeed 
Leverett Saltonstall as mayor of Salem. He held 
office three years, and on his retirement gave the 
amount of his entire salary to the city for the im- 
provement of the building occupied by the Bowditch 
and Fisk Schools. In 1848 and 1849 he was the can- 
didate of the Free-Soil party for Governor, and during 
those and succeeding years was an active participant 
in those movements which resulted in the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party. 

During the last years of his life he was confronted 
by adversities in business, and though beyond middle 
age, with a hopeful spirit and an undaunted courage, 
of which younger men might well be proud, he set 
himself about to repair and rebuild his fortune. He 
engaged in extensive timber and lumber enterprises 
on the St. Maurice and Three Rivers, in Canada, 
where his third son, George William, was established 
for their care and supervision. After a visit to the 
field of his operations, in 1857, he took pa.ssage at 
Quebec in the steamer " Jlontreal," for Montreal, on 
Friday, the 26th of June, with the intention of return- 
ing home. On the same afternoon the steamer took 
fire, twelve or fifteen miles above Quebec, o[)posiie 
Cape Rouge, and only about one hundred and fifty of 
the four hundred passengers on board were rescued. 
Among those who lost their lives was Mr. Phillips. 
His son sent news of the disaster to Salem by tele- 
graph the next day, stating that his father's body had 
been recovered, and would reach Salem on the follow- 
ing Tuesday. At sunset on Saturday, after the re- 
ceipt of the sad news, all the bells of the city were 



tolled, and on Sunday appropriate allusions to the 
death of Mr. Phillips were made in all the churches, 
and the flags of the shipping and armories and engine- 
houses were displayed at half-mast. On Tuesday, June 
30, the funeral took place at Barton Square Church, 
and the remains of him, whom the city regarded almost 
as its fat her and every man as his benefactor and friend, 
were consigned to the grave. The Newhunjport Her- 
ald said : " With a fortune or without it, we do not 
know the man that Essex County could not as well 
have spared. He was one of nature's noblemen, and 
as an able, honest, sincere Christian man, added 
worth to the human race by belonging to it." And 
every reader of the Herald said Amen. 



WII.I^IAM HUNT. 

William Hunt was born in Salem April 25, 1804. 
He was in the fifth 'generation from Captain Lewis 
Hunt, who came from England and settled in Salem 
about 1660. His father's name was William. When 
a mere lad he was employed by Mr. Jonas Warren, 
in his store at Danversport. After remaining there 
a short time he entered as clerk in the store of Mr. 
Nathan Blood, on Derby Street, Salem, where he re- 
mained until 1823, when he was employed by Mr. 
Robert Brookhouse, who had recently commenced in 
the African trade. After a few years he was given 
an interest in the business, which was continued un- 
til the death of Mr. Brookhouse, in 1866. They 
transacted a very large business, which was extended 
to the interior of Africa, from whence they imported 
large quantities of palm oil, gold dust, ivory and 
hides. At one time they owned more than twenty 
ships and barques. After the death of Mr. Brookhouse 
Mr. Hunt continued the business with Robert Brook- 
house, Jr., Josejih H. Hanson and Captain Nathan 
Frye, until March 27, 1869, when the last voyage was 
completed, and he retired from business with ample 
means. 

Mr. Hunt was married to Austis Slocom, daughter 
of Ebenezer and Sarah (Becket) Slocom, March 24, 
1831. Two sons — William Dean and Lewis — and two 
daughters — Mary Dean Hersey and Sarah Becket Put- 
nam — survive him. He died August 3, 1883. 

Mr. Hunt enjoyed a high reputation as an intelli- 
gent and honorable merchant. He was also a man of 
much intellectual culture. His reading was very ex- 
tensive, he being familiar with all the best authors. 

He took a deep interest in all aH'airs of his native 
city, filling many positions of trust. In his charities 
he was very uno.stentatious, knowing but the need to 
give the required aid. 



EDWARD D. KI.MBALL. 

The subject of this sketch belonged to a New Eng- 
land family, which moved from Ipswich, Mass., to 
Bradford and Haverhill, and later to Plaistow, N. H., 



23S 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



being among the early settlers of the latter place. Here 
Mr. Kimball was born, December, ISll, and was a 
son of Nathaniel and Sarah Knight Kimball. He re- 
ceived his education at Pembroke and at Atkinson 
Academy, N. H., an institution of which his grand- 
mother was one of the early promoters, and which he 
attended until he engaged in business at home. By 
the death of his father he was left, at an early age, as 
the eldest son in a family of three boys and three 
girls, with the responsibility of assisting his mother 
and attending to the duties of the farm. For several 
years he was engaged in business in a small way, and 
in the fall of 1833 he made a voyage to South Amer- 
ica. The following year, at the age of twenty-one, he 
left the old homestead and moved to Salem, and 
shortly after married his cousin, the daughter of Hon. 
.lohn S. Kimball, of Belfast. He entered into the 
eastern produce business with Stephen Hoyt, who was 
afterwards made mayor of New Orleans under Gen- 
eral Banks. This connection was dissolved in the 
winter of 1837 by Mr. Hoyt withdrawing from the 
business; and Mr. Kimball continued it until 1843, 
when he bought out the African business of his 
brother-in-law, David Pingree. This necessitated 
his going to the West Coast of Africa, which he did 
soon after, taking with him his wife, and remaining 
about a year and a half, to look after his property and 
qualify himself for the successful prosecution of the 
business. This, in connection with the East India 
business, he continued until stricken with paralysis, 
from which he died at Paris, France, in September, 
1867, at the age of fifty-six, after an illness of three 
or four yeai's. He had three sons, one of whom sur- 
vives him. During his business career he was at 
times associated with David Pingree, Esq., his brother- 
in-law, and with his nephew, Thomas Pingree, but 
principally with his brother-in-law, Charles H. Mil- 
ler, with whom he was associated many years, and 
who continued the business after his death. His 
brothers, Elbridge and Nathaniel, were interested in 
the business, and also Mr. Reader, on the coast of 
Africa, and in the East Indies Frank Reed, Esq., who 
died in Batavia. 

Mr. Kimball was among the last of the merchants 
who sent vessels from the port of Salem, and in the 
latter part of his life he moved his business to Bos- 
ton. 

He, during his life, filled several other positions of 
trust and honor, among them the presidency of both 
the Naumkeag Cotton-Mills of Salem, Mass., and the 
Naumkeag Bank of Salem. He was successful in all 
his business pursuits" from a rare combination of in- 
dustry and judgment; managing all his affairs with 
great skill and success; an indomitable worker ; he 
possessed all the requirements for a large and success- 
ful merchant, being at once a good buyer, seller and 
accountant, generous, polished in all his manners, de- 
cided in his opinions and prompt to act upon them, 
which at once gained for him the confidence and re- 



spect of all who knew him. And he at all times ex- 
hibited a rectitude of character which never wavered 
from the proper direction. 




HENRY K. OLIVER. 

Henry Kemble Oliver was born November 24, 1800, 
at Beverly, Mass., in the Upper Parish of which town 
his father was minister from 1787 
to 1797. He was the third son and 
the eighth child of the Rev. Daniel 
and Elizabeth ' (Kemble) Oliver, 
both of Boston, and of the seventh 
generation of the descendants of 
Thomas Oliver, " chirurgeon," who 
immigrated from Lewes, Sussex, 
England, to Boston, with his wife, 
Ann, and their six or eight chil- 
dren, in 1632, in the ship " William 
and Francis," from London. 

Henry Kemble was christened Thomas Henry, 
which name was changed by act of Legislature in 1821 
to that of his mother's only brother, who died in 1802. 
Thomas Oliver, the immigrant, a rulingelder of the 
First Church in Boston, died June 1, 1658, aged ninety 
years. The direct line of descent to the subject of 
this notice is as follows : 
Thomas Oliver and Ann (maiden-name unknown). 
Peter Oliver and Sarah (Newdegate). 
Nathanael Oliver and Elizabeth (Brattle). 
Nathanael Oliver and Martha (Hobbs). 
Nathanael Oliver and Mercy (Wendell). 
Daniel Oliver and Elizabeth (Kemble). 
Henry Kemble Oliver. 

In the year 1801 Rev. Daniel Oliver, with his fiimily, 
removed to Exeter, N. H., and in 1802-03, to Boston. 
Here Henry attended, at five years of age, the school 
of a Mr. and Mrs. Hayslop. and acquired his earliest 
rudimentary knowledge. In 1809 he was transferred 
to the school of Madame Tileston. " The two schools," 
he has written, " were on the same method, a good 
deal of sitting still — if one could — and a very little 
teaching for each pupil. Not liking either, and with 
nothing to interest or amuse, during the dreary six 
hours of the day, I not unfrequently fell under the 
discipline of good Madame Tileston. I cannot re- 
member that we had books or slates, and sitting still 
and being good was not within the bounds of my 
spontaneity; for I was a nervous, uneasy and playful 
child." 

After leaving Madame Tileston's school, Henry at- 
tended the Mayhew School, on Chardou Street, under 
Messrs. Milliken and Holt, " both good floggers," and 
later, about the year 1810, the school kept by Eben- 
ezer Pemberton, formerly principal of Philliijs An- 
dover-Academy. " With Master Pemberton — but still 
keeping up my elementary studies in English — I be- 

1 Etizabeth Kemble was tlie second daughter and tliirdcliild of Thomaa 
and Hannah (Thomas) Kemble. 





Il (\ 



SALEM. 



239 



gan my Latin grammar, under the old dreary method 
fif committing everything to memory. The book used 
was 'Adams' Latin Grammar,' followed by the 'Col- 
loquies of Cordevius.' I had small relish for Latin, 
but was quite fond of my English studies and very 
apt in declamation. 

"Some time in ISll n)y father removed me to 
Phillips Academy in Andover, then under care of 
Jolin Adams. . . . Here, continuing my Latin, I com- 
menced Greek grammar, and memorized, with distaste 
at the difficult work, all of the book before etitering 
upon translating. When that came about it was upon 
' Dalzelt's Grroea Minora,' a work then in nearly uni- 
versal use for lads fitting for college. . . . My stay at 
Andover was for about twelve months, my first three 
days having been indelilily fixed in memory by the 
most distressing homesickness." 

Returning to Boston, Henry entered the Latin 
School, — then on School Street, under William Bige- 
low, — near the close of 1811. His brother, Nathaniel 
Kemble Greenwood Oliver (Harvard College, 1809), 
was for a time, with Mr. Bigelow, an usher of the 
Latin School, and, about the close of 1813, he opened 
a private school. Henry attended it, and was by his 
brother offered at Harvard in 1814. " I was then but 
thirteen years and eight months old, a mere lad, with 
a short jacket, having, as was the fashion of the day, 
a wide collar to ray shirt, fringed with a ruffle and 
turned down over my shoulders. . . . On being taken 
out to Cambridge at tlie beginning of the term my 
father gave me most valuable and excellent counsel. 
A part of this counsel — and it was very earnestly 
prohibitory — was that I should not attempt to play 
any musical instrument whatever.' I had been a 
member of the Park Street choir in Boston, and he 
gave permission for my singing in the chapel choir, 
which performed the sacred music on Sunday, under 
charge of William H. Eliot (H. C, 1815). I strove 
to obey, but I was over-mastered by my love of music, 
and I borrowed a flute with one key, the upper joint 
of which was cracked nearly its whole length. ... I 
afterwards, at college, learned to play the violoncello." 

Henry remained at Harvard College during the 
Freshman year and until May or June (1816) of the 
Sophomore year, when the increase at the college of 
Unitarian views, and the greater expense, induced his 
removal to Dartmouth College, much against his in- 
clination. He entered the Junior Class of the latter 
institution in the fall of 1816. "I had no inclination 
for a literary life, and my whole preparation for college 
was to me a burden. . . . When 1 entered college I 
had but little knowledge of geography or arithmetic, 
none of history, almost none of the great facts of as- 
tronomy. My intellectual powers had not been prop- 
erly or philosophically cultivated. ... In Latin and 
Greek, and in French, I held at college a pretty good 

1 His fattier was entirely destitute of the iiinsical sense, and he had the 
early iliflike of the religious people of his ik'tiouiiTiiition (he was a Cal- 
Tinist of the liopklDsian variety) to all musical instrumentf. 



rank, but I fjiiled in mathematics and in intellectual 
and moral jihilosophy. I took an interest in what 
was then called natural philosopliy, a good deal in 
rhetoric and elocution, but felt sorely my unripeness 
when called upon to express my ideasin composition." 

Immediately on graduating at Dartmouth College 
Mr. Oliver returned to Boston. The commencement 
at Harvard College occurred one week later, and at 
that time he received an ad cnndem with his old class- 
mates, and subsequently, in 1862, the complimentary 
degree of A.M. 

In May, 1819, he was among the applicants for 
the place of usher in the newly-established Latin 
Grammar School in Salem, and at the canvass was 
numbered third in the order of success. But it hap- 
pened that the first candidate died soon after election, 
the second obtained a better place at Lynn, and so 
Mr. Oliver was appointed. He went to Salem on 
Thursday, June 10, 1819, making his home with "that 
most excellent man," Rev. Brown Emerson, minister 
of the South Church. "I entered upon my work as 
teacher on the following Monday, June 14th, with 
very great fear and trembling, and entire distrust in 
luy own abilities, knowledge and ultimate success. 
Finding my imperfections, I commenced a course of 
aelf-education, first in the studies in which I was 
guiding others, then in French, then in Spanish and 
Italian ; adding afterwards a wide course of mathe- 
matics and philosophy, astronomy, general literature 
and history. I was merciless to myself, studying as 
many hours out of school as I taught within. What 
I thus acquired I have never forgotten." 

On Sunday, June 20, 1819, Mr. Oliver joined the 
choir of Mr. Emerson's church, his voice, which had 
been a high and pure soprano, having matured into a 
deep and very firm and clear bass, with a range from 
low C to high E. "I also continued my practice on 
the flute and violoncello, adding to them the double- 
bass. In 1821, on suggestion of Hon. Leverett Sal- 
tonstall, — always my friend, a noble and excellent man 
in every respect, and then a leading member of the 
North Church and society, — I commenced practicing 
the piano-forte and the organ, and, in 1822, I was ap- 
pointed organist of St. Peter's Church in Salem, re- 
moving to Barton Square Church in 1827, in each 
place with full charge of the choir." 

In 1821 Mr. Oliver's father, mother and two sisters 
came to Salem for a time, and the family resided on 
Carpenter vStreet. " Among the families calling upon 
us was that of Capt. Samuel Cook,'- residing on Fede- 
ral Street. I had met his elder daughter, Sarah, at 
meetings of the choir of the South Church, of which 
she and many ladies of the most cultivated families 
of Salem w'ere members. An intimacy springing up 
between Miss Cook and my sister Margarett, I saw 

2 Captain Samuel Cook was a retired Khip-niaster, the contemporary of 
the many enterprising and famous master-mariners of .Salem, and of its 
numerous and sncce.-^sful merchants, lie mairii'd Saruli, daughter of 
James and Sarah Chever. 



240 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



her very frequftntly, and was gradually drawn to- 
ward her by the loveliness of her disposition, the 
unvarying kindness of her temper, the quiet dignity of 
her demeanor, the gentleness of all her ways and all 
her words — till I found ray whole self possessed with 
love for her .... On Tuesday, the 30th of August, 
1825, we were married, at her father's house, by the 
Rev. Mr. Ducachet." 

On the 4th of July, 1824, Mr. Oliver delivered the 
oration at the celebration carried out by the young 
men of Salem, a production which, according to a 
published account of the proceedings, " was received 
with the most flattering testimonials of approbation 
by a crowded and respectable assembly." While 
connected with St. Peter's Church, Mr. Oliver entered 
upon a course of theological study, with a view of 
entering the pulpit of the Episcopal Church. His 
views, however, became Unitarian, and he relin- 
quished the study. 

In 1827 he was appointed head master of the newly- 
established Engli.*h High School, but in 1830 he 
resigned the position and opened a private school, 
building on Federal Street a house planned carefully 
for the special purpose. " I doubled my income 
within a year, and during the fourteen years I after- 
wards continued to teach, I had no reason to com- 
plain of either patronage or want of success. During 
these fourteen years I taught boys six years— fitting 
for college and for counting-room — and girls eight 
years. . . . I opened the school in the spring of 1831 
with about forty scholars." 

Having in 1821 enlisted into the Salem Light Infan- 
try, at that date and long afterwards one of the best 
companies of the State, Mr. Oliver obtained a great 
deal of military knowledge. In 1833 he was elected 
lieutenant-colonel of the then just organized Sixth 
Regiment of Light Infantry, and in 1836 he was 
chosen ils colonel, a position he resigned in 1839. 

In 1844 Colonel Oliver was made adjutant-general 
by Governor George N. Briggs, and gave up teaching, 
but he retained his residence in Salem. The military 
force of the State at that date consisted of about seven 
thousand men, all volunteers. The military property 
was stored in an arsenal near the foot of the Boston 
Common, in pan, and in i)art in another arsenal in 
Cambridge. During his occupancy of this office the 
war with Mexico broke out, and the general government 
called, in May, 1846, for troops from each of the New 
England States. This call was subsequently revoked 
by the Secretary of War (General Marcy). In No- 
vember of the same year, however, it was renewed, 
but on Massachusetts alone, one regiment only being 
called for, infantry. Ten companies were organ- 
ized. During his term of office General Oliver was 
elected captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artil- 
lery Company of Boston, of which organization he 
had been a lieutenant in 183.S; and in 1847 he was 
appointed by President Polk a member of the Board 
of Visitors at the Military Academy at West Point. 



He was elected secretary of this board, and prepared 
the report to the government. 

He continued in the office of adjutant-general till 
1848, when he was appointed resident agent of the 
Atlantic Cotton-Mills, a new corporation for the 
manufacture of coarse cotton shirtings and sheetings, 
at Lawrence, Mass., to which town he removed in the 
early summer of the year mentioned. 

In 1853 he was sent from Lawrence, with Messrs. 
Storrow and Parsons, to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion of the State, where he was chairman of the Com- 
mittee on the Militia. 

He left the Atlantic Mills in May, 1858, and in 
November following was elected mayor of Lawrence. 
In 1859 he was elected Representative to the Gen- 
eral Court. 

In 1860, having been nominated thereto by the 
Republican Convention at Worcester, General Oliver 
was chosen State treasurer on the ticket with John 
Albion Andrew, as Governor ; and he was re-elected 
for each of the four years which made up the five to 
which the office is limited by law. 

In 1867 he accepted a call from Governor Bullock, 
of Massachusetts, to look into the condition of the 
factory children in the various establishments of the 
State. This he did for about two years, finding the 
several laws relating to their employment under ten 
years of age, and their schooling when between ten 
and fifteen years of age, violated everywhere. He 
prepared two reports on the subject, which excited not 
a little attention and comment, and caused more 
stringent legislation. 

In 1869 he attained an honorary admittance to the 
Phi Beta Kappa Society, and in 1870 he gave the 
oration at Dartmouth College. 

The act for the establishment in Massachusetts of 
a Bureau of Statistics of Labor, with a chief and 
deputy, was passed in 1869, and General Oliver was 
selected by Governor Claflin as the chief of the 
bureau. To the duties of this office he gave his 
undivided attoition, having to grope his way unguid- 
ed by precedent, example or experience; everything 
connected with the investigations being new, and 
nearly all those investigations rendered ditlicult and 
embarrassing by the very strong and powerful influ- 
ence of the employing class of the State. He left the 
bureau in May, 1873. 

In April, 1876, he received an appointment as one 
of the judges at the International Centennial Exhibi- 
tion at Philadelphia, and was assigned to Group 
XXV., in charge of all "Instruments of Precision." 
Under this expression were included astronomical 
instruments of all sorts, trigonometrical and surveying 
instruments, microscopes, magnetic and electric, tele- 
graphic and telephonic instruments. There were 
al.-o added musical instruments of every variety, from 
organs down, these being assigned to a sub-group, ot 
which General Oliver was chairman. 

Subsequently, after the work of the judges was 



SALEM. 



241 



supposed to have been finished, and they had left 
Philadelphia, a " Group of Judges on Appeals " was 
summoned, of which General Oliver was one, and he 
again repaired to Philadelphia. 

A few days prior to his leaving Philadelphia for 
his home he received a letter from Salem, desiring 
him to accept a nomination for the mayoralty of that 
city, to which he consented, and, at the election later, 
he was chosen mayor. He was re-elected in the fol- 
lowing year, and also in the years 1878 and 1879. 

At the approach of the year 1881, Mayor Oliver 
publicly announced his decision not to be a candi- 
date for re-election, against many requests that he 
would again sland. "Being eighty years of age on 
the 24th of November, 1880, it is quite time that I 
should rest," he said, " and it would not be, in my 
view, right to impose the natural incapacities of old 
age even upon a willing people." 

On his eightieth birthday, with earnest expressions 
of gratitude for many favors shown him, during a 
half century of residence, by his fellow-citizens of 
Salem, he addressed a letter to the City Council, of- 
fering as a nucleus of a Public Library for the city, a 
donation of books from his own library. The city 
not feeling then in a position to undertake the estab- 
lishment of a library, a portion of the books — about 
800 volumes — was afterw.irds given by General Oliver 
to the " Salem Fraternity." 

During the summer of 1882, General Oliver began 
to be sensible of a cardiac trouble, which, without his 
being aware of the fact, had been discovered several 
years before by his physician. The difficulty gradu- 
ally increased, and his condition became very serious 
in the succeeding winter, but in the following spring 
the trouble was so far under control that he jjassed a 
very comfortable existence. But he, perforce, led a 
very quiet life, declining all invitations of a public 
nature, and passing his time in the companionship of 
his friends, his books and his music. His communi- 
cations to the newspapers and the periodicals of the 
day on current subjects, and on the events of " long- 
ago," became now very numerous. 

During the summer of 1885, up to Sunday, the 
26th of July, General Oliver's health continued as 
good as in the two years before. On the Sunday 
mentioned he complained of his head, and after an 
unquiet night he awoke with evident cerebral trou- 
ble, aphasia being the chief, and, in fact, the only 
marked symptom. The inability to express his 
thoughts in words continued, physical weakness su- 
pervened, and he was not able to leave his bed on 
the morning of the 29th. He died in the early even- 
ing of August 12th, retaining almost to the last some 
consciousness of his .surroundings. 

General Oliver's death called forth extended mani- 
festations of regret and sympathy, public and private, 
and his funeral, which took place from the North 
Church, on Monday, August 17th, was attended by a 
large concourse of citizens and of officials, both of 
16 



Salem and of other places. His body rests in the 
family tomb in the cemetery on Broad Street, Salem, 
within sight of the school-house which was the scene 
of his earliest labors as teacher, and in which hangs 
his portrait. Upon the tomb there has been placed a 
natural boulder, from the neighboring fields, covered 
with moss and gray lichens, and upon this stone is 
engraved his name, date of birth and of death, and 
a sculptured suggestion of the pipes of an organ, em- 
blematic of sacred music, which was the grand passion 
of his life. 

Of the character of the subject of this notice it is 
difficult to speak in a brief space, his talents were so 
various, his acquirements so extensive, and his per- 
sonality so strikingly composite. His powers as stu- 
dent, teacher, writer, musician and executive officer 
were such as are rarely combined in the same per- 
son. But the strongest note in his character — the 
dominant chord — was the musical one. " I had," he 
says, " early manifested a pa.ssion for music, ac- 
quired from my mother, who had a voice of rare 
excellence and great skill in singing, and I learned 
any music I heard my brother and my sisters per- 
form with the greatest ease and rapidity." And 
again, "My amusements in college were entirely 
innocent, and I found great comfort and pleasure in 
the study and practice of music, my voice and knowl- 
edge of the flute being passport to many families 
wherein music, especially sacred music, was prac- 
ticed. An evening so passed was to me the greatest 
pleasure I desired." At ten years of age he was a 
member of the choir at Park Street Church, Boston. 
He was also, early, a member of the Handel and 
Hayden Society, of that city, and an active member 
of its chorus, whenever possible, even beyond the age 
of seventy years, at which period of his life his voice 
still retained great sweetness and power. He 
was, from his earliest residence in Salem, largely 
identified with music, and he was the most active 
member of the Mozart Association, founded in 1825, 
and of the Salem Glee Club, 1832. Gradually, sa- 
cred music, as has been stated, came to be his great- 
est love, the oratorios of Handel, of Hayden, and of 
Mendelssohn, his passion, and the organ his idol 
instrument. He was organist of churches in Salem 
and Lawrence for a period of forty years. As a com- 
poser of church music he held high rank, and many 
of his compositions have an abiding popularity. In 
1849 he published with Dr. S. P. Tuckernian " The 
National Lyre," and in 1875, "Oliver's Collection of 
Sacred Music." In 1883, Dartmouth College con- 
ferred upon him the Degree of Doctor of Music, and 
requested his portrait to be hung upon its walls. 

As an educator of youth General Oliver really 
loved his profession, and he combined, in a rare de- 
gree,' firmness and thoroughness with youthful sym- 

iRev. Joseph H. Felt, in his "History of Salem." pronounces Mr. 
Oliver's private school to have btjcn the most complete and successful 
ever carried on in that town. 



242 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pathies and feelings. His interest in education 
never flagged to the end of his days. He was him- 
self always a diligent student: the classics were his 
delight, and he never forgot the beautiful passages 
from the Greek and Roman writers which he liad 
early learned. But he was also a mathematician of 
unusual excellence. 

His services as a member of the school committee 
were eagerly sought for in both Salem and Law- 
rence, and in parts of the years 1858, '59 and '60, he 
was chosen by the State Board of Education to visit 
the public schools in various parts of Massachusetts, 
and to attend teachers' institutes and conventions. 
He was also at various times in the Examining 
Board of Visitors of Harvard College, both in the 
classics and in mathematics. 

When the high school in Lawrence was opened, 
he presented to it the extensive and valuable appar- 
atus which he had collected for his private school in 
Salem, and he added to the gift a set of busts and 
statuettes, engravings and many books of reference, 
Latin, Greek and mathematical, for the use of teach- 
ers and pupils. As a token of gratitude the school 
was given his name, and his portrait was requested, 
which was hung upon its walls. One of the public 
schools in Salem also bears his name. 

As a military man General Oliver showed marked 
ability. As colonel of the Sixth Regiment he 
brought it to a high degree of efficiency, and while 
adjutant-genera), through his personal visits to the 
parades of the various regiments, and his encourage- 
ment of drilling, the service was greatly improved. 

The role of manufacturer was ably filled by him, 
but it was more through his devotion to what he had 
in hand than through any special love for manufac- 
turing. Nevertheless, the products of the mills over 
which he presided held always the highest rank in 
the market. The employes did their best, urged not 
only by the knowledge that much was expected of 
them, but by the personal magnetism and sympathy 
of their superintendent, which always so touched and 
quickened those under him, in every position he ever 
held, that they instinctively desired to do what he 
wished done. He thus secured from his subordinates, 
whether he were present or absent, their best service. 

In 1851 he founded a library for the operatives of 
the Atlantic Mills by a present of books. He also 
established for them free hot and cold baths in a 
building near the mills. 

As treasurer of the State, General Oliver directed 
the vast business of the office without loss to the 
Commonwealth, while on one occasion he saved its 
credit in a great and sudden emergency by pledging 
his private means. During his term of office the 
Civil War broke out, and the business of the depart- 
ment increased to an unprecedented degree. The 
treasurer acted also as paymaster to the troops raised 
by Massachusetts, and during the continuance of the 
war he handled and accounted for $77,000,000— really 



the sum was $154,000,000, for being received and 
paid out it was twice handled. 

As chief of the Labor Bureau General Oliver made 
a profound impre.ssion. His official announcement of 
the existence of great abuses called forth extended 
comment and great antagonism. Some of his work 
struck at the root of great evils, or of erroneous opin- 
ions in society, and so awakened deep hostilities ; 
but he lived to hear all his statements of these evils 
wholly verified, and his efforts to ameliorate them 
justified. During the five years of holding the 
office he prepared five annual reports to the Legisla- 
ture upon the earnings, cost of living, aud savings or 
indebtedness of the laboring classes of the State — 
their homes, education, habits of living, morals, man- 
ners, hours of labor, amusements, societies of various 
sorts — upon factory life, fiictory operatives, factory 
children, the schooling of the latter, half-time 
schools, etc., in fact, upon everything relating to the 
great question of labor and the laboring classes, 
skilled and unskilled, and of every grade and variety 
of them. 

" I left the bureau in May, 1873, retiring with an 
entire consciousness that I had omitted no effort in 
endeavoring to do my whole duty, and that ^ had, 
regardless of persona! considerations, faithfully set 
forth the real status of the working people, the real 
wealth-producers of the St.ate." 

After leaving the Bureau, and to the end of his 
life, he retained the deepest interest in the welfare of 
the working classes, and more especially in that of 
factory children, as the many articles written by him 
for the newspapers of the day testify. In April, 1885, 
his portrait was hung on the walls of the office of the 
bureau, in Boston, as its first chief. 

As mayor — in two cities — his great executive abil- 
ity and knowledge of men made him a valuable offi- 
cer, and his retirement elicited hearty expressions of 
regret and good wishes from the several departments 
of the city government and from the citizens generally. 

General Oliver's wide range of study and reading 
caused frequent demands for his services as lecturer 
before lyceums and other literary associations, and 
before educational, musical and agricultural societies, 
while his ready command of language, and his wit 
and humor, made him greatly sought for as presiding 
officer at festive occasions. Many of the.<e occasions 
saw him such an officer when he was beyond eighty 
years of age. Of these latter characteristics, which 
constituted a very marked feature of his character, it 
has been written "His wit and humor were keen, ex- 
uberant and irrepressible, and his many tales, and 
his treasury of knowledge made him extremely com- 
panionable, and a delightful conversationalist on any 
topic." A curious feature in his character was the 
presence of exuberant spirits and gayety. and the pas- 
sion forsacred music. But with all his gayety his feel- 
ings were deeply reverent. He loved nature ardently, 
and flowers were the source of the greatest delight to 







o/^c^X^^ 



SALEM. 



243 



him ; his highly cultivated garden was the home of 
many a prize-bloom. 

Much as the subject of this notice employed his 
pen, he published but one little work besides his mu- 
sical works mentioned. This was in 1830, " A Work 
on the Construction and Use of Mathematical Instru- 
ments in Portable Cases." About the same time he 
wrote a work on Algebra, but finding that the late 
Mr. Ebenezer Bailey was engaged upon a book of 
similar character General Oliver generously with- 
drew his own manuscript. But he wrote, especially 
in the later years of his life, a vast number of articles 
for the newspapers and current literature of the day 
on all the topics with which he was familiar, and 
these communications were most entertaining and in- 
structive. 

General Oliver's wife died on the 24th of January, 
18G6, and this was a blow which he never really re- 
covered from. In recording the event he wrote, — 
" As said Carlyle of Mrs. Sterling, in his life of 
Edward Sterling, she was of a pious, delicate and 
affectionate character, exemplary as wife, mother, 
friend, — of timid, yet gracefully cordial ways, — with 
natural intelligence, instinctive sense and worth: 
with a soft voice, a tremulously sensitive nature, 
strong chiefly on the side of the affections, and the 
graceful insights and activities that depend on these; 
truly a beautiful, much enduring, much loving house- 
mother." 

Henry Kemble and Sarah (Cook) Oliver had issue, 
— Samuel Cook, Sarah Elizabeth, Henry Kemble, 
Maria Kemble, Emily Kemble, Mary Evans and 
Ellen Wendell. 



ABIEL ABBOT LOW. 

Salem has been most generous in enriching, with 
her worthy sons and daughters, olher cities and towns 
of the country. Few places are more indebted to 
her for such noble gifts than Brooklyn, N. Y., the 
story of whose better history and higher prosperity 
could not be told without the mention of such men 
as Seth Low and his sons, Isaac H. and John W. 
Frothingham, Ripley and Reuben W. Ropes, George 
B. Archer, and others of most excellent repute. Hon. 
Ripley Ropes, after faithful and valuable service to 
his native city, removed many years ago to Brooklyn, 
where his exalted character as a man and his long and 
distinguished usefulness in public life have made their 
enduring impress upon the city of his adoption. 

Abiel Abbot Low, one of the merchant princes of 
New York, and an eminent philanthropist and finan- 
cier, was born in Salem, Essex County, Mass., Febru- 
ary 7, 1811. He was the eldest son among twelve 
children of Seth L)W, a native of Gloucester, West 
Parish, of the same State. His mother, Mary Porter, 
was descended from John Porter, one of the original 
settlers of Salem village, (now Danvers), and was a 
daughter of Thomas Porter, of Topsfield, the town 
adjacent to Danvers on the north. The Porters have 



been a numerous and influential race in this part of 
Massachusetts and elsewhere for more than two hun- 
dred years. Mary was born in Topsfield in 1786, and 
was a lady of superior character, illustrating all the 
virtues and nobleness of the Roman matron, refined 
and adorned with the influences and graces of the 
Christian faith. She lived to be eighty-six years of 
age and continued to be an object of much veneration 
among all who knew her, to the end of her useful and 
honored life. Her husband, Seth Low, was a man of 
high intelligence and of solid worth, of strong, clear 
and sedate mind, and of courteous and dignified de- 
portment. He was held in great respect and love by 
his fellow-citizens at Salem, where he spent the ear- 
lier portion of his married life, as also at Brooklyn, 
N. Y., whither he removed in 1829, and where he died 
in 1853. A devout, upright, and public-spirited man, 
he was one of the foremost citizens of Brooklyn, 
and rendered most important service, in many ways 
to that city in its earlier municipal history. Blessed 
with such a parentage, and inheriting the excellent 
qualities of both his father and mother, the son could 
hardly fail of an honorable and distinguished career. 
He grew up without any of the vices or bad habits 
which so often blight the hopes and promises of youth. 
He received his early education mainly at the public 
schools of his native city, and wisely and diligently 
improved the opportunities and advantages which 
were there afforded him. He was, for some time be- 
fore he reached the age of maturity, a clerk in the 
mercantile house of Joseph Howard & Co., a Salem 
firm largely engaged in the South American trade. 
Here he manifested remarkable aptitude for business, 
and won, not only the heartiest commendations, but 
the entire confidence of his employers. In 1829 he 
removed to New York, and remained with his father, 
whose occupation was that of a drug merchant, for 
three years. In 1833 he sailed for Canton, China, and 
on arriving there became a clerk in the house of Rus- 
sell it Co., which was then the largest American firm 
in China, and of which an uncle, the late William 
Henry Low, was a partner. In 1837 he was admitted 
into the firm, and, after three years, returned home, 
in 1840, to prosecute the same business here — already 
possessed of considerable wealth, though not yet 
thirty years of age. He was early distinguished for 
his sagacity, his far-seeing wisdom and his bold and 
judicious action. Soon after his arrival home, he es- 
tablished himself in Fletcher Street, New York, and 
there laid the foundation of that which was destined 
to become the leading house of America in the China 
trade. The business of the house was of rapid growth 
and at length assumed such large proportions that a 
fleet of swift vessels became indispensable. 

With characteristic energy he set about building 
his own ships, and the construction of the " Houcjua," 
"Samuel Russell," "N. B. Palmer," "David Brown," 
"Oriental," "Penguin," "Jacob Bell," "Contest," 
"Surprise," "Benefactor " and " Benefactresi " kei)t 



244 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pace with the demands of his business for a while ; 
but he was compelled to purchase several, among them 
" The Golden State," " The Great Republic " and the 
'' Yokohama." For years the house carried on its 
immense traffic of teas and silks without the loss of any 
of its ships. From Fletcher Street the office was first 
removed to South Street, between Beekman Street and 
Peck Slip, and again, in 1850, to No. 31 Burling Slip, 
the present site of the establishment. About the year 
1845, Mr. Josiah O. Low, a brother, became a partner ; 
in 1852, Mr. Edward H. K. Lyman, a brother-in-law, 
was admitted into the firm ; and at various subsequent 
dates several sons and nephews, — the flrm-name be- 
coming and remaining to this day "A. A. Low & 
Brothers." The firm have always maintained their 
justly-deserved reputation for the strictest integrity, 
and for the largest and most enlightened methods of 
mercantile pursuit and dealing. Their name has been 
the synonym for rectitude and honor in all business 
transactions, and thej- have been a tower of strength 
amidst all the changes, fluctuations and reverses in 
the commercial world during the past forty-six years. 
Their influence was most powerfully exercised and 
felt in the cause of maintaining the national credit ; 
and in the gloomy years of the Civil AVar they bore 
their full share in the work of defending and saving 
the Republic. Refusing to allow their ships to .sail 
under any other flag than the Stars and Stripes, they 
suffered the loss of the "Contest" and the "Jacob 
Bell," both of which were captured and burned by 
Confederate privateers, the latter being freighted at 
the time with a cargo of great value. During Mr. 
Low's whole business career he has received constant 
tokens of the high respect and consideration of the 
mercantile profession to which he belongs, and of the 
community in which he lives. His influence in the 
New York Chamber of Commerce has been whole- 
some and conspicuous, and it has also been justly ap- 
preciated and honored. He became a member of it 
in 1846. In 1863 his sound judgment, his ready grasp 
of details, his marked sagacity and his unbending 
rectitude led to his election as president of this 
world-renowned body ; and on the expiration of the 
stated term of three years, he was re-elected. At the 
close of 1866 he resigned this position, in order to 
make a voyage around the world. On January 1, 1867, 
he embarked with his wife and one son from San 
Francisco in the Pacific Mail steamship " Colorado," 
the first American merchant steamer which crossed 
the Pacific. 

On his return he was honored with a banquet, ten- 
dered by the representative men of his profession, in 
the city which had so long been the scene of his labors 
and his triumphs. He frequently has been called upon 
to address the Chamber of Commerce and his fellow- 
citizens upon subjects connected with the financial 
or political problems of the day. His vigorous mind 
has been highly cultured by reading, study, travel, ob- 
servation and action. His style, both as a writer and 



a public speaker, is singularly felicitous and effective, 
and remarkable for clearness, compactness, good taste 
and elegance of expression. He has the faculty and 
the habit, not only of stating his case strongly, but of 
reasoning on it so wisely and fairly, as well as forcibly, 
that his reader or listener (as the case may be) is car- 
ried with him, and willingly, as well as from convic- 
tion, adopts [his conclusions. It is because of these 
qualities that Mr. Low has always had such great in- 
fluence in the associations with which he has been 
connected, and such weight in the community in 
matters of general interest. Had his career been in 
public life, he would have been as eminent in the 
counsels of state as he has been in the wide domain 
of commerce. In great crises, commercial, financial 
or political, in periods of depression, panic or actual 
disaster, he has the courage of his convictions, and 
his opinions are eagerly sought and freely given. 
During the Civil War, on all important questions of 
national policy or duty, his voice and his action were 
alike ready and sagacious, clear, loyal and determined. 
Holding no political office, though several times in- 
vited to do so, he often has been called or sent to the 
national capital in a representative capacity, for con- 
sultation with the government in relation to matters 
of grave commercial interest. 

It is not easy to measure the value and influence of 
such a man in the community and the country to 
which he belongs. Able, wise, patriotic and of incor- 
ruptible purity and honesty, he is constantly a pillar 
of strength and support to all the best interests of 
society and is a rock of safety and defense amidst the 
changes and perils to which government and people 
are exposed, or are liable. It is not alone Presidents 
and Cabinets, Congressional leaders and foreign minis- 
ters, the army and navy, upon whom we must chiefly 
depend in the most stormy times, or in the most criti- 
cal emergencies. All will be lost unless the nation is 
held mightily to its financial obligations, its plighted 
word, its sacred honor. After the war, and for many 
years, the land was rife with dangerous theories and 
pestilent heresies in regard to these matters, and Re- 
pudiaiion itself was a more or less popular cry. It was 
all-important, and absolutely necessary, that the mer- 
cantile and banking classes should lift their voices for 
the right, that the great commercial metropolis should 
be heard, that the Chamber of Commerce should 
speak, and speak with no uncertain sound. Of such 
occasions, one was in connection with the Centennial 
Celebration of the Chamber, held at Irving Hall, New 
York City, April 6, 1868. Mr. Low delivered an ad- 
dress on " The Finances of the United States," and 
the closing portion of it is here given, in illustration 
of his sound views, his exalted patriotism and the 
power and grace of his words : 

" Finally," he says, *' it seems to me that existing laws for the conver- 
sion and refleniption of the public debt are good enough till the country 
returns to specie payment. I look to such return as our only hope of 
rescue from impending evil. The crisis js full of peril, as all who read 
and reflect will be forced to admit ; the contemplation of this peril leads 



SALEM. 



245 



me to sorrowful reflection. Three jearshaTe passed away since the War 
of the Rebellion was closed. The eventful month of .Ajiril, isr.i. wit- 
nessed the snrrender, throughoiit the South, of all the rebel forces ; the 
disbanding of the loyal armies of theXorth, and the re-establishment of 
the national authority everywhere ; and although the country was pros- 
trate in sorrow at the death of its great hero and martyr. Ihero was sol- 
ace and joy in the thought that the blood and treasure of the loyal States 
had not been poured out in vain. Not only had the life of the nation 
been providentially preserved, but its honor was untarnished ; at home 
an<l abroad contidence in the ability of our people faithfully to redeem 
every obligation that was given during the war daily gained strength, 
and the speedy restoration of the wayward States to their legitimate 
place in the Union was the animating hope of every patriotic heart. 
How this hope has thus far been disappointed it is not my province to 
consider. 

"We may now boast, indeed, that .\raerica is 'the land of the free and 
the home of the bi-ave ; ' slavery has ceased to exist ; the curse and the 
reproach it brought on onr flag and our fame have been bnrie*l in a com- 
mon grave. Have we wiped out this long endured blot on our country's 
escutcheon, amid all the fire and bloodshed of civil war, in order to 
deepen and darken the stain repudiation would leave in its stead? Has 
it come to this, that the Congress of the nation can deliberately enter- 
tain propositions, in less than three years after the war, that strike at 
the spirit and letter of laws now on the statute-book, in the presence of 
the very men who made them — law-s that are vital to the security of 
those who lent their money for the prosecution of the war ! Have we 
reason to fear that Senators and Representatives who make such de- 
mands on our confidence, in their extraordinary measures to enforce re- 
construction, will subject our faith to a still severer test ? Can they 
hope to maintain the character of friends of the Union for the sake of 
the Union if they expose to dishonor the life whose salvation has cost 
such a price in blood and treasure ? Shall we go forth as hitherto, in 
virtue of onr American birthright, proud in the consciousness that our 
nation's ri^At makes our nation's mighlj or remain at home rather than 
be withered by the rebuking eye of every honest man in every other land 
governed by honest men ? It were better, far, to dash from the Ameri- 
can ensign every star and leave only the stripes, as a symbol of everhisting 
disgrace — of everlasting punishment— if we must cease to claim the re- 
spect we have hitherto enjoyed under its all-inspiring folds. No ! Let 
me recall these despairing words ! I will not believe in such a destiny. 
The loyal and the true will rally in behalf of the right and the good. The 
people and the Congress will uphold the national faith. Our eagles and 
half-eagles will once more circulate throughout the land, our eyes shall be 
gladdened with the old device, 'In God we trust,' and throughout the 
world the stars and stripes shall float together the glorious emblem of 
nationality to millions upon millions yet unborn." 

At the conclusion of the meeting Mr. Low sub- 
mitted resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, 
favoring the resumption of specie payments and the 
honest discharge of the national debt. No man, 
more than he, was fitted by talent, character, exper- 
ience, rectitude and service to stand at the centre in 
such a time, and represent before the people and the 
world the commercial mind and interests of the 
United States. Mr. Low has been solicited many 
times to become the president of banking, insurance 
and other institutions of a similar character, but he 
has declined every proflered station of service save 
that of a director, in which capacity he is identified 
with a number of prominent organizations. In 
Brooklyn, the city of his adoption and residence, he 
has been one of the most public-spirited and useful 
citizens. He has been an ever-ready and excep- 
tionally liberal patron of schools and colleges, 
churches and charitie.', not alone in Brooklyn and 
Xew York, but in other parts of the land ; and his 
contributions of money to every good enterprise or 
institution that has appealed for aid have rarely, if 
ever, been surpassed in number and magnitude by 



those of any of our wealthy and philanthropic citizens. 
Thoroughly imbued wiih the spirit of a firm and en- 
lightened Christian faith, the church has found in 
him a true, devoted, c.xcmpliiry friend, and many of 
its branches of ditferent names have been encouraged 
and prospered by his timely and generous gifts. Fully 
appreciating the value and importance of substantial 
education to every community, he has long made the 
public and private schools of the city objects of the 
highest concern. Of the Packer Colk>giatc Institute, 
in Brooklyn, Mr. Low has been for many years presi- 
dent of the board of trustees, giving to its affairs 
large and intelligent oversight, and contributing lib- 
erally to its library and scientific equipment. The 
Brooklyn Library and the Long Island Hi.-torical So- 
ciety have found in him, from their inception, one of 
their most appreciative, active and munificent patrons. 
The City Hospital, the Society for Improving the 
Condition of the Poor, the Union for Christian Work 
and many other benevolent institutions, attest his 
readiness to aid in the support of well- designed and 
practically-managed organized charities. Perhaps no 
more touching illustration of this influence has been 
furnished than in the munificent gift, by Mr. Low, 
in the name of his wife, of the new and beautiful Sf. 
Phcebe's Mission House, which he caused to be erected 
as a fitting memorial of a departed daughter of won- 
derful beauty of Christian character and life. The 
building was opened May 5, 1886, and a tablet more 
recently erected bears the inscription : 

" In Loving Memoet 
Harriftte Low. 
This house is given for the work she loved by her 
bereaved parents." 

In our great Civil War, Mr. Low's loyalty and 
patrotism were most pronounced and constant. He 
was a member of the Union Defense Committee of 
New York, and quite early in the conflict succeeded 
Mr. Dehon as treasurer of the committee, which 
place he continued to fill until the war was over. He 
was among the most energetic, liberal and useful 
members of the "War Fund Committee" of Brook- 
lyn, which was organized in 1802, and which elli- 
ciently aided the United States Sanitary Commission. 
He was president of the General Committee of Citi- 
zens in Brooklyn, which, in co-operation with the 
committee of the Woman's Relief As.sociation, in 
February, 1864, managed and carried out to its grand 
result of more tlian $400,000, tlie Brooklyn and Sani- 
tary Fair. 

This sketch would be quite imperfect did it omit 
allusion to Mr. Low's constant and most generous re- 
lief to those who are in need. It is his nature to 
" Do good by stealth and blush to find it fame," and 
the world little knows, though very many privately 
and gratefully know, the largeness, spontancousness 
and mercy of his bounty in their liour of sullering. 
His sympathy and gifts have not been limited to 
those to whom he stood in the relation of friend or 



246 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



mere acquaintance. The casual mention, in his pres- 
ence, of distress that had befallen even a stranger 
whom he had never seen and of whom before he had 
never heard, has many and many a time (within the 
knowledge of the writer) elicited not only his warm 
and Christian sympathy, but his prompt and large 
pecuniary relief. It has often been remarked by 
those who have known him well, how continuously 
and tenderly, amidst all his manifold and arduous 
daily cares, he has borne such unfortunates in mind, 
recalling their names and circumstances and, with 
more benevolent intent, making fresh inquiries about 
them long after it might naturally have been sup- 
posed that such cases must have been forgotten. One 
of his honored father's last injunctions to his children 
was, " Remember the poor." And that they have 
done, not more in obedience to the p.iternal mandate, 
than from the philanthropic spirit which they in- 
herited from their excellent parents, and which they 
have also imparted, it may be added, to the succeed- 
ing generation. As the acknowledged head of this 
very large and influential family circle that surrounds 
him in Brooklyn, and in every domestic relation of 
life, Mr. Low, it is not necessary to say, finds his own 
faithful devotion and affectionate care abundantly 
recompensed to him in the veneration and love of all. 
And what is thus true of him in the home and 
amongst his kindred is true of him also in other con- 
nections, in which to still larger numbers he has been 
the prudent counselor, the thoughtful sympathizer, 
and the helpful and steadfast friend. 

Mr. Low was first married, in March, 1841, to Ellen 
Almira, daughter of the late Josiah Dow, of Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., and a lady of rare worth and loveliness, 
by whom he had four children, — two sons and two 
daughters, all of whom survived their mother, who 
died in January, 1850. In February, 1851, he was 
married to Anne D. B., widow of his deceased brother, 
William Henry Low, and daughter of the late M. 
Bedell, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mrs. Low has been very 
prominent in the religious, benevolent and social life 
of the city ; and it was specially under her fond and 
faithful guardianship, intelligent and judicious train- 
ing and earnest and conscientious Christian influence 
that the motherless children to whose charge she 
succeeded, and her son, William G., who had been 
born under her first marriage, received together their 
home preparation for their varied and prominent 
spheres of usefulness in subsequent years. 

Of these five children, Harriette died August 2, 
1884; and Ellen, who married Henry E. Pierrepont, 
Jr., of Brooklyn, died December 30, 1884. The sur- 
viving three, are A. Augustus Low, merchant, who 
married a daughter of the late George Cabot Ward, 
Esq., of New York ; William G. Low, lawyer and 
Hon. Seth Low, ex-mayor of Brooklyn, and also a 
merchant, both of whom married daughters of the 
late Hon. Benjamin R. Curtis, of the Supreme Court 
of the United Slates. 



LEONARD BOND HARRINGTON. 

The names of men who distinguished themselves 
for the possession of those qualities of character 
which so largely contribute to the success of private 
life and to the public stability, of men who have been 
exemplary in their personal and social relations, thus 
winning the affection, respect and confidence of those 
around them, ought not to perish. 

Their example is more valuable to the majority of 
local readers than that of illustrious heroes, statesmen 
or writers, .nnd all are benefited by the delineation of 
those traits of character which find scope and exer- 
cise in the common walks of life. 

Among the individuals of this class few are better 
entitled to be held in respectful remembrance than is 
the subject of this sketch. 

The direct ancestor of Leonard B. was Robert, who 
came from England prior to 1642, and settled in 
Watertown, Mass. 

For several succeeding generations the Harring- 
tons were tillers of the soil, and became, through 
their energy and thrift, extensive landed proprietors 
in the various parts of New England, where they set- 
tled and were men of influence and position. 

Charles, the father of Leonard B., however, was a 
tanner and currier by trade, and he carried on this 
business during the early part of his business career 
with a good degree of success. He also did a large 
business as a packer of beef, and opened up a large 
export trade in it. In this branch of business he was 
a pioneer, and was very successful until, during the 
French War, he suffered great losses in vessels 
and cargoes by French spoliations. He married Mary 
Bond, by whom he had five children, — Charles, born 
January 29, 1782; Artemus, born October 14, 1784; 
Ruth, born August 25, 1789; Jonas B., born August 
22, 1792; Leonard Bond, born January 29, 1803. 

Leonard spent hia boyhood in Salem, Mass., to 
which town his father moved from Watertown shortly 
after the Revolutionary War. He attended school in 
Salem, where he acquired a practical knowledge of 
the branches there taught, but, at the age of thirteen 
years, developing a taste for sea-life, he went a voy- 
age to South America, during which he suffered 
from yellow fever, and recovering from it, was finally 
shipwrecked. These experiences led him to give up 
the sea, and he then chose the business of leather 
manufacture. He learned this trade in Roxbury, 
Mass., and after serving his time he worked as a 
journeyman for several years,"and by prudence and 
frugality was enabled to begin business for himself in 
1829, and from that time to the present has success- 
fully maintained his position among business men. 

He was married, January 8, 1831, to Margaret G. 
Hersey, of Roxbury, who was a superior woman, and 
did much to encourage and assist him in his plans, 
and was much beloved bv all who knew her. From 




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OdL 



SALEM. 



247 



this union were four cliildren, three of whom are 
now living. 

Having no taste for political life, Mr. Harrington 
has never been prominent in polities, but has always 
been identified with the Whig and, later, the Repub- 
lican parties. In religious l)elief he is a Universalist, 
and contributes liberally ibr the support of public 
worship. 

He is a man of benevolence, easily approached, of 
kindly instincts, and has always in later years been 
ready to assist those less fortunate than himself in 
their business difficulties by his wise counsel and 
good judgment. 

Mr. Harrington has for many years been promi- 
nently connected with the financial institutions of 
Salem. He is president of the Asiatic National 
Bank and vice-president of Old Salem Savings Bank. 

For twenty years he was engineer of the Fire De- 
partment, and by his energy and zeal did much to 
improve the old system ; but all this was prior to the 
advent of the modern steamer, and when the hand 
machine was made to do duty by " the boys breaking 
her down." 

At the great age of eighty -four years Mr. Harrington 
is still able to attend to his large business, going to 
Boston nearly every day, and while having assigned 
much of the detail to other hands, still in the direct- 
ing power exercising his business tact and method to 
the advantage of those associated with him. Mr. 
Harrington's grandfather was a noted teacher of his 
day, and as "Master Harrington" was widely known. 

Leonard Bond, a maternal uncle, was a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War. 



CALEB FOOTE.' 

Hon. Caleb Foote was born in Salem February 28, 
1803, of a sea-faring stock. The first of his ancestors 
who came to this country, Pasco Foot, who settled in 
Salem before 1637, had a grant of land in that year, 
in connection with his fisheries, at Winter Harbor. 
The degree to which the dangers of the sea assisted 
in depopulating the maritime towns of our sea-coast 
in the earlier days is forcibly illustrated in the family 
history of Mr, Foote. His great-grandfather. Cap- 
tain William Dedman, died of yellow-fever in a voy- 
age to Havana. His maternal grandfather, Samuel 
West, a member of the Salem Marine Society, died 
in a trading voyage to Virginia. His paternal grand- 
father, Caleb Foote, after serving in the Revolution- 
ary army at Cambridge, engaged in the privateering 
service, was captured by a British ship, and immured 
in Forton prison, near Portsmouth, England, from 
which he escaped to France, and, returning home, 
died early of disease brought on by the hardships and 
privations which he had endured in the cause of his 
country. His father, Caleb Foote, sailed in command 

1 By Kev. Henry W. Foote. 



of a vessel from New London in 1810, and his vessel 
was never heard from afterward, while his wife, Martha, 
daughter of Samuel Massey West, had died four years 
before. Thus their son was left at the tender age 
of seven fatherless, motherless and portionless, wholly 
dependent on relatives, and began to earn his own 
living at ten years old, when he left the North Salem 
Public School to attend in the shop of an uncle in 
Salem, and later in Boston, returning to Salem 
again for employment in Mr. Samuel West's book- 
store. He was on the point of following the sea, and 
had shipped as cabin-boy for a sealing voyage in 
Arctic regions, when the captain who had engaged 
his services broke the agreement in order to take a 
larger and stronger boy, and diverted the current of 
his life. He found employment in the office of The 
Salem Gazette in 1817. Here Mr. Foote has ever 
since remained as apjirentice, projtrietor and editor, 
never long absent from its duties and only rarely en- 
gaged in services which called him elsewhere. 

T/ie Salem Gazette was one of the few newspapers 
whose commencement long antedates the present cen- 
tury. On the 1st of August, 1768, began the exist- 
ence of the Essex Gazette. There were for a time 
transfers to other places, suspensions and changes of 
name, but the apprenticeship of two proprietors con- 
nects without a break the first issue with that of one 
hundred and nineteen years later (in 1887). The 
founder of the line, when Massachusetts was a Brit- 
ish province, was the sturdy Whig rebel, Samuel 
Hall. The accomplished and amiable Thomas 0. 
Cushing served his apprenticeship with Mr. Hall, 
and took his materials and revived the paper, after a 
broken period, in 1786. Mr. Cushing continued the 
publication of the Gazette until January 1, 1823, 
when, feeling the infirmities of age and disease press- 
ing on him, he transferred the establishment to one 
of his sons, Caleb Cushing, and a nephew, p'erdinand 
Andrews, retiring from business to die September 28, 
1824. Mr. Cushing was a man of rare excellencies 
of character, combining faculties of the mind and 
qualities of the heart which secured in no common 
degree the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens, 
and was a good master in those days of thorougli 
business training. 

The life of an apprentice was one of hard drudgery, 
but the printing-office is a school which gives en- 
couragement to a boy endowed with the love of read- 
ing, for the self-education which has to take the place 
of the opportunities of school and college; moreover, 
as Mr. Foote grew up, he found kind and influential 
friends, who, when the opportunity aro-e, assisted 
him with a loan in establishing himself in the busi- 
ness by purchasing half the property in the paper. 
In 1825 he thus became associated with his former 
fellow-workman, Ferdinand Andrews, as publishers 
and joint owners of the Gazette. In 1826 Mr. William 
Brown succeeded Mr. Andrews, selling his interest in 
the paper also to Mr. Foote January 1, 1833, who 



248 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



thus became sole eflitor and proprietor until Janu- 
ary 1, 1854, when Nathaniel A. Horton, who had 
followed what were the traditions of this time-hon- 
ored newspaper for more than a century, in growing 
up as an apprentice under the training of his senior, 
was associated with him in publishing and editing 
the paper. This partnership has continued till the 
present time (1887). On June 8, 1831, Mr. Foote 
had also established a small weekly paper, to which 
he gave the name of The Salem Mercury, the original 
title of the Gazette. This was afterwards enlarged 
and its title changed to that of The Essex County 
Mercury, and it became an important addition to the 
influence of the office through the wide constituency 
which it gained throughout the county. 

Meantime such public duties as the engrossing 
labors of an editor would permit came to Mr. Foote. 
He served on the school committee in 18.30-31, and 
was a member of the Massachusetts House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1832 and 1833, declining a re-election. 
In January, 1838, having been for some years chair- 
man of the Whig County Committee, he was elected 
by the Legislature, on which the duty of choosing 
the Executive Council at that time devolved, a mem- 
ber of the Council under Governor Edward Everett, 
and was again elected in 1839, declining a subsequent 
re-election. 

On the accession of the Whig party to the control 
of the government, a change being necessary, not for 
party reasons only, in the Salem post-office, Mr. 
Foote was appointed postmaster in May, 1841, soon 
after the death of President Harrison, and retained 
the position three years, administering the office on 
strict business principles, entirely aloof from political 
methods, making no change in.4 the subordinate offi- 
cers, and keeping the business of his newspaper 
apart from his official duties. A pressure, however, 
being brought to bear by the administration to in- 
duce him to become a partisan of John Tyler and to 
employ the newspaper in furthering his schemes for 
election to the Presidency, on refusing to do so, Mr. 
Foote was dismissed from the post-office in April, 
1844. The subsequent years and until the present 
time (1887), with the exception of seven months' ab- 
sence in Europe in 1867, were devoted exclusively to 
the business of the newspaper, in which active labors 
it was allotted to Mr. Foote to spend a longer period 
than the full term of life as named by the Psalmist. 

A friend, Rev. E. B. Willson, adds the following : 

" Mr. Foote's life affords a noteworthy instance— not a solitary one, 
to be sure — of the admirable substitute which tlie printing-office and 
editorial chair may be for the training-school and the college class- 
room to an apt student. His style as a writer has the better qualities 
of one college bred— Biniplicity, perspicuity and purity .of diction, and 
the art of putting things with directness and effect. His knowledge of 
language and his literary taste and skill are those of the scholar well 
grounded in English literature and versed in other languages, ancient 
and modern. Naturally, liistory, political economy and the affairs of 
trade and social progress come to be the studies of the conductor of an 
influential press, an important portion of whose readers are educated 
men and women. ^In these departments of journalism Mr. Foote's 



accomplishments, at a period when such work was comparatively rare 
and when he was sole editor, secured for his editorial writing attention 
and habitual perusal and respect, which has continued during the more 
recent years, when the editorial responsibility has been shared with his 
associate. In his long career in the midst of a community character- 
ized by a high average of intelligence and a corresponding moral stan- 
dard, to have had so strong and enduring hold upon successive genera- 
tions and through so many and so great changes in manners and opin- 
ions, in politics and theology, in private and in social life, bespeaks a 
man of weight, candor and well-balanced judgment, and of an integrity 
and steadiness of purpose not often paralleled. His native modesty 
would never permit him to obtrude his conclusions at any time where 
their expression was not called for ; hut those who have drawn from 
him his opinions upon topics of current interest, including such as were 
matters of controversy, have been pretty sure to find that he had ma- 
tured opinions of his own. and that he had not only the courage of bis 
convictions, but that he had been a courageous thinker in arriving at 
his convictions. 

" To those who know Mr. Foote only in the common intercourse of 
life, and who have only come near enough to observe his unfailing cour- 
tesy of bearing, the moral courage, poise and self-reliance hidden behind 
these genial manners and never-ruffled tones would be likely to be a 
revelation wholly unsuspected. Not many a man would be able to 
carry himself calmly and with unshaken nerves through an interview 
with desperate fellows, who had, without doubt, plotted to rob him of 
things of value supposed to he on his person, in a retired apartment of 
their own selection, to which they had conducted him for this very pur- 
pose, and when he had come away unharmed from their lair would 
relate the affair as quietly as if it had been but a common incident. It 
would bring a genuine surprise to those accustomed to see one charac- 
terized by an unvarying serenity of features and urbanity of address in 
all situations for a lifetime, to find him capable on occasion of shielding 
a junior co-worker from abusive criticism by rising from the chair edi- 
torial and stepping to the front to assure a rich and influential citizen and 
friend in a firm and peremptory voice that, though not himself the writer, 
he assumed joint responsibility with the writerfor what had been written, 
and that the course of remark which he had interrupted must cease 
then and there, or the visitor must leave the place. To be sure, we rec- 
ognize it as the n.atural and right combination when courage and kind- 
liness go together ; but, unhappily, -it is not a conjunction so common as 
not to cause the surprise of delight when we witness it." 

The publication and editing of a public journal in a 
community like that which inhabits Essex County is 
a self-denying and exigent task, requiring a man to 
become wholly merged in his work, especially where 
the newspaper has had an historic part for more than 
a hundred years in guiding opinion and helping to 
mould public development. The Gazette was founded 
by a patriot who had zealously espoused the American 
cause, and it continued the earnest supporter of the 
principles of Washington and Hamilton and of Fed- 
eral measures and men as long as the Federalist 
party continued to exist. To these principles it held 
faithfully through the later changes of the party- 
names to Whig and Republican, but without being 
an organ of any party or individual, and, on occasion, 
standing alone against an unworthy candidate for 
high office, and securing his defeat. If a journal of 
this character has fulfilled its opportunities of public 
teaching and public influence, in the constant inter- 
est of good morals, honest politics and the religion of 
good-will and charity, it is a fit memorial of the life 
which h.as been devoted to it. 

Mr. Foote was married, October 21, 1835, to Mary 
Wilder, daughter of Hon. Daniel Appleton White 
judge of probate for Essex County. She died De- 
cember 24, 1857. Of their six children, three are 
surviving. 




'^/^^, 



</< 






SALEM. 



248a 



NATHANIEL B. MANSFIELD. 

Nathaniel B. MausfieUl was born in Salem, Octo- 
ber 20, 1796, three months after the death of his 
father. His mother was left with four children, — 
two daughters and two sons. Of the daughters, one 
married Captain Brookhouse, of Salem, and the other 
Joseph Eveleth, of Boston, for many years high 
sheritF. Of the sous, one died single, and the sub- 
ject of this sketch married the daughter of William 
Fabens, of Salem, who was one of the successful 
merchants of his time. 

At an early age the subject of this sketch chose 
the profession of the sea. Having no one to put 
him forward, he commenced as a sailor in the fore- 
castle, and by his energy and perseverance soon be- 
came officer and then master of a ship. He was part 
owner of the " Statesman " and " Newburyport," and 
transacted business between Havana and Russia for 
many years. He left the sea as a profession at the 
age of forty-five, and from that time until his death 
was interested in shipping. He was connected in 
business at diverse times with Benjamin Howard, 
Glidden Williams, Samuel Stevens & Co., of Boston, 
and Captain John Bertram, of Salem. During the 
last years of his life he was interested in the ice 
business at Panama, and established, in connection 
with Samuel Stevens & Co., a line of packets to Au.s- 
tralia. Mr. Mansfield was also a member of the Ma- 
rine Society of Salem. 

He took great interest in politics, was an Old-Line 
Whig, and a member of the city government for many 
years as well as of the State Legislature. His great 
speech at that time was in connection with the land 
damages to be assessed on the Essex Railroad. He 
refused at various times the office of collector of the 
port. He was unceasing in his endeavors to accom- 
plish a party victory. 

He had the courage of a strong man with the ten- 
derness of a child, and was loved and respected by 
all who knew him. He died September 24, 1863. 

He was a man of unflinching integrity, and died, 
as he had lived, one of Salem's most honored and 
esteemed citizens. 



BENJAMIN WILLIAMS CROWNINSHIELD. 

Benjamin Williams Crowninshield, son of George 
and Mary (Derby) Crowninshield, was born at Salem, 
December 27,1772; descended from Dr. John Cas- 
per Richter von Cronenshilt, a German physician, 
who came from Leipsic to Boston about 1688, and 
died there in 1711; married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Clifford) Allen, of Salem ; 
owned lands near Lynn Mineral Spring Pond. Two 
of his sons, John and Clifford, came to Salem and 
were successful and enterprising merchants ; John 
married Anstiss, daughter of John and Sarah (Man- 
ning) Williams, the father of George, above-named. 

Mr. Crowninshield, like his ancestors, was largely 
engaged in commercial enterprises in connection 



with his father and brothers, under the name of 
George Crowninshield & Sons. His brother, George 
Crowninshield, the owner of the famous pleasure 
yacht, the " Cleopatra's Barge," made an excursion 
to the ports in the Mediterranean, returning in Octo- 
ber, 1817. He built the large brick house on Derby 
Street, between Curtis and Orange Streets, now occu- 
pied as the Old Women's Home. He was a member 
of the Massachusetts State Senate for several years. 
United States Secretary of Navy from December, 
1814, to November, 1818, Representative in United 
States Congress 1823 to 1831, one of the first directors 
of the Merchants' Bank, Salem (incorporated June 
26, 1811); married Mary Boardman, daughter of 
Francis and Mary (Hodges) Boardman, January 1, 
1804. He removed to Boston in 1832, and died there 
February 8, 1851. 



UEXUy WHEATLAND. 

Henry Wheatland, son of Richard and Martha 
(Goodhue) Wheatland, was born in Salem, January 
11,1812. He was graduated from Harvard College 
in 1832, and its Medical School in 1837. He never, 
however, actively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine. At an early age he became interested in the 
study of natural history, and both in the neighbor- 
hood of his home and during voyages for his health 
to South America and Europe, he made extensive 
collections, which have enriched the cabinets of the 
scientific in.stitutions in Salem. He was chosen su- 
perintendent of the museum of the East India Marine 
Society in 1837, and held that oflice until 1848, when, 
chiefly through his eflbrts, the Essex County Natural 
History Society and the Essex Historical Society- — 
he being an active member of both societies — became 
united as the Essex Institute, to the building up of 
which he has since untiringly given the greater por- 
tion of his life, and of which society he is now the 
president. Leaving the field of scientific research to 
younger men and those who were becoming special- 
ists in its different branche.s, he later devoted himself 
to local history and genealogy, and is now admitted 
to be one of the leading antiquarians in the county, 
from whose fund of knowledge constant draughts are 
being made by workers in this field. 

Dr. Wheatland is one of the original trustees of 
the Peabody Academy of Science and its vice-presi- 
dent, a trustee of the Peabody Museum of American 
Archasology and Ethnology of Cambridge, and a 
member of the principal scientific and historical so- 
cieties of the countrv. 



NATHANIEL SILSBEE. 

Nathaniel Silsbee, son of Nathaniel and Sarah 
(Becket) Silsbee, was born at Salem January 14, 
1773; descended from Henry Silsbee, of Salem, 1639, 
Ipswich, 1647, Lynn, 16r)8, died 1700, through Na- 
thanieF, Nathaniel', William*, NathanieP. He pur- 
sued his studies with Rev. Dr. Cutler, of Hamilton; 



2-48b 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



died July 14, 1850; married, December 12, 1802, 
IMary, diuigliter of George and Mary (Derby) Crown- 
iiiJ-biekl, born Seplcmber 24, 1778; died September 
20, 1835. In early life he was -ii ship-master and 
supercargo, afterwards a successful and eminent mer- 
chant, a Representative and Senator in Massachu'etts 
Legislature, for three years president of the latter 
body, Rej)rcsentative United States Congress 1817-21, 
Senator United States Congress 1826-35. 



BEKJAMIN PICKMAN. 

Benjamin Pickraan, son of Benjamin and Mary 
(Toppan) Pickman, was born at Salem September 30, 
1763; descended from Nathaniel Pickman, who came 
from Bristol, England, with his family in 1661, and 
settled in Salem, through Benjamin^ (born in Bristol, 
1645, married Elizabeth Hardy, died December, 
1708), Captain Benjamin', Colonel Benjamin* and 
Colonel Benjamin*; pursued his preparatory studies 
at Dummer Academy, then under the charge of the 
celebrated "Master Moody;" graduated at Harvard 
College 1784; married, October 20, 1789, Anstiss, 
youngest daughter of Eli.is Hasket and Elizabeth 
(Crowninshield) Derby (born October 6, 1769, died 
June 1, 1836); studied law with Theophilus Parsons 
(Harvard College, 1769), then residing in Newbury- 
port, and afterwards chief-justice of Massachusetts 
Supreme Court; admitted to the bar; soon relin- 
quished the practice of the profession and engaged 
in commercial pursuits, in which he continued during 
the greater part of his life ; a Representative and Sen- 
ator of Massachusetts Legislature; member of Massa- 
chusetts Constitutional Convention, 1820; member of 
the Executive Council of Massachusetts; Represent- 
ative United States Congress, 1809-11. He was 
president of the directors of the Theological School 
at Cambridge, and also president of the principal lit- 
erary and historical and other institutions of Salem 
and vicinity ; died at Salem August 16, 1843. 



WILLIAM REED. 

AVilliam Reed, son of Benjamin Tyler and Mary 
Appleton (Dodge) Reed, was baptized June 9, 1776; 
married, November 13, 1800, Hannah, daughter of 
Robert and 3Iary (Ingalls) Hooper, of Marblehtad 
(born August, 1778; died May 16, 1855). The first 
ancestor was William, son of Richard Reed, of Whit- 
tlesey, in the county of Kent, who came to America 
about 1630, settled first at Weymouth, then removed 
to Boston; Samuel", Samuel^ of Marblehead, Sam- 
uel*, Samuel^ Benjamin Tyler", above-named; an 
eminent merchant in Marblehead, and highly esteemed 
for his benevolent and religious character ; Represent- 
ative United States Congress, 1811-15; president of 
Sabbath-school Union of Massachusetts, of American 
Tract Society ; an officer and member of many other 
educational and religious organizations. He was 
so deeply interested in the cause of temperance that 



he was styled the "Apostle of Temperance." He 
died suddenly February 18, 1837. His widow, w^ho 
survived several years, was always engaged in works 
of charity, and was regarded as a most accomplished 
lady and eminent Christian. 



BENJAMIN GOODHUE. 

Benjamin Goodhue, son of Benjamin and Martha 
(Hardy) Goodhue, was born at Salem, September 20, 
1748; graduated at Harvard College 1766; married, 
January 6, 1778, Frances Richie, of Philadelphia 
(born June 27, 1751, died at Salem January 21, 1801); 
married, secondly, November 5, 1804, Ann Willard, 
a daughter of Abijah and Anna (Prentice) Willard, 
of Lancaster, Mass. (born August 20, 1763, died Au- 
gust 2, 1858) ; descended from William Goodhue, 
born in England in 1612, took the oath of freeman 
December, 1636, and probably came over in that 
year; settled in Ipswich and sustained the chief 
trusts of the town ; was deacon of the First Church 
for many years, selectman, representative in General 
Court, etc. ; died about 1699 ; through Joseph^, Wil- 
liam^, Benjamin*. 

He early embarked in commerce with credit and 
success; a Whig in the Revolution ; represented the 
county of Essex in the Senate of Massachusetts from 
1784 to 1789, when he was elected a Representative to 
the first United States Congress under the new Con- 
stitution ; in 1796 elected to the United States Sen- 
ate, and in 1800 he resigned his seat and retired to 
private life. He died at Salem, July 28, 1814, leav- 
ing an irreproachable name to his then only sur- 
viving son, Jonathan Goodhue, of New York, a mer- 
chant who, in character and credit, stood second to 
none in that commercial emporium. 

JOSEPH GILBERT WATERS. 

Joseph Gilbert Waters was the son of Captain Jo- 
seph and Mary (Dean) Waters, of Salem, where he 
was born July 5, 1796, and a descendant in the sixth 
generation from Lawrence Waters, one of the first 
settlers of Watertown. He graduated at Harvard 
College in 1816, and studied law with John Picker- 
ing, of Salem. In the autumn of 1818 he went to 
Mississipjii, and resided there some two or three 
years in the practice of his profession. Owing to ill 
health, he rettjrned to Salem, and opened an office, 
where he resided during the remainder of his life. 
He was editor of the Salem Observer for several years 
from its commencement in 1823. He was appointed 
special justice of the Salem Police Court September 
1, 1831, and standing justice February 23, 1842, and 
continued to discharge the duties of this latter office 
until the establishment of the First District Court in 
1874. In 1835 he was a member of the Massachu- 
setts Senate. He al.so held other offices of honor and 
trust. He married, December 8, 1825, Eliza Green- 
leaf Townsend, daughter of Captain Penn Townsend. 
He died July 12, 1878. 



LYNN. 



249 



CHAPTER XIII. 
LYNN. 



BY JAMES E. XEWHALL. 



THEN AND NOW. 

Descripiive Passages — Tlie Indians — Tim Settlors — Xume of the Place — 
Natnrnl Features — Productions — Embarrassments and Successes — Civil 
History — Statistics. 



' I hearthd tread of pioneers 
Of nations yet to be, 
Tlie first low vvasli of waves where soon 
Shall roll a human sea." 



— Whittike. 



If, upon the afternoon of some foir clay, one should, 
from the summit of Bunker Hill Monument, through 
a clear gliuss, direct his eve northeasterly, he will see 
stretching in an irregular line of something more 
than three miles, and at a distance of eight or ten 
miles, a settlement presenting such features and hav- 
ing such surroundings as will be likely to secure his 
attention for many minutes. Between him and the 
settlement, far beyond the circle of busy life that lies 
at his feet, is a stretch of marsh land of rusty gold 
tinge, diversified by one or two stately groves, by 
inlets and by salt streams, and traversed by railroads 
over which locomotives are constantly puffing, and 
highways over which horse-drawn carriages of all 
descriptions are constantly moving. 

Extending along the rear of the settlement is a 
line of dark woodland hills, with here and there 
cropping out a gigantic porphyry cliff, overlooking 
many miles of sea and land. In front lies the ocean, 
ever rising and falling like a thing of life, expand- 
ing quietly upon the glistening beaches or dashing 
sullenly against the huge buttresses of storin-scarred 
rock, every marine craft known to these waters skim- 
ming hither and thither upon its surface. 

Directing his eye to the settlement itself, the be- 
holder would observe white suburban dwellings scat- 
tered about in picturesque niches with gardens and 
groves. Then come the central portions, with pond- 
erous business structures, the tall smoke-ejecting 
chimnies proclaiming the reign of industry and 
thrift, and in every neighborhood some lofty steeple 
or graceful tower, testifying to a realization of the 
higher duties of life. 

This is Lynn. And probably no place upon the 
New England coast can present more attractive fea- 
tures and such varied scenery. It is one of the old- 
est settlements of Massachusetts, as distinguished 
from Plymouth, and has always maintained a steady, 
though not rapid, growth, till, at the present time, it 
has reached a population of very near 50,000. It is on 
the northern shore of the great bay which is entered 
from the Atlantic through the gateway formed by 
Cape Ann, so named by Prince Charles in filial re- 
1(5 J 



spect for his mother, and Cape Cod, so named by the 
notable English navigator, ]$artholome\v Gosiiold, 
from the circumstance of finding multitudes of cod- 
fish sporting about there. It was the central one of 
the three important settlements commenced at nearly 
the same time, — namely, Salem, Lynn and Boston ; 
is five miles southwest of the former, and ten miles 
northeast of the latter. It is not now very extensive, 
territorially, but as regards population is the largest 
city in the United States, east of Boston. 

THE INDIANS. 

" Where now the poor Ilulian scatters the sod 
With otTerings litirut to an unknown god, 
By gospel light shall the path be trod 

To the courts of the Prince of Peace. 

" .\ndhere will coiiiiuerce appoint her mart ; 
The marble will yield to the hand of art ; 
From the sun of science the rays will dart ; 

And the darkness of Nature cease ! " 

— H. F. GoPlD. 

Before proceeding to other topics, a few words re- 
garding the Indian race found here may not be inap- 
propriate. But of that race we are almost entirely 
destitute of substantial or illustrative details. Enough, 
however, is known to show that they were not a supe- 
rior people, but rather a poor specimen of the human 
family, though the poet and sentimentalist have 
clothed them in glowing drapery, and awarded them 
singular nobleness of character. It is natural to feel 
a deep interest in those who before us occupied the 
soil we inherit, whether they were of our own kindred 
or of other tribes, and it is hard not to assign to them 
ideal virtues. But yet it is unaccountable that so 
many writers, notwithstanding the authentic ac- 
counts of the horrid barbarities of the red men, as 
a people, of their ignorance and depravity, should 
persist in giving them such an elevated sense of 
honor and such refinement of sensibility. From com- 
parisons made by some enthusiasts it would seem as 
if these "children of nature" were thought to be 
superior to all other people of all time. But in es- 
timating the character of these, our predecessors up- 
on the soil, would it not be well to call to mind some 
of the incideats that roughly touched our own Essex 
County — the barbarities experienced by the Dnstin 
and Rolfe families, in the terrible attacks on Haver- 
hill, and the fate of the " Flower of Essex " at 
Bloody Brook, for instance? 

There is abundant evidence that there were indi- 
viduals of the Indian tribes of lofty character. 
Gratitude is a noble trait, and of its possession they 
furnish touching examples. With unwavering con- 
stancy they would cleave to their friends; but with 
delight and remorseless vigor they would cleave down 
their enemies. Of physical courage, endurance of 
pain, and contempt of death they present conspic- 
uous examples. But these would not be offered as 
evidence of true exaltation. That here and there an 
individual of cxcci)tional magnanimity a])peared is 
not denied; but the great body were degraded in the 



250 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



extreme. It would be unjust to assume that they, as 
a people, were destitute of the innate sense of right 
that distinguishes human nature wherever found, or 
that there were not many endowed with those finer 
feelings which, under favoring circumstances, can 
modify and redeem. 

To the honor of the people of the Bay settlements 
it may be said that their conduct towards the natives 
was generally marked by justice, if not generosity, 
and, hence, but little hostility was experienced till 
they had become strong enough to dismiss their 
fears. It was not till the great struggle of 1675, 
known as King Philip's War, that much occurred 
hereabout to cause real alarm. 

The unmeasured censure that some have bestowed 
upon the settlers for what is termed their unjust 
seizure of lands, in given instances, may have been well 
merited, for it is sad to believe that some came with 
very different motives from those popularly ascribed 
to them, and which they professed. These were un- 
scrupulous in their dealings with the Indians, and 
overreached and wronged them in every possible way ; 
but there were comparatively few of such unworthy 
ones. 

In treating of Indian land titles, and their absorp- 
tion by the settlers, an important fact is usually left 
out of view, — namely, the fact that the Indians were 
themselves but land robbers. They boastingly as- 
serted that the country did not originally belong to 
them, but that their brave fathers wrested it by 
bloody war from the former possessors ; defiantly 
endeavoring to strike terror into the settlers by thus 
claiming to be a race of conquerors, who might, in 
good time, rally and drive the pale-faced usurpers 
into the sea over which they had intrusively ven- 
tured. Yes, they and their fathers were brave ; but 
their bravery was far too generally that of violence 
and lust for blood. 

And another thing: the Indians did not cultivate 
the soil, at least to any extent, for they were by no 
means an agricultural people. The great command 
to "till the soil" they did not obey, but remained 
unfaithful stewards; and there is, perhaps, room for 
the casuist to assume that as they would not perlorm 
their duty, there was no wrong in replacing them by 
those more faithful. 

To follow some writers, one might imagine that the 
dusky dames and damsels had remarkably refined ideas 
and graceful accomplishments ; that in music espe- 
cially they were really proficient ; and, though desti- 
tute of guitars and pianos, had a felicitous way of 
modulating their voices by the songs of birds or 
purling of mountain rills. And they would lead us 
in imagination to listen to melodious strains ringing 
through the forest aisles as thrilling as the song of 
the old Spanish troubadour and as inspiring as a 
cathedral symphony. That many of them had musi- 
cal voices and a perception of true rhythm may not he 
questioned ; nor need it be doubted that they had 



ability to express the natural feelings in song and 
significant action. Says the poet, — 

"Tl»e Indian maid danced on the smooth curving shore, 
And mingled her iong with the wild ocean roar." 

But that she danced " scientifically " or had what we 
understand to be trained musical powers, is hardly 
to be believed. Most certainly the musical instru- 
ments of our red brethren did not produce peculiarly 
harmonious sounds. And if the war-songs were mod- 
ulated by the notes of birds, they must have been 
birds of rasping cry, like the crow or hawk. 

To conclude: the Indian population hereabout was 
quite small at the time the whites came. The exact 
number cannot of course be known ; but there could 
not have been above a few hundreds. They were a 
degraded people, but brethren of our own race, pos- 
sessing in some degree every quality that goes to make 
up the human being. They were unrefined and 
governed chiefly by the lower instincts of our nature, 
with undisciplined minds and unawakened moral 
sensibilities. 

THE SETTLERS. 

'* Deep-miuded and austere they were, 

Witli hearts of graver throbs, 
And their few errors but appear 

As spots on vestal robes." 

It was in the autumn of 1626 that the sturdy Roger 
Conant broke up the unsuccessful fishing and plauting 
station at Cape Ann, and led his little company, 
among whom was the clerical mischief-maker Lyford, 
some fifteen miles inland and located at Naumkeag, 
where, though subject to many privations, their" utter 
deniall to goeaway " resulted in permanent occupation. 
Two years afterwards, in 1628, Eudicott arrived with 
his large company. Presently the old Indian name 
Naumkeag was dropped, and that of Salem, or Peace, 
adopted ; and the settlement soon began to be noted 
for its business activity, its political and ethical in- 
fluence. 

Some of the new-comers had hardly remained long 
enough to recover from the excitement attendant on 
the emigration, and the fatigues ot the passage, when 
they became restless and desirous of trying their for- 
tunes in other and, as they conceived, more promising 
localities. Permission seems to have been readily 
obtained for little companies to sit down almost any 
where within the Patent. Indeed, the authoritative 
Eudicott allowed th^m the broad privilege to " goe 
where they would." 

Now let us, by the light of tradition, behold, on a 
bright day in the early part of the summer of that 
eventful year 1629, a little company of white men, 
prospectors from Naumkeag, coming over the rocky 
hills into the fair Saugus territory. They pause now 
upon a sunny hill-top, then upon a pleasant plain ; 
they traverse the woodland precinct, view the ponds 
and water-courses ; but above all, delight to gaze upon 
the ocean, beyond which lies their native isle. But 
all is done with an eye to the practicability of perma- 



LYNN. 



251 



nently i)itching their tents. A few skulking Indians, 
perhaps, followed them unseen, filled with wonder and 
apprehension, beeause it had been foretold by the 
dusky prophets that men of fair complexion would 
one day come and occupy the land. But no hostile 
demonstrations were made, and the prospectors re- 
turned safe, and so well satisfied that it was deter- 
mined to immediately commence a settlement. 

"Over the eastern bills they came, 
A sturdy, grave ami godly band. 
A band then all unknown to fame, 
But destined to redeem the lan<l." 

And thus it was, that in June. 1629, the sectlement 
of Lynn was commenced — three years after that of 
S.alem, and one year before that of Boston. 

The Indian population, as just intimated, was then 
so small as to be really insignificant; and not being a 
pastoral or an agricultural people, the land itself w.as 
to them of little value, excepting that the woods yield- 
ed a fair amount of game, and a few vegetable products 
aflbrded some little addition to their limited variety 
of food. But the sea was a never-failing source of 
supply ; and it is not to be wondered at that the 
thought of being driven away to some unknown land, 
where its bright expanse could no more be seen, nor its 
winsome voice heard, and especially where its store 
of dainty food could no more be drawn upon, must 
have been depressing in the extreme. Nor is it to be 
supposed that, nomadic as to some extent they were, 
they had not local attachments; that, homely as were 
their rustic abodes, they were not loved with all the 
ardor felt by the more cultured of our race, such at- 
tachments not being governed by intellectual or moral 
sentiments. Yet they do not ajjpear to have received 
the strangers in anything like a hostile attitude. 

The names of all who composed the first little com- 
pany of settlers do not seem to have been anywhere pre- 
served. But EriMUNi) Ingai.ls and Francis, his 
brother, were certainly prominent among them. 
Edmund Ingalls was a maltster, and established the 
first malt-house hereabout, though he undoubtedly 
turned his hand to other employments as exigency 
required. The industrial portion of the settlers neces- 
sarily pursued various occupations in difl'erent sea- 
sons. The death of Mr. Ingalls, which took place 
nearly twenty years after, was tragical. He was pro- 
ceeding on horseback homeward from a short journey 
westward, when, on reaching the frail little bridge 
that crossed the Saugus River, he was precipitated 
into the stream and drowned. The General Court 
expre.ssed their regrets at the untoward accident, and 
their willingness to do something indicative of their 
appreciation of the good services of the deceased by 
voting the sum of a hundred pounds to his children. 

Francis Ingalls, brother of the foregoing, was a 
tanner, and established a tannery just within the pres- 
ent limits of Swampscott. Mr. Lewis says this was 
the first tannery in New England; and Mr.Thompson 
says the same. But it is a mistake. There were tan- 



ners in Plymouth several years before. Mr. Ingalls 
tannery was no doubt the first in Massachusetts, a-s 
distinguished from Plymouth. He died at the age of 
seventy-one years, leaving a will dated August 12, 
1672. The inventory of his estate was filed soon after 
his decease, and the following enumeration of assets 
will give something of an idea of the estate and house- 
hold equipment of a fairly well-to-do denizen of that 
primitive period: 

" 5 acres of medow, at Lyn, at 5 pounds, £2-5. A piece 
of land in y" wilderness at Lyn, 2 coats, 2 pairs of 
breeches, 1 pair draws, and a leather dublet, and a wes- 
coat, 1 hat and a pair of stockens, 1 pr. shoes, 3 prs. 
pillows, 3 napkins,8 pieces of old pewter, 1 Iron Kittoll, 
a frying pan, 1 Bible and another book, a warming pan, 
and dripping pan, .Tchair3,4cushons, aspining wheele, 
2 silver spoons. Dues to his estate from Nicholas 
Rich, 17£ 17s. Dues to his estate from Thomas Taylor, 
11£." 

With the Ingalls brothers appear to have come 
three others, namely, William Dixey, John Wood 
and William Wood, the two latter supposed to be 
father and son. The father, John, seems to have been 
a good, common-sense, plodding settler, industrious, 
but with little ambition. William, the son, was evident- 
ly an active, aspiring young man, something of a rover, 
a keen observer and one desirous of making a mark. 
And he did make a mark, which remains conspicu- 
ous at this day. He may well be called the first his- 
torian of Lynn, or indeed of New P^ngland. He was 
the author of " New England's Prospect," which Wiis 
printed in London in 1G34. It was a work evidently 
inspired by a love for his new home, and gives graphic 
accounts of the diflierent settlements, their condition, 
advantages and prospects, with shrewd suggestions 
and honest deductions, but withal tinged by crude 
conceptions, more or less attributable to the peculiar 
views and circumstances of the settlers, and the con- 
ceitsof the time. His quaint descriptions will continue 
to be quoted so long as our early history continues to 
interest. He also, in 1635, published a map of New 
England, engraved on wood. 

The William Dixey who came in company with the 
Ingalls brothers and the Woods appears to have been 
a common laborer rather than a handicraftsman. He 
had been for a short time a servant to Isaac John.son, 
of Salem, — very likely a farm laborer, as such em. 
ployees were in those days called servants. In a de- 
position made by him some twenty-eight years after- 
ward he speaks of others having come with him, but 
does not give their names, and says they kejit their 
"cattell in Nahant the sumer following." He sub- 
sequently removed to Salem, where he kept the ferry 
over North River. 

Thus we find that during this year — 1629— at least 
five settlers appeared, some of them heads of families, 
with wives and children no doubt. We have seen, 
too, by their occuiiations, that they must have be- 
longed to the classes accustomed to labor, and conse- 



252 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



quently best fitted to endure the hardships attendant 
on such an enterprise. 

Details regarding memorable events are always in- 
teresting, and the introduction of the actors in them 
renders thera doubly so. And surely it is but a meet 
act of gratitude to endeavor to preserve the names of 
such as are fully entitled to live forever in the mem- 
ory of those who continue to enjoy the blessings of 
institutions founded by them in toil and privation, 
even though those names may not yet have been 
heard beyond the circumscribed limits of their 
ancient home. A conviction like this may often gov- 
ern in the present sketch. 

During the year 1630 some fifty additional male 
settlers appeared. These, however, were not all heads 
of families. Among them are found several names 
still prevalent among us, — a fact indicative of their 
primary design to make this a permanent home. 
They settled in all parts of the town, which was then 
territorially much more extensive than it is now, some 
locating as many as ten miles from others. They 
brought with them considerable farm stock, such as 
neat cattle, sheep and goats, for they were chiefly 
husbandmen or such as at some portions of the year 
could turn their attention to farming. Their names 
are here inserted in alphabetical order, for it is well 
thus to preserve their memory, as many now living 
can trace their lineage directly to them. Occasion, 
however, may be taken elsewhere in this sketch to say 
something further concerning several of them who, 
for various reasons, are entitled to more than a pass- 
ing notice. 



Armitage, Godfrey. 
Armitage, Joseph. 
Axey, .lames. 
Baker, Edward. 
Ballard, William. 
BftDcroft, .lolin. 
Bennet, Samuel. 
Breed, Allen. 
Brown, Nicholas. 
Burrill, George. 
Burton, Boniface. 
Chadwell, Thomas. 
Coldam, Clement. 
C'oldam, Thomas. 
Cowdry, William. 
Dexter, Thomas. 
Di-iver, Robert. 
Edmunds, William. 
Farr, George. 
Feake, Henry. 
Fitch, Jeremiah. 
Graves, Samuel. 
Hall, John. 
Hatliorne, William. 
Hawkes, Adam. 
HawKes, John. 
Holyoke, Edward. 



Howe, Daniel. 
Howe, Edward. 
Hubbard, Thomas. 
Hudson, Thomas. 
Hussey, Christopher. 
Keyser, George. 
Lindsey, Christopher. 
Negus, Jonathan. 
Newhall, Thomas. 
Potter, Robert. 
Ramsdell, John. 
Rednap, Joseph. 
Richards, Edward. 
Salmon, Daniel. 
Smith, John. 
Smith, Samuel. 
Talmadge, Thomas. 
Taylor, John. 
Tomlins, Edward. 
Tomlins, Timothy. 
Turner, Nathaniel. 
W^alker, Richard. 
W'hite, John. 
Wilkins, Bray. 
Willis, Thomas. 
Witter, William. 
Wright, Richard. 



After 1630 the population steadily increased. 
Among the new-comers were .some of established rep- 
utation in public life and some of high social stand- 
ing; so the place began to be of note and influence. 
It will probably be in our way as we proceed to intro- 



duce many who, at different periods and in various 
ways, added to the prosperity and fame of this their 
adopted home. 

NAME, NATURAL FEATURES, PRODUCTIONS, EMBAR- 
RASSMENTS AND SUCCESSES. 

"In sooth, your honor, it was a goodly place ; but rich domains at- 
tract evil eyes." 

The original or Indian name of the territory com- 
posing the present city of Lynn and the adjacent 
towns which once formed a part of her domain was 
Saugus, an Indian word said to signify great or ex- 
tended ; and by that name it was known till 1637, 
when the General Court passed this concise order : 
" Saugu.st is called Lin." The name Lynn was 
adopted from Lynn Regis, or King's Lynn, Norfolk, 
England, which is a venerable borough upon the 
river Ouse, near where it falls into the German Ocean. 
It has been a seaport of some importance for centu- 
ries, and has a peculiarly interesting history, having, 
apparently, maintained its loyalty to the sovereign 
through all the political agitations and civil wars 
from the time of King John, which monarch pre- 
sented to the corporation a sword, a mace and one or 
two other regal gifts, which are still treasured there 
with chivalrous fidelity. In Doomsday Book, A. D. 
1086, Lynn Regis is called Lenne, which means, in 
the ancient language of Britain, " spreading waters." 
The name here was adopted through courtesy to Rev. 
Mr. Whiting, the second minister, who had been a 
resident of King's Lynn. He was much beloved, 
being eminent for learning, piety and serenity of 
temper. He ministered here for the long period of 
forty-three years. 

The extensive Saugus territory, having thus received 
the name of Lynn, remained intact but few years 
before it began to be shorn of outlying portions. 
But down to 1814 no very extensive tract had been 
severed. In that year Lynnfield, which had been 
called Lynn End, and having been incorporated as a 
district in 1782, was set off' as a separate town under 
its present name. Another portion was, by legisla- 
tive action, taken from the mother town in 1815, 
and incorporated under the name Saugus, thus re- 
viving the old name in that detached portion of the 
territory. In 1852 still another portion was set off", 
and the new town of Swampscott came into being. 
The next year, 1853, the pleasant little peninsula of 
Nahsnt was unbound and made a separate munici- 
pality. By these facts it will be seen that it is very 
difficult to treat those municipal children of Lynn as 
having any separate early history. 

Along the inland border of Lynn rise extensive 
ranges of rocky, wooded hills, never attaining a 
height of more than two hundred and twenty-five 
feet, though appearing, from the water or from the 
shoreward levels, to be much higher, which overlook 
the city and its village environs, with meadows, lake- 
lets and low, level marshes, the latter sometimes 



LYNN. 



253 



entirely submerged by the storm-impelled sea which 
relentlessly floats off the laboriously raised stacks of 
salt hay, and afford the strange sight of railroad 
trains apparently gliding upon the ocean's surface. 
This nuirsh hay, it may be renaarked, though by no 
means so highly esteemed for fodder as English or 
upland hay, is yet well worth the labor of storing. 
For stock, though not very palatable, it is healthful, 
and for some purposes quite valuable. 

Away beyond, lies the great e.xpanse of Massachus- 
etts Bay, with numerous green isles and headlands, 
the shores at night illuminated by innumerable lights, 
confusing, one might supiiose, to the mariner, though 
picturesque to the beholder. Almost the whole of 
Massachusetts Bay is within the range of vision from 
the hills of Lynn. And glistening in the sunshine may 
likewise be seen the gilded dome of the State House, 
in Boston, some of the architectural piles of the city 
and the blue hills of Norfolk, Jliddlesex and Worces- 
ter. And the writer dares predict that these hills, 
so picturesque and pleasant in themselves, so airy and 
affording such charming views, and withal furnish- 
ing such abundance of substantial and handsome 
building material, will, ere many years have passed, 
be occupied by structures rivaling in grandeur and 
romantic conceit many that crown the famed steeps 
of the Old World. True, in some parts the ascents 
and descents aie such that, for the infirm and sluggish, 
sidewalk stairs, such as are seen in the beautiful Medi- 
terranean isle of Malta, might be required, — incentives 
to maledictions like those attributed to the impetuous 
Byron : 

" Adieu, ye cursed streets of stairs. 
How surely he wlio mounts you swears." 

But to such as are enraptured with nature in her 
more untamed aspect, the hope will long remain that 
such desolating improvements may never come. But 
it is enough for the good people of this generation 
that they may yet, upon the sunny heights, enjoy the 
budding beauties of spring, in the sequestered glens 
find retreats for summer's fervid hours, and every- 
where, as the year draws towards its close, witness 
the indescribable glow of autumn foliage. Yes, and 
winter, too, has its charms. What more enchanting 
than the frosted trees? Suddenly, as if by some celes- 
tial alchemy, every limb and twig seems swaying 
with the weight of brilliant gems. No wonder that 
poets have so often celebrated the charms of such 
fairy scenes. Our own Lewis has commemorated, in 
lines perhaps the most inspiring that he ever wrote, 
the striking display on the brilliant morning of .Jan- 
uary 29, 1829. But ours is not the only land in which 
may be witnessed these radiant exhibitions of Nature's 
scenic power. In Philip's " Epistle to the Earl of 
Dorset," written at Copenhagen in 1709, is this 
graphic passage, which may well be quoted as descrip- 
tive of the scene sometimes presented here: 

"And yet but lately have I seen, even here. 
The winter in a lovely dress appear ; 



Ere yet the clouds let fall the trejlsured snoxv, 

Or winds begun through ha/.y skies to blow. 

At evening a keen eastern breeze arose, 

-\nd the descending; rain unsully'd froze. 

Soon as the silent shades of night withdrew. 

The ruddy morn diseloseii at <»nce to view 

Tlu! fare of Nature in a rich disguise. 

And brighlened every object to my eyes ; 

For every shrub and every blade of grass, 

Andevery pointed ttiorn seemed wrought in glass ; 

In pearls and rubies rich the hawthorns show, 

While though the ice the crimson berries glow. 

Tlie thick-sprung reeds which watery marshes yield, 

Beeni polished lances in a hostile lield. 

The st4tg, in limpid currents with surprise, 

Sees crystal branches on his forehead rise ; 

The spreading oak, the beech and towering pine. 

Glazed over, in the freezing ether shine. 

The frightened birds the rattling branches shun, 

Wiiich wave and glitter in the distant sun. 

^^'hen, if a sudden gust of wind arise, 

The brittle forest into atoms flies. 

The crackling wood beneath the tempest bends. 

And in a spangled shower the prospect ends." 

The " Lakes of Lynn," as Mr. Lewis felicitously 
calls the chain of beautiful ]iond3 that lie upon our 
inland border, are a charming feature of the land- 
scape. And during these latter years the eligibility 
of their romantic borders for retired and tasteful res- 
idences has become most fully recognized. From them 
is annually reaped an abundant winter harvest of ice 
for summer use — -collectively some sixty thousand 
tons. And in various ways they are made to supply 
the wants and add to the comforts of the people, es- 
pecially Birch and Breed's Ponds, through which 
comes our public water supply. The principal of 
these picturesque lakelets, with their areas, are as 
follows : 



ACKEa. 

Gold Fish Pond 154 

Holder's Pond 7 

Lily Pond 4 

Sluice Pond 50 



ACRES. 

Birch Pond M 

Breed's Pond 64 

Cedar Pond 43 

Flax Pond 75 

Floating Bridge Pond 17 

Birch Pond is an artificial reservoir, or storage 
basin, formed in 1873, for the purpose of an additional 
supply of water for public use. It was made by car- 
rying a substantial dam across Birch Brook Valley, 
on the east of Walnut Street, near the Saugus line. 
A considerable part of this pond is in Saugus. 

Breed's Pond is also artificial, and takes its name 
from Theojdiilus N. Breed, who, in 1843, built a dam 
across the valley a few rods from Oak Street, on the 
north. He thus procured sufficient power for the iron 
works he established on Oak Street. On the loth of 
April, 18.51, during the memorable storm by which the 
light-house on Minot's Ledge was carried away, some 
forty feet of the dam were demolished, and out rushed 
the water in a current ten feet in depth, with such 
impetuosity that large rocks were carried across Oak 
Street into the meadow below. The dam was repaired 
and Mr. Breed continued his business,which was iron- 
casting and machine work, five or six years longer, 
and then the works were closed. 

In 18G0 the dam was broken, and the water sull'cred 



254 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to escape, leaving a bed which remained a noxious 
bog, where rank vegetation flourished and noisy rep- 
tiles congregated. In 1863, liowever, the dam was 
again repaired, the pond restored and other business 
commenced. Finally, after an interval of idleness, 
in 1870, the city purchased the property as the first 
step towards securing a suitable public supply of pure 
water. Repairs were made about the pond, the Pine 
Hill Reservoir was built, pipes were laid in the streets, 
the pumping engine was set up on Walnut Street 
and then, on the 27th of February, 1873, the water 
was sent coursing through the distributing pipes. The 
reservoir has a capacity of twenty million gallons and 
is one hundred and seventy-seven feet above sea 
level. 

Cedar Pond is in the northeast section of the city, 
near the Peabody line, and by a small stream connects 
with Sluice Pond. 

Flax Pond was first looked to for a public water 
supply. It was in 18(59 that it became apparent that 
something must speedily be done in that direction. It 
was found that this pond, with its adjuncts, could 
furnish a daily average of three million gallons, but 
objections were made as to its use for domestic pur- 
poses on account of impurities. A temporary arrange- 
ment, however, was made for its use in cases of fire. 
Pipes were laid, and on the 8th of December, of the 
year named, the water was sent coursing to the hy- 
drants in various parts of the city. And that was the 
first time the city received a supply from any source, 
by aqueduct, for any purpose. This arrangement con- 
tinued till a supply for all needs was secured from 
other sources. Flax Pond, from the earliest times, 
has yielded its waters for many useful purposes. The 
principal stream that it sends forth is Strawberry 
Brook, which, in its course to the ocean, has carried 
mills, supplied tanneries and done many other useful 
things, besides answering as a highway for the ale- 
wives to reach their spawning-grounds. This pond, 
likewise, is to a considerable extent artificial ; and its 
name was derived from the circumstance that much 
of the flax which in former times was raised herea- 
bout was taken there to be duly rotted. 

Floating Bridge Pond. — This lies in the direct 
line of the old Salem and Boston turnpike, and the 
bridge by which it is crossed floats upon the surface, 
a circumstance that gave rise to the name. This pond 
is of great depth, .so much so that in former times it 
was spoken of as " without a bottom." The bridge 
lies flat upon the surface, and, as carriages pass, the 
water is forced up between the planks, so that some 
portions are always wet. Stacey's Brook, which dis- 
charges at King's Beach, has its rise in Floating 
Bridge Pond. 

Gold Fish Pond. — This is a small gathering of 
water and occupies what was formerly a brambly bog. 
It is on Fayette Street, near Lewis, and close by the 
spot on which Edmund Ingalls, one of the very first 
settlers, established himself in 1029; hence it was 



sometimes called " Ingalls's Pond." It was likewise 
called " The Swamp," in view of its swampy condition 
and uncomely aspect. But in 1870, at an expense of 
about three thousand seven hundred dollars, such 
improvements were made as rendered it one of the 
chief ornaments of that part of the city. Especially 
has it a most attractive appearance at evening, in the 
lustre of the electric light. About 1840 it began to be 
called Gold Fish Pond, the name originating in the 
fact that in it had then appeared large numbers of 
goldfish, supposed to have been the offspring of five 
of the species which some boys procured and let loose 
therein 18.37. These fish became so abundant that in 
a few years the youth of the neighborhood gained 
many a dime by peddling them about town from 
buckets of water. 

Holder's Pond is a pretty little woodland lakelet 
among the rocky hills, with wild, tangled paths upon 
its borders, as sequestered as any misanthrope would 
desire, for his musing hours. And in winter it af- 
fords, like all the other ponds, a fine surface for the 
skater's sports. 

Lily Pond is upon the north of Boston Street, 
and near the Peabody line, a portion lying within the 
limits of St. Joseph's Cemetery. It no doubt acquired 
its name from the splendid growth of white lilies that 
year after year, before the multitudes of juvenile dep- 
redators began to make their descents, adorned its 
surface, and perfumed the air around. 

Sluice Pond. — At the time the matter of estab- 
lishing public water-works in Lynn was under discus- 
sion, the waters of various sources were analyzed, and 
it was found that those of Sluice Pond were the pur- 
est. This little lake lies near the northeast border, in 
what used to be called Dye Factory Village, but now 
Wyoma. It is of irregular shape, and with it, by a 
gentle little stream. Cedar Pond is connected. The 
waters of this pond have for many years been utilized 
for mechanical purposes, the sluice-way through which 
they passed giving the pond its name ; it was, how- 
ever, formerly called Tomlins's Pond. A small stream 
connects its waters with Flax Pond, so that Cedar, 
Sluice and Flax form links to the chain that reaches 
the ocean by way of Strawberry Brook. 

Spring Pond, the main body of which lies in Sa- 
lem, though the famous mineral spring, from which 
its name is derived, is just within the Lynn border, 
has an interesting history which would more properly 
be given elsewhere. Then there is the little pond, if 
it can properly be so called, near the centre of the 
Common. This was formed in 1835, by intercepting 
the waters of a little brook that pursued its weedy 
way across that pleasant public ground. Improve- 
ments were made and the fountain placed in 1871. 

Nothingneed be added, perhaps, regarding the mill- 
ponds that have from time to time been formed by 
individual enterprise and for individual emolument, 
though they have added to the prosperity of the place 
and done their part in the way of beautifying. That 



LYNN. 



255 



on Federal Street was formed as early as 1655, was 
dug by hand, and is still 3Uii]>lied by water from Flax 
Pond, coursing along the canal, tapping Strawberrv 
Brook at Park Street, and running on through a part 
of Marion. Then there is the tweuty-acre mill-pond 
near the foot of Pleasant Street, formed by Mr. John 
Alley, in 1831, by running a dam fnnu hi^s wharf to 
the marsh. 

The territory of Lynn presents an interesting field 
for the geologist. Here are literally hills of por- 
phyry of various colors, red and a beautiful purple 
predominating, which would, were the stone not so 
difficult to work, afford an inexhaustible store of 
handsome and cheap building material. It is now, 
however, beginning to be used to some extent, in the 
rubble form. The beautiful walls of Saint Stephen's 
Church are chiefly composed of it; also those of the 
First Universalist Church, in Nahant Street. There 
are likewise large deposits of green stone and syenite. 
In blasting for the pipes of the City Water- Works up 
the hill opposite the pumping station on Walnut 
Street, beautiful dendrites of manganese were found 
in abundance. Enormous boulders of granite are 
found in the woods and upon the shores; but these 
are now fast disappearing, for building purposes. 
There are also veins of quartz ; and there is a tradi- 
tion that some of the early settlers found gold, in 
small quantities. The eminent geologist, Agassiz, 
long had a summer residence at Xahant, and many 
interesting facts have been brought to light by his 
researches. The rugged battlements of rock that 
frown along the shores of the peninsula, upon which 
he so loved to gaze, and whose mysterious construc- 
tion he so loved to investigate, we are assured, stood 
there in solemn majesty ages before Europe emerged 
from the chaotic mass. 

In an examination of the geology of Lynn, Saugus, 
Swampscott and Nahant would naturally be in- 
cluded. But in this place nothing more than a mere 
suggestion or two can be made as to the various in- 
teresting formations. It is profitless to speculate sis 
to what the condition of the formations and dei)Osits 
was ages ago, or to endeavor by present appearances 
to trace the operations of nature in pre-historic 
times. It may, however, be noted as an interesting 
fact, touching the history of Essex County, that 
geological researches long ago led to the belief that 
at a remote period the Merrimac River, after enter- 
ing Massachusetts from New Hampshire, instead of 
pursuing its present course, and discharging its 
waters at Newburyport, followed a more direct line, 
and cast its contribution into the Atlantic at Lynn. 
Supposing that to have been the case, and that it had 
continued to the present time, where now would 
have been that line of thrilty Essex County border 
cities and towns, Lawrence, Haverhill, Bradford, 
West Newbury and the others that so adorn the 
whole extent of the beautiful valley; yea, and New- 
buryport herself? 



Lynn cannot now boast of a lordly stream like the 
Merrimac, but she can boast of her bright little 
Saugus that traverses her western border — a modest 
little river, to be sure, but one which has largely con- 
tributed to her prosperity during her whole history, 
by furnishing eligible mill-sites and other manufac- 
turing privileges, and by yielding abundance of va- 
rious kinds of excellent shore fish. Tons of eels 
have sometimes been speared from beneath the ice 
during a single winter, and the clam-banks near the 
mouth have yielded of their abundance many a nu- 
tritive meal for the humble board of the poor as well 
as savory addition to the luxurious table of the rich. 
Indeed, the extremity of poverty, at least in the mat- 
ter of food, was never so keenly felt by the settlers 
hereabout as by those farther inland, the sea, like a 
faithful parent, being always a good provider. In 
addition to all these benefits may be mentioned the 
facilities for salt water bathing, and boating sports. 
And now, with its tributaries of pure water, this gen- 
tle river of Saugus is about to swell the volume of 
Lynn's public supply. 

It was upon the border of Saugus River that the 
ancient iron-works, said to have been the first in 
America, were established. And in a romantic glen, 
a stone's throw from the bloomery, it is alleged, a 
band of pirates concealed themselves, after quitting 
their bloody traffic upon the seas, remaining undis- 
turbed till a King's cruiser appeared upon the coast, 
when capture and swift retribution overtook most of 
them. 

Lynn, as before stated, is about ten miles northeast 
of Boston, the metropolis of New England. Includ- 
ing Swampscott and Nahant, which, though they 
have now become separate municipalities, still seem 
to be mere territorial outposts, the seashore line 
measures about six miles ; and inland from the sea 
the line measures about five miles. The main body 
of the city, or rather of the business portion, occupies 
a plain, with the sea in front. But there are some di- 
versities of surface. Sagamore Hill and the Highlands 
being airy elevations, crowned by many fine resi- 
dences. 

It can hardly be said that the soil of Lynn is nat- 
urally fertile. It is stony, and in many places the 
descent towards the sea is so considerable that the 
droughts of summer often have a serious ellect. 
Nevertheless, such an abundance of rich manuring 
material is day by day thrown up by the sea, and the 
means of irrigation are so near at hand, that the la- 
bors of even the indigent husbandman need not be in 
vain. Farming was, of course, the chief occupation 
of most of the early settlers, and it is stated by (Jra- 
ham that in 1637 there W'ero thirty-seven plows in 
the whole colony, most of them being in Lynn. 

In the early times of the settlement the woods, the 
beaches and marshes furnished irresistible attrac- 
tions for the sportsman. Feathered game of various 
kinds was found in the woods, upon the beaches and 



256 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



marshes ; cod, haddock, bass and halibut sported in 
the offing ; and the woods furnished a good share of 
wild meat. 

Of feathered game very little is now found. The 
fish, or rather the fishing interest, was chiefly taken 
away by our undutii'ul children, Nahant and Svvamp- 
scott, when they departed ; and, of course, in the 
sketches of those places, some account of it will ap- 
pear. As to furred game, there is now almost liter- 
ally none in the woods. Occasionally a shame-faced 
sportsman may be seen shying from the forest at 
evening, po.ssibly with a poor little rabbit, but most 
likely empty-handed. 

William Wood, the author of "New England's 
Pro.spect," who has already been spoken of as a resi- 
dent of Lynn, was inclined occasionally to give his 
descriptive passages in numbers. He did not, prob- 
ably, ns|jire to the character of poet, though, with as 
^ood grace as some others, he might have done so; 
and perhaps, having called him the fir.^t historian of 
Lynn, we may as well also call him the first poet. 
Of the flora of this region he discourses briefly in 
numbers, mentioning among the trees, the oak, Cy- 
prus, pine, chestnut, cedar, walnut, spruce, ash, elm, 
maple, birch and some others of smaller growth ; 
naming also the "diar's shumach," the "snake- 
murthering hazell " and " sweet saxaphrage, whose 
spurnes in beere allays hot fever's rage." Most of 
these kinds are still common in Lynn woods, though 
the chestnut and one or two others are not often 
seen. The hemlock, one of the most graceful native 
trees of New England, he does not allude to, except- 
ing, perhaps, under some other name. 

Mr. Wood mentions some of the fruits of this " In- 
dian orchard," but does not go much into particulars. 
Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries and 
whortleberries are still common in the woods and 
meadows. One of the best known shrubs at present 
found is the barberry, the root of which was formerly 
much used in dyeing, as it imparts a beautiful yel- 
low. It bears an acid berry, of bright scarlet, from 
which an excellent preserve is made. It is, however, 
no doubt an exotic, and akin to that which in Eng- 
land is called the peppcridge bush. The early settlers 
introduced some plants for which after-geueratious 
had little cause to be thankful; among them the 
white-weed, now known by the more dainty name of 
field-daisy, and the wood-wax, that beautiful pest of 
pasture land. But the barberry seems to hold a 
doubtful rank. Its prevalence, more than a hundred 
years ago, became so injurious in the pastures that 
the law interposed to check its increase. It, however, 
requires such a peculiarity of soil, that to this day it 
has not spread over a great extent of territory. Even 
in most parts of Massachusetts a barberry bush was 
never seen. The General Court, in 1753, ordered that 
all persons having barberry bushes growing on their 
lands should extirpate them before the 10th of June, 
1760. And the surveyors of highways were required 



to destroy all growing by the roadside within the 
specified time, or the towns should pay two shillings 
for every one left standing. The reasons for this 
order were that those bushes had so much increased 
that the pasture lands were greatly encumbered ; and 
it was imagined that " a steam flew off" from them 
that blasted the English grain. So it appears that 
left-handed thanks were due to the people of other 
lands, in the early days, for questionable gifts, as well 
as from us of this generation for the gift of the 
sarcastically-twittering English sparrow. But then 
it should be remembered that the many nobler gifts 
from abroad far outnumber the few of doubtful value. 

In the woods and fields, the tangled dells and damp 
vales, along the weedy rills and upon the rocky 
heights, may still be gathered wild flowers in great 
variety, from the brilliant cardinal to the shrinking 
violet. To sum up in a terse sentence of Mr. Lewis, 
"The forests, fields and meadows are rich in the 
abundance and variety of medicinal jilanls, and the 
town presents a fine field for the botanist." 

Very few parts of the New England coast present so 
many interesting and at times sublime features as those 
within and about Lynn. Here bold and jagged clifis 
of greenstone, feldspar and other adamantine forma- 
tions rear themselves as impregnable barriers against 
the inroads of the ever-assaulting ocean; there, broad 
beaches of fine, gray sand, so comjjact and hard that 
carriage wheels scarcely make an impression, with 
ridges of the wonderful up-castingsof thesea — shells of 
curious shape and glistening stones of every color and 
form. In pleasant weather and during the warm 
season there are many attractions for the pleasure- 
seeker in promenading, boating and fishing; and for 
the health-seeker in refreshing breezes, quiet retire- 
ment and the restoring sea-bath. 

The principal beach is that which joins Nahant to 
Lynn, and has, from early times, been known as 
Long Beach. It is nearly two miles in length, and 
forms a gentle curve. The early geographers spoke 
of it as a very curious formation. To the first settlers 
it seems to have been the scene of weird mystery, 
awe-inspiring and not unmixed with undefinable ap- 
prehension. Its hollow moanings warned, its gentle 
murmurings relieved. Mr. Wood thus alludes to it, — 
" Vpon y" south side of y' Sandy Beach y° sea 
beateth, which is a sure prognostication to presage 
stormes and foule weather and y" breaking vp of 
Frost. For when a storrae hath beene or is likely to 
be itt will roare like Thunder, being hearde six 
myle.s." The roaring is not, however, always indica- 
tive of an approaching storm, as it arises from the 
violent driving in of heavy seas by out-winds. The 
wind may change and the threatening cease. Long 
Beach was a favorite sporting-ground with the In- 
dians, and gambling groups sometimes assembled 
here, for the Indians were great gamblers, often risk- 
ing all their possessions, even to papoose or squaw, 
upon the turning up of a shell or fall of a stone. The 



LYNN. 



257 



Iniliau sagamore dwelt upon the neighboring height 
that overlooks the beach, and from there was aecns- 
tonied to view the athletic sports of his people, which 
took place on the sandy plateau, sometimes being un- 
able to restrain himself from joining in the contests — 
the same picturesque height that still bears the name 
Sagamore Hill, and is now crowned by commodious 
dwellings, stores and other marks of refined and busy 
life. 

Upon these beaches and along the rockv in<lenta- 
tions of this rugged coast the sea has, from time to 
time, cast up from her mysterious store-house won- 
derful specimens of the deposits there. And they 
have also been the scene of some most appalling ship- 
wrecks and other marine disasters, (iovernment has 
done something to lessen the dangers, and still much 
needs to be done. Egg Rock towers up in the offing, 
eighty-six feet above sea level, and has an area of 
some three acres, on one-third of which is a shallow 
layer of soil. It is a precipitous cliff of feldspar, in- 
capable of being landed upon, excepting at one point 
and during a calm sea. Upon this lonely rock, which 
is a couple of miles from Long Beach, a mile from 
Nahant and three miles from Swampscott, a light- 
house has been erected, which for the first time shed 
forth its hospitable beams on the night of September 
lo, 1,8.5(3. 

From time to time the territorial integrity of old 
Lynn has been raided upon. As already remarked, 
Lynnfield was set off in 1814, Saugus in 1.S1.5, Swamp- 
scott in 1852 and Nahant in 1853. But as to the lat- 
ter, some two centuries ago, it was in danger of being 
severed from the parent, for it was in l(iS8 that Ed- 
ward Randolph, who has been called the evil genius 
of New England, petitioned Governor Andros for the 
gift of Nahant, indulging, no doubt, in the ple.isant 
dream of erecting a sort of baronial establishment for 
himself there. His choice of a seat certainly indi- 
cated good taste, if not a love for fair dealing. The 
town was notified of the petition, and great excite- 
ment ensued, it being well known that the petitioner 
had much influence as counselor, secretary and per- 
sonal friend of the Governor. He had been sent out 
to report on the condition of the colonies, and was 
justly reputed to be unfriendly to their interests. 
There was no doubt of his high prerogative proclivi- 
ties, nor of his being one of the chief instruments in 
annulling the beloved old charter. He himself says 
that he was regarded at Boston " more like a spy 
than one of his majesty's servants," and speaks of be- 
ing welcomed, on his return from a brief absence, by 
" a paper of scandalous verses." The nature of these 
"scandalous verses" may be gathered from the fol- 
lowing extract: 

*' Welcome, Sr. welcome from y" easterne shore, 
With a commiaaion stronger than before 
To play the horse-leach ; rob us of our IHeeces, 
To rend our land and teare it all to pieces : 
Welcome now back againe; aa is the whip, 
To a ffoole's back ; as water in a ship. 

17 



Boston make rooms ; liandolph's returned, that Hector, 
Coufirmed at home to bo yf sharp Collector." 

It can well be supposed that Randolph was by no 
means a favorite with the people of Boston, for among 
his other imprudent — or take the word as more exactly 
expressive without the " r," —attempts at acquisition, 
he petitioned to have a house-lot on Boston Common 
set off to him. 

Such was the man who, in KJSS, petitioned Andros, 
who had just about as much love for the colonies and 
forabstract justice as he, to grant him the beautiful 
peninsula of Nahant. The Governor undoubtedly 
was inclined to comply with his favorite's petition ; but 
decency required that the matter should not be con- 
summated with unseemly haste. 

On notice of Randolph's petition, a town-meeting 
was held, and a vigorous protest, setting forth the 
right of the town to the peninsula and the damage 
that would ensue from the granting of the petition, 
was addressed to the Governor and Council. But 
Randolph was persistent and renewed his petition, de- 
nying the right of the town to the land, and even go- 
ing so far as to declare that Lynn never 
was an incorporated town, "and so not endowed 
with a power of receiving or disposing oT such 
land." To this a spirited rejoinder, signed by 
seventy-four of the principal inhabitants, was for- 
warded. But it is not easy to say what the result 
would have been, had not the successful uprising of 
the peojde presently consigned both Andros and Ran- 
dolph to the Fort Hill Prison, in which uprising the 
people of Lynn naturally took an active part, Rev. 
Mr. Shepard, the minister, heading the phalanx which 
marched to Boston, arriving there, as Randolph 
grxiphically said, at about eleven o'clock, "like so 
many wild bears." This Randolph alliiir formed a 
lively episode in Lynn's history. 

Had Nahant been granted to Randolph, it is easy 
to see that it would have become a sharp thorn in the 
side of Lynn ; that a continual petty warfare would 
have en.sued. It would no longer have been, as for 
many years it was, a pasture for her cattle, nor would 
it have become, as in afier-years it did, a delightful re- 
sort for parties of pleasure. And even at this day, instead 
of being the paradise of a certain class of reputed 
" dodgers," it would have been — we know not what ! 
From what has already been said, something may 
be gathered of the condition, habits, culture and gen- 
eral fitness of the settlers as laborers on the founda- 
tions of a new social fabric, and likewise something 
of the natural features of their new home. It will be 
observed that they came largely from the industrial 
classes. But they were a thoughtful people, and re- 
alized the responsibilities that rested on them. Next 
to ensuring the means for ])rocuriiig the prime neces- 
sities of life, — food, clothingand shelter, — they felttjie 
importance of supplying facilities for common educa- 
tion, for moral and intellectual training. 

Lynn, unlike some other New England settlements. 



258 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



has all along, in a remarkable degree, depended on 
herself, procuring whatever she possessed by her own 
industry and skill ; in other words, has had only what 
she earned. Some of the early settlements were the 
outcome of foreign business enterprise, and flourished 
by the aid of foreign capital. Especially in later times 
have manufacturing communities been nurtured, if 
not sustained, by capital drawn from outside of their 
limits. Not so with Lynn. Her advancement has 
been made through her own enterprise, her accumu- 
lations by her own industry. Throughout all the 
periods of business adversity and temporal distress 
that have cast their shadows over the community, in 
colonial, {provincial and later times, Lynn has ever 
been able not only to maintain her own sons and 
daughters, butto aftbrd, not perhaps of her abundance, 
but of her thrift and generosity, relief to communities 
more severely afflicted. " When there were yet few of 
them, and they strangers in the land," with humble 
trust, patient endurance and unremitting toil, they ap- 
plied themselves to their new duties, and seldom 
failed of meet reward. But the writer is not unmind- 
ful that there is a higher duty to perform than the 
boastful tracing of progress in a mere worldly way, 
that higher duty being to mark the development of 
the great principles that constitute the true founda- 
tion of human right and duty ; of tracing, even in the 
most limited sphere, the progress of those princi2)les 
on wliich true liberty rests — principles which con- 
tribute so largely to the sum of human happiness, 
and have made our nation what she is. 

In the history of Lynn, perhaps as conspicuously as 
in that of any other New England community, may be 
seen the progress to which we refer — the progress of 
principles which were the birthright of the settlers, as 
Englishmen, shadowed forth in the charter of 1215, 
and finally appearing in more pronounced form in the 
Declaration of American Independence, in the estab- 
lished Constitutions and supplementary Bills of Rights. 

The Andros administration has been referred to. 
That, perhaps, was the most pregnant, as It certainly 
was the most stirring, episode during many years of 
New England history. Something of its bearing 
upon the people here has been seen. The result, no 
doubt, was of great benefit politically, for it quick- 
ened the apprehension of natural rights and solidified 
the determination to permit upon this soil no en- 
croachment upon them. The " tyrant of New Eng- 
land," as the obnoxious Governor was called, soon 
found that opposition attended every step, and mani- 
fested itself in every way — in grave denunciation, 
cutting satire and comic hyperbole. Imagine the ef- 
fect of the following stanzas from the Sternhold and 
Hopkins version of the Fifty-second Psalm, as they 
are said to have been lined oflTwith great unction by 
an elderly deacon, and with equal unction sung by 
voices old and young, smooth and rough, in tune and 
out, at a meeting which the Governor, in one of his 
tours, deigned to attend : 



" Why dost thou, tyrant, boast abroad 
Thy wicked works to praise ? 
Dost thou not know there is a God, 
liVhose mercies lust always ? 

"Why dost thy mind yet still devise 

Such wicked wiles to warp ? 
Thy tongue untrue, in forging lies, 

Is like Ji razor sharp. 

Thou dost delight in fraud and guile, 

In mischief, blood and wrong : 
Thy lips have learned the flattering stile, 

O false, deceitful tongue." 

Civil History. — The civil history of Lynn, in its 
organic features, does not much differ from thatof other 
early Bay settlements. The town was never formally 
incorporated, but by the earliest General Court was 
recognized as an existing municipality. That was 
enough, though, as we have just seen, the obsequious 
Edward Randolph, a counselor of Governor Andros 
when, in 1688, he petitioned for the gift of Nahant, 
denied this, saying, in answer to the vigorous protes- 
tations of the Lynn people, "It does not appear . . . 
that the said town of Lynn was incorporated in the 
year 1635, nor at any time since, and so not now en- 
dowed with a power of receiving or disposing of such 
lands, . . . and their town of Lynn is equal to a vil- 
lage in England, and no otherwise." But he and his 
unscrupulous superior soon found that there was a 
power somewhere that was able to defeat their arbi- 
trary schemes and land them both in a prison. 

The settlers were thoroughly imbued with the sen- 
timent that political power belonged to the people. 
If Roger Williams was the first here to fijrmulate 
this as well as certain principles of religious freedom, 
he was not the first to realize it. When they left the 
Old World they left the dogma of a divinely-appointed 
class, and adopted the manly idea of equal rights. 
Such being the case, what more natural than the es- 
tablishment of the town-meeting, — the assembly in 
which all could meet and freely discuss the affairs 
by which the well-being and prosperity of all were to 
be affected, and in which each individual, by voice 
and vote, could exercise his influence? There was the 
charter, to be sure, and its authority was acknowl- 
edged ; but its provisions would not have been allow- 
ed to override the higher demands of conscience, 
right and justice, had there been any apprehended 
attempt to do so, for the trained and ingenious mind 
can discover ways of interpretation that will circum- 
vent the most crafty scheming. 

Very soon the interests of the settlers broadened, 
and it became necessary to establish "Ye Great and 
Genrall Courte." And the same right of free discus- 
sion and free action was maintained there. At first 
every freeman was deemed a member of the court, 
and liable to be fined if he did not attend its sessions, 
for it was rightly claimed that the community was 
entitled to the best judgment and skill of each of its 
members, it being realized as well then as now that 
in the mind of the humblest hewer of wood and 



LYNN. 



259 



drawer of water conceptions of unspeakable value 
might arise. But the time soon arrived when it was 
impracticable for the whole body of freemen to at- 
tend the court sessions ; no room could be found 
large enough to contain them, and then the end had 
to be sought through deputies or representatives. 
Soon parties began to appear, and divisions, not on 
the primary principle of individual freedom, but on 
the question as to whom it would be most safe and 
expedient to invest with the delegated power. 

Of course it would not be practicable or even de- 
sirable to go largely into detail regarding the old town- 
meetings. They were conducted here much as else- 
whore. Every local matter was freelv discussed and 
often the debates broadened into irrelevant disserta- 
tions on great public questions and theoretical propo- 
sitions, very much as they are apt to in these days 
of political enlightenment. Neighborhood disagree- 
ments and jealousies would occasionally arise, and 
crude conceptions and selfish inclinations manifest 
themselves. Village orators would harangue at weary- 
ing length and village seers forecast calamities; but 
there were also wise, honest and patriotic men, 
shrewd counselors and wary watchers for the public 
good, and through all and in all each felt hia own in- 
dividual rights and acknowledged his responsibili- 
ties. 

It is not wonderful that the people of the old Bay 
State clung so tenaciously and so long to the town- 
meeting. Il had carried them safely through perilous 
times and threatening shocks ; and in a broad sense 
it may even be claimed that it had been the very 
nursery of American freedom. There was no city 
organization in all Massachusetts till 1822, w'hen Bos- 
ton assumed the new investiture, having then a popu- 
lation of forty-five thousand. It was quite a number 
of years, however, before any other town followed her 
example. Salem and Lowell were the first, they be- 
coming cities in 1836. But the adoption of the city 
form was so far receding from elementary freedom, 
and while it was desirable, if not necessary, in many 
respects, it also afforded greater facilities for ambitious 
politicians and wire-pullere to ply their arts. 

Lynn adopted the city form of government in 1850. 
Many worthy and prominent people strongly oj)posed 
the change, and the adoption of the charter came 
near being defeated ; indeed, a similar one previously 
granted by the Legislature had been defeated by pop- 
ular vote. Mr. George Hood, a man of much ability 
and .strong persuasive powers, led the opposition, and 
it is a little singular that he who had persistently and 
vehemently opposed the charter was elected the first 
mayor under it. In his inaugural address he thus bade 
adieu to the old regimi' : " Before proceeding to the 
business immediately before us, it seems to be appro- 
[jriate to the occasion to revert briefly to our venera- 
ble system of town government, of which we have 
taken leave forever, and to pay a passing tribute to 
the memory of the conscientious men who, in the 



midst of toil, privation and peril, founded, cherished 
and transmitted it to us as a rich inheritance. Ac- 
cording to Lewis' History, the first white men known 
to have been inhabitants of Lynn were Edmund In- 
galls and his brother, Francis Ingalls, who came here 
in 1629. The next year came Allen Breed, Thomas 
Newhall, George Burrill, Edward Baker, John Rams- 
dell and Richard Johnson; in 163'), Henry Collins; 
in 1640, Andrew Mansfield, Richard Hood, Edward 
Ireson and Henry Rhoades, — all of whom have rep- 
resentatives in this City Council, and perhaps others 
of whose history I have not been informed. . . . Our 
town government has accomplished its mission ; its 
successful operation for more than two centuries has 
proved the capacity of man for self-government ; it 
has proved that the safest repository for power is in 
the hands of the people. During this long period 
we hear of no abuse of power by them, nor of those 
to whom they intrusted the care of the town govern- 
ment. They taxed themselves liberally for all neces- 
sary objects of public improvement. The church 
and the school-house grew up together, both signifi- 
cant monuments of advancing civilization." Is it 
probable that at the end of two centuries more it can 
be .said of the people under the present form of mu- 
nicipal government, that no abuse of power by them 
or those to whom they entrusted the administration 
of alUiirs, had been heard of? 

Mr. Hood well said that under the old government 
the town prospered. Its growth was steady, but not 
rapid. At the lime of the adoption of the charter, 
in 1850, the population was 14,200; twenty years be- 
fore, in 1830, it was 6200; in 1765 the first recorded 
census gave 2198 ; and the increase of business was 
in .something like the same ratio. But after the in- 
troduction of machinery in the manufacture of shoes, 
which was subsequent to the adoption of the charter, 
the increase of business and population was seem- 
ingly much more rapid, though perhaps the percent- 
age was not much greater. 

For nearly two centuries the town-meetings were 
held in the meeting-house, as the settlers preferred to 
call their house of worship, the first being an un- 
seemly little structure, standing in a hollow, near 
the territorial centre, and the only public building. 
It was not held by the same tenure that " churches " 
now are, but was the property of the town. There 
the village orators exercised their eloquence, the vil- 
lage statesmen their patriotism, the incipient wire- 
pullers their cunning, till the house itself disappear- 
ed. "The Old Tunnel," as the parish meeting-house 
built in l(i82 was in after-years called, then became 
the place for the transaction of tow'U business. It stood 
near the centre of the (Jonimon, and continued for sev- 
eral generations to servethe double purpose of a i>lace 
for public worship and a place for the transaction of 
public business. But it was relieved of the latter use 
in 1806. In the mean time the Methodists had come 
in and built a house of worship. And some objec- 



260 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tions having been made to the further use of the old 
house, the town-meetings then (1806) began to be 
held in the Methodist house, which stood near the 
east end of the Common, at the head of Market 
Street. There they were held till the erection of the 
Town-House, in 1814. That building bad an inter- 
esting history, of which little can be given here. 
It stood on the centre of the Common, nearly oppo- 
site the head of Hanover Street, and for many years 
the interior remained unfinished. Of course, elections 
were held in it; military companies drilled there; and 
it was used for assemblages and exhibitions of various 
kinds. In 1832 it was removed to South Common 
Street, at the point where Blossom Street now opens, 
and the interior finished. On the formation of the 
city government, in 1850, it was thoroughly repaired 
and fitted for the reception of the officials under the 
new and more august order. Thus it remained until its 
destruction by fire on the morning of October 6, 
1864. 

It was on the 10th of April, 1850, that the Legisla- 
ture granted the City Charter ; on the 19th of the 
same month the inhabitants, in town-meeting assem- 
bled, voted to accept it ; and on the 14th of May the 
first organization under it took place. The cere- 
monies were held in Old Lyceum Hall, which stood 
on Market Street, corner of Summer. The day was 
pleasant, and a large number, some of whom were 
ladies, were present. In the evening the new gov- 
ernment, together with a considerable company of 
prominent citizens, partook of a collation in the 
Town Hall. There was no jubilant display at the in- 
itiation of the new government; no procession, no 
pyrotechnic exhibition, either oratorical or material. 
All parties seemed to join in a quiet but cordial accept- 
ance of the change, and in a hopeful, if not enthusi- 
astic spirit, determined to repress all former misgiv- 
ings. 

Soon after the destruction of the old Town House 
the necessity of a substantial City Hall was so mani- 
fest that the work of erection was set about energeti- 
cally ; and, on the .30th of November, 1867, the present 
stately edifice was dedicated. The city ofiices were 
soon removed thither, and from that time onward 
have the commodious chambers echoed with the elo- 
quence of the assembled counselors. 

Whether Lynn has prospered more since the adop- 
tion of the city form of government than she would 
have prospered had the old town form been longer 
continued can only be conjectured. But certain it 
is, that during the thirty-five years that the existing 
form has been in operation her progress has been 
highly satisfactory. The population h;is more than 
trebled ; and in business, in educational facilities, in 
benevolent enterprises, and, may we not venture to 
add, in religion and morality, her advancement has 
been alike marked. 

It has been stated that Lynn has always been for- 
tunate in having among her people men of sagacity. 



energy and prudence, — men who, in the administra- 
tion of her municipal afi'airsand in her broader inter- 
ests, vigorously defended her rights and labored for 
her good. These are deserving of special notice, and 
in an elaborate history should have a place ; but in a 
limited sketch like the present but comparatively 
few can be even named. In the troublous days 
of the Andros administration, among her heroic 
defenders were Oliver Purchis, Eev. Mr. Shepard, 
Thomas Laighton, Kalph King and John Burrill. In 
the stormy times of the Revolution she had the vigi- 
lant watchfulness of Rev. Mr. Treadwell, Rev. Mr. 
Roby, Deacon John Mansfield, Dr. Flagg and Fred- 
erick Breed, besides her brave sons who took the 
field. And all along, down to these later times, she 
has never been destitute of loyal sons to protect her 
good name and promote her prosperity. Especially 
may it be said that during the threatening times of 
the great Civil War scarcely a man in her whole popu- 
lation could be found who was not ready, if need be, 
to take the field in defense of the national cause. 

The following is a list of the mayors of Lynn, with 
the dates of inauguration : 

George Hood, the first mayor, served two terms ; 
was inaugurated May 14, 1850, and April 7, 1851. 
He was a native of Lynn, and died June 29, 1859, 
aged fifty-two. 

Benjamin Franklin Mudge, the second mayor, 
was inaugurated June Ifi, 1852. He was a native of 
Orrington, Me.; born August 11, 1817, and died in 
Manhattan, Kansas, November 21, 1879. 

Daniel Collins Baker, the third mayor, was 
inaugurated April 4,1853. He was a native of Lynn; 
born October 14, 1816, and died in New Orleans, La., 
July 19, 1863. 

Thomas Page Richardson, the fourth mayor, was 
inaugurated April 3, 18.54. He was a native of Lynn ; 
born July 27, 1816, and died November 24, 1881. 

Andrews Breed, the fifth mayor, was inaugurated 
January 1, 1855. He was a native of Lynn ; born on 
the 20th of September, 1794, and died in Lancaster, 
Mass., April 21, 1881. 

Ezra Warren Mudge, the sixth mayor, was in- 
augurated January 7, 1856, and January 5, 1857, 
serving two terms. He was a native of Lynu ; was 
born on the 5th of December, 1811, and died Septem- 
ber 20, 1878. 

William Frederic Johnson, the seventh mayor, 
was inaugurated January 4, 1858. He was a native 
of Lynn ; born [in Nahant] July 30, 1819. 

Edward Swain Davis, the eighth mayor, served 
two terms ; was inaugurated January 3, 1859, and 
January 2, 1860. He was born in Lynn June 22, 1808, 
and died August 7, 1887. 

HiEAM Nichols Breed, the ninth mayor, was in- 
augurated January 7, 1861. He was born in Lynn j 
September 2, 1809. \ 

Peter Morrell Neal, the tenth mayor, held the 
office four terms. He was inaugurated January 6, 



LYNN. 



261 



1862, January 5, 18G3, January 4, 1S(J4, ami Jauuary 
2, 18(i5. He is a native of Nortii Berwick, Me., and 
was born September 21, 1811. 

Roland Greexe Usher, the eleventh mayor, 
served three terms. He was inaugurated January 1, 
18(56, January 7, 1867, and January 6, 1868. He was 
born in Medford, Mass., January 6, 1823. 

James Xeedham Buffdm, the twelfth mayor, was 
inaugurated Jauuary 4, 1S69. He was afterward 
elected for a second term, and inaugurated January 1, 
1872. He was born in North Berwick, Me., May 16, 
1807, and died June 12, 1887. 

Edwix Waldex, the thirteenth mayor, served two 
terms; was inaugurated January 3, 1870, and January 
2, 1871. He was born in Lynn, November 25, 1818. 

Jacob Meek Lewis, the fourteenth mayor, served 
four terms, being inaugurated January 6, 1873, Janu- 
ary 5, 1874, January 4, 1875, and January 3, 1876. 
He was born in Lynn, October 18, 1823. 

Samuel Mansfield Buiuer, the fifteenth mayor, 
served two terms, having been inaugurated January 
1, 1877, and January 7, 1878. He is a native of Lynn, 
and was born June 23, 1816. 

George Plaisted Sanderson, the sixteenth 
mayor, was inaugurated January 6, 1879, and Jauu- 
ary 5, 1880, serving two terms. He was born in 
Gardiner, Me., November 22, 1836. 

Henry Bacon Loverino, the seventeenth mayor, 
served two terms. He was inaugurated January 3, 
1881, and January 2, 1882. He is a native of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., and was born April 8, 1841. 

William Lewis Baird, the eighteenth mayor, 
was inaugurated January 1, 1883, aud January 7, 
1884, serving two terms. He is a native of Lynn ; 
born July 29, 1843. 

John Kichard Baldwin, the nineteenth mayor, 
was inaugurated January 5, 1885. He is a native of 
Lynn, and was born May 10, 1854. 

George Dallas Hart, the twentieth mayor, was 
inaugurated January 4, 1886. He was born in Mai- 
den, Mass., December 7, 1846, and is an ofl'spring of 
the old Lynn Hart family. Mayor Hart, elected for 
a second term, was inaugurated January 3, 1887. 

A short series of statistical statements, touching 
the present state of municipal and kindred aflairs, 
will now be given. Other statistics relating to spe- 
cial topics will appear in their proper places. 

Population. — The population of Lynn, as given 
by the State census of 1885, is 45,867, — males, 21,752; 
females, 24,115. Native born, 36,099 ; foreign born, 
9768. Of the age of eighty years, 10 males and 31 
females ; of the age of ninety years, 3 males and 7 fe- 
males; of the age of ninety-live years, 4, all females. 
Colored persons, ()24. 

The population at dillorent periods is shown by the 
f(dlowing: 

Years 1800 1K50 1885 

Population 2,S37 14,257 4.1,8(17 

Dwellinos. 1885. — Whole number, 7383, — of 



which 7161 are of wood, 76 of brick, 2 of stone, and 
the others of mi.Ked material. It will be noted that 
this does not include the business buildings, many of 
which are of brick and very large. Number of per- 
sons to each occupied dwelling, 6.33. Number of 
buildings erected during the year, 392. Lynn has long 
been famous for the moving of her buildings from 
place to place, and, in pursuance of the custom, 55 
changed their places during the year. 

Valuation, Taxation and Polls. — The follow- 
ing table shows the progress of Lynn in these matters, 
at several periods since she became a city : 



YEAR, 


EEAL ESTATE. 


PERSONAL 
ESTATE. 


TOTAL. 


NO. POLLS. 


TAX PER 

81,000. 


1850 
1S60 
1870 
1880 
1886 


$1,100,515 
6, 2111,400 
14,277,212 
17,013,543 
23,305,806 


$1,674,328 
3,357,605 
(!,M9,9a3 
5,470,192 
6,000,003 


S4,834,843 
9,649,005 
20,927,115 
23,383,735 
29,305,809 


3,251 
3,933 
6,773 
10,702 
13,842 


J9.I0 
8.80 
17.20 
17.60 
19.00 



It will be perceived from the foregoing that we have 
made marked progress, as well in taxation as valua- 
tion and polls. 

Approvriations and Receipts, Expenditures 
AND City Debt. — The "progress" in these matters 
is indicated by the following : 



1850 
180O 
1870 
1880 
1886 



APPROPRIATIONS 
AND RECEIPTS. 



S45,ooo.no 
110,607.28 
524,776.72 
705,099,57 
1,080,274.65 



EXPENDITURES. 



S36, 704.19 
101,569.51 
499,583.25 
653,327.90 
1,014,617.80 



CITY DEBT. 



Mar. 1, IS-lo, 871,.398.15 
Dec. 31, I860, 123,1(10.00 
Dec. 3I,I.s7(J, 910,000.00 
Dec.31,1880, 2,109,000.00 
Dec. 2(J, 1886, 2,.522,4O0.00 



It should be remarked, in relation to the city debt, 
that the exact condition is not always apparent. For 
instance, the debt in 1886 is given as !?2,522,400.00, 
but there were such drawbacks as reduced the net 
amount to §1,778,128.82. 

Almshou.se. — Average number of subjects, 67; av- 
erage cost of each per week, $2.62. Aid was also given 
to 519 families, or some 1600 outside persons ; 5457 
tramps were during the year provided with food and 
lodging at an expense of .§320.55. 

Fire Department, Fire Alarms, Etc. — Steam 
fire-engines, 5 ; hook-and-ladder trucks, 2; horse hose 
carriages, 5 ; hose wagon, 1 ; large double-tank chem- 
ical engine, 1 ; supply wagons, 5 ; fire alarm telegraph 
wagon, 1 ; jumper hose carriages, 2 ; hose pungs, 5 ; 
buggy, 1; small extinguishers, 6. The manual force 
consists of 1 chief and 4 assistant engineers, 1 super- 
intendent and 1 assistant superintendent of fire alarm 
telegraph, 6 engineers of steam fire-englne.s, 5 firemen 
of steam fire-engines, 12 drivers, 10 foremen, 8 assist- 
ant foremen, 49 hosemen, 20 laddermen, 12 substitutes, 
making a total of 129. There are also in the service 
of the department 22 horses and 14,750 feet of hose. 
The number of hydrants scattered about the city is 
557, and the number of street reservoirs, 19. The tcl- 
egiaidiic fire alarm was established here in 1871, and 
has proved extremely useful and economical. The 
number of fire alarmr during 1885 was 188,84 being 
bell and 104 still alarms. Loss by fire during this 



262 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



year, $169,975.85. Expenditures of the department 
for the year, $44,840.06. 

Notices of tlie most disastrous fires that have ever 
occurred in Lynn may be found elsewhere in these 
pages. 

Police Department. — The expenses for the year 
1885 were $43,451.44; number of arrests, 1472; 511 
being of persons of foreign birth, and 166 females ; 828 
were for drunkenness, 186 for assault and battery and 
128 for larceny ; 5453 persons were provided with 
lodgings. 

Water Works. — Net cost of the public works, to 
January 1, 1887, $1,342,144.11. Average consump- 
tion of water per day during the year 1885, 1,920,519 gal- 
lons ; average to each inhabitant, a trifle over41 gallons 
per day. Total extension of pipe in Lynn, 75} miles. 
The report of the president of the board says (1886), 
" The department has paid all expenses of mainte- 
nance, the interest on the water debt, and shows a sur- 
plus of $26,919.18 to be carried to the water-loan sink- 
ing fund." 

BiRTH.s AND Marriages, 1886. — Number of births, 
1296 ; number of marriages, 616. 

Under the sub-titles "Libraries" and "Schools" 
may be found statistics relating to those institutions, 
and under " JJurial-Places " will appear certain 
vital statistics. 

And here, perhaps, is the proper place to enumer- 
ate some of the institutions, associations and societies 
for beuevolent, moral, social and recreative purposes, 
of which Lynn has a large number. They are, gener- 
ally, worthy of honorable recognition, and some are 
deserving of great praise. It would hardly be practi- 
cable even to name them all here, nor is it necessary, 
as several are spoken of elsewhere. Yet a little space 
may be allowed, the name of the organization gener- 
ally indicating its character. Among them are. — 
Associated Charities (the object being to discreetly 
distribute the means contributed for charitable pur- 
poses.), Board of Fire Insurance Underwriters, 7 clubs 
for religious, social, political, mutual improvement 
and recreative purposes. There are also 3 bicycle and 
4 boat clubs, and 1 shooting club. Female Benevo- 
lent Society, Firemen's Relief Association, Free Pub- 
lic Forest Association, Grand Army of the Rei)ublic, 
Home for Aged Women, Houghton Horticultural So- 
ciety, Inebriates' Home, Knights of Honor, Knights 
of Labor, Knights of Pythias, Lasters' Protective 
Union, Lynn Hospital, McKay Stitchers' Union, 4 
Masonic lodges (spoken of elsewhere). Mechanics' 
Exchange, Medical Society, 9 mutual benefit associa- 
tions -among them the Workingnien's Aid Associa- 
tion and the Accident .Vssociatiou, 12 Odd Fellows' 



lodges. Press Association, Sanitary Association, Shoe 
and Leather Association, Teamsters' Union, 10 tem- 
perance organizations, Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation. 

Lynn Banks. — There are now (1887) in Lynn five 
banks of discount, with an aggregate capital of 
$1,100,000, to wit: First National, capital, $500,000; 
Central National, 1200,000 ; National City, $200,000 ; 
National Security, $100,000 ; Lynn National, $100,000. 
There are also two savings banks, namely, Lynn In- 
stitution for Savings and Lynn Five-Cents Savings 
Bank, with aggregate deposits, January 1, 1887, to 
the amount of $4,710,000. 

Lynn Post-Office. — The business of a post-office 
may, perhaps, ordinarily be taken as a fair indicator 
of the business of the place in which it is located. 
The Lynn post-office was established in 1793, before 
which time the mail matter of the people here was 
distributed through the Boston office. Fifty years 
ago, that is in 1835, the gross amount of postage ac- 
cruing at the Lynn office, all told, for the year ending 
October 1st, was $2,459.28 ; and the increase of bus- 
iness to the present time is indicated by the following 
items for the year ending December 30, 1886 : 

Receipts from sale of stamps, stamped enyelopes 

and postal cards J.'i0,452.97 

Expenditures for salaries, rent, gas, etc 23,071.88 

Excess of receipt over expenditures $20,781.09 

Number of pieces delivered by carriers 3,214,98.5 

Number of pieces collected by carriers 1,270,030 

There are six daily mails, Sunday excepted, to 
Boston and the South, and four to the East. Fifty 
years ago the government did not provide carriers to 
deliver and collect mail matter, a fact that, no doubt, 
has had something to do with the increase of corre- 
spondence. The rates of postage were much higher 
than at present. The postage on a single letter from 
Lynn to New York, for instance, was 18| cents, a fact 
which induced many to send by private hand when 
opportunity offered. But the postage was not required 
to be paid in advance, a circumstance, one might 
think, encouraging to correspondence. A penny post 
began to run about town in 1812; but he was not em- 
ployed by government, individuals ])aying him at 
the rate of two cents a letter. The first postmaster 
was Colonel James Robinson, and he kept the office 
on Boston Street near the corner of North Federal. 
He was a soldier of the Revolution ; was succeeded in 
1802 by Major Ezra Hitehings, reared a large family 
of sons and daughters and died, in 1832, in reduced 
circumstances, being the recipient, during his latter 
years, of a small pension. 



LYNN. 



263 



CHAPTER XIV. 

LYNN— (C<Hi(i'«uf(i). 
ECCLESIASTICAL. 

Iteiigious Societies^ their Firrmation and Growth — Sketches of E<}rhj MhiieterB 
— Hotisei of M'orship ami their Eijnipntejtt — Statistical Details. 



' The sermon, learned long and cold ; 
The psalni in graveyard nieTre told ; 
Bnt piety, right deep and trne, 
Each exercise ran through and through." 

— louuAN. 



Considering the chief cause of tlie occupation of 
bleak New England, it would naturally be supposed 
that the very first public institution in a settlement 
would be a church. But Lynn was some three years 
without a minister. Very likely, however, some sort 
of public religious services were held, especially on 
the Lord's day. 

FiiisT Church. — The first church of Lynn, the 
fifth in the Bay colony, was gathered in 1(132 ; and it 
remains at this day one of the three or four of tlie 
early ehurche.s that have preserved their fidelity to 
the ancient Puritanical faith. Almost every one of 
the old churches hits become Unitarian or Univer- 
salist. 

The church here appears to have commenced in a 
way not in accordance with Puritanical or Orthodox 
order. But whatever irregularity existed was cured 
by the decision of a council held in March, 1635, 
" that, although the church had not been properly 
formed, yet, after-consent and practice of a church 
estate h.ad supplied that defect, so all were recon- 
ciled." The church was instituted by Rev. Stephen 
Bachiler, who arrived with his family in June, 1032, 
the chief inducement for his coming probably being 
that he had a daughter residing here, the wife of 
Christopher Hussey. There came with him six per- 
.sons who had belonged to his church in England, 
and to these, with such settlers as chose to join them, 
he commenced ministrations, without installation. 
He was then of the ripe age of seventy-one years, 
and appears to have retained great vitality, both 
mental and physical. He was a man of at least sin- 
gular characteristics ; was high-tempered and ex- 
tremely tenacious. There was soon serious disturb- 
ance among his little flock, and gross scandals began 
to circulate, insomuch that in four months after his 
arrival the court was appealed to, and that august 
body thus decreed : 

"51^ BatchelMs required to forbeare exeroiseing guifts as a posf or 
teacher pnbliquely, in o' pattent, iinlesse it be to tho;<e hee brought with 
him, for his contempt of authority, & til! some scandlee he removed." 

This sentence, however, wtis soon after annulled. 
But the difficulty was not healed ; other questions and 
scandals arose, and the court was again a|)pealed to. 



Finally, on his promise to leave town within three 
months, the proceedings were discontinued. He was 
here about four years. Afterwards he was at New- 
bury and Hampton, of which latter place lie was one 
of the first settlers. He subsequently pitched his 
tent in one or two other places. But in 1651 he re- 
turned to England, where, at the age of ninety, he 
married his fourth wife, his third still living here, 
and apparently of a reputation by no means unblem- 
ished. She petitioned the court for a divorce, but no 
record of the fate of the petition is found. Mr. 
Bachiler died near London in 1660, in the one hun- 
dredth year of his age. His descendants, and there 
are many hereabout, take some pride in the fact that 
Daniel Webster, the eminent statesman, and Mr. 
Whittier, the poet, trace their genealogical lines to 
him. 

Rev. Samuel Whiting, the successor of Mr. Bachi- 
ler, was installed on the 8th of November, 1636. He 
was descended from a long line of honorable ances- 
tors, and was a son of Sir John Whiting, mayor of 
old Boston, England, in 1600 and 1608. His brother 
John was also m lyor four years and his brother 
James one year. Samuel, the minister, was born in 
1597, and at the age of sixteen was entered at Eman- 
uel College. He was an apt student, received the 
degree of A.B. in 1616, and that of A.M. in 1620. 
Afterwards he received the degree of D.D. His 
father died while he was in college, leaving a very 
considerable estate. Emanuel College, as is well 
known to readers of Puritan history, was called "the 
hot-bed of Puritanism," and it was while there, no 
doubt, that he imbibed those principles which grew 
with his growth, and strengthened with his strength 
— those principles which so strongly marked his 
whole life. It is well to bear in mind that what were 
known as the Puritan principles of that day had ref- 
erence not only to church, but also to state. It was 
not only the grand purpose to purify the church of 
obnoxious rites and ceremonies, but also to free the 
people from governmental oppression and wrong — to 
circum.scribe the royal prerogatives, defend against 
the encroachments and reduce the privileges of the 
aristocracy ; in short, to break down every barrier to 
the reasonable exercise of individual right, freedom 
and responsibility. 

Mr. Whiting took orders in the C'hurch of England 
soon after graduating, and became chaplain in a 
refined and wealthy family in Norfolk. After re- 
maining there about three years, ajjparently in great 
pro.si>erity and hai)piness, he accepted a rectorship in 
Lynn Regis as colleague of Rev. Dr. Price. In that 
situation he remained three years, administering his 
oflice acceptably, excepting his refusal to conform to 
certain required u.sages in the establi-shcd church ser- 
vice ; in brief, he was a Non-conformist, subjected 
himself to the censure of the Bishop of Norwich, 
and was induced to resign and remove to tlie parish 
of Shirbeck, near Boston, where he again filled the 



264 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



office of rector, and again came under censure for 
non-conforming practices. 

In 1636 his situation became so uncomfortable tiiat 
he resigned, and prep.ared to emigrate to America. 
The same year, 1636, in which he resigned his charge 
at Skirbeck, he emigrated to America, arriving in 
May. He does not appear to have greatly enjoyed 
the voyage hither, as he remarks that he would 
" much rather have undergone six weeks' imprison- 
ment for a good cause than six weeks of such terrible 
seasickness." A few months after his arrival, No- 
vember 8, 1636, at the age of thirty-nine, he was 
installed minister of the little church here at Lynn. 

Mr. Whiting was twice married. His second part- 
ner, she who accompanied him hither, and whose 
remains peacefully slumber in our old burial-place, 
near the west end of the Common, could claim family 
descent more illustrious than his, for she could trace 
her lineage, without a break, to William the Con- 
queror. She was a sister of Oliver St. John, the chief 
justice of England during the commonwealth, and 
own cousin of Oliver Cromwell. But all the incidents 
of birth and family on his and her part, incidents 
which to so many, even here and among us of this 
day, possess a peculiar charm, seem to have weighed 
nothing in comparison with their strong sense of 
duty. 

The young couple, as they then were, apparently 
without one longing look behind, left the bright 
scenes, the comforts and luxuries of their early 
homes, crossed the stormy ocean, and bravely en- 
tered this western wilderness, with stout hearts, to 
fight the battle of civilization. Nobly did they ad- 
dress themselves to their chosen work, and great 
was their success. The beneficial results of their 
coming did not by any means end with their lives. 
Children were born to tliem, and childreu's children 
have appeared in every path of usefulness, and 
adorned our whole history. The entire nation has 
received benefits hardly capable of being over-esti- 
mated. Some of their descendants have been con- 
spicuous in theological, scientific and literary call- 
ings; others have filled useful and honorable positions 
in the national civil service; others, again, have risen 
to eminence in the military profession. One needs only 
to glance over a dictionary of American biography to 
learn how meritorious the family has proved. 

Mr. Whiting, as might readily be supposed, took 
great interest in the education of the youth of the 
town, and, together with his accomplished wife, did 
everything possible to refine the manners and elevate 
the condition of every class. He took unwearied pains 
to advance every material interest — to improve the 
husbandry, the fisheries, the mechanic arts — indeed, 
all branches required for the supply of current and 
prospective wants. And all the time he never lost sight 
of oppportunities to promote the broader interests 
of the. little community, vigilantly guarding against 
the imposition of wrongful burdens by the General 



Court, through misinformation or selfish appliances, 
and laboring in every honest way to elevate and dig- 
nify her name. The town grew apace during the 
forty years he continued so devoted to her concerns ; 
and it was a healthy growth. 

It is not to be forgotten that many of the clergy of 
that day had very great influence in the direction of 
public affairs. Indeed, it was common for the execu- 
tive, legislative, and even the judicial authorities, to 
apply to them for the solution of intricate questions 
and the determining of principles. Many, if not most 
of them, had, like Mr, Whiting, been ministers in the 
Church of England, and were men of learning and 
deep thought. The very experiences that induced 
their emigration often arose from their advanced 
views of human rights and political liberty. It is to 
be remembered, too, that at that period the settle- 
ment of a minister was, under ordinary circumstances, 
expected to be for life; not a mere temporary sojourn, 
as is so often the case in our day. And it will readily 
be perceived how much greater the opportunity of the 
faithful pastor then was to inaugurate and sustain 
pursuits calculated to be permanently beneficial, the 
long continuance of his fostering care ensuring 
results that under frequent change could never be 
attained, at the same time receiving his own reward 
in coutemijlating the regenerating effects of his godly 
teaching. 

No sooner had Mr. Whiting commenced his min- 
istrations to the little flock here than the discordant 
elements that had disturbed it, and the whole com- 
munity as well, under his predecessor, were harmon- 
ized, and old and young gathered around him in 
delightt'Lilsympathy and trust — exemplifying the truth 
that mental strength, coupled with genial manners, is 
potent to secure confidence and love. 

The remains of that good old man were laid away 
for their everlasting repose in the then quiet village 
burial-place, ovei'shadowed by ancient forest-trees, 
where but a small company had then been gathered, 
but where now lie an innumerable host, all heedless 
of the stately edifices that one by one have arisen 
around, and undisturbed by the tramp of the busy 
multitude. Tne spot where he rests is marked by 
a simple granite shaft, reared, a few yeai's since, by 
the Hon. William Whiting, of Boston, a direct de- 
scendant, who himself rendered such eminent service 
to our government during the most trying period of 
the War of the Rebellion, and who has been since 
called to join his honored ancestor in the land whence 
none return. In the names of Whiting School and 
Whiting Street is the memory of this beloved min- 
ister perpetuated. 

At this point it may be well to give the pastoral 
succession in this, the First Church of Lynn, with 
the dates at which the pastorates began, and append 
a few notes on some whose names appear therein. 



1G32. Stephen Bacliiler. 
Ib30. Samuel WUiting. 



1C37. Thomas Gobbet (colleague). 
1680. Jeremiah Shepard. 



LYNN. 



2(55 



1832. Darid Peabody. 
1830. Parsons Cooke. 
ISn.";. Jiinies M. Whiten. 
1S72. .Stephen R. Dcnnen. 
187li. Waller Barton. 
ISX.5. Frank .T. Mundy. 



logo. Joseph Whiting (colloague). 
17*20. N'athaniel Flenchman. 
17i''3. .lohn Treudwell. 
1784. Olwilliih I'arsons. 
17'.p4. Thomas (^ Thatcher. 
1813. Isaac Hurd. 
1818. Otis Rocknood. 

Rev. Thom.vs Cobbet, who was settled in 1637 as 
colleague with Mr. Whiting, was a marked character 
among the early New England divines — marked for 
his learning, piety and unswerving principles. He 
was born in Newbury, England, in lOOS, studi<5d 
at Oxford and suffered for non-conformity. He re- 
mained here in Lynn till 1656, then left and settled 
at Ipswich, where he died in 1685. Mr. Cobbet 
preached the election sermon in 1649, and the court 
voted that ''Jlr. Speaker, in the name oftheHowseo' 
deputyes, render Mr. Cubbett the thankes of the Howse 
for his worthy paines in his sermon wch, at the de- 
sire of this howse, he preached on the day of eleccon, 
and declare to him it is their desire he would 
print it heere or elsewhere." He was a voluminous 
writer, and among his works was " A Practical Dis- 
course on Prayer," of which Cotton Mather remarks, 
" Of all the work.s written by Mr. Cobbet, none de- 
serves more to be read by the world or to live till the 
general burning of the world, than that of Prayer." 
The elegant Cobbet school-house, on Franklin Street, 
erected in 1872, is a memorial of this esteemed min- 
ister. 

Rev. .Terejiiah Shepard, who in 1680 succeeded 
Mr. Whiting in the pastorate, was a man of decided 
traits, and to a degree destitute of the milder quali- 
ties of his predecessor. Yet he was successful in his 
ministry, and his death was deeply mourned. His 
pastorate extended over forty years. Jlr. Lewis says 
" he was distinguished for his unvaried piety," and 
" was indefatigable in his exertions for the spiritual 
welfare of his people." He reasoned deep 

" Of Providence, fore-knowledge, will untl fate." 

His ministrations were characterized by great seri- 
ousness, and his views of human nature gloom)', al- 
most to distortion. Rev. Mr. Brown, minister of the 
Reading Church, in his journal, under date of June 
25, 1712, says : " I was ordained past' of this church 
and received the dreadfull charge from the mouth of 
Mr. Shepard, of Lynn." 

Mr. Shepard took an active part in some of the po- 
litical agitations of the day ; and in the insurrection 
that deposed and imprisoned Governor Andros, on 
the 19th of April, 1689, he exhibited quite as much 
patriotic zeal as could be expected in a minister of the 
Gospel, as appears by the relation of one who was 
present, and who, in speaking of the array that march- 
ed in from the country to the assistance of the insur- 
gent Bostonians, says : "Ajiril 19th, about II o'clock, 
the country came in, headed by one Shepard, teacher 
of Lynn, who were like so many wilil bears ; and the 
leader, mad with passion, more savage than any of his 
17i 



followers." The courage and discretion of Mr. Shep- 
ard no doubt did much for the welfare of Lynn dur- 
ing that trying period. He was inclined also to wiitch 
with jealous eye any approach of trespassers upon the 
Puritanical domain, and as Quakerism was beginning 
to make serious inroads, he appointed the 19th of Ju- 
ly, 1694, as a day of fasting and jirayer for the stay of 
(hat "spiritual plague." He died on the 8d of June, 
1720, aged seventy-two years. His tomb still remains 
conspicuous in the old burying ground, marked by a 
])lain oblong brick stand surmounted by a heavy 
stone slab, with an inscri[)tion now so eaten by time 
and the elements as to be almost illegible. But his 
name is enduriiigly preserved in Shepard Street and 
Shepard School. Mr. Shepard wa.s a son of Rev. 
Thomas Shepard, who was born in Towcester, Eng- 
land, in 1605, received an excellent education, came 
over while yet a young man, and was ordained as first 
pastor of the First Parish Church of Cambridge, in 
1636. He was conspicuous for his fervid piety. In 
Johnson's " Wonder- Working Providence," publish- 
ed in 1651, he is spoken of as " That gratious, aweete, 
heavenly-minded and soule-ravishing minister, Mr. 
Thomas Shepheard, in whose soule the Lord shed 
abroad his love so abundantly, that thousands of souls 
have cau>e to bless God for him, even at this day, who 
are the scale of his ministry." He appears to have 
received the name Thomas in rather a singular way, 
saying: "The Powder Treason day [November 5, 
1605], and that very houre of the day wherein the 
Parlament should have bin blown up by Popish priests, 
I was then borne, which occasioned my father to 
give me this name Thomas, because he sayd I would 
hardly hclcere that ever any such wickedness should 
be attem])ted by men agaynst so religious and good 
Parlament." 

A worthy descendant, Mr. George L. Shepard, of 
Boston, a son of the late eminent merchant, Michael 
Shepard, of Salem, has recently pulilished a genealog- 
ical account of some of the descendants of the family 
head . 

Mr. Shepard was the first minister of the "Old 
Tunnel," so called. That famous meeting-house was 
erected in 1682, two years after his settlement. It 
will be borne in mind that in those days, and indeed 
long after, a church here was so far a public institu- 
tion that its temporal arrangements at least were gov- 
erned by the votes of the town. To illustrate, let us 
quote some votes passed at town-meeting in lli92 : 

"January 8. It was voted that Lieutenant Blighe should have liberty 
to set up a pew in the northeast turner of the ni.eting-houBe, by Jlr. 
King's pew, and he to maintain the windows against it. 

" The town did vote that Lieutenant Fuller, Lieutenant Lewis, air. 
John Hawkes, senior, Francis Burrill, Lieutenant Burrill, John Burrill, 
JTinior, Mr. Henry Rhodes, Quarter-Master Bas^ett, Mr. Haberfiehl, Cor- 
net Johnson, Sir. Bayloy and Lieutenant Blighe should sit at the table. 

" It WHS voted that Matthew Farrington, senior, Henry Silsbee and 
Josei)h Blanstield, senior, should sit in tlie deacon's -eat. 

'■ It WiU) voted that Thomas Farrar, senior, Crispus Br.-wc'r, Allen 
Breed, seTiior, I'lement Coldaui, Hubert Rand, senior, .loiiathan lludsoii, 
Richard Hood, senior, and Sergeant Haven should sit in the pulpit. 



266 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"The town voted tlmt them that are surviving that was chosen by 
the town a committee to erect the meeting-house, and Clerk Potter to 
join along with them, should seat the inhabitants of the town in the 
meeting house, l)0th men and women, and appoint what seats they shall 
Bit in, hut it is to be understood that they are not to seat neither the 
table nor the deacons' seat, nor the pulpit, but them to Bit there as are 
voted by the town." 

The pulpit of the Old Tunnel was capacious enough 
to contain ten persons. A small bell swung in the 
little tower, and in the northeast corner of the gallery 
was a " negro pew," quite elevated and boarded well 
towards the top. The colored brethren and sisters 
were required to sit there, where they might hear, but 
neither see nor be seen. 

Mr. J. Warren Newhall, in his poem delivered at 
the celebration of ifie two hundred and fiftieth anni- 
versary of the organization of the chuich, June 8, 
1882, thus speaks of the architecture of this famous 
old house of worship : 

" A modest cupola the roof surmuuuts 
Of quaint design — so history recounts. 
'Twas said the belfry bore a semblance fair 
To an inverted tunnel poised mid air ; 
Hence was the structure the 'Old Tunnel ' named, 
And for this title evermore was framed. 
Downward with quite a questionable grace. 
The bell-rope fell into a central place 
Within the unique auditorium, where 
The sexton rang the call to praise and prayer. 
"We see no gorgeous fresco on the walls. 
Through no stained glass the light of heaven falls ; 
But glinting 'mid the naked oaken beams, 
Through the small diamond panes the sunlight gleams. 
No richly cushioned slips the people knew. 
But plain deal seats, with here and there a pew, 
Built by some person, who must first procure 
Permission from the town this to secure. 
As time advanced these pews more numerous grew, 
But were not wholly uniform to view, — 
Some large, some small, of patterns manifold. 
By which the owner's taste or means were told. 
******* 

In place of dainty desk therein appeared 
A pulpit, with its lofty form upreared. 
While like a canopy o'er the preacher's head 
The sounding-board its huge proportions spread. 
******* 
In the bleak days of wintry wind and snow. 
No furnace fire dispensed its genial glow ; 
To those who fain the service would attend. 
The humble foot-stove was the warmest friend." 

To the fidelity of this sketch the writer can well 
attest from childhood recollection and experience. 
Of the oft protracted exercises our poet also gives the 
following graphic description : 

" No w.arning clock prescribed the preacher's powers ; 
The simple sand-glass told the passing hours. 
Which, when the tell-tale sand its course had run, 
AVas deflly turned, and sixteentbly begun ! 
For they preached sermons countless in deductions ; 
None of our modern half-hour productions. 
In continuity they excelled, 'tis true ; 
Always an lionr in length, and sometimes two." 

Eev. Nathaniel Henchman succeeded Mr. 
Shepard in 1720. He was born in Boston on the 22d 
of November, 1700, as is stated on the Lynn records 
in the handwriting of his son, and. if the date is cor- 



rect, must have settled here at the early age of twenty. 
But there is doubt as to the correctness of the date. 
He graduated at Harvard in 1717. His grandlather 
was Daniel Henchman, the same who planted the 
historical " big elm " on Boston Common, which was 
destroyed by a gale in February, 1876. And this 
Daniel Henchman was also ancestor of Frederick 
Tudor, the wealthy ice merchant, who did so much to 
beautify Nahant. Mr. Henchman ministered here 
forty years, and died on the 23d of December, 1761. 
Rev. Mr. Barton, in his address on the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the church, remarks that 
Mr. Henchman proved to be a man of very different 
views from his predecessors. Whiting, Cobbet and 
Shepard, and adds that his " settlement gave a new 
and disastrous turn to affairs. Finding here a very 
flourishing church and society, he left, after forty 
years' ministry, only eighteen members, and that in 
the days of the great awakening under Whitefield 
and Edwards." In 174-5 Mr. Whitefield came to 
Lynn, and Mr. Henchman refused permission for him 
to preach in the meeting-house, a step that occasioned 
a long and bitter controversy. The great revivalist, 
however, found audience-room elsewhere, one of his 
out-door discourses being delivered while standing 
on the platform of the whipping-post, near the meet- 
ing-house. But yet Mr. Henchman is reputed to 
have been remarkably genial in manners and to have 
treated Mr. Whitefield personally with much respect 
and politeness. It is easy to see that his ministry 
here was not successful, and that there were serious 
breaks in the harmony of the parish. He had pecu- 
liar notions of ministerial duties and ministerial 
rights, and was tenacious in his adherence to them. 
He was twice married and the father of five children. 
His tomb is in the Old Burying-ground, and is, like 
Mr. Shepard's, marked by a plain, oblong brick struc- 
ture. 

Rev. John Teeadwell was the successor of Mr. 
Henchman. ''And during his pastorate," remarks 
Mr. Barton, " two events occurred which brought in a 
state of things disastrous to the church in common 
with others, viz.: the Half Way-Covenant and the 
Revolutionary War." He was ordained on the 2d of 
March, 1763, and remained nineteen years ; hence it 
will be perceived that he was here during the most 
stirring period in American history. The Provincial 
Congress, in June, 1775, recommended the carrying 
of arms to meeting on Sundays and other days when 
worship was held, by the men who lived within 
twenty miles of the sea-coast; and so we find Mr. 
Treadwell appearing in the pulpit with a loaded 
musket, cartridge-box and sermon. He was born in 
Ipswich September 20, 1738, and graduated at Har- 
vard in 1758. His pastorate here ended in 1782. He 
then returned to Ipswich, his native place, and after- 
ward removed to Salem; was a Representative and 
Senator in the General Court, and a judge of the 
Common Pleas Court. His patriotism was conspicu- 



LYNN. 



•267 



oils, his manners fl:enial, and he loved to indulge in 
pleasantry, sometimes even out of season. His witty 
sayings often gained currency, and many of them are 
not yet forgotten. 

Rev. Ob-^diah Parsons, the successor of Mr. 
Treadwell, was installed February 4, 1784, "iu peace, 
harmony and concord," as Mr. Sparhawlc, of Lynn- 
field, says in an almanac memorandum. He remained 
eight years and then returned to Gloucester, his native 
place, where he died in December, ISOL He had 
two wives and nine children. His settlement here 
does not seem to have promoted the prosperity of the 
church, and there were some scandals that hastened 
his removal, though he seems to have maintained a 
good social standing. 

It was during the pastorate of Mr. Parsons that the 
parsonage at the corner of South Common and Com- 
mercial Streets was erected. And, as an appropriate 
illustration of some of the habits and customs of the 
time, it may be pertinent to relate an incident con- 
nected with the enterprise. The story is that a num- 
ber of the parishioners of small means were surpris- 
ingly liberal in the amounts they subscribed in 
furtherance of the good object, though it was under- 
stood that their donations would be received in the 
form of labor upon the premises, at a fixed price per 
day. The contributors were highly applauded 
for their generosity and the building committee 
|)raised for their liheralit.v in arranging with a neigh- 
boring retailer forasupply of "refreshments," as they 
might be called for, while the work proceeded. 
Cheerily and rapidly the work went on. And then — 
when the building was completed and the accounts 
brought together — the contracting parties were aston- 
ished to find that the retailer's score, for liquid refresh- 
ments alone, exceeded in amount all that class of 
subscriptions. 

Rev. Thomas Cushixg Thatcher was installed 
next after Mr. Parsons. He was a son of Rev. Peter 
Thatcher, of Brattle Street Church, Boston ; was born 
in 1771 ; graduated at Harvard in 1790, and settled 
here in 1794,' remaining till 1S1.3. He attained a 
good old age and died in Cambridge September 24, 
1849. He was afTable in his social relations, but 
inclined to asperity in his controversial writings. He 
preached the funeral discourse over the bodies of the 
drowned men from the Scottish brig " Peggy," which 
was wrecked near the southern end of Long Beach 
December 9, 1795. The service was held in the 
meeting-house, the eight recovered bodies being 
present. There were twelve on board the brig, only 
one of whom escaped, and he, during the mournful 
service, stood in the centre aisle. Mr. Thatcher's 
text was, "And I only am escaped alone to tell thee," 
Job, ch. i., V. 19. On the 13th of January, 1800, he 
pronounced the eulogy on Washington. He also 
delivered the funeral sermon over the bodies of Miles 
Shorey and his wife, who were instantly killed by 
lightning on Sunday, the 10th of July, 1803, in the 



house which still stands on Boston Street, oppo.site 
Cottage. He was a descendant from that Mr. Tliatcher 
who, with his wife, were the only survivors of the 
terrible shipwreck, in August, IGS.^J, of the bark of 
Mr. Allertou, which was east away ofl" Cape Ann and 
twenty-one persons drowned, including Rev. Mr. 
Avery, his wife and six children. The island on 
which Mr. Thatcher and his wife were safely cast is 
still called Thatcher's Island. 

Rev. Lsaac Hurd, the tenth minister, was ordained 
September 15, 1813, and remained about three years. 
He graduated at Harvard in 1806 From Lynn he 
removed to Exeter, N. H., where he was installed 
over the Second Church of that place in September, 
1817. There he remained till his death. At the 
closing period of Mr. Hurd's ministry the condition of 
the church was very low; so much so, indeed, that 
the question of disbanding began to be agitated. But 
better things were in store. This was the time when 
the " liberal " element was beginning to actively work 
in the old churches, and Mr. Hurd was inclining to- 
wards the new views. It is almost wonderful that 
the church did not at that time recede from the old 
])aths, as so many of the other New England churches 
did. And it probably would have gone over had 
Mr. Hurd possessed the firmness and attractive 
power possessed by some others of the seceding 
clergy. 

Rev. Otis Rockwood, who succeeded Mr. Hurd, 
was firm in the faith, firm in his denominational at- 
tachments, and firm in his determination to prevent, 
if possible, any straying from the old paths. He was 
sound rather than brilliant, and to his earnestness is 
much of his success to be attributed. 

The successors of Mr. Rockwood, down to the pres- 
ent time, have been strong in the faith and zealous in 
their labors, men of ability and learning, and some 
of them distinguished above the common rank. So 
well are their characteristics known to this genera- 
tion that an attempt at portrayal in detail would be 
needless here, did the limits allow. Their names and 
the dates of their settlement have already been 
given. It may not appear invidious, however, to re- 
mark that Rev. Parsons Cooke, who was settled in 
1836 and died on 1864, was perhaps the most notable 
since the time of Mr. Shepard. He was especially 
strong as a controversialist, and seemed to take a 
grim delight in opportunities to attack the Unitarian, 
Universalist and Methodist denominations. Persons 
of his characteristics always make a mark, and have 
tenacious adherents and determined opponents. It is 
difticult, therefore, to form an entirely satisfactory 
opinion from contemporaneous estimates, and future 
results must indicate the amount of good achieved. 
Mr. Cooke published two or three works which re- 
ceived some attention at the tinu^ they appeared, the 
most interesting of which, at least to Lynn people, 
being that entitled " A Century of Puritanism 
and a Century of its Opposites." It related 



268 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to the history of ecclesiastical affairs here, and 
took quite an unfavorable view of some of his 
predecessors in the pastorate and those of their com- 
munion. Its sometimes poorly authenticated state- 
ments, as to the unworthiness of those under notice, 
opened the way for the future liberal-minded histo- 
rian to rank him as one disjiosed to magnify the fail- 
ings, rather than the goodness, of others. 

Besides the foregoing list of regular pastors the 
church has, of late years, had the services of two or 
three acting pastors, whose names follow, — Rev. 
George E. Allen, who supplied in 1863-64 ; Eev. 
Joseph Cook, 1870-71 ; Rev. J. R. Danforth, 1872. 
Mr. Cook afterwards became quite famous as a lec- 
turer, delivering several series in Boston and other 
large American cities. He likewise visited Europe 
and other parts of the world, attracting much atten- 
tion. He still (1887) continues to exercise his gifts 
in his chosen field. While here, he delivered a series 
of Sunday evening lectures in Music Hall, which cre- 
ated considerable sensation on account of the pun- 
gency of his style, and, as many thought, indiscreet 
and unnecessary assertions and denunciations. 

Thursday, the 8th of June, 1882, the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the First 
Church of Lynn was observed by fitting ceremonies 
at the house of worship, on South Common Street. 
The day was pleasant and the attendance good. The 
forenoon exercises consisted of addresses, prayers, 
Scripture reading and appropriate music. The his- 
torical address was given by the pastor. Rev. Walter 
Barton ; and a poem, from which quotations have al- 
ready been given, was read by the author, J. Warren 
Newhall. At noon an abundant repast for visitors 
was spread in the lecture-room. The afternoon ser- 
vices were all of an impressive character. It was an 
occasion of much interest, — something more than a 
mere society or denominational observance, being 
well calculated to enlist the sympathies and stir the 
feelings of all, especially natives of the town. 

The history of the First Church of Lynn has here 
been dwelt upon more at large, perhaps, than our 
limits justify ; but, in an important sense, it embodies 
a history of the place. In its communion were the 
fathers of the town, and, all along, many of the chief 
men have held it to be their spiritual home. Its influ- 
encein early days was potent forgood,andin its listof 
pastors appear some names of more than ordinary 
lustre. 

Having spoken thu.s at large of the First Church 
and its ministry, brevity will be necessary in sjieak- 
ing of the other religious societies, of which there 
are now thirty. Before enumerating them, however, 
a word should be said of the first churches of Lynn- 
field and Saugus, which were the Second and Third 
of Lynn. 

The Second Parish Church of Lynn was formed in 
1720, the year in which Rev. Mr. Shepard died, and 
Ijecame the First Church of Lynufleld. The eccen- 



tric but learned Nathaniel Sparhawk was the first 
minister. In the sketch of Lynnfield this parish will 
be further spoken of. In the mutations of New Eng- 
land theology it became a Universalist Society. 

The Third Pariah Church of Lynn was gathered in 
1732, and became the First Church of Saugus. It was 
over this parish that the Rev. Joseph Roby was set- 
tled for the long period of fifty-one years. He was 
learned and pious, and withal ardently patriotic, 
being chosen one of the Committee of Safety at the 
opening of the Revolution. This society, like that 
of Lynnfield, finally adopted the Universalist faith. 

Tkinitariax Congregational. — Of the Trini- 
tarian Congregational — or, as they are popularly 
called, the Orthodox — Societies, there are now four, 
namely, — the First Church, that already spoken of, 
and whose present place of worship is a fine brick 
edifice on South Common Street, built in 1872 ; the 
Central Congregational, founded in 1850, and whose 
prei-ent house of worship is also a fine brick edifice, 
on Silsbee Street, built in 1868 ; the Chestnut Street 
Congregational, commenced in 1857 as a Congrega- 
tional Methodist, and becoming distinctly Calvin- 
istic in 1860, their house of worship being a frame 
structure on Chestnut Street, built in 1857 ; the North 
Congregational, founded in 1869, and worshipping in 
their neat wooden church on Laighton Street, built in 
1870. 

Unitarian Congregational. — The Second Con- 
gregational Society of Lynn is Unitarian in sentiment. 
It was founded in 1823 and has a peculiar history, 
exemplifying some of the changes to which so many 
religious bodies were subjected at about the time of 
its institution. As has been seen, Mr. Rockwood, of 
the First Church, was a strong Calvinist. He was 
settled in 1818. At that time the leaven of"' liberal 
Christianity," as it was called, and which subse- 
quently developed into broad Unitarianism, had begun 
actively to work. And it was chiefly from those who 
dropped off from the old society, having imbibed the 
more " liberal views," that this was formed. Among 
the early members were several of the most influential 
people of the town, and it has always comprised some 
of the wealthiest. Their house of worship, which is 
the first and still the only one of the order in Lynn, 
was dedicated on the 30th of April, 1823, and is on 
South Common Street. It is a wooden structure, and 
does not compare favorably with most of the present 
Lynn houses of worship. It may be mentioned, as 
an interesting fact, that it was in a sermon preached 
in Boston, at the installation of Rev. Mr. Shackford, 
who was the sixth pastor of this society, that the dis- 
tinguished Theodore Parker first publicly and clearly 
enunciated his peculiar doctrinal views. Another 
interesting fact, mentioned by Mr. Johnson in his 
" Sketches of Lynn," is, that the venerable Dr. 
Pierce, of Brookline, who was here at the ordination 
of Rev. Mr. Pierpont, the fifth minister, on that occa- 
sion remarked that that " was the ninety-fourth ordi- 



LYNN. 



269 



nation that he had attended, and that it was the first 
one where intoxicating drinks were not used, and the 
first ordination dinner at whieh ladies were present.'' 

Friends, or Quakers. — A Socief;/ of Frienda eotn- 
nieuced worship here as early as 1677. The rigid 
laws against the Quakers, which for many years de- 
formed the statute-books of Massachusetts, and the 
story of their rigorous enforcement, are too well 
known to need recounting. But it should be borne 
in mind that the so-called Quakers of those days 
were very different from the quiet, orderly and hon- 
est people of after-years who have borne the name. 
They were a turbulent set. defying the government 
and outraging, certainly in some instances, the decen- 
cies of social life. The society here has ever em- 
braced some of the best people, and, with tlie excep- 
tion of one or two rather unaccountable outbreaks, 
has pursued the even tenor of its way. They worship 
in a plain wooden structure, on Sil.sbee Street, built 
in 1810. 

Methodist.^To that early pioneer of Method- 
ism, Jesse Lee, is to be attributed the formation of 
the first society of the denomination in Lynn. Rev. 
Mr. Daniels, in his " History of Methodism," speaking 
of the travels and untoward experiences of Lee in New 
England, says, — " In Lynn a more hospitable recep- 
tion was accorded to him, and there he formed his 
first society in Massachusetts, February 20, 1791, 
consisting of eight members. On the 27th of the 
same month it had increased to twenty-nine mem- 
bers, and in May following more than seventy per- 
sons took Certificates of their attendance on his min- 
istry — a measure rendered necessary by the laws of 
the State, in order to secure them from taxation for 
the support of the clergy of the 'standing order.'" 
August 3, 1702, was held at Lynn the first Methodist 
Conference in New England. "There were eight 
persons present besides Bishop Asbury," says Daniels, 
" among whom was Jesse Lee, who was now exulting 
in having gained a permanent foothold in this un- 
I)romising region." 

The Fii-st Methodht Sorie/i/ of Lynn, thus formed, 
has maintained a prominent standing not only in 
Lynn, but in the denomination at large, and has sent 
forth several thrifty ecclesiastical offspring. Their 
present house of worship is a conspicuous brick ed- 
ifice on the northeasterly side of City Hall Square, 
built in 1879. ,St. Paul's Methodist Socictij was formed 
in 1811. Their present house of worship is a wooden 
structure ou Union Street, built in 18(Jl. The pre- 
ceding house was totally destroyed by fire on Sunday 
evening, November 20, 1859. Some five hundred 
persons, many of whom were children, as a Sunday- 
school concert was in progress, were in the building, 
but all safely escaped. The South Street Methodist So- 
ciety was formed in 1830. Their house of worship is 
a neat wooden structure on South Street, built in 
1830. The Maple Street Methodist Society, Glen mere 
Village, was founded in 1850. Their house of wor- 



ship is an attractive structure of wood on Maple 
Street, built in 1872. The Boston Street Methodist So- 
ciety was founded in 18o3. Their house of worsliip is 
a wooden structure on Boston Street, built in 1853. 
The African Methodist Society was organized in 1856, 
and their modest house of worship, on Mailey Street, 
erected the next year. Trinity Methodist Society, near 
Tower Hill, was founded in 1873, and their present 
tasty edifice of wood built soon alter. Recently a so- 
ciety has been organized in Wyoma Village. 

Baptist. — The First Baptist Society was founded in 
1816. A great deal has been said of the persecutions 
to which the early Baptists were subjected, and much 
of the rigorous conduct towards them was inex- 
cusable. Yet it may be said of them, as was said of 
the early Quakers — they were not characterized by 
peacefulness, humility and the high sense of Chris- 
tian duty which characterizes those of the name at 
this day. Their interference with State afl'airs no 
doubt created more opi)osition than their purely re- 
ligious doctrines. It is probable that most students 
of New England history would concede that the Ijan- 
ishment of Roger Williams even was brought about 
more from political than religious considerations. 
This, however, is not the place for discussing such 
questions. When the church here in Lynn was 
formed, the persecutions had long ceased. The house 
of worship of the First Bajjtist Society is a fine ed- 
ifice of wood on North Common Street, erected in 
1867. The Washington Street Baptist Society was 
founded in 1854. Their house of worship, at the cor- 
ner of Essex and Washington Streets, is one of the 
finesit in town, is of brick and sione, and was built in 
1874. The Iliyh Street Free- Will Baptist Society was ' 
organized in 1871. Their house of worship is of wood, 
and stands in a commanding position on High Street. 
The East Baptist Society was organized in 1874, and 
have their house of worship on Union Street. The 
Union Baptist Society, founded in 1880, have their 
place of worship on Oxford Street, and is a society of 
colored people. Tlie North Baptist Society have their 
place of worship in Wyoma Village. 

Christian. — The Christian Society was organized 
in 1835. Their house of worship is a wooden struc- 
ture on Silsbee Street, built in 1840. This church 
has always maintained a most respectable denomina- 
tional standing. 

Universai.ist. — The first meeting held in Lynn 
for the preaching of the doctrines of this denomina- 
tion was in the Academy Hall in 1811. The First 
Universalist Socitty, however, was not formed till 
1833; it was then organized in the Town Hall, and 
has had a steady and substantial growth till, at the 
present time, it is one of the largest religious bodies 
in Lynn, embracing many of the prominent people. 
The present house of worship, on Nahant Street, is 
built of stone and brick, and is one of the finest in 
the city. The Second Universalist Society was organ- 
ized in 1837. Their house of worship is a wooden 



270 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



structure on South Common Street, corner of Com- 
mercial, the same that was originally occupied by the 
First Church, and afterwards by a small society of 
another denomination. Some of the material of the 
edifice was first used in the famous Old Tunnel. 

Second Advent. — The Second Advent Society have 
a house of worship on Liberty Street, opposite Cam- 
bridge. The society, though not large, is composed 
of earnest believers. 

Protestant Episcopal. — The Episcopal Church 
was of slow growth in Lynn, though it is no doubt 
true that there were individual churchmen here at an 
early period. Richard Sadler, who came in 1635, and 
located at the present junction of Walnut and Hol- 
yoke Streets, it is reasonable to suppose, was a de- 
voted churchman, as he took priest's orders after his 
return to England. His name is perpetuated in the 
lofty porphyry cliff that rises near the point just 
named, and which was granted to him by the town in 
1638 ; and that he was a man of integrity, intelligence 
and prudence is apparent from the importance of the 
public offices he was constantly called to fill ; and 
there were no doubt here and there other church- 
men who may have veiled their sentiments, so great 
were the prejudices against them. From all that ap- 
pears, the first service held here was on the evening 
of Sunday, October 18, 1818. At that time Rev. 
Thomas Carlisle, of St. Peter's Church, Salem, 
preached in the First Parish Meeting House, known 
as the Old Tunnel, the same in which the celebrated 
Whitefield had been denied the privilege of holding 
a service. But things had changed. The rigid fet- 
ters of the old faith were loosening, and it was act- 
ually by invitation of some of the influential mem- 
bers of the parish that Mr. Carlisle came. Yet, as 
events proved, these good men had but poorly in- 
formed themselves as to the church offices and re- 
quirements, for they were chiefly the very men who 
soon after formed the Unitarian Society. However, 
a sort of church was instituted, which existed, but 
did not flourish, for a year or two, and then became 
extinct. It was not till 1834 that another attempt 
was made to establish a church here. An organiza- 
tion was effected, and f<ir a time they were so pros- 
perous as to erect a modest house of worship, which 
was consecrated in 1837, but failure ensued ; and it 
was not till 1844 that permanent church worship be- 
came' established. It was then, in 1844, that St. 
Stephen's was formed. For some years it was 
weak and without much influence, but finally 
became prosperous, and is now one of the most 
substantial in the diocese. The house of worship, 
on South Common Street, is a beautiful struc- 
ture of brick and stone, more costly than any other 
church building in the county, and is endeared 
to the parish, especially, as the gift of the late Hon 
Enoch Redington Mudge. It was consecrated on 
Wednesday, November 2, 1881, and cost two hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. The interior is impres- 



sive for its richness and freedom from all garish dis- 
play, some of the decorations being very costly. 
A chime of ten bells has recently been placed in the 
tower, and first rang out their sonorous notes on the 
morning of Easter day, 1886. Among the tunes 
played on that occasion were " Jesus, Lover of my 
Soul," " The Morning Light ii Breaking.'' This is 
the first chime ever in Lynn ; is pronounced by ex- 
perts to be superior in tone and unison, and was pro- 
cured by members of the parish in grateful memory 
of Mr. Mudge, the donor of the edifice. The weight 
of the largest bell is three thousand and thirty pounds, 
and the cost of the whole was five thousand two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. The chime was welcomed 
with much satisfaction by the people generally, and 
two of our local poets, in pleasant strains, celebrated 
the acquisition. Three of the eight impressive stan- 
zas by J. Warren New hall are here given : 

" In the Sabbath morn's husli with melodious accord. 
They shall join in an anthem of praise to our Lord ; 
And their soul-soothing vespers, at eve's hour of rest, 
Shall be wafted like notes from the Isles of the Blest. 

" They shall ring at the bridal, where love's vows are breathed 
By the blushing young maiden with orange-blooms wreathed ; 
Or chime the low dirge as the grief-bidden tear 
Of affection bedeweth the cherished one's bier. 

" At fair jocund morning, or peace-hallowed night, 
We shall list to their music with grateful delight, 
As they blend in a chorus exultant and strong. 
Or soothing and sweet as a lullaby song." 

And in the poem of twelve stanzas, by our fellow- 
townsman, Joseph W. Nye, are these felicitous lines: 

*' 'Tis meet they first our joy should ring 
Upon the glorious Easter Day, 
While we responsive gladly sing 
The risen Christ and own His sway. 

*' O bells ! ye fitly grace the tower 
That one of liberal eoul did raise. 
Who pave this fane — a sacred dower — 
To which all hearts yield ready praise. 

" city loved ! with grateful heart 
Receive this gift so kindly free ; 
To thy fair name it will impart 
A charm that we have longed to see." 

The Church of the Incarnation was formed in 1886, 
chiefly by members who withdrew from St. Stephen's. 
They at present worship in their beautiful stone 
chapel near the corner of Broad and Estes Streets. 
There is every reason to hope and believe that this 
parish will soon be exercising an extensive and 
benign influence. 

Roman Catholic — St. Mary^s Parish. — The first 
Roman Catholic service held in Lynn seems to 
have been in 1835, a private house accommodating 
all the attendants. In 1848 the numbers had so in- 
creased that they purchased a frame building on 
South Common Street, near Elm. This building had 
rather a singular history. It was first a Methodist 
house of worship, and stood on land purchased of the 
Congregational Society. In 181.T it was bought by 
the newly-formed First Baptist Society, and occupied 



LYNN. 



271 



by tliem for a number of years. Next it became a 
district school-house; then, in 1848, it wa.s purchased 
by the CathnUrs and fitted up for their services ; and 
finally, on the night of the 28th of May, 1851), was 
destroyed by an incendiary fire. The first min- 
ister was Father Charles Smith, who died in January, 
1851, and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Strain, who 
yet, 1887, remains in charge, having served for the 
longest term of any of the present Lynn ministers. 

After the destruction of the first house of worship 
the Catholics obtained the useof Lyceum Hall, which 
stood on Market Street, at the corner of Summer, and 
there mass was said, instructions given and confes- 
sions heard. In 1860 the site for the present St. 
Mary's Church, at the south side of City Hall Square, 
was procured, and the fine Gothic structure erected. 
It remained for some years the most imposing church 
edifice in Lynn. It is built chiefly of brick, its 
dimensions being one hundred and fifty by seventy- 
three feet, and having a steeple one hundred and 
sixty-five feet in height. The interior is imposing, 
has a number of costly paintings and a fine organ. 
The seating capacity is one thousand three hundred. 

Connected with St. Mary's Church is an excellent 
parochial school for children of both sexes, at which 
the daily attendance is over sis hundred. The man- 
agement is in the bands of Rev. Father Strain, and 
the expenses are met by the menibert of the parish. 

St. Mary's Cemetery, on Lynn field Street, conse- 
crated Nov. 4, 18.58, is connected with this parish. 

The Catholic population of Lynn has steadily in- 
creased, and at the present time outnumbers any 
other Christian denomination — so far, at least, as is 
indicated by attendance on public ministrations. 
There are now five Catholic priests resident here, 
and they are as a body worthy of commendation for 
their zealous endeavors to elevate the character and 
condition of those under their charge. The long and 
successful ministry of Father Strain will ever be 
remembered to his credit. 

St. Joseph's Paris/i, in Union Street, embraces 
chiefly the Catholic population in the eastern part of 
the city. It was formed in 1874, and their stately 
house of worship erected in 1875. Like St. Mary's, 
it is built chiefly of brick, and is a conspicuous edi- 
fice, with a seating capacity of about one thousand 
two hundred. Rev. J. C. Harrington is the minister, 
having an assistant. St. Joseph's Cemetery, on Bos- 
ton Street near Cedar Pond, is connected with this 
parish. 

A French Catholic Church was formed herein 1886, 
and a church is already in process of erection. 

The Catholics of Lynn, it is thought, form about 
thirty per cent, of the whole population. 

SWEDENBORGIAX. — A Swedenborgiau or New Je- 
rusalem Society was formed here in 188t). Some 
years ago an attempt was made to establish a society 
of this order, but the worshippers were so few that 
services were not long continued. 



In addition to the foregoing, there are here, as in 
most jilaces as large, other religious organizations 
sustained by some of the churches or by pious and 
benevolent individuals, such as the Bethel and the 
West Lynn Mission, which are doing much good. 

It will be seen by the following tab'e that there are 
now in Lynn thirty-one organized Christian bodies, 
to wit : 

Methodist (1 African) 8 i CongreBntional (rniUrian) ... 1 

Baptist (1 Aflicau) 6, Friends 1 

Cuneregatioiial (Trinitarian) . 4 j Clui.^tittn 1 

Roman Catholic (1 Krench) . . :i\ Second Advent 1 

I'niversalist 2 ' Swedenhorpian 1 

Protestant Epiacojial 2 Sal%-atiou Army of America ... 1 

The following gives the city assessor's valuation in 
1886 of the church property belonging to some of the 
principal religious societies, including the church 
edifices and the lots on which they stand: 

St. Stephen's (Episcopal) S23.'i,000 

Tirst Universaliet 122,iiu0 

First Jlethodist 102,n(.hi 

Washington Street Biptist 81,000 

Central Congregational (Trinitarian) T^.O'IO 

First Congregational (Trinitarian) (i:i,2U0 

St. Marj-'s (Roman Catholic) iM.tKm 

St. Joseph's (Roman Catiiolic) r.2,(XK) 

First Baptist 4t,OnO 

Friends 17,iHio 

Second Congregational (Unitarian) 16,600 

Some of the edifices, it will be observed are quite costly; 
and if the time should ever arrive when they are as 
heavily taxed as individual property, impecunious 
worshippers may regret the rich appointments. We 
should not have been likely to have erected so many 
churches nor so grand ones had taxation interposed 
its hungry hand. The above enumeration, as will be 
observed, does not include all the houses of worship. 
Taking in the whole, it is found that for the year 
1886 the amount of church property exempt from 
taxation was !?1 ,079,000. 

It is easy to see from the foregoing that Lynn is by 
no means in a state of spiritual starvation, or, at least, 
need not be. Her places of worshij) are numerous 
and eligible. And as to the learning and ability of 
her clergy, she would probably acknowledge inferiority 
to very few. Perhaps there is a little overstraining 
that verges on the sensational in some societies, and 
occasional displays that have the unpleasant air of 
denominational rivalry ; but then even spiritual 
emulation may result in good. 

In the " leading'' churches a good deal of attention 
is paid to music. And in some instances it really 
appears as if that were considered of more imjxirtance 
than the preaching; naturally enough, too, where the 
music is good and the preaching is poor. But that 
does not seem to be exactly the right idea. The sacred 
strains that resounded in the rude sanctuaries of our 
fathers, though not, perhaps, in full accord with the 
rules of harmony, were fervid and stirring to the 
jiious heart. But is not the tendency of much of the 
church music of this day rather to lead from devotion 



272 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to admiration — admiration of artistic composition and 
artistic rendering? And does not the sedate wor- 
shipper sometimes feel as if listening to 

"Light quirks of music, brolven and uneven," 

such as would only 

"Malce a soul dance upon a jig to lieaven." 

The singing in some of our churches is, at the pres- 
ent time, congregational, with the leading of a chorus 
choir ; in others a quartette fills the programme. St. 
Stephen's follows the ancient church custom of having 
a surpliced male choir, chiefly boys, whose young, 
fresh voices and natural renderings add greatly to the 
interest of the service. In one church an " orchestra 
band" has lately appeared as an attraction. 

A few remarks as to religious observances in former 
days might be of some interest here; but it is neces- 
sary to pass on to other topics. It may, however, be 
remarked, by the way, that there were, at different 
periods, quite different views prevailing. In early 
times the Levitical law, in all its rigidity, was 
adopted ; then came from time to time modifications 
in one way and another ; and, finally, about the 
close of the eighteenth century, the leaven of French 
infidelity began perceptibly to work in some classes. 
But in this part of New England the stronghold of 
Puritanism was long maintained. Albert Gallatin, 
the eminent financier and Secretary of the Treasury 
under Jefferson, was a native of Geneva, and of rigid 
Puritanical stock. He was in Boston in 178.3, and 
thus speaks of life then and there: " Life in Boston 
is very wearisome. There are no public amusements, 
and so much superstition prevails that singing, violin- 
playing, card-playing and bowls are forbidden on 
Sunday." Calvin himself would probably have sanc- 
tioned these views, though they were far from New 
England Calvinism. But these few mere hints on 
this subject must sutfice. 



CHAPTER XV. 

LY!^ii— (Continued). 
SCHOOLS — LIBRARIES — NEWSPAPERS. 

Schools^ their Number and Character^ wUh Sketches of Some of the Old 
Teachers — Present Condition, Cost of Maintenance, ivith Various Statis- 
tical Items — Notice of Early Collections of Books — Free Public Libra- 
ry, its Formation, fxrowth and Present Condition — Neicspapers, Sketch 
of Oi« First Paper here, and its jpditor — Papers of the Present Day. 



Won of learning, men of training, 
O, be yours a potent sway ; 

W'riting, teaching, vice restraining, 
Guiding in the better way. 

— Allan. 



Schools. — The next thing thought of after the es- 
tablishment of the church was the school. And the 



purpose was not so exclusively then, as it now is, that 
the youth might be prepared for the common business 
transactions of life, which at that period were few 
and of limited range. It embraced also the higher 
motive of fixing in the youthful mind the principles 
of moral rectitude and religion. Thus, we find an 
enactment of the General Court in 1647, commenc- 
ing: " It being one chief proiect of y' ould deludor 
Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of y" Scrip- 
tures, as in former times by keeping them in an un- 
known tongue, so in these latter times, by persuading 
from y"^ use of tongues, y' so at least y' true sense and 
meaning of y' originall might be clouded by false 
glosses of saint-seeming deceivers, y' learning may 
not be buried in y" grave of our fathers in y' church 
and commonwealth, y"^ Lord assisting our endeavors : 
It is therefore ordered y' every township in this juris- 
diction after y"= Lord hath increased them to y' num- 
ber of 50 householders, shall then forthwith appoint 
one within their towne to teach all such children as 
shall resort to him, to write and reade," &c. . . "And 
it is further ordered, y' where any towne shall in- 
crease to y' number of 100 families, or householders, 
they shall set up a grammar schoole, y° master thereof 
being able to instruct youth so farr as they may be 
fitted for y' university, provided y' if any towne ne- 
glect y' performance hereof above one yeare, then 
every such towne shall pay £5 to y° next schoole till 
they shall performe this order." In 1654 the court 
prohibited the teaching of schools by persons of "un- 
sound doctrine." Were such a statute now in force, 
the first difficulty would be to determine what is 
"unsound doctrine." 

Many of the first teachers were of the clergy, and 
it need not be remarked that they, with perhaps a 
few exceptions, were graduates of the English uni- 
versities, and many had been ministers in the Church 
of England. Naturally enough, they had a veneration 
for classical learning, and believed in the sui>erlative 
virtues of Greek and Latin. But there was little 
time wasted in attempts to give a smattering of every 
kind of knowledge, useless as well as useful, as has 
been the case in later days. There were few books, 
but the deficiency was supplied by the instructors in 
various quaint ways, by brief explanatory talks, by 
homely and ingenious illustrations. 

The first action of Lynn in her corporate capacity 
in relation to schools, so far as the records show, was 
in January, 1696, when it is recorded, " The Select- 
men agreed with Mr. (Abraham) Normanton to be 
schoolmaster for the town for said year ensuing, and 
the Town is to give him five pounds for his labors, 
and the Town is to pay twenty-five shillings towards 
the hire of Nathan Newhall's house for a year to keep 
the school in, and that said Mr. Normanton hire said 
house." It seems as if, with a salary of five pounds, 
the town might have provided a school-room for Mr. 
Normanton. This, however, could not have been tlie 
first opportunity the youth of a town had to gain in- 



LYNN. 



273 



struction ; far from it. And it will be observed that 
the court, as just quoted, does not re(|uire that in 
places of only fifty householders there shall be estab- 
lished a school, but that a resident shall be appointed 
to " teach such children as shall resort to him," etc. 
It was when a place had increased to a hundred fam- 
ilies, that they were to " set up a grammar sehoole." 

The early records of Lynn having disappeared, 
there seem no means for determining when the youth 
were first gathered for instruction. There is no d<jubt 
that Mr. Whiting and Mr. Cobbet, the early ministers, 
took pains to instruct the youth of their day. And 
]\L-. Lewis remarks, under date 1687, " Mr. Shepard 
kept the school several months this winter." So there 
must then have been an established school. Many of 
the churches had a "teacher," so-called, connected 
with the ministry. The word, as thus applied, did 
not then have the same significance that it now has, 
but evidently had some connection with secular as 
well as religious teaching. Mr. Coljbet, who was col- 
league with Mr. Whiting, was called "teacher." On 
the 6th of October, 1680, when Mr. Shepard was or- 
dained pastor, Mr. Whiting'sson Joseph was ordained 
teacher. In 1718 Mr. Shepard being out of health, 
the selectmen were directed to employ a schoolmaster, 
and in their selection " to have relation to some help 
for Mr. Shepard in jireaching." On the town records, 
under date December 21, KiOl, it is stated that at a 
meeting of the selectmen " Mr. Shepard, with his 
consent, was chosen schoolmaster for the year ensu- 
ing." These sufficiently show the intimate relation 
then existing between the clerical office and teach- 
ing. 

In 1702 a vote was passed allowing ten pounds for 
the maintenance of a grammar-master, "such master 
to have over and above the said ten pounds 2 pence 
per week for such as are sent to read, 3 pence per 
week for them that are sent to write and cipher, and 
six pence per week for them that are sent to learn 
Latin, to be paid by parents and masters that send 
their children or servants to learn as aforesaid." A 
grammar-school was one in which Latin was taught, 
Englisli grammar not being in use. Arithmetic was 
taught by the instructor's writing sums on a slate ; and 
reading and writing were taught much as they now 
are. These were the common and chief studies. 
Spelling was allowed to range loosely about the 
alphabet, there being no fixed standard. So long as 
the letters used gave the right sound to the word it 
was sufiBcient; and some of their words look queer 
enough to the school-boy of this day. 

It appears, that for the convenience of the different 
neigliborhoods, the school was at some periods a sort 
of ambulatory institution, being at one time located 
in one part of the town and then in another — a fact 
that has given rise to the supposition that there were 
more schools than really existed. For instance, in 
1720, the school was kept in Lynnfield, in Saugus, 
on the Common and at Woodend. .lohn Lewis w;is 
IS 



teacher that year; but he was very soon superseded, 
or an additional school was established, for another 
master soon appears ; and it is not probable that there 
were two teachers to the same movable school. The 
name of the new teacher w.as Samuel Dexter, and he 
was probably a descendant from Thomas Dexter, one 
of the most enterprising of our earlier settlers, as he 
was certainly the progenitor of several eminent per- 
sons. He was but twenty years of age when he took 
the school ; was a son of Rev. John Dexter, of Maiden, 
and a graduate of Harvard. He subsequently became 
minster of the First Church of Dedham. He says in 
his diary : "Then being desirous, if it might be, to 
live nigher my friends, by y" motion of some, I was 
invited to keep y" school at Lyn ; w'fore, quitting my 
school at Taunton, I accepted of the proffers made at 
Lyn, and Feb. 17, 1720-21, I began my school at 
Lyn, in w"'' I continued a year; and upon y^ day y' 
my engagement was up there a committee from Maldon 
came to tre.at with me in reference to Maldon school , 
w"'' propo.salls I complyed with and kepty' school for 
ab' six weeks, and then was mostly to the present 
time, [4 Dec. 1722] improv'd in ])reaching." 

The Friends, or Quakers, established a school i n 
Lynn in 1776 ; and in 1784, after considerable oppo- 
sition, the town voted to grant their request to have a 
portion of the school-money especially appropriated 
to its support. The annual allowance was continued 
some years. Micajah Collins was master of this 
school more than a quarter of a century, ever retaining 
the respect of the parents and affection of the pupils ; 
and of those who received his instructions there are a 
few yet renuuning who can now hardly speak of him 
without emotion. He was born in 1764, of Quaker 
parents, received a fair education, and was an ap- 
proved minister of the Society for almost forty years. 
In his ministerial capacity he traveled much and 
became known and respected in many parts of the 
United States. He was married, but left no issue. 
The last moments of his life are represented to have 
displayed inamarked degree the true characteristics of 
the dying Christian. Many friends and neighbors as- 
sembled around his bed, and in kind words he dealt 
to them admonitions and encouragements, and ex- 
pressed his own assurance of a blessed immortality. 
Then he took each individual by the hand and bade 
all an affectionate farewell. Like the setting of a 
summer's sun, he gently passed away, without a 
murmur or a sigh. He died on the yotli of January, 
1827. From a poetic tribute to his memory, penned 
by Rev. Enoch Mudge, a clerical father in the Meth- 
odist Church, and published in the Newport, R. I., 
Mercury, the following lines are extracted: 

*' III toniper open, atniablo anii mild. 

In niannt'is simple, trusting .is a cliild ; 
Ho to ttio youtli !i plfrtsiiig j>attiTii gave. 
Of access easy, pious, clieorl'til, grave ; 
.\11 classes felt an interest in ttie man. 
For innocence througli atl liis actions ran. 
liOng as an at>le ministi-r he stood, 



274 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



And spent his lengthened life in doing good ; 
At home, abroad, the humble Christian shone, 
"While all the praise he gave to God alone." 

To the Lynn Transcript of December 24, 1886, James 
A. Breed contributed an article in which he named 
twenty-two persons living who were pupils of Mas- 
ter Collins, fourteen of them residents of Lynn. 
None were less than seventy-two years of age, and 
the ages of five ranged from eighty-five to ninety- 
three. 

Down to the beginning of the present century 
hardly any girls attended the public schools. There 
were several reasons for this. One was that their 
services were needed at home ; another, that the 
studies were not thought necessary for their sphere; 
and a third, that it was not proper to have boys 
and girls so closely associated — all which ideas seem 
to be reversed in this our day. Female pupils are 
first spoken of, in a Lynn school report, in 1817. 

It would be tiresome to multiply details concerning 
the early schools. Those of Lynn maintained a credi- 
table standing. The people were poor, and during 
the depressed times immediately preceding the Revo- 
lution, the stormy days of the war, and the 
turbulent period immediately succeeding, the cause 
of education was permitted to languish. But the vital 
fires were not extinguished, only smouldering ; and 
when more settled times were reached, they revived 
with renewed activity. Teaching was not formerly 
reckoned as a regular profession, but was usually 
undertaken as a temporary calling by students pre- 
paring for other vocations. And this, no doubt, 
sometimes operated unfavorably for the schools. 
Such, to a great extent was the case in Lynn, till 
within fifty or sixty years. Indeed, the wages of all 
the teachers here, till within twenty-five years, were 
very low, and they were compelled to resort to va- 
rious expedients to make both ends meet, if they 
were blessed with families. There was good old Mas- 
ter Blanchard, who, in 1811, came here to take charge 
of a district school, bringing with him in the lumber- 
ing old carriage his ten children, and finding two 
others added to the number in due time ; he proba- 
bly never had a salary above three hundred and fifty 
dollars a year, and to eke out was compelled to keep 
little private evening schools, and do odd jobs as ac- 
countant and scrivener. He was for some ten years 
teacher in the little square one-story wooden build- 
ing, with hipped roof, that stood on the latitudinal 
centre of the Common, nearly opposite where Com- 
mercial Street now opens, its diminutive belfry, un- 
occupied save by the store of lost bat-balls which had 
from time to time lodged there, giving it a sort of 
classical aspect. There he taught reading, spelling, 
defining, writing, ciphering, a little grammar, and 
those now too often neglected, but highly desirable ac- 
complishments, — good manners, correct deportment 
and respect for age. 

Master Blanchard's religious principles were of the 



old Puritanical order, and somewhat rigid at that. 
And the church probably owed much to his deter- 
mined stand and urgehcy that it did not, as did so 
many other churches of the order, about that time, 
swerve to the so-called "liberal" faith. He ever 
made it a part of his duty to endeavor to train the 
moral as well as the intellectual faculties of those 
under his charge, as many of the generation now 
nearly passed away would gratefully attest. He 
usually devoted an hour or two every week to lectur- 
ing the pupils on morals, manners, or some didactic 
subject, closing with a fervent prayer. 

He was a musician of much taste and skill, led the 
singing in the old church from 1811 to 1824, and 
composed one or two psalm tunes which long con- 
tinued popular, and may sometimes now be heard. 
He was a fifer in the Revolutionary army, and drew 
a small i:)ension which did its part to help along. His 
musical talents, however, were never exercised in the 
school-room, for artistic music was not then thought 
a necessary accomplishment for those who were 
chiefly destined for the shoemaker's seat or the farm. 
The village singing-school afforded opportunity for 
those whose musical aspirations could not find ade- 
quate expression in the natural form of whistling. 

Yet Master Blanchard was not a pronounced char- 
acter, as the world goes, and it seemed singular to 
many that he should have had the influence he did. 
Some called him " non-committal ' ' or " time-serving." 
His influence probably lay in his stern morals, his 
intelligence and genial manners. He was interest- 
ing in conversation, but usually grave and little given 
to humorous turns. He died on the 2.5th of May, 
1842, aged seventy-eight years. 

The Lynn Academy, a private institution, was 
opened in 1805, and had some days of prosperity, but 
more that were otherwise. Its beneficial influence, 
however, was marked, several of its preceptors being 
men of excellent acquirements and high character. 
It continued till superseded by the High School in 
1849. 

Having said thus much of the old schools and 
school-teachers, a word about the school-houses may 
be appropriate. Till within fifty years the Lynn 
school-houses were quite unseemly in external ap- 
pearance and void of internal conveniences ; yes, they 
were shabby. And such was the case in most places, 
excepting a few of the richer and more pretentious. 
Mr. Everett's picturesque conception of the tasty 
red-top school-house nestling so cosily and signifi- 
cantly at the cross-roads was ideal, fur paint was 
grudgingly applied without, and within would usually 
be found dirty floors, hacked benches and wad- 
decorated walls. In Lynn we could boast of hardly 
anything shapely, to say nothing of the grand or 
beautiful, till 1848, in which year the commodious 
wooden structures on Franklin and Centre Streets 
were erected and supplied with such modern appli- 
ances as placed them among the best in the vicinity. 



LYNN. 



275 



And since then the erection of such stately structures 
as the Cobbet, on Franklin Street, and the Ingalls, on 
Eisex, in 1872, evince the zeal of our people in the 
cause of common education. There are one or two of 
the old school- houses yet in existence, and a com- 
parison of them with those Just named is well 
calculated to astonish not only for the evidence of 
immeasurable architectural advance, but also, per- 
haps, for the progre.ss in extravagance. But the com- 
parison must end there, for no such inequality exists 
between the teachers of old and their modern suc- 
cessors. And let us ever bear in mind that the 
grandest school-houses do not always insure the best 
teachers or turn out the best scholars. 

Our present Iligli School was commenced in May, 
1849, in the wooden structure then standing on the 
west sideof Franklin Street, where the Cobbet school- 
house now stands. Jacob Batchelder, who had for 
fourteen years been jireceptor of the old Academy, was 
the first teacher. The present High School house, 
near Highland Square, was completed in 1851, and 
the school was immediately quartered there. It has 
enjoyed almost uninterrupted prosperity, and its 
teachers have been uniformly learned and skillful. 

Alonzo Lewis, the poet and hi.storian, was a teacher 
herein Lynn, his native place, for many years; and 
it is not easy to determine whether, in the vigor of 
life, he prided himself most as a poet, historian or 
schoolmaster. One of his longest poems is entitled 
" The Schoolmaster." It comprises nearly seven hun- 
dred lines, and flows on from beginning to end in his 
usual melodious style. On the opening page appear 
these lines : 

I sing the Teacher's care, his daily pains. 
The hope tliat lifts him ami tlie \a»k that cti.iins ; 
His an.xious toil to raise the gentle niiiiil, 
His skill to clear the path for youth desigued, 
His faithful watch o'er life's expanding ray, 
To guide young genius up Iniprovenient's way. 

And further on are these : 

The Teacher's lot is filled with pain and care 

Which but devoted hearts are fit to bear. 

His rank and worth in freedom's cause are great. 

Surpassed by few that bless the public state. 

His is the task to fit the youthful mind 

For all the stations by its God designed. 

There are many beautiful passages in this poem, 
though some critics have thought that as a whole it 
falls short of one or two others in his volumes. It 
would be pleasing to quote a number of passages did 
the scope of this sketch permit ; but we may venture 
to give a short selection or two as specimens of the 
emanations from that gifted mind, which so uniformly 
indicate reverence for learning and love of virtue : 

"Some shade of woe o'er every lot is thrown ; 
Some secret pain each human lieart must own. 
Yet, sons of learning ! it is yours to rise 
Almve earth's ills, to seek your native skies. 
There, with congenial stars your worth shall shine, 
And form a galaxy of rays divine ! 
.\nd though awhile outshone hy some bright sun, 



Yet still ye glow whoD his clear course is run. 

As yonder splendid cone of torri<l light 

Gleams with rich lustre on the dome of night. 

And marks the path where day's bright orb hiuspiLMt, 

So hallowed genius ! shall thy memory cast 

Iti) pure effulgence o'er the shade of mind, 

To light the path for future worth designed. 

Here the glad inuse her tribute i)ays to theo, 

Taylor, thou Shakspeare of divinity I 

From humblest scenes thy genius bade thee soar. 

The brightest realms of virtue to explore. 

Raised from the teacher's to the bishop's chair 

Life's purest honoi-s waited on thee there ; 

And youth and jige, by thy instructions blest, 

Enshrined with tears thy everlasting rest." 

And .again : 

" Ye, who the pages of romance have scanned, 
.Vnd think to find such at the poet's hand ; 
Know that refinement springs from lofty thought, 
That life's best pleasures are by virtue brought ; 
That warmth of heart and excellence of mind 
-\re in devotion's sacred charm combined ; 
This is the joy that bows to heaven's control, 
This the exalted pure romance of soul." 

Mr. Lewis gained much commendation by his 
" History of Lynn." But it was not voluminous, em- 
bracing but about two hundred and fifty octavo pages ; 
yet it was so condensed as to contain much more 
than its proportions would seem to allow; and, unlike 
most works of any kind, appeared, in the mind of the 
reader as he proceeded, to expand and shed more and 
more light. It has been said that historical works are 
always interesting. But there is an immeasurable 
diS'erence in the degrees of interest. Minute details 
often weary, and yet they often possess a w'onderful 
charm. Their success depends upon the judgment 
with which they are interwoven. Mr. Lewis's details 
are never wearying. And he had a haj)py faculty of 
introducing reflections and illustrations that opened 
extensive fields of useful thought — a faculty of inesti- 
mable value in any writer. 

Mr. Lewis took great interest in the prosperity of 
his native place, — judging by results, much greater 
than he took in his own individual advancement, — and 
did many good things that otherwise might have 
long remained undone. The construction of the road 
to Xahant, along the harbor side of the beach, was an 
enterprise carried through in a great measure by his 
exertions. For the light-house on Egg Kock we are, 
perhap.s, indebted to him more than to any other in- 
dividual. The names of old streets were suggested by 
him, and so were the names of most of the ponds and 
the romantic and picturesque places and objects about 
the woods and along the shores. The city seal was 
drawn by him ; and, in short, wc owe a debt of grati- 
tude to him for an almost countless number of useful 
labors and useful suggestions. In the mere pr(<fftssion 
of teaching, no doubt, there have been a number here 
who would rank as the superiors of Mr. Lewis, but it 
may be questioned if there has been one who, on the 
whole, has added more to the prosi)erity or done 
more to promote the refinement and elevation of our 
people. He was born in the neat little cottage 



276 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUiNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



still standing on the north side of Boston Street, 
nearly opposite Bridge, on the 28th of August, 1794. 
He obtained, chiefly by his own exertions, a very 
good education, though he was not a college graduate. 
His poetic talents were early developed, the first vol- 
ume of his poems appearing in 1823. Another and 
enlarged addition appeared in 1831. But the largest 
collection was issued after his dece-ise, in 1882, in a 
handsome volume edited by his son Ion, and formed 
a graceful tribute to his memory. The first edition of 
the " History of Lynn," by Mr. Lewis, was published 
in 1829, in four numbers ; the next edition was is- 
sued in 1844, in the form of an octavo of two hundred 
and seventy-eight pages. In 1865, four years after 
his decease, a new edition appeared, enlarged by 
newly-discovered matter, and with the annals brought 
down to the time of publication, by the writer of this 
sketch. He died in his picturesque little cottage at 
the seaside, on Beach Street, on the 21st of January, 
1861. 

At the present time the female teachers of our 
public schools far outnumber those of the other sex ; 
and it is well that it is so, for their influence on the 
young minds committed to their charge, in the lower 
schools especially, has unquestionably a most ben- 
eficial effect. But a glamour surrounds the mistress 
of old, of which she of our day is divested, distance 
of time lending its enchantment. Says Shenstone : 

*' Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow, 
Emblem right meet of decency does yield ; 

Her apron dy'd in grain, as blue, I trowe, 
As is the harebell that adorns the field ; 

And in her hand, for sceptre, she does wield 
Tway birchen sprays." . . . 

*' Albeit ne flattery did corrupt her truth, 

Ne poinpus title did debauch her ear ; 
Goody, good-woman, gossip n'aiint forsooth. 

Or dame, the sole additions she did hear ; 
Yet these she challeng'd, these she held right dear." 

And the poet's graphic delineation has other win- 
ning touches: 

" One ancient hen she took delight to feed. 

The plodding pattern of the busy dame ; 
Which ever and anon, impell'd by need, 

Into her school, begirt with chickens came ; 
Such favor did her past deportment claim ; 

And if neglect had lavish'd on the ground 
Fragment of bread, she would collect the same ; 

For well she knew, and quaintly could expound. 
What sin it were to waste the smallest crumb she found." 

There was worthy "Madame Breed," who long 
taught her little school on Water Hill, her frilled cap 
without a stain, and her manners as stately as if she 
were a queen. Some of our "best people" of the 
present day can trace their pedigree to her. She was 
mother of Andrews Breed, so long landlord of Lynn 
Hotel, in the days of its greatest glory, and grand- 
mother of our fifth mayor. 

As to the condition and comparative usefulness of 
our present schools, there have been more or less de- 
rogatory whisperings; not so much touching their 



management as the course of study ; but as that is to 
a considerable extent prescribed by law, it is so far 
beyond the regulation of those in whose hands the 
educational interests are more immediately placed. 
The boast that these primary seats of learning are 
now far superior to any heretofore known is often 
heard. But the important question is : Are they 
superior in adaptation to existing wants ? The law re- 
quires instruction in "orthography, reading, writing, 
English grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, 
the history of the LTnited States and good behaviour." 
It is highly probable that if each town could have its 
own way, or, in modern phrase, were " local option " 
permissible, this simple curriculum would in many 
places be changed, as the common pursuits in differ- 
ent localities greatly vary, rendering some studies 
much more desirable than others. Of course, each 
town must know its own wants. As a general re- 
quirement, however, perhaps the present could not be 
much improved. And the same may be said of high 
school studies, as there, in addition to those named, 
it is required that "general history, book-keeping, 
surveying, geometry, natural philosophy, chemistry, 
botany, the civil polity of the Commonwealth and of 
the United States, and the I-atin language " be taught. 

But the law does not end with the above require- 
ments. It opens a wide, permissive door through 
which numerous other studies, some of questionable 
utility, may and do intrude where the authorities allow 
or direct. It is here that danger lies, for some that 
were better kept out will occasionally, by mysterious 
influences, find their way in ; some, to say the least, 
as u.seless as necromancy. Great responsibility rests 
on school committees, and it is agreeable to be able to 
testify that Lynn has usually been fortunate in se- 
curing those who had a due sense of their responsi- 
bility and intelligence and energy sulKcient to execute 
their great trust in a way most conducive to the best 
interests of the people. 

In former years such studies were pursued as best 
prepared the pupil to meet the requirements of the 
position he was in homely honesty expected to occupy 
in after-life ; not such a position as imaginative pa- 
rental affection might picture. There is so much 
knowledge the possession of which is sure to add to 
our well-being that it seems unwise to occupy our- 
selves in efforts to gain that which is of doubtful 
utility. It has been said that all knowledge is use- 
ful, but most certainly all knowledge is not equally 
so. No one can learn everything, life not being long 
enough for that, and hence is it not the part of wis- 
dom to learn as thor.iughly as may be that which is 
indispensable or sure to be most useful ? There is an 
old maxim that speaks of the jack-at-all-trades being 
good at none, and why not apply the suggestion to 
the departments of learning? 

Are we not more prone to theorize than our practi- 
cal fathers were? more charmed with the ideal? 
But it may be asked. Is not the mind more fully de- 



LYNN. 



277 



veloped and strengthened, better disciplined and 
polished, through these modern requirements ; are not 
more extensive, beautiful and ennobling avenues of 
thought opened through such means ? This is a 
point for the wisest to discuss, and when they have 
determined it they will do well to let the world know 
the result. 

The annual reports of our .school committees are 
full and persiiicuous, and it seems as if no citizen need 
be in ignorance of the condition of every school, nor 
of the ever-growing wants of our whole educational 
system. 

The following summaries will perhaps give as much 
statistical information concerning our present 
schools as "may be thought necessary. They are for 
1886. 

Number of Schools. — 1 High School, 7 grammar 
schools, 66 primary schools, 2 evening schools, 1 even- 
ing drawing school. 

Teachers. — Whole number of teachers in day 
schools, including music teacher, drawing teacher and 
teacher of elocution, 141 ; number of teachers in even- 
ing schools, 4.5 ; number of teachers in evening draw- 
ing school, 4 ; in High School, -5 male and 6 female 
teachers ; in grammar schools, 4 male, 63 female ; 
principals' assistants, 5 ; teachers in primary schools, 
66. 

Pupils. — Average whole number of pupils belong- 
ing to all the day schools, 6415 ; average daily attend- 
ance of pupils in all the day schools, 5614 ; average 
number of pupils to a regular teacher in High 
School, 29; average number of pupils to a teacher in 
grammar schools, 42 ; average number of pupils to a 
teacher in primary schools, 5.3 ; average attendance of 
pupils in evening schools, -321 ; average attendance of 
pupils in evening drawing school, 116 ; High School 
graduates, June, 1886, 28. 

Cost of Support of Schools. — For such as are accus- 
tomed to estimate the value of things moral and intel- 
lectual, as well as material, on a pecuniary basis, it 
may be stated, iu brief, that the actual expenditure 
from the city treasury for the support of the public 
schools in 1886 was §126,905,85, which included, for 
teacher.s' salaries, $82,096.37, and for each pupil be- 
tween five and fifteen years, $16.86. The relative 
cost of the schools may be seen from the fact that the 
total expenditures of the city for the year were 
$1,014,617.80. 

Libraries. — As auxiliaries in the cause of educa- 
tion, our libraries i-hould be named . The first in- 
corporated institution of the kind in Lynn appears to 
have been the "Social Library," which was estab- 
lished in 1819, though before that there were one or 
two collections of books to which the public gener- 
ally had access; one especially, of considerable value, 
though limited in the number of volumes, near the 
close of the last century, in charge of Kev. Mr. 
Thatcher, of the First Church. The "Social Li- 
brary " was a useful institution and continued some 



thirty years under its original organization, and then 
was united to the small collection of the Natural His- 
tory Society. Its number of volumes seems never to 
have exceeded 1500. In 18.55 the "Lynn Library 
Association '' was incorporated and became custodian 
of the united collection, then numbering about 2000 
volumes. 

In 1862 the " Lynn Free Public Library" was es- 
tablished, receiving the books of the Library Associ- 
ation, with such additions from other sources as 
raised the number of volumes to 4100. Thus began 
the notable Lynn Public Library, the usefulness of 
which is too well understood to need much remark 
here. The city year by year makes liberal appropri- 
ations for its support and increase, and has been for- 
tunate in the selection of those who take special 
charge of its interests. 

There has been a steady increase in the number of 
volumes of the Public Library, and at the close of 
1885 there were 34,411 bound volumes and 4486 
pamphlets. The number of deliveries during the year 
188.5 was 85,355, and the largest number taken out in 
one day during the year was on Saturday, January 31st, 
when 951 were delivered. Receipts for the year, 
S6994.25 ; expenditures, $6974.27. Whole number of 
books purchased during the year, 888, including of 
religious works, 28 ; scientific, 61; biographical, 79; 
hi-storical, 134; prose fiction, 219. 

Of course there were, all along, as the town grew, 
small circulating libraries in the diflerent neighbor- 
hoods, and limited collections belonging to societies 
and clubs. These, together with those of the religious 
societies, furnished probably more good reading than 
was availed of in those industrious times. Charles F. 
Lummus, the first printer, for instance, had a collec- 
tion of two or throe hundred volumes in connection 
with his office, which he called the Redwood Li- 
brary. 

There have not been many large donations to our 
Public Library as yet, though from time to time books 
and other appropriate contributions have been made. 
In this respect Lynn has been less fortunate than 
many other places. But there was one opportune 
legacy which w-ill not be forgotten — that of §10,000 
from Sidney B. Pratt. Mr. Pratt was born on the 
14th of May, 1814, and died on the 29th of January, 
1869, never having been married. He wius una.ssum- 
ing in manners, liberal in idciis, diligent in business. 
Soon after the opening of the Eastern Railroad, in 
1839, he commenced the express business, in a small 
way, which, by his promptness, activity and faithlul- 
ness, grew apace into large proportions, and fiiuilly, 
under the name of "Pratt and Babb's Express," be- 
came one of the leading lines in the vicinity. The 
public estimation of him was indicated by the attend- 
ance at his funeral, which took place from the Friends' 
meeting-house, of the mayor and other members of 
the city government, and a large concourse of busi- 
ness citizens. The donation to the library was by 



278 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



will. A good likeness of him is to be seen in the 
Public Library. 

Another liberal bequest to the Public Library was 
made by Lyman F. Chase, who died January 3, 1885. 
This gift was $5000. Mr. Chase was a native of 
Lynn, and much respected as a young business mau, 
his age at the time of his decease being forty-three. 

Newspapers. — There was no newspaper published 
in Lynn till 1825. It was on the 3d of September of 
that year that the Weekly Mirror, under the proprie- 
torship of Charles Frederic Lummus, made its first 
appearance. And, as this was an event of marked 
importance in our history, something more than or- 
dinary notice may surely be proper, both of the paper 
and its proprietor. 

The appearance of the Mirror certainly was not 
brilliant, either mechanically or editorially. There 
were but nineteen lines of editorial matter in the 
whole paper. And there was no greeting to the pub- 
lic, nor allusion, in any shape, to the prospects, plans, 
or expectations of the publisher. An original tale 
occupied five of the little columns, and an original 
poem filled another. Mr. Lewis probably wrote 
both of these. Three or four advertisements appeared 
on the third page ; and the rest of the paper was made 
up of news items and short extracts. The four pages 
of the sheet — that is the printed part — were each a 
fraction less than nine inches by eleven in size; the 
type was much worn, the ink poor, the paper coarse 
and dingy. The size of the type was long primer, 
excepting about one column of brevier and two of 
pica. And, on the whole, the expectant public can 
hardly be charged with undue fastidiousness for fail- 
ing to bestow very high encomiums on this new-born 
child of the press. Mr. Lummus told the writer, 
among other things, while recounting the experiences 
of that eventful period, that he sent a copy to the 
New England Oalarij, then under the charge of Mr. 
Buckingham, requesting an exchange, but received 
his own back, with the second E in the word Week- 
ly changed to an A. The fifth number appeared in 
a somewhat enlarged form. The same width of col- 
umn was preserved, but some five inches were added 
to the length, making a paper of much better shape. 
But this was done without boasting or any flourish of 
trumpets. There was not a line of editorial on the sub- 
ject; norwasthere, indeed, a line on any subject, in that 
number. Two of the columns were in pica ; and the use 
of that large type was continued, to some extent, for 
a long time, he, the publisher, taking all suitable op- 
l)ortunities to gravely assure his readers that it was 
for the benefit of the aged people, whose eyes were 
dim; and many thanks did he receive for his kind- 
ness. The Mirror was first printed in a small wooden 
building, on the west side of Market Street, just 
where Tremont Street now opens. But in ibur or five 
years the office was removed to another small building, 
at the west end of the Common, the most active busi- 
ness of the town at that time being centred there. 



For a considerable time the Mirror could boast of 
but little in quantity, in an editorial way, though 
what there was, was very good in quality ; and it 
soon became a very readable paper, for, as the proprie- 
tor gathered confidence and became more experienced, 
he displayed most excellent taste and judgment in 
his selections. He had an open eye for the. substan- 
tial and useful as well as the exciting and entertain- 
ing, and was diligent in looking up matters of local 
interest. And his brief remarks were often strikingly 
comprehensive. He seldom attempted an article 
more than a square or two in length, and was never 
guilty of spreading over half a column what might 
just as well be expressed in twenty lines. 

Mr. Lummus was very social in his disposition; was 
acquainted with everybody ; was an accomplished mu- 
sician, and something of a military man. He likewise 
interested himself in political aftiiirs, but was too 
honest to gain a reputation for stability as a partisan. 
In all intellectual and recreative enterprises, from 
the dignified lyceum to the jovial chowder party, he 
was ready and active, and hence frequently found 
himself in a situation where he was able to pick up 
matter for useful or amusing " squizzles," as he termed 
his short articles. And he was able in a short time 
to gather around him quite a number of very accept- 
able correspondents. 

Mr. Lummus earned for himself the popular nick- 
name of "Philosopher" in a rather amusing manner. 
Lawyer Gates being in the oflice one day, abruptly 
inquired, " Charles, what does the F. in your name 
stand for?" "Philosopher," was the instantaneous 
response. The ready wit so struck the old gen- 
tleman that he at once gave currency to the sell-be- 
stowed sobriquet. 

He had a strange propensity to frequently change 
the appearance of his paper. Every little while his 
sheet would appear, perhaps with a new head, a dif- 
ferent width of column, or some fancilul display of or- 
namental type. His means were limited, and his 
office but poorly supplied with materials. An an- 
cient Ramage press, which looked as if Franklin 
might have worked at it, a small font of second- 
hand long primer, a little brevier, and a very few lit- 
tle fonts of small ornamental letter, with a case of 
pica and a few pounds of great primer, were almost 
everything he had. His three stands were so aged as 
to totter on their legs, and his galleys were warped or 
cracked. The only large type in the office for years 
were two or three alphabets of four-line pica an- 
tique capitals, which served for the heading of hand- 
bills, and at one time for the heading of his 
paper. With such a fitting out, he could not, of 
course, be expected to turn out any very elegant 
specimens of the art. But at that time such displays 
in job printing as are now made were not thought of 
In March, 1832, the writer purchased his whole es- 
tablishment for two hundred dollars, paying quite as 
much as it was worth. He had, however, in the mean 



LYNN. 



279 



time procured a small font of new long primer, and 
sent off the old press, hiring a small iron one. 

As to the success of the Mirror, it may in brief be 
stated that small returns rewarded hard labor. The 
number of subscribers was about four hundred — 
sometimes running a little below, but seldom above. 
The amount of work in the office — ;jobs, newspaper 
and all — could l)e done by the publisher and one 
hand. But at first, in a corner of his office, and after- 
ward in a separate room, Mr. Lumraus kept a shop 
with a small stock of stationery and fancy articles, 
such as are usually sold in a country book-store. A 
few musical instruments likewise formed a part of his 
stock, and he would frequently, in times of the great- 
est hurry, abruptly drop his composing stick to per 
form a solo on one of them, much to the discomfiture 
of his journeyman. Indeed he did not possess quite 
so strong an attachment for manual labor as for some 
other pursuits. lie was fond of considering the mat- 
ter in a philosophical way, and would sometimes re- 
mark, " Well, I guess I won't work too hard to-day, lest 
I should have nothing to do to-morrow," which remark 
was the sure precursor of a ride, a walk or an interval 
of repose over a book. There was a vein of humor, 
without the sting of sarcasm, running through his con- 
versation, and he much loved a harmless practical joke. 

He had an original way of ridding himself of idlers 
and such disagreeable company as quartered in his 
ofBce: it was, to immediately set them at some dis- 
agreeable work. No matter who the individual might 
be, old or young, high or low, he would be called to 
go for a pail of water, sweep the floor, or perform 
gome other equally dignified service, a plausible ex- 
cuse always accompanying the request ; and when one 
thing was done another was ready to be commenced 
on, until the victim was wearied out. A gentleman 
of the first respectability was once seen rolling at the 
press with a hand-roller, his clothes, hands and 
sweaty brow all bedaubed with ink, while Mr. Luni- 
mus W.1S pulling on with all possible speed, to pre- 
vent any opportunity for rest, his countenance wear- 
ing the gravity of a sphinx. His financial ability 
was not of a high order, and he was, moreover, of 
quite a liberal turn. So it is hardly probable that 
had his income been ever so great he would have be- 
come rich. He would occasionally hire a horse and 
wagon, and occupy perhaps half a day in going to 
Salem to procure two reams of paper. The writer 
was informed by a neighbor of his that he called at 
his place one forenoon, urging him, in great haste, to 
ride with him to Boston, whither he was bound, in a 
chaise, alone. It being a pleasant day, the invitation 
was accepted. On reaching the city he drove di- 
rectly to a famous restaurant, and called for some fa- 
vorite viand, which was speedily before them. As 
soon as the meal was disposed of, Mr. Lummus 
arose, and, with an air of great satisfaction patting 
the natural receptacle of all good dinners, informed 
his friend that he was ready to start for home. 



In the matter of dre.ss Jlr. Lummus was far from 
being a successful imitator of Brummel, though he was 
always decently clad. The exterior habiliments, how- 
ever, were not usually in exact keeping with the in- 
terior ; for sometimes within his muddy and ungainly 
cow-hide boots he wore delicate silk stockings. And 
beneath his shaggy coat, of dingy-white and ancient 
fashion, was perhaps underwear of the finest linen. 

He occasionally conceived strange antipathies and 
prejudices which would sometimes exhibit them- 
selves in a manner rather amusing than offensive. 
Seeing him once seize the list of the carrier for the 
eastern part of the town, and begin eagerly to cross off 
names, the writer asked him if so many wished to stop 
their papers. " I don't care whether they do or not," 
he replied, " but if they want it any longer they've got 
to move out of Woodland to get it." As some of his 
best friends — among them Mr. Lewis and Mr. Curtin 
— lived in that section, it seemed odd that he should 
have conceived such a prejudice. 

Like most editors, he was fond of having his paper 
talked about, and loved much now and then to create 
a sensation. To that end he would occasionally con- 
centrate in one of his little paragraphs enough material 
to serve most editors for a column — charging a perfect 
little bomb-shell — perhaps offensive from its personal 
application, or roughly divulging some private matter. 

Like most editors, too, he was pleased to see his arti- 
cles going the rounds of the press ; and he knew well 
how to accomplish the end by inserting that which, 
from its bare oddity, would be snapped up. For in- 
stance, he, upon one calm summer morning startled 
the community with the bold announcement, — 
"Huckleberries is ripe." And the press all over the 
country echoed his announcement. It was customary 
in former days, as well as now, for people to complain 
of the dilatoriness of the Legislature. And Mr. Lum- 
mus once issued his paper with tlie usual conspicuous 
heading, "Legislative Proceedings," in one of its 
columns, followed by a long blank space. It was 
thought to be a good joke ; but he said the best of the 
joke was that it saved the setting of so many types. 

The Mirror was discontinued in March, 1832, 
the proprietor having become involved, and the 
income not meeting the expenses. In the summer of 
the same year he published the first Directory of 
Lynn. It was a small 12mo, of seventy pages, with 
paper covers, and contained such information as is 
usually found in publications of the kind. 

Mr. Lummus now passed some four years without 
any regular, settled employment. He worked a little 
at printing, kept a circulating library for a short time, 
had one or two classes in French and several in music. 
His plan in teaching French was to learn a lesson 
one day and teach it the next, thus keeping one step 
ahead of his pupils, and so near them as to see all the 
difficulti&s of the way — so he said — and his success 
was so satisfactory that one largo class made him a 
valuable present. 



280 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



There is no doubt that Mr. Luinmug did much to 
awaken and foster a love for literature and other re- 
fining influences in the little community, and that we 
of the present generation owe a debt of gratitude for 
that. In the columns of his little paper the writings of 
Miss Fuller, Enoch Curtin, Solomon Moulton and 
quite a number of others first appeared. And Mr. 
Lewis was a contributor to its columns as long as it 
existed. He was in some sort a literary " head-cen- 
tre," and his quaint and unpretentious criticisms 
doubtless had much influence in rectifying the style 
of inexperienced writers. Many times has the writer 
heard him remark, in his serio-comic undertone, 
while looking over a manuscript and ruthlessly draw- 
ing his expunging pen through passages, no doubt, 
thought by the writer to be the most brilliant : " There 
is a flower without any smell ; " or, " There is no nub 
to that." 

Early in 1838 the health of Mr. Lummus began 
seriously to fail ; and it was not long before he was 
compelled to take to his room and then to his bed. 
The writer often visited him then, for, being in sick- 
ness and adversity, he was neglected by most of those 
who, in his brighter days, had been cheered by his 
friendship. He was usually cheerful, for his Christian 
faith was strong, and he seemed to feel no regret at 
the near approach of death. But to the last his nat- 
ural eccentricities would occasionally exhibit them- 
selves. One afternoon, just before his death, the bell 
happened to toll for a funeral. He heard it and re- 
marked, " There, there is that old bell again ; well, it 
will toll for me in a fewdays. I suppose," without any 
apparent conception that it would strike one as an 
unseemly remark. At another time he was found 
sitting up eating a piece of toast, and, in reply to the 
inquiry as to how he felt, said : " Oh, your grandsir 
will be well enough in a few days, I guess." But after 
he had retired, and one was at his bed-side to bid him 
good-night, he explained by saying that his remark 
might have savored of levity ; that it had reference to 
his death, which would probably take place in a few 
days; and he certainly trusted that all would be well 
with him. 

It was on the 20th of April, 1838, at the age of 
thirty-seven, that Mr. Lummus closed his life. He 
had marked singularities of character, but always 
proved so fast a friend and agreeable companion that 
he was universally beloved. And he had such an hon- 
esty of purpose, and strong desire to " do a little good 
in the world," as he expressed it, that his memory is 
more worthy of being cherished than many of higher 
pretensions and greater renown. Says Mr. Lewis : 
" He was an excellent musician, and a choice spirit. 
Few young men in Lynn were ever more extensively 
beloved or more deserved to be. But thou art dead I 
' Alas ! poor Yorick ! ' Thine is a loss to be thought 
about, and thou shalt long live in our love." 

Such was the beginning of printing in Lynn ; such 
the first printer and his outfit; such the first news- 



paper, its character and success. Since that time 
many papers have arisen, flourished for a time and 
passed away ; but there has hardly ever been a period 
without one or two respectable journals. At the 
present time (1887) we have the following: 

The Lynn Reporter (weekly), established in 1854. 

The Lynn City Item (weekly), established in 1876. 

Daily Evening Item, established in 1877. 

The Lynn Bee (daily), established in 1880. 

They are all on the high road of prosperity, in a 
pecuniary way, each being far in advance of all the 
others, according to their individual claims. But then, 
money-making is, of course, a mere secondary matter 
with the worthy publishers. And as to editorial 
management, it may be remarked that every sheet 
bears evidence that not one of the editors would 
reasonably be expected, in the accustomed modesty of 
the craft, to deny that he is the ablest of the entire 
brotherhood. Commendation, however, is needless 
here, and criticism would be unbecoming. 

There are a number of book and job offices, besides 
the offices at which newspapers are printed. And the 
work turned out is quite equal in accuracy and ele- 
gance to that done elsewhere in the commonwealth. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

LYNN— ( Continued). 
INDUSTRIAL TURSUIT.S. 

Iron Workit, First in America— Phinting and Fishing — Ciolli Manufacture 
— The Great Shoe and Leather Trade ; its Kistotij and Presejtt Condition — 
Other Mannfactures — statistics Pertaining to the Different Trades, Inter- 
spersed. 



•' Earth is tlie work-ehop of mankind. 

And we're all workers here, 

With busy hand or busy mind, 

Each in his destined sphere. 

Work'-s higher wage — content and health — 

Ita lesser — luxury and wealth." 



In a very short time after the settlement of Lynn 
was commenced, mechanics of the few kinds neces- 
sary to supply the limited wants of the people ap- 
peared. Even before the Colonial Patent was re- 
moved to New England, which was in August, 1629, 
the company at home were careful to see that a suffi- 
cient number of skilled artificers were sent over. 

Ironworks. — The first undertaking of general im- 
portance was the establishment of the iron works on 
the border of Saugus River. These works were com- 
menced as early as 1643, and formed an enterprise 
worthy of more extended notice than can be attempted 
here. The undertaking was one of unquestionable 
importance, not only to the narrow circle of settlers in 
this immediate vicinity, but to the whole country. It 
may, indeed, like many other great projects, have 
been induced and fostered by hopes of pecuniary gain 



LYNN. 



281 



to those directly concerned ; but certain it is thiit it 
resulted in great general good, thongh it ended in 
financial disaster and vexation in individual instances. 
Yet, after all, it is by no means certain that individ- 
ual selfishness was the mainspring of the scheme. The 
Massachusetts Compiny evidently realized the im- 
pc rtance of such works to the settlers, for before the re- 
moval of the patent the subject was earnestly dis- 
cussed, and at a meeting in London, March 2, 1G28- 
29, an agreement seems to have been made with a Mr. 
Malbon, "he having skyll in iron works," to come 
hither on a prospecting tour. 

These works at Lynn have been spoken of a-t the 
first in America; but the claim that those at Brain- 
tree were the first is not forgotten. After patient re- 
search, however, the writer is convinced that the claim 
cannot be substantiated. Mr. Malbon is known to 
have been here as early as October, 1629, and seems 
first to have settled at Salem. Now Braintree is some 
twenty-five miles away, and that distance, in the al- 
most entire absence of roads, was a serious matter. 
Why, then, should he have gone so fiir away, and into 
another jurisdiction, when ore could be found so near 
at hand as Saugus ? 

It is evident that some of the workmen at Braintree 
were previously employed in Lynn, among them 
Henry Leonard, who came over in 1(342, to engage in 
the Lynn works. But after all, a priority of two or 
three years in the establishment of such a business is 
of little importance, though it is well to be exact, con- 
sidering that sometimes other and material facts may 
be dependent. 

It is apparent that though the Lynn Iron Works 
were not sustained by local capital — for there was 
little here^some of our leading men were active in 
promoting their establishment. Eobert Bridges, for 
instance, in 1642, took specimens of the ore to Eng- 
land, and was, in truth, instrumental in forming the 
company. And Thomas Dexter, who owned some of 
the land in which the ore was found also took a lively 
interest in the enterprise. It is, therefore, unjust to 
call it a mere English speculation. The people of 
Lynn did what they could to help along the busi- 
ness. 

Smelting, forging and casting were carried on at 
these works, as well as blacksmithing and various 
other branches of metal work. And it is singular 
that there was not better success. One or two inven- 
tions cf a very useful kind were perfected by some of 
those employed here ; notably by Joseph Jenks, who 
delighted the farmers with a greatly-improved scythe, 
or " engine to cut grass," as the court called it. Here 
were also made, as Mr. Lewis states, by the same in- 
genious Mr. Jenk.s, the dies for the famous pine tree 
coins of 16o2. In 1654 the authorities of Boston 
agreed with Mr. Jenks " for an Ingine to carry water 
in case of fire," which is said to be the first fire-en- 
gine in America. There must at one time have beer' 
a good deal of business, for that period, carried on at 
18i 



the works, as Winthrop, in a letter dated Se|)tember 
30, 1648, says, " The furnace runs eight tons per week, 
and their bar iron is as good as Spanish." The ore 
was obtained in the vicinity, and was of the kind 
called bog ore. 

The site of the works was in a sheltered vale on the 
border of the river, in what is now the centre village 
of Saugus; and a picturesque little hamlet called 
Hammersmith grew up apace. Henry Leonard and 
his brother James worked here, and their descend- 
ants have to this day been identified with the iron 
manufacture, not only of New England, but the whole 
country. From the humble beginning of these Lynn 
works has developed the enormous iron trade of the 
present day. Skilled workmen went from here 
from time to time, and established themselves 
in different parts ; and their children and children's 
children, adepts in the same calling, borne on the 
waves of population as they spread over the land, are 
still easily identified as of the old Lynn stock. 

As before intimated, these iron works were not a 
financial success. There was very little ready money 
in the colony ; and though the manufectured articles 
were sold at a very reasonable rate for coin, yet, as 
the General Court curtly told the company, an axe at 
twelve pence was not cheap to one who had no twelve 
pence to buy. And again, they had not been long in 
operation when they became involved in vexatious 
and expensive lawsuits. Hubbard says, " Instead of 
drawing out bars of iron for the country's use, there 
were hammered out nothing but contentions and law- 
suits." They seem to have gained the ill-will of many 
of their neighbors, had difficulties about flowage, 
about contracts for wood, and so on. And a most 
remarkable prejudice appears to have arisen from the 
apprehension that they would consume so much wood 
that fuel would become scarce. They, however, con- 
tinued in a sort of lingering consumption for many 
years, when the fires of the forges went out never to 
be relighted, the begrimed workmen departed never 
to return, and the chief tangible marks of their exist- 
ence now remaining are two or three grass-grown hil- 
locks of scoria, called by the people of the neighbor- 
hood the " cinder banks." Curious visitors sometimes 
dig through the thin soil that covers the slag and fre- 
quently find bits of charcoal as fresh as when ejected 
from the sooty portals, and occasionally a piece of 
iron casting. 

In the description of New England by Samuel 
Maverick, recently discovered by Mr. Waters in the 
British archives, and probably written in 1660, ap- 
pears the following: "Five miles westward (from 
Marblehead, 'the greatest town for ffisliing in New 
England') lyeth theTowneof Lynne along by the sea 
side, and two miles above it, within the bounds of it. 
are the greatest Iron works erected for the most part 
at the charge of some Merchants and Gentlemen here 
residing, and cost them about 14000£, who were, as it 
is conceived, about six years since Injuriously oulted 



282 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of them to the great prejuclice of the Country and 
Owners." So it .seems Mr. Maverick recognized their 
value; and he must have been familiar with their 
whole history, for he came over as early as 1G24, at 
the age of twenty-two, and settled on Noddle's 
Island, now East Boston, which the General Court 
granted to him in 1633 — a fact which indicates an ap- 
preciation of his character and services, notwithstand- 
ing the deep prejudice that prevailed on account of 
his being a zealous Episcopalian. 

It may be thought that the most proper place for a 
notice of these works would be in the sketch of Sau- 
gus, as they were actually within the present limits 
of that town ; and no doubt the worthy gentleman 
who furnishes the sketch of that place will give them 
suitable attention. But there was no settlement of 
the name Saugus during their existence, nor for a 
hundred years after. They are always spoken of on 
the records as of Lynn. While it is of little moment 
on which side of the present line they were situated, 
it may be thought that their importance entitles 
them to some notice in both places. They were the 
first considerable mechanical industry established 
here. Craftsmen there were in sufficient numbers 
and variety to supply all local needs, and that was. 
about all. 

After the now historical iron works on Saugus 
Kiver were abandoned there seems to have been no 
attempt at iron-working liere for almost two centuries, 
unless blacksmithing be called such. It was in 1843 
that Theophilus N. Breed built a factory on Oak 
Street for the manufacture of shoemaker's tools and 
for various kinds of castings, erecting a dam and 
forming what has ever since been known as Breed's 
Pond, a description of which has already been given. 
After a few years, however, Mr. Breed relinquished 
the business, and the pond finally became the proper- 
ty of the city, and yet forms one of the chief sources 
of our public water supply, as well as a pleasing fea- 
ture of the landscape, surrounded as it is by romantic 
hills and woods. 

Planting and Flshing. — Planting and fishing 
were Indeed the chief dependence for many years. 
And they insured a comfortable livelihood, so that 
the people hereabout were, in a sort, independent 
from the beginning. The land, however, was not very 
favorable for husbandry, though the sea yielded an 
abundance of valuable manuring matter ; and in later 
years, as the cost of labor increased, farming ceased 
to be profitable, till it has now been well-nigh aban- 
doned. 

The flshing was at first confined to what is now 
known as dory-fishing, and was chiefly carried on 
from Swampscott. The little boats of the settlers, 
like the skifl's of the Indians, merely ventured into 
the ofling. But there was no need of going farther, 
as the fish were abundant near the shore. It was not 
till 1795 that the first jigger, so called, a sail craft of 
some twenty tons, was procured. But from that time 



the business increased, affording ample maintenance 
to many and fortunes to some. The fishermen here 
have promptly availed themselves of every new dis- 
covery and improvement in the prosecution of their 
calling and been alert in taking advantage of propi- 
tious tides. 

Shell-fish have always been taken in great quanti- 
ties along the shore, and many an indigent family 
have found that the clam banks never refused a lib- 
eral discount. 

The lobster trade, too, has been one of very consid- 
erable profit, though it has of late years been so vig- 
orously pursued that fears have arisen lest the dainty 
Crustacea may be exterminated. As before remarked, 
the flshing was chiefly carried on at Swampscott, 
which was a part of Lynn till 1852. And, as the 
writer, when preparing the proposed sketch of that 
town, will nece.<sarily have something to say about 
the fisheries, but little need be added here. 

An idea of the extent of the lobster yield on our 
coast may be gathered from the fact that during the 
year ending May 1, 1805, there were taken at Nahaut 
150,000, and at Swampscott 37,000. The average val- 
ue, as taken from the traps, was six cents each. Since 
that time the annual catch has gradually diminished. 
And under the apprehension that the species may be- 
come extinct, as just stated, the Legislature has been 
invoked for their protection. But one would think 
there could not be much danger in that direction, as 
piscatory naturalists assure us that a single female 
lobster will lay 42,000 eggs in a year. It must be, 
then, that there are " denizens of the deep " as fond as 
we of the savory food. 

The district of Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott re- 
turned, as the product of their flsheries for the quarter 
ending December 3, 1880, as follows : Codflsh, cured, 
300,000 pounds; mackerel, 400,000 pounds; herring, 
salted, 100,000 pounds ; lobsters, 7000 pounds ; fresh 
fish, daily catch, 315,000 pounds; fish oil, 3200 gal- 
lons. Total value, $44,141.50. 

A brief quotation from William Wood's quaint de- 
scription of what he saw in 1631 may close what is 
needful just here about the fisheries: "Northward 
up this river [the Saugus] goes great store of alewives, 
of which they make good red herrings ; insomuch 
that they have been at charges to make them a wayre 
and a herring-house to dry these herrings in. The 
last year were dried some 4 or 5 last [150 barrels] for 
an experiment, which proved very good. This is like 
to prove a great enrichment to the land, being a sta- 
ple commodity in other countries, for there be such 
innumerable companies in every river that I have 
seen ten thousand taken in two hours, by two men, 
without any weire at all saving a few stones to stop 
their passage up the river. There likewise come store 
of basse, which the English and Indians catch with 
hooke and line, some fifty or three score at a tide. . . . 
Here is a great deal of rock, cod and macrill, inso- 
much that shoales of basse have driven up shoales of 



LYNN. 



283 



macrill, from one end of the sandy beach to the 
other, which the inhabitants have gathered up in 
wlieelbarrows." Alewives still go up the fresh-water 
streams for a few weeks in the spring to spawn in the 
ponds; especially do they swarm in Strawberry Brook 
on their way to Flax Pond ; but they are not now 
esteemed so highly for food as formerly. There are 
but few bass, some rock cod and occasionally great 
(juantities of mackerel. The habits of the latter, 
however, are so peculiar that different seasons show 
very different accounts. 

Cloth MANUFACTrRE. — In 172(i the Salem Court 
awarded to Nathaniel Potter, of Lynn, £13 15.<. forthe 
manufacture of three pieces of linen. It is not clear 
what kind of cloth this was, but is very likely to have 
been what was afterwards known as " tow cloth." 
Certain it is that flax was raised here in considerable 
quantities. The fine pond near our northeastern border, 
known as Flax Pond, received its name, as mentioned 
in the description already given, from the circum- 
stance that much of the flax was rotted there. The 
tow cloth, as it came from the family haud-loom, was 
not regarded as a very genteel fabric, but its durabil- 
ity could not be questioned, and after being whitened 
it was fair, though not so smooth and soft as one of 
this day would desire for an innermost garment. The 
raising of flax and manufacture of tow cloth has long 
since been discontinued. 

In the early times of the settlement sheep were 
raised to some extent, and of course the fleeces were 
by the thrifty dames wrought into comfortable cloth- 
ing. But the whir of the spinning-wheel and click of 
the hand-loom have long since ceased to be heard. 

Shoes asp Leather. — Shoes. — The history of 
shoes and shoe-making seems always to have had a 
peculiar interest. Workers at the craft appeared at 
an early period of the world, for it was necessary to 
protect the feet from the arid sands of the torrid zone 
and the frosty plains of the frigid. The earliest cov- 
ering of the feet in the one case was no doubt the 
sandal, manufactured from some vegetable production, 
and in the other, the moccasin, made of uncurried 
skin. Sandals are still worn in the ea.stern countries, 
though light shoes seem generally preferred. The 
manufacture of shoes in those countries is conducted 
in the same primitive style that was in practice here 
in our early days, though the sewing-machine and 
other revolutionizing contrivances are being intro- 
duced. The writer, while threading his way through 
one of the narrow old streets of Algiers, two or three 
years since, came across a shop in which were half a 
dozen shoemakers busily at work on the same kind 
of low seat used in the Lynn shops of sixty years 
ago, knee-stirrup, lapstone and broad-face hammer, 
fulfilling their duties as of yore. So natural did the 
whole look that a pause wa.s involuntarily made; but 
though the jolly workers seemed not averse to have a 
chat, the difficulties of language rendered the com- 
munication very limited. In the same city a French- 



man was seen l)U3ily at work on an .\merican sewing- 
machine. 

Of all the industries of Lynn, the manufacture of 
shoes ha-s taken the lead for many years; but it was 
not till the middle of the last century that she began 
to be known, to any marked extent, in that line of 
business. Nor is it certain that there was any special 
inducement for the establishment of the business 
here, though the manufacture of leather, which was 
engaged in to some extent in the earliest times, may 
have had something to do with it. Edward Johnson, 
of Woburn, writing in 1().51, speaks of a Shoemakers' 
Corporation in Lyun,and Mr. Lewis remarks that the 
papers relating to it were unfortunately lost, "having 
probably been destroyed by the mob in 1765." But 
it must have been an insignificant association. And 
what reason there was for supposing that the papers, 
if any really existed, were destroyed in the Stamp 
Act riot, is not known. It seems more probable that 
they would have been destroyed in the disorderly 
times of Andros; but more probable still that they 
never had any papers. 

Edmund Bridges and Philip Kirtland are usually 
spoken of as the first shoemakers here. They came 
in lfi3.5. But John Adam Dagyr, a Welshman, who 
came in 1750, seems to have raised the humble 
occupation almost to the rank of a fine art. He took 
great pains to excel ; and, it is said, imported the 
most elegant shoes from Europe, and dissected them 
for the purpose of discovering the hidden mystery of 
their elegance. This, however, appears to have been 
done before, but without the desired effect. Shoe- 
makers from all parts of the town, says Mr. Lewis, 
went to him for information ; and he is called in tlie 
Boston Gazette of 1704 " the celebrated shoemaker of 
Essex." From this time Lynn took rank as the fore- 
most place for the manufacture of ladies' shoes in all 
New England — indeed, in all the provinces. But i\Ir. 
Dagyr, in a pecuniary way at least, never profited 
much by his skill and labor. The writer has been 
told by one who knew him well that he lived in a 
homely way, was not very neat in his dress and did 
not keep his little shop, which was on Boston Street, 
near where Carnes now opens, in the neatest order ; 
in short, that he fell into such habits as were not 
conducive to a thrifty life. He finally became so 
destitute as to make his hoiue in the almshouse, and 
there he died in 1808. Kirtland Street, in the west- 
erjy part of the city, and Kirtland Block, in Union 
Street, perpetuate the name of the earlier craftsman, 
Pliilip Kirtland, and so, iu its wav, does the Kirtland 
Hotel, in Summer Street. But as yet no such honor 
has been bestowed on the name of Dagyr, unless a 
wild spot in the domain of the Free Public Forest 
Association, lately consecrated to his memory, be 
taken as such. 

At the time of Dagyr's arrival, 1750, there were 
but three men in Lynn who carried on the business 
to such extent as to employ journeymen; and these 



284 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



were William Gray (grandfather of the rich mer- 
chant, so extensively known by the inelegant sobri- 
quet of" Billy Gray "), John Mansfield and Benjamin 
Newhall ; the latter, the writer is pleased in being 
able to say, was his great-grandfather. 

Down to the Revolution the business moved on- 
ward, but its progress was slow. And during the 
war, like most other matters of trade, it was sadly 
depressed. Soon after the return of peace it began 
to show renewed strength, and was presently recog- 
nized as the leading employment of the place. Some 
of the shrewd business men seeming to have a proph- 
etic vision of the position it was destined to occupy 
in future years, vigorously set about placing its inter- 
ests on as firm a footing as possible. Several ener- 
getic workers to that end are more worthy of being 
remembered than some others who are extolled as 
public benefactors. There was Ebenezer Breed, a 
native of the town. He made himself acquainted 
with all that was to be learned in Lynn, and while 
yet a young man went to Philadelphia, where he en- 
gaged in a profitable business connected with the 
trade here. In 179:2 he visited Europe, and not 
only sent over quantities of the better and most fash- 
ionable kinds of shoe stock, but also some skilled 
workmen to instruct the operatives at home in the 
more elegant mysteries of the art. He seemed de- 
termined to prove that as fine and substantial shoes 
could be made in Lynn as in Europe, and he suc- 
ceeded. But the business in a measure languished, 
for shoes could be imported from England and France 
and sold cheaper than the manufacturers here could 
turn them out. Finding such to be the condition of 
things, Mr. Breed, in conjunction with some others in 
the trade at Philadelphia, set about endeavoring to 
induce Congress, which then held its sessions in that 
city, to impose a duty on imported shoes sufticieut to 
protect the home manufacture. They resorted to a 
little shrewd management to efiect their purpose. 
Among other schemes a dinner party was given, for 
they well knew that an appeal to the stomach is in 
many cases more irresistible than an appeal to the 
head. Sundry members of Congress were invited to 
the banquet, as well as divers charming ladies, among 
the latter the fascinating Quaker widow, Dolly Todd, 
once Dolly Payne, and afterward Mrs. President 
Madison. Mr. Madison himself, who was an influen- 
tial member of Congress, was also there. One or two 
of the ladies appear to have been aware of the ulter- 
ior purpose of the party, and not averse to assisting 
in making it a success. It need only be added that 
a very satisfactory act was passed, and Lynn rose on 
the event. Perhaps facts like these may partially 
account for the pertinacity with which our people 
have all along adhered to the protective tarifl" system. 
Poor human nature is such that self-interest has 
much to do with shaping principles. 

Without attempting to follow the progress of the 
trade into minute details, it may be well to state a 



few facts that will enable one to judge of its growth. 
In 1810 there were manufactured here just about 
1,000,000 pairs, and they amounted in value to 
$800,000. The earnings of the female binders reached 
$50,000. Twenty years later, that is in 18.30, the 
number of jmirs made was, in round numbers, 1,670,- 
000, Lynnfield having been set oft' in 1814 and Sau- 
gus in 1815. Twenty-five years later, that is, in 1855, 
the number of pairs is found to have been 9,275,593, 
Swampscott having been set off' in 1852 and Nahant 
in 1853. From 1865 to 1875 there were made, on an 
average, not less than 10,000,000 pairs a year, of the 
average value of $1.20 a pair. 

But a statement of the condition of the shoe trade 
at the present time would no doubt be most interest- 
ing as well as useful, and it is proposed to attempt it 
with some fullness. 

Colonel Wright, in his synopsis of the last United 
States Census, gives 

The number of shoe factories in Lynn as 174 

The average number of employees as 10,708 

Capital invested • 84,2G3,25U 

W^ages paid in one year 4,93I,fi30 

Stock used 12,918,221 

Value of product 20,916,867 

Gross profit 3,1197,206 

Estimated interest and expenses 2,350,4y2 

Netprofit or loss 746,814 

Average yearly product per employee 1,056 

Average yearly net profit per employee 70 

Average yearly earnings for each employee 461 

Percentage men employed 71.7 

Percentage women employed 28. 

Percentage children employed .3 

These latest published figures show that $668,280 
more were paid in wages, in a single year, than the 
total capital invested. Equally remarkable is the 
high yearly average of earnings for each employee, 
which, it should be remembered, is the average for 
men, women and children. It is also satisfactory to 
learn that less than one-third of one per cent, of all 
Lynn shoe employees are children. The careful at- 
tention given, in recent years, to collecting statistics 
of employees and wages makes the reports of statisti- 
cal bureaus unusually interesting and instructive. In- 
dustrial information is eagerly sought, and an especial 
interest has centred in examining the progress of the 
shoe industry, because of its wonderful development 
and because that development is the result of Ameri- 
can ingenuity. 

Although the shoe business has such a powerful 
hold on the every-day life of the people of Lynn, lofty 
shoe factories do not, by any means, constitute the 
whole of Lynn's wealth and enterprise. Wherever 
factories of any kind are located, there naturally 
spring up a score of subsidiary industries engaged in 
producing articles which may be used as component 
parts of a staple product. Lynn, rich in its hundreds 
of large and small supply factories, which furnish al- 
most everything from tacks, boxes and blacking, to 
the beautifully finished kid skins of the great morocco 
factories, is not an exception. From sumac-filled 



LYNN. 



285 



vats, sunk deep in the ground, up five and six stories, 
the city is devoted to every department of its eliosen 
industry. Above ground and below ground tlie busi- 
ness centre of the city is thoroughly dedicated to pro- 
ductiveness. 

To speak of leather-scented Lynn is almost to speak 
the literal truth. From tall chimneys, which stand 
above ponderous boilers and powerful engines, pours 
forth the smoke of leather shavings and leather re- 
fuse, swept from the busy workrooms. Thus every- 
thing serves its purpose. Hundreds of leather-shaping 
machines furnish ton upon ton of fuel for the great 
boilers. As moisture from vegetation is taken up by 
the sun, and formed into clouds which pour forth rain 
to increa-e the same vegetation, so old leather as^sists 
in the manufacture of new leather. Every piece of 
discarded leather has a value. Thin shavings are 
pasted and pressed into some new form, fibrous pieces 
are ground into leather board, and even a ton of fac- 
tory sweepings has a marketable value. Thus from 
the time the tanner sells the hair shaved from the 
skin, to the time the skin is cut and split into a 
thousand pieces, every particle has a use and value. 

The activity and bustle of Lynn people is, in no 
small measure, due to association with swiftly-moving 
machinery. Indeed, it is almost impossible to work 
with people who are always in a hurry to keep up 
with machinery without catching the same habit. 
There is nothing lazy about Lynn. It is distinctively 
a city of workers when there is work to do. There 
are, unfortunately, seasons of the year when trade is 
at a low ebb, and there is therefore a necessity for 
making the most of it when the factories are in mo- 
tion. There are two busy seasons, one during Janu- 
ary, February and March, when summer goods are 
manufactured, the other during July, August and 
September, when winter goods aremanul:icture<l. The 
Western market generally requires goods earliest, the 
Baltimore and Southern market next, the Philadel- 
phia, New York and New England markets latest. 
Western wholesale buyers order sample pairs of the 
next summer's styles as early as the preceding Octo- 
ber, and for winter wear as early as the preceding 
March. I;?unimer is as much a preparation for winter, 
and winter for summer, in shoe manufacturing, as in 
any other gre.vt industry. Although six months in 
the year probably comprise the busy seasons, yet there 
are often factories which run exceptionally steady 
through the greater part of the year. In fact, there 
is some trade in every factory every week in the year, 
as samples, sample orders and duplicate orders fill up 
a great amount of time between the seasons. The un- 
certainty of constant employment calls for good wages, 
so that during the busy season operatives earn a hand- 
some sum, which, if it could only be continued 
throughout the year, would make the trade of shoe- 
making very desirable. The dull times, however, put 
the annual income at no more than a supporting av- 
erage. 



The conduct and ownership of Lynn factories is 
decidedly different from that of most manufacturing 
cities. In the large mill cities especially the facto- 
ries are owned by corporations, and often only a 
small percentage of the stock is owned by residents. 
The profits of the corporation are paid to non-resi- 
dents, who may have little interest in the city's pros- 
perity. Not so in Lynn. Lynn is almost wholly 
owned by Lynn residents. Wages and profits alike 
contribute to the city's advancement. There are no 
stock corporations, but every firm manages its own 
business. By the industry and perseverance of its 
own citizens, Lynn has increased its wealth, and taken 
a proud position among the foremost manufacturing 
cities of the world. Prosperity is not borrowed, but 
is a home product. 

Wages in Lynn are paid weekly. It has been so 
ever since factories were first established, being an 
outgrowth of the old custom of paying the shoe- 
maker for his work as soon as finished. Saturday is 
the great pay-day. Lynn shoe manufacturers have 
always been well rated in the financial world, and 
no doubt much of their sound financial standing is 
due to frequent payments. They have an immense 
cash paid-up capital in labor alone, all of the time, 
and as labor is estimated as about one-fourth the 
value of the manufactured product, Lynn manufac- 
turers would pay one-fourth immediate cash for all 
their bills, even if they did not pay any more. Labor 
bills are preferred bills in Lynn, and its good etl'ect 
is seen on every hand. A "nimble sixpence" has 
always been a Lynn business principle, and any other 
system would seem unnatural. 

Lynn operatives have never been called to work 
by factory bells. Nominally there are fifty-nine 
working hours in the week, but practically there is so 
much work done by the j)iece that ojieratives work a 
much smaller number of hours. Factory whistles give 
alarms at seven o'clock in the morning, at twelve 
o'clock noon, and at one and six o'clock in the after- 
noon. Those employed by the week observe these 
hours, excepting on Saturday, when work is over at 
five o'clock. Almost every kind of work is piece- 
work, as even in work done by the week there is 
some stated amount to perform, which is practically 
the same. There is unusual freedom in entering and 
leaving lactories, and a time-keeper from some 
strictly-conducted industry would no doubt consider 
Lynn perfectly demoralized. It would be hard to 
name a place where employees can be more indepen- 
dent and more fully allowed to regulate their own 
time than in the factories of Lynn. 

Lynn employees live well, dress well and are very 
thrifty. They live for the most part in detached 
houses arranged for one or two families. There are 
very few tenement blocks, and on the avcnige there 
is one house to every seven i)er.sons of the whole 
population. Manufacturers, as a rule, are not large 
real estate owners, and do not attempt to house their 



286 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 






own employees, as is often the case with corpora- 
tions. The employees themselves are large real estate 
owners, hundreds of houses being owned by thrifty 
workmen and workingwomen, who have built for 
themselves neat little homes. Until recent years 
people still preserved land for kitchen gardening, 
even in streets contiauous to the business centre. 
These gardens are gradually filling up, but the same 
custom still exists in the outlying streets. Lynn 
owes much to its working people. Had they 
been less intelligent and industrious, the city could 
never have grown so evenly and so neatly as it has. 
Had the working people been less willing to build 
houses with their surplus earnings, the increasing 
popu'ation could never have been so comfortably 
accommodated. Manufacturers needed money for 
increasing business, and could never have afforded 
to build the houses as fast as they were needed. Lynn 
has been the mutual success of employers and em- 
ployed, and a history of its progress which failed to 
give proper credit to its small property-owners would 
do injustice to the people — the bone and sinew of the 
community. 

As is the case in every other great industrial com- 
munity, Lyun capitalists and workmen have often- 
times disagreed on the equivalent to be paid for 
labor. A general disagreement has almost always 
resulted in a strike. It is a strange fact that strikes 
almost invariably occur with most frequency in years 
of great business depression, when manufacturers can 
least afford to pay increased wages, and when work- 
men can least afford to remain idle. The success of 
a strike depends greatly on the efficiency of labor 
organization and the confidence of the members in 
the leaders. There are periods when organizations 
spring up in great numbers, and other times when 
the members lose interest and the organizations are 
less powerful. Disagreements between capital and 
labor are no modern invention. The good old doc- 
trine of "bearance and forbearance" will do more to 
engender good feeling than anything else. Water is 
bound to seek its own level. If the market will war- 
rant it, prices go up, and if there is no demand, prices 
must go down. Prices get where they belong, de- 
spite remonstrance, strikes and differences of opinion. 
No combination of capital or organization of labor 
can arbitrarily permanently establish them. For a 
short time it may be possible to govern them, but 
that progress which changes trades and trade methods 
is no respecter of combinations or organizations, and 
grades and levels prices in accordance with the 
prosperity or adversity of the existing generation. 
It is for us to adjust ourselves to changing circum- 
stances with as little friction and as peacefully as pos- 
sible. 

The process of shoe manufacturing does not neces- 
sitate so large a plant nor so expensive an outlay as 
textile manufacturing. Shoes are composite, and the 
shoe industry is composite. The shoemakers take a 



number of manufactured articles, and sew and nail 
them together in a stylish, shapely manner, thus pro- 
ducing a shoe. There are few chemicals to evaporate 
if manufacturing ceases for a day, a month or a year. 
Nearly everything in shoemaking represents work. 
When work stops, the factory process stops. There is 
no boiling, mixing or dyeing process going on while 
the shoemaker sleeps, but his guiding eye and hand 
are necessary to progress. Water, blacking, glue, 
paste, cement and applied finishes are all the liquids 
that enter into the process of shoemaking. In temper- 
ing stock, water exclusively is used, every other liquid 
being for external application. On account of this 
simplicity, shoes can be made economically in a very 
small compass, with little outlay, or can be made in 
great factories with a perfect wealth of machinery. 
It is a versatile business, and depends on the energy 
and perseverance of the manufacturer. It is more a 
business of the people than any great textile industry 
possibly can be. It is possible for a mechanic to rise 
from the lowest to the highest position. There are 
even workingmen's co-operative factories. The work- 
men invest a sum of money in the enterprise, are paid 
the same wages as are paid in other factories, and are 
to share in the profits. Shoe manufacturing needs 
industry, economy and a natural talent for making 
business success, like any other pursuit. Small be- 
ginnings are just as possible to-day in any business 
as they ever were, and are just as inconvenient. The 
convenience only of a large capital seemingly makes 
it a necessity. Oftentimes a comparatively newly es- 
tablished firm will outstrip veteran manufacturers in 
the race for trade. This has a tendency to keep trade 
progressive, and no doubt will contribute to its per- 
manence. With the constant invention of improved 
machinery and tools, the style of conducting business 
changes about as often as the styles of shoes. 

To small capitalists venturing into the shoe busi- 
ness, contractors are a great assistance. With their 
help a man can manufacture shoes at a very small 
outlay. There are contractors to do almost every- 
thing. Large manufacturers even have a large part 
of their upper-stitching done by contractors. But to 
the small manufacturer, the shoemaking contractor, 
with a line of machinery, is incalculably valuable. 
He not only contracts for making the shoe, but will 
even provide lasts and everything necessary to be 
used. It is possible for a man to have one small room 
for headquarters, and yet, by contract, arrange for 
the transaction of an extensive and profitable busi- 
ness. The product does not have that distinctive in- 
dividuality, however, which belongs to individual 
factories, because several manufacturers are often 
supplied by one contractor. But it serves to show 
how thoroughly Lynn is equipped for the business in 
all its phases. 

Not only in our country, but beyond the seas, the 
fame of Lynn factories has attracted notice. During 
the year 1886 a young man, the son of a wealthy 



LYNN. 



287 



German, made his home in Lynn and worked on dif- 
ferent machines in a Lynn shoe factory, studying the 
ways of Yankee shoeniaking. American machines 
and Lynn machines have made their way all over the 
world, attracting great attention and interest. Lynn 
is only one large customer for her own great supply 
dealers who make the city their headquarters. Lynn 
supplies go to a dozen foreign countries as well as all 
over the United States. 

If a person were to ask what grade of goods were 
manufactured in Lynn, he would be told everything 
in the shape of a shoe. The staple grade is a medium 
and low-priced article for ladies, misses and children, 
but there are also several prosperous firms manufac- 
turing for men, boys and youth. In ladies' wear, ev- 
erything is made from elegant hand-sewed French 
kid button boots and delicate beaded velvet toilet 
slippers to shoes of cheaper material, which are made 
for the million. Everything that can be thought of 
or desired for American wear is made in Lynn. There 
are some goods made for export, but the goods for 
foreign wear form a very small part of the year's bus- 
iness. 

Lynn represents a city built without any n.atural 
advantages, excepting a healthy situation and beauti- 
ful natural attractions. There is no reason why it 
should have become a prosperous city more than 
many another, and it would not have become so but 
for the untiring industry, energy and perseverance of 
its inhabitants. The city is blessed with a very poor 
harbor, has no extensive water-power privilege, is not 
a great railroad centre, and, until a few years since, 
had only one steam railroad privilege. Its clo.se 
proximity to Boston has, until recent years, been a 
disadvantage to local store-keepers, and there has not 
been that reliable country trade from neighboring 
towns which has contributed to the wealth of more 
distant cities. 

Lynn is not a county-seat, and has no National, 
State or County buildings or institutions. The city 
forcibly illustrates how a whole people can, by de- 
voting themselves assiduously to some definite call- 
ing, make themselves proficient and prosperous. 
The world is never surprised at rapid growth in the 
West, but the growth of an ancient town on the rock- 
bound New England coast is remarkable and notice- 
able. Lynn, a (juiet, home-like town, grew from 
itself, by itself, to a position of importance, and is 
now the largest city in Essex County. Its inhabitants 
knew how to make shoes, and they made them. In- 
crease of business called out increase of inventive 
power to supply the demand. Machines to make 
shoes called for factories, and factories called people 
in from towns all over the Northern New England 
States, where shoes had formerly been sent to be 
made. This remarkable city is an interesting study 
because of its peculiar success, as without natural or 
fortunate advantages it has grown and made a 
famous name. 



And this seems a proper place to go a little into his- 
torical detail regarding the leather manul'acture here, 
as distinguished from the shoe mamifacture. But, be- 
fore passing to that matter, the writer would acknowl- 
edge his indebtedness to Mr. Howard Mudge New- 
hall for what is most interesting in the foregoing ac- 
count of the shoe trade. 

Leather. — ^There is an old proverb which tells us that 
there is " nothing like leather,'' so necessary and use- 
ful is it in all the arts and for many domestic pur- 
poses. So well aware of this were the early settlers 
of New England that we find the General Court 
voting, in September, 1638, to " remember to provide 
bark in the following April for the tanning of divers 
hides to come." This importation of hides would 
seem to indicate that they had few cattle, or that they 
purposed to kill as few as possible, that their num- 
bers might increase. It is probable that the hides of 
those killed were not well taken off or properly 
cured, and thus were lost through neglect or destroy- 
ed. For this reason we find an order passed in Oc- 
tober, lG-10. i)roviding for the proper slaughtering and 
care of hides and skins, and for sending them to be tan- 
ned and dressed, with a fine to be imposed upon all who 
neglected such duty. In June, 1G42, the Court 
passed an elaborate bill, providing that no butcher, 
currier or shoemaker should exercise the feat or mys- 
tery of a tanner, on pain of forfeiting six shillings 
eight pence for every hide or skin tanned ; butchers 
to forfeit twelve cents for every gash or cut made in 
slaying ; no persons except tanners to be allowed to 
purchase any hides ; persons selling hides insuf- 
ficiently tanned to forfeit them ; tanners not allowed 
to let their liquors heat or spoil on pain of £20 for 
every oft'ense ; no currier to dress any leather 
insutiiciently tanned, or burn or injure any leather in 
dressing, on pain of forfeiting the full value of every 
such hide ; sealers of leather appointed, and leather 
not sealed to be forfeited ; sealers to take oath to per- 
form their lawful duty. This order was afterwards 
extended so as to include all leather made into boots 
and shoes. In 1646 a stringent law was made to pre- 
vent the exportation of any hides or skins, and per- 
sons so exporting, and masters of vessels receiving 
them, were to forfeit their full value. 

A committee was appointed May 31, 1672, to look 
after defects in the tanning of leather and report 
means to prevent the same. 

Although goat and sheep-skins were not classed 
with hides, yet the same stringent measures were 
taken to prevent their exportation. A number of 
gloveis, whose names were George Hepbourne, Thos. 
Buttolph, James Johnson, Nathaniel Williams, Geo. 
Clifford and Thomas Goulby petitioned against their 
exportation by one Kalph Woory in 1645, and he was 
restrained from sending away more than eight dozens, 
and he and all others forbidden thereafter to export any 
unless made into gloves or other garments — an early 
instance of the protection of labor and home industry 



288 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In 1672 every seaport town was obliged to choose an 
officer to see.that no hides or slcins were improperly 
transported. 

That the manufacture of leather from hides was car- 
ried on at Lynn at a very early day is evident. We are 
informed that Francis Ingalls, one of the first five 
persons who settled within our bounds, was a tanner 
and carried on the business on what is now Burrill 
Street, in Swampscott, and it is claimed that his was 
the first tannery in the colony. Mr. Lewis states 
that he saw some of the vats removed from their an- 
cient position about the year 1825. George Keysar 
came to Lynn about 16.39. In 1649 he bought from 
Samuel Bennett the land lying between Boston 
Street and Waterhill, and extending from the New- 
hall property to the present city pumping station. 
This had previously belonged to Joseph Armitage. 
Keysar carried on the tanning business here till his 
removal to Salem, in 1680. His wife was a daughter 
of Edward Holyoke, and he died in Salem in 1690, 
aged seventy-three. His son Elizur pursued the same 
calling at Salem, and his son John at Haverhill — 
this fact showing that the sons were educated to their 
father's trade here in Lynn. In 1665 a child by the 
name of Elizabeth Newhall was drowned in one of 
Keysar's tan-vats near Boston Street. This property 
was not disposed of by Keysar's heirs till after 1702, 
when it probably passed into the possession of the 
Potters, who owned the property on the opposite or 
northerly side of Boston Street. In 1705 Robert Pot- 
ter, who was son of the first settler, Nicholas, disposed 
of this tan-yard with the tan-house to his son Benja- 
min, who was a tanner, having very likely, also, 
learned his trade from the Keysars; Benjamin after- 
wards acquired the title of captain, and pursued his 
calling here till 1745, leaving his estate to hisichil- 
dren, only one of whom was a son, named Benjamin, 
and he became non compos and had a guardian for 
many years. 

Upon substantially the same premises once occu- 
pied by Keysar and Potter a tan-yard and tan-house 
have been in operation within the memory of persons 
still living, and the last occupant, Samuel Mulliken, 
finished off the tan-house into tenements for dwell- 
ings. This old building has been demolished within 
a few years. The yard is still vacant, and the ancient 
vats can be found by digging. 

Upon the premises covered by the factory of John 
T. Moulton, a tan-yard was in operation at a very early 
day by Lieut. John Burrill. He was a son of the first 
settler, George, and was probably born in England 
in 1631. He lived on Boston Street, in what was 
more latterly called the Carnes house. This stood 
upon the spot where Carnes Street joins Boston 
Street, and was exactly opposite the tan-yard. Col. 
John left the tan-yard and buildings to his son, 
Theophilus Burrill, Esq., who also carried on the 
same business here till 1721, when he sold out to 
Deacon John Lewis. He in turn, by his will, gave 



the tan-yard and tan-house to his grandson, Samuel 
Lewis, who sold it, in 1782, to Daniel Newhall and 
Nathaniel Sargent, who continued it. In 1793 New- 
hall sold out to Sargent, and he continued alone till 
his death in 1798. In 1805 Joseph Watson was the 
owner and pursued the currying trade. These prem- 
ises were purchased about 1844 by Joseph Moulton, 
and have been occupied by him and his successors 
till the present time (1887), for the manufacture of 
morocco leather. Many of the old vats were removed 
by him, and some still remain. This spot, therefore, 
has been used for tanning purposes for nearly all the 
time since the settlement of the tuwn. A fine spring 
of cold water, with the natural stream now called 
Strawberry Brook running through the yard, and in 
later years a head of water from the canal above, gave 
the place unusual advantages for a business of this 
kind. To Mr. John T. Moulton, son and successor of 
Joseph Moulton, the writer is much indebted for facts 
here given touching the leather business. 

During the latter part of the last century and the 
beginning of the present the tanning business was 
carried on by Benjamin Phillips at the yard of the 
mill at Waterhill. Here he had a chance for a fulling- ■ 
mill for softening his hides, running it by water-power, ' 
which was quite an advance over the old method of 
horse-power. To him were apprenticed the brothers 
Winthrop and Sylvanus Newhall, who afterwards 
had their tan-yards on Market and Broad Streets, 
then called Blackmarsh. Winthrop Newhall was 
succeeded, in 1818, by his son Francis S. Newhall, 
who, in 1822, formed a partnership wiih his brother 
Henry for carrying on the morocco leather business. 

Probably Winthrop Newhall was the last of the 
heavy leather tanners here, the morocco trade having 
supplanted the heavier business which seems to have 
taken deep root in Salem and Dan vers at about the 
same time. 

The morocco manufacture was probably com- 
menced by William Rose upon the same spot where 
the Burrills began and carried on the tanning of 
hides. This is inferred from the fact that when 
Joseph Watson made a mortgage of these premises, 
Rose was called upon to sign his name as witness to 
the conveyance. He may have been working for 
Watson or carrying on business in a small way for 
himself in Watson's shop. He shortly after had a 
shop for himself on a spot near that now occu- 
pied by St. Stephen's Church, on South Common 
Street, but left town in 1809, going to Charles- 
town. On Boston Street and in the vicinity 
of these old tanneries lived John Adam Dagyr, who 
has been so many times advertised as the celebrated 
shoemaker of Essex in 1764, and his opinion and ad- 
vice in regard to the kinds of material requisite for 
ladies' shoes may have had something to do with the 
introduction of the morocco business here. At any 
rate, it came about in his day. His wife's father, 
Moses Newhall, was probably a shoemaker , the father 



LYNN. 



289 



of Moses certainly was, as the records show. It is a 
verv unpleasant circumstance tliat both Dagyr and 
his wile, in their last days, came to want. 

Daniel ( Jollins, many years ago, carried on a tan- 
nery on Boston Street, nearly opposite the present 
Kirtland Street. Levi Robinson took the business 
more than fifty years ago, and it has finally developed 
into the large morocco establishment of John E. Don- 
allan. 

From Rose and his small beginning has the busi- 
ness gradually increased to its present extensive pro- 
portions. This matter has been faithfully treated by 
David N. Johnson, in his " Sketches of Lynn." He 
brought it down to 1880, since which time the amount 
of bu.siness has somewhat increased, and two or three 
new firms have taken up that other branch of the 
trade, the manufacture of tawed and alum-tanned 
calt and sheep-skins. 

The manufacture of leather, of one kind and anoth- 
er, but chiefly morocco, in Lynn, at present reaches a 
pretty high figure, as appears by the following from 
the last LTnited States Census returns: 

Number of eBtHblishmeuta 23 

Employees, 7G8 

Wages paid during tlie year, J408.6'8 

Capital iliTested JOlO.InO 

Stock used Sl,f.57,763 

Value of product $2,309,272 

Miscellaneous Manufactures. — The other 
manufactures of Lynn appear almost insignificant in 
comparison with the shoe and leather. But some- 
thing should be said regarding them. The aggregate 
(including the shoe and leather) as given by the last 
United States Census, is as follows: 

Number of establishraenta 329 

Employees, total average number 12,-ltG 

piales above IG, 89i4. Females above 15, 34S7. Youth 
and children, 35.) 

Wages paid during the year 85,823,572 

Capital invested $5,882,350 

Stock used $15,.551,!138 

Value of product, 825,216,778 

A very large proportion of the above, of course, be- 
longs to the shoe business. Indeed, the same census 
gives as the value of the boot and shoe product $20,- 
946,867, of the above grand aggregate of $2.5,216,778. 
A few of the other industries may be named : 

Bricks. — It was early found that there were large 
deposits of excellent clay in and about Lynn. And 
it has always been used to some extent. But hereto- 
fore wood ha-s proved so much cheaper as a building 
material that brick-making had no great encourage- 
ment. During later years, however, things have 
changed, and bricks are coming into more extensive 
use. The value of bricks annually made is about 
twenty-eight thousand dollars and the number of per- 
sons employed, forty. 

Boxes. — The value of boxes— paper and wood^ 
manufactured in Lynn during a year is about one 
hundred and sixty thousand dollars, and the total 
li» 



I 



wages paid fifty-five thousand dollars. It will readily 
be supposed that these are chiefly used in tlie shoe 
trade. 

Fisheries. — Lynn, with Swampscott and Naliant, 
belongs to the fishing district of Marblehead. But 
since Swampscott and Nahant turned their b.acks 
upon their aged mother she has had little to show in 
the matter of fisheries, and little in the way of ship- 
ping, if her ambitious yacht-fleet is excei)ted ; but 
that, by hardy delvers of the deep, would probably be 
regarded as belonging to the ornamental rather than 
the industrial. Recent returns, touching the fisheries, 
have already been given. 

It appears, by the last published returns, that the 
industrial employees of Lynn receive higher wages 
than those of any other place in the county — the 
average yearly earnings of each employee being four 
hundred and sixty-seven dollars. And this average 
applies to men, women and children. In Haverhill 
the bulk of the business is similar to that of Lynn ; 
and there the average yearly earnings of each employee 
is but three hundred and forty-eight dollars, while at 
the same time the average number of men workers there 
is some fijur per cent, greater than at Lynn. In Salem 
the average earnings of each employee is three hundred 
and forty-three dollars. In Newbnryport but two 
hundred and sixty-eight dollars. Peabody comes 
nearest Lynn, showing four hundred and fifty-four 
dollars per year for each emplovee. 

In closing this division of our work, it is not amiss 
to remark that the manufacture of boots and shoes 
takes the lead of all the industries of Massachusetts. 
The total value of products in the State, in 1880, was 
$6.31,135,284; and of this $105,118,299 was of boots 
and shoes. Other manufactures, as stated by the 
careful hand of Colonel Wright, stood as follows : 
cotton goods, .S68,.566,1S2 ; food preparations, $68,0.35,- 
755; woolen goods, $47,473,668; metals and metallic 
goods, $40,190,569; leather, $30,188,859; clothing, 
$27,253,.582 ; mixed textiles, $21,601,038; machines 
and machinery,$20,894,545 ; paper, $18,358,361 ; fur- 
niture, .$11,196,827; printing and publishing, $10,- 
474,684. "These twelve industries produce $469,352,- 
369 worth of goods out of the total product [$631,135,- 
284] of the State." 

The actual average yearlv earnings of boot and shoe 
employees throughout the State, including both sexes 
and all ages, is $381.58. 

A few other industries of Lynn may be alluded to 
in passing, which never grew to large proportions, but 
yet were of some importance in their day : 

Ship-Building, or rather boat-building, as it would 
be called at this day, was engaged in here to .some ex- 
tent, at an early period. A sloop of fifteen tons was 
built in 1677, and another of about the same burden 
in 1685. And within some twenty-five years of the 
latter date, about half a score of vessels, ranging from 
ten to thirty-five tons burden — and one of sixty — 
were built here. About 1726 a ship-yard waa estab- 



290 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



lished on Broad Street, a little east of the foot of 
Market, at vvliich were built, as is stated, sixteen 
schooners and two brigs. But the business there was 
abandoned after a few years. There seems to have 
been quite a number of expert workmen at ship- 
building in Lynn for many years, and one or two re- 
markably skillful naval architects. The celebrated 
frigate " Constitution " was built in Boston, at the 
ship-yard of Edmund Hart, a Lynn man. In 1832 a 
yard was established in West Lynn, a little east of 
Fox Hill Bridge, at which were built a few small ves- 
sels. The Lynn " Whaling Company '' was formed 
about that time, and hopes of a profitable maritime 
business were entertained, but the enterprise proved 
a failure. 

Chocolate began to be manufactured at the mill on 
Saugus River, at the Boston Street crossing, as early 
as 1797. In or about 1805 Araariah Childs i)urchased 
the establishment and commenced manufacturing an 
article that soon acquired a world-wide reputation, 
continuing the business till 1840. 

Snuff \iaA been made at the mill as early as 1794 by 
Samuel Fales, but the use of snuff becoming, by de- 
grees, unfashionable, the business died out. 

Salt. — Salt-works were established in Lynn in 1805, 
but the business never grew to large iiroportions. The 
works were on what is now Beach Street, near Broad. 
Silk and Silk Printing. — Some fifty years ago a 
number of our people became much interested in the 
silk manufacture. They procured collections of 
worms and planted great numbers of white mulberry 
trees for their food. They were successful in a lim- 
ited w-ay, but the business never resulted in anything 
profitable, and in a year or two the efforts were dis- 
continued. The results in some instances were quite 
satisfactory. The writer remembers being shown, by 
a neighbor, some handkerchiefs which were woven 
from silk raised by him and printed at one of the silk 
printing establishments, which for a number of years 
did an active business in Wyoma village, in the 
vicinity of Strawberry Brook, and on Waterliill. 

Wall Paper and Rubber Goods were also manufac- 
tured here fifty years ago, and the waters of Straw- 
berry Brook were utilized in some other small manu- 
facturing enterprises. 

New Isdusteies. — Quite recently there have been 
added to the industries of Lynn one or two of much 
promise, which are well worthy of enumeration. 

Electric Lighting. — Very soon after it had become 
demonstrated that electricity could be successfully util- 
ized for the illumination of cities, a local electric 
light company was formed in Lynn and permission 
given by the city to supply customers, the city itself 
becoming a large customer also. This company in- 
troduced into the streets the very successful arc light 
of the Thompson-Houston patent, and this mode of 
lighting soon became so popular that in 1883 a brick 
building was erected on Stewart Street to enlarge the 
capacity to meet the local demand. 



The capitalisls who became interested in this enter- 
prise, recognizing that the development of electric 
lighting was in its infancy, were convinced that they 
could profitably invest capital for the manufacture 
and introduction of electrical apparatus. To that end 
they invested money in the Thompson-Houstim com- 
pany, of New Britain, Conn., organized under the 
laws of Connecticut. The machinery and plant of the 
company was soon removed to Lynn to occupy the 
substantial brick factory building on Western Ave- 
nue, erected for them by the late Minot Terrill, a 
gentleman who spent nearly the whole of a large for- 
tune, which he had inherited, in building improve- 
ments of lasting benefit to the city. The company 
brought many new families to l^ynn, the business in- 
creased, and the factory accommodations have had to 
be enlarged by the addition of another large building. 
At the beginning of 1887 fully six hundred people 
were employed, and the annual product amounted to 
one million dollars. This product is sent all over the 
world, the demand increases, and oftentimes the 
works are kept in operation until late in the evening 
to keep abreast of the orders. 

Prof. Elihu Thompson, an experienced electrician, 
from whom the company derives its name, is very 
versatile in discovering new methods of applying 
electricity, which constantly adds new departments 
of work in the factory. The company, although 
chartered in another State, is practically a Lynn en- 
terprise, and destined to be of great importance to the 
city. The main business office is in Boston ; the 
Western office in Chicago. 

Hat- Fin is/ling. — In the early part of 1887 a hat- 
finishing establishment was commenced on Summer 
Street by Mr. Timothy Merritt. The new undertak- 
ing will no doubt become a growing success, as the 
projector has a good knowledge of the business and 
energy and enterprise. Every new industry contrib- 
utes to Lynn's permanent growth, and there is no 
reason why coverings for the head cannot be as suc- 
cessfully manufactured by her people as coverings for 
the feet. 

TVie Ice Business may not be strictly called a manu- 
facture unless frost is considered a working partner. 
But it is now an important industry, and one to be 
considered, more directly than almost any other, a 
home industry, the material being of home production 
and the perfected article being consumed at home. 
During the last three or four years there have been 
harvested an average aggregate of some sixty thou- 
sand tons each year. In the storing season some- 
where about three hundred men are employed in the 
various departments. At other times, of course, the 
number varies, and is considerably less. 

Occasion has been taken to speak of the industrious 
habits of the people of Lynn, and of their economy. 
Upon these traits have mainly rested that general 
thrift which has been marred by few examples of 
large accumulation, or of extreme penury — a condi- 



LYNN. 



291 



tion certainly the most desirable for any community ; 
for it is the condition that insnres the greatest deE;ree 
of contentment and freedom of mind. Contentment, 
liowever, is not, in a worldly sense, an incentive to 
enterprise, for those who feel contented in low degree 
seldom put forth the energies nece.ssary to rise above 
it. Till within a short period Lynn has had no really 
rich men ; and perhaps it would have been better had 
she remained a< she was. But strife for riches in an 
eminent degree characterizes this period ; yet how 
ditlerent is the course men pursue for their attain- 
ment. Some, without genius, culture or special op- 
portunity, succeed by boldness and courage, others by 
frugality and carefulness, others by persistent labor. 
And then individuals are animated by very different 
motives in their desire for wealth; some desire it for 
the ease it brings, some for its luxuries, some for the 
social position it ensures ; and some, it is to be hoped, 
for the good it enables them to do for others. And if, 
in the whole round of cravings, this latter incentive 
does not in some measure enter, one might as well 
remain idle. 

" Labor brings tlie joys of health ; 
Labor brings the meed of wealth ; 
In thy brother's labors share, 
And thine own the lighter are." 

How much we nowadays hear about shortening 
the hours of labor ! Our friends, the " Knights of La- 
bor," are not the only ones exercised about the mat- 
ter. If one would gain time from manual l.M.bor for 
purposes of health or intellectual improvement, or for 
any of the higher purposes of life, he is certainly to 
be commended; but if only for the lower and enervat- 
ing indulgences which too often fill up "loafing 
hours," as they are aptly called, he had better be at 
work. 

To the trne New Englander 

•'Absence of occupation is not rest ; 
A mind liiite vacant is a mind distressed." 



CHAPTER XVIL 

LYNN— (C'o?!<('nufd). 
MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

Earjy UUtory, irilh Sl-etchea of Some of the Command^ra — Ancient and 
H'lnornhle ArtUlerij, with Li^t nf tyttn Members mid Notices of Some 
Achierementg—Lijml iu the Indian U'tirx, iu the Revolution and Suline- 
quent Warn, and in the Great CivU War — Hey Prenent Military Organiza- 
tions. 



" Thermojtylie and Marathon, 

Though cla.ssic earth, can boaat no more 
Of deeds heroic than yon sun 
Once saw upon ibis distant shore," 



Though the Indians in this immediate vicinity 
manifested but little hostility towards the settlers, 
there were constantly disturbing apprehensions. 



Perhaps the promptness in military preparation did 
much to prevent any serious attacks, though the 
small number here, and their inefficient weapons, 
could not give them much encouragement in aggres- 
siveattempts. Butitwas notsoinsomeotherquarters, 
and Lynn soon put herself in a condition to succor 
any neighbor that might stand in need. The Indians 
quickly learned the use of firearms, and there were 
enough aincmg the settlers whose base cu])idity led 
them, without scruple, to furnish muskets and ammu- 
nition to the dusky warriors iu exchange for furs and 
wampum currency. Even as early as 1630 the Court 
found it necessary to order that " noe person what- 
soever shall, either directly or indirectly, imploy or 
cause to be imployed, or to their power permit any 
Indian to vse any peece v|)on any occasion or pre- 
tence whatsoever, under pain of Xs. ffine for the first 
offence, and for the 2 offence to be ffyned and impris- 
oned at the discretion of the Court." This was the 
next year after the settlement began. 

Militar_v skill and personal bravery were naturally 
in high repute. Plymouth had her Miles Standish, 
and JIassachusetts, though perhaps destitute of a 
leader as conspicuous as he, could boast of several 
commanders of experience and tried valor. Lynn 
was remarkably fortunate iu this respect, as she had 
within her borders two or three well skilled in the 
tactics of the field. The first major-general of the 
colony was .lohn Humfrey, who settled here in 1034. 
His dwelling was on the east side of Nahanl Street, 
and overlooked the sea, Nahant and the Beach, and 
was but a short distance from the spot on which the 
habitation of Montowampate, or Sagamore James, 
the Indian ruler, stood. The writer is well aware 
that Mr. Hunifrey's residence is thought by some to 
have been at Swampscott, but careful research has 
shown that to be an error. He indeed owned an ex- 
tensive tract of land thereabout, but assuredly did not 
live in that then lonel)' place. Some even suppose 
that the "Farm House" on the estate, so highly im- 
proved and embellished by the late Hon. Enoch Red- 
ington Mudge, was the identical residence of Mr. 
Humfrey. But it is thought that even a slight ex- 
amination would be sufficient to convince any one 
that such a house could not have been built at that 
period. It is in the style of a later day. He possibly 
had cultivated acres in the vicinity, and may have 
erected some rude structure for the tem]iorary shelter 
of laborers. He also had a land grant in what is now 
Lynnfield, including the beautiful little lakelet still 
known as Humfrey's Pond. This latter grant was 
made in 163.5, the year after his arrival, and in these 
words, — "There is 500 acres of land and a freshe 
pond, with a little ileland conteyneing aboute two 
acres, granted to John Humfrey, Esq., lying be- 
twixte nore & west from Saugus [Lynn], jirovided 
hee take noe part of the 500 acres within 5 myles of 
any towne nowe planted. Also, it is agreed, that the 
inhabitants of Saugus [Lynn] & Salem shall have 



292 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



liberty to build stoore howses upon the said ileland, 
and to lay in such provisions as they judge necessary 
for their vse in tynie of neede." 

Mr. Humfrey was one of the most eminent men in 
the colony, was an original Ma-ssachusetts patentee, 
and, before the removal of the patent to New Eng- 
land, was chosen Deputy-Governor. It being, how- 
ever, thought best for the interests of the company 
that he should for a time remain in England, Thomas 
Dudley was chosen to serve in his stead, and came 
over with Winthrop's company in 1630. 

When Mr. Humfrey came over be brought with 
him, says Winthrop, " more ordnance, muskets and 
powder." He was accompanied by his wife and six 
children, and it is pretty certain would not have re- 
turned so soon had it not been for the disconsolate 
yearnings of his home-sick wife, who was a daughter 
of the Earl of Lincoln. But he had restless ambition, 
and perhaps felt that New England was too limited 
and uncertain a field for his aspirations. From his 
feverish dreams of advancement, however, he finally 
awoke. But it was the chilling pressure of disap- 
apointment that awoke him. And when meditating 
on the defeat of his most cherished schemes, a gush 
of tenderness and even deep religious feeling over- 
whelmed him. Not much can be said of his exploits 
in the field, but as a counselor and home director, in 
planning, ordering and providing, his services were 
of inestimable value. He returned to England in the 
fall of 1641, and there died in 1661. 

A military company was organized in Lynn as 
early as 1630. Richard Wright was appointed cap- 
tain ; Daniel Howe, lieutenant ; and Richard Walker, 
ensign. They were provided with two iron cannon. 
In 1631 there was a report that some Indians intended 
an attack on Lynn, and Walker, with a suitable num- 
ber, was detailed for the night guard. He at one 
time, while on duty, had an arrow, shot from among 
some bushes, pass through his coat and "bufl' waist- 
coat,'' and afterwards another arrow was shot through 
his clothes. It being quite dark, after a random dis- 
charge or two of their muskets, the guard retired. 
The next morning the cannon was brought up and 
discharged in the woods, and nothing more came of 
the attack. After that the people of Lynn suB'ered 
little or no molestation. 

At the breaking out of the Pequot war, in 1636, 
Captain Nathaniel Turner, of Lynn, commanded one 
of the companies detailed to serve in the first cam- 
paign. The expedition did efficient service at Block 
Island, New London and thereabout. The next 
year, 1637, a second expedition was undertaken, and 
the town furnished twenty-one men. In one respect 
Lynn was a loser by this war, for Captain Turner be- 
came so enamored of the country through which he 
marched that he permanently pitched his tent there, 
becoming, as Trumbull says, one of the principal set- 
tlers of New Haven. But his fate was mysterious and 
pielancholy. He was one of the five men of " chief 



note and worth " who sailed for England in 1647, in 
the little vessel commanded by (Japtain Lamberton, 
which was never heard of after; unless the "phantom 
ship" which appeared in the Sound after a great thun- 
der storm the next year, and which beholders declared 
was an exact image, is taken as her representative. 

Captain Turner received his commission as "Cap- 
taine of the military company att Saugus," in March, 
1633, from the General Court. He became a near 
neighbor of his superior officer, John Humfrey, and 
the two no doubt often conferred together on military 
affairs. Humfrey's .action, as already intimated, was 
in the Council, while Turner's was more in the field, 
and one of the first orders the latter received was the 
rather ignoble one to march to Nahant on a wolf- 
hunt. What luck he had in destroying his four-foot- 
ed foes does not appear; but when he was called to 
meet more worthy enemies, he was brave and tri- 
umphant. His moving from Lynn at that formation 
period in her history was a great loss to the place, 
probably quite as great as that of the departure of his 
neighbor Humfrey. 

Among the Lynn soldiers in the Pequot war was 
Christopher Lindsey. He was a laboring man, and 
kept the cattle of Mr. Dexter, at Nahant. The eleva- 
tion on the peninsula, called Lindsey's Hill, received 
its name from him. He was wounded in the war, 
and in 1655 petitioned the court for an allowance, 
saying that he was " disabled from service for twenty 
weekes, for which he never had any satisfaction." He 
was allowed three pounds. His only daughter, 
Naomi, married Thomas Maule, of Salem, the famous 
Quaker, whose doctrinal book, together with its sup- 
plementary " Persecutors Mauled," created quite a 
sensation. In it he remarks they five times impris- 
oned him, thrice took away his goods and thrice cru- 
elly whipped him. 

It was in 1638 that the Ancient and Honorable Ar- 
tillery was organized. Six Lynn men were among 
the first members, namely, William Ballard, Joseph 
Henes, Daniel Howe, Edward Tomlin?, Nathaniel 
Turner, Richard Walker. Daniel Howe was chosen 
lieutenant. A word in relation to one or two of these 
early members of that ancient organization may not 
be inappropriate. In relation to Mr. To.mlin.s, it ap- 
pears pretty certain that he was one in whom great 
tru.^t was reposed in civil matters, as well as military. 
Yet it is evident that he had decided opinions, which 
were not always expressed in ways the most wise or 
gentle. On the 3d of September, 1634, the court 
ordered that he, "or any other put in his place by the 
Commi-sioners of War, with the help of an assistant, 
shall have power to presse men and carts, for ordinary 
wages, to helpe towards makeing of such carriages 
and wheeles as are wanting for the ordinances." His 
brother, Timothy Tomlins, was the same year ap- 
pointed overseer of the "powder and shott and all 
other amunicon " of the plantation. lu 1643, being 
then a member of the House of Representatives, he 



LYNN. 



293 



was " ordred and appoynted, by both Houses of the 
Courte, to go iippon a mesisunge to ye Narragansett 
sachems," and dismissed Crom the " howse for ye pres- 
ent to prepare himself for ye jiirney." He went in 
company with the celebrated Indian negotiator, Gen- 
eral Humphrey Atherton. And it is represented that 
one of their first acts was to catechise the benighted 
Narragansetts on the Ten Commandments. It is 
I)robable that he had not much of an ear for music 
other than martial, for, in 1G41, he was arraigned for 
expressing opinions against ujusic in the churches. 
He, however, retracted, and was discharged. 

Nathaniel Turner, who also joined the Ancient 
and Honorables at the time of their organization, has 
already been sjioken of. Thesword which he wielded 
against the Indians is still preserved by the Histori- 
cal Society of Hartford, Conn. A picture of it may 
be seen in Harper's Magazine, volume xvii. page 3. 
The same weapon also did service, in other hands, in 
the old French War and in the Revolution. 

Richard Walker has also been mentioned as en- 
sign of the first military company of Lynn, formed in 
l(i80. And the duties of the soldiers of those days, in 
time of peace even, must have been burdensome, for 
it was ordered, in 1631, '' that every Captaine shall 
train his companie on saterday in every weeke." In 
May, 1679, a new troop nas formed in Lynn, consist- 
ing of forty-eight men. They i)etitioned the General 
Court that Captain Richard Walker might be ap- 
pointed commander. Ralph King, who was a son-in- 
law of the veteran, was made lieutenant. If this is 
the same Richard Walker, he must then have been 
eighty-six years old, for he was born in 1593. He ap- 
pears, however, to have been blest with a most vigor- 
ous constitution, for he lived to the great age of 
ninety-five years. And he is prf)bably the same hero i 
to whom Johnson, of W(.>burn, refers in the following 
lines, touching an encounter with some Indians : 

" He fougtit the Eastern Indians there, 
Whose poisoned arrows tilled the air, 
And two of which these savage foes 
Lodg'd safe in Captain Walker's clothes." 

But the captain of the new troop may have been his 
son Richard, who was born in 1611, though he even 
had attained the age of sixty-eight. 

The venerable organization now known as "The 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery," but which in its 
charter is called " The Military Company of the Mas- 
sachusetts," at its formation, in 1638, was designed 
for discipline in military tactics. For many years it, 
no doubt, served an excellent purpose, but of late 
years it has come to be regarded as rather a holiday 
institution. Lynn has furnished a fair share of mem- 
bers, and a list is deserving of space here: 

IGIK. William Ballard. 
ltJ38. Joseph Hewea. 
1638. Daniel Howe (Lieut). 
1038. Edward Tomlins. 
11)38. Nathaniel Turner. 
1«)8. Richard Walker. 



1M2. 


John Wood. 


1821. 


Robert Robinson. 


VA-^. 


Benjamin Smith. 


18J2. 


Daniel N. Breed. 


164:.. 


Clenieht Coldaui. 


1822. 


Geo rse, Johnson. 


1B48. 


John Cole. 


1822. 


Ebenezer Neat. 


16.W. 


Samuel Hutchinson. 


18ol. 


Roland G. Usher. 


1694. 


Tliumas Baker. 


1S60. 


Richard S. Fay, Jr 


1717. 


Benjamin Gray. 







1639. Samuel Bennett. 

1640. John Humfrey. 

1040. Thonnis Jtartliall. 

1641. Robert Bridges. 
1641. John Humfrey, Jr. 

1041. Adam Otiey. 



Of the first six, those who joined at the time of the 
organization, enough has perha|)s been said. But 
some of those who subsequently joined are worthy of 
brief notice. 

S.\MUEL Bennett, who became a member in 1639, 
was one of the first settlers, and located in what is 
now the westerly part of Saugus. He owned consid- 
erable woodland. " Bennett's Swamp," so called to 
this day, in old Dungeon Pasture, was owned by him. 
His residence was not far from the ironworks, and 
in that vicinity he also had lands. He had a good 
deal of independence of character, not to say wilful- 
ness. At the Quarterly Court, in 1645, he was pre- 
sented " for saying, in a scornful manner, he neither 
cared for the Town nor any order the Town could 
make." In 1671 he sued John Giflord, former agent 
of the ironworks, and attached property to the 
amount of four hundred pounds, for labor performed 
for the company. On the 27th of June, the following 
testimony was given : "John Paule, aged about forty- 
five years, sworne, saith, that living with Mr. Samuel 
Bennett, upon or about the time that the ironworks 
were seased by Capt. Savage, in the year 53 as I take 
it, for I lived ther several years, and my constant 
imployment was to repaire carts, coale carts, mine 
carts, and other working materials for his teemes, for 
he keept 4 or 5 teemes, and sometimes 6 teemes, and 
he had the most teemes the last yeare of the Iron 
Works, when they were seased, and my master Ben- 
nett did yearly yearne a vast sum from the said Iron 
Works, for he commonly yearned forty or fifty shil- 
lings a daye for the former time, and the year 53, as 
aforesaid, for he had five or six teemes goeing gener- 
ally every faire day." In 1644 he was presented by 
the grand jury as " a common sleeper in time of ex- 
ercise," and fined two shillings and sixpence. There 
was a law firbidding the s-ale of commodities at too 
great a profit. And for a breach of this law he ap- 
pears to have once or twice .suffered prosecution. On 
the colony records, under date of May 15, 1657, may 
be found this entry : " In answer to the petition of 
Samuel Bennett, humbly craving the remittment or 
abatement of a fine imposed on him by the County 
Court, for selling goods at excessive prizes, the court 
having perused, and by theire committee ex- 
amined, the papers in the case presented, together 
with the allegations and pleas of the peticoner and 
others, by him produced, understanding by what ap- 
peared, the peticoner received of George Wallis 
about forty pounds or ujiwards meerely for the re- 
lease of the bargain made betwixt them, . . . see it 
not meete to graunt the petition in whole or in part." 
Mr. Wallis had also been fined "fivety pounds" for 



294 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" selling goods at excessive prizes," and petitioned 
for a remittal, and the same court judged it " meete 
to remit the fine all to tenn pounds," which remittal 
was made in consideration of his being necessitated 
" to be at the losse of about forty pounds or more to 
attayne a release of the bargain betwixt him and 
Samuell Bennett." It seems to have been a mere game 
of sharps between Bennett and Wallis, but shows the 
care taken by the court to prevent a circumvention 
of the wholesome law forbidding one to sell at an 
excessive profit. The maxim so prevalent in the bar- 
gainings of our day — caveat einptoi — seems then to 
have been unheeded. Not much is to be found re- 
specting Mr. Bennett in his military capacity. 

John Homfrey has already been spoken of to 
some extent. 

Thomas Marshall, who was a soldier under 
Cromwell, and without whose assistance, John Dun- 
ton says, " if we may believe him, Oliver did hardly 
anything that was considerable," has been spoken of 
somewhat largely in another connection. 

Robert Bridges, or Captain Bridges, as he was 
generally called, was a man of substance and marked 
traits of character. He was admitted a freeman in 
1641, and joined the Ancient and Honorables the 
same year, being then captain of a militia company. 
He was a good deal in civil authority, was Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, an assistant, an acting 
magistrate and a member of the Quarterly Court. In 
164.5, accompanied by Richard Walker and Thomas 
Marshall, both already spoken of as Lynn members 
of the company, he went as commissioner to negotiate 
between Lord de la Tour and Monsieur d'Aulney, the 
governors of the French provinces on the north of 
New England. The embassy did good service and 
the court appropriately recompensed them. 

That Captain Bridges possessed rigidly Puritanical 
characteristics is abundantly evident. He was one 
of the five who, in May, 1645, were appointed by the 
court to draft bills for "positive lawes" against lying. 
Sabbath-breaking, profanity, drunkenness and kin- 
dred vices. And in 1049 was one of the assistants 
who, with the Governor, on the 10th of May, signed 
a protestation against the wearing of long hair, "after 
the manner of ruffians and barbarious Indians." 

It was Captain Bridges who, in July, 1651, granted 
the magistrate's warrants against Clarke, Crandall 
and Holmes, the Baptist missionaries from Rhode 
Island, concerning which affair it is propo.sed to say 
something in the sketch of Swampscott. 

In the Essex Court files may be found the follow- 
ing record of Captain Bridges's official action in the 
case of Thomas Wheeler, who appears to have been a 
man of character and some estate : " 4tli mo., 1654. 
Thomas Wheeler bound over to the Court by the 
worshipful Captain Bridges, for sinful and offensive 
speeches made by him in comparing the Rev. Mr. 
Cobbet to Corah. It being proved by three witnesses, 
sentence of Court is, that he shall make public ac- 



knowledgment upon the Lord's day, sometime within 
a month after the date hereof, according to this form 
following, and pay the three witnesses £12 2«. 6rf. and 
fees of Court : [I, Thomas Wlieeler, having sjioken 
at a town meeting in February last, evil, sinful and 
offensive speeches against the Reverend Teacher, Mr. 
Cobbet, in comparing him unto Corah, for which I 
am very sorry, do acknowledge this my evil, to the 
glory and praise of God and to my own shame, and 
hope, for time to come, shall be more careful.] The 
constable of Lynn is to see it perlbrmed." Mr. 
Wheeler removed to Stonington, Ct., in 1664, and 
became the largest lai.dholder in the place, was an 
honored member of the church, and died there in 
1686. at the age of eighty-four. 

It is not found that Captain Bridges made much of 
a mark in a military way, but as a business man he 
certainly, by his enterprise and prudence, added 
much to the reputation and prosperity of Lynn. He 
may almost be called the father of the iron works. It 
was in 1642 that he took specimens of the bog ore found 
here to London, and succeeded in forming a company 
which .soon after commenced operations by setting up 
the bloomery and forge. And although the works 
proved pecuniarily disastrous, the country at large 
reaped great ulterior benefit through some of the 
skilled workmen, the best that England could afford, 
who removed to other places and engaged in works, 
which, under better management, grew to great im- 
portance. 

Taking all points of character into view and mak- 
ing due allowance for the characteristics of the time, 
it must be conceded that Captain Bridges furnishes a 
fair specimen of the noble class of men who so faith- 
fully labored in laying the foundations of the social 
fabric which has become our inheritance — men hon- 
est, religious, persevering, hopeful and brave. Yet it 
must be admitted that he was not of a specially ge- 
nial disposition ; nor could he have been very popu- 
lar in some of his relations. He had hard points of 
character; was arbitrary, exacting, unyielding in the 
smaller concerns of daily intercourse, and perhaps 
not sufficiently regardful of the minor rights of those 
about him ; for we all love to have our rights respected, 
even when they are of little value. In those days of 
difficulty and doubt, minds were trained to meet the 
trials of life with a fortitude that amounted to hero- 
ism. Indeed, it was a favorite idea that the afflictions 
men were called to endure were disciplinary ; that 
souls were purified by sucli means. This, however, 
was probably quite as much theoretical as otherwise, 
for the best of us would prefer to secure by observa- 
tion, rather than experience, the good that might be 
derived from pain and suffering. 

John Wood, who joined the company in 1642, was 
one of the earliest comers. He settled in that part 
of Lynn since known as Woodend, the local name 
being derived from him. He is supposed to have 
been father of William Wood, the author of " New 



LS^NN. 



295 



England's Prospect,'' published in London in 1634, a 
book givino; such lively and graphic descriptions of 
the Bay settlements that it has ever been held in high 
repute. Little or nothing seems to be known of Mr. 
Wood's military accomplishments. Perhaps he joined 
the artillery as a sort of apprentice at martial tactics. 

Clement Coldam, made a member in lt>4.5, ap- 
peared here as early as 1030. And his recollection of 
matters pertaining to our very enrly days seems to 
hrive been much relied on in after-years, his testimo- 
ny having great weight in several important lawsuits. 
Not much is known of his military achievements. A 
record says that on April 14, 1691. " Clement Coldam 
and Joseph Hart were chosen cannoners, to order and 
look after the great guns." If that means him, he 
must have been a very old man — about ninety — but 
he had a son Clement, who was supposed to ha.e re- 
moved to Gloucester many years before. 

Thomas Baker had experience in the field during 
the great King Philip War, 1675, being one of the 
Lynn company. He was in the great swamp fight at 
South Kingston, R. I., in which Eiihraim Newhall 
was killed. 

This member of the artillery, who is usually called 
Captain Thomas Baker, appears to have been a grand- 
son of Edward Baker, who came to Lynn as early as 
1630, and from whom '• Baker's Hill,'' in Saugus, re- 
ceived its name, behaving settled near it. From him 
a line of respectable descendants has reached down 
to the present time. Daniel C. Baker, our third 
mayor, was of the lineage. And in several other 
places descendants have become conspicuous. 

The life of this Captain Thomas Baker was so illus- 
trative of the vicissitudes to which the people of that 
period were exposed, and withal so tinged with ro- 
mance, that space may be allowed for a glimpse or 
two. He was taken captive by the Indians at Deer- 
field on the terrible night of February 29, 1704, and 
carried to Canada. He, however, the next year, suc- 
ceeded in effecting his escape. In or about the year 
171-T he married Madam Le Beau, whose name figures 
8omewhat in the history of that period. She was a 
daughter of Richard Otis, of Dover, N. H., who, 
with one son and one daughter, was killed by the In- 
dians on the night of June 27, 1689, at the time they 
destroyed the place. She was then an infant of three 
months, and was, with her mother, carried captive to 
Canada and sold to the French. The priests took 
her, baptized her, and gave her the name of Chris- 
tine. They educated her in the Romish faith, and 
she passed some time in a nunnery, not, however, 
taking the veil. At the age of sixteen she was mar- 
ried to a Frenchman, thus becoming Madam Le Beau, 
and became the mother of two or three children. 
Her husband died about 1713. And it was very soon 
after that her future husband, Captain Baker, appears 
to have fallen in with her. He was attached to the 
commission detailed by Governor Dudley, under 
John Stoddard and John Williams, for the purpose of 



negotiating with the Marfjuis de Vaudreuil for the 
release of prisoners and to settle certain other mat- 
ters, and went to Canada. From Stoddard's journal 
it appears that there was much trouble in procuring 
her release, and when it was obtained, her children 
were not allowed to go with her. Her mother was 
also opposed to her leaving Canada. 

After her return, Christine married Captain Raker, 
and the}' went to reside at Brookfield, where they re- 
mained till 1733. They had several children, and 
among their descendants is Hon. John Wentworth, 
late member of Congress from Illinois. She became 
a Protestant after marrying Ca))tain Baker, and sub- 
stituted the name Margaret for Christine, though 
later in life she seems to have again adopted the lat- 
ter. In 1727, her former confessor, Father Siguenot, 
wrote her a gracious letter, expressing a high opinion 
of her and warning her against swerving from the 
faith in which she had been educated. He mentions 
the happy death of a daughter of hers who had mar- 
ried and I'ved in Quebec, and also speaks of her 
mother, then living, and the wife of a Frenchman. 
This letter was shown to Governor Burnet, and he 
wrote to her a forcible reply to the arguments it con- 
tained in favor of Romanism. And there are, or 
recently were, three copies of the letter and reply in 
the Boston Athenieum. The mother of Christine 
had children by her French husband, and Philip, 
Christine's half-brother, visited her at Brookfield. 

All the children of Captain Baker and Christine, 
seven or eight in number, excepting the first, who 
was a daughter, bearing her mother's name, were 
born in Brookfield. There is no reason to doubt that 
the connection was a happy one. They held a very 
respectable position, and he was the first representa- 
tive from Brookfield. He was indeed once tried be- 
fore the Superior Court, in 1727, for blasphemy, but 
the jury acquitted him. The offense consisted in his 
remarking, while discoursing on God's providence in 
allowing Joseph Jennings, of Brookfield, to be made 
a justice of the peace, " If I had been with the Al- 
mighty I would have taught him better." 

In 1733 Cai)tain Baker sold his farm in Brookfield. 
But this proved an unfortunate step, for the purchas- 
er failed before making payment, and their circum- 
stances became greatly reduced. They were a short 
time at Mendou, and also at Newport, R. I., but 
finally removed to Dover, X. H. Poor Christine, in 
1735, petitioned the authorities of Xew Hampshire 
for leave to " keep a house of public entertainment" 
on the " County Rhoade from Dover meeting-house 
to Cocheco Boome." To this petition she signs 
her name " Christine baker," and mentions that she 
made a journey to Canada in ho|)e of getting her 
children, "but all in vaine.'' A license was granted, 
and it seems probable that she kept the house a num- 
ber of years. She died, at a great age, February 23, 
1773, and an obituary notice appeared in the Boston 
Evening Posl. 



296 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



There seems, at first sight, to be a little confusion 
of dates in the foregoing, or possibly some mistake in 
personal irlentity, if the dates in the following depo- 
sition are correct. The deposition is in favor of a 
fellow-soldier, and bears the date June 8, 1730 : 

"The deposition of Thomas Baker, of Lyn, in the county of Essex, 
aged about 77 years, Testitieth and saitli. That I, being well ai-iiuainted 
with one Andrew Townsend of Lyn aforesaid for more than S't years 
since, and do certainly know and very well Remember that the s*! An- 
drew Townsend was a soldier in the Expedition to the Narragansett un- 
der y« Command of ('apt. Gardner, and that he waa in ye n^ Narragansett 
fite and in s'^ fite RecM a wound, in or about the year 1675." 

The deponent styles himself of Lynn, but it rather 
appears that he was then of Brookfield. Perhaps, 
however, he was proud to still call himself of Lynn, 
or merely meant that he was of Lynn at the time of 
the "fite." It is evident that he was somewhat of a 
rover. 

The King Philip War, that last great struggle of 
the red men, commenced in 1675. It was a period 
when all the energy and all the patriotism were put 
to the test — a period, as it appeared to many, of life 
or death. And our people, though not apparently 
exposed to immediate danger, responded with a 
promptness worthy of all praise. The then captain 
of the military company of I^ynn was Thomas Mar- 
shall, who had been a resident here for some forty 
years, though in the mean time he had been back to 
England, where he gained, by his bravery in the par- 
liamentary army, a commission as captain from Oli- 
ver Cromwell. He was a man of some eccentricities, 
but yet must have had the confidence of the people. 
He kept the tavern near Saugus River for many 
years, and appears to have been in some respects a 
model landlord. He is spoken of in other connec- 
tions. 

It would not be easy to ascertain the exact number 
of men furnished nor the amounts raised in response 
to the public calls in this great struggle ; but Lynn 
did her full share. 

Our limits will not allow of much detail regarding 
the different wars that have, from time to time, spread 
their alarms through the land — the French and In- 
dian Wars, the Revolution and the subsequent con- 
tests down to the great Rebellion. Nor is the little 
that could be given necessary, as the public records 
and local histories abundantly supply all needs in 
that direction ; to say nothing of the numerous war- 
like events incidentally spoken of in other parts of 
this sketch, as the participants caine under notice. 
A few facts, however, should be stated. 

During the French and Indian War, 1754-63, some 
two thousand French Catholic neutrals were sent to 
Massachusetts to be quartered in different places. 
Lynn's share was fourteen. Their provisions were 
supplied by Thomas Lewi*, and among his items of 
charge were four hundred and thirty-two quarts of 
milk at six pence a gallon. A company marched 
from Lynn for Canada, May 23, 1758, and two were 
killed. 



Then we come down to the Revolution. Several 
Lvnn men were at the battle of Lexington, April 19, 
1775, the opening battle of the war, and four were 
killed, ^namely, Abednego Ramsdell, William Flint, 
Thomas Hadley and Daniel Townsend. On the 2.'3d 
of April Lynn chose a Committee of Safety, consisting 
of Rev. John Treadwell, minister of the First Parish, 
Rev. Joseph Roby, minister of the Third Parish and 
Deacon Daniel Mansfield; others were afterwards 
added, among them Dr. John Flagg. An alarm com- 
pany was formed, and three night watches estab- 
lished. The memorable battle of Bunker Hill was 
fought June 17, 1775. The Lynn regiment was un- 
der command of Colonel John Mansfield. It mus- 
tered, but did not reach the ground in time to take 
part in the conflict. For his "remissness and back- 
wardness in the execution of duty," the colonel was 
ordered before a court-martial, consisting of twelve 
field-oflicers, presided over by Gen. Greene, found gui I ty 
and ordered to be cashiered. The patriotic people of 
Lynn were greatly mortified at this untoward occur- 
rence, which, however, had rather the efli'ect to stimu- 
late their zeal and determination. Lynn furnished 
for the war two colonels, three captains, five lieuten- 
ants, five sergeants, six corporals and about a hun- 
dred and sixty privates, which, considering the then 
small population, was doing remarkably well. She 
was poor, and her business prostrated during the war ; 
nevertheless, in 1776, she voted fifteen pounds each 
to the company of soldiers furnished for the expedi- 
tion to Canada, and ten pounds for every enlisting 
volunteer. She also, in 1780, granted as much money 
as would purchase two thousand seven hundred silver 
dollars to p.ay the soldiers. This was liberal, consid- 
ering the losses by the depressed condition of the cur- 
rency. Within two years she had granted for war 
purposes seventy thousand pounds, old tenor. Jlr. 
Lewis remarks, "A soldier of the Revolution says 
that, in 1781, he sold one thousand seven hundred 
and eighty dollars of paper money for thirty dollars 
in silver." By this, something may be seen of the 
town's liberality. In the procession at the celebra- 
tion of the Fourth of July, at Lynn, in 1828, were 
over forty who had served in various capacities and 
for various terms in the armies of the Revolution ; 
among them four pensioners. The government at 
that day was not so able to grant pensions as it at 
present is, and hence comparatively few were on the 
lists. That was the last procession in which most of 
them ever anpeared — excepting the great procession 
which knows no counter-march, in which we are all 
moving on, and from which every one of them soon 
dropped out. 

Concerning several of the more prominent Lynn 
soldiers who served in the Revolution, it would be 
agreeable to say something ; but the allotted space is 
so limited that it is necessary to be chary of its use. 
So deserving a commander as Colonel Ezra Newhall, 
however, should not be passed over in entire silence. 



LYNN. 



297 



He was a great-great-grandson of Thomas Newhall, 
the first white person born in Lynn, and was captain 
of the Lynn Minute Men at the opening of the war ; 
but, in consequence of the delay of the troops from 
Salem, was not present at the battle of Lexington. 
Nor was he present at the b.attle of Bunker Hill, as he 
was attached to Colonel Mansfield's regiment, as 
senior captain, and by the " remissness " of that offi- 
cer was kept from joining the gathering squadrons. 
In earlier life Colonel Ezra was an officer in the 
French War under Colonel Ruggles. Subsequently 
to the battle of Bunker Hill he was major, then lieu- 
tenant-colonel in Colonel Putnam's Fifth Massachu- 
setts Regiment, and so continued to the end of the 
war. He served in the camjiaign that sealed the fate 
of Burgoyne, was at Valley Forge and at the battles 
of Trenton and Princeton. After the war he was ap- 
pointed by President Washington collector of inter- 
nal revenue, and retained the office till his death, on 
the /ith of April, 1798, at the age of sixty-si.v years. 
There is abundant evidence that while in the army 
he was very popular with his companions-in-arms. 
While the regiment was encamped at Winter Hill 
some dissatisfaction was manifested concerning the 
rank of the captains and other officers, as they stood 
on the brigade major's books. The captains, there- 
fore, on the 27th of August, 1775, held a meeting and 
voted to "settle the rank of officers by lot, and abide 
thereby," at the same time voting that Captain Ezra 
Newhall should rank as first captain. Indeed, he 
seems alwaj's to have been spoken of as a brave and 
prudent officer, and a man much beloved. He lived 
in the house still standing on Boston Street, at the 
southwest corner of the recently opened Wyman 
Street. After the Revolution he removed to Salem, 
purchased an estate on Essex Street, and there died 
at the time above stated. The Salem Gazette, in an 
obituary notice, said : " He served his country in the 
late war with fidelity and honor; and in civil and do- 
mestic life the character of an honest man, faithful 
friend, tender husband and kind parent was con- 
spicuous in him. Society sufters a real loss by his 
death." 

The warlike events of later years are, or should be, 
so familiar to every reader that any attempt at de- 
tails wdiich space would allow would be far from sat- 
isfactory, and we must content ourselves with little 
more than bare allusions. 

The VV'ar of 1X12 was essentially a naval conflict, 
but there was much suffering and business depression, 
and above all, sharp political dissension. At times 
there were sudden alarms in the seaboard settlements 
arising from threatened descents and bombardments 
from the enemy's ships in the bay. The gallant con- 
test between the English frigate " Shannon " and the 
American frigate " Chesapeake," on the 1st of June, 
1813, was witnessed by crowds of the people of Lynn, 
who not only climbed the hills, but clung to the house- 
tops. And when the American flag was seen to strike, 
19i 



many a sorrowful eye was turned away. Watch stations 
were established upon several heights, and two or 
three alarms occurred which hastily called out the 
soldiery and excited the people, but no serious con- 
flict took place. 

Soon after the close of the first quarter of the pres- 
ent century the military interest began to fall into 
popular disrepute. It had, indeed from the frequency 
of exercise required and other exactions, become quite 
burdensome. The opposition developed especially in 
the shape of ridicule. And had it not been for the 
saving efforts of the uniformed or, as they were 
called, the volunteer companies, it is hard to tell 
where the matter would have ended. There were at 
this time three handsomely uniformed and well- 
drilled companies, — namely, the Lynn Artillery, or- 
ganized in 1808; the Light Infantry, organized in 
1812 ; and the Rifle Company, organized in 1818. 

Sometimes totally unfit persons were designedly 
elected as officers, and the district "companies of the 
line "at times amounted to little more than tattered 
and jeering a.ssemblages. One man who was elected 
an officer in a We-<t Lynn company is well remem- 
bered. He was a fellow of good information and 
bright w'it, but extremely low habits. For a supply 
of liquor he could be induced to play in any r6le. 
On a certain parade day he appeared mounted on a 
gaunt roadster wrapped in a long cloak decorated 
I)rofusely with conspicuous and ridiculous badges. 
And so he capered around as long as he could retain 
his seat. Yet the fires of patriotism had by no means 
been extinguished, for every one saw the necessity of 
a properly organized militia. The disafi'ection was 
only towards the existing recpiirements. And the re- 
sult of the popular manifestations was a radical 
change in the laws. And from that time to this the 
laws have been modified as circumstances required. 

The Seminole or, as it was often called, the Florida 
War, commenced in 18,35 an<l continued nearly eight 
years. It cost the United States some ten million 
dollars and several thousand lives. There were ro- 
mantic as well as bloody features pertaining to this 
war. Its precipitating cause seems to have been 
some indignities offered the wife of Osceola, a chief of 
the Seminoles. He was the son of an English trader 
who married the daughter of a chief, and was of a 
most determined and persistent character. So pro- 
longed was the war that the people became very im- 
patient, and with their complaints and censures min- 
gled ridicule, notwithstanding some of the best and 
bravest array officers were detailed for the service. A 
sharpshooting poet in 1839 thus delivered himself: 

" Ever since the creation, 

By the best calcvilatiun, 
Tlio Florida War has been raging ; 

And 'tia our expectation 

Tliat tlie liist contlagratiuii 
\VilI tiud us tlie same contest waging ! " 

Perhaps the incident in the Seminole War that 



298 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



most nearly touched the people of Lynn was the loss 
of Robert R. Muclge, a young officer, promising and 
much beloved. He was a son of Benjamin Mudge, a 
native of Lynn and for many years one of her most 
prominent citizens. Lieutenant Mudge graduated at 
the West Point Military Academy in 1833, and in 
1835 was ordered to Florida to take part in the Sem- 
inole War as lieutenant under Major Dade. He was 
killed at Withlacoochie, together with the whole 
company of one hundred and seventeen, with the ex- 
ception of three. 

The Mexican War commenced in 1846. Lynn fur- 
nished twenty volunteers, no special call being made. 
In 1832 the threats of revolt iu South Carolina and 
her apparent determination to break the integrity of 
the Union, the zeal and oratorical vigor of her states- 
men, the drilling of her troops, all tended to create 
serious apprehension in every quarter. And had it 
not been for the unflinching determination of Presi- 
dent Jackson, his warnings and declarations, espec- 
ially as embodied in his famous proclamation, there 
is little doubt that a rebellion would then have been 
precipitated. But that extremity was reserved for the 
next generation. And it came. 

The history of the great Rebellion, the first overt 
act of which was the bombardment of Fort Sumter 
on the 12th of April, 1861, is so familiar that we need 
only refer to a few facts specially pertaining to Lynn. 
In five hours after President Lincoln's first requisi- 
tion for troops arrived Lynn had two full companies 
armed and ready for duty. And early the next day, 
April 16th, they departed to meet the foe. The two 
companies formed a part of the Eighth Massachusetts 
Regiment, and were Company D, the Lynn Light 
Infantry, commanded by Captain George T. Newhall, 
and Company F, commanded by Captain James Hud- 
son, Jr. The regimental officers belonging to Lynn 
were Timothy Munroe, colonel ; Edward W. Hinks, 
lieutenant-colonel ; Ephraim A. Ingalls, quartermas- 
ter; Roland G. Usher, paymaster; Bowman B. Breed, 
surgeon ; Warren Tapley, assistant surgeon ; Horace 
E. Munroe, quartermaster sergeant. Many volunteers 
stood ready and would have gone had there been time 
for equipment. Company D marched ofl' with sixty 
privates, and Company F with seventy-six. The zeal 
thus early kindled did not abate during the whole 
war. Every call for troops was quickly and fully re- 
sponded to, and everything done that could add 
to the comfort of the brave ones upon the field. Lynn 
furnished three thousand two hundred and seventy- 
four soldiers, which was two hundred and thirty more 
than her full quota. Enthusiastic war meetings were 
from time to time held. And the principal vic- 
tories were celebrated by the ringing of bells, by bon- 
fires and other joyful demonstrations. Many of her 



gallant sons fell on the field ; others lost their lives by 
diseases contracted during the campaigns, and still 
others have passed away in the common course of na- 
ture since the alarms of war have ceased. Many 
peacefully lie in the Soldiers' Lot in the beautiful 
Pine Grove Cemetery, while others rest in more se- 
cluded sepulchres, or with their fathers in the older 
burial-places, their graves being strewn on every re- 
turning " Memorial Day " with fresh flowers by sur- 
viving comrades and loving kindred. By far the 
greater number, however, still sleep upon the battle- 
field. A stately Soldiers' Monument was erected in 
City Hall Square in 1873. It is an allegorical and 
classic work of art in bronze, cast at Munich, in Ba- 
varia, and cost $30,000. 

The Grand Army of the Republic in Lynn. — Gen. 
Lander Encampment, Post 5, is said to be the largest 
in the country. But its ranks are thinning out as 
member after member is drafted into that army which 
marches on with ceaseless step, and knows no coun- 
termarch. 

As population increases, the laws governing our 
State military affairs are constantly undergoing 
changes, and it would be useless to attempt here any- 
thing like a historical account of the alterations even 
during the last forty years. The organizations have 
come to be essentially voluntary rather than compul- 
sory. And the people have never been backward in 
sanctioning the most liberal provision for the disci- 
pline and comfort of her soldiery. 

Our present military organizations are the Light 
Infantry (Company D) and the Wooldredge Cadets 
(Company I), both in high repute. There is aUo the 
Lynn City Guards Veteran Association. 

It is quite within the recollection of the writer that 
the newspaper reader often saw at the close of an 
obituary notice the phrase " He was a soldier of the 
Revolution." But it is never seen at this day. It is 
said that the last person to whom a pension was paid 
on account of the Revolutionary War died at Wood- 
stock, N. H., early in 1887, at the age of ninety-seven. ' 
She was a widow by the name of Abigail S. Tilton. 
Is it not a solemn thought that all of the brave ones 
who fought for our liberties at that trying period have 
lain down to that prolonged rest from which they will 
be aroused only by the sound of the trumpet that 
summons them and all of us for final review and in- 
spection ? And is it not, too, a solemn thought that 
the remnant of the Grand Army of our day, who took 
the field for the maintenance of those liberties, are 
fast joining the throng of their martial fathers ? A 
few years more, and the last soldier will have marched 
away, and the " Grand Army of the Republic" sur- 
vive in memory only as a vestige of the heroism of 
the past. 



LYNN. 



299 



CHAPTER xvnr. 

t,YNy:—{Coutinued}. 
BURIAL-PLACES. 

Thr Old Biinjhig-Groiiud, loith Epitnphs and Notice* of Some Who Lie 
Ihere — (tllier Rurial-Ptaces and t'eineleries — Memoi-ial Day — Ancient 
Funeral (.'itelotnt. 



*' The colli dark grave — tliere 19 no cjire, 
No pain nor gloom, 
Wilhin the tomb ; 
The wicked cfase from tioublitig there.' 



" It is wise for us to recur to the history of our an- 
cestors. Those who do not look upon themselves as 
a link connecting the past with the future, in the 
transmission of life from their ancestors to their pos- 
terity — do not perform their duty to the world. To be 
faithful to ourselves, we must keep our ancestors and 
posterity within reach and grasp of our thoughts and 
affections — living in the memory and retrospection of 
the past, and hoping with affection and care for those 
who are to come after us. We are true to ourselves 
only when we act with becoming pride for the blood 
we inherit, and which we are to transmit to those 
who shall soon fill our places." So wrote Daniel 
Webster, and who will not subscribe to its truthfulness 
and wisdom ? No apology is needed for the introduc- 
tion of an extended notice of the burial-places of Lynn, 
for such consecrated grounds always possess a touch- 
ing interest — to the old, because there lie the departed 
kindred and friends of earlier years ; to the young, 
because there they see, fast gathering around, the 
loved ones fromthebroken household and the charmed 
circle of glad companionship. In these often-shunned 
retreats lie those who have made the history of the 
place ; and who could be more worthy than they of 
grateful remembrance? 

One of the first objects in commencing a settlement 
was to select a suitable place for the burial of the 
dead, as all realize that such a place will surely be 
needed, whatever other seeming nece.ssities may be 
dispensed with. True, the dead would rest just as 
quietly by the stony wayside or in the weedy bog, as 
in a flowery bed or beneath a marble monument; but 
to the sorrowing kindred there is something repugnant 
in thinking of them as resting in a dreary, uncared- 
for spot. The Indians, even, had great regard for the 
remains of their departed ancestors; and woe betide 
the daring enemy who would desecrate the rude ne- 
cropolis upon the sunny hillside. 

But yet with what diflerent teelings do the living 
think of the last resting-place they are destined to 
occupy. Some would lie in a sequestered spot, where 
the soothing dirge of sighing trees is ever heard ; 
some would lie on the ocean shore, where the spent 
waves murmur a ceaseless lament ; some would lie in 
the art-adorned cemetery, whither the stepsof pensive 
wanderers may tend at thuughtful hours ; some would 



lie in the centre of the busy life they loved so well, 
but which no longer can disturb or charm; and some 
would have their mortal remains di-solvcd in the cru- 
cible of cremation. Says John Anster: 

" If I might choose where my tired limbs shall lie 
When my task here is done, the oak'8 green crest 
Shall rise above my grave — a little mound 
R;ii8ed in some cheerful village cemetery. 
And I could wish that with unceasing sound 
A lonely mountain rill was murmuring by 
In music through the long soft twilight hour. 
And let the hand of her whom I love best 
Plant round the bright, green grave those fragrant flowers 
In whoso <leep bells the wild bee loves to rest. 
And should the robin from some neighboring tree 
Pour his enchanted song — Oh ! softly tread. 
For sure if aught of earth can soothe the dead. 
He still must love that pensive melody." 

And then our own Lewis pleadingly enjoins : 

" 0, bury me not in the dark old woods, 

Where the sunbeams never shine ; 
Where mingles the mist of the mountain floods 

With the dew of the dismal pine ! 
But bury me deep by the bright blue sea, 

I have loved in life so well ; 
Where the winds may come to my spirit free, 

.\nd the sound of the ocean shell. 

** 0, bury me not in the churcliyard old. 

In the elinie of the doleful tomb ! 
Where my bones maybe thrust, ere their life is cold, 

To the damp of a drearier gloom ! 
But bury me deep by the bright blue sea, 

Where the friends whom I love have been ; 
Where the sun may shine on the gras.3 turf free, 

And the rains keep it ever green ! " 

And thus sings Beattie : 

*' Let vanity adorn the marble tomb 
With trophies, rhymes, and scutcheons of renown ; 
Mine be the breezy hill that skirts the down ; 

Where a green grassy turf is all I crave 
With here and there a violet hestrown, 

Fast by a brook or fountain s murmuring wave ; 

And many an evening sun shine sweetly on my grave." 

The early settlers, with most unaccountable irrever- 
ence, had little regard for the resting-places of their 
dead, often allowing rank weeds and brambles to 
flourish, and wandering animals to roam at will over 
the reserved acres. Whittier alludes to this in these 
touching lines : 

*' Our vales are sweet with fern and rose, 
Our hills are maple-crowned ; 
But not from them our fathers chose 
The village burying-ground. 

*' The dreariest spot in all the land 
To death the,v set apart ; 
With scanty grace from Nature's hand. 
And none from that of art." 

But these later generations of their children have 
in a measure atoned for their .strange remissness by 
consecrating beautiful cemeteries, in which sometimes 
appear monuments so costly and decorative that the 
mind is liable to be led from meditation on the vir- 
tues of those they commemorate to admiration of 
them as works of art or disapprobation of them as 
moiiunients of ostentation and extravagance. 



300 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Old Burying-Ground of Lynn is in the 
westerly part of the city. It is not known with cer- 
tainty when the first interments were made there. 
The stones are no certain index, for tlie oldest one 
bears the date 1698, and multitudes must have been 
buried there oefore that time. There rest the early 
fathers and mothers of the place, and many whose 
talents and virtuous deeds made them conspicuous in 
their own day and generation. 

The first burial in this ancient place, so far as is 
certainly known, was in 1637, wlien the remains of 
John Bancroft, ancestor of the distinguished histo- 
rian and statesman, George Bancroft, were laid there. 
And it was on the 1st of April, 1687, that the remains 
of Thomas Newhall, the first white person born in 
Lynn, was buried there. He had died at the age of 
fifty-seven years. The oldest stone bears this inscrip- 
tion : "Here lyeth ye body of lohn Clitlbrd. Died 
lune ye 17, 1698, in ye 68 year of his age." The fig- 
ure nine, by some sacrilegious intruder, was, eighty 
years ago, altered in a rough way, so as to resemble a 
two, and that has led some to the erroneous belief 
that there was a burial here as early as 1628. 

For some two centuries no complete record of in- 
terments here seems to luive been kept, but since the 
law so required, the town and city clerks have been 
faithful in recording. 

Mr. John T. Moulton, a worthy native, a few years 
since had all the inscriptions copied and published in 
the Peabody Institute Collections, — a labor of love 
for which he is deserving of the highest commenda- 
tion. 

A few of the epitaphs in this ancient gathering- 
place of the dead will be given ; but it will be borne 
in mind that it very often happens that the name of 
one of the most worthy and useful is not so perpetu- 
ated, while that of another, whose memory elicits no 
sentiment of reverence, is blazoned on a pompous 
monument. It should be borne in mind, too, that 
many, insjiired by ardent love for their native place, 
were overtaken by the fell destroyer when far away, 
never again to meet those of their generation till 
the sea gives up her dead. 

Churchyard lore is not usually very refined in dic- 
tion, however tender in sentiment, and the simple, 
unlettered record is sometimes more touching than 
the studied and stately. But a countless multitude, 
of whose names even there is no record, are there at 
rest, among them, perhaps, " some mute, inglorious 
Milton," or some heroic Washington. Certainly a 
host of the godly men and women of the early days 
are sleeping there, to be aroused only at the last 
trumpet's sound ; and theirs must be the brightest 
dreams, should dreams come in that night ot cen- 
turies. 

'' Sure the lust end 
Of the good man 18 peace. How calm his exit ! 
Niglit de\v(* fall not more gently on the ground 
Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft." 



The few epitaphs for which space can be afforded 
in this connectiou will, for convenience, be arranged 
alphabetically. 

•' In memory of Rev. Thomas F. Alexander, pastor of the Second Chria- 
tian Church in Lynn, who died April '2, 1838, aged 2:i years. 

" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. — Ps. 116, 
15. 

" Church ! to whom this youth was dear, 
The angel of thy mercy here. 
Behold the path he trod. 
A milky-way through midnight skies ; 
Behold the erave in which he lies ; 
Even from this day thy Pastor cries 
Prepare to meet thy God." 

Few ever had the capacity to so win the esteem of ' 
the young people of his generation as did this youth- 
ful clergyman. He possessed uncommon talents and 
an uncommonly felicitous way of expressing his 
views and convictions. He mingled freely with those 
of all denominations, was neither bigoted nor heter- 
odox, and his early death was deeply felt as a serious 
loss to the community. 

"In memory of Mr. Zachariah Atwill, who died November 6, 1836. 
^t 81. 

" Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that 
man is peace." 

Mr. Atwill was a Revolutionary soldier. At one 
time he lived in the ancient house that stood on the 
centre of the Common, a little west of the pond, but 
now stands on the easterly side of Whiting Street and 
which is the oldest building in Lynn of which the 
date of erection is positively known. It was built in 
1682 for the residence of the parish sexton. Mr. At- 
will kept the almshouse for many years before its re- 
moval, in 1819, from the corner of Essex and Chest- 
nut Streets to Tower Hill. A son of his, Zachariah, 
Jr., was a sea captain, and, it is said, crossed the At- 
lantic some fifty times without the loss of a seaman. 

" Here lyes y" body of Mr. Thomas Baker, who died October y« 3d 
1734, aged 81 years." 

Mr. Baker was drafted November 13, 1675, to serve 
iu King Philip's War, and was in the Narragansett 
fight. In 1694 he was a member of the Ancient and 
Honorable Artillery, and is spoken of more at large 
in other pages of this sketch. 

"In memory of Amos Ballard (son of Mr. John Ballard, of Boston), 
who was deprived of his life by the accidental discharge of a musket in 
a canoe iu Lynu River, on the 2.5th of August, 1708. JEtat 77. 

"The grave hath eloquence, its lectures teach 
In silence louder than divines can preach ; 
Hear what it says, ye sous of folly, hear; 
It speaks to you ; lend an attentive ear. " 

" In memory of Mr. Josiah Breed, who died December 12, 1790, in the 
59th year of his age. 

" Death is a debt to nature due ; 
Which I have paid, and so must yon." 

" Here^yes buried ye body of Doc' Henry Burchsted, a Silesian, who 
died Sept'' xx, Anno Christi, MDCCXXI. ^Etatis Sua; LXIIII. 

" Silesia t > New England sent this man. 
To do their all that any healer can, 



LYNN. 



301 



But he who conquered all diseases must 
Find one wbo throws liini down into the dust 
A chymist near to an adeptist come, 
Leaves here, thrown by his caput mortuuin 
Reader, physicians die its others do ; 
Prepare, for thou to this art Ila-•^tL■nillg too." 

"My widow'd mother, 

My only earthly friend, 

Erected this monument 

To tell each traveller, 

Who loi'ks this way, 

That underneatli this stone 

Rests the ashes uf her mily son, 

Josiah Barrage, who died Dec. 13th, 17C*T, 

Aged 21 years. 

Oft do we <iee the tender bud of hope, 
Opening its beauties to the morning light, 
When lo! a frost cuts down the tender plant, 
And levels all our prospects with the dust." 

" Here lyes buried the body of the Honorable John Burrill, Esq , 
who died Decem*'' ln'h Anno Christi, MDCCXXI. .Etatis LXIV. 

" Alas ! our j-atron's dead ! the country — court — 
The church— in tears, all echo the rejKtrt ; 
Grie%ed that no piety, no mastering sense, 
No counsel, gravity, no eloquence, 
No generous temper, gravitating to 
Those houors. which they did upon him throw. 
Could slay his fate, or tht-ir dear Burrill save 
From a contagious sickness and the grave. 
The adjacent towns this loss reluctant bear. 
But widowed Lynn sustains the greatest share: 
Yet joys in being guardian of his dust 
Until the resurrection of the just." 

The residence of Mr. Burrill was on the western 
slope of Tower Hill, and there he died, leaving no 
children. The " contagious sic-knesa '' which proved 
fatal was small-pox. He was well known throughout 
the province, was much in public life, and sustained a 
high reputation as a legislator. He was ten years 
Speaker of the House, and greatly respected for his 
ability and urbanity in conducting public business. 

"In memory of Mr. Thomas Cheever, a soMier of the Revolution, 
who died Jan. 2H, 1823, ^t. 90. 

*' Receive, O earth, his faded form. 
In thy cold bosom let it lie. 
Safe let it rest from every storm, 
Soon must it rise, no more to die." 

" The Rev. Joshua W. Downing, A. M. Died July 15, 1S:19, aged 2R." 

Mr. Downing was one of Lynn's most promising 
young men. He was a son of Elijah Downing, a cabi- 
net-maker, who lived on North Common Street, corner 
of Park. He graduated at Brown University, and at 
first intended to pursue the profession of law, but 
becoming converted, he joined the Methodist Confer- 
ence, and soon became one of the most acceptable 
preachers in the denomination, insomuch that at 
the time of his decease he was in charge of one of 
the oldest and most opulent churches of the order in 
New England,— the Bromtield Street Church, in 
Boston. 

"This monument is inscribed to the mcmor>- of John Flagg, Esq., in 
whom remarkable tt-mperance, uniform prudence, unaffected modesty, 
affectionate humanity and diffusive beiievoleuce shone conspicuous 
among the virtues which graced his character, endeared him to his 
family and friends, and secured him the respect and love of all who had 
the happincbs \o know him. 



" Aa a physician, his skill was eminent, and his practice extensiye 
and successful. 

"To Death, whose triumph he had so often delayed and repelled, but 
could not entirely prevent, he at last himself eubmiitfd on the UTth of 
May, 17!)3. in the ftuth year cf his age. 

" Heav'n now repays his virtues and his deeds, 
And endless life the stroke of death succeeds." 

Dr. Flagg graduated at Cambridge in 17G1. and 
eight years after settled a^a physician in Lynn, where 
he soon, by his integrity, affability and skill, won the 
esteem and confidence of all. He was active and pa- 
triotic during the trying Revolutionary period, was a 
member of the Committee of Safety in 1775, and com- 
missioned as a colonel. Dr. James Gardner, for 
many years a public-spirited and highly-respected 
practitioner here, married his only daughter. Dr. 
Flagg lived at the eastern end of Clarion »Street, in 
the same house in which the famous merchant, Wil- 
liam Gray, was born some twenty years before. 

"George Gray, the Lynn Hermit, a native of Scotland, died at Lynn, 
Feb. 28, 1848, aged 78 years." 

This eccentric individual lived alone for many 
years in what was, at the time of his appearance, a 
retired and forlorn retreat, little better than a bram- 
bly bog, though near a public road. Further notice 
of him appears elsewhere. 

"Ttiis monument is erected to the memory of Mr. Samuel Hart, son 
of Mr. Joseph & Eunice Hart. Obt. July 18, 18u2, .^t. 24. 

*' Farewell to friends, to science & to time, 
God bids me leave you all, though in my prime. 
Parents, mourn not, though I'm the fourth young son 
That God hath callfd, he still doth leave you one, 
Grieve not for me, but for the living grieve, 
'Tis they who dit^, it is the dead who live." 

The writer of this sketch well remembers hearing 
in early childhood, a sister of the deceased often 
speak in the most affectionate terms of his lovely 
character, especially of his amiability. He seems to 
have been ambitious of leaving the toilsome occupa- 
tion of farmer, and preparing for usefulness in some 
learned profession, and was a student — in Harvard 
College, it is believed — at the time of his death. The 
family greatly mourned his loss, and the whole neigh- 
borhood partook in the sorrow. The epitaph refers to 
three brothers who had gone before him, leaving him 
the last but one of all the sons of the stricken parents. 
The epitaplis of thei^e three follow, and they are all 
uncommonly impressive in sentiment and tenderly 
expressed : 

"Sacred to the mem(»ry of Joseph & Hnrrill Hart, Obt. Nov. 15th & 
Dec. 8th, 1780, Act. 18 & 11 years, Sous of Joseph and Kuuice Hart. 

"These lovely youths resigned their breath, 
Prepared to live & ripe for death ; 
You blooming youths who view this stouo, 
Learn early death may be your own. 
The Lord, wlio hatli all sov'n'iKU jKHVer, 
Cut short the lo\e]y opening tlower. 
The sister's joy, the parent's hope, 
Submit to death's rek-ntless stroke." 

"Sacred to the memory "f Joseph Burrili Hart, son of Mr. Joseph Jt 
Mrs. Eunice Hurt, wbo died Xov. IH, 17iK<, Aged 7 years. 



302 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



*' His opening mind a thousand charms revealM, 
Proof of those thousands which were still couceard, 
Tlio loveliest flow'r in nature's garden plac'd, 
Permitted just to bhioni and pluck'd in haste. 
Angels beheld him ripe for joys to come, 
And cuird by God's command their brother home." 

Joseph Hart, the afflicted father of these promising 
youths, was a farmer, and lived in the ancient house 
that stood on Boston Street at the corner of North 
Federal. He owned all the land on the west side of 
the street up to Walnut, and raised corn, potatoes and 
the usual products for faiuily consumption, together 
with large quantities of flax, which was wrought into 
a durable though not elegant kind of cloth. Mrs. 
Eunice Hart, mother of the deceased youths, was a 
granddaughter of Hon. Ebenezer Burrill, who occu- 
pied the extensive farm at Swampscott, a portion of 
which was lately owned by the Hon. E. R. Mudge, 
deceased. The ancient farm-house in which Mr. Bur- 
rill lived is still standing near the elegant stone villa 
of Mr. Mudge. 

" To the memory of Deacon Ezra Hitchings, who waa born April 15, 
1765, and died Nov. 20, 18'29. This stone is erected by the members of 
the Second Congregational Chul-ch in Lynn, of which, from its forma- 
tion, he was an able and efficient officer, as a testimonial of the profound 
respect and love for his integrity and benevolence, his piety as a Chris- 
tian and his worth as a man. 

** The memory of the just is blessed." 

The Second Congregational Church of Lynn was 
the first Unitarian, and to the present day remains 
the only society of that denomination here. Major 
Hitchings, to use the military title by which he was 
popularly known, was a native of that part of Lynn 
which is now Saugus. His wife, who was a woman 
of much force of character, was a sister of Colonel 
James Robinson, a soldier of the Revolution, and first 
postmaster of Lynn. They had no children of their 
own, but adopted one or two, whom they reared with 
the watchful care of true parents. Mr. Hitchings 
kept a West India goods store on Boston Street, 
corner of North Federal, and did a fair village busi- 
ness, though it yielded nothing beyond a comfortable 
maintenance. 

" Sacred to the memory of Benjamin Massey, who was born Nov. 19, 
178(5, and died Dec. 10, 1831. 

*' Reader, a moment pause before this stone ; 
It tells a husband, father, Christian gone ; 
These sacred names he bore ; but oh, how well 
Must faithful memory, not the marble, tell ; 
Enough, if in this hard white stone you see 
His strong, firm will — his spotless purity." 

The loss of Mr. Massey to the community was se- 
riou.sly felt. He was an active, useful citizen, his 
services being in constant demand wherever strict 
personal integrity and prudence were required. He 
took an important part in the management of public 
affairs, and filled several of the higher offices of public 
trust. At the organization, in 1828, of the Lynn Mu- 
tual Fire Insurance Comi)any, that still remarkably 
successful institution, he was chosen secretary, and 
held the office till his death. He was an industrious 



blacksmith, his shop and dwelling being on Western 
Avenue, a few rods west of Federal Street. 

•' Alonzo Lewis, died January 21, 18G1, aged sixty-six years and five 
mouths. 

" Frances, his wife, died May 27, 1839. 

" All angel-s now, and little less while here." 

This is the resting-place of Mr. Lewis, the poet and 
historian. In the neat little burial inclosure are two 
or three chaste marble stones, unpretentious but 
strikingly appropriate. As Mr. Lewis is spoken of 
somewhat at large in another place, nothing further 
need be said here. The other inscriptions in the in- 
closure, however, should be given, — 



" Frances Maria. 
Aurelius. 
Lynnwortb. 
Ina. 

Alonzo Lewis, Jr. 
Died March 7, 1852. 

Irene Lewis, 
Died March 26, 1853. 

Mary Lewis, 
Died Jan. 28, 1878. 



William Lewis, 
Born 1596. 
Died 1071. 

Amey, his wife. 

Isaac Lewis, Jr., 
Born 1683. 
Died 1763. 

Hannah, His wife. 

Nathan Lewis, 
Born 1721. 
Died 1804. 

Mary, his wife. 



Zachariah Lewis, 
Born 1765. 
Died 1810. 
Mary, his wife." 
(Five Generations.) 
*' Here lyes buried y* body of Ensign Joseph Newhall, aged 47 years. 
Departed this life January y 29, 1705." 

This Mr. Newhall was a man of some note and 
much respected. In 169G the town granted hira lib- 
erty to "Sett up a pewe in y' east end of y" meeting- 
house Between y" east dowre & the stares." He was, 
at the time of his death, a member of the General 
Court, and perished in a great snow-storm while on 
his way from Boston. It was a violent storm, continu- 
ing two days — the 29th and 30th of January. He 
was a son of Thomas Newhall, the first white person 
born in Lynn, and the father of eleven children, all 
of whom survived him. Many descendants of his are 
yet remaiuing in Lynn. 

*' Here lies buried the body of M' Zackeus Norwood, who departed this 
life Feb. the 8th, 1750, aged 40 years." 

"Here lyes buried the body of Doc* Jonathan Norwood, who de- 
parted this life March 16th, 1782, in y" 3lst year of his age." 

These two stones are in memory of father and son. 
Zacheus, the father, was keeper of the old Anchor 
Tavern, which, as "Norwood's Tavern," augmented 
in fame to the close of provincial days. He is 
spoken of elsewhere in these pages. Dr. Jonathan, 
the son, was a well-educated physician, and lived on 
the north side of the Common, between Mall and 
Park Streets. He graduated at Harvard in 1771. 
His death, March 16, 1782, was occasioned by in- 
juries received by a fall from his horse. 

" In memory of Mr. Isaac Orgin, who died May 29th, 1831, .>Et. 70. 
" Afflictions sore loug time I bore. 
Physicians strove in vain. 
Till God did please to give me ease, 
And take away my pain." 



LYNN. 



303 



Mr. Orgin was one of the youthful patriots who took 
tlie field in the Revolution, and is said to have been 
some time a drummer. 

*' Here lif3 buried the body of Mr. William Perkins, a gentleman of 
lil>enil ediicution. He was bred at Harvard College, and commenced 
Master of Arts in y year 1761. He was justly admired for his uncom- 
mon abilities, natural and acquired ; his literature, exemplary piety, 
modesty, meekness, and many other humane and Christian virtues 
which rendered him lovely in every relation of life. He died of a fever 
Oct' y" !J, ITtio, and in the 28'^" year of his age." 
".Mary Pitcher. 
173S-1813." 

This !<imple inscription on a neat headstone per- 
petuates the name of one who attained a world-wide 
reputation as " Moll Pitcher, the fortune-teller of 
Lynn." A somewhat extended notice of her may be 
found elsewhere in these pages. 

" The First Church of Christ in Lynn erected this monument to the 
memory of their faithful and much esteemed brother, beacon Nathaniel 
Sargent. He died September 23, 1798, aged 38 years. 

" I am the resurrection and the life saith the Redeemer." 

*'The Tomb of Rev. Jeremiah Shepard. The memory of the just is 
blessed. BIrs. Mary Shepard died March 28, 1710, .\et. 53. A prudent 
wife is from the Lord. Prov. xxxi. 10 & 28; the Mother of 9 children ; 
6 died, .Teremiah, 17(10, Act. 23: Mehetabel, 1088: Margaret, 1683: 
Thomas, 1709, Aet. 29: Francis, 1692. 

" Rev. Jeremiah Shepiird died June 2, 1720, Aet. 72. 
" Elij.ih's mantle drops, the prophet dies. 
His earthly mansion quits, and mounts the skies. 

So Shepard's gone. 

His precious dtist, death's prey, indeed is here. 
But 's nobler breath 'mong seraphs does appear ; 
He joins the adoring crowds about the tlirone. 
He 'b conquered all, and now he wears the crown." 

A notice of this venerable minister appears in an- 
other connection. 

" How uncertain are human enjoyments I 

"From gratitude, respect and endearing recollection, this stone Is 

erected in remembrance of Mrs. Jane & Sally Tufts, consort & daughter 

of Mr. llavid Tufts, who died Nov. 15th & IBtb, 1795, aged 28 years, th» 

infant 1 day. 

"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Tufts, & dau% wife and 
dau' of Mr. David Tufts, who obt. Aug. 20th i 22d, 1801. She aged 
32 years, the child .\et .0 hours. 

" Wliy do we mourn departed friends 
Or shake at death's alarms ? 
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends 
To cull them to his arms." 

"In memory of Mr. David Tufts, a soldier of the Revolution, who 
died July 6, 182:1, Aet. 60. 

" When coldness wraps this suffering clay, 
Ah, whither strays the immortal mind? 
It cannot die, it cannot otay. 
But leaves its darkened dust behind." 

This Mr. David Tufts, whose singularly severe and 
affecting visitations are here commemorated, lived in 
a comfortable two-story frame dwelling which stood 
on what is now Western Avenue, at tlie northeast 
corner of Federal Street, the site being now occupied 
by huge brick business buildings, and his land ex- 
tended nearly to Centre Street. His barn was opposite 
the west wing of Lynn Hotel. As stated upon the 
stone, he was a soldier of the Revolution, and must 
have been in service while a mere boy. He drew a 
pension during the latter part of his life, for though 



in the way of gaining a comfortable livelihood by 
farming and expressing, in a small svay, he was yet 
obliged to exercise industry and economy. He kept 
his sword hanging above the head of his bed as a me- 
mento of his early heroism. His last wife was Eunice, 
a daughter of Jo.seph Hart, of Boston Street, and she 
survived him more than forty years. He left three 
sons, one of whom was Deacon Richard Tufts, so long 
conspicuous for his rigid principles as a temperance 
reformer, and so highly respected for his unswerving 
moral integrity. He was a deacon of the First Con- 
gregational Church for many years, and died an octo- 
genarian. Col. Gardiner Tufts, whose efficient ser- 
vices in the interest of the Massachusetts soldiers, 
during the Civil War and subsequently, were highly 
appreciated, and who is yet doing efficient service 
under State appointment, was a son of the deacon. 

" John E. Weston, Minister of the Gospel, died July 2'i, 1831, Aet. 35. 

" He was ordained Oct. 1827, Pastor of the 2** Baptist Church In Cam- 
bridge, and at the time o( his death was pastor elect of the Baptist 
Church, Niiahua, N. H. It was while on a journey to Nashua to preach 
on the ensuing Sabbath that he was drowned in Sandy Pond in Wil- 
mington. This sudden and afflictive event occurred in consequence of 
a deep bank near the edge of the pond, from which, unperceived by him, 
he was precipitated with his carriage and sank in death. 

" Thus died a most excellent husband and 
Father, a devoted and humble Christian, an 
able and euergetic minister, beloved by all, 
and bearing the noble features of that Saviour 
whom he delighted to honor." 

In this venerable resting-place of the dead repose 
the remains of three early ministers of the First 
Church — Whiting, Shepard and Henchman — as well 
as the countless host of other worthies — fathers and 
mothers of past generations — some of whom have 
elsewhere come under notice. 

" Life's labor done, securely laid 
In this their last retreat. 
Unheeded o'er their silent dust 
The storms of life shall beat. 

" The etorm which wrecks the wintry 6ky 
No more disturbs their deep repose 
Than summer evening's gentlest sigh, 
Wiiich shuts the rose." 

The other burial-places of Lynn are as follows, ar- 
ranged according to the dates of consecration : 

The Friends' Burial-Place. — This seems to 
have been set apart for its sacred purposes early in the 
last century, probably in or about the year 1723, as 
h found that Richard Estes conveyed to the Friends 
Society an eligible lot of land at the corner of the 
present Broad and Silsbee Streets, " in consideration 
of the love and good will " he bore " to y' people of 
God called Quakers, in Lyn," by a deed dated the 
"seventeenth day of the tenth month, called Decem- 
ber, in y" ninth year of the reign of King George, in 
the year of our Lord, according to the English ac- 
count, one thousand seven hundred and twenty-two." 
The land was given " unto y° people aforementioned 
to bury their dead in, and to erect a meeting-house 



304 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



for to worship God in: I say those in true fellowship 
of the gospell unity with the monthly meeting, and 
those are to see to y" Christian burying as we have 
been in y' practice of." In 1826 the remains of a 
hundred and nine persons were removed from the old 
Friends' Burying-ground in Boston, and deposited in 
this at Lynn, the reason being that the society at 
Boston had become virtually extinct and their ground 
disused. Considerable feeling, however, was mani- 
fested by some, and Joseph Hussey refused to permit 
the removal of the remains of his two sisters to Lynn, 
preferring to have them deposited in King's Chapel 
ground. Thi.s burial-place is conveniently and pleas- 
antly situated, near the house of worship, and has a 
number of neat memorial stones, without costly or 
gairish display. And in it rest a goodly number of 
Lynn's most prudent and worthy sons and daughters. 
Adjoining this ground is another, opened in 1825, as 
a tree burial-place; the reason for the proceeding 
being that the society refused to permit the interment 
of a child in their ground without a compliance with 
their regulations. 

The Eastern Burial-Place, on Union Street, 
was opened in 1812, is neatly kept, and contains the 
dust of many worthy ones. 

Pine Grove Cemetery was consecrated on the 
afternoon of Wednesday, July 24, 1850. The weather 
was warm, but the slcy was clear, and a great con- 
course attended. The exercises, conducted amid 
such picturesque and inspiring surroundings, were 
extremely impressive. The address was delivered by 
Rev. Charles C. Shackford, minister of the Unitarian 
Society. Several other clergymen took part in the 
exercises. An original ode, by G. W. Putnam, and 
original hymns, by Mr. Joseph \V. Nye, Miss Anna 
H. Phillips and Miss Annie Johnson, were sung. 
This beautiful burial-place is surpassed by very few 
in the country for its picturesque natural features, its 
stately trees, fine shrubbery and flower-studded ia- 
closures, as well as for its graceful and noble monu 
ments. The first burial took place on Sunday, Octo- 
ber 13, 1850 ; and the total number of interments up 
to January 1, 1886, was nine thousand six hundred, 
four hundred and sixty-five having taking place 
during 1885. As to the pecuniary receipts and dis- 
bursements, it may in brief be stated that for the 
year 1885 the City Council appropriated $8000; to 
that was added, from sale of lots, $5176.50 ; from in- 
terments, $1480.50 ; from care of lots, $2673.59 ; and 
from various other sources sutficient to make a total 
of $19,509.86. The expenditures for labor, grading 
and the numerous other needful purposes were 
$19,310.99. 

St. Mary's (Roman Catholic) Cemetery, which 
comprises eight acres, is situated on Lynnfield Street, 
near the suburban village of Wyoma. It was conse- 
cratedon Thursday, November 4, 1858, by Bishop Fitz- 
patrick, assisted by six other clergymen. A violent 
storm prevailed on the day of consecration, and the 



services, so far as they properly could be, were held in 
the church, where the rite of confirmation was ad- 
ministered to some two hundred persons. 

St. Joseph's (Roman Catholic) Cemetery, on 
Boston Street, in the northeastern outskirts, was con- 
secrated by Archbishop Williams, in the afternoon of 
Thursday, October 16, 1879. A number of clergy- 
men from neighboring places were present. Eighteen 
burials had taken place there before the day of con- 
secration. In the forenoon of the day of the cere- 
mony the rite of confirmation was administered in 
the parish church, by the archbishop, to about a 
hundred and twenty-five children. 

Almshouse Ground. — A small lot was set apart 
on the Almshouse grounds for the burial of deceased 
inmates. But no burials are now made there. 

At the present time the burials are chiefly made in 
the three cemeteries, the whole number in 1886 
having been as follows: In Pine Grove Cemetery, 
375 ; in St. Mary's, 207 ; in St. Joseph's, 46 ; in the 
Eastern ground, 58; in the Old, or Western ground, 
3; in the Friends", 5 — making a total of 694. But 
the number of deaths during the year was 836, the 
remains of 142 being taken out of town for interment. 
In 1885 the number of deaths was 828, of which 148 
were by consumption, 21 by diphtheria, 14 by typhoid 
fever, 70 by pneumonia, 34 by cholera infantum, 9 
by scarlet fever. Of children under five years, 278. 

It may be added that the old burying-ground at 
Lynnfield was opened about the year 1720, and that 
at Saugus about 1732, both of those towns being then 
a part of Lynn. 

The interesting ceremony of strewing with flowers 
the graves of soldiers who fell in the Civil War has 
been devoutly observed in Lynn. Once a year — -on 
the 30th of May, which has been established as a 
legal holiday and called Memorial Day — under the 
auspices of the local post of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, the surviving comrades proceed in proces- 
sion, with appropriate music, to the various burial- 
places, and there, upon the graves of the departed 
companions-in-arms, reverentially deposit their floral 
offerings. The custom began here in 1868, in accord- 
ance with the manifesto of General Logan, comman- 
der-in-chief of the association, issued at Washington. 
The occasion calls out crowds of people, old and 
young. A patriotic address by a comrade, delivered 
in some convenient place, follows the ceremony. 

Did our limits allow, it would not be impertinent 
to say a few words touching what may be called mod- 
ern extravagances at funerals. The expenditures for 
casket, floral decorations and carriages have become 
really burdensome to persons of limited means. 
Many seem to think it mean not to follow the fashion 
in these matters, and mean also to question any 
charge of those who furnish essentials or decorations. 
Can ostentatious display relieve a truly grieving 
heart? Can gairish pomp and glitter at the grave 
give joy to the departed? It would, indeed, be heath- 



LYNN. 



305 



enish to avoid a proper manifestation of respect and 
affection for dccea<ed friends ; but is it not sometimes 
the case tliHt respect and aflection arc marked by 
over-wrought display? In early New England times 
the dead were committed to their last resting-places 
with very little ceremony beyond the procession of 
mourning friends; the coflin was rude ; and seldom 
was a prayer offered, an omission which it seems hard 
to account for, excepting on the ground of anxiety to 
avoid anything that approached the Ronli^h custom 
of praying for the dead. Lechford, writing in 1641, 
says, " At burials nothing is read, nor any funeral ser- 
mon made, but all the neighborhood, or a good com- 
pany of them, come together by tolling of the hell, 
and carry the dead solemnly to his grave and there 
stand by him while he is buried. The ministers are 
most commonly present." As to prayers at funerals, 
Drake, in his " History of Boston,"' in speaking of the 
funeral of the wife of Judge Byfield, who was a 
daughter of Governor Leverett, and died December 
21, 1730, remarks: "At her funeral a prayer was 
made, which was the first introduction of the practice 
in the town." And a Boston paper, speaking of the 
same funeral, says : "Before carrying out the corpse, 
a funeral prayer wa? made by one of the pastors of 
the old church, which, though a custom in country 
towns, is a singular in.stance in this place." So much 
for the religious exercises at burials. And now a 
word touching some peculiar extravagances at times 
indulged in. 

Before the beginning of the last century some 
strange customs began to appear, and expenditures 
were made for purposes much more reprehensible 
than any extravagance of the present day. Indeed, 
funerals were sometimes made seasons of absolute 
jollification. Spirituous liquors were provided in 
abundance, and scarfs, gloves and rings presented. 
The General Court, in 1724, prohibited the giving of 
scarfs on such occasions, " because a burdensome cus- 
tom." At the funeral of Rev. Mr. Gobbet, who 
preached in Lynn nineteen years (1637-56), were 
expended one barrel of wine, £6 Hs. ; two barrels of 
cider, lis.; 82 pounds of sugar, £2 Is. ; half a cord 
of wood, 4s. ; four dozen pairs of gloves, " for men 
and women," £5 4s.; with "some spice and ginger 
for the cider." It was not Lynn, however, that had 
the honor of providing thus liberally for the obsequies 
of Mr. Gobbet, for he had left here a number of years 
before, and settled in Ipswich. But in 1711 Lynn 
paid for half a barrel of cider for the Widow Dispaw's 
funeral. It was generous of the town to see that 
even a poor widow's remains should not be laid 
away without some inducement for neighbors to at- 
tend the last rites, if no feeling of bereavement ex- 
isted. And there is a temptation to add the account 
of expenditures at the funeral of Rev. Mr Brown, of 
Reading, in 1733, partly for the purpose of showing 
the cost of some things required in those days on 
such mournful occasions : 
20 



£ >. d. 

" To Thomas Eaton, for provisions 2 10 

Nathaniel iilaton for fetcliiug up tlie wine lf» 

Lt. Nathaniel Parker for 5 qt»*. Rhoni, [rum] , ... 80 
Samuel Pool for digging Mr. Brown's grave . ... SO 

Landlord Wesson, for Rhom. [rum] 10 6 

Wm. Cowdry. for making the coflRn I.t 

Andrew Tyler, of Boston, gold rings for fuiientl . Hi IS 

Benj. Fitch, of Boston, Gloves, etc 17 

Mrs. Slartha Brown, for wine furnished . . . . ct 
Eben Storer, of Boston, sundries 8 

Total 43 16 6." 

The old burying-grounds embody a history of the 
early settlements. The '' cemeteries " of modern 
time exhibit the taste and wealth of later days. But 
it would be unkind to assume that either is not the 
bourn of true human sympathy and aflection. The 
remains of high or low, rich or poor, wherever and 
whenever committed to the keeping of mother earth, 
occasion pangs of sorrow in some surviving breast; 
there are none so poor or miserable as to be void of 
this. To the indigent mourner there is substantial 
consolation in the thought that at the grave all earth- 
ly distinctions end ; but far greater consolation in the 
conviction that for a virtuous life passed here a great 
reward awaits upon the other side of the dark vale. 
To the true duty-doer, as he draws near the bourn 
that cannot be repassed, the w'ords of the great 
poet of our own Essex come as a refreshing breath 
from that other land, — 

"0 stream of life, whose swifter flow 
Is of the end forewarning. 
Methinks thy sundown afterglow 
Seems less of night than morning." 

There is surely no place better fitted for sombre 
reflection than that where lie the gathered dead of 
generations. But why sombre ? 

" All that tread 
The globe are but a handful to the tribes 
That slumber in its bosom." 

And among them, in peaceful rest, are the good 
and great, the beautiful and buoyant. What is there 
doleful in such company? Meditations of the most 
cheerful kind may well be entertained. And sooth- 
ing would it be to many a tired sjjirit could it occa- 
sionally respond to the poet's sentiment and say : 

" At musing hour of twilight gray. 

When silence reigns around, 
I love to walk the churchyard way — 

To me 'tis holy ground. 
To me congenial is the place, 

Where yew and cypress grow — 
I love the moss-grown stone to trace, 

That tells who lies below." 

Yes, indeed, to a mind so touched, many a rough 
p.assage of life would be made smooth, for step by 
step more fiilly would be perceived the utter liollow- 
ness of all mere earthly jiromises, and the emptiness 
of earth's bubbles, wealth, honor and fame. The pur- 
suit of wealth especially, which is with us so marked 
a feature, would soon appear like senseless phantom- 



306 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



chasing. Pausing at the merely rich man*3 grave, 
the racy lines of Swift might well obtrude: 

*'The sexton shall greeu soda on thee bestow ; 
Alas, the sexton is thy banker now ! 
A dismal banker must that banker be, 
Who gives no bills but of mortality." 

And again : 

" He that could once have half akingdom bought, 
In half a minute is not worth a groat. 
His coffers from the coffin could not save, 
Nor all his interest keep him from the grave." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

LVNN— ( Continued). 

OLD FAMILIES — PERSONAL NOTICES — POETS AND 
PROSE WRITERS. 

LisU of Settlers— Notices of Reiimrhible Fndifidttah, Eccentric and Othei-wise 
— Lynn Writers in Poetical, Historical and other hepartmeitts. 



"These flowery fields they loved to tread, 
These rocky heights to scale. 
The dells and tangled breaks to thread, 
And BUuff the fragrant gale." 



Realizing that the study of kinship, the tracing 
out of lines of relationship, is peculiarly fascinating 
and quite as profitable, perhaps, as many of the studies 
to which attention is usually directed, there have been 
introduced here and there in the different divisions 
of this sketch notices, more or less extended, of repre- 
sentative individuals who have appeared in the difier- 
ent periods of our history ; enough to render all the 
assistance that could in that way be afforded to those 
who would trace out their genealogical lines. Such 
studies frequently prove of unexpected value, by un- 
earthing facts greatly beneficial to one or another. Very 
few of the old New England families can be brought 
to mind of which may not now be found representa- 
tives whose virtues or achievements adorn the 
parent name. "The records of families," remarks a 
writer quoted by President Wilder, " constitute the 
frame-work of history, and are auxiliaries to science, 
religion and especially to civilization. The ties of 
kindred are the golden links in the chain which ties 
families, states and nations together in one great 
bond of humanity. Everything, therefore, which per- 
tains to the history of our families should be carefully 
recorded and preserved for the benefit of those who 
are to follow us. He who collects and preserves his 
own family history is not only a benefactor in his 
way, but will deserve and receive the grateful thanks 
of all future generations. He confers a priceless boon 
upon those whose names and achievements are thus 
rescued from oblivion, and preserves the experience 
and wisdom of ages for the emulation and admiration 
of posterity." Yet there are multitudes of unreflect- 
ing people who never think of these things, and other 



multitudes who are so engrossed with money-making 
plans that they can see no good in them. Why, a 
while ago the writer had occasion to ask a man some- 
thing about his grandfather, and got the abrupt reply, 
"But I don't even know who my grandfather was, 
and don't care ; there's no money in it ! " 

And now as to Lynn : Though not able to boast of any 
very eminent persons at present within her borders, ex- 
cepting in the mere business relations of life, in which 
she stands remarkably well, and excepting those who 
are "great in their own eyes," she yet can point 
to many living descendants of her earlier families 
who have made a mark in their generation. Let us 
give an example or two : George Bancroft, the 
eminent historian, is a direct descendant from John 
Bancroft, one of I^ynn's early settlers. George 
William Curtis, of New York, so prominent in the 
literary world, is a direct descendant from Ebenezer 
Burrill, who, July 29, 1725, married Mary Mansfield, 
and lived in the house that stood on Boston Street 
near the northeast corner of North Federal. Mr. 
Curtis's mother was a daughter of Hon. James Burrill, 
chief justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island 
and United States Senator, who died on Christmas 
Day, 1820, and whose father, also named James, was 
a son of Ebenezer, and born in the old Boston Street 
mansion. Horace Gray, a judge of the Supreme 
Court of the United States, and late chief justice of 
the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, is a grandson 
of William Gray, who was born in the two-story 
gambrel-roof house, the most easterly on the south 
side of Marion Street, formerly known as the Dr. 
Flagg house. The bold and chivalrous John J. In- 
GALLS, now a member of the United States Senate 
from Kansas, and one of the " best dressed " members 
of that body, is a lineal descendant from Edmund 
Ingalls, one of the first five settlers of Lynn. The 
catalogue need not be further extended, though many 
other honorable names press upon the memory. And 
then, if deceased ones should be brought to notice, 
the list could not easily be limited. There was Tim- 
othy Pickering, the friend of Washington, the 
sagacious and prudent counselor and co-worker on 
the foundation of the republic ; his grandmother was 
a Burrill, of the same lineage from which Mr. Curtis 
sprang. Theodore Parker, the learned theologian 
and accomplished scholar, was a direct descendant 
from the sober old Lynn settler, Thomas Parker. 
The two Bishops Haven were lineal descendants 
from Richard Haven, whose house was on Boston 
Street, corner of North Federal, near that of the 
Burrills, the ancestral home of Curtis and Pickering 
just named. Then there was Rev. Samuel Kert- 
land, who, by request of the Provincial Congress, 
induced the Oneidas and some other Indians of the 
Six Nations to espouse the American cause in the 
dark, opening days of the Revolution ; he was a di- 
rect descendant from Philip Kertland, the first Lynn 
shoemaker. Then there was Nathaniel P.Willis, 



LYNN. 



307 



or, as he preferred to write it, when that style was 
fashionable, N. Parker Willis, the poet, a descenilant 
of Thomas Willis, who was among the first Lynn 
settlers, locating at what we now call Tower Hill. 
He was a co-representative with Captain Nathaniel 
Turner and Edward Tomlins in the first General 
Court, 1634. And, being a man of consequence, he 
had allotted him, in the land division of 1(538, "up- 
land and medow, 500 acres, as it is estimated,'' while 
many of his neighbors received not above si.xty. He 
does not appear to have spent the remainder of his 
days here, and it is not probable that descendants of 
his remain. It is at least hoped that the line was not 
tainted by "Old Willis,'' who, many years aso, kept 
the famous dance-house at North Bend, though he 
had the distinction of being a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion. But this trail cannot be further pursued. 

The narration of prominent events as they occurred 
in one's own neighborhood is seldom without absorb- 
ing interest. But when the actors in those events 
are introduced, the interest is greatly enhanced. It 
is the fashion with local historians and quasi histor- 
ians to give chapters of biography ; and those chap- 
ters are always interesting, at least to residents. But 
in view of the fact that, as before remarked, many 
sketches are scattered about elsewhere in these pages, 
a different plan must be pursued here. A few of 
those who have not been spoken of in other connec- 
tions, but are thought entitled to special remembrance, 
will here receive attention. It will, of course, be 
borne in mind that it is not the i)urpose even to name 
all who have contributed to the prosperity of Lynn, 
for that would include a large portion of her popula- 
tion. Genealogies of a number of the old fiimilies 
have been published in one shape and another, and 
the " History of Lynn " contains many pages of such 
matter. 

The following are the names of some of the settlers 
who appeared here before the year 1700, and who 
planted families which are still well represented 
among us, though they were not of the first comers: 



Allen, 1036. 
AUe.v, 1(340. 
Attwill, 1659. 
Biichclor, 1632. 
Bakur, llvW. 
Basaett, 1640. 
Beimett, 1630. 
Bony, 1650 (?). 
Breed. 1630. 
Browi), 1030. 
Burrill, 1630. 
Chaciwell, 163u. 
Clark. 164r). 
Cyllins, 1635. 
Davis, 1635. 



Estes, 16S3(?). 
Farrington. 1635. 
Fuller, 1644. 
Graves, 1030. 
Hart, 1640. 
Hawkes, 1630. 
Hood, 1040. 
Hudsou, 1630. 
Ingalls, 1629. 
IresoD, 1635. 
Johuson, 1637. 
King, 1647. 
Lewis, 1639. 
Mansfleld, 1640. 
Newhall, 1630. 



Oliver, 1692 (?). 
Parker, 1035. 
Phillips, 1050. 
Pool, 1639. 
Ramsdell, 1630. 
Bhodes, 1040. 
Richards, 1630. 
Bichardson, 1679 (?). 
Silsbee, 16.51. 
Smith, lOiO. 
Stacey, 1641. 
Tarbox, 1640. 
TownSBlid, 1636. 
Waitt, 1650. 



Alley. — John B. Alley, the first member of Con- 
gress from Lynn (1858), descended from the 1G40 set- 
tler of the name. 

Baker. — Daniel C. Baker, the third mayor, was a 
descendant of the 1030 settler. 



Ba.s.sett. — William Bassett, the first city clerk, 
came from the family planted here in l(i40. His 
pedigree may be found further on. 

Breed. — .Andrews Breed, our fifth mayor, and Hi- 
ram N. Breed, our ninth, descended from the 1(330 
settler. 

Burrill. — The Burrill who came in lt>30 became 
the head of what was once called " the royal family 
of Lynn." 

Davis. — The Davis named in the list was the an- 
cestor of Edward S. Davis, our eighth mayor. 

Fuller. — Joseph Fuller, the first president of the 
first Lynn bank; and Maria Augusta Fuller, the poet- 
ess, were descendants of the 1644 settler. 

GRAVES.^From Mr. Graves, the 1630 settler, the 
section known as Gravesend (now called Glenmere) 
took its name. 

Hart. — George D. Hart, our twentieth mayor, de- 
scended from the early settler of the name. 

Hawkes. — An account of the Hawkes family, 
planted here in 1630, will appear on a subsequent 
page. 

Hood. — George Hood, the first mayorof Lynn, was 
a representative of the old Hood family. 

JOHNSOX. — William F. Johnson, our seventh mayor, 
is of the old 1637 line. 

Lewis. — Jacob M. Lewis, Lynn's fourteenth mayor, 
and likewise Alonzo Lewis, the poet and historian, 
are descendants from the settler of 1639. 

Mansfield. — Andrew Mansfield, who came in 1640, 
was, in 1660, made the first town clerk. To him we 
are also indebted for the preservation of a record of 
the land allotments of 1638, which, as he certifies, he 
copied " out of the Town Book of Records of Lynn," 
March 10, 1660. Several of his descendants became 
prominent, two or three in the military line. 

NEWH.4.LL. — The Newhall family, planted here in 
1630, and of which the first white child born within 
our borders was a member, has, during our whole his- 
tory, till within a year or two, maintained its rank 
as first in numbers, if for nothing else. The name is 
not now the most numerous, as, according to recent 
directories, it is slightly led by that of Smith. They 
are both old Lynn names, but it is evident that but 
comparatively few of the present Smiths are of old 
Lynn stock. 

RiCH.iRDS. — Richard Richards, who died December 
19, 1S51, was a descendant of the 1630 settler. He 
has been ranked as the most inventive genius, in a 
mechanical way, ever born here, some of his inven- 
tions proving of great value in the local business. 

A brief notice of the Tarbo-X family will appear a 
little farther on. 

In the sketch of Lynnfield a somewhat extended 
notice of the Towssend family will be given. 

A brief list of some of the subsequent families, that 
is, those which appeared after the year 1700, and 
made favorable marks which have from generation 
to generation been continued, follows: Bubier, Bufl"- 



308 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



um, Chase, Curtin, Kimball, Moulton, Mudge, Mun- 
roe, Parrott, Pratt, Spinney, Stone, Tufts, Usher, 
Walden, Woodbury. 

This short list contains the names of five mayors, 
to wit. : Bubier, Butfum, Mudge, Usher and Walden. 
And all the families have presented substantial and 
useful citizens. 

It may be observed that several names, conspicu- 
ous in former years, do not appear in these lists. In 
some instances they are of those spoken of in other 
connections, in other instances of those who left few 
or no descendants, and in still other instances of those 
who did little or nothing to promote the prosperity or 
enhance the fame of this their chosen home, prefer- 
ring rather to direct their life's labor to mere selfish 
ends, — a career that too many of us of the present day 
are prone to imitate- 

Hawkes Family. — This family has ever main- 
tained a respectable rank among the old Lynn fami- 
lies. Adam Hawkes, the founder, was one of the 
seventeen hundred Puritans who sailed with Endicott 
from Southampton and landed at Salem in June, 1630. 
He received large grants in the division of the com- 
mon lands, and during his busy life acquired other 
tracts. He was an excellent specimen of the hardy, 
industrious and thrifty pioneer. 

The doings of many of the early comers and their 
successors are not matters of tradition, but of history 
and record so clear that one can read their lives as if 
they were contemporaries. Of this first Adam Hawkes, 
for instance, we know the little knoll where he built 
his house, we know of the burning of that house, of 
the flight through the snow with his wife and infant 
children; we know when his second house was erected 
— a house which sheltered some of his descendants for 
more than two hundred years. In 1872 the old house 
was taken down, and on one of the bricks of the 
chimney was found the date, 1601, evidently written 
in the soft clay with the finger, when the brick was 
made in England. These bricks, which were in the 
first house, were relaid in the chimney of the fourth, 
ou the same farm, by Richard Hawkes, of the 
sixth generation from the original owner. It is 
a matter of history that some of the ships of Win- 
throp's fleet were ballasted with bricks, and it has 
always been known in this family that the bricks in 
the first chimney came from England. The farm 
borders upon Saugus River, and the bricks must have 
been carried up that stream in boats, as there was no 
road. Another relic of the original chimney, which 
has ornamented its successors, but which is now re- 
garded as an heirloom, is an iron fireback, some two 
feet square, and weighing about one hundred pounds, 
on which is moulded what has been supposed to be 
the British arnn, but which has since been thought 
to be a coat of arms — perhaps that of the Hawkes 
family. The " 8ui)porter3," though not distinct, seem 
to be similar to those in the British arms, but instead 
f)f the crown, this is surmounted by what appears to 



be the visors and bars of a helmet and lion. This cast- 
ing was evidently made to lay in masonry, as the edge 
is depressed and rough. The fashion of ornamenting 
the chimney-back above the fire with the family arms 
or something national was common in early colonial 
times, probably borrowed from home. 

John Hawkes, a son of Adam, the first comer, was 
a man of considerable local note in his time. His 
descendants can trace their ancestry to one of the 
group who signed the immortal compact in the cabin 
of the " Mayflower." His wife was Rebecca, daugh- 
ter of Moses Maverick, the founder and for many 
years the only magistrate of Marblehead. The wife 
of Mr. Maverick was a daughter of Isaac Allerton, 
who was one of the " Mayflower " passengers, was 
Lieutenant-Governor of Plymouth Colony, and for a 
long time colonial agent. Isaac Allerton and Moses 
Maverick were conspicuous in the early days, and 
their blood mingled with that of the successors of 
Thomas Hawkes, who was burned at the stake in the 
reign of " Bloody Queen Mary," for his faithfulness 
to his religious principles. 

On the 28th and 29th days of July, 1880, there 
took place a notable reunion on the grounds of Louis 
P. Hawkes, who occupies the very place where the 
father of the family established his abode in 1630. 
Some three hundred were present, from all parts of 
the country — representatives from all classes of so- 
ciety, the learned, the diplomatic, the mercantile, the 
laboring. The Hon. Nathan M. Hawkes, of Lyjin, 
acted as master of ceremonies, and all the proceed- 
ings began, continued and ended in the most satis- 
factory manner. The literary exercises were of a 
high order, eminently appropriate and interesting. 
There were devotional exercises, poems, addresses, 
genealogical sketchings, music, and, for the younger 
portion, lighter diversions of various kinds. The 
principal address was by Senator Hawkes, the master 
of ceremonies, and its terse periods were enriched by 
historic allusions and family incidents, such as proved 
of absorbing interest to all present. The sentiments 
expressed in the closing passages must have found a 
response in the minds of the elder ones present; in 
the minds of all not cankered by worldly ambition, 
nor closed to the beautiful in nature and the concep- 
tion of life's higher duties : 

"This day is a mile-stone tliat marks our march of a quarter of a 
thousaud years of American life- Individuals and generations lay down 
the burdens, the faihires and the triumphs of life ; others stand ready to 
go on with the duties that citizenship and family command. Let ua 
signalize this occasion as a family by new reverence for the menioi^ of 
our ancestors, and by new resolves to make our name a still better name 
in the future than in the past- Let us sanctify the present by making it 
worthy of the past, ever hopeful of the unseen, wonderful future. 

" Within five niiles of the elib and flow of the Atlantic, whence civiliza- 
tion took its westward course, this sylvan retreat has hitherto escaped 
the rush and crush of busy mercantile pursuits; the snort of the loco- 
motive is unheard ; the primitive solitude is undisturbed, save by the 
peaceful pursuits of agriculture. 

" The oratories of the Jews wore beneath the shadow of olive trees ; the 
ancient Druids of Gaul, Britaiti and Germany were accustomed to per- 
form their mystic rites and sacrifices in the recesses of the forest ; and 
our Pilgrim Fathers worshipped God under a like canopy. 



LYNN. 



309 



" We meet to-day under the shade of the walnut. May this spot be 
spared frnui the sordid pursuits of husiness ; maj' tliis grove lie iinvexed 
by the demands of utility fur another period of two hundred and fifty 
years, that our successors may gather here in 'Nature's noblest sanctu- 
ary ; * and may our kin in all coming time resort to this Mecca of the 
llawkes family in .\nierica." 

The family name, like all the surnames of colonial 
da)'s, wiis spelled in a way to suit the user; but there 
were not so many variations as in most of the familiar 
n.ames. In England we find it spelled Hawkes, and 
that has generally been followed here. Some branch- 
es of the family in America, however, spell it Hawks. 
This saves a letter, but does not make the word hand- 
somer. No full genealogy of the family has yet been 
arranged. The materials, however, are ample, and 
space may be allowed for the tracing of one line as a 
sample. For this purpose we will take our well- 
known feMow-citizen, Hon. Nathan M. Hawkes, who 
was master of ceremonies, as before mentioned, on the 
occasion of the grc'it family gathering. 

1. Adam Hawkes arrived in 1630, died 1671. 

2. John Hawkes, son of Adam, married Rebecca 
Maverick. 

3. Moses', son of John, born 16.59, married Margaret 
Cogswell. 

4. Moses^, son of Moses', born 1699, married Susan- 
nah Townsend. 

5. Nathan', son of Moses^, born 1745, married Sarah 
Hitch iugs. 

6. Nathan^ son of Nathan', born 1775, married 
Elizabeth Tarbell. 

7. Njthau D., son of Nathan^, born ISll, married 
Tacy P. Hawkes. 

8. Nathan M., son of Nathan D., born 1843, mar- 
ried Mary Buffum. 

Johnson FA.MiLY.^The Johnson family has been 
among the most prominent and respectable of the 
Lynn families almost ever since the settlement com- 
menced, and it would be agreeable to give the gene- 
alogy somewhat at large, were it practicable. As the 
next best thing, however, it may be well to trace the 
line of a single individual, as a family representative, 
from the first settler. Others, by their relationship to 
him, may trace their own lines. 

For this purpose, then, let us take the line down 
to the late Otis Johnson, who died at his well-known 
residence on Federal Street, February 17, 1870, at the 
age of sixty-eight years. 

Richard JoliMon^, the first of the family in Lynn, 
was born in England in 1612. He came to America 
with Sir Richard Saltonstall, in 1630, and after resid- 
ing lor seven years in Watertown and for a short pe- 
riod in Salem, settled in Lynn in 1637, being made a 
freeman the same year. He was a thrifty farmer, 
and owned a considerable tract of land at the eastern 
end of the Common, including the site of the present 
City Hall. His children were Samuel, Elizabeth, 
Abigail and Daniel. 

Samuel ' was known by the title of Lieutenant, and 
was a cornet in the King Philip War, 1676. For his 



services he received, in 1685, a grant of land from 
the General Court. He died in 1723, at the age of 
eighty two, and was buried in the old ground, where 
his grave-stone may still be seen. He married Mary 
Collins January 22, 1664, and had nine children. 

Richard'', the sixth child of Samuel', was born 
November 8, 1674; on July 3, 1705, he married Eliz- 
abeth Newhall, and died September 26, 1754. He 
was town clerk for several years onward from 1722, 
was for three years a representative in the General 
Court and a deacon in the old church at the time of 
his decease. His sons were Samuel, known as Cap- 
tain, Joseph and Benjamin. 

Samuel-, Captain, the eldest son of Richard', was 
born March 17, 1708, and married Ruth Holten, of 
Lynn, in or about 1731. His will was probated Jan- 
uary 7, 1772. 

Richard ^ the eldest son of Captain Samuel, was 
born September 2f', 1731, married Lydia Balchelor 
March 21, 1756, and died September 27, 1765, from a 
fever resulting from haymaking on the marsh. He 
had sons, — Samuel, Enoch, Rufus, Timothy. 

Enoch, son of Richard', was born January 16, 
1761, married Elizabeth Newhall June 8, 1790, and 
died March 17, 1815. He was a deputy sheritt". Sam- 
uel, his son, was born April 30, 1793, married at Nas- 
sau, N. P., and long resided there, dying July 11, 
1841. George, his son, was born June 7, 1796, and 
died October 17, 1849. He was a shoe manufacturer, 
and married Eliza, a daughter of Dr. Aaron Lum- 
mus. 

Otis, the youngest son of Enoch, was born January 
26, 1802, and died at his residence on Federal Street, 
Lynn, on the 17th of February, 1870, at the age of 
sixty-eight year.-, as before stated. He was married 
in Savannah, Ga., March 18, 1824, to Miss Virginia 
Taylor. They had nine children, only three of whom 
are now (1887) living — namely, Enoch Staftbrd, Maria 
Lillibridge and Elliott Clarke. The eldest son of 
Mr. Johnson was William Otis, who died August 17, 
1873, aged forty-eight. He was a graduate of Har- 
vard College, and in due time became established as 
a physician of more than ordinary reputation, having 
studied under the venerable Dr. Jacob Bigelow. His 
literary talents were also of a high order, his articles 
in the North American Review attracting marked at- 
tention. 

BAS.SETT Family. — William Bassett, the first of 
the name here, was a farmer and settled on Nahant 
Street on laud still owned by his descendants. He 
married Sarah, daughter of Hugh Burt, who died in 
1661. He was an ensign in the company of Captain 
Gardner, of Salem, in the Indian War, and was at 
the "swamp fight." For his services the General 
Court made him a grant of land. Captain Wil- 
liam Bassett, supposed to be the same individual 
was one of a council of war, with Major Benjamin 
Church, at Scarborough, Me., November 11, 1689. 
His name often appears in the oldest town records of 



310 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Lynn, where, in 1691, he is called Quartermaster 
Kassett. He died March 31, 1703. His daughter 
Eliziilieth was the wife of John Proctor, of Danvers, 
who was executed for witchcraft. She, too, was con- 
demned, but pardoned. The wife of his son William 
was likewise imprisoned seven months for witchcraft. 
She had a child, when taken to prison, less than two 
years old ; and the next child she had, after her re- 
lease, she named Deliverance. The following gives 
the line of descent down to the children of the late 
William Bassett, our first city clerk, who was cashier 
of the First National Bank, and had been for many 
vears at the time of his sudden decease, June 21, 
1871: 

(2) William Bassett, son of William, the first Bassett 
here, married Sarah Hood, October 25, 1675, and had 
children, — Sarah, born 1676, who married Joseph 
Griffin, for her first husband, and a Nevvbold for her 
second ; William, born 1678, who married Rebecca 
Berry in 1703 (his father's lands were divided be- 
tween him and his brother John) ; Mary, born 1680, 
who married a Hill ; John, born 1682, who married 
Abigail Berry, of Boston ; Hannah, born 1685, who 
married John Estes, of Salem ; Ruth, born 1689, who 
married Abraham Allen, of Marblehead ; Joseph, 
born 1692, lost at sea; Deliverance, born 1695, who, 
in 1719, married Samuel Breed ; Abigail, who, in 
1728, married Samuel Alley. 

(3) William Bassett, son of (2) William, had chil- 
dren, — Rebecca, born 1709; Miriam, born 1712, who 
in 1732, married David Northey, of Salem ; Joseph, 
born 1715, who inherited his father's lands and mar- 
ried Eunice Hacker ; Elizabeth, who, in 1729, mar- 
ried Benjamin Hood. 

(4) Joseph Bassett, son of (3) William, had chil- 
dren, — William, born 1738, who died young; Isaac, 
born 1741, who, in 1769, married Mary, daughter of 
Joshua Collins, was a farmer and shoemaker, and in- 
herited one-half of the lands of his father, and died 
in 1829; Nehemiah, born in 1749, who married Abi- 
gail Fern; Rebecca, born 1754, who married James 
Breed ; Sarah, born 1757, who married Abraham 
Breed ; Eunice, born 1769 ; Hannah, born 1763, who 
married William Breed, of Nahant. 

(5) Isaac Ba^^sett, son of (4) Joseph, had children, 
— Elizabeth; William, who died young; Eunice; 
William again, who also died young ; Isaac, who 
married Ruth Breed; Eunice again, who married 
Ezra Collins ; Hannah, who married Samuel Neal. 

(6) Isaac Bassett, son of (5) Isaac, resided on Na- 
hant Street, on the site occupied by his forefathers, 
and was long held in repute as a citizen of energy, 
enterprise and wealth. He died May 24, 1867 ; had 
children, — William, born March 4, 1803, died June 21, 
1871; Jeremiah, who died young; Elizabeth, who 
died young; Elizabeth again, who married Samuel 
Boyce; Mary; Jeremiah again, who also died 
young; Eunice, who married W. S. Boyce; Lydia, 
who married James B. Kite, of Philadelphia ; Han- 



nah ; Joseph, who died young ; Anna Green, who 

died April 17, 1863. 

(7) William Bassett, son of (6) Isaac, died June 21, 
1871, aged sixty-eight. He was the first city clerk of 
Lynn, and a man much respected; was prominent in 
the early anti-slavery movements, and a co-worker 
with those leading spirits, William Lloyd Garrison 
and Wendell Phillips, both of whom were present at 
his funeral. His children were Susanna Smith, 
who married Cyrus M. Stimson ; Eliza; Mary Ann, 
who married Thomas Herbert; William Herschell, 
who died young; Joseph, who also died young; 
Sarah, who married William W. Kellogg; William, 
who died young ; William, again, born September 30, 
1839; Edmund Quincy, who died young. 

(8) William Basset, son of (7) William, now head 
of the banking firm, Ba-set, Whitney & Co., of Bos- 
ton, had children, — William ; Ruth ; Edith, who died 
young. 

Note. — The ancient speUing of tbo name was with one *' t ; " but in 
later years the iinal letter was doubled ; recently, however, a desire bus 
been manifested to return to the old orthography. 

Tarbox Family. — John Tarbox. the first settler 
of the name here, came as early as 1640. He was a 
farmer, and among his landed possessions had seven 
acres of upland on Water Hill, where he appears to 
have lived, having an orchard near his house. And 
upon the premises, before the coming of the whites, 
there was probably an Indian settlement or encamp- 
ment, as about there were found numerous arrow- 
heads and other relics. He was evidently a re- 
spected settler, active and thrifty. Though farming 
was his principal occupation, he turned his attention 
to other pursuits, and was a small proprietor in the 
iron works. He died May 26, 1674. His will is 
dated November 25, 1673, and to his son John says, 
— " I bequeath my house and housing, with orchard 
and all my land and meddow, with a greene rugg and 
a great iron kettell, and a round joyned table." He 
also says, — "I bequealh unto every one of my sonn, 
John Tarbox, his children, and my son Samuel's 
children, one ewe sheep apeece.'' The wife of his son 
John was a daughter of Richard Haven, who lived 
on Boston Street, corner of North Federal, the site 
on which George O. Tarbox recently erected a dwell- 
ing-house and store. Mr. Haven was ancestor of 
the two Methodist Bishops, Gilbert and Erastus Otis, 
and George O. Tarbox, just named, was a lineal de- 
scendant from the early settler, John. 

With a daughter of Mr. Tarbox the course of true 
love does not seem to have run with uninterrupted 
smoothness, for it is found that on the 11th of Sep- 
tember, 1649, Matthew Stanley was tried for winning 
her affections without the consent of her parents, 
convicted and fined £5, with 2«. 6rf. fees, together with 
an allowance of 6s. to the parents of the young lady 
for their three days' attendance. 

The son, Samuel, married Rebecca, a daughter of 
Joseph Armitage, landlord of the famous Anchor 



LYNN. 



311 



Tavern. He had eighteen cliildren, and died Sep- 
tember 12, 1715, aged ninety-three years. He was 
one of the fifteen Lynn men impressed by order of 
court, November 13, 1674, for service in the King 
Philip War. A detachment had i)reviously been sent 
on the same service. In 1685 he joined in "the hum- 
ble petition of several inhabitants of Lynn, who 
were sold, impressed and sent forth for the service 
of the country, tliat was with the Indians in the long 
march in the Xipmugg country, and the fight at the 
fort Narragansett, " which petition was signed by 
twenty-five inhabitants of the town. 

It can hardly be said that the Tarbox family be- 
came very conspicuous beyond our own borders, 
tliough of late years some shining lights of the name, 
and presumably of the lineage, Iiave here and there 
appeared. Xor has the family with us been con- 
spicuous for numbers, notwithstanding the good ex- 
ample set by Samuel, who, as just stated, was the 
happy father of eighteen children. Still, there always 
have been and yet are a fair number with us. The 
name of Mr. George O. Tarbox, Ijefore mentioned, has 
been favorably greeted throughout the land for his 
late efl'ective manifesto touching the "boycott" 
ordered upon him by the Knights of Labor. 

But this class of personal notices cannot be ex- 
tended here. And the reader may, if he please, con- 
sider the foregoing merely as examples that might be 
greatly multiplied. 

And now, with notices of a few eccentric, or rather, 
perhaps, we should say, abnormal, characters, of 
which class Lynn has always had an abundant assort- 
ment, this division of our sketch will close. Some of 
those referred to have made an enduring mark and 
done much to spread abroad the name of the place, 
but to what advantage or disadvantage there will be 
difterent estimates. There is, however, a sort of 
worldly benefit in being talked about, even if what is 
said is not quite so favorable. The term " eccentric" 
is not intended to be applied in an offensive sense, 
and it is feared that some reader may not see the 
strict applicability of its use in every instance. In 
the first notice, especially, it may be deemed hardly 
appropriate, as matrimonial misunderstandings are 
in these days so common as to seem " natural " rather 
than " eccentric." The notices are not given merely 
to amu-e, but for use by way of example or warning, 
as the case may be. 

MoxToWAMPATE, aliox Sauamore .Iames. — It is 
fitting to begin with a sketch of the Indian Sagamore 
James, who ruled over a considerable part of the sea- 
board Line of Essex County at the time of the arrival 
of the whites, though he was then quite a young man, 
having been born in 1609. His Indian name was 
Montowampate, but the settlers called him Sagamore 
James. He was a son of Nanapashemet, whose juris- 
diction extended over a large part of the territory be- 
tween the Charles and Piscataqua Rivers. On the 
death of Nanapa-^hemet his ' kingdom'' was divided. 



the portion including Lynn falling to Montowampate, 
his second >on. 

The young Sagamore fixed his residence on the 
delightful elevation still known as Sagamore Hill, 
lying between Beach and Nahant Streets, and over- 
looking the beach, Nahant and a considerable portion 
of the bay. It ii now (1887) a thickly-settled part of 
the city, though still retaining some of its picturesque 
features. Its proximity to the sea was, perhaps, the 
chief reason why this place was clio-en for the " royal 
residence," though the lovely natural surroundings 
may have added their attractions. Not much is known 
of Montowampate, nor indeed individually of any of 
the Indians found hereabout, though from the narra- 
tives of the old writers glimpses of character some- 
times occur. Dudley says Montowampate was "of a 
far worse dispo-ition " than his brother Wonohaqua- 
ham, or Sagamore John, as the English called him, 
who, he .says, was " a handsome young man" . . . 
" affecting Engli-h apparel and houses and speaking 
well of our God." 

The Lynn Sagamore seems to have had a high ap- 
preciation of his own dignity, and not a very lively 
sen-e of the courtesies due to the gentler sex. This 
is shown by a matrimonial imbroglio, which Thomas 
Morton thus recounts in his book entitled " The New 
English Canaan," published in 1632 : 

" The Sachem or Sagamore of Sagiis, made choice, when he came to 
mau's estate, of a lady of Dobte descent, daughter of Papasiquinoo, 
the Sacliem or Sagamore of tlie territories near Merrimack river ; a man 
of the best note in all those parts, and, as my countryman, Mr. Wood, 
declares, in his ' Prospect," a great nigromancer. This lady the young 
Barhem, with the consent and good liking of her father, marries, and 
takes for his wife. Great entertainment hee and his received in those 
parts at her father's hands, wheare they were feasted in the best manner 
that might be expected, according to the custome of their nation, with 
reveling, and such other solemnities as is usual amongst them. The 
soloninity being ended, Papa^iquineo caused a selected number of bis 
men to waite on his daughter home into those parts that did properly 
belong to her lord and husband, where the attendants had entertain- 
ment by the sachem of Siigug and his countrymen. The solemnity be- 
ing ended, the attendants were gratified. 

" Not long after, the new married lady had a great desire to see her 
father and Iier native countrj*, from whence she came. Her lord was 
witling to pleasure her, and not deny her request, amongst them 
thought to be reasonable, commanded a select number of his own men 
to conduct his lady to her father, where with great respectthey brought 
her; and having feasted there a while, returned to their own country 
againe, leaving the lady to continue thereat herowiie pleasure amongst 
her friends and old acquaintances, where she passed away the tmie for 
a while, and in the end desired to returne to her lord againe. Her 
father, the old Papasiquineo, having notice of her intent, sent some of 
his men on ambassage to the young sachem, his sonne-in-law, to let him 
understand that his daughter was not willing to absent herself from his 
company any longer ; and therefore, as the messengers had in charge, 
desired the young lord to send a convoy for her ; but he, stamling upon 
tearmes of honor, and the maint;iining of his reputation, returned to 
his father-in-law this answer ; ' That when she departed from hitu, hee 
caused liis men to waite upon her to her father's territories as it did be- 
come him ; but now she had an intent to returne, it did become her 
father to send her back with a convoy of his own people : and that it 
stood not with his reputation to make himself or his men so servile as to 
fetch heragaine.' 

"The old sachem Papasiquineo, having this message returned, was 
iuraged to think that his young son-in-law did not esteem him at a 
higher rate than to capitulate with him about the matter, and returned 
him this sharp reply: 'That his daughter's blood and birth deserved 



312 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



more respect than to be slighted, and therefore, if he would have her 

company, lie were best to send or come for her.' 

" The young sachem, not willing to undervalue himself, and being a 
man of a stout spirit, did not stick to say, ' That he should either send 
her by his own convoy or keope her ; for he was determined not to 
Btoope so lowe.' 

•' So much these two sachems stood upon tearmes of reputation with 
each other, the one would not send for her, lest it should be any dimin- 
ishing of honor on his part that should seeme to comply, that the lady, 
when I came out of the country, remained still with her fatlier ; which 
is a thing worth the noting, that salvage people should seek to maintain 
their reputation so much as they doe." 

She was, however, finally restored to his arras, but 
how the recoQciliation was effected does not appear. 
She soon after became a widow, as the death of 
Montowampate took place in 1633. Her marital life 
certainly had its troubles, for besides what has been 
spoken of, she was taken captive by the Tarratines 
and held a prisoner for two months. After the death 
of her husband she returned to her father. 

The resolute Montowampate is said to have visited 
England in 1631, with a letter of introduction from 
Governor Wiuthrop to Emanuel Downing, the emi- 
nent London lawyer, and while there to liave received 
the honors of an Indian king. His errand was to 
procure redress for a fraud committed by an English- 
man named Watts in a beaver-skin transaction. 

On the 4th of September, 1632, the court ordered 
that " Kichard Hojjkins shalbe severely whipt & 
branded with a hott iron on one of his cheekes for 
selling peeces & powder & shott to the Indians. 
Hereupon it was propounded if this offence should not 
be punished liereafter by death.'' One of the pur- 
chasers of the proscribed articles, it appears by Mr. 
Lewis, was the mettlesome Montowampate. 

But this youthful Sagamore of Lynn soon ended 
his career. Winthrop, in his journal under date De- 
cember 5, 1633, says, — " John Sagamore [elder 
brother of Montowampate] died of the small pox, and 
almost all of his people.'' . . . " James Sagamore 
[Montowompate], of Sagus, died also and most of h's 
folks." 

Mary Pitcher. — The stranger on arriving in 
Lynn, and leaving the railroad train at the Central 
Square Station, may observe towering up, a furlong 
or so off, in a northeasterly direction, a huge porphyry 
cliff, which he may be told is " High Rock." It is 
not now, however, so readily discerned from the 
Square as it was a few years since, for large business 
buildings, recently erected, intervene. Seventy-five 
years ago there was but little population in the 
vicinity, and the whole of " Kecks Pasture," near the 
southern border of which rises High Rock, was lonely 
and wild enough, with its rocky outcroppings and 
stunted growth of red cedar. The highway, indeed, 
wound along the southerly bound, but it was rough 
and little traveled. In pleasant weather, however, 
charming views could be obtained of diversified land- 
scape and the ever-changing sea. 

Upon the southern declivity, and fronting towards 
the sea, was a plain little cottage, seated a short dis- 



tance in from the road, with a small, unkempt garden 
in front, and broken rocks, thistles and nettles in the 
rear. And that lonely cottage was the home of 
"Moll Pitcher," the celebrated fortune-teller of 
Lynn, for many years. It was here that she enter- 
tained the numerom visitors of all classes and from 
all places, who anxiously sought her aid to unveil the 
mysteries of the life before them, never doubting 
that — 

"She could tell by tea-ground mark. 
Fortune bright or fortune dark ; 
And could give, wondrous dame, 
Loving swain's or maiden's name. 
Showing by her mystic art 
Whether true or false of heart ; 
.\nd, by turning cardi, could show 
Life's whole span, its weal or wo." 

This remarkable woman was born in 1738, of rep- 
utable pirents, in Marblehead. Her father was a 
master mariner, and connected with some of the best 
families in Essex County. And her own rei)utation 
seems to have remained unsullied, unless her occult 
pretensions are to be taken as a stain. Her maiden- 
name was Mary Diamond, and Mr. Lewis says of 
her, — 

"She was of the medium height and size for a woman, with a good form 
and agreeable manners. Her head, plirenologically consiilered, was 
somewhat capacious, her forehead broad and full, her hair darlt brown, 
her nose inclining to long, and her face pale and thin. There was 
nothing gross or sensual in her appearance ; her countenance was 
rather intellectual; and she had that contour efface and e-\pression 
which, without being positively beautiful, is, nevertheless, decidedly in- 
teresting; a thoughtful, pensive and sometimes downcast look, almost 
approaching to melancholy ; an eye, when it looked at you, of calm and 
keen penetration ; and an expression of intelligent discernment, half 
mingled with a glance of shrewdness. She took a poor man for a hus- 
band, and then adopted, what she doubtless thought, the harmless em 
ployment of fortune-telling, in order to support her children. In this 
she was probably more successful than she herself had anticipated ; and 
she became celebrated, not only throughout America, but throughout 
the world, for her skill. Tiiere was no port on either continent, 
where floated the flag of an American ship, that had not heard the 
fame of iloll Pitcher. . . . Many persons came from places far remote 
to consult her on affairs of love or loss of property, or to obtain her sur- 
mises respecting the vicissitudes of their future fortune. Every youth 
who was not assured of the reciprocal affection of his fair one, and every 
maid who was desirous of anticipating the hour of her highest felicity, 
repaired at evening to her humble dwelling. . . . That she made no 
pretension to anything supernatural is evident from her own admission, 
when some one offered her a large sum if she would tell him what ticket 
in the lottery would draw the highest prize. * Do you tbinl-,' said she, 
* if I knew, I would not buy it myself? ' Several of the best autheuti- 
cated anecdotes which are related of her seem to imply that she pos- 
sessed, in some degree, the faculty which is now termed clairvoyance. 
Indeed, there seems to be no other conclusion, unless we suppose that 
persons of general veracity have told us absolute falsehoods. The pos- 
session of this faculty, with her keen perception and shrewd judgment, 
in connection with the ordinary art which she admitted to have used, to 
detect the character and business of her visitors, will perhaps account 
for all that is extraordinary in her intelligence. In so many thousand 
instances also, of the exercise of her faculty, there is certainly no need 
of calling in supernatural aid to account for her sometimes judging 
right; and these favonahle instances were certainty be related to her 
advantage, and insured her abundance of credibility." 

It is stated that the celebrated "Lord Timothy 
Dexter," of Newburyport, was accustomed to visit 
her, and place implicit confidence in her utterances. 
But whether his strange commercial speculations, 
which appear to have been uniformly successful, were 



LYNN. 



313 



attributable to her promptings, cannot be known. 
She was married on the 2d of October, 1700, to Kobert 
Pitcher, a shoemaker, and became the motherof oneson 
and tliree daughters. And there, in the lonely home, 
already described, she died on the 9th of April, 1813, 
aged seventy-five years. Her remains were interred 
in the old burying-ground, near the western end of 
the common. The memory of such a person is not 
likely to be much honored by those of her own gen- 
eration, and her resting-place has remained unheeded 
and almost unknown till the present time (1887) — 
nearly three-quarters of a century — when two worthy 
citizens — Isaac O. Guild and John T. Moulton — have 
erected a neat head-stone to mark the spot, which 
was some years since pointed out by an aged maa who 
was [iresent at the burial. And to that spot, in future 
years, many a sentimental maiden and swain will 
doubtless repair — a class who always had her warm- 
est sympathies. 

Mrs. Pitcher was connected with the Silsbee family 
of Lynn in this way: Lydia, a great-granddaughter of 
Henry Silsbee, the first of the name in Lynn, in 173.5, 
married Aholiab Diamond, a son of Captain John 
Diamond, of Marblehead, and had two sons, Samuel 
and Richard, and one daughter, Mary. This daughter 
JIary was married, October 2, 1760, to Robert Pitcher, 
of Lynn,asbelbrestated, thus becoming "Moll Pit- 
cher." Descendants of hers still remain among us. 
Henry Silsbee, the old settler just named, probably 
located on Fayette Street not far from the corner of 
Essex, in which vicinity he owned considerable land. 
He was designated as a " shoemaker," though pro- 
bably quite as much of a farmer. The family has 
always been respectable, but not numerous, and several 
eminent individuals have appeared in the line, Hon. 
Nathaniel Silsbee, United States Senator, among 
them. Silsbee Street perpetuates the name. 

George Gray. — Near the close of the last century 
there suddenly appeared iu Lynn a man seemingly 
of an age somewhere between thirty and forty years. 
He was physically well-conditioned, but in disposi- 
tion unaccountably reserved. It was soon known that 
he had come to make this his permanent home, for 
he made himself possessor of a limited tract of wild 
land in a lonely and dismal neighborhood, and there 
erected a rude habitation which, for forty years, con- 
tinued to be his hermitage, for there he lived "soli- 
tary and alone" during that lung period. 

This man was George Gray, the Lynn hermit. And 
the hermitage was on Boston Street, nearl)' opposite 
the entrance to Pine Grove Cemetery. He was by 
birth a Scotchman, and died on the 28th of Febru- 
ary, 1848, at the ageof seventy-eight years. Till pop- 
ulation began to increase around him, which it did, 
much to his annoyance, his home was secluded 
enough for the most determined misanthrope. A high, 
woody hill rose in the rear ; a tangled swamp on either 
hand, with a weedy brook winding through ; while in 
front, beyond a little area of brambles and rank vege- 
20i 



tation, wound the street just named. He persistently, 
and often with a good deal of asperity, refused to 
communicate to the many curious inquirers any 
knowledge of his personal history or the causes which 
induced the adoption of his comfortless and unnatural 
mode of life. And that very secrecy gave rise to 
numberless romantic surmises. Some believed that 
an unfortunate atfair of the heart estranged him from 
social intercourse ; others hinted th.at some great 
crime rendered his flight and concealment necessary. 
But he had the shrewdness to avoid entangling him- 
self by contradicting or admitting the truth of any 
report. 

One of the latest circumstantial surmises related 
to his connection with the fate of the French 
Dauphin, Charles Louis, son of Louis XVI. and 
Marie Antoinette. It gained currency by an article 
in Putnam's Magazine, a monthly periodical of high 
standing; the theory being that the Dauphin was 
taken from the custody of Simon, the inhuman ruf- 
fian in whose keeping he had been placed, brought to 
the wilds of America and given in charge of a woman 
of the St. Regis tribe, who reared him with affection, 
though never claiming that he was her own child, and 
probably never dreaming that he was not some poor, 
friendless waif. It was further suggested that Rev. 
Eleazer Williams, a missionary of the Episcopal 
Church, laboring with the St. Regis Indians, was the 
identical D.auphin. Then gained currency the belief 
that Jlr. Gray was one of those who brought the Dau- 
phin to America, it being declared that he was cer- 
tainly in France, a red republican, at that period. It 
is not certain, exactly, what threads were supposed to 
be found connecting Gray with the tran.saction, unless 
it was that Mr. Williams — who no doubt really be- 
lieved himself to be the Dauphin — came to Lynn, 
and, finding that Gray was dead, became very anx- 
ious to procure a specimen of his hand-writing, for 
which purpose he called on the writer. But these 
surmises and rumors need not longer occupy our at- 
tention. 

At times the hermit was by no means averse to dis- 
cussing aftairs with his neighbors, though very seldom 
could one receive a welcome to his premises, and never 
would an invitation to enter his dwelling be extended. 
His calls were generally made at night. The writer 
was occasionally fiivored with one, and usually found 
him so forgetful of the jiassing time that it was neces- 
sary to remind him of the lateness of the hour by a 
hint like that of extinguishing the lights, nothing 
short of some such rudeness being effectual. He was 
a reflecting man, and of considerable literary and 
scientific attainment; but the current story of his 
carrying a Hebrew Bible about in his pocket was, no 
doubt, a fiction. He took great pleasure in attending 
lectures, and in studying works on the abstruse 
sciences. But his fondness for the mechanic arts was, 
perhaps, his most marked trait ; and he became very 
skillful in some branches connected with machinery. 



314 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Strangers would sometimes vex him with untimely 
visits, and by unpalatable remarks induce sudden ex- 
hibitions of temper; but if one assumed to bean 
adept in any branch of mechanics, he was pretty sure 
of a courteous hearing. He claimed several useful in- 
ventions, and spent considerable money in establish- 
ing his claims against those who infringed his 
patents. 

In religion he was probably a materialist most of 
life. Perhaps a dozen years before his death he re- 
marked that it was "ridiculous for any one to con- 
tend that intelligence was not the result of physical or- 
ganization." Butitvvasuiiderstood thathe subsequent- 
ly abandoned his old views, and died in the Calvinistic 
faith. He was eccentric in his habits, and had little 
regard for personal appearance, oftentimes — especially 
during the last few years of his life — appearing in a 
grim and filthy condition. He was remarkable, even 
in old age, for power of physical endurance. Many 
a time has he walked to Boston, on a winter evening, 
attended a lecture, and walked home after it had 
closed, making a distance, in all, of full twenty miles, 
most likely with no thicker covering to his head than 
a dilapidated straw hat, and upon his feet coarse 
shoes and no stockings. He sutfered much from dis- 
ease during his last few years. And there, in his 
forlorn habitation, without the sympathy of friends 
or the common endearments of home, in solitude and 
distress, his last days were passed. 

Mr. Gray, at the time of his decease, possessed 
property to the amount of about four thousand dollars. 
He died intestate, and his debts were not large ; a con- 
siderable portion, therefore, went into the treasury of 
the commonwealth. His savings do not appear, how- 
ever, to have accumulated from a miserly disposition, 
but rather from habits of industry and a naturally 
frugal turn, for the administrator remarked that from 
the appearance of things he could hardly have taken 
sufficient interest in his pecuniary affairs to have 
known what he did possess. In some instances the 
evidences of his money deposits were found thrown 
among waste paper. 

The death of the hermit was noticed in the news- 
papers throughout the country, and several persons 
appeared, claiming to be heirs ; but they fiiled to 
substantiate their claims. 

Hiram Marble. — This somewhat singular indi- 
vidual appeared in Lynn in 1852, being then of the 
age of forty-seven. He brought with him his wife, 
a son of the age of twenty, and a young daughter. 
He immediately petitioned the city to sell him the 
fiimous Dungeon Rock, a greenstone cliff a mile or 
two back in the woods, and very difficult of access, 
on account of steep and tangled ascents, swamps and 
quagmires. He succeeded in purchasing, at a low 
price, the rock and about five acres of the surround- 
ing woodland. In that lonely place he erected a rude 
habitation, and soon set to work building a road down 
towards the town. This was a severe piece of labor. 



for gnarled old trees, huge boulders and ledge-crop- 
pings were to be removed. But he persevered 
heroically till a passable way was obtained. How a 
man, evidently not very strong or in vigorous health, 
could undertaTke such a piece of work was astonish- 
ing. But the crowbar, pick and shovel were courag- 
eously wielded, and resounding blasts awoke the 
echoes during the hot days of summer, be feigning to 
regard it as light labor, saying that he had been 
seized by a weakening complaint, and found himself 
unable to pursue the hard work he had commenced 
on the rock, and so had changed to the light work of 
road-building. 

The hard work commenced on the rock was to ex- 
cavate, in search of treasure, gold and jewels, im.igincd 
to have been deposited somewhere down in its un- 
known depths. He had come, as he alleged, by spir- 
itual direction, and had full faith in the assurance of 
the spirits, that they would watch his progress, give 
directions and lead him to final success. By no 
means deficient in intelligence, he yet was a credulous 
enthusiast. In person he was of medium height, had 
a bright, quick eye, and wore a flowing beard of 
sandy hue, which did not always bear evidence of 
having recently had the discipline of a comb. He 
was communicative, and in his conversation ran a 
pleasant vein of jocularity ; was usually ready to con- 
verse on his plans, fears and hopes ; and with great 
good nature, sometimes with an apparently keen 
relish, alluded to the jeers and taunts of those who 
were disposed to rank him as a lunatic. The writer 
had occasional conversations with him, and was 
sometimes struck by the freedom with which he dis- 
cu-sed the pros and cons of spiritualism ; neverthe- 
less, his faith and perseverance were refreshing. He 
asserted that he had been a confirmed infidel, a be- 
liever in nothing beyond the visible and temporal, 
till he received communications that could have come 
from none but intelligent, invisible beings, unre- 
strained by any physical obstacle. 

For about fifteen years Mr. Marble continued his 
herculean labors at Dungeon Rock, in bodily weak- 
ness much of the time, but buoyed up by the strong 
hope and, as he believed, supernatural assurance that 
his labor would not be in vain. But it was in vain, 
and be died there, worn out and diseased, on the 10th 
of November, 1868, aged sixty-five years. He re- 
mained a spiritualist to the last, and the mediums of 
the vicinity were invited to be present at the funeral 
services, which were held at the Rock on the forenoon 
of Wednesday, November 11th. He w.as a native of 
Charlton, in Worcester County, and thither his re- 
mains were taken for burial. 

Edwin Marble, who at the time of his father's 
death had attained the age of thirty-six years, and 
had continued to participate in the arduous toil of 
excavation, now succeeded to the direction of the 
work, subject, of course, as he declared, to the en- 
gineering of the spirits. His health, however, had 



LYNN. 



315 



already become undermined, and he was soon obliged 
to suspend active operations. He died on the 16th 
of January, ISSO, aged forty-eight, and was buried 
near the foot of the rock, on the southwestern slope, 
it having been his expressed desire to be interred 
near the scene of his hopeful, though fruitless, labors. 
A considerable number of friends, perhaps fifty, most 
of them of the spiritualistic faith, were present at the 
burial service, which was simple and atl'ecting; and 
held there, in the deep forest, amid the winter 
scenery, was peculiarly touching. The hymn "In 
the Sweet By and By " was sung at the close. He 
was a man of good character and good disposition, 
and a firm believer in spiritual manifestations. 

Thus died these two worthy men — father and son — 
their deaths no doubt hastened, if not occasioned, by 
their operations in the dark, damp cavern their own 
hands had formed in the bowels of the mysterious 
Dungeon Rock, that unwholesome work-place, through 
the ragged seams of which the water dripped, and 
where the stifled air reverberated with sounds that 
might well be taken for supernatural indications. 
Their labors were in vain. No treasure was reached ; 
but it need not be concluded that they suffered pangs 
of disappointment, for, cheered on day by day, as 
they believed, by guiding and unerring spirits, they 
were hopeful to the last. 

After this brief notice of the Messrs. Marble, it 
would seem almost necessary to add something re- 
garding the supposed deposit of treasure which had 
induced them, as well as others before them, to waste 
labor, strength and means at Dungeon Rock. The 
floating and incoherent traditions on the subject were 
gathered up by Mr. Lewis and published in the first 
edition of his history. And, perhaps, it would be 
most satisfactory to give his account in its original 
shape: 

" This year (1658) there was a great earthquake in 
New England, connected with which is the following 
story : Some time previous, on a pleasant evening, a 
little after sunset, a small vessel was seen to anchor 
near the mouth of Saugus River. A boat was pres- 
ently lowered from her side, into which four men 
descended, and moved up the river a considerable 
distance, when they landed, and proceeded directly 
into the woods. They had been noticed by only a 
few individuals ; but in those early times, when the 
people were surrounded by dangers, and susceptible 
of alarm, such an incident wa.s well calculated to 
awaken suspicion, and in the course of the evening 
the intelligence was conveyed to many houses. In 
the morning, the people naturally directed their eyes 
towards the shore, in search of the strange vessel ; 
but she was gone, and no trace could be found either 
of her or her singular crew. It was afterward ascer- 
tained that, on that morning, one of the men at the 
Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a 
paper, on which was written, that if a quantity of 
shackles, handcuffs, hatchets and other articles of 



iron manufacture were made and deposited, with 
secrecy, in a certain place in the woods, which was 
particularly designated, an amount of silver, to their 
full value, would be found in their place. The arti- 
cles were made in a few days, and placed in conform- 
ity with the directions. On the next morning they 
were gone, and the money was found according to 
the promise ; but though a watch had been kept, no 
vessel wiis seen. Some months afterwards the 
four men returned, and selected one of the most se- 
cluded and romantic spots in the woods of Saugus 
for their abode. The place of their retreat was a deep, 
narrow valley, shut in on two sides by high hills and 
craggy, precipitous rocks, and shrouded on the others 
by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between which 
there was only one small spot to which the rays of 
the sun, at noon, could penetrate. On climbing up 
the rude and almost perpendicular steps of the rock 
on the eastern side, the eye could command a full 
view of the bay on the south, and a prospect of a 
considerable portion of the surrounding country. The 
place of their retreat h.as ever since been called the 
Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a 
spot on the coast, for many miles, more favorable for 
the purposes both of concealment and observation. 
Even at this day, when the neighborhood has become 
thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and desolate place, 
and probably not one m a hundred of the inhabitants 
has ever descended into its silent and gloomy recess. 
There the pirates built a small hut, made a garden, 
and dug a well, the appearance of which is still visi- 
ble. It has been supposed that they buried money ; 
but though people have dug there, and in several 
other places, none has ever been found. After resid- 
ing there some time, their retreat became known, and 
one of the king's cruisers appeared on the coast. 
They were traced to the glen, and three of them were 
taken and carried to England, where it is probable 
they were executed. The other, whose name was 
Thomas Veal, escaped to a rock in the woods, about 
two miles to the north, in which was a spacious 
cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited 
some of their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his 
residence, and practiced the trade of a shoemaker, 
occasionally coming down to the village to obtain 
articles of sustenance. He continued his residence 
till the great earthquake this year, when the top of 
the rock was loosened, and crushed down into the 
mouth of the cavern, inclosing the unfortunate in- 
mate in its unyielding prison. It has ever since 
been called the Pirate's Dungeon." 

Now, it was this Thomas Veal, who is alleged to have 
escaped from the Glen and concealed himself in the 
Dungeon Rock, or Pirate's Dungeon, as Mr. Lewis 
chooses to call it, who, together with a piratical com- 
panion, spiritually ai)peared to the Marbles, time 
after time, usually in jolly mood, and assured them of 
the rich spoils of gold and jewels still in their keep- 
intr, and seemed very willing to surrender them 



316 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



whenever they could be reached by drills and gun- 
powder. And Veal, moreover, added some touching 
revelations concerning a Spanish princess and an- 
other bright maiden who had been held captive there, 
and were, with their grim warder, shut in forever by 
the awful earthquake. Is it, then, to be wondered at 
that the Marbles, firmly believing all this, and much 
more, should have pursued their exhausting labors 
with high hopes? It is not necessary to go into a 
disquisition as to the authenticity of the traditions 
here recounted, or an examination of the supposed 
spiritual revelations. The intelligent reader will per- 
ceive the utter absurdity of some and the improb- 
ability of others. But yet it can hardly be said that 
there is no foundation in truth ; and none of us would 
willingly have one of our long-cherished legends 
entirely fade away. 

There is scarcely a place on the whole New Eng- 
land coast that ha.s not traditions about buried treas- 
ures of gold and silver, and where unsuccessful at- 
tempts have not from time to time been made for 
their recovery. 

It is undoubtedly true that the old buccaneers, who 
were desperadoes from every nation and kindred, did 
for years, about the close of the seventeenth century, 
pursue their neforious trade of indiscriminate piracy. 
And, much to their discredit, the colonists were some- 
times charged with connivance at the trafiic. Those 
sanguinary sea-rovers were accustomed to rendezvous 
in the West Indies, and thence fall upon the richly- 
laden Spanish galleons as they pursued their way 
homeward with the wealth of the mines of Mexico 
and Peru. But their depredations were not confined 
to these ; every other craft of value that they met fell 
a prey, excepting in the few cases of successful re- 
sistance. Then there were the noted pirates, Kidd 
and Bellamy, who were known to be more or less on 
the coast. And if all the accounts of the treasures 
they buried are true, they must have secreted enough 
to load half the British navy. 

Whether theie was any connection between the 
earlier sea-robbers and those who made famous the 
Glen and Pirate's Dungeon at Lynn, may not now be 
known, but damaging fancies will arise in suspicious 
minds. 

The following lines from a weird old chant, recit- 
ing the ceremony at the burial of money by pirates, 
are very striking: 

I saw thorn bury their golden store at the root of the pirate tree ; 

Bold Blackbeard cried, "Who Ml guard this wealth?" and 0, 'twas 

merry to see 
How even the wretch who fears not hell, turns pale at the thought of 

death I 
But one hold knave stood boldly out, and otfered himself for scath — 
" I'll watch it," quoth he, "for these forty years I've wandered o'er land 

and Eea, 
And I'm tired of doing the devil's work— so bury me under the tree ; 
And better I'll rest as I guard this wealth, than you, in the realms 

below. 
Where the soul cannot burst amid endless groans — where the pirate's 

soul must go," 



So they shot bim dead with a charmed ball, and they laid a broad fiat 

stone 
Deep in the earth above the gold, and they stood the corpse thereon. 
Now wo betide the daring fool who seeketh that gold to win. 
Let mortals beware of the noble wretch who standetli that grave witliin. 

There is enough of this old piratical literature to 
form the basis of a countless number of dime novels, 
and Lynn would naturally be expected to have her 
share. 

Lynn Writers. — It was a favorite idea of the 
author of this sketch to prepare extended notices of 
different Lynn writers, living and dead, who have 
from time to time, by their works, contributed to the 
edification or entertainment of their fellow-mortalsi 
giving specimens of the productions. Among the 
multitude of writers who have lived and still live 
here, a score at least are deserving of most honorable 
mention ; some having reveled in the delightsome 
fields of poetry, some in the more sombre walks of 
history, some in the elevating regions of science and 
some in the dreamy walks of romance. Such a task 
would be a delicate one, and in several respects diffi- 
cult ; for, to say nothing of incompetency on the part 
of the writer, it would be hard to determine what 
names should be selected from the long catalogue. It 
might appear invidious to choose only those who 
were natives ; and then, as to those who were not na- 
tives, puzzling doubts might arise as to where the 
line should be drawn. Lynn has been the tempor- 
ary abiding-place of quite a number of the greater 
lights of literature and science, — of Longfellow, the 
poet; of Prescott, the historian; of Agassiz, the 
scientist, for example. But would it not be rather 
assuming to claim them as Lynn authors? Their 
reputation, however, being world-wide, may, per- 
haps, be said to belong as much to Lynn as any other 
place. Then there are others who, though natives, 
turned their backs upon their good mother in early 
life and afterwards became eminent as writers, but 
never manifested any love for their deserted parent. 
Are they deserving of specially honorable mention ? 
Brief notices of a number of our writers, however, are 
given elsewhere, and need not be repeated here. 
Poets and philosophers may not be the most useful 
citizens in the worldling's estimation, but the lights 
they shed illumine many a dark passage and cheer 
many a dismal hour in the tramp of life. Our rever- 
ence for departed worth, it is hoped, will not be 
measured by the length of notice ; for sometimes the 
better one is known, the less need there is for extend- 
ed details. And in no case is it our desire to pose as 
critic. 

William Wood, one of the earliest who settled 
within our borders, should be first named, for as early 
as 1634, in his " New Englaud's Prospect," he outlined 
her physical features and drew terse word-pictures of 
some of her pleasant and impressive localities. But 
as he is several times brought into view in other parts 
of this sketch, nothing further is demanded here. 



LYNN. 



317 



Most of the old parish ministers, from Rev. Mr. 
Whiting, who commenced liis labors here in 1B3G, 
clown to Rev. Parsons Cooke, the last, whose ministry 
here ended by his death, were learned men and skilled 
in the use of the pen. Their published writings were 
chiefly on theoloo;ical topics, and often tinctured by 
the acrimony of the times. Their discourses on special 
occasions were sometimes published, and the few 
copies preserved in the antiquarian collections are 
even now sought for with avidity, as developing the 
peculiar religious views and tendencies of the times, 
as much as for the genius and learning they display. 
Since Mr. Cooke's day the controversial hatchet has 
not been fiercely wielded by any of the settled pas- 
tors. Indeed, the differing sentiments of most Chris- 
tian bodies seem to have become more and more as- 
similated. But it is hoped that the apparent drawing 
together is to be attributed to the awakening of true 
Christian love, rather than to indiflerence as to any 
religion. But in the company of the clerical worthies 
we may not long linger. Their fame is not local. 

Rev. Enoch Mudge, 1776-18.50. — This good man 
was a minister of the Methodist connection for a great 
number of years, having been licensed at the early 
age of seventeen. His poetical effusions were many, 
and appeared in various periodical publications. His 
longest production was " Lynn, a Poem." It was 
written in 1820, comprised some six hundred and fifty 
lines and was published in pamphlet form in 1820. 
In the opening lines the muse takes a view from High 
Rock, his eye ranging over the wonderful panorama 
of the sublime and beautiful in nature, occasionally 
pausing in view of some interesting fabric, and all the 
way scattering didactic reflections and useful hints. 
It was about this time that the famous sea serpent was 
first seen in these waters. And in view of the fact 
that he has this year, 1887, again made this coast his 
sporting-place, and seemingly retains his early love 
for our bay, the following quotation will not be 
deemed inappropriate : 

" Hard by the shore is seen, day after day, 
Surprising sight ! the Serpens Marinus ; 
A sight so wondrous strange upon our coasts, 
That multitudes collect to feast their eyes ; 
He with serpentine movements swiftly glides. 
Though huge in bulk, and leaves his lengthened wake 
Far in the smooth greeu sea. then darts liis head 
Aloft in air, and seems with careless ease 
To gaze around ; anon impetuous starts, 
riunging his head, and ploughs the liipiid way ; 
Sudden he stops and rests when on the waves. 
As if to give the observer leave to count 
The large protuberances upon his back, 
And mark with leisure eye his wondrous frame. 
Each eye beholds the varying scene diverse ; 
Some see. or think they see, the serpent's eyes, 
His mane and slender neck, and whiten'd breast ; 
Some see his back all clad in rusty scales, 
His flippers, or his smooth and velvet skin ; 
His girth and length aa various they describe. 
From fifty to thrice fifty feet in length, 
From fifteen inches through to triple that. 
Ho is a monstrous something, all agree, 
But know not what — Sea-Serpent is the name 



By which this nondescript is known by us. 
The literati term him Halsydous, 
By Kanius an<l Pontoppidam described, 
And seen by many in the Greenland seas." 

These lines are not given for the lirilliancy of their 
poetic conception or felicity of expression, but they 
are fairly descriptive. Some of his shorter poems, 
however, were pronounced by intelligent critics w^orthy 
of a place among the selected specimens of our ac- 
knowledged poets. 

Mr. Mudge was father of Hon. Enoch Redington 
Mudge, the generous donor of the lieautiful St. 
Stephen's Memorial Church, erected in Lynn in 
1881. 

Isaac Newhall, 1782-1858. — Mr. Newhall was 
known in the literarj' world only by his letters on 
Junius, a series addressed to Hon. John Pickering,in 
which he endeavored to show that Earl Temple was 
the author of those celebrated papers. The letters 
were published in a duodecimo volume in 1831, and 
showed the author to be well versed in British poli- 
tics, with good knowledge of her history and litera- 
ture. The chief business of his life was that of a 
retail trader, at one time in Macon, Ga., and after- 
wards in Salem, Mass. But he spent the evening of 
his days in quiet and comfort at the old homestead 
on the eastern side of Mall Street, Lynn — the same 
house in which he was born on the 24th of August, 
1782, and in which he died on the 6th of July, 
1858. 

Enoch Curtin, 1794-1842. — Mr. Curtin, for some 
years, was a poetic and prose writer of much local re- 
pute and of real ability. But his education was lim- 
ited, and his ambition to .shine as a literary light so 
small that his name has never become known to the 
extent it deserved to be, and might have been. Plis 
poetic eflbrts were chiefly confined to the production 
of odes and verses for special occasions, public cele- 
brations and so forth. And his prose articles were 
largely on local and every-day topics — political, sani- 
tary, gossiping. No collection of his writings ever 
appeared in book-form. His residence was in the 
easterly part of the town — Woodend, so called. 

Alonzo Lewis, 1794-1861. — It must be conceded 
that Mr. Lewis stands at the head of the writers Lynn 
has thus far produced. He published volumes of 
poetry and local history, besides contributing, during 
many years, articles on almost every current topic, 
for the newspapers and other periodicals. A more 
extended notice of him appears elsewhere in these 
pages. 

Mauia Augusta Fuller, 1800-31.— Miss Fuller 
was chiefly known by her poems, though her prose 
writings were by no means without merit. No col- 
lection of her effusions were ever presented to the 
public in book-form, or, we feel quite sure, her fame 
would have become far from local. Her father, Joseph 
Fuller, was the first president of the first bank in 
Lynn, and was our first State Senator. The house in 



318 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



which he resided is still standing, at the junction of 
Union and Broad Streets. Miss Fuller died at the 
early age of" twenty-four years. 

SoLOMOX MouLTON, 1808-27. — Of this young 
man — for he died at the early age of nineteen years — 
a word should be said, for while we realize the utter 
futility of any attempt to rear upon the uncertain 
foundation of what " might have been " any ideal 
fame, it is yet natural to augur whither steps already 
taken may fairly lead. Young Moulton certainly 
made gome poetic contributions to the newspapers 
that gave great promise for the future, besides con- 
taining in themselves passages of striking thought, 
touching pathos and felicitous expression. It will be 
remembered that it was from the columns of newspa- 
pers that our cherished poets — as Bryant, AVillis, 
Longfellow and Whittier — first beamed. Mr. I^ewis 
knew Moulton well, and often spoke highly of his 
poetic ability. He was born in the house on Boston 
Street, southeast corner of Moultim, but was adopted 
by an uncle and lived most of his days in Market 
Street. No collection of his writings was ever pub- 
lished; indeed, he never wrote enough to make a book 
of much size. 

The writers of whom we have thus far spoken — 
Wood, Mudge, Newhall, Curtin, Lewis, Fuller, Moul- 
ton — have long since departed ; yet, though their 
tongues are mute and their pens have dropped, with 
them we may still commune through their works. 

" They are silent ; Bilent forever ! Cold, cold are their breasts of 
clay! Oil! from the rock on the hill, froui the top of the windy steep, 
speak, ye ghosts of the dead ! " 

Among her living writers Lynn can boast of 
several who are worthy of far more extended notice 
than can be allowed in this connection. Brief rec- 
ognition, however, is better than entire silence. Fu- 
gitive pieces without number have appeared in the 
publications of the day, many of them worthy of be- 
ing preserved in durable form. And it is hoped that 
at some future time a discriminating gatherer may 
arise to rescue them from oblivion. He may not re- 
ceive the deserved pecuni.ary reward, but his labor of 
love would be highly appreciated. In the present 
enumeration it seems highly proper that mention be 
first made of such as have, in one way and another, 
contributed to the elucidation of our history. Of these 
should be named : 

Richard I. Attwill, who has contributed for the 
newspapers transcripts of interesting documents 
which he has here and there discovered, accompanied 
by apt explanations and annotations from his own pen. 

George E. Emery has furnished articles which, 
by his well-trained descriptive powers and lively 
sense of fitness, have done their share to quicken the 
taste for historic reading. 

Clarence W. Hobbs, by his "Lynn and Sur- 
roundings," published at the close of 1886, has added 
a work of much interest. Its mechanical execution 
is attractive, and the matter worthy of its neat in- 



vestment. It is well illustrated, and the name in- 
dicates its general character. 

David N. Johnson has done work worthy of 
praise in his " Sketches of Lynn, or the Changes of 
Fifty Years," published in 1880. He has also writ- 
ten articles for the publications of the day, and hymns 
and odes for special occasions. 

John T. Moulton has done a great deal of pen 
work, for which he will receive the thanks of future 
generations. Among other things, he has had all the 
inscriptions in the old burying-ground copied and 
printed in durable form, with an introduction. He 
is one of the most intelligent and accurate genealo- 
gists among us. The Moulton family has not been 
destitute of poetic representatives ; and he, true to 
the family tendency, has produced some metrical 
pieces of animating sentiment and easy flow. 

Howard Mudge Newhall is yet a young man, 
but has already written numerous articles of real 
value on the business of Lynn, its history and present 
condition. His illustrated article in Harper's Maga- 
zine, January, 1885, entitled " A Pair of Shoes," at- 
tracted marked attention. He has an eminently 
practical turn of mind, skill in the arrangement of 
topics, and clearness of expression. 

It may not be overstepping the bounds of modesty 
for the writer of the sketch now in hand to mention 
that he has prepared for publication many pages per- 
taining to the history of Lynn, its sombre and authen- 
tic side, as well as its romantic and legendary. 

Edwin Thompson has, from time to time, con- 
tributed to the newspapers articles on local historical 
matters that have always been received with favor. 

Cyrus M. Tracy has for many years been an ac- 
ceptable writer as a journalist, essayist and historiog- 
rapher. Nor has he neglected science and the 
muse. His historical sketches of several places in Es- 
sex County were published in the ponderous volume 
of C. F. Jewett & Co., in 1878. His " Studies of the 
Essex Flora" were published in 1858, in pamphlet 
form. He delivered the poem at the dedication of 
the City Hall, November 30, 18(17, and the oration at 
the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anni- 
versary of the settlement of the town. 

Gardiner Tufts, in 1883, contributed a series of 
articles to the Lynn Transcript entitled "The Old 
Choirs of Lynn," which, in fact, embodied the musical 
history of the place for a long and interesting period. 
They were worthy of the high commendation they 
received. In the course of the series appeared bio- 
graphical notices, anecdotes and terse descriptive 
passages. 

For a long series of years, too, our tuneful fellow- 
citizens, J. Warren Newhall and Joseph W. 
Nye, have, as occasion prompted, celebrated in verse 
marked passages in our history, past and present. 
It is hard to say what Lynn, for almost a generation, 
would have done without their felicitous contributions 
for celebrations, dedications and similar occasions. 



I 



LYNN. 



319 



As we proceed, still other names press upon the re- 
collection. And some of those who do not come 
within the categories named certainly deserve honor- 
able mention ; among them James Berry Bensel, 
who very recently forever laid aside his pen. He was 
regarded by competent critics as a poetical writer of 
more than ordinary promise. And there seems rea- 
son to believe that had he lived he would have taken 
liigli rank as a poet. 

Edward P. Usher has acquired note as a legal 
writer, and as a versifier his skill has long been recog- 
nized. He delivered the poem at the dedication of 
the Soldiers' Monument September 17, 1873. 

Fraxk K. Whittex, who is still a young man, has 
shown marked ability in the line of literary criticism, 
as well as in other dei)artments. Favorable mention, 
too, should be made of Eugexe Barry, Jo.siah F. 
Kimball and Thomas F. Porter. 

There are likewise other worthy pen-charmers, 
whose names would be introduced here were they 
not presented in other connections in these pages; 
and some, too, there undoubtedly are whose names 
have eluded busy memory's pursuit. 

It must be admitted that few places can boast of a 
larger relative number of writers than good old 
Lynn. And it seems as if, among us all, something 
considerable might be accomplished. The old pen- 
wielders are passing off, but much is reasonably to be 
expected from some of those now taking their places. 
The writer, indeed, dares predict that certain of our 
younger brethren and sisters of the pen will yet at- 
tain most enviable renown. But he does not dare 
record the names of those on whom the prediction 
rests, as his opinion may not be verified; and were it 
or were it not verified, his temerity would probably be 
met by the retributive scorn of those not named as 
within the horoscopic view. 

Macpherson, in his preface to the poems of Ossian, 
says: "The making of poetry, like any other handi- 
craft, may be learned by industry." But the writer 
can hardly subscribe, unconditionally, to that, having 
in view quite a number who have striven for many a 
day, with unflinching industry, to gain a seat on Par- 
nassus, and have never been able to reach that allur- 
ing height — -at least in the opinion of their envious 
critics. However, they undoubtedly received pleas- 
ure in picnicking by the way, and were constantly 
stimulated by hope and expectation. The pleasures 
of literature, derived from its own dear self, one 
would think might be sufficient for all the care be- 
stowed on its cultivation. Says Voltaire, " Litera- 
ture nourishes the soul, rectifies it, consoles it." Such, 
indeed, is its legitimate effect ; but in stalk the han- 
kerings after fame and the jealousies which writers, 
the more eminent as well as the more conceited, too 
often allow to diffuse their subtile poison. Dean 
Swift, in his pungent way, puts it thus : 

'* What poet would not grieve to see 
llis brother write as well as he ? 



But, rather than they should excel, 
Would wish his rivals all in ■ ?" 

It cannot be denied that much of the versification 
of the present day, notwithstanding its ■' mellifluous 
flow," falls far below the standard of the French 
writer just quoted, who, in his axiomatic way, re- 
marks : "Verses that do not teach men new and 
affecting truths little deserve to be read." One may 
easily perceive that in much of the poetry of our days 
many hollow and many turbid places are bridged over 
and concealed by mellifluous versification. But, in 
the authoritative words of Percival : 

'* 'Tis not the chime and tlow of words that move 
In measured file and metrical array ; 
'Tis not the union of returning sounds. 
Nor all the pleasing artifice of rhyme, 
And quantity, and accent that can give 
This all pervading spirit to the ear, 
Or blend it with the moviugs of the soul. 
'Tis not the noisy babbler who displays, 
In studied phrase and ornate epithet 
And rounded period, poor and vapid thoughts, 
"Which peep from out the cumbrous ornaments 
That overload their littleness." 

An attempt to play the critic is very far from the 
design of the writer, as, of cour.se, a critic should al- 
ways be better informed than he on whom he sheds 
his perfume. Is there any limit short of the extent 
of the human mind, to the knowledge and ability of 
even the magazine or newspaper reviewer of this 
enlightened day? Where, then, is the poor writer 
in one special department ? There is an anecdote 
told of Rev. Mr. Parker, the first minister of New- 
bury, to this effect : President Chauncey and some 
scholastic brethren undertook to deal with him for 
something he had written, which they considered too 
liberal toward the Episcopacy. They addressed him 
in English, and he replied in Latin ; into that lan- 
guage they followed him ; he then charged in Greek 
and in Greek they rejoined ; to Hebrew he then re- 
sorted, and there again they met him. Finally, he 
made a stand in Arabic, when, not being able to fol- 
low him, they gave up the contest. He then inti- 
mated that, as they were not his peers in knowledge, 
it was presumption in them to undertake to criticise 
him. This was an old-fashioned contest. But your 
modern critic, being at the head of the class in all 
human knowledge, heeds no obstacle. And the re- 
flex brilliancy of the friendly commentator otten has, 
as we all know, something to do with shaping his 
periods. Indeed, he sometimes sees 

"In Homer more than Homer knew." 

But, unhappily for the yet unrecognized aspirant, 
little of the reflected light shines on him. 

Our busy community has no catalogue of exclu- 
sively literary persons to exhibit. Her writers have 
been those who exercised the pen at intervals unoc- 
cupied by the daih* round in some vocation more 
sure of securing a livelihood. As a general thing, 
the physically infirm are more inclined to intellec- 



320 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tiial pursuits than the strong and healthy, for the in- 
valid is at a disadvantage where strength of arm and 
bodily endurance are required ; and hence it is that 
some of our best writings come from tlie retired room 
of the invalid. Bodily infirmity has often done 
much in malting the scholar, by disabling from phy- 
sical activity. But the bodily health of the good 
people of Lynn is not intended to be urged as a rea- 
son for any deficiency in mental attainment. Sick or 
well, let us remember that though finely-turned peri- 
ods always possess a certain charm, they are of little 
worth to the thoughtful if deficient in backing. 

As has been seen, there is hardly a period in Lynn's 
history when she has not had a bright company of 
sons and daugliters curveting, pen in hand, over the 
fields of poetry, sentiment and philosophy, and 
gathering in a goodly store for the relief of the jaded 
minds of those fellow-mortals destined to the more 
ignoble pursuits of life. By their refreshing and 
stimulating contributions, they have performed a good 
part in keeping alive the vivacious tone that has al- 
ways characterized our industrious home. And may 
the prospects of a now promising future never be 
darkened ! 



CHAPTER XX. 

LYNN— {Continued). 
TAVERNS — MODES OF TRAVEL. 

Vhunickr of llir Old Houses oj Eiitertainmenf, atid Scenes EnacU'd in Them — 
BUifjniphical tiliitclies of some Ftimims Landlords — Incidents of Travel — 
Salem and Boston Ttirnpike — The Old Stage Lin£s — Opening of the East- 
ern Railroad — Hotels of Later Times. 



" Around tlie glowing evening fire, 
Tlie farmer, woodeman, village 'squire, 
With pointed finger, loosened tongue, 
Shows right for every human wrong. 
In kindling mood they sit and sip 
The nectar called New England flip, 
That late invented beverage, 
Rare product of a guzzling age, 
America's first evil gift 
To help the world in toping thrift, 
More sapid than old Englami's beer. 
More potent in its vulgar cheer." 

—Norton. 

Next to the church and the school, the attention 
of our fathers was directed to the establishment and 
regulation of the ordinary, the inn, the tavern, or the 
house of entertainment, as such places seem to have 
been indiscriminately called. The accommodation 
of travelers was, of course, the ostensible purpose ; 
but other considerations had weight. In the old 
country the settlers had been accustomed to visit such 
resorts, 

"... where nut-brown draughts inspired. 
Where gray-beard mirth and smiling toil retired ; 
Where village statesmen tiilked with looks profound," 



and where neighborhood scandal and tainted gossip 
no doubt went round. What wonder, then, that the 
settlers here, the socially high and low, the good and 
bad, should, in the absence of other convenient meet- 
ing-places, have felt the need of something of the 
kind. There were no newspapers to float ofl' from 
the press on the morning and evening wind, no 
news-rooms, no mail, no telegraphs, no telephones. 
Hither, then, all classes naturally resoi'ted 

" To taUe a smack of politics and ale," 

There was, in the more legitimate way, to wit, the 
accommodation of travelers, a real necessity for 
houses of entertainment. But it was soon perceptible 
that such establishments required careful watching, 
lest their charges should become oppressive and their 
influence deleterious in a moral way. The General 
Court, therefore, found it necessary frequently to in- 
terpose for their management. 

It is true, however, that before population had so 
far increased as to warrant the establishment of sepa- 
rate ordinaries, every house was, to some extent, a 
house of entertainment, and every householder a 
host. This was the natural prompting of the hospita- 
ble settler. 

At first, ordinaries were established without license ; 
but the court soon took them in hand and regulated 
their management. As early as 163-1 it was " ordered 
that noe person that keeps an ordinary shall take 
above six pence a meale for a person and not above 
one penny for an ale quarte of beare, out of meale 
tyme, under the penalty of ten shillings for every of- 
fence, either of dyot or beare." It was likewise or- 
dered that " victualers or keepers of an ordinary, 
shall not sufier any tobacco to be taken in their 
bowses, under the penalty of v shillings for every of- 
fence, to be paid by the vitulcr, and xii pence by the 
party who takes it." And the court, in their horror 
of tobacco, went much further, forbidding its use any- 
where in public, and even invaded the domestic sanct- 
uary, ordering that "noe person shall take tobacco pub- 
liquely, under the penalty of 2s. and 6d. ; nor pri- 
vately, in his owne howse, or in the howse of another, 
before strangers, and that two or more shall not take 
it togeather anywhere, vnder the aforesaid penalty 
for every ofience." What would those worthy old legis- 
lators think could they enter one of our offensive mod- 
ern railroad attachments, the smoking-car? As late 
as 1639 it was lawful for any person to entertain 
strangers with " lodging and dyot, at reasonable 
rates," on special occasions, such as an inflow of 
strangers. 

And at the same court it was enacted that " every 
towne shall have liberty, from time to time, to choose 
a fitt man to sell wine, the same to bee alowed by li- 
cense . . . and that it shalbee lawfuU for such 
persons alowed to retaile wine, to let wine bee drunke 
in his house ; provided, that if any person shalbee 
made drunke in any such house, or any imoderate 



LYNN. 



321 



drinking suffered there, the master of the family shall 
pay for every such offence five pounds." At the 
same time it was " further declared and ordered, that 
such a.s are alowed to keepe comor, ordinaries and 
inns shall provide stables and hay for horses, and in- 
closures for pii.sturing, where neede is; and it is fur- 
ther declared, that if any shall take excessive prices 
for their wines or dyeting, they shalbee deepely fined 
for the same." So began the licensing system and 
the temperance legislation of Ma.ssachusetts; and 
how do we stand, after the lapse of two hundred and 
fifty years? 

The first tavern in Lynn was opened by JOSEPH 
Armitage, though at what precise date does not 
satisfactorily appear. But in 1643 he seems to have 
been in the business long enough to run himself 
ashore ; for in that year his wife, Jane, presented a 
dolorous petition, reciting that her husband's labors 
and endeavors had " beene blasted and his ames and 
ends frustrated," that they were poor and had a family 
to maintain ; that some of his creditors had, of their 
" clemencie and gentle goodness," lent a helping 
hand, with more of such pathetic pleading, and pray- 
ing that she might be allowed to "continue in the 
custodie of the said ordinary." The petition was 
signed by about all of the best and most prominent 
men of the town, among them the two ministers, Sam- 
uel Whiting and Thomas Cobbet, and Robert Bridges, 
the acting magistrate. It was successful, the concise 
entry on the court records being "(Joody Armitage 
is alowed to keepe the ordinary, but not to draw 
wine." 

There is ground for suspicion that some of the 
causes of Mr. Arniitage's misfortunes lay in the dis- 
regard of his license obligations; for, in addition to the 
refusal of the court to allow his wife to sell spirits, it 
is found that he was once fined for not informing the 
constable of a person being found drunk in his com- 
pany. He petitioned to have the fine remitted, but 
the court replied that they saw " no cawse to abate the 
petitioner any part of that fine." 

Mr. Armitage, however, seems to have partially, at 
least, recovered from his depressed condition, for in 
1646 the courtsay : " In answere to y" petition of Joseph 
Armitage, it is ordred, that whoever y" towne of 
Linn shall choose at a legall towne meeting to draw 
wine, he shall have liberty to drawe wine there till y'' 
next siting of this Cort, and y'' .same to be i)resented 
hereunto." And subsequently comes this entry : 
"Joseph Armitage is agreed with for this yeare for 
liberty to sell wine for twenty nobles." The price of 
his license, then, was about $32.20 of our present 
money. 

The ordinary of Mr. Armitage soon became known 
as the Anchor Tavern, and under that name com- 
menced a famous career. It was picturesquely situated 
on a slight elevation west of Saugus River, almost 
within a stone's throw of that eccentrically winding 
stream, and commanded a romantic view of forest and 



marsh land, with the ocean upon the south. It was 
on the road leading from Sa'em to Boston and about 
midway between those settlements. For more than a 
century and a half it enjoyed a reputation attained by 
few establishments of the kind in the colony. Its 
name, however, was changed from time to time, as 
political revolution or caprice of landlord suggested. 
Being on one of the chief highways, it was of 
course a stopping-place for the refreshment of travel- 
ers of high and low degree, of official dignitaries and 
rustic tramps, and one can readily conceive that 
strangely-assorted groups must have sometimes as- 
sembled there. 

Mr. Armitage was among the very early settlers of 
Lynn, having appeared here in 1630, and been ad- 
mitt'd as a freeman in 1637. He was a tailor by trade, 
but in those primitive times it was necessary for most 
men to turn their attention to different pursuits as ihe 
seasons varied. He was undoubtedly energetic and 
industrious, but those good traits do not appear to 
have saved him from disasters attributable to other 
traits less valuable, for it is evident that he was of a 
speculative turn, and unduly credulous when promis- 
ing schemes were presented. And then, again, he ap- 
pears to have been fond of lawsuits. Now these two 
pernicious characteristics — fondness for speculation 
and fondness for law-suits — are enough to ruin any 
man, and in all but a few exceptional cases they do. 
It may aho be fairly assumed that he ha<l sufficient 
of a retaliatory spirit to defiantly meet the aggressive 
approaches of his neighbors. At onetime he procured 
a warrant against a number of persons, to whose in- 
terference he probably attributed difficulties regarding 
his license; but they, in returning the compliment, 
had him presented " for procuring a warrant for seav- 
enty persons to appear forthwithe before the Gover- 
nor," a proceeding which, the court say, "we conceave 
to be of dangerous consequence." Notwithstanding 
these propensities, however, it may be said that he 
was, on the whole, a useful as well as enterprising 
settler. 

Mr. Armitage ceased to be landlord of the Anchor 
in or about 16-">2. And his harassed and laborious 
life wa.s ended in reduced circumstances, though per- 
haps not in absolute penury. lu 1669 he petitioned 
for the payment of some small scores that Governors 
Endicott and Bradstreet and other officials had run up 
at his tavern during their journeyings. His petition 
was presented to the court at Salem, the charges hav- 
ing stood some twenty years, and reads as follows : 

"To tlie Honered Court DOW sitting at Siillem. The liiiiiihli' pi-tifioii 
of Josfph Armitage Humbly Sliewoth tliat in tlie timt- tliat I kept Oiill- 
nary tiler was sum e.xpeuces at my Ho\v» Ijy some of the Honored mag- 
istrates & Depetysof tliis County as apears by tiier bills charged oupon 
Auditor Generall, wbicb I never Receaued. Tlierfor your Ilunibell pe- 
ticioner doth Hundily request this Court tlial they would give me an 
Order to the County Treasurer for my pay A so your pour petitioner sliall 
ever pray for your prosperity. 



One or two of the cluirg 
be given as samolcs : 



" JusiU'H ARMrrAoi:." 

witli the Vouchers, may 



322 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"tho gouerners Expences from the Coart of election, 1651, till the end 
of October, 16.')1 ; to bear & cacks [beer and cakes] 6d. ; bear and cacks 
to himself and som other gentlleinen, Is. 2d. ; bear and cacks with Mr. 
Downing, Is. Gd. ; bear & a cack, Gd. — 38. 8d. 

*' to the Sargeuts from the end of the Coart of election, 1651, till the 
end of October, 1651, bear & cacks, Is. 2d. ; for vi tails, beear & logen, 58. ; 
to Benjamin Scarlet, the gouerners man, 8d. ; bear & vitells, 28. ; to the 
Sargents, Is. Od. ; beear and cacks, Is. ; to a man that Caried a letter to 
warne a Court about the duchman, Is. 6d. ; to the Sargents, Is. 2d. — 14s. 
3d. 

*' Mr. Auditor, I pray you give a note to Mr. Treasurer, for payment 
of 17s. lid. according to these two bills of Joseph Armitage. 

" Dated the 7th of the 11th mo. 1651. Jo. ENnECOTT." 

" due to goodman .Armitage, for beare & wyne att seven-ill times as I 
came by in the space of about 3 yeares, 4s. 3d. May 15th, '4il. More 
for my man & horse, as bee returned home the last yeare when I was a 
Commissioner, hee being deteyned a sabboath day, 6s. Sd, 

"Sl.MON Br.\DSTREETE." 

What does our present good Secretary of War 
think of the expenses and fare of his worthy ancestor 
as he took his official journeys ? Even President 
Cleveland, with all his democratic proclivities, would 
hardly hold to such economy. 

After leaving the Anchor, Mr. Armit.nge lived in 
comparative retirement till his death, in 1(380, at the 
age of eighty years. In the administration account 
filed in July, occur these items : " For coffin, vaile 
and digging the grave, 14s. In wine and sider, for his 
buriall, £2." 

The immediate successor of Mr. Armitage as land- 
lord of the Anchor Tavern was John Hathorne, who 
certainly does not appear to have been a very merito- 
rious character. At all events he became involved iu 
one or two questionable transactions. It must have 
been about the time that he took the tavern that he 
was proceeded against on a charge of slander, forgery 
and perjury, and was convicted. He became some- 
what humbled by his sentence, and petitioned for the 
remission or mitigation of the penalty, and the court 
in its clemency ordered that in lieu of the prescribed 
punishment he should " pay double damages, which 
is twenty pounds, to the party wronged and ten pounds 
to the commonwealth, to be forthwith levied ; and to 
be disfranchised. If he doth not submitt to the sen- 
tence, then the law that provides against fibrgery is to 
take place in every particular.'' 

Mr. Hathorne kept the Anchor but a short time, and 
nothing appears to indicate that the house did not 
continue as prosperous as in the days of his prede- 
cessor. But little concerning him appears on the 
records, though the matters alluded to gave rise to 
grave questions of jurisdiction between the civil and 
ecclesiastical authorities, — questions that agitated the 
community for a long time, occasioning some rasping 
passages between church and state dignitaries. 

This brings us to one of the most remarkable peri- 
ods in the history of the famous Anchor : to wit., the 
period during which the renowned Captain Thomas 
Marshall managed its affairs. He was one of the most 
jolly and hospitable of landlords, and during his ad- 
ministration no wayside inn throughout the colonies 
enjoyed a more enviable reputation. 



Captain Marshall first appeared in Lynn in 16.35, 
and was soon after admitted a freeman. But when 
the great political agitations that led to the termina- 
tion of the reign and the life of Charles the First had 
reached the culminating point, his spirit was aroused 
and he returned to England, where he joined the Par- 
liamentary forces, and from Cromwell received a cap- 
tain's commission. He served faithfully and was 
honorably discharged, and returned hither full of 
martial lustre and full of pride in the feats he had ac- 
complished, some of which his envious neighbors 
affected to believe were achievements of the imagina- 
tion alone. Nevertheless, it is apparent that he had a 
very good knowledge of military tactics and skill in 
the disposition of affairs of the field. The simple fact 
of his having continued to serve as a captain under 
the great Parliamentary Leader so long and so satis- 
factorily is sufficient evidence of his skill, fidelity and 
efficiency. He indeed seems to have had an early in- 
clination for the military profession, and was elected 
a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company — or, as it was then called, the "Military 
Company of the Massachusetts" — in 1640, two years 
after the formation of that .august organization, being 
then about twenty-four years of age. 

After Captain Marshall's return from the war, his 
fellow-townsmen six times elected him as their repre- 
sentative in the General Court, first in 1659 and last 
in 1668, and likewise called him to various posts of 
municipal honor and responsibility. 

On the ISth of October, 1659, Captain Marshall was 
empowered by the General Court to join iu marriage 
such persons in Lynn as had complied with the pre- 
liminary legal requirements. In 1670, however, he 
was discharged from " officyating in that imploy- 
ment," probably much to his chagrin. The cause of 
the revocation of his authority seems to have been 
that, through his " overmuch credulity," parties had 
imposed upon him and induced him to marry them 
when their intention had not been properly published 
or other legal requirements complied with. One or 
two cases were presented against him, that ofAllin 
and Deacon being perhaps the most conspicuous. It 
occurred in May, 1670. Says the record : " Hope 
Allin (fatherof the bride) and John Pease (a witness) 
appeared in Court, and y' said John Pease acknoul- 
edged that notwithstanding the counsell of the major 
general (an acting magistrate of another jurisdiction), 
who had declined y° marrying of M^ Deacon (the 
bridegroom) to Hope Allin's daughter, he did accom- 
pany them to Lynn to Capt. Marshall, and Hope 
Allin declared he did give his consent that the said 
M'. Deacon should have his daughter, and told Capt. 
Marshall that he hoped they might be legally pub- 
lished before that time. The Court judged it meet 
to censure the said Hope Allin to pay ten pounds as 
a fine to the country for his irregular proceedure, and 
John Pease forty shillings." Perhaps Mr. Allin was 
justly punished for his over-anxiety to get his daugh- 



LYNN. 



323 



ter otThis hands, and Mr. Pease for standing by and 
not disclosing the fact that another magistrate had 
refused to tie the Icnot illegally. And as to Captain 
Marshall, it was probably this case that induced the 
court to promptly annul his commission, for that ap- 
pears to have been done almost immediately after the 
irregular transaction. At this time ministers were not 
authorized to perform the marriage ceremony, yet the 
conjugal relation was not regarded on the one hand 
as a mere civil contract, nor on the other, in the high- 
church sense, a sacrament. The idea seemed to be 
that it should occupy a sort of middle ground. The 
captain, however, did not probably pause to consider 
as to the right or wrong of the cases that came before 
him, or to theorize in any wa}', so long as it was in his 
l>ower to consummate the happiness of loving hearts. 

Captain Marshall commanded the military com- 
pany of Lynn at the time the great King Philip War 
commenced, 1675. There was no period in our whole 
history when there seemed so much cause for alarm 
within our own precincts, which had always been 
singularly free from savage aggression, as now. and 
the bravest and most experienced of the soldiery were 
anxiously looked to for protection. Tlie court re- 
ceived a letter from the major-general dated Lynn, 
and in their answer say : " Sr : Wee received your 
letter dated at Lynn 23th instant, and have perused 
the particulars inclosed, which still present us with 
sad tidings (the Lord have mercy on us) touching the 
])erformance of yo'' promise to Major Pike in your de- 
signe to raise what force you can to resist the enemy's 
headquarters at Ausebee. Wee approove of it, only 
wee presume your intelligence that the enemy is there 
is upon good grounds. Wee cannot give yow particu- 
lar orders, but leave the management of this aifayre 
to yo' prudenc and assistance of Almighty God, not 
doubting yo' care in leaving sufficient strength to se- 
cure the frontier townes of Norfolke and Essex, least 
the enemy should visit them when the fTorces are 
abooard. Without doubt, if their squawes and pap- 
pooses, &c., be at Assabee, and God be pleased to de- 
liver them into our hands, it would be much for our 
interest. As for your personal} marching, it will be 
acceptable, if God inable to prosecute it." The action 
recommended in regard to the squaws and pappooses 
does not .sound very pleasantly in the ears of the 
sympathetic people of this day, but the peculiar dan- 
gers and threatenings of those dark times should be 
taken into account in estimating the character of the 
recommendation. Captain Marshall was at this time 
about sixty years of age, but it cannot be doubted 
that his martial spirit was at once aglow, and that he 
became active in the military council, if not in the 
field. A most creditable number of scddiers were im- 
mediately on the march from Lynn. 

A sad event occurred near the tavern on a dreary 
night in February, l(j8L Samuel Worcester, a rep- 
resentative to the General Court from Bradford, had 
walked from that town to attend an adjourned ses- 



sion. When he reached Captain Marshall's ever 
hospitable door he was chilled and extremely weary, 
and sought shelter and entertainment. But fnnn 
some cause he could not be accommodated. Think- 
ing that he might find lodging with a friend farther 
on, he departed. In the morning he was found in a 
kneeling posture, in the middle of the road, dead. 
He was a son of Eev. William Worcester, and dis- 
tinguished for his public spirit and his piety. No 
doubt the event caused the Captain hours of keen re- 
gret. 

The worthy Captain dispensed the hospitalities of 
the famous Anchor for forty years. He was a model 
landlord, attentive to guests, well versed in the po- 
litical and religious movements of the time, both here 
and in old England, and able to intelligently discuss 
all the stirring questions that then agitated the as- 
sembly in the village tap-room as well as that in the 
hall of legislation. And he seems to have had a 
good share of that sort of suave underflow, so agree- 
able to the temporary sojourner at the wayside inn. 
That he had foibles is likewise apparent; but they 
appear to have been rather attractive than displeas- 
ing. John Dunton, the London bookseller, who 
passed through Lynn in 1680, and who wa.s an uncle 
to the celebrated John Wesley, thus remarks in his 
journal: "About two of the clock I reached Capt. 
Marshall's house, which is half way between Boston 
and iSalem ; here I staid to refresh nature with a pint 
of sack and a good fowl. Capt. Marshall is a hearty 
old gentleman, formerly oneof Oliver's soldiers, upon 
which he very much values himself. He had all the 
history of the civil wars at his fingers' ends, and if 
we may believe him, Oliver did hardly anything that 
was considerable without his assistance ; and if I'd 
have staid as long as he'd have talked, he'd have 
spoiled my ramble to Salem." This genial old land- 
lord died on the 23d of December, 1689, at the age of 
seventy-three years. 

It is not difficult to picture in the mind scenes such 
as must have again and again taken place in and 
about the Anchor during the administration of the 
worthy captain. Being deeply interested in military 
affairs he could highly enjoy the parades of the colo- 
nial soldiery ; and when he was himself in command, 
it cannot be doubted that, on many occasions, the 
troops were summoned to perform their evolutions 
upon the green that sloped from his h(juse down to- 
wards the river bank. We can almost see him there, 
with drawn sword and commanding voice, ordering 
movements such as enabled him, with Oliver's assist- 
ance, to win such victories in the civil wars. And 
there we see him stationing here and there behind 
some rock or in a forest confine mock Indian squads, 
to show the modes of savage warfare and teach his 
troops to meet the dusky warrior's strategy. 

Again, on occasions when the Colonial Governor 
undertook his eastern tour, as was customary once a 
year, important was the day of his arrival at the 



324 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Anchor. Early in the morning His Excellency 
would appear, on horseback, with gilded trappings 
glistening in the sun, accompanied by his secretary — 
one who in this day might be called a reporter — and 
perhaps two or three other dignitaries, the procession 
flanked by half a score of halberdiers, preceded by a 
mounted trumpeter, and perhaps followed by a 
throng of amazed red men. 

Arrived at the Anchor, after partaking of refresh- 
ments, always the best that the cellar or the larder 
afforded, the Governor, seated in the most capacious 
chair, announced his readiness to receive all such 
townsmen as desired to meet him for a free inter- 
change of views on the condition of public aflairs, 
especially as bearing on their own local well-being. 
These discussions were dignified, and, no doubt, re- 
sulted in much good to individual communities, and 
possibly matters of private interest were sometimes 
cunningly interwoven to personal advantage. 

Another picture might discover an excited assem- 
bly at the Anchor, perhaps in the stirring time of the 
Andros administration, the discordant voices of the 
blustering group in the common room rising above 
the surly creaking of the signboard that sways in the 
blast without. Some are urging to immediate and 
determined acts of violence, clamorously declaring 
their readiness to join in any uprising that shall hurl 
every would-be oppressor from power, while the more 
peacefully inclined and the village sages counsel pa- 
tience and moderation. 

The scene may shift to a winter night, dreary with- 
out but cheerful within. Before the blazing oaken 
logs and upon the rude benches that line the wall are 
seated the worn farmer, the fisherman, the woodsman 
and the laborer of every degree. Unambitious and 
void of care, they sit drowsily gossiping, and occa- 
sionally drawing forth from its concealment the 
corn-cob pipe for a languid whiff, till the fire burns 
low and the parting mug goes round. 

But a prettier picture is that presented when the 
bright moonbeams glisten on the crusted snow, and 
the capacious ox-sled, with its boxed-in freight of 
happy youth, drives up. Its approach had been her- 
alded by the wave of maiden laughter that rippled 
over the white fields, and the captain has donned his 
best doublet and prepared his best cheer. The 
sanded parlor is radiant with tallow dips, and savory 
fumes fioat from the culinary precinct. It is a time 
of rare enjoyment with the gallant captain. He is 
young again, and cannot avoid frequently joining in 
the merry sports. And then, as he retires to the 
duties of the snug little banquet-room, behold him 
beckon a young man aside and slyly and half by 
signs intimate that up over those winding back-stairs, 
in the attic hall, there is a bright fire and clean floor, 
where a little private dance may be enjoyed. 

It does not appear certain who the immediate suc- 
cessor of Captain Marshall, as landlord of the Anchor, 
was. 



Zacheus Norwood, who died February 8, 1756, — 
if the stone in the old burying-ground bearing the 
name is erected to his meniory, — kept it for many 
years, and it ceased to be called the Anchor. His 
wife, Susanna, died January 2, 1747, but he married 
again, and his widow succeeded him in the management 
and afterwards became the wife of Josiah Martin. 
The house was long famous as " Norwood's Tavern." 

The matrimonial adventures of Mr. Norwood seem 
to have been of a varied character. In the record of 
intentions of marriage, as copied by Mr. John T. 
Moulton, is to be found these entries, Mr. Moulton 
remarking that a pen has been drawn across them: 
"June 2,1734. This may certify that whereas the 
intention of marriage betwixt Zacheus Norwood and 
Mary Richards, both of Lynn, was posted by me the 
above day; that on the 3d day of June, 1734, the 
above said Mary Richards forbid the banns." . . . 
"December 3, 1734. The above-named Mary Rich- 
ards came to me and told me she had re-considered 
her forbidding the banns of matrimony betwixt 
Zacheus Norwood and herself, and desired me to give 
him a certificate." Whatever the diflSculty was, it 
appears to have been amicably settled, for on the 13th 
of the next February they were married. She died 
on the 6th of April, 1736. On the 27th of October, 
1745, was published his intention of marriage with 
Susannah Dunnell, of Topsfield. They were soon 
after married, and she died January 2, 1747. His 
third wife was Lydia Burrage, whom he married 
April 19, 1750. It was she who survived him, kept 
the tavern herself for some time, and then married 
the wayward .Tosiah Martin. 

In 1759 that laborious, worthy and much-suffering 
frontier Church of England missionary, Rev. Jacob 
Bailey, on the 13th of December, reached here on his 
way to Boston, having walked all the way from Glou- 
cester. He found a rough company, who much dis- 
turbed his needed rest. " We had among us," he 
said, "a soldier belonging to Captain Hazen's com- 
pany of rangers, who declared that several Frenchmen 
were barbariously murdered by them, after quarters 
were given ; and the villain added, I suppose to show 
his importance, that he split the head of one 
asunder, after he had fell on his knees to implore 
mercy." Captain Hazen never t.iught his men any 
such savage ways, for he was one of the most humane 
as well as brave commanders. He was a native of 
Haverhill, and had a command in the Crown Point 
and Louisburg expeditions in 1758 and '69. It was 
in one of these, no doubt, that the villainous act of 
the boastful soldier occurred. Captain Hazen also 
distinguished himself under Wolfe, at Quebec, and 
as a commander in the Revolution. He was finally 
commissioned as a brigadier-general in the Continen- 
tal forces. Dr. Jonathan Norwood, a graduate of 
Harvard, was a son of Zacheus, the keeper of the 
tavern. 

It was somewhere about the year 1760 that there 



LYNN. 



325 



drifted into Lynn a soldier ot fortune by the name of 
JosiAH Martix. He was supposed to be an Eng- 
lishman, but little, if anything, was known of his 
previous life. He, however, found fovor in the eyes 
of Widow Norwood, and she married him. He was 
very eccentric, and by his waywardness of temper 
and instability of character is believed to have led 
her a very uncomfortable life. He evidently knew 
how to behave much better than he did. for at times 
he would act well the role of a polished gentleman. 
At other times he would pretend to be a most humble 
and devout Christian. Mrs. Martin seems to have 
continued in the chief management of the tavern, 
though he was ostensibly the keeper. Many anec- 
dotes are told of his witty sallies, and he was by no 
means destitute of humor. He was much given to 
practical jokes, as well as witticisms. Rev. Mr. 
Treadwell was minister of the old church at that time, 
and himself fond of indulging in witty sallies. Mr. 
Lewis says that on a certain Sunday, observing that 
many of his audience had their heads in a reclining 
posture, he paused in his sermon and exclaimed, " I 
should guess that as many as two-thirds of you are 
asleep !" Mr. Martin, raising his head, looked round 
and replied, " If I were to guess, I should gue.ss there 
are not more than one-half!" The ne.'it day Mr. 
Martin was brought up for disturbing divine service, 
but he contended " it was not the time of divine ser- 
vice ; the minister had ceased to preach, and it was 
guessing time." He was accordingly discharged. It 
is said that he once rod.- two miles to attend meeting 
on a warm June Sunday, in a double sleigh, with a span 
of horses, the dust flying and the runners grating 
horribly and striking fire at every step. And his 
wife was a forced passenger by his side, wrapped in a 
heavy bear- skin robe. However, she was not long 
subjected to his harassing impositions, for on the 
breaking out of the Revolution he enlisted in the 
Continental army, marched off, and was never heard 
fr.>ni afterward. 

John Adams, subseriuently President of the United 
States, but then a young lawyer traveling his circuit, 
accompanied by his wife, mentions, under date of No- 
vember 3, 17(it), having "oated" at Jlartin's, on his 
way to attend ihe court at Salem. .\nd returning a 
few days after, he again "oated" at Martin's, "where 
we saw," he add-, "five boxes of dollars, containing, 
as we were told, about eighteen thousand of them, go- 
ing in a horse-cart from Salem Custom-House to Bos- 
ton, in order to be shipped to England. A gu.ard of 
armed men, with swords, hangers, pistols and muskets 
attended." 

This brings us to another important period in the 
history of this famous tavern, to wit, the commence- 
ment of the Revolution. It was now that Jacob 
Newhall became landlord, and for many years on- 
ward it was known as Newhall's Tavern, as is shown 
by the new-spapers and other dingy publications of 
the day. Mr. Newhall was a native of the town, and 



a descendant from one of the first settlers, was then 
about thirty-five years of age, and had ]ireviously pur- 
sued the occupation of husbandman. Being an ardent 
son of liberty, one of his first acts was to remove the 
sign on which was pictured the British emblem of the 
lion and unicorn, that had swayed for some years 
from the post in front, and substitute the hopeful 
emblem of a rising sun. He was a mo.st liberal pro- 
vider, and unwearied in his endeavors to make his 
house a real " traveler's home." During the war his en- 
engies were often taxed to their utmost to make suit- 
able provision for the unexpected descent of a squad 
or even an entire company of hungry soldiers. So 
vigilant was he that it is said he did not for some 
years retire to bed, but obtained fitful rest in an arm- 
chair. To be ready for emergencies, he kept on hand 
fatted cattle that might be promptly slaughtered, and 
their flesh ha-stily cooked in the great boilers he 
had set. His kitchen garden comprised six acres, 
and under his skillful management yielded an inex- 
h.austible store for summer use, as well as a .surplus 
to be added to his field crops for use at other seasons. 
He was extremely benevolent toward his needy 
neighbors, and especially to the families of soldiers 
who had marched to the war. Even the vagrant 
tramp was not sent empty away. Among other nota- 
ble guests during the administration of Mr. Newhall 
was President Washington, who paused here in Octo- 
ber, 1788, as he was proceeding eastward. And four 
years before, 178-1, Gen. Lafayette made a halt there, 

Mr. Newhall continued landlord till 1S07, a period 
of more than thirty years; and then, the infirmities 
of age having somewhat impaired his physical powers, 
he retired. But he still continued to labor to some 
extent as a farmer till near the end of his life, which 
took place on the 18th of June, 1816, at the age of sev- 
enty-si.x. One of his generous disposition could 
hardly be expected to accumulate much, and he ap- 
pears to have died in rather reduced circumstances, 
though not in penury. 

It is evident from contemporary accounts that this 
tavern was, during the Revolution, one of the most 
notable in these parts. Being on the great road along 
which flowed the travel from all places east of Boston, 
and having established an unimpeachable name for 
hospitality, it was never disregarded by the marching 
soldier or the traveling civilian. 

Under various names and difterent landlords for 
some time after the retirement of Landlord Newhall 
the house continued to dispense its hospitalities. But 
a cloud came over its prospects. The turnpike from 
Salem to Boston — the portion in Lynn being what is 
now known as Western Avenue — was opened in 1803, 
and rapidly diverted the travel from the old road. 

As the " Anchor" was situated just within what is 
now the town of Saugus, then a part of Lynn, its his- 
tory will not be overlooked in the sketch of that town, 
and doubtless many racy and captivating details will 
be added to what is here given. 



326 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



From quite early times there had been other houses 
of entertainment in different parts of the town; but 
none of them came to be of much account. There 
was " Ward's Tavern " (which possibly may have been 
the old "Anchor," bearing another name for a short 
time before Mr. Norwood assumed the keepersbip). 
It was in 1750 that a New York merchant stopped 
here while traveling eastward. He remarks that he 
put up at Mr. Ward's, in " Lyn, which is a small 
country town of about two hundred houses, very 
pleasantly situated, and affords a beautiful rural pros- 
pect." He arrived at about one o'clock and " dyn'd 
on fryd codd." After dinner, being refreshed by a 
glass of wine, he pursued his journey to Salem, 
" through a barren, rocky country," and the next day, 
after visiting Marblehead, returned to Boston, stop- 
ping again at Mr. Ward's, where he " dyned upon a 
fine mongrel goose." 

Timothy Tomlins was licensed in 1636 to "keepe a 
house of intertainnient." He was a fanner and a 
man of probity, but his house did not attain much 
celebrity as a stopping-place for travelers, it being 
somewhat remote from the great traveled road. He 
was among those who commenced the settlement of 
Southampton, L. I., in 1640, but did not remain 
there. He was also one of the Cambridge land pro- 
prietors. The extensive range of low forest land and 
tangled bog lying a short distance northwest of 
Dungeon Rock, in our Lynn woods, and still known 
as Tomlins's Swamp, was a part of his estate. He was 
thirteen times a representative in the General Court, 
and in other positions faithfully served the town. In 
1634 he was appointed overseer of the " powder and 
shott and all other amunicon " of the plantation. 

In 1664 Theophilus Bayley was licensed to keep a 
public-house. 

In the early part of the Revolution there was a tav- 
ern kept in the old house at the corner of Federal and 
Marion Streets. The landlord was Increase Newhall, 
and it was used as an .alarm station — that is, a place 
at which, when an alarm occurred, the enrolled men 
in the district instantly reported for duty. At one 
time, in 1776, there was a midnight alarm that the 
English had landed at King's Beach. There was 
presently gre.at commotion throughout the town, for 
the meeting-house bell and the drums had .spread the 
alarm to all quarters. At the tavern station here 
spoken of the men promptly rallied, but the com- 
mander was not visible. They, however, quickly 
marched under other orders. It proved to be a false 
alarm, and they all returned safe. And then, to their 
amusement, the pusillanimous commander emerged 
from an oven in which, panic-stricken, he had been 
concealed. It was during this alarm that Frederick 
Breed, who lived in the vicinity, displayed so much 
courage and tact in rallying the men and marching 
them to the supposed point of danger that he re- 
ceived a commission in the army, and finally rose to 
the rank of colonel. 



We now come down to the time when the old 
Lynn Hotel was erected. This establishment be- 
came quite as famous as had been the Anchor in its 
palmiest days. 

It was in 1803 that the Turnpike leading from Sa- 
lem to Boston was opened, making the shortest and 
most direct route for the eastern travel to reach the 
metropolis. Then old Boston Street, which had so 
long been the chief highway through Lynn, was 
doomed to lose its prestige, its honors and much of 
its thrift. When the building of the Turnpike was 
projected there was much croaking and head- 
shaking, as there always is when great improvements 
are proposed. One good man, for instance, testified 
that at some point where the route lay over the salt 
marshes, he had run a pole down twenty-five feet! 
It was an expensive road, but was soon made a very 
good one. By the charter it was to revert to the 
commonwealth when the proprietors had received 
the whole cost, with twelve per cent, interest. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1869, legislative action being had, it be- 
came a public highway. That part lying in Lynn is 
now called Western Avenue, and aflbrds a fine, level 
driveway of several mile.s, say from the hills of old 
Chelsea to the Floating Bridge in Lynn, with the ex- 
ception of Farrington's Hill. In the old days of 
horse-racing, the portion lying over the marshes 
southwest of the hotel was the scene of some famous 
races. It was there that Major Standpole's " Old 
Blue " won his vaunted victory, trotting three miles 
in eight minutes and forty-two seconds. This was on 
the 6th of September, 1816, and is said to have been 
the first horse-trot in the country. Of late years 
equine contests of a different sort are held in the por- 
tion of the avenue lying immediately northeastward 
from the hotel. On eveiy pleasant day in winter, 
when there is good sleighing, numerous gay turn- 
outs, drawn by the fleetest steeds of which the town 
can boast, and many from other towns, may be seen 
there in friendly trials of speed. And a merry time 
have the excited spirits, young and old. 

Immediately after the opening of the Turnpike the 
post-office, which had been kept on Boston Street, 
near the corner of North Federal, was removed to 
the southern end of Federal Street, where it joined the 
turnpike, as the mails would come that way, and 
business began to gather in the same quarter. 

Lynn Hotel was built during the year in which 
the Turnpike was opened — 1803. The most exten- 
sively known landlord was Andrew S. Breed, the elder. 
He took the house in 1813, and under his supervision 
it attained an enviable reputation, especially for the 
excellence of its table and the promptness with which 
the largest demands of guests would be met. He was 
a very stirring man and recognized by every one in 
the streets, as he sallied forth on his brawny roadster, 
in his yellow top-boots and coat of sporting cut. In 
addition to his large business at the hotel he did a 
good deal of farming, and many of us can well re- 



LYNN. 



327 



member the jolly husking-parties which in harvest- 
time assembled at his bidding to divest the yellow 
ears of their rustling robes, and at evening received 
our reward in the banquet of baked beans and Indian 
pudding, with relays of apples and cider. He was 
not a man who could pass noiselessly through the 
world, or who could yield much to what he deemed 
tlie unreasonable demands of those about him ; in 
short, he was of what is called an arbitrary disposition, 
rather boi.sterous in language, and strict in his re- 
quirements of th.ise in service under him. No lazy 
man's excuses ever weighed with him. Mr. Breed 
was father of the filth mayor of Lynn. 

It was to this hotel that True Moody, the colored 
out-door servant, so long and so well known to trav- 
elers by his alert attentions, and so much esteemed 
for his obliging disposition, was attached for some 
forty years. In person he was stout, and possessed 
in a well-developed form all the physical peculiarities 
of the African race. His mouth was capacious and 
answered the novel purpose of a temporary savings- 
bank, for in it he was accustomed to deposit the 
pecuniary gratuities that were sometimes lavishly be- 
stowed by guests, till he could find time to remove 
them to a more suitable place, or till he required his 
mouth for a more legitimate purpose. And tliere is an 
account of a wager by some young men as to the 
amount of silver change in his mouth at a given 
time. To determine the bet, he consented, wi<h his 
usual good nature, to discharge the deposits into a 
bowl, when they were foun<l to amount to a little 
more than five dollars, the whole being in small pieces. 
By his gains in this humble way he was enabled to 
secure a comfortable home and respectably support a 
family. By the failure of the Nahant Bank, in 1836, 
he lost some hundreds of dollars. And by the East- 
ern Railroad, which was built soon after, diverting 
the travel from the hotel quarter, his income was 
greatly reduced. It is said that at this depressing 
period he was accustomed to retire to a corner of the 
deserted stable and weep. He died on the 17th of 
June, 18.55, at a rathei advanced age, though proba- 
bly far below that of ninety-seven years, as some of 
the newspapers asserted. It is not likely that he or 
any one else knew his exact age. 

The history of old Lynn Hotel, which remained so 
long in such high repute, is, perhaps, more full of 
stirring incident than that of almost any other es- 
tablishment of the kind in thisquarter of the country. 
The leading men of the nation — Presidents and 
Governors — traveling statesmen, scholars and men of 
leisure from other lands, were here entertained, as 
well as the roving multitude of tradesmen and others 
of every calling and profession. Many a great states- 
men, military hero and orator has addressed the 
assembled multitudes from the little balcony over the 
southern door, and the writer of this sketch, by 
memory's aid, plainly sees the commanding form of 
President Jackson firmly poised, as he addresses the 



enthusiastic throng, his sententious oratory more 
than half drowned by the prolonged cheering. From 
that modest balcony, too, has many and many a time 
irradiated the choice eloijuence of the ambitious local 
politician. 

An idea of the extent of the travel by stage at 
about this time may be gathered from the tact that 
in 18.36 twenty-three stages left Lynn Hotel for Bos- 
ton daily, and there were also usually several extras. 
They belonged to the Salem and Eastern lines. These 
were the brightest days of the old stage-coach, and 
the gaudy ones of the Salem Line and the more lum- 
bering ones from the east drew up at those hospita- 
ble ])ortals at all hours, that the passengers might 
alight for the relief of their cramped limbs, and, per- 
haps, for a little convivial entertainment at the bar, 
the jolly drivers shouting their brief orders with 
diplomatic unction. Private carriages, baggage- 
wagons and teams of all descriptions, too, were con- 
stantly passing and pausing. And for baiting and 
protection from inclement weather, an unbroken line 
of horse-sheds extended along the whole eastern side 
of Centre Street, from North Common to the Turn- 
])ike, and sometimes every one of them was occu[iied, 
with an overplus hitched to posts ou either side of 
the house. 

For about thirty-five years from the time the Turn- 
pike was opened and the hotel built, incidents which 
had drawn the tide of travel from old Boston Street, 
there was a business activity and enterprise centering 
thereabout such as one who has known Lynn for 
only the last twenty years can hardly realize. The 
post-othce was there, and so were the jirincipal stores, 
the lawyers and many of the largest manufacturers. 
The shoe manufacturers of those days, by the way, 
did not congregate about a common centre, as they 
now do, but were planted in every neighborhood. 
The manner in which the business was then con- 
ducted made it just as well and more economical. 
The old-time shoemaker has disappeared, and shoe- 
making machinery taken his place, so that now, as a 
necessity, large numbers of workmen must assemble 
together in huge factories. Combinations, such as 
Lasters' Unions and Knights of Labor assemblies, 
could hardly have been formed in the days when 
only half a dozen worked together in the little shops 
that, standing widely asunder, dotted our whole terri- 
tory. Those were days of individual independence, 
individual responsibility and uufettered elli>rt for in- 
dividu.al advancement. 

Foot-journeying was much more common in tliose 
days than in these railroad times, when it is more 
economical to ride. The cost of riding was then a 
material item, especially as there was no considerable 
saving of time, for a smart pedestrian would often 
reach Boston aliout as soon as a " slow coach " or 
sluggish lior.se. The turnpike on some great occa- 
sions, like, for instance, a fiimous military parade or 
au execution, swarmed with pedestrians, and there 



328 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



were often good-natured trials of speed between 
strangers as well as friends. 

It need not be said tnat in the early days of the 
Anchor, travel by horseback and sometimes even by 
bullback was, in a great measure, necessary, for the 
roads were stumpy, stony and gullied, so that wheeled 
vehicles, if any had them, could be but little used. 
When a journey could be accomplished by water, 
however, that uuide was usually adopted, the light 
Indian skiff proving remarkably serviceable where 
the course lay near the shore. Jonathan Dickenson, 
of Philadelphia, in a letter to William Smith, Febru- 
ary, 1697, says " In 14 days we have an answer from 
Boston, once a week from New York, once in three 
weeks from Maryland, and once a month from Vir- 
ginia." Then came various kinds of lumbering con- 
veyances; but it was many years before regular lines 
of any sort of conveyance were established. Mr. 
Lewis says tliat the " stage " which John Stavers put 
on to run from Portsmouth to Boston, in 1701, was 
the first in New England. It was a curricle, drawn 
by two horses, and had seats for three peisons. It 
left Portsmouth on Monday morning, stopped the 
first night at Ipswich, and reached Boston the next 
alternoon. Returning, it left Boston on Thursday 
and reached Portsmouth on Friday. The fare was 
thirteen shillings and sixpence — somewhere between 
three and four dollars of our present money — besides 
the expenses by the way. President Quincy, who, in 
the early part of the present century, was wooing the 
fair lady of New York who afterward became his 
wife, thus feelingly speaks of the difficulties that be- 
set his way : "The carriages were old and shackling, 
and much of the harness made of ropes. One pair 
of horses carried us eighteen miles. We generally 
reached our resting-place for the night, if no accident 
intervened, at ten o'clock, and, after a frugal supper, 
went to bed with a notice that we should be called at 
three next morning — which generally proved to be 
half-past two. Then, whether it snowed or rained, 
the traveler must rise and make ready by the help of 
a horn lantern and a farthing candle, and proceed on 
his way, over bad roads, sometimes with a driver 
showing no doubtful symptoms of drunkenness, 
which good-hearted pa-sengers never failed to im- 
prove at every stopping-place, by urging upon him 
the comfort of another glass of toddy. Thus we 
traveled eighteen miles a stnge, sometimes obliged to 
get out and help the coachman lift the coach out of a 
quagmire or rut, and arriving in New York after a 
week's hard travelling [from Boston], wondering at 
the ease as well as the expedition with which our 
journey was effected.'' It was to difficulties like 
these, too, that the Lynn shoe " bosses " were sub- 
jected in their trips southward, (or at that period the 
customers did not often come to Lynn to make their 
purchases, but were sought for at their own homes. 
And their reflections during the perilous journeys, 
tinged, as they were, by business perplexities, must 



have been very different from those that stimulated 
the ardent Quincy. 

The palmy days of the stage-coach were also the 
palmy days of the Lynn Hotel. Both, too, were 
thrown into the shade at the same time and by the 
same means — to wit, the construction of the Eastern 
Railroad. A good deal of romance clusters around 
the old stage-i, and there is little wonder that even 
now sometimes companies of aged men, remembering 
the jolly rides of their ynuth, should wish to live 
over some especially happy episode. So we occasion- 
ally hear of a " tally-ho " expedition, with its old- 
time turn-out, its yet merry driver, trembling under 
the weight of ye.ars, and its resounding horn again 
wakening the echoes of the hills. On the 12th of 
June, 1878, a party of twelve gentlemen, mostly quite 
afied, and all lovers of old-time customs, set out from 
Newburyport to enjoy a ride to Boston in the old- 
fashioned four-horse stage-coach of their boyhood. 
The driver was a veteran of the road, and eighty-one 
years of age. The start was propitious and the ride 
enjoyable, till they reached Lynn, when, near the 
junction of Western Avenue and Wa.shington Street, 
an axle broke and the stage was overturned. Two or 
three of the passengers were seriously injured, and 
the aged driver received a severe shock to his system, 
beside painful bruises. 

It was in 1838 that Lynn was invaded by the East- 
ern Railroad, which soon wrought very great altera- 
tions ; business centres were changed, giving rise to 
sectional jealousies, which festered for a number of 
years. The field of operation for the young aspirant 
for wealth seemed expanding, and there began to be 
high hope and expectation ofreuewed and augmented 
prosperity, though it was during one of the most 
protracted periods of business depression through 
which the country had ever passed. 

As early as 1828 a proposition to construct a rail- 
road from Boston to Salem began to be seriously con- 
sidered, and a circular was sent out from the House 
of Representatives to various towns in the vicinity, 
seeking information from which a judgment could be 
formed as to the expediency of undertaking so for- 
midable an enterprise, either by individuals or the 
State. The circular sent to Lynn was addressed to 
the editor of the Mirror, and was responded to after 
evidently careful investigation; and some of the 
statements may properly be introduced, as showing 
the then condition of things here, in several particu- 
lars. 

"The principal iiianiifiicture of Lynn is shoes. Of thesR it appeal's 
that 1,' 38,180 pairs are annually made, whicli, at four shillings a pair, 
will amount to $6112,126. These, as they are usually packed, will fill 
11,535 boxes, the transportation of which, at one shilling a box, will 
cost 81y22.oO. It is considered that about three-fourths of the above 
amount returns to Lynn in sole leather and other articles for the manu- 
facture of shoes, in English and West India goods and other merchan- 
dise, tlie transportation of which may be fairly estimated at 857G8. The 
article of flour alone, 2,50(J barrels, at S6.00 a barrel, would amount 
to $15,0H(I, the transportation of which would cost ST.'iO. The transpor- 
tation of the same amount in shoes would cost only $41.67. And juany 



LYNN. 



329 



otber heavy articles will bear an equal proportion. The transportation 
of a barrel of lluur from Boston to Lynn is 30 cents, about the sjtme as 
the conveyance from Baltimore to Boston. 

[Swanipscott anil Nahant were at that time parts of Lynn.] " There 
have been about 100^) tons of fresh fish and 5l) tons of cured fish conveyed 
on tile turnpike as far as Charlestown during the past year, the trans- 
portation of which, at twenty shilling a ton, amounts to J3'>()(). Fifty 
barrels of oil have also been extracted, the transportation of which, at 
two shillings a barrel, cost SlG.tjG. 

"The other articles transported on the Boston route are GO tons of 
h.iy, 70 tons of chocolate, '2G tons of grain, 50 tons of cocoa, 20 tons of 
rice, 30 tons of ginger, 16 tons of neat hides, 12 tons of leather, 27 tons 
of goat and kid skins, 85 tons of sumac, 9 tons of iron. 3G tons of coal, 30 
tons of barberry root and 200 tons of marble, — making in all G71 tons, 
the transportation of which, at twenty shillings a ton, amounts to 
^22iG.G7. Besides these, a large amount of goods is annually conveyed 
to the dye-house and [silk] printing establishment. 

* ' The average nvunber of pjissengers is about 11 each day, for 300 
days of the year, the amount of whose conveyance, at 81.2.'i each, is 
$412o. The amount paid by Lynn people for tolls is probably about 
$2100. 

" By this statement it appears that the annual e.Kpense to the town of 
Lynn, on the Boston route is S19,6GS.33. 

"The amount of property invested in baggage wagons is about 
840110." 

By the foregoing it will be seen how small au 
amount Lynn could then promise for the support of 
a railroad. And several interesting facts are dis- 
closed by individual items. What most surprises 
one, perhaps, is the small number of passengers — an 
average of eleven, daily, and that with a thrifty popu- 
lation of 6000. There was comparatively little 
inducement for any excepting business men to visit 
the city. The few retail "shopping" necessities 
could be met at home, and the expense of the visit, 
both in time and money, was to be looked at. Many 
went to Boston but once or twice a year, and some 
not more than twice in a lifetime. 

The few leading business men went up once a week 
in their own " teams," two sometimes joining, one fur- 
nishing the conveyance and the other paying the tolls 
and fur house-baiting. Such were the terms on which 
two prominent townsmen — Samuel Mulliken and 
Jeremiah Bulliiieh — on a chilly November day, set 
out. Mr. Bulfinch furnished the conveyance, and 
Mulliken was to pay the expenses. When they arrived 
at Charlestown in the forenoon they found that an ad- 
ditional toll or something of the sort, to the amount 
of six cents, had been recently levied. It was what 
neither had calculated on, and so Mr. M. contended 
that each should pay half; but Mr. Bulfinch declared 
that he would pay no part of the six cents. They were 
equally matched for stubbornness, and sat there argu- 
ing and disputing till the declining sun warned them 
that it was time to turn the horse's head homeward. 
And home they rode, each probably exulting in his 
triumph. This incident was related to the writer by 
one of the parties. " And," be added, his counte- 
nance radiating with the rekindled fire within, though 
he was then more than eighty years old, " I would have 
set there till this time, before I would have paid it! " 

Some of the small manufacturers were accustomed 
to go to Boston on foot, do their buying and selling 
and return in the same manner. 
2 1 •'. 



Another thing mentioned in the answer to the cir- 
cular is the amount of coal brought hither at that 
time — only thirty-six tons — and probably a consider- 
able portion of even that was bituminous, or such as 
blacksmiths use. Anthracite w-as then just coming 
into use in New England, wood being still almost ex- 
clusively used for fuel, excepting that in a few country 
places peat afforded a partial supply. But enough of this. 

Old Lynn Hotel has not yet closed its portals, 
though its business has greatly decreased. During the 
long period of more than eighty years, since it was 
erected, its hospitable doors have remained invitingly 
open for the traveler's entertainment. Other houses 
in the vicinity have in the meantime been opened 
and closed. Even the stately Boscobel has, within a 
few months, retired from the field. But there the olil 
hotel remains, ever and anon renewing its appoint- 
ments and changing its administration as years 
move on, becoming less and less an object of interest 
as those who were familiar with the forms of the elder 
Breed, of Deacon Field and of the vigilant " True " 
pass away. 

A few words regarding one or two others of the 
earlier hotels, and matters connected with them, may 
be given before we pass on to other to])ics. 

It was in 1810 that the once famous Mineral Spring 
Hotel was built. The situation was retired and ro- 
mantic in the extreme. Almost surrounded by green 
hills and wood.s, and having at its very feet a beauti- 
ful lakelet, it was for years deemed a most charming 
resort. It received its name from the mineral spring 
which was early discovered near the border of the 
pond, and stood on rising land about midway be- 
tween the turnpike and the old Danvers road, just 
upon the western border of Salem. The waters of the 
spring are impregnated with iron and sulphur, and 
were formerly much esteemed for their good elfects in 
scorbutic and pulmonary diseases. Dr. John Casjiar 
Eichter van Crowninscheldt, who was reputed to have 
been educated at the University at Liepsic, and to 
have fled from Germany on account of a duel, and 
who, by the way, was an ancestor of the prominent 
and respectable Crowninshield family of the present 
day, purchased the adjacent lands and settled there 
about the year 1090. The celebrated Cotton Mather 
visited him in his picturesque retreat, partook of the 
waters of the spring and in one of his works extols their 
virtues. Earlier than this, however, the spring was 
known, for in 1(569 a description of the boundary line 
between Lynn and Salem speaks of it as a " noateil 
spring." 

But the hotel here has now for many years been 
numbered with the things that were. In 1847 Mr. 
Richard S. Fay purchased the estate, together with 
many adjacent acres, and formed there a most attrac- 
tive and salubrious summer retreat, repairing and re- 
modeling the house and embellishing the grounds in 
a manner to render it a fit residence for one of wealth 
and refined taste. 



330 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Mineral Spring Hotel had one or two landlords 
of high reputation, whose character assured the most 
unobjectionable and liberal management. Among 
them was Major Jabez W. Barton, afterwards, for 
many years, host at the Albion, in Boston. But there 
were one or two attempts to sully its fair fame ; nota- 
bly, in 1833, Dr. Hazeltinc, a well-known and reputa- 
ble physician, wrote a communication which was pub- 
lished in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 
speaking very slightingly of the waters of the spring, 
and in highly derogatory terms of the management of 
the hotel. This elicited several sharp replies, and it 
seemed finally satisfactorily settled that the house, 
with the exception of occasional disreputable epi- 
sodes-such as all public-houses are liable to— had 
maintained a fair character. A forcible writer in one 
of the papers of the day said: " We know not which 
most to condemn, the illiberal terms in which he 
[Dr. Hazeltine] attempts to stigmatize one of the most 
respectable, quiet and unobjectionable resorts of fami- 
lies and parties in the summer season from Salem and 
Boston, or the downright ignorance which he mani- 
fests concerning the qualities of the spring water. We 
have said before, and we repeat it, that we know of no 
place, far or near, possessing so many natural attrac- 
ticms and ofiering so many real comforts and conven- 
iences to genteel, intelligent and moral people as this 
summer retreat, nor one with a more upright and every 
way worthy gentleman at its head, than are to be 
found at the Lynn Mineral Spring Hotel." This was 
written at the time Major Barton was landlord. 

Perhaps it is incumbent to say something of the 
great hotel and other public-liouses of Nahant, es- 
peciallv those established while the peninsula re- 
mained" a part of Lynn ; but as the writer of the sketch 
of that town will no doubt say all that is necessary, it 
might prove unneeded labor. 

Nor is it necessary to speak individually of the 
present hotels of Lynn. We have a considerable 
number, and they are of various grades, from those 
reckoned as high-class even down to those which, in 
by-gone days, went by the name of " salt-hay " hos- 
telries. Our business has been more especially with 
the taverns of former times— the wayside monuments 
of the past— around which cluster so much ot the true 
history and the romance of our early days. The gen- 
erations that knew them have nearly passed away ; 
but their fame will survive in story long after their 
crumbling walls have disappeared. They have ever 
furnished for the historian, the poet and the dreamy 
novelist many of their most jovial, touching and 
tragic incidents, and long will they continue so to do. 
And as to the modes of travel, what more need be 
said? 

" We have spanned the world with iron rails, 
And the steam-king rules us now." 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LYNN— ( Continued). 
MISCELLANEOU.S TOPICS. 

Indian Deed fjf Lijim-Luun-s Colonies-Slavery mul iu AhoVUion-Hu,lor,j 
of Free Masonry in Lynn— Drinking Cnetomt and Temperance More- 
ments — Free Public Forest. 



Sometimes the gleaner's quickened sight 

A wealthy prize may spy, 
Which in the reaper's duller light 

Was piissed unheeded by. 



-Old BuUad. 



Indian Deed of Lynn.— The Indian deed of 
Lynn, which may be found recorded in the registry at 
Salem, bears the date September 4, 168G. It is 
really a mere release of all the remaining interest, if 
any existed, of the grantors, as heirs of Sagamore 
Wenepawwekin or George No-Nose, so called, and 
no doubt a precautionary measure, designed to show that 
the Indian title had been fairly extinguished. It 
was executed in the troublous times of the Andros ad- 
ministration, a period when real estate titles were 
greatly confused. Yet, though Andros had declared 
that an Indian signature was of no more value than the 
scratch of a bear's claw, he, in 1G89, asked Rev. Mr. 
Higginson whether New England was the King's ter- 
ritory, and received the reply that it belonged to the 
colonists, because they held it by just occupation 
and purchase from the Indians. 

The grantors affirm in the deed that their ancestor, 
the Chief Wenepawwekin, was the true and sole 
owner of the territory of Lynn, notwithstanding the 
possession of the English. And they also affirm that 
there had been no legal dispossession. There were 
many real and many colorable purchases and sales be- 
fore this deed ; for, to say nothing of the cupidity of 
the settlers, their red brethren, as a general thing, 
would sell anything for which they could find a pur- 
chaser, whether they had a title to it or not ; and they 
would sell the same thing over and over again as long 
as a purchaser appeared. Gross fraud was, no doubt, 
in individual instances practiced, but the summary 
exercise of authority by the General Court probably 
rectified many wrongs. On the 6th of September, 
1638, the General Court " agreed that the Court of 
Assistants should take order for the Indians, that they 
may have satisfaction for their right at Linn." The 
" right " is not specified, but seems to relate to land. 
The Indians were not an agricultural nor a pas- 
toral people, and had no conception of the value of 
land for the uses of civilized life. Poquanum, called 
Duke William by Mr. Wood, in his " New England's 
Prospect," and Black Will in certain depositions 
among the Salem court files, was Sachem of Nahant. 
And he could hardly have placed a speculative 
value on his beautiful dukedom, to have sold it 
to Mr. Dexter for a suit of clothes, though 



LYNN. 



331 



possibly he indulged in a vagrant chuckle over his 
bargain, as it was finally determined that he had no 
title to the peninsula, which fact he probably knew 
all along. 

This Poquanura, or Black Will, by the way, was 
quite a character in his time, andsomewhatof a rover. 
It is supposed that h". was the same Indian who ap- 
peared in a lull suit of English clothes, to welcome 
Ciosnold, in 1(502. But where he obtained his outfit 
does not seem to be known. His sale of Nahant and 
the persistent claims of his grantee occa.sioned the 
town much vexation and expense. The end of this 
wily Indian was tragical. Some vessels had sailed 
eastward in search of pirates who had been commit- 
ting depredations and atrocities in various places 
along the coast. At Scarborough, Me., they fell in 
with Poquanum, and straightway hanged him, be- 
cause some Indians had, more than a year before, 
murdered one Bagnall, a pestilent fellow, whom 
Winthrop says " had much wronged the Indians." 
This was retaliating in a summary rather than a just 
way, it being altogether improbable that Po(iuanum 
had any hand in the murder. Indeed, Winthrop 
says the killing was by "Sqnidraysett and his In- 
dians." 

The tragic death of Poquanum occurred in Janu- 
ary, 1G33. He seems to have been intelligent, gener- 
ous in disposition and friendly to the settlers. He 
left a son who was also named Poquanum, who lived 
to old age, and was well known in the colony. Gookin, 
in 1686, says: "He is an Indian of good repute and 
professeth the Christian religion." He, too, was 
friendly to the whites, and rendered efficient service 
during the great King Philip War. 

Nothing further need be said regarding the Indian 
deed of Lynn. But the general remark may be 
added that there was a great deal of looseness about 
Indian titles in this vicinity. It can almost be said 
that heirship was sometimes asserted on no better 
ground than that the claimant had slain a former 
owner. Mr. Higgiuson, the first minister of Salem, 
in a letter dated in 1629, says : " The Indians are not 
able to make use of the one-fourth part of the land ; 
neither have they any settled places as towns, to 
dwell in, uor any grounds as they challenge for their 
own possession, but change their habitation from 
|ilace to place." But they soon began to Icaru from 
the settlers something of the utility of reforming their 
nomadic life ; and then followed a conception of the 
value of land. 

Lynn's Colonies. — Affairs in Lynn had hardly 
become established in good running order when some 
of the restless — or it might be more pleasing to say 
enterprising — spirits began to look for new fields of 
adventure. In less than a score of years from the 
commencement of the settlement many families de- 
parted and planted new towns, among which were 
Sandwich and Yarmouth, in Ma.ssachusetts ; South- 
ampton and Flushing, on Long Island ; and Stam- 



ford, in Connecticut. New Haven, too, was indebted to 
Lynn for one of her first and most efficient founders, — 
Captain Nathaniel Turner, who is spoken of in another 
connection in this sketch. He it was wdio purchased 
from the Indians the territory forming the now beau- 
tiful town of Stamford, on the New York and New 
Haven Railroad, which purchase was brought about 
in a rather curious way. 

The captain's Lynn residence was on Nahant Street, 
near that of his friend and superior officer, John 
Humfrey. On the breaking out of the Pequot War, 
1636, he took the field with the first expedition and 
became so pleased with the territory invaded as to 
determine at the close of hostilities to make a peace- 
ful invitsion and form a settlement. He obtained the 
tract including Stamford by fair purchase from the 
Indian Sagamores, the recorded agreement being in 
these words : " I, the said Nathaniel Turner, amm to 
give and bring or send to the above said Sagamores, 
within the space of one month, twelve coats, twelve 
howes (hoes), twelve hatchets, twelve glasses, twelve 
knives, four kettles, four f^ithoms of white wampum." 

The most important of the colonies sent out from 
Lynn at this period was that of Long Island. Thither 
went some forty families, and with them, as minister, 
the Rev. Abraham Pierson, a man of learning and 
ability. He took with him his little son, Abraham, 
who was born here. And tli.at son, in 1701, became 
the first president of Yale C<dlege. They sailed in a 
vessel commanded by Captain Daniel Howe, of Lynn, 
who appears to have had considerable interest in the 
expedition. They proceeded as far west as Scout's 
Bay, landed and made lodgments at Flushing, Ja- 
maica, Hempstead, Oyster Bay and thereabouts. But 
the Dutch soon as-scrted their right to the territory 
and a-sumed a decidedly hostile attitude. Kieft Wiis 
then the Dutch Governor, and Captain Howe being 
a man of determination, things presently began to 
wear a threatening aspect. The settlers took down 
the arms of the Prince of Orange which the Dutch 
had erected, and in their place an Indian drew an 
" unhandsome face," as Winthrop graphically says, 
which act the Dutch took "in high displeasure." 
They then began to rear habitations. Naturally 
enough, this provoked the Dutch Governor, and to 
such a degree did his ire attain that he had several 
arrested and imprisoned. But he does not appear to 
have been a really ill-natured or unreasonable man, 
though Washington Irving does characterize liini as 
"William the Testy." 

On their promise to remove, the prisoners were 
readily released. They did remove some eighty miles 
eastward and commenced the permanent settlement 
of Southampton, which name was given in commem- 
oration of the port in England from which some of 
them originally came. 

Southampton, thus begun, still numbers among her 
people many who descended from that good oUl Lynn 
stock. In this colonization quite a number of the 



332 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



leading residents of Lynn were concerned, though 
some whose names were on the roll did not emigrate. 
The colony grew apace, and from time to time sent 
off other colonies that made lodgments in various 
parts of the island, so that the Long Island of this 
day owes much to the Lynn of that day. 

These colonists evidently carried with them the 
ideas of freedom and equality under which they had 
prospered here, and in their new home continued to 
be governed in a thoroughly democratic way, though 
at one time, 1644, they placed themselves professedly 
under the Hartford jurisdiction. "The government 
of the town," says an intelligent native writer, "was 
vested in the people. They assembled at their town- 
meetings, had all power and all authority. They 
elected town officers, constituted courts, allotted lands, 
made laws, tried difficult and important cases, and 
from their decision there was no appeal. The Town- 
Meeting, or General Court, as it was sometimes called, 
met once a month. Every freeholder was required to 
be present at its meetings and take a part in the bur- 
dens of government. All delinquents were fined for 
non-attendance at each meeting.' 

The Long Island enterprise thus inaugurated by 
the people of Lynn was really of a good deal of im- 
portance. It was with James Forrctt, as agent of 
Lord Sterling, that the negotiations for the right to 
occupy tlie land were made. Winthrop says, " Divers 
of the inhabitants of Linne, finding themselves 
straitened, looked out for a new plantation, and 
going to Long Island, they agreed with the Lord Ster- 
ling's agent there, one Mr. Forrett, for a parcel of the 
isle near the west end, and agreed with the Indians 
for their right." The emigrants, however, to begin 
with, had a difficulty with Agent Forrett, the cause of 
which does not exactly appear, and he entered a 
strong protest against them at Boston as " intruders." 
Then the troubles with the Dutch came, but by per- 
sistence and fair dealing the settlers soon obtained 
favor and a permanent foothold. 

It is not necessary to occupy space in speaking fur- 
ther of the colonies that early went out from Lynn. 
What has been said of the Long Island enterprise in 
a great degree characterized the others, their spirit 
and purposes being much the same. 

Slavery and its Abolition. — The beginning 
of slavery in Massachusetts was in 1638, when some 
of the captive Pequot Indians were sent to the West 
Indies and sold for return cargoes of cotton, tobacco 
and negroes, but in 1041 the court, in a loose and un- 
certain way, set its face against such serviiude, enact- 
ing that "There shall never be any bond slaverie, 
villianage or captivitie amongst us, unless it be law- 
full captives taken in just warres, and such strangers 
as willingly selle themselves or are sold to us. This 
exempts none from servitude who shall be judged 
thereto by authoritie." What is there in this to pre- 
vent negro or Indian slavery? Under the clause 
"such strangers as willingly sell themselves or are 



sold to us," a door seems to be widely opened. 
Thomas Keyser, an early settler of Lynn, was a mar- 
iner, and appears unscrupulously to have engaged in 
the Guinea slave trade, conjointly with James Smith, 
of Boston, a church member. Slaves were most nu- 
merous in the province iu 1745. In 1754 there were 
four hundred and thirty-nine slaves in Essex County, 
and in all Ma'sachusetts forty-four hundred and 
eighty-nine. In 1774 the General Court passed a bill 
prohibiting the importation of slaves, but Governor 
Gage refused his assent. 

At the commencement of the Revolution there 
were twenty-six slaves in Lynn, among them one be- 
longing to Thomas Mansfield, named Pompey, a na- 
tive prince born on the Gambia, and who continued 
to be duly honored by all the negroes hereabout, 
holding a holiday court once a year in a fragrant 
glade, surrounded by his gayly-clad subjects, who had 
been allowed their freedom for the day. 

The State Constitution was established in 1780. 
The first article of the Declaration of Rights asserts 
that all men are born free and equal, and this was 
generally supposed to have reference to slavery, but 
it was a point on which there was by no means una- 
nimity of opinion. In 1781, however, at a court in 
Worcester, an indictment was found against a white 
man for assaulting, beating and imprisoning a black. 
The case finally, in 1783, went to the Supreme Court, 
and there the defense was that the black was a slave, 
and the beating the necessary and lawful correction 
by the master; but the defense was declared invalid, 
and this decision was the death-blow to slavery in 
Massachusetts. 

As to the later movements touching the abolition 
of slavery in the United States, it may be remarked 
that Lynn raised a strong and by no means uncertain 
voice in behalf of the slaves, — a cause so much de- 
rided and opposed in its incipient stages, but so much 
applauded when it had become popular. 

The "Lynn Colored People's Friend Society" was 
formed in 1832, but it is thought that the members 
really did more for the cause by individual than com- 
bined action. Nevertheless, the organization was 
useful in arousing and centralizing attention. Speak- 
ers from abroad were occasionally here. The accom- 
plished and piquant Grimkie ladies from the South 
gave one or two stirring addresses. In the early part 
of the summer of 1835 George Thompson, the promi- 
nent English abolitionist, visited Lynn, and lectured 
in several of the meetinghouses to large audiences. 
In the latter part of the summer he again came to 
Lynn to attend a meeting of the Essex County Anti- 
Slavery Society, held in the First Methodist meeting- 
house. Some hostility was now manifested by the 
opponents of the movement. In the evening, while 
Mr. Thompson was lecturing, a great crowd collected 
about the house, and a stone was thrown through one 
of the windows, causing great disturbance within. 
A large number pressed into the entry and attempted 



LYNN. 



333 



to burst in the inner doors, whicli liad been closed. 
During the tumult Mr. ThompsDn ended his dis- 
course, and passed out, unobserved by the crowd. 
He was presently surrounded by a guard of ladies, 
and conducted to a neighboring bouse, whence he 
departed privately to bis temporary residence at 
Wwampscott. Mr. Thompson was here again in 1850, 
and then met with a cordial welcome. He had a 
public reception by his Lynn friends at Lyceum 
Hall, which stood on Market Street, at the corner of 
Summer. Though the weather was stormy, the hall 
was well filled, and Mr. Thompson delivered a felici- 
tous address. 

It was in 1850 that Congress passed the famous, or 
as many regarded it, the infamous "Fugitive Slave 
Law." The law intended to facilitate the rendition 
of slaves escaping into the free States. Much hostil- 
ity to the act was manifested in Lynn, and several 
largely-attended meetings were held, at which it was 
denounced in strong terms. On Saturday evening, 
October 5th, a full and enthusiastic meeting took 
place in Lyceum Hall, at which Mayor Hood presid- 
ed, and at which resolutions were adopted reaching 
to the very verge of loyalty. And, though one or 
two of them savor strongly of the nullification doc- 
trine, they may well be introduced here as indicative 
of the aroused spirit of our people : 

'* Rf-solved, That the Fugititive Slave Bill, recently enacted by Con- 
gress, violates the plain intent and the strict letter of the United States 
Constitution, which secures to everj- citizen, except in cases of martial 
law, the right of trial by jury on all important (piestions ; further, said 
bill outrages justice, since it does not secure to the fugitive, or to the 
free man mistaken for a fugiti%'e, due notice beforehand of the charge 
made against him, and opportunity for cross-examining the wit- 
nesses against hira on their oath, gives him no time to set counsel or 
gather testimony in his own behalf^rigbts which our fathers secured 
by the struggle of two hundred years, and which are too dear to be sac- 
riticed to the convenience of slave-hunters, afraid or ashamed to linger 
amid a community whose institutions and moral sense they are out- 
raging, 

"Again, said bill tramples on the most sacred principles of the common 
law, and even if men could be property, no property, however sacred, 
can claim the right to be protected in such a way as endangers the rights 
and safety of free men; therefore — 

" Resolved, That we protest against it as grossly unconstitutional, as 
fraught with danger to the safety of a large portion of our fellow-citi- 
zens, and capable of being easily perverted to the ruin of any one, white 
or black ; we denounce it as infamous, ayd we proclaim our determina- 
tion that it shall not be executed. 

"Resolved, That we rejoice to believe that there are not prisons 
enough at the North to hold the men and women who stand ready to 
succor and protect the panting fugitive slave, and baffle and resist the 
slave-hunter who shall dare to pollute our soil. 

"Resolved, That every man who voted for this atrocious bill, every 
one who avows Lis readiness to execute it, and every one who justifies it 
on any gronnd, is a traitor to the rights of the free States, and a crimi- 
nal of the deepest die, at the head of whom stands Jlillard Fillmore, who 
from i»arty or even baser motives, has set his name to a law, the pro- 
visions of which, so far from being fitted for a Christian republic, re- 
mind one only of the court of Jeffries or the camp of Haynau. 

"Resolved, That Samuel A. Eliot, of Boston, in giving his vote for 
thi3 blood-hound bill, dishonored and betniyed I»Iiiss.ichusetts ; and low 
as is often the moral sense of a great city, cankered by wealth, we rejoice 
to know that he misrepresented his innnediate constituents; and we de- 
mand of them, in the name of our old commonwealth, to save us from 
the infatuy of bis presence in another Congress. 

"Resolved, That since God has coniniandE'd us to 'bewray not him 
that waniiereth,' and since, our fathers being witnesses, every man's 



right to liberty is self-evident, we see no way of avoiding the conclusion 
of Senator Seward, that ' it is a violation of the divine law to surrender 
the fugitive slave who takes refuge at our firesides from his relentless 
pursuers ;' and in view of this, as well as of the notorious fact that the 
slave power has constantly trampled under foot the Constitution of the 
United States to secure its own extension or safety, and especially of the 
open, undisguised and acknowledged contempt of that instrument with 
which the slave States kidnap our colored citizens traveling South, and 
imprison our colored seamen, we, in obedience to God's law, and in self- 
defense, declare that, constitution or no constitution, law or no law, 
with jury trial or without, the slave who has once breathed the air and 
touched the soil of JIass;ichusetts, shall never be dragged back to bond- 
age. 

" Resolved, That Lewis Cass and Daniel Webster, Senator Foote and 
Senator Clay, and each and every otie of the 'compromise committee 
of thirteen,' who "reported and urged the passage of this bill, as well 
as every one who voted for its pit8S,age, are unworthy the votes of a free 
people for any office for which they may be hereafter named." 

The execution of John Brown, atCharlestown, Va., 
adjudged guilty of treason for attempting by armed 
force to free slaves, was signalized by the tolling of 
church bells in Lynn at sunrise, noon and sunset on 
Friday, December 2, 1859, the day of execution. 

It would be pleasing to give the names of those 
who long and valiantly fought in the abolition ranks, 
those who, under reproach and sometimes personal 
danger, never flinched in their loyalty to the great 
principles of h'jman liberty. But the list would be 
too long, and it might appear invidious to select a 
few. James N. Bufiiim, however, should not be for- 
gotten ; nor Frederic Douglass, who was for some time 
a resident here, after his successful flight from the 
South. Some of the more zealous of the early ones 
lost much of their influence by denouncing the church 
organizations for the alleged reason that their position 
was not sufficiently aggressive on that and some 
other reformatory questions. They were called Come- 
outers, and in many instances their turbulent course 
tended to retard rather than advance the cause they 
really had at heart 

To one who knew the prominent actors in the re- 
formatory movements of this community, say forty- 
five years ago, particularly the movements touching 
slavery and intemperance, it is interesting, if not won- 
derful, to observe the change of public opinion regard- 
ing them. No better examples can be had of the zeal 
and perseverance necessary to be exercised, of the 
contumely and misconception to be endured, in such 
a warfare. 

But the end of slavery came in a manner not antici- 
pated in those earlier days, and many of the pioneers 
in the great cause lived to rejoice over the removal 
of the national dis;;race. Little could that great ai)OS- 
tle of freedom, William Lloyd Garrison, have dreamed 
of the career that awaited him, and of the lasting 
honors that would surround his name so long as 
American principles should endure, when, in his 
youthful days, he quietly pursued his humble labors 
upon the shoemaker's bench, in the little seven by nine 
shop on Market Street. 

History of Free Masonry in Lynn. — .V brief 
history of the ancient institution of Free Jla.-ionry 
cannot be inappropriate in this sketch. It dates back 



334 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to the commencement of the present century. Tra- 
dition informs us that a number of Masonic brethren 
frequently met for consultation, and concluded, in the 
early summer of 1805, to form a lodge. These breth- 
ren resided in the western part of the town and lo- 
cated the lodge in the upper room of a small wooden 
building on Boston Street, near the corner of North 
Federal. The founders of the lodge were among the 
foremost citizens, men of character and influence, 
whose names to this day are revered by the fraternity. 
The original records show that Amariah Childs, Ezra 
Collins, Thomas C. Thatcher, William Frothingham, 
Frederick Breed, William Ballard, Francis Moore, Jr., 
Aaron Breed, Aaron Learned, Samuel Brimblecom, 
Thomas Witt, Joseph Johnson, Jonas W. Gleason, 
Joshua Blanchard, David Crane and llichard John- 
ton, being all master masons, assembled some time 
about the 1st of June, 1805, and agreed to form them- 
selves into a brotherhood by the name of Mount Car- 
mel Lodf/e ; and after choosing Amariah Childs, 
Master ; William Ballard, Senior Warden ; and Fran- 
cis Moore, Jr., Junior Warden, they signed a petition 
to the Grand Lodge for a charter, which was granted at 
the quarterly communication in Jtine of the same 
year. 

The hall of Lynn Academy, then recently erected, 
on South Common Street, was obtained, fitted up, all 
necessary regalia procured and regular meetings com- 
menced. The first candidate proposed for initiation 
was Ezra Mudge, father of Ezra Warren Mudge, the 
sixth mayor of Lynn. The first code of by-laws was 
adopted November 1.3th, and the raembershij) limited 
to fifty. The lodge so prospered that in 1807 an in- 
vitation was extended to the Grand Lodge to publicly 
install the officers. The use of the old parish meeting- 
house was procured for the purpose, and there the 
ceremonies took place, the Rev. Asa Eaton, D.D., 
rector of Christ Church, Boston, delivering the sermon. 
The membership was, in 1818, limited to seventy-five, 
by the new code of by-laws then adopted. 

In 1821 the loilge erected for its use the two-story 
frame building which long stood in Market Square, at 
the corner of Elm Street, and was known as Masonic 
Hall. The cost was $1,325.98. The corner-stone was 
laid June 25th, with Masonic ceremonies. Rev. Chee- 
ver Felch delivering the address, and the hall was 
dedicated November 12th. 

The lodge attended, by invitation, the laying of the 
corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument, June 17,1825. 
On St. John's day, June 24, 1826, Brother Caleb 
dishing, of Newburyport, delivered a learned and 
eloquent address before the fraternity, in the First 
Methodist meeting-house. 

The last meeting of record, previous to surrender- 
ing the chiirter of Mount Carmel Lodge, appears to 
have been on the 16th of December, 1834. And from 
that time until June 11, 1845, there is no record to 
show that the lodge was called together. 

During the decade from 18.35 to 1845 there is an 



unwritten history of meetings on Long Beach and 
High Rock held by faithful members during the 
stormy and troublous anti-Masonic period. 

The charter of the lodge was restored on the 11th 
of June, 1845. A meeting was called July 19th, and 
officers elected, who were installed July 23d. and from 
that date commenced a season of prosperity which 
has continued without interruption to the present 
time. The first person to receive the degrees after the 
revival of the charter was Bradford Williams, the 
ceremony taking place September 15, 1845. 

On the 17th of February, 1851, a fire destroyed 
much of the property of the lodge, which was at Lib- 
erty Hall, at the corner of Essex and Market Streets, 
where the meetings were held. After this the regular 
meetings of the fraternity were held at the house of 
their Worthy Master, W. M. Phillips, until Dec. 16th, 
when they met in a hall in which one or two other or- 
ganizations occasionally assembled. In the winter of 
lS54the ball in theSagamore Building was fitted up and 
used for the regidar convocations of the lodge, and if 
those old walls could speak, a recital of the history of 
the meetings of Mount Carmel Lodge would greatly 
interest the present members of the fraternity in our 
city. 

On the 29th of December, 1S55, the first book of 
records was formally closed, having served the lodge 
for half a century. And on September 7, 1857, a new 
code of by-laws was adopted, to which is appended 
the names of sixty-one members. 

On the 8th of September, 1863, Sutton Chapter of 
Royal Arch Masons was organized. 

On the 14th of October, 1864, upon invitation of 
the Grand Body, Mount Carmel Lodge assisted in 
laying the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple, 
corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets, Boston. 

On February 21, 1865, Golden Fleece Lodge was duly 
organized, and had for its first three officers Timothy 
G. Senter, W. M.; Alonzo C. Blethen, S. W. ; John 
G. Dudley, J. W. 

April 10, 1865, the ladies of Lynn presented a 
beautiful banner to Mount Carmel Lodge. 

July 4, 1865, the Masonic fraternity joined in the 
celebration of the day. 

November 13, 1865, an invitation was received from 
Mayor Peter M. Neal to take part in the ceremonies 
of laying the corner-stone of the City Hall; but on 
December 11th a communication was received from 
the R. W. Grand Master refusing to grant a dispensa- 
tion for the lodges to appear in public to take part in 
the ceremonies. 

October 8, 1866. — A petition was received and con- 
sent given for the formation of a lodge at Saugus. 

June 24, 1867. — The Masonic fraternity of Lynn 
participated in the dedicatory services of the new 
Masonic Temple in Boston. 

June 28, 1872. — Died, in Lynn, Jonathan Richard- 
son, a native of the town, aged eighty-seven years. 
He was one of the early members of Mount Carmel 



LYNN. 



335 



Lodge, and tiler for more than forty years. He re- 
mained a faithful adherent to the institution when so 
many of the brethren withdrew, in the troublous 
times of anti-Masonry. His burial took place from 
the First Methodist meeting-house, and was attended 
by a large number of the fraternity. 

J"ebruary, 1873. — Olivet Cummandery of Knights 
Templars was organized. October 22d there was a 
grand parade, attracting much attention. 

k^eptember 8, 1873. — Invitation received from the 
city government of Lynn to take part in the dedica- 
tion of the Soldiers' Monument. As an organization, 
however, the fraternity did not join in the ceremo- 
nies. 

May 12, 1879. — Invitation received from Mayor 
George P. Sanderson to participate in the celebration 
of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
settlement of Lynn. But the invitation was not ac- 
cepted. 

December 8, 1880. — A board of trustees elected to 
take charge of the hall and of the property belonging 
to the Masonic fraternity. 

May 9, 18S1. — By-laws adopted granting life mem- 
bership in Mount C'armel Lodge, 

October 8, 1881.— Grand Master S. E. Lawrence 
l)resent for the purpose of addressing the lodges on 
the commutation of the Grand Lodge capitation 
tax. 

Fel)ruary 22, 1882. — Members from lodges in the 
Fifth District hold a meeting at Masonic Hall in 
Lynn, for exemplification of work and the lectures 
connected therewith. Charles M. Avery, Grand Lec- 
turer, present as instructor. 

Mount Carmel Lodge, soon after the renewal of its 
charter, in 1845, began steadily to increase in num- 
bers and strength, and, from time to time, found it 
necessary to seek more capacious accommodations. 
Some years ago the hall in Tolman's Building, Mar- 
ket Street, corner of Liberty, was leased and fitted up 
in becoming style, the dedicatory ceremonies taking 
place in July, 1872. But now, for a number of years, 
the several Masonic organizations have occupied the 
eligible quaiters in the building of the Young Men's 
Christian Association, on Market Street. 

For fifty-eight years Mount Carmel was the only 
lodge in Lynn. But there are now, 1887, the follow- 
ing Masonic bodies : 

Orgaituiilioii. 3remberskip, 
1S86. 

Mount Carmel Lodge ISflo 193 

Sutton Royal Arch Chapter 18(B 139 

Golden Fleece Lodge 1865 178 

Olivet Coniniandery Knights Templar . , 187:J 117 

The trustees of the Masonic fraternity in Lynn, at 
the present time, are : William D. Pool, president ; 
George H. Allen, treiisurer ; William B. Phillips, sec- 
retary ; Charles E. Parsons, Charles C. Fry. 

Dkinkinc; Customs and Temperance Move- 
Mi.N'TS. — Whether our predecessors, as occupants of 
tliis soil, the Indians, were ever excessive drinkers is 



not positively known. They did not have distilled 
liquors, but may possibly have had some sort of herba- 
ceous concoction that operated as a more or less ine- 
briating stimulant. But they had nothing that in its 
efi'ects would compare with the " fire water " brought 
by their pale-faced supplanters. Their boisterous or- 
gies, which led our fathers to call them " devil wor- 
shippers," were of a character very different from 
" drunken sprees." But when they got a taste of the 
white man's fire water, having no restraining moral 
sentiment, their lust for it was unquenchable. The 
deplorable result need not be recounted. It has been 
said that the first instance of Indian intoxication in 
this part of North America took place in September, 
1609, when the ship of the celebrated navigator, 
Henry Hudson, was cruising about the river that still 
bears his name. For the curious purjiose of ascer- 
taining the natural disposition of the natives whom 
they encountered, it is said the navigators resolved to 
make some of the principal ones intoxicated. To 
that end, ardent spirits, " as much as they would," 
were administered. Only one, however, became 
really drunk, though all reached the merry stage. 
The pranks of the drunken one greatly astonished 
and alarmed the others, who imagined that an evil 
spirit had entered into him. The next day, however, 
everything having calmed down, some became clam- 
orous for a renewal of the experiment. This, as re- 
marked, is claimed to have been the first instance of 
intoxication ever known among the Indians. Unhap- 
pily, it was by no means the last. Many a tract of 
valuable land has been bought of an Indian for a 
quart of rum, notwithstanding the efforts of the colo- 
nial authorities to prevent such nefiirious traffic. 
During the colonial days there was much legislation 
in regard to strong liquors, both on the score of their 
proper use by individuals and their relation to the 
public by way of revenue. But we must treat of our 
own neighborhood. 

It cannot be said that Lynn in her earlier days was 
remarkable for abstinence from the use of intoxicat- 
ing liquors. There were causes for the prevalence of 
the evil habit here that in some places did not exist. 
It was the custom of the times for all classes to use 
intoxicants in season and out of season. Excepting 
in rare instances, the ministers indulged; and 
the doctors. The physical injury attending the use 
was not so well understood ; nor the moral effect. At 
ordinations, at weddings, at funerals, drink freely 
flowed ; and at trainings and huskings ; indeed, at 
all quasi social and public gatherings ; to say nothing 
of sly indulgence at home. An illustrative anecdote 
is told of the eccentric Lois Hart, who lived on the 
north side of Boston Street, near Federal. During 
her last sickness the good Doctor Gardner one day 
remarked to her that, being so aged, she could not ex- 
pect to long survive, and, in view of her approaching 
end, asked if he should not invite the minister to 
call. " Well, yes," she replied, in her rude way, " I 



336 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



should like well enough to see him ; and when you 
go up town, call into some of the grog-shops, and 
when you see him ask him to call." The end of the 
story is that he actually was found in one of the 
drinking groceries, and blandly received the mes- 
sage. 

But especially as regards the youth of Lynn : The 
crews, usually consisting of five or six, in the shoe- 
maker's little shops thought it necessary to have their 
forenoon and afternoon drams — in winter to brace up 
against the cold, in summer to brace up against the 
heat. It was customary to put boys into the shops at 
the age of twelve, they having obtained their educa- 
tion by that time, excepting, perhaps, the little they 
might acquire by occasionally attending an evening 
school. They were of just the age when character for 
life was forming, and it was placing them in a most 
perilous situation. The youngest boy in the shop was 
usually the one sent out for liquor, and he was en- 
titled, on his return, to the first drink, for the service, 
if his breath did not betray a sly imbibition by the 
way. 

But it is not true that people were universally blind 
to the evils of strong drink. From the earliest times 
there were some wide awake on the subject. The 
Lynn emigrants to Long Island, soon after getting well 
established at Southampton, 1G55, ordained that no one 
should sell strong liquors within the town bounds, ex- 
cepting "our neighbor, John Cooper;" and he was not 
to sell to any Indian, nor to any but those who would 
use them properly. There was Dr. James Gardner, 
just mentioned, who, before the present century, 
pointed out the evils of so prevalent indulgence, and 
often fearlessly warned his patients against habits 
which were destroying their health, as well as ruining 
their souls. A memorandum of his, under date May 
31, 1796, is in these words: "One person died of 
chronic illness, said to have been occasioned by gross 
intemperance, or a brutal indulgence of the destroyer, 
rum. . . . He was able to walk to a considerable 
distance-to procure the poison only six days before 
death closed the scene at one draught." Mr. Enoch 
Mudge, from whom many of the name now among us 
descended, was a rigid abstainer, never allowing spir- 
its in his house or shop. He was grandfather of Hon. 
E. R. Mudge, the munificent donor of St. Stephen's 
Church. 

When the general awakening on the subject of in- 
temperance took place, more than half a century 'ago, 
the voice of Lynn was loudly raised against the 
evil. Sixty years ago, in 1826, a society was formed 
here for the promotion of " Industry and Temper- 
ance." It soon numbered more than four hundred 
members, and embraced, with few exceptions, the 
most conspicuous men of the town. The membership 
in 1836, fifty years since, was five hundred and fifty. 
Its president then was Thomas Bowler, for sixteen 
years town clerk. The society was at that time com- 
posed largely of middle-aged and elderly persons, as 



in the meantime two other societies, embracing more 
of the younger men, had been formed, namely, the 
Lynn Young Men's Temperance Society, organized in 
1833, and the Lynn Union Temperance Society, formed 
in 1835. This latter was the first organization here 
that proscribed wine, cider or strong beer, which 
theretofore had not been popularly reckoned as intoxi- 
cants. Of this society Josiah Newhall was the first 
president, and George W. Keene the first secretary. 

Lynn soon took rank among the most zealous tem- 
perance communities. Rev. Edwin Thompson, so 
well known for the last forty years as a lecturer on 
temperance and anti-slavery, was living here, and, 
though young, by his winning ways and strong argu- 
ments, did much to advance the cause. Liquors soon 
began to be banished from the workshops and the la- 
beled casks from the stores. It was even facetiously 
said of one or two zealots that they cut down their 
apple trees, lest the fruit should be made into cider — 
contrariwise from the unsophisticated old Indian who 
is said to have told Mrs. Whiting, on smacking his 
lips after swallowing the mug of cider she had given 
him, that he thought Adam was rightly damned for 
eating the apples in Eden, as he should have made 
them into cider. 

When the shoemakers' little shops were displaced 
by the large factories, more stringent rules were neces- 
sarily established, and, as a matter of course, the ma- 
chinery was run without the oil of the still. One of 
the former traps for the young was thus removed. At 
the present time few, if any, places in sober New 
England can boast of a more temperate population 
than Lynn. It would be useless to attempt to give 
details respecting the many temperance organizations, 
male and female, adult and juvenile. Yet the cause 
here, as elsewhere, requires vigilant and unremitted 
watchlulness. 

There are now some fifteen regular temperance or- 
ganizations in Lynn, besides a numljer of other a.sso- 
ciatiousthat make temperance a part of their object. 

Free Public Foke.st. — A voluntary association 
was formed in 1881, the object being, in brief, the 
preservation of as large a portion as may be of the 
extensive range of forest land yet remaining upon our 
northern border, to be forever devoted to the free use 
of the public as a woodland park. Thus far about 
one hundred and ten acres have been secured, chiefly 
by the gift of those who owned the lands. Twice a 
year individuals most deeply interested, with invited 
guests, assemble in some romantic spot, on hill-top or 
in glen, which, with ceremonies reminding of the old 
mythological days, they proceed to consecrate. 
Sometimes it is in memory of a revered departed one, 
and sometimes of a marked event. An "altar," in 
the shape, perhaps, of a mossy boulder, is made to 
bear the ceremonial fire, replenished by woodland 
gatherings and the oil of incense. The participants, 
enwreathed in sylvan spoils, gather around with 
songs, readings and inspiring pageantry. The occa- 



LYXN. 



337 



sion usually calls out some poem or address well 
worthy of preservation. For instance, there were 
written for the meeting on the 30th of May, 18&6, 
four little poems, which, though untoward circum- 
stances prevented iheir being sung, were published 
in connection with the account of the proceedings. 
One of the interesting features on this particular day 
was the release of a " Messenger Dove." Let us 
quote a stanza or two from each of the little poems, 
as, besides their a])|iropriateness to the occasion, they 
aftord a taste of the qualities of some of our local ver- 
sitiers : 
By RuTHiE Turner: 

" Once more we meet at spring's return, 
And lay aside each weight and care, 
"While o'er us bend tlie leafy trees, 

And round us breathes the balmy air. " 

By Bessie Blaxd : 

" To God's first temple we repair, 

In fotcSt aisle to rest ; 
Lo ! from the sacred altar there. 

The flame uplifts its crest ! 
A symbol of the life so fair, 

That glows ou nature's breast." 

By Samuel W. Fos.s : 

" Fly to the fields, thou white-winged dove. 
Tell all their leafy bowers 
That summer comes on wings of love 
To storm the laud with flowers. 

" Tell to the hearts bowed down with grief 
That joy returns again ; 
That suttinier comes with flower and leaf, 
And hope renews her reign." 

By Darius Barry : 

*' The trees and rocks my brothers are. 
There's freedom in the air. 
The violet and the mossy stone 
Send up a silent pr.ayer." 

Whatever may be thought of the ceremonies of the 
"camp days" the object of the associates is assured- 
ly praiseworthy. And though the work undertaken 
is of great and yet undefined proportion.s, and such as 
in no probability can be fully accomplished during 
the lifetime of the present participants, future gener- 
ations will doubtless honor the efibrt. But setting 
aside all other considerations, these spring and au- 
tumn woodland gatherings are highly enjoyable, re- 
solving themselves at suitable hours into picnic en- 
tertainments, inspiring social intercourse of a refining 
and educating character. 



22 



CHAPTER XXII. 

LYNH -{Continued). 

SHORT NOTES, CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED. 

" ^limtte historical fact* are to history as the nerves and sinetrs, the veins 
and arteries, are to the animated bodies ; they may not separately exhibit 
much of H«?, elegant or just proportion, btU taken collectively, they furnish 
strength, spirit and existence itself. An historian who hath neglectt-d to 
study them knotos but the half of his profession, and like one who is 
ignorant of anatomy, sinks into a mere manual operator.^^ — Lodge. 

In an historical sketch of circumscribed limits there 
are, of course, many topics on which it is impossible 
to dwell at large, but which should not be passed 
over in entire silence, and in some instances brief re- 
capitulations seem necessary. In the hope, therefore, 
of »ui)plying deficiencies the following summary is 
introduced : 

1004. Various accounts, derived chiefly from an- 
cient Scandinavian manuscripts, have led to the belief 
that certain adventurous navigators visited this coast 
and made lodgments much earlier than any perma- 
nent occupation was effected. For instance, Thor- 
wald, the Northman, a son of Eric the Red, is claimed 
to have been upon the New England coast in the 
year 1004, and to have landed at one or two places. 
At one landing-place he was so charmed by the 
prospect that he exclaimed, — " Here it is beautiful ! 
and here I should like to fix my dwelling! '" And 
there, indeed, was the blufi' old hero's everlasting 
dwelling fixed, for in a hostile encounter with a 
swarm of savages, that presently ensued, he received 
an arrow wound that speedily proved fiital. As life 
was fast closiug he said to his people, — " I now ad- 
vise you to prejiare for your departure as soon as 
possible; but me ye shall bring to the promoutory 
where I thought it good to dwell. It may be that it 
was a prophetic word which fell from my mouth, 
about my abiding there for a season. There ye shall 
bury me, and plant a cross at my head and also at 
my feet, and call the place Krossanes (the Cape of 
the Cross) in all time coming." He died, the record 
adds, and they did as he had ordered. This was quite 
sentimental for a rough sea I'over, but indicates 
warmth of heart and imagination. But what makes 
the incident interesting to the people of Lynn is the 
supposition long since put forth that " Krossanes " 
was Nahaut, so long a part of our own territory. 
Possibly the supposition is correct, but those loose 
Scandinavian records are hardly to be taken as con- 
clusive evidence, especially as they fail to fix geo- 
graphical lines with any certainty. 

1602. The celebrated navigator, Bartholomew Gos- 
nold, is said to have anchored in the waters of Lynn 
this year. He seems, indeed, to have been the first 
European certainly known to have visited Essex 
County. He sailed from Falmouth, England, in 



338 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



March, 1602, and reached Massachusetts Bay on the 
14th of May. While coasting around it is highly 
probable that he cast anchor here, and, perhaps, 
landed for a prospecting tour. But he did not long 
remain. While Gosnold was in the vicinity he was 
greatly surprised by an Indian, dressed in English 
clothes, coming on board and saluting him in fair 
Englisli. And that Indian is believed to have been 
Black Will, of Lynn, the Sagamore before alluded to. 
He was smart, and not over-scrupulous, as his sell- 
ing Nahant, to which he had no title, to Mr. Dexter, 
for a suit of clothes, very well proves. 

1614. There is little doubt that Captain John 
Smith, whose lil'e was saved by the interposition of 
the dusky heroine, Pocahontas — if the tale is not 
mere romance — was here in 1C14, and was struck by 
the grandeur of the Nahant cliff's, which he compared 
to the " Pieramides of Egypt." And for the benefit 
of the curious in such matters it may be remarked 
that the redoubtable captain lived at one time in 
Lynn Kegis, from which our own Lynn took its name. 
He served in a counting-house there, but finally left, 
with ten shillings in his pocket, which he says were 
contributed by friends who desired to get rid of him. 
He went to France and served in a military capacity 
there and in other countries. In 1608 he was in Vir- 
ginia, and became a master-spirit in its colonization. 
But his propensity for roving was unconquerable, 
and we find him, a few years later, drifting about 
the New England coast. It appears to have been 
Captain Smith who bestowed the name New England 
upon our territory, it having previously been known 
as North Virginia. Yet he was not, apparently, very 
favorably impressed by the character of the country 
or the climate, as he remarked that he was not so sim- 
ple as to think that any other motive than wealth 
would " ever erect a commonwealth or draw company 
from their ease and humors at home " to occupy 
here. 

The foregoing visits, however, were of little impor- 
tance so far as any direct benefit accrued, no surviv- 
ing settlement being made hereabout if, indeed, any 
was contemplated ; so let us come to the day of per- 
manent settlement. 

1629. Five families, chief among them Edmund 
Ingalls and his brother Francis, arrive and commence 
the settlement. 

1630. Thomas Newhall born, being the first person 
of European parentage born here. He died in March, 
1687, aged fifty-seven. Wolves killed several swine 
belonging to the settlers, September 30th. Fifty set- 
tlers, chiefly farmers, and many of them with families, 
arrive and locate in different neighborhootls. 

1631. Governor Winthrop passed through the set- 
tlement October 28th, and noted that the crops were 
plentiful. 

1632. First church — fifth in the colony — formed. 
Steiiben Bachiler, minister. The court order that 
" No person shall take any tobacco publiquely, under 



pain of punishment, also that every one shall pay one 
penny for every time he is convicted of taking tobacco 
in any place." 

1633. A corn-mill, the first in the settlement, built 
on Strawberry Brook. Says Winthrop, under this 
date, — " James Sagamore, of Sagus, died, and most of 
his folks" (of small-pox). 

1634. J<ihn Humfrey arrives and settles on Na- 
hant Street. The settlement sends her first Repre- 
sentatives to the General Court. William Wood, one 
of the first comers, publishes " New England's Pros- 
pect." 

1635. Philip Kertland, the first shoemaker, arrives. 

1637. Name of the settlement changed from Sau- 
gus to Lynn. At this time there were thirty-seven 
plows in the colony, most of them in Lynn. Settle- 
ment of Sandwich commenced by emigrants from 
Lynn. The General Court forbade the making of 
cakes or buns, " except for burials, marriages and 
such like special occasions." And also ordered that 
corn should be received as legal tender, at five shil- 
lings a bushel. 

1638. First divison of lands among the inhabitants. 

1639. Ferry across Saugus River established. First 
bridge over Saugus River at Boston Street crossing 
built. 

1643. Iron-works near Saugus River commenced, 
the first in America. 

1644. Hugh Bert and Samuel Bennett, of Lynn, 
presented to the grand jury as " common sleepers in 
time of exercise." Both convicted and fined. 

1646. Lynn made a market town — Tuesday, the 
lecture day, being market day. 

1656. Robert Bridges, one of the most active and 
enterprising of the early settlers. Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and assistant, died this 
year. He was a large proprietor in the iron-works. 

1658. Dungeon Rock alleged to have been rent 
by an earthquake, entombing alive Thomas Veal, the 
pirate, with treasure. 

1666. A year of disasters. Several die of small- 
pox. "Divers are slain by lightning." Grasshoppers 
and caterpillars do much mischief. 

1669. Boniface Burton died, aged one hundred and 
thirteen years. 

1679. Rev. Samuel Whiting, for forty-three years 
minister of the First Parish, died December 11th, 
aged eighty-two years. 

1680. Dr. Philip Reed, the first physician, com- 
plained to the court of Mrs. Margaret Giffbrd as a 
witch. Joseph Armitage, first keeper of the famous 
Anchor Tavern, which continued as a public-house 
for more than a hundred and fifty years, died June 
27th, aged eighty. The great Newtonian comet ap- 
peared in November, occasioning much alarm. 

1682. Old Tunnel meeting-house built. 

1688. Excitement about Edward Randolph's peti- 
tion for a grant of Nahant. 

1689. Sir Edmund Andros passed through Lynn on 



LYNN. 



339 



liis way to Boston from the east, making a short stay, 
not deigning, however, to confer with the people as to 
their wrongs. 

1692. Great witchcraft excitement. Six Lynn per- 
sons were arrested and imprisoned ; some of them 
were tried, and one condemned to death, but not 
executed. 

1694. A church-fast appointed by Rev. Mr. Shep- 
ard. July Ulth, for the arrest of the "spiritual plague" 
of tjuakerisni. 

1697. Great alarm on account of the small-pox. 
This was many years before vaccination was prac- 
ticed. 

1706. Second division of land among the inhabit- 
ants. 

1708. A public fast held on account of the ravages 
of caterpillars and canker worms. 

1719. Northern lights observed for the first time, 
December 17th. Much alarm occasioned. 

1720. Rev. Jeremiah Shepard, minister of the 
First Parish for forty years, died June 3d, aged 
seventy-two. 

1721. John Burrill, a member of the House of 
Representatives for twenty }'ears, ten of which he 
was Speaker, died of small-pox, December 10th, aged 
sixty-three. 

1723. A terrific storm with raging sea, February 
24th. First mill on Saugus River, at Boston Street 
crossing, built. 

1726. £13 15s. awarded to Nathaniel Potter for 
linen manufactured in Lynn. 

1745. Rev. Mr. Whitefield preaches on Lynn com- 
mon, creating much excitement. 

1750. John Adam Dagyr, an accomplished shoe- 
maker, arrives. 

1755. Greatest earthquake ever known in New 
England, November 18th. It commenced a little 
after four in the morning, and continued about four 
minutes, being apparently the same convulsion that 
destroyed Lisbon, sixty thousand persons perishing 
there in six minutes, the sea rising fifty feet above 
its usual level. 

1759. A bear weighing four hundred pounds killed 
in Lynn woods. 

1761. Rev. Nathaniel Henchman, minister of the 
First Parish for forty years, died December 23d, aged 
sixty-one. 

1770. Potato rot prevails and canker worms com- 
mit great ravages. 

1775. Battle of Lexington, April 19th; five Lynn 
men killed. 

1776. Declaration of Independence promulgated. 
At this time twenty-six negro slaves were owned in 
Lynn. 

1780. Momoraljle dark day, May 19th. Houses 
lighted as at night. 

1784. (-•en. Lafayette passed through town, Octo- 
ber 28th, receiving enthusiastic plaudits. 

1788. Gen. Washington passed through town, in ' 



October, and was art'ectionately greeted by old and 
young. 

1793. Lynn post-office established, and first kept on 
Boston Street, near Federal. Dr. John Flagg, an es- 
teemed physician and Revolutionary patriot, member 
of the Committee of Safety and commissioned as 
colonel, died May 27th, aged fifty. 

1795. Brig "Peggy'' wrecked on Long Beach, De- 
cember 9th, and eleven lives lost. 

1796. First fire-engine for public use purchased. 
1800. Memory of Wiishington honored ; procession 

and eulogy, January 13th. Morocco manufacture in- 
troduced. 

1803. Boston and Salem turnpike opened, and 
Lynn Hotel built. Miles Shorey and wife both 
killed by lightning, July 10th; she had an infant in 
her arms who was unharmed, and lived to old age. 

1804. First celebration of independence in Lynn. 

1808. First law-oflice in Lynn opened by Benja- 
min Merrill ; it was in a chamber of the dwelling 
corner of North Common and Park Streets. Great 
bull fight at Half- Way House ; bulls and bull-dogs 
engaged. Lynn Artillery chartered November ISth, 
and allowed two brass field-pieces. John Adam 
Dagyr, the early shoemaker before named, who be- 
came widely known for his uncommon taste and skill, 
died in the almshouse. 

1812. Lynn Light Infantry chartered June 30th. 

1813. Moll Pitcher, the celebrated fortune-teller, 
died, April 9th, aged seventy-five. Sketch of her on 
previous page. 

1814. Lynufield setoff from Lynn and incorporated 
as a separate town. First Town House of Lynn built. 
First Bank established — known as Lynn Mechanics' 
Bank till its reorganization as the First National 
Bank, in 1864. Battle between the "Chesapeake" and 
"Shannon" fought, June 1st. Intense solicitude was 
manifested by the people of Lynn, many of whom 
witnessed the contest from heights and roofs. The 
battle was anticipated, and multitudes came from 
neighboring places. The greatest amount of travel 
over the turnpike that ever took place in a single 
day then occurred. One hundred and twenty 
crowded stages passed, it is said, and an almost count- 
less number of all sorts of vehicles, together with 
equestrians and pedestrians innumerable. 

1815. Saugus set ofl" from Lynn and incorporated 
as a separate town. Terrific southeasterly gale, Sep- 
tember 23d; ocean spray driven several miles inland. 
Joseph Fuller, first president of first Lynn Bank, and 
first State Senator from Lynn, died, aged forty-two. 

1816. Great horse trot on the turnpike, in Lynn, 
September Ist; said to have been the first in the 
country ; Major Stackpole'a " Old Blue " trotted 
three miles in eight minutes and forty-two seconds. 

1817. President Monroe visited Lynn ; school chil- 
dren arrayed on the Common. 

1819. The wonderful sea-serpent appears ott" Long 
Beach ; in the sketch of Swampscott a somewhat 



340 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



detailed account of this supposed marine monster 
will appear. Nahant Hotel built. Almshouse at 
Tower Hill built. 

1824. General Lafayette visits Lynn August .31st, 
and is enthusiastically welcomed. 

1825. First Lynn newspaper — the Weekly Mirror — 
issued September 3d by Charles F. Lummus. It was 
published six years. 

1826. First savings bank — Lynn Institution for 
Savings — incorporated. 

1827. Micajah Collins, teacher of the Friends' 
school and minister of the Friends' Society, died Jan- 
uary 30th, aged sixty-two. Solomon Moulton, a youth- 
ful writer of much promise, died M.ay 26th, aged 
nineteen. Broad and brilliant night arch, August 28th. 

1828. Flora, a negro woman, died October 1st, aged 
one hundred and thirteen. Lynn Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company organized. 

1829. Splendid display of frosted trees, January 
10th. 

1830. Donald McDonald, a Scotchman, died in 
Lynn almshouse October 4th, aged one hundred and 
eight ; he was at Braddock's defeat and at the battle 
of Quebec, when Wolfe fell. 

1831. Maria Augusta Fuller, poetess and prose 
writer, died January 19th, aged twenty-four. Dr. 
James Gardner, a physician of high standing, died 
December 26th, aged sixty-nine. 

1832. First Lynn directory published by Charles 
r. Lummus. Nahant Bank incorporated ; failed in 
1836. 

1833. Extraordinary shower of meteors, November 
13th. 

1836. Dr. Richard Hazeltine, a learned and suc- 
cessful physician of the old school, died July 10th, 
aged sixty-two. 

1837. Surplus United States revenue distributed, 
Lynn receiving fourteen thousand eight hundred and 
seventy-nine dollars, and applying it to the payment 
of the town debt. 

1838. Charles F. Lummus, first Lynn printer, died 
April 20th, aged thirty-seven. Eastern liailroad 
opened for travel from Boston to Salem, August 28th. 

1839. Ebenezer Breed — Uncle Eben, as he was 
called — one of the "nursing fathers" of the shoe 
business of Lynn — died in the almshouse, December 
23d, aged seventy-four. 

1841. The first picture by the new art known as 
daguerreotype, or photography, ever taken in Lynn 
was a landscape, taken this year by James R. New- 
hall, by apparatus imported from France. 

1842. Amos Blanchard, a musician of the Revolu- 
tionary army, and for many years a teacher of a dis- 
trict school, died May 25th, aged seventy-eight. 
Enoch Curtin, a poet and prose writer, died May 28th, 
aged forty-seven. 

1843. Dr. Charles O. Barker, a reputable physician, 
died January 8th, aged forty-one; his wife was a 
daughter of Rembrant Peale, the celebrated painter. 



The schooner "Thomas" was wrecked on Long 
Beach March 17th, five men perishing. 

1845. Dr. Edward L. Coffin, physician, scientist 
and writer, died March 31st, aged fifty. 

1846. Amariah Childs, manufacturer of a famous 
kind of chocolate, died January 21st, aged eighty. 
Mexican War commenced ; Lynn furnished twenty 
volunteers. Destructive fire on Water Hill Street, 
August 9th, destroying a large brick silk-printing es- 
tablishment, spice and coftee-raill, and two or three 
smaller buildings ; total loss, about seventy-five thou- 
sand dollars. 

1847. President Polk made a short visit to Lynn, 
July 5th. 

1848. George Gray, the Lynn hermit, died Feb- 
ruary 28th, aged seventy-eight. Carriage-road over 
harbor side of Long Beach built. Lynn Common 
fenced. 

1849. Lynn Police Court established. Large emi- 
gration to California. Laighton Bank incorporated ; 
reorganized as the Central National in 18G5. 

1850. City form of government adopted. Samuel 
Brimblecom, an early and enterprising shoe manu- 
facturer, and colonel of militia during the War of 
1812, died April 24th, aged eighty-one. Pine Grove 
Cemetery consecrated July 24th. Thirteen persons of a 
picnic party from Lynn drowned in Lynnfield Pond, 
Augu.st 15th. Ten-hour system — that is, ten hours to 
constitute a day's work — generally adopted. Church 
bells ordered to be rung at six p.m. Previously there 
was no limit to work hours. 

1851. On March 18th and April 15th the tide, 
during violent storms, swept entirely over Long 
Beach, the storm of the 15th of April being that 
during which Minot's Ledge light-house was carried 
away. It was so severe as to force the salt water 
from the sea to the Common, the wind, no doubt, 
driving the water up the little brook that ran across 
the Common in such quantities as to overflow and 
form a sheet that was quite salt. Hiram Marble 
commenced the excavation of Dungeon Rock, in 
search of treasure, in the summer of this year. 

1852. Swampscott set off from Lynn, and incor- 
porated as a separate town. Louis Kossuth, the 
Hungarian exile, was warmly received. May 6th ; 
greeted by some ten thousand persons assembled on 
the Common, and escorted through the streets by a 
long procession to Lyceum Hall, where an enthusias- 
tic reception took place. 

1853. Nahant set ofl' from Lynn, and incorporated 
as a separate town. Illuminating gas first lighted 
here, January 13th. Cars commenced running over 
Saugus Branch Railroad, February 1st. 

1854. City Bank incorporated ; reorganized as 
National City Bank, 1865. 

1855. City charter so amended as to have the mu- 
nicipal year commence on the first Monday of Jan- 
uary, instead of the first Monday of April. Five 
Cents Savings Bank incorporated. 



LYNN. 



341 



1856. Two bald eagles appear on the ice in Lynn 
harbor, January 17th. Ezra R. Tcbbets, of Lynn, 
killed by a snow-slide from a building in Bromfield 
Street, Uoston, P'ebruary 12th. Egg Rock light first 
shown, September loth. 

1857. Great snow-storm, with intense cold, January 
18th, during which the bark ''Tedesco" was wrecked 
ou Long Rock, Swampscott, all on board, twelve in 
number, perishing. Goold Brown, a famous gram- 
marian and author, died at his residence, South 
Common Street, March 31st, aged sixty-five. He was 
a native of Providence, R. I., and long taught a sem- 
inary in New York, but spent his later years in Lynn. 

1858. Telegraph communication between Lynn and 
other places established. Impromptu Atlantic cable 
celebration in Lynn, August 17th, on the arrival of 
Queen Victoria's message — the first ever sent over an 
Atlantic cable— to President Buchanan. St. Mary's 
Catholic Cemetery consecrated, November 4th. 

1859. British bark " Vernon," from Messina, driven 
ashore on Long Beach, February 2d; crew saved by 
life-boat. Isaiah Breed, active as a shoe manufac- 
turer for nearly fifty years, and a State Senator, died 
Jlay 23d, aged seventy-two. Roman Catholic Church 
(St. Mary's), Ash Street, burned, May 28th. George 
Hood, the first mayor of Lynn, died June 29th, aged 
fifty-two. Brilliant display of northern lights, the 
whole heavens being covered, August 28th. Union 
Street Methodist meeting-house destroyed by fire, 
November 20th. Church bells tolled at sunrise, noon 
and sunset, December 2d, in observance of the execu- 
tion of John Brown at Charlestown, Va. 

1860. Harbor so frozen in January that persons 
walked across to Bass Point. Shoemakers' great 
strike commenced in February. Prince of Wales 
passed through Lynn, October 20th, hardly stopping 
to receive oflicial greetings. First horse railroad cars 
in Lynn commenced running, November 29th. The 
luck of a dory fisherman is well illustrated by the ex- 
perience of Zachariah Phillips, of Lynn, during four 
days in the latter part of November ; his first day's catch 
sold for twenty-five cents; that of one other day for 
twenty-one dollars; and, taking the four days to- 
gether, he realized S40.50, the fish being chiefly 
cod, and selling for three cents a pound. Market 
Street first lighted by gas, December 7th. 

1861. Alonzo Lewis, historian and poet, died Jan- 
uary 21st, aged sixty-six. Lynn Light Infantry and 
Lynn City Guards, two full companies, start for the 
seat of the Southern Rebellion, April 16th, in five 
hours after the arrival of President Lincoln's call for 
troops. A splendid comet suddenly became visible, 
July 2d, the tail having enveloped the earth three 
days before, producing no disturbance and only a 
slight apparently auroral light. 

1862. Lynn Free Public Library opened. Soldiers' 
burial lot in Pine Grove Cemetery laid out. Nathan 
Breed, Jr., murdered in his store. Summer Street, 
December 23d. 



1863. Daniel C. Baker, third mayor of Lynn, died 
July 19th, aged forty-six. 

1864. Rev. Parsons Cooke, for twenty-eiglit years 
minister of the First Church, died February 12th, 
aged sixty-three. The thermometer rose to one hun- 
dred and four degrees in shady places, June 25th, 
indicating the warmest day here of which there had 
been any record. Free delivery of post-office matter 
begins. Great drought and extensive fires in the 
woods during the summer. First steam fire-engine 
owned by the city arrives, August 11th. Town- 
House burned, October 6th. Schooner "Lion," from 
Rockland, Me., wrecked on Long Beach, December 
10th, and all on board, six in number, perish; their 
cries were heard above the roaring of the wind and 
sea. but succor could not reach them. 

1865. News of the fall of Richmond received, 
April 3d ; great rejoicing, church-bells rung, build- 
ings illuminated, bonfires kindled. The surrender of 
General Lee was celebrated, April 10th. News of the 
assassination of President Lincoln received, April 
loth ; mourning insignia displayed in public build- 
ings and churches. Corner-stone of City Hall laid, 
November 28th. 

1866. Dr. Abraham Gould, a skillful physician of 
extensive practice, died, February 27th, aged fifty- 
eight. General Sherman passed through Lynn, July 
ICth, and was cordially greeted byacrow'din Central 
Square. A meteoric stone fell in Ocean Street, in 
September. 

1867. Thomas Bowler, for sixteen years town clerk, 
died, July 22d, aged eighty-one. The present City 
Hall dedicated with much ceremony, November 
30th. 

1888. Memorial Day — called also Decoration Day 
— i>bserved. May 30th, being the day for decorating 
the soldiers' graves with flowers ; in 1881 the day wa.s 
made a legal holiday. Hiram Marble, excavator of 
Dungeon Rock, died, November 10th, aged sixty-five, 
having pursued his arduous and fruitless labors about 
seventeen j'ears. His son, Edwin, succeeded him in 
the work, and died at the Rock January 16, 1880, 
aged forty-eight, without having reached the sup- 
posed deposits of gold and jewels. Destructive fire 
in Market Street, December 25th, Lyceum Building, 
Frazier's and Bubier's brick blocks being destroyed, 
the whole loss reaching about three hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

1869. JIary J. Hood, a colored woman, died, Jan- 
uary 8th, aged one hundred and four years and seven 
months. Another destructive fire, on the night of 
January 25th, commencing in the brick shoe manu- 
factory of Edwin H. Johnson, in Monroe Street, de- 
stroyed property to the amount of some one hundred 
and seventy thousand dollars. Sidney B. Pratt, who* 
left, by will, ten thousand dollars for the benefit of 
the Free Public Library, died, January 29th, aged 
fifty-four. On the evening of April 15th there was 
a magnificent display of beautifully-tinted aurora- 



342 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



borealis. Benjamin H. Jacobs, undertaker at the old 
burying-ground for thirty years, died, June 16tb, 
aged seventy-six. Jeremiah C. Stickney, for forty 
years in successful practice here as a lawyer, and the 
first city solicitor, died, August 3d, aged sixty-four. 
Severe gale, on Wednesday afternoon, September 
8th, destroying several small buildings and uprooting 
more than four hundred shade-trees about the city. 
The old Turnpike from Boston to Salem became a 
public highway this year, the portion lying in Lynn 
being now known as Western Avenue. 

1870. Young Men's Christian Association incorpo- 
rated, March 31st. Laud near Central Square sold at 
five dollars per square foot, the highest rate known 
in Lynn up to this time. Operations for public water 
supply begun. 

1871. Kev. Joseph Cook, at the time minister of 
the First Church, gave a series of Sunday evening 
lectures in Music Hall, early this year, creating con- 
siderable excitement by his rather sensational denun- 
ciations. William Bassett, the first city clerk, died, 
June 21st, aged sixty-eight. Terrible railroad disas- 
ter at Revere, August 26th, eleven Lynn persons be- 
ing killed ; whole number of lives lost, thirty-three ; 
number of wounded, sixty. Electric fire-alarm es- 
tablished. William Vennar, alias Brown, murders 
Mrs. Jones, is pursued, and in his further desperate 
attempts is shot dead, December 16th. 

1872. City Hall bell raised to its position in the 
tower, March 2d. Meeting of the City Council com- 
memorative of the recent death of Professor Morse, 
inventor of the electric telegraph, April 16th. Dr. 
James M. Nye, a reputable phj'sician and scientist, 
died, April 21st, aged fifty-three. S. O. Breed's box- 
factory, at the south end of Commercial Street, struck 
by lightning and consumed, August 13th, this sum- 
mer being remarkable for the frequency and severity 
of its thunder-storms. Brick house of worship of 
First Church, South Common Street, corner of Vine, 
dedicated, August 29th. Ingalls and Cobbet school- 
houses dedicated. Odd-Fellows' Hall, Market Street, 
dedicated, October 7th. Brick and iron station of 
Eastern Railroad, Central Square, built. Singular 
disease, called epizootic, prevailed among horses dur- 
ing the latter part of autumn. Wheel carriages al- 
most ceased to run, excepting as drawn by oxen, 
dogs or goats, and sometimes by men and boys. The 
disease, though disabling and evidently painful, was 
not often fatal. Much speculation in real estate dur- 
ing the year; prices high and business active. Pine 
Hill Public Water Reservoir built. 

1873. Pumping-engine at Public Water-Works, 
Walnut Street, first put in operation, January 14th. 
English sparrows make their appearance in Lynn, no 
doubt the progeny of those imported into Boston ; 
but they were soon declared a nuisance. William S. 
Boyce, president of the Firat National Bank, died, 
August 27th, aged sixty-three. Soldiers' Monument, 



City Hall Square, dedicated, September 17th. Birch 
Pond formed. 

1874. Lynn " Home for Aged Women " incorpo- 
rated, Feb. 6th. Grand celebration in Lynn of St. 
Patrick's Day, March 17th, by the Irish organizations 
of Essex County. Benjamin Mudge, captain of the 
old Lynn Artillery, postmaster, and a political writer 
of spirit, died, March 21st, aged eighty -seven. 

1875. Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad 
opened for travel, July 22d. Great depression in bus- 
iness affairs this year succeeded the late unhealthy 
kind of prosperity. Some tradesmen failed, and real 
estate fell greatly in price. On the 2d of November 
a blackfish ten feet in length and weighing three 
hundred and fifty pounds was stranded on Long 
Beach, probably having pursued his retreating supper 
the night before farther than was safe. An unusual 
number of tramps — that is, homeless wanderers from 
place to place — appeared in Lynn and received tem- 
porary relief. 

1876. A fire occurred on Market Street, July 26th, 
destroying property to the amount of some ten thou- 
sand dollars, the principal losers being R. A. Spalding 
& Co., Mrs. Lancy and W. J. Bowers. The destructive 
Colorado beetle, or potato bug, first appeared in Lynn 
this year. The Centennial year of the Republic was 
appropriately observed in Lynn, July 4th, and the 
Centennial Memorial, giving an account of the pro- 
ceedings, was published by order of the City Council. 
Benjamin F. Doak, who by will bequeathed ten thou- 
sand dollars for the benefit of the poor of the city, and 
which bequest has since been known as the Doak 
fund, died, Nov. 8th, aged fifty. Jacob Batchelder, 
first teacher of the High School and first librarian of 
the Public Library, died, Dec. 17th, aged seventy. 

1877. Charles Merritt, for .some forty years deputy 
sheriff, died, March 13th, aged seventy-two. Sweetser"s 
four-story brick building. Central Avenue, with an 
adjacent building, burned, April 7th. Loss, about one 
hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. In September 
there was an extraordinary phosphorescent glow along 
the shores. 

1878. Successful balloon ascension from City Hall 
Square, July 4th — Alderman Aza A. Breed, City Mar- 
shall Charles C. Fry and Charles F. Smith journal- 
ist, accompanying the teronaut. Dennis Kearney, 
radical agitator and Calitbrnia " sand lot orator," ad- 
dresses a large crowd on the Common on the evening 
of Aug. 12th. Ezra Warren Mudge, the sixth mayor 
of Lynn, died, Sept. 20th, aged sixty-six. The tem- 
perature in Lynn and vicinity at midnight, Dec. 2d, 
was higher than in any other part of the United 
States, — six degrees higher than in New Orleans, La.; 
seven higher than in Savannah, Ga. ; nine higher 
than in Charleston, S. C. ; and ten higher than in 
Jacksonville, Fla. Gold was held at par Dec. 17th, 
for the first time in sixteen years ; that is, one hun- 
dred dollars in gold were worth just one hundred 
in greenback government notes. The extreme of 



LYNN. 



3+3 



variation was on July 11, 1864, at which time one 
hundred dolhirs in gold were worth two hundred and 
eighty-five dollars in tlie notes. 

1879. The brick house of worship of the First 
Methodist Society, City Hall Square, was dedicated 
Feb. 27th. The newly-invented telephone now comes 
into use in Lynn. The two hundred and fiftieth an- 
niversary of the settlement of Lynn celebrated, June 
17th. John A. Jackson, designer of the Soldiers' 
Jlonunient, died, in Florence, Italy, in August, aged 
fifty-four. St. Joseph's Cemetery (Catholic) conse- 
crated, Oct. 16th. Extraordinary occurrence of a 
perfectly clear sky all over the United States, from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific, Nov. 4th, as reported by 
the United States Signal Corps. Benjamin Franklin 
Mudge, the second mayor of Lynn, died, in Manhat- 
tan, Kansas, Nov. 21st, aged sixty-two. 

1880. Tubular wells, Boston Street, sunk by order 
of the city government to gain an additional water 
supply ; first pumping from them, Sept. 4th. The 
notorious " Morey Letter " appeared in the autumn, 
creating much sensation throughout the country. 
This letter made its appearance in a prominent news- 
paper of New York City, and purported to have been 
written by General Garfield, the Republican candi- 
date for President of the United States, and addressed 
to " Henry L. Morey,'' of the " Employers' Union," 
of Lynn. It was in the interest of cheap labor and in 
favor of Chinese immigration. It created a great sen- 
sation among the politicians, especialh' upon the Pa- 
cific coast, in which quarter extreme indignation was 
manifested. But the letter was soon proved to be a 
base forgery, concocted to damage the prospects of 
General Garfield, and it would, no doubt, have had a 
serious effect had not timely evidence of the fraud 
been discovered. It was satisfactorily shown that no 
such person as Henry L. Morey and no such associa- 
tion as the Employers' Union existed in Lynn. A 
beautiful mirage appeared in the bay Nov. 22d. 

1881. Young Men's Christian Association Building, 
Market Street, dedicated January 17th. Dr. Daniel 
Perley, a much-esteemed physician, died January 31st, 
aged seventy-seven years. Government weather sig- 
nals on High Rock first shown February 23d. National 
Security Bank of Lynn organized. Lynn Hospital 
incorporated. Andrews Breed, the fifth mayor of 
Lynn, died April 21st, aged eighty-six. The " yellow 
day," so-called, occurred September Gth, the land- 
scape assuming a yellow tinge for some hours in the 
afternoon, and the weird darkness being such that 
lights were required in houses. President Garfield's 
death announced by the tolling of church-bells at 
midnight, September 19th. He was shot by C. J.Guit- 
cau, July 2d. Memorial services were held September 
2Gth. Hon. Enoch Redington Mudge, donor of Si,. 
Stephen's Memorial Church, died October 1st. St. 
Stephen's Memorial Church consecrated November 
2d. Thomas Page Richardson, fourth mayor of Lynn, 
died November 24th, aged sixty-five. 



1882. On the night of February loth a building on 
]\[onroe Street, owned by Charles G. Clark, together 
with one or two others, partially burned ; loss, about 
twenty thousand dollars. The Grand Army Coliseum, 
on Summer Street, dedicated March 15th. On the 
morning of March 15th, just before the time for work- 
men to assemble, a terrific steam-boiler explosion 
took place in the rear of the Goodwin last-factory, in 
Spring Street. The engineer was killed and several 
others badly wounded. One or two adjacent build- 
ings were much damaged, and a piece of the boiler, 
weighing about fifteen hundred pounds, was thrown 
two hundred feet up into the air, and fell in Newhall 
Street, seven hundred feet di-tant. A fire occurred on 
the morning of April 22d at Houghton, Godfrey & 
Dean's paper warehouse. Central Avenue, destroying 
property to the amount of three thousand dollars. 
Electric lights made their appearance here in the 
spring. Barnum's "greatest show on earth " visited 
Lynn July 22d. Some half a score of elephants ap- 
peared in the street parade. The giant elephant 
Jumbo and the nursing baby elephant were both 
members of the caravan. Some twenty-five thousand 
persons attended the exhibition, and the amount of 
money received for admission reached nearly eleven 
thousand dollars. The show consisted of a large col- 
lection of animals, equestrian, acrobatic and other 
circus and semi-dramatic performances. It was, no 
doubt, the grandest and most costly show ever in 
Lynn. An explosion of a part of the underground 
equipment of the Citizens' Steam-Heating Company, 
at the corner of Washington and Monroe Streets, took 
place July 27th, injuring the street somewhat and 
throwing up stones and gravel to the danger and 
fright of persons in the vicinity. And subsequently 
other explosions took place, inducing an appeal to 
the city authorities for protection. An extraordinary 
drought prevailed during the latter part of the sum- 
mer. Most of the crops about Lynn were absolutely 
ruined, the unripe fruit dropped from the trees, and 
much of the shrubbery and many of the trees had the 
appearance of having been exposed to fire-blasts. Y'et 
the springs and wells did not indicate any very marked 
deficiency of moisture somewhat below the surface. 
We had an uncommonly long succession of very warm 
days, with westerly winds and clear skies. And 
the peculiar eSect on vegetation was, no doubt, at- 
tributable rather to the burning sun than the lack of 
moisture. The spring was backward by full two 
weeks, and the weather was, on the whole, anonjalous, 
most of the year. Railroad competition ran .so high 
that in October the fare between Lynn and Boston 
was, for a time, but five cents. The morning sky for 
several weeks in October and November, was adorned 
with a splendid comet, which rose in the southeast two 
or three hours before the sun. 

1883. Sweetser's building, corner of Central Avenue 
andOxford St., burned January 2(itli ; lo.ss, eighty-one 
thousand dollars. There were a large number of de- 



344 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



structive fires in the woods during tlie dry months, all 
along from Floating Bridge to Breed's Pond. Electric 
Light Works established in Lyuu. 

1884. A high tide swept over the beach road to 
Nahaut, January 9th. Steamer " City of Columbus " 
lost near Gay Head, January ISth, three Lynn persons 
perishing. John B. Tolman, April 22d, gave to the 
Young Men's Christian Association an estate on 
Market Street, valued at thirty thousand dollars, in 
trust, the income to be devoted to the suppression of 
the sale of intoxicating liquors. The new organiza- 
ti( n of religious enthusiasts, known as the Salvation 
Army, appeared in our streets, June 4th, marching 
about with their tambourines and other musical instru- 
ments. Lightning struck in Chatham Street, June 
5th, killing a lad twelve years of age and somewhat 
injuring his two boy companions. Horse railroad ex- 
tension to Marblehead opened for travel June 25th. 
Inebriates' Home, New Ocean Street, established Oc- 
tober 27th. A building of Quincy A. Towns, on 
Beech Street, used for extracting grease and oil from 
leather, by naphtha, destroyed by fire Novemlier 26th ; 
loss twenty-five hundred dollars. 

1885. Lyman F. Chase died January 3d, aged 
forty-three years, leaving, among other liberal be- 
quests, to Lynn Hospital, $5000, and to Lynn Public 
Library $5000. Lynn National Bank organized. A 
fire occurred in Henry A. Pevear's building, Wash- 
ington Street, January 11th, destroying property to the 
amount of thirty-three hundred dollars. Lucian New- 
hall's building, Central Avenue, burned ; loss, fifty-six 
thousand six hundred dollars. Lynn Associated 
Charities organized March 19th. Trinity Church 
(Methodist), near Tower Hill, dedicated June 4th. 
Church of the Licarnation (Episcopal) formally or- 
ganized June 9th. St. Josepli's Church (Roman 
Catholic) consecrated June 21st. Church-bells tolled 
July 2;5d, in observance of the death of ex-President 
Grant, The City Council held a special meeting and 
passed resolutions of respect, and on the 8th of August 
commemorative services were held in the Coliseum, 
business being generally suspended. The large brick 
building owned by Lucius Beebe, and occupied as a 
glove-kid and morocco manufactory, corner of Western 
Avenue and Federal Street, destroyed by fire Septem- 
ber 3d, the loss being seventy-five thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. A heavy thunder-shower, October 3d, 
flooded several business places on Monroe Street and 
vicinity and delayed railroad trains. 

1886. On Easter day, April 25th, Saint Stephen's 
chimes rang for the first time. Terrific earthquake 
at Charleston, S. C, August 31st; much suffering was 
occasioned, and contributions for relief were sent 
from all quarters; Lynn contributed $2060, and 
Saint Stephen's Church sent a separate sum of 
$77 towards rep-airing the shattered tower of the ven- 
erable Saiut Michael's. President Arthur died No- 
vember 18th, and on the day of his burial, November 
22d, marks of respect were shown by closing the pub- 



lic ofiices, tolling bells, raising flags at half-mast and 
the performance of a dirge by Saint Stephen's chimes. 
Society of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) 
formed. French Catholic Church organized. 

1887. February 25th, President Cleveland sent to 
the United States Senate a message vetoing the bill, 
passed by Congress, appropriating $100,000 for the 
erection of a post-oflice building in Lynn. Some in- 
dignation was expressed, but business men generally 
were disposed to view the President's reasoning with 
candor, and the unlucky slip with resignation. 

Henry A. Breed, a well-known citizen, died April 
15th, aged eighty-six years and eleven months. He 
was a native of Lynn, and commenced an active busi- 
ness life about 1819, did a great deal in the building 
line and was zealous in forwarding improvements of 
almost every kind, endeavoring, in some notable in- 
stances, to introduce new industries here. Being of 
a sanguine and somewhat credulous turn, and withal 
attracted by projects of a speculative character, he 
had serious ups and downs during his whole business 
career, always, however, maintaining a most respec- 
table position, by his genial manners, his readiness to 
aid the unfortunate and other excellent qualities. 
His business prostrations were undoubtedly some- 
times attributable to over-confidence in his own 
ability to "read " the characters of those with whom 
he dealt ; but more often to the shrewder reading, on 
the other side, of those not half so honest as he. He 
was one of the founders of the Unitarian Society, and 
his connection was not severed till the hand of death 
interposed. For many years he was a member of 
Mount Carmel Lodge of Free Masons, and was like- 
wise an accredited member of the fraternity of Odd 
Fellows. 

On Wednesday, June 1st, was opened, under the 
auspices of the Grand Army, Post 5, at the Coliseum 
in Summer Street, a novel and interesting exhibition 
of the powers of electricity, especially as applied to 
industrial mechanism. The Governor of the State 
was present at the opening and many other prominent 
persons. The exhibition continued a month, and gave 
much satisfaction to the large numbers who attended. 
James N. Buflfum, twelfth Mayor of Lynn, aged eighty, 
died June 12th. On Saturday, June 18th, Robert E. 
Lee Camp 1, Confederate Veterans, of Richmond, Va., 
visited Lynn by invitation of General Lander En- 
campment, Post 5, of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic. The visiting party bad been spending a day or 
two in Boston, and numbered nearly two hundred, 
thirty of whom were ladies. About seventy-five of 
the Veterans, with some ten of the ladies, arrived in 
Lynn early in the day, and were cordially received by 
the Lynn Post, which had some five hundred men in 
line. The weather was pleasant and the day a notable 
one, business being universally suspended, and the 
streets thronged with all classes of people. There 
was a grand procession, with military companies and 
bands of music. The city authorities took part in the 



LYNN. 



345 



proceedings, and there was a banquet on the Common. 
Early in July a delegation of Post 5, numbering one 
hundred and sixty, made a return visit to the Confed- 
erate soldiers, and in Eichmond and other places re- 
ceived enthusiastic grcetingi, with many tokens of 
restored brotherhood. Edward S. Davis, eighth Mayor 
of Lynn, died August 7, aged seveuty-niue. On the 
11th of September a fire occurred in the stable of J. 
B. & W. A. Lamper, foot of Pleasant Street, in which 
nineteen horses perished. Dr. John A. McArthur, 
much esteemed .as a man and phj'sician, died Septem- 
ber 28, aged fifty-seven. 

Lynn Regis. — It is within the knowledge of the 
writer that some good people of the ancient borough 
of King's Lynn now take a lively interest in what 
pertains to our own Lynn, which, during its compara- 
tively short life, has so far outstripped its prototyjie, 
in population at least. They appear to regard us as 
a sort of vigorous child, a little presumptuous, per- 
haps, but one in whose prosperity they may delight, 
as if in some mysterious way it contributed to their 
honor. It is but a few years since they learned any- 
thing of us. Less than fifteen years ago a lawyer 
there assured the writer th.at to him our Lynn was 
only known through Longfellow's " Bells of Lynn." 

The celebration of our Two Hundred and Fiftieth 
Anniversary, to which some of the authorities there 
were invited, had much to do with rendering our 
name familiar. And then the Christian sympathy 
engendered by the giving and receiving of the stone 
from the ancient wall of stately old Saint Margaret's, 
to be wrought into the rising wall of Saint Stephen's, 
was a significant occurrence. 

It is true that not a Large number of our early set- 
tlers came from that place ; but there were one or two 
of more than ordinary family connection. It is not 
necessary to here speak of the eminent Whiting, 
through whose instrumentality the names of the 
jilaces were made identical ; nor of some others else- 
where named. But it may be interesting to note in 
])assing, that Richard Hood, ancestor of George 
Hood, our first mayor, who settled on Nahant Street, 
was from Lynn Regis. Several old names common 
in both places could be mentioned — a fact which, 
though not conclusive evidence of near family connec- 
tion, are yet strongly indicative of kinship. For in- 
stance : There was a Thomas Laighton, mayor of 
Lynn Regis in 1476 ; and one of our most active and 
enterprising settlers was Thomas Laighton, who lo- 
cated near Saugus River in 1635. Edward Baker 
was mayor of the Ijorough in 1550 ; and from Edward 
Baker, who came hither in 1630, Daniel C. Baker, 
our third mayor, descended. Benjamin Keene (a 
later name with us) was mayor of old Lynn in 1683. 
In 1737 "Charles, Lord Viscount Townsend, was 
Lord High Steward of Lynn Regis." He undoubt- 
edly belonged to the same Tow-nsend family with 
Thomas Townsend, who came from Norfolk and set- 
tled as a farmer at an earlier date, and of whom many 
22i 



descendants remain here and elsewhere in New Eng- 
land. And by the way, at that date, 1737, the chief 
officials under Townsend were a recorder, thirteen 
aldermen, eighteen Common Councilmen, atown clerk, 
treasurer, chamberlain, sword-bearer, four sergeants 
at mace and five musicians, with blue cloaks trimmed 
with gold and badges, a jailer, two beadles and a 
bellman. Our city government is not organized ex- 
actly after that dignified model, which is here pre- 
sented merely for comparison by the curious. Such 
genealogical and municipal connections are really of 
little importance, but the latent interest that all pos- 
sess in such tracings give them a sort of charm. In 
the case in hand, it is thought they are sufficient to 
justify the occupation of space enough to recount a 
few prominent facts in the history of our ancient pro- 
totype. 

Lynn Regis, King's Lynn, or, as it is commonly 
called by its own people, simply Lynn, is an interest- 
ing old place on the river Ouse, in Norfolk, a mari- 
time county that has ever maintained its reputation 
for loyalty and aristocratic pride. Many illustrious 
Englishmen have been born there, and a long list of 
distinguished men have represented her in Parlia- 
ment — several of them statesmen of world-wide repu- 
tations. Sir Robert Waljiole was elected for Lynn, 
in 1702. He soon became Secretary of War, then 
Secretary of the Navy, and finally, after a brief period 
of eclipse, attained positions of still greater dignity ; 
and, as hiis been remarked, for a series of years " his 
life may be said to be the history of England." Can- 
ning, too, sometimes called the most eloquent and 
sagacious statesman of his day, was elected to repre- 
sent Lynn. Lord George Bentinck was returned for 
Lynn, in 1826, and continued her representative till 
his death. The Catholic Emancipation and Reform 
Bills had his support. He subsequently became the 
acknowledged head of the Conservative party, and 
was what we now call a protectionist. But he was 
never an over-strict partisan. On the death of Lord 
Bentinck, Stanley, Earl of Derby, was elected for 
Lynn. To his great ability in the management of 
public affairs is largely attributed the surrender of the 
East India Company to the crown. During his colo- 
nial secretaryship the great Sepoy revolt was brought 
to a close. On the decease of his father, in 1869, he 
entered the House of Lords. The able and accom- 
plished Governor of Madras at the present time, 1886 
was for many years Lynn's representative in Parlia- 
ment. Other eminent representatives of old Lynn 
might be named, but the list need not be extended. 
What has been said may not be of great interest, but 
it artbrds ground for the question. When will our own 
Lynn be represented by such men in the councils of 
the nation ? By the presentation of worthy examples 
a spirit of noble emulation may be stimulated. 

From this ancient borough and its vicinity came 
some of the most valuable New England immigrants. 
And descendants from old Norfolk families are now 



346 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



found in every direction, though, as just remarked, 
not a large number came to our own home. In Win- 
throp's company, which arrived at Salem in 1630, 
were a number of substantial Norfolk farmers. Says 
the careful Mrs. Jones : " It is not alone the relations 
of Coke and Roger Williams which have given to some 
spots in New England and elsewhere a flavor of this 
island's eastern shore. If it were sought to trace such 
international links, Norfolk would be found to have 
thrown out many threads across the water, which 
have attached it invisibly but absolutely to American 
ground." 

Sandringham, the seat of the Prince of Wales, to 
which he retires for needed rest, is in Norfolk, almost 
within the territorial limits of Lynn. It consists of 
something more than eight thousand acres, and is in 
a high state of cultivation and adornment. It was in 
this princely abode that the royal heir so long lay be- 
tween life and death when stricken by typhoid, in the 
dreary weeks of November, 1872. It was there, too, 
that the joyous event of the arrival of his son, Albert 
Victor, at the age of twenty-one, was recently so en- 
thusiastically celebrated. There, likewise, was the 
last Christmas, 1886, celebrated in right royal style. 
The Prince and Princess were both present. To the 
laborers and cottagers on the estate were prime joints 
of beef distributed to the amount of nine hundred and 
eighty pounds. How much English beer and other 
usual Christmas adjuncts were added must be left for 
the imagination, as nothing appears in the account at 
hand of the entertainment. 

A brief chronological statement of events during 
an interesting portion of the history of our venerable 
archetype must close the present record. 

A. D. 1100. St. Margaret's Church founded by Her- 
bert, the first Bishop of Norwich, in expiation of his 
simony. It was from the wall of this ancient temple 
that the stone which, with its friendly inscription, 
now rests in the vestibule of our own St. Stephen's 
was taken. It was presented by the authorities of 
St. Margaret's when St. Stephen's was in process of 
erecton, 1880, and brought over by Col. R. G.. Usher. 
The inscription reads, "St. Margaret's Church, Lynn, 
England, to St. Stephen's Church, Lynn, Mass., 
U. S. A., 28th June, 1880." 

1204. Lynn made a borough town with burgesses, 
in this, the sixth year of the reign of King John. 
And in 1268 it was made a mayor-town. 

1469. King Edward IV. came to Lynn with a great 
retinue, took shipping and went to Flanders. One 
of the most interesting relics now remaining in Lynn 
is the ruin known as the Chapel of " Our Lady," pic- 
turesquely situated on an elevation in the beautiful 
" Public Walks." The visible parts, those above 
ground, which were built under a license granted in 
1482, form a superstructure to the lower, underground 
parts, which were built at an unknown and much 
earlier period. The structure is small, but bears evi- 
dence of having originally been an elaborate and 



richly-adorned shrine ; and was probably established 
for the entertainment of wandering pilgrims, and as 
a sacred asylum from all secular intrusion — a sanct- 
uary. It was in this retreat that King Edward is said 
to have lodged when he reached Lynn on his way to 
Holland, in 1469, his retinue finding quarters else- 
where. It will be remembered that these were the 
times of the bloody strife between the houses of York 
and Lancaster, and that he was son of the Duke of 
York. While here, in the asylum of " Our Lady," 
he was safe. 

1458. Mention is this year made of a boy choir in 
St. Blargaret's Church. 

1498. King Henry VII., his Queen and Arthur, 
Prince of Wales, visited Lynn, and were entertained 
by the Augustine Friars. He came in state, with a 
numerous retinue. The Augustine Friars were a 
mendicant order, much of the character of the Jesuits 
of the present day ; were a learned body, and min- 
gled more in society than most other orders. They 
settled in Lynn about 1275, and continued till 1539. 

1519. Cardinal Wolsey visited Lynn, attended by 
many lords and gentlemen. It was now that the cel- 
ebrated prelate was in the zenith of his glory, held 
the Sees of Bath and Wells, of Worcester and Here- 
ford, together with the rich Abbey of St. Alban's. 
But disappointment in his ambitious yearnings soon 
overtook him; his downfall came ; and in about ten 
years after his visit to Lynn death closed his event- 
ful career. 

1531. A maid, for poisoning her mistress, is boiled 
to death. 

1535. A Dutchman is burnt in Lynn market-place 
for heresy. 

1536. The Carmelites, the Dominicans, the Augus- 
tines and the Franciscans, four orders of friars, totally 
suppressed in Lynn. 

1546. All the streets of the town paved. The 
guilds and chanteries all suppressed, and the lands 
belonging to them forfeited to the King, Henry VIII. 

1549. Several rebels executed at Lynn. 

1553. Lady Jane Gray proclaimed Queen of Eng- 
land, at Lynn, by Lord Audley. 

1561. Popish relics and mass-books burnt in the 
market-place at Lynn. 

1566. The first chime of bells placed in the tower 
of St. Margaret's Church. This seems to have been 
a set of five bells, the largest of which could be 
heard ten miles ott". Some years after the number was 
increased to eight, and in 1887 to ten, the Mayor, on 
the occasion of the Queen's jubilee presenting one, 
naming it "Victoria," and the mayoress one, naming 
it "Albert." They were first rung on the jubilee day, 
June 21. 

1567. A Dutch ship, then lying in the harbor of 
Lynn, shot down the spire of St. Margaret's Church 
and several crosses. 

1568. Popish vestments, relics, crucifixes and 
beads burnt in the Lynn market-place. 



LVNN. 



347 



1574. The plague prevailed in Lynn. 

1575. A severe earthquake felt in Lynn. 

1576. Queen Elizabeth visited Norfolk in August. 
The corporation of Lynn presented to her a beautiful 
purse, wrought with pearl and gold, and containing 
a hundred old angels, the whole value being two 
hundred pounds. On the KJth of the month, in her 
progress through the country, she dined at Bracon- 
Ash Hall, being entertained there by Thomas Town- 
send, Esq., who, no doubt, wa.s grandfather of Thomas 
Townsend, who came over to our Lynn, in 1636, and 
settled as a larnier, near the iron-works. He wa.«i a 
cousin of (xoveruor Winthrop. The wife of Thomas, 
the entertainer of the Queen, received from Her Ma- 
jesty the gift of a beautiful gilt bowl in acknowledg- 
ment of the hospitality she had received. Daniel 
Townsend, one of the four Lynn men killed at the 
battle of Lexington, was a lineal descendant. Some- 
thing more relating to the Townsends may be found 
in the sketch of Lynnfield. 

1588. The " Feast of Reconciliation," so called, es- 
tablished in Lynn. This was a meeting of the 
mayor, aldermen, Common Council and ministers, " in 
order to settle peace and quietness between man and 
man, and to decide all manner of controversies." It 
seems as if some such institution might in our day 
settle more satisfactorily such controversies as fester 
in our inferior courts. And perhaps labor troubles 
might come in for adjustment. 

1590. A woman named Margaret Read burnt at 
Lynn for witchcraft. In 1598, Elizabeth Housage ; 
in 1616, Mary Smith ; and iu 164J, Dorothy Lee and 
Grace Wright were hanged tor the same oft'ense. 

1605. A great fire occurred in High Street, Lynn, 
a man, his wife and three children perishing iu the 
flames. 

1621. A man, while ringing the great bell of St. 
Margaret's, wvas drawn up by the rope and killed. 

1626. Lynn received from London several large 
cannon for the defense of the town, and St. Ann's 
fort was built. 

1629. A stool for weighing children was this year 
erected at the charge of the corporation. 

1636. Fourteen vessels belonging to Lynn were 
this year lost by the violence of storms. The plague 
also prevailed, insomuch that no market was held. 
Temporary erections were prepared for the afflicted 
ones of the poorer classes under the town walls. 

1642. Lynn received seven pieces of brass cannon 
from London, for the more effectual armament of the 
fortifications. In August the town was besieged by the 
Parliamentary forces and suffered occasional bombard- 
ment till September 16th, when it was surrendered 
by agreement, only four having lost their lives and a 
few being wounded. The town was required to pay 
to tlie Earl of Manchester's army three thousand two 
hundred pounds. It soon became a Parliamentary 
garrison town, and so continued till 16.52. 

1643. Puritanism having gained the ascendency, 



the " curious painted glass " in St. Margaret's Church 
was ordered to be taken out and plain glass substi- 
tuted. 

1654. Cromwell renewed and enlarged the charter 
of Lynn. And in the churches the arms of the Com- 
monwealth were substituted for the royal arms. 

1655. Lynn again made a garrison town. 

1660. The restoration celebrated. Three hundred 
young maidens, tastily arrayed in white, parade the 
streets. There was great rejoicing iu Lynn at the 
restoration, for the place had always remained e-ssen- 
tially loyal. The oaths of allegiance and supremacy 
were readily taken by the leading citizens, and the 
train-bands indulged in musters and military shows. 
Many of the former customs and observances were 
revived ; among them the early divine service at St. 
Margaret's — five A. M. in summer and six in winter 
— which had been suspended for ten years. 

1682. Two new May-poles set up in Lynn. 

1686. Great rejoicing in Lynn at the erection of a 
statue of King James II. 

1745. February 8th, Eugene Aram, that remarkable 
individual who.se learning and fate have made him 
historical, commits the murder for which he was finally 
executed and his body hung in chains. He lived in 
Lynn, was teacher in the academy there at the time 
of his arrest, in 1759, and so much beloved by his pu- 
pils that many tears were shed when the constables, 

" Two stern-faced men set out from Lynn, 
Through the cold and heavy mist. 
And Eugt-ne Aram walked between. 
With gyves upon his wrist." 

The school is still flourishing. Upon the leads of 
Gray Friars' Tower, which yet remains one of the 
most conspicuous objects in Lynn, and which is near 
the school, may yet be seen the name of Aram, 
scratched, it is said, by his own hand. Biilwer's novel, 
entitled " Eugene Aram," was probably suggested by 
the familiarity of the author with the legends and 
surroundings of Lynn, he having an aunt residing 
there. 

The foregoing will be sufficient for a glimpse at the 
history of our ancient prototype, with some of the 
vicissitudes to which she has been exposed and some 
of her doings characteristic of the times. But to oc- 
cupy space with events of later date would hardly be 
justifiable. 

Closing Remarks. — In bringing this imperfect 
sketch of Lynn to a close, it may be remarked that 
the several topics introduced have been as fully treated 
as the allotted space would allow. And in the choice 
of topics it has been the endeavor to select such as on 
the whole would prove most interesting and best fitted 
to illustrate the principal object in view. 

Glimpses of its situation, its beautiful surroundings 
and natur.al resources, have been given ; the labors, 
sacrifices and sufferings of the people in its earliest 
days, their leading chai-acteristics, hopes, enjoymenis 
and expectations, have been touched upon ; and the 



348 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



progress onward to the present day of comfort, thrift 
and attainment in wealth, education and the higher 
arts of life, has been traced — all according to the pre- 
scribed limits and the ability of the writer. 

Something of the character of the people in tlie 
different periods is to be found in the numerous per- 
sonal notices scattered tlirough the pages. And the 
employments on which the prosperity of the place 
has grown have not been overlooked. Considering 
the condition in which we now find ourselves, a little 
self-gratulation may be pardonable. The aspect of 
things as they now exist may be called reasonably au- 
spicious, and the prayer is that they may ever contin- 
ue so, while generation succeeds generation as wave 
succeeds wave upon our shore, ceasing only when 
those waves cease to roll. 

Could one of the old settlers arise — for instance the 
intelligent Sadler, whose modest liabitation nestled 
at the foot of the hill by which the writer is penning 
these closing lines — what would be his astonishment ! 
The natural features of the surroundings, the rocky 
ravines, the green liills, the meadows, the placid 
river, the sunny isles have undergone but little 
change. But the plain wliioh he then overlooked, 
stretching from his feet to the sea, with the smoke of 
its few rude structures curling upward among the trees, 
now bears a wide-spread city. And the great waters 
beyond, which then presented an unbroken field of 
blue, are now traversed by floating craft of all de- 
scriptions, from the huge steam-puffing leviathan that 
bridges the watery way to his old home on a far-off 
continent, to the tiny pleasure-boat. Over the then 
silent hills and through the lonely valleys now echo 
at early morning the awakening whistles summoning 
to labor in the numerous factorie*, at evening repeat- 
ing their shrill notes as the hours of labor close. 

It can well be imagined that he often seated him- 
self upon the mossy crest of the clifi' that still bears 
his name, and which towered above his lonely habi- 
tation, at evening twilight, 

'* When every sound of day is mute 
And all its vuices still, 
And silence walks with velvet foot 
O'er valley, town and hill," 



and when 



' The music of the murmuring deep 
Sooths e'en the weary earth to sleep,' 



there to meditate till the darker hours of night drew 
on, the primeval stillness disturbed only by the ru.st- 
ling of the breeze in the leafy woods, or haply at in- 
tervals by the bark of the fox, the howl of the wolf, 
the hoot of the owl or the melancholy note of the 
whip-poor-will. Could he then in dreamy forecast 
have imagined a time like the present — a time when 

" Over the marshes mournfully 
Drifts the Bound of the restless sea," 

forming an eternal foundation harmony to the hum of 
a busy city, the ceaseless rumbling of railroad trains 
speeding along with fiery wake and echoing shriek. 



and the many other then unknown sounds that now 

succeed the feverish palpitations of bustling day? As 
his eye scanned the dark horizon, then unrelieved 
even by the glimmer of a coast light, could he have 
imagined that a brightly-lighted city, with its central 
electric illuminations and its outposts of lambent gas, 
would ever appear within those murky borders? 

But after all our boasted privileges, inventions, prog- 
ress and attainment — after all the revelations in phil- 
osophy, science and mechanics — after all our steam- 
driven machinery, telegraphs, telephones, gas and 
electric lights — are there better, wiser, nobler men 
and women — better rulers, statesmen, philanthropists 
— better fathers, mothers, children — than there were 
in days of yore? Probably not. Mankind preserves 
about the same old average, and very likely will, to 
the end of time. While we look with compassion 
upon what we call the unprogressive state of the races 
below us, are we sure that those above us do not look 
with pitying eye upon our own condition ? Yet to 
come down to our own limited case, there appears 
reason for congratulation in that the great rank and 
file of the community are at this day in a physically 
better condition than at any former period ; better fed, 
clothed and sheltered ; better provided with the neces- 
saries, conveniences and comforts of life. Some 
pseudo-philosophers are wont to boast that this gen- 
eration has reached a higher plane in all respects than 
any before known. Let them take comfort in the be- 
lief; but the true moralist may well maintain that the 
plane of perfection is yet a great way off. So let us 
heed the words of the old dramatist : 

" Fascal. How, now, Sir Francis ! 
Kuowest thou not there is a niche, 
A blessed niche, provided for each one ? 
The virtuous and diligent will gain it ; 
The vicious and the slothful, never ! " 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



ALONZO LEWIS.^ 

The Lynn Bard was born at Lynn, Mass., on the 
28th day of August, 1794, and the house in which he 
was born is yet standing in Boston Street, on the 
corner of Robinson. He was descended on his fath- 
er's side from an old Welsh family, a family that 
traces its lineage, through generation and generation, 
back to the native princes of Wales, princes that 
reigned years anterior to the conquests of the Angles 
and Saxons, and even before the Romans made their 
appearance in Britain. As the Angles and Saxons 
absorbed the ancient Briton, so did they, in their 
turn, become ab.sorbed by the later Normans, and the 
old Welsh Llewellyn got, in the course of time, to be 
translated into the more modern Lewis. The first of 

1 By Ion Lewis. 




(rTl^'2-O ,=><^ l^-2yZ^CfJ 



i 



LYNN. 



349 



the fiimily to appear in this country was William 
Lewis, who came here from Glamorganshire, South 
Wales, in IfiSlJ. There is more or less French — prob- 
ably Norman French — influence in the modern family, 
that undoubtedly crept in at the Norman invasion, 
and is manifest in the family motto, " courage sans 
peur." And the evidence of a participation in the 
crusades under Richard is seen in their crest, a Sara- 
cen's head. The Lewis coat of arms is a lion ram- 
pant on a field azure. The descendants of this Wil- 
liam Lewis are not very numerous, most of the name 
in this country being of English descent. Governor 
Morgan Lewis, of New York, son of Francis Lewis, 
a signer of the Delcaration of Independence, was of 
the same family, although the latter came to this 
country a century later than William Lewis. In the 
matter of genealogies, however, anything ante-dating 
the Norman conquest, or even the fourteenth centu- 
ry, is liable to dispute. 

Mr. Lewis received a sound and thorough educa- 
tion, but not content with the mere instruction of the 
schools, he pursued his studies, and with vigor, 
through the whole extent of his life. As a linguist 
he acquired considerable proficiency in the commoner 
modern and ancient languages. He had an evident 
delight for study, and loved to teach, being at one 
time head-master of Lynn Academy, and at others, 
of one or two grammar schools in Lynn. In 1831 he 
established a young ladies' school in Boston, but does 
not seem to have continued it long. In 1835 he 
abandoned the profession of teacher. 

From his early youth he evidenced a strong poetic 
temperament, and several of his poems were written 
at an early age, some bearing the date of 1811, Mr. 
Lewis being then but seventeen years of age. In 
1823 he collected and printed his first volume of 
poems, a book of two hundred pages, but, as he says 
in the preface, more for private than for public circu- 
lation. This volume contained many of his best 
poems, including " Farewell to my Harp." In 1829 
was published the first edition of the History of Lynn, 
a work of immense labor. The work was the first in 
the field of local histories, and is called to this day 
by good authorities one of the best local histo- 
ries ever written. Two years later, in 1831, appeared 
another volume of poems, containing many of the 
1823 edition and others written in the interval. An- 
other edition of the history was published, and in 
1834 appeared the last volume of poems, which im- 
mediately became very popular and went through 
fourteen editions, being most favorably received by 
the critics both in this country and in England. 

In addition to the above Mr. Lewis published a 
small English grammar, and another small work on 
geometry, beside a descriptive sketch called, " A 
Picture of Nahant." During his whole life he wrote 
much for the newspapers and magazines of (he time, 
both in prose and poetry. He edited an anti-slavery 
paper in Lynn before the appearance of the Libera- 



tor, and was once, during the absence of Mr. Garri- 
son, in editorial charge of that paper, as he was also 
of the Boston Traveler, then the American Traveler. 
He was a member of the jSIassachusetts Historical 
Society, and a corresponding member of nuiuy other 
historical bodies. 

In 1851 he was requested by Ticknor & Co. to write 
a history of Boston, but does not seem to have com- 
plied with the request, as the only thing of the kind 
of his that I have discovered is a sort of chronological 
arrangement of the principal events in the history of 
Boston, called " Annals of Boston." He evidently 
contemplated another historical work, as a letter of 
Mr. Whittier's to him in 1833, says: "I hope thee 
will decide to go on with thy ' Witchcraft.' I cer- 
tainly think it would be very popular." 

That he was more happy in his prose than in his 
poetry no one can gainsay, and had he written more 
of the former, and that of a less local nature, his 
fame would certainly have been less circumscribed. 
Many of the descriptive parts of the " History of 
Lynn " are very beautiful, and I know of people that 
every now and again take up the history and read and 
reread for the mere pleasure of reading. lu the mat- 
ter of improvement of his native town he took great 
interest, and many works of a local nature were con- 
ceived and carried through, almost entirely by his 
unaided eflx)rls. The construction of the break- 
water and road along Lynn Beach are due to his 
efforts, as was also the erection of the light-house on 
Egg Rock. 

In the anti-slavery movement Mr. Lewis took a 
most active part, being second vice president of the 
first Anti-Slavery Society, of which William Lloyd 
Garrison was secretary, and furthering the cause by 
his writings for the periodicals of the time. 

He was naturally of a religious nature and lived a 
consistent Christian life, often denying himself that 
he might minister to the necessities of others ; and 
exercising that grandest gift of charity that was lack- 
ing in the treatment of him by others. He was for 
many years the only churchman in Lynn, and walked 
to St. Peter's, Salem, every Sunday for service. At 
one time he applied to Bishop Grirwold to be ad- 
mitted as a candidate for Holy Orders, but does not 
seem to have carried out his first intention. He 
continued a churchman for the greater part of his 
life, being prominent in the establishment of St. Ste- 
phen's Parish, Lynn, and was one of the first five in- 
corporators. Before the establishment of St. Stephen's 
he held services at Glenmere, himself acting as lay 
reader. 

Mr. Lewis was twice married, his first wife being 
Frances Maria Swan, of Methuen, by whom he had 
six children, of whom two, Llewellyn and Arthur, 
are now living. For his second wife he married An- 
nie Ilsley Hanson, of Portland, Maine, by whom he 
had two children, Ina and Ion, the former dying 
some months before her father. For the latter part 



350 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of his life Mr. Lewis lived in the picturesque cottage 
in Beach Street, close to the water's edge, a place 
where he loved to sit and study, and where, on the 
21st day of January, 1861, he passed away, at the 
very beginning of that great struggle which resulted 
in the accomplishment of an object for which he had 
striven the greater part of his life. 

I have here attempted no extended biography, and 
would say to those who desire more minute par- 
ticulars and personal reminiscences to consult " The 
History of Lynn," as continued by Mr. Newhall 
and published in 1804 ; and also, Mr. Johnson's 
charming " Sketches of Lynn," published a year or 
two ago. 



JAMES ROBINSON NEWHALL. 

The brief personal sketch of the individual whose 
name is placed above, which appeared in the " Cen- 
tennial Memorial " of Lynn, published by order of 
the City Council, in 1876, is introduced in these 
words: " It is a delicate task for one to write of him- 
self, unless he has that in his history the worthiness 
of which is patent and not to be questioned, it re- 
quiring no poet to assure us that we seldom ' see our- 
selves as others see us.' " That "delicate task," how- 
ever, fell to his lot, and to a similar behest, in the 
present case, he submits. 

The name appeared in the "Centennial" at the 
dictation of the Committee of the Council having the 
matter in charge, who expressed a desire that sketches 
of the " two historians," as they were pleased to call 
them, should be inserted. The fitness of thus honor- 
ing the memory of Mr. Lewis could not be questioned, 
whatever might be said of the one whose name had 
been so long associated with his in delineating the 
progress of Lynn, the native and ancestral home of 
both. The sketch referred to will form the basis of 
the one now in hand. The supercilious autobiogra- 
pher may magnify his virtues and the over-modest 
his errors; but the charm lies in the mean, from 
which, in the present case, there is little inducement 
to stray. 

The subject of this notice was born in Lynn on 
Christmas day, 1809, in the old Hart house, that stood 
on Boston Street, at the southwest corner of Federal, 
the same which, on the Centennial Fourth of July , 1876, 
disappeared in a patriotic blaze, amid the shouts and 
cheers of Young America. All his genealogical lines 
run back to early Lynn settlers. His father was Ben- 
jamin Newhall, who was born in 1774 and died in 
1857; Benjamin's father was James, born in 1731, 
died in 1801 ; James' father was Benjamin, born in 
1698, died in 176.3 ; Benjamin's father was Joseph, 
born in 1658, died in 1706 ; Joseph's father was 
Thomas, born in 1630, died in 1687 — the first white 
child born in Lynn. His mother was Sarah, a 
daughter of Joseph Hart, who descended from Sam- 
uel, one of the first engaged at the ancient iron 
works established near Saugus River in 1643, said to 



be the first in America. Both his grandmothers were 
granddaughters of Hon. Ebenezer Burrill, so con- 
spicuous in colonial times as a Representative and 
Crown Counselor, and who was a brother of John 
Burrill, the eminent speaker whom Governor Hutch- 
inson comi>ares with Sir Arthur Onslow, who was 
considered the most able presiding officer the British 
House of Commons ever had. 

At the age of eleven the writer left the paternal 
roof, with his worldly possessions in a bundle-hand- 
kerchief, to make his way in the wide world, his 
mother having died a year or two before and his 
father having a large family to provide for. 

But little worthy of mention occurred until the 
summer of 1824, when, having worked daily and at- 
tended various public schools, he entered the Salem 
Gazette oflice to learn the art and mystery of printing. 
And it is pleasing to remark that at the present time, 
1887, may daily be seen in that venerable establish- 
ment the Hon. Caleb Foote, who at that time, 1824, was 
busy at the compositor's case. Mr. Foote, however, 
soon after dropped the composing stick for the edito- 
rial pen, an implement which he has wielded to this 
day with rare ability and acceptance. Would that 
all editors could realize, as he has, the dignity and 
responsibility of their public relations. His consid- 
erate suggestions and helpful directions to the typo- 
grajjhical neophyte have, during these three-score 
years and three, been gratefully remembered. 

After serving in the Gazette office for a few years, 
he felt desirous of gaining a better knowledge of book- 
printing than could be done in Salem at that time, 
and in furtherance of the desire procured a situation 
in Boston. Things so prospered that before attaining 
his majority he was installed foreman of one of the 
principal book offices there, his duties in a general 
way being to direct the work and read proofs. Of 
this period many pleasant recollections are retained, 
lu the office were printed a large number of classical 
and scientific works, and some of the most eminent 
men of the time frequently dropped in. Anecdotes 
almost without number of such men as Dr. Channing, 
Dr. Bowditch, Francis J. Grund, the Cambridge pro- 
fessors, N. P. Willis, Samuel G. Goodrich, and shoals 
of the less conspicuous, but not less ambitious literary 
aspirants, could be related. 

While still under age, in the roving spirit of young 
printers, he drifted to New York, and soon after his 
arrival found employment in the Conference office, the 
largest then in the city ; and with perhaps a little 
excusable, if not commendable pride, may refer to 
his reputation there as being the fastest type-setter 
in the establishment. This was in 1829. And he 
has to the present day so indulged his early love for 
the printer's case as for many years to keep a font or 
two of type, wherewith to amuse or occupy a vacant 
hour. Nearly two thousand stereotype pages can be 
to-day shown as the fruit of these semi-recreative 
odds and ends of time, nuich of the matter havinsr 





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LYNN. 



351 



Iieen set up without having been previously written. 
As to the quality of the literary products, he cannot, 
of course, speak. It may, however, be admitted in 
regard to some, at least, that if worth is to be meas- 
ured by pecuniary return, it was not very great. Yet, 
on the whole, there has been much reason to be sat- 
isfied, looking at a " fair average." Exposure to the 
undeserved adulation of sympathetic friends and the 
equally undeserved severity of vindictive critics is 
supposed to be the fate of all writers, great and small. 
It is well remembered that once, on the eve of the 
publication of a notable work, the writer overheard a 
debate between two of the learned editors, of this 

tenor: " Why, you have given nothing from ," 

said one, naming a writer by no means obscure. 
" Well, I know that," was the reply, " but he never 
wrote anything worth a place in our book." "That 
is true," was the rejoinder ; " but the omission would 
greatly ofi'end him and his friends, and might lead to 
damaging reviews. We must have something." And 
something was had, prefaced by a laudatory note. It 
will, of course, be granted that the most ignorant 
critic knows more than the most learned author. 

At the age of twenty-two the writer returned to his 
native place, and soon became engaged in the office 
of the Mirror, the lir.st printing establishment in 
Lynn, commeoced about five years before by Charles 
F. Lummus, and at that time still owned and con- 
ducted by him. It was very poorly supplied with 
material. There was but little work and that not 
well done, and it was not long before the proprietor 
had succeeded in sinking the little means with which 
he began. The writer purchased the office and com- 
menced the publication of another paper, but was 
soon satisfied that much labor would yield but a 
scanty return, and was induced to let the new paper 
speedily follow the fate of the old. 

After busying himself for a few years in various 
ways, chiefly in connection with printing and the 
book business, and once or twice a year taking a lec- 
turing tour, he again found himself in New York, 
engaged in the editorial department of a daily jour- 
nal and in writing for one or two weeklies. Of this 
interval many agreeable recollections are retained, 
among them pleasant ones of the genial young gen- 
tleman, Walter Whitman, now the world-renowned 
Walt Whitman, the poet, who was engaged on the 
same daily ; and the friendly suggestions of the ven- 
erable JIajor M. M. Noah, so long and so fitly called 
the Nestor of the American press, will not be for- 
gotten. 

In 1854, meeting a friend who had for some time 
been in practice as a member of the Essex bar, he 
was kindly invited to take a student'.s seat in his 
office. The invitation was accepted, and the study of 
law commenced. 

Completing a regular legal course, in May, 1847, 
he was admitted to the bar in Boston, and forthwith 
commenced a practice in Lynn, which soon became 



quite satisfactory. He was presently commissioned 
as justice of the peace and notary public, which 
offices he still holds. On the 24th of August, ISIWJ, 
he was commissioned as Judge of the Lynn Police 
Court, with which he had been connected as special 
justice from the time of its establishment, in 1849. 
He was likewise appointed a trial justice of juvenile 
offenders when that jurisdiction was established. The 
judgeship he resigned August 24, 1879. 

At the time he commenced practice there were but 
three acting lawyers here, — namely, Jeremiah C. 
Stickney, Thomas B. Newhall and Benjamin F. Mudge. 
Mr. Stickney was one of the leading lawyers in the 
county for many years. He died August 3, 18(59, 
aged sixty-four years. Mr. T. B. Newh.all commenced 
practice here in 1837, and now, 1887, after fifty years, 
may still be found in his well-worn office chair. Of 
him a personal sketch appears elsewhere in this work. 
Mr. Mudge opened his office in 1S42, removed to 
Manhattan, Kansas, and died there November 21, 
1879, aged sixty-two years. He was our second May- 
or, inaugurated in 1852. The number of Lynn law- 
yers has increased during these forty years (1847-87) 
from three to about forty, while the population has 
hardly quadrupled. Is this to be taken as evidence 
that business has increased in a corresponding degree 
or as evidence that there has been a remarkably in- 
creasing love for litigation ? 

To return from this divergence. Thesuliject of this 
sketch has not been much in public office, excepting 
as connected with the judicial department, though he 
has served as chairman of the School Board and pres- 
ident of the Common Council. 

In the autumn of 1883, at the age of seventy-three 
years, he took a tour of several months abroad, visit- 
ing a number of famous cities and renowned places 
in Eurojie, and extending his trip to interesting Lev- 
antine points, to Algiers and Malta, on the Mediter- 
ranean ; to Alexandria, Cairo and the Pyramids in 
Egypt. Though the tour was undertaken alone — for 
if alone one can, without let or hindrance, go how, 
when and where he pleases— he everywhere received 
such gratifying civilities as could only lead to regrets 
that he had not earlier in life thus experimentally 
learned that, after all, men everywhere will, on the 
whole, rather contribute to make others happy than 
miserable. Such experience increases faith in human 
nature, and ought to diminish self-conceit. 

Being interested in historical researches, he |iub- 
lishe<l, in 183fi, the "Essex Memorial;" in 18(J2, 
"Lin, or Jewels of the Third Plantation ;" in ISfir), 
" The History of Lynn." comprising the admirable 
work of Alonzo Lewis, with a continuation embrac- 
ing some twenty-one years; in 1883, an additional 
volume of the "History of Lynn," with notices of 
events down to the year of pul)lication and other 
matter on various topics; in 1S7<), by desire of the 
City Council, he prepared the "(Jcntennial Memorial 
of Lynn," embracing an historical sketch an<l notices 



352 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of the mayors, with their portraits; and in 1879, also 
by desire of the City Council, he prepared the worlj 
entitled " Proceedings in Lynn, June 17, 1879, being 
the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
Settlement." To these may not improperly be added 
the sketches of Lynn, Lyunfield and Swarapscott, 
which appear in this " History of Essex County." 

If there is any achievement in a literary way with 
which the writer fancies that he has reason to be sat- 
isfied, it comes through his endeavor to contribute 
something calculated to allure to habits of industry, 
frugality, temperance and those concomitant virtues, 
the sure foundation of prosperity, and the sure way 
towards honorable position. A great many brief 
biographies and personal sketches of individuals in 
the various walks of life have appeared scattered 
about his pages — whether poorly or skillfully drawn is 
not the question here — sketches of individuals who 
have acted well their part in promoting the prosper- 
ity and extending the good fame of their home, as 
well as advancing their individual interests. And 
these personal sketches have a two-fold purpose: 
first, to perpetuate the names of deserving ones, and, 
second, to furnish, by their example, encouragement 
for others to follow on in a like good way. Yet we 
should all realize that the .attainment of mere worldly 
fame, position or wealth is not the chief purpose of 
life, and that at the end we sh.all find there was no 
great gain in worshipping false gods all our lives. 

One other thing has been attempted by the writer, 
and tliat is, to illustrate to some extent the romantic 
and legend.ary side of Lynn's history. There is a rich 
store in that direction, and oftentimes it is difficult to 
distinguish between truth and fiction or know exactly 
where to draw the line. But the aim h.as always been 
to clearly indicate the character of the matter in hand 
and lead no one astray. 

In October, 1837, the writer was united in marriage 
with Miss Dorcas B. Brown, only daughter of Captain 
William Brown, of Salem, and by her had one son, 
who died at the age of ten, his mother having died 
soon after his birth. In 1853 he was again mar- 
ried, the second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, 
daughter of Hon. Josiah Newhall, of Lynn, and that 
relation still, 1887, remains unsevered. 

The writer trusts that nothing in the foregoing will 
tend to place him in the category indicated by our 
former townsman, Henry Clapp, when he said of Hor- 
ace Greeley : " He is a self-made man and worships 
his maker," for in his life, as has been seen, few stir- 
ring incidents have occurred, no extraordinary ad- 
ventures, no remarkable achievements. Whether any- 
thing of value has been accomplished is a question 
for others to decide. Nevertheless, it may be re- 
marked in a general way that very few who are so 
long in the world lead such barren lives that nothing 
of usefulness or interest is found. And not unfre- 
quently is it the case that the lessons to be drawn 
from the lives of those in the less prominent walks 



are the most widely useful, for the great multitude 
are companions in those walks, and can the more 
readily appreciate the obstacles and perceive the 
snares that beset the way. Every one feels that he 
has a hand in shaping his own destiny, though it does 
seem as if 

** Some were born to wealth or fame, 
While others are mere Fortune's game." 

But it is dutiful in all of us to follow the injunc- 
tion of our rhyming old townsman, of eccentric mem- 
ory: 

"While traveling to the unknown land, 
Let each lend each a helping hand," 

ever bearing in mind that 

*' AVliiit might have been can not be known ; 
What was we answer for alone." 

[Note. — It was editorially suggested that this sketch and the accompa- 
nying portrait would more appropriately appear among the lawyers uf 
the County. The privilege of being placed in that august company is 
fully appreciated, though the superior lustre there might be obscuring. 
But inasmuch as the writer h,a6 had a considerable share in illustrating 
Lynn's history and always earnestly desired her Godspeed, it seemed to 
him that the more suitable place was in the company of those whose 
enterprise, industry and dignity of character have bo advanced the 
prosperity of their home and his.] 



HON. GEORGE HOOD, 

The first mayor of the city of Lynn, was a n.ative 
of the town of Lynn, and was born on the 10th of 
November, 1806. 

The Hood family is among the earliest mentioned 
in the annals of Lynn, being descended from Richard 
Hood, who emigrated from Essex County, in Eng- 
land, about 1640, and settled at Lynn. Dying in 1695, 
he left three sons, — Richard, John and Nathaniel. 
Rich.ard, the eldest of these, falling heir to the 
" Nahant road " property — some thirty acres — now 
bounded in part by Nahant Street, afterwards ex- 
changed it with Jabez Breed for certain land on the 
peninsula of Nahant, and went thither to live, and 
there his descendants have ever since resided. This 
Richard had a son Abner, who had a son Abner, 
who married Mary Richardson, and they were the 
parents of the subject of this sketch. While he was 
an infant the family removed to Nahant, and there, 
in the little village school, he received all his youth- 
ful intellectual training. He learned the trade of 
shoemaking, and at the age of twenty-two, in com- 
pany with John C. Abbott, he went to the then far 
West to seek his fortune. They directed their course 
to St. Louis, Mo., at that time, in 1829, a small place. 
In a few days they were established in business, and 
within a month Mr. Hood, with a part of their stock, 
wentdown to Natchez, Miss., and commenced a branch 
establishment, which he continued to manage until 
1835, the principal business, remaining, meanwhile, 
at St. Louis. In the last-named year he returned to 
Lynn and established a commission shoe and leather 
business in Boston, retaining, however, an interest in 
the western business till 1841. In his Boston busi- 
ness he continued till the time of his decease. 




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354 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the hills with innumerable trees, many of which he 
planted with his own hands. He imported larches, 
maples, firs and pines in large quantities, planted 
acorns constantly in liis walks about the estate, and 
succeeded in converting a rough and somewhat unat- 
tractive landscape into a variegated forest, through 
which winds an avenue of great beauty, bordered by 
deciduous and evergreen trees distributed with great 
taste, and constituting a charming combination of 
variety and luxuriance of foliage. The forest which 
Mr. Fay planted has now become a profitable wood- 
land. The bare hills which he covered with Scotch 
larches, the rude stone walls and the waste pasture 
where, originally, there was only a growth of red 
cedars and huckleberry bushes, through which the 
approach to the house led, have given way to shade- 
trees of great variety, which now after forty years are 
in magnificent beauty. Huge rocks were drawn out 
of the barren soil, now verdant in lawn, grass-fields 
and rich crops. The place is one of the most 
picturesque in New England in natural beauty, and 
in its present condition is a memorial of the taste and 
genius of the man who developed and added to its 
attractions. 

In addition to this extensive forest and ornamental 
tree-culture, Mr. Fay encouraged by precept and 
practice many of the most important branches of 
agriculture which belong especially to the practical 
farmer. While in England he had observed the im- 
portance attached to sheep- husbandry, for the pro- 
duction of coarse and middle wools, and for the sup- 
ply of mutton as a healthful and economical article 
of food, at that time not in general use in this coun- 
try. He selected from all the heavy and rapid-grow- 
ing breeds in England the Oxford Downs, as larger 
than the South Down, and finer than the Ootswold ; 
and from his large flocks he made for a long time a 
wide distribution throughout the country. In this 
branch of agriculture he was considered as authority; 
and in connection with it he encouraged the growing 
of root-crops, the most improved Swedes and Man- 
golds, which English flock-masters and cattle-breeders 
consider indispensable to their calling. 

To the establishment of market-days in Essex 
County Mr. Fay gave early and earnest attention, 
and contributed much instruction on this system of 
trade, so common in England, through the agri- 
cultural press of the country. His attendance at the 
meeting of farmers was frequent. As a trustee of the 
Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, in 
which body, Eobert C. Winthrop, George W. Lyman, 
Chief Justice Bigelow, George Peabody, of Salem, 
Charles G. Loring, Stephen Salisbury, George B. 
Loring, Leverett Saltou.stall and others were his asso- 
ciates, he did good service, and edited the first issue 
of the records of the society. As president of the 
Essex Agricultural Society, he called around that as- 
sociation the most eminent patrons of farming known 
in the country, and did much to place it in the posi- 



tion it now occupies. He had a sincere love of rural 
life, and although connected from time to time with 
inisiness enterprises, he never forgot that agriculture 
is the foundation of all our prosperity, and that a 
knowledge of its economies and a taste for its pursuits 
add much to one's usefulness and happiness. 

Mr. Fay was a man of great determination, strong 
impulse and wide observation. His natural powers 
were great. Highly favored by fortune, he never lost 
sight of the eftbrts required for the development of 
human enterprises, and was somewhat impatient of 
those theories which disturbed society and endan- 
gered its perpetuity and success. He lived in a time 
of great transitions, in which, although occupying no 
official position, he gave strong expression- to his 
views and equal impress to his exertions. Early in 
the breaking out of the Civil War he organized at 
his own expense a company known as the Fay Guards, 
which did brave and honorable service in the great 
conflict. This company was attached to the Thirty- 
eighth Massachusetts, and was in the following en- 
gagements: Port Hudson, May 17 to July 9, 1863 ; 
Cane River, La., April, 1864; Mansion Plains, La., 
May, 1864; Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864; 
Fisher's Hill, Va., September 21, 1864: Cedar Creek, 
Va., October 19, 1864. Mr. Fay lived to see the 
glorious and happy termination of his country's trial. 

Mr. Fay died in Liverpool July 6, 1865, leaving a 
widow and four children. 



HENRY NEWHAI.L. 

Henry Newhall was descended from one of the 
oldest and largest fanulies in Lynn, his earliest pater- 
nal ancestor, Thomas N. (the son of Thomas, who 
came from England and settled in 1630), having been 
the first child born in the town. He was born March 
10, 1797, and was the son of Winthrop and Elizabeth 
(Farrington). Winthrop Newhall was a tanner. 
Henry, having associated himself with his older 
brother, Francis S., in the morocco trade and manu- 
facture, became a prominent merchant, the business 
of the firm being one of the largest in the town, 
having its headquarters in Lynn and Boston, with a 
branch house for a short period in New York. In 
1850 ill health compelled him to retire from the firm, 
and it was several year;, partly occupied in travel at 
home and abroad, before he was sufficiently restored 
to resume the responsibilities of business. Upon the 
death of his brother Francis, president of the Laigh- 
ton (now Central National) Bank, in 1858, he was 
elected to the office and continued to hold it until his 
retirement in 1876, at the advanced age of nearly] 
eighty years. 

Henry Newhall belonge<l to a family marked for 
intelligence and capacity, and inherited those sterling 
qualities of mind and character that always command 
the respect and confidence of a community. His in- 
tegrity, his quiet but penetrating insight into human 



i 




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LYNN. 



355 



nature, his firmness of clKiracter, his careful and Intel - 
ligent juilgmcnt, together with his kind and friendly 
sijirit, made him a most useful citizen, especially 
in husiness circles. He had, also, a broad and vigor- 
ous mind, and if there were any deficiencies of early 
education they were more than made up through his 
large aud thoughtful reading, his keen appreciation 
of the best things in thought and life and his 
unabated interest in human affairs. Few business 
men were so well-read in the literature of history, 
politics, biography and fiction. He was never with- 
out a book at hand, aud little of the current litera- 
ture that was worth reading escaped his attention. 
Then he was known for independent and positive 
opinions, for which he had no lack of courageous and 
positive expression ; at the same time he was most tol- 
erant and considerate of others. He was a man of 
great sincerity and pl.iin-spokenne.ss, and his convic- 
tions had weight and influence with those with whom 
he was associated. In business relations he was re- 
markable for tact and discretion, and it was a matter 
of common remark that he never obtruded himself 
upon the interests of others. 

One of his especial characteristics was a strong 
patriotism. And from the first he believed in anti- 
slavery, and, though prudent and conservative by 
nature, was an ardent supporter of the cause of 
humanit)' at a time when it was most unpopular. In- 
deed, he was a patient listener to every reform, an ad- 
mirer of fair play in the advocacy of opinions and 
principles, and a believer in the honesty of human 
nature and the progressive tendencies of society. 

In religious matters his convictions were not so 
much traditional as founded upon the dictates of con- 
science and reason. Of Quaker extraction, he was 
one of the leaders of the liberal movement in Lynn 
which culminated in the formation of the Unitarian 
Society, of which he was a constant and liberal sup- 
porter. The mottoes of his life may be said to have 
been sincerity, honor and fidelity, good-will and jus- 
tice towards men, and there was nothing toward 
which he expressed a severer repugnance than their 
opposites. 

He was a genial and companionableJfriend,and pos- 
sessed unusually interesting powers of conversation. 

He held few jmblic offices, but was identified with 
most of the important business institutions of the 
city, — the Lynn Institution for Savings, the Lynn 
Gas-Light Company, the old Mechanics' Insurance 
Company, was president of the Exchange and Lyceum 
Hall Associations, held a number of oflSces under the 
old town government, and was one of the first com- 
missioners of the Lynn City Hall and City Debt 
Sinking Funds, a benefactor of the Lynn Public Li- 
brary in fact, a friend and adviser in all the business 
interests of the city. 

In his old age his mind was remarkable for its 
vigor and clearness, while his warmth and kindliness, 
his patience with sickness, his serenity and cheerful 



temper drew around him a host of admiring friends. 
To the young he was as companionable as to the old. 
He died July 15, 1878, in his own home, situated 
upon Nahant Street, upon land that had been occu- 
pied by many generations of his ancestors, and was 
buried in Pine Grove Cemetery. 

He married Ann Atwell, who died in February, 
186.3. His surviving children are Charles Henry and 
Sarah Catharine, wife of Benjamin J. Berry. 



ISAIAH BREED. 

Isaiah Breed was born in Lynn October 21, 1786, 
and was the son of James Breed, of that place. Like 
his father, he entered into the shoe business and |)ur- 
sued it successfully for nearly fifty years, becoming 
one of the most extensive and w'ealthy manufacturers 
in that busy aud thriving town. Mr. Breed was one 
of the first directors of the Eastern Eailroad, and 
president for more than thirty years of the Lynn 
Mechanics' Bank. He was also, at one time, a Ecj)re- 
sentative in the State Legislature, and in 1839 a State 
Senator. He took an active interest in the weltare of 
his native town, and was one of the organizers of the 
Central Congregational Society, of which he was for 
some years a deacon. He was a liberal, public-spir- 
ited man, of great strength of character, and always 
distinguished in all the relations of life, as not mere- 
ly an honest man, but one of deep convictions of 
duty and a high sense of honor. He was one of 
those sterling men who gave life and spirit to Lynn 
as a town, and so added to the wealth and population 
as to finally e-stablish it as a city of enterprise aud 
continuous growth. 



D. C. BAKER. 

The immediate ancestors of Daniel Collins Baker 
lived in Dighton, Mass., and were engaged in farm- 
ing. Elisha Baker left his father's farm at an early 
age and went to Lynn, where he married Ruth, 
daughter of Samuel Collins. Both Mr. aud Mrs. 
Baker were members of the Society of Friends. He 
had five children, of whom Daniel Collins, the oldest 
son and the subject of this sketch, w;is born in Lynn 
October 12, 1810. His early education was such as 
the town school of his native town, under the care of 
Master Hobbs, afiorded, and afterwards, for a year 
and a half, he attended as pupil the Friends' Board- 
ing School at Providence, K. I. At the age of thir- 
teen he was apprenticed to the shoemaking trade, to 
w'hich he applied himself with such an earnest de,sire 
to master its details that while yet a young man he 
established himself in the nmnufacture of shoes on 
his own account, and by his industry and skill soon 
built up a successful business. 

From the manufacture of shoes he became inter- 
ested in the leather and shoe finding trade, and be- 
came a partner in the firm of F. S. Newhall & Co., of 
Boston, in that business. In later years he resumed 



356 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the manufacture of shoes, and at the time of his 
death was doing business in the South, having a shoe 
house established in New Orleans. He died in New 
Orleans July 19, 1863, whither he had gone to gather 
up something of the fortune which the war had scat- 
tered and swept away. He married, December 19, 
1838, Augusta, daughter of John B. Chase, of Lynn, 
and had three children, — William E., who married 
Lydia M. Marshall, and is an esteemed and successful 
merchant in Lynn ; Helen A., who married A. Mitch- 
el Collins, of Georgia; and Sarah E., who is unmar- 
ried. 

Mr. Baker, aside from his legitimate business, 
always felt a deep interest in public affairs, and pos- 
sessed qualities specially fitting him for their admin- 
istration. In earlier times he was an active member 
of the Whig party, and his services were acknowl- 
edged by his nomination and election to various 
prominent positions. As a member of the Whig 
State Central Committee, which was always composed 
of the most useful men in the different sections of the 
State, he performed his full share in promoting the 
interests of the political organization which it repre- 
sented. In 1849 and 1850 he was a member of the 
Massachusetts Senate, and in 1852 was a Presidential 
elector, and cast his vote for Winfield Scott. He took 
a leading part in the controversy, which resulted in 
the adoption of the act incorporating the city of 
Lynn, passed April 10, 1850, and as a friend of the 
charter was chosen a member of the first Common 
Council, and made its president. In 1853 be was 
chosen mayor over John B. Alley, his opposing can- 
didate. In both of these positions he exhibited the 
highest qualities of an executive and presiding officer, 
and won the confidence and respect of both political 
friends and opponents. 

As president of the Council his services were espe- 
cially valuable in putting the wheels of municipal 
machinery, in the first year of the life of the city, 
successfully in motion. As a .speaker he was logical 
and effective, and always ready without apparent 
preparation. As an administrator of public affairs, 
he was as prudent and economical as he was liberal 
and free in his private life. The public schools of 
the city reaped the advantages of the warm interest 
he felt in their welfare ; perhaps all the warmer be- 
cause his own opportunities for education in early 
life were not such as he felt every youth should pos- 
sess. 

He was also a member of the Bunker Hill Associa- 
tion, and his fondness for decorative gardening and 
for the choicest fruits and flowers, led him to become 
a member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 
and enabled him to do a good work in developing 
and cultivating higher tastes among those about 
him. 

As a wise and careful financial manager Mr. Baker 
was recognized by those in charge of money institu- 
tions, and his services were sought as director of the 



Exchange Bank of Boston on its establishment in 
1847, and as president of the Howard Banking Com- 
pany of that city, when it went into operation in 
1853. 

Though many years have elapsed since his death, 
he is remembered for his genial disposition, his gen- 
erous impulses and his large benevolence, which en- 
deared him to his neighbors and friends, and for the 
faithful and competent service in the performance of 
every public trust. 



EZRA WAEEEN MUDGE. 

Ezra Warren Mudge was born in Lynn Decem- 
ber 5, 1811, and was the son of Ezra and Ruth (Chad- 
well) Mudge, of that town. Ezra Mudge, the father, 
was born in Lynn April 10, 1780. He was first a shoe 
manufacturer, then a dealer in dry-goods in Lynn, 
afterwards a wholesale and retail dealer in shoes in 
New York City, and later a weigher and gager in 
the Custom-House in Boston, where he died May 25 
1855. He served the town of Lynn for sixteen years 
as Eepresentative from 1807, was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1820, a member of the 
Council, and was, in the War of 1812, the captain of 
the Lynn Artillery Company, in the formation of 
which he was specially active. He married, first, 
June 28, 1801, Betsey, daughter of Captain John and 
]\Iary Brewer, of Salem ; second, December 20, 1804, 
Ruth, daughter of Harris and Ruth Chadwell ; and 
third, November 1, 1819, Hannah Bartlett, daughter 
of Lemuel and Sarah (Bartlett) Drew, of Plymouth. 
By his second wife he had Ezra Alden, November 
17, 1805; Eliza Brewer, November 5, 1806; Ruth 
Chadwell, May 9, 1809; Ezra Warren, Decembers, 
1811 ; Nathan and Hannah, twins, September 12, 
1814; and Sarah Wiggin, March 2, 1819. By his 
third wife he had Lemuel Drew, August 6, 1820 ; 
William B., May 3, 1822 ; Hervey Mackay, October 
3, 1823 ; Sarah Elizabeth, May 25, 1825; Sarah Caro- 
line, January 1, 1827 ; Jane and Evelina, twins, 
March 14, 1829; Mary Evelina, November 21, 1830; 
Maria Augusta, March 2, 1833 ; and Robert Rich, 
June 14, 1835. 

The father of Ezra Mudge was Nathan Mudge, 
who was born in Lyunfield September 21, 1756. He 
was a Revolutionary soldier, and died in Lynn Feb- 
ruary 8, 1831. 

He married, first, September 2, 1776, Hannah, 
daughter of John and Sarah lugalls, and had Nathan, 
January 26, 1778; Ezra, April 10, 1780; John Park, 
November 27, 1782; Mary, March 19, 1785 ; Samuel, 
May 15, 1787 ; Joseph, November 15, 1788 ; and 
Hannah, December 20, 1790. He married, second, 
July 24, 1794, Elizabeth, widow of Shubael Burrell, 
and had Joseph, June 17, 1795 ; Enoch, October 18, 
1796 ; Hepsey, March 13, 1798 ; Simon, December 6, 
1799; Hepsey B., August 19,1801; Lydia B., June 
14, 1803 ; Shubael, July 14, 1805 ; Ann Alden, June 



I 



\ 





Cc-t/^-'-^ 



LYNN. 



357 



22, 180(J ; and Caroline, April 2, 1808. He died in 
Lynn February 8, 183L 

The father of Nathan was Jolin Mudge, who was 
born in Maiden December 30, 1713. He was a farm- 
er, and settled in Maiden, but afterwards removed to 
Lynntield. He married, May 4, 1738, Mary, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Anna Waite, of Maiden, and bad 
Samuel, March 22, 1739 ; Mary, April 20, 1740 ; Ly- 
dia, February 28, 1742; John, December 3, 1743; 
Simon, April 8,1748; Ezra, April 7, 1752; Enoch, 
August 1, 1754; Nathan. September 21, 1756; 
Samuel, February 1, 1759. He died in Lynntield 
November 26, 1762. 

The father of John was John Mudge, who was 
born in Maiden November 21, 1686. He was a farm- 
er, and always lived in Maiden. By a wife, Lydia, 
he had John, December 30, 1713 ; Joseph, May 28, 
1716 ; Lydia, January 7, 1718-19. He died in Mai- 
den November 26, 1762. 

The father of the last John was John Mudge, who 
was born in Maiden in 1654. He was a farmer and 
tanner, and always lived in Maiden. He married, in 
1684, Ruth, daughter of Robert and Hannah Burditt, 
of Maiden, and had John, October 15, 1685; John 
again, November 21, 1686 ; and Martha, Decembt-r 
25, 1691. He died in Maiden October 29, 1733. 

The father of the last John was Thomas Mudge, 
who was born in England about the year 1624, and 
was in Maiden as early as 1654. By wife, Mary, he 
had James; Mary, 1651 ; Thomas, 1653 ; John, 1654 ; 
George, 1656 ; Samuel, 1658 ; Jonathan and Martha, 
1662. 

Ezra Warren Mudge, the subject of this sketch, 
was educated in the public schools and the Lynn 
Academy. He first partially learned the book-binder's 
trade in Fall River, and in 1828 entered the dry -goods 
store of Chase & Huse as clerk, where he remained 
until 1838, when he took the business and conducted 
it alone until 1842, at which time he became partner 
in the house of William Chase & Co. In 1849, when 
the Laighton Bank was incorporated, he was selected 
as its cashier, and he continued to hold that office 
until 1868, three years after the bank became the 
Central National, when, on account of failing health, 
he resigned. 

Mr. Mudge was a selectman of Lynn in 1843 and 
1844, a member of the school committee in 1843, '46, 
'56 and '57, town treasurer, treasurer of the city for 
six years after its incorporation, and in 1856 and '57 
was mayor of the city. He was a member of the 
Board of Aldermen in 1862, '63 and '64, a member of 
the board of trustees at its organization in 1862, and 
its president in 1865. His religious views were those 
of the Universalists, and he was one of the founders 
of the First aud Second Universalist Societies of 
Lynn. 

Notwithstanding the early training of Mr. Mudge 
was purely a business one, he was by nature a man of 
refinement, to whom habits of elevated thought 



naturally came, and he early in life formed habits of 
study, which moulded bim into a man of literary 
taste and more than ordinary culture. His honora- 
ble and thorough business methods, controlling the 
routine of his active life, were sujtplemented by the 
graces and pleasures which attach to a life of study. 
He was a thoroughly rounded man, and when he died, 
September 20, 1878, if it can ever be said of any one, 
it can be said of him that death closed a finished 
life. 

Mr. Mudge married, January 23, 1836, Eliza R., 
daughter of John and Margaret Bray, of Salem, and 
had Ezra Warren, April 18, 1837 ; William Ropes, 
July 18, 1839; Mary Chadwell, August 13, 1841; 
Hervey Mackay, October 6, 1843 ; Howard Murray, 
December 9, 1845 ; Florence Howard, November 28, 
1850 ; Arthur Bartlett, December 14, 1853 ; Benjamin 
Gushing, February 10, 1856; and Kate Gertrude, June 
30, 1857. 

Mrs. Eliza R. Mudge, the widow of Mr. Mudge, 
has since died, and the living children are Dr. Arthur 
Bartlett Mudge and Benjamin Gushing Mudge, both 
living in Lynn, and Florence Howard and Kate Ger- 
trude, the latter of whom is a practicing physician in 
Salem. 

Benjamin Gushing Mudge was educated in the 
common schools and graduated at the Lynn High 
School. He afterwards entered the Institution of 
Technology, Boston, and graduated in 1867, taking 
the degree of S.B. 

Mr. Gushing was four years assistant agent of the 
Washington Mills, Lawrence, Mass., which are the 
largest in the world. He started the selling agency 
of the Dean Steam-Pump Company, Boston, and 
built up a very large business, was then called to the 
Boston office of the hydraulic works of Henry R. 
Wortbington, becoming their New England sales- 
agent, increasing their business five-fold, in addi- 
tion, organizing and constructing from four to five 
large water companies each year, and is now officiat- 
ing as their treasurer. He has recently been elected 
the president and director of Pascoag and Webster 
Railway Company of Rhode Island. 



ED^VARD S. DAVI.S.' 

Mr. Davis was born in Lynn, on the 22d of June, 
1808. His parents were Hugh and Elizabeth (Bache- 
lor) Davis, the latter being a descendant from Rev. 
Stephen Bachelor, first minister of the Lynn Church, 
settled in 1632. 

The subject of this sketch received his education 
partly in the public schools of Lynn and partly in the 
academy ; which latter he left in 1826. He w;is soon 
after appointed clerk of Lynn Mechanics' Bank, and 
in that position remained till he became of age. His 
health being now such that a change of residence 
seemed desirable, he removed to Philadelphia, and 

1 By James R. Newhall. 



358 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



commenced business as a commission merchant. 
There he remained till 183.3, when Nahant Bank was 
established; and being offered a position in that in- 
stitution, accepted, and returned to his native place. 
In the bank and in the Union Insurance Company he 
continued till 1837, and then resigned. 

Soon after leaving the bank he began business as a 
shoe manufacturer, but relinquished that and returned 
to the institution on being appointed cashier, and re- 
mained till its affairs were finally closed up. He 
then spent several years of enforced idleness on ac- 
count of ill- health, though occupying a part of the 
time as book-keeper. Subsequently he was appointed 
to a place in the United States Bonded Warehouse, 
in Boston. In 1861 he entered as a clerk in the 
State Auditor's office, and from that time to the 
present he has remained in the same department, 
filling the offices of first and second clerk. 

Mr. Davis was, in early manhood, something of a 
military man ; was in 1835 elected major of the Regi- 
ment of Light Infantry attached to the First Brigade 
of Essex County, and remained in commission as 
major and lieutenant-colonel, most of the time in 
command, till 1843. 

He was one of the early adherents to the anti- 
slavery cause, and never deserted it. The " Lynn 
Colored People's Friend Society " was organized in 
1832, having "for its object the abolition of slavery in 
the United States, the improvement of the character 
and condition of the free blacks and the acquisition 
to the Indians and blacks of the enjoyment of their 
natural rights in an equal participation of civil privi- 
leges with white men." In 1835 this society num- 
bered one hundred and eighty-five members, and we 
find Mr. Davis named as corresponding secretary. 

In 1838, being an active member of the old Whig 
party, Mr. Davis was elected Representative to the 
General Court, and soon after the formation of our 
city government was elected to the Council. In 1852, 
'53, '56 and '57 he was president of the Common 
Council. It was in 1859 and 1800 that he was called 
to fill the mayor's chair, and down to the last date 
had been six years ex-officio member of the school 
committee. In 1834 he was commissioned as a notary 
public, and in 1837 as a justice of the peace, which 
last office he now fills. 

In his religious views Mr. Davis has, from his youthj 
been a consistent Episcopalian ; and that church is in- 
debted to him, probably, more than to any other, for 
its establishment in this place. From the organization 
in 1834, until the present time, he has continued to 
manifest his devotion to her by labor and by pecuniary 
contribution, and in the parish of St. Stephen's still 
continues in an important official position. 

During his administration as mayor several pro- 
jects of public interest were accomplished. The city 
debt was iunded ; the first street railroad located ; 
the more systematic grading of the public schools 
commenced ; and the substitution of brick school- 



houses for those of wood decided on— two of the 
former material being erected while he was in office. 
But perhaps the most notable, at least the most stir- 
ring event, was the great shoemakers' strike, which 
commenced in February, 1860. No occurrence of the 
kind in this part of the country, probably, ever before 
created such a sensation. The whole country seemed 
to have their eyes momentarily turned on Lynn, and 
through the daily journals and illustrated weeklies 
her travail was magnified to an extent far beyond 
what was dreamed of in her own borders. Neverthe- 
less, it was a serious affair, and required the exercise 
of prudence and coolness in its management. The 
city was in a ferment for some seven weeks ; proces- 
sions were frequently moving along the streets ; large 
meetings were held; and the drum could be heard at 
almost any hour. After all, however, there was little 
actual violence committed. The object of the strikers 
was the same that is common in all such movements, 
namely, the obtaining of more adequate remunera- 
tion for labor; and perhaps, on the whole, the occur- 
rence was not injurious to the general interests of the 
place. During this disturbance Mayor Davis, by his 
prudence, foresight and forbearance, often exercised 
against the strong urgency of those in favor of more 
forcible measures, probably saved the city from the 
odium of violence, and himself and friends from last- 
ing regrets. 

The habits of Mr. Davis were somewhat retiring, 
and he may be said to lead the life of a thinker quite 
as much as that of an actor. Having a taste for 
literature, he has collected, doubtless, the largest and 
most valuable private library in the city ; and among 
his books he spends many pleasant and studious 
hours. He has also collected a variety of interesting 
objects of fine art. Agreeable manners, intelligence 
and freedom from low prejudices mark his daily 
walk ; and few can spend many hours in his society 
and not feel improved. 

In 1836 he married Elvira, daughter of Captain 
Nathaniel and Martha (Chadwell) Newhall, both be- 
longing to old Lynn families, but has no children. 

Mr. Davis took great pride in the Lynn Public 
Library, and rendered to it valuable service. He 
was first elected trustee in 1878, and in 1880 became 
chairman of the board, which position he held until 
his death. He was a member of the Historic Genea- 
logical Society, and of the Massachusetts Horticultural 
Society, in both of which institutions he manifested 
a lively interest. His acquaintance with public men, 
authors, artists, clergymen and politicians, was quite 
extended, and h's correspondence very large. It is 
said he preserved a copy of every letter he has written 
for half a century. His death, though not unexpected, 
will be most sincerely regretted, not only in his native 
city but by many in distant places. It may be said 
of him that all his acquaintances were his friends, and 
the death of such a man is felt as a loss by the whole 
community. 




t&^/^j^y^^c 



/£^ 




i 




U^^cyL 




LYNN. 



359 



Mr. Davis died at his residence on Summer Street, 
August 7, 1SS7, after a long and paiuful illness. 



STEPHEN N. BREED. 

The suhject of this memoir was one of Lynn's most 
honest citizens. He was a man of sterling integrity 
of eliaracter, independent in his habits of thought, 
and fearless, though not ostentatious, in the utter- 
ance of his ojiinions, whether those opinions had re- 
ceived the stamp of public approval, or whether 
their advocacy subjected him to the adverse criticism 
of the majority. 

He naturally, therefore, took kindly to the reforms 
of the day, carefully discriminating between the nar- 
row and visionary schemes of so-called reformers, and 
those measures of social improvement that base their 
demands upon the principles of justice that appeal to 
man's uncorrupted moral sense. His wide reading 
had taught him that majorities were often wrong, and 
that of necessity reform must begin with the minor- 
ity. Whatever such a view cost him, he was willing 
to bear. 

Accordingly he was found in the ranks of the 
abolitionists when to be such made men sneer and 
raise the cry of fanatic. While he well knew that 
the world would not hear too much reform at once, 
he realized that sucli an essential villainy as human 
slavery struck at the fundamental rights of man. 
Therefore he was a Garrisouian abolitionist, though 
never standing on the extreme non-voting ground ; 
being a decided Whig in his early years, and later an 
earnest supporter of the Republican party. No com- 
promise must be made with slavery, no toleration 
must be given to it, nothing but its destruction would 
meet the demands of justice. 

Mr. Breed was a member of the old Silsbee Street 
Debating Society, so famous in our local annals, and 
occasionally took part in the debates ; but he usually 
preferred to listen. He had a fine sense of humor, 
and though undemonstrative in its manifestation, the 
few who knew him well saw how clearly he perceived 
the incongruities which lie at the root of man's hu- 
morous instincts, and how keenly he appreciated any 
demonstrations that presented the witty side of hu- 
man nature. He was a genial, instructive compan- 
ion. His tenacious memory furnished him with a 
storehouse of facts and reminiscences running back 
to the early years of the century. 

Mr. Breed was born and bred in the Quaker com- 
munion, but in early life became a regular attendant 
at tlie Unitarian Church just then organized, until 
the establishment of the Free Church, when he at- 
tended the ministry of Samuel Johnson. In the later 
years of his life he again attended the Unitarian 
Church. He never dogmatized in matters of religion, 
feeling assured that there were many things concern- 
ing it which he did not know, and many more about 
which there was more or less uncertaintv. 



His prudent habits and sound judgment gave him 
marked success in business. He took charge of the 
lumber trade established by his father — an industry 
then in its infancy — and laid the foundations of what 
became in after years, with the aid of his sons, one of 
the most extensive retail lumber establishments in 
New England, yielding its owner an ample fortune. 
He was a man of strict business integrity, and lie will 
be long remembered by the multitude of his patrons, 
for the unpretending kindness of his manners, and 
for his leniency when misfortune made them his 
debtors. 

Mr. Breed was a son of James and Phebe (Nichols) 
Breed, and was born in 1800. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Frederick and Betsey Breed, and had 
six children, viz. : Mary Elizabeth, James F., Albert 
H., Harriet M., Stephen F. and Ella F. Of these 
four are living, viz. : James F., Albert H., Stephen 
F. and Harriet M., now Mrs. Walcott. Mr. Breed 
died April 8, 188G. 



ISAAC NEWHALL, 

One of Lynn's prominent and widely-known citizens, 
was born January 4, 1814, and died February 22, 
1879. He was a native of Lynn and of Quaker par- 
entage, his mother being one of the eminent preacli- 
ers of that denomination. 

Mr. Newhall was greatly instrumental in advanc- 
ing the welfare and prosperity of the city, and was at 
all times interested in the municipal allairs of the 
city, beingamemberof the Board of Aldermen in 1851 
and 1875 ; and the present success of many institu- 
tions and enterprises in Lynn is due to his indefat- 
igable eftbrts, particularly the building of the Lynn 
City Street Railway, of which he was a director. 

He was a man of indomitable will and persever- 
ance. He was singularly constituted as a business 
man, and pursued an independent course, apparently 
regardless of public opinion. He had decided opin- 
ions and was not inclined to court the good opinion 
or the favor of only his intimate friends, apparently 
courting opposition, and he seemed to take great 
pleasure in combating public sentiment. In public 
and local affairs he interested himself earnestly, hav- 
ing filled various public positions, rarely going with 
the current, at times advocating sentiments adverse 
to those expected from a man of his comprehension 
and intelligence. 

He was unostentatious, while frugality and 
abstemiousness characterized him through life, 
and his faith in the future welcomed the end. 
He early engaged in the shoe business and became 
one of Lynn's largest and successful manufacturers. 
Later still, after machinery became necessary, he 
kept up with the progress of the age, until, becoming 
largely interested in real estate operations, he gradu- 
ally left the shoe business, occasioned, no doubt, by 
failing health, sullcring intensely from neuralgia. 



360 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



which no medical or surgical skill could alleviate. 
The last few weeks of his life were weeks of intense 
sutferinsi, which he bore with remarkable patience and 
Christiai'i resignation. No complaint would fall from 

his lips. 

Mr. Newhall was twice married. He left a widow 

and five children. 

JAMES M. NYE, M.D. 

The old town of Salisbury, one of the most historic 
sections of the Commonwealth, has been prolific in 
the number of her sons who have attained honorable 
and leading positions among their fellow-men. Such 
an one is the subject of this sketch— Dr. James M. 

Nye. 

Dr. Nye came to Lynn in 1841 and established him- 
self in the practice of his profession, which he con- 
tinued with marked success until his death. He was 
ever alive to the interests of his adopted city, and all 
measures tending to advance its welfare found in him 
an earnest advocate. His genial disposition, large 
sympathies and acknowledged skill in his profession, 
soon gained him an extensive practice, and his be- 
nevolence was plainly manifest in the large numbers 
of poor people whom he attended professionally, re- 
ceiving no compensation except that arising from the 
inner consciousness of having performed a charily 
pleasing to himself and in accordance with the divine 
teachings of which he was, through life, a consistent 

follower. 

Dr. Nye manifested a deep interest in educational 
matters and served for several years, with ability and 
honor, upon the school-hoard of Lynn, resigning his 
position only when compelled to by the pressure of 
his professional duties. His interest in matters of 
education was not alone confined to Lynn, but ex- 
tended to the freedmen of the South, for whom he 
supported several teachers during the last years of 

his life. 

Dr. Nye was a consistent Christian, and during his 
residence of thirty one years in Lynn he was one of 
the most prominent members of the First Baptist 
Olnircli, and an earnest worker in its behalf. He was 
superintendent of the Sunday-school and clerk of the 
society for a long period. Modest and unassuming 
in liis disposition, strictly moral in liis character, up- 
riglit in his dealings with others, he left the exajiiple 
of a true Christian gentleman, and died one of Lynn's 
most esteemed and honored citizens. 

Dr. Nye was born September 2G, 1818, and died 
April 21, 1872. He married Hannah C. Peaslee, of 
Newton, N. H., June 29, 1842, who still survives him. 



JOHN U. ALLEY. 



John B. Alley belongs to one of the oldest Essex 
County families, and is descended from Hugh Alley, 
who, with his brother John, settled in Lynn in 1(134. 



Hugh Alley was a farmer, and exhibited the same 
energy, activity and shrewdness which have cliarac- 
teri/.ed his descendents. He is believed to have been 
the first to take up land, and settle on it, in that part 
of Lynn which is now Nahant. The grandfather and 
great-grandfather of Mr. Alley inherited from their 
ancestor a desire for the possession of land, and were 
the largest owners of that kind of proi)erty in Lynn. 
John Alley, the father of Mr. Alley, and son of Hugh 
Alley, lived in Lynn, as did all his ancestors, and was 
a thriving business man. He married Mercy, daughter 
of Jonathan Buffum, of Salem, and sister of the late 
Jonathan Buflum, of Lynn, who for many years was 
one of its honored and distinguished citizens. Mr. 
Alley was born in Lynn January 7, 1817, and at- 
tended the public schools of that town. At the age 
of fourteen he was apprenticed to a shoe manufac- 
turer, and at nineteen received the gift of his time. 
At this early age he displayed those habits of industry 
and fidelity which have marked every step of his 
successful career. Possessing by nature a clear head, 
a cool temperament, a sound intellect and a good 
judgment, he knew that to succeed in life, industry 
and fidelity were the only remaining requisites for 
success. 

Immediately, or soon, after the close of his appren- 
ticeship he went to Cincinnati, and there purchased 
a flat-boat, which he loaded with merchandise and 
carried to New Orleans. In so young a man the en- 
terprise and skill essential to profitable results in 
such an undertaking are unusual. But they were 
possessed by Mr. Alley, and it m.iy be truly said that 
the fruits of this expedition, with the lesson of self- 
reliance which it taught him, laid the foundation of 
the fortune, which he has since acquired. 

At the age of twenty-one he returned to Lynn and 
began the manufacture of shoes. In five years, at 
the age of twenty-six, he was the owner of one of the 
largest enterprises in a city full of active, bold, 
shrewd men, with whom he had entered on a race for 
wealth. In 1847 he established a house in Boston 
for the sale of hides and leather, and was the ac- 
knowledged peer of the most successful men in the 
trade. At various times he has been the senior |)art- 
ner in the firm of Alley, Choatc & Cumniings, the 
firm of John B. Alley & Co., in which (iriflin I'lace, 
an able and successful man, was the partner, and 
more recently in the firm of Alley Bros. & I'lace, in 
which the two sons of Mr. Alley and Mr. Place were 
the partners. In 1886 this last firm was dissolved, 
and after a business career of forty-eight years Mr. 
Alley retired, leaving with his former partners a 
special capital for the continuance of the business. 
He is now absent on a European tour, enjoying his 
first vacation in a life of seventy years, free from the 
burdens and responsibilities of a business which re- 
quired his constant and conscientious attention ami 
care. 

But Mr. Alley may be said to have led two lives. 




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LYNN. 



361 



Aside from his legitimate career as a merchant, he 
has always felt a deep interest in public affairs, and 
in large operations involving heavy responsibilities, 
requiring heroic courage, and promotive of the wel- 
fare and growth of the country. In his earlier years, 
before the birth of what was called the Free-Soil 
party, in 1848, he was attached to the Liberty party, 
imbibing as he did from the Society of Friends, with 
which his father was associated, anti-slavery senti- 
ments, which never abated until, by the proclamation 
of President Lincoln, the slave was made free. At the 
Presidential election in 1848, when Martin Van Buren 
and Charles Francis Adams were the Free-Soil candi- 
dates for President and Vice-President, he was one 
of the candidates for electors on the Free-Soil ticket. 
In 1851, during the administration of Governor Bout- 
well, he was one of the Executive Council. In 1852 
he was in the State Senate, serving as chairman of 
the Committee on Railroads. In 1853 he was a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention, and for several 
years was an active and influential member of the 
Republican State Central Committee. In 1858 he 
was chosen Representative to Congress, serving four 
terms, during two of which he performed with indus- 
try and ability the duties of chairman of the Commit- 
tee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads. His service in 
Congress covered the whole period of the war, and no 
man of the Massachusetts delegation was more de- 
voted and faithful to public duties. His speeches, 
though not frequent, were well-timed and always 
clear, well-expressed, strong and persuasive. Those 
more worthy than others of mention were a speech 
delivered on the 30th of April, 18i)0, vindicating the 
Republican party, one delivered on the 2Gth of Janu- 
ary, 1861, on public aflairs, one delivered January 
23, 1862, on the State of the Union, and one on the 
6th of February of the same year, on the Treasury 
Note Bill. 

Mr. Alley was one of the first to appreciate the re- 
markable qualities of John A. Andrew. Mr. Andrew 
had been a member of the House of Representative 
of Massachusetts in the winter of 1860, and was little 
known by the people at large until, in the latter part 
of the session, Calel) Gushing, who was a member, took 
occasion, in a sj)eech as remarkable for beauty of dic- 
tion and powerful logic as for its peculiar spirit and 
sentiment, to arraign the Repuljlican party for a want 
of loyalty to the Union. As when Hayne delivered 
his eloquent speech in the Senate of the United 
States, and Massachusetts men wondered how and by 
whom he would be answered, so the Republican mem- 
bers of the Legislature listened with amazement to 
this Democratic champion, and though they knew he 
must be answered, they knew not from whose lips the 
answer would come. But they were not doomed to 
be disappointed. After the recess at the noonday 
hour John A. Andrew rose, as Webster rose in the 
Senate, with the assured air of defiance on his brow, 
but with his clansmen full of doubt. But the power 



I 



and eloquence were in him, and the time had for the 
first time come for their full display. It is sufficient 
to s ly that with a triumphant oratory rarelv heard 
Mr. dishing was answered, and the party of which 
from that time John A. Andrew wa.s the champion 
was nobly vindicated. In the autumn of that year 
he was chosen Governor of the commonwealth, and 
in defending from attacks made on the floor of Con- 
gress, Mr. Alley said, in his speech of January, 1861: 
" Massachusetts has had twenty-one Governors since 
the adoption of her State Constitution, in 1780, all of 
them able and distingui-hed, some of them illustrious, 
but in everything which constitutes true greatness of 
character and mind, not one among them all, in my 
judgment, was the superior of John A.Andrew." 

This encomium, as extravagant as it seemed at the 
time, showed Mr. Alley to possess an insight into 
character then shared by few, so far as Andrew was 
concerned, and his words have been more than vindi- 
cated in the universal judgment of men. 

Since the retirement of Mr. Alley from Congress he 
has been engaged with others iu large railroad enter- 
prises in the West and South. His connection with 
the Union Pacific is well known, and since the com- 
pletion of that gigantic undertaking he has been 
more especially interested in railroad extensions in 
Iowa and Texas. Mr. Alley is one of that body of 
courageous men to whose capital the country is in- 
debted for the development of a vast section, which, 
without facilities of travel and transportation, would 
be still looking to the future for its prosperity and 
wealth. Nor has the investment of his capital been 
confined to railroads. He has become also largely 
connected with land property in New Mexico, and is 
to-day the largest owner in three ranches which to- 
gether contain more than forty thousand head of 
cattle. It is needless to say that he is a very wealthy 
man, and that his wealth is exceeded by that of few 
in ihe State. 



EDWARD NEWHALL. 

Edward Newhall, son of John and Delia (Breed) 
Newhall, was born in Lynn, July 22, 1822. His 
family belonged to the society of Friends, and his 
early education was received at the Friends' Institute, 
in Providence. In 1845 he began the study of medi- 
cine under Dr. C. H. Nichols, since distinguished as 
the superintendent of the Bloomingdale Lunatic 
Asylum, in the city of New York. He afterwards 
entered the Harvard Medical School, from which he 
graduated iu 1848. The next two years he spent in 
Europe attending lectures and walking the hospitals 
in Paris and as a student in the famous Lying-in 
Hospital of Dublin. In 1S50 ho returned home and 
settled in Lynn, where his thorough medical educa- 
tion and devotion to his profession soon secured to 
him a wide rei)utation and practice. He is held in 
no less esteem by his professional brethren than by 
the cominunity in which he lives, aiul has been presi- 



362 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dent of both the Essex South Medical Society and 
the Lynn Medical Association. 

He married, October 23, 1853, Eliza F. Beaumont, 
of Canton, Mass., who died in June, 1870, having 
been the mother of three sons and one daughter. 
In 1873 he married Mrs. M. A. (Field) Saunderson, 
of Quincy, Mass., by whom he had two sons and a 
daughter. Dr. Newhall, now sixty -five years of age, 
is still possessed of a physical and mental vigor which 
years have not impaired, and he neither seeks nor 
needs any relaxation from his continuous and arduous 
professional work. 

His second son, Herbert William, A.M., M.D. 
(Harv.), is associated with him in practice. 



EDWARD WINSLOW HINCKS. 

Edward Winslow Hincks was born in Bucksport, 
Me., May 30, 1830. He was the son of Captain Eli- 
sha Hincks, who was born in Provincetown, Mass., 
September 28, 1800, and who was lost at sea January 
14, 1831. In 1802 the father of Elisha removed with 
his family to Buckstown (now Bucksport), and there 
Elisha was brought up, and married, October 9, 
1824, Elizabeth Hopkins, daughter of Ephraim and 
Hannah (Rich) Wentvvorth, of Orrington, Me., and 
had the following children : Temperance Ann, April 
23, 1826 ; Elisha Albert, May 1, 1828 ; Edward Wins- 
low, May 30, 1830. 

The father of Elisha was Elisha Hincks, who was 
born in Truro, Mass., July 14, 1774, and died in 
North Bucksport, Me., March 15, 1851. In early 
life he followed the sea, but in April, 1802, he, with 
his family and brothers, Winslow and Jesse, removed 
from Provincetown, where they then lived, to Bucks- 
town (now Bucksport), Me. There he bought wild 
land, which he cleared and improved, and on which 
he died. He married firot, in March, 1796, Temper- 
ance, daughter of Sylvanus and Hannah (Cole) 
Smith, of Eastham, Mass., and had Anna, born in 
Provincetown January 11, 1797. He married second, 
December 22, 1799, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and 
Anna (Rich) Treat, of Truro, and had Elisha, Septem- 
ber 28, 1800 ; Temperance Smith, born in Bucksport 
June 24, 1803; Mary, July 30, 1805; Sarah, January 
30, 1807; William Treat, March 30, 1809; Sylvanus 
Treat, November 21, 1810; Hannah, August 5, 1812; 
Naomi, May 16, 1816 ; Ezekiel Franklin, August 10, 
1820. 

The father of the last Elisha was Samuel Hinckes, 
who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., about 1728, 
and shortly removed with his father to Boston, and 
there lived until 1753. He afterwards taught school 
in Truro, where he married, about 1756, Susanna, 
daughter of Jonathan Dyer, of Truro, and where he 
continued to live until 1795, when he removed to 
Bucksport, and there died in 1S06. 

The father of Samuel was Captain Samuel Hinckes, 
who was born in Portsmoutli, N. 11., at an unknown 



date, and graduated at Harvard in 1701. In 1716, 
while a resident in Portsmouth, he was sent as a 
Representative of the province of New Hampshire to 
the Indians at the eastward, was a captain in the In- 
dian wars and commanded Fort Mary, at Winter Har- 
bor, from 1722 to 1727, when he removed lo Boston. 
He died in Portsmouth shortly after 1753. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth (Winslow) Scott, a widow, previous to 
1715. Elizabeth Winslow was a daughter of Edward 
and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Winslow, and grand- 
daughter of John Winslow, who married Mary Chil- 
ton, one of the passengers in the '' Mayflower". 

The father of the last Samuel was John Hinckes, 
who came from England about 1670, who was Coun- 
cilor for the province of New Hampshire and assis- 
tant in the Court of Chancery from 1683 to May 25, 
1686, when he became a Councilor in the govern- 
ment of President Joseph Dudley, having been named 
for the office by James the Second, in his commission 
to Dudley, dated October 8, 1685. He was also chief 
justice of the Court of Pleas and General Sessions in 
New Hampshire from 1686 to 1689. In 1692 he was 
named as Councilor of New Hampshire and made 
president of the Council. In 1699 he was appointed 
chief justice of the Superior Court, and remained in 
office as Councilor and chief justice until 1708. He 
was living in New Castle, N. H., in 1722, and had de- 
ceased April 25, 1734. He married, at an unknown 
date, Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel and Chris- 
tian Fryer, and had Samuel, a daughter who married 
a Gross, Christian, Barbara, Sarah and probably 
Elizabeth. 

Edward Winslow Hincks, the subject of this sketch, 
having received the rudiments of his education in 
the public schools of his native town, in 1845, at fif- 
teen years of age, removed from Bucksport to Bangor, 
Me., where he served as an apprentice in the office 
of the Bangor Daily Whig and Courier until 1849, 
when he removed to Boston, where he was engaged 
in the printing and publishing business until 1856. 
He was a Representative from the city of Boston in 
the Legislature of 1855, and in the same year was a 
member of the City Council from the Third Ward. 
Early in 1856 he was appointed a clerk in the office 
of the secretary of the commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, and prepared for publication the State census 
of 1855. He remained in the secretary's office until 
the firing upon Fort Sumter, employing his leisure 
hours in the study of law, with the intention of mak- 
ing that his profession, being encouraged and assisted 
in his purpose by Hon. Anson Burlingame, of whom 
he was an ardent friend and supporter. Having re- 
moved to Lynn in 1856, he was chosen librarian of 
the Lynn Library Association, and until the outbreak 
of the war actively promoted the interests of that or- 
ganization, whose collection of books subsequently 
became the nucleus of the present Public Library in 
that city. He was also prominently connected with 
the Sabbatli-school of the First Baptist Church in 



*.^^ ~ 





vA)\K)^A^m^ 



LYNN. 



363 



Lynn. On the IStli of Ausrust, 1S59, he was ajipointed 
adjutant of the Eighth Kegiraent of Massachusetts 
Militia, — the Essex County regiment. 

This appointment, trivial as it no doubt seemed at 
the time, proved the turning-point in his life, and 
was the opening door to a military career in which 
he won lasting fame. 

At the outbreak of the war he was placed by this 
appointment in a position whose duties he had per- 
formed with enthusiasm, and from which he could 
reasonably hope to receive advancement. On the 
18th of December, 1860, he wrote to General Ander- 
son, then stationed at Fort Moultrie, the following 
letter, which shows him to have been the first volun- 
teer of the war: 

" Boston-, December IS, 18G0. 
"Major Anderson, U. S. A., 

" CoyitiKiutUiig Fort lHotiltric : 

*' SIa.ior : In case of attack upon your command by the State (or 
would-be nation) of South Carolina, will yon be at liberty to accept vol- 
unteers to aid in the defence of Fort Moultrie ? 

*' I am confident that a large body of volunteers, from this vicinity, 
can be put afloat at short notice to aid in the defence of the post en- 
trusted to your cotumand, if necessity shall demand and the authorities 
permit it. 

'* Indeed, the men who have repeatedly responded to the call of the 
iiuthorities to protect the officers of the law in their work of securing to 
the owners, from whom it had escaped, the chattel property of the 
South, will never hesitate to respond to a call to aid a meritorious officer 
of our Federal Republic, who is engaged not only in protecting our na- 
tional property, but in defending the honor of our country and the lives 
of our countrymen. 

" I have the honor to bo, sir, your oheilient servant to command. 

"EDWAltn W. HiNKS, 

" 1st LUiU. ami Adjt. Hh Reijt. Muss. Vul. Mil.^' 
" Fort Moultrie, S. C, December 24, 18C0. 

"LlErTEN.4NT EP. W. HiNKS. 

" AdJt. Sth Begt. Mass. Ynl. MUUia : 

"Sir : I thank you, not only for myself, but for the brave little band 
that are under me, for your very welcome letter of the 18tli inst., ask- 
ing whether, in case I am attacked, I would be at liberty to accept vol- 
unteer aid in the defence of Furt Moultrie. 

" When I inform you that my garri,son consists of only sixty effective 
men ; that we are in a very inditTerent work, the walls of which are 
only about fourteen feet high, and that we have within one hundred 
and sixty yards of our walls sand hills which command our work, and 
afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest covers for sharp-shoot- 
ers ; and that, besides this, there are numerous houses, some of them 
within pistol-shot, you will at once see that if attacked by a force headed 
by any one but a simpleton, there is scarce a possibility of our being 
able to hold out long enough to enable our friends to coine to our suc- 
cor. 

" Come tch'il may, I shall ever hear la grateful reftteinbrance your gallant, 

your humajte offer. 

" I am, very sincerely, youi^', 

" Robert Anderson, 

** Major 1st Artillery, V. S. A." 

"21 St. Mark's Place, July 6, 1866. 
"General E. W. Hinks : 
"Dear Sir 1 «« «*,s««*» 

'•Tour letter, which I received two days before I moved over to Fort 
Sumter, was the first proffer of aid which was made nie whilst in 
Charleston Harbor. 

" Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" Robert .Anderson, 

*' Major General U. S. i4." 

On the ]5th of April, 1801, when the news was re- 
ceived of the attack on Fort Sumter, he hastened to 
Boston, and tendered his services to Governor An- 
drew, and at the same time urged the acceptance of 



the Eighth Regiment as a [lart of the contingent of 
fifteen hundred men called for by the President. His 
otl'er of service was accepted, and his request at once 
complied with. Under orders promptly issued, he, 
that evening, rode to Lynn, Salem, Beverly and 
Marblehead, and despatched messenger to Newbury- 
port and Gloucester, notifying the various companies 
of his regiment to rendezvous in Boston for instant 
duty. The next morning, April lOth, he man-hed 
into Faneuil Hall with three companies from Mar- 
blehead, the first troops in the country en route for 
the seat of war. 

On tlie 17th of April he was commissioned lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the Eighth Regiment, which marched 
on the 18th for Washington. At Annapolis, Md., on 
the 21st of April, a detachment from the regiment, 
under command of Colonel Hincks, boarded the frig- 
ate " Constitution," then lying aground, and fir,st light- 
ening her of her guns, floated her and worked her to 
sea. Leaving the ship at midnight, he learned the 
next morning from General Butler that Colonel Lef- 
ferts, of the New York Seventh Regiment, had, after 
consultation with his ofiicers, declined to advance his 
command and take possession of the Baltimore and 
Washington Railroad, through apprehension of an 
overpowering rebel force. He at once said to General 
Butler: "Give me the selection of two companies for 
the purpose and I will perform the duty." He was 
at once placed in command of a detachment consist- 
ing of Captain Knott V.Martin's Marblehead com- 
pany, Captain Geo. T. Newhall's I/ynn- company and 
several picked men, engineers and mechanics from other 
companies under command of Lieutenant Hodges, of 
Newburyport, and marched to the station, of which 
he took possession, with the rolling stock, materials, 
books, pajjers, etc., there found. Without delay he 
began the work of repair on the engines and track, 
the former having been disabled and the latter seri- 
ously broken up. During the first day an advance 
of five miles was made, and after a night's bivouce 
the work was resumed and continued until the road 
was in running order. For this service the regiment 
received the thanks of Congress iii tlie following re- 
solve : 

" Thirty-Seventh Congress, First Session. 

"CoNiiRESS OF the UnITED StATES INTHE HoUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

"July 31, 1801. 

"On motion of Mr. Lovejoy : 

"Ilesolred. That the thanks of this House arc hereby presented to the 
Eighth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, for their alacrity in re- 
sponding to the call of the Presi<lent, and for the energy and patriotism 
displayed by them ill surmonntiDg obstacles upon sea and land, which 
traitors had interposed to impede their progress to the defence of the 

National Capital. 

"Galvsha a. Grow, 

" Speaker of tlie House of lieprcsentatives, 
"Attest : 
" Km. Etheridoe, 

" Clerk." 

Reaching Washington on the 2t;th of April, Colonel 
Hincks was that day aiipointed a second lieutenant 
of cavalry in the regular army, the only rank in 
which, at that time, an ofiicer could enter the regular 



3G4 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



service. From the date of bis entrance into the 
regular array his military history is borne on the 
records of the office of the adjutant-general, as fol- 
lows: 

" Appointed second lieutenant Second Cavalry April 26,1861; colonel 
Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers May 16, 1861 ; colonel Nineteenth 
Massachusetts Volunteers August 3, 1S61 ; brigadier-general United 
States Volunteers November 29, 1862 ; brevet major-general United States 
Volunteers March 13, 18G5, for gallant and meritorious services during 
the war ; resigned volunteer commission June 30, 18G5 ; appointed lieu- 
tenant-colonel Fortieth United States Infantry J\ily 28, 1866 ; trans- 
ferred to the Twenty-flfth United States Infantry March 15, 1809 ; bre- 
veted colonel United States Army March 2, 1807, for gallant and meri- 
torious services at the battle of Antietam, Md. ; and brigadier-general 
United States Army for gallant and meritorious services in the assault 
of Petersburg, Va. ; retired from active service for disability resulting 
from wounds received in the line of duty December 15, 1870, upon the 
full rank of colonel United Stjites Army. 

"Service. — With Regiment Eighth Massachusetts in the State of 
Maryland until August 1, 1801 ; with Regiment Nineteenth Massachu- 
setts in the Army of the Potomac from August, 1861, to June 30, 1862, 
when wounded in action at White Oak Swamp, Va. ; absent wnunded to 
August 5, 1862 ; commanding Third Brigade, Sedgwick's division. Army 
of the Potomac, to September 17, 1862, when twice severely wounded in 
the battle of Antietam, Md. ; on leave of absence wounded to March 19, 
1803 ; on court-martial duty as brigadier-general at Washington, D. C, 
April 2 to June 9. 1803 ; and under orders of War Department to 
July 4, 1863 ; commanding draft rendezvous at Concord, N. H. ; acting 
assistant provost marshal, general and superintendent of the Volun- 
teer Recruiting Service for the State of New Hampshire to March 29, 
1864 ; commanding district of Sainr, Mary's and camp of prisoners of 
war at Point Lookout, Md., April 3 to 20, 1804; commanding Tiiird 
Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, to July, 1864, when wounded; on 
court-martial duty to September 22, 1864 ; commanding draft depot 
and camp of prisoners of war at Hart's Island, New York Harbor, to 
February, 1865 ; on duty at New York City as acting assistant provost 
marshal general, superintendent Volunteer Recruiting Service, and chief 
mustering and disbui-sing officer for the Southern Division of New 
York to March, 18C5 ; and on the same duty at Harrisburg, Pa., for the 
"Western Division of Pennsylvania to June 30, 1805 ; governor of the 
Military Asylum to March 6, 1807 ; en route to, and in command of. 
Fort Macon, N. C, until April 13, 1S07 ; on special duty at headquar- 
ters Second Military District at Charleston, S. C, to April 27, 1807; 
provost marshal general Second Militiiry District North and South Caro- 
lina to January 16, 1808 ; commanding Fortieth regiment and the 
sub-di-^trict and port of Gold^boro', N. C, to July 13, 1808 ; on sick 
leave of absence to December 4, 1868 ; commanding regiment in NortU 
Carolina and Louisiana until April 20, 1869, when he assumed command 
of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, and remained in command of that regi- 
ment and the post of New Orleans, La., until August 14, 1809 ; on sick 
leave of absence to December 4, 1809 ; and in command of regiment in 
New Orleans and en route to and at Fort Clark, Texas, from that date to 
December 15, 1870." 

Such is the record borne on the pages of the army 
books, and no narrative could set forth the military 
life of General Hincks so clearly and eloquently as 
these authoritative words. Aside from the leading 
well-known generals of the war, few officers can boast 
of a more varied and gallant and useful career. 

In concluding the narrative of the war experience 
of General Hiucks, while the repeated testimony of 
his superior officers in their general orders to his gal- 
lantry will be omitted, the list of battles in which he 
was engaged must not fail to be mentioned. 

Battle of Ball's Bluff, Va., October '.il, 1861 ; siege of Yorktown, Va., 
April, 1862 ; affair at West Point, May 7, 1862 ; Fair Oaks, June 1, 1802 ; 
Oak Grove, June '25, 1802 ; Peach Orchard, June 29, 1802; Savage's Sta- 
tion, June 29, 1802; White Oak Swamp, June 30, 1863; Glendale, June 
30, 1802 ; Chantilly, .September 1, I8G2 ; South Mountain, September 14, 
1862; Antietam, September 16 and 17, 1862; Baylor's Farm, June 15, 
1864 ; assault on Petersburg, June 15, 1864." 



The services of General Hincks after the war were 
only less important than those during its continu- 
ance. Under General Sickles and General Canby 
the aid he rendered in perfecting and carrying out 
the reconstruction measures of the government in 
North and South Carolina, forming what was called ■ 
the Second Military District, was recognized by his ■' 
superior officers as efficient and valuable. 

On the 15th of December, 1870, the general was re- 
tired from active service upon the full rank of colonel 
in the United States Army on account of wounds re- , 
ceived in battle, and on the 7th of March, 1872, he I 
was appointed, by the board of managers of the 
National Homes, deputy-governor of the Southern 
Branch of National Homes, at Hampton, Va. On 
the 1st of January following he was transferred to 
the Northwestern Branch, near Milwaukee, Wis., and 
resigned October 1, 1880. 

After the resignation of his position as deputy- 
governor of the National Home at Milwaukee, Gen- 
eral Hincks remained in that city until June, 1883, 
and was largely influential in the organization of the 
Milwaukee Industrial E.xposition, a corporation then 
formed and still in existence, having for its object 
the promotion of the industrial interests of Milwau- 
kee and the State of Wisconsin. Since 1883 he has 
lived in Cambridge, Mass., enjoying a period of well- 
deserved peace and comfort. He occupies a stately 
old mansion, said to be more than two hundred years 
old ; and the books and pictures and quaint old 
family china and furniture with which it is replete 
reveal the culture and taste of its occupants. 

In the autumn of 18G2, after having been severely 
wounded in the battle of Antietam, General Hincks 
was urgently requested by many independent Re- 
publicans to run for Congress in the Sixth District, 
then represented by Mr. John B. Alley, but he posi- 
tively declined to be a candidate for any office that 
would prevent his return to the field as soon as he 
should sufficiently recover from his wounds. He was 
sergeant-at-arms of the National Republican Conven- 
tion at Philadelphia in 1872, when General Grant was 
nominated for a second term; and again at Cincin- 
nati, in 1876, when General Hayes was nominated 
for President. In the Cincinnati Convention he was 
nominated by the chairman of the Michigan delega- 
tion " for his many wounds received in battle," and 
was unanimously elected. 

General Hincks is a Knight Templar in the Ma- 
sonic order, a companion in the National Comman- 
dery of the Loyal Legion and a member of the New 
England Historical Genealogical Society. 

General Hincks has been twice married, — first, 
January 2.5, 1855, to Annie Rebecca, daughter of 
Moody and Clarissa (Leach) Dow, of Lynn, who died 
in Lynn August 21, 1862. Her only child was Anson 
Burlingame, who was born in Lynn October 14, 1856, 
and died in Rockville, Md., January 27, 1862. 

He married second, September 3, 1863, Elizabeth 






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LYNN. 



365 



Peirce, daughter of George and Susan (Treadwcll) 
Nichols, of Cambridge, whose only child, Bessie 
llincks, born in Cambridge April 11, 18G5, died in 
Cambridge July 5, 1885. 

The death of this daughter was peculiarly sad. 
She had graduated in 1883 from the Milwaukee Col- 
lege, and had entered the Harvard Annex full of 
hope and promise. While walking in the street her 
dress took fire from a burning cracker, and she was 
burned to death. Her sweet and loving character, 
blended with high literary attainments, lent a joy and 
grace to her parents' home, since shadowed in perpet- 
ual gloom. It is only necessary, before closing this 
sketch, to add a word of explanation concerning the 
family name of General Hincks. 

The common ancestor of the Hincks family in this 
country. Councilor and Chief Justice John, uniformly 
wrote his name Hinckes, but when copied by clerks 
it was usually written Hinks, and so frequently ap- 
]>ears in the Council Records of Massachusetts and 
the Archives of New Hampshire. Captain Samuel, 
who graduated at Harvard in 1701, and his son Sam- 
uel, Jr., the schoolmaster on the Cape, uniformly 
wrote their names Hincks ; but Elisha and his son, 
Captain Elisha, Jr., the father of the general, appear 
to have dropped the p, and to have written their 
names Hinks ; and in early life the general also wrote 
his name without the c (Hinks), and it so appears in 
the Army Register and the official records of the 
war, although other branches of the family wrote 
their names with a, c ; but in 1871, under authority of 
law, the general restored the letter c to his name, 
and has since written it Hincks, and all the branches 
of the family descended from Chief Justice John now 
conform to this style. It will be noted that all of 
this family in this country bearing the name of 
Hincks are descended through the Winslows from 
Mary Chilton, who came in the " Mayflower," and 
Anne Hutchinson, the Quakeress. 



I 



FRANCIS W. BREED. 

Francis W. Breed, of Lynn, is one of the most 
prominent shoe manufacturers, not only in that city, 
but in New England. His extensive factories at 
home and abroad give employment to large bodies of 
workmen, and have a capacity, when in full running 
order, of six or seven thousand pairs of shoes per 
day. Mr. Breed's rise in business, while it has been 
rapid, has been steady, conservative and safe. Pos- 
sessing, in a marked degree, the quality of thorough- 
ness in whatever he undertakes, he has achieved suc- 
cess where competition is close and where slackness 
or inattention might have caused disaster. His mar- 
kets, both for purchase and sale, are extensive, and 
both are watched with a careful eye. Mr. Breed has 
traveled extensively, and with an elasticity of spirit 
and a buoyancy of heart, he has always sustained a 
weight of care and responsibility with calmness and 



composure, and kept himself young under burdens, 
which often cru-h and break down even less active 
business men. His residence on Ocean Stieet in 
Lynn has a beautiful outlook over the bay, and is one 
of the most attractive and comfortable homes on the 
shore. 



JOHN BROAD TOLMAN. 

Mr. Tolman was a lineal descendant from Thomas 
Tolman, who was born in England in 1008 or IGOO, 
and came over in the " Mary and John " in KiSO, be- 
coming a settler of Dorchester, Mass. A grandson of 
the early settler just named, whose name also was 
Thomas, was a native of Lynn, and died here in 1716. 
And this last Thomas was the great -great great-grand- 
father of John B., the subject of this sketch, who 
thus becomes connected with our Lynn families. 

John B. Tolman was born in Barre, Worcester 
County, Mass., on the 30th of December, 1806, and in 
that town the first two years of his life were passed. 
His parents then removed to Needham, in Norfolk 
County, Mass., it being the native place of his pater- 
nal grandfather, who was severely wounded at the 
battle of Lexington, but on his recovery enlisted and 
served through the Revolutionary War, rising from 
the ranks to a field officer. 

In this latter town most of Mr. Tolman's early life 
was i)a.ssed and his education chiefly obtained at the 
public schools there. And he had manual duties to 
perform about the farm even at the tender age of 
eight years, such as a boy of this period would be 
thought entirely unequal to. 

At the usual age for apprenticeship he was placed 
in the office of H. & W. H. Maun, of Dedham, 
Mass., to learn the printing business. It was a large 
and well-appointed establishment for the time, and af- 
forded fiicilities for acquiring a good knowledge of the 
art. He faithfully served his full time and not long 
after went to Boston, there to follow his trade. Says 
the ComiiuiHivealth newspaper of April 9, 1881 : " In 
1828 Mr. Tolman came to Boston as a journeyman in 
the book-office of Isaac R. Butts, doing a full day's 
work each day and filling the berth of an extra hand 
two nights in the week on the Columbian Ceutinel, 
' hanging out from twelve to three o'clock.' " 

It was in February, 1830, that he became a resident 
of Lynn, where he was at once engaged as printer of 
the Lynn Record, a few numbers of which had then 
been issued. After several years of service as man- 
ager, not only mechanically but editorially, he pur- 
chased the oflice and soon did a larger business than 
had been done in any other Lynn office up to that 
time. He introduced the first machine press here, 
printed several papers at different times and had a 
good run of job work. 

By middle life he found himself in circumstances 
where his accustomed unremitting application to me- 
chanical labor was unnecessary. He then sold out 
his printing materials and business, and turned his 



366 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



attention to other and less wearing pursuits. Yet the 
semi-intellectual employment of type-setting was al- 
ways congenial to him, and he was sometimes, for 
years after, seen as a volunteer compositor, for hours 
together, in some printing-office, the sharp click of the 
type and the bass rumbling of the press having the 
old-time charm for his ear. He now engaged in real 
estate and kindred operations, and here, too, success 
generally attended him, so that his means were soon 
augmented. 

The Rev. Edwin Thompson, himself a man of re- 
markable vitality, industry and perseverance, in a 
communication to the Dedham Transcript of March 
15, 1884, in allusion to the physical strain to which 
Mr. Tolman was accustomed to subject himself in 
early manhood, says : " Before the days of railroads 
Mr. Tolman frequently walked from Lynn to Boston 
on business and back the same day. Whenever he 
wished to visit Dedham it required all day to go there 
by stage, starting by Lynn stage at 8 a.m. for Boston, 
and leaving Boston for Dedham by ' Mason's stage ' 
at 4 P.M. In order to save time, Mr. Tolman frequently 
walked the whole distance, twenty miles, leaving 
Dedham in the morning and arriving at Lynn in sea- 
son to devote half a day to business." 

Perhaps no trait is more conspicuous in Mr. Tolman 
than his promptness in fulfilling engagements. So 
rigid was he in this respect, while in the printing 
business, that he appended to some of his advertise- 
ments a notice that if a job of work was not ready for 
delivery at the time agreed on, no pay would be re- 
quired. 

The career of Mr. Tolman furnishes a notable illus- 
tration of the certainty wiih which industry, prompt- 
ness, indomitable perseverance and frugality insure 
competence. 

Mr. Tolman is a strict disciplinarian and a man of 
marked individuality and rigidly just in all his deal- 
ings. Like a good many other thrifty men — more in 
number than is generally supposed — he was never 
addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors. Nor did 
he acquire the habit of using tobacco in any form. 
Mr. Thompson remarks : " Mr. Tolman thinks he has 
saved, reckoning at compound interest, about eight 
thousand dollars in not using tobacco, and by not 
using rum much more." His abstinence from " rum 
and tobacco," of course did much to increase his pe- 
cuniary means. And then with his other good traits 
of prudence in expenditure and carefulness in every 
way, aided by superior business sagacity, he has been 
enabled, during his latter years, to spare generous 
sums for benevolent purposes. In ISSl, on the occa- 
sion of the celebration of his golden wedding, he made 
a donation to the Lynn Hospital of two thousand five 
hundred dollars, to be held for the purposes thus ex- 
pressed in his letter to the president of the corpora- 
tion : 

" .\3 I am interested in the project for a Hospital in this city, and as 
the present effort to obtain a fund to establish one happens to be coinci- 



dent H-ith the fiftieth anniversary of my weddiiip, I, to;iether witli my 
wife, desire, on this day and occasion, to make it an offering expressive 
of our interest in it and the city in which we have so Ions resided. 

*' We also desire to devote the gift, in part, to tlie benefit of members 
of tlie Printing Fraternity in Lynn, as they may be in need of liospital 
treatment. We Ixith have a strong regard for Ihe occupation to wiiich 
I was brought up. and in wliich my wife's father and four of her broth- 
ers were long engaged. 

" As we desire the hospital to be established on a lasting basis, even if 
it shall commence in a small and prudent way, we wish the income of 
the fund only to be used, and offer, through you, to give to the Ilospit.il 
the symbolical sum of Fifty-times- Fifty Dollars, to be received and held 
on the following terms : 

"That the said Hospital shall hold and invest the said sura forever, 
and devote the income arising therefrom to maintainabed, or beds, insaid 
Hospital, for the benefit of all persons, under the rules and regulations 
of the hospital ; that it shall devote said bed, or beds, to the extent of a 
sum equal to the whole income received from said fund, to the use ot 
Practical Letter-Press Printers residing in Lynn (and especially to any 
person ever apprenticed to me), if the same shall be so required." 

This donation was cordially received and duly ac- 
knowledged. In 1884 he conveyed to the Young Men's 
Christian Association, of Lynn, an estate on Market 
Street valued at thirty thousand dollars, in trust " For 
the suppression in said Lynn of intemperance in the 
use of intoxicating liquors by the cultivation of pub- 
lic opinion and the enforcement of laws prohibiting 
and restraining the manufacture and sale of the same, 
and by assisting in the reform of persons of intem- 
perate habits. Also, for the education and instruction 
of the public, and especially the young, in all practi- 
cal ways by which they may be reached in regard to 
the moral and physical injuries arising from the habit- 
ual use of such liquors, and also of tobacco and other 
stimulants." And as subordinate to this work it was 
iurther stipulated that a part of said income, as op- 
portunity afforded, should be expended for the sup- 
pression of immoral literature, especially such as cir- 
culates among the young, the donor summarily adding 
that " his general intention is that of reform, rather 
than that of the alleviation of the effects consequent 
upon intemperance," and leaving the details of work 
for those appointed to act under the trust. This do- 
nation was also cordially accepted and duly acknowl- 
edged, and will no doubt be faithfully applied. A 
local paper, in speaking of this gift, says : " Mr. Tol- 
mau was an ardent temperance advocate in early life; 
he was also a radical and outspoken abolitionist, and 
advocated all the moral reform movements at a time 
when it required sound moral courage to do so," and 
adds, in reference to the gift : " He feels that in this 
act he has contributed to the relief of the poor and 
needy as expressly, and more effectually, than if he 
had ministered directly to their present necessities, as 
he believes in the adage, ' An ounce of prevention is 
worth a pound of cure.' " 

The latest and one of the most useful of Mr. Tol- 
nian's public donations was the munificent one of one 
thousand dollars to the Home for Aged Women. 

Mr. Tolman has not appeared much in public life, 
having no political aspirations, and constantly avoid- 
ing official position. It is here, perhaps, that he has 
fallen short of his duty to the public, which, in return 




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LYNN. 



367 



for the protection and benefits conferred, had a right 
to place him, occasionally at least, in positions where 
his fearless independence, caution and watchfulness 
would be available and effectual. He, however, has 
"held important and responsible positions in connec- 
tion with private and corporate interests." 

Mr. Tolman has been something of a traveler, 
having made extensive tours in the Western and 
Southern States and in Calilbruia. He has likewise 
visited Europe, and, of course, with his inquiring 
mind, gathered much unique and useful iuformation. 

In March, 1831, Mr. Tolman was united in marriage 
with Miss Lydia S. Mann, of Dedham, a daughter of 
Herman Mann, of whom he had learned his trade, 
and sister of Herman Mann, Jr., and their children 
were two sons and a daughter, of whom the latter 
only is now living, being the wife of Mr. Charles J. 
Pickford, of Lvnn. 



HIR.\M NICHOLS BREED. 

In the "Centennial Memorial of Lynn," published 
in 1S7(!, by order of the City Council, ai)peared a 
biographical sketch of Mr. Breed, which was prepared 
with care, and to which little need be added here ex- 
cepting that now, 1887, after the lapse of another de- 
cade of years, he still retains, in a remarkable degree, 
that healthful vigor, both of body and mind, that has 
characterized him through life; and that the commu- 
nity still have the benefit of his mature judgment and 
efficient services. 

Mr. Breed, says the sketch referred to, was born in 
Lynn, September 2, 1809, and was a son of Asa Breed, 
born February 21, 1783, a direct descendant from 
Allen Breed, who settled in Lynn in 1630. The Breed 
familj' during our whole history has maintained the 
highest rank, numerically, witli the exception of the 
Newhall, which considerably outnumbers any other. 

After receiving a district school education, Mr. 
Breed was put to the common employment of the 
youth of that period in this place, namely, the trade 
of shoemaking. And that occupation he has pursued 
for the greater portion of his life. The old-fashioned 
shoemaker's shop was an unrivalled school in its way 
— a school in which the free discussions on every topic 
of public or private interest had a tendency to make 
men intelligent in every way excejit, perhaps, in mere 
book-learning. The discussions often led to reflection 
and investigation, and whoever possessed ability was 
pretty sure to have it recognized. 

Mr. Breed was, at a comparatively early age, called 
to take a part in the management of public affairs; 
and for many years has held responsible offices. He 
was in various positions in the old town government, 
and the office of selectman when it expired. On the 
adoption of the city form he was one of the first Board 
of Aldermen, being likewise returned for the same po- 
sition the next year. He was a member of the Legis- 
lature in 18-18 and 1850, and a member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention in 1803. By Governor 15outwell 



he was appointed Coroner, and held the office twenty- 
five years, until the duties were referred to the courts; 
and he held the office of Justice of the Peace thirty- 
four years. He w'as ten years a director in the old 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, likewise City Asses- 
sor in 1858 and 1859, and Surveyor of Highways ten 
years. In the latter capacity he rendered eminent 
service, doing much to protect and beautify the pic- 
turesque drives in the outskirts, as well as to render 
safe, compact and cleanly the business streets. For 
thirteen years he was Commissioner of Pine Grove 
Cemetery, and for six years contractor to grade and 
prepare the lots. Nor should it be forgotten, while 
speaking of his many excellent labors, that he was 
active and efficient in the establishment of the Home 
for Aged Women. t 

In 1861 Mr. Breed was elected to the office of Mayor. 
That was a j'ear especially filled with unusual de- 
mands, anxieties and perplexities, for it was the open- 
ing year of the great Civil War. New duties and 
responsibilities were then pressing, and untried mea- 
sures were to be adopted. It required firmness to 
withstand unreasonable demands, and judgment to 
meet all legitimate claims. The success of his ad- 
ministration, under the circumstances, entitles him to 
much credit. It was a difficult task to shape and put 
in operation the measures that resulted so favorably 
to the soldiers and their families, while at the same 
time other public interests were vigilantly guarded. 
Something of the modest spirit with which he entered 
upon liis duties as Mayor may be gathered from the 
opening passage of his inaugural address: "Called 
from a laborious but honorable occupation to fill the 
position of Mayor of this city, and well acquainted 
with my many deficiencies for this important trust, I 
feel confident that, seeking to know ray duty, I shall 
be able by assiduity and industry to discharge the 
duties with a measure of satisfaction to myself and 
my constituents." Perhaps his habit of careful in- 
vestigation, before proceeding to action, in matters of 
real importance, is one of his most prominent charac- 
teristics — never too hasty, and never liable to be driven 
on by the unadvised urgencj' of those who always 
stand ready to press others while no responsibility 
rests on themselves. 

Mr. Breed belongs to one of the old families of the 
eastern section of the town, though the first Breed 
located in the western section, and has lived to see 
great irai)roveraents in the vicinity of his birth-place. 
Ocean Street, which is now reckoned one of the finest 
avenues in the county, he has seen opened througli 
lands, not indeed barren, but occupied only for pur- 
poses of husbandry. He also had much to do with 
the laying out of Breed, Foster and Nichols Streets, 
now filled with a thrifty population. And to his en- 
ergy and enteriirisc that whole section is indebted for 
many of those improvements which have changed it 
from its former quaint and rather ancient aspect to 
one pleasant and attractive. 



368 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



On the 4tli of July, 1830, Mr. Breed was united in 
marriage witli Nancy, a daughter of Caleb Stone, a 
well linown and much re.spected citizen, and by her 
had ten children — four sous and six daughters. On 
the 4th of July, 1880, the fiftieth anniversary of their 
marriage, a large company of kindred and friends 
assembled in a tasty pavilion, erected for the purpose, 
and there offered their congratulations and good wishes 
to the esteemed couple. It was an occasion of much 
enjoyment, mingled with the touching reflection that 
the day for final separation could not, in the common 
course of nature, be far distant. And since then the 
endeared companion with whom Mr. Breed had so 
long journeyed, has been called to the better land. A 
beloved and promising son, too, then in early man- 
hood, has likewise passed the bourne whence none 
return. 



I.SAAC FEAHCIS GALLOUPE. 

One of the most noted of the early settlers of New 
England was John Gallop, of Strode, County Dorset, 
England, who, at the age of forty, set sail for Amer- 
ica in the "Mary and John," and arrived on the 30th 
of May, 1630, at Watertown (now Boston). He was 
a descendant, in the eighth generation, of John Gal- 
lop, who, in 1405, came out of the North and settled 
in Dorset, his heraldic shield bearing the mottoes, 
" Be bold, be wyse." 

Isaac Francis Galloupe, a descendant in the sev- 
enth generation from John Gallop, the pioneer, was 
born in Beverly, Ma-^s., June 27, 1823. His parents 
were Isaac and Annis (Allen) Galloupe, both of 
sturdy New England stock. After receiving a suita- 
ble academical education he entered, as a student, 
the oflice of Dr. A. S. Pierson, of Salem, with whom 
he remained two years, at the end of which time he en- 
tered the Tremont Street Medical School, in Boston, 
and pursued his studies another year. He also at- 
tended three full courses of lectures at the Medical 
School of Harvard University, where he graduated 
in 1849. 

Thus thoroughly prepared, in the spring of 1849 he 
settled in Lynn, where there were several physicians 
of more than ordinary reputation, who, in view of 
the favorable auspices under which he came, wel- 
comed him with the utmost kindness. He was not 
long in gaining practice, and has from that time to 
the present enjoyed a reputation ever increasing, till 
it may now with confidence be said that very few 
physicians or surgeons in the county can be regarded 
as his peers. He is an honored member of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society and of the several 
local associations, in all of which much deference is 
paid to his ability and skill, and his suggestions are 
received as authoritative. His writings on various 
professional topics, which have from time to time ap- 
peared in the medical journals, have uniformly com- 
manded attention and received warm commenda- 
tion. 



As a citizen. Dr. Galloupe has always received the 
highest respect, although the exactions of his pro- 
fession have prevented his appearing much in public 
office. He, however, has served several times as 
city physician, and, as a member of the School Com- 
mittee, has shown his interest in the cause of educa- 
tion. But it was in the Union army, during the 
great Rebellion, that his excellent professional at- 
tainments became most conspicuous. He was com- 
missioned as surgeon of the Seventeenth Massachu- 
setts Regiment July 10, 1861. The next year he 
served as acting brigade surgeon in North Carolina, 
and then division surgeon on the staff of Major- 
General J. G. Foster. Besides the foregoing he filled 
several other important and difficult positions, among 
them that of surgeon-in-charge of the United States 
Army General Hospital, medical director, surgeon-in- 
charge of the medical department in a number of 
perilous expeditions, post-surgeon at Newbern, N. C, 
surgeon-in-charge of rebel prisons and jails. In all 
of them he proved himself so diligent and faithful as 
to elicit the heartiest commendation of the command- 
ing officers. 

In the report of Colonel Amory, issued from the 
headquarters at Newbern December 21, 1862, con- 
cerning the actions of the 14th, IGth and 17th of that 
month, appears the following: " When all did their 
duty well, it seems unnecessary to mention names, 
but I feel compelled in this place to testify to the 
fidelity with which Dr. Galloupe, the senior surgeon 
of my brigade, discharged his duties. His effi- 
ciency at all times and his care of the wounded merit 
the highest praise." 

In 1868 Dr. Galloupe was commissioned by the 
President, "for faithful and meritorious services dur- 
ing the war," a lieutenant-colonel of volunteers by 
brevet. This appointment was made in accordance 
with the many and strong recommendations of those 
best able to judge of his distinguished merits as a 
surgeon and soldier. Among tho.se urgently advocat- 
ing his appointment were Major-General J. G. Foster 
and Surgeon-General Dale. General Foster wrote, 
" I know Dr. Galloupe to be a most worthy and ex- 
cellent officer, who, under all circumstances during 
the war, performed his duty with marked ability;" 
and Surgeon-General Dale wrote of him, " His rec- 
ord during the war was honorable to himself and 
creditable to the commonwealth." Many pa.ssages, 
equally laudatory, from others, might be added, show- 
ing the high estimation in which his services were 
held by those most competent to judge. It may not 
be amiss, however, to add the following letters of 
those well-known commanders. General Burnside 
and General Butler, to the Secretary of War : 

•' State of Riiodk Island, Exkcutive Department, 

*' PkOvidence, August 8, 18G8. 
" General J. M. Sciiofield, Secretary of VViir : 

"GeHer«?, — It gives rac great pleasure to bear testimony to the skill, 
industry and and gallantry of Surgeon Isaac F. Galloupe, of the Seven- 
teenth Massachusetts Volunteei-s, who served with me in North Carolina. 



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LYNN. 



369 



On all occasions during tlie war when his services were needed he proved 
himself a most etficieut surgeon and brave officer. In February, 1864, 
he was captured by tlie enemy whilst operating upon the field. I be- 
lieve his good services and reconl entitle him to a brevet, and I hope it 
may be found for the interest of the public service to give him the pro- 
motion. 

" Tours truly, 

" A. E. BuHNSIDE." 

" Bayview. near Gl.or-CESTEH, Mass., August 10, 1868. 
" To the Honrrahh Sfcrelanj of n'ar, — 

"Surgeon Gailoupe served under my command at Newbern, N. C, 
and was captured during an attack while engaged in the strict line of 
his duty in remo\ing a musket-ball from a wounded officer. He waa 
detained in Libby a month and then exchanged. His services were 
more tlian those of surgeons of the line, and were specially mentioned. 
His testimonials from other commanders under whom he served are of 
the highest order. I urgently bespeak for him a brevet appointment as 
fit recognition of his eflicieut and assiduous and meritorious services. 
** I have the houor to be 

" Your very obedient servant, 

" Be\jamin F. Butlek." 

The reference to Dr. Galloupe's being taken pris- 
oner while attending a wounded officer on the field 
may merit an explanatory word or two. The wounded 
officer was Henry A. Cheever, adjutant of the Seven- 
teenth Ma.ssachu.setts Volunteers, who says, in a letter 
to the Secretary of War, dated August 8, 1868: " On 
February 1, 1864, when the rebel General Pickett 
made his demonstration against Newbern, N. C, it 
was my misfortune to receive a dangerous wound in 
the left side, and my very excessive good fortune to 
be associated with Surgeon Gailoupe, who remained 
with me on the field performing a surgical operation, 
when to remain and do his duty to me (our small 
force having been routed by overwhelming numbers) 
was to fall into the hands of the enemy. I, as 
well as some others belonging to the Department of 
Xorth Carolina, owe our lives to the faithful manner 
in which Surgeon Galloui)e discharged his every 
duty. His humanity saved many lives and cheered 
the dying hours of many others. As a companion 
he was always of high moral character. I know of 
nothing stronger that could be said in his behalf than 
that he always, whether in camp or on the march, 
met and faithfully discharged his every obligation, 
and, in my opinion, is richly deserving of all the 
honors that can be granted to one who served his 
country well.'' 

Dr. Galloupe's army experience has enabled him 
to make valuable contributions to the surgical literature 
of war, and he has taken occasion, from time to time, 
in his concise and lucid manner, to describe cases that 
have come under his operating hand, much to the 
benefit of his professional brethren, so that the period 
of his public u.sefulne,ss by no means ended with the 
close of the war. As an example of his intelligent 
way of viewing professional duties and re.'^ponsibili- 
ties the following extract from a publication of 1863 
is introduced, for it contains suggestions likely to 
jirove of benefit wherever the note of war is heard : 

"•Ampvtatkin ox THE Battle-Fieid.— Surgeon Isaac F. Gailoupe, of 
the Seventeenth Kegiment, hjis written an interesting letter to Surgeon- 
General Dale, in which he speaks of amputations on the field of battle 

24 



from his experience in the service. He says that it is thought by many 
that amputations on the battle-field are sometimes needlessly performed, 
but this is an error in his opinion. The golden opportunity for the 
operation is immediately on the reception of the injury, presuming, of 
coui-se. that amputation is necessary. The severe shock and depreasion 
of spirits which immediately follow a severe injury in civil life do not 
appear often in those wounded in battle, but the men are in a high 
stale of excitement and exhilaration, a condition highly favorable for 
immediate operation, which, if performed at such time, produces no 
shock to the system. This condition, however, soon passes off, and if not 
improved, the opportunity is lost. 

"Hesaysthiit during the three engagements upon the recent Golds- 
boro" expedition, about one hundred and fifty wounded were brought 
to him, and as ho could not attend to all theciises personally, heselected 
the eight worst ones and pei-fornied amputation, leaving the rest to 
' cx)nservative surgery," and in every case among these of gunslntt frac- 
ture of the long bones, not including those of hands and feet, the pa- 
tient finally lost his limb, and in some cases his life also, while those 
who had niulergone primary amputation made rapid recovery. 

*'Iu the eight c.tses in which Surgeon Gailoupe operated on the occa- 
sion referred to, all but one lived and rapidly convalesced, the case ter- 
minating fatally being that of Trivate Rand, who last his arm and leg, 
and who died from surgical fever after his arm had entirely healed and 
his leg was progressing very favorably." 

Dr. Gailoupe was a liberal contributor of material 
for the " Medical and Surgical History of the War of 
the Rebellion," published by the War Department. 

Dr. Gailoupe returned from the war with a com- 
manding professional reputation, and quietly resumed 
his practice in Lynn, where he still resides. 

In 1854 Dr. Gailoupe was united in marriage with 
Lydia D. Ellis, a daughter of the late David Ellis, of 
Lynn, and is the father of two sons,— Francis Ellis, 
a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- 
nology in 1876, now practicing mechanical engineer- 
ing in Boston, and Charles William, a graduate of 
Harvard College in 1879, and the Harvard Medical 
School in 1883, who is now a successful practitioner 
in Lviin. 



JO.SIAH CHASE BENNETT. 

Bennett is an old Lynn name, and as some of the 
family left here at an early period and settled in Xew 
Hampshire, it is perhaps fair to presume that the sub- 
ject of this sketch, who was born in Sandwich, N. H., 
on the sixth of May, 1835, was a descendant from 
Samuel Bennett, who came to Lynn during the first 
decade of our history — no doubt as early as 1636. He 
was a man in good circumstances, public-s])irited, and 
withal possessed of much independence of character 
— was a little wilful perhaps, but on the whole, such 
a one as no descendant need he ashamed of. 

He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery as early as 1639. Mr. Bennett's father was 
Simon Bennett a farmer, also l)orn in Sandwich, who 
stood very high in the community for his integrity 
and sterling Christian character. He was the son of 
Stephen Bennett, and a grand.son of Stephen Bennett 
who served as a drum-major during the entire jicriod 
of the War of the Revolution, and who, at a very old 
age, froze to death as the result of a fall on the ice of 
Lake Wiunepesaukee. 

Chase, the middle name of Mr. Bennett, was de- 



370 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



rived from his maternal ancestors, his mother (Mary 
Fogg Chase) having been of the New Hampshire 
Chase family, which has always numbered many emi- 
nent personages; among them two Bishops of the 
Episcopal Churcli, namely, Philander Chase, Bishop 
of Ohio, who acquired the title of " Father of Ohio," 
he having gone there in its infancy, and being largely 
instrumental in shaping its early history ; the other 
was Carlton Chase, Bishop of New Hampshire, he 
who afterwards, on the fall of Bishop Onderdonk of 
New York, discharged the episcopal duties of that 
Diocese. In tliis family line, too, appeared the dis- 
tinguished statesman and financial expert, Salmon 
Portland Chase, who was Governor of Ohio, United 
States Senator, Secretary of the Treasury under Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and afterwards Chief Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States. 

In Mr. Bennett's business career we have a notable 
example of the progress of a true New Englander, 
one who from the more humble ranks, by industry, 
perseverance, and enterprise has attained a command- 
ing position in the community ; a position, however, 
which could not have been reached and maintained 
without the additional virtues of probity, fair dealing 
and true manhood. 

It may be well briefly to sketch his career, there 
being abundant material furnished by the public 
prints which have delighted, from time to time, to 
speak approvingly of his characteristics and doings. 
Says one writer: "He was the son of poor parents, 
and from an early age was thrown upon his own re- 
sources for support. When he was sixteen years of 
age he left his native town and went to work on the 
shoemaker's bench in Danvers. In those days a shoe- 
maker made the whole shoe, and there were no large 
factories as at present." In another article we are 
informed that " From Danvers he went to Boston and 
engaged in the business of manufacturing silk hats." 
This business and that of photography engaged his 
attention until 1865, when he became connected with 
the American Shoe Tip Company of Boston, remain- 
ing with them about five years. During this time he 
traveled extensively, becoming acquainted with the 
shoe trade all over the country. 

The company rose from a very embarrassed condi- 
tion to become a great financial success, a result al- 
most wholly contributed to by his personal efforts. 
At this time he resided in Lynn during the summer, 
and in Boston during the winter. In 1870 betook up 
his residence permanently in Lynn, and commenced 
manufacturing shoes, in a small way, with George E. 
Barnard, in Exchange Street, under the firm name of 
J. C. Bennett & Co. Two years afterward the busi- 
ness was removed to their new building in Central 
Square. 

In Central Square the business still continues, under 
the firm name of J. C. Bennett & Barnard. They do 
a very large business, and have attained a position 
where no want of capital is felt, and rank among our 



first-class manufacturers. They manufacture none 
but the first grade of shoes, and put them on the 
mai'ket in corresponding style. The products of their 
factory are widely and favorably known throughout 
the country, and have contributed largely to place 
Lynn in the foremost rank in the production of fine 
goods. 

Mr. Bennett has always been a true friend of the 
laboring classes and willing to consider their wants 
and their rights, and hence, through all the agitations 
that have of late years beset the trade here, he has 
been remarkably free from difficulties that have been 
encountered by such brother manufacturers as were 
disposed to be more tenacious of their own opinions 
and less considerate of those of others. If, however, 
troubles have at any time arisen, he has always settled 
them by arbitration, to the mutual satisfaction of 
employer and employees. 

Mr. Bennett served in the State Senate in 1884-85, 
and in that position, by his prudence, good judgment 
and moderation won the universal approval of his 
constituents; and he likewise gained much applause 
from the benevolent and sympathetic of all parties, 
by giving to the Lynn Hospital, the entire amount of 
his salary as Senator. 

In 1865 Mr. Bennett was united in marriage with 
Miss Nancy Louisa Richardson, of Rochester, N. H., 
and they have pursued an aflTectionate and Christian 
walk together, these many years, both being members 
of St. Stephen's Church, he having already served as 
Parish Vestryman, for several years. 



JOHN AMBRO.SE MfAETnUR.' 

Very few of the adopted citizens of Lynn, and she 
can number many worthy ones who have appeared 
at different periods, have stood higher in general es- 
teem than Dr. McArthur — esteem for skill in his pro- 
fession, and for the high qualities that characterize 
the true gentleman. 

He was born near Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1831, and 
of excellent ancestry, his grandfather having belonged 
to the gentry of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and his father, 
being a man of finished education, having graduated 
from Dublin University. The latter became an offi- 
cer in the Queen's Regiment, and was at the burial 
of Sir John Moore, and at the battle of Waterloo. 
His mother was a daughter of one of the Royali.sts 
who emigrated to Halifax atthe close of the American 
Revolution. 

After coming to the States Dr. McArthur resided 
for a time in Newburyport, where he married and 
buried his first wife. He was subsequently in busi- 
ness in Montreal, but returned to Newburyport, 
where he was for a time in business. 

Dr. McArthur pursued his medical studies in the 
Harvard Medical School, where he took a full course, 
and graduated in 1872, his previous good education 

'By JUB. K. Newliall, 





'tut, vt 



k.2). 



I 





6^\ 



LYNN. 



371 



furnishing a firm ground-work for i)rofessioual ac- 
quirement. 

After spending a short time in Charlestown, he 
came to Lynn, and in a remarkably short time Ibund 
himself in an extensive and lucrative practice. Soon 
after coming to Lynn he was united in marriage with 
Miss Annie E. Friend, of Gloucester. They had one 
child, a daughter, and the mother and daughter sur- 
vive him. 

Dr. McArthur's genial manners, varied acquire- 
ments, liberal views, and tender sympathies made 
him esteemed by all classes. And his rapidly accu- 
mulating means enabled him to indulge his naturally 
benevolent inclinations. He diligently followed his 
l)rofession till declining health required a slackening 
of professional labors, and for the last two or three 
years of his life he w;is compelled to withdraw as 
much as po.ssible from active practice. 

He was not much in )>ublic life, as premonitions of 
declining health warned him to beware of exposure 
and excitement. In the quiet duties of church work 
and in the lodge-room he took delight ; was an ex- 
emplary member of St. Stejihen's Church, in which 
he served as vestryman some ten years, his earnest- 
ness and good judgment having much influence with 
his official associates. He was a charter member of 
the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and first treasurer of 
the Richard Drown Lodge ; likewise a member of Oli- 
vet Commandery of Knight Templars, and passed 
through all the chairs at Newburyport. 

Dr. McArthur died at his residence on South Com- 
mon Street on the 28th of September, 1887, and the 
funeral services were held in St. Stephen's Church 
on the morning of Saturday, October 1, 1887. The 
remains were taken to Newburyport for burial in the 
family lot, several of his official brethren, kindred 
and friends, accompanying them to their final resting- 
place. 

JONATHAN WOOODWARD GOODELL. 

Jonathan Woodward Goodell was born in Orange, 
Mass., August 2, 1830. His father was Zina Good- 
ell, and his mother was Polly, daughter of Amos 
Woodward, of that town. He was educated in the 
common schools of Orange, at the Melrose Seminary, 
in West Brattleboro', Vt., and at Saxton's JRiver 
Academy, in Rockingham, in the same State. He 
afterwards studied medicine in the Berkshire Medical 
College, and graduated from that institution at the 
age of twenty -six. During the first ten years of his 
professional life he practised in Greenwich, Ma.ss., 
and then removed to Lynn, where he has ever since 
resided. Since his arrival in Lynn, in February, 
1866, he has devoted himself with energy and skill to 
the practice of medicine and surgery, in which he has 
secured a large and eminently successful business. 
He is a member of the American Medical Associa- 
tion, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of 
which latter orsanization he has been several times 



chosen one of the counsellors. He has been, also. 
President of the Essex South Medical Association, and 
in these various honorable positions has always had the 
confidence and respect of his professional brethren. 
He has neither occupied nor sought public oflice, but 
has given his time and energy to his chosen profes- 
sion, indulging in the single avocation of the study of 
horticulture as a relief from his legitimate occupa- 
tion. To the promotion of this branch of science he 
has lent freely his intelligentservice, and is now presi- 
dent of the Houghton Horticultural A.s.sociation of his 
adopted city. He is now, at the age of fifty-seven, 
releasing himself somewhat from the burdens of his 
profession, and seeking relaxation and pleasure 
among the fruits and flowers, to whose culture his re- 
fined tastes more and more incline. He married, 
November 1, 1868, Martha Jane, daughter of Jason 
Abbott, of Enfield, Mass., and has one daughter, now 
sixteen years of age. He is still in the prime of vig- 
orous manhood, and promises many years of useful- 
ness, both in the pursuit of his profession and in the 
promotion of a higher culture and taste in the com- 
nuinitv, of which he is an honored member. 



AUGUSTUS B. MARTIN. 

Augustus B. Martin is the son of Newhall Martin, 
of Charlestown, Mass., and he (Newhall Martin) was 
born in Boston, 1802, commenced the shoe business 
in what was then Charlestown, but is now part of 
Boston, in 1822, and remained there till his death, 
which occurred December 18, 1880, doing the same 
business in one place fifty-eight years. 

In 1823 he married Hannah Phillips, who was also 
born in Boston, and had the following children : New- 
hall, born 1825; James Pope, 1827; Edward F., 1829; 
Augustus B., 1831 ; Francis A., 1833 ; Alphonso, 
1835; Harriet, 1837. His wife dying May 19, 
1839, he married a second wife, Widow Mercy (Hatch) 
Leach. 

Augustus B. Martin was educated in the public 
schools in Charlestown, and at the age of fifteen 
entered his father's establishment, where he remained 
three years. He then learned the trade of morocco- 
dre.ssing with James M. Waite, of Charlestown, and 
after working at his trade three years, in Newton, 
with Charles Packer, removed to Lynn at the age of 
twenty-four. There he started in business with 
Moses Norris, under the firm-name of Norris & Mar- 
tin, in the manufacture of morocco. After remain- 
ing three years and a half with Mr. Norris, with his 
small means considerably increased, he established 
himself alone in the same business, remaining alone 
until 1S(;7, when he admitted his brother, Edward F., 
as partner. 

In May, 1876, he opened a store in Boston for the 
sale of his goods, and from the time of his arrival in 
Lynn, in 1855, to the present time his career has been 
one of uninterrupted success. Manufacturing at first 



372 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



on a small scale, and selling to his neighbors in Lynn, 
he now has customers wherever shoes are made in the 
United States and Canada. 

In 1881 his establishment in Lynn was burned, but 
was at once replaced by one which is the largest and 
best-appointed morocco factory in New England. 
Their store, near the Revere Beach Railroad station, is 
the most elegant and commodious store, in that line 
of business, in the United States, and forms part of a 
brick block owned by himself and built in 1884. 

The goat-skins manufactured by the firm are im- 
ported by them chiefly from South America, and it is 
safe to say that no better product than theirs enters 
the market. Mr. Martin is a Republican in politics, 
and a Universalist in religion, and has taken an ac- 
tive interest in the advancement of views represented 
by the party and sect designated by those terms. He 
is a man of public spirit, interested in the welfare of 
his city, and the institutions which give it character. 
He has been a member of the City Council and Board 
of Aldermen, a director in the Mechanics', now the 
First National Bank, and is now vice-president of the 
Lynn National Bank. 

He married, December 25, 1856, Elizabeth R., 
daughter of William S. Fretch, and has had the fol- 
lowing children : Lizzie, May, Alice G., and Augus- 
tus B. Augustus B., Jr., was admitted a member of 
the firm January 1, 1887. 



JOHN TODD MOULTON.' 

Mr. Moulton was born in Lynn on the 7th of August, 
1838. His father was Joseph Moulton, long known 
among us as a successful tanner and morocco manufac- 
turer; and his mother was Relief Todd, a Vermont 
lady. 

The ancestor of the family was Robert Moulton, 
who was sent over by the London Company, in 1629, 
to Governor Endicott, as master shipwright, with six 
journeymen, to begin the shipbuilding business at 
Salem. The large island off Beverly shore, called the 
Misery, " receiving that name," says Felt, " on account 
of a disastrous shipwreck there," but gives no partic- 
ulars. Robert Moulton was quite prominent in the 
early town and church affairs of Salem, and was 
granted two hundred acres of land in Salem village, 
now West Peabody, and was one of eight men dis- 
armed at Salem for sympathizing with the wheel- 
wright in his desire for liberty of conscience and free 
speech. 

Mr. Moulton, the subject of this sketch, graduated 
from Lynn High School in 1855, having prepared for 
college under Jacob Batchclder. But he relinquished 
tlie idea of college-life on account of fiiiling health, 
caused by too close application to study. He spent 
several years in his father's nursery in attending to 
the cultivation and propagation of fruit-trees, shrubs, 

1 By James R. Newliall. 



and plants, having a strong natural love for such em- 
ployment. 

The father of Mr. Moulton had served an appren- 
ticeship of seven 3'ears at the leather manufacture, in 
all its branches and under him the son became an adept, 
so that in 1864 he was well qualified to succeed to the 
then firmly-established business. In that business, 
the manufacture of morocco leather, he still con- 
tinues, employing at the present time some sixty or 
seventy workmen. His factory stands on the spot 
where one of the earliest tanneries was established, 
by the Lewises. In the chapter on the industrial pur- 
suits of Lynn more may be found in relation to the 
business and the successive owners of the premises. 
The factory is quite extensive, and is located on 
Marion Street, opposite the foot of Centre. 

Mr. Moulton was born in the old Mansfield house, 
on the north side of Boston Street, nearly opposite the 
termination of Marion. It was built in 1666 by Robt. 
Mansfield, and still remains the jiroperty of descend- 
ants of the builder, now of the eighth generation. 
The grandmother of Mr. Moulton was a Mansfield, 
and lineal descendant from Robert, just named. 

The integrity, prudence and promptness of Mr. 
Moulton have made his services much in requisition 
for positions of peculiar trust. He has already served 
twelve years as trustee of the public library, and has 
recently been elected for a new three-years' term, being 
likewise treasurer of the board of directors. He is 
treasurer of the fraternities of Associated Charities, 
treasurer of the Boston Street Methodist Society and 
treasurer of the trustees of the Lynn Free Public 
Forest. As mentioned elsewhere, he is a writer of 
merit in both prose and poetry, and has been the poet 
at several High School reunions. 

But the most distinguishing trait of Mr. Moid ton, in 
a literary way, is his love for historical research. He 
is a member of the New England Historical and Gen- 
ealogical Society, and likewise of the Methodist His- 
torical Society. 

The people of Lynn are greatly indebted to him for 
the collection and preservation of much that is useful 
as well as interesting in her history. He has prepared 
copies of the earliest existing town records, and had 
them published in the Historical Collections of the 
Essex Institute. He has also collected and published 
the inscriptions from the oldest grave-yards of Lynn, 
Lynnfield and Saugus, and has prepared genealogies 
of the Moulton and Mansfield families. A few months 
since, as mentioned in another connection, he, with 
Mr. Isaac O. Guild, was at the expense of erecting a 
suitable stone to mark the resting-place of " Moll 
Pitcher," the renowned fortune-teller of Lynn, per- 
haps the most remarkable personage known in our 
history, and of whom a somewhat extended account 
may be found in the historical sketch of Lynn in the 
present work. 

Mr. Moulton, it is agreeable to add, is always ready 
to contribute from his abundant store any informa- 




1 'iL- ')AwM^ ,4^^ 





LYNN. 



373 



tion he may possess regarding our early families, and 
the charaeteristies and doings of our fathers. And all 
well-wishers of the eommunity will join in rejoicing 
in the prosperity of one so worthy. 

Mr. Moulton was united in marriage with Jliss 8. 
Fannie Sweetser in December, 1867, and their chil- 
dren are one son and two daughters. 



JOHN' r. WOODBURY. 

John P. Woodbury was born in Atkinson, N. H., 
on May 24, 1827. He traces his ancestry through 
seven generations to one of the earliest settlers in 
Salem (1624), John Woodbury, who held the first 
official appointment mentioned in the old Colonial 
records. Later he was sent to England with full 
powers to settle some difficulties which had arisen be- 
tween the colony and the mother country, and re- 
turned to the colony in 1628, having executed his com- 
mission satisfactorily. John Woodbury, the grand- 
father of John P.. came to Lynn in 1820. He was a 
skillful master shipwright and carpenter, and the first 
in this part of the country to introduce the '"square 
rule" in framing buildings. Fourofhis sons— Jep- 
thah P., Seth D., Joseph P., and James A — became 
prominent as business men in Lynn, the last two es- 
pecially as inventors. His eldest son. Rev. John 
Woodbury, the father of John P., was born at Beverly, 
and was first settled as a Baptist clergyman at North- 
field, Mass., and later, as was the custom at that 
time, was changed from time to time to other New 
England parishes. He was a man of liberal views 
and earnest and devoted in his labors, but in 1850 his 
health compelled him to retire from the ministry. He 
was married to Myra Page of Atkinson, and .John P. 
Woodbury, the subject of this sketch, was tlieir only 
son. His early yeare were spent in various New Eng- 
land towns where his father was settled. In addition 
to a common school education he had the advantage 
of three years' study at the Hancock (N. H.) Literary 
and Scientific Institution, of which liis father was a 
trustee. At the age of fifteen he was employed for six 
months on one of the most sterile farms in New Eng- 
land, at the foot of old Monadnock. Any one ac- 
quainted with farm-life of thirty years ago will under- 
stand how he welcomed a change of employment. He 
entered the office of the Keene (N. H.) Sentinel, and 
soon became a good compositor. The following yean 
having a taste for mechanical employment, he wentto 
Bangor. Me., and spent three years of hard work in 
acquiring a thorough knowledge of various w-ood- 
working trades. He then came to Lynn, and was 
employed for a year as journeyman cabinet-maker in 
the factory of Seth D. Woodbury, which stood on the 
present site of the Boston Revere Beacli & Lynn Rail- 
road station. The following year he became the con- 
fidential clerk of Joseph P. Woodbury, and in 1849- 
50 visited Buffalo and the principal cities of the West, 
in connection with patent business. He was in 



Washington in the spring of 1850, while the famous 
compromise measures were before Congress, and heard 
the questions which led to our civil war discussed by 
Clay, Webster. Calhoun and many other distinguished 
members of Congress. On his return he became a 
partner of Jepthah P. Woodbury in the lumber and 
building business, which was carried on at Commer- 
cial wharf, at the foot of Commercial Street, iu Lynn. 
In this same year (1850), he n\arried Sarali E. Silsbee, 
a daughter of Nathan Silsbee, and a descendant of one 
of the earliest settlers of Lynn. In 1854 he sold his 
interest in the lumber business, and again visited the 
West, with the intention of settling there, but in four 
months he returned to Lynn and established himself 
in the real estate and insurance business. He was the 
pioneer in this line of business in Lynn. By steady 
and close occupation he obtained the confidence of 
his fellow-citizens, and succeeded in establishing the 
largest business of the kind in Essex County ; indeed 
for many years only two insurance offices in the 
State made larger returns to the Insurance commis- 
sioners. 

Mr. Woodbury was a firm believer in the future 
growth and improvement of Lynn. He was for a time a 
memberof the Common Council of the city, but he was 
too busy a man to continue long in public office. 
His name is intimately connected with the progressof 
his adopted city. He was treasurer of the Exchange 
Hall, the Sagamore Hotel, the Lynn Market-House, 
and the Lynn City Improvement Companies. It is to 
his organization of this latter company that Lynn 
owes the laying out of Central Avenue, the finest 
and most substantial street in the city. Having 
secured control of nearly all the land lying between 
the Central station and the City Hall, he associated 
with him many of Lynn's leading capitalists .and laid 
out this wide avenue, which has proved to be one of 
the greatest improvements ever made in Lynn. At the 
time the project was started it met with violent oppo- 
sition from the owners of land on Market Street, who 
feared the depreciation of their property ; but time 
has shown that the improvement has rather enhanced 
the value of their land. Mr. Woodbury's firm belief 
in the future of Lynn led him to invest all his sav- 
ings in real estate, frequently at what were considered 
high prices, but time has confirmed his judgment. In 
1867, after twenty -five yeai-s of labor, he sold his busi- 
ness, and, with his family, enjoyed a well-earned holi- 
day in Europe. Seven months were spent in Paris at 
the time when Napoleon III, then in the height of his 
glory, was entertaining the crowned heads of the 
world, and making Paris the most brilliant capital of 
Europe. The remainder of a year was spent in visit- 
ing the principal cities of the continent and in South- 
ern Italy. On his return ilr. Woodbury accepted the 
presidency of the Exchange Insurance Company, an 
organization composed largely of Lynn cai)italists,but 
in eighteen months resigned from the position, and 
has not since been in active business. His leisure is 



374 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



largely occupied in the collection of books and en- 
gravings, and he is especially interested in extra 
illustrated books, of which he has a considerable col- 
lection. He still retains a summer residence in Lynn, 
but spends the winter months in Boston or in travel- 
ing. He is a member of the Bostonian Society, the 
Boston Art Club, the Grolier Club of New York and 
other kindred organizations. 

Mr. Woodbury U a Unitarian, and was for many 
years a trustee of the Second Congregational Church 
of Lynn. In politics he was one of the original Free- 
Soilers, voting for Martin Van Buren in 184S, and was 
afterwards a steady Republican until 1883, when, dis- 
satisfied with the nomination of James G. Blaine for 
President, lie became an Independent voter. He has 
two children, M.arcia E., wife of Edward P. Parsons, 
and John, a lawyer, practising in Boston. 

Mr. Woodbury's career illustrates the fact that in 
this country every avenue to business success is open 
through steady, unremitting effort, to an earnest and 
reliable working man ; and, better still, that through 
all his toil a man may carry tastes which will furnish 
him with delightful occupation and keen enjoyment 
in time of leisure. 



WILLIAM F. MORGAN. 

Mr. Morgan was born in Bellingham, Mass., Janu- 
ary 2, 1839, and was a son of William F. Morgan, who 
was a lineal descendant from Miles Morgan, one of 
the early settlers of Springfield, Mass. 

Miles Morgan with two brothers, James and John, 
sailed from Bristol, England, in March, 1636, and ar- 
rived at Boston in the following April. The family 
removed to Bristol from Llandaff, in Wales, a few years 
before the sons emigrated to New England. Miles, 
the youngest of the three was born in 1615, and on 
his arrival in Boston, or shortly after, he joined a 
party of emigrants, mostly from Roxbury, of whom 
Col. William Pynchon was the head, and settled in 
Springfield. The land first occupied by the settlers 
in that place is now traversed by the Main Street, and 
was divided into shares and distributed among them 
by lot. The tract allotted to Mr. Morgan extended 
from Main Street to the river, on the south side of 
what was once called Ferry Lane. 

About the year 16-13 he married Prudence Gilbert 
of Beverly, having made the acquaintance of the 
family during the voyage from England, and the tra- 
dition of the family invests the matrimonial alliance 
with the romance of a courtship at sea, a separation 
for years, an offer by letter carried by a messenger 
through the wilderness, an acceptance of the ofler, a 
journey to Beverly by the bridegroom and his compa- 
nions armed with mu.skets, and a return with the bride 
one hundred and twenty miles to Springfield their fu- 
ture home. 

The records bear the names of the following child- 
ren : Mary, born February 14, 1644; Jonathan, No- 
vember 16, 1646; David, September 23, 1648; Pela- 



teah, July 17, 1650; Isaac, May 12, 1652; Lydia, April 
8, 1654; Hannah, April 11, 165G; Mercy, July 18, 
1658. 

Tlie mother of these children died January 14, 
1660, and Miles married February 15, 1669, Elizabeth 
Bliss, and had one other child, Nathaniel, born June 
14, 1671. His death is recorded as having occurred 
May 28, 1699. 

Nathaniel Morgan, son of Miles, married January 
19, 1691, Hannah Bird, and settled on the west side 
of the Connecticut River in West Springfield, where 
he died August 30, 1752. His children were, Nathan- 
iel, born February 16, 1692; Samuel, 1694; Elienezer, 
1696; Hannah, 1698; Miles, 1700; Joseph, December 
3, 1702; James, 1705; Isaac, 1708; and Elizabeth, 
1710. 

Joseph Morgan, son of Nathaniel, married in May, 
1735, Mary, daughter of Benjamin Stebbins, and lived 
and died in West Springfield. His death occurred 
November 7, 1773. His children were, Joseph, born 
February 19, 1736; Titus, who died in infancy; Titus 
again, July 19, 1740; Lucas, February 26, 1743; Eli- 
zabeth, December 23, 1745; Judah, March 22, 1749; 
Jesse, twin of Judah, and Hannah, November 29, 
1751. 

Judah Morgan, son of Joseph, married April 12, 
1775, Elizabeth Shivoy. His children were, Festus, 
born January 12, 1776 ; Elijah, June 2, 1777 ; Richard, 
March 4, 1779; Amos, November 7. 1780; Elizabeth, 
June 23, 1787, all of whom were born in Northamp- 
ton. He died November 13, 1827. 

Festus Morgan, son of Judah, married 1799, Submit 
French of Northamptcm, and had one child, a son, 
William F. Morgan, who was born in Northampton, 
October 6, 1800. He was the father of the subject of 
this sketch. He learned the business of woolen manu- 
facturing and established himself in that business in 
Oxford, and a few years later in Bellingham. He 
married, April 17, 1832, Eliza, daughter of Rufus Rus- 
sell of New Braiutree. His children were, Julius, 
born and died 183-1; William H., born 1836, died 
1839; William F., 1839, all of whom were born in 
Bellingham. He died in Bellingham, August 10, 
1839. 

William F. Morgan, the subject of this sketch, was 
a son of the above William F., and was born in Bell- 
ingham, January 2, 1839. After the death of his fa- 
ther his mother removed with her family to South 
Milford, where he attended the public schools until 
he was ten years of age. He then went to live with a 
relative on a farm in New Rraintree, and while there 
attended the schools of the town and was later a pupil 
in Day's Academy in Wreutham. 

In 1856, at the age of seventeen, he commenced 
what was in reality hia business career, it being then 
that he entered a shoe store in Providence, R. I. 
Here he soon developed such aptitude and business 
capacity that at the age of twenty-one he was offered 
the position of partner, which offer was accepted. 






^^^^2^^^^. 




e^^eL^o- 



o^^ 






LYNN. 



375 



Lynn was at that time, as it still is, the centre of 
the great New England shoe mauufiuture, autl per- 
haps the most promising field for the development of 
enterprise, the exercise of industry and the invest- 
ment of capital, known to the trade. He was, there- 
fore, induced to leave Providence and accept the offer 
of a situation as salesman and hook-keeper in one of 
the largest establishments here. Hither be came in 
1861. 

After remaining in the situation named till 18G4, he 
commenced manufacturing on his own account, and 
soon found himself in a prosperous business, which 
continued so to flourish and increase, that in 1871 he 
found it expedient to take a partner. The present 
firm of Morgan & Dore was formed in 1871 and soon 
became one of the largest, most reputable and success- 
ful in the city. In addition to the factory in Lynn, 
they have established factories in Pittsfield, N. H.> 
and Richmond, Me., where their liberality and fair 
dealing have won for them an honorable name, and 
where the constant employment given to a large num- 
ber of residents has proved a substantial and highly 
appreciated benefit to the people. 

On the second of June, 1863, Mr. Morgan was 
united in marriage with Miss Emeline B. Nichols, of 
Providence, and has two children, William F. (now a 
student in Trinity College, Hartford, Class of 1888), 
and Alice L. 

Mr. Morgan has not been much in public office, 
though he has served in the Council. His peculiar 
fitness for other public service, however, could not re- 
main unrecognized. In charitable enterprises he has 
always been an active and efficient laborer. He is 
president of the Board of Associated Charities and a 
member of the Board of Hospital Managers. He is 
likewise a trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank. 

In financial matters his skill and forecast have been 
conspicuous. He was one of the founders of the Na- 
tional Security Bank of Lynn, and has held the posi- 
tion of director ever since its organization. 

In 1879 he erected the beautiful residence in Nahant 
Street, corner of West Baltimore, where he still re- 
sides. 

Few men ever in Lynn have furnished an example 
more worthy of imitation than Mr. Morgan. His in- 
dustrious habits, upright dealing, respect for religion, 
liberal aid in the promotion of worthy object-s, and 
courtesy of manners, have made him one of excep- 
tionally high esteem. And no well-wisher of the 
community can envy the prosperity of one who has 
thus risen to rank as one of the foremost citizens. 



CHARLES O. BEEDE. 

Charles O. Beede,' the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Lynn in 1840. He received his early educa- 
tion in the public schools of that city and of Sand- 
wich, N. H., and added to his store of knowledge by 

1 By Bet^amin Pitman. 



close study for a season at the New Hampton Insti- 
tute. 

Being thus equipped theoretically for a business 
career, he returned to Lynn and entered one of the 
large shi.e manufactories of that city, that he might 
gain by practical experience the knowledge necess.iry 
tor business success. 

In 1865 he began business for himself, and by untir- 
ing industry and honesty of purpose he soon began 
to climb the rounds of fortune's ladder. His pro- 
gress was rapid, but he was soon admonished that 
close application and earnest attention to the cares 
and responsibilities of an ever-increasing trade de- 
manded in his case a penalty, and in 1872 he was 
obliged to retire from active business and seek rest 
and recreation amid the rugged hills and sunny dales 
of his old New Hampshire home, and for a year 
rested from his labors. 

At the end of that period, being recuperated and 
thirsting again for the bustle and stir of a busy life, 
he returned to Lynn, and at once entered the lists, 
setting the mark for his prize in the establishment of 
a business that should be favorably known through- 
out the country. 

With a persistency that could not be abated and a 
zeal that knew no tire, he pushed on until the firm of 
C. O. Beede was known as the leading firm in New 
England for the manufacture of boot and shoe sup- 
plies, and his name recognized as the name of one 
who carved his fortune out of the rough stone of op- 
portunity. 

Mr. Beede is one of those happy men who study 
and understand the needs of their employees and 
cultivates the most friendly relations with them. 

He gives his entire force an outing once a year, 
and joins with them in their annual games and din- 
ner, and when the great feast day of the year comes, 
the day of Thanksgiving, the table of every man in 
his employ bespeaks the liberality and thoughtfulness 
of the man they labor for. 

Outside of his regular business he pays attention to 
real estate matters, and shows the same good judg- 
ment there, ranking as among the most prominent 
and successful dealers in the city. 

Mr. Beede, like all progressive men, takes a health- 
ful interest in politics, and believes that that system 
or party is the most right that does the most toward 
advancing the material, the social and the moral inter- 
ests of the people. 

Being of a social nature it Is not to be wondered at 
that he should make friends, and in answer to their 
call he has repeatedly looked after the city's interest 
by serving on the alderniauic board, and he always 
carried into his public duties the same qualifications 
that has made of him in his private life a man of 
mark. 

Honest, always earnest in every cause which he 
knows to be right, a clear thinker and a progressive 
man, with a mind broad and comprehensive enough 



376 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to take in the possibilities of great enterprises, and 
yet conservative enough to prevent any undue enthu- 
siasm to control his judgment. 

Mr. Beede stands in the community in which he 
lives thoroughly equipped for every public and pri- 
vate duty. 

PATRICK LENNOX.' 

Lynn has been fortunate in numbering, from time 
to time, among her adopted citizens, those who by 
their enterprise and other valuable traits, have added 
to her prosperity and the extension of her good name. 
And some of these have come from other and distant 
lauds. Such individuals she has always welcomed, 
and in their fidelity to her interests has secured am- 
ple reward. Of this class, few now with us are more 
worthy of honorable mention than the individual to 
whom this sketch refers. 

Mr. Lennox was born in Kildare, one of the east- 
ern counties of Ireland, a short distance from the city 
of Dublin, on the first day of August, 1828, and was 
educated in the national schools. Not much need be 
said of his boyhood, as it was passed very much like 
that of other youth about him, with its pranks, its as- 
pirations and its inci])ient loves. But his ambition 
to "rise in the world," as he entered early manhood, 
asserted itself, and led to such "prospecting" in re- 
gard to the future, as induced him to turn his eye to 
America, as the most promising field. He then left 
his native land without a pang, excepting such as 
naturally arose from the severance of youthful attach- 
ments and home associations. 

At the age of twenty he found himself in New 
York, full of youthful ardor and buoyant hope. He 
landed there in 1848, and wiihout unnecessary delay 
came to Lynn. Here he immediately entered the 
employ of Darius Barry, one of our energetic and 
reputable morocco manufacturers, on Monroe Street. 
After serving for three years in a modified sort of ap- 
prenticeship, he was competent to accept employment 
as a journeyman in the establishment of Smith & 
Clark. Such was his skill, industry and enterprise, 
and his ambition, too, it may be added, that within 
two years he was able to commence business on his 
own account. 

The shoe business was at that time rapidly growing 
in Lynn, as machinery was beginning to be intro- 
duced in almost every department. This was a fortu- 
nate circumstance, and Mr. Lennox had the shrewd- 
ness to perceive the tendency of trade, and had 
established such a reputation for good management, 
and had, withal, accumulated such an amount of capi- 
tal that he was able to take advantage of the tide of 
prosperity. He soon became numbered among our 
principal morocco manufacturers, and was not defi- 
cient in ample means. His business rapidly extended, 
and he has now about a hundred and twenty-five 

1 By James R. Newhull. 



workmen busily employed. He has a salesroom in 
Boston, which was established in 1877; and at his 
factory, in Market Street, Lynn, large sales are con- 
stantly being made. 

It was in 1871 that he built his fine business build- 
ing in Market Street, opposite the station of the Nar- 
row Gauge Railroad. It was one of the best buildings 
in the city at the time of its erection, and is still an 
ornament to the street which has now so many hand- 
some structures. And in noticing this building a cor- 
respondent of one of the journals of the day remarks 
as follows : 

" Every traveler on the Boston and Maine Railroad, while passing 
through Market Street, Lynn, has doubtless observed the substantial 
and handsome store and factory belonging to Patrick Lennox, who com- 
menced business as a morocco dresser in early life, and has steadily 
built up a business and trade, now ranking among the first in the State 
with substantial tokens of his stability. His quiet, gentlemanly de- 
meanor and carefully chosen words will not at first view impress one 
that he is possessed of the vital force and energy of character that haa 
placed him among the first of the business men of the city. His can- 
dor, probity and intelligence makes him a marked man in the communi- 
ty, and his countrymen take especial pride in noting his prosperity in 
which they are joined by all the citizens. As his name indicates he is a 
native of Ireland, but so Americanized that none would suspect it from 
his speech and appearance. He is an honor to both his native and 
adopted country, loyal and true to both, a self-made, successful business 
man, deserving of his good fortune." 

Mr. Lennox has usually avoided appearing much 
in public life, having no aspirations for official jiosi- 
tion. It would, no doubt, have been beneficial to the 
interests of the city had he been less chary in this 
respect, for his good judgment and pacific course 
would many times have saved from indiscreet ex- 
penditures, unprofitable discussions and mischievous 
disagreements. He has, however, held otfice as di- 
rector in the National City Bank of Lynn, from Jan- 
uary, 1882. 

Six years after he arrived in Lynn, that is, in 1854, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Clark, 
and they became the parents of eight children — two 
sous and six daughters. 

It will be seen that Mr. Lennox is not by any 
means an old man, certainly not in business activity 
and neighborly sympathies. But he has reached the 
age when it has become experimentally certain that a 
course like his, of industry, temperance and upright 
dealing are, under all ordinary circumstances, sutfi- 
cient to ensure wealth and honorable social standing. 
And herein he furnishes an example worthy of imi- 
tation by all youths who have the good of the com- 
munity and themselves truly at heart. 



GEORGE HARRISON ALLEN. 

Mr. Allen belongs to one of the oldest families in 
New England. His ancestor, William Allen, though 
not one of the Plymouth colony, came to New Eng- 
land not long after the arrival of the Pilgrims, and, 
after a short residence at Nantasket, now Hull, re- 
moved to Salem immedititely after the arrival of John 
Endicott at that place, in 1629. At Salem he mar- 





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LYNNFIELD. 



377 



ried, in 1629, Elizabeth Bradley, and had a son Samuel, 
who married Sarah Luck. Samuel had a son Jona- 
than, who married Mary Pierce, and Jonathan a son 
Jacob, who married Sarah Lee. Jacob had a son 
Isaac, who married Rebekah Tewksbury, and Isaac a 
sou Jacob, who married Lucy Gallop, and was the 
father of Jacob Alva Allen, the father of the subject 
of this sketch. Jacob Alva Allen was born in Bev- 
erly, March 5, 1810, and married Prudence, daughter 
of Sliubel Hire, who came from Ireland and settled in 
Middlebury, Vermont, where his daughter Prudence 
was born, November 5, 1807. He afterwards removed 
from Beverly to Manchester, Massachusetts, and there 
George Harrison Allen \v:is born, June 21, 1840. In 
1847 he removed from Manchester to Methuen, and in 
1849 to Lawrence, and in the common schools of the 
last two towns his son received his education. 

At the age of seventeen George Harrison Allen 
left school to learn the trade of boxmaking, planing 
and mill-work on lumber, sawing logs and fitting 
lumber for building. He began at the first rung in 
the ladder, and learned the trade thoroughly from 
shoveling shavings into the fire-room to the clerk's 
chair in the counting-room. In 18G5 he removed 
from Lawrence to Lynn, and entered into partnership 
with Joseph A. Boyden, for the manufacture of paper 
and wood packing-boxes. At the end of two years, 
Joseph having died, he formed a new partnership 
with William C. Boyden, of Beverly, under the firm- 
name of Allen & Boyden, and has since carried on the 
same business, manufdcturiug both at Lynn and Bev- 
erly a product valued at about one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars per annum. Mr. Allen has always 
devoted himself with energy and industry to his 
chosen work, and, though he has shared with others 
business losses and disasters by fire, he has by the dis- 
play of a determined spirit overcome obstacles in his 
way and won his full measure of success. 

Mr. Allen, though often importuned and at times 
strongly tempted, has always refused to accept or 
seek public office. He has believed that the demands 
of his business were entitled to all his time, and that 
an entrance into the political arena and a participa- 
tion in its contests would necessarily distract his 
mind and divert his attention from the management 
of his legitimate pursuits. 

Mr. Allen has been placed in offices of responsibil- 
ity and trust in various Masonic bodies, having been 
at the head of the Golden Fleece Lodge, Sutton 
Chapter, and Olivet Commandery. In the Grand 
Commandery of Knights Templars, and appendant 
order of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, he has 
passed the chairs of Grand Captain General, Grand 
General and Deputy Grand Commander, which office 
he now holds. He has also piussed the chairs of the 
Palestine Encampment of Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, having been its Chief Patriarch. 

He married, December 26, 1864, Sarah Luella, 
daughter of Eben and Temperance Mclntire, of Lan- 
•2Ai 



caster, N. H., and resides in Lynn, where his business 
headquarters are located at 188 Broad Street. He is 
iu the prime of life, and with health and strength his 
continued prosperity and success are assured. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
LYXXFIELD. 



BY JAMES R. SEWHALL. 



Early Grant — First StUlers — Satural Attractions — Pondt and Streams — 
Flora — Fauna. 

Lynxfield was for more than a century and a half 
a territorial outpost of Lynn. It was on the 13th of 
March, 1638-39, that " Linn was granted 6 miles into 
the countrey,'' and a committee appointed to make a 
territorial survey for the purpose of ascertaining the 
character of the land beyond, and determining 
whether it " bee fit for another plantation or no." 
The court, while making the grant, seem to have had 
some doubt as to the extent of colonial rights and 
the security of titles, as they soon after enacted that 
the Governor and assistants shall " take care that the 
Indians have satisfaction for their right at Lynn." 

The granted territory was long called Lynn End, 
and occupied chiefly by farmers. It was set off as a 
parish November 17, 1712, and the inhabitants were 
to lie relieved from taxes in the old parish as soon as 
they built a meeting-house and settled a minister; 
this they accomplished in about eight years, the house 
being built in 1715 and the minister settled in 1720. 
In 1782 the parish became a separate district, and in 
1814 the district was incorporated as a separate town. 
The precise lime when the first settlers arrived or just 
where they located is not certainly known. It is pre- 
sumed, however, that they came from Lynn, some of 
them, perhaps, before the grant was made. It is 
manifest by the names found on the church records — 
Aborn, Bancroft, Gowing, Mansfield, Newhall, Well- 
man — that at least the principal ones were from 
Lynn. 

The Mansfields and Newhalls settled in the 
southeastern part, the Bancrofts and Wellmans in the 
northwestern and the Gowings somewhere between 
the two. 

The early history of Lynnfield is, of course, inter- 
woven with that of Lynn, and their natural features 
are in a large degree similar. Its woody hills form a 
part of the e.xtensive range that sweeps up from old 
Plymouth County, varying in lieiglit, but never reach- 
ing an altitude that entitles them to the name of 
mountains. They present irregularities of shape, 
diversities of soil and modilications of geological 
construction, and follow the line of the coast at dis- 



378 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tances varying from half a mile to eiglit miles from 
the shore, in many places bearing strong evidence of 
having once been the boundary of the tide. An- 
ciently, for the whole extent they were well wooded ; 
but as population increased, the axe in many places 
laid them bare, and orchards and arable fields began 
to appear. At intervals the chain now seems much 
broken, as most portions likely for the present to re- 
pay the expense have been reclaimed. Some sections, 
however, still retain much of their primeval aspect, 
^a fact eminently true of several of the remoter parts 
of Lynnfield. 

But Lynnfield possesses many attractions for the 
lover of nature, in her lonely glens and pleasant 
heights, in her lakelets and busy streams. She has 
good highways and romantic byways, green meadows 
and sunny plains. But she has not the ocean views 
that so charm, and the ocean breezes that so invigor- 
ate. Many, however, come hither for temporary 
homes during the vacation season, and in the quiet 
enjoyment of rural sights and rural sounds, in the 
breathing of uncontaminated airs, in the use of fresh 
and simple food, and in freedom from the re- 
straints of fashionable life, find a medicine that re- 
vivifies their jaded energies, and enables them to re- 
turn to their homes again to enter with zest the ac- 
customed routine. 

There can be nothing more pleasing to the wooer of 
nature, especially one who contemplates her changes 
with the eye of a true lover rather than that of a 
scientist, than to view the glowing pageantry of the 
woods hereabout in mid-autumn. The splendid col- 
oring of the foliage takes place at different periods, 
the swamp maple and white birch often beginning to 
change in the latter part of August. Some seasons 
present much greater brilliancy than others, early 
frosts being quite certain to destroy the eflect. Yet 
there is a strange belief with many that frost actually 
produces the appearance. Even the poet Whittier 
sings : 

" .\utunin's earliest frost had given 

To the woods below 
Hues of beauty such as Heaven 

Lendeth to its bow ; 
And the soft breezes from the west 
Scarcely broke their dreamy rest." 

Frost comes as a destroyer, not as a beautifier. 
And it is a little remarkable that one so observant, 
who had spent his life in the theatre of such chang- 
ing scenes, should have adopted the old error. But, 
perhaps, the singer yielded to the poetical idea. 

While the foli.ige is so inviting to the woodland 
stroller, or sometimes after it has been loosened by 
the frost and fallen, the Indian summer comes — those 
few days of delicious languor, when all nature seems 
to be wrapped in a mantle of haze and lying down to 
dreamy repose. The natural cause of Indian sum- 
mer, which, by the w.ay, occasionally fails to appear, 
does not yet seem to be satisfactorily ascertained. 
And perhaps, in the absence of anything more 



reasonable, the red man's explanation may be 
adopted — namely, that it is a period when a breath 
from the hunting-grounds of heaven is permitted to 
sweep down to earth. 

The geology of Lynnfield is not very dissimilar to 
that of Lynn, excepting that granite to a considerable 
extent takes the place of porphyry and greenstone. 
Quarries of the former have been long profitably 
worked. Some years ago a quarry of serpentine was 
opened. In various sections, in former years, peat 
meadows yielded an abundance of fuel, it being in 
some cases found fifteen feet in depth; but of late it 
has not been so much used, partly, no doubt, on ac- 
count of the increased expense of labor in the prep- 
aration, and partly on account of the greater conve- 
nience of other kinds of fuel better adapted to the 
modern modes of heating. 

Ponds and Streams. — There are several pic- 
turesque lakelets or ponds in Lynnfield, and two or 
three streams that not only add charms to the land- 
scape, but are useful in various ways, though not 
largely employed as manufacturing agents. Lynnfield 
Pond, as it is usually called, though sometimes known 
as "Suntaug Lake" or "Humphrey's Pond," being 
the same " freshe pond with a little ileland " named 
in the old grant of 1635 to John Humphrey, is the 
chief of the still waters. It occupies about two hun- 
dred and ten acres, and lies partly in Peabody, is a 
beautiful sheet, with lovely surroundings. A melan- 
choly accident occurred here on the loth of August, 
1850. A company, connected for the most part with 
the First Christian Society of Lynn, were holding a 
picnic on the border. In the course of the afternoon 
a party of twenty-five, chiefly ladies, rowed out in a 
large, flat-bottomed boat about a hundred yards from 
the shore. As some of them shifted from side to side, 
the boat was made to careen, and several of them, 
becoming alarmed, threw their weight in a manner to 
completely capsize it. Before aid could reach them 
thirteen were drowned. Filling's Pond is largely ar- 
tificial and of no great depth. Nell's Pond is remark- 
able for its elevation, being something like a hundred 
feet above sea-level. 

Along the northern border of Lynnfield flows the 
main branch of Ipswich Piver, and the western is 
j)artially traversed by the Sauyus. Haivkes' Brook 
meanders leisurely along, and is now charged with the 
useful duty of adding to Lynn's public water supply. 
The ispring water of this vicinity is uncommonly 
pure, for the stone through which it percolates is not 
soluble ; and it forms a good sample of that which 
William Wood, Lynn's first historian, as early as 1633, 
thus enthusiastically celebrates: "It is farr different 
from the waters of England, being not so sharp, but 
of a fatter substance and of a more jettie color; it is 
thought there can be no better water in the world, yet 
dare I not prefer it before good beere, as some have 
done ; but any man will choose it before bad beere, 
whey or butter milk." 



LYNNFIELD. 



379 



Flora. — The flora of LyanfieUl, as it was observed 
by the first settlers, is no doubt well, though not fully, 
described iu the following lines from Wood's " New 
England's Prospect." And well might such a prom- 
ising region be coveted, — 

"Trees both in hillB and plaines in plenty be, 
Tlie long Uv'd oalce, the mournful cypress tree, 
Skie-towering pines, and chestnuts coated rough. 
The lasting cedar, with the walnut tough ; 
The rosin-dropping firr fur niastd in use ; 
The boatmen seeke for oars, light, neat grown sprewse. 
The brittle ash, the ever-trembling aspes. 
The broad-spread elms, whose concave harbours waspes ; 
The water-spongie alder, good tor naught. 
Small elderne by th' Indian fletchers sought. 
The knottio maple, pallid birtch, hawthornea. 
The honibound tree that to be cloven scornes. 
Which from the tender vine oft takes its spouse. 
Who twines imbracing amies about his boughea. 
Within this Indian Orchard fruits be some, 
The ruddie cherrie and the jetty plnmbe, 
Snake murthering h.asell with sweet sasaphrage. 
Whose spurnes iu beer allays hot fever's rage. 
The diars shumach, with more trees there bee 
That are both good to use and rare to see." 

Descending to the more lowly ijroduct.s, it may be 
said that in the woods and ravines, in the swamps 
and upon the rocky heights, are to be found shrubs 
and flowers of great beauty, some varieties of which, 
under the hand of cultivation, have become garden 
favorites. And many plants of rare medicinal value 
are to be found. But the long and persistent warfare 
of our learned doctors against the use of " herbs " 
has resulted in greatly reducing the esteem in which 
they were once held. The old traffic of the semi- 
mendicant wanderers, with their pyrola, sassafras, 
gold-thread, rosemary, catnip, sweet flagroot and 
countless other varieties of similar curative merchan- 
dise, has become nearly extinct. And so has gone 
all that class of irresponsible doctors, friends of the 
poor, as they called themselves, and sometimes were, 
who, for the fee of a meal, were ever ready to advise 
and prescribe. It did not cost so much to be sick in 
those primitive days as it now does. 

Fauna. — As considerable is said in the sketch of 
Lynn, of which Lynnfield so long remained a mem- 
ber, regarding the fauna of the region, no elaboration 
will be required here. Bears were not uncommon in 
the woods ; moose, beaver and deer were seen ; foxes 
and wolves abounded ; and so did raccoons, weasels 
and woodchucks. Most of these, excepting the last 
two, have become nearly extinct — the first three en- 
tirely so. But no better idea of the animal life here- 
about can be given than by quoting the concise, 
though somewhat grotesque, metrical description 
given by a quaint old writer. His was a style much 
iu vogue in early times, and some of the important 
facts in our history have been preserved in that now 
seemingly irregular way. Those rhyming historians 
had no thought of debauching history through poetic 
license, but aimed at a straightforward delineation of 
facts, perhaps using that form to aid the memory. 
But to the quotation, which is from a more extended 



description that appears in Lynn's Centennial Me- 
morial, — 

"Some of the nobler game erst found, within tilese forests wide, 
The moose, the beaver and the deer no longer here abydo ; 
Nor growling bear, nor catjimount, nor wolf do now abound, 
lint raccoons, woodchucks, we-asels, skunks, antl foxes yet lurke round. 
And in the broocks and ponds still rove the turtle and musk ratt. 
The croaking paddock and leap-frog ; and in the air the batt. 
Serpents there be, but poys'nous. few, save horrid rattlesnakes, 
.\nd adders of bright rainbow hue, that coyl among the brakes. 
And then of birds we have great store ; the eagle soaring high. 
The owl, the hawk, the woodpecker, the crow of rasping cry, 
Ttie ]Mirtridge, quail and wood-pigeon, the plover and wild-got«c, 
And divers other smaller game are here for man, his use. 
And many more of plumage fair in coo and songarc heard ; 
The whippoorrt-ill, of mournful note, the merry humming-bird. 
In bog and ponii the peeper pipes at close of springtide day, 
And tire-flies daunce like little stars along the lover's way." 

Upon the rocky hillsides, about the ledges, and in 
the sequestered forest defiles, the hideous rattlesnake 
is still occasionally met with, during the hottest 
weather. Seldom, however, is there any injury and 
almost never any fatal result from encounters with 
these old-time terrifiers. Formerly they were nu- 
merous, and occasioned much fear, but the numbers 
and fears have greatly decreased. It is stated, how- 
ever, that during the summer of 18G8 a Lynnfield 
farmer killed the extraordinary number of thirteen, 
of various sizes. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

First PARlSH.-^The First Church of Lynnfield 
was formed August 17, 1720, though a meeting-house 
ai>pears to have been built some five years before. It 
had always been a hardship for worshippers of that 
remote region to attend service at the First Parish 
house, some living more than seven miles distant. 
And as early as the time when the "Old Tunnel" 
was built, 1682, on Lynn Common, much discussion 
was had as to the expediency of building farther in- 
land, in some place that would be most convenient 
for the four sections, now Lynn, Lynnfield, Saugus 
and Swampscott, separate parishes not then being 
contemplated. But the desire of the people near the 
site of the old house prevailed, and the new one was 
placed on the Common, where it remained, a marked 
object, till 1827. There does not appear to have been 
any ill-feeling engendered, and thither the people of 
Lynnfield went for worship till they became strong 
enough to form a separate parish. 

The Rev. Nathaxiel Sparhawk was installed 
minister of the Lynnfield parish at the time the 
church was formed, 1720, and his salary for the year 
fixed at seventy pounds. He was born in Cambridge 
in 1694; graduated at Harvard iu 1715; was dismissed 
in July, 1731, and about one year thereafter. May 7, 
1732, died, at the early age of thirty-eight years. 
The reason for his dismission does not exactly appear. 
Mr. Lewis says, " A part of his people had become 
dissatisfied with him, and some, whom he considered 
his friends, advised him to ask a dismission, in order 
to produce tranquillity. He asked a dismission, and 



380 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNT F, MASSACHUSETTS. 



it was unexpectedly granted. A committee was then 
chosen to wait on him, and receive the church rec- 
ords; but he refused to deliver them. Soon after he 
took to his bed, and is supposed to have died in con- 
sequence of his disappointment." His wife was 
Elizabeth Perkins, and he had four children, one of 
whom was Edward Perkins Sparhawk, a man who 
became somewhat noted. He was born July 10, 1728, 
and graduated at Harvard College in 1753. His wife 
was Mehitabel Putnam, whom he married in 1759. 
Mr. Lewis says he was never ordained, though he 
preached many times in the parishes of Essex. He 
appears not to have approved of the settlement of 
Mr. Adams, the third minister of the parish, having 
himself been a candidate, and calls him "old Adams, 
the reputed teacher of Lynnfield." The historian 
adds, " He is the first person whom I found in our 
records having three names. The custom of giving 
an intermediate name seems not to have been com- 
mon till more than one hundred years after the settle- 
ment of New England." One son of Rev. Nathaniel, 
the first minister, born October 24, 1730, named John, 
was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and afterward be- 
came a physician of Philadelphia. One of our Es- 
sex County historians has strangely enough given the 
Rev. Nathaniel as the one to whom we are indebted 
for the series of interleaved almanacs which have 
been so much quoted from. But he had been dead 
fifty years before the almanacs were made. The 
Sparhawk who made the almanac memoranda was 
most likely Edward, son of the first minister, though 
some have thought he was a brother or nephew. 

The immediate successor of Rev. Nathaniel Spar- 
hawk in the pastorate was the Rev. Stephen Chase, 
who was settled in 1731. He was born in Newbury 
in 1708, graduated at Harvard in 1728, resigned in 
1755, and died in 1778. His salary, as fixed at the 
time of his ordination, was one hundred pounds. 
Mr. Chase was here during the exciting period of the 
visit of Rev. George Whitefield, the celebrated Eng- 
glish revivalist. Rev. Mr. Henchman was then min- 
ister of the First Parish of Lynn, and while he per- 
sonally treated the eminent stranger with great court- 
esy, and even cordiality, strongly opposed his course 
of ministration, and refused the use of his meeting- 
house for one of his meetings. Mr. Henchman ad- 
dressed a letter, printed in pamphlet form, to Mr. 
Chase, giving reasons for his opposition to Mr. 
Whitefield. 

Some of these reasons, as clearly enumerated by 
Mr. Lewis, were, that Mr. Whitefield had disregarded 
and violated the most solemn vow, which he took 
when he received orders in the Church of England, 
and pledged himself to advocate and maintain her 
discipline and doctrine — that he had intruded into 
places where regular churches were established — that 
he used vain boasting and theatrical gestures to gain 
applause — that he countenanced screaming, trances 
and epileptic fallings — that he had defamed the char- 



acter of Bishop Tillotson, and slandered the colleges 
of New England. 

It does not appear that Mr. Chase publicly answered 
the letter of Mr. Henchman, nor, indeed, what his 
precise views regarding Mr. Whitefield were. The 
letter was, however, answered by Rev. Mr. Hobby, of 
Reading, who became a warm defender of Mr. White- 
field. And to Mr. Hobby's answer Mr. Henchman 
made a rejoinder. The controversy was protracted 
and warm, and perhaps some good resulted. 

The wife of Mr. Chase was Jane Winget, of Hamp- 
ton, and they had five children. After leaving Lynn 
he settled in Newcastle, N. H., remaining there till 
his death. 

The third minister of the Lynnfield Parish was 
Rev. Benjamin Adams. He was born in Newbury 
May 8, 1719; graduated at Harvard in 1738; settled 
here November 5, 1755; died May 4, 1777. His 
wife was Rebecca Nichols, and they had seven chil- 
dren. 

The fourth minister was Rev. Joseph Mottey. 
He was born in Salem, May 14, 1756 ; gra-juated at 
Dartmouth, 1778 ; settled here September 24, 1783 ; 
died July 9, 1821. His long pastorate would indicate 
that he was beloved by his people, though it was a 
period when ministerial changes were not by any 
means so frequent as now. He was of a retiring and 
sensitive disposition, had marked eccentricities, and 
withal a humorous vein. As a preacher he was mild 
and persuasive; not given to "ecstasy and holy fren- 
zy." At times he was subject to strange fancies and 
singular apprehensions. The following instance is 
related in Sprague's " Annals of the American Pul- 
pit," where a notice of him appears : " One extremely 
cold night, after going to bed, he came to the conclu- 
sion that he should certainly die before morning. 
While reflecting upon being found dead in his bed, 
he bethought him that his appearance, as he then 
was, would not be just what he should like ; so, get- 
ting up in the cold, he put on clean linen and jumped 
into bed again. Very soon he fell asleej), slept 
soundly till morning, and on waking was quite aston- 
ished to find that he was not dead." This certainly 
indicates that he had little fear of death. But he was 
a man of high character, and, notwithstanding his 
eccentricities, or " oddities," as they were called, con- 
tinued to enjoy the respect of his people, who seem 
never to have doubted his piety and conscientious- 
ness. His reply to one who called him "odd" was 
witty as well as characteristic: "Yes," said he, "I 
set out to be a very good man, and soon found that 
I could not be without being very odd." 

Mr. Mottey was not accustomed to exchange with 
his brother clergy so often as did most of the minis- 
ters of that period ; neither did he take anything like 
so active a part in the temporal aflairs of his parish 
as some of them, especially Mr. Treadwell and Mr. 
Roby, of the other Lynn parishes. This trait was 
sometimes commented on in a manner unfavorable to 



LYNNFIELD. 



381 



him. But the fact was, no doubt, rather attributable 
to his naturally shrinking disposition than to lack of 
interest in public aflairs. That he was indus- 
trious with his pen cannot be doubted, for it is 
asserted that he wrote more than two tliousand, if not 
fully three thousand, sermons, which, if they were of 
the usual length of the sermons of that period, must 
have covered many more sheets of paper than most of 
the preachers of our day find it in their way to cover. 

" In regard to doctrines," quotes Mr. Parsons, in a 
paper read before the Essex Unitarian Conference, 
September 8, 1S81, "Mr. Mottey, in the first years of 
his ministry, was much inclined to what is now 
termed orthodoxy. Afterwards, and until the end of 
his life, there was a general coincidence in his opin- 
ions with what is now termed liberal Christianity." 
But "liberal Christianity" is a term so indefinite as 
to cover a wide field. And it cannot be admitted 
that Mr. Mottey ever became what is now known as a 
Unitarian or Universalist ; nor was his successor, 
Mr. Searl, of either of these denominations. There 
are many shades of belief among the individuals of 
all denominations. And no doubt some of the theo- 
logians of Andoverand Princeton are quite as well en- 
titled to be called liberal Christians as was Mr. 
Mottey. 

The fifth minister of Lynnfield Parish was Rev. 
Joseph Seael. He was born in Rowley Decem- 
ber 2,1789; graduated at Dartmouth in 1815; set- 
tled here January 21, 1824; resigned September 27, 
1S27. He removed to Stoneham. Mr. Searl was the 
last preacher of the old orthodox faith in this, the 
First Lynnfield Parish. Rev. Luther Walcott, 
his successor, was of the Universalist persuasion. The 
ministerial succession was as follows: 



1720. Nathaniel Sparhawk. 
1731. Stephen Chase. 
1750. Benjamin Adams. 



1783. Joso|)li Mottey. 
1824. .Joseph Searl. 
1854. Luther Walcott. 



After Mr. Walcott left the society was supplied by 
different ministers for a few years, and then services 
w-ere discontinued. 

It would be needless to repeat that this, the First 
Church of Lynnfield, was originally of rigid Puritan- 
ical stamp. And in its history appears another in- 
stance of the tendency to swerve from that faith, and 
by the force of a mere vote adopt one of a diflferent 
character. Where no superior ecclesiastical authority 
is acknowledged there seems nothing to prevent this. 
This Lynnfield society changed its faith as an organ- 
ization by voting to settle Mr. Walcott. The First 
Church of Lynn is one of the three or four of the 
early churches in Massachusetts that have preserved 
their integrity, through good report and evil, to the 
present day, they never having yet voted themselves 
out of the old faith. The right of individual inter- 
pretation may be very precious, but its tendency is to 
instability. 

The following are the other religious societies of 
Lynnfield : 



Orthodox Evangelical Society (Centre Vil- 
lage). [Trinitarian Congregational, formed September 
27, 1832.] 



1833. Josiah Hill. 
1837. Henry 9. Greene. 
1S.50. UzalW. Condit. 
185G. Edwin R. Hodgraan. 
185!). William C. Whitcomh. 



1803, M. Bradford Boardman. 
1871. Oliver P. Emersun. 
1874. Darius B. Scott. 
1883. Henry L, Brickett. 



South Village Congregational. [Trinitarian, 
formed in 1849.] 



I ,8„5. 



1849. Ariel P. Chute. 
1858. Allen Gannett. 

Methodi.'^t. — A society of this order was formed 
here in ISKi, and a house of worship erected, in the 
Centre Village, in 1823. But regular meetings have 
not been held for several years. 

old families and biographical sketches. 

Newhall FxiiihY.— Joseph Newhall was an early 
settler of Lynnfield. He was a grandson of Thomas 
Newhall, the first of the name in Lynn, and a son of 
Thomas, the first white child born here. He was 
born on the 22d of September, 1658, and married 
Susanna, daughter of Thomas Farrar. He was a man 
of considerable importance in his day, and was often 
in places of public trust. He settled, as a farmer, in 
Lynnfield, his homestead farm, as it was called, con- 
sisting of some thirty-four acres. He also had 
another estate, known as the Pond farm, consisting 
of a hundred and seventy acres, lying on the west of 
Humphrey's Pond, and being a part of the grant 
made to Mr. Humphrey in 1635. Ii is thus seen that 
Mr. Newhall possessed many "broad acres," com- 
prehending woodland, tillage and meadow. But his 
most valuable possession was a family of eleven chil- 
dren — eight sons and three daughters. Just when he 
took up his abode in Lynnfield does not distinctly 
appear; but it was probably soon after he came of 
age, his marriage taking place at about the same time. 
He seems to have been a good man and a regular at- 
tendant on public worship, for by the record, No- 
vember 4, 1696, it appears that the town did grant 
liberty for Joseph Newhall to " sett up a pewe in y' 
east end of y" meeting house [the Old Tunnell] Be- 
tween y" east dowre & the stares ; provided itt docs 
nott prejudice the going up y' stares into y' gallery, 
& maintains so much of the glas window as is against 
s"* pewe." He was a member of the General Court, 
and died while in office. And in this connection it 
may be remarked that the pay of representatives, and 
indeed of all public officers, was at a rate that did not 
encourage that degree of hankering for official posi- 
tion so lamentably prevalent in our time. Upon 
the records is found this item : " Dec. 1706, to his 
serving a Representative at the generall court in the 
year 1705, until his death, 76 days at 3.? per day — 1 1.£ 
Ss 0(/." Mr. Newhall i)erished while on his way from 
Boston to Lynn, in a great snow-storm, in January, 
1705-'06. His grave-stone is in the old burying- 



382 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ground, near the westerly end of the Common, Lynn, 
and gives his age as forty-seven, and his title, en- 
sign. All his eleven children survived him. 

Elisha Newhall, tlie third son of Joseph, born 
November 20, 1686, was a farmer in Lynniield, and 
owned a tract on the northwest of Humphrey's Pond. 
He also owned a tract on the southeast of the pond, 
and on the latter his house stood. He was something 
of a military man and attained the rank of captain. 
His death took place on the 19th of March, 1773, at 
the age of eighty-seven. He married, February 27, 
1710-11, Jane, daughter of Joseph Breed. She was of 
his own age and survived him but three days. They 
had eight children — three sons and five daughters. 
The church record says, "They lived very happily 
together as man and wife, almost sixty-five if not 
almost sixty-six years, then died, but three days dif- 
ference between y' deaths. Thus were they lovely 
and pleasant in their lives and in their death they 
were not divided." 

Daniel Newhall, a younger brother of Elisha, 
just spoken of, was born February 5, 1690-91. His 
wife was Mary, daughter of Allen Breed. His widow, 
says Mr. Waters, died suddenly January 1, 1775, in 
her eighty-fourth year. In a notice of her death 
published in the Essex Gazette, she is said to have left 
eleven children, sixty-six grandchildren, thirty-two 
great-grandchildren — in all, one hundred and nine. 

Benjamin Newhall, another son of Joseph, and 
brother of Elisha and Daniel, was born Aj^ril 5, 1698. 
He did not pursue farming, but engaged in shoemak- 
ing, and located on Lynn Common. In 1729 he sold 
his remaining interest in the Humfrey farm, evidently 
intending not to return to Lynnfield. He seems to 
have been successful in his vocation and was one of 
the three mentioned as doing sufficient business 
in 1750 to require the employment of journeymen. 
He, like his brother Elisha, had military aspirations, 
and in the French and Indian War was a captain. 
He was a Eepresentative, first in 1748, and several 
times thereafter. He married Elizabeth Fowle Jan- 
uary 1, 1721, had fourteen children, and died June 5, 
1763. His son Benjamin, born September 6, 1726, 
was prob.ably the same who was town clerk at the 
opening of the Revolution, and who died in 1777. 

Samuel Newhall, tlfe youngest son of Joseph, 
and brother of Elisha, Daniel and Benjamin, was born 
March 9, 1700-1. He was adopted by his uncle, 
Thomas Farrar, who was a farmer, lived on Nahant 
Street, Lynn, and was a son of Thomas Farrar, known 
as " Old Pharaoh," who was one of those accused of 
witchcraft in 1692. 

Asa Taebel Newhall was bom in Lynnfield 
June 28, 1779 ; his father, Asa, was born August 5, 
1732; his grandfather, Thom.<is, was born January 6, 
1681 ; his great-grandfather, Joseph, was born Sep- 
tember 22, 1658, and was the first of the Lynnfield 
Newhalls; and his great-great-grandfather was 
Thomas, the first white person born in Lynn. 



Mr. Newhall was bred a farmer, and followed the 
honorable occupation all his life. He was a close ob- 
server of the operations of nature, and brought to 
the notice of others divers facts of great benefit to 
the husbandman. He delivered one or two addresses 
at agricultural exhibitions, and published several 
papers which secured marked attention and elicited 
discussion. His mind was penetrating and possessed 
a happy mingling of the practical and theoretical; 
and he had sufficient energy and industry to insure 
results. Such a person will always make himself 
useful in the world, though he may be destitute of 
that kind of ambition which would place him in con- 
spicuous positions. 

He was liberal in his views, courteous in his man- 
ners ; and by his sound judgment and unswerving in- 
tegrity secured universal respect. In his earlier man- 
hood he was somewhat active as a politician, and was 
judicious and trustworthy. He was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1820, and a Senator in 
1826. He was also a Representative in 1828. 

His wife was Judith Little, of Newbury ; and he 
had nine children — Joshua L., Asa T., Thomas B., 
Sallie M., Eunice A., Judith B., Caroline E., Hiram 
L. and Elizabeth B. 

Mr. Newhall died at his residence, in the south- 
eastern part of Lynnfield, on the 18th of December, 
1850, aged seventy-one, and was buried with Masonic 
honors. 

General Josiah Newhall was born in Lynn- 
field on the 6th of June, 1794, and was a lineal de- 
scendant from Thomas, the early Lynn settler, his 
nearer ancestor probably being Joseph, the first of 
the family who jiitched his tent in Lynnfield. 

The long and active life of General Newhall closed 
on the 26th of December, 1879. During several 
years of his earlier manhood he followed the profes- 
sion of teaching, but, as time advanced, grew weary 
of that exacting employment, and retired to the more 
congenial one of agriculture. He however retained 
his love for study, and became quite proficient iu 
some branches, his attainments bearing his fame even 
to the other side of the Atlantic, where, in 1876, he 
received the honor of being elected a fellow of the 
Royal Historical Society of Great Britain. He served 
in the War of 1812, and was afterwards much inter- 
ested in military affiiirs, attaining the rank of briga- 
dier-general in the Ma.ssachusetts militia. When 
General Lafayette reviewed the troops on Boston 
Common, during his visit to America in 1824, he was 
present in command of a regiment. 

Lynnfield was incorporated as a separate town in 
1814, and General Newhall was her first representa- 
tive in the General Court. He served also in 1826-27 
and again in 1848. During the administration of 
President Jackson he held an office in the Boston 
Custom-House. He also, at different times, filled im- 
portant local offices. But his most congenial and sat- 
isfying resort was the honorable occupation of farmer 



LYNNFIELD. 



383 



anJ horticulturist. Tliere, the results of his experi- 
iiionts and suggestions were often of much value. He 
was kind-hearted, genial in manners and ever ready 
to lend a helping hand to the deserving who needed 
assistance. The last time the writer had the pleasure 
of meeting him was on the occasion of the celebra- 
tion of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary 
of the Settlement of Lynn, June 17, 1879. He 
seemed greatly to enjoy the proceedings, and as the 
open carriage in which he sat moved along in the 
procession, on that pleasant forenoon, was in fine 
spirits and highly interested in observing the many 
evidences of thrift and improvement. 

His wife was Rachel C, a daughter of Timothy Ban- 
croft. They were married October 28, 1824, and be- 
came the parents of nine children, only two of whom 
survived him. As has appeared, even from the little 
that has been said here, the early fathers and mothers 
of the Kewhall family of Lynn did their full share 
to increase the native population. Perhaps no family 
is deserving of higher praise than this in that direc- 
tion. And it is found that the name .soon began to 
prevail far and near as emigration kept pace with the 
rolling tide of population, till at this day representa- 
tives are to be found in every part of our broad land, 
some in commanding positions ; but the great multi- 
tude, as in all other families, plodding " along the 
cool, sequestered vale of life." Henry F. Waters, 
Esq., of Salem, has performed j)raiseworthy labor in 
gathering so much genealogical information in his 
little work entitled "The Newhall Family of Lynn, 
Massachusetts," collating it so carefully and ))resent- 
ing it in such intelligible form. 

Doctor Johx Perkixb. — Among the residents of 
JiVnnfield who have from time to time adorned her 
history may be named Dr. John Perkins, who died in 
1780, at the age of eighty-five. He was well educated, 
having studied two years in London, and practiced 
forty years in Boston. He was quite a scientist, and 
proposed some theories that attracted considerable 
attention among the savants of the day. The great- 
est earthquake ever known in New England occurred 
on the 18th of November, 1755, near the time when 
Lisbon was destroyed. The same year Dr. Perkins 
published a tract on earthquakes, probably induced 
by the terrible commotions of that time. Other 
writings of his received much commendation, espe- 
cially an essay on the small-pox, published in the 
London Maga~ine. Vaccination, it will be borne in 
mind, was not then practiced. It is said he left a 
manuscript of three hundred and sixty-eight pages, 
containing an account of his life and experience. It 
would, however, probably have long since been pub- 
lished had it contained much of real value, as it was in 
the custody of tlie American Antiquarian Society. 
Among other things, it is alleged to have contained a 
long and particular relation of a singular encounter 
of wit between Jonathan Gowen, of Lynn, and Jo- 
seph Emerson, of Reading. They met by appoint- 



ment at the tavern, in Saugus, and so great was the 
number of people that they removed to an adjacent 
field. The Reading champion was foiled, and went 
home in great chagrin. Dr. Perkins says that the 
exercise of Gowen's wit " was beyond all human im- 
agination." But he afterward fell into such stupidity 
that the expression " You are its dull as Jonathan 
Gowen " became proverbial. This intellectual en- 
counter seems to have been enjoyed by the neighbors 
of the champions almost as keenly as are the eleva- 
ting yacht or even base-ball contests of our day. 

The doctor appears to have been an interested ob- 
server of passing events, active and cheerful as well 
as prompt and efficient in the practice of his profes- 
sion. 

This Dr. Perkins has been mentioned in connection 
with the invention of the " Jletallic Tracters," which 
were so much ridiculed by the profession at the time 
they were produced. But the inventor of them was 
quite another man, a Dr. Elisha Perkins, of Connecti- 
cut. He was a learned man, and one of much ability 
and boldness in experimenting ; and proved his sin- 
cerity by going to New York in 17i)9, when the yel- 
low fever was prevalent there, to test the virtue of 
a medicine he had prepared for its cure, and falling 
himself a victim to the disease. 

Daniel Townsend, of Lynnfield, who was killed 
in the battle of Lexington, was a lineal descendant 
of Thomas Townsend, or Townshend, as he and oth- 
ers of the family sometimes spelled the name, who 
came to Lynn as early as 1635, and in the records is 
called a husbandman. He owned a lot of some seven 
acres, on the southerly side of Boston Street, a short 
distance west from Franklin ; and upon this lot his 
dwelling is thought to have stood, though Mr. Lewis 
says he lived near the iron works, in the present 
bounds of Saugus. Perhaps he lived in both neigh- 
borhoods, for he is known to have owned lands near 
the southwesterly border of Lynnfield, and in other 
places. He died December 22, 1677, at about the age 
of seventy-seven years. His son John was a wheel- 
wright, and belonged to the church in Reading, 
though he seems always to have been called of Lynn. 
Perhaps the Reading church was more convenient to 
his home than that of Lynn. He died December 14, 
1726, leaving a son, Daniel, born April 1, 1700. And 
this Daniel was father of the Daniel who is the sub- 
ject of this notice, and was one of the first to lay 
down his life in the great struggle for American inde- 
pendence. 

The Townshends were an ancient and celebrated 
family, whose seat had, from time immemorial, been 
in Norfolk, England, near the town of King's Lynn, 
from which our own Lynn received its name, through 
Rev. Mr. Whiting, who at one time was chaplain to Sir 
Roger Townshend. And for many generations they 
maintained their lordly position. 

On the 24th of May, 1728, Charles Townshend was 
by writ, says Mackerell, " called up to the House of 



384 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Peers by the style and title of the most Noble and 
Eight Honorable Charles Townshend, Lord Lynn, of 
Lynn Regis, in the County of Norfolk." 

It would hardly be in place here to attempt an en- 
umeration of the many statesmen and military heroes 
who have made the name of Townsend illustrious, or 
at least conspicuous, in the Old World. One or two, 
however, whose names became connected with Amer- 
ican affairs, may be named. There was Marquis 
George Townsend, eldest son of the third viscount, 
who commanded a division under Wolfe in the Cana- 
da expedition, and after the death of Wolfe took 
command, and received the capitulation. He subse- 
quently rose to the highest rank in the British army, 
was an active member of Parliament, and a Privy 
Councillor. His younger brother, Charles, though a 
statesman of acknowledged ability, was evidently 
extremely fond of popularity ; insomuch that he 
seems at times to have been on either side of the 
American cause during the agitating times imme- 
diately preceding our Revolution. It was he who in- 
troduced the resolutions that did much to precipitate 
the war, the resolutions imposing a duty on glass, tea, 
paper and certain other articles. Macaulay says of 
him : " He was a man of splendid talents, of lax 
principles and of boundless vanity and presump- 
tion." 

But enough of the foreign pedigree. Although it may 
be well to mention that in the ancient church of St. 
Margaret, in King's Lynn, the stately edifice in which 
devout worshippers have been accustomed to assem- 
ble for almost eight hundred years, and from which was 
taken the time-worn stone now in the vestibule of St. 
Stephen's in our own Lynn, there is a black marble 
in the north alley, bearing this inscription : " Here 
lieth the Body of Mr. James Townshend, who was 
Organist of this Church 36 Years, and died the 8th 
of Jan. 1724. Aged 54 Years. Also Elizabeth, his 
Mother, who died the 21st of April, 1733. Aged 84 
Years." 

The American branch of the Townsend family can 
boast of a full share of such as became conspicuous 
in various departments — of poets, scientists, legisla- 
tors, and especially those who shone in the military 
calling. And in the circumscribed sphere of village 
life were many whose virtues might liave adorned any 
po.sition. Of this latter class seems to have been 
Daniel Townsend, whose memory has occasioned this 
notice, and who met a patriot's death at Lexington 
on that pregnant April day in 1775. His life was not 
an ambitious or adventurous one, and not much can 
be gathered of his history. He was born December 
20, 1738, and consequently, at the time of his death, 
was in the prime of life. He left a wife and five 
young children; was sober and industrious, pious and 
a consistent member of the Lynnfield church. He 
was prompt at the call of duty on that memorable 
morning, and with the company of minute-men 
reached the scene of action soon after daylight. Mr. 



Lewis says Townsend was with Timothy Munroe, an- 
other Lynn man, standing behind a house "firing at 
the British troops, as they were coming down the 
road, in their retreat toward Boston. Townsend had 
just fired, and exclaimed, ' There is another redcoat 
down,' when Munroe, looking round, saw, to his as- 
tonishment, that they were completely hemmed in by 
the flank-guard of the British army, who were com- 
ing down through the fields behind them. They im- 
mediately ran into the house, and sought for the cel- 
lar; but no cellar was there. They looked for a 
closet, but there was none. All this time, which was 
indeed but a moment, the balls were pouring through 
the back windows, making havoc of the glass. Town- 
send leaped through the end window, carrying the 
sash and all with him, and instantly fell dead. Mun- 
roe followed, and ran for his life. He passed for a 
long distance between both parties, many of whom 
discharged their guns at him. As he passed the last 
soldier, who stopped to fire, he heard the redcoat ex- 
claim, ' Damn the Yankee ! he is bullet-proof — let 
him go!' Mr. Munroe had one ball through his leg, 
and thirty-two bullet-holes through his clothes and 
hat. Even the metal buttons of his waistcoat were 
shot off." Townsend was found to have had seven 
bullets through his body. His remains were taken to 
Lynnfield, and " lay the next night," says Captain C. 
H. Townsend, " in the Bancroft house, where the 
blood- stains remain on the old oaken fioor to this 
day " [1875]. The Essex Gazette, of May 2d, in a 
brief obituary, speaks of him as having been a con- 
stant and ready friend to the poor and afflicted ; a 
good adviser in cases of difficulty ; a mild, sincere 
and able reprover. In short, it adds, " he was a friend 
to his country, a blessing to society, and an ornament 
to the church of which he was a member." And 
then are added, as original, the lines given below. 
The notice and lines were written by some sympa- 
thizing friend, the latter being transferred to the 
stone when erected, some time after, at his grave : 

" Lie, valiant Townsend, in tlie peaceful shades ; we trust. 
Immortal honors mingle with thy dust. 
What though thy hody struggled in its gore? 
So did thy Saviour's body, long before ; 
And as he raised his own, by power divine, 
So the same power shall also quicken thine. 
And in eternal glory mayst thou shine." 

To show with what alacrity the rural population 
responded to their country's call, it may be remarked 
that thirty-one towns were represented on that dawn- 
ing day of the Revolution. The loss upon the side of 
the British was much greater than on the side of the 
Americans, — a fact that may be accounted for in va- 
rious ways, without supposing cowardice or remiss- 
ness on either side. On the part of the British, sev- 
enty-three were killed, one hundred and seventy-two 
wounded and twenty-six missing. On the part of 
the Americans, forty-nine were killed, thirty-six 
wounded and five missing. 

John P. Tow'iisend, of New York, and Cajitaiu 



LYNNFIELD. 



385 



Charles H. Townseiid, of New Haven, have inililishcd 
iinich vahiahU' matter pertainini; to tlie family histo- 
rv, collected both here and in Eniilaiid, for which 
labor of love they deserve nuuiy thanks. Whether 
the family here have kept up a correspondence with 
their English cousins is not known. Perhaps in some 
future generation, one of those agitating dreams of 
an immense fortune waiting in England for American 
heirs may be entertained by some ambit ions one of the 
line ; if so, it is to be hoped that it may not, like so 
many similar dreams, prove but alluring ronumce. 

Thomas Woodward. — Mr. Woodward was well 
known by the shoemaking fraternity of fifty years 
ago throughout this region by his famous awls. He 
was born in Lynnfield in 1773, and died in IStld, at 
the great age of eighty-seven years. His manufac- 
tory was in that part of Reading now known a- 
Wakefield. He was a remarkably ingenious mechanic 
and has been credited with a number of u,seful inven- 
tions. The Emerson razor-strop, which was so popu- 
lar fifty years ago, when men generally kept their 
faces closely shaved, is said to have been a device o! 
his. But his ingenuity does not seem to have been 
<lirected to any achievement of much magnitude, as 
was that of his neighbor, Dixon. His awls, how- 
ever, though not strictly an invention, gave him a 
name and a substantial income, and probably, in a 
negative way, had a saviug effect on the morals of 
many an operative who, irritated by the brittlene-ss 
or rough movement of other awls, might be led to 
call in the aid of lubricating profanity. Jlr. Eaton, 
in his " History of Keading," says of Jlr. Wood- 
ward : " He was an honest, industrious and kind- 
hearted man, but possessed some peculiarities of 
character. He had an inquiring and rather credu- 
lous mind ; any new idea, either in physic, physics 
or ethics, he was ever ready to adopt, and if he 
thought it valuable, he was disposed to pursue it with 
great sincerity and pertinacity of purpose; hence we 
find him ever trying some new experiment in manu- 
facturing, using some newly-invented pills or cordial, 
making a "tincture' that becomes, and still continues, 
a popular medicine ; becoming an anti-Ma.son and 
abolitionist of the most approved patterns, and an 
honest and sincere believer in Millerism. He was, 
however, a very useful citizen. He lived to be aged, 
and his body outlived his mind." 

MISCEI.LAXEOIS JIATTF.RR. 

NEwmntYPORT Turnpike. — The turnpike from 
Xewburyport to Boston w^as finished in 1806 at a cost 
of four hundred and twenty thousand dollars. But 
it <lid not jirove a successful enterprise pecuniarily. 
A few stages ran over it, but not much of the travel 
was diverted from the large seaboard settlements. It 
ran through the southerly section of Lynnfield, and 
was expected to bring great prosperity to the place. 
Disappointment followed. Tlie capacious and well- 
appointed hotel was built, and for many years, in- 
25 



deed excepting a few intervals of private occupancy, 
till the present time, has furnished a pleasant resort 
for summer visitors as well as winter parties. The 
surroundings are picturesque, one of the most charm- 
ing features being the beautiful pond near the border 
of which it stands. The drives in all directions are 
attractive, and the quiet all that the most retiring 
can desire. Lynnfield Hotel (South Village) is four 
miles and two hundred and eighty rods from Central 
Square, Lynn. 

Fires in the Woods. — During her whole history 
Lynnfield has periodically been subjected to exten- 
sive fires in her woods. Down to the present day 
such fires occur, frequently in the most mysterious 
way. .\nd it hits been suggested, perhaps with some 
reason, that under peculiar circumstances the ]iitch 
exuding from a pine may accumulate in such a man- 
ner as to act as a lens, and in an excessively hot sun 
so concentrate the rays as to produce fire. From the 
earliest times the attention of the authorities has 
been directed to this matter. But though legislation 
has d(me something, it has never succeeded in sup- 
pressing the dreaded evil, and never will while fric- 
tion matches continue to be used, and careless boys, 
heedless smokers and thoughtless gunners range the 
woods. In November, HUCi, the General Court passed 
this order concerning " kindlinge tires in wuds'': 
" Whosoev' shall kindle any fires in y'' woods, before 
y' 10'" day of y' first mo," [March] " or after y' last 
day of y* 2"' mo., or on y° last day of the weeke, or 
Lords day, shall pay all damages y' any pson 
shall loose thereby, & halfe so much to y" comon 
treasury." And the same year the court generously 
allowed the use of "tobacko," under certain restric- 
tions, s.iying, " It shalbe lawfnll for any man y' is on 
his journey (remote from any house five miles) to take 
tobacco, so that thereby hee sets not y" woods on fire 
to y' damage of any man." 

Duringthe severe drought which prevailed in ISii-l 
very destructive forest fires raged. And also during 
the severer drought of the next year, ISGo, which 
continued from Jidy 5th to October loth. And al- 
most every season many acres are Imrned over, de- 
stroying not only standing wood, but that cut and 
corded. The Massachusetts Legislature, in IS80-S6, 
passed " An Act for the better protection of Forests 
from Fires," and it is hoped that the provisions will 
be energetically enforced ; if they are, some good may 
result. 

Old Currexcy. — About the close of the Revolu- 
tion, the currency, what there was of it, was in a sad 
state of confusion. The Continental money, so called, 
the paper issued by Congress, had dejireciated to such 
a degree that a thousand dollars of it were sold for 
less than twenty dollars in silver. Mr. Lewis gives 
the following description of different denominations 
of these fiscal pledges, many of wdiich are still pre- 
served among antiquarian collections. Doubtless 
many specimens are to be found among the old Lynn- 



386 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



field families. The pieces of paper were about two 
inches square : " The one-dollar bills had an altar with 
the words deprensa resurgit, the oppressed rises. Tlie 
two-dollar bills bore a hand, making a circle with 
compasses, with the motto, tribulaiio dital, trouble en- 
riches. The device of the three-dollar bills was an 
eagle pouncing upon a crane, who was biting the 
eagle's neck, with the motto, exittis in duhio, the event 
is doubtful. On the tive-dcdlar bills was a hand grasp- 
ing a thorn bush, with the inscription su-itine vel ab- 
stine, hold fast or tonrh not. The six-dollar bills rep- 
resented a beaver felling a tree, with the word perse- 
verando, by perseverance we prosper. Another emis- 
sion bore an anchor, with the words. In te Domine 
gperamus, In thee. Lord, have I trusted. The eight- 
dollar bills displayed a harp, with the motto majora 
minm-ihus consonant, the great harmonize with the 
little. The thirty-dollar bills exhibited a wreath on 
an altar, with the legend, si rede, fades, if you do 
right you will succeed." In a few years, however, the 
government succeeded in so regulating matters that 
confidence began to be felt. And soon after Albert 
Gallatin, who was perhaps the most able financier of 
the age, was called to the Treasury Department, things 
began to wear an encouraging aspect. But still there 
remained for many years a great diversity in the mode 
of reckoning, if not in real values, in ditferent sections 
of the country ; and the coins in circulation were va- 
' riously denominated. But little was as yet coined 
here, and the chief silver in circulation, down to a 
time quite within the recollection of multitudes now- 
living, was Spanish. Who does not remember the 
four-pence-halfpennies (6] cents), the nine-pences 
(12} cents), the pistareens (at first 20 cents, and then 
suddenly reduced to 17 cents) ? 

Gold AND Paper Cdreency. — In thisconnection, 
perhaps as appropriately as in any other, a word may 
be said regarding the value changes in the currency 
consequent on our late Civil War. On the 17th of 
December, 1878, for the first time in sixteen years, 
gold stood at par, — that is, $100 in gold were worth just 
$100 in greenback government notes. The extreme of 
variation was on July 11, 1864, when $100 in gold 
were worth $285 in bank bills. From this last date 
the ditference in values began slowly to fade away. 
In the gold room of the New York Stock Exchange 
there was much enthusiasm manifested on the day 
when par was reached, and great cheering. 

Siamese Twins. — During the warm season of 1831 
the famous Siamese twins, Chang and Eng, so mys- 
teriously united in person, were for a short time rus- 
ticating in Lynnfield. It was about the time that they 
were first exhibited in this vicinity. They were one 
day out on a gunning excursion, and becoming so 
irritated by being followed and stared at by men and 
boys, they committed a breach of the peace, were 
taken before a magistrate and put under bonds. It 
came near becoming a serious question how one could 
be punished by imprisonment, should it come to that, 



if the other were innocent. The difficulty vanished, 
however, when it appeared that both were guilty. 
They died in North Carolina in the winter of 1873, 
within two hours of each other, aged sixty-three 
years. 

Prize-Fighters. — Edward O'Baldwin, known as 
the Irish Giant, and Joseph Warmuld, an English- 
man, noted prize-fighters, were arrested by the police 
Just as they had commenced a battle in Lynnfield, 
on the morning of October 29, 1868. A crowd of 
those who delight in such demoralizing contests 
had assembled from Boston and neighlioring places, 
but they very suddenly dispersed in dismay when 
the police ap])cared. O'Baldwin and Warmuld were 
arraigned before the Lynn Police Court and bound 
over for the action of the grand jury. The former was 
finally sentenced to the House of Correction for two 
years, but the latter escaped, forfeiting his bail. 

Golden Spike. — May 10, 1869, was the day on 
which the last spike was driven in completion of the 
first continuous railroad line connecting the Atlantic 
and Pacific. It was an eventful occasion, far away 
there in the Rocky Mountain shadows, and drew to- 
gether many prominent persons from different parts of 
the C(juntry. The spike was of solid gold, and what 
renders the occurrence of special interest to the people 
(if Lynnfield is the fact that it was driven by David 
Hewes, a native of the town, and a contractor on the 
road. It was, however, soon withdrawn and deposited 
in a museum in San Francisco, under the well- 
grounded apprehension that if allowed to remain, some 
straying traveler, curious or covetous, would appropri- 
ate it. 

Epizootic. — A strange disease called epizootic pre- 
vailed among horses during the latter part of the 
autumn of 1872 ; so many were disabled that such 
wheel-vehicles as were drawn by horses almost ceased 
to run. In Boston the United States mail was carried 
to and from the post-office in ox-teams. Various ex- 
pedients were resorted to. Goats and dogs, in many 
instances, were harnessed for labor ; and sometimes 
men and boys undertook the duties of the disabled 
animals. The disease was not usually fatal, but such 
as survived were left in a weakened condition. 

Surplus Revenue. — In 1837 the surplus United 
States revenue was distributed. The amount received 
by Lynnfield was $1328.29, and it was approjiriated to 
the payment of the town debt. Other towns, by vote, 
devoted their shares to different purposes, some even 
distributing it per capita. Saugus received $3500, 
and appropriated it to the building of a town-hall. 
Lynn received $11,879.00, and applied it to the pay- 
ment of the town debt. Judging from present ap- 
pearances, it will be a long time before the munici- 
palities will receive another such dividend. 

Forest Hill Cemetery. — This endeared resting- 
place for the dead was consecrated on the 11th of (Oc- 
tober, 1856. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Edwin 
R. Hodgman, of the Trinitarian Congregational 



LiNNFIELD. 



587 



Arii-I P. C'luite, of 



t'liurch, Centre Village, and Re 
the South ViUage Church. 

Farm Products — Manufactures — Statistics. 
— Lynufield is essentially a farming town, and cer- 
tainly au industrious one, as the following items from 
the latest returns show. 

FARM PRODUCTS. 

NiiiiilHTuf farms 55 

Tons of hay raised 970 

Gallons of milk 141,329 

Ponniis of bntter 5,228 

Dozens of eggs 18,48G 

Busllels of potatoes (on ;ioHei'e8) .'i,r>22 

Bnsliels of Indian corn (on 48 acieit) l,J^;i9 

Total value of products 854,415 

MAXUFACTVRES. 

Averaffe number of employees (males, 41 ; females, 33) 74 

Wages pai<l during the year S'25,!t00 

Capital invested 12,300 

Stock used 70,:i50 

Value of products 120,500 

BooU and Shoes. — Included in the ahove is that of 
hoots and shoes, the productive value of which is 
much larger than that of all the otlier manufactures 
combined, and foots up as follows : 

Average number of employees (males, 35 ; females 33). G8 

Total wages paid during tJie year .- $23,800 

Capital invested 0,300 

Value of stock 07,0(H) 

Value of products 112,500 

Population. — The population at ditferent periods 
is shown bv the following short table : 



Yeai-s 1820. 

Population 596 



1850. 
1723 



1870. 
818 



1885. 
706 



Tn 188.') the number of families was 18.5 ; number 
of ratable polls, 24'> ; number of voters, 180; number 
of dwelling-hou-es, Hi/. 

Schools. — There are three public schools, known 
as Centre School, South Grammar School and South 
Primary. Expenditures for schools during the year 
emling March 1, 1887, $12.3o.20. Whole number of 
scholars, May 1, ISSfJ, between the ages of tive and 
fifteen, 11.3. 

Town Expenses. — The town expenses for year 
ending March 1, 1887, amounted to .■f79-19.42, divided 
as follows: Highways, §142S.70 ; schtxds, §160.3.82; 
town officers, $432.90; miscellaneous, $24.'i.0.>; State 
and county tax, $1030.1.5 ; printing, $70.10 ; State aid. 
$216; abatements, $42.32 ; interest and debt, $1710; 
poor, $1044.56 ; discount on taxes, $123.82. 

Valuation and Taxation.— The total valuation 
for 1 886 was $545,964 ; real estate, $474,097 ; person- 
al, $718,67; rate of taxation, $9 on $1000. 

Births, Marriages .\ni> Deaths, 1886. — Births, 
1 1 — 4 males, 7 females. Marriages, 17. Deaths, 15 — 
5 males, 10 females; four were over 80 years old; 
Rev. .Jacob Hood was 94 ami Sophia N. Hood 90, 
lacking a mouth. 







Ei^presetiUitives. 


182C- 


27. .losiah Nowball. 




1844. Enoch Russell. 


1828. 


Asa T. Newhall. 




1848. Josiah Newhall. 


1829- 


32. .John Upton, Jr. 




1850-51. William Skinner, Jr. 


1832. 


Bownuin A'iles. 




1852-53. John Danforth, .Ir. 


1833. 


John Upton, .Ir. 




1856-57. David A Titcomb. 


1834-3.'-.. .losbua Hewes. 




1860. John Danforth, 


183C. 


.Tohn Perkins, Jr. 




1865. George L, Hawkes. 


1837. 


William Perkins. 




1869. James Hewe.s. 


1838-41. David N. Swasey. 




1874. Wni. 11, Koundy, 


1841. 


James Jackson. 




1881. Andrew JlansBeld. 


1843. 


Joshua Hewes, 










T'ttn, 


Cteihs. 


1814. 


John Upton, Jr, 




1S41, Andrew Mansfi.dd, Jr. 


1818. 


Andrew Mansfield. 




1842. Joshua llewes. 


1823. 


Bowman Viles. 




1843. Andrew Slausfield, Jr. 


1832. 


John Upton. Jr. 




1844. John Perkins, Jr. 


1833, 


Bowman Viles, 




18.57. John Danforth, Jr. 


1834. 


.■Vndrew Mansfield. Jr. 


1878. Francis P. Hussell. 


1837. 


.loshua Hewes. 










Postmasters. 






[South Village.] 




Office 


establishe 


d May 25, 1.S36. 


1S3C. 


Theron Palmer. 




1855. Henry \V, Swasey. 


l.<*30. 


Charles Spinney. 




l!S6'.t. Jame-s Jackson. 


1852. 


James W. Church, 










[Centre 


Village,] 




Office eatablishet 


August 1, 1848. 


1848 


Oeorge F. Whittredg 


H. 


1868. Levi H. Russell. 


ls.-ii. 


.Samuel \, NewcomI) 




1874. Francis P. Russell. 



1856, Jonathan Bryant, 

RECAPITULATION AND HISTORICAL SU.MMARY. 

1635. May 6th, the General Court grants to John 
Humfrey five hundred acres of land, including what 
is now called Lynntield Pond, or Humfrey 's Pond, or 
Suntaug Lake. 

1639. Miirch 13th, "Linn was granted six miles 
into the country,'' by the court. This was the terri- 
tory now forming Lynntield and parts of adjacent 
towns, and was long called Lynn End. 

1658. September 22d, Joseph Newhall, the first 
settler in Lynnfield of the name of Newhall, is born 
in Lynn. He was the father of eleven children, all 
of whom survived him ; wa.s known as Ensign New- 
ball ; was a Representative in the General Court ; and 
in January, 1706, perished in a great snow-storm, on 
his way from Boston. 

1696. The winter of this year w.as the coldest for 
more than fifty years, and occasioned much suffering. 

1706. Division of public lands among the settlers. 

1712. November 17th, Lynnfield set off' from Lynn 
as a separate parish. 

1715. Fir.st meeting-house in Lynnrteld built. 

1719. December 17th, Northern lights observed 
for the first time. People greatly alarmed, some de- 
claring that they could hear a rustling. 

1720. August 17th, First Church of Lynnfield 
(the second of Lynn) formed, and Rev. Xfithaniel 
Sparhawk installed. 

1730. August 31st, Andrew Mansfield killed in a 
well, by a stone falling on his head. 

1731. November 24th, Rev. Stephen Chase, second 
minister of Lynnfield Parish, settled. 

1732. May 7th, Rev. Nathaniel Si.arhawk, first 
minister, died, aged thirty-eight. 



388 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1733. The following entry appears on the Lynn- 
field Church records : " December 20, 1733, att a 
chh meeting. Voted that every communicant of 
this church shall pay three pence every sacrament 
day, in order to make provision for the Lord's table." 

1749. Hot summer. Great drought. Multitudes 
of grasshoppers. 

1755. November 5th, Rev. Benjamin Adams, third 
minister of Lynnfield Parish, settled. The most se- 
vere earthijuake ever felt in New England occurred 
November 18th. 

1759. Died in Lynnfield, June 4th, Margaret, wife 
of John Briant, of "something supposed to breed in 
her brain," as the church record says. 

1764. On the public records of Lynn appears the 
following. It no doubt refers to a marriage that took 
place in Lynnfield Pariah, as the Rev. Mr. Adams 
was minister thereat the time, and Go wing was an early 
Lynnfield name: "Married, Daniel Gowing to Mary 
Bowers, Dec. 25, 1764, by Rev. Mr. Adams." And it 
is added that the bride was clothed only in a sheet 
and undergarment, and those " she borrowed." Pro- 
bably the bride appeared in that remarkable outfit un- 
der the apprehension that if she brought nothing to her 
husband he could not be held for any debt of hers. But 
why might she not have borrowed a gown as well as 
the other articles? Or could it have been a Christ- 
mas frolic? Perhaps .she was a widow and that her 
former husband died in debt, for it appears that by an 
old "legal custom" the new husband could in such 
case be held responsible for the liabilities of his 
marital predecessor. At all events, such was the rea- 
son given regarding a marriage that took place in 
Salem, April 21, 1818, where the record says the bride 
was even less clothed " while the ceremony was per- 
formed." 

1766. June 22d. Ensign Ebenezer Newhall, aged 
seventy-three, died " of something supposed to breed 
within him." 

1772. Extraordinary amount of snow in March. 
Storms on the 5t]i, 9th, 11th, 13th, Kith and 20th. In 
sixteen days there fell about five feet on a level. On 
the second Friday in April so violent a storm occur- 
red that drifts twelve feet deep accumulated. 

1775. April 19th. Battle of Lexington; Daniel 
Townscnd, of Lynnfield, killed. 

1780. May 19th. The memorable dark day, which 
extended all over New England, creating great 
alarm. The darkness was so great that at noon 
houses were lighted as at night. And the succeeding 
night was of indescribable darkness, many declaring 
that it could be felt. The occurrence has never been 
satisfactorily accounted for. The great astronomer, 
Herschel, said of it : " The dark day in Northern 
America was one of those wonderful phenomena of 
nature which will always be read of with interest, 
but which philosophy is at a loss to explain." Dr. 
John Perkins, of Lynnfield, a learned physician and 
author died, aged eighty-five. 



1783. Lynnfield Parish made a district, September 
24th. Rev. Joseph Mottey, fourth minister of Lynn- 
field, settled. 

1786. Certain memoranda by Mr. Sparhawk, of 
Lynnfield, in an interleaved almanac of this year, are 
of interest in various ways. The mode of reckoning 
the currency is illustrated in this: " January y*^ 30th. 
Bought two piggs by y" hand of Mr. Reed, the barrow 
weighing 62 jjounds, at five pence per pound . . . 
the other weighing 54 pounds att five pence per 
pound ; " the whole amounting to " two pound, eight 
shillings and two pence — which is eight dollars and 
two pence." The following relates to the installation 
of Rev. Obadiah Parsons over the First Parish of 
Lynn : " Feb. y' 4th : Then was Installed att y' Old 
Parish, in Lynn, Mr. Obadiah Parsons. Y" Revnd 
mr Cleaveland of Ipswich began with prayer, y" 
Revnd mr. Forbes of Cajian preached the sermon, y" 
Revnd mr. Roby, of Lynn 3d parish, gave the charge, 
y' Revnd mr. Payson, of Chelsea, made the conclud- 
ing prayer, and the Revnd mr. Smith, of Middleton, 
gave the right hand of fellowship. The gentleman 
above mentioned was settled in peace, harmony, and 
concord." Still another memorandum says: "From 
y' 14th of June until the 13th of July, a very dry 
time. And upon y'^ 1-lth of July, early in the morn- 
ing, Jove thundered to the left and all Olympus 
trembled att his nod. The sun about an hour high ; 
a beautiful refreshing shower. Again, July y" 15th, 
the latter part of y" night, Jove thundered to the 
left, three times, and Olympus trembled. A shower 
followed." It will be observed that these memoranda 
were not made by Rev. Nathaniel Sparhawk, the first 
minister of Lynnfield, as one or two historical writers 
have stated, as he died more than fifty years before. 

1788. John liiirnham chosen a delegate lo the con- 
vention for ratifying tlie Constitution of tlie United 
States. 

1794. Early part of the winter unusually mild. 
Thermometer on Christmas day reached eighty de- 
grees in the open air. Water in the ponds sufficiently 
warm foi- boys to bathe. 

1800. June 1 1th, Samuel Dyer, a gentleman from 
Boston, drowned in Humfrey's Pond. 

1803. May. Snow-storm; fruit trees being in blos- 
som. 

1804. July. Snow fell this month. 

1806. Newburyport and Boston Turnpike completed 
at a cost of four hundred and twenty thousand dollars. 

1814. Lynnfield incorporated as a separate town. 

1815. September 23d, terrific southeasterly gale ; 
ocean spray driven as far inland as Lynnfield. 

1820. Asa T. Newhall elected a member of the 
Convention for revising the State Constitution. 

1824. January 21st, Rev. Joseph Searl, fifth minis- 
ter of Lynnfield, settled. He was the last preacher 
of the old Puritanical faith settled over the first so- 
ciety, his successor. Rev. Luther Walcot, being a 
Universalist. 



LYNNFIELD. 



389 



1833. November 13th, extraordinary shower of 
meteors. It occiirreil early in the moriiiiig, and con- 
tinued several hours. As computed by Arago, not 
less than two hundred and I'orty thousand, some of 
great brilliancy, were at one time visible above the 
horizon of Boston. They radiated from a point near 
the zenith, an<l shot forth with great velocity, bend- 
ing their course towanls the horizon ; were of various 
sizes, with well-defined trains. Their bodies were 
not very dense, and though some explosions were 
heard, most of them rushed noiselessly onward. The 
"shower," if so it should be called, extended all over 
the Tfnite<l States; indeed, over the whole of North 
America, if not over the whole world, invisible in 
some places on account of sunlight or clouds. No 
entirely satisfactory explanation has yet been given. 
It has, however, been ascertained that similar occur- 
rences take place periodically, though there is no 
record of any that a])proached this in brilliancy. 

1837. .Surplus United States revenue distributed. 
Lynnfield received $l.'12.S.2;i, and applied it to pay- 
ment of town debt. 

1840. January 4th, the house of Widow Betsey 
Newhall, in the South Village, burned. 

1842. September 28d, the house of Warren New- 
hall, in the Centre Village, l)urned. 

1843. Splendid comet; iirst seen about noonilay, 
February 1st. 

1850. A son of Joseph Hamsdell, aged ten, killed 
a rattlesnake in July, measuring five feet in length 
and having eleven rattles. A tornado passed through 
the westerly part of the town, about three in the af- 
ternoon, August 1st, sweeping all in its path. Its 
track was but a few rods in width, and fortunately 
no buildings stood therein. August loth, thirteen 
persons of a picnic party drowned in Lynnfield Pond. 
August 31st, railroad through South Village opened. 
December 18th, Asa T. Newhall died, aged seventy- 
one, and was buried with Masonic honors. 

1852. November 26th, first church-bell in Lynn- 
field raised, on the South Village Church. 

1853. James Hewes elected a member of the con- 
vention for revising the State Constitution. 

1854. Railroad through Lynnfield Centre opened 
October 23d. Boundary line between Lynnfield and 
Reading estalilishcd. There was a long and unusually j 
beautiful period of Indian summer, ending ( )ctober 
28th. 

1856. < )ctober 4, Forest Hill Cemetery consecrated. 

1857. Boundary line between Lynnfield and North 
Ri'ading changed. 

1858. Magnificent comet (Donati's) visible in the 
northwest, at evening, for several weeks, in the au- 
tumn. The tail was determined to be, on the 10th of 
Octoljer, fifty-one millions of miles in length. 

1859. August 28th, brilliant display of northern 
lights ; whole heavens covered. November 18th, 
large barn of .Tohn Mansfield, South Village, burned, 
two yoke of oxen and two horses perishing. 



1860. Thomas Woodward, a native of Lynnfield, 
manufacturer of the celebrated Woodward awls, died, 
aged eighty-seven years. June 20th, the meeting- 
house in South Village was struck by lightning dur- 
ing a severe thunder-storm of three honrs' duration. 
July 18th, muster of Essex County fire companies in 
Lynnfield. 

1861. The great Civil War commenced early in 
April. Lynnfield furnished sixty soldiers. John P. 
Mead was mortally wounded at the battle of Bull 
Run, July 21st. A military encampment was formed 
in the South Village and a number of regiments there 
drilled prei>aratory to leaving for the seat of war. 
July 2d, a splendid comet suddenly apjieared. It was 
a little west of north, extended from the horizon to 
the zenith and moved with extraordinary rapidity ; 
insomuch that it was visible but few nights. 

1862. May 4th, Captain Henry Bancroft's barn 
burned, together with carriage-house and other out- 
buildings. A horse and several cows perished. 

1865. January 17th, Dr. Thouuis Keenan, a skill- 
ful i>hysician and much esteemed citizen, died, aged 
sixty-one years. He was an Irishman by birth and 
served as a surgeon in the British array before coming 
here. The town, at their next annual meeting, passed 
resolutions of respect for his memory. April .'id, news 
of the fall of Richmond received. April l.">th, news 
of the assa.ssination of President Lincoln received. 
During September destructive fires raged in the woods, 
the weather being very dry and warm. 

1866. June 22d, bell on church in Centre Village 
raised ; weight, eight hundred and thirty pounds. 

1867. January 17th, a terrible snow-storm. 

1868. During the summer a lAuntield farmer killed 
thirteen rattlesnakes. 

1869. April l.lth, in the evening there was a mag- 
nificent display of beautifully tinted aurora borealis. 
During the month of September Captain Henry Ban- 
croft graded the common land belonging to the First 
Congregational Society, and known ai the " Common," 
at the cost of about thirteen hundred dollars, bearing 
all the expense himself. September 8th, severe gale 
in the afternoon, next in violence to that of SeiJtem- 
ber 23. 181'). X multitude of trees uprooted. 

1870. October 20th, a very [)erceptible earthc|uake 
shock felt at about half-past eleven in the forenoon. 

1871. December 18th, old mill on Saugiis River, 
near residence of George L. Hawkes, burned. Tra- 
dition says the privilege was an ancient grant by the 
King of England, to ensure the grinding of grain. 

1872. The summer of this year was remarkable for 
the l're(iuency and severity of its thunder-storms. 

1873. English sparrows began to make their pres- 
ence known hereabout this year — probably the 
progeny of those imported into Boston. It was be- 
lieved that they would benefit agriculturists by de- 
stroying ravaging insects, but they did not fulfill ex- 
pectations, and were soon declared worthless. 

1874. March, a Lyunfield lady gives birth to three 



390 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



children at one time, making up a family of four in- 
fants, under the age of thirteen months, and eight 
children, all under twelve years. The parents, not 
being in very prosperous pecuniary circumstances, 
were deservedly the recipients of many useful gifts. 

1876. The destructive ))otato bug or Colorado beetle 
first a])pears in this vicinity. 

1879. December 2(;th, General Josiah Newhall died, 
aged eighty-five years. He was Lynntield's first rep- 
resentative in the General Court. 

1881. September 6th, the yellow day, so called. 
Early in the afternoon the air assumed a dim, brassy 
hue. The obscuration was so great that common 
newspaper print could not be easily read without ar- 
tificial light; the faces of people were of a light saf- 
fron hue, and the grass and foliage had a marked 
golden tinge. The day was close and warm and the 
smell of smoke very perceptible. September 20th, 
news of the death of President Garfield received. He 
was shot by C. J. Guiteau, July 2d. 

1882. During the latter part of the summer an ex- 
traordinary drought prevailed ; crops were almost 
ruined, and in some places the landscape had a 
scorched appearance. A splendid comet was visible 
in the southeast for several weeks in October. It rose 
two or three hours before the sun; its speed was al- 
most inconceivable and the nucleus had the appear- 
ance of partial disruption, as if it had met with some 
violent collision. 

1885. July 23d, President Grant dies. News of his 
death received the same day. 

1886. January 17th, Rev. Jacob Hood died, aged 
ninetv-four vears. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



GENERAL .lOSIAH NEWHAI.L. 

General Josiah Newhall was born in Lynnfield 
June 6, 1794, and was a lineal descendant of Thomas 
Newhall, the first white person born in Lynn, who 
was himself the sou of Thomas Newhall, who came 
from England iu IfiP.O, and w.as the progenitor of the 
Newhalls of Lynn. 

General Newhall's occupation was a farmer and 
horticulturist, his interest in these pursuits leading 
him to become one of the founders of the Massachu- 
setts Horticultural Society. During the war of 1812 
he served iu the American army. It was owing, 
perhaps, to his early experience in bearing arms that 
he became active in the State militia. In 1.S24 he 
commanded a regiment of nine companies which was 
among the forces reviewed on Boston Common by 
General Lafiiyette, at the time of his visit to Boston 
in 1824. Subsequently, he rose to the rank of Briga- 
dier-general, and was six years in command of the 
First Brigade. He was also active in civil atiiiirs. 



Under the administration of General .lackson he was 
several years connected with the Boston custom- 
house. He was the first Representative elected to the 
General Court from Lynnfield after the incorporation 
of that town, and served in the Legislatures of 182lj, 
1827 and 1848. He was prominent in town attiiirs 
and served as chairman of school committee twenty- 
two years. 

In November, 1870, General Newhall was elected 
a member of the Royal Historical Society of London 
and Great Britain. 

General Newhall died December 26, 1879. 



JOHN PERKINS. 

Captain Perkins was born in the northwesterly 
part of Lynnfield, on the 18th of July, 1806. His 
father and grandfather were respectable and thrifty 
farmers; and farming has been his own life-occupa- 
tion. 

The Perkins family probably settled here some- 
where about the year 1650. It is found that Luke 
Perkins was a soldier in the King Philip War, and 
marched against the Indians in 1675. He was a 
pious man, and before departure requested Mr. Cob- 
Ijet, then of Ipswich, but previously of Lynn, a min- 
ister famed for his fervency in prayer, to pray for the 
safety of the detachment. And it is added, " they 
all returned in safety." 

John Perkins, a later ancestor, married, August 29, 
1695, Anna Hutchinson, and had five children, — 
Anna, John, Elizabeth, Mary and William. Eliza- 
beth became the wife of Rev. Nathaniel Sparhawk, 
who graduated at Harvard in 1715, studied divinity 
and was settled over the Lynnfield Parish, as its first 
minister, August 17, 1720. He had four children, — 
Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Edward Perkins and John. 
Of these, Edward seems to have become somewhat 
noted, and was the first per.son appearing on the 
Lynn records with three names, the fashion of giv- 
ing two baptismal name.s then just beginning. The 
.son John became a phy.siciau in Philadelphia. 

Another of the fiimily was Dr. John Perkins, who 
was born in 1695, and lived to the age of eighty- 
five, having spent much of his life in other homes. 
He was a .skillful practitioner, but perhaps most 
widely known by his literary and scientific writings. 
He was well educated, having studied two years in 
London. And many years practice in Bo.ston gave 
him an e.xperience and reputation excelled by few 
physicians of the period. Some further notice of 
hiiii.apiiears in the historical sketch of Lynnfield. 

It is sufficient, in this connection, to add that the 
Perkins family of Lynnfield has all along maintained 
a most respectable position. With few exceptions 
they have been prosperous and highly regarded. 

The present Captain John Perkins, whose portrait 
accompanies this brief sketch, and who gained his 
title many years since by being commander of a 




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SAUGUS. 



391 



inililary company, has led a quift, unostentatious, 
but useful lite. He has been a selectman, assessor 
and overseer of the poor more than twenty years, and 
for several years town clerk. He has likewise held 
a commission as ,justice of the peace twenty-one 
years, and represented the town in the (ieneral 
Court. His good judgment and neighborly kindness 
has always been much in requisition for the guidance 
and assistance of his less (jualified neighbors. And 
in the settlement of estates of deceased persons, and 
as guardian of minors, his services and sympathies 
have been highly appreciated. 

Captain Perkins was joined in marriage April 22, 
IS.^n, with Catharine S. Sweetser, of South Reading 
(now Wakefield), and they became the jiarcnls of 
five children, — Catherine E., born Jlay 10, 1S82 ; 
John II., born Decemlier 8, ISo.! ; Mary F., born 
.Vovember 14, 1887 ; Addia J , born September 18, 
1840 ; andClara A., born July 17, 184;>. All the chil- 
dren are now, 1887, living, exce|)ting Mary Frances, 
the second daughter. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

iSAUGUS. 



r,Y WILIStTK F. NEWHAI.L, ES(J. 



Siltuilioii—Bowul'irit'K—Art'ti—h'irer—S^ttU'niinl—Set off frmn Lijnn—V"i>- 
ulation — Saiiytts Cetitri' — Cti/I'itidale — Eaut Smigtts — Xortli Saiiijits — 0<tk- 
laudvale— Geology — Toi^ii Meetings— Toivii Hitiiae — Almsh'tise — Vtmetery 
— AVifl Toicii Hall — Eiist Sttuyuit set off — Wttter-Pipes — Toivtt Clerkx — 
Reprefetitativet — Valwili'm^ Taxation — Polls — Post- Offces. 

Situation. — Saugus is situated in the very south- 
ern corner of Essex County. 

Should you open before you a map of the county, 
you will notice that its general shape is a s(|nare of 
about twenty-three miles on each side, with its oppo- 
site corners or diagonals pointing north and .soutli 
and east and west. At the very southern corner you 
will find the township of Saugus. It is five and six- 
tenths miles long north and south, with a trend some- 
what west of north, and two and four-tenths ndles 
average width. 

BouND.^RlEs. — It is bounded northerly liy Lynn- 
tield and Wakefield, easterly by the city of Lynn, 
southerly by Revere and westerly by Revere. Melrose 
and Wakefield. 

Area. — Its area is about thirteen and one-half 
square miles, of which about two and a quarter 
square miles are salt marsh, occupying the very south- 
ern end of the township, and only separated from 
Massachusetts Bay by the narrow strip <if land kmiwn 
as Revere Beach. Situated only nine miles from 
Boston, you will see at once that the traffic and travel 
to and with Boston of the whole county must largely 



piiss over some portion of its territory. Before A.n., 1 800 
Boston Street, or the old Boston road, so called, was 
the only thoroughfare. Soon after this the Salcni 
turnpike and the Newburyport turnjiike were built, 
and in 1888 the Eastern Railroad was opened fur 
travel ; and these now remain the only avenues of 
communication, through our town, with Boston for 
the county of Essex. 

Saugus is an Indian name, and, as near as can be 
now ascertained, signifies "extended," suggested, lU) 
doubt, by its broad salt marshes. 

The Indians applied this name to the whole terri- 
tory lying between Boston on the south and Salem on 
the north. 

The Indian name of onr beautiful river was " AIjou- 
sett,'' and it is to be regretted that this name was ever 
dropped; bnt the white settlers fell into the custom 
of calling it the river at Saugus, and finally, very 
naturallv, Saugus River; thus it was we lost the 
beautilul Indian name of our river. 

Our river takes its rise in (^uannapowitt Lake, in 
Wakefield, passes through the broad meadows of 
Lynnfield and enters midway our northern boundary, 
when, continuing its southerly course through North 
Saugus to Saugus Centre, where just below Scott's fac- 
tory, it meets the tide-water and thence flows in its 
crooked course through the narrow s.ilt marshes south- 
easterly one mile to East Saugus, where it reaches, 
and thence becomes, the easterly bouinlary of the 
tow-n for the remainder of its course to the sea. 

Settlement. — The first political status of Saugus 
is found, October 19, 1630, when .fohn Taylor was 
admitted freeman to the General Court. 

In lt>34 Xathanic^l Turner, Edward Tondins and 
Thomas Willis were Representatives IVum Saugus to 
the fir.-t Legislature. 

In liiSti tow-ns were given authority to choose not 
more than seven "prudential men" to manage town 
business. 

.\t that time Saugus not only comprised its present 
territory, but also that which now forms the city of 
Lynn and towns of Swampscult, Lynnlicld, Reading, 
Wakefield and Nahant. 

But the early settlers, evidently dissatisfied with 
the Indian name of Saugus, very soon sought to find 
some more familiar name, and very naturally recall- 
ing the old English town of Lynn, iVom which, no 
tloubt, some of them emigrated, it was decided to 
change the name; and the Legislature granted their 
petition, for, November lo, l(i87, we find on i(s rec- 
ords an enactment, said to be the shurtest ever passed, 
as fidlows: " Saugust is called Lin." 

I'hus it was that our name was .set aside, so to con- 
tinue until February 17, 181 'i, when, by a legislative 
act, our prcsetit territory was set off from i.iynn and 
received again its original name of Saugus. For 
many years previously it had had a sejiarate ecclesi- 
astical standing, and was known as the " West Parish." 

Population. — The population of the town in 18ir) 



392 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was very near 700 persons. April 3, 1815, there were 
150 votes ca.st for Governor. We find by the census 
of 1820 the population was 748. In 1885 it was 2S55. 
The iuteruiediate years show a pretty constant and 
regular increase. And although up to 1815 our town 
had been largely agricultural in its interests and pur- 
suits, yet it was the approximate period of the in- 
crease in our manufacturing industries, — shoes and 
woolen goods in the centre of the town, tobacco in 
Cliftondale and shoes in East Saugus. 

Saugus Centre. — This brings us to the division of 
the town into its several villages. Nature provided 
for these by its isolated sections of territory, suitable 
for farms and dwelling-houses, while separating these 
sections were, and still are, rocky and wooded hills, 
rising to no very considerable height and yet sufficient 
to divert our connecting roads into fixed and almost 
necessary locations. 

Beginning with Saugus Centre, by far the largest 
section of intervale in the town, we find it located 
almost exactly in the geographical centre of the 
town, being bounded on the north by Pranker's mill- 
pond and on the east by the river. Few villages are 
so beautifully situated as this, commanding as it does 
from the top of Bound Hill, looking easterly towards 
the ocean, one of the loveliest views of the river 
valley. 

Cliftondale. — Almost directly .south of the Cen- 
tre, and about one mile distant, is Cliftondale, for- 
merly known as Sweetser's Corner, reached directly 
by Central Street alone. Recently this village has 
taken a wonderful start in the erection of dwelling- 
houses, there having been built within the past year 
about forty, mostly by business men and mechanics 
employed in Boston and Lynn, while some are built 
by speculators who hope to sell. This section already 
promises to be a populous portion of the town. 

East Saugus. — Coming back to the Centre again, 
we shall find southeasterly therefrom, about one mile 
distant, the village of East Saugus, situated in the 
river valley, and only reached by one road, now called 
Winter Street, on the southerly side of the valley. 
On account of the small area of eligible territory for 
building purposes, this village is compactly built, and 
consists principally of two streets — Chestnut Street 
and Lincoln Avenue — leading up from the bridge to 
the hill at the south of the village, where stands the 
village church. 

The crooked reach of the river, between the Centre 
and the East Village, through the narrow strip of 
salt marsh, is usually kept filled with water by the mill- 
dam at the East Saugus Bridge, and so serves as a 
mill-pond, replenished by successive Hood-tides and 
receiving in addition thereto the fresh water from the 
river flowage. 

Almost directly west of East Saugus is Cliftondale, 
one mile away, and only reached by Lincoln Avenue, 
formerly called the old Boston road. 
Thus we see that these three principal villages of 



Saugus are respectively about one mile from each 
other, occupying the points of an equilateral triangle, 
across the interior of which no road passes. 

It would almost seem that this triangular district, 
although made up mostly of rocky hills and hereto- 
fore neglected, will, some future day, be inter.^ected 
by winding avenues and dotted with beautiful hillside 
residences. It remains to mention two smaller villages 
of our town. 

NoETH Saugus. — Some more than two miles 
from the Centre, and in the extreme northerly end 
of our township, is the village of North Saugus, 
a section of very excellent farming land. It is reached 
by Central Street, passing Pranker's factory, and also 
by the Newburyport turnpike. Saugus River flows 
beside this village, and its two tributaries. Penny 
Brook and Hawkes Brook, flow directly through the 
vill ge. These two brooks have recently been taken 
for a water supply by the city of Lynn; their waters 
have been diverted by an artificial canal and carried 
into Birch Pond, so called, on the eastern boundary 
of our town. 

Oaklaxdvalr. — The last village to be mentioned 
is Oaklandvale. This is situated a mile and a half 
.from the Centre, northwesterly, and is only reached 
by the road leading to Wakefield and Melrose. This 
is also an agriculUiral district, through which flows a 
stream sometimes called Strawberry Brook, which 
empties into Saugus River belo7,- North Saugus. 

Geology. — The geology of Saugus is a continuation 
of that of Lynn. The rock formations in both places 
belong to the east and west system of Hitchcock, as 
given in his reiiort of the geology of Massachusetts. 

A]i|iroaching the town from the ocean side, we come 
to a broad belt of alluvium, beneath which is a thin 
stratum of sand or gravel, and underlying all is a bed 
of tough blue clay of unknown depth. 

Succeeding this is a broad belt of felsite, generally 
known as porphyry. It is composed of the finely- 
comminuted remains of older rocks hardened l>y heat 
and pressure to a flint-like substance. It is known to 
scientists as the Lower Laurentian series, or the rocks 
that contain the remains of the earliest forms of life. 

On the northern side of the felsite the formation 
has not been sufficiently studied. Much of it, how- 
ever, is syenite, and the curved lamination in some 
portions of the rock indicate gneiss. Trappean 
dykes frequently occur in this rock and in the felsite. 
The dividing line between the two formations is very 
obscure, being generally covered by drift. On the 
hill one-half mile east of Pranker's mills, and at the 
railroad cut near the centre of the town, the junction 
of the two formations may be noticed. Also near the 
Lynn line, on Vinegar Hill, syenite is found obtrud- 
ing through the felsite, which is here composed of 
rounded felsite pebbles, cemented by a hardened 
matrix of the same material. 

The jasper bed, near Round Hill, in the Centre, 



SAUGUS 



393 



is iindoubtolly a fine variety of felsite, the banded 
variety of wliich furnishes very fine specimens. 

Round Hill is a conspicuous object, and is of un- 
doubted v(dianic origin. Hitchcock calls the com- 
position of the rock which forms the liill ''Varioloid 
Wackc." The base of the rock is of a pleasant green 
color, and is filled in |)laces with rounded noilules of 
i|Uartz, varying in size from that of an ordinary shot 
to that of a pea. On the north side of the hill the 
base of the rock is of achocobite color; this, together 
with the white nodules of fpiartz, forms very pretty 
specimens. 

But few minerals or metals have been found in 
Saugus. The jasper locality is well known and 
many specimens have been taken from the bed. 

E|iidote is common, but the crystals are too small 
and imperfect to be valued. Good specimens of as- 
bestos, associated with epidote, are tbund near East 
Saugus, and calcite (nail-head spar) has been found 
in the dee|) railroad cut near the Centre. 

Hematite (specular) is found in the hill near the 
railroad cut, also in bowlders in the northwest part of 
the town. Pyrite ha.s been found near the head of 
Birch Pond, but the specimens are poor. 

Bog iron-ore w'as discovered soon after the first 
settlement, in ditVerent parts of the town, but mostly 
in North Saugus, where very good specimens can 
now be found. This was the ore used by the old 
Iron-Works from 1()43 to 1680. 

As heretofore stated, Saugus was set off from Lynn 
by act of Legislature passed February 17, 1815. 

To\vn'-Meetix(;s. — The first town-meeting was 
held in the parish church March 18, 181.5, and sub- 
sefjuent ones continued to be held there until 1818, 
after which time the school-house in the Centre gen- 
erally served as the gatbering-place for the town, al- 
though, occasionally, they were gathered at the Rock 
Scliool-housc, so-called, in the South District. 

TdWN-Hol'SE — In 1837 a town-hall was built, ar- 
ranged for hall above and two school-rooms below. 
This building is still standing, and since 1875, when 
our new town-hall was built, it h:is been used for 
school purposes. 

It may be interesting to notice some of the circum- 
stances of the building of this first hall. 

Some two thousand dollars had been given to the 
town as their portion of the United States revenue 
surplus, distributed by General Jackson. 

The question was, how this should be disposed of 
Five town-meetings were held from May 12 to ,Tuly 
8, 1837, and as may well be imagined, very stnmg 
feelings swept the town. It was first voted to divide 
it among the inhabitants; then this was reconsidered, 
and it was voted to pay it over to the treasurer. 

Then this was reconsidered, at a third meeting, and 
finally voted again to pay to the town treasurer. 

At a subsequent meeting it was voted not to build a 
town-house ; and, at a still later meeting, it was voted 
to build, — yeas, 90 ; nays, 74. Two thousand dollars 
25 J 



was appropriated, and a committee of seven chosen 
by ballot, to obtain a location and contract for and 
superintend the building of said town-house. 

March 12, 1838, the town appropriated si.x hundred 
dollars more to finish the town-house. 

Almshouse. — In 1823 the present almshouse, 
with farm formerly owned by Mr. Tudor, was pur- 
chased. 

Cemetery. — In 18-1-1 the town bought one acre of 
Salmon Snow, for a new cemetery. This jiroving 
too small was enlarged in 1858, by the purcha.se of 
adjoining property of Hoswell Hitchings. 

Again, in 1874, the two estates e:ist were purchased 
of Henry Newhall and others, so a.s to further enlarge 
the cemetery substantially as it is at present. Dur- 
ing these years the town has taken excellent care of 
the grounds, which have grown in attractiveness and 
beauty, year by year, through the interest of our 
townsmen and very much to their credit. Few 
things speak louder of the tenderness, sympathy and 
love of a people than its care for the resting-place of 
the departed. 

In the most eligible part of the cemetery is the 
"Soldier's Lot," surrounded by hammered granite 
border fence and entrance-steps, ornamented with 
appropriate war emblems, all carved in scili<l granite. 
This Wits built by the town. 

Our cemetery is beautifully situated on the sloping 
ground between Winter Street and Shute's Brook. 

New Towx-Hall. — In 1875 the town built their 
nen- town-hall, on the eastern side of Central Street, 
purchasing of Mr. Samuel A. Parker a low, wet 
piece of land, and at great expense filling up aud 
grading the same. There was a great difference ot 
opinion in the town in regard to the expediency of 
erecting such a building. 

A number of town-meetings were held, in which 
adverse action was taken, but the building ))arty 
finally prevailed, and the town was loaded with a 
debt of fifty thousand dollars in consccpience. The 
first story is occupied for rooms for town officers. 
High School and public library, the second for as- 
sembly room. 

East SAUiJfs Set Off. — While the new hall was 
building the inhabitants of East Saugus made a vig- 
orous effort before the Legislature to be set oft' from 
Saugus and annexed to the city of Lynn, but they 
did not succeed iu getting a bill through both 
branches of the Legislature. Soon after this, in def- 
erence to the feelings and wishes of East Saugus, the 
town voted an appropriation of five thousand dollars 
lor the laying of water-pipes through the village of 
East Saugus, connecting with the Lynn Water- Works 
for a supply. This work was done, and .Vugust 10, 
1 878, the water was let into the pipes and a public 
celebration made of it by the citizens of Ea.st Sau- 
gus. 

Water-Pu'Es. — The town has just voted, .July 8, 
1887, to extend this system of water-pipes through 



394 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cliftondale and the centre of the town, and for that 
purpose made an appropriation of thirty-five thousand 
dolhirs to lay seven miles of pipe, and chose Wilbur 
F. Newhall, Edward Franker and Charles H. Bond, 
water commissioners, to carry out the action of the 
town, and said commissioners have just given the 
contract to Messrs. Goodhue & Birnie, of Springfield, 
for the laying of the cement pipes, the work to be 
commenced forthwith and completed this season. 

To\FN Clerks.— The following is a list of the town 
clerks, with their terms of oftice : 



1815-18. Richard MausfleM. 
1819-27. Thomas JIansfii-lil, Jr. 
1828-30. Zat'heiis Stocker. 
1831-33. Isaac Childs. 



1834-40. Win. W. Boardnian. 
1841-47. Benj. F. Newhall. 
1848-51. Harmon Hall. 
1852-87 Wm. H. Newhall. 



Representatives. — The following is a list of the 
Saugus Representatives to the General Court. Until 
about 1857 it required a majority of all the votes cast 
to elect a Representative, and this explains why of- 
tentimes no one was sent. In 1885 the town-meeting 
adjourned twice and balloted six times without mak- 
ing any choice : 



1816, '17, '20. Joseph Cheever. 
1821. Dr. Abijah Cheever. 
1823. Jonathan Makepeace. 
1826. John Shaw. 
1827-28. Wm. Jackson. 
182".i, '30, '31. Dr. Abijah Cheever. 
1832-33. Zacheiw N. Stocker. 
1834. Joseph Cheever. 
1836-37. Wm. W. Boardman. 

1838. Charles Sweetser. 

1839. Francis Dizer. 

1840. Benj. Hitchings, Jr. 

In 1857 the district system went into operation, 
and Saugus was united with Lyunfield, Middleton 
and Topsfield. We give below the names of the Rep- 
resentatives from Saugus alone : 

1857. Jonathan Newhall. 
1860. Harmon Hall. 
1862. John Howleft. 



1841. Stephen E. Hawkcs. 
1842-43. Beiy. F. Newhall. 
1844. Pickmore Jackson. 
1840^7. Sewall Boardman. 

1850. Charles Sweetser. 

1851. George H. Sweetser. 

1852. John B. Hitchings. 

1853. Samuel Hawkes. 

1854. Richard MansSeld. 
1865. Wm. H. Newhall. 
1856. Jacob B. Calley. 



1863. Charles W. Newhall. 
1866. S. S. Dunn. 
1869. John Armitage. 



1872. .lacob B. Calley. 
1H7.0. Otis M. Hitchings. 
1877. Joseph Whitehead. 
187',l. J. Allston Newhall. 
1882. Albert H. Sweetser. 
1885-86. Chas. S. Hitchings. 



Valuation and Taxation. — The valuation of 
the town this year (1887) is : 

Real Estate 81,906,061 

Personal Property 202,835 



Total valuation $2,108,896 

Rate of taxation per thousand S13.50 

Number of polls 8.52 

Post-OfI'"ices. — -The first post-office was established 
in the village of East Saugus in 1832. This remained 
the only post-office in town until 1858, when two 
others were established — one in Saugus Centre and 
one in Cliftondale. The following are the names of 
the postmasters of each office : 

Ens; ,Sn"jus.— 1832, Henry Slade ; 1832, Ceorge Newhall ; 18.".(i, Her 
bert B. Newhall ; 1863, Charlotte M. Hawkes ; 1S73, Charles Mills ; 
1885, Heury J. Mills. 

Saugus Centre, — 1858, Julian D. Lawrence ; 1870, John E. Stocker. 

Cliftondale.— U5S, Wm. Williams ; 1860, Oeorge H. Sweetser, A. H. 
Sweetser ; 1877, M. A. Putnam ; 1883, M. S. Fisk. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

SAVGVS— {Continued). 

Early Settlers— ludiaus— Fish— Martliex— William B.i»rnrf'« Farm— Land- 
ing Eoad — Edward Baiter — NichoUia lirown — Samuel Bennet — Tliomas 
Dexter — Thomas Hiuhon— Captain Walker — Adam Hawkes — Sichard 
Leader an<l Others — Apjdeton's Pnlpit. 

Early Settlers. — Tlie year 1030 brought a great 
many hundred people to our shores, and of this num- 
ber some found their way to our town either through 
the primeval forests or, more likely, by l)oats; and it 
is not surprising that they should enter our river and 
select along its banks favorable spots for their rude 
houses, around which they were to commence their 
clearings. 

Indians. — Long years before this the Indians had 
been attracted to this river, and upon its sunny banks 
and in its sheltered vales had built their wigwams, 
reared their families and cultivated their small fields 
of corn and pumpkins. 

On the south side of the hills, in East Saugus, on 
both banks of the river, are found the relics of their 
settlements, consisting of shell-heaps, pestles, hatch- 
ets, arrow-heads and bones. 

Fish. — Our river at that time abounded with fish 
of many varieties, some of which, on account of our 
mills and their obstructions, are now no longer found 
in our waters ; but not the least attraction was the 
abundance of clams tbund in the sandy shores of our 
river, and, at low tide, accessible at all seasons of the 
year. 

Marshes. — Whatever mav be the changes in the 
aspects of the country since those early days, in con- 
sequence of the removal of forests and the incoming 
of civilization, yet we have one feature of our land- 
scape presenting substantially the same appearance 
as then, namely, oiir salt marshes. 

Our early settlers looked very kindly on these 
marshes as furnishing a sure supply of food for their 
horses and cattle, while they were toiling to bring 
into arable condition the uplands then covered with 
timber. These marshes certainly atibrded them 
abundance of fodder. And even to-day they still 
continue to yield their crops to our farmers, as shown 
by the numerous stacks of hay annually gathered in 
the summer, to be removed in the winter when the 
marshes are covered with ice and snow. 

William Bali^ard was one of our early settlers. 
He was a farmer, and received sixty acres in the 
allotment of lands in 1638. He was also admitted a 
freeman iu 1638. His farm comprised what is now 
the village of East Saugus. His first house stood in 
the rear of the dwelling now ovviie<l by George Oli- 
ver. His two sons, John and Nathaniel, divided the 
farm in lti97. 

It was sold to Dr. Oliver in 1710, and in 1720 to 
Colonel Jacob Wendell, and about 1760 to Zaccheus 
Norwood, who died about 1768, leaving a widow and 



SAUGUS. 



395 



thiLf childron. On tliis farm i-tood the Anchor Tav- 
ern, then kept by jMr. Norwood, and at his decease 
by his widow, until 1773, when Landlurd Jacob New- 
liall took charge. 

About 1725 a town way was laid out by the select- 
men through the farm from the old Boston road to 
the Lower Landing, so called. 

After almosta hundred years of alienation from the 
r.alhird family, one-half of this farm was bought back 
by William Ballard ; the other half continued in pos- 
session of the heirs of Norwood until about ISbO, when 
this was bought by .lolin Ballard, Esq., of Boston, who 
then became the owner of the entire farm. In 1802 
be built a new hotel a few rods south of the old tav- 
ern, and from ISIO to 1822 he made this house his 
residence. 

During subsequent years the farm was partly cut 
uj) into house-lot-s and sold, making the present vil- 
lage (if East Saugus. — and it was not till a few years 
ago that the remaining portion of the I'arni, on either 
side of Ballard Street, was sold by the Ballanl family 
to Mrs. John Pike and Henry W. Johnson. 

Edward Baker was another early settler. In the 
allotment of 1638 he was given forty acres. His 
farm was on the south side of Baker's Hill, so called. 
He was admitted a freeman in 1G38 and died in 
U;87. 

Nicholas Brown received in the allotment two 
hundred acres. His farm was on the road to North 
Saugus. He early removed to Reading. 

Samuel Bennet, a carpenter and a member of the 
Ancient Artillery (lompany in lt;39 ; he received in 
the allotment twenty acres. His farm was in the 
westerly part of the town. 

Thomas Dexter, a farmer, was admitted a free- 
nuin in 1631, and in the allotment was given three 
hundred and fifty acres. He lived in the centre of 
I he town, near the iron-works, and was generally 
known as " Farmer De.xter." He was an active, stir- 
ring man in the ]dantation, although frequently get- 
ting into trouble with his neighbors, and even quar- 
reling with the (iovernor of the colony. He must 
have posse-ifed an irritable disposition as well as 
fighting qualities. 

He built a mill on the river, for the grinding of 
corn, and akso a tish-weir in 1632, wherein were cap- 
tured large quantities of alewives and bass; one hun- 
dred and fifty barrels were cured the first year. 

Thomas Hidsox lived on the westerly side of the 
river, near the iron-works. He received sixty acres 
in the allotment. 

Captain Richard Walker, a farmer, was lo- 
cated on the west side of the river, and in the allot- 
ment received two hundred acres. Born in lo'J3, ad- 
mitted a freeman in 1634 and died at the age of 
ninety-five years. 

Adam Hawkes, a farmer, settled in North Saugus 
about 1634. He landed in 8alem with Endicott's 
company in 1630, and probably soon after went to 



Cbarlestown, as his wife Sarah's name is there found 
on the church records. Undoubtedly he reached this 
remote section of land by following up the river in his 
boat, and his location was well selected. 

In the allotment of 1638 he was given one hundred 
acres, but before his death, which occurred in 1671, 
he acquired a great deal more land, for in the division 
of his property, March 27, 1()72, we find him possessed 
of five hundred and fifty acres, one-half of which 
was given to his sou John, and one-half to his grand- 
son, Moses. A true inventory of his estate was made 
by Thomas Newhall and Jeremiah Sweyen, March 18, 
1672, which contains many curious and interesting 
items, which we would like to give here, but for its 
length. The total value of his property, real and ]ier- 
sonal, was £817 lis. 

Adam Hawkes had only two children, .lulin and 
Susannah. John married Rebecca Maverick, daughter 
of Moses Maverick, and what is very '.musiial, the 
homestead farm has continued in the Hawkes family, 
in an unbroken succession, down to the present time, 
and is now owned and occupied by Samuel and Louis 
P. Hawkes, and the family of Richard Hawkes. 

Adam Hawkes built his first house on the hill, a 
few hundred feet north of the present house of Louis 
P. Hawkes ; this house was burned down soon after 
it was built. Much of the iron-ore which was ob- 
tained by the old iron works, in the centre of the 
town, for forty years or more, was, without doubt, dug 
in the meadows of Mr. Hawkes. And it seems he 
was troubled with the flowage of his lands by the iron 
works, the dam being raised much higher than the 
present one. He obtained damages for this flowage 
at several different times. 

The above-mentioned early settlers were all farmers, 
and it is to be regretted that there is not more defi- 
nite knowledge of their locations and history. Could 
sufficient time be given, undoubtedly much more 
might be gleaned concerning them and others who have 
escaped notice. 

But there were also rhany men connected with the 
iron works industry, in the Centre, some of whose 
names we have preserved to us. Among these were 
Richard Leader (general agent till 16.")!, after which 
John Gilibrd was agent), Joseph Jenks, and .loseph 
Jenks, Jr., Henry Leonard, Henry Styche (who lived 
to the great age of one hundred and three), Arzbell 
Anderson, MacCallum More Downing, John Turner, 
John Vinton and Samuel Appleton, Jr., who owned 
the works after 1677. 

Appleton's Pulpit. —An interesting incident in 
our early history is recorded on a bronze tablet fast- 
ened to the perpendicular face of a rocky clifl'on Ap- 
pleton Street, in the centre of the town, a few years 
ago, by some of the descendants of the .\ppleton 
family. The tablet is about two and a hall' feet 
square, and tirmly bolted to the rock just beneath the 
place where the stirring harangue is supposed to have 



396 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



been made. This clifl' forms the abrupt side of a 
prominent hill, known as Calemount or Catamount 
Hill. 

Tradition says that in those troublous times a watch 
was stationed on the hill to give alarm of any ap- 
proach of the Crown officers to arrest their man. The 
watch was to signal their approach by crying, "Caleb, 
mount !" and from this cry came the name of the hill. 

The following is the inscription on the tablet : 



' AITLETON S rUl.lMT. 



" In .'ieptenibor, 168Y. from this roi-k, traJition asserts that, resisting 
tlie tyranny of Sir Edniond Andros, Major .Samuel Appleton, of Ipswich, 
spoke to the people in behalf of those principles which later were em- 
bodied in the Doclaratiun of Independence." 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

SAUGUS—( ConJidwed). 
FARMS, AC, A HUNnRED YEARS AGO. 

EoBt Stmgus — Old Mill — Jlloore Fanii — Taveni — Mujor Parker's — Thomas 
Florence — Amos Stocfcer — Leivis Pliire — Tlvmas Blocker Place — John 
Stacker Farm — Boynton Fann — Jacob Eiistis Farm — Breeden Place — 
Allen Place — Coloiwl Ahner Cheever — Dr. Cheever Place — Ezra Brown 
Farm — Tador Farm — Josinh Rhodes Farm — Asa Rhodes Farm — Master 
Ritchlnys Place — i<amnel lioardiuaii — Aaron Boardmaii — Jvortf ISoard- 
nian Fann — John Uampiicy — Deacon Pratt Farm — Flkanah Haivkes 
Farm — Hitchings Place. 

It may be interesting to the reader to take a look at 
some parts of the town, but more especially at the 
farms as they appeared a hundred years ago or there- 
abouts. 

East Sauous. — Let us begin at the bridge in East 
Sangus, now compactly built and covering the entire 
slope from the hill to the river ; but, one hundred 
years ago very few houses were standing here. In 
1775 the old one-story shed-like mill building, then 
used as a grist-mill, was standing on the west side of 
the bridge, leaving a very narrow roadway over the 
bridge. Adjoining the mill on the south was a two- 
story dwelling-bouse, of good size, built by Joseph 
Gould, who having died the year previous, the house 
was then occupied by his widow. 

Let us proceed southerly up the hill by the only 
road, and a few rods will bring us to a two-story 
dwelling, occupied by Colonel Ebenezer 8tocker, of 
subsequent Kevolutionary fame. This house was torn 
down in 1851 to give place to the present liouse, built 
and owned by H. W. Brackett. 

A few rods farther south we find an old-fashioned 
two-story house, where now stands the house of Fales 
Newhall. Jacob Newhall, the graiidfatlier of Fales 
Newhall, then lived there and he wa.s a farmer and 
shoemaker. 

This house was torn down about 1825. 

Continuing up the hill, and near the tcp, we come 
to a two-story dwelling, which is still standing and 
owned tiy the heirs of the late Frederick Stocker. In 



1775 it was owned by a Mr. Jloore. His large barn 
then stood on the present site of the Alethodist 
Church. 

The road soon comes to the rocky hill, where it 
turns to the left, a'd a few rods bring us to the fa- 
mous tavern kept by Landlord Jacob Newhall. It 
stood on the left or northerly side of the road, facing 
the south ; it was a two-story gambrel-roof house, with 
a long sloping roof in the rear covering the kitchen. 

From the bridge we have found only five houses, in- 
cluding the tavern. 

Should we continue along under the hill on the 
Boston road southerly a few rods, we should pass 
on the right, Major Parker's blacksmith-shop in full 
blast, and just beyond this bis dwelling-house. This 
house has recently been torn down and a large two- 
story double dwelling built on the site. 

Major David Parker came from Maiden to Saugus 
when quite a young man — about 1760. Having mar- 
ried a Miss Hunnewell, of Charlestown, he settled him- 
self in a house which stood a few rods south of the 
old tavern. A short distance north of the house he 
built his long blacksmith-shop and carried on a brisk 
business. He was industrious, capable and enterjiris- 
ing. He held an honorable rank among the people 
and was early honored with the office of captain of 
the West Parish Militia, one of the largest companies 
ill Lynn. This was previous to the Revolutionary 
War, for we find that Captain David Parker mtistered 
his company at an early hour on the day of the Con- 
cord fight and marched them with all speed to the 
scene of the confiict, where his company did gallant 
service. The courage and bravery shown by Captain 
Parker led immediately to his promotion as major. 
He was a man of great benevolence of feeling, kind 
and affable to strangers. He continued to work at 
his blacksmith-shop up to the period of his death, 
which occurred in the early part of this century. 

The next house south of Major Parker's was Sam- 
uel Oliver's, a blacksmith who worked for Major Par- 
ker. In 1805 Solomon Brown purchased this house 
of Mr. Oliver and lived in it until his death. It was 
afterwards removed to the Centre. 

Some rods still south we come to Thomas Florence's 
small one-story house standing on the side of a ledge 
to the right, just where it is to-day, in 1887. 

Thomas Florence was a hero of the Revolutionary 
War. He was a gardener by trade, working most of 
the time for Landlord Newhall. 

His great-grandson, Charles Florence, now lives in 
the house. 

A few rods south of the Florence house we reach a 
large dwelling occupied by Amos Stocker, another 
Revolutionary soldier, and by trade a cooper. This 
house is .still standing. 

Still going south a short distance, just where the 
road turns to the west, on our right is a large two- 
story dwelling, built as early as 1740 ; it was consid- 
ered in that day one of the best houses. It was the 



SAUGUS. 



397 



birth-place of John Ballard, Esq., he who built the 
new hotel on the Ballard farm. This house is still 
(1S87) standing, and is owned and (icciipied by Wil- 
liam A. Trefethen, farmer. 

Just opposite the last house there was a lane, some- 
times ealled "Lewis Lane," leailin?^ south; some rods 
down this lane there was an old dwelling-house, in 
front of which were noble elms. This wa-s the " Lewis 
Place," one of the earliest settled farms in this sec- 
tion. 

Tn 1800 it passed to the ownership of Landlord 
Newhall. 

The house was torn down a few years ago. 

Coming back to the old Boston road and continu- 
ing westerly from the Trefethen house, we soon come 
to a dwelling known in the Revolutionary times as 
the "Thomas Stocker Place," then occupied by him- 
self. This house is still stamling, in 1887, and is 
owned by Charlotte M. Mills. Some forty rods far- 
ther on we find a large dwelling on the right hand 
side. It stood where now, in 1887, the "Sunnyside 
House" is found, and a part of the old house was un- 
doubtedly used in the erection of the new one. 

In coming thus far from the tavern we have found 
nine dwellings, while from the liridge to the tavern 
we found only five. 

The large tract of land lying west of Lincoln Ave- 
nue, in Cliftondale, extending down to the Revere 
line, and intersected by the Saugus Branch Railroad, 
and now very recently bought anil laid out into town 
lots by C. H. Bond, Henry Wait and K. S. Kent, 
was formerly a noted farm. 

Previous to the War of 1812 John .Stocker owned 
this farm, and built himself a house. Subsequently 
it passed into the pos.session of Captain Daniel Bick- 
fonl. In about 1826 Isaac (^arleton became the 
owner. His native place was Amlover. He culti- 
vated the farm until his death, in 1841. 

Anthony Hatch became the owner in 1847, and 
continued such up to his death, in 1879. 

Mr. Hatch, formerly a ship carpenter in Medford, 
did an extensive market gardening on his farm. A 
man of great industry ; his broad well-tilled acres 
always presented a pleasant sight to the passer-by. 

About one-half mile south of Cliftondale, on the 
old traveled road which bore to the east of Lincoln 
Avenue as now traveled, was a famous farm of olden 
time, being situated partly in Saugus (then Lynn) 
and ]>artly in Chelsea. The road passed between the 
barn and farm-house, which stood at the foot of the 
hill then known as Boynton's Hill. This was the 
hardest hill between Salem and Boston, and was 
much dreaded by the drivers of heavy teams. Mr. 
Boynton was often called upon for an extra lift, and 
Landlord Xewhall often sent extra horses or oxen 
to help teams which were to sto|) at his tavern. 

Mr. Boynton lived to an advanced age, and the 
farm passed to his son, Ellis Boynton. The farm 
was soon sold to Eben F. Draper and John Edmunds, 



who owned it for a few years and sold to Dr. Smith, 
of Boston. A large part of this farm was utilizeii by 
the Franklin Trotting Park some years ago, and is 
still used somewhat for horse-racing. 

Leaving Lincoln ."^ venue at Cliftondale, ami taking 
Essex Street, a short distance brings us to a fine res- 
idence on the right, facing the depot, now owned (in 
1887)byPlinyNickerson. This dwelling-house has not 
always presented the beautiful appearance of to-day, 
for it has met with many changes since its first con- 
struction, in 1807, by Jacob Eustis, of Boston, a 
lirothcr of Governor Eustis. The land in front of 
the house constituted his farm. Mr. Eustis was a 
man of untiring iudustry, especially scrutinizing all 
town expenses, and every irregularity received his 
scathing rebuke. 

About 18.S0 he sold to James Dennison. It then 
passed to W. Turpin, and soon to Seth Heaton, 
who occupied it until 185.3. INIr. Heaton sold to 
Daniel P. Wise and others, who then applied the 
name of Cliftondale to this section of the town, and 
began a scheme of improvement. Subsequently John 
T. Paine, E.sq., of Melrose, bought a portion of the 
land, with the Eustis house. The location of the 
old road, which ran nearer the house and inside of 
the noble trees now standing, he caused to be re- 
located outside of the trees, where we find it to-day. 
Substantial stone walls were built around the place, 
and the house itself remodeled. 

Continuing our way beyond Mr. Nickerson's, 
the road winding to the north, we ])ass soon on our 
right a tract of land (now being rapidly built over 
with houses) that was known seventy-five years ago 
as the " Breeden Place " among the old farm settle- 
ments of the town. Crossing the railroad, are fine 
tillage fields on the left. A large part of this farm 
was reclaimed from an extensive swam|) by Timothy 
H. Brown, who settled here about lcS;^() and died in 
18ril. This was known years ago by the name of the 
"Allen Place," from its owner, Lemuel Allen, who 
married the daughter of Parson Koby. Mr. George 
N. Miller is the present owner, and may be reckoned 
one of our prosperous farmers. 

Still going westerly a short distance to the corner 
of Felton Street, we come to an old house now owned 
and occupied by Mr. Walter V. Hawkes. This was 
the home and farm of Colonel .\bner Cheever, of 
Revolutionary memory. The farm was one of the 
best of that early day. Gn the death of the colonel, 
about 1820, it passed into the hands of his son, 
Major Henry Cheever, who oceupiecl it (ill his di'atb 
in 1858. 

About sixty rods to the north we come to the once 
famous "Dr. Cheever Place," for many years con- 
sidered the most elegant residence in Saugus. .\ 
broad high two-story verandah supporting the roof on 
massive columns gave it at once an elegant and south- 
ern air. It was built about 18K8. Noble shade-trees 
surrounded the house, the grounds were kept neat and 



398 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



trim, ponds were formed in the rear of the house for 
fish, boats and bathing. He built a fine avenue, 
bordered with shade-trees, leading direct from his 
residence to the turnpike, protected by gates at either 
end. Dr. Cheever was a surgeon in the Continental 
army. In politics a Federalist, in religion a Unita- 
rian, and for many years attended public worship with 
that society at Lynn. 

He died about 1842, leaving two children, — Dr. 
Charles Cheever, of Portsmouth, N. H., and Eliza S. 
Cheever, both now deceased. The doctor owned about 
two hundred acres of land, forty acres being tillage. 

About forty rods west of the Dr. Cheever place is 
an old house, now somewhat modernized, and owned 
by Mr. William H. Penny. It was formerly the 
house of Ezra Brown, and in the Revolution days was 
the abode of his father. More recently the farm was 
owned by Stephen Hall, who lived there many years. 
His daughter is the wife of Mr. William H. Penny. 

About one hundred rods north of Mr. Penny's 
house, on the Newburyport turnpike, is the farm now 
owned by the town of Baiigus, and occupied for its 
almshouse. This was one of the farms of the olden 
time. It was formerly known as the " Tudor Place." 
The old road from Sweetzer's Corner (nowCliftondale) 
to South Reading passed through this farm for about 
sixty rods south of the present house, substantially 
where the turnpike was afterwards built and is now 
traveled. Before the present house was built there 
was a venerable old farm-house upon the same spot. 
That old farm-house wa.s owned by William Tudor, 
Esq., known as Judge Tudor. He inherited this 
place from his father, John Tudor. The late Freder- 
ick Tudor, Esq., of Nahant, was the son of William 
Tudor, Esq. The improvements made by William 
Tudor, Esq., upon this place began about the year 
1800. The old house was not torn down entirely, but 
was made the nucleus of the new house by doubling 
the size of the old house and modernizing the whole 
structure. Judge Tudor no doubt intended to make 
it his permanent family residence. Its fine situation, 
its rich fields around the dwelling, its picturesque 
wooded hills, all afforded him the opportunity to dis- 
play his taste. An artificial pond was formed south- 
westerly of the house, and into it was conducted the 
water from Long Pond by an artificial canal which he 
excavated, partly through solid ledge, at great ex- 
pense. This canal can now be seen, and through it 
is now running a portion of the waters of Long Pond. 
The magnitude of this work and its speedy comple- 
tion testify to the energy of Mr. Tudor. 

In 1807 the house was vacated by the Tudor family, 
and for years was occupied by ditierent families. In 
1818 it was leased to Robert Eames, who lived there 
until 1822, when it was purchased of Henry I.Tudor 
by the town of Saugus for a poor farm. 

On Central Street, near the junction of Denver 
Street, on what was then the traveled road to Reading, 
were two very old farms, one on the south side of the 



old road, owned by Josiah Rhodes, who died about 
1794. This dwelling, which was a small one-story 
house, stood upon the elevated ground east of the 
house now standing and recently occupied by the late 
Salmon Snow. Mr. Rhodes' barn was upon the op- 
posite side of the old road. The widow of Josiah 
Rhodes soon after her husband's death married Richard 
Shute, who came from Maiden. He combined farm- 
ing, mercantile business and school-teaching. He 
bought the old school-bouse, attached it to the farm- 
house as an ell and made of it a store. These build- 
ings were all burnt one pleasant autumn afternoon, 
about 1820, with all their contents. Mr. Shute was 
an active man, and being lame, rode a great deal on 
horseback, even sowing his grain from the back of 
his bay mare. He was also tax collector for Lynn 
for some three years. After his death the farm passed 
into the possession of Benjamin Swain, and by him 
was sold to Salmon Snow, about 1833. 

The second farm above referred to was on the 
northerly side of the Reading road and the westerly 
side of the road leading to the meeting-house. This 
farm was owned about eighty years ago by Deacon 
Asa Rhodes. 

More recently it was owned by the late Deacon 
James Roots. The Deacon Asa Rhodes house was a 
venerable relic of the olden time, two stories high, 
with a chimney in the centre occupying a large part 
of the house. A little east of the house stood his 
small shoemaker's shop, where the deacon could al- 
ways be found at his craft. The deacon was born in 
the old house, March 1749, and lived there all his 
days, dying at the age of ninety-three years. Though 
a farmer, yet his principal business was shoeuuiking. 
He worked his own stock and made shoes for the 
Marblehead market. He would repair to Marble- 
head with his saddle-bags, distribute their contents 
among his customers, take other orders and return 
home. His way of traveling was sometimes on 
horseback, sometimes on foot with saddle-bags on his 
shoulder, and sometimes, with leather-apron on, he 
would wheel a barrow. The old house was torn 
down soon alter his death, in 1842. Deacon James 
Roots, who married a daughter of Deacon Rhodes, 
owned and lived on the place until his death. 

About eighty rods eastward of the Deacon Rhodes 
place was what was known as the Master Hitchings 
place. This place is now our cemetery. Thomas 
Hitchings moved from Lynn to the West Parish, 
about 1802, so as to lead the singing in the parish 
church, and also to teach the singing-school ; hence 
he was called "Master Hitchings." He lived in the 
old homestead and reared a large family. This old 
house is still standing, although removed many rods 
towards East Saugus, on land known as the Bowler 
Field. 

In the westerly part of the town, now called Oak- 
landvale, a little over a mile from the Town Hall, on 
the road to Wakefield, were a number of old farms 



SAUGUS. 



399 



deserving some mention. Just before the road de- 
scends to the meadow and crosses the brook the loca- 
tion of the old Reading way can be seen leading off 
to the left or south, and making a wide sweep over 
the meadow; the present new location across the 
brook was laid out in ISIS. Just after cro.ssing the 
meadow an old house is still seen to the north, and 
some rods back from the road. This was in Revolu- 
tionary days occupied by ^>amuel Boardman. 

Just here a road branches off to the left, leading to 
Melrose. A few rods on this road brings us to a ven- 
erable dwelling-house on the right, a good specimen 
of the old time house ; it is fully two hundred years 
old. During the American Revolution it was occu- 
pied by Aaron Boardman, and afterwards it became 
his son's, .\bijah Boardnum's, who lived and died there. 
When the county of SuH'olk extended up as far as 
this farm, the line dividing the counties pitssed 
through this house, and the court had to decide 
where Mr. Boardman should pay his |)oll-tax. Chelsea 
finally collected it, as his sleeping-room was in that 
town. 

Coming liack to the Reading or Wakefield road, and 
continuing westerly, we come to some excellent inter- 
vale, where were several very old farms. In the 
Revolutionary days there were four farm-houses here, 
one of which only is now standing. This is the 
house on the south side of the road, the homestead of 
the late Joseph Cheever, and more recently occupied 
by his son, Cyrus Cheever. It was formerly Ivory 
Boardman's house. Another of the old houses also 
stood on the south side of the road, before reaching the 
Joseph Cheever homestead. This was built about 
1775 by John Dampney, formerly of Salem, grand- 
father of the late Joseph Dampney, Esq., of Lynn. 

Another of the old houses stood on the north side 
of the road and west of the Joseph Cheever house. It 
was occupied by Daniel I^loyd. 

But another of these houses, and the most remark- 
able, was the Deacon Pratt house. It stood about 
one hundred rods east of the old road, upon a level 
plot of ground. The remains of the old fruit-trees 
can yet be seen. 

Deacon Pratt was noted for his orderly habits, his 
place being always in the best of shape. He was a 
deacon in the West Parish Church, and a highly ex- 
emplary man. 

Let us now retrace our steps as far as the Oakland- 
vale Kchool-house. Directly opposite this school- 
house is a road leading northerly. We take this 
road, and about forty rods brings us to a modern 
two-story dwelling, built by Joseph Measury, Esq., in 
1847. Subsequently he .sold it toG. W. Phillips, Esq., 
who recently died there, when it was sold to the 
present owner, Mr. Ziegler. 

A few rods beyond this house brings us to a gate on 
the left ; through this gate, about twenty rods, stands 
a venerable farm-house, now owned by Mr. Bostwick. 
This was one of the ancient farm-sites of the West 



Parish of Lynn. This farm then included all the 
land extending to the Wakefield road. 

In 1775 it wasowned by Elkanah Hawkes, who oc- 
cupied it many years. He combined by occupation 
the blacksmith and farmer. His shop stood near the 
gate before-mentioned, wherein was executed what 
smith-work the neighborhood needed. When out 
gunning in the woods his hand was mutilated by an 
accidental discharge of his gun, rendering amputa- 
tion necessary. With the aid of his son, he con- 
tinued his busine.ss several years. He had a daugh- 
ter, Love Hawkes, who for several years taught 
.school in the neighborhood. 

During the beginning of the present century the 
farm came into the possession of Nathan Hawkes, 
son of Nathan of the West Parish, who owned it till 
its sale to Mr. Saunders and Measury, in 184(3. After 
the sale he moved to the old house, farther ea.st, near 
where the old road crosses the brook. He died here 
in 1862, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 
This old farm-house, where he died, was owned by 
Daniel Hitchings early in this century, and after- 
wards was owned by Ira Draper, Esq., until about 
1840. It still stands and is occupied by Hannah 
Hawkes. 

About one hundred rods eastward of this last 
farm, in a large field, stands an old farm-house, until 
very recently owned and occupied by the late Lott 
Edmunds. This farm, in the period of the Revolu- 
tion, was called the '" Hitchings Place." Its site is 
rather low, and all these fields and intervales, in the 
period of the old " Iron- Works," must have been cov- 
ered with water to the depth of three feet and more. 

To the northwest of these last farms, and contig- 
uous thereto, is that tract of rough, wild woodland, 
long and still known as the " Six Hundred Acres." 
This was the lot of public land distributed among the 
settlers about 1706. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

SAUGUS— ( Continued). 
RELIGIOU.S SOCIETIES. 

Parish Church : OrganUaiion — Edward Clieever—Peu'i^ in Vlitirch — Parmn 
Hoby — Hi* t^nlnry — His De^tth and Epifaph — William Frnlhinghaui — 
Other Pastors — Secession of tht' Cah-inisfic Wing — New Church Edijice — 
Organization of Calviniftic Menihtrn — Firnl }*astort — f^rsl Church Eilifice 
— A'tfir Church. First Methodist Chthch : Orgnnizalum — Rocli School- 
Honse — Pioneerit — Paj*tnrs — First Church — Sunday-schcKit — yew Church. 
Ci-iFTONDALE Methodist Churih : Forimttion, etc. Methodist Cri'rch 
I.N Centre. St. John's Erisroi'AL Mission. Conoregational So- 
ciety in Cliitondai.e. 

Old Parish Church. — The first parish church in 
Saugus, known as the Third Church of Lynn, or the 
Church of the West Parish, dates its organization in 
the year 1738. Previous to that time the people in 



400 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the west part of Lynn attended meeting at the parish 
church on Lynn Common. 

The tir.st step was theunionofall the principal men 
to huild a meeting-house. The union was named the 
" Proprietor.^ of the Meeting-House." In 1736 the 
work was commenced, and the best of oaiv timber was 
cut for the frame. The work made considerable 
progress during the year, although it was not proba- 
bly finished till 1737. The finishing only extended 
so far as to build a pulpit and cover the floor with 
plain seats, one side called the "men's .seats," and the 
other the "women's seats." At this state of atiairs 
the parish records commence. The first book of rec- 
ords was a present to the parish from Thos. Cheever. 
It is a remarkable vellum-covered book, and served 
the iiarish ninety years. On the first page of the 
book is written : " This book is a gift to the Society 
of Proprietors of the new meeting-house, in the west- 
erly end of the town of Lynn, by Thomas Cheever." 

On the 5th of March, 1738, a warrant was issued by 
Ebenezer Burrill, Esq., of Lynn, addressed to Joshua 
Haven, and requiring him to call the first meeting of 
the Third Parish of Lynn for organization and the 
choice of officers. 

(The Second Parish had previously been organized 
in that part of Lynn now called Lynnfield). 

The meeting was held by adjournment at the meet- 
ing-house, the 28th day of March, 1738, and William 
Taylor was chosen parish clerk, and William Taylor, 
Jonathan Wait and Josiah Rhodes parish committee. 
After this organization the parish at once proceeded 
to provide their first preacher. Edward Cheever, a 
resident in the parish, an educated man and about 
entering the ministry, was invited to preach for three 
months. 

It ajipears that the peo|)le were |)leased with the 
preaching of Edward Cheever, and at a meeting held 
June 18, 1738, they voted to settle him as their minis- 
ter. For some reason which does not appear, Sir. 
Cheever was not at once settled. In the following 
October the parish voted to send letters for ordination, 
although it docs not appear that he was ordained till 
October, 1 73!l. What salary he was to have does not 
appear from the records, although a certain gift of the 
General Court was appropriated to assist the settle- 
ment, and that forty members of the parish were each 
to carry to the house of Edward Cheever a half-cord 
of wo(k1 each year, and not fail. At the same time 
with this settlement several things came up for the 
decision of the parish. One was to accept the legacy 
from Theophilus Burrill of one hundred pounds 
(three hundred dollars, silver) "'to be expended in 
furniture and vessels for the Lord's Table." It was 
voted to accejit and appropriate. Another was to as- 
sign a lot of land for " horse-stables,'' each one to 
build his own stable. So about ten stables were built, 
probably in front of the burying-ground. 

We cannot sufficiently admire the zeal of our an- 
cestors—then few in number and widely scattered— to 



undertake a work of such magnitude as the building 
of a church. It was forty-four feet long by thirty- 
six wide, with about twenty-feet posts. It had upper 
and lower windows all round, of common-sized glass. 
On its front, or south side, was the front door, with a 
large porch or vestibule, which was entered by three 
doors. It had, besides, a door on each end opening 
into the church. No doubt the model of this was 
found in the "Old Tunnel," so-called, on Lynn Com- 
mon. Let us go into the church. The pulpitisupon 
the north side of the house, in the centre, raised high, 
with a seat in front for the deacons. A gallery runs 
around the front and two ends, the front gallery seats 
being appropriated to the singers. The floor of the 
church is seated with plain plank seats, divided into 
two sections. 

What a pattern of plain Puritan simplicity must 
this church have presented, with its " men's seats " 
on one side and its "women's seats" on the other; 
and then the worshippers with their antique dresses ! 

The situation of this church was very plesisant. It 
was in the centre of the town, on a small elevation of 
land upon the westside of the road leading north to the 
"Old Iron Works," on a part of the "Taylor Farm," 
so-called, on the triangular green where now (1887) 
stands the flag stafl'. The road running westerly, now 
called Main Street, was not then made. For some 
years the peojile living on the old road to South 
Reading probably passed through the fields, opening 
bars, but afterwards a highway was built. This 
church edifice continued to stand on the same spot, 
although undergoing some alterations, until the year 
1858, when it was moved about three rods north of its 
old site, and is now occupied for a grocery-store by 
Mr. Whitehead, with dwelling above. The elevated 
knoll has been graded down and is now an open 
square. 

Let us now return to the old church in 174U. An- 
other question was then brought up which proved in 
the sequel an encroachment on the "free-seat" plan. 
They voted to build a pew for the minister at the 
east end of the pulpit. Poor, blind mortals! They 
should have known enough of human nature to have 
taught them that it never would be endured to have 
the minister's family sit above the people. So, very 
soon after, it was resolved that the new church should 
have ])ews, in part at least. A committee was chosen 
to make a plan for the pews. At a meeting held on 
the 8th of December, 1740, the committee on pews 
made the following rei)ort in substance : " We are of 
opinion, there being room enough to erect twenty- 
nine pews in said meeting-house, nineteen wall pews 
and ten pews on the floor. All persons that make 
choice of a wall pew, they maintaining the glass 
against their own pews. The proprietors of the house 
to have the choice of pews. That each ])erson having 
a pew shall pay for erection of his own pew. That 
the pews shall be taxed forty shillings per week as 
apportioned." 



SAUGUS. 



401 



The foregoing report was accepted and a larger 
committee of seven of the best men was chosen to 
superintend the whole matter, and after the pews 
were built, to tax them. 

This committee, finding that more pews were 
needed, made a plan to increase the number to thirty- 
four, by making five more. Their report read thus: 
" By taking two seats of the men's, and two hinder- 
most seats of the women's, with five feet of the 
women's fore seat and second seat, will make room 
for five pews more, making thirty-four in all." 

The report was accepted. 

From what can be gathered, it appears that the 
Third Parish (now Saugus) was set oti' from the First 
Parish (Old Tunnel) on condition that the parish tax 
should be assessed and collected by the First Parish 
till the General Court should incorporate the West 
Parish. That during said time, the West or Third 
Parish might have separate preaching, and draw from 
the treasurer of the First Parish their ratable propor- 
tion of the money raised. Their proportion was 
thirty-five parts of every one hundred and eighty. 
It is thus seen that Saugus was no small part of Lynn, 
as to taxation at that day. The sum refunded, with 
forty shillings per week tax on pews, was deemed suf- 
ficient to meet the cash exjjenses of the new parish. 
But the young parish found very soon the same difli- 
culties that religious societies have always found — the 
trouble of raising money. The people were remiss 
in paying the weekly assessments upon the pews, and 
also were negligent in supplying the yearly half-cord of 
wood each. Various votes were passed threatening 
to delinijuents. 

On March 6, 1745, the parish chose a committee to 
build the five additional pews on the lower floor, and 
twenty pews in the gallery, ten in the front gallery and 
five in each end gallery. They were also empowered 
to let, tax and sell, as the}' might judge best. 

It was voted that every pew occupier should sup- 
ply a half-cord of wood yearly, and more or less as 
tlie tax might be. 

The course adopted by the West Parish aI)out the 
construction of pews was an improvement on the 
"Old Tunnel" method. In that house every one 
made his pew to his own taste, but here the society 
built the pews uniformly and the pew-owner paid the 
cost. 

In February, 1747, the parish again petitioned the 
General Court for an act of incorporation. 

The First Parish Church at Lynn stoutly opposed 
all these petitions for separation ; but it was finally 
obtained. 

In February, 1740, Ebenezer Burrill issued a war- 
rant for organization under the charter. The meeting 
was held the 10th inst., and Jonathan Hawkes was 
chosen as first parish clerk under the charter. (Rev. 
Edw. Cheever was dismissed December, 1748.) 

At this meeting it was voted that the parish con- 
cur with the church in inviting Mr. Ji seph Roby to 
26 



become their minister. In this vote of concurrence 
the parish voted all the particulars as to the pay- 
ment of Mr. Roby. We here give the vote verbatim : 

"Voted for the annual support uf Mr. Roby so long as lie shall carry 
on the work of the ministry in said parish, the improvement of a suita- 
ble house and barn. Pasturing and svilBcient winter meat for two cows 
and one horse, and to put the hay, or winter meat into the barn— the 
improvement of two acres of land suitable to plant, aud to bo kept well 
fenced, and sixty pounds in lawful silver money at six shillings and eight 
pence per ounce, and also the loose contribution." 

On March 1, 1749, a committee was chosen '' to in- 
form Mr. Joseph Roby that he was chosen to settle 
in the ministry by the church and parish." .Soon 
after this vote the subject of giving the meeting- 
house to the parish was discussed by the proprietors, 
and a meeting was held for that purpose, wherein it 
was voted that said "meeting-house, with all privi- 
leges and appurtenances, be given to the Third Parish, 
excepting pew No. 23, and the place where it stands; 
provided said parish wrong no person of their expense 
in building the pews in said house." 

For reasons which do not appear, Mr. Roby was not 
settled on the foregoing vote, and at a meeting held 
April 21, 1750, a committee was chosen to supply the 
pulpit with "transient preaching." Also to see how 
the jiarish could purchase a house and land suitable 
for a parsonage. 

From a subsequent vote it may be inferred that the 
support voted to Mr. Roby was not entirely satisfac- 
tory to him ; we give verbatim the second vote, July 
2, 1750: 

'• Voted, TIjat if 3Ir. Joseph Roby accepts our Invitation and settles in 
the work of the ministry iu this parish, his whole Salery aa suport an- 
nually to inuable bim to Carry on the work of the ministry in said 
Parish shall be as followeth : The improveiuetit of a suitable House and 
Barn standing in a suitable place, Pasturing and sufficient Winter Jleet 
for two cows aud one Horse, the Winter Meet put iu hid Barn, the in > 
provenient of two Acres of land suitable to plant, and to be kept well 
fenced, Thirty Pounds in lawful Silver mouey at six shilling and eight 
pence per ounce. Twenty cords at his Dore and the lose contribution. 
And also the Following Articles or so much money as will purchase 
them, viz.. Sixty Bushels of Indian Corn, Forty-one Bushels of Rye, Six 
Hundred Pounds wait of Pork and Eight Hundred and Eighty-eight 
Pounds wait of Beefe, and that the Salery or annua! Suport as above 
expressed shall begin at the time of Sir. Roby's giving his answer of Ex- 
ceptance, aud continues so long as he coutinueth iu the Work of the 
ministry amongst us, Said Parish Reserving the Term of one year and 
six months from the time of his giving his answer of Kxcejitaiice to 
erect complete and finish the House and Barn above mentioned." 

Mr. Joseph Roby finally concluded to cast his lot 
with the resolute and benevolent little band which 
constituted the AVest Parish of Lynn. Although a 
Boston man by birth, he nevertheless met his hum- 
ble and rustic friends with becoming dignity of char- 
acter. We give his letter of acceptance : 

" Boston, July 25th, IT.iO. 
" Hon'd and lielured Brethren ;— I am obliged to you for the respect you 
have shown me in the call you have given nie to settle with you in ilio 
work of the ministry among you, and am extremely sorry that any rtitli- 
culties have in time past prevented the accomplishing an affair so agree- 
able to you as well as myself. It is with freedom and much satisfaction 
that I now declare my acceptance of yur cull, hoping that an event so 
important to you and me will bo overruled in great favor to each. I 
presume you will always consider my circumstances, and kindly supply 
my wants as there may be occasion. I hope we shall have an interest in 



402 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



each other's affection, and that yonr love to me and mine to you may 
abound— that we shall live together in peace, and that the God of love 
and peace may dwell among us and bless us continually. I ask your 
prayers to God for me, and God forbid that I should cease praying for 
you, that the blessings of heaven may be your porlion and that of your 
children after you, and that a preached gospel may be to you the power 
of salvation. I am, honored and dear brethren, 

" Yours affectionately, 

" Joseph Robv. 
" To the Third Church and Parish in Lynn." 

Already in March, 1750, a house and barn, with 
thirty-three acres of land, had been purchased of John 
Hutchinson for three hundred pounds currency 
(about nine hundred dollars), for a parsonage and 
parsonage lands. In 1780 we find the first mention of 
dollars and cents— as then written, " dolers and sents." 
Pounds were fast becoming obsolete, their value hav- 
ing so depreciated that in the latter part of their use 
the parish voted eight hundred pounds, instead of the 
less sum, which appears in the settlement stipulation. 
Between the minister'.s salary, house and barn, til- 
lage land and pasture, wood and hay, corn and rye, 
beef and pork, which all had to have particular care 
every year, to which may be added the care of the 
church, the collections of rates, the building and 
taking up of pews, the establishing oi horse-sheds, 
the fencing of burying ground, the building and keep- 
ing of pound, the establishing and providing for a 
school, with almost everything else that appertains to 
civilized life, it well may be judged that parish meet- 
ings were no dull or stale affairs. An old and some- 
what amusing practice prevailed of recording the 
names of dissenters to a vote. For instance, Josiah 
Rhodes might dissent about the providing pork for 
the minister, and would at once request his name re- 
corded as dissenting. 

" Parson Roby," as he was familiarly called, had 
now been settled over a half-century. Peace and love 
had marked all his intercourse with his people. In 
July, 1802, the loved pastor, who had always enjoyed 
the best health, was suddenly attacked with disease 
while in his pulpit. He was taken therefrom to his 
home, never more to resume the duties so long and so 
faithfully discharged. In August a meeting was held 
on the matter, and Joseph Emerson was employed as 
a substitute for a few weeks. Thus matters went on, 
several ministers supplying till January 31, 1803, 
when the aged pastor died. The record reads thus : 
" January 81st, 1803, the Rev. Joseph Roby departed 
this life, in the 80th year of his life and the 53d of his 
ministry, and was buried the 4th day of February, at 
the expense of the parish." The following is the in- 
scription on his gravestone, still standing in the old 
burying-ground : 

" Sacred to the niemoiy of the Rev* Joseph Roby, who departed this 
life Jauy. 31st, 18U3, in the 80th year of his age and 53d of his ministry 
in this Parish. 

" Through life a lover of learning and virtue, a sincere friend, a kind 
and affectionate husband and parent, and a devoted Christian. 

"By a constant practice of the Christian and sucial virtues, he ren- 
dered himself greatly beloved and respected in the various walks of do- 
mestic life. Reader, would'st thou be honored in life and lamented at 
death, go and do likewise. 



" No pain, no grief, no anxious fear 

Invade these bounds ; no mortal woes 
Can reach the peaceful sleeper here 

Whilst angels watch his soft repose. 
So Jesus sleeps, God's dying Son, 

Past thro' the grave and bleat the bed. 
Then rest, dear Saint, till from his thi-one 

The morning break and pierce the shade." 

In April, 1804, the church and parish gave a call 
to Rev. William Frothingham — his letter of accept- 
ance was dated June 2, 1804, from which we give an 
extract: 

"The office to which yon have called me is greatly important and sol- 
emn. It is to be an embassador of Christ to men — to be entrusted with 
the word of reconciliation — to be a guide and instructor in mattere of 
eternal moment to you— to watch for your souls as one that must give an 
account — to be your spiritual steward, appointed to give every one his 
meat in due season — to be a worker together with Christ. How sacred 
an office ! What peculiar talents, what spiritual graces are necessary to 
the right discharge of it ! " 

He was installed September 26, 1804. Mr. Froth- 
ingham continued as minister for thirteen years, until 
dismissed at his own request. May 7, 1817. The par- 
ish had become weaker through the withdrawal of 
several prominent members and other causes, and so 
were unable to support Mr. Frothingham — he left his 
charge with grief and the society parted with him 
with deep regret. 

The parish voted the pulpit free to ministers of any 
denomination, no expenses being made to the parish. 
This state of things existed for three or four years, 
and very little was done to promote harmony of 
action. 

From 1821 to 1826 Rev. Joseph Emerson and Rev. 
Hervey Wilbur, being principals of the Saugus Fe- 
male Seminary, also generally supjilied the parish 
pulpit. 

This year, 1826, began that conflict of opinions 
which finally resulted in dividing the society. The 
Trinitarian and Unitarian elements could no longer 
coalesce. 

Through the great influence of Dr. Abijah Cheever, 
the Rev. Ephraim Randall, a strict Unitarian, was in- 
stalled minister October 3, 1826. His pastorate was 
short-lived, lasting until the following autumn in 
1827, when it was dissolved and the parish left again 
destitute. 

The controversy became bitter. From 1827 to 1832 
very little was done,— occasional preaching in the old 
church, rarely orthodox, but more frequently Univer- 
salist and Unitarian. 

In 1832 the Calvinistic members of the parish, see- 
ing no prospect of ever gaining the ascendancy in the 
parish again, formally withdrew and organized a new 
society. This left the old parish in a crippled con- 
dition, which lasted up to 1836. 

In the winter of 1835-36 the members of the old 
parish waked up and began a general repairing and 
remodeling the inside of the old church, which had 
now been built one hundred years. 

The old high-backed latticed pews were removed, 
also the venerable pulpit with the sounding board. 



SAUGUS. 



403 



also the deacons' seat, and the galleries on the south 
and east sides, leaving a small gallery on the west end 
for the singers. 

The broad south porch did not escape, but was torn 
down and its doors closed, the only entrance now be- 
ing on the west side. Such was the change that the 
old church could scarcely be recognized. 

The first minister after the renovation was Rev. 
John Nichols. After Mr. Nichols the pulpit was sup- 
l>lied from 1S3S to 1848 by Benjamin F. Newhall, Esq., 
James jM. Usher and others. 

In ISoO Rev. Josiah Marvin was settled and con- 
tinued till 1852. 

From 1852 to 1857, preaching by Rev. Henry Eaton, 
Sylvan us Cobb, D.D., Rev. J. W. Talbot and Hon. 
James M. Usher. 

From 1857 to 1859, supplied by Rev. J. H. Campbell 

It was at this time that most of the parish property 
was sold. In 1858 some movement was made for a 
new church. Soon the old parish church was sold for 
about two hundred and forty-two dollars to Miss Eliza 
Townsend, who removed the church to the northerly 
side of Main Street, near by, and made it into a store 
with dwelling above. The site of the old church was 
sold for five hundred and seventy dollars. 

In 18G0 a new church was built and dedicated in the 
autumn of the same year. It was located a few hun- 
dred feet west of the old site, at the corner of Main and 
Summer Streets, where it is now standing with its 
modest spire. An outside clock on its tower gives the 
time of day to observers. 

Since 1860 the pulpit has been supplied as follows : 
From 1860 to 1861 by Rev. Benjamin W. Atwill ; 
1862 to 1865 by Rev. J. H. Campbell ; 1866 to 1873 
by Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood ; 1875 to 1876 by Rev. 
Albert \V. Whitney ; 1876 to 1878 by Rev. Thomas 
W. Iliman ; 1878 to 1884 by Rev. Charles A. Skinner ; 
1885 to April, 1887, Rev. J. H. Mclnerney. In June, 
1887, Rev. Irving W. Tomlinson is engaged to supply 
for one year. 

Having brought the old parish history down to 
the present time, let us return to that portion of the 
old parishioners who, although claiming to be the 
true successors in doctrine of the old parish church, 
were yet by the laws of the State made the seceders. 
being in, the minority. 

In 1832 the Calvinistic members of the parish 
formed a society and first held separate services in the 
seminary building, which stood on ihe parish prop- 
erty. 

Law was resorted to by the old parish, and they 
were finally driven out from this building and went 
to the public school-house. 

This rupture or secession from the old society was 
led by Joseph Emes, David Newhall and George 
Pearson. Their first pastor was Rev. Sidney Hol- 
man, who was installed January 16, 1833, and dis- 
missed December 31, 1834. From this time till May, 
1836, there was not a settled minister. 



Worship was regularly maintained however, the 
lay brethren reading sermons and otherwise assisting 
in the services. 

On May 1, 1836, Rev. Moses Sawyer commenced to 
supply the pulpit, and continued his ministry for six 
years. 

On April 19, 1843, Rev. Theophilus Sawin was or- 
dained pastor, and was dismissed April 30, 1848. 

Rev. Cyrus Stone, a returned missionary from 
India, now supplied for a few years, and Rev. Levi 
Brigham was installed May 7, 1851, and continued 
until September, 1868. 

On March 10, 1869, Rev. F. V. Tenney was installed, 
and by his request was dismissed May 24, 1877. 

On April 17, 1878, Rev. Samuel T. Kidder was or- 
dained, and continued until October, 1879. 

On July 21, 1880, Rev. Edw. L. Chute was installed 
and continued until October, 1882. 

Rev. C. H. Washburn supplied in 1885 until 1886. 
when he was followed in June by Rev. M. S. Hemen- 
way, who supplied the pulpit for one year, and at the 
present time (1887) the society is without a settled 
pastor. 

This society built their first church in 1835, 
Joseph Emes, Esq., being the chief planner and 
manager. This was a stone church of very plain 
appearance, and is still standing (1887), although 
occupied as a grocery-store and post-office. 

The society worshipped in this stone church until 
1854, when they built a larger and more commodious 
church edifice, which still stands, and is a command- 
ing structure in this portion of the town. Originally, 
as designed by Arthur Gilman, architect, it had no 
vestry under the audience-room, but in 1871 the 
society raised the whole building, with its tower, and 
built under the same a vestry story. 

While this gave the society better accommodations, 
it most certainly injured its excellent proportions 
and took much away from its former beauty. 

The First Methodist Church. — Methodism first 
gained a settlement in that part of the town now 
known as East Saugus, but then as the South Ward. 

Jesse Lee, the pioneer Methodist preacher from 
the New York Conference, came to Lynn in Decem- 
ber, 1790, and a church was built in Lynn in June, 
1791. 

Some of our inhabitants were attracted to these 
Methodist services, which brought to their hearts an 
earnestness and a consecration which they had not 
found in the more formal and cold services of the 
parish church. 

Whole families were in the habit of walking down 
to the Methodist services on Sabbath mornings, carry- 
ing their luncheon with them, and returning at night. 

We find that as early as 1810 members came up 
from the Lynn Church and held prayer-meetings in 
the old Rock School-house, so-called. This school- 
house, which proved to be the cradle of Methodism 



404 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in Saugus, deserves rather more than a passing 
notice. 

The spot where this famous school-house stood is 
plainly to be seen to-day, although the house has 
long since disappeared. 

It stood on the eastern brow of the rocky hill on 
the old Boston road, now called Lincoln Avenue, 
opposite to what was formerly the old Anchor Tav- 
ern. The spot was many feet above the level of the 
street, and being rocky and comparatively worthless, 
it was thought just the place for a school-house, and 
so here it was built in 1806. 

Every one who entered must needs climb up a steep 
ascent and then ascend the long flight of steps into 
its side porch. 

The building was about twenty-four feet square, 
one story high, with hipped roof On the southerly 
side was a porch about six feet square, from which 
an aisle six feet wide ran through the middle of the 
house north and south. At the north end of the aisle 
stood the teacher's desk upon a raised platform : in 
the middle of the aisle stood a large, capacious cast- 
iron box-stove. 

From this central aisle three narrow passages on 
each side sloped up to the sides of the house; between 
these passage ways ran long desks or forms for the 
accommodation of the scholars, each tier being 
higher than the one in front. 

In 1838, a new school-house having been built, the 
old Rock School-house was sold, and during the at- 
tempt to remove it from its elevated plateau some 
accident occurred by which it was precipitated into 
the street below; this necessitated its demolition. 

It was in this building that the Methodist services 
were held for many years, beginning about 1810 and 
continuing until their new church was built, in 1827. 
Among the early converts were Solomon Brown, 
John Shaw, Amos Stocker and Joseph S. Newhall — 
men who proved themselves worthy to uphold the 
banner of the cross amid the increasing opposition. 

It was not long, in 1815, before Edward T. Taylor, 
then an illiterate young man, traveling as an itinerant 
peddler, found a place in this school-house to begin 
his preaching, which afterwards became so famous. 
About 1818 this occasional preaching-place was 
joined to the Maiden Circuit, and among the preachers 
were Orlando Hinds, Isaac Jennison, Aaron D. Sar- 
gent, Frederick Uphani, Jotham Horton, Leonard 
Frost, Eleazer Steel, Aaron Wait, Jr., and Warren 
Emerson. As the converts increased they were 
formed into a class and were first connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Lynn Common. The 
winter of 1819 and 1820 was a period of great reli- 
gious interest ; hardly a family in this village but 
shared in some measure in the work. 

The first written church records begin in June, 
1825, when Rev. Henry Mayo was the Conference 
preacher in charge. 

He was appointed by the Conference June 6, 



1824. For this year there was a subscription for his 
support of one hundred dollars, made up by forty- 
eight subscriptions ranging from five dollars down 
to forty-two cents. 

Of this amount twenty-five dollars was contributed 
by friends in Lynnfield ; also twelve dollars and twenty- 
two cents by the " Honorable Mite Society." This 
was a woman's society which met once a month at 
different houses for conversation and prayer and pay- 
ment of dues. This money was expended in the fol- 
lowing manner : 

Presiding elder's bill J8.92 

Preacher's traveling expenses 2.50 

The table expenses 18.75 

Quarterage 69.83 

Sioo.oo 
The record of the names of the members of the 
church, as made by Henry Mayo June 4, 1825, is 
headed by Solomon Brown, and contains sixteen 
males and thirty-seven females, with twenty-five on 
probation. The First Quarterly Conference met in 
the South School-house (also called the Rock School- 
house), June 4, 1825. 

The following official members were present: Ed- 
ward Hyde, presiding elder ; Henry Mayo, preacher 
in charge ; John Shaw and Joshua Howard, stewards ; 
and Solomon Brown and Joseph S. Newhall, class- 
leaders. At this meeting Jonathan Newhall and 
Joseph G. Goldthwait were added to the stewards. 

FORMATION- OF A PARISH. 

" Saugus, June 30, 1825. 
"At a meeting of the inhabitants of Lynn and Saugus convened in 
said Saugus, it was voted first that we form ourselves into a society, to 
be called the 'First Methodist Episcopal Society in Saugus.' Second, 
that we petition William Jackson, Esq., a Justice of the Peace iu and 
for the County of Essex, to grant a warrant calling a Legal meeting of 
the members of said Society, for the purpose of choosing officers and 
transacting such other business as may be found proper." 

PETITION AT LARGE. 

" Saugus, June 30, 1825. 
" To William Jackson, Esq., one of the Justices of the Peace in and for 
the Couitty of Essex : 
" We, the undersigned Petitioners, at a meeting held in Sangus, Voted 
to organize ourselves into a Society called the First Methodist Society in 
Saugus, and we would therefore beg leave to request you to issue a war- 
rant calling a legal meeting of the members of said Society, for the pur- 
pose of choosing oflicers and transacting such other business as shall 
come before the meeting. 

" John Shaw. Benj. P. Oliver. 

Benj. F. Newhall. Benj. B. Hitchings. 

Jona. Newhall. Levi D. Waldron. 

Jos. G. GoIdUnvait. G. W. Raddin. 

Solomon Brown. James Howard. 

Edmund Brown. Stephen Smith. 

James Hall. Joshua Howard." 

The warrant, as requested, was issued by William 
Jackson, Esq., July 15, 1825, and the legal meeting 
of the First Methodist Episcopal Society in Saugus 
was held at the Kock School-house on July 25, 1825, 
when John Shaw was chosen moderator, Benjamin F. 
Newhall secretary and parish clerk, Joshua Howard 
treasurer, and John Shaw, James Howard, Stephen 
Smith, Jonathan Newhall and Joshua Howard a com- 



SAUGUS. 



405 



niittee. The j'early meeting was to be held on the 
first Wednesday in March, annually, at 7 o'clock, 

P.M. 

Tliis gave to the society a legal status. 

Rev. Henry Mayo saw the church organized in all 
its departments and well started in its long career of 
service. That the church should have started at this 
time with so much matured strength clearly indicates 
that there had been for yeare previous a great deal of 
labor put forth in the interest of Methodism. This 
was the case, as has already been mentioned. 

Many of our people had formed a congenial reli- 
gious home with the Lynn Common Methodist 
Church, had become members therein and had at- 
tached themselves to a " class," which met in East 
Saugus. 

The following are the successive pastorates : 



1^24. Rev. Henry Mayo. 
1825. Rev. Leroy Sunderland. 
1826-27. Rev. .4aron Joselyn. 

1828, Rev. Nathan Paine. 

1829. Rev. Ephraini K. Avery. 
18.30. Rev, John J. Blisa. 

1831. Rev. Hiram H. White. 

1832. Rev. Ebenezcr Blake. 

1833. Rev. Joel Steele. 

1834. Rev. John Lord. 

1835. Rev. Lewis Bates. 
183G. Rev. Newell S. Spalding. 
1837-38. Rev. Sanford S. Benton. 
1839-40. Rev. Daniel K. Bannis- 
ter. 

1841-42. Rev. Jona. D, Bridge, 
1843-44. Rev. William Rice. 
184S-i(). Rev. Isaac A. Savage. 
1847-48. Rev. Edward Cook. 
1849. Rev. Wm. M. ]\Iann. 



1850-,il. Rev. Daniel K. Bannis- 
ter. 
1852. Rev. J. A. Adams, 
18,13-54, liev, Ralph W, Allen, 
18i6-66. Rev, Wm, H, Hatch. 
1857-58. Rev. Daniel Richards. 
1859-60. Rev. Jonas M. Clark. 
1SG1-G2. Rev. Cyrus L. Eastman. 
1813-04. Rev, Daniel Richards, 
1865. Rev, Thomas Marcy. 
]866-i;S. Rev. Pliny Wood. 
1809-71. Rev. Jesse Wagner, 
1872-73. Rev. M. B, Chapman. 
1874-70. Rev. Saml. Jackson. 
1877-78. Rev. P. M. Vinton. 
1879-81. Rev. Henry J. Fo.\, D.D. 
1882-83. Rev. W. N. Richardson. 
1884-86. Rev. David S. Coles. 
1887, Rev, Geo, W, Mauslield, 



At a meeting of the society held in the Rock 
School-house April 17, 1827, it was unanimously voted 
" to proceed immediately to erect a House of Wor- 
ship for this society." Rev. Aaron Joselyn, George 
Makepeace and John T. Bnrrill was a committee to 
obtain subscriptions for the new church. 

Accordingly, the work on their first church at once 
commenced, and was carried forward to completion 
with commendable dis[>atch, so that its dedication 
took place November 22, 1827. 

This church was of very modest appearance, forty- 
six by forty feet, without spire or tower, bell or ves- 
try. It contained forty pews and cost two thousand 
dollars. Its pulpit was high above the pews and was 
reached by two flights of stairs, at the head of which 
were doors through which to enter the box pulpit. 

The church stood on the same spot, where now 
stands the second church. 

This edifice served the society until 1842, when it 
was lengthened by adding about twenty feet on the 
back end and building a basement vestry under the 
same. Twenty-two new pews were thus obtained, and 
fifteen hundred dollars spent. Rev. Jonathan D. 
Bridge was then pastor and much religious interest 
prevailed. 



In 1S54 the society sold their first church, and it 
was removed to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and 
Wendell Street, where it still stands under the name 
of Waverly Hall. 

Active measures were taken in building their sec- 
ond church on the old spot, and in the meantime ser- 
vices were held in the school-house and in the old 
church. 

The vestry of the new church was dedicated De- 
cember 3, 18'')4, and public dedication services of the 
entire church were held February 22, ]8o5. Sermon 
by Rev. Bishop E. S. Janes. 

In 1875 the exterior of the church edifice was thor- 
oughly repaired, and the main roof and spire were 
slated. 

In 1880 the interior was improved by stained-glass 
windows, new pulpit with enlarged platform and al- 
tar, frescoing, carpets and upholstering. 

In 1835 the society built a parsonage just north of 
the church. It was a modest one-and-a-half-story 
dwelling, which made a home for the successive pas- 
tors until 1871, when the parsonage was sold and re- 
moved, and a new one was erected on the old site. 
This cost about four thousand five hundred dollars, 
and is still standing. It was built during the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Jesse Wagner, who raised sufficient 
money among this people to pay for its erection. 

A flourishing Sunday-school has always been con- 
nected with this church, and even as early as 1819 we 
find a Sunday-school formed. George Makepeace 
was the first superintendent, succeeded by Harriet 
Newhall, Miss Brigdon, James Bnrrill, Fales New- 
hall, Martin W. Brown, George H. Sweetser, Joseph 
C. Hill, James S. Oliver, Alvah Philbrook, Rufus A. 
Johnson, Horace Lovering and Wilbur F. Newhall, 
who is the present superintendent, having held the 
same office since 1865, with the exception of two 
intervening years. 

This church continues to be the only one in East 
Saugus. 

Cliftondale Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
The Methodist Episcopal Society of Cliftondale was 
organized March 20, 1856. There had been preach- 
ing, however, a part of each Sabbath by Rev. R. W. 
Allen during 18.54 and every Sabbath by James Blod- 
gett during 1855. 

The new society at first held its services in the un- 
finished room in the school- house, now the grammar 
school room. In 1857 a chapel — a plain, but substan- 
tial, structure — was built, and in December of the 
same year was dedicated to the jiurposes of Christian 
worship. 

The first pastor was Rev. James Blodgett, a local 
preacher, who died a few years since. He was fol- 
lowed, in turn, by Revs. George F. Poole, who re- 
mained as pastor from 1856 to 1859; Solomon Chapin, 
1859-61 ; John S. Day, 1861-63 ; Daniel Waite, 1863- 



406 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



66; Frank G. Morris, 1866-68; J. F. Bassett, 1868- 
69; George E. Eeed, 1869-70; J. E. Richards, 1870- 
71 ; Joshua Gill, 1871-72 ; Ralph W. Allen, 1872-75 ; 
C. W. Wilder, 1875-77; A. 0. Hamilton, 1877-78 ; 
C. M. Melden, 1878-80; W. P. Odell, 1880-83; 
George A. Phinney, 1883-86, the latter being suc- 
ceeded by Charles A. Littlefield, the present pastor 
of the church. 

This churcli is the daughter of the East Saugus 
Methodist Episcopal Church, granddaughter of the 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lynn, and 
mother of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Saugus 
Centre, which latter church, in 1877, formed a society 
of their own, and a year later built and dedicated 
their present place of worship. 

The Sunday-school connected with the society was 
formed in 1852 and organized in 1858. The superin- 
tendents of the school have been S. S. Dunn, Hon. 
George H. Swi etser, Horatio G. Herrick, Matthew 
Rawson and Albert H. Sweetser, who holds the posi- 
tion at the present time. The school is in a prosper- 
ous condition, its present membership being one hun- 
dred and eighty-six. 

About the beginning of the year 1881 the pastor. 
Rev. W. P. Odell, conceived the idea of building a 
new church, in which plan he readily interested the 
members of the society, displaying commendable 
zeal and enterprise in the matter. The plan of build- 
ing a new church was finally given up, and it was 
decided to remodel the chapel. The effort to solicit 
subscriptions met with such success that the building 
committee, consisting of A. H. Sweetser, J. A. Rod- 
din, C. H. Bond, S. P. Coates and E. S. Kent, feeling 
assured of success, placed the matter in the hands of 
Henry W. Rogers, of liynn, who submitted to the 
committee the plan of the present edifice, which was 
accepted, and work was commenced on remodeling 
the chapel in July, and was finished the day before 
its dedication. 

The church is a very handsome one, giving entire 
satisfaction to the people and being an ornament to 
the community. Its seating capacity is about two 
hundred and twenty-five. There are two entrances 
in front by large double door.<, surmounted with neat 
pitched roof hoods. The front gable is ornamented 
with tracery of a pretty pattern. The exterior is 
painted in shades of olive green, the spire, roofs and 
belts of cut .shingles around the tower are painted 
red. The vestibule, audience-room and tower-room 
are lighted by beautiful stained-glass windows of a 
new and attractive design. The audience-room on 
the main floor is entered by two large doors, opening 
into aisles three and a half feet wide, with rows of 
ash pews, richly upholstered, on either side. The 
walls and ceilings are tastily decorated with rich 
frescoings of the Porapeiian style. Below the audi- 
ence-room is a vestry, with a seating capacity of one 
hundred and twenty-five, also store-rooms, library 
and class-room. 



The church is in a very prosperous condition. Both 
church and Sunday-school are growing rapidly. The 
present church membership (August, 1887) is one 
hundred and thirty-eight. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Saugus 
Centee. — In 1875 a few Christian men invited Rev. 
0. J. Pettegrew to assist in starting a Methodist 
mission in the Centre. A Sunday-school was formed ; 
also a Ladies' Sewing Circle, and preaching Sunday 
afternoons. 

The services were held in Flye's Hall at first, but 
this proving too small to accommodate the people, 
a removal was made in September to " Hitchings' 
Hall," near the depot. Mr. Pettegrew continued his 
labors with them until April, 1876, when Rev. J. 
Thompson came for a short time. 

In November, 1876, the society united themselves 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clifton- 
dale, and in May, 1877, Rev. E. H. McKenney be- 
gan his services with them, which continued three 
years. 

July 23, 1877, Rev. Daniel Dorchester, presiding 
elder of the New England Conference, met with 
thirty-eight members of the society and organized 
them into a church. Rev. E. H. McKenney was 
made pastor and all the usual church officers elected, 
including a board of trustees. Steps were at once 
taken towards the building of a chapel. 

A lot of land on Main Street, nearly opposite Vine 
Street, was given by William H. Penny, and during 
the winter a church, thirty-two by fifty feet, was erec- 
ted, so that April 24, 1878, it was dedicated by ap- 
propriate services. Rev. V. A. Cooper, of Lynn, 
preaching the .sermon. 

The church was placed in the westerly portion of 
the village, so as better to accommodate the people 
living in the neighborhood, including Oaklandvale. 
The following are the Conference ministers who 
have had charge : April, 1880, Rev. Charles M. Mel- 
den ; April, 1882, Rev. Samuel Plantz ; April, 1883, 
Rev. Arthur W. Tirrill ; April, 1884, Rev. Webster 
Miller; April, 1886, Rev. Daniel Richards; April, 
1887, Rev. C. J. Mills. 

St. John's Mission (Saugus Centre). — In the 
spring of 1883 the diocesan Episcopal missionary, 
Rev. John S. Beers, held a service in a private house 
in Saugus Centre. A goodly number of churchmen 
were present. Soon after this a modest beginning 
was made by the establishment of a Sunday-school, 
which, in a few months, numbered forty scholars, and 
later on increased to seventy. Mr. Thomas Ashworth 
was the first superintendent — an earnest Christian man 
— but in less than two years he died, altera short and 
painful illness. He was succeeded by Lyman F. 
Merrill, a member of St. Paul's Church, Maiden, who 
continued to hold this ofBce until a short time previ- 
ous to his ordination as deacon in the Episcopal 



SAUGUS. 



407 



Church. At present Mr. Frank Knight, of St. Ste- 
phen's Church of Lynn, is acting as superintendent. 

During the first year occasional services were held 
in a hired hall, Rev. 5Ir. Beers and others officiating. 

In the summer of 18S4 Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, 
minister at St. Luke's Church, Linden, added to his 
heavy labor in his own parish a regular Sunday after- 
noon service for this mission, together with such pas- 
toral care as his time would allow. 

The hall on Central Street, near Mr. Five's, was 
tastefully fitted up under his direction ; several gifts 
of church furniture, books and other necess;iry things 
were made, and the work continued to prosper under 
the name of St. John's Mission. 

Money is now being raised for the erection of a 
church edifice, assistance having been received from 
St. Stephen's Church, Lynn, so that the society hope, 
in less than a year's time, to have a place of worship 
of their own. 

First Coxgeegatiosal Society of Clifton- 
dale. — This religious society was organized Novem- 
ber, 1886. About a year previous to its formation 
services were held in Clifton Hall, preachers being ob- 
tained as they could be from dift'erent denominations. 

A Sunday-school was gathered in connection with 
the society in April, 1886. 

About the time of the organization of the society 
Rev. Theodore Haven was called as pastor, but he re- 
mained only about two months. 

Very soon after Rev. Henry B. Miter was engaged 
as pastor, and has remained with the society up to the 
pre.-'ent time, September 1887. 

The society continues to liold its services in Clifton 
Hall, owned by Mr. Charles H. Bond, who has been 
much interested in the formation of this societv. 



CH.4PTER XXVIII. 

SAXJGVS—iContiaued). 

JIAKCFACTURING INTEREST.S, PAST AND PRESENT. 

Iron Works—Mill Site at Emt Snni]ns— Franker' a MUh— Scott's i\tiUs— 
A'orth Siiwjus—Tobocco Businegs at Cliftnntlale — Crockery— Slioe Bnfiness 
— Grain Mill on Ballard Sirret — Brick Making — Sair Bu8ines$. 

Iron Works. — Although iron ore was first discov- 
ered in other sections of the country, the first succes- 
ful iron works were established in New EngUmd and 
in that portion of Massachusetts now embraced in 
the township of Saugus. In 1632 mention is made 
by Morton of the existence of" iron stone" in New 
England, and in November, 1637, the General Court 
of Massachusetts granted to Abraham Shaw one-half 
of the benefit of any " coles or yron stone w"" shal be 
found in any comon ground wch is in the countryes 
disposeing." 



Iron ore had been found in small ponds on the 
western bank of the Saugus River soon after its set- 
tlement in 1629, and in 1642 specimfens of it were 
taken to London by Robert Bridges, in the liope that 
a company might be formed for the manufacture of 
iron. 

Tills hope was realized in the formation of "The 
Company of Undertakers for the Iron Works," con- 
sisting of eleven English gentlemen, who advanced 
£1000 to establish the works. John Winthrop, Jr., 
had previously gone to England, and he appears to 
have assisted Mr. Bridges to secure the organization 
of the company. He became a member of the com- 
pany, as did others among the colonists. Thomas 
Dexter and Robert Bridges, both of Lynn, were 
among the original promoters of the enterprise. 

Workmen were brought from England in 1643, and 
the foundry was erected on the western bank of 
Saugus River, just at the head of tide water, in what 
is now called the Centre of Saugus, and still marked 
by the old banks of scoria, which have bravely with- 
stood all changes. The village at the foundry was 
called " Hammersmith," from a place of that name 
in England, whence came many of the workmen 

In 1644 and subsequently the General Court granted 
many special privileges to the company. On March 
7, 1644, it was granted three miles square of land in 
each of six places it might occupy in the prosecution 
of its business. 

On November 13, 1644, it was allowed three years 
" for ye perfecting of their worke and furnishing of ye 
country with all sorts of barr iron." The citizens 
were granted liberty to take stock in the enterprise, 
"if they would complete the finery and forge, as well 
as the furnace, which is already set up." 

On the 14th of May, 164.5, the general court passed 
an order declaring that "' ye iron works is very suc- 
cessful (both in ye richness of ye ore and ye goodness 
of ye iron)," and that between £1200 and £1500 had 
already been disbursed, " with which ye furnace is 
built, with that which belongeth to it; and some tuns 
of sowe iron cast in readiness for ye forge. There 
will be neede of some £1500 to fini>h ye forge." 

On the 14th of October, of the same year, the com- 
pany was granted still further privileges by the Gener- 
al Court, on the condition " that the inhabitants of 
this jurisdiction be furnished with barr iron of all 
sorts for their use, not exceeding twentye pounds per 
tunn," and that the grants of land already made 
should be used "for the building and seting up of six 
forges or furnaces, and not blooinaries ouely." The 
grant was confirmed to the company of the free use 
of all materials "for making or moulding any man- 
ner of gunnes, potts and otiier cast-iron ware." 

On the 6th of May, 1646, Mr. Richard Leader, the 
general agent of the company, who is described as a 
man of superior ability, purchased "some of the 
country's gunnes to melt over at the foundery." On 
August 4, 1648, Governor Winthrop wrote from Bos- 



408 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tou to his son, who had removed to Pequod, Conn., 
that "the iron work goeth on with more hope. It 
yields now about seven tons per week." On Septem- 
ber 30th he writes again : " The furnace runs eight 
tons per week, and their bar iron is as good as Span- 
ish." 

Among the many workmen who came over from 
England were Richard Leader, already mentioned, 
Henry and James Leonard, Henry Styche, Archibald 
Anderson and Joseph Jenks, who had come from 
Hammersmith in England. He was a machinist and 
a man of much skill and inventive genius. He pre- 
pared the moulds for the first castings. A small iron 
pot, holding about one quart, was the first article 
cast, according to Lewis' History, and is still in the 
possession of a lineal descendant of Thomas Hudson, 
who was the original owner of the lands on which the 
iron works were built, and who obtained possession 
of the pot immediately after it was cast. 

Joseph Jenks, who became the founder of an emi- 
nent New England family, purchased from Richard 
Leader on the 20th of January, 1647, the privilege 
of building a forge at the iron works for the manu- 
facture of scythes and other edge tools. 

This enterprise was successful. 

In 1652 he made at the iron works, for the mint 
which was that year established at Boston, the dies 
for the first silver pieces coined in New England. On 
one side of these coins was the impression of a pine 
tree. In 1654 he made for the city of Boston the 
first fire engine made in America. In 165o the Gen- 
eral Court granted him a patent for an improved 
scythe. This scylhe we understand to be substan- 
tially the one in present use, a great improvement 
over the short wide-bladed scythe of English make. 
He died in 1683. 

Henry and James Leonard were also skilled work- 
men at the iron works. They and their descendants 
were afterwards connected with other colonial iron 
enterprises. 

They had a brother Philip, who does not appear to 
have lived at Saugus. 

Rev. Dr. Fobes, in referring to the Leonard family 
in his book written in 1703, says that " the circum- 
stance of a family attachment to the iron manufacture 
is so well known as to render it a common observa- 
tion in this part of the country (town of Raynham), 
" where you can find iron works there you will find a 
Leonard !" 

Henry and James Leonard are said to have learned 
their trade at Pontypool, in Monmouthshire. One or 
both of them superintended the erection of iron- 
works at Braintree, in 1648, and also at Taunton, in 
L652, and at Rowley, in 1668. 

Indeed, we read of many other iron enterprises by 
ihese Leonards in many parts of our State. For a 
hundred years after its settlement Massachusetts was 
the chief seat of the iron manufacture on this conti- 
aent. Most of its iron enterprises, during this hun- 



dred years, were bloomeries ; but there were blast-fur- 
naces also, although the latter, as a rule, produced 
only hollow ware and other castings, and not pig- 
iron. During the period mentioned the iron indus- 
try of Massachusetts was confined to the eastern 
counties of the colony, where bog or pond ores 
formed almost the only kinds of ores obtainable. 

But let us return to our own iron-works in Saugus. 
The General Court granted many privileges to this 
iron enterprise. 

In 1644 all engaged therein were exempted from 
taxes for ten years. The workmen also were not 
liable to military service. They gave any of the in- 
habitants liberty to share in the work, by " bringing 
in within one year no less than £100 a person, with 
allowance to the adventurers, &c., for £1000 already 
disbursed," if they would complete the finery and 
forge, as well as the furnace, which " is already set 
up." Liberty was given " to make use of all yron 
ston, or yron ore," to cut wood and to make ponds 
and highways. 

In 1646 arrangements were made with Thomas 
Dexter for opening a new water-course and enlarging 
the pond. Land was purchased of Dexter and a 
new dam was erected higher up the river, and prob- 
ably very near the present dam. The old canal, 
which conveyed the water to the mills, can be dis- 
tinctly seen in places, even at the present time. 

This new dam raised the Sowings of the water and 
caused damage to land of Adam Hawkes, in the 
northerly part of the town. 

In 1652 John Giftbrd was the new agent at the 
iron-works. He seems to have increased the height 
of the dam again, and also to have flowed more of 
Mr. Hawkes' land. 

In 1653 Thomas Savage and Henry Webb, of Bos- 
ton, obtained judgment against the Iron Company for 
£2245. 

In 1660 Oliver Purchis succeeded Giflbrd as agent 
of Iron- Works. 

From this time onward an increased amount of 
trouble and annoyance attended the Iron Comcany. 
They had made great inroads into the forests in con- 
sequence of the large quantities of charcoal needed, 
— so much so, that fears were everywhere prevalent 
that the wood would be exhausted and the country 
impoverished. 

Debts and law-suits increased. 

In 1671, during the night the dam was cut away 
and the great pond emptied of its water. This 
caused much damage. 

In 1678 Samuel Appleton, Jr., took possession of 
the Iron Works, by a grant in the will of William 
Payne, of Boston. It wa.s estimated there were three 
thousand acres of iron mill land. Mr. Appleton then 
owned three-fourths of the Iron Works, valued at 
£1500, but, in 1683, the heirs of Major Thomas Sav- 
age sold the remaining fourth to Mr. Appleton, who 
thus owned the whole property. 



SAUGUS. 



409 



In 16S8 Mr. Appleton sold the entire works to 
James Taylor, of Boston, and it was about this time 
that they probably ceased operations entirely. Vex- 
atious law-suits had much to do with hastening its 
cessation, but it would rather seem probable that the 
supply of iron-ore had nearly become exhausted. 

From the foregoing details it is plainly established 
that the enterprise at Saugus embraced a blast-fur- 
nace or " foundery," and a refining forge. The term 
"foundery'' was long a synonyme for "furnace," 
castings being made directly from the furnace. 

This practice continued in this country down to 
almost the middle of the present century, and is still 
followed in many European countries. That the fur- 
nace was in operation in May, 1643, is certain, and 
that the forge was in operation in September, 1648, is 
equally certain. 

These dates may be accepted as definitely deter- 
mining the first successful attempts in this country to 
make " sowe iron " and other castings in a blast-fur- 
nace, and to make "barriron" in a refining forge 
from "sowe iron." 

Mill -Site in East Saugus. — In October, 1721, 
certain citizens of Lynn, viz., Benjamin Potter, Ja- 
cob Newhall and William Curtis, were granted a 
right to build a tide-mill at East Saugus Bridge, but 
these men failing to build, the right was given, in 
1722, to Thomas Cheever and Ebenezer Merriam, and 
they at once built a mill with two run of stones for 
grinding corn. This mill was a small one-story 
building built upon the west side of the river, and 
likely upon the very spot now occupied by the south 
end of the present mill. 

Merriam sold to Cheever in 1729, and August 10, 
1738 Cheever sold the proi)erty to Joseph Gould for 
six hundred and twenty jHiunds. 

Gould was a Quaker, but not a native of Lynn. 
He was a prudent, energetic business man. Within 
a few years after the purchase he built for himself, 
adjoining the mill, a two-story dwelling-house, one 
room of which he occupied for a small grocery-store. 
This dwelling-house was taken down in 1S44. Joseph 
Gould owned and occupied the mill till his death, in 
1774. His widow continued in possession up to 
about 1785, when, through neglect to make necessary 
repairs, it became unserviceable. The flood-gates no 
longer kept the water in the mill-pond, but it was 
allowed to ebb and flow with the tide. 

This state of things continued for seven years, un- 
til 1792, when the Widow Gould died. 

It was then, in 1792, that George Make|)eace, Esq., 
of Boston, bought the mill of the heirs for nine hun- 
dred dollars. This was an important time for this 
mill privilege. Mr. Makepeace had been a leading 
importing merchant at Boston. He at once tore 
down the old one-story mill, and in its place built a 
good two-story building. This wiusbuiil in 1794, and 
comprises about two-thirds of the present building, 
26* 



being the central part. In this mill he put two runs 
of stones for grinding corn and in the northerly end 
two mortars for grinding snuff. These snufl-mortars 
were rimmed out of large buttonwood-logs in their 
rude state with the bark on. 

This was the beginning of the snuff business which 
has made Saugus renowned. 

It was through the advice of Samuel Fales th.at 
Mr. Makepeace undertook the snuff business, which, 
in 1798, he transferred to his nephew, Jonathan 
Makepeace, who continued it fjr about fifty years, up 
to 1844, making his snutt', known as "Makepeace's 
snufi"" which obtained a reputation in all parts of the 
country. He gave his constant personal attention to 
the making of this snuff from the very best of leaf- 
tobacco, cured in the most careful way; it was then 
ground and scented and put up in small wooden kegs, 
with his own autograph on each. He was a very 
methodical man, upright in all his dealings, and gen- 
erous to all worthy objects, for many years a consist- 
ent member of the Methodist Church, and respected 
by the entire community. He was more familiarly 
known as Major Makepeace. 

Chocolate Business.— About 1796 the chocolate 
business had its beginning in this mill. Mr. Make- 
peace at this time put on an addition to the northerly 
end of the mill for a chocolate-factory. Another 
w.iter-wheel was also put in. 

The machinery for roasting, cracking and fanning 
the cocoa was run by chains from horizontal shafts. 
The noise and din of such machinery was indescriba- 
ble. Benjamin Sweetser, Amos Rhodes and Deacon 
John Wait were the first chocolate manufacturers, 
and the business was continued for many years by 
Mr. Amariah Childs. 

The following extract is from the pen of my father, 
Benjamin F. Newhall, Esq., as printed in the Lynn 
Reporter in his sketches of Saugus : 

He says in regard to the chocolate business here, — 

** lu 1812 the last \v,ir with England conimencod, which gave a new 
impetus to the chocolate business, 

" Tile niiU was overwhelmed with work, so that it was carried on in 
summer, and the cooling was done in cellars. Jlr. Childs, with others, 
entered quite largely into the manufacture, which yielded, iu the be- 
ginning of the war, a large profit. 

" Very soon, with the large demand, coroa began to advance in price, 
and continned to do so till it rose from eight cents per pound to thirty- 
three cents, a rise of over three hundred per cent. 

" .\fter this extreme, it soon receded, and finally settled into a healthy 
trade. 

"One of the most amusing things connected with this old chocolate 
manufacture was the pretended art and skill indispenajible to a success- 
ful issue. This art and skill was believed to be a secret possessed by 
only here and ther<i an individual. 

" Kven the persons who carried on the manufacture did not pretend to 
any knowledge of the art. 

" It seemed to be a general concession by the public that the science of 
the manufacture was unknown, except to a very few, who had obtained 
it, by great labor and expense, from Spain or South .\merica. 

** This ackEiowIedgenient gave the pretenders a sniwriority, and placed 
them in a position not only to be honored, but to ho well i>ai'l, 

"The man who had bni^ enough (o carry the pretence through suc- 
ccfi'ifidly, managed everything about to his own uiind. 

*' In my early boyhood I need to work in this chocolate-mill, as consid- 



410 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



eralile of the work could be done by boys better than by men. The 
gnind magician of that early day was Josiah Rhodes, nicknamed ' Slim 
Caesar.' 

" He exercised the most unlimited control over the whole establish- 
ment. So arbitrary was ho in the exercise of his pretended skill that 
scarcely anyone dared to look at the chocolate in process of manufacture. 
The roaslT and gtining-hUlc were objects forbidden by him to be exam- 
ined by the ignorant world. I well remember with what veneration I 
used to look upon this aged, cadaverou-^ veteran. The smoke of the 
roaster could be seen curling up over the fire, but none bad the courage, 
in hie presence, to smell of the forbidden odor. 

" Occasionally a email, mysterious white powder, from a piece of clean 
white paper, would be cast into the roaster, or the kettle, in a myster- 
ious and magical manner, completely blinding the eyes of the unini- 
tiated. Such was the dignity and haughtiness attendant upon the exer- 
cise of his skill that he rarely ever smiled or spoke when engaged. 

" Even his employers hardly ever dared to ask a question. Men who 
labored years under him never dared to raise a pretence of knowing 
anything. Such were the pretended mysteries of the trade in olden 
times." 

About 1800 George Makepeace built liiiuself a 
dwelliug-house on the north side of the river, near 
the mill. He also built a small building for a nail 
factory, with uunhinery to cut nails by hand. This 
busine.ss was carried on for five or six years very 
vigorously. 

A machine was also put in for picking oakum, but 
this proved a failure. 

Another unprofitable expenditure of Mr. Make- 
peace was the erection of a saw-mill on the north side 
of the river. To do this he had to dig a channel 
across the highway. Long after the saw-mill had 
ceased to be used this channel was filled up by the 
town of Lynn in 1820. 

About 1800 Mr. Makepeace leased the mill premises 
to Amariah Childs, and in 1812 he sold the mill prop- 
erty to said Childs. 

In 1813 Mr. Makepeace removed to Charlestown, 
where he died in 1820, about eighty years of age. 

Mr. Childs continued the business at the mill from 
1800 to 1840, and very early in this period he added 
the business of grinding spices. 

This spice-grinding was done for Boston merchants, 
the spice being teamed out from Boston, and after 
being ground and put into barrels, was teamed back 
again. 

It was not then put into small packages with showy 
labels as we now see it on the grocers' shelves. 

In 1844 Mr. Childs sold the whole mill property to 
Charles Sweetser, Esq., for eight thousand dollars. 

During all these years, with uninterrupted fidelity, 
Mr. Jonathan Makepeace had continued the snuflf 
business in the mill ; but now he gave up the busi- 
ness to Mr. Sweetser, who took out the old snuft' ma- 
chinery and put in nine new snuflf mortars and also 
new water-wheels. He also removed the chocolate 
machinery aud instead put in machinery for roasting 
and grinding coflee. 

Indeed, the whole mill was put into excellent order. 
Mr. Sweetser, who lived in Cliftondale, where was his 
business office, carried on the grinding of snuflf in the 
mill, while he leased the rest of the mill to different 
parties. First to Childs & Eaddin, then to Josiah 



Starr for a short time, and finally, January 1, 1858, to 
Herbert B. Newhall, who has continued the spice and 
coffee business up to the present time. 

Mr. Sweetser died in 1865, but some years before 
this he relinquished the snuff business to his two sons, 
Charles A. and George H. Sweetser, who did a very 
large business. 

The mill now, in 1887, is owned by Charles A. 
Sweetser. About four years ago the snuff' machinery 
was removed and the whole mill has since been occu- 
pied by Mr. H. B. Newhall, he adding to his business 
the grinding and preparation of herbs. 

Almost while I am writing, a fire has occurred in 
the above mill, which has caused its nearly total de- 
struction. Very early Friday morning, .luly 8, 1887, 
a fire was discovered in the southerly end of the mill 
and such was its rapid spread that the whole mill was 
instantly enveloped in flames. 

The fire department from Lynn responded at once, 
and were successful in preventing the further spread 
of the fire. 

But the mill was left a wreck ; only its charred 
outer walls are standing. It was insured for six 
thousand dollars. 

Nothing was saved of the stock of H. B. New- 
hall. 

So closes the eventful history of this noted old 
mill. 

Pkanker's Mills. — The present dam is about five 
rods above the locality of the old iron-works dam. 

About 1770 Ebenezer Havvkes made a rude dam 
upon the site of the present one, and excavated, in 
part, the present canal. He built a grist-mill and 
saw-mill. 

In 1794 Benjamin Sweetser bought the mills and 
property. He was a chocolate manufacturer, and had 
carried the business on to some extent with horse 
power, in a building near his residence, which stood 
in what is now known as Cliftondale, on the Old 
Boston Road, where now stands the public house 
known as " Sunny Side House." This factory build- 
ing was removed, in 1797, into the Village of East 
Saugus, and Wiis afterwards owned and occupied for 
many years by Jonathan Makepeace. It has subse- 
quently been removed again into Lynn, and now 
stands on Hawkes Hill, located one-quarter of a mile 
east of the river. But to return again to the mill site. 
About two years after buying, Major Sweetser built a 
new building for a chocolate-mill about seventy feet 
northwest of the grist-mill. From this period, 1790, 
he enlarged and extended his business, and very soon 
became one of the most renowned chocolate makers 
in the country. The name of Benjamin Sweetser 
stamped on every cake of the glossy chocolate gave it 
a reputation that none other had. About 1800 
Major Sweetser erected a dwelling-house north of the 
factory, which is now standing ; here he lived until 
his death, in 1819. From 1810 to 1820 the chocolate 



SAUGUS. 



411 



manufacture was in a very prosperous condition, and 
the mill was rented to William Smith, who manufac- 
tured chocolate for Messrs. Ohase & Page, of Salem. 
During this time the chocolate was made in exact 
imitation of the Spanish, and I'ound a ready sale in 
the New Orleans market and for export. 

From 1815 to 1822 the grist and saw-mills were 
leased to Robert Eames, who ground dye-woods, 
principally cam-wood. A very large bu.-'iness was 
done. About 1822, William Gray, of Boston, other- 
wise familiarly known as " Billy Gray," removed his 
manufacture of duck-cloth from Stoneham to Saugus. 
He took the Stoneham factory building to pieces and 
removed it to this locality, placing it between the 
cliocolate-mill and the grist-mill, and formingbut one 
building about one hundred and fifty feet in length. 
The duck was made of flax and hemp. But this 
business lasted only about one and a half years. 

In 1824 tlie premises were leased to Brown & Bald- 
win for the purpose of bleaching and printing calico. 
John Haskins, of Boston, was soon a.ssociated with 
them under the firm-name of Brown, Baldwin & Has- 
kins. A large amount of money was expended in 
new building and further improvements, followed by 
business embarrassment and final suspension at the 
end of 1825. 

In 1826 the property passed to True & Brodhead, 
who continued the business. They repaired and 
raised the dam, which led to tedious lawsuits for 
flowage damages. During the ownership of Messrs. 
True & Brodhead, in 1829, the flannel manufacture 
was begun by Messrs. Brierly tSt Whitehead, wlio 
leased a portion of the old mill. This was the begin- 
ning of a business which has since given to Saugus a 
reputation as well as permanent prosperity. 

In 1830 Mr. Brodhead withdrew, and Mr. Street 
entered the firm as True & Street ; they continued 
until 1832, when their failure suspended business. It 
was during this time that they built a large brick fac- 
tory, eighty-five by forty feet, and three stories high, 
which is now standing, but in consequence of a fire, 
in 186G, tlie upper story and roof were removed ; it is 
now two stories high, with fiat roof lu 1834 Whit- 
well, Bond «& Co. were the owners ; they introduced 
the business of cleaning and assorting wool. In 1835 
another change in ownership took place, and Messrs. 
Livermore & Kendall, of Boston, became possessors 
and managers — professedly by the New England Wool 
Company, — the establishment was known asRockville. 
In 1836 tliey removed to Framingham, and all busi- 
ness at the mills ceased for about two years. 

In 1838 Edward Franker, Esq., bought the property 
and removed from Salem, N. H. The mill under- 
went a thorough renovation and new machinery was 
put in. Although a period of great financial depres- 
sion, yet Mr. Franker showed energy and zeal in his 
business, which prospered from the first. 

In 1846, finding tlie old brick louilding too small 
for his increasing business, he built another brick 



factory adjoining the old one on the west, seventy 
by fifty feet, three stories high. Botli factories were 
complete, with six sets of cards, thirteen jacks and 
forty looms. Each jack carried one hundred and 
eighty spindles. 

In 1857 Mr. Franker associated with himself in the 
business his son, George Franker and John Armi- 
tage, the new firm being Edward Franker & Co. 
Frame buildings were built on the south side 
of the road for wool-pulling and tanning sheepskin 
pelts. 

In 1860 Mr. Franker built a new brick building, 
one hundred and twenty-five by sixty feet, and two 
stories high, putting in four sets of woolen macliiucry. 
This building was placed on the east side of the road, 
nearly opposite the old brick mill, and extending 
northerly almost to the river. 

Mr. Edward Franker died in 1805. He was born 
in VV^ilton, England, in 1792; by occupation he was a 
weaver of woolen goods ; he came to America in 
1820. 

After Mr. Franker's death his son George and Mr. 
John Farsous continued the business up to 1877, but 
the death of Mr. George Franker brought a suspen- 
sion of the business lor about two years. 

In April, 1879, six grandchildren of Edward Fran- 
ker associated themselves together under the name of 
the " Franker Manufacturing Company," and have 
continued the woolen-cloth business up to the 
present time. 

They have increased the busine-s each year, and 
have constantly been adding new and imi)roved ma- 
chinery. They now employ about one hundred oper- 
atives. They manufactured thepast year goods valued 
at three hundred thousand dollars, requiring about 
four hundred and fifty thousand pounds of clean 
wool. 

The principal goods are all-wool shirtings and 
ladies' dress-goods and sackings of all colors and 
shades. Also plain and twilled flannels. 

The fire, in February 1866, damaged the two brick 
mills adjoining each other on the westerly side of the 
road, and caused a change in their restoration ; the 
older mill being lowered to two sturies, while the 
newer mill, built in 1846, was raised to a four-story 
building; flat roofs were placed on both. These two 
buildings, together with the brick building on the 
east side of the road, containing six sets of ma- 
chinery, now make up the principal buildings in use 
by this company, — in all ten sets of machinery. On the 
east side of [the road, opjiosite the oldest mill, they 
have a large brick steam boiler building, furnishing 
steam for power and heat for all the mills, of about 
two hundred horse-power. In 1884 they built 
a round brick chimney, one hundred feet high and 
ten feet diameter at the ba.se, adjoining the boiler 
building. 

Scott's Mills. — About 1810 Joseph Ernes, Esq., 



415 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



then a young man of twenty-three years of age, 
bought this property, and in 1811 finished the dam 
and erected a two-and-a-half-story brick building for 
a morocco manufactory and other business. In 1813 
Mr. Enies jjut in a grist-mill with one run of stones. 
At this time Robert Ernes, Esq., his brother, united 
with him in business. They did a prosperous busi- 
ness. 

In 1812 a fulling-mill for softening skins and hides 
was added to the establishment. 

In 1817 the grist-mill was changed into one for the 
grinding of dye-stufls, principally camwood. This 
business continued for about four years. 

After 1821 Joseph Emes continued the business 
himself, manufacturing kid and morocco, with the 
grist and fulling-mills running as business could be 
obtained. 

In 1834 James Brierly leased a part of the brick 
factory for the manufacture of hair and woolen rags. 

In 1844 Mr. Emes erected a saw-mill upon the east- 
ern bank of the river, which was operated for about 
two years. 

In the spring of 1847 the brick factory was burned, 
with all the stock and machinery therein. This led 
to the selling of the property by Mr. Emes to Francis 
Scott, Esq., a merchant of Salem, in 1848. He at 
once repaired the dam, and erected on the northwest 
side of the river a large brick factory building, eighty- 
five by fifty feet and four stories high, put in all 
necessary machinery, and commenced the manufac- 
ture of flannel. In 1857 his son, A. A. Scott, was 
taken into the business as a partner, under the firm- 
name of Francis Scott & Son. In 1862 Mr. Francis 
Scott was thrown from a cart, severely injured and 
died soon after his injury, since which time the busi- 
ness has been carried on by his son, under the same 
style of firm. 

Mr. A. A. Scott now employsabout fifty workmen and 
workwomen. He manufactures all-wool flannels and 
dress goods. He makes eight hundred thousand yards 
annually, both fine and coarse grades. Improved 
machinery has been put in ; also a steam-engine of 
eighty horse-power, with which the factory can be 
run whenever the water power is insutticient. 

North Saugu.s. — In 1814 the manufacture of linen 
duck was started in North Saugus. A dam was built 
across the river at a short distance west of the New- 
buryport Turnpike, and about a hundred rods above 
the bridge through which the river flows under the 
Turnpike. 

A company was formed under the name of the 
Lynn Linen-Spinning Factory Company. The active 
men in the enterprise were Joseph R. Newhall and 
Amos Binney, of Boston. A large three-story frame 
building, situated on the east, side of the river, was 
built, but the peace of 1815, together with sundry 
lawsuits forflowage damage, soon caused a suspension 
of business. 

In 1816 Joel Fox undertook to revive the droop- 



ing energies of the concern by introducing machinery 
for making fine linen cloth, and also shoe-thread. 
After a trial of three years he sold out and removed. 
The building was divided and set ofl' to different per- 
sons to satisfy their judgments for damages. Thus 
in five years arose, flourished and died the " Linen- 
Factory," so-called. 

Let us leave this spot and go perhaps a half a mile 
to the north, into the present village of North Sau- 
gus. Directly opposite to the school-house, on the 
easterly side of the highway, where now are found 
the artificial works of the city of Lynn for diverting 
the water of Hawkes Brook for their own use ; it was 
here, on the south slope of a bluff" of land that in 1816 
Nathaniel Perry built a large frame building and put 
in machinery for sjjinning and weaving linen, at the 
same time building a dam across the brook close by. 
In the same year (1816) John Clark and James Hew- 
lett purchased land about ten rods northwest of Fer- 
ry's mill, on Hawkes Brook, and built a dam and a 
frame building, and began the manufacture of Rappee 
snuff. 

The effort of Mr. Perry to establish a linen-fjictory, 
after about a year's labor, proved a failure. Mr. Per- 
ry sold out to John Clark aud James Howlett, who at 
once introduced the snuff' business into this building. 
A canal was dug across the bluft'of land, about fifteen 
rods long, so that the water of both streams could be 
connected into one pond when necessary. 

The snuff' business continued some two years, when 
this ceased also. 

In 1828 John Clark, Esq., put into the large build- 
ing the necessary machinery for a grist and chocolate- 
mill. This business continued for about three years, 
when the whole was discontinued and the dams re- 
moved. Hardly a vestige now remains to mark 
either site. 

There is left but one other point in North Saugus 
for us to notice where business was early started. 

About a half a mile westerly from the school-house, 
on the Wakefield road, is situated an old mill-site, on 
Saugus River. It is now owned by Byron S. Hone, 
who has a saw-mill in operation. 

In 1811 Dr. John Hart, David Pratt, E. 'Weston and 
others were incorporated under the name of the 
" Lynn Wire and Screw Manufacturing Company " 
at this point; land was purchased, the dam was built 
and a suitable building erected in 1812. Although 
the business was commenced with vigor, yet misfor- 
tune soon attended this company, and failure and sus- 
pension followed. From 1816 to 1819 very little use 
was made of the property, and in the latter year it 
passed into the possession of John Clark, Esq., of 
Boston, who at once changed its use into a snuff'-mill. 
This purchase influenced, in part, the removal from 
the two other snuff'-mills, before alluded to. Eight 
large mortars were at once introduced into this new 
mill, and arrangements made for a large business. 

James Howlett h.ad charge and superintendence, but 



SAUGUS. 



413 



afterwards bought the mill, and at his death his son, 
John Howlett, bought out the other heirs, and con- 
tinued tlie snutt'business, and the cutting of tobacco into 
what was called " fine-cut." A few years before sell- 
ing the mill to Mr. Hone, Mr. Howlett removed the 
snufl-mortars and tobacco-cutter and put in instead a 
saw and shingle-mill, which have continued in op- 
eration to the present time. 

In 1871 Mr. John Howlett sold the mill property 
to Philip P. Hone. At his death it passed to his only 
son, Byron S. Hone, who is the present owner. 

Cliftondale Tobacco Business. — That portion 
of the town now called Cliftondale was formerly for 
many years known as Sweetser's Corner. The growth 
and prosperity of this village is to be traced to its 
manufacture of tobacco in its various forms, viz., 
snuft', chewing and smoking tobacco, and cigars, which 
had its beginning at the very close of the last cen- 
tury. 

The pioneer in this business was William Sweetser, 
known as William Sweetser, Jr. He manufactured 
snuff in a hand-mill previous to this century and sold 
his product principally in Salem and Marblehead. 

Following close upon Mr. Sweetser was Samuel 
Copp. He was a native of Boston, and his mother 
was a sister of the wife of Landlord Newhall. Hav- 
ing the misfortune to lose his father at an early age, 
he was apprenticed to a tobacconist. During this 
time his mother removed to Saugus and resided in the 
family of Landlord Newhall, where she died before he 
reached his majority. 

On completing his apprenticeship he at once re- 
paired to Saugus and commenced a very small busi- 
ness, first in East Saugus, then in Lynn on Boston 
Street near Federal Street, but after a very few years 
he removed to Cliftondale built him a house and shop 
and married for his second wife another daughter of 
William Sweetser who lived close by. This was about 
1807. Mr. Copp's house, with the shop a few feet 
west, stood on the spot now occupied by the palatial 
residence of Mr. Charles H. Bond. 

His factory was a two-story frame building and the 
business then consisted mainly in the manufacture of 
'"Fig and Pig-tail," as they were then called. The 
upper story was wholly devoted to hand labor and 
spinning " pig-tail ; '' in the lower story were stout 
wooden screws in strong oaken frames, where the man- 
ufactured tobacco was pressed into boxes or kegs. 

Previous to the establishment of Samuel Copp only 
one house existed at the " Corner;" thisw-as the house 
of W^illiam Sweetser, and it is now standing, having 
been owned and occupied for many years past by the 
late Charles M. Bond. 

Mr. Copp continued the business till 1820, when he 
sold out to Charles Sweetser, son of William Sweet- 
ser, who added the manufacture of cigars known as 
" short sixes " and " long nines," and also began the 
manufacture of snuff, first grinding the snuff at Salem 



until 1844, when, purchasing the mill-site at East 
Saugus, he removed his snuff-grinding thereto. It 
will be seen that Mr. Charles Sweetser greatly enlarged 
the business, and a market was found all over the 
United States and British provinces and to some ex- 
tent in foreign countries. 

In i860 Mr. Charles Sweetser gave up the business 
to his two sons, Charles A. and George H. Sweetser, 
who carried it on under the firm-name of Sweetser 
Brothers. 

During these years many others took up the same 
business, viz., Charles Raddin, who was an extensive 
manufacturer, also S. S. Dunn, Charles M. Bond, Silas 
S. Trull, Thomas F. Downing, Hiram A. Raddin and 
John M, Raddin. 

At the beginning of the Rebellion, in 18G1, the cigar 
manufacture practically ceased, on account of the 
Southern market being lost and the heavy internal 
revenue tax placed on these low-i)riced goods. Pipe- 
smoking was resorted to. 

The manufacture of snuff continued throughout 
and since the war with little variation until the past 
five years, when it began to decrease. 

Now, in 1887, Joseph A. Raddin, under the firm- 
name of F. L. & J. A. Raddin, conducts the business 
of his father Charles, having also bought out the 
Sweetser Brothers' business in November, 1885. Mr. 
Raddin's business is largely in cut smoking tobacco, 
some brands of which have become very popular. 

The other manufacturers of to-day are S. S. Trull, 
Edward O. Copp, grandson of Samuel Copp, M. S. 
Fiske and Copp & Gibbons, all of whom, excepting 
Copp & Gibbons, confine their business to cigars. 

Crockery- WARE. — The road which now leads from 
Cliftondale to Saugus Centre, called Central Street, 
soon after leaving the village of Cliftondale, descends 
a hill and crosses a swamp or peat meadow. This 
was known as " Jackson's Meadow." It contains an 
inexhaustible quantity of peat, which many years ago 
was utilized by the inhabitants to a small extent. 

LTnderlying this peat deposit is a deposit of very 
fine blue clay. 

In 1808, or thereabouts, William Jackson, an Eng- 
lishman by birth and education, came to Saugus (then 
Lynn), and bought a small fiirm at what is now Clif- 
tondale, together with a part of the meadow before 

mentioned. 

He became aware of this deposit of fine clay and 
its adaptability for crockery-ware. 

The embargo and War of 1810 and 1812 coming on 
rendered the importation of crockery very difficult. 
Mr. Jackson at once built a large building and two 
smaller ones. He procured the best machinery and 
most skillful workmen {)ossible at that time, but he 
soon found out that the clay was not adapted for the 
finest kind of ware, and so his numufacture was con- 
fined to a superior kind of brown and red earthen- 
ware. 



414 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



This factory was continuefl for about four years, 
when, becoming unprofitable, it was totally aban- 
doned. 

Shoe BusiNEfss. — We will now rapidly sketch the 
rise and progress of the shoe business in Saugus. Let 
us go back to 1802, when our territory was included 
in the town of Lynn. It was in this year that Eben- 
ezer Oakman, Esq., a young man of active business 
talents, began the manufacture of shoes on the north- 
ern side of our river, about ten rods from the bridge, 
in East Saugus. He built a small factory, which he 
enlarged in 1807, and also built a new factory in the 
same year, and again in 1810 he built a much larger 
factory, connecting it with a large barn fifty feet 
northerly by a lower building. At that time this was 
undoubtedly the largest shoe factory in Lynn. Mr. 
Oakman's market was found largely in Philadelphia, 
whither his shoes were shipped by sailing-vessels 
from Boston. His examjjle and zeal were contagious 
in the community. 

During the War of 1812, it being too dangerous to 
send his shoes to Philadelphia by packet, he estab- 
lished a line of large baggage-wagons, drawn by six 
horses, with two skillful drivel's, making the transit 
to Philadelphia and back in about six weeks' time. 
This was continued during the war, although at great 
expense. Among his teamsters were Captain Jacob 
Newball, Jesse Rice and Captain Jacob Baird. 

During this time Mr. Oakman was indefatigable in 
his business, both at Lynn and Philadelphia, spend- 
ing a part of his time at each place. He commenced, 
to some extent, also the manufacture of gentlemen's 
calf boots. After the peace of 1815 the business was 
not prosecuted with so much vigor, although Mr. 
Oakman continued it till about 1818. After that pe- 
riod he closed his uusiness here and removed to Phil- 
adelphia for a permanenfresidence. 

This was a great detriment to Saugus, for soon the 
factory buildings were cut up and removed to different 
parts of the town and made into dwellings. In those 
days shoes were manufactured very differently from 
what they are at this time. The leather and kid 
were brought to the factory and cut up in the rudest 
manner. The uppers, binding, soles, thread, and 
everything necessary was counted out to the work- 
man, who took them away in a bag or basket to his 
house or a small shop near the same, and while the 
women folks bound the uppers, he put on the soles 
and finished them entirely ready for market, after 
which he carried them to the boss, and returned home 
with a new week's work. 

After Mr. Oakman's removal, the shoe business was 
carried on in a very small way for a number of years, 
until about 182.5. It was at this period that a number 
of resolute and active young men, natives of our town, 
took up the business and carried it on with uniform 
success. These were Thomas Raddin, Jr., George W. 
Raddin, Sewall Raddin, Jacob Newhall, Jr., Abel 



Newhall and Benjamin F. Newhall. It was from this 
time until 1838 that these manufacturers did a large 
and prosperous business. 

John W. Newhall began business in 1841 ; James 
C. Lockwood, Levi D. Waldron and Pickmore Jack- 
son in 1842 ; Charles W. Newhall in 1847 ; Harmon 
Hall and Charles E. Raddin in 1850. Mr. Hall was 
associated with John W. Newhall from 1852 to 1855, 
but after this he continued the business himself for 
many years. But from this time onward the shoe 
business of Saugus began to decline. 

This was caused by the entire revolution of the 
manner of manufacturing shoes. Machinery was 
taking the place of hand labor. The workmen were 
congregated together in large factories instead of 
being scattered about the town and country in their 
little shops. 

There was an advantage, as well as convenience, to 
the manufacturers themselves to be in a narrow local- 
ity. So our manufacturers, one by one, began to 
leave us, removing their business into the centre of 
the city of Lynn, or elsewhere, so that at this time 
(1887) there is only one shoe manufacturer, L. Waldo 
Collins, doing business in East Saugus. Our people, 
men and women, find their employment in Lynn, 
going down in the morning and returning in the 
evening, either by horse-cars or steam railroad. 

But we must not forget to speak of the shoe business 
in the centre of the town. 

Among the early shoe manufacturers in the centre 
of the town we will mention Moses Mansfield, who 
died in 1806; he lived in the Capen house. Also 
his brother, Thomas Mansfield, who lived in the 
Adam Ames house, now owned by Mr. Scott. Also 
Richard Mansfield, who died in 1824; he lived on 
Main Street, where Mr. Follett now lives. His shop 
was opposite. 

In 1818 Benjamin Hitchings moved into town and 
commenced the shoe business, and continued in bus- 
iness until about 1850. Latterly he took his two sons, 
John B. and Otis M., into partnership. 

Mr. Hitchings at first lived in the Davis house, on 
the Cinder Banks, and manufactured there until he 
removed to his house, and shop connected therewith, 
on Main Street, near the turnpike, where he died. 

Of the early shoe manufacturers Mr. Hitchings 
was by far the largest, often employing from forty to 
fifty hands. 

David Newhall and W. W. Boardman manufactured 
from 1830 to 1850. 

Otis M. Hitchings manufactured from 1846 to 1872, 
employing some years one hundred hands. 

In 1852 Walton & Wilson commenced the shoe 
business, and continued until 1879, when they sold 
out to Charles S. Hitchings, who removed his business, 
commenced in 1867, into the three-story factory on 
Central Street, corner of Pearson, said factory having 
been built by Walton & Wilson in 1872, and occupied 



SAUGUS. 



415 



by (lieiii up to 1879. Messrs. Walton A Wiltfon did a 
largo business, often employing us many as a hundred 
hands, and manufacturing shoes to the amount of 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars yearly. 

William T. Ash commenced in 1877. His business 
increasing, he soon removed to O. M. Hitchings' fac- 
tory, near the depot, where he continued until 1883, 
when he removed his whole business to Lynn. Mr. 
Ash at this time was doing a good business, employ- 
ing some eighty hands. 

Charles S. Hitchings, William F. Hitchings and 
Otis M. Burrill are now the only shoe manufacturers 
remaining in the Centre. Mr. Charles S. Hitchings, 
the largest of the three, employs from forty to fifty 
hands. 

Grain-Mill. — In 1850 Benjamin F. Newhall pur- 
ch.ased the lands on both .sides of Fox Hill Creek, so- 
called, extending to the Salem turnjiike, for the pur- 
pose of constructing a grain-mill, anil wharf adjoining 
it on the northerly side. The wharf was built in 
18.51, and the earth for filling was taken from the 
southwe.st side of Ballard Street, making now a part 
of the mill-pond. Ballard Street was built from the 
old Boston road in East Saugus to the Salem turn- 
pike in 1850. The grain-mill was built in 1852. 
From the time of its erection to the present a very 
large grain business has been done here. And until 
very recenth' the grain has been landed in vessels 
directly to the mill, being raised from the vessel by a 
large elevator. From fifty to one hundred thousand 
bushels of corn have been ground annually. Since 
1801 Herbert B. Newhall, son of Benjamin F. New- 
hall, has owned and run this mill. During a few 
years last past Mr. Newhall has landed his grain by 
railroad at Lynn Common Depot and carted it to the 
mill, for the reason that it could be done more cheaply 
than by vessel. 

Brick-Makixg. — It is now forty-six years since 
Mr. Frederick Stocker began brick-making in Eiist 
.Saugus, with his yard between Winter Street and the 
river. Mr. Stocker usually manufactured from one- 
half million to a million bricks annually. About 
nineteen years ago he gave up the business to his sou 
Frederick, who continues up to the present time. He 
makes about one million bricks annually, and con- 
sumes thereby about four hundred cords of wood, and 
gives employment to a dozen men. 

As long ago as 1812 Mr. Thomas Raddin made 
bricks in a yard on the northerly side of the river, 
where Mr. T. H. Rhodes' house now stands. 

Mr. Hatch also made bricks in the same place in 
1S59 for .about two years. 

From 1850 to I8G0 Willi.am .M. Newhall .ilso car- 
ried on the brick business on the northerly side of the 
river, not far above the bridge. He manufactured 
about a million bricks annually, until the clay was 
practically exhausted. From 18-58 to 1860 Mr. H. 
Hurd had a yard adjoining Mr. Newhall's. 



Curled Hair.— In 1848 Enoch T.Kentcommenced 
the business of preparing hair for plastering. He 
then lived on the place now occupied by William A. 
Trefethen, in East Saugus. 

In 1853 he removed to Cliftondale, and took as a 
business partner S. R. Marvin, when they enlarged 
their business, amounting to fifty thousand dollars 
yearly. They dissolved partnership in 18G6, and in 
1873 Mr. Kent built a large factory in the Centre, on 
what is known as Shute's Brook near the railroad 
de;)Ot. This factory was three stories, with basement, 
and was furnished with steam-power, the brook af- 
fording water for w;ishing and scouring purposes. 
Here he has continued the business up to the present 
time, not only furnishing hair for plastering, but for 
spinning and saddlers' and upholsterers' use. He 
employs about twenty men, and does about fifty 
thousand dollars business annually. He ships his 
hair to all parts of the country. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

S.\.UQUS— ( Continued). 

Anchor Tavern — Iloads and lii-uiges — Boston Road — Great Br'uhjc — Salem 
Tnnijjike — Xetdntryport Turnpike — lUiiboads — Horse lia'droads. 

Anchor T.^verx. — Very e.arly in the settlement 
of the town, probably as early as lC-t3, a tavern was 
established in that part of the town now called East 
Saugus, on the road from Boston to Salem, and about 
half-way between these two places. It was built on 
the Ballard farm, under the brow of the hill, just 
where the highway turned sharply to the south. 

For about one hundred and seventy years it afforded 
shelter for man and beast, and became, during its his- 
tory, a famous hostelry, known far and wide. 

Joseph Armitage was its first landlord, and from 
him it received the name of '' The Anchor Tavern." 

Governors Endicott and Bradstreet early found en- 
tertainment here, as the court records, in lOOO, show 
Mr. Armitage's petitions for payment of their ex- 
penses for " bear and cacks" (beer and cakes), " vit- 
alls, bear and logen, beare aud wyne att sevrall times." 

Mr. xVrmitage died in 1080. But probably many 
years before this he was succeeded by Captain Thomas 
Marshall, who was the second landlord and continued 
to keep the tavern until December 23, 1089, the time 
of his death. Captain Marshall was a soldier under 
Cromwell. 

We are not informed of the landlords succeeding 
Captain Marsh.all until we come to Zaccheus Nor- 
wood, who bought the tavern-stand with the Ballard 
farm in 17G0. The house now was very famous and 
its patronage very large. 

Mr. Norwood died in 1708, leaving a widow, who 
continued to keep the public-house. She allerwaids 



416 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



married an eccentric Englishman, named Josiah 
Martin, who, by his hypocrisy, gained her affections 
and afterwards led her a terrible life as landlord. 

On May 3d, 1773, Landlord Jacob Newhall became 
landlord at this tavern. The time of the Revolution 
was now approaching, and it was not long before 
Landlord Newhall took down the Anchor Tavern 
sign, with the lion and unicorn, and substituted in its 
place the " Rising Sun Tavern," with a painted rep- 
resentation of the morning sun just appearing above 
the horizon. Landlord Newhall was an ardent pa- 
triot, and his means were freely spent for the coun- 
try. No one was allowed to go hungry past his 
house. He continued its landlord until about 1800, 
and when he left it. carried away scarcely anything 
but a good name to show for his many years' labor. 

It was in 1800 that the tavern and the entire farm 
came back into the possession of the Ballard family, 
and in 1802 Mr. John Ballard built a new public- 
house, about nine rods south of the eld tavern. This 
was the time that the Salem turnpike was building. 
Mr. Ballard had prevented the turnpike from being 
built over his farm. 

Disappointment was in store for him in regard to 
his new public-house, for as soon as the turnpike was 
opened the travel was diverted and thestand was ruined. 

Joseph Palmer was the landlord of the new hotel ; 
but he continued only until the opening of the turn- 
pike, when he went to Lynn to take charge of the 
Lynn Hotel. 

From 1815 to 1822 Mr. Ballard made the hotel 
building his own homestead. 

After this it continued a checkered career as a pub- 
lic-house until 1871, when it was purchased by Wilbur 
F. Newhall, and removed a few hundred feet east, 
so as to make room for a new dwelling. 

The old Anchor Tavern building continued to stand 
during these years of the new hotel, serving as a 
farm-house, until 1836, when it was torn down to 
make room for a new street — now Lincoln Avenue — 
leading down to the bridge. 

Roads and Bridges. — The old Boston road, for- 
merly so called, running through East Saugus and 
Cliftondale, was one of our earliest roads. It crossed 
the river at East Saugus, where the upland on either 
bank approached so near _to the river's edge as to 
leave but little salt marsh. Here was a natural ford- 
ing-place at low tide ; and it was here that the Gen- 
eral Court, June 0, 1(539, ordered, " That those of 
Lynn shall have £50 from the country towards the 
building of a cart-bridge over the river there ; when 
the bridge is finished, to be allowed them." 

On petition of the town, October 27, 1648, the 
court further ordered, " That there shall from 
henceforth be allowed thirty shillings per annum out 
of the treasury of the county towards the mainten- 
ance of the said bridge, for which the inhabitants of 
Lynn are forever to repair it." 



This action was probably caused by a sad accident 
which occurred at the bridge, March, 1648, to Ed- 
mund Ingalls, one of the first settlers, then an old 
man. 

It would seem that the bridge must have been de- 
cayed and out of repiir, for Mr. Ingalls, while cross- 
ing on horseback, fell through and was drowned. His 
heirs recovered from the State one hundred pounds. 
The court appropriated at once twenty pounds more 
for immediate repairs. 

May 23, 1655, the court again ordered that a com- 
mittee should rebuild the bridge, and the County 
Court should apportion the expense among the towns 
of the county. It so remained a county charge until 
a joint committee of Lynn and Saugus, in 1815, 
agreed that the two towns " shall support said bridge 
equally, in conjunction with the county." 

This bridge, sometimes called the " Great Bridge," 
with Boston Street, was an important avenue of com- 
munication for the whole county, and indeed we 
might say the only one until the building of the 
Salem turnpike, in 1803. Before the bridge was 
built it was necessary to make a long circuit to 
the Centre, where was found the only safe fording- 
place at the head of tide water. This circuit made at 
least two and one-half miles extra travel up one side 
of the river and down the other. 

There has been some difference of opinion in re- 
gard to the location of an ancient ferry. In 1639 the 
General Court granted to Garrett Spencer " the ferry 
at Linn for 2 years." The law also regulated the 
tolls. It is generally thought that this ferry was 
from Needham's Landing in Lynn, to what is now 
called the Lower Landing, on Ballard Street, in East 
Saugus. In those days it undoubtedly was a great 
accommodation to travelers on foot or horseback, and 
especially before the building of the bridge at E. 
Saugus. 

Another very early road w-as from Boston Street, 
leaving the same near where the Methodist Church 
now stands in East Saugus, and going up on the 
southerly side of the river, substantially where Win- 
ter Street is now located; but when reaching where 
now is the New Cemetery it bore to the left, where 
the old track is now seen and can be traveled, going 
on westerly near where Denver Street now is to Vine 
and Main Streets, and then on to the west part of 
the town and to Reading. 

Another road branched off this, going northerly, 
near where Central Street now is, to the iron works, 
and to the fording-place across the river. 

The road from Lynn, now called Walnut Street, 
passing Birch Brook, and on to North Saugus and 
Lynnfield, is also a very old road. 

It was near this road, on Choose Hill, so-called, that 
it was proposed to build the Old Tunnel parish 
church, so as to accommodate the parishioners from 



SAUGUS. 



417 



Lvnn, Saugus and Lynnfield, this being near the geo- 
graphical centre. But this project was soon aban- 
doned, and three parishes was the result. 

The road IVoni Lincoln Avenue, in Cliftondale, to 
!*augus Centre, now called Central Street, was Ijuiltliy 
the town in 1S37. 

The road running from Lincoln Avenue, in East 
Saugus, to the Salem turnpike, now called Kallard St., 
was built in 18.50. The expense of its construction 
was borne by the town of Saugus, Essex County, the 
turnpike corporation and the owners of the land. A 
bridge was built across Fox Hill Creek. It gave a 
very convenient and easy access to the public town 
lan<ling. 

Salem axi> Boston Turxpikk. — The charter for 
the construction of the Salem turnpike wa.s obtained 
in isiil . Very great opposition was made to this road 
l)y the towns of Danvers and Maiden, and by the 
Maiden Bridge corporation, who had, only nise years 
before, built their bridge over the Mystic River, a 
mile to the west of the proposed Chelsea Bridge. 

This turn|iike was doomed to divert the great cur- 
rent of travel from the old Boston road, in Saugus, to 
a piussage over its lonely salt marshes. 

But public utility triumphed over local interests, 
and the turnpike was built and opened for travel from 
Salem to Lynn, July o, 1803, and on September 22, 
1803, over the entire length to Chelsea. 

< tn September 22, 1807, the turnpike and bridges 
were declared to be fully finished. 

The traffic over the turnpike constantly increased 
up to 1838, when, in consequence of the opening of 
the Eastern Kailroad, the stage travel ceased, other 
travel decreased, the tolls were reduced and the 
stock of the corporation fell to almost or ijuite forty 
dollars a share. This turnpike was made a pul)lic 
highway in 18t)8. 

The Newburyport Turnpike. — The charter for 
the construction of this turnpike was obtained in 1802. 
It was finished about 1805, and the cost was nearly 
.W80,000. 

About four miles of this turnpike is in Saugus, 
passing through the town from north to south. At 
the time this road was built Salem and Newburyport 
were rival commercial towns. Salem was about build- 
ing an air-line turnpike to Boston, and so .Newbury- 
port could clo nothing less. 

It was made straight, regardless alike of settlements 
on either side, or of hills and swamps on the direct 
line. And although the shrewdest men of Newbury- 
port were its projectors, yet it proved from its comple- 
tion not only to be a ruinous investment, but a stu- 
)iendous folly. Grass soon overgrew its road-bed. 

From 1840 to 1846 the tolls were discontinued, and 
the turnpike became a public highway in the several 
■27 



towns through which it passed, making a heavy bur- 
den to many towns, especially Saugus. 

Kaii>roads. — The Eastern Railroad was chartered 
in 183t> and was opened to travel in 1838. Although 
its route passed through a portion of Saugus terri- 
tory, over the salt marshes between Saugus and Chel- 
sea Rivers, in the very southern extremity of the 
township, yet the town was not recognized in its loca- 
tion and charter. 

But this railroad as located all'orded small accom- 
modations to our citizens, who were still obliged for 
many years to travel a distance of two and three 
miles to Breed's Wharf Depot, in West Lynn. A 
very small westerly portion of the town found the 
Boston and Maine Railroad at Melrose nearer. 

Our present railroad accommodations with Boston 
and Lynn, in all thirty one daily trains both ways, 
have not been obtained without long struggles and 
many changes extending through years. 

The earliest ertbrts for a railroad through Saugus 
were made just previous to 1844. 

Benjamin Goodrich and others petitioned for a 
charter from Salem to Boston, passing through South 
Danvers (now Peabody), West Lynn, East Saugus, 
East Maiden (now Linden and Maplewood), Maiden 
Centre and thence into Boston. This route was sur- 
veyed over the Ballard farm and south of Baker's 
hill. 

After two or three years' fruitless trial for a char- 
ter belbre the Legislature this project was abandoned. 
The Eastern Railroad was the main opponent. 

We wish to mention here the name of Joshua 
Webster, Esq., as the man, among many others, to 
whose untiring energy and zeal we finally obtained 
railroad accommodations. Formerly of Lynn, he at 
this early time bought a large farm in Jla]ilewood, 
known as the " Wait Farm," and removed thither. 
He Wiis determined to have a railroad through his 
farm. In 1840 he projected a railroad from East 
Saugus to JIaldeu, connecting with the Boston and 
Maine Railroad. The route was through the centre 
of Saugus, thence down the valley of the Newbury- 
port turnpike through Majdewood to Maiden, a dis- 
tance of over five miles. In 1847 a petition was 
jiresented to the Legislature for a charter. To opjjose 
this project, the Eastern Railroad brought forward a 
scheme to build a branch railroad from Breed's 
Wharf Depot in Lynn through East Saugus to Saugus 
Centre. A survey was at once made and petitions 
presented to the General Court. 

The war for these rival routes first began in Saugus, 
and then in all its warmth was carried to the Legis- 
lature. The Legislature gave a charter to the Maiden 
route. Among the leading men who favored this 
route were Joshua Webster, Daniel P. Wise, G. G. 
Hubbard, G. W. Raddin, George Peanson and Ed- 
ward Pranker. The company was soon organized, 
and Joshua Webster chosen president. This was in 
the spring of 1848. In 1849 the charter was amended, 



418 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



so as to change the location fmni the turnpike valley 
and run through C'liftondale and Linden to Maiden. 
Still another step remained. In IS.'iO a further 
amendment to the charter was obtained to extend the 
branch from East Saugus to Lynn Common ; thus, 
by yearly advances, the Maiden branch party obtained 
all they wished ; Lynn could be reached in the in- 
terest of the Boston and Maine Railroad. This 
amendment was obtained in spite of the greatest 
opposition of the Eastern Railroad. 

The difficult problem now was to get the stock 
taken and to build the road. 

It was publicly stated that if the residents along 
the route would take half the stock, some one stood 
ready to take the remainder. Who could this be? 
Perhaps the Boston and Maine Railroad. It was now 
July, 185L Something must be done at once or the 
charter would be forfeited. A meeting of the share- 
holders was called at the Saugus Town Hall. Mr. 
Edward Crane rose and said he would take the re- 
mainder of the stock. But another month brought 
new fears and complications. In August it became 
known that Mr. Crane had sold all his stock to the 
Eastern Railroad. Was this to be a defeat to the 
whole project? Not so; thanks to a few energetic 
men, led by Mr. Joshua Webster of Maplewood. 
Contracts for its construction were given out in No- 
vember, IS.'il. and the ground was broken on Pearson's 
Neck, so-called, in Saugus, February 1852. 

In Oitober 1852, the following directors were 
chosen : G. G. Hubbard, Joshua Webster, Benjamin 
F. Newhall, Albert Thorndike, Isaiah Breed, B. T. 
Reed and Samuel Hooper. G. G. Hubljard was 
chosen president, and George Hood treasurer. 

In February 1S54, the branch was so far completed 
that an engine and two cars were provided for it, 
and by the latter part of the month four trains each 
way were run from Lynn Common Depot to Edge- 
worth, in Maiden, there connecting with the Boston 
and Maine Railroad. 

Then one small car more than accommodated all 
its patrons. The experiment of combining car and 
locomotive was tried. It caused a great deal of mer- 
riment and was nick-named the " tea-kettle ; ' this was 
soon set aside. 

The railroad barely paid its running ex])enses. 
The Eastern Railroad now became its sole owner, 
and they at once built the two connecting links neces- 
sary to make the Branch a part of their railroad sys- 
tem, viz., a link from Lynn Common Depot to Breed's 
Wharf Depot, and the other link from Maiden Centre 
to South Maiden (now Everett). Thus was estab- 
lished, in 1854, our railroad facilities substantially as 
they exist to-day, only instead of four trains we now 
have sixteen trains each way daily. 

Since the building of our railroad Maluen has be- 
come a city; its territory is rapidly filling up with 
residences, so that the overflow is now reaching our to wn 
and everything bids fair for a rapid growth of Saugus. 



Hone Railroads. — Our horse railroads began by the 
granting of two charters to two rival companies in the 
spring of 1859, requiring cars to be run on each by 
November 20, 18<i0, on penalty of loss of I'barter. 

One was the Lynn and Boston Railroad, which built 
its track over the Salem turnpike, thus running across 
the extreme southei'ly part of the town over the salt 
marshes. So far as the accommodation to the people 
of Saugus, this road was of very little moment; still, 
after great difficulty, it was built so that regular trips 
were commenced over the turn|>ike June 1, 1861, and 
have continued up to the present time. 

The other was the Cliftondale Horse Railroad. 
James S. Stone, Esq., of Charlestown, was the princi- 
pal manager. Ground was broken in October, 1800, 
and the work was put forward with great rapidity, so 
that by November 20th the cars commenced running. 
It was the intention to have this horse railroad run 
through to Lynn, but Lynn refused the location, so 
that its starting-point was at the bridge in East Saugus, 
and running to the Cliftondale Depot, thence through 
the woods to the Newburyport turnpike, and so on to 
Boston via JIalden Bridge and Charlestown. Had 
this road been jiermitted to extend its track down to 
the city of Lynn, it might have had a longer life. 

The principal motive for its construction was the 
development and sale of house-lots in Cliftondale, 
called the " Homes." 

This land speculation not proving a success, and 
the passenger traffic being very light, it was only a 
question of time when it would be obliged to stop its 
running. 

As it proved, it was only about three years when it 
was abandoned and the rails taken up. It is now 
very difficult to find any trace of its location. 

But the time finally came when our town obtained 
excellent horse railroad accommodationi, which it now 
enjoys, very much to its benefit as well as to the ad- 
vantage of the road. 

The Lynn and Boston Railroad extended its tracks 
from Lynn to East Saugus, Cliftondale and Saugus 
Centre, and are now running half-hourly tri])S through- 
out the day and evening. 

The cars from Lynn to East Saugus commenced 
running June 24, 1882; they then stopped at Ballard 
Street, but the road was soon extended to Cliftondale, 
and the cars commenced running June 17, 1885. 

The next year a branch was built up Chestnut 
Street and Winter Street to Saugus Centre, and the 
cars commenced rnuning July 31, 1886. 

We are thus provided with a horse railroad system 
which will without doubt long continue. 

Such is the union of the industrial pursuits and 
business of Lynn and Saugus, that it is a necessity, 
and will add greatly to the development of the town. 
The Lynn and Boston Railroad is now building an- 
other link from Cliftondale via Lincoln Avenue to 
Linden to connect with the horse railroad from 
Maiden to Revere Beach. This will give us another 



SAUGUS. 



419 



connection with Boston, and also with Maiden, Med- 
I'ord, Melrose, Stoneham and Woburn. 

This route is now, September 15, 1887, just opened 
for travel. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

S\VGVS—(Co>ilimie<J). 

gtlutuh—West Pniish .S )/<«.;— /.iii(i<«' Seimii.irii— Public Seh<'<'U—Hii/h 
Schuol—Priiaipiih — Ch/luinhik LU'runj— tYie Piililiij Uhniry— iruiiam 
HuU«n Lodge —.ibi'iisett I'irisinti, S. of T. — Simnliine Lodge oj Good Tern- 
I'hirB Sftuguf Mutuiil himtiaiive Co. — }-\inu» <ind Fortliers. 

Schools. — West P(tri.sh Scliont. — The West Parish 
very early felt their need of school privileges for their 
Vliildren, and the people were not slow in providing 
them. 

At first a school was ojieiied in some private dwell- 
ing, as accommodations could be obtained, but not 
always in the same dwelling, and it was frequently 
changed to different parts of the parish. This ar- 
rangement obtained until Ml^t, when a small one- 
story building was built in the Centre, on the south- 
east end of the bnryijig-ground. This building 
served for school uses until .Iidy 20, ISOl, wheu it 
was sold for sixty-three dollars to Richard Shute, 
who removed it and added it to his house for a gro- 
cery-store, till its destruction by fire, in 1820. 

In the year 1800 a great school-house fever pre- 
vailed in the West Parish. No le.«s than five school- 
houses were petitioned for in ISOl, — two of these to 
be at the ''Centre," one at the "North End," one at 
" Boardman's End " and t!ie other in the " South 
part," now East Saugus. 

The i^arish voted but one, and that to be in the 
" Centre," southwest of the meeting-house. 

It was soon built, and stood near to William W. 
Boardman's house, on what is now Main Street. 

This school-house was standing until very recently, 
in the yard of William W . Boardman, and was used 
by him for many years as a shoe manufactory. Within 
a few years it has been torn down. 

In 1787 th<' iiari^h voted that thirteen families at 
the " North End" might withdraw and make a new 
school di-itrict. 

Thi-i was the first separation in school matters. 

In 1806 a school-house (old Eock School-house) 
was built in the " South part," now called East Sau- 
gus. 

It may be of interest to speak of a private acade- 
my which was started in our town. 

Ladies' Seminary. — In January, 1821, the Rev. 
Joseph Emerson, of Beverly, projected the establish- 
ment of a Female Seminary in Saugus. 

The parish encouraged the project, and voted the 
use of the parsonage, with land near by, for a school 
building, which was built in the spring of 1822. 

For two years its popularity was very great. 



Such numbers of young ladies flocked to the institu- 
tion that board accommodations could scarcely be 
Ibuud. 

While the seminary was in a successful tide of 
prosperity, the old parish aflairs, now rapidly on the 
wane, considerably revived. 

Rev. Joseph Emerson was a very popular divine, 
and supplied the pulpit for the greater part of the 
time. 

It unfortunately happened that the autumn of the 
second year was a very sickly sea.son. 

The typhoid fever prevailed in many towns, anil 
among these was Saugus. 

Several young ladies of the seminary died, causing 
many of the pupils to lie withdrawu and deterring 
others from coming, so that the school never recov- 
ered from the effects of this unfortunate sickness. 

Mr. Emerson's poor health obliged him to leave, 
and in the autumn of 1824 he was succeeded by Rev. 
Hervey Wilbur, wdro also supplied the parish pulpit. 

But in spite of Mr. Wilbur's efforts to revive the 
seminary he was obliged to give it up in the autuujn 
of 1826. 

Public Si-hmih. — Our town has always maintained 
good public schools. If they have not been fully up 
to the high standard of our neighboring cities, we 
have spent for them a much larger proportion of our 
valuation. I notice in the last State report that of 
the thirty-five towns and cities in Esse.K County, 
Saugus is the eighth in the percentage of valuation 
expended for schools. 

The whole number of children in our town between 
five and fifteen years of age is five hundred and 
twenty-four, divided as follows: 

Wiird 1, North Saugus ".^6 

" 2, Centre Saugus 175 

" ?., Cliftondale HIT 

" 4, East SaugU8 12S 

" 6, Oaklandvale 28 

Total 524 

There are thirteen schools ; the two at X^orth Sau- 
gus and Oaklandvale are mixed schools, but those in 
the other wards are arranged into three and four 
grades. 

In these schools there are five hundred and twenty 
pupils. 

Our High School had its beginning in .\pril, 1872. 
Since 1875 it has gathered in rooms fitted up for its 
use in the new Town Hall. It has a three years' 
course of study, including Latin and Ficiuh. 

Diplomas are given to graduates. 

There are [now about forty-five pupils in this 
school. 

It has had six principals since its conimcnccment. 
Mrs. Frances H. Newhall served from 1872 to 1875; 
Mr. James B. Atwood a few munths in 187o; Mr. F. 
W. Eveleth from October, 1875 to 1879. He was fol- 
lowed by Mr. Charles E. Lord for one year, then by 
Mr. C. H. Smart for two years, up to 1881. 



420 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The present principal, Mr. Wilbur F. Gillette, took 
charge in April, 1881. 

Cliftondat.e Library. — About two years ago a 
library association was formed in Oliftomlale, and is 
now in a prosperous condition. It has about seven 
hundred volumes. 

Free Public Library. — This last spring (1887) 
a free jiublic library was started by private subcrip- 
tions from all parts of the town. 

The town has furnished and fitted up a room in 
the Town Hall for its use. 

About thirteen hundred volumes have already been 
purchased and carefully catalogued. 

It will be opened this autumn, and it is hoped that 
it will form a worthy nucleus of a large and perma- 
nent public library. 

The William Sutton Lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons was instituted in 18(16. Its lodge- 
room is now in East Saugus, in Mr. Sisson's building, 
on Franklin Square. It now has seventy-five mem- 
bers. 

The Abousett Division, No. 10, Sons of Tem- 
perance, was organized in 1850. It now has forty 
members, and holds its meetings at the Town Hall 
every fortnight. 

The Sunshine Lodge, No. Ill, of Good Tem- 
plars was organized in 1879. It has about sixty 
members, and meets at the Town Hall every week. 

The Saugus Mutual Fire Insurance Company 
was incorporated February, 1S.'52, and commenced 
business the following April. 

Benjamin F. Newhall, Esq., was the originator of 
this company, and it was through his energy and re- 
gard for the public welfare that the company h:ia had 
so prosperous a career. The community at that time 
was poorly provided with insurance, its cost being so 
great from the heavy assessments of companies lo- 
cated in other States particularly. 

In forming this comp.iny Mr. Newhall determined 
to provide purely mutual insurance, receiving no cash 
premium in advance, but only notes to be assessed 
sufficiently to pay the losses and expenses as they 
occur. 

He was chosen its secretary and treasurer, and Ed- 
ward Franker its president. 

Its office was, and continues to be, in East Sau- 
gus. 

On the resignation of Edward Franker, in 1.8.58, 
Hon. Harmon Hall was elected its second president 
and has continued to fill that ottice up to the present 
time. 

Mr. Newhall being severely afflicted with rheuma- 
tism, was obliged to resign in the summer of 1861, 



when his son, Wilbur F. Newhall, Esq., W.as chosen 
secretary and treasurer, which offices he now fills. 

On April 1, 18r)3, the company had $81'J,500 of 
property insured. In 1863 it had $2,208,665. On 
April 1, 1887, it had $2,889,300. 

It has paid out for looses during these thirty-five 
years $36,328. 

By its prudent and conservative management it has 
not only provided insurance at a very small cost to its 
members, but at the same time has given them a 
strong and reliable company, which has earned for 
itself the confidence of the public. 

Agricultural. — As our farming interests are con- 
siderable, I will give a list of our farms, with a few 
additional items. 

North Saugus. — Louis P. Hawkes, 33 acres of tillage, 
47 acres pasture, 21 cows and 4 horses. He also has 
a large silo. 

Samuel Hawkes, 13 acres of tillage and 10 acres of 
cranberry meadow. 

Heirs of Richard Hawkes, 26 acres tillage and 9 
cows. 

These three farms form a portion of the original 
farm of Adam Hawkes, settled in 1634, and have con- 
tinued down in an unbroken line from their ances- 
tors. 

Byron S. Hone, 50 acres tillage, 114 acres pasture, 
42 cows and 4 horses. 

Henry E. Hone, 4 acres tillage, 32 acres pasture, 
7 cows and two horses. 

Joshua H. Coburn, 20 acres tillage, 15 cows and 2 
horses. 

Heirs of George W. Butterfield, 10 acres tillage, 20 
cows and 4 horses. 

Elijah G. Wilson, 6 acres tillage and 23 pasture. 

Francis M. Avery, 15 acres tillage and 9 cows. 

These farms furnish chiefly milk and hay. 

Oaklandrale. — Artemas Edmands, 9 acres tillage 
and 5 cows. 

Samuel Simmons, 60 acres and 13 horses ; this is tlie 
Lott Edmonds farm, and is now used as a veteriiuiry 
farm. 

Heirs of Nathan Hawkes, 4 acres tillage and 3 
cows. 

E. W. Bostwick, 28 acres tillage. 

J. M. Hall, farm owned by J. J. Zeigler, 16 acres; 
this is a veterinary farm. 

E. W. Saunders, 38 acres tillage, 17 acres pasture. 
Mr. Saunders came here in 1850, cleared his land, built 
him an elegant residence and has laid out his grounds 
into lawns, tillage, shrubbery and forest, so as to re- 
semble an English park, presenting to us an elegance 
of landscape rarely found. 

The long avenue, shut in on either side by tall 
evergreen trees, is of wonderful beauty. Mr. Saun- 
ders has expended more than fifty thousand dollars 
on this place. 

A ride through these grounds will well repay one. 




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SAUGUS. 



421 



Lowell Howard, 5 acres tillage and 2 cows. 

Elbridge 8. Upliani, 8 acres tillage, 8 cows and 2 
horses. 

Isaiah Longfellow, 10 acres tillage and 4 cows. 

These last three (arniers give attention to straw- 
berry culture, and furnish great quantities for the 
market. 

John Gillon, V^ acres tillage. 

Arthur AVatson, 10 acres tillage, 20 acres pasture 
and 9 cows. 

J. Henry Howard, 8 acres tillage and 8 cows. 

tSauyus Centre. — -The Town Farm, 40 acres tillage 
and 18 cows. 

William H. Penny, 20 acres tillage, 39 acres pas- 
ture, 30 cows and 2 horses. 

John ^L Berritt, 10 acres tillage, lo acres pasture 
and 4 cows. 

Lewis J. Austin, 7 acres tillage, 14 cows and 2 
horses. 

Charles M. Ame.s, 11 acres tillage and 5 cows. 

Heirs of Samuel A. Parker, 12 acres tillage. 

Harrison Wilson, 10 acres tillage, 7 rows and 2 
horses. 

William Fairchild, 9 acres tillage and 2 cows. 

CliJ'tondale. — Walter V. Hawkcn, 10 acres tillage 
and 2 green-houses. 

George X. Miller, 24 acres tillage, 10 cows and 5 
horses. He bought this farm in 1870. 

A. & J. R. Hatch, 20 acres tillage, 10 cows and "i 
horses. 

George W. Winslow, 19 acres tillage, 7 cows and 2 
horses. 

These last four farms are largely for market-gar- 
dening for Boston and Lynn. 

Ead Saugus.—\W\\\\vim A. Trefethen, 9 acres til- 
lage, l(j acres pasture, 2 cows and 2 horses. 

John W. Blodgett, 31 acres tillage, 15 acres pas- 
ture, 22 cows and horses. 

Mr. Blodgett runs his farm for market-gardening 
almost entirely. He has owned it since 1854. 

Charles H. Libbey, 7 acres tillage, 3 cows and 2 
horses. 

Frederick Stocker, 3o acres tillage, 3 cows ami 12 
horses. 

Henry W. & A. Dudley Johnson, 48 acres tillage, 
34 acres pasture, 15 cows and 3 horses. 



and sixty-three men enlisted, and of these, eight 
served in the navy. 

The larger number of these were in the Seventeenth 
and Fortieth Massachusetts Regiments. 

The following are the names of the soldiers: 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

^Pi.'lJGV^ -{Continued). 
MILITARY RECORD. 

In the late War of the Rebellion our town nobly 
showed its patriotism by an early and prompt response 
to the country's call for volunteers. One hundred 



Biiiisley P. (iuilford. 
.\bel Wilson. 
-Tesse Hitcliings. 
Willard EJiinimis. 
I>iivi(l U. I'lieever. 
Juhn H. H. WiUoii. 
Cleorge H. Peunev. 
Joseph W. Flye. 
William Ghambere. 
William Noble. 
KJwin A. Reed. 
John F. Carlton. 
Nathan J. Thouis. 
Charles A. Xewhall. 
Thomas McDowell. 
Edward Hitchings. 
Williaia M. Stocker, 
George H. McClaiy. 
Warren P. Copp. 
Ilii-aiu H. Xewhall. 
Charles F. Pearson. 
Joseph Newbull. 
Europe R. Newhall. 
Joseph Wiggio. 
Henry Baker, 
Thomas Twisden. 
Isaac Perkins. 
Daniel Kidder. 
John W. Howlett. 
Jittiie.s (^'harltou. 
Oliver F. Childs. 
Tlionias Gibbons. 
Philip F. Floyd. 
William H. Fidler. 
William S. Copp. 
Marcu8 M. Sullivan. 
George A. .Mansfield. 
Abijah S. Boardnian. 
Elisha Bragg. 
CharleH Ongood. 
Luren/.o Man.stjeld. 
William H. Ri.h. 
E. Herbert Downing. 
Francis H Dizer. 
Edward A. Jeffera, 
Isaac B. Schotield. 
Robert Harrison. 
John L. Andrew.-!, 
Henry P. Nichois. 
Thomaa Florence. 
Theodoie Houghton. 
Elliott W. Oliver. 
Reuben B. Prince. 
Jacob E. Newhall. 
Benj. N. Trefethen. 
Wesley Stocker. 
David Brierley. 
William Murray. 
Cieorge W. Fairbanks. 
William S. Copp. 
William E. (labriel. 
Cliarles II. Manafield. 
Frederick Dearborn. 
Benjamin Hoiiian. 
Willard EdTnandn. 
Ceorge V. (_'arleton. 
William Halliday- 
SHles F. Shernian. 
Samuel A. Guilford. 



Ntmh G. Harrnuan. 
Charles A. Kidtter. 
(.'harles W. Sweetser. 
William T. Ash. 
Bimslfy P. Guilford, Jr. 
James Roots, Jr. 
George Mc.\Ili9ter. 
Daniel Flye. 
William ],. Stocker. 
Reuben R. l'uat«3. 
John II, Copp, 
Samuel T. Langley. 
Walson J. Thonis. 
■Pidin W, Seward. 
Juhu H. Twisden. 
y[. i'orter Xewhall. 
John H. Hone. 
John Powers. 
Edward (-harltoii. 
George Childs. 
James Herk. 
('harles H. Williams. 
John .\. Whittemore. 
Kenedy McElroy. 
Augustus W. Bruce. 
Benjamin E. Morgan. 
John E. Stocker. 
A. James Parker. 
Otis A. Foster. 
Edwin Mansfield. 
James A. Parker. 
Stephen Stack pole. 
Charles Walwiik. 
Charles A. Hobb.s. 
George H. Xewhall. 
Elbridge S. L'pham. 
Thomas Twisden, Jr. 
James Eaton. 
Henry Kidder. 
JohnTiniony. 
William Cheney. 
Hcii.ianiin P, ("oales. 
William H. Amerige. 
(iforge S. \\'illiains. 
Frederick A. Trefethen 
Tristam Goodale, 
H. Clay Cros«, 
James R. Goodwin 
Jarnes Ilughetf. 
William J. Luve. 
Porter Newhall. 
Walter E. Rhodes, 
Alfred B. Roots. 
William Fisk. 
Frederick Lewis. 
Marcus M. SnlliMin. 
Moses Spoltiird, 
Willard W. Bnrbank. 
William Blan.Iiaid 
CharlenS. Hick.s. 
Mo.-4es E. McAIpine. 
James L. Pike. 
George Campbtdl. 
Harrison E. Stocker. 
William C. Richards. 
William W. Brown. 
LutliL-r Hairiman. 
Charlea Maloney. 
John A- Whittemore. 



422 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jilint'B H. Kent. 
Willium E. Oliver. 
Stimuel S. Woniistead. 
George H. Oliver. 
Williird L. Finite. 



Heory A. Oliver. 
George Kidder. 
Frauk Peterson. 
Albert Eaton. 
George H. Brown. 



Those whose names do not appear on the above 
list were credited to some other town or State. 

Among those soldiers, serving as they did in a 
great many dirt'erent regiments and in almost every 
arm of the service, .strange as it may seem, yet we 
cannot certainly name any who were killed in battle, 
although many were seriously wounded, some to die 
from these wounds, and some from exposure and 
disease in the service. 

Some few were unaccounted for. 

Their brave deeds and patriotic service are recorded 
on a more enduring tablet than any earthly scroll, 
and our town feels proud of the men who bore her 
escutcheon through the War of the Southern Rebel- 
lion. 

The veterans of Suugus, in June, 18C9, organized 
as the General E. W. Hiiiks Post 95, Grand Army of 
the Bepublic, with Charles A. Newhall as their tirst 
Commander. 

The post held their meetings at first in the old 
Town Hall, afterwards in Flye's Hall, and later in 
the new Town Hall, until they moved into their own 
new hall in ISSG. 

Their new building i.s situated near the railroad 
depot, and was purchased of William T. Ash in the 
early part of 1886. The building was remodeled and 
an assembly room for the Post provided in the second 
story of ample dimensions, and elegantly furnished 
throughout. 

The Post is now is a very pros])erous condition, 
having a membership of some si.xty, owning their 
building and having nearly a thousand dollars in their 
relief fund. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



BENJAMIN FRANKhIN NEWHAI.L.' 

Benjamin Franklin Newhall was born April 29, 
1802. His father was Jacob, son of Landlord Jacob 
Newhall, His mother was Abigail, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Ruth Makepeace, of Norton, Mass. 

She was a woman of noble presence, of exemplary 
Christian character, pious without ostentation, and 
devoted to her family, which consisted of three sons 
and five daughters, for whom she labored day and 
night and lived to see her prayers answered in their 
behalf. 

Benjamin Franklin was her first-born child, and so 
very naturally upon him fell early the burdens of the 
family. Passionately devoted to his mother, he gave 

1 Written bv his son, Wilbnr F. Newhall, Esq. 



his whole energies to her assistance in the support of 
the family, the father being of little help the greater 
part of the time. 

Brought up in a tavern in his earliast years, he was 
exposed to great temptation. In his autobiograi)hy 
he thus speaks of these days and experiences: 
" What saved me God only knows. But I was 
saved. I remember I always resisted, and often heard 
the exclamation, ' What ails the child that he will not 
drink ! ' Some spiritual guardian was about me to 
watch my infantile footsteps and keep me in the path 
of rectitude." After writing of the many beauties 
of his birth-place, he speaks of his mother thus : 
" And better still, the glowing vision of that angel 
form, who every day supplied my infant wants, and 
whose voice was sweeter to me than the sweetest 
music." 

He writes again, " How well do I remember, in the 
late hours of the night, when her husband was away 
and her dear ones were sleeping, that she would come 
to my bedside and, kneeling with overflowing heart, 
pour out her soul in prayer that God would preserve 
her darling boy from the snares so thick around him. 
She thought I was asleep, but I was awake and still, 
and the silent tear moistened ray young cheek, and I 
vowed before God that a mother's prayers should not 
be in vain. How often she kneeled at my bedside 
when I was asleep I know not, no doubt often." 
Again he writes, "My mother, in her extreme anxiety 
for my welfare, never tired in giving me good advice. 
She felt that there was great danger of my giving 
way to the use of the dreadful cup, and so there was." 

Again he writes, "When about four years of age 
my mother had bought me some picture books, and 
she commenced learning me to read. About the same 
time the school-house, afterwards called the "Rock," 
was in process of building. My mother took me into 
it one pleasant summer's eve, and, pointing out to me 
the smallest and lowest seat, saying at the same time, 
' there, my son, is your seat.' This in a few days I 
found to be literally true, for on my first entrance 
into the school I was appointed to the little seat." 

It was here that he attended school during its un- 
certain sessions, until about fourteen years of age. 

It was at this early age, in the autumn before he 
was fourteen, that he commenced work for Mr. 
Childs in the chocolate mill, often working day and 
night. 

He writes again in his autobiography, " I could 
scarcely endure it. 1 sometimes declared, ' this shall 
be my last night; ' but when the beautiful sun shone 
in the morning I felt better and was encouraged to 
go on. I hated shoemakingand was yet determined to 
earn something for my mother. If I could earn eighty- 
three cents a day for work night and day it was to 
me a great sum. But with all the hard work and 
suflering I got through my first winter in the mill. 
How I bore the fatigue God only knows. Some un- 
seen hand supported me, and when I was just on the 



M 




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SAUGUS. 



423 



point of giving up several times some ittipulse ot 
mine forbade it. God helped me.'' 

Such were his early labors that it might almost be 
said he had no boyhood, so early was the yoke fitted 
to his youthful shoulders. But he bore it with cour- 
age. He writes, " When I had nothing to do T could 
read, and used always to keep a book in the mill 
always ready.'' He soon also engaged in teaming for 
Mr. Childs. He writes of himself when eighteen years 
old, " I had so much per day for driving the team 
and twenty-five cents to buy me a dinner. I always 
managed to carry my dinner, and thus save and lay 
up twenty-five cents. This I continued for two years or 
more. I generally took my book with me and studied 
while I was driving; so I turned my labor into 
amusement.'' Of this same period he writes, "This 
season I found religious impressions growing more 
and more in my mind. I felt more and more the 
need of Divine strength to enable me to resist suc- 
cessfully the evil temptations of the world. I read 
the Bible, prayed often and frequently went to meet- 
ing. I began to hear with new ears, because I felt an 
interest in the subject preached. Xight and day re- 
ligious matters were in my thoughts, and I was look- 
ing forward to a period of church membership as a 
kind of bulwark of defense.'" 

He identified himself at once with the Methodists 
and labored zealously with them. When twenty 
years of age he was baptized by immersion in the 
pond at Melrose. 

He was now miking his plans for more schooling, 
just as soon as he was twenty-one years of age, and for 
this object he laid s(]ii]e money aside until he had one 
hundred and seventy dollars. He reached liis free- 
dom year, and away he went to New Market Academy, 
in New Hampshire. We wish we had space to give 
his account of his start in the stage. He says of his 
studies: "I ])ored into the grammar with all my 
energy, but it was all darkness to mo; I knew nothing 
about it. My boyhood's studies of grammar were but 
a parrot performance, as I now found by experience. 
What would I not have given for some one to explain 
to me the first principles, and know the meaning of 
the Parts of Speech. But I had no one and so I 
delved alone. I read and then thought, meditated 
and then studied. One night, while I was trying to 
penetrate its mysteries, I instantly saw it all clearly. 
As the .sun suddenly bursts through the obscuring 
clouds and shines u|ion the earth, so a knowledge of 
English grammar burst suddenly on my mind. I saw 
it all in a glance, simple as my A, B, C. I could pass 
the most difficult pa,ssages instantly." He writes 
again : " I s<jon procured some French books, and 
commenced that language. I learned five thousand 
words in about a week, and in two weeks could trans- 
late the Xew Testament pretty well." 

He remained at the Academy about six months. He 
then returned home and immediately procured a 
school in Sloneham and began teaching. As an in- 



stance of his remarkable memory, he states that while 
teaching this school he committed to memory the 
whole New Testament in thirty-seven days. This was 
in 1824. He taught this school six months. ,\pril 
25, 1825, he married Dorothy .lewett, daughter of Da- 
vid and Sarah Jewett, of Standstead, Lower Canada. 
This explains why, soon after this, he, in company 
with his brother-in-law, opened a .store in Canada. 
But this business proved dis.i.strous and left him in 
heavy debt. He then returned to Saugus for good, 
wiser from experience, if poorer in purse. 

We have thus dwelt upon his early life experiences 
to show the difficulties, the privations, and the hard- 
ships he met and subdued. He was stronger tlian all 
of these, even making them his servants for discipline 
and preparations for his remaining life's work. On 
his return from Canada, already in debt, he borrowed 
money and commenced the shoe business in earnest. 
His untiring zeal, his strict businej^s rules, his stead- 
fa.st integrity, his keen foresight, and his rigid econo- 
my, brought him rapid success. He never swerved 
from these paths, so early chosen. They brought him 
competence, if not wealth; respect an<l honor from 
those who knew him best. 

The very poor privileges of the village school in his 
early youth, ending at thirteen years of age, adding a 
six months' term at New Market Academy when 
twenty-one years of age, constitute his scholastic 
equipment; but these were a small part of his endow- 
ments. His mind was always itiquiring, extremely re- 
ceptive, and, what was far more important, it grasped 
with a tenacity never to be loosed and never to be 
forgotten, everything that could be of value, benefit, 
u.se, or help to him. He might be called a self-edu- 
cated man, in the best sense of that term. His heart 
and nature were sympathetic. Having had so many 
difficulties in his youth, he knew how to sympathize 
with young men, and many there are of these, to-day, 
who will testify to his persoiuil assistance in their 
time of need. What he espoused was with his whole 
heart. Interested from his youth in the temperance 
cause, having witnessed the direful effects of intem- 
perance, he never relinquished his warfare against the 
demon, but, with sledge-hammer blows, on the plat- 
form, in the pulpit, as well as in busine.ss and social 
walks of life, he lifted up his voice for total abstinence, 
and labored in every way to save the youth from this 
ilestroying vice, and to make of the inebriate a sober 
and useful man. 

He showed the same characteristics in politics. .Al- 
ways an anti -slavery man, his home and heart were 
ever open to the fugitive slave, who found a shelter at 
his fireside, and a God-speed in his journey or mission. 
He saw in the old Liberty and Free-Soil party the 
cloud no bigger than a man's hand; he entered its 
ranks, fought beside its standard, and lived long 
enough to see the hydra-headed monster slain and 
buried. 

He very early united with the Methodist church in 



424 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



East Saugus, to which his ardent, sincere nature ren- 
dered no half-hearted service. 

He had no place for hypocrisy in his heart,'and he 
could brook nothing of the kind in others. He 
became an e.xhortcr, and then a local preacher, in the 
Methodist Church. We may well imagine that no 
grass was allowed to grow under his feet. As wel! 
bid the torrent cease its flow as to curb his powers of 
mind and heart from progress and growth. His 
warmth in moral reforms often led to some friction 
with the stereotyped ideas of the Methodist clergy, 
some of whom could not allow interference with their 
denominational tenets and labors. The church did 
not, at that time, stand where it does to-day in relation 
to these movements. If it had, he probably would 
never have severed his union with the people of his 
early choice. 

He entered the Universalist Church because he 
found there a more congenial atmosphere, where he 
could exercise more freedom of thought and action. 
He became a very regular preacher for this denomi- 
nation, and even amid his multiplied business labors 
he found leisure nearly every Sabbath, for many 
years, to supply gratuitously some pulpit either near 
or far away. 

He also served his native town of Saugus in nearly 
every official capacity. As town clerk, selectman, 
overseer of the poor, school committee and represen- 
tative to the General Court. In the Legislature he 
strongly opposed capital punishment. He was chosen 
one of the commissioners of the county of Essex for 
two terms, from 1844 to 1850, when the labors of that 
office were as abundant and onerous as to-day, and, 
perhaps, far more so. 

He organized the Saugus JIutuiil Fire Insurance 
Company in 18o2, and was its secretary and treasurer 
until incajiacitated by disease, in IStil. 

These were but a few of his labors. From his 
awaking in the morning until his sleeping at night, 
his fertile brain was always active. He gave himself 
little rest or recreation. Like a locomotive, steam 
was always on. His style was simple, chaste and 
clear. He wrote much for the newspapers, among 
which contrilintions were his interesting "Historical 
Sketches of Saugus," which have furnished me much 
material for my " History of Saugus" in this work. 
He also wrote a great deal of ))oetry, indeed his 
writings in both i)rose and verse would, if jirinted, 
fill volumes. 

The last ten years or more of his lite were lull of 
pain and suffering. He was afflicted with chronic 
rheumatism, which never loosed its grip upon him ; 
his limbs became swollen, his joints distorted and 
dislocated. When walking was difficult, he rode ; 
then was wheeled about in his invalid chair; then 
was confined to his house, then to his room, then to 
his bed for two years, until his naturally iron consti- 
tution gave way. During all these years he was busy 
reading and writing, and his fortitude and cheerful- 



ness never failed him. He died October 13, 1863, 
aged sixty-one years. 

His widow survived him twenty-three years, dying 
October 7, 1886. They had seven children, two of 
whom died in infancy ; Benjamin, their eldest, a 
graduate of Harvard and a lawyer, died in Milwaukee, 
Wis., at the aged of twenty-nine years; two sons and 
two daughters still survive, and are residents of East 
Saugus. 

The following verses were written by him just 
before his death, September 17, 1863: 

Fur iiiauy years my prayer hath heeii, 

Tliat I might end this mortal race 
VVithuut severe anil torturing pain, 

And, calm and eai^y, die in peace. 

And now the Lord hath heard my prayer, 

AssiKiged my pains, so oft severe, 
And given my frail liody rest 

The hole time that I am here. 

I'll give llim praise while life and strength 

Shall let me speak my gratitude, 
And with my last expiring hreath 

I'll calmly breathe, The Lord is good. 



CHAPTER XXXII, 

DANVERS. 



BY ALDEN P. WHITE. 



OLD SETTLERS OF SALEM VILLAGE — INCORPORA- 
TION OF DANVERS. 

In that part of the town which, a few years ago, be- 
longed to Beverly, the most conspicufms feature of 
the landscape is a long, high hill, known as Folly 
Hill. On its summit once stood the lordly mansion 
of a colonial grandee. The cellar is still distinctly 
marked, and portions of the building are still in use 
as residences a mile or two removed from the original 
exalted situation. This building experiment, never 
since repeateil, was known as " Browne's Folly ;" 
hence the name of the hill. From its top the view 
includes very much of the original limits of Old 
Salem. Far beyond the islands of the harbor the 
ocean fills a wide space of the eastern horizon, while 
close in the western foreground lie the farms and 
villages of Danvers. 

Many years ago three boys were together on Folly 
Hill. One of them is living still ; his name must be 
often mentioned in any history of his native town, 
and his portrait is presented by the engraver at the 
close of this sketch. The second was one who 
reached such an eminence in the science of botany 
that his name will be found conspicuous in that 
chapter of this book which treats of the natural his- 
tory of the county. The third, not a Danvers but a 
Salem boy, became known wherever English is read, 



DANVERS. 



425 



for he wrote the "Scarlet Letter;" lie it was, indeed, 
who, writing of this hill long after, described its out- 
line as a whale's back rising from the calm sea, and 
in one of those stories into which his wonderful pen 
wove much of the history of our Puritan forefathers, 
he told how John Endicott cut out the red cross from 
the baner of England. 

Not long afterwards there was a military muster at Salem. Every 
able-bodied man in the town and neisrhhorliood was there. All were 
well armed with steel caps upon their heads, plates of iron upon their 
lireaats and at their hacks, and gorgets of steel around their necks. 

Endicott was the captain of the company. lAHiile the soldiers were 
expecting his orders to begin their exercise, they saw him take the 
lianner in one hand, holding his di-awn sword in the other. 

'* And now, fellow soldieii?, you see this old banner of England. Some 
of you, I doubt not, may think it treason for a man to lay violent hands 
upon it. But whether or no it be treason to man. I have good aiwnr- 
ance in my conscience, that it is no treason to God. Wherefore, I have 
resolved that we will rather be God's soldiera than soldiers of the I'ope 
of Rome, and in that mind I now cut the Papal cross out of this 
banner." 

.\ud so he did. And thus in a province belonging to the crown of 
England, a captain was found hold enough to deface the king's banner 
with his sword. 

Governor John Endicott was the pioneer of Dan- 
vers. As he sailed from Cape Ann by the rocky hills 
of the north shore and brought the "Abigail" to an- 
chor off the few cabins of the '' old planters," near 
Collin's Cove, doubtless his eyes followed the course of 
the river far inland, where, in the midst of the prime- 
val forest, he was in a few years to hew out a home 
and found a town. 

Endicott landed at Salem in September, 1628. 
Nearly four years later the company, who by their 
charter, claimed absolute disposal of all lands therein 
conveyed, made him a grant in these words : 

"16:i2, July 3. There is a necke of land lyeing aboute 3 myles from 
Salem, cont. about 300 ac. of land graunted to Capt. .Jo: Endicott to 
enioyto him and his heires forever called in the Indean tonge Wah 
quaniesehcok, in English Birchwood, bounded on the south side with a 
ryvere call in the Indean tonge Soewampenessett, comonly called the 
Cowe howse ryver, bounded on the North side with a ryver called in the 
Indean tonge Conamabsquooncant, comouly called the Ducko ryver, 
bounded on the East with a ryver leadeingopp to the 2 ftirmer ryvers, 
which is called in the Indean tonge Orkhussunt, otherwise knowen by 
the name of Wooleston ryver, bounded on the West with the niaiiio 
land." 

Very soon the Governor entered with characteristic 
energy upon the work of clearing his grant. He came 
up in his shallop bringing men well equipped with 
tools, of which the ax was all important. Within a 
year seven thousand palisades were cut, and ground 
was broken for Indian corn. Very early the grant 
took the name of the " Orchard Farm," and the ex- 
tent to which the Governor carried the raising of 
fruit trees may be judged from the fact that some fif- 
teen years after he began his attack on the wilderness 
he gave five hundred of them to Captain Trask for 
two hundred and fifty acres of land. For some years 
the only neighbors were wolves and Indians, and 
until his men opened roads there was no thoroughfare 
to town except by water. Just where the Governor 
is su|)po.sed to have made his original landing a high 
railroad bridge spans the river, and on the slope be- 
27 i 



tween the river and the site of the homestead there 
may be seen from the car windows the famous Endi- 
cott pear tree. Just exactly how it came there, whether 
from the seed or by transplanting, is not known, 
but tradition clings with the firmest grip to the asser- 
tion that the Governor's own hands in some way had 
to do with this very living tree, which now for two 
hundred and fifty years has each spring put on the 
verdure of fresh youth. The Orchard Farm was a 
sort of training school to which presently the sons 
of well to do settlers were glad to come to learn the 
Governor's methods of agriculture which they Later 
applied to their own farms. The little army of de- 
fence within the " palisadoes " received a supply of 
equipments on the 27th of the fourth month, 10.30. 

"This day \v.a6 brought into town and carried up to Mr. Etidicott's 
these corslets following, viz. : eighteen back peices, eighteen belly 
peices, eighteen peices of tassys, eighteen head peices of three sorts and 
but seventeen Gorgets. Itim sixteen Pikes & nineteen swords." 

On the 27th of the eleventh month, 10.30, John 
Woodbury, Captain Trask and John Balch were di- 
rected to "layout 200 acres for Mr. Endicott next 
adjoining the land which was formerly granted him.'' 
This Wits a town grant — the simple but all important 
act of March 3, 1635, giving jurisdiction to towns 
over their own lands having then been passed — and 
was called "The Governor's Plain." It is that which 
lies at the foot of Hog Hill, — its more deserving 
and euphonious name. Mount Pleasant, — and includes 
Felton's Corner, the Collins House property and the 
adjacent lands. 

The river which makes up from the ocean to D.an- 
versport there divides into three branches, much as 
one may spread the first three fingers of the hand. 
These rivers, beginning with the lowest, are known 
as Water's, Crane and Porter's. The Orchard Farm 
comprised the peninsula or neck between Waters and 
Crane; that between Craneand Porter's, upon which 
the principal village of Dan versport is, was granted 
contemporaneously with the Orchard Farm, to the 
Rev. Samuel Skelton, a minister of Salem, in these 
words : 

" There is another necke of land lyeing about 3 myles from Salem 
cont. aboute '200 ac. graunted to Mr. Sam*l Skeltou to enioy to him and 
his heires for ever, called by the Indeans Wahquack, bounded on the 
South opon a little ryver, called by the Indeans Conanuihsquooncant, 
opon the North abutting on another ryver called by the Indeans Pono- 
menneuhcant, and on the East on the same ryver." 

For a long time the land included in this grant was 
known as Skelton's Neck, but it will be seen that un- 
til the middle of the last century it remained utterly 
unsettled. 

The land next adjoining the Orchard Farm and 
northerly of the Governor's Pi.ain, was thus disposed 
of on the 11th of the eleventh month, 1035. 

*' Granted by the freemen of Salem the day and year above writt<'n 
unto Mr. Townaend Byshop of the same bis heirs and assigns forever ono 
farm conteyning three hun<lred acres hutting uiion Mr. Eiidicott's 
Farme on the East and four hundred poles in length and 8i.v sconi poles 
in breadth, that is to say six score and four at tiie west end anil ono 
hundred and sixteen at the East end, bounded by the water between tho 



426 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



furine of the Executors of Mr. Skclton, an (?) him at the North eost 
corner of liis fiirnu', nnd hath there allowcil from Mr. Eridicott's Famie 
Eight acres for uii hishwiiy, is homidi'd again at tlie soutliwcst corner Ijy 
the IJrooU, provided always that in case of sale, tlie Town of Salem to 
have the firet proffer of it before any oilier. 

Hogor Conant. 

.Icdin Elidicott. .Tellrey Massey. 

Thomas (Jardiuer. Kdni. Hatter." 

This was the grant in the midst of which was the 
famous Rebecca Nourse house, which is still standing. 
The house was Bishop's mansion, built when he first 
occupied the land. He wa.s one of the judges of the 
local court and was otherwise honored, but he fell 
from grace on the question of infant baptism, and 
after a few years he concluded to sell out, perhaps to 
seek a place where he could think as he pleased. He 
sold to Henry Chickering, who held it from 1641 to 
1048, and then .sold it to Governor Endicott who, 
witli this purchase, owned about a thousand acres, 
running from the iron foundry to beyond the Collins 
Street station. The price was one hundred and 
sixty pounds. The Governor settled the Bishop farm 
upon his oldest son, John, when he was married, 1653 
and gave him the deed in 1662. After the death of 
the Governor, in 1665, there was a controversy over 
the settlement of his estate regarding this property, 
but the deed held, and instead of passing to Zerub- 
babel, the surviving brother, when John died without 
issue in 1668, it was adjudged to have been John's in 
fee, and he, by will, left it to his widow. She 
mourned from February to August, then married a 
Boston minister. Rev. James Allen, and died in five 
years, leaving the farm to him. Five years later Mr. 
Allen sold out to Francis Nourse for four hundred 
pounds. This was April 29, 1678 ; the real estate had 
more than doubled since the Governor bought it. 
Very likely the ])rice was governed somewhat by the 
terras of the sale, which gave the grantee twenty-one 
years in which to pay the whole purchase money. 
During this time a series of long and bitter disputes 
and law-suits arose as to the boundaries of the farm 
which, though resulting favoral)ly to the Nourses and 
adversely to the owner of the Orchard Farm, doubt- 
less had its influence in the disaster which befel the 
family when the aged mother was taken away to die 
on the gallows, a condemned witch. In a little grove 
just west of the historic house, where are other family 
graves, a substantial monument marks her resting- 
place. It was erected a few years ago as the result 
of a movement began in lS7r), by which her descen- 
dants organized the "Nourse Monument Association." 
The inscription contains these lines written by Whit- 
tier: 

"OClin'stian Blartyr, 

Who for Truth could <lie, 
When all about tlice 

Owned the hideous lie I 
The world redeemed 

From Superstition's sway 
Is breftthlug freer 

For thy sake to-day." 

Just outside the northwestern corner of the Bishop- 



Nourse farm, near the angle of Prince Street, at 
" Muddy Boo," were to be seen, until quite recently, 
certain de[)ression8 which were the remains of ancient 
wolf-pits. 

Having mentioned the two sons of Governor Endi- 
cott, let here a word be said of his descendants. John 
left no children. Zcrubbabel, who lived on the orch- 
ard farm, was a physician. His second wife was a 
daughterof Governor Wiiithrop,and he had five sons, 
of whom John went to England and there followed 
his father's profession ; Zcrubbabel and Benjamin 
lived in Topsfield ; Joseph went to New Jersey, and 
Samuel remained at home and married Hannah, a 
daughter of Nathaniel Felton, of Felton's Hill. The 
widow, Hannah Endicott, married Thorndike Proctor, 
who in 1764 bought the little old building which was 
the first meetiug-house of Salem, moved it to his land 
near Boston Street, where it was used first as a tavern 
and later as part of a tannery until 1865, when it was 
restored and moved to the rear of Plummer Hall by 
the Essex Institute, and has since been visited by 
thousands. Samuel Endicott had four children, but 
he died when thirty-five years old, leaving his only 
son, Samuel, a boy of seven, the only representative 
of the name in the vicinity of the home of his fathere. 
But this boy lived to re-establish the family, and died 
an old man and " captain " in 1766, and was buried in 
that Endicott family burying-ground, which is plainly 
in sight across the river from the Danversport rail- 
road station. One of his sisters married Benjamin 
Porter, the other Martin Herrick. Captain Samuel 
had a dozen children ; of his sons John, the oldest, 
kept the orchard farm ; and of his wife, Elizabeth 
Jacobs, it is related that she was at the South Meet- 
ing-house when Colonel Timothy Pickering halted 
his men on the way to Bunker Hill, and cried out in 
patriotic zeal : " Why on earth don't you march ; 
don't you hear the guns at Charlestown ? " The farm 
passed next to another John, oldest son of John and 
Elizabeth, one of whose brothers, Robert, married a 
daughter of Minister Holt, of South Parish, and es- 
tablished an Endicott family in Beverly. The oldest 
son of this last John was Samuel, who married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of William Putnam, of Sterling, Mass., 
in 1704, and was the father of the wives of Francis 
and George Pe:Uiody, of Salem, and of William Put- 
nam Endicott, who was born in 1803, graduated at 
Harvard in 1822, and is still living in Salem, and the 
father of William C. Endicott, Secretary of War. The 
orchard farm is retained in this branch of the family, 
its present owner being William Endicott, of London, 
England, and is this summer (1887) undergoing ex- 
tensive improvements at his hands. 

Ellas Endicott, son of Captain Samuel, was chris- 
tened in 1729; married Eunice Andrews; died in 
1779, was buried in the Plains burying-ground, and 
left six children : Anna, married Israel Putnam, and 
became the mother of Hon. Ellas Putnam; Elias 
Endicott, Jr., who was one of the early shoe manufac- 



DANVERS. 



427 



turers, and lived where his grandson, Elias Eudicott 
Porter now lives; Israel, who was a mason, lived in 
the brick house at the Port, which descended to his 
son, William ; Mary was the wife of Zerubbabel Por- 
ter, whose son Alfred was the father of Elias Endi- 
cott Porter ; and Margaret (" Aunt Peggy ") died un- 
married. 

The tirst and most distinguished name in our early 
annals has become, in the male line, utterly extinct. 
In the Danvers directory the name of Endicott ap- 
pears but once, — " Lydia W., widow of William." 
The late AVilliam Eudicott was one of the early anti- 
slavery men, was one of the last of the Danvers- 
port sea-captains, often served as moderator of town- 
meetings, and was otherwise prominent in local af- 
fairs; his dausrhter, Mrs. H. G. Hyde, resides in 
Danvers, and two sons in Haverhill. 

Ante-dating the Bishops' grant by a month was one 
of three hundred acres to Robert Cole. This covers 
the region back of Hog Hill, including Proctor's cor- 
ner and extending a mile or more towards West Pea- 
body. After a short time Cole sold to Emanuel 
Downing, a brother-in-law of Governor Winthrop, a 
hiwyer, a man of such high repute and so desirable an 
acquisition to the colonists that before he arrived a 
grant of five hundred acres was given him by the 
town. This he sold to John Porter; it included the 
Bradstreet farm near the Topsfield line. 

Downing's son George, who was one of the first 
graduates of Harvard, became Sir George Downing, 
a |irominent figure in the history of the Old Country 
in Cromwell's time. The old Ipswich road, the first 
highway counecting Lynn and Boston with the north- 
ern settlements, was laid out through this land, and 
in 1648 one of his tenants was allowed to keep an 
"ordinary " to accommodate travelers. For a time 
theDowningslettbe farm, and in 16G() it was occupied 
by John Proctor, who subsequently bought a part 
of it. Proctor, who came from Ipswich, was a strong 
man in every sense, and he was one of the conspicu- 
ous victims of the witchcraft delusion. Many of his 
descendants have been prominent citizens of South 
Danvers, where the family is still well represented. 

The land uext ea.st of Downing's, in the midst of 
which is the beautiful Rogers estate, was granted, 
three hundred acres, to Thomas Read, who, with 
others, went back to England to bear a hand in the 
coming revolution. In 1701 it was sold to Daniel 
Epps, the famous school-master, concerning whom it 
was in Kul "Voated that the sele<-tmen shall take 
care to provide a house for Mr. Epps to keep skoole 
in." The honor of his name was preserved through 
several generations by men distinguished in our local 
annals. 

The long, high hill south of the Governor's 
plain was from the first the home of the Feltons. 
The old homestead at the end of the road which runs 
from the Ipswich road along the top of the hill was 
built more than two hundred years ago, and the Na- 



thaniel Felton who now owns and occupies it comes 
near to being the seventh Nathaniel in direct line. A 
Jonathan in the third generation is the only break. 
Besides the inclosed burying-ground, where the Ips- 
wich road makes its steep climb, in which old 
stones and new contain the names of Proctor and 
Felton, there are here and there on the hillside traces 
of more ancient and unmarked graves. 

The tract adjoining the Bishop-Nourse farm on the 
north, covering the village of Tapleyville and ex- 
tending from Ash Street to a little beyond the meet- 
ing-house, at the Centre, was granted to Elias Stile- 
man. The latter sold in l(i48to Richard Hutchinson, 
who came over in 1634, with his infant son, Joseph. 
Hutchinson was also one of the grantees of the large 
tract which included Whipple's Hill, named for the 
husband of his granddaughter, and in 1637 he was 
granted twenty acres on the meadow back of the 
meeting-house, on condition that he should "set up 
plowing." He died in 1681 at the full age of four 
score, " a vigorous and intelligent agriculturist and a 
man of character." It will be seen presently how the 
lower portion of his estate descended through his 
son-in-law in an unbroken line of Putnams — the 
Judge Putniuu farm. The upper portion fell to Jo- 
seph Hutchinson, who was, like his father, a prominent 
and influential man, of sound sense and plain words. 
He it wiis who out of his homestead lauds gave one 
acre for the first meeting-house and later contributed 
several more towards a home for the first preacher. 
The family name is still well represented in the 
neighborhood. The most distinguished name in tlie 
family history is that of Colonel Israel Hutchinson, 
ef Revolutionary fame, of whom a notice appears 
elsewhere. He was the son of Elisha, who died be- 
fore 1730. Elisha was the son of Joseph, who out- 
lived the son some twenty years; Joseph was the son 
of that Joseph who was brought over from England 
in his infancy. A brother to Colonel Israel's father 
was Ebenezer; Ebenezer's son was Jeremy, who mar- 
ried a daughter of Asa Putnam, and lived from 1738 
to 1805 ; one of Jeremy's sous was Joseph, who was 
born in 1770, married Phebe Upton, of North Read- 
ing, and died in 1S32, leaving two sons to become 
heads of families — Deacon Elijah Hutchinson and 
Benjamin Hutchinson, both now deceased. The 
home of Deacon Elijah was the house just west of 
Nathaniel IngersoU's training-field, formerly " the 
home of the widow Eunice Upton, inholder." Three 
fine residences just beyond are those of Deacon 
Elijah's sons, W^arren, Alfred and Edward. 

Next west of the Stileman-Hutchinson land was 
the grant of Francis Weston, which covered the land 
extendiug westerly from the church towards the 
turnjjike. Westou was such a man as to be chosen 
one of the three Representatives of Salem in the first 
House of Deputies, but like Bishop he was too toler- 
ant for the age, and was invited to leave, in 1638, and 
his wife was treated to an experience in the stocks. 



428 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



Six years later it was sold by one John Pease to 
Richard IngersoU and his son-in-law, Wm. Haynes. 
Ingersoll had come over in 1629, and was granted 
eighty acres at Eial Side. January 12, 1636-37, 
" Richard InkersoU is to have Id. for every person he 
may carry over the North Ferry, during the town's 
pleasure." He was for a time lessee of the Bishop- 
Nourse farm, and shortly after this purchase of the 
Weston grant he died. He was another of the right 
sort of men, and his son, Nathaniel, was one of the 
brightest character.s of our early history. 

Nathaniel was but eleven years old when his father 
died. His mother married again, and soon the lad 
found a home with Governor Endicott, not that he 
was driven to this step, but probably only as other 
boys and young men were glad to be educated in the 
practical agricultural college at the Orchard Farm. 
"I went to live with Governor Endicott as his servant 
four years." He was nineteen when he went back to 
the land which his father had left him, and near by 
the present parsonage of the First Church, he built a 
house of more generous proportions than were com- 
mon. Here, to the end of his three-score and ten, he 
was mine host of an open house, the resting-place of 
weary travelers, the meeting-place on all sorts of oc- 
casions of the villagers. Its ample public-room was 
at once town-house, church and military headquarters, 
and the whole-souled landlord was looked upon as 
the natural arbiter of neighborhood quarrels. He 
was a just man, whose guide of life was the golden 
rule, and the love and respect universally accorded 
him were but the natural tribute to his worth. There 
is nothing out of harmony with such a chai-acter in the 
following permit granted in 1673, though at present 
men of his stamp are not found keeping bar: "Na- 
thaniel Ingersoll is allowed to sell bear and syder by 
the quart for the tyme whyle the farmers are a build- 
ing of their meeting-house and on Lord's days after- 
wards." When his only child, a little girl, died, he 
and his wife took and brought up Benjamin, one of 
the sons of his neighbor Joseph Hutchinson, who 
was "an obedient son until he came of one and 
twenty years of age." Ingersoll was not rich, but he 
gave the young man a liberal marriage gift out of his 
comparatively smuU farm. This was but one of a 
series of gifts of land. AVhen the church was organ- 
ized, as will hereafter appear, Nathaniel Ingersoll 
and Edward Putnam were colleagues as first deacons. 
It will be seen that Deacon Putnam's farm was on 
the Middleton line two or three miles from the 
church, and in 1714 he had reached a time when a 
man sees old age approaching. Ingersoll desired his 
dear friend to pass his declining years in the com- 
fortable proximity to the church which he had him- 
self ever enjoyed. Therefore, " for the good affec- 
tion " which he bore to him, he freely gave Deacon 
Putnam "a piece of land bounded northerly upon 
the land of Joseph Green (the minister) next to his 
orchard gate, westerly on the highway, and southerly 



and easterly on ray land," and thither, it is thought, 
Deacon Putnam came to dwell. When pipes were 
laid for the water-works, an old well was dug into, 
thought to have been his. Long before this he had 
given four acres and a half to Rev. Samuel Parris. 
By his will he gave the church fifty shillings " for the 
more adorning the Lord's Table, to be laid out in 
some silver cup." He gave a life estate in the lands 
of which he died possessed to his wife, with remainder 
to his adopted son, except one piece, " a small parcel 
of land of .about two acres, that lyeth between Mrs. 
Walcots and George Wyotts by the highway, which I 
give to the inhabitants of Salem Village, for a train- 
ing place forever." Forever ! What better monu- 
ment can a man leave to his memory than a reserva- 
tion of land for the use of the public, forever. The 
pleasant common at Danvers Centre, bounded on one 
side by a street which bears the giver's name, is the 
old training-field of Nathaniel Ingersoll. These 
words are Mr. Upham's : "Within its enclosure the 
elements of the military art have been imparted to 
a greater number of persons distinguished in their 
day, and who have left an imperishable glory behind 
them as the defenders of their country, a brave yeo- 
manry in arms, than on any other spot. From the 
slaughter of Bloody Brook, the storming of the Nar- 
ragansett Fort and all the early Indian wars ; from 
the Heights of Abraham, Lake George, Lexington, 
Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Pea Ridge, and a hundred 
other battle-fields, a lustre is reflected back upon this 
village parade-ground. It is associated with all the 
military traditions of the country, down to the late 
Rebellion." 

About a mile northwest of the training-field is the 
high hill, upon which is situated the Danvers Luna- 
tic Hospital, ten great buildings in one, whose roofs 
and pinnacles and central tower are seen for miles 
around, and form a landmark for fishermen far out in 
the harbor. This hill was in the midst of a grant to 
Captain William Hathorne, soldier, lawyer, judge, 
legislator, whose " many imployments for towne and 
countrie" were publicly recognized. A well-pre- 
served old house in which Francis Dodge lived, when 
he .sold the farm to the State, stood just south of the 
main building. Two hundred years ago it was the 
home of Joshua Rea. The hill retains the uame of 
Hathorne. 

Thus the line of original grants swept in ward from the 
Orchard Farm. Still to the westward three hundred 
acres near the crossing of the two turnpikes were 
owned as early as 1650, by Job Swinerton, whose 
brother was a physician in Salem town. Job Swiner- 
ton had formerly lived on the place now owned by 
Andrew Nichols, Jr. ; he sold this to John Martin, 
and Martin to Dale. From the latter, who was the 
ancestor of Surgeon General Dale and of those of the 
name in Danvers, came the name "Dale's Hill." 
Swinerton died in 1689, nearly ninety years old. One 
of the old Swinerton homesteads stood where Daniel 



DANVERS. 



429 



P. Pope lives, and some parts of the original estate 
are still owned and occupied by Swinertons. The 
tract between the Swinerton grant and the Ipswich 
River, on both sides of the Andover turnpike, was 
granted in lti48 to Captain George Corwin, a rich 
merchant of Salem. William Cantlebury purchased 
three-quarters of this laud. "Buxton's Lane" per- 
petuates the name of John Buxton, a son-in-law of 
Cantlebury, and a man whose name appears with 
Nathaniel Ingersoll's and a few others, on a bond 
which saved the Rev. George Burroughs from unjust 
imprisonment. Some five hundred acres south of 
(Jorwin's grant, and covering luuch of West Peai)ody, 
came, by numerous conveyances, to be owned by 
Robert Goodell, some of which is still owned by de- 
scendants of the same name. 

The present residence of Rev. Willard Spaulding, 
in West Peabody, stands on the site of the first Pope 
homestead. The land about it was first granted in 
l(i40, to another man of the cloth, the Rev. Edward 
Norris, pastor of the First Church of Salem. It was 
bought by Joseph Pope in 1664, and his homestead, 
which remained in the family until 1793, when it 
w:us sold to Nathaniel Ropes, of Salem, was standing 
thirtj' years ago. 

Joseph Pope came over in the " JIary and John," 
in 1634. He and his wife Gertrude were both in sym- 
pathy with the Quakers, and were excommunicated. 
He died about 1667, leaving nine children. Three 
sons founded families, — Joseph, Benjamin and Sam- 
uel. Samuel married Exercise Smith, whose parents 
were persecuted Quakers in Governor Endicott's 
time. It is through Joseph that most of the Popes 
in this vicinity trace their ancestry. Joseph's wife, 
Abiah Folger, of Nantucket, was an aunt of Benja- 
min Franklin. They had four sons to grow up. 
Three of them, — Euos, "clothier;" Eleazer, "cord- 
wainer;" and Nathaniel, "blacksmith," went to Sa- 
lem. In 1S13 the third Enos, who followed the busi- 
ness which the first began, died at the age of ninety- 
two, the oldest man in Salem. Joseph, oldest of the 
four sons of the second Joseph, was born in 1687, 
married Mehitable Putnam, and died in 1755. While 
he was in occupation of the homestead young Israel 
Putnam, afterwards major general, came and married 
his daughter Hannah. Israel Putnam went to Pom- 
fret, Conn., and so did his wife's oldest brother, Jo- 
seph. The sons of another brother, Ebenezer, were 
of Salem, while Eleazer's descendants are found 
principally in Vermont. Another brother, Na- 
thaniel, kept alive the family name at the village. 
He lived from about 17:24 to 1800, married first, a 
daughter of Jasper Swinerton ; second, a daughter of 
Peter Clark, the minister. Among his children were 
Mehitable, wife of Caleb Oakes, and mother of the 
distinguished botanist, William Oakes ; Amos Pope, 
the father of Zephauiah ; and Elijah. Elijah died in 
1846, eighty years old; the last of his sons. Jasper, 
died while yet these notes are unfinished, .lunc, 1887, 



having reached an age some five years greater than 
his father's. Jasper leaves no children living. The 
Popes now living here are the children and grand- 
children of the late Nathaniel and of the late Eli- 
jah. 

Going back to Skelton's Neck, the territory just 
north thereof, aptly called the Plain, or, more 
commonly, the Plains, was originally granted to 
Samuel Sharp, "the godly Mr. Sharp who was ruling 
elder of the church of Salem." It will later appear 
what became of this and other lands reaching toward 
the Topsfield line. East of the Topsfield road, one 
hundred and sixty acres, of which Augustus Fowler's 
farm is a part, was granted to Daniel Rea, who first 
came to Plymouth and then to Salem. He died in 
1662, and his only son, Joshua, founded an influen- 
tial and widely connected family, though the name 
has passed out of the voting lists. Daniel Rea, son 
of Joshua, was living in Mr. Fowler's house two hun- 
dred years ago. To the eastward of the Reas, the 
Birch Plain region, the Rev. Hugh Peters had a grant 
of two hundred acres, which, after his execution, was 
sold by Captain John Corwin's widow to "Henry 
Brown, Jr., of Salisbury, yeoman." P)riiwns are still 
living on a part of the estate. Far to the east, in 
what is now North Beverly, the land including Cher- 
ry Hill was one of the first grants. It was given to 
William Alford in 1636, and the hill was long called 
after his name. He sold to Henry Herrick, a younger 
son of Sir William Herrick, of Beau Manor Park, 
and the good blood of the ancestors showed itself in 
the sterling character of many of the descendants. 
Tlie land between Cherry Hill and the Burley Farm, 
originally granted to John Holgrave, was later occu- 
pied by two Reas, two Bishops, a Watts and Captain 
Thomas Raymond. The latter was of a family of 
military renown; Colonel J. W. Raymond, now one 
of the County Commissioners, is a descendant. Three 
Raymonds were in the Narragansett fight, and one, 
John, was the first to enter the narrow pass to King 
Phillip's redoubt, which proved fatal to so many who 
went out from this vicinity, among others to Captain 
Joseph Gardner, son-in-law of Emanuel Downing, 
and to Charles Knight, Thomas Flint and Joseph 
Houlton, Jr., members of his company. 

Covering the Burley Farm, east of Frost fish Brook, 
were some two hundred and fifty acres originally be- 
longing to Charles Gott, Jeftrey Massey and others, 
a neighborhood for some time called " Gott's Cor- 
ner." To the southward of the Ipswicli road 
were the farms of the Barneys and Leaches, through 
which runs the road to Beverly town. Folly Hill 
was then Leach's Hill, and its length was bisected by 
the division line between the farms of the two fami- 
lies. Both names have passed away from the 
locality ; in the little burying-ground by the high- 
way in which doubtless are nameless graves, one is 
marked with the name of JIartha, wife of Richard 
Leach, who died in 1756. 



430 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



From the head of canoe navigation at Frostfish 
Brook, by the way, there began a well-defined Indian 
trail, leading, Mr. Nichols says, as far north as Cana- 
da. A glance at the county map shows that the lo- 
cation was well-chosen as a terminus of such a 
trail. 

All of this region from Beverly to Reading was 
known in very early times as "Salcra Farms," and 
the early settlers and their descendants were com- 
monly called " the Farmers." The settlement which 
grew up along the brooks, which come together near 
Peabody Square, was at first called Brooksby, later 
as the Middle Precinct, and became the South Parish 
of Danvers. Since 1855 it has been a separate town, 
and an account of its early settlers and growth be- 
longs to the history of Peabody, and will there be 
found. 

Hints of the character of some of the Farmers have 
been given. As a whole they were a sturdy, intelli- 
gent set of men, with the energy and vigor requisite 
to convert the wilderness into pleasant homes, jeal- 
ous of their rights, too prone to lawsuits, fair types 
of New England yeomanry. 

Presently, children who had been born upon the 
lands, intermarried, established themselves on farms, 
carved out of the ancestral acres, and took the places 
of the aged fathers. A feeling grew that they were 
separated, alike by distance and by manner of life, 
from the dwellers in the town. It was far to go to 
church over rough roads and in all weathers, and the 
church was the centre of all things. They wanted to 
be a parish by themselves and provide their own 
minister. In 1670 this desire was expressed in a pe- 
tition to the town, and some two years later the 
town's consent was ratified by an act of the General 
Court. October 8, 1672, the parish known as Salem 
Village was established ; October 8, 1872, the first 
church of Danvers observed the two hundredth anni- 
versary of that event. 

" All farmer.s," so ran the vote of the town, "that 
now are or hereafter shall be willing to join together 
for providing a minister among themselves whose hab- 
itations are above Ijiswich Highway, from the horse 
bridge to the wooden bridge at the hither end of Mr. 
Endicott's Plain, and from thence on a west line shall 
have liberty to have a minister by themselves and 
when they shall provide and pay him in a maintain- 
ance, that then they shall be discharged from their 
part of Salem minister's maintainance." The bounds 
of Salem Village, though a source of grievous dispute, 
e.specially between the farmers and " the Topsfield 
men," sub-tantially included all of the present town 
except the two necks of Danversport, a part of North 
Beverly, considerable of West Peabody and much of 
the town of Middleton. 

This Middleton land was an original grant of seven 
hundred acres to Governor Richard Bellingham, made 
by the General Court in 16.39. It was bought for two 
hundred and fifty pounds by two poor men, Bray 



Wilkins and John Gingle, who paid down a ton of 
iron and one pound in money, in all twenty-five 
pounds, and gave a mortgage back for the balance. 
They paid oflT the debt, Wilkins and his sons 
bought up the Gingle interest, and, in 1702, Wilkins 
died at great age, a patriarchal land-owner, in the 
midst of the farms and homes of his descendants. 
Though beyond the six mile limit, these lands were 
by special act of the General Court, in 1661, made a 
part of Salem. 

There were wit'iiin the village, twenty years after 
its establishment, some hundred and fifty houses. 
Among the farmers not already mentioned were Dan- 
iel Andrew, himself sometimes a school-master, and 
founder of a family in which a number have followed 
that calling ; the Flints, pome of whom remain 
on the lands of their ancestors in West Peabody ; 
Joseph Houlton, the honored head of a fine family, 
most conspicuous among whom is Samuel Holten, 
whose name will often appear in these annals ; the 
Kettels, a name now extinct here ; the Needhams, 
whose farms were divided by the village line, are still 
represented in West Peabody by descendants of the 
family name ; Robert Prince, of whom the late Moses 
Prince was a descendant in the fifth generation, the 
latter a man who was eminently distinguished for the 
extent and accuracy of his knowledge of local history. 
The Prince farm contained about one hundred and 
fifty acres and the house which Robert occupied and 
probably built, is still standing on the estate of J. E. 
Spring. The widow of Robert married Alexander 
Osborne, and under that name she was one of the 
first three arrested for witchcraft, and was taken from 
this very house to Boston jail, where she died May 10, 
1692. 

Lying partly within the Village limits and partly 
in Topsfield, was the land of William Nichols, a 
large farm which he had bought about 16.50, of Henry 
Bartholemew. " Nichols Brook " which flows through 
these lands perpetuates his name. He lived to be 
very old and from his only son, John, came an exten- 
sive family. One of the most prominent figures in our 
local history during the first half of this century was 
Dr. Andrew Nichols, a son of Andrew of the sixth 
generation, and were it not for the fact that a notice 
of his life from the pen of his son Andrew will be 
found accompanying the engraving at the close of this 
sketch, it would be fitting at this point to pay a trib- 
ute to his worth. Andrew Nichols, civil engineer, son 
of the doctor, whose home is not far south of the old 
Nichols farm and whose land includes a part of the 
Prince land, of which latter family he is a descendant 
through the marriage of John Nichols and Elizabeth 
Prince, has written a genealogy of the Nichols family 
and has collected a rich store of material for local 
history. Abel Nichols, a brother of the doctor, wa-s 
the father of the late Abel Nichols, artist, father of 
Mrs. William E. Putnam and Lewis A. Nichols, and 
brother of the late Mrs. E. G. Berry. 



DANVEES. 



431 



In the extreme southeastern corner of the town, 
pleasantly situated on the southern bank of the river 
below the confluence of its three branches, is a very 
old anrl interesting house. It has always remained in 
the Jacolis family, whose ancestor, George Jacobs, 
was another of the victims of the witchcraft delusion, 
and, according to tradition, was hung on an oak tree 
on his own land and there also buried. It w.os his 
great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Jacobs, who married 
John Endicott and spoke out loud to Colonel Picker- 
ing as before related. She lived to be over ninety 
and died in 1809. Her ancestor had received from 
Salem a grant of a few acres and six " cow leases," on 
Rial Side, and it is recorded that the old lady used to 
tell how, before her marriage, she used to paddle a 
canoe across the river to milk the cows on this very 
land, and when the tide was out she would go across 
the flats on stepping-stones and wade the channel. It 
must be explained that the channel was much less 
deep then than now, and, although years ago it was 
written that " the stones are to be seen to this day," 
they are out of sight now beneath the mud. 

One of the sons-in-law of Francis Nourse was 
Thomas Preston, the ancestor of a family which has 
always had representatives prominent in local affairs. 
Much more space deserves to be here given them 
than can be afforded. The present Massey estate was 
long in the Preston family. There, a hundred years 
ago, lived Levi Preston, who married iMohitable 
Nichols, and was the father of eleven children. One 
of these, Levi, built the present meeting-house of 
the First Church ; Slehitable married Ebenezer 
Berry, inn-keeper ; Polly married Nathaniel Felton ; 
Sukey and Eliza, the brothers Asa and Nathan Tap- 
ley ; Daniel was the father of Major D. J. Preston, 
deputy sheriff and tax collector, recently deceased ; 
Abel, Hiram, William, .lohn and Samuel — not in the 
order of their birth — all of these went out from the 
house on the hill. John went not far. He married 
Clarissa, the only daughter of Joseph Putnam, the 
next neighbor, and building an addition to her 
father's place, they lived there. John Preston died 
May 28, 1876, in his eighty-sixth year. He was the 
oldest Free-Mason in town ; was many years a select- 
man; representative to the General Court; for many 
years chorister at the First Church in the days of 
'cello and double-bass ; was one of the early shoe 
manufacturers, and, after he gave up that business, a 
good farmer. His widow still survives, and her great 
age is mentioned in connection with the Putnams. 
His son, Charles P. Preston, resides on the site of the 
old house in which his father and grandfather, it 
might be carried farther, lived. According to the 
Directory of 1887, but three men in Danvers to-day 
bear this family name, two of whom are C. P. Pres- 
ton, just mentioned, and his son. 

Deacon Samuel Preston, brother of John, was one of 
the most distinctive figures, especially in the history of 
the First Church, of the past half-cenlury. In his later 



years, as became regularly to the ancient place of wor- 
ship, there was coupled with a venerable form and ap- 
pearance a youthful, elastic step. "There was no good 
service which he was not promjit, eager and faithful 
to render. He was of robust mind, of pure ta-stes, 
and he had a firm grasp of spiritual and eternal 
things." He read much and the best books, and it is 
not strange that in his family there is to be found a 
highly developed taste for literature. Miss Harriet 
W. Preston, the well-known authoress and magazine 
contributor, is his daughter. Something more of 
him in connection with the shoe businsss. 

Present space permits only this brief and incom- 
plete mention of the first settlers. Until 1752, when 
the district of Danvers was incorporated, the history 
of the parish of Salem Village is practically the his- 
tory of that part of the town which still retains the 
I name of Danvers, and its outline will be found in 
the chapter of church history. In the mean time 
some families thus far purposely omitted in the men- 
tion of the early .settlers will here be somewhat more 
fully noticed. 

The Putxams.— One of the most beautiful estates 
in Danvers is that known as Oak Kiioll, which owes 
much of its .attractiveness to the taste of its former 
owner, William A. Lander, Esq., of Salem. It is in 
the midst of pleasant surroundings, a mile's drive 
from the Plains, and pnssers-by peer through the trees 
to the unostentatious but comfortable mansion which 
will ever be memorable as the home of one who now 
for a number of years has been a member of the fami- 
ly of its present owners — the poet Whittier. But this 
very estate is, in itself, of deeper historical interest. 
It is the home of the first Putnam, the ancestor of that 
family which not only is to-day the largest and most 
distinctive of Danvers, but has its representatives far 
and wide, and has illumin.ated our national history 
with the names of many of its illustrious individuals. 

John Putnam, this progenitor, came from Buck- 
inghamshire, England, when well along in years. The 
land upon which he settled lay just north of Elder 
Sharpe's grant. Thislatter, resting on Skelton's Neck, 
and covering the whole of the present central village 
of the Plains, ran northwesterly to a point at the little 
pond at Beaver Dam. Putnam's land, including his 
own grant of a hundred acres, made in 1641, and 
previous grants to Ralph Fogg, Thomas Lathrop and 
Ann Scarlett spread out easterly from this |)oint, so 
as to cover nearly the whole territory west of the Tops- 
field road from Liudall Hill to beyond the Putnam- 
ville school-house. 

John Putnam had three sons, all born in the old 
country. Thomas, the oldest, was a young man of 
twenty-six at the time of his father's grant in Salem 
farms; he seems to have first struck out for himself in 
Lynn, where his character and good education f|uali- 
fied him to act as magistrate, and where ho married 
Ann Holyoke, sister to the grandfather of President 
Holyoke of Harvard College. Nathaniel who was 



432 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



just then arriving at iiis majority, and John, a lad of 
lifteen, probably came with their father to the new 
home at Beaver Dam. The father was one of the 
most energetic and successful of the pioneers, and be- 
came a very large land-owner. A few months before 
he died he bought, in company with John Hathorne, 
Richard Hutchinson and Daniel Rea, two very large 
tracts, the one including Hathorne's Hill and the sur- 
rounding territory ; the other Davenport's, afterwards 
Putnam's Hill, and the surrounding territory. It 
would seem as though the lion's share of these lands 
fell to the Putnams. 

John, the youngest son of the pioneer, married Re- 
becca Prince, and remained on the father's home- 
stead. 

Thomas, who had moved from Lynn to Salem town 
and married, some four years after his father's death, 
for his second wife, the rich widow of Nathaniel 
Veren, receiving as his double inheritance a portion 
of the original grant to Captain William Hathorne, 
built at the foot of the easterly slope of the hill which 
perpetuates the grantees' name, a house which, with 
subsequent additions, still remains, not only in per- 
fect preservation, but in the hands and occupation of 
Putnams, who are lineal descendants of the builder, 
and who cherish, with fond interest, the history and 
traditions of their family. This house is about a 
mile due west from Oak Knoll, and, according to the 
location of modern roads, is at the intersection of the 
highway to Middleton and the Newburyport turn- 
pike, and is directly opposite a fine avenue, which at 
this point begins its winding climb of Hathorne's 
Hill to the newjunatic hospital. 

Nathaniel, the other son of the pioneer, married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Hutchinson, the man 
who bought the original grant covering the whole re- 
gion of Tapleyville, from Walnut Grove Cemetery to 
the site of the first village church. It was on a part 
of this tract which came to him by this marriage that 
Nathaniel built his home. Though not itself standing, 
another house of respectable age stands on or near its 
site. Mr. Nichols thinks the origiiuxl house stood 
near the town gravel-pit, on Hobart Street. Not- 
withstanding the laying out of streets and house-lots 
in the most thickly settled portion of the town, in- 
cluding the grounds of the town-house, the Peabody 
Institute and the cemetery, some of the original farm 
remains about the house which, long the home of 
Judge Samuel Putnam, a lineal descendant of Na- 
thaniel, has of late years been owned by other Put- 
nams collateral to the Judge, but running back to 
the same ancestor. This Putnam estate, also very 
familiar, is on the main thoroughfare from the Plains 
to Tapleyville, something over a mile in a straight 
line, nearly south of Oak Knoll. It is on the banks 
of the stream which drains the meadows of Beaver 
Dam, and a short distance below the house the stream 
is met by another which drains the meadows far to 
the west and south. This confluence takes place in a 



natural basin easily and effectively dammed for water- 
power, and from very ancient times these Putnams 
have utilized this power for milling, just where Otis 
F. Putnam is to-day sawing, grinding and storing ice 
at the old stand. 

From these three homes, then, — -of Thomas, near 
Hathorne's hill ; of Nathaniel, near the mill-pond ; 
of John, at Oak Knoll, — came the three great families 
of Putnams. 

a. Tlic family of Thomas. — Thomas had three 
sons who became heads of families, — Sergeant 
Thomas, Deacon Edward and Joseph. The two for- 
mer pushed up a mile toward Middleton, and estab- 
lished them.selves close together on what is now Day- 
ton Street, near the railroad station at Howe's cross- 
ing. Joseph remained on the home place. 

No male descendants of Sergeant Thomas are left 
here. A short time ago William Putnam, an old 
man, died in his ninetieth year, in the old farm-house 
on the lower hill, directly in front of the hospital. 
He was the .son of Deacon Eben Putnam, and grand- 
son with three " greats " of Deacon Edward ; and of 
the two living sons of this old man, one, James War- 
ren, keeps the place, and, rare in these days, has a 
fine family of eight children, six of whom are boys, 
to keep the good deacon's name alive at home. The 
brother of William, Deacon Ebenezer, was the father 
of Rev. Hiram B. Putnam, now at Derby, N. H., 
and of Harriet Putnam. One of Deacon Edward's 
sons, Elisha, moved away to Sutton, Mass., and thus 
Danvers claims some of the honor which belongs to 
the name of General Rafus Putnam, son of Elisha, 
and a native of that town. 

No history of this town will be complete without a 
full account of the part which Danvers took in the 
settlement of the Northwest Territory. The earliest 
wagon-train, under command of Captain Hatfield 
White, a Danvers man, started on its long journey 
from here. Invitations have just been received by 
descendants of these pioneers to join in the great 
centennial celebration, to take place at Marietta in 
1888. 

General Rufus Putnam, Washington's friend, a fa- 
mous engineer of the Revolution, presided at the 
convention in Boston, March 1, 1786, at which the 
Ohio Company was formed, and April 7, 1788, he laid 
out at Marietta the first permanent settlement in 
Ohio. Major Ezra Putnam, his cousin, also a grand- 
son of Deacon Edward, was another of the Ohio 
pioneers. Nearer home, another descendant of Dea- 
con Edward, Oliver Putnam, honored the family- 
name by establishing at Newburyport the Putnam 
Free School. Another descendant was the late la- 
mented Professor John N. Putnam, of Dartmouth 
College. 

Both the second and third generations, and, indeed, 
at least one of the fourth generation of Putnams, 
played prominent parts, and some of them very unfor- 
tunate ones, in the terrible witchcraft tragedy which 



DANVEES. 



433 



spread over this neighborhood. Nearly alloftheni were 
deluded. How otherwise, when one of the worst atilict- 
ed of the "afflicted children" was the daughter of 
Sergeant Thomas Putnam, recorder of the parish, and 
oldest son of the richest man in the village? It 
struck the proud and powerful family to the centre, 
and they were not so superior to the unreason of the 
age as to see that spanking was much more needed 
than hanging. The sad, dark days of 1692! None 
who have grasped from the wonderful monograph of 
Mr. Upham anything of their reality will speak in 
jest of Salem witches. They were taken, most of 
them, from Danvers homes, homes still standing in 
our midst, and, condemned by blind terror in the 
name of Law, after mockeries of trial their necks were 
broken on the gibbet. The Putnams had a hand in 
this business, save one. Against the black back- 
ground there stands one grand stirring picture. It is 
of a young man twenty-two years of age standing at 
his farm-house door, with loaded firelock and saddled 
horse, ready to resist arrest or flee from overpowering 
force. It is Joseph Putnam, youngest of the sous of the 
first Thomas, who, in the face of brothers and uncles, 
from the first denounced the proceedings through and 
through. Such a course was almost sure death, and 
for six months gun and horse had been ready day and 
night. He had been married but a year to a young 
bride of less than seventeen, a granddaughter both of 
old John Porter and Major William Hathorne, and 
she was a worthy wife of a noble husband. It was 
this son who remained on his father's place, the one 
opposite the entrance to the hospital. 

They had three sons, this young couple, Joseph 
and Elizabeth, whose names were William, David 
and Israel. There is a little chamber in the oldest 
part of the old house, which, through the kindness 
of the occupants, is often visited with great interest. 
Perhaps here all three of these boys were born, but, 
alas for the heroes of peace, it is the heroes of war 
whom men most idolize, and as one enters beneath 
the oaken beams of the low ceiling, and sees in the 
quiet room the ancient furniture, the fire-place and 
other relics of long gone years, the mind strives only 
to grasp the strange reality that in this very spot 
that favorite hero of the Revolution, to whom tales 
of bravery and courage seem as commonly attributed 
as to the demi-gods of old, " Old Put,"' Major (ien- 
eral Israel Putnam, Washington's " uncut diamond," 
actually kicked and cried just like any other baby. 
The wolfs den, the rapid ride from the plow to the 
Lexington alarm, the tender of the first commission 
at Boston from the hands of Washington, the dashing 
plunge at Horseneck, the long service of one of the 
most trusted commanders, these and all other events 
of his distinguished life, had a sort of potential exist- 
ence in this same little room. 

He was a little more than twenty-one years old 
when the event happened to which this item found 
in an old memorandum book refer.s: "July ye 19 
28 



1739 Israel Putnam and Hannah Pope were married 
together." Immediately the young couple struck 
out, took a farm at Pomfret, Conn., and returned 
thither no more. The descendants of the general are 
numerous in the State of his adoption, in New York, 
and especially so, through his son. Colonel Israel, an 
officer with his father in the Revolution, about Mari- 
etta, O. ; and some also in Kentucky and other 
Southern States. 

William, the oldest brother of the general, had no 
sons. David, the next son, remained on the home 
place. It was a mistake to insinuate that Israel mo- 
nopolized the military spirit of the family. David, 
so Mr. Upham says, was a celebrated cavalry officer, 
but, being much older than Israel, flourished in the 
period anterior to the Revolution. Colonel Timothy 
Pickering used to mention as one of the recollections 
of his boyhood, that David Putnam " rode the best 
horse in the province." 

To follow briefly down the old house which may 
now understandingly be identified by the name it 
commonly bears, the " Old Put " house, David had 
these sons, — William, Joseph, Israel and Jesse. 
Joseph was "Deacon Joseph" of the Village Church, 
for whom David built that other Putnam house a 
short distance from his own, known as the "Colonel 
Jesse house." Of Colonel Jesse and his children, 
a few words farther on. 

William, eldest son of David, moved to Sterling, 
Mass. A daughter of his became the wife of Captain 
Samuel Endicott, of Salem, and their son, William 
P. Endicott, who married Miss Crowningshield, is the 
father of Hon. William Crowningshield Endicott, 
President Cleveland's Secretary of War. Another 
descendant of William Putnam, of Sterling, was the 
Rev. George Putnam, D.D., long and well known as 
pastor of the First Church of Roxbury. 

Jesse, the youngest son of David, was a graduate 
of Harvard, and a well known merchant of Boston, 
whose earlier residence was on Summer Street, near 
Trinity Church. His daughter Catherine was that 
lady of fine culture and patriotic spirit who, in her 
eighty-fifth year, presented a silk banner to the Put- 
nam Guards of Danvers as they went out to war. 

Israel, the third son of David, the fourth in line of 
ownership, remained on the old place, and from him 
it descended to the only one of his three sons who 
married, — Daniel. Daniel married the daughter of 
another Putnam, Stephen, whom we shall meet in 
the family branch of Nathaniel, and of his twelve 
children, two. Miss Susan and her brother Ansel W., 
are the present occupants of the historic house. The 
youngest daughter Julia, widow of Hon. John D. 
Philbrick, of whom something is written in cotinec- 
tion with our schools, resides nearly opposite. Allen, 
the oldest, and Benjamin Wadsworth, the youngest 
son, reside in Boston. Daniel and Ahira manufac- 
tured shoes in a shop still standing within the yard 
of the old house; the widow and a granddaughter of 



434 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Daniel, who reside here, are his only living represen- 
tutives; Ahira's son, Granville B., is a well known 
teacher in Boston, and the name of his other s-^n, 
Major Wallace A. Putnam, stands first on the monu- 
ment erected to the Danvers men, who lost their 
lives in the late war. Deacon William R. Putnam 
tilled his ancestral acres some thirty years, removed, 
to reside with his children at Redwing, Minn., in 
1874, and there died in 1886. The male lineage of 
the old General Putnam house runs back then thus, 
— Ansel, Daniel, Israel, David, Joseph, Thomas. 
There are now living but five grandsons of Daniel in 
the male line, and none of them live in Danvers. 

A few words concerning the family of Jesse, "Col. 
Jesse" before alluded to. He was himself one of the 
prominent and widely known citizens of his day, one 
of the foremost advocates of the early temperance 
reform and one of the strongest ojiponents of slavery. 
In his manner he was somewhat brusque, and, like 
his grandfather, he was fond of a good horse. 

He died in 1860, but his widow, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Silas Merriam, of Middleton, whom he 
married in her twentieth year, still living, celebrated 
November 14, 1884, her one hundredtli birthday. Rare 
event ; fitly celebrated. The " tribe of Jesse " were 
six .sons and six daughters, a family in all respects 
to be proud of. Four of the surviving five were 
present with their mother on the occasion just men- 
tioned. These twelve children were, in order, Cathe- 
rine, Andrew, Elizabeth, Francis P., Henry F., Cal- 
vin, Mary J., Martha A., Sarah W., Charles, Emily 
A. and John M. The latter lives on his father's 
place, and in his family is another Jesse. The other 
survivors are Calvin ; Sarah, widow of George W. 
Fuller; and Emily, widow of Rev. Richard T. Searle. 
Francis died at his home near by his father's a few 
years ago, much respected. Henry and Charles died 
in the West, the latter having been superintendent of 
schools in St. Louis. (M^.^. Putnam died September 
20, 1887, at the age of 102 years, 10 months, 6 days.) 

b. Hie family of Nathaniel. — N?thaniel, " Lieuten- 
' ant," — military titles were common in the family — 
had two sons, Benjamin and Jolm. The latter went 
beyond the westerly slope of Hathorne's hill and es- 
tablished himself near the Log Bridge over the 
Ipswich River, on the farm now owned by George H. 
Peabody. He was known as "Carolina John," and 
this name occurs on a rough diagram of a division of 
land drawn in ink cm the parchment binding of one 
of the old volumes of records in the registry of deeds 
at Salem. The site of his home is marked by a very 
old but well preserved house, situated beneath ancient 
elms, where the high land begins to slope to the 
river meadows. It was in the immediate neighbor- 
hood of the other river farms upon which the broth- 
ers Deacon Edward and Sergeant Thomas Putnam, 
cousins of this John, were settled. John had these 
sons, — Josiah, John, Amos, Samuel and Daniel. A 
grandson, Daniel, was a deacoti of the village church 



and lived close by his grandfather's place on one of 
the Peabody farms, and died in 1801, aged sixty-three 
years. Neither of the brothers, except John, leave 
descendants of the male line in Danvers. A descend- 
ant of Josiah, Hon. Harvey Putnam, born at Brattle- 
boro, Vt., in 1793, was a prominent lawyer in Schenec- 
tady, N. Y., a member of Congress, and his son, Hon. 
James O. Putnam, of Buffalo, has long been one of 
the most distinguished men of western New York. 
John, brother of Josiah, had three sons, — John 
Amos, Edmund. An eccentric old man well-known 
some years ago, published a rambling autobiographi- 
cal sketch called "The Life and times of Peter Put- 
nam." Peter's grandfather was the brother of Amos 
and Edmund, just mentioned, and their estate was on 
the turnpike, south of Hathorne's hill. 

Amos Putnam was a physician, and one ot the 
active |)atriotic spirits of Revolutionary times. His 
name often occurs in honorable connection on the 
records of the town. His residence was the brick 
house near Felton's corner, where afterwards the late 
Daniel Tapley lived. A son of Dr. Amos, James, 
also a physician, is to be remembered with his 
estimable wife who long survived him, as the parents 
of those two teachers " Hannah and Betsey," names 
always spoken together because they always taught 
together, and fondly cherished by many of our older 
people. Recently a number of the survivors of their 
old scholars met with Mrs. Harriet P. Fowler to con- 
sider the erection of a memorial over their hitherto 
unmarked graves. Something further of them will 
be found in the chapter on schools. 

Edmund Putnam, brother or rather half-brother 
of Dr. Amos, was "Deacon Edmund," whose name 
is revered by Universalists as the pioneer of the de- 
parture of that denomination from the old faith. He 
served as deacon in the village church from 1762 to 
1785, and died in 1810, aged eighty-six years. He 
lived in the old house standing between the Topsfield 
road and the railroad, a well preserved relic of witch- 
craft times, now owned by Augustus Fowler. Dea- 
con Edmund's sons were Andrew, Israel and Ed- 
mund. Israel was the father of Elias Putnam, 
"Squire Lias," a name at which the pen halts to find 
words of fitting tribute and then passes altogether, on 
the announcement that a distinguished son. Rev. Dr. 
Alfred P. Putnam, is to contribute a sketch of his 
father's life, to ajipear in subsequent pages of this 
book. In the number and character of descendants 
the line of Edmund, Israel and Elias is well repre- 
sented at home and abroad. 

Poplar and Locust Streets cross each other a third 
of a mile above the Square at the Plains. Both are 
ancient roads; the former, the old "Dyson Road" 
from Beverly to Andover; the other, the "Topsfield 
Road." At this corner was the old homestead of 
Judge Timothy Lindall. Speaking roughly, the roads 
cross at right angles, the Topsfield road running 
north, the Andover road running west. Another road, 



DANVERS. 



435 



now callecl Summer Street, starts from the Andover 
road about a half mile west i'rom the Lindall corner, 
and runs north parallel to the Topsfield road, till it 
meets a fourth road, now called North Street, which, 
starting: from the To]>sfield road a mile and a half 
above the Lindall corner, runs west, the " back road " 
to Topsfield. About the sides of the parallelogram 
which, still roughly speaking, is formed by these four 
roads, are a number of old Putnam homes. Oak 
Knoll, the family starting-point, is itself on the east- 
erly side of Summer Street, about midway of its 
length. The first Putnam to push much northward 
was Benjamin, elder of the two sons of Nathaniel. 
He was "Deacon Benjamin,'' who settled on the 
place now owned and occupied by Miss Goodhue, the 
very old house standing on or near the ancient 
site, being on North Street, midway between Summer 
Street and the Topsfield road. Deacon Benjamin 
died in 1714, fifty years old. By will he gave his son 
Daniel "one hundred and fifty pounds for his learn- 
ing." Daniel went to Harvard, and among his col- 
lege mates during the last year of his course was 
Joseph Green, son of the village minister. Daniel 
graduated in 1717, the first of a long list of subsequent 
graduates of the same name. He became a minister 
in North Reading, and died there, leaving descend- 
ants. 

Nathaniel, oldest son of Deacon Benjamin, moved 
back south to his grandfather's, Nathaniel's, place 
by the mill-pond. He, likewise, was a deacon, serv- 
ing twenty-three years, dying in 1754, and he was the 
father of still another deacon, Archelaus, who at one 
time lived where the late Gilbert Tapley died, and of 
whom the story is elsewhere told how he was the 
pioneer of Danversport. 

Tarrant Putnam, next son of Deacon Benjamin, 
and the first of a number of other Putnams to bear 
that peculiar name, was the father of Gideon, still 
another deacon, who died in 1811, eighty-four years 
old. Gideon was a store-keeper, who lived and car- 
ried on his business at the well-known corner where 
subsequently Jonas Warren, Daniel Richards, and 
the sons of the latter, succeeded him. It was 
Deacon Gideon who, by selling cheese in Revolu- 
tionary times at nine shillings per pound, was declared 
an enemy of his country, though he so far regained 
popular favor as to be sent soon after to the General 
Court. He will be remembered as the father of that 
distinguished citizen whose name has been already 
mentioned — Judge Samuel Putnam, who died about 
thirty years ago on the homestead estate of the origi- 
nal Nathaniel. He is remembered as an old gentle- 
man courtly and refined, of the manners of the old 
school, esteemed and respected by all who knew 
him. 

After a highly honorable and extensive practice at 
the bar, in which his severe application showed itself 
in the fruits of exact and comprehensive legal learn- 
ing, he was appointed in 1814, on the death of Chief 



Justice Sewall, to a seat on the bench of the Supreme 
Court. This he held until January 26, 1842. The 
late Alfred A. Abbott thus spokcof him at the celebra- 
tion of the centennial of the town, 1852 : " For more 
than a quarter of a century did he fulfill, ably and 
faithfully, the duties of his high station, doing his 
full part to sustain and elevate that reputation of our 
Supreme bench which has made its decisions standard 
and indisputable authority throughout the land. Our 
reports contain a great number of his opinions, elab- 
orate and rich, than which few are cited with more 
frequency, or held in greater respect. At length, 
when the weight of increasing years began to op- 
press him, Judge Putnam voluntarily put olf the judi- 
cial ermine, with a rare delicacy and commendable 
good sense resigning his lofty trust while yet his men- 
tal vigor was unabated, and retiring from his well- 
earned and still fresh laurels to the joys and comforts 
of private life. No one has illustrated the family 
name with a purer life, higher virtues or juster fame." 
He was the grantor of the lands of the Walnut Grove 
Cemetery, Peabody Institute and surrounding es- 
tates. He carried on the milling business before 
alluded to, and numerous documents are on file in 
the Town-House showing with what courteous firm- 
ness he asserted and maintained his rights whenever 
the mill privilege was in danger of being infringed, 
as when Sylvan Street svas laid out in 1842 over his 
dam. As early as 1820, so wrote an aged citizen a 
few years ago. Judge Putnam was the only man in 
Essex County who laid in ice for market. Then the 
ice was cut from the pond with an axe, loaded upon 
sleds without tools, stored in a cellar built for that 
purpose and was delivered to consumers with the 
naked hands. A load was driven twice a week to 
Salem. This cellar held but a hundred tons; the 
present harvest is more than five thousand tons. The 
descendants of Judge Putnam reside chiefly in Bos- 
ton. A son, Samuel R., married a sister of James 
Russell Lowell, and their son. Lieutenant William 
Lowell, fell bravely fighting at Ball's Blufi' in ISGl. 
His mother was the writer of a remarkable series of 
sketches on Hungary at the time of the struggle of 
Kossuth and his compatriots for liberty. Dr. Charles 
G. Putnam, second son of the judge, was an eminent 
practitioner in Boston, president of the Massachu- 
setts Medical Society, and through his generosity the 
town possesses a substantial memorial of the family 
in the reservation known as Pickering Park, at the 
meeting of several streets laid out through the old 
farm. This was presented to the town by Dr. Putnam 
in 1875. 

Deacon Tarrant Putnam, uncle to Judge Samuel, 
was the father of Dr. Israel, of Bath, Me., and Tar- 
rant, a New York merchant of great wealth. A son 
of Dr. Israel is Hon. William L. Putnam, ex-mayor 
of Portland and a leading lawyer there, at ])resent 
prominent as representing the United States in the 
fishery controversy with the Dominion. 



436 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Just opposite the junction of Summer and North 
Streets, situated on a high hill at the northwest cor- 
ner of the parallelogram and looking directly south- 
erly to Oak Knoll is a pleasant old farm-house known 
as the Wallis farm. This was the home of Benjamin, 
one of the seven sous of Deacon Benjamin and the 
ancestor of Benjamin C. Putnam, now of Danvers, 
the sixth Benjamin in line. The fourth son of Dea- 
con Benjamin, and the last to be here mentioned, was 
Stephen. He pushed around to the easterly side of a 
long high hill which monopolizes much of the north- 
erly portion of the land included by the roads spoken 
of and which fittingly bears the name of Putnam's 
Hill, and established himself on the site of the pres- 
ent residence of Henry A. White. The descendants 
of Stephen have been more conspicuous and are at 
present more numerously represented than any others 
of this branch of the family. The old house is still 
remembered by some, standing under a great willow, 
beneath which was a large horse-block. Here, as 
well as on some other estates, slaves were kept ; one, 
" old Rose," was bought in Jamaica by the pound. 

The sons who grew up on this hill-side farm in- 
cluded Timothy, a Tory, who went to Nova Scotia ; 
Moses, a Harvard graduate of 1759, who went to Wil- 
ton, N. H. ; Phinehas, Aaron and Stephen, Jr. 
Phinehas went westward and established his home a 
half a mile north of the " Old Put " house ; of 
his five sons, Joseph remained at home, and Charles 
P. Preston, a son of his only child Clarissa, widow of 
John Preston, now in her ninety-fifth year, is the 
present owner and occupant of the premises. Mat- 
thew, another son of Phinehas, weut south to the 
Rebecca Nourse homestead of witchcraft history, 
which place has come down through another Matthew 
and Orrin to the heirs of the latter. Timothy, an- 
other son of Phinehas, came to the Plains and lived 
long on the site of the present residence of his grand- 
son, Otis F. Putnam; he was the father of Elbridge, 
Willard, Adrian and Gustavus, of whom the latter 
only survives, and through these sons, except Willard, 
numerous descendants of " Uncle Timmy " are living 
in the town. 

Pushing south from his father's home, Stephen's 
son Aarou went to the southern slope of Putnam's 
hill and probably built the pleasant old house 
which one can see through the leafy lane lead- 
ing in from the Topsfield road near the residence 
of Israel H. Putnam. Aaron had two sons to estab- 
lish families, Simeon and Rufus. Simeon's sons were 
Simeon, Aaron, Augustus, Edward B. and Israel H., 
the latter retaining the ownership of the old place ; 
the well known face and figure of the former, "Uncle 
Sim," for many years tax-collector, will be long re- 
membered ; he died April 14, 1880, in his seventy-fifth 
year. Rufus, soon after his marriage, struck out into 
a new quarter for the Putnams, and bought one of 
the old Leach homesteads, under the easterly sloj^e of 
Folly Hill ; William, the survivor of his two sons, is 



still living near the site of the old house in his eighty- 
fourth year; the other son, Rufus Putnam, after a 
long and honorable service as teacher in the higher 
schools of Salem, built about thirty years ago on his 
portion of his father's farm, the house in which he 
died in November, 1875. He brought back to his 
native town the ripe wisdom of mature years and the 
benefit of his counsel was often sought, especially in 
the settlement of estates. He was long pre^-ident of 
the Savings Bank, and long on the school committee; 
he was quiet in his life, of unspotted character, and 
greatly respected. 

To go back a step now to the farm of Stephen : 
Stephen, Jr., the youngest brother of Phinehas, Aaron 
and the others, just mentioned, remained at home. 
Stephen, Jr., was a carpenter who built or helped to 
build the village meeting-house of 1786, and he was 
the father of these children, — Stephen, Moses, .lacob, 
Susanna, Ruth, Samuel, Eben, Hannah and Sally. 
The first and the last two died unmarried. Moses 
and Samuel established themselves close by their 
graudfather's home, and each built up a large and 
successful shoe business in the neighborhood, which 
as an involuntary tribute to the energy and worth of 
these brothers has for some forty years borne the 
name of Putnamville. The old name of this locality 
to the Topsfield line was Blind-hole, after a swamp. 
Jacob learned the tanner's trade at Elias Endicott's, 
bought the old Frye"s Tavern, between Peabody and 
Salem, and built up a successful business there. George 
F. Putnam, of Salem and Boston, is his son. Eben, 
the last survivor of the children, came early down to 
Danvers Plains, in the days when there was no village 
to speak of, where now is the business centre of the 
town. Of the daughters, Susanna married Daniel 
Putnam, lived in the " Old Put " house, and was 
the mother of the present occupants. Ruth was the 
wife of Andrew Batchelder, and lived in the old 
Lindall house. A number of old clocks bear his im- 
print as "clock-maker;" by a second wife his de- 
scendants are likewise numerous and respectable. 

The three sons who remained at home all lived to a 
good old age, to be popularly known as "uncles'" — 
Uncle Moses, Uncle Sam and Uncle Eben — and were 
fathers of very large families. Uncle Moses was ac- 
cording to the tax-list of 1847 the richest man in 
town. Those next approaching him were Daniel P., 
Jonathan and Samuel King, Gilbert Tapley, Benja- 
min Porter, Samuel Putnam and Elias Putnam. He 
died September 10, 1860, in his eighty-fifth year. 
Four of his children are living, — Harriet, the wife of 
Deacon S. P. Fowler ; Susan, widow of Daniel F. Put- 
nam ; Moses; and Emeline, wife of Charles A. Put- 
nam, of Boston. Of Samuel's children, these, — Mary, 
widow of Elbridge Trask ; Thomas, Albert, Charles 
A. and Henry. Of Ebeu's children, these, — Edwin 
F. ; Elizabeth, wife of William Cheever, of Staten 
Island ; Margaret, widow of Joseph W. Ropes ; and 
Mrs. Hannah Bomer, in the west. 



DANVERS. 



437 



C. The family of John. It was "Lieutenant," 
afterwards" Captain " John, youngest of the tlirce sons 
of the pioneer, who remained on the original Putnam 
liomestead at Oak Knoll. He was impetuous, rough, 
ever ready to stand by his rights if need be with force 
and arms, but when the farmers realized that educa- 
tion was lax among them, it was this same man whom 
they selected " to take care that the law relating to 
the catechising of children and youth be duly at- 
tended,'' and to see " that all families do carefully 
and constantly attend the due education of their 
children and youth according to law." In his family 
the minister, George Burroughs, and his wife lived 
nine months in the year 1680, and on these beautiful 
jiremises where the poet is passing his declining 
years, the minister gave evidence of that great 
strength which twelve years later was credited to the 
devil and cost him his life. 

John Putnam had four sons, — Jonathan, James, 
Eleazer and John. Stretching eastward from Oak 
Knoll a broad fertile jilain lies between Lindall Ilill 
and Putnam's Hill. Skirting the northern limits of 
this plain was an ancient road, traces of which are 
yet visible, which coming from Wenham passed by 
Oak Knoll and so on through a part of the pleasant 
avenue which leads by the old Prince house, a relic 
of witchcraft times, which is now the farm-house of 
J. E. Spring's place, around Beaver Dam to the vil- 
lage church, a road over which, without doubt, many 
sad and anxious hearts passed to trial and condemna- 
tion in the terrible days of 1602. Just ojjposite the 
residence of the late Nathaniel Boardman, and in- 
cluded within his estate, is an old well-preserved 
house, the oldest in Putnamville. It marks the point 
at which a traveler coming across the meadow from 
Oak Knoll would strike the Topstield road, and 
thither Jonathan Putnam pushed out and built, it is 
thought at least a part of this very house. Jonathan's 
son Jonathan is the ancestor of Nathan T. Putnam 
and the descendants of his son David in town are the 
Boardman family. 

James, second son of John, seems to have taken 
the homestead. Oak Knoll. To follow down this in- 
teresting estate, it probably passed next to Jame.s' 
son Jethro, at any rate Jethro's son Enoch lived there. 
Colonel Enoch Putnam was one of the distinguished 
men of his time. He was forty -three years old when the 
Revolution broke out, and as a lieutenant in Colonel 
Hutchinson's Minute-men went to Lexington ; by 
good service in the war he won his higher title of 
colonel. It was the two daughters of Colonel Enoch 
whom two sons of Phinehas Putnam, Joseph and 
Timothy, married, and as Mrs. Preston, the aged 
lady before referred to is the daughter of Joseph, 
she is likewise the granddaughter of Colonel Enoch, 
and to a young lady, her own granddaugliter, has 
passed a ]>lain gold ring, worn quite smooth, but with 
this inscription legible, — " Eemember the giver. — 
E. P." The giver was the colonel and the wearer 



was the great-great-grandmother of the present 
owner. The only son of Colonel Enoch, Jethro, mar- 
ried a daughter of the distinguished Dr. Holten, and 
of his family the representatives of his son Philemon 
still live here. As Jethro went to live on the Holten 
place it is probable that about that time the old 
homestead went out of the Putnam family. Some 
fifty years it was owned by Nathaniel Smith ami 
wife, and was sold with sixty-five acres of land to 
William A. Lander, April 9, 1841. By subseqiu-nt 
purciuises Mr. Lander became owner of nearly as 
much more adjoining land. The old house was al- 
lowed to stand two or three years after the present 
residence was built. It stood on the level field where 
now is the pear orchard and not far from the old well 
and the large elm which was dug and planted by 
slave labor. Mr. Lander lived on the jdace which his 
own taste has made so beautiful until 1875, when he 
removed to Salem, and the place then piussed to its 
present owners, the family of the late Colonel Ed- 
mund Johnson, of Boston, who died in 1877. Mr. 
Whittier is a relative of the family, and has spent 
most of his time at Oak Knoll, a name which he him- 
self gave the estate. 

But another and later Putnam homestead, just this 
side of Oak Knoll, remained in the family much 
longer than the original homestead. It was probably 
built by James Putnam, an uncle of Colonel Enoch, 
and passed down through Archelaus to his son. Doc- 
tor Archelaus, then to his son, James A., whose heirs 
sold it to Mr. Lander.. 

John A. Putnam, of Danvers, is one of the children 
of James A. Hon. James Putnam, of whom Chief 
Justice Parsons said, " he was the best lawyer in 
North America," an uncle of Dr. Archelaus, was un- 
doubtedly born in this old house. He ])ractiscd in 
Worcester, and among his students was .lohn Adams, 
the second President; he succeeded Edmund Trow- 
bridge as Attorney-General of the province, was raised 
to the bench and held other high positions. But he 
threw the weight of his powerful influence and char- 
acter in favor of the Royalists and was proscribed as 
a Tory. 

Two (Jonathan and James) of the sons of Lieuten- 
ant John have been thus mentioned. The next (Ele- 
azer) went over to the site afterwards occupied by Phin- 
ehas Putnam, of the branch of Nathaniel, and now- 
owned by Charles P. Preston, Eleazer being of the 
third generation and Phinehas of the fifth. One of 
the sons of Eleazer, Henry went to Medford, and it 
will be read elsewhere how he followed his sons to 
Lexington and was killed. Samuel, another son, es- 
tablished his home where the late Sylvanus B. 
Swan died, which was long the home of Samuel's son, 
Eleazer, " Squire Ely," pronouncing it with the "E " 
long and the "ly" short, widely known and trusted 
as magistrate, surveyor and conveyancer. Of the 
'Squire's three sons, Ilev. Israel Warburton Putnam, 
D.D., born in 1786, was a very distinguished clergy- 



438 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



man, who was settled twenty years at Portsmouth, 
N. H., and thirty years at Middleboro', Mass. ; Arche- 
laus, a physician, practised in Windham, N. H. ; and 
Samuel was for many years a distinguished teacher 
of Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Reference has been made to the fact that Henry, 
son of Eleazer, son of Lieutenant John, was killed at 
Lexington. One of his sons, also Henry, was wounded 
in the same engagement. Allen Putnam, a young son 
of this Henry, is said to have been the first to leap 
ashore of the colonists who went out to found Ohio. 
The Danvers home of Allen's grandfather seems to 
have been the old Amos Wilde house, on Locust Street, 
opposite Chestnut Street. 

It was John, another son of Lieutenant John Put- 
nam, who, in connection with his father, is supposed 
to have built the "old Clark house," still standing, 
not far north of Oak Knoll. Among his descendants 
the name of Caleb often occurs; none are known 
in Danvers. 

At a gathering of the descendants of Deacon Benja- 
min Putnam, held a few years ago, one of our oldest 
citizens, as orator, recalled how, in his childhood he 
sat in the old brick meeting house when the familiar 
faces of the Putnams were in every part of the church, 
their titles, positions and scriptural names all objects 
of veneration. There were, he said, — 

" Benjamin and Joseph, Timothy and Eleiizer, 
Philemon and Hiram, James .and Ebenezer, 
Amos and Stephen, Setlx and Simeon, 
Israel and David, Peter and Gideon, 
Pliinehasand Matthew, Ezra. and Nathaniel, 
Moses and Samuel, Jesse and Daniel." 

No genealogy of the family has been published, 
though Dr. A. P. Putnam has collected a rich store of 
material, of which, doubtless, he will some day gave 
ttie public the benefit. For what is here given the 
writer is indebted to certain members of the family 
and others in Danvers, and to Dr. Putnam for a num- 
ber of interesting notes which have been mainly in- 
corporated in the manuscript. 

The Porters. — Among the records of old deeds 
at Salem is an agreement made the 10th day of the 
Third Month, 1643, between Samuel Sharpe, of Sa- 
lem, and John Porter, of Hingham : 

** The sd Samuel doth hereby sell unto ye said Jno. his fearme lying 
North ef Mr. Skelton's farme Deceased with ye meadow ground thereto 
annexed & all appurtenances thereto belonging for ye summe of one 
hundred & ton pounds to be paid in money Cattle & corne at such rates 
as 2 or more indifferent men shall apprize them te be paid at 3 several 
payments that is to say fifty pounds the 2nth of this present mouth be- 
ing 3rd month l&i3 and thirty pounds of ye 3d mo ICM & other thirty 
pounds on the first day of ye 3rd mo in 1645 In witness whereof the 
parties above sd have hereunto set their hands the day and year above 
written 

" Samuel Shahpe 
"John Porteh " 

The deed, acknowledged before Governor Endicott, 
conveyed all the land now covered by the central 
village of Danvers, "the Plains." The purchaser, 
John Porter, came from England and settled at 
Hingham, where he was in 1G35. He was sent from 



Hingham as a deputy to the General Court in 1644, 
and that same year moved his family and his goods, 
probably by water, to make a new home at Salem 
Farms. According to the family tradition, he lived 
in the old house which was standing in the field near 
the present location of the Unitarian Church within 
the memory of living persons. He was a tanner by 
trade, and some remains of his tan-yard were discov- 
ered many years ago near the old house. An ancient 
well is still to be seen close by. John Porter was a 
man of energy and influence ; he was well known 
throughout the colony, held many official positions, 
— selectman, deputy to General Court, etc., — and he 
became probably the largest individual land-owner 
in what is now the town of Danvers. He and John 
Putnam stand together as prominent figures in our 
earliest history. Both were the ancestors of a very 
numerous and honorable line of descendants. If the 
Porters at first owned the most acres, certainly the 
Putnams came next, and the two families together 
held fully two-thirds of the present town and ex- 
tended beyond its limits. Their farms were adjacent, 
inter-marriages, of course, occurred, and many now 
living here and elsewhere trace back their ancestry, 
often in more ways than one, through Porter-Putnam 
unions to the two Johns. 

John Porter's oldest son, John, was a distinguished 
exception to the " honorable line " above referred to ; 
he was a reprobate. He abused his parents till they 
appealed to the law. He was punished condignly, 
and were it not for his mother's forbearance would 
probably have been hung. Later his case became 
very conspicuous, because upon his appeal for redress 
made to the four commissioners of Charles II., sent 
over in 1664 to curb the liberties of the colonists, 
occurred a memorable struggle, in which the General 
Court had every advantage of position, and used it, 
to the final rout of the royal emissaries. The elder 
John refers in his will to his " sonne John Porter, 
who, by his Rebellious & wicked practices, hath been 
a great grief to his parents, & greatly wasted my es- 
tate." The man left no descendants to be ashamed 
of such an ancestor. Three other sons, like the three 
sons of John Putnam, became the heads of great 
families, — Samuel, Joseph and Israel. 

Samuel, " mariner," settled in Wenham, on the 
easterly shore of the lake, and a part of his original 
farm is still occupied by his descendants. His only 
son, John, did much to wipe out the dishonor with 
which his uncle had stained his grandfather's name. 
This John was of high respectability, representative 
to the General Court and moderator of town meetings 
during the first quarter of the last century, and he 
married into another eminent family, the Herricks, 
of Alford's — now Cherry Hill. From the single 
thread of an only son the line now branched out in 
the families of five sons, they being of a family of 
eleven children, whose ages at death aggregated nine 
hundred and fifty-five years. Of these five sons, 



DANVERS. 



439 



Samuel, the oldest, lived on the hike-side homestead, 
and he, too, married well, his wife being a grand- 
daughter of Governor Simon Bradstreet. Samuel's 
grandson Isaac was the father of Colonel Paul 
Porter, commander of the Ipswich regiment of 
militia in the war of 1812, and a very prominent 
citizen of Wenham, through whose children to the 
third and fourth generation the name is preserved in 
that town. One of the younger of the five sons just 
mentioned was Jonathan, an inn-holder of Wenham, 
who was also sent to the General Court. His oldest 
son was Benjamin, and with him the name returns to 
Danvers, and adds to our list of military heroes one 
of the most distinguished. On the pleasant southern 
slope of the first hill which one meets in driving 
from Danvers Plains to Topsfield is a well-preserved 
gable-roofed house, once one of the Rea homes. In 
a portion of this old honse Zerubbabel Rea lived, a 
hundred and twenty-five years ago, more or less. 
Through his marriage with Sarah, widow of Barthol- 
omew Brown, and daughter of Zerubbabel Rea, the 
place thenceforth became the home of Benjamin Por- 
ter, who had four sons. Of these, Moses was the 
oldest, — General Moses Porter, of whoni a sketch ap- 
I)ears in what is written concerning the Revolution. 
He was never married. The homestead passed to 
the third son, Zerubbabel. He, too, was a tanner, 
and certain stone door-steps in the vicinity are relics 
of his bark-mill, which stood in the rear of Augustus 
Fowler's residence, itself a well-preserved relic of 
two centuries agi. Zerubbabel Porter was also the 
very first shoe manufacturer of Danvers, the pioneer 
of that industry lor which the town soon become 
noted. Until within a few^ years ago the little square 
shop was sitting in the angle between the highway 
and the drive to the Rea-Porter house, hugging close 
to the hill, which was the cradle of our shoe business. 
Of the men who were there employed, and of the 
growth of the business from the beginning, a few 
words will be found elsewhere. Zerubbabel Porter 
was one of the early Universalists, " was of rare in- 
telligence, a ready si>eaker at town-meetings, wrote 
much and well for the newspapers, especially upon 
political subjects." The writer happened to come 
across this letter in the files of old papers at the Town- 
House: 

" Gentlemen Assessors of Danvehs : 

" I lately received my tax bill for lS:ia, find addition to my former 
taxes for many years past about fifty percent. I think, gentlemen, you 
must have wrong conceptions of my property and circumstances, I am 
bordering on eighty years of age and feeble health, . . . as to prop- 
erty, not five dollars has been added to my estate the year past .... 
Perhaps you think I have stock itl the Village bank, by the advice of 
friends I gave my note on Interest for five shares and have paid the in- 
terest ever since, you of course will jvidge the value of such property. 
. . . It has always been my fortune to labor hard, at the age of twen- 
ty-one it was my fortune to loose one of my hands, of course it made 
work extremely hard, now I am done, think tif these things and doo 
what is right — if you can consistently with your feelings I think will 
abate some of my tax— I am gentlemen myself some acquainted with as- 
sestiiDgtaxee. I very well know it is a difficult office to jwrform, but 



certainly we ought feel for the sick and feeble, for they are not in a 
capacity to gain property. 

" I am Gentlemen, your friend and Servant, 

" Z, Porter." 

Zerubb.abel Porter died November 11, 1845, in his 
eighty-seventh year. He left two sons, Warren and 
Alfred. The former was lieutenant in the War of 1812, 
and afterwards was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. 
Three males only of the next generation are living in 
town, Elias Endicott Porter, son of Alfred ; and Dr. 
Warren Porter and .lohn W. Porter, attorney, sons of 
Colonel Warren, and upon one little boy, the son of the 
latter, at present depends the preservation in Danvers 
of this branch of the family name. 

Of the male descendants of pioneer John Porter's 
ne.xt son, Joseph, there are none at all left here. 
They early scattered. One — Samuel, sou of Eleazer, 
son of Samuel, son of Joseph — graduated at Harvard 
in 1763, became an eminent lawyer in Salem, was 
proscribed as a Tory, went to Loudon and died there, 
after revisiting this country in 1798, — " a gentleman 
of culture and refinement, who contributed greatly to 
the enjoyment of the band of refugees at the weekly 
meetings of the New England Club in London during 
the war." 

One of the purchases which the first John Por- 
ter made, was that of the Emanuel Downing grant of 
five hundred acres near the Toj)slield line. This farm 
he gave to Joseph upon his marriage with Anna, 
daughter of Major William Hathorne, and for many 
years it remained in the family, probably longer than 
any other in Danvers. It went down to the fourth 
consecutive Joseph, who died in 1805, and then passed 
to Captain Dudley Bradstreet, who married this last 
Joseph's daughter Polly, from whom it descended to 
his son, Major John Bradstreet. This is why this old 
Porter farm is commonly called the "old Bradstreet 
farm." 

To Israel, who established the third and last branch 
of the Porter family, his father by will bequeathed 
" my new mansi<in-house, with all ye housings there- 
upon, orchards and lands adjoining, so much as was 
by me purchased of Mr. Sharpe, also I do give him 
si.xty acres of Skelton's necke, i. e. that pt wh I pur- 
chased of Mr. Skelton's daughters," also "my inter- 
est iu the Saw-mill near Skelton's neck." By piur- 
chase from his brother Benjamin, who was unmarried, 
and otherwise, Israel retained all the southern portion 
and, as now settled, by far the richest, of his father's 
great landed property. One of these deeds from Ben- 
jamin to Israel, dated January 23, 1700, conveys " a 
certain parcel of land given unto me by will of my 
dearest father, and by him ])urchased part of it of Mr. 
Gott, part of Jacob Barney, Jelfry Masscy, William 
Watson, John Pickard and Pasco Foot, all which ])ar- 
cels are commonly called Gott's Corner." This"C;ott's 
Corner " included a part of the beautiful estate which 
is known as the Burley Farm, now owned by George 
A. Peabody, Esq., and also the Proctor farm, and 



I-IO 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



other lands eastward. It was on or near the site of 
Mr. Peabody'a residence that Israel Porter himself 
was living in witchcraft times. Israel died in 1706, 
leaving by will to his oldest sons, John and Israel, all 
of Sharpe's farm above the Ipswich Eoad. A deed of 
partition was made between John and Israel in 1809. 
John was a "mariner," and probably died in Boston. 
By virtue of a power in his will his widow Elizabeth, 
in consideration of twelve hundred and ten pounds, 
" good bills of credit on the Province," sold to Timo- 
thy Lyndall, of Boston, gentleman, four tracts em- 
bracing about two hundred and fifteen acres, July, 
1715. The old Lindall house, which stood at the cor- 
ner of Locust and Poplar Streets, has been referred 
to in what has been said of the Putnams. 

Israel Porter's second son, Israel, one of the clerks 
of the Village parish, was the father of Ginger, a 
name now somehow gone out of fashion, who married 
Elisha Hutchinson and became the mother of an- 
other Danvers military hero, spoken of later. Colonel 
Israel Hutchinson. 

William, the third son to leave descendants, seems 
to have lived east of Frost Fish Brook, then Bever- 
ly, now East Danvers; but, April 19, 1750, he sold 
his farm of two hundred and forty-six acres to 
" King" Robert Hooper, and thus another great slice 
of the Porter lands passed out of the family. 

Benjamin, the fourth and last son of Israel to leave 
descendants, was the father of John, an inn-holder, 
and Benjamin, potter. One of the latter's sons was 
Israel, who lived during the last half of the last cen- 
tury, and was the father of Abijah and Benjamin. 
Abijah lived and died in the old house, on High 
Street, nearly opposite Aaron Warren's. This his 
son Isaac inherited, and, in a little cottage close by, 
the widow of Isaac, Eliza Jocelyn Porter, is living, in 
her ninetieth year. Abijah's brother, Benjamin, was 
well known as " Cap'n Ben," who made a fortune in 
the fishing business at Marblehead, came back to 
Danvers about 1835, and bought the Nathan Read 
mansion, near the Iron-Works. His son, Benjamin 
F. Porter, with his children, now live on the same 
estate ; and it depends solely upon the young grand- 
sons of Capt. Ben and the lawyer's little boy, before 
alluded to, whether the family-name shall be longer 
preserved where once it was so numerously and 
powerfully represented. A few other Porters in town 
are not of this stock. 

The Mudges. — Though this family cannot be reck- 
oned among the early settlers, they have been prom- 
inent in town for more than a century. Their ances- 
tor was Thomas Mudge, who was born in England, 
about 1724, and came to Maiden, where he was in 
1657. His oldest son was killed at Bloody Brook in 
1675, and two others were in Captain Moseley's com- 
pany. His son John was one of the grantees to whom 
land was given for services in King Philip's War. 
John's son was Deacon John, and the deacon was the 
father of another John, who was a Maiden farmer 



and died in 1762. This last John had a number of 
sons, the eldest of whom was killed in his nineteenth 
year in the French War, under General Amherst; 
the youngest died from the effects of service in the 
Revolution ; Simon, the fifth of a family of nine, is 
of especial interest here. 

Simon Mudge was born in Maiden, April 8, 1748. 
He was a carpenter, and he came to Danvers to live 
two years before the Revolution. The farm which he 
bought is the one now owned by Amos Pratt, on Cen- 
tre Street, Subsequently, his widow went to live 
with her brother, William Whittredge, on the farm at 
the corner of Dayton and Newbury Streets, where her 
son Amos continued to live and bring up his family. 
Simon Mudge also served in the Revolution, and, in 
July, 1776, marched away with a Danvers company 
for Ticouderoga. A diary which he kept of his march 
is preserved in the family and extracts have been 
printed. Very likely its custodian, who is one of 
the most zealous of temperance men, fails of being 
touched by this pitiful complaint: 

"August the 6, 1776. Last niglit Ly in tentes the towu being so fuU 
that we could neither get vituals nor Logelng till this morning there 
and RnniBoIls for nine Shillings and fore Pence a gallon and the most 
miserable stiiflf j ever Drank. Drawd for 02 men but uo sauce reed. Or- 
ders to march to Ticouteroga to-morrow." 

He was at Lexington in Captain Flint's company. 
His wife was Elizabeth Whittredge, of Danvers, who 
died in 1836, ninety years old; he died in 1799, in 
his fifty-second year, leaving six children. Of these, 
two were sons, — Simon and Amos, and but one daugh- 
ter married, — Nancy, wife of Elijah Hutchinson, of 
Middleton. Simon was like his father, a farmer and 
carpenter, and lived and died, 1775-1853, on his 
father's homestead. His wife was a daughter of 
Silas Merriam, of Middleton, and the family of Amos 
Pratt are their only descendants in town ; a son, Wil- 
liam Whittredge, married a daughter of Jonathan 
Perry, and moved to Bedford, Mass., in 1856. 

Simon's son Amos, born in 1782, was also a car- 
penter and farmer, and died April 7, 1853. His wife 
was Sarah Wilson, and they had six children, four 
sons and two daughters. Josiah, the oldest son, to 
whom the double occupation descended, is repre- 
sented by the families of his sou Albert H. Mudge 
and by those of George H. Peabody and Walter T. 
Martin. Otis, the next son of Amos, received a good 
academy education, for several years was a success- 
ful school teacher, and then began the manufacture 
of shoes, a business in which he was successfully en- 
gaged until the close of his life. He died in 1862 
in his forty-ninth year, on the old homestead, leav- 
ing no children. He was in the Legislature of 1851, 
and helped to elect Sumner; was on the school com- 
mittee and a selectman. 

Edwin and Augustus Mudge sons of Amos, are 
among the most respected and influential citizens of 
the town. Both have represented their fellow-citi- 
zens at th.e State House, the former in the House, the 
latter in the Senate. Edwin Mudge's contribution of 



DANVERS. 



•Ul 



his legislative salary towards the erection of the 
Soldier's Monument is mentioned in the chapter on 
the Civil War. Augustus is president of the savings- 
bank. In 1849 the partnership of E. and A. Mudge, 
shoe manufacturers, was formed, which, with the addi- 
tion of Edward Hutcliiuson, in 1858, has remained 
since unchanged. Of this business something further 
appears in the sketch of the shoe industry of the 
town. 

The two daughters of Amos Mudge, — Nancy and 
Caroline, married, respectively, Zephaniah Pope and 
James Marsh. 

IscoRPORATiox. — The municipal individuality of 
Danvers begins January 25, 1752. For a consider- 
able time previou.sly there had been a growing desire 
for separation from Salem both at tlie Village and the 
Middle Parish. During the preceding summer a spe- 
cial committee, consisting on the part of the Village, 
of Samuel Flint, Cornelius Tarball and James Prince, 
and on the part of the parish, of Daniel Epes, Jr., 
Malachi Felton and John Proctor, considered the 
matter, and in anticipation of securing their end 
l)roposed that plan which, for more than a hundred 
years, was substantially lived up to, namely, — " Ye 
major part of ye selectmen and assessors shall be 
Chosen one year in one parish, and ye next year in 
ye other parish successively." The committee were 
instructed at once " to labour," both at old Salem 
and in the General Court, — a mild sort of lobby, per- 
haps, which was successful in obtaining desired legis- 
lation. The full text of the act of incorporation 
is as follows : 

" Anno Regui Regis Georgii Secundi Ac., Vicessimo Qninto. 

" An act for erecting the Village parish and middle Parish so called, in 
the Town of Salem into a Distinct and separate District hy the Name of 
Danvers. 

" Whereas, the Town of Salem is Very T,arge and the Inhabitants of 
the Village and Middle parishes so called within ye same (many of them 
at Least, ) live att a great Distance from that part of Salem where the 
Puhlick affairs of the Town are Transacted and also from the Grammer 
School which is kept in ye sd firet Parish. 

" And Wherejis, most of the Inhahitants of the sd first Parish are 
Either Slerchauts, Traders or Mechanicks & those of ye sd Village and 
Middle parishes are chieiiy Husbandmen, by means whereof many Dis- 
putes A Difhcultys have .\rriBsen and May hereaiter arise in the man- 
ageing their public Aflairs Together, *fc, Espeacially tomhing ye Appor- 
tioning the Public Taxes, For preventing of which Inconveniences for 
the future. 

" Be it Enacted by the Lieut. Governour, f\iuncil, and House of Rep- 
resentatives, That that part of ye s'd Town of Salem which now consti- 
tutes the village and middle parishes in sd Town according to their 
boundaries and the Inhabitants therein, be Erected into a separate and 
Distinct District by the Name of Danvers, and that Siiid Inhabitants 
shall do the dutys that are Reijuired and Enjoyned on|other Towns, and 
Enjoy all the Powers, Privileges and Immunities that Towns in this 
province by Law Enjoy, except that of seperately chuscing and sending 
one or more Representatives to Represent them att ye Genii Assembly, 
&c. 

" Jany ye 25, 1752." 

A " district " differed from a "town " only in the 
matter of sending representatives to the General 
Court. A district could not do that ; it sent a " dele- 
gate." And so jealous was the King of that body 

28i 



that the Governor was charged to consent to no di- 
vision of territory which would add to its members. 
The act was considerably more than half a loaf, and 
the rest soon came. As to the origin of the name 
" Danvers," there is yet some doubt. " D'Anvers " is 
an old English family name, evidently of French 
origin. In one of the numbers of the London Art 
Journal an article on ancient street tablets gives a cut 
of one in Chelsea with this inscription : 



^Ll)i5 is Danucrs 
Street. 



1696. 



The conclusion accepted by S. P. Fowler, who haa 
made the subject a study, is that " in some way not 
yet discovered the name came from Sir Danvers Os- 
borne, Bart., the unfortunate Governor of New York, 
in 1753." Mr. Rice has added : " I think it must 
have been through Lieutenant-Governor Phipps," 

It is believed that there is but one other town of 
the same name in the country, and that one, in Mc- 
Lean County, Illinois, is a namesake of the first. The 
western town was laid out about fifty years ago "and 
it was agreed to call it Danvers, out of regard to Is- 
rael W. Hall, who came from Danvers, Mass." A 
speaking acquaintance is maintained between the 
two towns through the medium of local papers. 

It may be interesting to see the record of the first 
meeting of the district, verbatim : 

"At a Legall Meeting of y» Inhabitants of the District of Danvers, 
Marchly 4th, 1752, in y« first Parish in b^ District — 

*' Voted Daniel Epes, Esqr, Moderator for s'^ Meeting, Voted Daniel 
Epes, Jun^, Esq""., Clerk, & &Ir. James Prince Treasurer. 

" Voted to Chiise Seven Selectmen fnr this present year, viz. : four in 
y* firet Parish & tliree in y^ Second Parish, &, to chuse by written Votes, 
& chose fll'. Archelaus Dale, M'. John Andrew k M'. Henry Putnam, to 
tell y* Votes Chosen Selectmen, Daniel Ejxis, Jun""., Esq''., Captain Sam- 
uel Flint, Dea Cornelius Tarball, M'. Stephen Putnam, M'. Samuel King, 
M'. Daniel Gardner, & M^, Joseph Putnam ; & the above Named Persons 
were chosen Assessors and Overseers of y^ Poor. 

" Voted to Chuse four Constables, viz. ; Two in y^ first and Two in y» 
Second Parish ; & Chose M'. David Goodale for yo West Ward in y^ firet 
Parish, &. M'. Samuel White for y Eiist Ward in sA first Parish, and 
Chose M'. Roger Derby Constable in y East Ward, and M^ Jonathan 
Twiss Constable in y^ West Ward in y* Second Parish. 

" Voted to Chuse five Tithingmen, k Cliose M'. Samuel Putnam, Jnn'., 
and M'. Archelaus Putnam, Juu'^., for y* first Parish^ & Chose 31'. Sam- 
uel Osbon, Jun^, M'. James Upton k M'. Timothy Upton, fory Second 
Parish. 

"Voted M"". John Andrew, M'. John Preston, M'. FrancisNurse, Lieut. 
David Putnam, M^ Jacob Goodale, M'. George Goold, Surveyors of 
High ways for the first Parish. 

*' Voted Ens° John Procter, Mr. Andrew Mansfield, M'. Jaaper Need- 
ham, Mr. Jonatiian Russell, M'. James Goold, M'. James Ituxton A" M^ 
John Southwick, Jun'., Survey" of High ways for y^ Second Parish. 

**Voteii Mr. Jonathan Putnam and M'. John Oslion Haywards. 

'* Vytwd Israel Chcever and M"". James Upton, Sealers of Leather. 

" Voted M'. Samuel Holton, M'. Benjamin Pntnam, Mf. John Osbon 
and Mf. Ebenezer Marsh, fence Viewei^. 



442 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Voted Jonathan Putnam A M'. David Goldthawy t, Clerks of y" 
Markctt. 

"Voted M'. Daniel Kra to take Care that ye Laws llelating to y« Pre- 
servation of Deer be ob'-erved, 

" Voted M'. HeTiry Pulnani & M'. David Goldthawyt Surv of Lum- 
ber. 

" Voted M'. James Cliapnian, lyl^ Ebenezer King, Mf. John Brown & 
M'. Oideon Foster, to Take care (hat y« Laws relating to y preservation 
of alewives be observed. 

"Voted M' Walter Smith, M'. John Viune, M', fTCorgo J Wiat, Jun'. 
M'. Ixracl llntchinson, M'. John Oaks, M'. Elienezer Goldthawyt, M' 
Daniel Ularble, Jun'., M'. Jonathan Osbon & M'. Jonathan Trask, Jun'. 
Hog Keavee. 

"Voted M'. Hugh Kelly, M'. David Tester & M'. Ebene'. Boyce, 
Pound keepers. 

*' Voted tb.it ye Selectmen be Hereby fTilly Tiupowcred to agree with 
the Town of Salem concerning our proportion (tf the poor in the Alms 
House, & Settle yo Number, and take c.<ire of them as they shall think 
best, and make Report of their doings att the Adjournment of this meet- 
ing. 

" Voted To mend the High ways in b^ District by Days' works, and 
tliat Surveyors he chosen in Different parts of y» Dist'., & that J« select- 
men shall appoint y" surveyors their Itespective Wards, and the select- 
men to Tax y» Polls .t Estates, and such persons as chuse to pay their 8<* 
Tux in Labour, sbnll have free Liberty so to do ; and such persons as 
will not pay their Ta.x in work on y^ s'^ High ways, shall be oblidged to 
pay the same in mony, according as they are Taxed, and the Surveyors 
are Hereby fully Authorized and Impovver'd to Collect and Gather the 
b-i Taxes in there Respective Wards, & to be accountable for ye same, to 
the Selectmen, & the Allowance shall be. Two Shillings and Eight pence 
p. Day for a man, & that boys & Teams be Left to ye Surveyors to sett ye 
Vallue, A ye Surveyors shall give Timely Notice to the Persons Taxed in 
their Lists, not Less than three days and the High way work shall be 
done, some time between the first day of April & ye first Day of Novem- 
ber, and att no other Times, Except in Cases where it may Happen that 
there may be Necessity. 

'•Voted That this meeting be Adjourned to ye ISth Instant, att one of 
the Clock in ye afternoon, to this Place. 

'■Daniel Epes, Jun'., Dist*. Clerk." 

"The Inhabitants met according to Adjournment. 

"Voted to Excuse David Goodale from being Constable this year. 

" Voted John Swinerton Constable in ye room of David Goodale. 

" Voted Jonathan Twiss Surveyor of _high ways in ye room of James 
Goold. 

" Voted Samuel Osbon, Jun' , Surveyor of high ways in ye Room of 
James Buxton. 

"It being put to Vote whither ye Inhabitants will raise Two Hundred 
Pounds LawfuU mony, to Defray y" Charges of ye District, & the County 
Tax, Exclusive of high ways for this present year It passed in ye Af- 
firmative. 

" It being put to Vote whither ye Inhabitants will raise one Hundred 
& Fifty pounds LawfuU mony, to Defray the High way charges. It 
past in the .\fflrmative. 

" Voted That y" Swine may go att Largo, provided that they are 
yoaked & wringed, Ac, according to Law. 

" Voted That Meeti ngs of the District shall be warned for ye future, by 
posting attested eoppys of ye Warrants for Catling s^ Meetings, on the 
Meeting-House in ye first parish, & on ye Meetiug-House in ye second 
parish. 

" Voted That ye Selectmen take ye Care of our Interest in ye Alms- 
house in Salem. 

" Voted That ye Selectmen be Hereby fully Impower.d to Settle with 
ye Town of Salem, Relateing to y« School mony, & all other accounts, 
and to Receive ye Mony that may be Due from s** Salem to us. 

"Voted that ye Selectmen be Impowei-ed & Desired to .\gree with 
Borne meet Person to keep a Gramer school in ye District as soon as may 
be. 

" Voted Ebenezer Jacobs Constable iu ye Room of Roger Derby. 

" Daniel Epes, Jun^., Dist. t^erk." 

Within two years boundaries were run between the 
district and all the adjoining towns, and many other 
measures taken, but the more the inhabitants acted 
after the manner of towns, the more impatient they 
grew to become a town. So on the 3d of February, 



1755, they passed a vote " that it be the minds of the 
Inhabitants that the said District be erected into a 
seperate Town Ship, & that tlie said Daniel Epes, 
Junr., Esq., be and hereby is desired and impowered 
to prefer a Petition to the Great and General Court, 
and to use bis Endeavours to get the same affected.-" 

The act which conferred the full powers of a town 
upon Danvers, was not, liowever, passed until June 
9th, 1757, and then only after persistent demands and 
against the protest of Thomas Hutchinson, Gov- 
ernor. 

The population of the town at its incorporation was 
not far from 2000. The first State census, 1765, gives 
it then 2133. Subsequent figures may, for conveni- 
ence, be given here: 



177C 2,284 

1790 2,425 

1800 2,(143 

1810 3,127 

1820 3,646 

1830 4,228 



1840 5,020 

1850 8,106 

18601 5,110 

1865 5,114 

1870 6,600 

1880 6,.')98 



In 1759 this memorandum was entered on the town 
records : 

" Reel of Daniel Epes, Jun'., a Province Note of twenty pound For 
supporting the French Neutrals the year past, Being the Charge the 
Town was at for the Same." 

It recalls the melancholy event of Longfellow's 
" Evangeline." The English expelled some thousand 
of these inoffensive people from Acadia in 1755, and in 
the scattering a few came to Danvers. The only other 
mention of the unfortunate people is eight years later, 
when, on the question of supply, "they being gooing 
off," these voi.es were passed : 

" Voted: to give the French Neutrals something. 

" Voted: that the Overseers of the Poor shall allow the French people 
what they shall think just, and to be drawn out of the Treasury, and 
then the moderator dissolved the meeting." 

It is common to find in the town records of a hun- 
dred years ago assessors' returns of the " Number of 
Coaches, Chaises, etc., in the Town of Danvers." There 
is an air of aristocracy in these lists, containing the 
names of those rich enough to "ride in chaises." But 
twenty-three persons in the whole town owned these 
vehicles in 1784. Those owning " fall back" chaises 
were Hon. Samuel Holten, Israel Hutchinson, Esq-, 
Nathaniel Pope, Arch. Rea, Colonel Jere. Page, 
Joseph Flint, Widow Mercy Porter, Daniel Jacobs, 
Jr., Samuel Gardner, Captain Timothy Orne, Widow 
Elizabeth Poole Nathaniel Putnam owned two 
"standing-top " chaises, and the following, one each : 
Benj. Putnam, Zorub. Porter, Colonel Enoch Putnam, 
Captain Wm. Shillaber, Jos. Southwick, Jr., John 
Dodge, Ebenezer Dale, Arch. Putnam, Phinehas Put- 
nam, Amos Putnam, Gideon Putnam. 

Regiirding maps of the town, as early as 1794, the 
selectmen were directed to take a plan of tlie town in 
accordance with a Legislative act. No further action 
was taken until 1830, when the same instructions 
were repeated, and the next year the selectmen were 

1 Town divided in 1855. 



DANVERS. 



443 



authorized to publish a map if they should thiuk 
proper. After some sixteen years, three lawyers, 
Northeiid, Abbott and Proctor, were directed to make 
a complete survey of the town for the correction of 
the plate. The maps of the old town of Danvers, 
now somewhat rare, embellished with cuts of "The 
Naunikeag House, North Danvers, E. G. Berry," 
" Moses Black, Jr., Wood and Coal-Yard, Danvers- 
port," "Third Congregational Church," and a few 
scenes in South Danvers, are printed from this plate. 

For about half a century, commencing with ISlti, it 
was the custom of Danvers people to be reminded of 
the dinner-hour and of bed-time by the ringing of 
church-bells. In the year mentioned it was first 
voted " that the Bells be rung at 12 o'clock at noon 
and at 9 o'clock A. M. (P. M.), provided it docs not 
cost more than S25 at each Meeting-House." 

In 1832 Moses Black and others succeeded in add- 
ing the music of "the Bell at the Neck." The prac- 
tice has' been discontinued since 1863, except for a 
single year (1874), when the sextons rang its final 
knell. The dinner-hour seems likely to take care of 
itself, but if the later alarm could shorten the average 
"evening out" it might be well to bring it back 
again. 

There were at least two flourishing local military 
companies a half a century ago. These were the 
Artillery Company and the Danvers Light Infantry. 
Doubtless much of interest might be written concern- 
ing both. This reijuisition was found among the 
old papers in the town-house. 

"Dasvers Oct. 4th, ISie. 
" Gentlemen : 

'* Having been ordered to parade the conipnny which I command for 
tlie purpose of inspection and review of arms on the l'>th day of the pres- 
ent month, it is my duty to request you. Gentlemen, and I do lien-by re- 
quest you. to provide a quantity of good powder sufficient for ItK) men 
(tiiat lieing tlie number born on the company roll) agreeable to the 23d 
section of Massachusetts Militia Law. 

" Yours with respect, 

" D.\MEL Prestos. 
"Gentlemen Selectmen for Danvers." 

Captain Felton presented a similar requisition for 
blank cartridges for his company of forty-five ; and 
Captain Asa Tapley, Jr., for seventy men. 

By-laws respecting fires, "better to promote the 
more populous part of the town " against danger, 
were formulated as early as 1819. 

At the annual meeting of 1840, the need of a more 
complete system of by-laws was met by the election 
of Dr. Andrew Nichols, J. W. Proctor, John Page, 
Eben S. Upton and Elias Putnam as a committee of 
revision and construction, which committee reported 
to the meeting which elected them that " on examin- 
ing the existing by-laws, they find them so imperfect 
and incomplete as to demand an entire revision and 
new arrangement. . . . They would^ recommend 
that a committee of one from each school district, 
together with the selectmen and clerk prepare such 
a system of by-laws as in their judgment the interests 
of the town require, etc.," and that the same be 
printed, distributed and acted upon the next year. 



This committee were: No. 1, John W. Proctor; No. 
2, Moses Black, Jr. ; No. 3, Elias Putnam ; No. 4, 
John Preston ; No. 5, Jeremy Hutchinson ; No. 6, 
Nathaniel Felton; No. 7, Daniel P. King; No. 8, 
Samuel Brown, Jr.; No. 9, John Mansfield; No. 10, 
Elias Needham ; No. 11, Andrew Nichols; No. 12, 
Henry Poor; No. 13, Samuel Preston. 

Eight years afterwards the subject was revived, and 
John W. Proctor. Dr. Nichols, Moses Black, Jr., A. 
A. Abbott and Nathaniel Pope were appointed to 
draft a new code. At the first annual meeting after 
the division of the town, that is, in 1856, it became 
necessary to take a fresh start, and Moses Black, Jr., 
Eilwin Mudge and Francis Dodge were appointed to 
perfonu the duty. In 1874 important revisions wore 
made at the suggestion of a committee chosen for the 
purpose, namely. Rev. C. B. Rice, Israel W. Andrews 
and Henry A. Perkins. The last revision, 1883, was 
made by a committee consisting of Rev. C. B. Rice, 
D. N. Crowley, I. W. Andrews and George Tapley. 

The part which Danvers took in the Revolution 
which came soon after the incori)oration of town has 
been spoken of separately. During aud some time 
after the Revolution the people of the town were con- 
cerned about small-pox, which in October, 1773, 
seemed "to spread in several of our neighboring 
Towns," and Ebenezer Goodale and Dr. Joseph Os- 
good were chosen to take preventive measures against 
its appearing here. Though in some respects an un- 
pleasant topic to write of or to read of, nevertheless 
much may be learned from the records of these years, 
before Jenner's great discovery, of the way in which 
inoculation, which preceded vaccination, was regarded. 
In the spring of 1777, Benjamin Porter and others pe- 
titioned "to see if the town will grant Leave to inocu- 
late for the Small-pox in that part of the Town called 
the Neck from the house of Beuj". porter to the 
Bridge By Abel Watterses, the Town inhabitants only 
unless their should not so many of the inhabitants 
appear to Be Inoculated as could be convend in that 
case to take in persons From other towns ; also to 
choose a committee to regulate the affair," and an- 
other committee to apply to the General Court for 
their approbation. The record of the meeting which 
considered this petition is short and to the point : 

"At a Leagel meeting of the inhabitants of Danvers, may lilth. 1777, 
Voted. Dr. .\mo3 putnam moderator ; Voted not to Xi-t on the K.-quest 
of Uenj". porter and others ; Voted to Desolvo sJ meeting, the mmlenitor 
Declared s** meeting Desolved.*' 

The next year, measures were taken for suitable 
quarters " for the reception of those persons belonging 
to this Town who shall be taken with tlie Small Pox 
the natural way." Another move was also made for 
"Liberty to Inoculate such persons ;i8 shall chuse to 
take the Small Pox that way belonging to this town ; " 
it had a momentary success : 

"VoUd to Inoculate in the Town for the Small Pox. 
"Voted to reconsider the vote respecting Inoculation. 
"Voted to dismiss the clause in the warrant respecting Inoculation : 
Voted that this meeting be Disolved." 



444 



HISTOEY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In May, 1778, the advocates of inoculation gained 
more substantial yet temporary success. It was then 
voted "that Captain Derby's house be set apart for 
the Inoculation in this Town," and three men, whose 
names signify the interest taken in the matter. Cap- 
tain Daniel Jacobs, Major Caleb Low and Major Sam- 
uel Epes, were appointed "to regulate said affair." 
In less than a fortnight Ezekiel Marsh and others 
brought to the selectmen their petition to put a stop 
to inoculation at the Derby farm, though when the 
selectmen issued their warrant it contained also an- 
other petition, of Benjamin Balch and others, for in- 
oculation " in that part of the town called the Neck." 
The former petition was granted ; the latter, refused. 

Feeling ran high on the subject. This last meet- 
ing, held on the 8th of June, set the seal of its con- 
demnation unequivocally upon the new and absurd 
idea. But it was not enough ; it should be killed and 
buried beyond resurrection. Therefore, four days 
later another warrant was posted at the meeting- 
houses giving notice of a meeting on the 15th of June 
to take into consideration the desire of Mr. Arch's 
Dale and others for a final stop of the business, and 
it seems worth while to quote at length from the rec- 
ord of this meeting. Mr. Dale was himself modera- 
tor. 

" Voted to put a final Stop to the Small Pox by luoculation in Capt 
Derby's House, that was allowed of by the Town dureing their Pleasure ; 
voted that the Stop take place this Day ; voted no person be allowed to 
enter into Said Derby's House after the I5il' of June, 1778, for Inocula- 
tion ; voted if any Doctr or any other person after the Said 15th Day of 
June, 1778, Shall Inoculate any Person whatever with the Small Pox in 
si House or Teritoriee thereto belonging, Sha>U be liable to pay the Same 
fine that they would have been liable to have paid had they Inoculated 
without leave from the Town, and incur the Town's Displeasure ; voted 
if any Person whatever Shall, after the Said 15 of June. 1778, Enter the 
Said House or teritories thereunto belonging and be Inoculated contrary 
to the True Meaning of the Town, Shall pay the Same Fines & Suffer 
the Same Penaltye, which by Law they are liable to as those Persons 
that Inoculate in their own Houses. 

" Voted that all the votes and orders of the Town respecting the Stop- 
ing of the Inoculation that have or Shall pass be fairly Copied of by the 
Clerk and immediately Sent to the Docters and others Concerned ; voted 
to Choose a Committee ; voted the Committee to Consist of three ; voted 
Capt William Shillaber, Stephen Needliam and Anron Osborn be Said 
Committee, whose business Shall be to duly Inspect into and See that 
every vote and order of the Town respecting the Sloping of Said Inocu- 
lation be faithfully Complied with, and to prosecute any and every Per- 
son (if need be) that dotli not Comply with the Same. Voted to Disolve 
this Meeting, and the Moderator declared the Meeting Disolved accord- 
ingly. 

"Attest: Stephen Needuam, TofcH Clerk." 

Thus the matterremained for twelve years. Not till 
1792 was any proposition bearing upon the subject 
brought before the town, and then public opinion had 
so far changed as to allow " persons to inoculate in 
proper places," under the superintendence of another 
committee of solid men. 

At the annual meeting of 1793 the town was asked 
to consider if any allowance should be made " to some 
of the Persons that have had the Small pox that are 
poor; " and three pounds were voted to Nathan Up- 
ton, who was an unfortunate victim of the " natural 
way." 



More than twenty years later " vaccination '' was for 
the first time the subject of public action. General 
Gideon Foster's name was at the head of a petition 
for a town-meeting, held in July, 1815, for the especial 
purpose of considering the expediency of accepting 
certain proposals oifered by one Dr. Fansher. They 
were as follows : 

"Dr. Fansher begs leave respectfnlly to propose to the Town of Dan- 
vers that he will (in case it meets the approbation of the Town) Vacci- 
nate at such places in the different Neighborhoods throughout the Town 
as shall be designed by a Committee for the Children to assemble for 
that purpose, and attend and examine his patients at the proper time 
to see that each individual are secure from the danger of the small Pox 
at 25 cents per head, and he believes that no person can possible do this 
nice business and do it justice for a smaller fee and be the gainer." 

These proposals were accepted with the provisions 
reserved — there must be some Yankee to the trade — 
that all above six hundred were to be treated gratis. 
And if any one doubts that this Dr. Fansher was an 
important man just at this time, let him read the names 
of the committee chosen to inspect him, " two from each 
district and three in the districts where the clergymen 
reside:" No. 1, Rev. Samuel Walker, Squires Shove, 
Fitch Pool ; 2, Rev. Jere. Chaplin, Nath'l Putnam ; 
3, Zerub'l Porter, Eben Putnam, Jr. ; 4, Eleazer Put- 
nam, Daniel Putnam; 5, Rev. Benj. Wadsworth, Jo- 
seph Hutchinson ; fi, Nathan Felton, Jonathan Proc- 
tor ; 7, Jesse Upton, Asa Gardner; 8. John Marsh, 
Amos King, 3d; 9, John Mansfield, John Douty ; 10, 
Jona. Walcut, John Jacobs; 11, Gideon Foster, Eli- 
jah C, Webster ; 12, Riuh'd Osborn, Nathan Poor. 

The following resolutions passed also at this time 
are well in advance of the times: 

" Resolved, That this Town entertain a high opinion of Vaccination, 
and consider it (when condncted by skilful and experienced hands) a 
sure and certiiin substitute for the small Pox. 

"Resolved, That this Meeting deems it the indispensable duty of a 
community to make use of the means that Divine Providence has given 
us to guard against every impending evil to which we are exposed, espe- 
cially those which involve the health or the Lives of the Inhabitants." 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

DANVERS {Continued). 
REVOLUTIONARY HLSTORY. 

Not long after the incorporation of Dan vers, began 
the muttering of discontent all through the colonies 
because of the hardness of heart of the Pharaoh 
beyond the seas, and his oppression of his people. 
Long, long years was the storm brewing, and only the 
few saw with prophetic eye in the play of lightning 
on the distant cloud the outlines of that fearful word, 
Revolution. These years sifted out the hearts of men 
with crucial test, and when from the nearing cloud 
rolled out the thunder of war, patriotism had heroes 
for leaders. 

The " writs of assistance " were issued in 1761 ; the 



DANVERS. 



445 



odious stamp act passed in 1765, when .Franklin 
wrote, "The sun of liberty is set," and American 
merchants agreed to non-importation until its repeal. 
lu that year the Colonial Congress met in New 
York at the invitation of jMassachusetts, which form- 
ulated the rights of colonists, beginning " No taxation 
without representation." New taxes and the act for 
the enforced quartering of troops by citizens in 17()7; 
tlie refusal of Boston to furnish quarters; the 
order for the arrest and transmission to England of 
leaders of the opposition ; three years of constant 
irritation and a massacre in the streets of Boston, 
March, 1770 ; the tea-party, December, 1773 ; the 
Boston Port iiill ; the first Continental Congress; 
John Hancock's Provincial Congress at Cambridge 
and its measures for committees of safety and minute 
men, 1774; then Lexington, war, independence, the 
United States of America. 

Danvers kept pace with these events. How well 
its citizens grasped the situation of the times and how 
forcibly and well they expressed themselves, it has 
been left on the records for any to read who will. 
They came together after the passage of the stamp 
act ; Thomas Porter was their representative in the 
General Court, and these are the words in which they 
instructed him : 

" S', we the Freeholders and Other InhabitAnts of said Town of Dan- 
vyrs, in Town Meeting assembled the Twenty-Jirst of October, A. D. 
1765, Professing the Greatest Loyalty to onr Most Gracions Sovereign 
and our Sincere Regard and Reverence for the Brittish Parliament as 
the Most Powerful] and Respectable Body of Men on Eartii, yet being 
Deeply Sensible of the Difficidtys and Distresses to which that August 
Assembly's Late Exertions of their Power in and by the Stamp Act, must 
Necessarily Expose us, Thinks it Proper, in the Present Critical Con- 
juncture of affairs, to give you the following Inetructiong, Viz : That you 
Promote and Readily Joyn in yucli Dutifull Remonstrances and Humble 
Petitions to the King and Parliament and Otlier Decent Measures as 
may have a Tendency to Obtain a Repeal of the Stamp Act or aleviation 
of the Heavy Burdens thereby Imposed on the Britlisli Colonies. 

And in as Much as great Tunnilts Tending to the Subversion of Gov- 
ernment have Latel.v Happened & Several Outrages Committed by some 
Evil Minded People in the Capital Town of this Province, you are there- 
fore Directed to Bear Testimony against and do all in your Power to 
Seppress & prevent all Riortoss Assemblys and unlawfull Acts of "N'io- 
lence upon the Persons or Substances of any of his ^lajesty's Subjects ; 
And that yon Do not give your Assent to an.v Act of Assembly that shall 
Imply the Willingness of your Constitmiuts to Submit to any Internal 
Tax that are or shall be Imposed on us (Hherwise than by the tJreat and 
General Court of this Province, according to the Constitution of this 
Government, and that you be cavefull not to give your .\3sent to any 
Extravigant Grants out of the Publick Treasurery. 

"Other Matters wo leave to your Prudence, Trusting you will Ai-t 
with Honour A Justice to your Constituanis and Due Regard to the 
Publick Wellfair. 

"Attest: Akc". Dale, T. Cler. 

On the 20th of September, 17C8, a meeting was 
held at the North Meeting-house to "see if the town 
shall send one or more persons to joyn committies of 
Boston and other towns in a convention to be holdeii 
at Fanueil Hall on the 22nd instant," and by unani- 
mous vote Mr. Samuel Holten, Jr., was desired to 
represent the town in the convention. In December 
following he was voted two pounds and fifteen shil- 
lings for his service. Dr. Holten was charged " to 
look well to the rights of the people," and so con- 



spicuous was his service among the " Sons of Liberty" 
that, as will be seen, they were in con^tant requisi- 
tion wherever there was work for a mind ready f(jr 
wise counsel and a heart full of untiring devotion. 
Let a few words be here written of him, just as his 
name first a[ij)ears, though it be partly in anticii>ation 
of events which should follow later. 

Samuel Holten was born June 9, 1738; he died 
January 2, 1S16, in the seventy-eighth year of his 
age, and is recalled as an old man by a few very old 
citizens. He was of the third generation from Jo- 
seph Houlton, an original settler of Salem Village, 
and one of the honored heads, the line being Jose|>li, 
Henry, Samuel, Samuel. Samuel, Jr., studied medi- 
cine with Dr. Jonathan Prince, whose home was on 
the southern slope of the Asylum hill. He began 
practice w'hen quite young in Gloucester, but soon 
returned here. In his thirtieth year he was chosen 
representative to the General Court. His services in 
the convention of 17(38 have been alluded to. He was 
in the Provincial Congress of 1775, an active member 
of the general Committee of Safety, a member of the 
Executive Council under the provisional government, 
and soon his profession and all other interests, save 
those of his country, were abandoned. He was a 
delegate in 1778 to the Congress which framed the 
Articles of Confederation, being forty years old when 
his sphere of usefulness so brt)adened, and at some 
time he presided over the body, thus occupying tem- 
porarily " the first seat of honor in his country." He 
was five years in Congress under the confederation, 
and two under the constitution. ril-he:ilth prevented 
his longer acceptance of the willing suffrages of his 
constituents. At home, he was five years in the Sen- 
ate and twelve years in the Council. Though he 
seems to have made no special study of law, his rep- 
utation for probity and good sense was such that he 
was appointed as early as 1776 a judge of Common 
Pleas for Essex County, a po-ition which he held 
about thirty-two years. From 179G to 1815 he was 
judge of probate for Essex County. Duties to the 
State and the country did not, however, alienate him 
from the small afiairs of his own town. His name 
will appear most conspicuously in the lists of town 
officers, — selectman, town-clerk, moderator, treasurer 
for twenty-four years, even hog-reeve. In the church 
and parish he was equally useful, being often instru- 
mental as an arbiter in matters of difference and del- 
icacy to bring them to a happy issue. His home was 
the somewhat ancient and stately house where the 
street which bears his name makes, after passing 
through Tapleyville, a sharp bend to the Village 
church, — now owned by Thomas Palmer. A remi- 
niscence of his early practice as a [ihysician has been 
preserved, — 

Mr. Jebemiaii Pace to Sam'i. IIoltkn, .Inn., Dr. 
1703. ^ '■ ■'■ 

Jan 2ti to Keby 3d. To eleven visits & divere preparations of 

medicines for your first child 1 17 10 



446 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Feb 16 to March 7. To 15 visits & sundry medicines prepared 
and exliibited for your last child 



12 
10 



28th. By medicines returned 28. Sd. 
March 14. By cosh to make cliaogo. 

Errors Excep'd 

S.iM'L HOLTEN Jr 
four shillings and 13fi. gave in. 

The Holten High-School and the Holteii Cemetery, 
wherein he is buried, also bear his name. He was 
one of the incorporators of the Massachusett-i Medi- 
cal Society in 1781, and of the Massachusetts Society 
for Promoting Agriculture in 1792. He is described 
as majestic in form, yet graceful, of pleasing counte- 
nance and engaging manners. " He was not a bril- 
liant man, and perhaps not a great man in ability for 
any one line of action ; but he was great in capacity 
for general accomplishment, in balance of mind and 
in the easy and regular and effective working of all 
his faculties upon whatever service they might be 
employed. He was faithful, too, in every (rust. All 
things considered, he was the most remarkable man 
the town has ever produced." He left two daughters, 
one of whom married Dr. George Osgood, the other, 
Jethro, son of Colonel Enoch Putnam, and the de- 
scendants of Jethro's son, Philemon, are still livine 
near the old homestead. Having in mind the tradi- 
tional dignity and courtly appearance of the doctor, 
it occasioned a smile to corae upon Gideon Putnam's 
record of a certain very lively meeting over the Wa- 
ter's River Bridge, when, "there being a Considerable 
Noise, the moderator got up on his seat and Called 
for order and made a Speech to the people." This 
was the doctor. 

The men of Danvers were warned to meet May 28, 
1770, " to see what methods said inhabitants will 
come into, in regard to the Publick Grievances the 
Province Labours under at this Day, in Particular, In 
regard to a Duty on Tea, etc., for the sole purpose of 
Raising a Revenue out of America, and to Act upon 
said affair what may be thought most proper." Dr. 
Holten, Arch. Dale, Captain William Shillaber, Dr. 
Amos Putnam and Gideon Putnam were instructed to 
consider and report, and what they reported was thus 
adopted : 

" Voted tliat this Town Highly Approve of the Spirited Conduct of the 
Merchants of our Metropolis, and the other Maritime Town in this Prov- 
ince in an .\greement of Non importation well calculated to Restore our 
Invaluable Rights and Liberties. Voted that we will not ourselves (to 
our knowledge) or by any person for or under us. Directly or Indirectly 
Purcliase of such Person or Persons any Goods whatsoever, and, as far as 
we can effect it, will withdraw our connection from every Pei-son who 
shall Import Goods from Great Britain Contrary to the agreement of the 
Merclianis aforesaid. 

*' Voted that we will not Drink any foreign Tea ourselves, and use our 
best Endeavours to prevent our Families, and those Connected with them, 
from the use thereof; from this Date until the Act imposing a Duty on 
that Article be repealed, or a general Importation shall take place. Cases 
of sickness Excepted. 

" Voted, that the Town Choose a Committee of Twelve men to carry a 
Copy of these votes to every Householder for him to sign, and in case 
any Person refuse to sign ; as above said, he shall be Looked upon as an 
Enemy to the Liberties of the people, and shall have their Name Regis- 
ter'd in the Town Book. 

" Voted, that a copy of these votes be printed in the Essex Gazette, that 



the Publick may know the sentiments of this town. The foregoing re- 
port being several times read, voted to accept the report by a unanimous 
vote. 

'* Voted, John Nichols, Archs. Dale, Benj'. Putnam, Dr. Amos Putnam, 
Capt. Flint, Benj". Russell, Jun'., Samuel Gardner, Jona. Tarbel, Jesper 
Needham, Wrn. Shillaber. Joseph Seccomb & Deacon Benj*. Sawyer ; Be 
a Committee for the purposes mentioned in the foregoing report. Then 
the Moderator Dissolved the Meeting. 

" Attest: Sam'l Holten, Junr., T. Cler." 

In this connection a story is told of the wife of a 
distinguished patriot who, not quite able to forego the 
luxury of enjoying with a few callers a sip of the for- 
bidden beverage, kept within the agreement not to 
drink a drop within the house, by entertaining them 
on top of the house. The incident has been charm- 
ingly told in the verse of Lucy Larcom. The old 
house is a conspicuous figure on the Plains, and one 
can easily imagine, within the low railing which still 
surrounds the easy slope of the upper portion of the 
gambrel roof, that little party enjoying their innocent 
rebellion. A story is told, too, of the suspicion of 
certain husbands of the south parish that a large 
coffee-pot "several sizes smaller than a common light- 
house," was surreptitiously used by their wives at 
quiltings and such gatherings, for tea-drinking, and 
the practice was effectively broken up by the discov- 
ery, one night when the grounds were being concealed 
as usual behind the back-log, of what remained of 
one of those little creatures which inhabit gardens, 
hop well and look ugly. 

A number of years after, licenses to sell tea were 
issued, in this form : 

"Mrs. Mercy Porter is permitted to sell Bohea and other India Teas 
by Retail for one year to commence from the Day of the Date hereof. 
" Danvers, Feb'y 2U, 1782. 

** Sylvester Proctor. | Selectmen 
" Daniel Putnam. t of 

"Stephen Needham. J Danvers." 

Similar permits were at the same time granted to 
Major Samuel Epes, John Dodge, Eben'r Sprague, 
Captain Gideon Foster, Zach. King, David Foster, 
Nathan Proctor and Captain Samuel Page. 

In the middle of January, 1773, the worshippers 
at the North Meeting-House and at the South Meet- 
ing-House, found posted conspicuously a warrant 
under the hand of Gideon Putnam, town clerk, calling 
upon the freeholders and other inhabitants to assem- 
ble in town-meeting at two o'clock on the afternoon 
of the following day at the South Meeting-House " to 
see what method said inhabitants will take in order 
that our civil Privileges may be Restored and trans- 
mitted Inviolate to the latest Posterity." At the 
meeting so called Joseph Southwick was moderator. 
A motion was carried to choose a committee to take 
into consideration our civil privileges and to " Draw 
up something proper for the town to act." It was 
voted that Francis Symonds, Benjamin Proctor, Gid- 
eon Putnam, Captain William Shillaber, Doc'r Amos 
Putnam, Tarrant Putnam, Jun., and Wm. Pool be 
this committee. In two weeks the committee pre- 
sented this report : 



DANVERS. 



447 



"Tho Freeholders & other Inhahitiiiita of tiio Town of Danveia Leg- 
ally assembled, by adjourument y 1st Day of February, 1773, Taking 
into Consideration the Fnhappy Situation of our Civil Privileges, — I'ro- 
ceedeii to Vasa the Following Itesolves— (viz. :) 

" I, that we will use our utmost Endcavoui's that all Constitutional 
Law8 are Strictly adhearcd to. and Faithfully Executed, believing that 
Next to our duty to Gud, Loyalty to our King (in a Constitutional way) 
in Required in Order to the wellbeingof the Coniniunity. 

** II. that when Government becomes Tyrannical & Oppresive we hold 
oursi'lves bound in Puty to Ourselves, & Posterity, to uae every Lawful 
Method to Check the Same, least it Deprive the Subject of Every Priv- 
lepc that is Yaluable. 

"Ill, that it is the Opinion of this Town, that the Eights of tho Col- 
lonists in General, & this Province in Particular, have of lato been 
ftreatly Infringed ui)on by the Mother Country by unconstitutional 
Measurs which have been Adopted by tho Ministry, tending wholly to 
Overthrow our Civil Privileges, Particularly in Assuming the Power of 
Legislation for the Colonists, in Raising a Revenue in the Colonies 
withouttheir Consent, in Creating a Number of officers Unknown in 
the Charter, and investing such Officers with Powers wholly unconsti- 
tutional, and Distnirtivo to the Liberties we have a right to Enjoy as 
Engleshmen ; in Rendering the Governor Independent of the General 
Assembly for his support, and by Instructions from the Court of Great 
Brittain tho first Branch uf our Legislature has so far forgot his Duty to 
the Province, as that he hath Refused his Consent to an Act imposing a 
Tax for the Necessary support of Government, \inless Certain Persons 
Pointed out by the Ministry were Exempted from Paying their just 
Proportion of said Taxe-s. and hath Given up the Chief Fortress of the 
Province (Oastle William) into the Hands of Troops, over whoom he 
Declared he had no Controul ; in Extending the Power of the Courts of 
Vice Admiralty to such a Degree as Deprives the People of the Collonies 
{in Great Measure) of their inestimable Rights of Tryals by juries, &. in 
that we have Reason to fear (from Information) the judges of the Supe- 
rior Court & &c., are Rendered independent of the People fur their 
Liberties. 

"IIII, that an act of Parliament intitled an Act for the better Perser. 
vation of his Majestifs dockyards & &c. (in consequence of which, Com 
inissioners have been Appointed to inquire after the Persons, Concerned 
in burning liis Majesties Schooner, the Gaspee, att Providence) haS 
Greatly Alarmed us tlio we are very far from Pretending to justyfy tlie 
Act, yet we Apprehend Such Methods very Extraordinary, as tho Con- 
stitution has Made Provision fur the Punishment of Such Offenders— 
by all which it appears to uh, that in Consequence of Some Unguarded 
Conduct of Particular IVrwrns, the Colonies in General, and this Prov- 
ince in Particular are, fi.r our Loyalty, Constantly receiving the Punish- 
ment due to Rebellion Only. 

"V, that we will use all Lawful Endeavours for Recovering, main- 
taining & Preserving the invaluable rights & Privileges of this People 
and Stand Ready (if need be) to Risque our Lives & fortunes iu De- 
fence of those Liberties which our forefathers Purchased at so Dear a 
Rate. 

*'VI, that the Inhabitnnts of this Town do hereby Instruct their Rep. 
resentative, that he use his Intlueuce, in tho Great A General Court, or 
Assembly of this Province, & in a Constitutional way Earnestly Con. 
tend for the just Rights & Privileges of the People that they may be 
handed down inviolate to the Late t Posterity, and as this depends iu a 
Great Measure on the Steady, firm and United Endeavours of all the 
Provinces on the Continent, we further Instruct him to uae his influ- 
ence that a Strict Union & Correspondence be Cultivated k Preserved 
between the Same, and that they Unitedly Petition his Majesty A; Parli- 
ment for the Redress of all our Publick grievancies ; we further In- 
struct him, by no Means to ("onsent to give up any of our Privileges, 
whether Derived from Nature or Charter whicli we has as just a Right 
to Enjoy as any of the Inliabitants of Great Brittain ; also that lie use 
his Endeavours that ample and Honorable Sallarios be Granted to his 
Excellency, the Governor, and to the Iloueiablo judges of the Superior 
Court & Ac, adequate to their Respective I)ignities. 

"The foregoing was Put to vote Paragraph by Paragraph and they 
all past in the aflRrmative. 

"Fo/erf, that a Committee of three men be appointed to Correspond 
with the Committee of Correspondence of the Town of Boston and 
Other Townsin this Province as Ocation shall or may Require. 

**Vnted, Doctor Samuel Holten be one of Said Committee. 

'*l'o(*'d, Tarrant Putnam, Jur., be one of Said Comniittee. 

*^Voted^ Capt. William Shillaber be one of Said Connnitlee. 

"Vvtcd, that the above Committee be Desiied to Send an attested Copy 



of the Resolves of this Town to the Committee of CorrespondcTice of tlio 
Town of lioston." 

" Voted, Umi this meeting be Desolved A the moderator Dcsolved it 
accordingly. 

'* Attest, Gideon Putnam, T. Clerk." 

Early in June, 1774, the Royal Governor, Ck'nenil 
Thomas Gago, finding Boston too hot to be comfort- 
able, came out ioto the country and made his resi- 
dence in Danvers. The place thus distinguished, not 
far from the present division line of Danvers and Pea- 
body, called the *' Collins House," the residence of 
Francis Peabody, has been kept in repair and pre- 
served with fiue taste in colonial style, and with its 
approach bordered by lines of ancient over-hanging 
trees, is one of the finest old mansions to be seen 
anywhere. It was built by Robert Hooper, a mag- 
nate of literal " codfish aristocracy." He was the son 
of a poor man but rose to great wealth, and for a 
time nearly monopolized the fishing business of Mar- 
blehead. Partly from the grandeur of his mode of 
life and equipages, but more especially because of his 
personal honor and integiity he was commonly 
called "King Hooper." It is a tradition among the 
fishermen that he, rare exception to men similarly 
engaged, never cheated them or took advantage of 
their ignorance. He built this house in Danvers 
about 1770. While Governor Gage resided here he 
was attended by a strong detaclnnent of the Sixty- 
Fourth Royal Infantry, who were encamj)cd on the 
opposite plain. The })resence of these soldiers was to 
the growing hostility of the people, what the color of 
their uniforms is to the animal typically representing 
English character. They were under good discipline 
and generally behaved themselves well. The grand- 
mother of Deacon Fowler, a daughter of Archelaus 
Putnam, remembers that one day two ollicers sur- 
prised her in C»tlonel Hutchinson's, her stepfather's, 
orchard at New Mills. To <uie who commenced to 
climb the fence, the other said, *' Wait till the girl 
goes away; do not frighten her." Mrs. Fowler used 
to relate of Governor Gage that he often conversed 
with Colonel Hu'chinson, was aft'able and courteous, 
and once, while sitting on a log beibre the door, he 
said, " We shall soon (|uell these feelings and govern 
all this," sweeping out his arm with an expressive 
ge-ture. The camp was watchful against surprise, re- 
alizing how unwelcome was its presence, and of what 
a lively spirit of rebellion tliey were in the midst. 
"Part of the Sixty-Fourlh Regiment encamped near 
the Governor's, we hear, were under arms all last 
Friday," reads a contemporaneous newspaper item. 
Some pranks were played on the troops; at the drum- 
call to arms, a man so well disgtiised as to make his 
identity uncertain, but said to have been Aaron 
Cheever, dashed in on horseback shouting " Hurry to 
Boston I the Devil is to pay !" Early in Se]>tcinbcr 
the regiment departed. There was a large oak on the 
plain which had been used for a whipping-post in the 
camp. The timber of this tree was afterwards used in 



448 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



building the frigate Essex at Salem. The iron-stajile 
to which the British soldiers were .strung up for the 
lash was found imbedded in the wood, which, by a 
singular turn, became the stern-post of the frigate. 

As oue passes the old Collins house it is common 
to hear of a bullet-hole which has been preserved in 
the door, and there are various stories as to where the 
bullet came from. Hon. Daniel P. King stood 
sponsor to one of which this is the substance: On 
the gate-posts were large balls, ornamented with lead. 
A party of patriots going to join the army helped 
themselves to this precious material. The owner 
came to the door and remonstrated with such abusive 
epithets that a man hinted that his presence could 
be dispensed with by firing pretty near where he 
stood. " King Hooper" was supposed to be tainted 
with toryism. At a town-meeting in May, 1775, "a 
letter was read from Mr. Hooper, voted not satisfac- 
tory to the inhabitants." Later he made, in Marble- 
head, a more public recantation, and was received 
again in public favor, but he died, in 1790, insolvent. 
The house passed to the hands of Judge Benajah 
Collins, whose name it commonly bears. At one 
time it was in the Tapley family, and again owned 
and occupied by Rev. P. S. Ten-Broeck, who kept a 
girls' boarding-school there. It is said there were but 
two native born Danvers tories, — Rev. William 
Clark, sou of Rev. Peter Clark, who, in 1768, was an 
Episcopal minister in Quincy, and was afterwards 
confined in a prison-ship in Boston harbor; the other, 
James Putnam, went to Halifax, became one of the 
council and a judge of the Supreme Court, and died 
at St. Johns in 1789. 

In the winterof 1774-75 the clouds grew very black, 
the mutterings more unmistakable. On the 21st of 
November the town turned its back to England by 
voting to adhere strictly to all the resolves and recom- 
mendations of the Provincial Congress. Early in Jan- 
uary each man was supplied with " an effective fire-arm, 
bayonet, pouch, knapsack, thirty rounds of cartridges 
and ball," and discipline was required three times a 
week, and oftener as opportunity may ofi'er. Before 
long something happened. 

One of the characters of New Mills was Richard 
Skidmore, a drummer at the siege of Louisburg, a 
soldier and privateersman in the Revolution, and, as 
will be noticed, a member of the alarm list of 1814. 
At the head of the latter company, an old man, he 
vigorously beat the same drum which he had used 
at Louisburg. A barrel of rum once fell to his share 
of a prize ; as long as it lasted, he said, he heard 
" How do you do, Mr. Skidmore ? " but as soon as the 
rum was gone, it was " How are you, old Skid ? " 
again. Skidmore was a wheelwright, and had made 
several vehicles of a pattern not commonly seen in 
village shops, gun-carriages. The guns themselves 
were concealed somewhere, it is supposed, at the North 
Fields. Information of their existence reached Bos- 
ton, and Colonel Leslie's regiment was sent to effect 



their capture. Of the bloodless re])ulse at North 
Bridge, the persistent yet prudent conduct of Colonel 
Leslie, the valiant resistance of the men who blocked 
the march, the story belongs to Salem, and will there 
be found. Danvers men flew to the spot as the alarm 
spread swiftly over the country. Had one shot been 
fired, right there would have begun the war. This 
was the 26th of February, 1775. 

Some seven weeks later a similar search party 
stealthily moved out from Charlestown to seize stores 
rejiorted concealed at Concord. Paul Revere was out 
that night. Then followed Lexington, and Liberty 
entered upon her baptism of blood. 

It was between five and six o'clock on the morn- 
ing of April 19, that the engagement took place on 
Lexington common. The British moved on and 
arrived at Concord, some .six or seven miles beyond, 
about nine o'clock. By that time the rapid alarm had 
reached Danvers, sixteen miles away. It met with 
instant response. Two companies of minute men and 
three companies of militia, from one hundred and 
fifty to two hundred men, hurried to the scene of ac- 
tion. Learning of the retreat from Concord, the ob- 
jective point was to reach Cambridge soon enough to 
cut off the British from effecting a return. To do this 
they went on a run, and in a few hours they were in 
the midst of action. Few well men could be found 
in Danvers that day ; at New Mills not one. 

The women who were left alone at New Mills 
gathered at the house of Col. Hutchinson to watch 
and wait together. To their anxious vigil news ol 
the fight came on the evening of the nineteenth. 
Were the men safe? Most of them. Were any hurt? 

Some. Were any ? Yes, young bride of a few 

weeks, your husband, Jotham Webb, was one of the 
first martyrs to Liberty. Six others, only one more 
than twenty-five years old, lost their lives, of the men 
who went out from Danvers, — Henry Jacobs, Samuel 
Cook, Ebenezer Goldthwaite, George Southwick, 
Benjamin Daland, Jr. and Perley Putnam. Nathan 
Putnam and Dennison Wallace were wounded ; Jos. 
Bell, missing. 

On the evening of the twentieth, several men on 
horseback drove up to the house where the women 
waited, escorting a horse-cart which bore a precious 
burden. On the kitchen floor of that house which is 
still standing, the dead were unrolled from the bloody 
sheets, and the next morning were taken away for 
burial. Danvers suffered more than any other town 
after Lexington. The corner-stone of the monument 
at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, Pea- 
bod}', was erected in commemoration of the dead, 
April 20, 1835, the sixtieth anniversary of the fight. 
Gen. Gideon Foster, who led the way to Lexington, 
took part in the exercises, and a number of survivors 
of the fight were present. 

Of the five Danvers companies which took part in 
the flight, two, commanded by Captains Samuel Epps 
and Gideon Foster, were composed mostly of south 



DANVERS. 



449 



parish men, and their master rolls will be found 
under the history of Peabody. The three other com- 
panies were composed of the following men, most of 
them then living; within the present limits of Danvers : 

HcTCTtiNsuN's Company. — Captain, Israel Hutchiunon ; Liattennnls, 
Enoch Putnam, Aaron Cheever ; Enftiijn, Job Whipple ; Privates, Samuel 
Goodrich, Kliphalet Perley, Nathaniel Cheever, Ki)en Andrew, James 
Hurley, Samuel Ch;ise, Nathaniel nurtuu, Henry Pwiunels, John Fran- 
cis, William Kreetoe, Nathan IMttnain, James Purtor, Tarrant Putnam, 
Thoruas White, Samuel Baker. Samuel Fairfielrl, Benjamin Porter {8d), 
Jonatlian Sawyer, William Towne, W. Warner, Perley Putnam, Benja- 
min Shaw, William Batchelder, Jothain Webb. Also twenty-four men 
from Beverly. 

Page's Company. — Captain, Jeremiah Pac;e ; Lieutenants, Joseph Por- 
ter, Henry Putnam; Emign, Richard Skidnmre; Privates, Samuel Stifk- 
uey, James Putnam, Benjann'n Putnam, Sr.. Daniel Bootman, David 
Bootman, JdIim Nichols, Jr., Julin Brown. Jethro Putnam, Jeremiah 
Putnam, William Feiino, John Ward, Michael Webb, Benjamin Kim- 
ball, Benjamin Kent, Stephen Putnam, Joseph Smith, Elisha Hutchin- 
son, Benjamin Stickey, Mathew Whipple, Enoch Thurston, PhilUi 
Nurse, Robert Endicott, David Felton, Daniel Verry, David Verry. 
Archelaus Rca, Jr., James Goody, Nathan Porter, Samuel Whittemore, 
Nathan Putnam, Peter Putnam, Samuel Fuwler, Samuel Dutch, Eben 
Jacobs, Jr., Samuel Page. 

Flint's Com i- aw, —Captain, Samuel Flint; Lieutenants^ Daniel Put- 
nam, Joseph Putnam ; Ensign, Israel Putnam ; Privates, Asa TTpton, 
Abel Nichols, Thomas Andrew, Amos Tapley, William Putnam, Joseph 
Daniels, Joshua Dodge, Jonathan Sheldon, William Goodale, Benjamin 
Russell, Siathew Putnam, John Hutchinson, Jr., Aaron Tapley, Levi 
Preston, Peter Putnam, John Preston, Daniel Lakeman, Tsrael Cheever, 
Eleazer Pope, Jr., Aaron Gilbert, Nathaniel Smith, Jonathan Russell, 
Daniel Russell, Jethro Rnssell, John Hutchinson, Stephen Russell, Geo. 
Small, Jr., Nathaniel Pope, Jr., Joseph Tapley, Simon Mudge, William 
Whittredge, Josiah Whittredge. Eben ^Mclntyre, Jolm Kettel, Benjamin 
Nnrse, Eh-a/.er Goodale, Amos Buxton, Jr., Reuben Barthirk, James 
Burch, fliichael Cross, Israel Smith. 

There was another Danvers man killed at Lexing- 
ton, the only cue credited to Medford, — Henry Put- 
nam. He was the youngest son of Deacon Eleazer 
Putnam, and sold his fatiicr's homestead about 1740 
to Phinehas Putnam, great-grandfather of Charles P. 
Preston, the present occupant of the estate. Of this 
Henry, it is related that, while on a journey from 
Medford to Connecticut, he stopped over night at 
Bolton, fell in love with his host's daughter, proposed 
in the morning, was immediately married, and, with 
his bride, drove back her dowry, consisting of two 
cows and twelve sheep. He was captain of a company 
at Louisburg, and was exempt by age from duty, 
when he followed his five sons to Lexington. 

The record of the next town-meeting after the bat- 
tle, held on 1st day of May, is expressive of the 
watchfulness of Danvers : 

" Voted that there be two watches kept in the town of Danvers. Voted 
that one watch be kept on the road near the new mills and the other 
watch at the croch of the roads near Jlr. Francis Symonds. Voted that 
each watch consist of 13 men every night. Votid, to choose a Commit- 
tee of Seven to regulate thi: watches. Voted, John Nichols, Benjamin 
Proctor, Benj. Porter, Capt. Shillahi-r, Nathaniel Brown, Stephen Need- 
haniand Deacon Asa Putnam be wiid Committee. Voffd that if any per- 
son refuse III watch if warned by the Committee (,or any one of them) 
his name shall be returned to tliu Cummiltee of Inspection for this town, 
and if his reasons are not judged sufficient he shall be posted in the 
newspapers. Voted, to choose a Committee of three persttns to procure 
teams to cart stones to Watertown. Mr. Arch Dale, Capt. .John Putnam 
& P3r. Jonathan Tarble was chosen. X'otnl, to be concerned with the 
nabouriug towns in establishing a post between the towns of Newbury 
Port and Cambridge. Doctor Putnam, Mr. Stephen Needham & Capt. 
Epea be a Committee to settle the aflair with the nabouring towns. Voted, 
'29 



as the sonso of this Body of people that we DisapproTe of Fireing any 
Guns except hi cases of alarm or actual engagement.'* 

A minute may here be made, that in 1850 Danvers 
received a courteous invitation to be present at the 
75th anniversary of the " Concord Fight," and the 
delegation sent were John W. Proctor, John Page, 
Robert S. Daniels, Samuel Preston, Henry Cook, 
Moses Black, Dr. George Osborne, Daniel Putnam, 
Jonathan King, .Samuel P. Fowler, Eben Sutton, 
Elias Savage and Fitch Poole. At the centennial an- 
niversary our selectmen added to the occasion the 
dignity of their presence. 

After Lexington the yeomanry suddenly found 
themselves a besieging army about Boston. The sec- 
ond Centennial Congress met May 10, 1775, recog- 
nized the actual existence of war, appointed Washing- 
ton commander-in-chief and commissioned four 
major-generals ; but the only commission delivered, 
and that by the hands of Washington, was to Israel 
Putnam, a son of Danvers, whose biography is a mat- 
ter of national history. 

The watch, which had been maintained since 
Lexington, was discontinued July 17, 1775, Congress 
having provided a guard for sea-port towns. In Sep- 
tember following, Colonel Benedict Arnold camped at 
Danvers on his march to Quebec. 

And now that which at first was the dream of only 
the most daring of the leaders, became moulded into 
a great popular idea — Independence. On the 7th of 
June, 177*J, Lee, of Virginia, offered in Congress the 
resolutions of freedom, which were not adopted until 
the 2d of July. But two days after its introduction, 
and irrespective of it, for news did not travel by 
lightning, the citizens of Danvers were warned to 
meet at the South meeting-house, June 18, to con- 
sider a resolve of *' the late House of Representatives 
passed on the 10th Day of May, 1776," to the effect 
that each town should come together to instruct their 
representatives in the next General Court whether, 
in case of a declaration of independence, by Congress, 
"they, the said inhabitants will Solemnly Engage 
with their Lives and Fortunes to Support them in the 
Measure." 

Captain William Shillaber was moderator of the 
meeting at which these votes were passed : 

r<'/<'f/ that if the Hon''i« Congress for the Safety of thft Ignited Coloneys 
Declare them Independent of the Kingdom of grt-at Britain, we the In- 
habitants of this Town do Solemnly Engage with our live and Fortuens 
to Support them in the Measure. 

Voted that the Town Clark be, and hereby is directed Immediately to 
Deliver an attesterl Copy of the Proceedings of this Town Resjiectins In- 
dependentcy, to 5Iaj'. Samuel Ejies Representative of said Town, fnr his 
Instructions how to Proceed in Case the Important (piestion of Indepen- 
dentcy should come before the Hon**'" House of Uopresentativca of this 
Colony. 

The Town taking into Consideration the Paragraph in the Warrant 
Respecting giveiug a bounty to their niinnto men voted to give a Bounty 
to one quarter part of the militia that shall be Drafted out and stand at a 
minutes warning Provided they March voted that the Htmnty or present 
Given shall be one pound p' month to Each minute nmn so long as they 
Continue in the Province Service, voted to disolve this meeting and the 
moderator declared this meeting Disolved accordingly. 

" Att STEniBN Needham, T Clark. 



450 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



When, on the nation's birth-day the Declaration 
was iinally adopted by Congress, it was eagerly wel- 
comed in Danvers, adopted without a dissenting vote, 
and spread for all to read upon the clerk's records. 
The Articles of Confederation were likewise unani- 
mously approved, February 9, 1778, but the Consti- 
tution proposed for Massachusetts that year met an 
unanimous vote the other way. From the summer of 
1777 consideration was from time to time given to en- 
forcing the " acts respecting the prices of goods and 
all other articles in the Town." A meeting was called 
July 5, 1779, '" to have the proceedings of Boston of 
the 17th of June hist communicated, and to know the 
minds of the Inhabitants of the Town respecting a 
convention of Delegates from the several commit- 
tees of correspondence, etc., in the State proposed to 
be held at Concord on Wednesday, the 1 4th in- 
stant." 

On this it was resolved " that the town will do 
all in their power to reduce all the Exorbitant prices 
of the necessaries of Life, and Desire one of the 
Committee of Correspondence, etc., to attend at the 
said convention at Concord if they shall think pro- 
per." 

Dr. Amos Putnam was moderator of the meeting, 
which, August 2, 1779, heard and considered the ac- 
tion of the convention. Deacon Edmund Putnam, 
Colonel Hutchinson, Archelaus Dale, John Epes, 
and Dr. Putnam withdrew, and, after a short ad- 
journment, reported " that the resolves and addresses 
of the convention are well planned for the Public 
Good," and on their recommendation this vote was 
passed : 

"(Viz.): Renoired, That wo will Exert ourselves jind do all in our 
power to carry the Same with all the wholesome Laws heretofore made 
for the Like Purpose into Execution, and in Testimony of our Sincerity 
therein we recommend that the Inhabitants of this Town here unto Set 
their hands by Subscribing their Names from Twenty one years old and 
up\Vards and that the Conmiittee of Safty bo Directed to offer y« same to 
the Inhabitants, aftoresaiiland deal with all that refuse to Sign the Same 
{if any should be) as Directed in the Resolves affores>iid, and that the 
Town Clerk be Directed to Give out Copies to the Several members of the 
Committee afforesaid for the Like Purpose." 

Dr. Putnam, Aaron Cheever, Captain jShillaberand 
Archelaus Ilea were added to the Committee of 
Safety. At a later time it was voted that " the prices 
Set by the Selectmen and Committe of Saftie to the 
Several Articles now read with Several resolves ac- 
companing the Same be accepttable to the Town 
Voted Saml. Epes be a Committe to git a Sefient 
Number of the above Prices and resolves Printed." 

There was one conspicuous instance of violation 
of these regulations. In the record of a meeting, 
13, 1779, appears this: 

"Voted Mr. Gideon Putnam has violated the resolves of the Conven- 
tion at Concord by selling cheese at nine shillings per lb., as by evidence 
fnlly appeared. 

" Voted Mr. Gideon Putnam be posted in one of the Public Newspapers 
of this State for Breaking one of the resolves of the Convention at Con- 
cord, as an enemy to his cuntrey. 

"Voted not to excuse those persons who have not subscribed their 
names to carry the resolves of Concord into Execution. Voted to Post 



the Several Persons in the public prints for not complying with the vote 
of the Town, as by a List from the Committee of Safety will appear." 

Cheese at $1.50 per pound seems rather high, but 
scarcity and inflated currency account for it. Rum 
was quoted at from $20 to $25 per gallon ; molasses, 
£3 19s.; Bohea tea, £5 6s. per lb.; iron, £30 per cwt., 
and other things in proportion. An idea of the pur- 
chasing jiower of continental money may be had in 
the appropriations made by the town in October, 
1880, for " beef for the army." It was voted that the 
sum of thirty thousand pounds be raised and assessed 
upon the inhabitants for the purpose of procuring beef, 
and Enoch Putnam, Jona. Sawyer and Timothy Patch 
were appointed a committee to carry out the vote. 
The vote to procure beef was then reconsidered, and, 
instead, it was voted to send the money direct to the 
county committee, of which Samuel Osgood, Esq., of 
."Vndover, was one. The following January, 1781, it 
was voteil to raise eighteen hundred pounds in silver 
or an equivalent in pa[>er money " for the use of the 
town to procure Contineutal soldiers." The recruiting 
committee were Ezra Upton, John Dodge and Capt. 
Samuel Page, who were instructed not to exceed one 
hundred and eighty silver dollars for each man for 
three years or the war, " exchange of paper money 
for silver money at seventy-five for one." At the 
same meeting these votes were passed : 

" A'oted that this Town be formed into as Many Classes as there are 
Soldiers to procure for the Town for three years or During the War 
Voted that the Friends be Excused from being Classed with the rest of 
the Town. Voted to reconsider the vote respecting not Classing the 
Friends, and that the Friends be subject to be Classed with the other 
Inhabitants of the Town," 

Thus all through the war those who remained at 
home helped to uphold the government and supply 
the army. There were brave patriots, then as ever, 
who never fired a musket, but were none the less de- 
voted and useful. 

During the eight terrible years Danvers was repre- 
sented at the front as well among the letidersas in the 
ranks. On the roll of honor the names of some of her 
sons are written very high. Ranking highest were 
three Generals, Israel Putnam, Moses Porter, Gideon 
Foster ; next, three Colonels, Jeremiah Page, Israel 
Hutchinson, Enoch Putnam ; two Majors, Caleb 
Lowe, Sylvester Osboru ; six Captains, Samuel Eppes, 
Samuel Flint, Jeremiah Putnam, Samuel Page, Den- 
nison Wallis, Levi Preston, Johnson Proctor. 

Some of these men will bementioned in the history 
of Peabody, and others are noticed in other connec- 
tions in this sketch. Of two of them. Porter and 
Hutchinson, something will here be said: 

Moses Porter was an apprentice, eighteen 
years old when the war broke out. He helped to 
work one of the guns at Bunker Hill, and stuck to 
his piece when most of the men had fled. His coun- 
try never allowed him to quit it afterwards, says Mr. 
Upham, whose words also are these: " From that day 
he bore a commission in the army of the United 



DANVERS. 



451 



States. He was retained on every peace establish- 
ment always in the artillery, and at the head of that 
arm for a great length, and until the day of his death. 
No man who fought at Bunker Hill remained so long 
a soldier of the United States. After the Revolution, 
in which he was wounded, he served with Wayne in 
the Indian campaign, and was at the head of the 
artillery when the War of 1812 took place. He was 
in active service on the Niagara frontier, and on the 
luth of September, 1813, was breveted for distin- 
guished services. He defended Norfolk, Va., in 1814, 
with great ability and vigilance, and saved that most 
vital point of coast defense. At successive periods 
after the war he was at the head of each of the geo- 
graphical military divisions of the country." He died 
at Cambridge in 1822, and was buried on his father's 
farm, from which his remains have been removed to 
Walnut Grove Cemetery. A letter preserved from 
Captain Simeon Brown to General (then Lieutenant) 
Porter, 1781, says, "I went yesterday to Salem to get 
a Dictionary, but there are none to be had, therefore 
I cannot send one this time, l>ut .will try at Boston 
the first opportunity, and if one can be obtained I 
will send it on." Though a reflection on Salem as a 
literary centre, the letter speaks well for the young 
artillery officer who wanted a dictionary. Moses 
Porter never married. 

The house which Colonel Israel Hutchinson built, 
the one in which the women gathered during that nine- 
teenth of April and saw laid out on the floor the dead 
heroes brought back from the fight, is still standing at 
Danversport, close by the " new mills" which Arche- 
laus Putnam built. Indeed, Hutchinson's second wife 
was the widow of Archelaus Putnam. For many years 
this house remained in the family as the residence of 
Briggs T. Eeed, who married the colonel's grand- 
daughter, Betsey; it is now owned by the Eastern, or 
Boston and Maine Railroad Company, and before long 
may give place to a much needed new station. Colo- 
nel Hutchin.son was a descendant of the fifth genera- 
tion from Richard Hutchinson, the emigrant, who came 
from Arnold, England, in lt).j4, and with his wife Alice 
and four children, settled near Hathorne's hill. He 
was born in 1727 and was living on the Plains in 
1762, moving soon after to New Mills, His long and 
honorable military record began when he enlisted as 
a scout in Captain Herrick's company, in 1757. The 
next year, in the Lake George and Ticonderoga cam- 
paign he was a lieutenant in Captain Andrew J'uller's 
company; the next year a captain, he led a company, 
under General Wolfe, up the Heights of Abraham. 
A man with this experience was naturally enough 
chosen as a leader of the minute-men of '7.">. Soon 
after Lexington he was commissioned a lieutenant- 
colonel in Colonel Mansfield's regiment, and soon was 
promoted to full rank of colonel. He was at the 
siege of Boston, and his regiment was one of those de- 
tailed to fortify Dorchester Heights. He went to 
New York, commanded Forts Washinuton and Lee, 



and was with Washington throughout the memorable 
retreat through New .lersey. On his return from the 
war he was conspicuously honored by his fellow-citi- 
zens, who sent him repeatedly to the General Court 
and elected him to other offices, until politics entered 
more into consideration, and Federalists carried the 
day against the colonel and his fellow-Democrats. 
In his old age he kept busily engaged at his business, 
which had been interrupted by the war. He worked 
in his saw-mill until he met there the accident which, 
in his eighty-fifth year, caused his death, March 16, 
1811. He is buried in the Plains Cemetery. His 
son, Israel Hutchii\son, Jr., was a deacon of the Bap- 
tist Church and long clerk of the society. The colo- 
nel's orderly-book, from August 13, 177."), to July 8, 
1776, is in possession of the Massachusetts Histori- 
cal Society. It contains a "descriptive list of non- 
commissioned officers and privates enlisted in the 
county of Essex to serve in the army of the LTnited 
States," comprising five hundred and twenty-two 
names, including thirty from Danvers. 

Colonel Hutchinson is recalled by Deacon Fowler, 
wdio was a boy of eleven when he died, as a smart old 
man, small in stature, clad in a white frock, working 
in his saw-mill. He was accustomed to call the boys 
in from the street to help him roll logs. He had not 
himself a lazy bone, and he abhorred laziness in 
others and despised loafers. His son, the deacon, en- 
tertained visiting ministers, and when one of these 
guests strolled in to look over the mill, the old man, 
taking him for a loafer, threatened to throw him into 
the pond. 

How gladly the townspeople welcomed the close of 
the war, and withal, how vigilant they were for the pre- 
servation of the rights so dearly bought, may be judged 
from instructions given Colonel Hutchinson, June 9, 
1783. After alluding to his conspicuous services dur- 
ing the war and at the General Court, the instruc- 
tions proceed, — "The contest is over and a complete 
Revolution is happily acomplished. This town, sir, 
congratulates you on so glorious a period. . . . 
As the Independence depends solely (under Divine 
Providence) in the Union of these United States, you 
are to consider the confederacy of the States as Sacred 
and in no point to be violated. . . . You are to 
use your endeavor that no Absentee or Conspirator 
against the United States, wdiether they have taken 
up arms against these States or not, be admitted to 
return, and those persons that have returned, you are 
not to sutler such persons to remain in this Common- 
wealth. ... In any matters that turn up, which 
you think militate against your Constituents, you 
are to apply for further Instructions." 

Danvers was represented in the inarch of Colonel 
Wade's Essex County Regiment, to supjiress Shay's 
Rebellion. An orderly-book, now in ]iossession of 
Dr. A. P. Putnam, gives the names of sixty-eight 
men of the company of Captain (afterwards Colonel) 
John Francis, fourteen of whom were from this town. 



452 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



including four officers, — Daniel Needham, lieuten- 
ant; Daniel Bell, drummer; Josiah White, sergeant; 
Moses Thomas, corporal. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

DANVERS— ( Continued). 

ECCLESIASTICAL. 

The First Church. — By the terms of the act al- 
ready referred to, which constituted Salem Village, 
all the farmers within the Village limits were to con- 
tribute " to all charges referring to the maintenance 
of a minister and erecting a meeting-house," and 
five persons were to be appointed " among themselves 
or town of Salem," to collect rates and levies, the 
constable of Salem to have power to make distre.ss on 
the goods of any neglecting to pay. At the first 
meeting of the Farmers, about a month after the es- 
tablishment of the Village, namely, November 11, 
1672 (old style), five persons were chosen "to carry 
along the affiiirs according to the court order," — 
Lieutenant Thomas Putnam, Thomas Fuller, Joseph 
Porter, Thomas Flint and Joshua Rea. 

The first preacher at the Village was then also for- 
mally engaged, — Rev. James Bayley. He was a 
young man, but little over twenty-one years of age, a 
native of Newbury, and a graduate of Harvard in 
1669. 

For some seventeen years there was no separate 
and independent church. The condition of things 
was anomalous. AVhile a considerable number of the 
members of the church of Salem Town worshipped, 
for convenience, at a place nearer home than former- 
ly, but yet were not allowed to sever their connection 
with the parent church, there was, on the other hand, 
a complete parochial organization, corresponding 
somewhat to the modern " society," in which, con- 
trary to the usual Puritan polity, the franchise was 
not confined to church members. From this half- 
and-half state of tilings came, from the very first, 
trouble. The householders far outnumbered the 
church members. It can easily be imagined that 
certain non-church members, from the natural incli- 
nation to exercise newly acquired power, took too 
prompt and vigorous a part to suit' those who had 
hitherto not been obliged to consult them. However 
that may have been, the young minister soon found 
his congregation divided into very marked factions 
for and against himself. A majority favored him, 
but the other side was a good instance of a " strong- 
working minority." Mr. Bayley was employed from 
year to year, and each renewal of his engagement 
added to the determination of the opposition. That 
he had the courage to stay some seven years, as he 
did, speaks better of his grit than of his wisdom. 
But, after appeals to the parent church from both 



sides, and a thorough investigation by the General 
Court, out of which Bayley came triumphant, "or- 
thodox and competently able, and of a blameless and 
self-denying conversation," he at last, about the be- 
ginning of 1680, gave up. He continued to remain 
in the village for some time after his resignation on 
land given him by certain parishioners, among whom 
was his most conspicuous opponent, Nathaniel Put- 
nam. The land consisted of about forty acres, situ- 
ated in part on the meadow and hill east of the meet- 
ing-house. The deed, though dated after his resig- 
nation, seems to be in confirmation of a gift promised 
or actually given soon after his engagement to preach. 
The recitation that "the providence of God having 
so ordered it, that the said Mr. Bayley doth not con- 
tinue amongst us in the work of the ministry, yet, 
considering the premises, and as a testimony of our 
good attection to the said Mr. Bayley," goes far to 
show that, after all, the spirit of fair play prevailed. 
Mr. Bayley eventually studied medicine, practiced in 
Roxbury, and died January 17, 1707. 

In the latter part of 1672 it was determined to 
build a meeting-house " of 34 foot in length, 28 foot 
broad and 16 foot between joists." The first meeting- 
house stood on the acre which Joseph Hutchinson 
donated for that purpose ; its site is the northern side 
of Hobart Street, a little east of the old Hook 
house. Part of the meagre furnishings of this build- 
ing consisted of the " old pulpit and deacons' seats " 
taken from that very meeting-house preserved in Sa- 
lem by the Essex Institute, the parent church having 
about this time built a new meeting-house, and be- 
stowed these things on the Farmers. 

Mr. Bayley's successor was George Burroughs. 
He was engaged in November, 1680, having then 
been out of college ten years. He came from a rough 
experience in the wild district about Casco, where 
life was in peril from Indian assaults, but after three 
years stay he went back among the woods and savages, 
and, doubtless, preferred the certain dangers of the 
frontier to the treatment he received at Salem Village. 
The farmers voted sixty pounds for his first year's 
support, one-third in money, the balance in provi- 
sions at stated rates, but they neglected to fulfil their 
agreement, and compelled him to run in debt to pay 
his wife's funeral expenses. The unjust suit brought 
against him by John Putnam, in whose family he had 
boarded has been mentioned. 

The third minister was one Deodat Lawson. Gift 
of God, his name implied, but Mr. Rice j)ithily says 
he could not have been divinely given to this peoi)le, 
save in the way of bare allowance. He remained 
from early in 1684, and left in the summer of 1688. 
Daniel Epps, the famous school-master who lived on 
the present Rogers estate, supplied the pulpit as a 
layman before Lawson was finally settled. 

On the 19th of November, old style, 1689, a church 
was at length organized, and on that day began the 
pastorate of a man whose name will ever stand out 



DANVEKS. 



453 



most conspicuous in the blackest chapter of New 
England history, the Reverend Samuel Parris. For 
in his family broke out and by iiim was fostered to its 
direful end, the Salem Witchcraft Delusion. In Mr. 
llpham's book the events of the preceding years 
which had a bearing in the accusations and trials, es- 
pecially the divisions and animosities which, com- 
mencing with the Bayley troubles, grew from bad to 
worse through Burroughs' and Lawson's stay, are all 
collected and told with the skill of a novelist unfold- 
ing his plot to the climax of the catastrophe. Else- 
where in this book appears a summary of the sad 
story. Only here let it be said that to Danvers, this 
very town, and nut to the present limits of the city of 
Salem, belongs the melancholy distinction of being 
tlie place in which the delusion had its origin. A 
little back from the present parsonage there is a dis- 
tinct depression which marks the cellar of Parson 
Parris' house; here and there "witch houses" are 
still standing and lived in; and about the present 
meeting-house of the First Church, in some manner 
as of lineal descent, centre those associations of the 
scenes of 1G92 with which the whole region is filled. 

The covenant "agreed upon and consented unto by 
the Church of Christ at Salem Village, at their first 
embodying on y" 19 Nov., 1869,'' was subscribed by 
these twenty -seven persons: 

Samuel ParriB, pastor. 
Nathaniel PutTiaiu. 
John Putnam. 
Bray Wilkiud. 
Joshua Rea. 
Nathaniel IngersuU. 
Peter Cloyea. 
Thomas Putnam. 
John Putnam, Jr. 
Edward Putnam. 
Jonathan Putnam. 
Benjamin Putnam. 
Ezekiel Cheever. 
Henry Wilkius. 
Benjamin Wilkius. 
William Way. 
Peter Prescott. 

Parris rid the church of his ill-fated presence on 
the last day of June, 1(590, having doggedly hung on 
to a position where he served but to perpetuate and 
keep alive the troubles for which he was so largely 
responsible. It is human nature to feel one's blood 
boil at the thought of the part this man, a minister 
of God, took in the murder of innocent people, but 
greater than he were not great enough to rise above 
the accepted ideas of their time. Through these 
poor instruments One that is greater than all was 
working in a way they knew not of. Only such a 
sacrifice could arouse mankind to the horror of their 
own unreason. The rocky summit of Gallows Hill 
bears witness that never again under civilization shall 
human life be imperiled by such superstition. 

With the departure of Parris, a leaf was turned on 
the record of the dark days of the earliest history of 
the pari.sh and church, and brighter days appeared, 



Eliz. (wife to Sam.) Parris. 
Kebek (wife to John) Putnam. 
Anna (wife to Bray) Witkind. 
Sarah (wife to Joshua) Rea. 
Ilatinah (wife to John, Jr.) Putnam^ 
Sarah (wife to Benjamin) Putnam. 
Sarah Putnam. 
Deliverance Walcott. 
Persis (wife to William) Way. 
Mary (wife to Sam.) -\lphie. 



when after much effort to fill the vacancy, an invi- 
tation to Rev. Joseph Green was accepted. He was 
a Harvard man, and was not quite twenty-three years 
old when he was ordained, November 10, 1098. Be- 
fore this he had preached many months, the people 
had ample opportunity to know him and to become 
settled in their ow'n minds. It was with unanimity 
that he was called, and the response which he made 
he entered in the church book : " I gave an answer to 
the church and congregation to the efi'ect that if their 
love to me continued, and was duly manifested, and 
if they did all study to be quiet, I was then willing to 
continue with you in the work of the ministry." As 
an evidence of the new peace brought about by his 
ministry, certain members who had had nothing to do 
with the church since the witchcraft days, came to 
communion February 5, 1099, a red-letter day in the 
history of the church. 

Two years later, and a day of thanksgiving was 
observed for continued peace and prosperity. The 
change, says Mr. Rice, was permanent. " Nothing, 
scarcely, before the settlement of Mr. Green, had been 
done by a united people. Nothing of importance, 
scarcel_y, since, in the space of a century and three- 
quarters, has been done in any other manner. No 
minister has been settled except with a practical una- 
nimity ; and in each case but one, I think, there has 
been no dissenting vote in church or parish. Nor 
has there been, in all that long period, a single seri- 
ous and obstinate contention among the members of 
this church and society." 

With the beginning of a new century the people 
determined to have a new meeting-house. Very like- 
ly more room was needed, but there were plenty of 
reasons why the old building should be abandoned. 
It might well have been dragged where the gibbets 
had stood and there burned to ashes, but with less 
poetic justice it was taken down and set up again as 
a barn on the opposite side of the road, where it stood, 
Mr. Upham says, " until, in the memory of old per- 
sons now living, it mouldered, crumbled into powder- 
post and sunk to the ground." The new building 
was erected on " Watch-house Hill," the site of 
three succeeding meeting-houses, including that 
now in use. The hill had been leveled considerably 
and otherwise cleared ; it can easily be seen that the 
spot was wisely chosen by the earliest settlers for the 
location of a block-house defense against the Indians. 
The meeting-house of 1701 fronted north, fiicing Dea- 
con IngersoU's house. It was first occupied July 20, 
1702. From the thirty-four by twenty-eight of the 
first building the dimensions were increased to forty- 
eight by forty-two. The building committee were 
Captain Thomas Flint, Joseph Pope, Lieutenant Jona- 
than Putnam, Joseph Herrick and Benjamin Putnam. 
The cost was about three hundred and seventy pounds, 
part of which was raised by subscription among per- 
sons outside of the village limits. Mr. Green contrib- 
uted liberally and the town people helped somewhat. 



454 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



A diary kept by Mr. Green has been preserved and 
printed by the Essex Institute, with notes by Deacon 
Fowler. It reveals the lovable character of the 
writer and gives many a glimpse of life in Salem 
Village during his pastorate. On the 26th of No- 
vember, 1715, haviug just reached the age of forty 
years, and having completed eighteen years of minis- 
try among his people, Joseph Green died, and was 
buried in the old cemetery which bears the name of 
one of his successors. Good and just man, the great- 
ness of his work far exceeded the length of his life. 
Deacon Edward Putnam made this minute in the 
church-book. 

"Then was the choyces flower and grenest olif tree in the garden of 
our Lord hear cut down in its prime and flourishing estate at the age of 
forty years and 2 days, who had ben a faithful ambasiudor from God to 
us 18 years, tlien did that brite star seet and never more to apear her 
among us: then did our sun go down, and now what darltness is com 
upon us. Put away and pardon our Iniqutyes, o Lord, which have ben 
the cause of the .Sore displeasure and return to us again iu marcy, and 
provide yet again for this, thy flock, a pastor after thy one hearte as 
thou hast promised to thy people in thy word, one which promise we 
have hope, for we are called by thy name ; o leve us not." 

June 5, 1717, a year and a half after Mr. Green's 
death, the Rev. Peter Clark was ordained. He was 
also a Harvard man, five years out, and about twenty- 
five years old. Hobart Street is named for Peter 
Hobart, the father of Mr. Clark's wife, who came 
here to live about 1730. Mr. Clark's pastorate lasted 
fifty-one years. Mr. Eice says of him : " Mr. Clark 
was a man very unlike his predecessor, and yet well 
fitted to serve the people among whom he came. He 
had a sharp and vigorous mind, with a taste for theo- 
logical discussions." A modern congregation would 
find it hard to sit through a single sermon such 
as the Rev. Peter's people had to endure every week. A 
delegation once went to him to suggest that headminis- 
terhis teaching in less heroic doses; but he said "No; 
any could leave when they had heard enough, but the 
sermons must go on to their appointed ends." Two 
volumes of his works, as well as a number of scatter- 
ing sermons have been published. One of these, 
which Mr. Rice seems successfully to have analyzed 
back to its original plan, presents a scheme of heads 
and sub-heads, fearfully and wonderfully made — in 
all, eighty-four separate divisions. No wonder he 
was widely known as a stalwart preacher, and was 
called upon to deliver choice specimens of his liter- 
ary and oratorical skill on special occasions in Boston 
and elsewhere. Once he had neglected for some rea- 
son to join in the prayers of neighboring ministers 
for the cessation of existing drought, but having 
been formally requested so to do, he also the next 
Sabbath prayed for rain, and it soon rained. His 
negro man, who knew well his master's character, 
said " he knew that when Massa Clark took hold, 
something would have to come." 

During Mr. Clark's pastorate the first church bell 
was hung, in 1725; the town of Middleton was incor- 
porated, 1728, and a church there organized in 1729 oc- 



casioned the withdrawal of twenty-four members of 
the Village Church; and in 1762 the Village was 
separated from Salem and became a part of Danvers. 
This entry in the church book, made by Deacon 
Asa Putnam more than half a century after Deacon 
Edward Putnam entered his touching obituary of Mr. 
Green, tells its own story : 

" Now, it has pleased God in his holy Providence to Take away from 
us our Dear and Rev'd pastor by Death, Mr. Peter Clark, who departed 
this Life .June ye 10, 1708 — iu ye Seventy-Sixth Year of his age, and on 
ye 15th day was his funeral, ittwas attended by Great Solleninity ; his 
Corps was Carried in to ye Meeting-house ; a prayer w.is made by ye 
Rev'd ftlr. Diuian, of Salem ; a Searnian Delivered by the Rev'd Mr. 
Barnard, of Salem, from Galatiaus, 3 Chap., 14 verse. Then Removed 
to his Grave with ye Church walking before the Corps, a-ssisted by 12 
Bears, with a great Concours of People following. . . . Now he is 
gone. Never to see his face no more in this world, no more to hear the 
Presious Instructions and Examples out of his moutb, in Publick or in 
Private, any more ; that ye God of all grace would be pleased to sancti- 
fee this great and Sore bereavement to this Church and Congregation for 
good, and in his own Due Time Give us another Paatour after his own 
heart to feed this People with Truth, Knowledge and Understanding, 
that this Church may not be Left as Sheep without a Shepherd, &c." 

It was not until after more than four years that the 
vacancy occasioned by Mr. Clark's death was filled. 
The church repeated its action of a half century be- 
fore. It took to itself another young man fresh from 
his studies, and relinquished the services of his life- 
work only when death called him to the i'ullness of 
his years. More than fifty-three years was Dr. Wads- 
worth pastor of this people. Over more than a hun- 
dred years the two pastorates of himself and his 
predecessor extended. It was but twenty-five years 
after the witchcraft times — they seem far back in our 
annals — that Mr. Clark was settled. The Missouri 
Compromise had been effected some years l^efore Dr. 
Wadsworth's death. What chapters of history were 
enacted while these two men preached at Salem Vil- 
lage and the First Parish of Danvers. 

Benjamin Wadsworth was born in Milton, July 18, 
1750, graduated at Harvard iu 1769, and w.as licensed 
to preach a few months before his ordination in Dan- 
vers. This event occurred December 23, 1772, and it 
was an especially great time for the parish. Certain 
festivities incident thereto have been the subject of 
local tradition which gives some hint of the nature of 
the liquid refreshment dispensed by some of the villa- 
gers to numerous guests from out of town. Judge 
Holten made this minute: 

" The utmost decency was preserved through the whole of the Solem- 
nity and the Entertainmentconsequent, was generous and elegant, re- 
flecting great Honour upon the Parish." 

Among the items of the bill of costs for the " En- 
tertainment," are : 

" For Bisket, i.1 5s. Od. ; Pork, Beef. Salt (?) and Eye and Iiyun Meal, 
f '20 17s. Od. ; about one Ton of Good Hay, £25 ; for Turkeys, SA 148. Od. ; 
for Malt, f 7s. 6d. ; for Rum, .iO Ss. Od. : Syder about half a Barrel £0 
15s. Od. ; New England Rum, £0 IGs. Od." 

Mr. Wadsworth's salary was at first fixed at ninety 
pounds. Not long after his coming, came the stirring 
times of the Revolution. The young minister was 
among the Danvers men who flew to the North Bridge 



DANVERS. 



455 



at Salem to repel Colonel Leslie's march. About 1784, 
by way of compromise for a new par-sonage, the par- 
ish gave Mr. Wadswortb an acre of land on the road 
west of the old parsonage lot, upon which he erected 
the rather stately mansion which still bears his name. 
At thistime, too, the square hip-roofed meeting-house 
which had stood the use of some eighty-four years, 
was considered too old and small, and in 17S(i-S7 a 
new mecting-h.)use, the third in the history of the par- 
ish, was erected. It was sixty feet long by forty-si.v 
wide, twenty-seven feet post, with an ordinary pitch 
roof. A square tower ran up in front, surmounted by 
a belfry which in turn was surmounted by a tall and 
slender conical .steeple. The old bell of 1725 was 
hung in the belfry, but in 1802 a new bell was pro- 
cured weighing six hundred and seventy four pounds 
and costing $299.56. 

This meeting-house wa.s burned on the morning of 
September 24, 1805. " It was supposed to be .set on 
rire by some incendiary." wrote the parish clerk. The 
accused person was so evidently insane that he '' was 
therefore sentenced to receive no punishment but that 
of confinement as a lunatick." The greater part of 
the plate was stolen and suspicions were strong and 
well grounded that the real criminals were certain 
persons who used the poor imbecile for a cats-paw, 
hut through lack of evidence they escaped conviction. 
The ruins had not ceased smoking when the standing 
committee, — AmosTapley, Asa Tapley and Jonathan 
Porter, Jr. — issued their warrant for a meeting to be 
held the next week at the Upton Tavern, to consider 
rebuilding. It was voted to rebuild, that the new- 
building should be of brick, that it should have a 
<lome. The dimensions of the " Brick Church " were 
sixty-six feet by fifty-six feet, twenty-eighl feet to the 
eaves, and the tower was " sixteen feet four inches 
square, having two wings, covered with a cupola, and 
terminated with a vane ninety -six feet from the foun- 
dation,"— Dr. Wadsworth's words. The corner-stone 
was laid May Hi, 1800, and the finished building was 
dedicated November 20th of the same year. Dr. 
Wadsworth's sermon, then delivered, was published. 
Its rhetoric, especially in descriptions of the fire, is 
sufficiently lurid to meet the demands of the occasion. 
By an act of the Legislature, March 8, 1806, a num- 
ber of Danversport people were transferred with their 
estates, from the South Parish to this parish ; they had 
for some time maintained a practical connection here, 
though the territory of Danversport was never within 
the original limits of Salem Village and its inhabi- 
tants, belonged to the Middle Precinct or South 
Parish. " Ten respectable characters with their fam- 
ilies," Dr. Wadswortb calls them. They were Sam- 
uel Page, John and Moses Endicott, Nathaniel Put- 
nam, Samuel Fowler, Caleb Oakes, William Pindar, 
Jasper Needham, John Gardner, Jr., and Amos Flint, 
the last three being from what is now West Peabody. 
A vote was passed in 1819 that the minister might 
read a portion of the Scriptures at the opening of the 



meeting on the Sabbath and on "all other Publick 
Days, as in his opinion shall be to the advantage and 
benefit of his hearers." 

In March, 1825, Dr. Wadswortb felt the approach 
of the end. Previous to that time he had scarcely 
known sickness. On the 18th of .January, 1826, he 
died, in the seventy-seventh year of his life and the 
fifty-fourth year of his pastorate. In his last sick- 
ness he bought the old burial-ground which bears his 
name and gave it to the parish, and there is his own 
grave. An outline of his character, as presented by 
Mr. Rice, is here condensed: 

"Dr. Wadswortb was a man of fine persoual apitearanc*^. ami with 
the bearing of a thorough geiuleman of thogf days. He is desvrihed b> 
the late Judge Samuel Putnam as 'of great bodily vigor, with limbs 
finely proportioned ; about live feet ten inches in height, with a hand- 
some and florid countenance.' But there are those of yoursel ves, with 
whom the figure of this former p.-i8tor is still familiar. 'I can see him 
now," says Dea. Samuel Preston, 'precisely atthe niinuteapiJointed, with 
a dignified step passing up the broad aisle, die.'wed in surplice and hand, 
cocked hat in hand, the curls of bis auburn wig gracefully waving over 
his shoulders ; slightly recognizing the powdered dignitaries, such as 
Judge Holten, Judge Collins and othei-s, ai he passed ; ascending with an 
agile step, the stairs of his high pulpit, and taking his seat under the 
huge canopy or sounding-board which hung susjieuded over his head.' 

" The doctor was formal and ceremonious, but courteous without ex- 
ception to all, and warm and kindly, withal, at heart. He kept his po- 
sition, as the manner of those times was with ministers, a little apart 
from his people. The children looked upon him with a kind of awe ; 
and the feeling extended to his family and the house in which he lived. 
The lad who drove his cows to their pasture was not exi)ected to enter 
the yard by (lie front way. He could keep persons at a distance from 
hini whenever he chose to do 60. with wonderful civility and ease. He 
wa.s reckoned by many to bo reserved ; and he was so with many, but 
not with his intimate friends. In his intercourse with his brother min- 
isters he was often facetious and witty, which may be thought a singu- 
lar circumstance, lint even with his brother ministers he was under- 
stood to be a person of dignity. By one of them, ilr. Huntingturi. of 
Topsfield, it used to be said that ' when any of the brethren chilled upon 
Dr. Wadswortb, they were civil enough,' but when they came to bis 
house 'they threw in their saddles at the front door.' The former part 
of this only should be believed. 

' He was conservative in all his tastes and liabits, and did not enter 
readily into new methods. He introduced the observance of the numth- 
ly concert near the end of his ministry, held in the afternoon of Mon- 
day ; but there were at that time no other prayer-meetings. 

"The weekly meeting on Friday evening dates from the settlement 
of his successor. The service of public or social prayer by the brethren 
of the church had fallen, indeed, considerably into disuse at this period, 
so that at the establishment of the Sabbath-.school there was some diffi- 
culty in finding pei-sons who were willing to oiTer the opening prayer. 

"But, if Dr. Wadswortb bad the weakness of a conservative temper, 
he bad also its strength. He was steady and judicious in his work. He 
did little that ever needed to be undone, either by himself or by anj one 
else. He was a lover of peace, ami had wisdom to iiuuntain it. He was 
able in his own life to illustrate, in a good ilegrce, the principles of the 
religion he taught. He exhibited remarkable patience and calmness in 
the midst of difficulties, and resignation in time of trial. He had a 
steadiness of devotion and of trust, the power of which was not lost upon 
his people. And thus, if in its later years his ministry failerl somew hat 
in general and marked popular effect, it did not lack in thoroughues» 
and beauty of impression upon those that cherished its influences. It 
w.as long afterwards to be noticed that amoTig those whose lives had 
been moulded by his ministry, there was to he found a rare anil admir- 
able type of Christian character." 

In a little less than three numths after Doctor 
Wadsworth's decease there was another ordination 
in the village. Once again the church took unto 
itself a young man who, in his turn was to grow old 
in its service. The young man, Milton Palmer Bra- 



456 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



man, had preached somewhat during Doctor Wads- 
worth's sickness, and was speedily and unanimously 
called to become his successor. The date of the ordi- 
nation was April 12, 1826. He resigned March 31, 
1851, after a pastorate of nearly thirty-five years. 
Nearly one hundred and sixty three years before, 
the revered young Joseph Green came to Salem 
Village, and only four lives bridge the span between 
his coming and Doctor Braman's resignation. A 
single pastorate of half a century is here and there 
met with in the history of other churches, but a 
series of life pastorates like this, aggregating so 
many years, will not be easily paralleled. 

The present parsonage property was purchased 
May 26, 18.32, and was first occupied by Mr. Bra- 
man January 8, 1833. In 1835 a vestry or chapel 
was built on Hobart Street, east of the parsonage, 
where it stood until 1871, when it was bought and 
removed by G. B. Martin. In 1838 an act of the 
Legislature incoriKjrated Samuel Preston, Samuel P. 
Fowler, Jesse Putnam and their associates uuder the 
name of the First Religious Society in Danvers, and 
a month later, April 18, 1838, this act was repealed, 
and a new act passed, beginning, " The North 
Parish in Danvers, of which the Rev. Milton P. 
Braman is |)ast()r, is hereby made a corporation," 
etc., and slightly altering the provisions of the for- 
mer act so that the society " may assess the pews 
in any meeting-house hereafter erected by them or 
conveyed to them.'' 

The new meeting-house to be " hereafter erected " 
was not long in coming. Fears were entertained of 
the safety of the brick meeting-house. " A certain 
cracking and settling of the walls which had for 
years been noticed, became too serious, it was thought, 
to be longer neglected." There was a unanimous 
vote to pull it down and build once more a new 
house. The present meeting-house, the fifth 
in line of succession, was finished and dedicated 
November 21, 1839. Its cost was about twelve 
thousand dollars. Jesse Putnam, Samuel Preston, 
William Preston, Nathaniel Pope, Peter Cross, 
Daniel F. Putnam (on his decease, Nathan Tapley), 
and John Preston were the building committee ; 
Levi Preston, master carpenter. Dimensions of the 
building, eighty-four by sixty feet. 

Early in Mr. Braman's ministry, 1832, a Benev- 
olent Circle was formed among the ladies of the 
parish. Mrs. Braman was its first president. Some 
interesting reminiscences, written by Harriet P. 
Fowler, are here condensed : 

" Let 3'our renders come with me iu iin.^gination to some old-fasbioued 
farm-house in the North Parish, now Dauvers Centre. It is fifty years 
ago. From one to two in the afternoon the members are arriving, some 
in chaises, some in wagons, while others ■wallc over the hills ami pas- 
tures, not much impeded by stone walls or fences, as trains and pull- 
baclis are not in vogue. At two o'clock quite a large company has as- 
sembled, the President reads a chapter from the Bible, and business com- 
mences. Some of the ladies have brought large bags and boxes. In one 
corner a smart, energetic woman is dealing out shoes to bind ; a trying 



ordeal for novices to sit by an old shoe-binder and try to turn off as many 
as she does. In another part of the room a lady is giving out material 
for stocks, tliose elaborate structures of hair-cloth, bombazine and Sjvtin, 
in which men of that generation arrayed their necks. Wonder they 
were not stiff-necked for life ! Press-hoards, holders and flat-irons show 
that the ladies mean business. 

" A group of elderly women are deftly plying their knitting-needles — 
wise women, who know that cold hands and feet make cold hearts — so 
they are providing warm mittens and stockings for fathers, husbands, 
sons. There is a table where shirts and collars are being made for the 
luckless wights who have neither mother nor wife to provide for them. 
A bevy of young misses are tiistefully arranging patch-work for (luilts, 
to he given to invalids, or sold to increase the funds of the society. .\t 
twilight work is suspended, and after a cup of tea and simple refresh 
inents, it is again resumed till nine o'clock. In the evening the men 
drop in, making themselves useful by holding yarn for the young ladies 
or perchance threading the needles for the older ones, and generously re- 
sponding when the collection was taken at the close of the evening. 

'■ With the money earned we relieved the wants of the poor, clothed 
Sabbath school children, and bought them books ; we carpeted the 
church and helped to build the chapel ; we gladdened the heart of the 
ln>me missionary, and accumulated quite a little fund found useful in 
subsequent eniergencies. In such a meeting in one of these old-fash- 
ioned rooms could be seen the graceful and energetic Mrs. Braman, the 
quiet but efficient Mrs. Kettelle, and many others whom we of the pres- 
ent might be proud to claim as mothers or grandmothers." 

At the fiftieth anniversary of this society, cele- 
brated November 8, 1882, ten of the fourteen original 
members then living were present. 

In the year 1844 the church suffered the loss of those 
of its members, who formed what is now the Maple 
Street Church, at the Plains. This division occurred 
chiefly through consideration of convenience. The 
earlier losses, when Middleton was incorporated, and 
when the South parish was established, were of the 
same nature. But from time to time in the history 
of the church, members have separated from it to ac- 
cept the doctrines of other denominations. All of 
the churches hereafter to be mentioned, except the 
Catholics, have drawn for their organization in a 
greater or less degree on the strength of the parent 
church. Yet the numerical strength of the First 
Church, in 1867, when there were two hundred and 
two members, was greater than ever before. The 
congregations were largest just before the withdrawal 
of the Plains people, a fair attendance on a pleasant 
Sabbath being about four hundred. 

March 31, 1861, has been mentioned ;is the date of 
Dr. Braman's resignation. He had a number of times 
previously expressed a desire to be dismissed, but his 
people would not let him go. This time he had de- 
cided. " I have reached that time of life when I 
wish to retire from the labors which the ministry im- 
poses on me, and when it is usually better to give 
place to younger men." 

Dr. Braman was the son of a minister. Rev. Isaac 
Braman, of Georgetown, and his mother was the 
daughter of a minister. The father, in response to an 
invitation to attend the George Peabody reception 
in 1856, wrote: "If Barzillai, the Gileadite, when 
only four score years old, could think himself excus- 
able for not going up to Jerusalem with his King, 
whom he highly esteemed and loved, much more may 
one who is in his eighty-seventh year be excused from 




M^^ri^o S^^/'h^^^^^^^^'-^t^ 



DANVERS. 



457 



going to South Dnnvers." The son, Milton Palmer 

Rr:iman, second in a family of five children, went 
from Phillips Academy to Harvard, graduated from 
there in 1819, and after a year's teaching entered the 
Andover Seminary. He preached his first sermon at 
Dan vers, in December, 1825. He married Mary 
Parker, of Georgetown, in November, 1826, seven 
months after his settlement here. He moved to 
Brookline f^hortly alter his resignation, then to Au- 
burndale, where he died April 10, 1882, in his eighty- 
third year. He was buried in the town of his birth 
after a brief service at the home of his aged mother. 

Dr. Bramau was a strong man. Some have placed 
him at the head of eminent divines reared in Essex 
County. He was greatly assisted by his wife, one of 
the wiseS't and best of women, who relieved him of 
family cares, so that he could devote his time to par- 
ish duties, and in these she was ever a thoughtful 
assistant. The son, grandson and great-grandson of 
ministers, all of whom were exemplars in their gen- 
eration in the discharge of the pastoral office, he like- 
wise, by his earnest and faithful preaching, made a 
deep impression upon his hearers, many being led 
to a saving knowledge of the truth and a devoted 
Christian life, of whom shining examples yet re- 
main. 

The present pastor of the church, Dr. Braman's 
successor, Rev. Charles B. Kice, was installed Sep- 
tember 2, 1863, and is approaching the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of his settlement. Mr. Kice isa nativeof 
Conway, Mass. His father, Colonel Austin Rice, who 
died July 15, 1880, at eighty-six years of age, was for 
fifty years one of the leading men of western Massa- 
chusetts in religious and educational movements, but 
a few years before his death was sent to the Legisla- 
ture, was one of the founders of Mt. Holyoke Semi- 
nary and a trustee of that institution at the time of 
his death. Rev. Mr. Rice has always taken an active 
interest in town affairs, has served on the school com- 
mittee almost continuously since 1865, has represented 
his fellow-citizens in both houses of the Legislature, 
and has served on the State Board of Education. A 
permanent monument to tlie memory of Mr. Rice is 
the published " History of the First Parish in Dan- 
vers," which is an amplification of the address deliv- 
ered by him at the celebration of the two hundredth 
anniversary of the parish. This book has been 
chiefly followed in the preparation of this short sketch 
of one of the oldest, most historic, and in all respects 
most interesting churches to be found in thiscountry. 
Many interesting details have been altogether omit- 
ted for the reason that they are there easily accessible. 
Doctor Bramau was living at the time of the anniver- 
sary. Something more must here be said of him, and 
from a sermon delivered by Mr. Rice, April 28, 1882, 
these extracts are taken : 

"His strength was in the pulpit. Preaching etood foremost with 
him, and it was preiiLliing fit to stand in lluit ])liice uf furwardnosa. 
His mind was logical, aud thus be went clear of &\\ uust and vagueueba, 



and his tboiiKhts ran steadily toward Bomo point he meant to reach. Bvit 
he was not dull and dry in reasoning. Along with his logical move- 
ment there went a certain enlivening measure of imaginative and al- 
most poetical fancy. Then he had a, cleiir, shnwd sense concerning 
commnn life and common things, ho that his style was terse and direct 
and struck sliarply on actual practice. And then, hiding behind this 
shrewd j)rnctical sense, or in it, was a line of humor, ready to come into 
play where it might, and not coming into sight where it ought not. 
And then he had a gift of sarcasm at baud for use when it might be 
called for. By all these means he held attention to what he said, and 
bis bearei-s were intereated and entertained, and sometimes in a man- 
ner fascinated, even while tliey might be severely smitten upon. 

*'He was forcible, direct, clear and pungent. He laid bold on tlie 
intellect and sensibilities of his hearers both together. To an unusual 
degree bis sermons ran close to life. I think this was their most dis- 
tinguished characteristic. They were apt to concern, in some manner 
those that lieard them ; and thus they entered into their thoughts aud 
cluug upon their memory. Tliey were not unifoi ni in strength, a thing 
not to be expected ; but they were apt, all of them, to be in some part 
thoughtful, and of a quality to move one to some tboughtfulneea for 
himself. 

'He preached upon all Christian doctrines, and with frequency upon 
some. The doctrine of justification by faith was dear to him. Ho was 
skilled in depicting the lives of men, and he called often into use the 
great Scriptural biographies. The dead of those former ages rose up 
here, with bones and flesh and breatli, and lived again uuder liishand. 
Hedealt in this way with the good and the bad, with Moses and David 
aud Pilate and Judas, and be may seem sometimes to have had a. cer- 
tain grimnees of satisfaction in the work be might tlius make with the 
bad. 

"Dr. Braman drew great attention upon wliat are termed 'occa- 
sional sermons,' discourses preached upon the occurrence of the Fourth 
of July on a Sabbath day, or in connection with the death of promi- 
nent men, as General Harrison or Daniel Webster, or upon the annual 
days of Fasting or Thanksgiving. On these days this house was tilled. 
reoi)le came sometimes in barges from the neighboring towns, and 
strangers were here often from a greater distance. 

"His sermons were always writti-n. He never spoke in the pulpit 
without notes. Up m one occasion, as he went to preach at South 
Dauvers, now Peabody, his manuscript was forgotten, and he was greatly 
disturbed when he made the discovery, and unwilling to attempt to 
preach ; but when the time, in the midst of the service, was come, and 
while yet he scarcely knew upon what he should speak, he went down 
to the platform before the pulpit, that he might not seem to preach, 
and there he did preach and in a manner whicli seemed to those that 
heard him to surpass bis visual powers. He preached also, though be 
did not call it preaihing, in the prayer-meetings beheld in the chapel. It 
is remembered thus that at the chapel praver-meeting, held on the eve- 
uing of the day of Daniel Webster's burial, he spoke for a full hour, 
dwelling upon the burial scenes of great men, and making emphatic as 
be drew to a close, the insigniticance of all earthly honors to one who 
had just entered into the presence ef the holy angels aud the Saviour 
and Judge of men. 

" He spoke usually with little* of gesture and nothing of oratorical 
art. His ordinary manner could not be called graceful. He had a well- 
known habit of rolling a strip of paper upon the fingers of his right 
hand, and after a certain established order of procedure, and he might be 
troubled if this resource failed. liut when be was once under way in the 
pulpit upon a theme that stirred him, and was kindled with bia topic, 
his ungraceful manner was either forgotten or it was changed, he ges- 
ticulated often with force and freedom, and the spirit of an orator wf*e 
upon him. 

" Di\ Braman was faithful and utterly fearless in rebuking wherever 
it seemed to liim rebukes were needful. He was a conservative num. 
He was not changeable. He was not like the Apo*-tle Peter. He was 
apt to stand for the cool side of things. But he stood for the cool side of 
things sometimes, it must be admitted, in a hot way, that would uotbave 
been unbefitting even to Peter. 

"llewas a strong opponent of slavery. They have misjudged him 
who from anything that occurred in his later j'earshave thought of him 
differently. But in this matter his natural conservatism, and hi.** legal 
habit of mind, had much force iu shaping the course he took. As 
events moved rapidly forward, he himself advanced less rapidly, and in 
his dislike of all that seemed revolutionary in its origin or nature, he 
was led, wo may tliiuk, too far in di>itrust or opposition toward those 
j great popular movements which were designed under the shining 



458 



HISTOBY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



providence of God, to bring the gigantic evil lie himself deplored— 
tliongh by ways that did not please him — fearfully and gloriously to an 
utter end. 

" Dr. Braman was a member of the School Committee of the town for 
twenty-tive years, and Chairman of the Board for a considerable portion 
of that period. 

" He was also a member from this town of the Convention held in 
1853 for revising the Constitution of the State, and he bore an active 
and influential part in its proceedings. 

*'He went little into general society, and had not a liking for social 
aaserablies." 

Mr. Rice reached the twentieth anniversary of his 
settlement, September 2, 1883. Even then his pas- 
torate was longer than any other in the Essex South 
Conference. In the twenty years, one hundred and 
ninety-one had been added to the membership ; the 
number of members was then two hundred and seven ; 
largest number in the history of tlie church, two hun- 
dred and twenty-three, in 1877. In 1882 the ratio of 
church membership to the population of the parish, 
was larger than ever before. Nearly one-quarter 
part of all who had ever been members were then 
still living. Mr. Rice had married one hundred and 
twenty-six couples, one hundred being of the pariah, 
had attended three hundred and iifty funerals,preached 
five hundred and thirty-four written sermons and three 
hundred and ninety-eight unwritten, of which he 
says with characteristic humor "all ought to have 
been better, and some ought not to have been at all." 
Mr. Rice observed the anniversary by a discourse 
from the pulpit from which the foregoing statistics 
have been taken, and the following evening the 
event was made the occasion of a gathering of his 
own parii-hioners, friends from other parts of the 
town, ministers from neighboring churches, and 
others, for congratulations and social enjoyment. 
Augustus Mudge presided, and after remarks review- 
ing the period, he presented Mr. Rice an envelope 
containing a very substantial token of the esteem of 
his people. Among the letters read during the even- 
ing was this : 

"Oak Knoll, Danvers, 9th mo., 3d, 1883. 
" Hon. Augustus Mudge : 

" Dear Frie}id: — I very much regret that I am not able to be with you 
at the gathering this evening. I am, ft is true, better acquainted with 
the gentleman whom you so deservedly honor on thisoccasiou, as akiud 
friend and neiglibor, as a pnblic-spirited citizen, than as a minister ; but 
the fact that he has held his pulpit for twenty yeai-a is proof that he has 
done good service in it. During this long period I have never heard 
that his parish have been troubled by the bodily presence of that evil 
and disreputable Personage with whom his predecessor, Pai-son Parris, 
fought such a losing battle. As a consequence of this he has had no 
occasion to spend his time in searching for witches among the elderly 
ladies of his congregation ; and the sound theology of his people under 
his ministrations has made heresy-hunting so unnecessary that the soli- 
tary Quaker who has sojourned within the parish limits still remains 
unchanged ! 

" Pleasantry apart, I beg leave to add my congratulations to yours, 
and to express my beat wishes for my friend Rice and his family. 

"Thine truly, 

"John G. W^hittieb." 

The Sabbath-school was organized in 1818, in Dr. 
Wadsworth's pastorate. The names of an even hun- 
dred of the first scholars are given by Mr. Rice, fifty- 
six females, forty-four males. The largest number at 



any time connected with the school was in 1867, four 
hundred and four, with an average attendance of 
nearly three hundred. The school had ils origin at a 
meeting held at Dr. Wadsworth's house, July 30th of 
the year mentioned. Those present were the first 
teachers, — Samuel Preston, Edwin Joselyn, Edith 
Swinerton, Betsey Pope, Eliza Preston, and Betsey, 
Hannah, Harriet, Nancy, Eliza and Clarissa Putnam. 
The latter, Mrs. Preston, now living, has been men- 
tioned in another connection. The idea of having a 
Sabbath-school seems first to have been entertained 
by Miss Betsey F. Putnam, who had seen the working 
of such a school in Beverly, started some years prev- 
iously. The fiftieth anniversary of the Sabbath-school 
was observed August 9, 1868. Mrs. Emma Putnam 
Kettelle, who died the year before, had been a teacher 
from the first year. The first superintendent was 
Samuel Preston. His successors have been Porter 
Kettelle, Nathan Tapley, Samuel B. Willis, John 
Peabody, Ebenezer Putnam, George W. Endicott, 
Ahira Putnam, Wm. R. Putnam, Moses W. Putnam, 
Augustus Mudge, Edward Hutchinson, George W. 
French, Samuel A. Tucker, William Siner. 

A number of the above served several different 
times. The longest consecutive term was that of Mr. 
Mudge, from 1848 to 1868. There were in 1886, con- 
nected with the school three hundred and four mem- 
bers, with an average attendance of one hundred and 
sixty -seven. 

A LL'^T OF DEACONS. 



1690-1719. 


Nathaniel Ingertioll. 


1802-18. 


Joseph Putnam. 


1690-1730. 


Edward Putnam. 


1807-19. 


James Putnam. 


1709-18. 


Benjamin Putnam. 


1818-31. 


Jonathan Walcott. 


1718-33. 


Eleazer Putnam. 


18^0-31. 


Eben. Putnam. 


1731-r)4. 


Natlianiel Putnam, son 


lS32-ei. 


,Tohu Thomas. 




of Benjamiu. 


1832-44. 


Frederick Howe. 


1733-40. 


Joseph Whipple. 


1845-48. 


Ebenezer Putnam, son 


1741--G2. 


Cornelius Tarbell. 




of Eben. 


1756-57, 


Archelaus Putnam, son 


1848-61. 


Samuel Preston. 




of Nathaniel. 


1861-85. 


Elijah Hutchinson. 


1757-62. 


Samuel Putnam, Jr. 


18G1-74. 


William R. Putnam. 


17G2-95. 


Asa Putnam. 


1886. 


Alfred Hutchinson, son 


1762-85. 


Edmund Putnam. 




of Elijah. 


1785-1804. 


Gideon Putnam, 


1886. 


Edward A. H, Grover. 


1795-1802. 


Daniel Putnam. 








STANDING COMMIT 


rEEB (partia 


list). 




Ifi72. 




1775. 


Lieut. 


Thomas Putnam. 


Tarrant Putnam. 


Thomas Fuller, Sr. 


John Swinerton. 


Josepl 


Porter. 


Come 


ins Tarbell. 


Thomas Flint. 


Abel Nichols. 


Joahua Rea. 


John Preston. 




1700. 




1800. 


Lieut. 


Jonathan Putnam, 


Jonathan Porter, Jr. 


Benjamin Hutchinson. 


Levi Preston. 


JohnTarbeli. 


Elijah Flint. 


Benjamin Putnam. 




1820. 


Thomas Fuller, Jr. 


Moses N. Putnam. 




1725. 


Jesse Putnam. 


Samue 


I Flint. 


Amos 


Pope. 


Joseph 


Fuller. 




1840. 


John Preston. 


Jesse Putnam. 


Nathaniel Putnam. 


Samuel Preston. 


Josepl) 


Putnam. 


Natha 


n Tapley. 



DANVERS. 



459 



Samuel Preston. 
Augustus 5ludge. 
Sylvauus B. Swau. 

1S70. 

Wni. R. Putnam. 
W. B. Woodman. 
Augustus Mudge. 

1X74. 

Augustus Mudge. 



S. B. Swan. 

S. Walter Nourse, 

ISSO. 

Augustus Mudge. 

Alfred Hutchinson. 

Samuel W. Nourse. 

1HS7. 
Augustus Mudge. 
Alfred Hutcbiusun. 
J. Peter Gardner. 
CLERKS (partial list). 



First clerk, unknown, 

to 1699. Thos. Putnam. 

nOU. Jonathan Putnam 

1702. Daniel Rea. 

1703. John Putnam. 
17ori. Benj, Putnam. 
170IJ. Jonathan Putnam. 

1707. lianiel Rea. 

1708. Edward Putnam. 
17t'9. Samuel Andrew. 
1710. Israel Porter. 
1720. Joseph Portrr. 
1731 Joseph Putnam, 
17*1. Samuel Holten. 



17."iM. John Preston. 
17ti0. Asa Putnam. 
1770. Archelaus Dale. 
1781. Samuel Page. 
1790. Ehenezer Brown. 
1800. Hezekiah Flint. 
Israel Andrews. 
1820. Amos Pope. 
1832. Daniel F. Putnam. 

1836. Wm. R. Putnam. 

1837. Franklin P. Putnam. 
1838-65. Rufus Tapley. 
1866-87. Augustus Sludge. 



Baptist. — On the authority of a letter written in 
1817 by Israel Hutchinson, cleric, the Baptist Society 
was formed November 12, 1781. The first recorded 
meeting was November 26, 1781. Captain Gideon 
Foster was chosen Moderator; Dr. Nathaniel Gott, 
cleric ; and Jere. Hutchinson, Israel Porter and 
Natlianiel Pope, a committee to supply preaching. 
On the 10th of December, Nathaniel Pope, Samuel 
Fairfield and Captain Foster were chosen to procure 
a spot of land to set a meeting-house upon ; later 
they were directed to " go on the spot or spots and 
see which is most comodose for the society and what 
it can be purchased for." Ebenezer Moulton and 
Benjamin Jacobs were added to the committee and 
the dimensions of the building fixed, " sixty feet in 
length and forty-five in wedth." January 9, 1782, it 
was voted "to Build the Meeting-House on Hooper's 
Plane, so called." In April this vote was reconsid- 
ered, and at a meeting held in Mr. Aaron Cheever's 
house it was voted to " chuse a committe to purchis 
the Land for the Meting-House." Captain Foster 
was retained on the new committee, and Aaron Chee- 
ver and Ebenezer Dale were the others. They were 
directed " to purchis a Land to Sett the meting- 
House on, and agree for a fraim and Git the under- 
pinning." Charles Hall, Brickmaker, conveyed to 
this committee the land on which the building was 
erected, twenty-nine poles, by deed dated September 
20, 1783, the consideration being twenty -six pounds. 

Early in November, 1783, " Voted to Except of 
Mr. Henry putnams plan for the pews. Voted, that 
the pews be Sold at Vandue. Voted to choose a 
Committee to attend the Vandue and make sale of 
the pews, and to Notify to attend the Sale in ways 
and manner the Committee shall think proper. 
Voted that this committee consist of Seven persons." 
Colonel Israel Hutchinson, Nathaniel Webb, Jona. 
Sawyer, Nath. Pope, Ebenezer Moulton, Joseph Os- 
borne and Samuel Fairfield were this committee. 



A meeting was called jus', before the following 
Christmas at the house of the Rev. Benjamin Boltch, 
to consider the method of settling the outstanding 
accounts for work on the new meeting-house ; the 
matter was entrusted to Colonel Hutchin.soii, Nathan- 
iel Webb and John Felt. Jonathan Sawyer was here 
appointed the first treasurer of the society ; he was 
already "dark," Dr. Gott having early resigned. 

The record of the sale of pews is in this form : 

" Mr. Aaron Cheever, Vandue master, Vandue open Jonathan Sawyer 
Clerk. 
" Jona. Sawyer, bid of No. 8 at 82 dollars. 
" .\nd sold to Colonel Israel Hutchinson. 
"James Richardson, Bid of No. 35 at 81 dollars. 
" Joseph Smith, Bid of No. 32 at 77 dollars." 

And so on. Other bidders were James Richardson, 
Henry Putnam, Captain Samuel Page, Nathaniel 
Webb, Samuel Fairfield, Captain Jeremiah Putnam, 
Captain Gideon Foster, Nathan Upton, Ebenezer 
Dale, Samuel Fowler, Charles Hall, Aaron Cheever, 
Simon Pinder, Richard Skidmore, Nathaniel Put- 
nam, John Felt, John Gammell, Nathaniel Smith, 
John Chapman, Benjamin Kent. 

The first pastor really settled over the new society 
was Rev. Benjamin Foster, and the society was re- 
markably fortunate at having such a man at hand. 
He knew his people and they knew him, for he had 
grown up among them. His father was Gideon Fos- 
ter, a native of Boxford ; his mother, Lydia Gold- 
thwait, of Danvers. He was born in the house which 
Ibrmerly stood on Lowell and Foster Streets, South 
Danvers, June 12, 1750. His brother Gideon, about 
a year and a half older, the hero of Lexington, was 
one of the founders of the church. Benjamin at- 
tended the town schools, and when about twenty 
years old entered Yale College, from which he gradu- 
ated in 177-1. In college he became a decided con- 
vert to the belief that imme.'sion is the only valid 
mode of administering the ordinance of baptism. 
After gradtiatiiig he joined the First Baptist Church 
in Bo.ston, under Rev. Dr. Stilliuaii, who directed his 
theological studies. He was ordained pastor of a 
Baptist Church in Leicester, Mass., October 23, 1776. 
He evidently had preached somewhat at New Mills 
as a supply during the latter part of 1783. 

January 27, 1784, the society met " at the house 
where they commonly met on the Sabb.ath days " to 
see if they would agree with the Rev. Benjamin Fos- 
ter to preach any longer. They voted to roriuest him 
to fill the pulpit for the uextSabbath, adjourned over, 
and then sent Joseph Osborne, Nathaniel Upton and 
Thomas Stevens " to waight upon him " with a result 
thus reported, — "the Rev'd. Mr. Foster will Stay with 
the Society six months unless something extraordi- 
nary prevents." When the six months were out, De- 
cember 8, 1784, it voted to agree with Rev. Mr. Fos- 
ter to preach till May next, and he, cautious as before, 
agreed " if sickness don't prevent." 

Mr. Foster remained here two years and then ac- 



460 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cepted a call to Newport. Another two years and he 
was pastor of the First Baptist Church of New York. 
In 1792 the College of Rhode Island (Brown Univer- 
sity) conferred upon him the degree of "D.D.,'' pro- 
bably because of the talent and learning displayed in 
his work, " A Dissertation on the Seventy Weeks of 
Daniel, the particular and exact fulfillment of which 
Prophecy is considered and proved." 

Dr. Foster was a tighter with arguments, and he 
stood manfully by the guns of Pedo-baptisni. He had 
a controversy with Rev. John Cleveland, of Ipswich, 
on the baptism question, and his pamphlet, "Primi- 
tive Baijtism Defended," published September 3, 
1784, was widely noticed and a second edition called 
for and published in 1788. The introduction to this 
pamphlet, which is really a letter to Mr. Cleveland, 
contains a passage revealing the character of the man, 
which it would be well for every minister in the land 
to adopt : 

" May God grant that my pen be lUrected by truth, and governed by 
candor and moderation, while I attempt to correct the niistalies of one 
whom I trnat T sliall ever have reason to respect ! And the more we 
imbibe of the happy temper of our divine Master, the greatercaution we 
Bhall use to suppress language which is bitter and censorious towards 
Christians who difler from us in those points of religion which are of 
lesser importance." 

In the year 1798, in his forty-ninth year, he died 
in New York, the death of a hero. Not in that glory 
of military renown, clothed with which his brother 
Gideon lived to a very old age, but in a scourge of yel- 
low fever. When panic was everywhere and people Hed 
from the city, he remaiued at his post and fearlessly 
visiting the sick and dying, lie took his life in his 
hands and lost it. True heroism ! When the general 
roll is called how these instances of unselfish devo- 
tion, untrumpeted from the house-tops, will far out- 
shine and outnumber the brave deeds of war. 

Dr. Foster was buried in the Baptist Cemetery, 
N. Y., and on the marble over his grave are these 
words written by an eminent Presbyterian clergyman 
of that city : 

" He excelled :ts a preacher ; as a Christian he shone conspicuously; 
in his piety he was fervent ; the church was comforted by his life, and 
now laments his death." 

At a meeting, early in 1780, Nathaniel Putnam, 
Benjamin Kent and Simon Pindar were chosen to 
provide preaching for that year. A similar committee 
the next year weie Jonathan Sawyer, Aaron Cheever, 
Nathaniel Webb; 1788, Nathaniel Upton, Nathaniel 
Webb, Israel Hutchinson ; 1789, Messrs. Upton, 
Hutchinson and Ebenezer Dale; 1790, Israel Porter, 
Eleazer Wallis, Colonel Hutchins(m; 1791, the 
same ; 1792, the latter two and Newall Wilson. But 
little other business was transacted in these years. A 
vote, of 1789, that the committee provide preaciiing 
once a month and as much oftener as they can, is 
significant. In 1792 the clerk, Israel Hutchinson, Jr., 
was directed to draft three subscription papers for 
the committee to see " how much money they can 



gitt sined for the support of the gauspill the present 
year." 

In the fall of 1792, we have a hint of a Law-suit in 
which the Society was involved with the Second 
Parish in Beverly. Richard Waitt had been repre- 
senting the society and Joseph Batchelder, Israel 
Porter and the clerk were chosen to help him fight. 
March 26, 1798, the societj' met to see what measures 
they would take " respecting the Rev. Thomas Green 
preaching for the present year." Ebenezer Wallis, 
Israel Porter, Josiah Swett, I. Hutchinson, Jr., and 
Nathaniel Upton considered the matter, and their re- 
port was accepted " Respecting giving the Revd. 
Thos. Green all the monies that may be Subscribed on 
the subscription papers, and that he shall Have all 
the Light Contributions and all other advantages 
witch may arise by sd society." 

"a cofpev of the subscription paper. 



Nathl. Webb 2 8 

Israel porter 2 8 

Israel Hutchinson, Jr 2 s 

Timothy Fuller 1 

.lohn Creafieyye2 12 

Nathl. Upton 1 

.\mos Sawyer 1 

W'm. Johnson Itj 

Jos. Swett 1 111 

Simon Dodge 1 lu 

Asa Woodbury 3 

K. Wallis 2 

Charles Dennis 18 

Wm. Trask 1 10 

John Makentiar 1 4 

Jou*. Wilson U 12 

Samuel Dutch 1 4 

Josiah Raymeut 10 

Joseph Pcttengi 11 18 



f 8. d. 

John Busbby 12 

Jona. Felton 12 

Newall Wilson 1 4 

Barnabas Conant 12 

Peter Woodbury 1 4 

Nathl. Prinse 1 

Jona. Prince 12 









n 

8 

c 

12 

16 

10 

lU 

12 

8 

16 

2 

4 



Wm. Trask ye 2 18 

Jona. Waitt 6 8 

Israel Hutchinson, Esq. ..2 10 

Moses Eudicott 12 

Edw. Dodge 1 10 

Israel Putnam 2 

Richard Waitt 

Josiah Batchelder 1 

Joshua Osborne 

Gideon Batchelder 

Seth Ricliardson 

Samuel McKeutiar 

Richard Skidmore, Jr 

Wra. Hilbort, .Ir 

Joseph Hilbort 

Wm. Hilbort 

Eph'm Smith 

Ebenez'r Browne 1 

Nicholas Browne I 

Sam'I Cheever 

Bartholomew Smith 

Elias Eudicott 

Edmond Putnam 

John Hutchinson 

Nath'l Batchelder 12 

Auth. Buxton 18 

Elisha Fuller 1 4 

Abigail Broadstreet 



Lemual Childs 1 

Rich. Skidmore 

Joshua Prinse 2 

Daniel Usher 

Jorem. W. Putmail 

Nathl. Puiman 1 

Aaron Chever 1 

Saml. Fairfield 

Jona. Uobbins 

James Burch 

Widow Fowler 

Simon Piuder 1 

Richard Elliott 

John Eudicott 1 

Thos. Putnam 1 

John Welch 

Gideon Foster 1 

Deunisou Wallis 2 2 Ma 19 

Benj. Jacobs 1 

A proprietors' meeting was held in April, 1793, to 
further consider the settlement of accounts and dis- 
posal of unsold pews. The committee were directed 
to hang the pew doors and make the end doors to the 
house; James Richardson was given a certain time in 
which "to cap his lot of pews." The next year a 
subscription paper was again passed around, "to see 
how much they can get ained for Rev. Thomas 
Green;" and he was also given the light contribu- 
tion. It mav have been from excessive lightness 



DANVERS. 



461 



that Mr. Green resiarned, November 26, 17%. The 
next March it was voted "to procure sum person 
wlio possessetli a good Carrictor to preach for the So- 
ciety this year, and the committee is to promise the 
minister all the contribusian that arises by the So- 
ciety or otherwise all the money that the committee 
shall see proper." Nothing like having these little 
financial matters between pastor and people plainly 
understood. It is not shown in the society records 
who first succeeded Mr. Green. There was no set- 
tled minister for six years. Elder .Toshua Young 
was supplying in the fall of ISOO. In December. 
1802, the standing committee made a report on Lord's 
Day evening, after the service that they have agreed 
with Mr. Jeremiah Chaplin " to preach to the Society 
one year Exclusive of Two Days the committee 
agreed to give him; we are to pay 312 dollars, equal 
to 6 dollars pr. day, wich the Society appeared to he 
very well satisfied with, and also voted to pay tlie 
same." 

A minute has been preserved of certain donations 
to Mr. Chaplin for the society : 

"The above money was given by Rev. Samuel Stilmon'ri Church, Mr 
Baldin's Church and the ebureb at Charleston, that is to sjiy, 

From Doc. Stilmon'a 8">1.25 

From Mr. Baldin'a lil « 

From Charlston Ji.l" 

813-J43 
*" By a box of Glass Iw) f 8 by 10 Inches. 
•'Given by Deacon Waitt, of D. Stilmon's 
"Church cost 8ia.7.j cents. 
"1814, Sept. 13, I Reel Eight Dollars of 
*' Deacon wild, it being a ReiiiDont Not 
"paid to Collector when Mr. Cbapliu reed 
"Theabove money," 8. 

!(14(J.43 

Dr. Stillman was the pastor of the First Baptist 
Church of Boston, with whom Benjamin Foster 
studied. The society sent grateful acknowledgment 
of the prompt and liberal a.ssistance thus afforded in 
repairing the meeting-house. 

In 1805 Mr. Chaplin's salary was raised to four hun- 
dred dollars, but the ordinary formula of the annual 
meetings was a vote for a subncription paper, " to sec 
how much could be raised for the continuance of the 
gospel, as the Revd. Jeremiah Chaplin's time is near- 
ly expired." Contributions were taken, one year 
every Sabbath ; again, by passing the box around 
twice in every three months to collect the money of 
the subscribers. To be impartial in this business, in 
ISKJ Samuel Whipple, collector, wxs directed "to 
carry Round the Book in the gallery at the time 
they pass Round below to colect the Subscri])tion." 

On the 17th and 18th days of September, 1817, the 
Salem Baptist Association met with the New ^lills 
people. 

There were at this time fourteen churches within 
the association, namely, the First Haverhill, the pio- 
neer of Baptist Churches in this vicinity, founded in 
1765 ; ;Chelmsford, 1771 ; Rowley, 1786 ; Danvers, 



1793; Beverly, 1801; First Salem, 1S04; South Read- 
ing, 1804; Nottingham West, 1805; Newbury, 1805; 
Gloucester, 1807; Marblehead, 1810; Methuen, 1815; 
Lynn, 1S16; Reading, 1817. 

That the meeting was quite an event may be 
judged from the preparations. A month before, there 
was a special meeting of church and society, at which 
there were appointed to act with the standing com- 
mittee, a s|)ecia! committee of ten, — Dea. Isaac Por- 
ter, Benjamin Kent, Captain Thomas Putnam, Wil- 
liam Trask, Captain Thomas Cheever, Captain Eil- 
ward Richardson, Major Joseph Stearns, James Carr. 
William Johnson, Israel Hutchinson. They met at 
Mr. Hutchinson's house, to perfect arrangements. 
Major Black was made chairman. Messrs. Kent, 
Porter and Hutchinson were detailed to see that pro- 
vision was made for the care of horses; Captain Put- 
nam, Major Black and D. Hardy — the latter not ot 
the ten — were directed "to visit the Nabours to .see 
what entertainments they will make both as to pro- 
visions and Lodging for the ministers and messengers 
who may attend the association ; " " to Seete the La- 
dies" — there the ten passed around sly jokes, of 
course, at the expense of each other, but they set- 
tled down with commendable fitness on the three men 
with handles to their names most suggestive of chiv- 
alry, — Captain Putnam, Captain Cheever, Captain 
Richardson; "to kc^p the Dores of the meeting- 
house," Dea. Porter, Messrs. Kent and Hutchinson ; 
" to attend in the galleries and place the people at 
the best advantage to prevent Disorder," Major 
Stearns, Mr. Allen Gould ; " to examine the meeting- 
house and report what it will be necessary to do," 
Captain Putnam, Messrs. Trask and Kent. The gen- 
eral committee met again and " maid a report what 
they had Dun for the association, as it Respects vit- 
ling & Lodging, & Likewise to the Keeping of horses. 
Rev. Mr. Chaplin, Messrs. Kent and Hutchinson, were 
appointed to make a division of the guests among 
the people ; it was voted " that Mr. John Dock have 
the Sole Care of the Singing, & that he may invite 
what assistance he may think necessary, to as.sist 
him." One more meeting the committee had ; Wil- 
liam Trask and Major Black were appointed "to 
keep good order round the meetinghouse in Divine 
Sarvis." The only record which Mr. Hutchinson 
made of the occasion, which presumably was carried 
; out with [pleasure and profit, was in regard to the 
j singing ; he himself was called upon to manage this 
1 part of the service, owing to John Dock's previous 
engagement. He employed, he writes, Mr, Kinne, ol 
Salem. Mr. Carey, of Salem, Mr. Timothy Berry, ol 
Beverly and many others attended with them. 
" Kinne's bill, $14— Berry's bill, 4$.50— Mr. Carey 
came with others gratis." 

The Salem Association met with the New Mills 
Church again in 1836 and again in 1854; in the latter 
year it was comprised of twenty-four churches. 

In April, 1818, Mr. Chaplin's salary was made five 



462 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



hundred dollars, to be raised by tax assessed on the 
polls and estates of those persons who are or who may 
be petitioners for an incorporation act, and as if to 
give comfort and encouragement to the minister, a 
copy of the record of this action was sent to him. 
But a month later he accepted a call to another po.si- 
tion. For sixteen years he had lived and labored 
among this people, how devotedly and with what mu- 
tual atl'ection can be judged from the extracts of letters 
which follow. The meagreness of his salary forced 
his domestic economy into narrow straits ; it is said 
that he often was seen fishing from Spite Bridge, and 
whether or not he had a weakness for angling, doubt- 
le^^s the catch was welcome to the frying-pan. It is a 
pleasant thing to record that his reputation for ster- 
ling manhood, conscientious work and scholarly at- 
tainments brought to him an invitation to accept the 
presidency of the institution .since known as Bates' 
College. 

May IS, 181.S, his release was reluctantly granted, 
and the unfeigned thanks of the society were tendered 
him for his long and faithful services. Further, three 
persons were chosen " to form an address to be pre- 
sented to him." Their names appear below : 

"DANVEE8, May 30, 1818. 

" Rev. Jerrmiah Chaplin : 
" Rev. (£■ Dear Sir, — We are authorized l\v the unauimous vote of the 
Baptist Society in Dan vers, in behalf of the same, to present you our un- 
feigned thanks fur your long and faithful labors with us as a minister of 
the Gospel and preacher of morality ; and to express our sincere wishes 
that wherever you may in providence be called the aniiles of Heaven may 
accompany you. You would deem it superfluous were we to enlarge 
upon the high estimation which we have ever placed on your ministerial 
performances or the love which we have ever borne toward you as a 
citizen. The reluctance with which we have lately assented to your dis- 
mission sufficiently bespeaks these sentiments. Nothing but a sense of 
duty in consideration of your present feelings has drawn this assertion 
from us. .Mthough your removal is to us not joyous, but grievous, yet 
the LCcasiou of this retuoval and the circumstances under which you 
leave us, afford us a very plea-sing reflection. We have the satisfaction 
to believe that no want of attachment to us, love of honor, pecuniary 
views nor sinister motives, of whatever nature, had any part in inducing 
you to request a dismif.sion. And much as we regret the loss which we 
must sustain by this separation, we are not disposed to complain of any 
injustice on your part. No, Sir! We ai'e rather disposed to feel grateful 
for the privileges which we have ali'eady enjoyed, and to hope that fhe 
usefulness of your labours will be more extensive than it could be with 
us. We should be crimiually contracted and selfish in our views were 
we to wish the general good to be sacriticed to our particular interest. 
That your removal will be for the general good we have not undertaken 
to decide from our own knowledge, but have acted with defeience to 
your superior judgment, and so far as self denial would admit have acted 
with cheerfulness. 

*' We request and trust we shall ever have an interest in your suppli- 
cations at the throne of Him who gave and whotaketh away. Be assured 
dear sir, we possess the most afiectionate feelings for yourself and family. 
Wishing you may receive a hundred-ftdii in this time, and in the « orhl 
to come eternal life. 

" Fkederh'K Emerj 
"Joseph Stearns, 
"Thomas Putnam, 

" Junel, 1818, Read in paris}i meeting and approved, 

Israel Hutchinso,n, Clerk, 

Many years after Mr. Chaplin's departure, one of 
his successors wrote : " The parting scenes as they 
still linger in the memories of the aged, and as re- 
hearsed by tliein with tearful eye, show how deep a 
hold he had upon his people." 



I Addressing 
Committee. 



It was at the beginning of Mr. Chaplin's ministry 
that the Beverly people withdrew to form a church of 
their own, and by reason of their dismissal and from 
other causes, the parent church was left in a low con- 
dition, with but thirty-eight members. At the close 
of Mr. Chaplin's ministry the membership was .seven- 
ty-four. 

On the 21st of June, 1818, the next Sabbath after 
Mr. Chaplin left, Kev. James A. Boswell preached. 
Three or four weeks later a meeting was held to see 
if the society were so "satisfied with the gifts and 
tallants " of this preacher as to wish to have him 
supply longer. The meeting left it to the committee 
and the committee engaged him for three-quarters of 
a year. A well-known lady who was then a young 
Miss attending Miss Martin's "Dame's School" at 
New Mills, remembers being pre.sent at his installa- 
tion, and that the new minister looked very young 
and small when the old divines were talking to him. 
Very likely any man would have felt .somewhat dim- 
inutive on such an occasion. 

On the 12th of February, 1819, the act was passed 
which has been hinted at, incorporating the First 
Baptist Society in Danvers. The original incorpora- 
tors were, Andrew Batchelder, Martin Bates, Michael 
Barry, Moses Black, James Carr, Benjamin Chaplin, 
Thomas Cheever, Caleb Clarke, Parker Cross, John 
Doak, George Ellis, Solomon Emerson, Israel Eudicot, 
George Ervin, Levi Fish, Benjamin Foster, William 
Francis, Elijah Fuller, Timothy Fuller, Daniel Good- 
hue, Allen Gould, Andrew Gould, Daniel Hardy, 
Stephen Haynes, Israel Hutchinson, Aaron Jacobs, 
Ebenezer Jacobs, Henry Johnson, Wm. Johnson, Her- 
cules H. Josselyn, John Kenny, Benj. Kent, Benj. Kent, 
Jr., Jos. Kent, John Kent, Robert Lefavor, Nathaniel 
Mayhew, Samuel Mclntire, Jonathan Mcliitire, John 
Mitchell, William Morris, Amos Osborn, Jeremiah 
Page, John Page, Benjamin Perry, Allen Peabody, 
Samuel Pinder, John Porter, Jonathan Proctor, Amos 
Putnam, Allen Putnam, Andrew Putnam, Jeremiah 
Putnam, John Putnam, Thomas Putnam, Parker 
Richardson, Briggs D. Reed, William Shillaber, Sam- 
uel Slater, Ephraim Smith, Joseph Stearns, Seth 
Stetson, Timothy Stevens, Asa Stickney, Thomas Sy- 
monds, William Trask, Daniel Upham, Benjamin 
Webb, Nathaniel Webb, Nathaniel Webb, Jr., Sam- 
uel Whipple, Stephen Whipple, Amaziah Whitney, 
Noah Whittier and Moses W. Wilson. 

The first meeting under the new act was held at 
School-house, No. 2, on Monday, March 29, 1819, at 
six o'clock, P.M., to choose officers and levy a tax for 
support of the Gospel and other expenses for the en- 
suing year. Sixteen votes were cast for moderator, 
all for Thomas Putnam ; twenty for clerk, all for 
Israel Hutchinson. Thomas Putnam, Moses Black 
and Benjamin Kent were elected assessors ; Joseph 
Stearns, treasurer; Hercules H. Joslyn, collector. 
The first votes of money under the new order were in 
this wise : " Voted to Raise $400 for the Benefit of 



DANVERS. 



463 



the Gospel ; Voted to Reconsider the Vote for $400 . 
Voted to raise $3.'iO Dollars for the Benefit of the 
Gospel ; Voted to Reconsider the Vote for $350 1 
Voted unanimously to Raise $300 for the support of 
the gospil in Said Society the present year." Evi- 
dently a case of a strong working minority. The sum 
finally voted was not, however, let it be hoped, the 
limit of the minister's salary. The old subscription 
was not abandoned, but the committee were directed 
to present it to those persons who did not " come under 
the incorporation act," or any others disposed to 
help. 

In April it was voted without, dissent - his "gifts 
and tallants " had stood the test — to give Mr. Boswell 
a call to settle. On his acceptance, it was voted 
unanimously to give him an ordination on the second 
Wednesday of .Tune, and that the Rev. Benjamin 
Wadsworth and the Rev. Samuel Walker be invitcil 
to attend. Ten dollars was subsequently voted to 
Benjamin Chaplin to defray ex[ienses of singing on 
the occasion. 

At the beginning of the ne.xt church year, March, 
1S20, there was not a unanimity in the invitation to 
Mr. Boswell to continue, and after careful considera- 
tion he asked to be dismissed. Dismission was 
granted, but the fact that both a letter of recommen- 
dation and — what was of much greater import, judg- 
ing from the monetary votes of the society — a present 
of one hundred dollars, were given him, goes far to 
remove the idea that any ill-feeling existed between 
]iastor and people. 

Rev. Arthur Drinkwater jircachcd more or le?s dur- 
ing the following spring and summer, and in August 
the srciety met to consider his gifts and talents, and 
requested him " to make them a visit and supply the 
[lulpit for a certain term of time as the Society may 
think proper.'' In September advice was received 
from Dr. Chaplin, their old jiastor, " respecting Mr. 
Drinkwater's character as being a good gospel minis- 
ter," and he was invited to settle over the church. 
December 7, 1821, was appointed for installation. 

In November, 1822, there were certain votes passed 
which must have had a meaning to somebody, — 
"Voted that there be a committee chosen to wait on 
the man who stole the wood from the Society. Voted 
that the man that stole the wood be allowed 24 hours 
to produce the man he bought the wood of, and if he 
does not he nuist take the course of the law." 

In 1S24 Abednego Rust and Nathaniel Tuttle were 
chosen " thytbing men to keep the boys still ; " about 
the time of Jlr. Drinkwater's in.^tallation William 
Johnson had been emiiowered to present to the 
grand jury any persons making any disturbance in 
or about the meeting-house on the Sabbath ; in 1825 
Daniel Hardy was deputed to take care of the boys 
in the galleries, and the tything men chosen by the 
town were requested "to take cognizance of the boys 
that throng the porch before divine Service, to the 
inconvenience of the females that are going into the 



meeting-house." Does any grandfather wink slyly 
to himself? 

In January, 1826, Gideon Foster, Benjamin Kent 
and Briggs R. Read were commissioned to draft a bill 
and secure its passage by the Legislature, authorizing 
the taxation of pews ; such a bill became a law in the 
Ibllowing March. By its provisions a person must 
own, in order to vole thencetbrth in the society meet- 
ings, at least one-half a floor pew or the whole of a 
gallery pew. 

The year 1828 is conspicuous in the annals of 
the Baptist Society as the year of a new house of wor- 
ship. Though the first house was but forty-five years 
old, suspicions were entertained as to its strength. 
Xn association of subscribers, afterwards proprietors, 
was formed to build a new house. 

The proprietors of the new meeting-house, though 
com]iosed, of course, of the leading Baptists, were 
separate and distinct from the society. They held 
their own meetings and kept their own records, 
Samuel P. Fowler acting as clerk. At their first 
meeting, in March, 1828, it was voted, "That if the 
proprietors of the old meeting-house are willing to 
dispose of their house and the land on which it 
stands, for a reasonable consideration we purchase it 
for the purpose of removing the house and erecting a 
new one in its place, to be governed by the present 
incorporation. The property in the house to belong 
to the subscribers to the new meeting-house. It is 
understood, in case we purchase the old meeting- 
house, a new one will be erected on its site within 
eighteen months." Eben Hunt, Arthur Drinkwater 
and Moses W. Wilson were appointed to see if the 
proprietors of the old meeting-house were willing to 
dispose of their house under such conditions. 

The .society held a series of meetings about the 
same time, at which the standing committee were 
empowered to sell the building " for four hundred 
dollars and nothing less, and more if they can get it," 
the purchasers to remove the same before the follow- 
ing June ; and the " subscribers " were permitted to 
erect a new meeting-house on the old lot for the use 
of the church and society, to be governed by the act 
of incorporation already in force. 

That old church is still in existence. It was bought 
by John A. Learoyd and removed to the Plains, not 
far from IJndall Hill, where its timbers grew, and 
has ever since been used as a currier-shop. It was 
thought, as has been said, old and unsafe when .sold, 
but as Mr. Rice, with characteristic humor, remarks, 
"it has ujion it at the present time a certain air of 
breadth and settlement in configuration of such a 
sort that the eye of the beholder may not readily dis- 
cern to what end it should ever fall down." 

The new building committee were Samuel Fowler, 
Arthur Drinkwater, Daniel Hardy, Briggs R. Reed, 
and p;benezer Hunt. The chairman was directed, 
among other things, to ascertain whether any compen- 
sation could be obtained for the land belonging to 



464 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the meeting-house lot, but used as a highway since 
the widening of the road in 1802, and he found that 
the society had slept too long on their rights. The 
proprietors held meetingsthroughthesuramerandfall, 
and from time to time instalments of subscriptions 
were paid in. In December, 1828, they wished to 
know whether their subscription paper was an instru- 
ment sufficiently binding to sue upon for non-pay- 
ment, and Messrs. Fowler, Hunt and Reed were sent 
to obtain advice from Rufus Choate, then at South 
Parish, and 'Squire Benj. Merrill. The advice was 
that the paper would hold. 

On the 17th of March, 1829, the house was finished, 
and the committee were directed to " inform the 
Baptist Society at their annual meeting (when it is 
understood that the house will have been accepted) 
that the house is ready for their use, and that they be 
desired to make arrangements for the opening of the 
house with appropriate religious services." 

May 1st, John Porter, Benj. Kent and Benj. Porter 
were chosen to arrange for dedication. May 25th 
Mr. Kent and Daniel Hardy were authorized to sell 
the pews in the new church at public auction by bid- 
ding for choice over and above the appraisal, the ap- 
praisal to cover the cost of the house ; and they were 
also directed "to obtain a legal title to the land un- 
der a part and adjoining said meeting-house of the 
family of the late Captain Thomas Putnam, de- 
ceased." A summary statement of the cost of the 
church is this ; 

E. Felt, ?13.i.O0 

NatbauielGalucia, , 110.80 

E. Perry 20.03 

Jona. Perry 20.0<l 

Israel EuiJicotf • 58.24 

EbenezerHunt 2.00 

Edmund Needhatii, 18.no 

M. Pulsifer lOO.CO 

Sam'l Fowler 44.27 

S. P. Fowler 3.00 

Henry L.GouW,- iil "" 

M. ■Wilson, J 

W. Francis, I Carpenters, $4230.rin 

J. Ross, ' 

Total 84825.14 

At this time when the people moved out of the old 
house into the new, the relations of pastor and peo- 
ple and of the people to one another should have 
been particularly harmonious. Mr. Drinkwater 
closed his pastorate June 26, 1829. During the last 
year of his service some very unpleasant diflerences 
of opinion arose in the society which resulted in the 
organization of the Universalist Society, weakening 
not inconsiderably the society in which the division 
occurred. Universalism had its beginnings in Dan- 
vers much earlier than this, as will hereafter appear. 
A hint at the feeling which existed in 1829 may be 
found in a vote that the committee be instructed " to 
inquire into the story that has gone abroad that the 
Unitarians want to get the new meeting-house." 

Mr. Drinkwater is remembered by certain old peo- 



ple as one of the sort of men that Caesar liked to have 
about him, not a bit " lean and hungry." He was of 
a light, florid complexion, of talents not rising high 
above the average ; he made many friends outside of 
his own church. 

In the spring of 1830 the Rev. James Barnabee was 
by unanimous vote invited to fill the vacant juilpit. 
He is remembered by old people as a man with a 
very loud voice. Mr. Barnabee's year commenced on 
the first of May, and six hundred dollars was voted 
for his support and incidental charges. His pastorate 
was short, ending in May, 1832, but very eventful ; 
soon after he came the great revival all through the 
churches was felt here with so great effect that the 
membership was increased from ninety-three to one 
hundred and thirty-nine. At the old church. Dr. 
Braman's, there were added in the same period one 
hundred and twelve members, increasing the member- 
ship from about one hundred, in 1828, to one hundred 
and ninety-five in 1833. 

July 23, 1832, the society united with the church 
in giving a call to the Rev. John Holroyd, at a salary 
of five hundred dollars for the first year. Five years 
later, November 8, 1837, Mr. Holroyd died while at 
Providence, R. I.,— the only instance of a vacancy in 
the pastorate caused by death. During his labors the 
membership of the church reached its highest limit- 
one hundred and fifty-five. He was about sixty 
years old at his death ; a quiet, venerable apjiearing 
man, greatly beloved and lamented by all who knew 
him. He left a widow, but no children ; she was the 
daughter of Dr. Benedict, of Providence, a somewhat 
noted Baptist preacher and writer. 

May 26, 1838, Rev. E. W. Dickinson accepted a 
call of the church and society, at a salary of six hun- 
dred dollars. His stay was short. He resigned in 
October of the next year; in his letter of resignation 
he wrote : " The causes which lead to this step, it is 
presumed are already known, and their capitulation 
at this time is not needed. The subject has long been 
before our minds, and although the separation, to me 
at least, is painful, still the feelings natural to such 
an event are less poignant than if it had been sudden." 

For more than a year after Mr. Dickinson's resig- 
nation there was no settled pastor. 

Rev. J. Humjihrey Avery supplied the pulpit some 
of the time, and in January, 1841, he was invited to 
become settled. In response he wrote that he would 
come on the following conditions : 

"TliatT receive the ninety dollars now due for supplying your pulpit, 
before the close of the present week; that my salary commence the first 
day of Fehiuary; that I have seven luindred dollars per annum, to be 
paid quarterly ; that I have two Sabbaths during the year to dispose of 
as I may think fit ; that the church and society have the rifjht to dis- 
miss me at any time by giving me three months notice ; that duplicates 
of this contract be signed by the committee of the church and society 
and myself, in pi'eseuce of competent witnesses ; that one of the dupli- 
cates be left with the clerk of the church or the clerk of the society and 
the other with me. Should any apology be deemed proper, brethren, 
for the formality of this statement, I have only to say that in mere bus- 
iness transactions I have but one method " 



DANVERS. 



465 



The business men at New Mills were evidently not 
displeased with a business-like pastor; the conditions 
were accepted. After seven or eight montlis he ad- 
dressed another letter to the committee in equally 
plain terms, giving them the choice of accepting his 
resignation February 1, 1842, or of making his salary 
six hundred dollars after that date and, in addition, 
furnishing him " with a good room near the meeting- 
house, to which he might remove his library," and of 
giving him a regular installation as soon as might be 
convenient. And the terms of the latter alternative 
were promptly accepted. Jlr. .\very had been a Con- 
gregationalist. 

On the ."»th <if July. l.S4;5, the society voted unani- 
mously to concur with the church in giving the Rev. 
Joseph \V. Eaton a call, at a .salary of five hundred 
dollars for the first year. His letter of acceptance is 
dated July 17, 1843. The ne.Kt spring he wrote : 

"The satififaction, which you havo befn iili^aseil to expross with my 
poor services for the past year has heen particularly grateful to my feel- 
itigB. . . . The union which I am infonued pervades your txidy gives nie 
reason to hope that my lalnirs amouf; you may yet bo useful, and so long 
as this state of things continues I shall be encouraged to exert myself for 
your spiritual benetil." 

But times were hard for the church and society 
during Mr. Eaton's pastorate, .\mong the founders 
of the church, it will be remembered, none w'ere more 
prominent than Gideon Foster and certain other South 
Parish men, and for a number of years the New Mills 
Church was supported by all people of that denomi- 
nation, far and wide in this vicinity. But we have 
seen how, in 1801, the Beverly people withdrew to 
form a church cif their own ; then, in 1804, the First 
Baptist Church of t^alem was established, and, doubt- 
less, a number of South Parish people who found 
themselves more conveniently situated to Salem than 
to New Mills, at once associated themselves with the 
Salem Church. But in the meantime there had been 
a growing desire among those parishioners of the New 
Mills Church who lived in the southern part of the 
town to have a church of their own. They began to 
hold meetings in Armory Hall in 1843, settled a min- 
ister and built a chapel that same year. This was 
about the beginning of Mr. Eaton's pastorate at New 
Mills, during which thirteen of his church-members 
were clisMiissed to join the new church. These dis- 
missals, though not great in number, came at a time 
when the parent church could ill afford any loss of 
strength. But a much more serious element of dis- 
turbance was the storm of the anti-slavery movement 
which centered on the old church and struck hard. 
An account of the " Come-outers " appears elsewhere. 
.\bout the only mention of anti-slavery which appears 
on the society's records are these votes : 

April 4, 1830. " Voted that the Lectors on Pees, Temperance and 
antislavery be free of expense, after having the Concent of the Standing 
Committee. 

April 21. ISlf). " Voted it be left with the Standing Committee 
whether there shall he lectures in the meeting-house on the subject of 
slavery the ensuing year." 

It was well understood that Mr. Eaton was to have ' 
30 



si.\ hundred dollars after the first year, but it was not 
easy to raise the money. They .asked him to take five 
hundred dollars. " On listening," he replied, " to the 
description you gave me of the financial concerns of 
the society, I stated that T was at a loss to know ex- 
actly what my circumstances were, but promised that 
if I could do anything to help to extricate the society 
from its embarrassments, I would cheerfully do it. On 
looking over my accounts, however, I find myself much 
more largely indebted to others than I supposed my- 
self to be, and that my salary has been barely suffi- 
cient to enable me to meet my expenses. 1 do not see 
how they can be reduced. The idea of being in debt 
without having the means to pay it, is to me distress- 
ing, both from the sinfulness of the thing and from 
its influence on the cause of religion. I have nothing 
to depend upon for a supi)ort but the compensation 1 
receive for my services, and must look therefore to the 
people whom 1 serve for the means of a comfortable 
maintenance. Still, I cannot endure the thought of 
being a burden to the society ; hence, hoping we may 
have health and strength, considering the dull state of 
business, and desirous of aflbrding the society what 
relief I can, I will try, though 1 know not how I shall 
succeed, to do this year with five hundred and fifty 
dollars." 

To add to the difficulty of the situation, on the 
morning of September i), 1847, the church and vestry 
were destroyed by fire, and there was no insurance. 
An adjoining dwelling, owneil by .\aron Eveleth, was 
burned at the same time. 

The staniling committee pluckily issued a warrant 
before the close of the day, calling upon the society 
to take action as to building a new house. In one 
week from the date of the warrant, the shortest time 
allowable, the society met and voted " that we feel it 
our duty to make an eftbrt to erect a new house in 
place of the one destroyed by fire," and apiiointed 
twelve men to circidate a subscription paper tor the 
purpose, — Daniel Goodhue, Jr., Tristram Woodbury, 
Hiram Preston, David H. Caldwell, William Putnam, 
Henry Johnson, Benj. Porter, Moses Black, Rev. J. 
W. Eaton, Abijah Porter, Peter Waitt and Jacob F. 
Perr}-. Both the Universalist Society and the new 
society at the Plains promptly tendered the use of 
their churches to the Baptists. Arrangements were 
made with the former. 

On the 20th of September, Benjamin Porter, Moses 
Black and David H. Caldwell were instructed " to se- 
lect such a model of a house as they think will best 
suit the society." 

On the 18th of October a building committee were 
chosen to carry out the vote of its society to rebuild, 
— Benjamin Porter, David H. Caldwell, Moses Black, 
Henry Johnson and Josiah Ross. The third meeting- 
house of the society was erected within the ne.vt year 
and is the one now in use. The present church bell 
was then purchased by certain " proprietors," and was 
hung in the tower on the following conditions: 



466 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" That the bell be rung by the sexton of the Baptist Society on Sun- 
days, the Universulist Society paying one-halt the expense ; that the bell 
be rung at any other time by either Society, not interfering with our re- 
ligious services, by each paying their own sexton ; the door to be locked 
— one Key to be kept by the sexton, one to the care of the Fire depart- 
ment. The remains of the bell, if ever burned, to ge to the proprietors 
of the bell. The bell to be bung on a good substantial bell frame secured 
to the deck." 

The following clipping from an old newspaper is 
interesting in tliis connection : 

Notice. 
The Ladies of the First Baptist Society in Danvers will give a Tea 
Party on Wednesday, Oct. 4th, in Citizens' Hall, New Mills, to aid in 
furnishing the new house of worship, now erected on the site of the one 
destroyed by fire last year. Good music will be secured forthe occasion, 
etc., etc. 

On the 23d of April, 1849, Mr. Eaton addressed 
to the society a letter of resignation. Like his other 
commuuications it is full of Christian manliness and 
forbearance ; and it gives an insight into the state of 
things which, by reason of circumstances beyond his 
control, made his pastorate not a bed of roses. " Just 
before your former meeting-house burnt, I was led 
to canvass the question wliether I ought not to resign 
my office, but after the occurrence of that event I con- 
cluded it was my duty at any rate to remain with you 
and aid you in every way in my power until another 
edifice should be erected." It was after the comple- 
tion of the new church that he resigned. In explana- 
tion he wrote: "I do this not because as great an 
amount of success has not been realized as could have 
been anticipated, considering the distracted state of 
things when I came among you, the adverse influences 
with which I have had to contend, the disaster you 
experienced in the burning of your meeting-house, 
the many removals of whole families from town, the 
deaths that have occurred among you, some of whom 
have been your prominent men, the formation of two 
new societies at the Plains, the excitements of differ- 
ent kinds that have existed in the place, and the low 
state of religion. If I mistake not, this society is in 
a far better condition than any one, acquainted with 
the facts in the case, could reasonably expect it to be 
in. I take this step not because, could a change be 
effected which miglit easily be done, I could not labor 
on with zeal and hope ; but because of the want of 
that spirit, energy and co-operation, which character- 
izes new enterprises ; which allows nothing to be un- 
done which should be done, and which is essential to 
success." 

In March, 1850, a call was extended to Rev. Aaron 
W. Chaffin. This was his first pastorate, and he re- 
mained here fifteen years, an average preacher and an 
excellent pastor, greatly beloved not only by his own 
people but by his fellow-citizens generally, for he 
took great interest in all that pertained to the good 
of the town, and especially in the schools. Genial, 
kind, witty, " everybody liked him." He acce|)ted a 
call to Manchester, N. H., died at Lynn in 1874, and 
was buried here in Walnut Grove Cemetery. 

Rev. Foster Henry succeeded Mr. Chaffin, and oc- 



cupied the pulpit from December 5, 1862, to May 1, 
1865. Then followed Rev. Charles H. Holbrook, 
from November 14, 1865, to September 2, 1870; Rev. 
J. A. Goodhue, from November 22, 1870, to May 1, 
1872; Rev. G. W. McCullough, from June 20, 1873, 
to April 1, 1876 ; Rev. Lucien Drury, from August 3, 
1877, to April 29, 1883 ; Rev. Gideon Cole, from July 
1, 1884, to the present time. 

These notes have treated chiefly of the Society. 
The Baptist Church was organized July, 1793, with 
thirty-six members. The first deacons were Eleazer 
Wallis and Israel Porter. Benjamin Kent was ap- 
pointed 1823 ; Hercules Joselyn, 1832 ; John Hood, 
1835; Parker Brown, 1838; Ichabod Sawyer, 1839; 
Abijah Porter, 1845 ; Henry Johnson, 1855 ; James 
Felton, 1855; Charles H. Whipple, 1855 ; Monroe B. 
Brigham, 1859; Francis Bowen, 1874 ; Win. A. Jacobs, 
1880. Deacons Whipple and .lacobs are the present 
incumbents. 

The committees appointed " to supply preaching " 
in the earlier years of the society have already been 
given. They were the precursors of the regular 
standing committees. A complete list of the latter 
cannot be given for lack of space, but the names 
which appear at the beginning of each decade of this 
century will give some idea of the prominent sup- 
porters of the society from time to time : 



18011. Deacon I. Porter. 

Nathaniel Prince. 

Nicholas Dodge. 

Wm. Trask. 

Amos Sawyer. 
1810. Benj. Porter, Jr. 

Beu.j. Kent. 

Richard Elliot. 

L. Leonard. 

Wm. Trask. 
1820. Benj. Kent. 

Wm. Trask. 

Stephen Whipple. 
1830. Daniel Hardy. 

Jacob F. Perry. 

John Porter. 
1840. Benj. Porter. 



1840. Daniel Hardy. 

Hiram Preston. 
185(1. Benj. Porter. 

James Holt. 

Henry Johnson. 
1860. John Burns 

M. B. Brigham. 

Eluathan iJodge. 
1870. Wm. Putnam. 

M. B. Brigham. 

Wm. A. Jacobs. 
1880. C. H. Whipple. 

W. A. Jacobs. 

Geo. H. Perkins. 
1887. C. H. Whipple. 

W. A. Jacobs. 

Solomon Fuller. 



The first clerk of the society, chosen November 
26, 1781, was Dr. Nathaniel Gott, but he did not 
serve through the successive adjournments of the first 
meeting, and Jonathan Sawyer, chosen in his place, 
held the office about five years, until 1786, when Na- 
thaniel J^wler's name appears. Ebenezer Dale was 
clerk in 1789, Israel Porter in 1790. On April 5, 
1792, Israel Hutchinson, Jr., was chosen, and after 
thirty years of continuous service, his neatly kept 
records end with the oath administered by him to his 
successor, Stephen Whipple, April 17, 1821. 

Stephen Whipple served but one year. 

Hercules H. Josselyn was chosen at the annual 
meeting of 1822, and he served till April, 1841, nine- 
teen years, when it was voted " that the Thanks ot 
this Society be presented to Hercules Josselyn for his 
long and faithful services as Clerk of the Society." 

Parker B. Francis held the office to April 1843 : 



DANVERS. 



467 



Hiram Preston, 1843-45; Charles E. Smith, 1845- 
53; Maurice C. Oby, 1853-58; Isaac N. Roberts, 
1858-62; M. H. Dorman, 1862-64; Josiah Ross, 
1864-75; William H. Stetson, 1875-80; Charles A. 
(jentlee, 1880, to the present, 1887. 

Last April, 1887, the Sunday-school observed its 
sixty-ninth anniversary. The original records, if 
there were any, are not to be found. John Hood, 
Peter Waitt and Captain Renjaniin Porter were sup- 
erintendents before 1854, since which time, thirty- 
three years. Deacon Charles H. Whipple, has been in 
continuous service. There are now one hundred and 
sixty connected with the school. 

January 26, 1879, the standini; committee were in- 
structed " to inquire into the cost of buying the land 
adjoining that of the society on High Street, and of 
building thereon such a building as the Society needs." 
This vote was the beginning of the new chapel which 
was dedicated this spring, 1887. 

"Among the favorable causes under the blessing 
of God," these were Mr. Chaffln's words thirty years 
ago, " which have conspired to keep this somewhat 
ancient church in existence, we should not fail to 
notice the general unanimity of its members and 
their steadfa.stness in sound doctrine and wholesome 
discipline. Besides, there never has been a time when 
there have not been some noble, self-denying brethren 
and sisters whose faith in the darkest hour faltered 
not. In the early, as well as the later history of this 
church, especially will the names of Porter, Kent, 
Richardson, Whitney and Hardy, with others of kin- 
dred spirit, now at rest in Heaven, be held in long 
and sacred remembrance. While living they were 
known in the churches, and, though dead, their deeds 
live." 

Universalist. — The pioneer of Universalism in 
Danvers was Edmund Putnam. He was born here in 
1724, moved to Topstield in early Hie, returned when 
about thirty-five, and occupied the well-preserved 
old house off Locust Street, afterwards the home of 
his distinguished grandson, Elias Putnam, and at 
present owned by Augustus Fowler. Edmund Put- 
nam was for twenty-three years, from 1762, a deacon 
of the old Church. Probably his changed views ol 
theology led to his resignation in 1785. Dr. Nichols 
centennial poem contains this: 

" StiU people would tliink, read their Biblea, 

Embrace 
Other doctrines than those we have named ; 
Deacon Edmund, with new-fangled Tiewa of 

Goal's grace, 
Universal salvation proclaimed." 

An item in the records of the old church is signiti- 
cant in this connection, — '' In 1788 rates were abated 
of Samuel Cheever, Jer. Hutchinson, James Smith, 
John Swinerton, Henry Putnam, Xath'l Webb, Wm. 
GifFord, and Mrs. Eunice Hutchinson, because they 
entertained religious sentiments differing from those 



professed by the church." Though, as has been seen, 
this was about the time the Baptists organized their 
church, some who were thus "dilfcring " are known 
to have been early Universalists. 

It was in the little community at Putnamville — 
Deacon Putnam's neighborhood — that the new ideas 
were most thought about and talked about, and 
where they first assumed organic form.- 

Rev. Henry P. Forbes delivered a historical ad- 
dress of the society on the occasion of its fiftieth an- 
niversary, October 19, 1879, which is here liberally 
used in connection with the series of historical letters 
written by Rev. Dr. Alfred P. Putnam, a great- 
grandsun of Deacon Edmund. Mr. Forbes has thus 
well and concisely spoken of those fanulies in Put- 
namville in which Universalism was e-S2)ecially fos- 
tered : 

" In true Danvers fashion, they w-ere nearly all re- 
lated to each other. Israel Putnam, 2d (Dea. Ed- 
mund's son), married Anna, sister of Elias Endicott, 
Jr. Zorobbabel Porter married JIary, another sis- 
ter. Elias himself, when a young man, worked at 
the currier's trade in Gloucester, where John Murray 
was settled over the First Universalist Society organ- 
ized in America. He returned to Danvers, and, hav- 
ing married, came to live in the house where dwelt 
his sister Anna. This family of families — Endicotts, 
Porters, Putnams — seems to have been of one mind 
in religious matters. They were all persons of 
character and influence, and chiefly from them came 
the impetus toward the formation of an Universalist 
Society. But they were not alone. The Browns, the 
Ricliardsons, the Bakers, and Woodburys of Wenham, 
with vari<iU3 othere, had come to be more or less 
earnest believers. In the year 1815 the fluid senti- 
ment began to crystalize into an organization. On 
the 22d of April a company of them assembled, or- 
ganized themselves into a society, and drew up a 
Declaration of Princi/jles." 

At this first meeting, Israel Putnam, 2d, was cho- 
sen moderator and treasurer; Colonel Warren Porter, 
clerk ; John Baker, Joseph and Zorobbabel Porter, 
committee. The committe were instructed "to in- 
quire after a minister as soon as funds can be ob- 
tained to pay him, and invite any suitable person 
that may be willing to preach." The committee 
found a very suit.able person in Rev. Hosea Ballon, 
who came up to preach occasionally in the little 
school-house and gave the new movement the im- 
petus of his powerful help. For a number of years 
there was slow and quiet progress, the number of 
members recorded in 1823 being thirty-six ; in 1825, 
forty-four. Besides Mr. Ballou many other ministers 
came to preach in the school-house, among others 
Rev. Charles Hudson, who, at the .semi-centennial 
was living, in his eighty-fourth year, at Lexington, 
Mass. 

The last recorded meeting of the society at Put- 
namville was Mav 28, 1827. " With this, the ccclesi- 



468 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



astical stream sinks from the ledges of Blind-hole in- 
to the sands of the Plain, and working its way south- 
ward bubbles up ut the New Mills." This latter 
place, the thriving commercial centre of quite an ex- 
tensive territoiy, by all odds the liveliest portion of 
the town, having but one church, and that of rigid 
tenets, seems to have been good ground for the larger 
growth of Universalism. It has been shown from the 
records of the Baptist Society how about this time 
defections were occurring, and how in 1829 a consid- 
erable number of Baptists formally withdrew. This 
withdrawal marked the occasion of the formation of 
the Danvers Universal Society, which was brought 
about by a simple agreement of a.ssociation in the 
handwriting of Dr. Ebenezer Hunt, dated October 
15, 1829, and signed by William Francis, Hathorne 
Porter, Josiah Gray, John Ross, Moses W. Wilson, 
Nathaniel Boardman, Joshua Silvester, B. C. Brick- 
ett, William E. Kimball, Daniel Woodman, Ebenezer 
Hunt, Benjamin Potter, Isaac Caldwell, William 
Rogers. A petition was immediately issued to Dr. 
George Osgood, justice of the peace, and by him a 
warrant was issued for a first meeting for the legal 
establishment of a new religious society. Upon this 
petition are the additional names of John Hines, 
Joseph Porter, Sylvanus Dodge and Simeon Pendar. 
These eighteen men are regarded as the charter mem- 
bers of the present societj' ; five were living at the 
semi-centennial, 1879, and foui were present, but to- 
day but one of all the number is surviving, Joshua 
Silvester. (Since writing, he, too, has passed away). 

For some months etlorts were made to form a union 
with certain early Unitarians at New Jlills, of whom 
Capt. Jeremiah Page, Jonas Warren and Maj. Moses 
Black were leaders. A coalitiou committee were ap- 
pointed to agree on a name, but no report was ever 
made, and March 8, 1830, these efforts seem to have 
been acknowledged fruitless, and it was voted " that 
this society be called the First Universalist Society of 
Danvers." 

The first standing committee, William Francis, 
Elisha Pratt and Joseph Porter, were at once in- 
structed to consider the expediency of hiring the old 
Baptist meeting-house, which had been removed in 
1828, as has been noticed in the sketch of the Baptist 
Society, to make room for a new house on the origi- 
nal site. The committee hired the old house 
at forty-five dollars for a year. No clergyman 
was yet settled, and preaching was irregular ; but 
the society grew, there being one hundred and 
seventeen males at the beginning of the next year. 
Though a vote was in the meantime taken "that 
the contemplated meeting-house be located at or near 
the. Plains so called," the old house was hired again, 
but the contract was made not without bitterness. 
Major Black and John Page now owned ll-16ths of 
the building, and were willing enough to let their 
part at forty-five dollars, but Deacons Kent and Har- 
dy, of the Baptist Church, owners of the other 



5-16ths, charged one hundred dollars for their share. 
Evidently the latter did not wish the building used 
by the society at all, and one of them made some re- 
mark about wishing to feed pigs in his part, with, it 
is alleged, a tinge of comparison not altogether com- 
plimentary to the Universalists. The society simply 
took the ll-lOths, and fenced off the remainder. It 
is not difficult to imagine the feeling of which this 
little episode is but a hint. It could not be otherwise. 
Not even Baptist human nature could look with equa- 
nimity on what, from their standpoint, was an upstart 
and heretical body, which, having sapped the strength 
of the old church by withdrawing a considerable 
number of its members, had the audacity to set u[> in 
their old building and, within ear-shot of their 
sterner doctrine, to utter the alluring promise of uni- 
versal salvation. 

The first regular pastor of the new society was Rev. 
F. Hodson, who remained from the spring of 1831 to 
June of the following year. During this time the 
old school-house in Putnamville was occasionally 
used for services, as were also the school-houses at the 
Centre and at the toll-gate. 

The settled intent of the Universalists to have a 
church of their own came to a head in September, 
1832. Forty-eight shares at fifty dollars were taken 
in a new house "to be erected between Berry's tavern 
and the Baptist meeting-house," and the shareholders 
became and remained a separate, corporate body until 
1847, when they merged by mutual vote with the 
society. A building committee, Nath'l Boardman, J. 
Silvester, Hathorne P<irter and Joseph Porter, " fixed 
on the piece owned by Mr. Israel Endicott as the 
most eligible," and this lot was purchased. Moses 
W. Wilson contracted October 29, 1832, to build a 
house fifty-six by forty-two, twenty -two feet posts, for 
twenty-five hundred dollars. With alterations and 
additions the total cost reached thirty-one hundred 
dollars. The building was dedicated Friday, June 
28, 1833. Rev. Hosea Ballou, of Boston, made the 
dedicatory prayer ; Rev. Hosea Ballou, 2d, of Rox- 
bury, delivered the sermon ; Revs. L. Willis, of Salem, 
and S. Streeter, of Boston, also old helpers in the 
society's infancy, took other parts. An nriginal hymn 
by Dr. Hunt was sung, beginning 

" Eterniil Suurce uf Liglit iilni Love, 
Of all we are or hope to be, 
Dwelling in majesty above 
M'e dedicate this bouse to Tbee." 

Rev. D. D. Smith was at this time settled over the 
society, though living in Boston. There were one 
hundred and thirty-one male members, a number 
which has since remained as high-water mark. Soon 
after the dedication of the church. Dr. Braman, from 
the citadel of his pulpit, preached a strong sermon 
against Universalism and the danger of its incursions, 
out of which grew the memorable debate between 
Dr. Braman and Dr. Whittemore, November 6, 1833, 
mentioned elsewheie, in which, of course, Danvers 



DANVKRS. 



469 



Universalists lent their champion deeiiled aid and 
comfort. 

Rev. H. Knapp was installed as pa.stor of the so- 
ciety, December 20, 1833. and remained until August 
1(), 183G ; he died in Cambridge in 1878, aged sixty- 
seven. Rev. S. Brimblecom, of Westbrook, Me., suc- 
ceeded him here and remained until 1840; he was 
an earnest anti-slavery man, was orator of the day, 
July 4, 1837, at a meeting of the Danvers Anti-slavery 
Society, and president of the Young Men's Anti- 
slavery Society. He died in Haverhill, 1879, in his 
eighty-first year. Soon after his resignation, on mo- 
tion of Dr. Hunt, it was resolved that the committee 
procure, if practicable, the services of laymen in con- 
ducting Sulibath worship ; accordingly JMoses Black, 
Jr., Joseph Merrill, John Hines, Dr. Hunt, and per- 
liaps others othciated us occasion required. In .luly, 
1840, Rev. A. A. Davis, then recently from Ohio, ac- 
cepted a call and was settled at a salary of six hundred 
dollars. He gave an impetus to all departments of the 
society's work, and in his pastorate tlie church was 
organized. The cliurch was first iiublicly recognized 
October 21, 18-10 ; it numbered about sixty mem- 
bers. John Hinea was chosen clerk; M. Bodge and 
Eben Putnam, deacons. Mr. Davis' pastorate was 
brief, closing in October, 1841, when he went to Ja- 
maica for his health, but it was especially important, 
happening in the height of the anti-slavery storm 
which burst upon the community and the churches 
at this period. Sometliing is said of anti-slavery 
troubles elsewhere. Rev. D. P. Livermore supplied 
during the following winter ; and in the spring of 
1843, Rev. S. Bulkley, of New Market, N. H., was 
chosen pastor. Rev. J. W. Hanson succeeded him 
in 1840. Mr. Hanson was a young man of active 
mind, a ready ilebater, inquiring and critical. Though 
here but two years, he has left a memorial behind 
him in Hanson's " History of Danvers," a book ac- 
customed to be spoken of as containing many inaccu- 
racies, but as the work of a stranger, on short prepar- 
ation and with scarcely any previously printed material 
to rely on, it is remarkable that the book is as valua- 
ble as it is. Mr. Hanson resigned in 1848, went to 
Norridgewock, then to Gardiner, Me., was editor of 
Aiitjusta Gospel Biinner six years, then settled at 
Haverhill, and was chaplain of the Sixth Massachu- 
setts Regiment ; removed to Dubuijue, Iowa, and in 
1870 to Chicago, where, in 1879, he was living, and 
had then been D.D. for three years, editor of the yew 
Covenant for nine yeara, and author or e<litor of some 
thirteen volumes. 

The next pastor here was Rev. J. W. Putnam, who 
came in 1849, a pupil of Rev. Dr. Sawyer, at Clinton, 
N. Y., and remained in this his only pastorate till his 
lamented death, November 4, 1804. He left a widow 
and two children, a daughter and a son, all living. 
Throughout his pastorate " he grew in mental stature 
and in favor among the people" to the end. His 
townsmen honored him, his people loved him. He 



would not leave his society ; his parish would not let 
him go. In the noon of his manhood they gave him 
to the messenger from whose call there is no api)eal. 
As a scholar, thinker, writer, speaker, pastor, he 
ranked high in his profession. 

It was during Mr. Putnam's pastorate that, in isr)8, 
it was decided that the " new church " was no longer 
new, — in fact so old that another building was de- 
manded. There was not, at first at lestst, a unani- 
mous concurrence in this ojiinion, but after several 
meetings it was decided to build nearer the Plains, 
which had by this time usurped the former distinc- 
tion of New Mills as being the principal village of 
the town. A building committee was chosen, con- 
sisting of Joshua Silvester, ,1. W. Ropes, W. J. C 
Kenney, George Porter and Moses Black, Jr. A lot 
of land was purchased of Eben G. Berry, and the 
present house was erected under a contract with Jo- 
siah Ross for four thousand three hundred and thirty- 
seven dollars. The church was completed in July, 
18-'J9, and was dedicated August 18th. From many of 
the surrounding heights and from many of the ap- 
proaches to the town, the twin Gothic towers of the 
Universalist Church present one of the most promi- 
nent and picturesque views of a landscape beautiful 
in many respects. It is one of the many monuments 
of Joshua Silvester. The society formally tendered 
him their thanks " for the energy and a.ssiduity with 
which he has labored in this work, — to him more 
than any one else, perha[)S more than all else com- 
bined, do we owe the valuable suggestions and services 
resulting in this beautiful edifice." 

The basement of the church was soon fitted up as 
Gothic Hall, and until the day of the Peabody Institute 
was the best hall in town and much used for lectures, 
entertainments, and for the graduating exercises of 
the High School. 

The society bid farewell to the old meeting-house, 
July 31, 1859, which was then sold at auction for 
twenty-five hundred dollars, and soon was converted 
to the use of the new Catholic Church, in whosi- 
hands, much enlarged and remodeled, it still remains. 

The vacancy in the pastorate cause<l by the ileath 
of Mr. Putnam was filled by Rev. H. C. Delong, ol 
Binghamton, N. Y., who served from 1805 three 
years, and wa-s succeeded by Rev. G. J. Sanger, who, 
as faithful pastor and eloquent preacher for six 
years and business man for several more, was one of 
our best known and worthiest citizens, upon whom 
his fellow-citizens bestowed political honors with a 
generous hand. A few years ago he decided to return 
to the ministry, and accepted a call to Essex. Rev. 
Henry P. Forbes was installed November 22, 1875, — 
a man of scholarly tastes and fine literary ability, a 
pastor much loved and respected, and a citizen espe- 
cially useful on the school committee. He resigned 
after five years to accept a [irofessorship in the St. 
Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y. Rev. F. A. 
Dillingham, his successor, was installed in the spring 



470 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of 1881, and remained until February, 1885, when he 
in turn was succeeded by Rev. Wintield S. Williams, 
whose pastorate extended from June, ISS.'), to Octo- 
ber, 188G. The church i.s at present (June, 1887) 
without a settled pastor. (July 5th, a call was ex- 
tended to Rev. C. B. Lynn, of Boston, accepted.) 

In the old days of the Putnamville school-house, it 
is said that Abijah Richardson su.stained the burden 
of worship in song, singing four parts at once. A 
permanent choir was organized after the societ)' 
built a church of their own, of which William Black 
was chorister. For twenty years he did not miss the 
preaching service, and to his own and his brother 
Moses' family the society were continually indebted for 
important musical services. Among the earlier singers 
were Henry and Augustus Fowler, Philip Smith, W. 
J. C. Kenney, Moses Black, Jr., Mrs. Betijamin Os- 
good, Mrs. Sawyer and Louisa Hines. Later, Mrs. S. 
E. Howe led the soprano for twenty years. The 
organ was purchased some time in the forties, over 
which Miss Hattie Black first presided. Before that, 
was the customary church orchestra, in which Mr. 
H. Dwinell played the violin ; Aaron Putnam, viol ; 
J. Sawyer, clarionet ; assisted sometimes by W. J. 
Kenney and M. Black, Jr., on the clarionet and viol. 

The Sunday-school was organized in 1830. Among 
the earlier superintendents were I. W. Andrews, 
Aaron Eveleth, Henry Fowler, Edwin F. Putnam 
and Moses Black, ,Tr. In 1840 there were eighty- 
eight members, incKiding nineteen teachers. Among 
the later superintendents were John Hines, William 
E. Putnam, William Rankin, Andrew W. Trask, 
Edward Tyler, John H. Elliott, Ezra D. Hines, Rev. 
George J. Sanger, and, at present, Howard R. Bur- 
rington. The school now numbers about one hun- 
dred and fifty. In December, 1880, a successful ef- 
fort was made to raise a debt of two thousand five 
hundred dollars against the society, and the event 
was celebrated by a supper early in January. 

Maple Street Church. — On the 15th day of March, 
1844, Nathaniel Silvester, Moses J. Currier, Henry T. 
Ropes, Benjamin Henderson, Aaron Bateman, (ius- 
tavus Putnam, represented to George Osgood, a jus- 
tice of the peace, that they were about to form them- 
selves into a religious society for the worship of 
Almighty God, and requested him to issue a warrant 
for the calling of a meeting to be holden at the 
school-house on Danvers Plains on Monday evening, 
March 25th, to organize such a society under the 
name of the Third Orthodox Congregational Society 
of Danvers. Dr. Osgood issued his warrant accord- 
ingly to Nathaniel Sylvester to warn a meeting ac- 
cording to the terms of the petition. At this meeting 
Henry T. Ropes was chosen the first clerk of the 
society; Winthrop Andrews was chosen moderator; 
Moses J. Currier collector; Benjamin Turner, Samuel 
Brown, Nathaniel Silvester were the first pariah com- 
mittee ; George Osgood, Henry T. Ropes, and Benja- 



min Turner were appointed committee on by-laws ; 
Nathaniel Silvester, Samuel Brown, and Henry T. 
Ropes, to take into consideration a more suitable 
place of worship ; M. J. Currier, W. Andrews and John 
A. Learoyd, to solicit subscriptions for preaching. 

At the adjiiurnment of this first meeting, by-laws 
were presented and accepted ; the house committee 
reported in favor of a subscription in shares of one 
hundred dollars each, the cost not to exceed four 
thousand dollars ; the same committee were instructed 
to see what land could be obtained in several parts of 
the plains ; Rev. Mr. Thayer was employed to preach 
for six months at seven dollars per day ; Watts' Se- 
lect Hymn Book was adopted ; John A. Learoyd 
was " authorized to procure a Bass Vial." At a fur- 
ther adjournment a building committee of eight were 
chosen, as follows : Samuel Putnam, John A. Lea- 
royd, Henry T. Ropes, Benjamin Turner, Joseph 
Adams, Samuel Brown, Daniel Richards, Samuel P. 
Fowler. 

April 29th it was decided to purchase the 
lot of land ofl'ered by Ezra Batchelder, " 8 Rood 
front by Hi Roods deep, for $800." The committee 
was instructed to build a basement story of rough 
granite of suitable dimensions for a hall. The mater- 
ial subsequently suggested the name, Granite Hall. 
Rev. Loren Thayer was employed " to supply the 
desk until the meeting-house is completed." Benja- 
min Turner, Gustavus Putnam and Moses J. Cuirier 
took into consideration the expediency of organizing 
a choir of singers. Daniel Richards and Mr. Currier 
were instructed to purchase a bell not to exceed 
twelve hundred pounds. The new house was. dedi- 
cated Wednesday, January 22, 1845, Mr. Thayer 
preaching the dedication sermon. This year fifty 
dollars was paid Parker B. Francis for singing, and 
seventeen dollars was " paid Mr. Stanley for a flute ;" 
later the society purchased " the Bass Vial of J. A. 
Learoyd" for $30.75. Moses Putnam was thanked 
for the handsome sofa and chairs he had furnished 
the society, as were also the ladies for carpeting the 
house. The first person called to settle as minister 
was Rev. F. A. Barton, of Chicopee Falls, who de- 
clined on account of ill health. Rev. Richard Tol- 
man, of Dorchester, accepted a call, and was ordained 
September 17, 1845, the first pastor of the new church 
and society, — salary, six luindred dollars for the first 
year, afterwards seven hundred dollars. The ordina- 
tion sermon was preached by Rev. E. N. Kirk. Mr. 
Tolraan remained until November, 1848. On April 
3, 1849, this letter was sent to Rev. James Fletcher, 
of Acton, then at Andover Theological Seminary : 

"Dear Sir: We, the unilersigiieii, us a committee in behalf of the 
Third Cong. Church and Society in Danvers hereby extend to you an 
invitation to become our pafltor and teacher. The salary which the bo- 
ciety oBer you is six hundred dollars. 

Saml. p. Fowler,! Cmn. of 
Benj. Turner, i Church. 
Fred'k How, ( Cotri. of 

JI. W. Putnam, ' the 5ocie((/." 



DANVERS. 



471 



.Mr. Fletcher accepted and was ordained June 20, 

1849, to a pastorship which lasted nearly fifteen 
years. 

The expense of the new church was about eight 
thousand dollars, tor more than half of which sum 
indebtedness had been incurred. Strenuous efforts 
were made to liquidate this debt, and, February 1, 
1847, eighteen men entered into a written obligation 
to contribute, by way of loan or advancement, in 
four annual payments a total of four thousand two 
hundred and eighty rlullars; of this sum Moses Put- 
nam subscribed eighteen hundred dollars, his brother 
Samuel five hundred and twenty dollars, Nathan 
Tapley and Jesse Putnam each three hundred dollars. 
The other names which appear in autograph in the 
records are Elbridge Trask, Joseph S. Black. Moses 
W. Putnam, Samuel P. Fowler, Frederick How, F. 
Howes, Ebeu G. Berry, Richard Tolman, Daniel Rich- 
ards, Stephen Granville, Rebeckah Perry, .Tames M. 
Perry, John A. Learoyd, Nathaniel Silvester. In May, 

1850, but seven hundred dollars of the debt remained, 
and " whereas Moses Putnam, Esquire, has generously 
offered to pay the sum of $250," measures were taken 
to meet the balance. Upon the very nest leaf to 
that which records this happy state of things ajjpears 
this memorandum of Deacon Prowler's : 

*'BURM.NG OF THE MEETI»{r,-HOTJSE. 

" On the night of July 10th, 1850, the nieetlug-house of the Third 
Cong. Society was destroyed by fire. It broke out in the entry of the 
Hall about 11 o'clock, and was the work of an incendiary. It wjis in- 
sured at two mutual offices in Salem for the sum of $6,000. 

*' The house was completely destroyed, but the waits of the basement 
story were left standing, and by many persons supposed to be not much 
injured. The sheds and fences around the house are but little injured, 
in ronse'picnce of there being but little wind at the time of the fire. 
The House, with its furniture. Church plute, and .Sabbath-school library, 
wrt« consumed. 

" The .Selectmen of the Town have offered a reward of .500 dollars for 
the detection of the sacrilegious villian who burnt our beautiful House 
and laid waate our pleasant things. The Sahbath evening after the tire, 
\Vm. Duftee, a young man living on the Plains, was, on the complaint of 
Geo. PerkinR. arrested and lodged in Salem jail, being accused of setting 
fire to the Jleeting-Honse. He was carried before justice Rantoul, of 
Beverly, and, pleading guilty of the charge, he was sent to the .Salem 
jail to await his trial, Perkins being also sent with him as a witness. 
Both effected their escape in November following. Duflee was retaken, 
couvicted and sentenced to the StaU Prisun Jot lite. Perkins who was 
suspected a« an accomplice with Duffee in the burning of the house, some 
weeks after returned to Danvers, gave himself up, was cariied back to 
jail, and, no one appearing against him. at the the term of court follow- 
ing he was discharged, 

" (In Sunday, Jidy 14th. public worship was held by the Society at the 
Free Chapel, on the Plains, where an appropriate and interesting dis- 
ctiur>4e was delivered by our pastor. The text was from the 14th chap- 
ter of Exodus, 1,'ith verse, " .\nd the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore 
crieet thou unto me? Speak unto the chiMren of Israel, that th^y go foi' 
jc'irrf." 

" In this discourse our Pastor, in a force^ible luanner, enjoined upon 
us the imi>ortance of inimeiliately going forward in the work of rebuild- 
ing our Meeting. House." 

The very next day the standing committee issued 
their warrant for a meeting to consider rebuilding. 
It was voted " that we proceed immediately to rebuild 
our meeting-house — the vote passed unanimously." 
The offer of the use of the Free Chapel was accepted. 



The new building committee were S. P. Fowler, Na- 
than Tapley, Daniel Richards, Alfred Fellows, J. S. 
Bl.ack, Elbridge Trask, J. ('. Butler, Nathaniel Sil- 
vester and Stei>hen Granville. They went to work 
with six thousand dollars insurance and trusted to 
raise the balance. The contract was originally given 
to Boston parties for six thousand eight hundred and 
seventy-five dollars, but they ftiiled to meet their en- 
gagements — "the winter came upon us with its snow 
and rains with the building completely exposed." 
The contractors were paid two thousand eight hun- 
dred and fifty dollars to leave the job, and Abel 
Preston's proposal to finish the building for four 
thousand dollars was accepted. On Sunday, March 
9, 1851, services were first held in the new Granite 
Hall, and the church itself was ready for dedication 
September 17, 1851. The total cost of the new or 
|>resent church was S8485.l3t) ; the new bell cost two 
hundred and thirteen dollars. The present organ was 
purchased by subscription, as was also the clock in 
the tower, and at a meeting of the subscribers to both, 
.\ugust 15, 1854, both were " unconditionally present- 
ed " to the society. About the same time certain jiews 
were set apart to be sold for the benefit of the eigh- 
teen subscribers who assumed the debt of the old 
church, they suffering a loss of twenty-five per cent, 
of their subscriptions — the proportional loss of pew- 
holders over insurance. The new bell was not up to 
the standard of orthodoxy, and cracked ; the jiresent 
bell dates from 1856. 

Moses Putnam, foremost of the friends and sup- 
porters of the church and society, a few months be- 
fore he died, which was September 10, I860, in his 
eighty-fifth year, gave up .several notes amounting to 
fourteen hundred dollars, which he held against the 
society. A comniunicatiim was sent to him exjires- 
sive of the heart-felt gratitude of the society for this 
and former generous donations. 

Rev. Mr. Fletcher tendered. May 21, 1864. a letter 
of resignation. 

A call was extended, February 1, 1866, to Rev. Wil- 
liam Caruthers, of North Cambridge, who accepted, 
and was installed April 18th. This call was not 
nearly unanimous, and after a little more than two 
years Mr. Caruthers tendered his resignation, to take 
ettect July 31, 1868. On the 22d of February, 1869, 
by a large and unanimous vote, Rev. .Tames Brand, 
then a student at Andover, was invited to become 
pastor, and he was ordained October 6, 1869. Shortly 
after, December 5th, the church celebrated its twenty- 
fifth anniversary. In the spring of 1872 the subject 
of making extensive and radical changes in the house 
was first brought up, and continued to be talked about 
and voted upon for two years, when it was finally de- 
cided to take the work in hand. Andrew M. Putnam, 
Winthro]) .\ndrews, Charles H. Gould, .Tolin S. Lea- 
royd and Daniel Richards were the supervising com- 
mittee. An addition wa.s built on the rear of the 
church, the interior was entirely remodeled, the old 



472 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



galleries were abolished, the organ and choir-loft 
moved behind the pulpit, modern black-walnut pews 
were substituted for the old ones, which are now oc- 
casionally seen adorning gardens and back piazzas. 
With the change in the building came also a change 
in the organization of the society. It was propo.sed 
to abandon the system of individual pew-owuership 
for a system of annual rental. By act of the Legis- 
lature the existing corporation was dissolved March 
24, 1874, and a new society was immediately organ- 
ized under the general .statutes, the first meeting of 
which was held the next day. Under the by-laws of 
the new society all jjroperty was vested in a board of 
five trustees, three at least to be members of the 
church. Membership was open to any person renting 
a sitting and receiving a majority vote at any regular 
meeting. There have been but three elections of 
trustees, — 



1874. 

Chester H. Gould. 
Edward A. Lord. 
Moses J. Currier. 
John S. I.earoyd. 
.Tohu A. Putnam. 

IS79. 
George W. Fiske. 
John A. Putnam. 



Moses J. Currier. 
Charles H. Gould. 
Jolin S. Learoyd. 

1885. 
C. H. Gould. 
Samuel Ij. Sawyer. 
G. \V. Fiske. 
John A. Putnam. 
J. S. Learoyd. 



Before these changes, however, Mr. Brand resigned 
his pastorate, to take efiect November 1, 1873. He 
went to Oberlin, Ohio, " to accept a place where my 
usefulness in the ministry, if I have any, can be more 
than doubled." He went " with the kindest words to 
say and the pleasantest memories to carry," and left 
with his parishioners an abiding love and respect to- 
wards himself He has not failed by reason of " the 
greatness of the field and the urgency of the call." 
After nearly two years Rev. Walter E. C. Wright ac- 
cepted the invitation U> fill the vacancy, and was in- 
stalled October 12, 1875, his brother, Rev. G. F. 
Wright, of Audover, and Rev. James Fletcher, a for- 
mer pastor, taking part in the exercises. During his 
pastorate of seven years he not only endeared himself 
to his own people, but won and merited the greatest 
respect of his fellow-citizens by the many manifesta- 
tions of his active public s])irit. Upon him fell most 
of the responsibility of the re-arraugenient and new 
catalogue of the Peabody Library, a work which 
will remain a substantial monument to his mem- 
ory. He was also largely instrumental in lifting 
from the church a heavy load of debt. He was 
an able debater, aud the occasion in Gothic Hall 
when he stood alone against an array of advo- 
cates of woman-suffrage will long be remembered. 
His letter of resignation dated August 12, 1882, 
contains this: "The experience of the past few 
months has indicated the importance, for the health 
of my wife and perhaps my own, of a change of resi- 
dence to a milder climate." An urgent call to take 
up a congenial and important religious and educa- 
tional work at Berea College, Kentucky, was there- 



fore accepted, and his resignation was tendered, to 
take effect the last of September, 1882. Rev. Edward 
P. Ewing, formerly of Enfield, Mass, his successor 
:ind the present pastor, was installed November 1, 
1883. 

The first deacons of the church were Frederick 
Howe and Samuel P. Fowler; subsequently elected: 
.fohn S. IjCaroyd, Samuel P. Trask, Eben Peabody. 
.Messrs. Fowler, Learoyd and Peabody survive in 
office. The membership of the church at its organi- 
zation was 42; at present, 1887, 30.5; total member- 
ship since organization, 537. 

The moderator of the first meeting of the .society, 
1844, was Winthrop Andrews. Moderators of subse- 
(|uent annual meetings have been as follows: — Samuel 
P. Fowler, 1845, '47, '48, '49; Nathan Tapley, '46, '51, 
•53, '54, '5;», '60; Joseph S. Black, '50, '58; Dr. D. A. 
(Jrosvenor, '52; William L. Weston, '55, '56, '57, '61, 
'68, '74; Rufus Putnam, '62, "63, '64, '65, '67 ; John A. 
Putnam, '66, '75, '76, '77; John S. Learoyd, '6!); John 
R. Langley, '70, '72, '73 ; Moses J. Currier, 71 ; Sam- 
uel L. Sawyer, '78, '81 ; George W. Fiske, '79, '80, '88, 
'84, '85, '86, '87. 

Until 1882, the offices of treasurer and collector 
were considered as one, and the persons holding the 
office were as follows: — Moses J. Currier, 1844; Moses 
\V. Putnam, '45-' 47, '61 ; Elbridge Trask, '48 ; John 
(J. Butler, '49, '50; James M. Perry, '52-'70, eighteen 
tonsecutive years; John A. Putnam, '71-'81. In 1882 
the offices were divided. Webster F. Putnam was 
elected treasurer, and served two years; George W. 
b'iske, '84, '85 ; Charles H. Gould, '86, '87. Winthrop 
.Andrews has held the office of collector from 1882 to 
the present, 1887. 

Henry T. Ropes was the first clerk of the society 
and served for three years. Joseph S. Black succeed- 
ed him and served three years. Deacon Samuel P. 
Fowler began to keep the records in 1850 and has en- 
tered on the thirty-seventh year of his service. Dur- 
ing the whole period since the organization of the so- 
ciety, the records have been kept admirably. 

The list of standing committees is as follows : 



1844. 

Beuj. Turner. 
Sanil. Brown. 
Nathl. Silvester. 

1843. 

Sanil. Putnam. 
Saml. P. Fowler. 
Henry T. Ropes. 
Nathl. Silvester. 

1848. 

Nathan Tapley. 
Jesse Putnam. 
Nathl. Silvester. 
Henry T. Ropes. 
Benj. Turner. 

1847. 

Nathan Tapley. 
Jesse Putnam. 
Moses J. Currier. 



STANDING roMMITTEES. 

Joseph S. Black. 
Daniel Richards. 

1848. 
Nathan Tapley. 
Joseph S. Black. 
Daniel Richards. 
Mosea J. Currier. 
Samuel P. Fowler. 

1S4». 
.S. 1'. Fowler. 
Joseph S. Black. 
Moses J. Currier. 
Francis 1*. I'utnam. 
Samuel Pnlnam. 

1850. 
Saml. P. Fowler. 
Joseph S. Black. 
Moses J. Currier, 
Frederic How. 
Nathan Tapley. 



DANVERS. 



473 



1851. 

Nathan Tapley. 
S. P. Fowler. 
Moses J. Currier. 
Joseph S. Black. 
Daniel Richards. 

IH5'2. 

Nathan Tapley, 
Job. S. Black. 
Frederick Perley, 
Francis P. Putnam. 
Alfr^Ti Fellows. 

1S53.I 
N. Tapley. 
F. P. Putnam. 
S. P. Fowler. 
Alfred Fellowe, 
M. J. ("urrier, 

IS54. 
Nathan Tapley. 
M. J. Currier. 
F. P. I^utnani. 
Wm. li. Weston. 
Allen Knights. 

1X55. 

Nathan Tapley. 
M. .1. Currier. 
Allen Kaights. 
W. L. Weeton. 
D. A. Grosvenor. 

Nathan Tapley, 
F. P. Putnam. 
Allen Knight. 
M.J. Currier, 
W. h. Weston. 

I85T. 
Nathan Tapley. 
Moses J. f'urrier. 
F. P. Putnam. 
W. L. Weston. 
Allen Knight. 

IH5S. 
Nathan Tapley. 
M. J, Currier. 
W. L. Westun. 
F. P. Putnam. 
Joseph S. Black. 

i>*5i». 

John A. Learojd. 
Joe. S. Black. 
M. J. Currier. 
W. L. Weston. 
F. P. PuHiani. 

1 s»o. 

Nathan Taplay. 
W. L. Weston. 
M. J. Currier. 
F. P. Putnam. 
J- S. Black. 

ISHI. 

Nathan Tapley. 
W. L. Weston. 
M. J. Currier. 
John 0. Butler. 
F. P. Putnam. 

IHfi'i. 
Nathan Tapley. 
Rufus Putnam. 
M. J. Currit^r, 
F. P. Putnam. 
J. C, Butler. 

1 Silts. 

Rufus Putnam. 



3(H 



Nathun Taplej. 
F. P. Putnam. 
J. C. Butlf r. 
M. J. Currier. 

I SKI. 
Nathan Tapley. 
Kufii^ Putnam. 
J. r. Buder. 
M- J. Currier. 
.John R. Langley. 

ISH.i. 
Rnlus Putnam. 
Nathan Tapley. 
J. M. Perry. 
Nathaniel Hills. 
M. .T. Currier. 

I SKA. 
Natlian Tapley. 
Rufus Putnam. 
iVI. .J. t'nrrier. 
.1. M. Perry. 
J. R. Langley. 

1S«7. 

.1. R. Ijangley. 
RiifuB Putnam. 
John 8. Learo.vd. 
M. .1. Currier. 
Daniel Richardp. 

ISBS. 
Daniel Richards. 
.1. S. Learoyd. 
Rufus Putnam. 

ISHH. 
.T. S, Learoyd. 
Rc.l.ert S. Perkins. 
31. .1. Currier. 
J. .\. Putnam. 
J. M. Perry. 

IS70. 

Nathan Tapley. 
.1. M . Perry. 
R. S. Perkins. 
Charles H. Gould. 
M. J. Currier. 

187J. 

Nathan Tapley, 
R. S. Perkins. 
M. J. Currier. 
C. H. Gould. 
.7. R. Langley. 

ISJ2. 

J. S. Learoyd. 

B. S. Perkins. 
M. .1. Currier. 

C. H. Gould. 
J. R. Langley. 

isn. 

J. S. Learoyd. 
George \V. Fiske. 
Winthrop Andrews. 
M. J. Carrier. 
E. Warren Eaton. 

I SIS. 
John S. Learoyd. 
M. .J. (Uirrier. 
G. W. Fiske. 
E. W. Eaton. 
Winthrop .\ndrews. 

IN7«. 
Winthrop Andrews. 
Addison P. Learoyd. 
31. J. Cvirrier. 
Samuel P. Trask. 
Beverly S. Moulton. 



IS77. 

Winthrop Andrews. 
B. S. Moulton. 
■S. P. Trask. 

A. P. Learoyd. 
Samuel L. Sawyer. 

IS7S. 

Winthrop .\ndrew8. 

B. S. Moulton. 
S. L. Sawyer. 

A, P. Learoyd. 
Edward A. Lord. 

1S7». 
Winthrop .\ndrew6. 

B. S. Moulton. 
A. P. Learoyd. 
Amos A. White. 
S. L. Saw.ver. 

issn. 

Winthrop Andrews. 
A. P. Learoyd. 

A. A. White. 
S. L. Sawyer. 

B. S. Moulton. 

I SSI. 
W inthrop Andrews. 

A. P. Learoyd. 
.1. Frank Porter. 
S. L, Sawyer. 

B. S. Moulton. 

ISS2. 
A. P. Learoyd. 
,T. F. Porter. 



S. L, Sawyer. 
Khen Pealxwly. 
Wehsfer F. Putnam. 

ISSS. 
S. L. Sawyer. 
J. F. Porter. 
W. F. Putnam. 
Allien P. White. 
Eben Peahody. 

ISSI. 
J. F. Porter. 
Eben Peabody, 
W. F. Putnam. 
W^allace F. Perry. 
A. P. White. 

ISS.i. 
Leroy L. Abbott. 
W. F. Putnam. 
A. P. White. 
W. P. Perry. 
Eben Peabo<ly. 

ISS«. 
W. p. Perry. 
W. F. Putnam. 
A. P. White. 
Abrani S. Real. 
Dr. E. .\. Kemp, 

IS87. 
A. P. White. 
W. P. Perry. 
E. A. Kemp. 
A. S. Beal. 
Herbert M. Bradstreet. 



The Sunday-school in connection with the Maple 
Street Church was organized December 4, 1844. It 
then consisted of one hundred and fourteen members 
and twelve teachers. The first superintendent was 
Francis P. Putnam. Succeeding superintendents have 
been Moses W. Putnam, Joseph S. Black, Nathaniel 
Hills and John S. Learoyd. 

By far the longest term of office is that of the pre- 
sent superintendent, Mr. Learoyd, who is now in his 
twenty-second year of consecutive service. There are 
at present connected with the school, four hundred 
and thirty -si.v members, forty-two teacheis, two hun- 
dred and seventy-eight scholars in main .school, ninety- 
one primary, and twenty-five in the pastor's Bible- 
class. The average attendance is three hundred and 
six. Yearly collection for 1886, three hundred and 
forty dollars. Number of library hooks, eight hun- 
dred and si.\ty-five. 

Catholic. — Before 1S50 there were very few na- 
tives of Ireland residing in Danvers. Between 1850 
and 1855, or even later, they came here in consider- 
able numbers and made homes for themselves. The 
first man of Irish birth to settle here, about 1840, was 
the late Daniel Crowley, whose children are an honor 
to his name. Another early settler was Edward 
McKeigue. It was in the hitter's house, November 1, 
1854, that the first Catholic service was held in Dan- 
vers. Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, then of the Church 
of Immaculate Conception in Salem, officiated. Af- 
terwards regular services began to be held in Frank- 
lin Hall, and then a chapel was erected south of the 
High Street Cemetery. When the Universalists gave 



474 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



up their church in 1859, the Catholics bought it. This 
building, since altered and enlarged beyond recogni" 
tion as to its original condition, is the present church 
of this denomination. A fine new pastor's house has 
been very recently erected on a pleasant site in the 
rear of the church, overlooking the river. It is a fact 
significant of the increase of the Catholic population 
since the time above referred to, that in this church 
worships a congregation by far the largest in town ; 
and it is also significant that while many of the old 
names, common a hundred or two years ago, have be- 
come entirely extinct, and others are in danger of be- 
coming so, the names of Sullivan, Collins, Gallivan, 
McCarthy and others appear in increasing numbers in 
each new directory and voting list, and indeed those 
names mentioned seem already to be more numerous 
than any other save one. The largest collective set- 
tlement of the people of this church radiates from the 
crossing of Hobart Street and the Eastern Railroad. 
It used to be called after the capital of the old coun- 
try. Much of the land was bought by Captain An- 
drew M. Putnam, and by him was first opened up for 
building purposes. At his death. May 6, 1881, the 
family received a touching letter from a commit- 
tee of Irish citizens, requesting permission to march 
behind the funeral procession to the grave. Twenty- 
eight of them did this, and some of their number 
filled the grave with earth. " No pen can write," such 
was the tribute, "nor mind describe the love, the 
veneration, we have for him, who was 'a friend in 
need and a friend indeed.' The name of Captain A. 
M. Putnam shall be forever near and dear to us. 
Many a heart has he made glad, by putting them in a 
way of having a little home for themselves when 
every one else seemed against them." 

The first resident pastor of the church was Rev. 
Charles Raioni, who also had charge of the church in 
Marblehead. Thither he removed on the separation 
of the parishes in 1872. He was a gentleman ad- 
vanced in years, and greatly beloved. His successor. 
Rev. Fr. O'Reilly, remained but one year. Rev. Pat- 
rick Joseph Halley w-as appointed to Danvers in April, 
1873, and his pastorate extended to September, 1882 ; 
Rev. D. B. Kennedy's, from the last date to April, 1885, 
when the present pastor, Thomas E. Power, was ap- 
pointed. 

Episcopal. — Calvary Parish was organized on the 
14th of April, 1858. Joseph Adams and John S. 
Pratt were the first wardens. Rev. Robt. F. Chase 
entered upon his duties as rector. May 9th, 1858, ser- 
vices being held at first in Bank Hall. 

The corner-stone of the present church at the cor- 
ner of Holten and Cherry Streets, was laid by Bishop 
Eastburn, May 11, 1859, and the church was conse- 
crated by him, May 25, 1860. Mr. Chase resigned in 
1862, but was again rector from 1863 to 1865. His 
successors were as follows: — Rev. George Horvill, 
rector from 1865-66; Rev. William W. Silvester, dea- 
con in charge of the parish, 1868; Rev. S. J. Evans, 



rector, 1869-71 ; Rev. William I. Magill, 1872-77. 
Rev. George Walker, the present rector, took charge 
of the parish October, 1877. 

Unitarian, — As was hinted in the sketch of the 
Universalist Society, there were, many years ago, a 
number of influential families who had accepted the 
Unitarian faith. It was not, however, until 1865, that 
the present society was organized and worship begun, 
the first service being held in the Town Hall, and 
conducted by Rev. A. P. Putnam, then of Roxbury. 

Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Wentworth, with their fiimily 
of children, had recently removed to Danvers from 
Roxbury, where they had been parishioners of Mr. 
Putnam, and it only needed their presence and ear- 
nest zeal in the town, to insure success to the new 
movement. One or more meetings of the friends were 
held to consider the matter, previous to the first pub- 
lic service, and arrangements were soon made for 
regular Sunday worship in the Town Hall until more 
suitable accommodations could be had. ' The desk was 
supplied by different preachers until April 1st, 1867, 
when Rev. Leonard J. Livermore became the pastor 
of the infant church, and remained the minister until 
his death, in the summer of 1886, having his residence 
throughout at Cambridge, and being the guest of Mr. 
and Mrs. Wentworth, on his weekly visits to Danvers. 
The little church prospered, and in a few years erected 
its present neat and commodious chapel, which is lo- 
cated very near the site of the first house at Danvers 
Plains, that of pioneer John Porter. The cost of land 
and edifice was about $13,000. The buildiug tonk the 
name of Unity Chapel, and was formally dedicated as 
a house of worship on the evening of the 16th of 
March, 1871. The opening prayer was by Rev. S. C. 
Beane, of Salem; the reading of the Scriptures by 
Rev. J. B. Moore, of Lawrence ; the sermon by Rev. 
A. P. Putnam ; the act of dedication by the pastor 
and people ; the prayer of dedication by Rev. J. T. 
Hewes, of Salem; chants and hymns were sung by a 
quartette and by the congregation. The church suf- 
fered a great loss in the death of Mr. Wentworth, 
about the time of the decease of its first minister. 
For a fuller notice of these two excellent men and 
faithful friends, see Dr. Putnam's sketch of Mr. Went- 
worth on a subsequent page. Mr. Livermore's suc- 
cessor is Rev. J. C. Mitchell, who entered upon his 
work here during the last winter (1886-87). having 
previously been the minister of the Orthodox Con- 
gregational Church in Wenham. 

Methodist. — This is the only church located in 
the village of Tapleyville, and draws its strength and 
support largely from that neighborhood. 

The first preaching service, preliminary to organiz- 
ing a church, was held in Lincoln Hall, October 22, 
1871. As a result of this and successive meetings it 
was determined to build a meeting-house. G. A. 
Tapley gave the lot of land, and he and his father 
otherwise contributed liberally. The present build- 
ing was dedicated early in 1873. It cost about fit- 



BANVERS. 



475 



teen thousand dollars. The church was organized 
March 17, 1872. The first pastor was Rev. Elias Hodge, 
to whose enthusiastic work much of the first success 
of the new church was due. He served until 1874, 
the conference year beginning with April. His suc- 
cessors have been Rev. R. H. Howard, 1S7'>-7G ; Rev. 
Garrett Beeknian, 1877-79; Rev. W. J. Hambleton, 
1880-82; Rev. W. M. Ayres, 1883-85; Rev. C. A. 
Merrill, the present pastor, came in 1886. 

The Sunday-school was organized November 5, 
1871; its first superintendent, Oliver D. Hani. 

Seventh Day Advent. — In the summer of 1877 
a very large tent was pitched in the open lot on Ho- 
bart Street, opposite the station, and large congre- 
gations went nightly to hear Elder C'anright's exposi- 
tions of the doctrines of the above sect. He succeeded 
in making numerous converts, some from other 
churches, more from those not previously in the habit of 
attending church. Notwithstanding the practical in- 
convenience of keeping Saturday as the Sabbath, a 
considerable number hold firmly to that way. A 
chapel was dedicated January 6, 1878. It stands very 
near the site of the tent. The church was organized 
December 11, 1877. There has been for some time 
no settled pastor. Very recently there have been 
quite a number of baptisms. Charles Hartman is 
superintendent of the Sunday-school. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

BkNVERS.— {Continued). 
EDUCATIONAL. 

One of the reasons why the Village and Middle 
Parislies petitioned to be set off from Salem was be- 
cause they were so far from the grammar-school. But 
there were schools, probably of lower grade than 
grammar, in both the Village and Middle Parishes 
many years before the district of Danvers was incor- 
porated. The first action taken towards a separate 
school within the present limits of Danvers and Pea- 
body was in 1701, under a vote entered in the village 
parish records that " Mr. Joseph Herrick and Mr. 
Joseph Putnam and John Putnam jun. are chosen 
and empowered to agree with some suitable person to 
be a school-master among us, in some convenient 
time ; and make return therefor to the people." The 
man instrumental in building the first school-house 
was the minister of the Village church, Rev. Joseph 
Green. Certain passages of his diary, March, 1708, 
bear upon the subject: 

"March 11. . . . I spoke to several about building a schoolhouse 
aud determined to do it, &c. 

"18. I rode to ye neighbor about a schooihouae and found them 
generally willing to help. 

"2'.i. Meeting of the Intiabitiints, I spoke with several about build- 
ing a schoolhouse. I went into ye Town Sleeting {village meeting) and 



said to this effect : Neighbors I am about building a schoolhouse for the 
good education of our children . . . Some replyed that it was a new 
thing to them and they desired to know where it sliouM etand, aud 
what the design of it was. To them I answered that Deacon Ingereol! 
would give land for it to stand on, at the upper end of the Training field, 
and that I designed to have agood school-master to teach their children 
to read and write and cypher and everything that is good. Many com- 
men<led the design and none objected to it. 
" 2.'). Began to get timber for schoolhouse." 

The teacher firet mentioned by name is Katherine 
Daland ; she taught before Mr. Green's house was 
finished. In 1714 Samuel .\ndrew taught and is 
the first mentioned master. 

To pass now at once to the separate existence of the 
town and the manner iu which it managed school af- 
fairs. At first the schools were left to the selectmen. 
The first school-committee, as a distinctive board, 
were chosen in 1750, under the following votes: 

" Voted, to chuse a com'tee to regulate ye Grammar School & to be 
live men. Voted, Dan'l Gardner Dan'l Puringtou Dan'l Epes Jun'r 
Nath'l Felton Sr. David Putnara voted, that the School Com'tee Draw 
up Something and lay it before y« District on ye adjournment." 

In the annual warrant for 170(5 there occurred for 
the first time a proposition for the division of school 
money between the parishes according to the propor- 
tion of their taxes, but no action was then taken. The 
next year the question of establishing other than 
grammar-schools came up again. It was four years 
since the same matter had been referred to the dis- 
cretion of a committee, and now the growing need of 
such schools seemed so imperative that it was directly 
voted " that there be a number of schools provided 
by the selectmen besides the Grammar Seool in the 
winter Season in this Town as the Selectmen Shall 
think proper. To be at Town Cost." The next year, 
1768, " the claws in the warrant " relating to division 
of the school money between the parishes was dis- 
mi.ssed as before, and again the monopoly of public 
education was restored to the grammar-school ; but 
before winter set in the selectmen were instructed " to 
set up what schools they shall think ]iro])er." 

So matters went, at times only a grammar school, 
at times " other schools set up," until, iu the midst of 
the Revolution, December 1, 1777, on a petition 
headed by Col. Jeremiah Page, a decidedly progres- 
sive step was taken. At a meeting held in the North 
Meeting-House, Archelaus Dale, Moderator, it was 
voted that there be Ten Schoolsset up in the Town for 
three months each, and that the selectmen regulate 
the schools and provide proper persons for School- 
masters. 

In 1780 the expression " district schools " is first 
used ; it was then voted '' that there be District 
Schools set up tor three months to begin as soon as 
may be." 

In 1783 nine schools were " set up " for two months, 
but whether or not nine schools were insufiicient to 
meet the law, or the setting-up thereof was too large- 
ly on paper merely, the inhabitants found them- 
selves this year presented before the Court of General 
Sessions for not keeping schools according to law, 



476 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and Samuel Cheever was sent to Ipswich to answer 
for the town on the first Tuesday of April, and he 
was instructed " to use his influence, that the Town 
be not fined for their neglect in not keeping schools." 
The potency of Samuel's endeavors may be inferred 
from the fact that there is no further mention of the 
subject. 

The lOlh of November, 1794, is the beginning of a 
new epoch, it marks the first step towards the estab- 
lishment of a systematic district system. It was then 
voted that the selectmen "divide the town into as 
many districts as will best accommodate the town ; " 
and the next month the first distinct and separate ap- 
pnjpriation of money for school purposes was made, — 
j£90, exclusive of the grammar school. Gideon 
Foster's record of the laying out of the school dis- 
tricts must here be omitted. There were nine in all ; 
number one including the present central village of 
Peabody; two, the Port; three, Putnam ville; four, 
Beaver Brook ; five, the Centre ; six, Felton's Corner; 
seven and eight. West Danvers; nine, towards Hum- 
phrey's Pond. The establishment of division lines 
caused some uneasiness among those who lived on the 
outskirts of the respective districts. For instance. 
Col. Jethro and Dr. Archelaus Putnam, and the 
dwellers on the Derby Farm, found themselves, by 
the new dispensation in No. 3, wished to be in No. 
4, and evidently succeeded in getting there ; for the 
next year, Aaron Putnam and others of No. 3 peti- 
tioned that the lost sheep be brought back again. 
Daniel Taylor and others soon wanted a division of 
No. 7 by a North and South line. In ISOO Amos 
King wished to be set oft' from No. 8 to No. 6, but the 
inhabitants said no. 

Early in 1802 a special meeting was called, to see 
if the town would make some general alterations in 
district lines ; the only changes made were in num- 
liers two, three and four, all within the present limits 
of Danvers. 

In 180B John Jacobs and others presented a peti- 
tion for the division of No. 7 and, succeeding in ob- 
taining it, the new district, number ten, was the result. 
In the same year the subject of rules for the govern- 
ment of schools was first considered, and the follow- 
ing code drawn up by Parsons Wadsworth and Walk- 
er, and Hon. Nathan Head, David Daniels and Capt. 
Samuel Page, will prove interesting reading : 

DK. WADSWOUTH'S cook. 

"1. It is reoouiniemied that each lustructor open his School in tlio 
morning and close it in tlio evening with a aliort prayer. 

*' 2. On every School day except Saturday, each instructor shall em- 
ploy at least six hours in the instruction of his pupils, and not less than 
three on that day. 

"3. The instructor of each School shall class his pupils in such man- 
ner as ho shall judge most conducive to their improvement, not making 
less than two Classes. 

"4. To facilitate the acquii'ement of an accurate & uniform mode of 
Spelling i pronunciation, Perry's Spelling-hook and Dictionary shall he 
taught in all the Schools ; and the following shall he the Catalogue of 
Books from which the Scholals shall he supplied at the discretion of the 
Instructor, viz.- ' Murray's English Grammer Ahridged,' 'Morse's Ge- 
ography, ahridged Constitution of the State of Massachusetts,' Ac, 



' Wakefield mental improvement,' * Pikes Arithmatic ' A the ' holy Bi- 
ble,' together with such Latin & Greek ClassicB as are usually taught in 
Grammer Schools. 

"5. To abridge the time commonly consumed by Children in learn- 
ing to write, the plan discrihed in Jenkeu's 'Art of Writing' shall he 
adopted in all the schools ; A Copper-plate copies furnished by the In- 
structor shall be used by those Scholars who are able to write joining 
hand. 

"6. The Scholars shall be taught punctuation notes or nuirks, inter- 
rogation, admiration, accent, emphasis & cadence. 

" 7. Every Instructor shall establish A luaintaiu order & good Govern- 
ment in his school, not by inflicting cruel & unusual punishment, but 
by addressing the understanding A ingeniims feelings of the youtli com- 
mitted to his care, & by endeavouring to excite a spirit of industry & 
emulation stimulating them to their duty by the hope of reward rather 
than by the fear of Punishment. 

*'To carry these rules & orders (should the Town adopt them) into ef- 
fect the Committee sensible that the improvement of Scholare depemis 
greatly on the attention &. fidelity of instructors beg leave to recommend 
a parlicuhtr ngartl to the moral «t literary quallificatious of those who 
shall be employed in that capacity the iinmuil choice of a School commit- 
tee, faithfully to discharge the important trust reposed in tliem by law, 
& likewise tn direct the Toivn CJerk to furnish the Grammer School Mas- 
ter at least with a written copy of the laws of this State respecting the 
power & duty of the School conmiittee A instructors of Schools prefixed 
to a copy of these regulations. 

"ben.h. wadsworth, pr. order." 

In 1808 another sub-division of districts occurred; 
the people living in the western part of No. 1 were 
set ofl' as No. 11 ; and within a few months Clark 
Wilson and others secured a division of No. 11, and 
a portion thereof was established as No. 12. At 
the March meeting of 1816 another very important 
advance towards system was made. Three persons — 
Nathan Felton, Daniel Putnam and Dr. Andrew 
Nichols were chosen "to define the powers and du- 
ties of School Committee." 

Ten years in advance of the law of the State 
making it the duty of towns to choose a school com- 
mittee, Danvers accepted the report of these men, 
which contained, among other recommendations, 
this, — 

'* That it be proper and expedient to choose a School Committee, 
whose powers and duties shall be the same aa is given to the ministers of 
the gosjfel and the selectmen of the town by the laws of the Conmion- 
wealth, excepting such as have or may be given to the school districts by 
a special vote of the town." 

And twenty-two years in advance of the State law 
requiring school committees to make annual reports, 
Danvers adopted tliis recommendation, — 

" It shall be the duty of the School Committee to make a report of so 
much of their doings and such other particulars l"especting the several 
schools as they may deem worthy the consideration of the town at their 
annual Mai'ch meeting." 

At the same meeting at which this action was taken 
it was voted " that District No. 2 be divided, agree- 
ably to a Petition of John Page and others, dated 
April 19th, ISKi, and is on Town files." A search 
among the old papers in the town-house vault was 
rewarded by the finding of this interesting autograph 
petition, the origin of the present Plains District, now 
No. 1,— 

"To THE Selectmen of Danvers: — 

" Gentlemf.n : We, the subecribere, iubabilanta uf Sdioul Dietrict 
number twu, reijuest you to iiiBwrt a clauet iu yuur wairaut at the May 



DANVERS. 



No. 10 46 

" U 116 

•■ 12 120 



ineuting for tlie choice of Representatives to this eflect ; to see if the 
town will pass a vote to seperate that part of District number two. Be- 
ginning at Frost lish brooli bridge, so called, and from thence following 
the niill-pond down nntill you come to the point of land owned by John 
Page, thence up a branch of said pond, untill yon come to the bridge 
near bricl^ yards ; thence rnnning down by the Salem road untill you come 
to tlie east corner of .Setii Stetson's pasture ; thence lunning as tlie fence 
stands to the soutli corner of Kiid jiasture ; tiience soutlierly a^ tlie fence 
runs to Crane river, so called ; tiience following said river to tlie Bridge 
witli ail the land, polls and estates, to the norlliward ami westward said 
line now belonging to District number two, \vi h all the powers and 
priviledges belonging to otlier school Districts in the town of Danveis. 
" Danvers, April li)th, 1816. 

"JoH.N Paue. 

"Oeori.e Osgood. 

" EzKA Bati^heldf.r. 

*' Eben^ Berry. 

" Timothy Putnam. 

" Eben Pctnam, Jr. 

" .Andrew Batcheli)er. 

" .\i,i.EN Peabody." 

Very soon Benjamin Wellington and Jonathan 
Perry, with their polls and estates, were set oti' from 
No. 3 to the new district, No. 13, and the next year 
'"the land of Wm. Burley, of Beverly, which lies in 
Danvers " was subjected to the same transfer. 

In 1820 the town directed the school committee to 
return the number of children between five and 
eighteen, with the following result: 

No. 1 102 No 4 61 No. T l">a 

" 2 184 " 5 104 " 8 8,5 

" 8 53 " C 98 " 9 16 

No. 13 66. 

About this time it is apparent that the old "gram- 
mar school " was being neglected. In the summer of 
1821 Dr. Nichols and others petitioned for such a 
school, and as cumulative evidence of its non-exist- 
ence this vote appears on the record of the next an- 
nual meeting, — 

" Voted, To choose a committee to answer a commnnication received 
b.v the selectmen from the count)' attorney, relating to Grunimer 
Schools. Voted, that .loliu W. Proctor, John Page and Williani Sutton 
be said committee." 

The spirit of Samuel Cheever seems to have de- 
scended on these men, for, as in the case of his mis- 
sion to Ipswich forty years before, nothing was there- 
after heard of this threatened indictment. 

Since the code of IcSlti there had been annually 
elected three committee-men at large, and each year 
these three were the ministers of the three churches. 
After seven years it seems that it was thought well to 
give laymen a representation, and at a meeting called 
for that purpose and no other, and on the petition of 
the school committee themselves, it was voted then and 
thereafter to add three to the committee at large ; and 
those first added were Dr. Nichols, Nathan Felton 
and John W. Proctor. 

In lb27 the term "at large" was dropped. The 
body which had been tlius distinguished now be- 
came, with the addition of one more, simply the 
School committee; while the committee, chosen as 
formerly, one from each district, received the new 
title of Prudential Committee. To further distinguish 
the " upper house " from the latter, for several years 



the phrase "Committee of Superintendence" was 
applied to it. 

Ill 1831, by vote of the town the Prudential (Vmi- 
mittee were thenceforth to be elected by the several 
districts at district meetings. 

In 183.') just forty years had passed since the 
original establishment of di-stricts. In the mean 
time many alterations, only some of which have 
here been noted, had taken place in the way of 
changing individuals and their estates from one dis- 
trict to another, until there might well have been more 
or less uncertainty about the true dividing lines. They 
were therefore caretiilly examined and re-located by 
a committee of delegates from each existing district, 
anil their report was recorded by Dr. Shed in a vol- 
ume of school records. 

In 1836 occurs the first mention of compensation to 
the school committee. They were authorized to ap- 
point three of their number to visit all the schools in 
town, and these three were to receive for their ser- 
vices the same rate per day as other town officers. 

The next year, 1837, the Massachusetts School 
Fund is first mentioned. The manner of dispo.sal of 
the town's sliare was referred to the school com- 
mittee. 

The Legislature of 1838 passed an act, changing 
the authority to employ teachers from the prudential 
to the general committee unless towns should other- 
wise order, and Danvers did so otherwise order. 
But lest the district goverment should smack 
too highly of one-man power, it was, the next 
year, recommended to each district to choose two 
other persons to act and advise with the prudential 
man in supetintending the concerns of the district. 

The year 1839 marks the beginning of our luinted 
school reports. The first school report jiroper ever 
made to the town was in 1817, and was committed to 
the "files." Resurrected from its long repose, this 
old document, somewhat blotted, scratched and inter- 
lined, signed " B. Wadsworth, Chairman, pr. order," 
makes very interesting reading to-day, and shows that 
.school-report literature has departed not far from tlie 
standard thus early set, — the very small iron hantl in 
the glove of well wadded velvet. There seems to be a 
certain familiar sound about expressions such as 
these : 

"The Committee are enabled to report that the schools generally ap- 
peared atlvantageously in comparison with their condition in past years. 
. . . Xotwithstanding the respectable character of the schools gen- 
erally, there is still room for improvement. In some districts the 
committee did not tind the scholars had made so great proficiency in 
their studiesas might have been reasonably expected. . . . In some 
tlistricts many of the children have been sent very inconstantly to 
school, and the efforts of the Instructors have not been met with that 
zealous support from Parents which is essentially necessary tx> give the 
desired effect. In some instances the committee did not tind that degree 
of Silence and regular order wliich is necessary to enable schoilars (.\li. 
Doctor !) to pursue their stuiiies most advantageously. . . . But the 
committee with pleasure add that in no instance was there discovered 
any marks of negligence, or want of constant and faitliful atten ion to 
their laborious employment on the part of the Instructors. . . . The 
committee would close their remarks respecting the several schools 



478 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



by stating, that they deriveti the highest gratification iu witnesing the 
regular older and highly respectable attainments of the schollars in the 
school kept by Mr. Samuel Preston. District N. 4, in the North Parish, 
and in the school kept by Mr. Amory Felton, District N. 11, in the 
South Pariah. 

The Committee conclude by earnestly exhorting all concerned to ex- 
ert all their influence and abilities to improve their respective schools by 
employing the best Instructorri, by sending the children and youth to 
school as constantly and as many years as possible, and by affording 
them all the aid and encouragement in their power to attain at least a 
thorough acquaintance with the several branches, or, rather, rudiments 
of science which are tiiught in English schools." 

Following the custom thus set in 1817, reports were 
for eighteen years annually read at town-meeting and 
filed away. From 1835 to and including 1838 the re- 
ports are recorded at length, together with many in- 
teresting returns, in Dr. Shed's book of "School 
Records." 

At the annual meeting of 1839, after Rev. Allen 
Putnam had read the report of the year then ended, 
it was recommitted with authority to the committee 
to cause as many copies of it to be printed as they 
should think proper for the benefit of the inhabitants. 
Israel H. Putnam appears in this earliest pi'iuted report 
as a teacher in No. 7 ; subsequently he was given the 
much larger .school in No. 5. One of his .successors 
in No. 7 was John G. Walcott, and following Wal- 
cott, in the winter of '42-43, was a young man from 
the Village, Augustus Mudge. Of the latter the com- 
mittee said, " the teacher seemed to feel an active in- 
terest, and the appearance of the school justifies us in 
saying that in his first attempt, he has succeeded in 
imparting that interest to his scholars.'' In the 
sequence of events, Mr. Putnam and Mr. Mudge are 
now associated the one as treasurer and the other as 
president of the Danvers Saving Bank. 

Oliver A. Woodbury, who became a physician in 
Nashua, N. H., deceased, taught in No. 10. Among 
the lady teachers were Elizabeth P. Pope, Fidelia 
Kettelle, Margaret Putnam, Harriott A. Pope, Emily 
Gould and Hannah J. Putnam. The mention of the 
then young men, Putnam, Walcott and Woodbury, 
calls to mind the fact that just about this time they 
were themselves attending school at Pembroke Aca- 
demy. N. H. And this was a thing not uncommon 
among the ambitious young fellows of Danvers, who 
desired something more than the meagre education of 
a few weeks each winter at the home schools. They 
left their work and their wages not for the fun of a 
term or two at boarding-school, but to get the most 
out of it ; sometimes spurred on by a friendly word of 
advice, but as often impelled merely by per.sonal deter- 
mination. Quite a number went to Bradford, a few 
to Atkinson, N. H., and perhaps elsewhere, but Pem- 
broke seems to have been the favorite. In the few 
catalogues which have been preserved the following 
names appear of North Danvers young men and 
women who were at Pembroke about 1840 : Israel H. 
Putnam, Oliver A. Woodbury, Israel P. Boardman, 
Francis Noyes, Charles A. Putnam, Albert Putnam, 
Elias E. Putnam, Israel E. Putnam, Moses W. Put- 



nam, Thomas M. Putnam, William Putnam, John G. 
Walcott, Joseph S. Black, Charles P. Preston, Aaron 
W. Warren, Charles H. Gould, Harrison O. Warren, 
John H. Porter, John Reed, Caroline E. Page, Sarah 
P. Page, Eniiline Putnam, Nancy Putnam, Mary O. 
Black, Sarah A. Kent. 

At Topsfield Academy there were, about 1830, these : 
Ezra Batchelder, James I). Black, Thomas J. Brad- 
street, Moses K. Cross, John C. Page, Charles Page, 
Ebenezer Putnam, Francis Putnam, William R. Put- 
nam, Henry F. Putn.ani, Charles H. Rhoades, Asa T. 
Richards, Richard West, Lydia Bradstreet, Harriet 
N. Page, Harriet Putnam, Clarissa Putnam, Elizabeth 
A. Putnam. 

A fellow-student with some of these Danvers young 
people at Pembroke was a young man from Deerfield, 
N. H., who went to Dartmouth College, and helped to 
pay his way by teaching, winters. About Thanks- 
giving time, during his first year, lie drove from his 
home looking for a school, and spent a night in Dan- 
vers with Oliver Woodbury, calling the next morning 
on " Uncle Moses," father of Israel E. Putnam, a 
young man of great promise who had died at Pem- 
broke, and by Uncle Moses he was taken over to the 
old General Putnam homestead to the shoe-factory of 
Daniel and Ahira Putnam, to see in particular the 
latter who was prudential committee-man, and to 
Ahira the young man made application to teach the 
district school. No. 4, the ensuing term and wii.s en- 
gaged. Julia Putnam, a daughter of the homestead, 
helping about the household work which by well- 
established New England custom falls to Monday 
morning, noticed the arrival of the young stranger, 
and was interested in his errand for she was the 
teacher of the summer school. The young man's 
name was John D. Philbrick. It is a proud thing for 
Danvers that a name since so widely and honorably 
known should find itself connected with her annals. 
Mr. Philbrick taught the No. 4 school three winters. 
He became engaged to Miss Putnam, and was married 
to her after his graduation, and after his great life- 
work was accomplished came back to these scenes of 
his early labors and of his early love to die. It is in- 
teresting to read in the light of his subsequent career 
what was said of the young student-teacher by the 
committee of 1839 : "At the commencement of his 
term we feared that Mr. Philbrick might fail to meet 
the reasonable demands of the district ; but are happy 
in being able to state that both he and his school 
made progress that was highbj gratifying to the com- 
mittee and creditable to themselves. We have seldom 
found in school so general and thorough acquaint- 
ance with the various marks of punctuation as was 
possessed here ; and as a necessary consequence we 
found some of the best readers here that we have lis- 
tened to in town. The various recitations approached 
to uniformity in character and were very fair." 

John Dudley Philbrick was born in Deerfield, 
N. H., May 27, 1818. He graduated from Dartmouth 



DANVERS. 



479 



ill 1S42, having some weeks previous to graduation 
entered upon the duties of a position in the Roxbury 
Latin School. While at Roxbury he married, August 
24, 1843, Julia A. Putnam, of Danvers. He next 
went to the Boston English High School, was master 
of the Mahew School in ]S4ri— It), and achieved great 
reputation for his admirable work as master of the 
Quincy School, 1847-52. For a few years his labors 
were then transferred to Connecticut, first as princi- 
pal of the State Normal School, and again as State 
superintendent of common schools. In December. 
185(i, he was recalled to Boston by his election as 
superintendent of public schools, a position which, 
except for an interim of a year and a half, he held 
continuously until March, 1878. His published offi- 
cial reports during this term are a part of the standard 
literature of education. He was sent by the United 
States to represent our educational department at the 
Vienna Exposition in 1873, and again to Paris in 
1878. From France he received the decoration of 
Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and the Gold Palm 
of the LTniversity of France. St. Andrew's Univer- 
sity of Scotland conferred upon him, in 1879, the de- 
gree of D. C. L. He was one of the original incor- 
porators of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 
and remained on the board as long as he lived ; was 
ten years a member of the Massachusetts State Board 
of Education, and ten years a trustee of Bates' College. 
In his later years he was especially instriiniental in 
the establishment of free evening schools and the 
State Normal Art School, and in the enactment of the 
truancy law and teachers' tenure of office act. He 
died at Danvers, February 2, 1886. In a private 
letter to John G. Whittier, I. E. Clark, of Washing- 
ton, says : " I cannot express to you what a personal 
grief to me was the news of the death of Mr. Phil- 
brick. . . . He w.as a great educator, I think 
worthy to stand beside Horace Mann in the memory 
of his countrymen." The immediate successor of Mr. 
Philbrick in this district school, of Danvers. was the 
man who is now librarian of the Boston Public Lib- 
rary, Hon. i\Iellen Chamberlain, who also married a 
Putnam of the neighborhood, a daughter of Jesse. 

Mrs. Philbrick has furnished these names of other 
old teachers in No. 4: Asa Cummings, long editor of 
the Portland Mirror; Samuel, William and Eliza 
Preston (the latter Mrs. Nathan Tapley), Catherine, 
Elizabeth, Susan, William R., Francis P. and Julia 
A. Putnam, Dr. Joseph E. Fiske, Otis Mudge. 

Dean Peabody, now clerk of E-^sex County Courts, 
taught in PutiiamviUe, beginning in 1843-44. 

In the winter of 184(5-47 a young man, now widely 
known as Rev. Dr. Alfred P. Putnam, taught the "senior 
department" of the Plains School. "This was Mr. 
Putnam's first experiment in school-keeping. He 
entered upon the work in his own district, and under 
peculiar disadvantages. Yet the committee present 
at the closing examination testified to the general good 
appearance of the school and its decided improve- 



ment during the year.' Charles A. Putnam, who 
became superintendent of schools in St. Louis and 
there died, taught at No, 4, in 1847-48. Freeman 
N. Blake, who some years ago became a permanent 
resident of Danvers, was teaching thirty-seven years 
ago in No. 12. Harrison Gray taught at No. 7. Ru- 
fus Sawyer at No. 10, in 1850. Arthur A. Putnam, 
brother of Alfred, son of Elias, lawyer, of Uxbridge, 
began his first experiment, 1852, where he grew up, in 
No. 3. John W. Sawyer, who recently died at the 
head of the Butler Insane Asylum, Rhode Island, was 
teaching in 1852 at the " little border school," in No. 
10. 

Other well-known names than tho.se already given 
which appear in the list of teachers from 1840 to 
1845 are, — Hannah Pedrick. Sarah A. O.sgood, Han- 
nah P. Bradstreet, Sophronia Fuller, Asenath P. 
Pope, Sarah B. Pedrick, Almira A. Putnam, Eliza W. 
Preston, Jlelicent P. Peabody, Matilda Peabody. 

From 1845 to 1855, — Elizabeth Hopkinson, Clarissa 
k. Preston, Mary P. Tapley, Eliza W. Preston, Nancy 
Perry, Mary J. Sawyer, Adeline F. Bomer, Sophronia 
E. Tapley, Mary E. Porter, Nancy E. Boardman, 
Sarah E. Symonds, Susan Putnam, Julia A. Page 
Lydia A. P. Tapley, Harriet Felton, Amanda B. 
Hood, Hannah P. Pope, Harriet A. Putnam, Lvdia 
A. Felton, Mary A. Richards, Sarah J. Putnam, 
Harriet M. Putnam, S. A. Hyde. M. A. Wilkins, 
Pamelia Needham, Sarah F. Emery, Ann .1. Eraerv, 
Ellen F. Towns, Cornelia Putnam. Sojihia J. Richards. 

In the year of the first printed report, 1830, the 
subject of high schools was first brought up. Wil- 
liam I). Joplin, John W. Proctor, Allen Putnam, 
Samuel Preston, J. M. Austin, Daniel P. King and 
Benjamin Porter were appointed to consider the 
propriety of establishing one or more such schools 
agreeably to the statutes. They reported that a ma- 
jority at least felt that the credit and interest of the 
town demanded better and higher schools than those 
existing. In view of the scattered location of the 
inhabitants, they said, it would not be practicable to 
agree upon a site for the establishment of one school to 
accommodate all, and, [lerhaps, it would be er(ually dif- 
ficult to agree upon two. Although there were wise 
men on this committee, the conchnling paragraph 
of their report is a bit of that rare wisdom which 
confesses its own limitations,- — 

"They are satiefieii that sonjf-t lung oiij^ht lo be (iunc. and tliey hnpe 
something will be ilone ; but it retjuires wiser heads than theirs to ileter- 
mine how it shall be done in a manner that will prove Ratisfartorv." 

In the face of such an avowal it is not surprising 
that high schools remained in the realms of the ideal 
for many years to come. After three years some 
determined souls had the courage to bring up the 
subject again, it was referred to the school committee 
and that was the end of it. Then after one of the 
periods of Jacob's coiirtshi[), in 1849, it was brought 
up a third time, and again referred to the school 
committee. The next year, for the third time in its 



480 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



history, an indictment hung over the town. High- 
schools were no longer a matter of choice, but of 
necessity, and the citizens stirred themselves to get 
at once out of the unpleasant situation. J. W. Proc- 
tor, Samuel Preston, Moses Black, Jr., Andrew 
Nichols and Fitch Poole were appointed to act in 
concert with the school committee. 

On Monday, the 8th of April, 1850, Rev. Thomas 
P. Field of the South Church read the report of this 
committee in town meeting. It was voted that he 
read it over again. And after various attempts at 
amendment, it was adopted. 

The report begins, — 

"It is obvious that the Town is under an absoliite necessity of estab- 
lishing a High School The Law on this subject is imperative, and we 
cannot neglect its requisitions, without Incurring a heavy penalty. 
But so extensive is our Terrritory, and 60 scattered our population, 
that One High School will by no means satisfy the desires or meet the 
wants of our community. If we have One High School, we must have 
two, in order that all the Inhabitants of the Town, may participate in 
the benefits of Education, in the higher branches ttf knowledge. The 
Committee have considered the subject of uniting the High Schools, iu 
some way with one or more of the District Schools, in order, if possible, 
toobivate the necessity of establishing Independent Schools. They have 
come to the conclusion, however, that no satisfactory arrangement of 
this kind can be made. It is uncertain whether any of the Districts 
would consent to it, and if they would, it is thought by the Committee 
that th« plan could not be made to work, in a manner advantageous 
to the interests of either District or High School education." 

The committee proposed certain votes, which by 
the acceptance of the report, became the action of 
the town : 

"First, That it is expedient to establisli two High Schools, independ- 
ent of the District Schools, — One in the North and one in the South part 
of the Town, the said Schools to be free to all the Inhabitants, under 
such uniform regulations for the admission of Puiiils as the school com- 
mittee shall establish. . . . That the School Committee be in- 
structed to provide two suitable school rooms, with Furniture and appa 
I'atuB, and establish High Schools, according to Law, as early as the 
first of May nest, or as soon after as practicable." 

On the third day of June, 1850, the two high 
schools were opened for the admission of such schol- 
ars as should yiatin the examination. Thirty-eight 
entered the south, thirty-one the north school. John 
P. Marshall, now of the faculty of Tuft's College, was 
the hrst principal of the north school. The building 
in which the north school was inaugurated was situ- 
ated on Conant Street, in a corner of the lot now oc- 
cupied by the dwelling of Roswell D. Bates. It is 
described by one of the original pupils as " a long, 
narrow and low structure, a little back from the road, 
with two large trees before it. The room was very 
low studded, at one end the desk and at the other the 
recitation platform ; between were only three rows of 
double seats. The pupils were of good age and abil- 
ity." The first examination was awaited with great 
interest. " In consequence of the desire of so many 
to be present at this time, it was deemed proper to 
hold the examination in the new spacious school- 
house at New Mills. The performances were of a 
high order, and most gratifying to the committee and 
the numerous visitors." 

After a few months better quarters were found for 



the school. On the present town-house lot was the 
chapel of the Wesleyan Society and, being then little 
or not at all in use, the real estate was sold to the 
town, and the meeting-house became a school-house. 
This chapel had been called the " Quail Trap," and 
the name clung to it so long as it was used as a school- 
house. When the town-house was built, the 'quail 
trap' was moved to Essex Street, where, ever since, it 
has been a residence in good and regular standing. 
At the close of the second term of the second year 
Mr. Marshall resigned to take a better position ; A. 
P. S. Stuart succeeded him, and remained till the 
close of the fall term, 18.53. Mr. Nathaniel Hills, 
late principal of the high school at Great Falls, N. 
H., was selected as Mr. Stuart's successor. Rev. 
James Fletcher succeeded Jlr. Hills. The present 
principal is H. R. Burrington ; Miss S. F. Richmond, 
Miss Annette Sawyer, assistants. 

By a letter dated London, 30th November, 1853, 
addressed to the committee of the Holten and Pea- 
body High Schools, George Peabody, in acknowledg- 
ment of the compliment paid him in the name of the 
south school, stated that he would transmit in the 
autumn of 1854, and thenceforth annually during his 
life, the sum of two hundred dollars for prizes as 
rewards of merit to pupils of both high schools at 
their yearly examinations, the entire amount to be 
common to both, and distributed as among the jiupils 
of one school. The school committee determined 
"that a suitable medal shall be awarded and presented 
to every pupil who shall pass three years — constitut- 
ing the entire course — in either of these .schools, and 
whose attendance, deportment and advancement shall 
have been uniformly satisfactory to the teachers and 
committee." Later, 18(i7, Mr. Peabody established a 
fund of two thousand dollars, the income of which 
has been annually devoted to the purchase of medals 
and books for graduates. 

The first graduates of the Holten High School to 
receive the Peabodv Medal were the 



Emily G. Berry. 
Mary A. Black. 
Harriet G. Bradstreet. 
Susan E. Perley. 
Mary F. Putnam. 
Nancy W. Proctor. 
Asenath A. Sawyer. 
Elizabeth P. Swan. 



CLASS OF 1855. 

Addison P. Learoyd. 
Charles Learoyd. 
Clarence Fowler. 
Samuel P. Fowler, 
.lohn H. Parker. 
Adrian L. Putnam. 
Daniel "W. Proctor. 



In the spring of 1849 a lively episode occurred in 
No. 6. There the Rev. Daniel Foster, the preacher 
at the Wesleyan Chapel, was teaching, and things did 
not run smoothly between himself and the commit- 
tee. Rev. Mr. Eaton, one of the committee, went in 
to examine the school. He undertook to hear a class 
in geography, but Foster remarked that the time was 
up, and cut short the committee-man's questions by 
sending the class to their seats. Mr. Eaton called a 
meeting of the board and reported what had occurred, 
and the board voted " that the whole committee jiro- 



DANVEKS. 



481 



ceed this af'toniooii to examine the sclioul in Distiicl 
No. 6 ;" and they all tiled into the school-house at halt- 
past one. Foster gave them seats, and went on with 
his business. In a few minutes the chairman, Mr. 
Braman, said : " We have come here to examine this 
school." "It was examined yesterday," said Foster, 
with the inference that it wasn't to be examined 
again. Then followed a scene. The committee or- 
dered scholars to stand up and recite, and the teacher 
told them to sit down. They were more in awe of 
their teacher than of the committee and they sat still 
and some cried. The committee finally withdrew as 
gracefully as they could, leaving behind a note in 
Foster's hands, informing him that he was forthwith 
dismissed. 

At the adjournment of the annual meeting the 
matter was piping hot. The committee reail a long 
report, covering nearly four newspaper columns, giv- 
ing the facts of the ca.se and justifying their action. 
On a motion to print twelve hundred copies, Foster 
himself moved to strike out all concerning No. 6; 
followeil his motion by a violent attack on the com- 
mittee and carried his point. And further, at the 
subsequent election, he was a successful candidate for 
membership of the board which turned him out, and 
the Rev. Mr. Eaton failed of re-election. 

By an act of ISoO the Legislature gave towns the 
option of abolishing the district system. There was 
an immediate eftbrt in Danvers to take advantage of 
this act. The larger expenses made necessary by the 
establishment of the two high schools just at this 
time gave a special incentive to the movement. In 
response to instructions to consider the subject of a 
radical change in the school district system with a 
view to greater economy and more efficient manage- 
ment, the school committee, through A. A. Abbott, 
Esq., presented in 1851 a very strong and clear report 
.setting forth the desirability of abolishing thesystem. 
But Danvers never voted to abolish the system, 
though a nundier of attempts were made to secure this 
action. On March 24, 180;', the Legislature took the 
matter into its own hands and broadly enacted that 
" the school district system in the commonwealth is 
hereby abolished." 

At the annual meeting of 185:3 AVilliani L. Weston 
made a motion that a superintendent of schools be 
employed. Subsequently it was voted that the com- 
mittee be instructed to hire Charles Northeud. Jlr. 
Xorthend, a native of the northern part of the county, 
had been long and fitvorably known as a teacher ; 
his name appears in the first printed report, 1839, as 
|)rinripal in No. 1. His salary as superintendent 
was at first eight hundred and fifty dollars. The 
great extent of territory to be covered, from the 
" Rocks " to " Beaver Brook," from the " Devil's Dish- 
ful" to "Blind-hole" must havemade theoccupation 
.somewhat akin to that of a circuit-rider. Mr. North- 
end served faithfully a number of years, and was the 
first and only school superintendent of Danvers. 

31 



In April, 1841, a move was first made for the estab- 
lishment of what is now the Ta|deyville district. 
Gilbert Tapley presented a petition with his own sig- 
nature and thirty others for a new district to be 
carved out of Nos. 5 and 0; but inasmuch as his 
brother, Asa, was on hand with a list of remonstrants 
twice :vs long, the petitioners were respectfully given 
leave to withdraw. They withdrew just five years, 
and at the end of that time a division of No. (> was 
effected on the petition of its own district committee, 
and the northern part thereof set off as a new dis- 
trict, — the last — No. 14. No record of a dividing line 
was made further than to a<lopt the one described in 
the i)etition, which has not been found. 

With the division of the town it became expedient 
to readjust the districts. 8ix districts, namely, Nos. 
2 (Port), 3 (Putnamville), 4 (Beaver Brook), 5 (Cen- 
tre), 13 (Plains) and 14 (Tai)leyville), together with a 
part of No. Ij (Collins House), were left to Danvers. 
One from each — S. P. Fowler, I. H. Putnam, Francis 
Dodge, Augustus Mudge, Calvin Putnam, Orrin Put- 
nam and Hix Richards — were appointed to renundjer 
and relocate the districts. No alterations were made 
in the lines of Nos. 2, 4 and 13. A portion of No. 14 
was annexed to No. 5, and another portion to No. 6. 
No. 5 previously had 141 scholars and lost 7; No. 14 
had 193 and lost 49;' No. 6, having but 31 left in 
Danvers after the division of the town, gained 6(). 
The districts numbered 13 and 14 in the ol<l town 
became 1 and 7, other numbers remaining un- 
changed. 

A short time after the dissolution of the annual 
meeting at which this report was accepted, dissatis- 
faction was manifest in the calling of a special meet- 
ing to alter the new lines of Nos. 5, 6 and 7. It was 
then voted to annex all of No. 6 that remained in 
Danvers to No. 7, and to call the consolidated dis- 
trict No. 6, with the proviso that if a majority of 
voters residing south of a certain line should within 
thirty days express to the selectmen their wish to 
form a district by themselves, they shoubl then be 
allowed to organize as District No. 7. 

The ])eople south of the given line did wish to re- 
main a district by themselvee, and did not wish to be 
deprived of the old number, which had been a fa- 
miliar designation of their locality f<ir more than sixty 
years, and in June the numbers were changed back, 
— No. (3 to the old " Turkey Plain " District, and No. 
7 to Tapleyville. 

In the mean time the people of the old Village 
district. No. 5, were having a hot little war. The 
people in the immediate neighborhood of the church, 
aTid so on to Tapleyville, wanted to be a sei>arate 
district and have a school-house of their own. They 
were outnumbered in the district, but succeeded in 
obtaining a vote of the town for the division of No. 5 
by a line crossing Centre Street four rods east of the 
hon.se of John Roberts; and all that portion lying 
east of the line was established as District No. 8. A 



482 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



nice large school-house was erected just opposite the 
church ; but the triumph of the seceders was short. 
Although they had fortified themselves with the 
opinion of eminent counsel, the division was tested 
by a suit at law and pronounced illegal. For a time 
the disappointed divisionists held out, and m.any of 
them actually let their places be sold under the ham- 
mer for the taxes levied for No. 5, and one man re- 
mained in Salem jail six months rather than pay 
them. But better counsels soon prevailed, the sold 
property was redeemed, and now only broad smiles 
wreath the faces of certain town fathers when the 
nearly-forgotten subject is mentioned. 

The school-house stood for a number of years in 
melancholy emptiness, and was finally moved to the 
Plains, where it was used first as a shoe manufactory, 
and was then changed to a fine-looking dwelling, as 
innocent of anything like neighborhood quarrels as 
is its respected owner and occupant, Deacon Ebeu 
Peabody, of the Maple Street Church. 

It was during the ephemeral existence of this No. 
8, that the annexation of territory, east of Porter's 
Kiver and Frost Fish Brook, from Beverly to Danvers 
took place. This new territory wass, February 1, 
1858, est.ablished as School-di.strict No. 'X But at 
the March meeting of 1859, there being no longer a 
District No. 8, it was voted to change the new terri- 
tory from No. 9 to No. 8, and thus without further 
change the districts have since remained : No. 1, 
Plains; 2, Port; 3, Putnamville; 4, Centre; 5, Bea- 
ver Brook; 6, Collin's House; 7, Tapleyville; 8, East 
Danvers. 

In 1795 the total appropriation made by the town 
for schools was four hundred dollars ; the propor- 
tion received by each district is interesting as .showing 
their relative numerical importance : No. 1, $111.11 ; 
2, $50.90; 5,146.92; 3, $43.95 ; 7, $43.90; 6, $43.85 ; 
4, $33.33; 8, $15.50 ; 9, $10.64. 

In 1810 the appropriation had increased to .$1250; 
1820, $1800; 1830, $2500 ; 1835, $3000; 1840, $3500; 
1845, $3 for each scholar between four and sixteen 
years ; 1855, $5.50 for each scholar, four to sixteen, 
$1 of which amount for each scholar was devoted to 
high schools, — estimated, 2,400 scholars. 

After South Danvers was set oft' the first appro- 
priation of Danvers, 1856, for schools was $3S00 for 
common schools, $1200 for the Holten High School. 
In 1865, $5000 for common, $1300 for high ; in 1875, 
$10,000 for common, $2100 for high ; in 1880, $10,- 
000 for common, $1750 for high; in 1887, $15,600 in 
all. The income on the Massachusetts School Fund 
and the dog tax have been added, and are not in- 
cluded in these figures. 

At the annual election of 1880, next after the pass- 
age of the law enabling women to vote for school com- 
mittee, twenty-seven Danvers women availed them- 
selves of the right. Mrs. Andrew Nichols was the 
first woman to vote. 

At the last annual meeting, 1887, the town voted 



an appropriation for evening schools. Thefirst and only 
previous instance of similar action was in 1850, when 
some provision was made for evening schools for the 
poor from the State school fund. 

The first school-house at the Plains was brought 
from Middlcton the first part of this century by priv- 
ate enterprise, for the use of primary scholars. Older 
scholars went to New Mills until the Plains district 
was established, in 1816. The first district school- 
house was a small building erected under contract by 
Stephen Whipple, carpenter, near the spot occupied 
by the bakery. 

The present grammar-school building at the Port 
was finished in 1849, and was dedicated July 25th, 
with considerable ceremony. There were addresses 
by the presiding ofllicer, S. P. Fowler, by Charles 
Northend, then a teacher in Salem, by J. W. Proctor, 
Rev. Messrs. Appleton, Fletcher and Braman, Mr. 
Rust, commissioner of schools for New Hampshire, and 
"Mr. R. Putnam, an experienced teacher of Salem." 
The immediate predecessor of this building was the 
" old brick school," situated on a part of the same lot 
but much nearer the street. Hon. James D. Black 
has furnished the writer with some reminiscences of 
the brick house : " With my brothers and sisters my 
school days were spent in the district school-house at 
the Port till we attained the age of fifteen or sixteen 
years. Andrew Wallace taught most of the time ol 
my earlier school days. I recall among my school- 
mates Henry and Augustus Fowler; Jeremiah and 
Timothy Page; John, William and Parker B. Fran- 
cis; Samuel and .losiah Pender; Warren M. and 
John Jacobs; William B. and Augustus Read; Wil- 
liam and Joseph Lamson ; Benjamin, Charles and 
William B. Chaplin; William Cheever, Edward 
Stimpson, William Endicott, George Kent, Philip 
Smith and Seth Stetson. Our schools were not 
graded ; all ages attended the same school, from 
children in A B C to those in studies now confined to 
the high school. Quills were used in writing, steel 
pens came later. Most of Mr. Wallace's pupils made 
good penmen. He was succeeded by Richard Phil- 
lips, of Topsfleld." 

There was another smaller building called the 
"green door .school-house," near the present railroad 
station, which was in use some eighty years ago, and 
was long ago moved by Peter Wait's father to Ash 
Street, where it has since been used as a dwelling ; 
and of stiir earlier date was a .school-house, close by 
the First Baptist Meeting-house. 

The very first schoolmaster at the New Mills was 
Caleb Clark, who kept his school in the house of 
farmer Porter. His writing desks were boards laid 
upon barrels. Of his discipline. Deacon Fowler has 
written : 

*' He was iu the Imbit of whittling a ebiugle in school and for small 
offences compelling the disobedient to pile the whittlings in the middle 
of the room ; when this was accomplished he would kick them over, to 
be picked up again. He would sometimes require them to watch a wire, 
suspended in the room, and inform him when a fly lighted on it. For 



DANVERS. 



483 



greater offences he would sometimes attempt to frighten them into obe- 
dience by putting bis shoulder under the mantel piece and threaten to 
thri>w the house down upon them. It is said of the worthy pedagogue, 
when deeply engaged in a mathematical problem that h« became so ab- 
sorbed in the work as to be wholly unconscious of anything transpiring 
around him, and the boys taking advantage of this habit would creep 
out of school and skate and slide by the hour together." 

At a meeting held in District No. 3, rutiianiville, 
July 0, 1S12, a vote was passed to build a new sehool- 
liouse after the plan of the brick house at the New 
Mills and also " voted to purchase a piece of land of 
Rufus and Simeon Putnam in this district, being on 
the northwest corner of the school-house pasture, so 
called, adjoining the road and Zadoc Wilkins land, 
and the same land on which the old school-house 
stood before the present school-house was built." 

The" present school-house" was built in 1787, under 
this vote passed at a meeting of '' School ward No. 
3," at the house of Zerubable Porter, namely : " voted 
that there be a school-house erected for the education 
of children on or near the spot where the old one 
formerly stood if the ground could be obtained." 

Both the original building, the building of 1787, 
and the brick building of 1812 stood farther up the 
Topsfield road than the present Putnamville school- 
house, namely, at the head of North Street. 

The second one of these buildings is still in useful 
existence, having been bought and moved, some 
half a century ago, by Perley Tapley, to become part 
and parcel of the little village which bears his name. 
It forms a portion of the house next west of the late 
residence of Gilbert Tapley. Among those who 
taught in this building were Master Andrews, a 
famous teacher college educated, Jonathan and Benja- 
min Porter, Thomtis Savage, Charles Wheeler, Charles 
Kimball, [jrobably Clarissa Endicott, and surely 
Esther Forsaith, tosecure whom Jonathan Porter went 
up to Chester, N. H. It was in this building, too, 
that Universalist meetings were first held. Elias 
Putnam taught the first winter school in the brick 
house in 1812-13, and his youngest son, Arthur, 
taught the last in 18;>l-o2. Between them were, 
among others, Philemon Putnam, Oliver Woodbury, 
Edwin Josselyn ; ladies, Clarissa Endicott (Porter), 
Nancy Putnam (Boardman), Sarah Rea (Bradstreet), 
Sally Shillaber. 

The old school-house which preceded the present 
one in No. 5, the Village, both being in the line of 
succession to that first school-house of Parson Green, 
has been thus described by a former pupil: "The old 
brown house stood on a small barren, unfenced, un- 
attractive triangle at the corner of Centre and Day- 
ton Streets. There were three rows of benches on 
each side of the house, one side for the girls, the 
other tor the boys. At one end there was a large 
open fire-place, and opposite it stood the master's 
lofty desk, to which he ascended by two or three 
steps. The windows were so high that scholars could 
not look out from the seats, and outsiders could not 
look in without climbing. No paint or ornament of 



any kind was indulged in. My earliest recollection 
goes back about sixty years, when Miss Edith Swi- 
nerton (Mrs. Aaron Tapley) was the teacher. 

" The only other lady teachers to whom I went 
were Hannah and Betsey Putnam. They were sis- 
ters, 'solemn sisters.' They always taught together. 
Though very unlike in temper, they were devotedly 
attached to each other, and would consent to no other 
arrangement, no matter if they together received no 
more than enough for one, as was generally the case. 
Each had a chair and table, and sat facing each 
other. Both were very pious. Betsey read the Bible ; 
Hannah opened with prayer. Betsey heard the les- 
son. She was of a very sweet and gentle spirit, and 
much beloved by her scholars. Hannah was more 
fiery and quick, and a terror to evil-doers. They al- 
ways spoke with punctilious accuracy and dignity. 
A little girl was sent one day into the clothes-room 
to get the teacher's hose. Not knowing what was 
meant, and yet not daring to ask, the messenger 
brought in, perhaps, a shawl. 'I sent you for uiy 
hose, not my shawl.' Again the timid messenger re- 
tired and brought in a bonnet, when the exasperated 
teacher, in a .sort of desperation, spoke, in unmistak- 
able terms, ' Well, if I must ,so s[ieak, bring in my 
stockings.' 

" Betsey's way of showing her reg.-ird for a favorite 
pupil was by calling him out occasionally to read for 
her entertainment 'The Bears and the Bees,' 'The 
Beggar's Petition,' ' Procrastination ' or some other 
choice selection from the ' English Reader.' Han- 
nah's attentions were commonly bestowed in a some- 
what diti'erent way when correction was needed. A 
reverend gentleman recalls an occasion of this sort, 
when his young form bent, at an ungraceful angle, 
over Hannah's knee, and the room reverberated more 
or less with the emphatic correction applied to that 
portion of a boy's body by nature designed to receive 
it. Their prized 'rewards of merit' consisted of lit- 
tle oblong bits of paper with yellow borders, and 
mottoes written thereon iu their own hands. On 
Saturdays hymns and Bible verses were repeated as a 
sort of special exerci.se." 

This present summer of 1887 a number of the sur- 
vivors of the pupils of these estimable sisters have 
taken steps to erect a memorial over their hitherto 
unmarked graves in Wadsworth Cemetery. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

DANVERS— ( Continufd). 
VILLAGES OF THE TOWN. 

Danvers is notably a town of many villages. 
There are in all eight railroad stations, not counting 
the junction, within its limits and five post-offices. 



484 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The first post-offices in Danvers, it may here be men- 
tioned, were established as the result of a town-meet- 
ing held in 1828, when Dr. Nichols, Jonathan Shove, 
Nathaniel Putnam and Samuel and John Preston 
were chosen " to devise or digest any scheme relative 
to the Establishment of Post-offices in this Town." 
The action of the meeting is tlius recorded : 

^'Voted, That there be but one post-office in tbifl Town. 
*^ Voted, That there be one more post-uffice added in this Town. 
"Voted, To reconsider tlie Ia.=it, dS votes for and (i5 votes against, the 
moderator decided the vote.'" 

The committee's report was, however, adopted, in 
which it was recommended that the town have two 
post-offices, one between the old South Meeting- 
house and Pool's Bridge, to be called the South Dan- 
vers Post-office, and one at the New Mills, to be called 
the North Danvers Post-office, and tliis action was 
communicated to the Postmaster-General. For many 
years this office at New Mills or Danversport re- 
mained the only one within the present limits of the 
town. Mail addressed " Danvers " now comes to the 
Plains. The other offices are Danvers t!entre, Tap- 
leyville and Asylum. The latter, establislied chiefly 
for the convenience of the hospital, accommodates 
that locality in the midst of which is the Genera! 
Putnam homestead, the home of the Prestons, Nich- 
ols, Verrys and other well-known names, commonly 
spoken of as " Number Four." While there is no 
central village there, the community has always 
maintained a distinctive identity, and has borne an 
enviable reputation for the character of its inhabit- 
ants. The name Danvers Centre is misleading; its 
only appropriateness is in the way of reminiscence 
and lies in the fact that the locality to which it is 
applied is the .seat of the church which was tlie relig- 
ious and political center, not only of Salem Village, 
but, for many years after the incorporation of the 
town, of all the northern portion thereof. 

It is often called " the Village," a name altogether 
better, inasmuch as it is suggestive of the historic asso- 
ciations with which the locality abounds. Though by 
the destruction of the Mudge shoe-factory the Village 
no longer has any manufacturing business of its own, 
its people are full of life and public spirit. They 
keep up their end in public affairs, turn out to cau- 
cuses and town-meetings, and exercise a strong in- 
fluence usually un the safe and conservative side of 
things. The history of this community, most inter- 
esting of all the villages of the town, has been given 
somewhat in the sketch of the early settlers and in 
that of its church. 

Forty or fifty years ago, perhaps more, Putiiam- 
ville, the name given to school district number 
three, extending from Porter's Hill to the Topsfield 
and Wenham lines, was the centre of much wealth 
and culture; of its people. Rev. Dr. A. P. Putnam has 
written in a series of very interesting letters. Con- 
cerning the Plains, tlic Port and Tapleyville, some- 
thing remains to be said here. 



The Plain.s.— About the time Elder Sharpe sold 
his grant, which included nearly all of this present 
principal village of the town, to John Porter, the 
General Court formally laid out, as a great highway 
connecting the lower and upper settlements of the 
Colony, " the Ipswich Road." It crossed Farmer 
Porter's lands at their greatest width, — entering them 
at some point on A.sh Street, and continuing through 
Elm and Conant Streets to Frost-fish Brook, — and it 
often served as a fixed boundary in the many subse- 
quent divisions of the Porter estate. Almost exactly 
midway between the limits of " Porter's Plains," so 
these level lands were soon called, as measured on the 
Ipswich Road, another road or path was at a very 
early date opened northward, which, in due course, 
became the highway to Topsfield along the line of 
the present Ma]>le and Locust Streets. The point at 
which the Topsfield road left the I|iswich road is the 
present " Square." 

This meeting of roads had no immediate effisct in 
the formation of anything like a village. As late as 
1692 there was but one house in all the region, and 
that was the original Porter homestead, near the 
Unitarian Church. More than a full century had 
passed, when, in 1755, another road, High Street, was 
pushed down to the embryo settlement at New Mills 
and across the river to Salem, ami even then the Square 
was scarcely more than a country cross-roads. 

At the head of High Street there is standing a 
well preserved gambrel-roofed house, which was 
built about the time the street was laid out. It is 
the homestead of a family which, though not numer- 
ous, has been honorably prominent in the town's his- 
tory. About the middle of the last century, an An- 
drews, then living on the Shillaber farm at Putnam- 
ville, wanted some bricks, and had to go to Medford 
for them. Andrews told the brickmaker that there 
was excellent clay in Danvers, and asked him to send 
some one to commence working it. " Here's my son," 
the brickmaker said, "just turned twentj'-one, he can 
go if he wants to." The son came, boarded with 
Andrews, married his daughter, started the brick 
business here and built the house just referred to. 
His name was Jeremiah Page. He died June 8, 
1806, in his eighty-fifth year, and is always spoken of 
as Colonel Jeremiah. At the breaking out of the 
Revolution he took a very active jiart, and commanded 
a company of militia at the fiyht on the reti-eat from 
Lexington, and throughout his useful life he was one 
of the leaders in town aflfairs. He had twelvechildren, 
three of whom were by a second marriage. His old- 
est son, Samuel, went with his father to respond to 
the Lexington alarm, and was where bullets were 
thickest. Subsequently he joined Washington's 
army about Boston, with a captain's commission. 
He was at the crossing of the Delaware, at White 
Plains and Monmouth, and shared the sufferings of 
Valley Forge. He was with Wayne at the storming 
of Stony Point, and to insure success to the bayonet 



DANVERS. 



485 



charge his company were ordered to remove the 
flints from their muskets. After the war lie became 
a successful merchant at New Mills, I)anversi)ort. In 
the following sketch of that village, which, for a half 
century after the Revolution, was the commercial 
centre of the town. Captain Page must be again 
mentioned, and as a matter of convenience, some 
further reference to the family will there be maiic. 
Capt. Page died September 2, 1814, aged sixty-one, 
and with his father is buried in the High Street 
Cemetery. He held many public offices, and repre- 
sented the town many years in the (ieneral Court. 

At the beginning of this century there were but 
twelve dwellings in all the Plains, including two 
taverns, one store, one blacksmith's shop, one butch- 
ery and two brick yards. Until 181t! there was no 
public school here, and children had to go to New 
Mills. That year, on the basis of sixteen houses and 
one hundred and thirty inhabitants, a new school 
district was formed, as told elsewhere. 

Several years before this, however, an eti'ort had 
been made to educate the smaller children near home, 
and Deacon Gideon Putnam, Ezra Batchelder and 
Timothy Putnam bought asmall school-house in Mid- 
dleton and moved it here. Ezra P.atchelder's house 
stood where the Maple Street School-house stands ; 
"Uncle Timmy's" stood where his grandson, Otis 
F. Putnam, now lives. Deacon Gideon kept tavern 
and store at Richards' Corner. Deacon Gideon was 
the father of the courtly Judge Putnam, as has been 
said, and it is related that when the son was home 
on a vacation from college, and was obliged to play 
host to a stranger, he was chagrined at the meagre 
fare — it was probably washing-day — and paiil the 
price of the meal to the guest " for picking the 
bones." In 1820 there were but twenty-one houses 
from the square along the whole line of the Centre 
horse-car route. The only house on the easterly 
side of Maple Street between the store at the corner 
of Conant Street and the Perry farm was the Captain 
Eben Putnam's house, which was once a part of the 
mansion on Folly Hill. 

Thi' butchery stond on (_'onant Street beyond Al- 
fred Trask's residence, and was carried on by .lames 
Sleeper, who lived in a three-story brick building, 
which stood on the corner of Maple and Elm Streets, 
but projected far into the present widened location 
of Ma])le Street. This brick building was where the 
bank was tirst located. An "ell" fronting on Elm 
Street was long since moved some distance west, 
and is now owned by H. M. Merrill. In this " ell" 
Porter Kettelle did a small store-keeping business. 
The principal storekeepers then were Jonas Warren, 
who ha<l bought out the Putnam's, but did not kee|i 
tavern, and " Johnny Perley," at Perley's Corner. 
Great was the rivalry of these two, and great was the 
business they did. For fair and liberal dealing 
Uncle Johnny's reputation suffered somewhat in 
comparison with Mr. Warren's. The former was a 



bachelor, of modest and soft speech, but sharp to 
keep the half cents on his side of the bargain. Amus- 
ing stories are told of the way war Wiis waged be- 
tween the two corners. The amount of goods sold 
and bartered was enormous. Heavy teams from far 
back in the country came in loaded with produce, 
as many as forty in a single day, and generally they 
went no farther than Danvers Plains, but exchanged 
their pr-oduce here for a long supply of fish, salt, 
molasses and other staples, including, of course, 
N'ew England rum. Clerks were soiuetimes busy till 
midnight loailing for the return trips. 

The old hotel on the site of the present one was 
owned by Ebenezer Berry, who bought it of Jethro 
and Timothy Putnam in 1804. Mr. Berry came from 
.\ndover, and married a daughter of Captain Levi Pres- 
ton. His two children, — Eben G. Berry and Mrs. 
Sperry are living, a sketch and portrait of the former 
appearing in subsequent i)ages. The building was 
sold at auction in three sections, 1838, and these were 
removed to make room for the erection of the pres- 
ent hotel. One of these sections has long been the 
home of Benjamin Henderson on Elm Street; a 
sec(.)nd sojourned for a while on Cherry Street, and 
was finally settled near the soap factory, while the 
hall was removed to a lot on Maple Street, owned by 
Amos Brown, was there occupied by Amos Proctor 
Perley as a dry -goods store, and burned in the fire of 
1845. This hall had been originally a part of the 
mansion on Folly Hill, referred to in the opening 
lines of this sketch. Its flour w;is painted to repre- 
sent mosaic work and its finish was thorough and 
costly. It was so annexed to the hotel that its 
length ran parallel to High Street, and the uses to 
which it was put were many and various. Here the 
Danvers militia congregated, with their burnished 
Hint-locks and the paraphernalia of destruction, 
awaiting officers" in.spection. Here the North Dan- 
vers Lyceum met, as chronicled where other literary 
societies are spoken of Here the selectmen and as- 
sessors met. Here was the lodge-room of Jordan 
Loilge of Masons, and here, by no means last to be 
mentioned, were held those dancing parties at the 
mention of which old eyes kindle, and limbs, no 
longer si)rightly, beat time to the echoes of the 
darkey Harry's fiddle, which linger still in their ears. 

At both Warren's and Perley's corners grocery bus- 
iness is still carried on. Both are decidedly " old 
stands." Samuel Preston succeeded " Uncle Johnny" 
and kept store awhile in connection with the shoe 
business, then Amos Proctor Perley took it, and sub- 
sequently formed a partner.ship with his brother-in- 
law, Moses J. Currier, under the name of Perley and 
Currier. Mr. Currier survives; Mr. Perley, known 
and respected far and wide ius " Uncle Proc," a man 
of sterling integrity, died a few years ago ; his son, 
Charles N. Perley, present post-master, carries on the 
store. 

Mr. Warren sold out his property at the Plains in 



486 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1841, and thenceforth carried on a wholesale business 
at the Port. Frederick I'erley was the purchaser, 
perhaps a nominal one, for he very soon re-conveyed 
the whole to Elias Putnam. There were nine acres 
in all, on which Mr. Putnam built his shoe factory 
and the house in which he died, and through which 
he laid out Park Street. One acre on the corner, in- 
cluding the old store buildings, he sold for three 
thousand dollars to Daniel Richards. Mr. ^tichards 
was a native of Atkinson, N. H., who came here as a 
clerk to Mr. Warren in 1828, two months before he 
was twenty-one. " It was hard work to be a grocery 
clerk then," — these are his own words — "but I 
weighed one hundred and seventy-five pounds and 
was pretty strong." 

In 183;^ the temperance-reform movement was 
working. The old store-keepers were unwilling to be 
" driven " to give up the time-honored custom of sell- 
ing spirits and, as a consequence, Mr. Richards start- 
ed a new "temperance store" in a building which 
stood where Beal and Abbott's store now is, and was 
well supported. 

After Mr. Richards' purchase of the old corner, he 
sold the buildings and built the present store. A 
part of the old store-tavern is the Dougherty house 
on School Street, and another part is the Abbott 
house, corner of Elm and Park Streets. Mr. Rich- 
ards died last November, 1886, in his eightieth year. 
He was for thirty years president of the National 
Bank, was a life trustee of Peabody Institute, and, in 
addition to the grocery business which is still carried 
on by his sons, he bought the Fowler mill proj)erty 
at Liberty Bridge, and built the grist-mill, now used for 
grinding rubber, using as many as one hundred thous- 
and bushels of grain a year. 

The open level land at the Plains made it a favor- 
ite place for military musters. In 1809 the brigade 
of General Eben Goodale formed a line nearly a mile 
long, from Perley's corner to the old house owned by 
Augustus Fowler. Twenty-five hundred troops, in- 
fantry, cavalry, bands. Governor Christopher Gore, a 
big dinner and a sham fight, — it was something of a 
day. 

In 1813, during the war, another brigade of three 
thousand men mustered on the same ground, and 
Lindall Hill was covered with spectators, who never- 
theless took themselves out of the way when a fort, 
which had been constructed on the hill, was stormed 
and burned. The Plains, too, was the place of cele- 
bration on " 'Lection Day," the last Wednesday in 
May, when the Legislature used to first meet. "Who 
does not remember," wrote Dr. Osgood in his little 
pamphlet, "how thousands upon thousands congre- 
gated on Danvers Plains to see the horses run, the 
mountebanks tumble, the fandango whirl around and 
the drinking of egg-pop, punch, and something a 
little stronger? And then what lots of 'lection cake, 
buns, and molasses ginger-bread, rolling marbles and 
nine-pins, running and wrestling! " A colored man. 



Milan Murphy, a veteran of the Revolution, and 
called "Colonel," a chronic victim of all sorts of 
pranks, was a prominent figure in these festivities. 
He marched wearing his old three-cornered hat, a 
blue coat with brass buttons, and accompanied his 
voice to an old fiddle on which he played his one 
tune, " sometimes on one string, sometimes on no 
string at all." Colonel Milan was great at butting, 
making nothing of going through the head of a mo- 
lasses hogshead. He found his match one day in an 
old ram, presently to be made, after the manner of 
his kind, into " spring lamb," at the butchery already 
mentioned. There was but one round, and the de- 
tails have not been so well preserved as the conclu- 
sive fact, that " the ram knocked Jlilan more'n a rod." 

It was about 1830 that the Plains began to be some- 
thing. Then Samuel Preston was manufacturing 
shoes on the site of the present bank building; Eben 
Putnam, in a shop near his house; and others before 
long came in. Joshua Silvester moved his business 
from the little shop at the foot of Porter's Hill, and 
built a large factory and fine residence on the westerly 
side of Maple Street, in 1837. No man deserves more 
special mention in a history of Danvers than he, and 
a word might as well be written here as elsewhere. 
He was eighty-four years old, July 9, 1887, and is 
able to be about, though his sight is failing. He was 
born in Wiscasset, Me. ; his family moved to Andover, 
Mass., when he was a child ; he came here when he 
was eighteen to work at shoe-making; went with 
Frederick Perley one term at Atkinson Academy ; 
clerked a year or two at Jonas Warren's store ; began 
shoe-manufacturing in the shop at Porter's Hill, with 
a partner named Brickett, and remained after the dis- 
solution of the partnership until the date of his le- 
moval to the Plains, as above. The fire which de- 
stroyed the new buildings at the Plains will be noticed. 
His numerous trips to England in connection with 
^ubsequent business enterprises, and his acquaintance 
there with Mr. Peabody, are spoken of in connection 
with the history of the Peabody Institute. He has 
served the town as selectman, in the legislature, and 
in other capacities, but what he is to be chiefly re- 
membered for, is the far-sighted public spirit which 
he has always shown in the matter of public improve, 
ment, and especially in encouraging the setting out 
of shade trees. He has lived long enough to see the 
sticks which he set iu the ground by hundreds, years 
ago, transformed into bowers of beauty, and children, 
who have grown to manhood as the trees have grown, 
and who realize the richness of their legacy, rise up 
to ble.ss this benefactor. Last winter a public testi- 
monial was made to him. (His death occurred, since 
writing, July 29, 1887). 

Mr. Silvester married a sister of Francis Noyes, who 
had a large factory and dwelling just above Jlr. Sil- 
vester's. Mr. Silvester's sister Mary married Thomas 
Bowen, the first post-master at the Plains, and his 
sister Sarah married John A. Learoyd. Mr. Learoyd 



DANVERS. 



487 



learned the currying trade in Byfield, came here in 
182y and worked as a journeyman for Brickett & Sil- 
vester, at Porter's Hill, and boarded with Mr. Silves- 
ter. He soon came down to the Plains, bought and 
moved the Baptist meeting-house of 178;^, an<l began 
in it the currying business, which he carried on 
through life, and which one of his sons continues. 
He was from the first a leader in the Maple Street 
Church. His own house was planned for the conve- 
nience of neighborhood prayer-meetings, when all 
went to Dr. Braman"s church, and when the separation 
took place the new church was formally organized in 
his ]nirlors. He died February 1, 18SII, and his wife 
survived him but three weeks. They left a family of 
children trained after their own hearts, and strong in 
church work. Among them one -son an Episcopal 
minister; a daughter, the wife of a minister; another 
son for nearly twenty-five years superintendent of a 
model Sunday-school. 

Amos Brown's wheelwright shop and house were 
between Xoyes' fiictory and the place where Cherry St. 
was soon laid out. He and his brother Samuel, mason, 
came from North Beverly. If the life of wheels de- 
pends on sound stock and honest work, every pair 
which ever came out of Amos Brown's shop is run- 
ning yet. Right across the street from Brown's shop 
was Deacon Frederick Howe's house and blacksmith 
shop. The Deacon was born in Methuen, in 171»3, 
learned his trade of the Wilkinses, at the Centre, and 
at length established himself here. He died July 2, 
1880, eighty-seven years old. He was a deacon of the 
First (,'hurch when he was made one of the first dea- 
cons of the ]\Iaple Street Church. He entered from 
the first into temperance reform, and early attached 
himself to the anti-slavery movement, without for a 
moment losing his interest, as many did, in the church. 
His blacksmith shop was naturally a centre for dis- 
cussion on such questions, and was one of the rallying- 
points of the Liberty party. "It is remarkable that 
a man so occupied and of so laborious a life found 
time and strength to do so much in so many good 
causes. Between his anvil-strokes rung out true words 
that formed opinions of other men, and the tired hand 
was never too weary to use the pen for the same pur- 
pose." None of Deacon Howe's family remain here. 
One of his sons, Joseph W., is a prominent member 
of the New York bar, and had a hand in ihe convic- 
tion of Tweed. 

Frederick Perley, a brother of " Uncle Proc," lived 
and manufactured shoes opposite Ezra Batchelder's. 
Joseph W. Ropes came here fnmi Salem in 1838. and 
engaged in the tinware and stove business, which his 
son carries on. In subsequent pages will be found a 
sketch of Alfred Trask, who came to the Plains about 
1835, and built up a large and prosperous business as 
a drover. 

The establishment of the Village Hank here in 1836 
was brought aboutbythe etlbrts of leading shoe manu- 
facturers, Elias Putnam foremost, and tended very 



much to the making of the Plains the business centre 
of the town. The new church was organized in 18-14, 
there were better and larger schools, lands which had 
long been used only for farming were laid open for 
liuilding, and the prosjierity of the place may l)e 
Judged from this clii)ping from the Courier, ilay 18, 
18-1."), a paper published for a few years at South Dan- 
vers : 

"Bui the greatest iDiproveiiifiits eeeni tu have been made in North 
Danvers. New streets have been opened, old oliep built up, old hoUKetl 
transformed to new, and the whole village presents a thrifty and go- 
ahead appearance to the oerasioiial visitor— not appreciated liy the con- 
stant resident. The beaulifid clmrth. the noble public hoiife, the large 
shoe factories and long ranges ot handsome dwellinj^ seem to have arisen 
by magic. High Street is so tilled up that wo can hardly tell where the 
New Mills village leaves ofl' and where the 'IMains' begins. They are 
fast joining hands, and when they come together they will have quite a 
city-like appearance." 

But a few months later a ditt'erent story appears in 
the files of the same paper. 

" DisASTROi's Fire in I).\.nvers ! 

" .\ very alarming tire took place in the Nortli rarisb, in I'anvers. at 
the riains, last Tuesday afternoon (.lune It i, 1S4.'»), commencing at ■_' 
o'clt)ck. 

"It broke out in an outbuilding belonging to the dwelling house of 
Mr. Joshua .Silvoster, and was said to have been occiieiuned by some chil- 
dren playing with friction matches. The fire spread with great rapidity, 
and seemed at one time beyond human control. The number of build- 
ings of all sorts destroyed issaid to be eighteen. 

"These con^sted of the dwelling, extensive store and barn of Joshua 
.Silvester; the building occupied by John Ilayman, painter, and F. E. 
Smith, tailor ; the large building occupied by Francis Noyes jis a shoe 
manufactory, together with bis dwelling and stable ; the building occu- 
pied by Amos Brown, wheelwright; and Collin ,t Co., painters ; two 
dwelling houses, shoo manufactory, barn and store house of Sanmel 
Prest'iu, who saved nothing but a couple boxes of shoes; Fran- 
cis (Frederick) Howe's blacksmith shop ; liarn and store house belonging 
to A. Proctor Perley; anew building occupied by the post-ollice, and 
Clough's restorator. The Village Bank Building was a good deal in- 
jured by tire and water, and most of the furniture of W. L. Wt^ston, the 
cashier, was greatly injured ; but all Bank jiroperty was saved. The 
goods of Henry T. Ropes, who occupied part of the building as a tailor's 
shop, were saved. Mr. John Page's house Wiis completely emptied, but 
uninjured by fire. The streets were filled with property taken from the 
stores and houses. A. P. Perley &. Co.'s store wiis saved by unparalleled 
exertions, though for a long time in imminent peril. The stock was 
removed. 

" There was a great scarcity of water, it being necessary to connect 
eight engines to obtain a single stream of water upon the lire. The 
nearest body of water was Frost Fish Brook, over a half a mile distant, 
at the Beverly line. 

" The alarm reached Salem about a quarter iiast two o'clock, and sev- 
eral engines and lire companies immediately starteil, guided by the di- 
rection of the smoke, although it was not then known where the tire 
was, nor how imminent was the danger. Kxpress messengers arrived 
some time afterwaids for assistance, when the alarm w as again sounded, 
and several more engines were dcspatcbed, making seven in all from 
Salem, preceded, accompanied and followed by great nuudiei^ of our 
citizens. The progress over the length of dusty road was exceedingly 
toilsouu', with the almost vertical sun beating down upon their unshel- 
tered heads,.at a temperature of 1211 to l;!ll degrees. Some were very 
much overcome by the exposure and fatigue. One man fell al the 
brakes of No. t>, and when the engine, having exhausted the water at 
the cistern where it was posted wan withdrawn, he was lying ujion the 
grass insensible, under the care of .Ihe physicians belonging to the 
company. 

'• Tlie amount of loss is variously estiniat.^d, some going as high aa 
180,000. There was insurance in various offices— mostly of mutual com- 
panios -to the amount of over $30,000." 

The work of rebuilding went speedily on, but, with 
the exception of the new bank building, there was a 



488 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



lamentable want of anything like architectural de- 
sign, and it must be confessed that from this want of 
foresight our main street presents a shambling and 
irregular appearance, not worthy of the general ap- 
pearance of the town. There is not space to speak of 
the later development and prosperity of the Plains. 
Suffice it to say that Farmer Porter's fields are so 
well built up that few desirable house-lota remain 
unutilized, and, generally .speaking, Danvers Plains 
is a beautiful village, and its residents have many 
rare advantages. 

Danversport comprises two peninsulas, formed 
by three divergent forks of tide water, into each of 
which flow inland streams, known, commenting with 
the most southerly, as Water's, Crane and Porter's 
Rivers. As the highway across them runs, the main 
road to Salem, these rivers are about a third of a mile 
apart; at each bridge, tide-gates and mills. It is the 
lower peninsula between Water's and Crane Kivers 
that formed Covernor J^ndicott's orchard farm, the 
first settled land in Danvers. The upper peninsula — 
Skelton's Neck, wherein came to be much commer- 
cial activity, and for many years the principal village 
of the town — was for a long time wild and unsettled 
It was quite a hundred and twenty years after the 
Governor had broken gruund on his grant that Arch- 
elaus Putnam went down through the woods and se- 
lected as a site for a tide-mill the place where the out- 
curving banks of the Crane River make the stream 
quite narrow. From his father, Nathaniel's, farm 
(the Judge Putnam place) he floated down the 
stream, or moved down its frozen surface, a cooper- 
shop, lauded it about where the railroad station now 
is, moved it across the point made by the sharp bend 
of the river, and near the present location of Aaron 
Warren's brick store he made it into a dwelling, 
wherein, with his wife Mehitable, he lived, the 
pioneer of Danversport. Soon after the settlement ol 
Archelaus, his brother John moved down, and to- 
gether they built a grist-mill. Tradition is that the 
whole district was covered by a dense thicket, in 
which foxes abounded. This was a path through the 
neck to the upper settlements, marked by blazed 
trees, by which wood was taken to the water-side and 
boated to Salem. A more respectable way, two rods 
wide, was soon laid out from Porter's Plains to the 
mills, the origin of High and Water Streets. In 17G0 
this road was pushed on over Endicott's Neck, across 
Water's River, and so on to Salem. It was welcomed 
by land-owners on the lower side of that river, who 
conveyed to Samuel Clark, Jeremiah Page, Benjamin 
Porter and others for the benefit of the public " two 
rods wide through our land in a straight line as may 
be from the Bridge when built to North Field Pro- 
prietors' way, so called, at the Gate going into said 
Small's land." But there was almost no end of 
trouble within the town. The road was strongly op- 
posed. For one thing the New Mills, as the little 



community soon came to be called, belonged terri- 
torially to the south parish, and the people there 
were unwilling to see the diversion of business and 
interest which the short cut to Salem would render in- 
evitable. This is what Colonel Israel Hutchinson 
meant when he wrote in his private papers, "After 
they found they could not get it discontinued, they 
|)ropo8ed to make it a toll-bridge. We found that 
would not by any ways do, as those people (of Salem 
and Marblehead) who had assisted us in repairing 
the way and building the bridges would be great suf- 
ferers, and it would promote traveling that way, 
which was what the leaders, who were sellers of rum, 
tobacco, etc., wished to prevent.'' Application was 
made to the North Parish "if they were willing to 
take us with all ways and bridges, but they (the 
South Parish) would not let us go. We then, after 
contending in the law more than seven long years, 
and although we had gained our cause in every case, 
being almost ruined, were under the necessity of pro- 
posing to the General Court that we would take all 
ways and bridges on ourselves." And the General 
Court looked on the proposition with favor, and in, 
1772 passed "An Act for the subjecting the Inhab- 
itants of a Part of the Town of Danvers, called the 
Neck of Land hereafter described, to the charge of 
maintaining and supporting certain Bridges and 
Highways." After reciting the unhappy divisions 
and controversies, and the final and amicable com- 
promise in ratification of which the act was passed, it 
was provided that the inhabitants of the Neck should 
constitute an independent highway district to main- 
tain exi.sting highways and bridges therein, and also 
any others constructed at the special instance and re- 
quest of the inhabitants. The district, containing 
about three hundred acres, was bounded by a line 
commencing at Crane River Bridge on the Ipswich 
Road (Ash Street); thence following the river chan- 
nel to Lieutenant Thomas Stevens' land (about at the 
southerly end of the railroad bridge) ; then straight 
across Fox Hill to the high-water mark on the south 
side of Water's River, a little west of the bridge ; 
thence across the further end of the bridge to 
Porter's River, up the whole length of Porter's 
River, to the Ipswich Road again at Frost-fish Brook 
Bridge; and so on by the Ipswich Road (Conant, Elm 
and Ash Streets) to the place of beginning. These 
limits embraced a large tract now included in the 
Plains. The act remained in force nearly seventy 
years, until its repeal March 7, 1840. Evidently 
matters, however, had not been conducted in strict 
conformity to requirements, for in 1830 the Legisla- 
ture confirmed tjie recorded proceedings, giving them 
the same effect as if the officers had been proprietors 
and all meetings called by competent authority. 

From the beginning made by Archelaus Putnam, 
other mills were in a few years established on Crane 
River — wheat-mills in 17G4, and a saw-mill in 1768. 
Associated with him in ownership were John Buxton, 



DANVERS. 



489 



Samuel Clark, Jcjhii rickiiiaii ami I!^l■aol Hutihiii- 
son. 

lu the mean time (ither dwellinsrs were erected 
along the new highway, the woods were cleared 
away, and a little village speedily grew up at " Xew 
Mills.'' On the banks of Porter's River sharp-eyed 
men from the ship-building towns saw excellent 
facilities for that business. The pioneer of ship- 
building here was Timothy Stephens, of Newburv. 
an enterprising and skillful builder. Presently a 
Muniber of young men came down from the North, 
worked with Stejihcns and learned his trade, and 
permanently established themselves here. Some ol 
these will be mentioned again. 

For nearly half a century after the first mill on the 
Crane River the tide-power on the other two rivers 
remained unutilized. About 1708 Nathan Read en- 
ters into the history of Danvers. He was a graduate 
of Harvard, 1781, a tutor there of Harrison t!ray 
Otis and John Quiucy Adams, and afterwards studied 
medicine and kept an apothecary store in Salem. 
There he married, October ■20, 1790, Elizabeth .latl'rey, 
and built the house in which the historian Prescott 
was born, on the |)resent site of Plumer Hall. Among 
the achievements of his inventive mind was the first 
machine for cutting nails. He purchased the water- 
power on the Water's River, and with associates erected 
the Salem and Dauvers Iron Works. At the same 
time he purchased part of Governor Endicott's old 
( )rchard Farm, and on a sightly eminence overlook- 
ing the river built a mansion, which, after the suc- 
cessive ownership of Captain Crowningshield, Cap- 
tain Benjamin Porter and the heii-s of the latter, still 
retains much of its original stateliness. When the 
company were incorporated, March 4, ISOO, Nathan 
Read is descrilied "of Danvers; " seventeen others, 
of Salem. The corporation was authorized to hold 
thirty thousand dollars of real and three hundred 
thousand dollars of personal property, aud reference 
is made in the act to the date of the original partner- 
ship. May 5, 179(j. 

lu the mill-pond, in front of his residence. Read 
experimented by applying steam to the paddles of a 
small boat long before the Hudson was the scene of 
Fulton's larger results. He was the first man to ap- 
l)ly to the government for a patent, and himself 
framed the first patent law. He represented the dis- 
trict in Congress, I sOO-03. A p(>]\tica] Jeii d' e.ytrit 
was current at the time of his candidacy for re-elec- 
tion to Congress, when his party, the Federalists, 
were called '• Jacobins " by their opponents, the Re- 
publicans, and the candidate of the latter jiarty was 
the Hon. Jacob Crowningshield : 

To TiiE Feus. 
Witti dLsapiiointmeiit tiow ijntCd pout, 

With jti}' Ijovv ire shontd Krin, 
Shuuld we keep Federnl Nathan out, 

And get a .Ia'-or iit. 

Soon after his service in Congress he removed to 
31 i 



Maine, where he had purchased a large tract of land. 
He was there appointed a .judge of Common Pleas. 
He died in Belfast, Janiuiry 21, 1849, in his ninetieth 
year, leaving a numerous family. Nathan Read's 
pttition : 

"To tile freeliolders ,& otlioi- iiiiiabitaiitfi of the Town of Danvere the 
Petition of Nathan Heed respectfully slieweth that he h.ie it in conteni- 
idatiou to build certiiin Mills near Water's bridge, so called, ou Wa- 
tei-ses river, so called, Sc reipiests the Town to grant, convey A ipiit claim 
to him. hit) heirs and aseigns forever its couseiit, license, right k permis- 
sion to erect a dam or dams on & across said River ; to build mills, piers 
i\iu\ wharves A to construct a lock A flood-gates any where nigh or ad- 
joining said btiilge, A to do everything necessary for compleatingA 
using s;iid mills without any let, hiiulranceor moiistatiou whatsoever of 
said Town. 



" Salem, March Oth, IV'J.i. 



' Nathan REEn. 



" At a legal meeting of the inliahitauts of the Town of Danvers, 
March nth. I T'.C— voted that the prayer of above Petition of Nathan 
Reed be gninted, 

",\tt. : GiuEoN FosTEit, T. Clerk." 

rhe busine-ss at the foundry brought up from the 
towns of the south shore, nurseries of iron-workers, 
several men who established families here. John 
Joselyu was one of the earliest ofthe.se, among whose 
children was Edwin Joselyn, who for thirty years was 
a noted teacher in Salem, and among whose descend- 
ents are the wife and children of Hon. Augustus 
Mudge. John Bates who Ibllowed an older brother 
here from Dedham a few months after he was twenty- 
one, is still living within .sound of the machinery, and 
on the 20th of this present month May, 1887, will be 
ninety years old. Besides the foundry on the north 
bank of the river there was a nail-shoi), aud al-so an 
anchor-shop on the south bank. In the latter were 
forged the anchors of the frigate " Essex," an occa- 
sion celebrated by much punch. Work was steady at 
the anchor-shop, the plan being to manufacture a 
supply for some time ahead, mostly of a size for fisher- 
men and coasters, and when the stock was too much 
reduced, a gang of expert anchor-men were called up 
from the south-shore who kept the one trip-hammer 
and the two pairs of bellows busy until anchors were 
sufficiently plenty again. One of these anchor-men, 
John Silvester, after a progressively successful career 
in the iron business, about 18')8 bought the works at 
Danvers, and it is his son Benjamin Silvester who is 
at present carrying on the business of rolling iron at 
the old stand. The nail and anchor shops have long 
since been removed, the former fulfilling a mission of 
usefulness at Calvin Putnam's lumber yard, the latter 
now a barn in the neighborhood. Before Mr. Silves- 
ter's purchase the works were carried on by Matthew- 
Hooper who built the large brick residence ou the 
Salem side of the river. Within a few years a spur 
track hius been laid from the railroad to accommodate 
the works. 

The old-time ferry between Salem aud Beverly, 
some two miles down the river, gave place to the 
Essex Bridge, now " Beverly Bridge," the proprietors 
of which were incorporated November 17, 1787. The 
people at New Mills were much opposed to the new 



490 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



bridge for more reasons than one. It interfered 
somewhat with free navigation, in compensation for 
which the proprietors were required to pay itlO an- 
nually to the town treasurer; then travel from Ryall 
Side and the back country would naturally be more 
diverted from New Mills, and for this, while there was 
no compensation, the energetic inhabitants attempted 
a remedy. They built a bridge of their own across 
Porter's River in 1788. The land on the other side 
of the river then was a part of Beverly. Later, some 
three years after the incorporation of the iron works 
at Water's River, Samuel Page, Thomas Putnam, 
Caleb Oakes, Samuel Endicott, John Page and Heze- 
kiah Flint were, June 23, 1803, incorporated as the 
Danvers and Beverly Iron Works Company. They 
were authorized to build a bridge of stone, thirty-two 
feet wide, for which Captain Burley furnished the 
material from his land on the Beverly side, to erect 
and use foreveran iron manufactory and anyothermills 
for useful manufacture, and to hold property to the 
value of three hundred thousand dollars, in two hun- 
dred shares. Option was given to Beverly to build 
the bridge, but the committee of that town preferred 
to relinquish the right of improving the river for a 
mill-pond and to pay twenty dollars annually towards 
the supjjort of the bridge. Both the original structure 
and the stone bridge were for a long time called 
"Spite Bridge." Those who built it gave the name 
of " Liberty Bridge." By an act, February 8, 1811, 
the company having " lately discontinued their oper- 
ations," the Salem establishment was sold to the com- 
pany at Water's River. Nathaniel Putnam was many 
years agent and manager of the works. Subsequently 
the works were changed into a grist-mill, were long 
known as " Fowler's Mills, then " Richards' Mills," 
and within a few years have entered a new stage of 
usefulness, that of grinding up old rubber. 

A man without a handle to his name must have 
been at a discount in New Mills. The busy little port 
was thii.'k with " Cap'ns,'' with here a " Colonel," 
there a " Major." It was the home of a considerable 
number of men who were masters of ships out of 
Salem, of others who were prosperous ship-owners, 
merchants and millers. Such families were not nu- 
merous, and they naturally became connected and 
inter-twisted by marriages in a way perplexing to 
unravel. 

Among the young men who were attracted by the 
shipbuilding at the new settlement was Samuel Fow- 
ler, of Ipswich, born there January 9, 1748-49. He 
was but seventeen when he came. At that time a 
young girl was just entering her teens who had the 
distinction of being the tirst white child born at New 
Mills. She was Sarah Putnam, daughter of Arche- 
laus, the pioneer, and step-daughter of Colonel Israel 
Hutchinson. Two years before the battle of Lexing- 
ton Samuel Fowler and Sarah Putnam were married. 
She is said to have been a very handsome woman, 
" with a snowy complexion and black eyes and hair." 



She lived to be over ninety-two years of age, and died 
November 19, 1847, having survived her husband 
nearly thirty-five years. Samuel Fowler, shipwright, 
became a ship-owner, engaged in trade with the West 
Indies, and is called on the records " merchant." 

Ca[)tain Samuel Page, the oldest son of Colonel 
Jeremiah, married Rebecca, daughter of that William 
Putnam who went to Sterling, Mass, and he came 
down from Porter's Plains to become one of the first 
and leading citizens of New Mills. 

Simon Pinder (sometimes Pindar, Pendar) was of 
the same age as Samuel Fowler, and came also from 
Ipswich. He married here Mehitable Dutch, and 
probably built the old house on Fox Hill, in which he 
lived and died, on the site of which is the new house 
of Mr. Dennett's. He was engaged in the fishing 
business and also kept a store near his house. He 
died July 4, 1813. An older house than his, by the 
way, on Fox Hill is the " Fairfield House," so called 
for Samuel Fairfield, who married Anna, a daughter 
of Colonel Hutchinson, and died November 26, 1810, 
aged sixty -two. 

Aaron Cheever, some seven years older than Fow- 
ler and Pindar, was a blacksmith. He came early to 
New Mills from Newburyport. 

Nathaniel Putnam was a son of Archelaus and a 
brother of Samuel Fowler's wife. 

Moses Black, a full generation younger than those 
just mentioned, was born in Haverhill in 1779, and 
came here at the close of the last century. He was 
a " wool-puller," and established a prosperous busi- 
ness, was known as " Major Moses," and was the 
founder of the Black family, than which few in town 
have been more prominent and influential. 

Nathaniel Putnam had a large family, among 
whom were Nathaniel, known as " Cap'n Nat," Me- 
hitable and Phebe. Aaron Cheever had two sons, 
both sea-captains, — Thomas and William. Simon 
Pinder had seven or eight children, among whom 
were Samuel, Hitty, Hannah and Sally. Jere. Put- 
nam, not previously mentioned, was the father of 
two other sea-captains, "Captain Jerry" and "Cap- 
tain Tom." 

Captain Nathaniel Putnam married Hannah Pin- 
dar ; Samuel Pindar married Mehitable Putnam ; 
Moses Black married Phebe Putnam. Captain 
Thomas Cheever married Sally Pindar ; William 
Cheever married Betsey Waters, and at his death she 
became the third wife of Captain Nathaniel. Hitty 
Pindar became the wife of "Captain Jerry" Put- 
nam. 

One of Hannah Pindar Putnam's children, Na- 
thaniel, married a daughter of " Captain Tom " Put- 
nam, and subsequently moved to New York ; and 
one of Betsey Waters (Cheever) Putnam's children, 
Abby, was married to a son of Captain Tom's, Caj)- 
tain Albert. Samuel Pindar lived in the " Mead 
House" on Endicott Street — a part of his father's 
estate — and worked at times for Major Black ; he 



DANVERS. 



491 



ilied in 1.S38, was the only son who had a family 
here, and the removal of his own sons leaves no one 
now to represent the family name. A link between 
the Pindars and Pages was the marriage of a daugh- 
ter of John Pindar, of P>everly, son of Simon, to Cap- 
tain Samuel Page's oldest sou, Jeremiah. 

"Captain Tom'' Cheever and his wife, Sally Pin- 
dar, lived with his brother, William, in that large 
house on Water Street which has fallen to such decay 
that the roof is tumbling in. Cai)tain Thomas sailed 
forty years for Captain Joseph Peabody, of Salem. 
Captain William died at Calcutta when but thirly- 
tw'o years old, and left no children to grow up; his 
widow re-married as noted. Of Captain Thomas's 
children, tw-o daughters became wives of Dr. Eben- 
ezer Hunt; William and his wife, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Captain Eben Putnam, live at Staten Island, 
N. Y. ; and George, Miss Hannah P. and Mary P., 
widow of William, son of Major Moses P>lack, live 
here. 

Captain Jerry Putnam, who married Hitty Pindar, 
lived in the house which he built, now owned by 
Charles Warren ; he was of the fraternity of sea- 
captains, lived to be about seventy, and his oldest 
daughter, Mehitable, married into another family, 
not yet mentioned, well savored with salt — the John- 
sons. The Johnson home was a small house which 
stood near Dr. Frost's residence. The father, Wil- 
liam, and three sons, William, Henry and Thomas, 
were all sea-captains. The son William lived in 
Salem ; Thomas lived in the house next north ol 
Charles Warren's, and of his children, Thomas W., ol' 
Salem, is the secretary of the Holyoke Insurance 
Company, and George was lost at sea, leaving two 
boys now in our schools. It was Captain Henry 
Johnson who married Captain Jerry's daughter ; he 
first went to sea when twelve years old as cabin-boy 
for Captain Tom Cheever, and after he gave up the 
sea, settled down on his father-in-law's place. His 
son, the late James A. Johnson, was the last to fol- 
low the traditional occupation of the family. 

The family trees of the Pages and Fowlers inter- 
twine in various w'ays. Samuel Fowler, the young 
man who canu- from I|iswich, had four children to 
grow up. Colonel Jeremiah Page was twice married, 
and his eldest son, Captain Saniuel, was much older 
than the children of the second wife. It is not, 
strange, therefore, that while Samuel Fowler's son, 
Samuel, married Captain Samuel Page's daughter, 
Clarissa, that the younger son, ,Iohn Fowler, should 
have married Captain Samuel's half sister, Martha, 
and that Martha's brother, John, should have mar- 
ried Mary, a sister to Samuel and John Fowler. 
Sanuiel Fowler, Jr., born in 1776 and died in 1859, 
lived in the square brick house on the corner of Lib- 
erty and High Streets, and carried on an extensive 
milling and tanning business about Liberty Bridge. 
His tan yard, which remained in the family until a 
few vears ago, is one of the longest established in 



the country. Of his children three sons survive,— 
Deacon S. P. Fowler, whose life runs parallel with the 
century, and of whom a sketch follows this article, 
Henry and Augustus. A daughter, Rebecca, married 
Aaron Eveleth ; another, Sally Page, James D. Black, 
a son of Major Moses. The latter and Miss Maria 
L. are the surviving daughters. John Fowler built 
the Bates house near the iron foundry, from whom it 
passed to two sea captains, Ca]:itain Edward Richard- 
son and Captain Stephen Brown, and from them to 
John Bates, its present venerable owner. John Fow- 
ler's oldest son, "master mariner," died in the Gull' 
of Mexico in 1840 ; another, Jeremiah, was one of 
the pioneers of California, established the first diary 
in San Francisco, is still living, a successful old man, 
in Placer. County, that State, and within a few years 
his family has re-allied itself to Danvers, through the 
marriage of one of his sons to a daughter of the late 
Captain Andrew M. Putnam. 

John Page and his wife, Mary Fowler, lived in 
his father's homestead at the Plains. He saw the 
growth of the Plains village from almost nothing to 
the business centre of the town, and contributed to 
this progress. The manner in which he carried on 
his father's busine.'-s of brick-making will be noticed 
when that industry is spoken of He was an hon- 
ored and representative citizen of the town. His 
widow long survived him, and died, lacking a month 
of ninety years. Like her mother, Sarah Putnam, 
.she was distinguished in her youth for the fine per- 
.sonal ajipearance, which she retained in a remarkable 
degree in her old age; she was of more than ordinary 
intelligence, and read extensively to the latest period 
of her life. The connection between Major Black's 
family and the Powders has been noticed. A direct 
Black-Page alliance was made by the marriage of the 
Major's son, Moses, Jr., to Harriet N., daughter of 
John and Mary Page. Mrs. Black and four sisters, 
Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Edgerton, Mrs. Weston and Miss A. 
L. Page are the surviving children of John Page. 
It is unpleasant to know that in the male line this 
name, which has been so conspicuous in our history, 
is here extinct. 

Beside the children of Major Moses Black already 
mentioned were Mrs. Sarah L. Ilolroyd, Mrs. Mary 
O. Smith, Archelus P. and Joseph S. The latter was 
a son-in-law of Moses Putnam, and his partner; he 
died in 1861. William, Moses, James D. and Joseph 
S. Black were, each in his peculiar way, prominent 
and leading citizens. James D., the only surviving 
son, who lives at Harvard, Mass., has furnished the 
writer with some interesting reminiscences which 
have been used in the sketch of the schools. 

These families here mentioned by no means in- 
cluded all of the " first families " of New Mills. There 
were Captain Crowningshield, anil later Captain Ben 
Porter, at the Read mansion. Captain Israel Endicolt 
and other Endicotts, Caleb Oakcs, Major Joseph 
Stearns, Deacon Benjamin Kent, ship builder, Josiah 



492 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Gray, Captain Jacob Perry, the Webbs and so on. 
Much might be written of them were there plenty 
of space and time. Some will be mentioned again in 
connection with brick-making and other industries, 
and other representative names than those already 
mentioned will appear in the sketch of the local 
church, the Baptist, in the account of the anti-slavery 
excitement, and especially in the list of the company 
formed during the war of 1812, an account of which 
here immediately follows. 

In the summer of 1814 nearly sixty men, mostly of 
New Mills — the solid men of the place in more senses 
than one, who were exempt from service — voluntarily 
associated themselves into au iudeiiendent company 
of defence. They met in the school-house July lijth, 
organized by the choice of Captain Samuel Page as 
moderator, and Captain Thomas Putnam, clerk, and 
passed, among others, these votes: 

" Voti'd, That till* Aliiriii post be the front yard of Capt. Saml. Page's 
house. VoU:d, That the company meet at their Alarm Post on Saturday 
next at 4 o'clock P. M., well equipped, including Knapsack, etc, 

" Vi't^d, Tliat as we have pledged oui-selves on the points of Honor to 
he Always Iteadti and willing to obey the commanding officer of said 
company, therefore any member who does not at .all times (when ordered) 
attentl at the Alarm Post in good season and well armed and cjuipited 
shall be liable to be reprimanded for eacli neglect by the commanding 
officer." 

The muster-roll of the New Mills minute-men: 

Samuel Page Captain. 

Thomas Putnam Lieutenant. 

Caleb Oakes Sargent. 

■Tobn Endicott Sargent. 

John Page Clerk. 

Kichard Scidmore Drummer. 

Stephen Whipple Fifer. 

Ephraim Smith Fnglc-man. 

Privates. 
Thomas Cheever. Daniel Hardy. 

Edward Richardson .lona. Slieldon. 

Hooper Stimpson. Seth Stetson. 

Stephen Brown. Michael Saunders. 

Samuel Pindar. Ezra Batchelder. 

John Fowler. Thos. Symonds. 

Benjamin Kent. Ephraim Smith. 

Moses Black. Hercules Jocelyn. 

Daniel Putnam. Jeremiah Page. 

Samuel Trickey. Benjamin Wellington. 

William Francis. William Trask. 

Samuel Fowler. Moses Putnam. 

Joseph Stearns. Israel Andrew. 

Jonas Warren. Nathl. Mahew. 

Eben Dale. John Wheeler. 

George Waitt. David Tarr. 

Nathaniel Putnam. John Russell. 

John W. Osgood. John Kenney. 

Allen Gould. Jacob Allen. 

Ebenezer Jacobs. Daniel Usher. 

George Osgood. Israel Endicott. 

Henry Brown. James A. Putnam. 

Ebenezer Berry. Israel nutchinson. 

William Cutler. 

Of the personnel and appearance of this company 
fortunately an interesting sketch has been written by 
Deacon Fowler. Here were men whose age had added 
breadth to shoulders and rotundity to forms, men who 
held commissions in the Revolution, shipmasters who 
had visited foreign climes, skippers and hook-and- 



line men ; shipwrights, wealthy shoe manufacturers, 
men who first pressed bricks l)y machinery and found 
a mint in the clay-pit; tanners, merchants, farmers, 
artisans, oiBcers of the town, county, church. State, 
physicians, and — enough ! Truly a company extra- 
ordinary in its make-up. They marched, a little 
stiff in the knee-joints, from their Captain's down to 
the woods in the lane (River Street) for practice in 
firing, till "The Girl I Left Behind Me" quickened 
their energies and warmed them up. Amid generous 
plaudits it is to be presumed the veterans moved on with 
taciturn dignity. The young men smiled, but only 
some sour Federalist growled," There goes the old ring- 
bone company." The weapons were of every sort — 
the King's arm, good for a charge of ten fingers, two 
balls and tive buck-shot ; the long heavy ducking 
gun, requiring liberal allowance of ammunition ; the 
large-calibre " refugee." The firing by platoons was 
somewhat theoretical — there was too much individu- 
ality al)out it. Blank cartridges being used there was 
little danger in front. Not so in the ranks, for from 
the vents of the old firelocks a generous discharge of 
powder was at each shot diiected towards the exposed 
ear of the man on the right, until the word was passed 
down, " Turn up your guns when you fire." At one 
of the numerous fiilse alarms that the British were 
landing at Salem, the company marched at midnight 
as far as Gardner's farm. It was noticed that tliey 
were divided somewhat peculiarly. The well-fed, 
heavy, short-legged and short-winded men held the 
rear, under the lieutenant, while the front rank, com- 
posed of the leaner and longer-legged, advanced 
faster under the captain. The people of Salem were 
in constant fear of naval attack, and jieople inland 
were so alert that it is said a shot from a battery, 
alarmed by some harmless fishermen, caused quick 
commotion to the extreme limits of New Hampshire. 
The escape of the "Constitution" from English ships 
into Marblehead harbor was witnessed by Danvers men 
from Folly Hill. Earthworks, mounting two iron four- 
pounders, were thrown up at Water's River, and 
several prize vessels laid off the ship-yards during the 
war. The last survivor of the New Mills minute-men 
was Jonas Warren. 

A school-boy of sixty years ago recalls that then 
Capt. Samuel Page was the leading merchant, and 
that his mercantile business was not confined to coast- 
ing, but foreign goods were largely imported. His 
fine mansion, still standing, was regarded as the most 
aristocratic residence of the village. He had years 
before erected sever.al large warehouses to accommo- 
date his business. 

Capt. Nat Putnam and Capt. Tom Cheever were 
partners in store-keeping in the brick building until 
recently occupied by Aaron Warren. Capt. Nat 
built as his residence the large brick building oppo- 
site, known as the Bass River House, and a very fine 
residence it must have been in those days. After 
Capt. Page's death, Putnam and Cheever occasion- 



DANVERS. 



493 



ally used the storehouses, and so also Major Black, to 
store sheeps' pelts. Into one of them a cargo of 
smuggled rum was surreptitiously unloaded in the 
dead of night. Though a blacksmith, who had to be 
aroused to mend the broken oaun-hooks, was let into 
the secret, the vessel got away before daylight, and 
nothing was for a long time known of the close pro.\- 
imity of so much exhilarating fluid. But the stuft" 
could not be sold, and remained an elephant in 
somebody's h.ands until long after its advent some- 
body else " peache<i,'' and a long line of government 
trucks entered the village and confiscated the whole 
stock. 

The following list of the earliest Danversport vessels 
was made by Mr. Crowley, of the 8alem Custom. 
House, at the writer's request. The date is that of 
register. The owner's name follow.s the name of the 
vessel. 

17S9. Schooner "Nancy" Samuel Pairc. 

1792. Schooner "Sally" S;iniucl Pa^e. 

1792. Schooner ".Mice" Ilafflelil Wliitc 

1792. Brig " Lucy" Caleb Low. 

1793. Scliooner "Hawk" Samuel Page. 

1794. .Schooner "Clanssa" Samuel Page. 

179.5. Schooner "Industry" Samuel Fowler. 

1796. Schooner "Sally " Fowler & Piu.hir. 

1798. Schooner " Esther" Samiu'l Fowler, 

1799. Schooner" Eliza" Samuel Page. 

1799. Schooner "Two Brothers" Sanuiel Pago. 

180f). Schooner " Five Sisters" Samuel Page. 

ISOI. Brig "William" .Samuel Page. 

1802. Ship " Pnliuim" 200 tons Samuel Page and 

others. 

18(H. Schooner "Jel'eniiah" Samuel Page. 

18(.)4. Scliooner "Rebecca," Samuel Page and Sol. 

Ilid.lings. 

( Will. Pindar, ThoB. 

,„ , „ , , „. Putnam, Simon 

1801. Schooner "William" J ... 

Pindar, Cab-b .V' 

t Oakes. 

ISrif,. Bark "Wm. Gray" \Vm. Pindar .* Tlios. 

Putnam. 

1806. Schooner "Polly" lohn Fowler i .lolin 

Page. 

1807- Schooner " .\ugiista" Caleb Oakes. 

("Samuel Page, .T. 11. 

IHlo. Brig"Kebecca ' .{ .\ndre\vs, .Samuel 

'[ Endicott. 

One of Samuel Page's partners in the ship " Put- 
nam " was the merchant, .\bel Lawrence, and her 
master was Nathaniel Bowditch. 

The sturdy ship-wriglits at New Mills helped out 
their country in the times that tried men's souls. 
Beside the smaller craft, thrt-e fine ships, — the 
" Grand Turk," the ".Jupiter," the "Harlequin," — 
were built here during the Revolution. Before the 
war, Pindar, Kent and Fowler took a contract to 
build a three hundred and filly ton ship for a London 
house. Capt. John Lee was sent from England to 
superintend her building. Impending hostilities 
prevented the owners from rigging and fitting her, 
and as long a.s she remained on the stocks the build- 
ers could not, according to contract, demand their 
pay. Cajit. Lee refused to allow her to be launclied, 
but all the carpenters mustered one night and slid 



her into the water. The builders might better have 
thrown up the bargain and make the most of the 
.ship, but they chose to bring a fruitless suit against 
the American agent of the Knglishmen, and in the 
meantime the good ship, utterly iincared for, floating 
with the tides, rotted in the river. 

Old newspapers which contain "arrivals" at the 
" Port of Danvers " give an insight into the amount 
and character of the business here transacted. A 
few sample entries during the summer of 184S arc 
here given, — 

".Iune2d.— An. sell. '.Albert,' with frame of liuplist Meeting House. 

";{d.— .\rr. sell. ' Ileniy Chase,' ct)rii and Hour, to J. Warren. 

'■ Uh.— .\ri. sch. • New Packet,' lumber, to .1. W. Itoberts. 

"otli. — .\rr. sch. ' Franklin,' liimbei, to .\sii Sawyer, .Ir. 

"7th. — Sid. sch. 'Franklin.' 

"stii. — Sltl. sch. ' Aurora." 

"9th.— Sid. sch. 'New Packet.' 

" Iltli.— Arr. sch. ' Pilgrim,' corn, to D. Iticharils. 

" 'ioth.— Sid. sch. ' Minor,' bricks, from Nalban Tapley. 

"22d.— Arr. Sloop 'Lady Temperance.' stone, to M. Black. 

"27th.— Arr. Brig 'Ellen,' corn, to 1). Richards. .Schs. 'Franklin' 
with liiiiiber, to .\. Sawyer, .Jr. ; ' Itegiilator,' wood and sleepers, to 
E. K. B. 

".lOlb.— Arr. schs. 'otter.' lime, lu A. W. Warren 4 Co.; 'Henry,' 
lumber, to ( 'ahiii I'utiiaiti." 

From April 1 to November ISO, 184,S, there were 
172 arrivals including 58 cargoes of lumber, 31 wood 
and bark, 43 flour and grain, 17 lime, 3 molasses, 2 
salt, 4 coal, 12 in ballast, 2 unknown. Seventeen 
vessels loaded for shipment to other ports, two car- 
goes being sent to the coast of Africa. It is said 
that the first cargo of coal ever landed here was 
owned liy Parker Brown, but nearly as early a ven- 
ture in this new combustible was that of ,T. W. Ropes. 
His advertisement thus appeared in August, 1849. — 
" (•,„■;. 

" Now landed at Black's wli.ai f. and for .sale by the subscriber, a cargo 
of very superior anthracite coal which will be sold at the wharf or de- 
livered IIS cheap as can be purchased in Salem. 

" .T'lsri'H \V. Koi-Es." 

The following is the summary of the arrivals in 
1 800: 

.lonas Warren, lime, flour, grain, etc., 44 

.foshua Silvester, iron, 12 

Daniel Richards, grain, 16 

II. O. Warren & Co., coal and wood 32 

.losiali (Jray ,^ Son, wood, 5 

Moses Black, .Ir., coal and wood 34 

Samuel Low, wood, '■'... 1 

Beckford, grain, ."J 

Augustus Tafiiey, coal, 1 

Calvin Piitnaui, lumber, '2.0 

.1. Bragdon ,t (.'o., lumber 10 

Aaron Evelelb, lumber, 12 

n. Caiin, liiinlu'r, 1 

Wliol.- nunilier of arrivals 198 

The Legislature authorized the town to put down 
channel poles in flic rivers in 1844. Recently the 
draw-bridges at Beverly were widened to accommo- 
date larger coal ves.sels than coulil otherwise come to 
Danversport. Calvin Piitnani established the present 
extensi\e lumber business, on the site of De.acon 
Kent's ship-yard, about thirty-five years ago. 



494 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Tapleys and Tapleyville. — About the 
first of this century au old man was driving a heavy 
load of oak ship-timber, along one of the roads in the 
western part of the town. There had recently been a 
very heavy fall of snow, and the roads were so full 
that turning out was a matter of great difficulty. 
Suddenly out of thf drifts there appeared an ap|)roath- 
ing sleigh, and behind the driver sat the magnate 
of whom something has been said, "King" Hooper. 
" Turn out," cried Hooper. " Can't do it, load's too 
heavy," said the old man, " let your man take one of 
these shovels and we'll soon make room." "'No, half 
the road's mine, and I'll wait here till I get it." "All 
right" was the complacent reply, and slipping out 
the pin he went back home with his oxen, leavi.ng the 
load of logs eflectually blocking the narrow path. 
This was Gilbert or, as it more often appears "Gil- 
bord " Tapley, ihe ancestor of the numerous family 
of that name in Danvers, many of whom have borne 
prominent and honorable parts in the quiet annals ol 
the town. He was the brother of John Tapley, from 
whom Tapley's Broook, in Peabody, derived its name. 
Another brother located in Maine. Gilbord came up 
to Salem Village and bought, in August, 1747, of 
Joseph Sibley, a farm of sixty-seven acres, bounded 
by Amos Buxton, Joshua Swinerlon and others, the 
river-meadows, and a " way " now called Buxton's 
Lane. His dwelling on this farm was standing until 
within thirty to forty years on the Andover turnpike, 
a few rods south of the Wm. Goodale place. He was 
married three times; first, to Phebe, daughter of John, 
and sister to Dr. Amos Putnam ; second, to Mary, 
widow of Nathaniel Smith ; third, to Mrs. Sarah 
Farrington. Phebe was the mother of Amos, Daniel, 
Phebe, Joseph, Aaron, Asa, Elijah ; Mary w.as the 
mother of Sally, eight children in all. Through only 
two of these was the name preserved here, Amos and 
Asa. Of the daughters, Phebe married Wm. Good- 
ale, of Hog Hill ; Sally, Porter Putnam. Of the other 
sons, Daniel married Mary Tarbell ; Joseph went to 
Lynnfield and left very numerous descendants ; and 
Elijah established a family at Wilton, N. H. Amos 
Tapley's home was in near neighborhood to his 
father'.s, the present Joel Kimball place. His wife 
was Hannah, daughter of John Preston, who lived 
where George H. Peabody does now, not far away. 
They were the parents of twelve children, seven sons. 
Of the sons, — David, Amos, Moses, Aaron, Daniel, 
Philip and Rufus, — Moses and Daniel were among 
the pioneers of Indiana; Amos went to Lynn and 
was the father of Amos P. Tapley, one of the most 
respected citizens of that city ; Philip died at sea, 
young; and upon David, Aaron and Rufus depended 
their father's branch of the family name at home. 
David's son Alvin was the father of Joseph A. Tap- 
ley, of Danveraport. Aaron lived close by his father, 
on the James Goodale place, and left no son. Rufus 
took his father's home, and later moved next south of 
the First Church ; three of his children went to Saco, 



Me., of whom Rufus P. was for seven years a judge of 
Maine Supreme Court; none of the children are left 
here. Thus the only lineal male representatives of 
Gilbord's son Amos, now in town, are .Toseph A. Tap- 
ley and his sons. 

Now of Gilbord's son Asa. It was said that Gil- 
bord's second wife was the Widow Smith ; she brought 
three daughters into the family, two of whom quite 
conveniently became wives of two of the sons, while 
a third, Ruth, married Matthew Putnam, and thence- 
forth presided over the old Nourse witchcraft home- 
stead, and became next neighbor to her sister Eliza- 
beth. For it was Elizabeth Smith whom Asa Tapley 
married, and their home was the old house which was 
sold to the late Elisha Hyde, and until within a few 
years stood on the street which bears that man's name. 
Asa came to own a great deal of land in that neigh- 
borhood. His children were Daniel, Asa, Betsey, 
John, Gilbert, Sally, Nathan, Perley, Jesse, Mary. 
Daniel lived first in the brick house which was the 
old home of Dr. Amos Putnam, near Felton's Corner ; 
Nathan and Asa were brick-makers, the former liv- 
ing first in the house which he built, now occupied 
by his son-in-law, William H. Walcott ; Asa in the 
house next south; while the house of Hix Richards, 
who nnirried their sister Betsey, completed the trio of 
adjoining Tapley houses. The son John settled in 
Dover, N. H. Gilbert and Jesse established them- 
selves near their father's home ; the former in the old 
Tarbell house, which stood on the corner of Hyde 
and Pine Streets, where he made shoes and money, 
the latter at the other end of Hyde, on Collins Street. 
Perley lived and died in the house into which Gilbert 
afterwards moved and died, on the corner of Pine 
and Holten Streets. Looking back at the character 
and standing which these sons who remained in Dan- 
vers maintained, it is using a very moderate expre-s- 
ion to speak of them as a remarkable family. Some 
of them died wealthy, all respected. None now sur- 
vive. Gilbert reached the greatest age, eighty-five, 
and was the last survivor, his death occurring Octo- 
ber 10, 1878. 

Perley Tapley was a famous mover of buildings, 
and many are the feats which he and his long team 
of oxen accomplished in this direction. About 1843 
he moved a building in which Matthew Hooper had 
manufactured boxes, near Felton's Corner, to the 
brook at " Hadlock's Bridge," and in it Perley and 
Gilbert Tapley began the manufacture of carpets. 
This building was burned in June, 184.5, and another 
was immediately built. Gilbert Tapley carried on 
the business alone from 1847 to 18G4, when the Dan- 
vers Carpet Company was formed. For many years 
the industry thus established gave employment to 
many people. In 187G there were .about one hundred 
employees, who turned out one hundred and fifty 
thousand yards of ingrain carpets. 

About the time the carpet business was started 
Perley Tapley began moving buildings from far and 



DANVERS. 



4!»5 



near, and converting them into dwcHings. Many ol' 
these remain, the original settlers of the village, 
which, thus created, very properly took the name of 
Tapleyville. A humorous squib which appeared in 
the Danvrrs Eagle October 30, 1844, was concocted 
on one of those trips which leading South Parish 
men used to make to hear Dr. Braman preach Fast- 
day and Thanksgiving sermons. It was headed 
" Tapleyville in 1844." "There is one peculiarity," 
it says, " which we believe is not common to any 
other place. By the city regulations it is provided 
that no house or other l)uilding shall be erected 
within the territory, and the city is entirely composed 
of buildings which have been moved into it, and by 
this means it is constantly increasing. Nothing is 
more common than to see houses of all sizes and 
shapes and of every quaint style of architecture trav- 
eling into the pl.ace and seating themselves down in 
some comfortable situation to rest Just so long as the 
mayor will allow them to remain. . . . We had 
the curiosity to look into the City Hall when the 
( 'ouncil was not in session, and found it ornamented 
with various agricultural implements. Like the rest 
of the city, it looked like a traveling concern, and 
was built of rough slabs. We understand it once 
took a tour of observation through the streets of Sa- 
lem, and afterwards returned to its native place." 
The " mayor " was, of course, Perley Tapley. The 
building last alluded to was a log cabin, which had 
been conspicuous in the Harrison campaign [irocess- 
ions. It was the great feature of a great procession 
at Salem, when people gazed in admiration at Perley 
Tapley's skill in managing the forty or fifty yoke ol 
oxen attached to the cabin, especially in turning cor- 
ners. A glee club sang from the balcony, and a halt 
was made on Salem Common, where there was a great 
dinner, and an able and elocjuent s|)ce(h l>y Daniel 
Webster. 

Mr. Tapley is said to have been the first to move a 
brick building. Having a church-steeple on his 
hands at one time, he cut it up sectionally into shoe- 
makers' shops; one is to be seen near the Tapleyville 
Station. He was moving a building on floats from 
Boston to East Boston once, and being somewhat out 
of his element on any other than a solid foundation, 
was in danger of being blown out to sea ; in the crisis 
he is said to have called vehemently to the pilot to 
"gee." Wishing a new school-house for his village, 
be iiid what he could to make the old Number l! 
building "too small" by loading every child of school 
age in his neighborhood into his ox-cart and filling 
the room to overflowing. Many characteristic stories 
of his energetic way of doing things might be col- 
lected. He was not forty-eight years old when he 
died. He leaves no sons, but two daughters in town. 
In addition to the single family mentioned as the 
representatives of old Gilbord's son Amos, there are 
now in town but five other adult male Tapleys, — 
George and his two sons, of the line of Daniel, son 



of Asa, and (iilbert Augustus and his only son, of the 
line of Gilbert, son of Asa. 

Tapleyville is supplied with a post-otfice and a rail- 
road station. As a school district it ranks among the 
three largest ; as a business and manufacturing centre 
it is one of the busiest in town. Within a few year.s 
a large tract of land bounded by Holten, Pine and 
Hobart Streets has been opened and is well taken up 
by new dwellings. The new streets are named for 
the pastors of the First Church, — Clarke, Wailsworth, 
Braman, &c. Within the present year, 1887, a fine 
three-story building has been erected by the .Vgawam 
Tribe of Red Men for society and business purposes. 



CHAPTER X X X ^' 1 1 . 

D.VNVERS —(Continued). 
MISfELL.iNEOUS. 

TEJrPKR.^NTE. — It is a fact too well known for com- 
ment that a typical New Englauder of a century ago 
loved rum. It was potent at " raisings," it added to 
hospitality, it lent wisdom to council, eloquence to 
speech, strength to etibrt. It was as nece-ssary to set- 
tle a minister as to swap a horse. It was the article 
mo.st often charged on the grocer's day-book ; it was 
absolutely commim. And it made men drunk. After 
the revolution home production greatly increased, and 
during the first part of this century intemperance be- 
came a crying evil. 

In the year 1812 a temperance society was formed. 
It was the first in this State, perhaps the first in the 
world, — The JIassachusetts Society for the Sui)pres- 
sion of Intemperance. Three Danvers men were of 
its members, — Hon. Samuel Holten, Rev. Dr. Wads- 
worth and Joseph Torrey, at least two of them lead- 
ers anywhere. And this accounts for the fact that so 
early, two years after the parent society, a temper- 
ance society was started here. It was called the Dan- 
vers Moral Society, and had for its officers a fine set 
of men who neither shrank from the work nor feared 
the opprobrium of an unpopular reform, — Dr. Holten. 
president; Rev. Messrs. Wadsworth and Walker, 
vice-presidents; Drs. Torrey and Nichols, secretaries; 
Fitch Pool, treasurer; Eleazer Putnam, Samuel Page, 
John Endicott, Svlvester Osborne, .lames Osborne, 
James Brown. William Sutton and Nathan Felton, 
counsellors. Deacon Sanuiel Preston gave in his old 
age some reminiscences of his early connection wi(h 
the society, himself one of the early secretaries. The 
board of managers, he .said, met once a month. " As 
cii.scs one after another came up, to particular mem- 
bers of the board was assigned theduty of visiting and 
trying to jiersuade the fallen one to break off his 
habits and to lead a sol)er ami useful life. This was 
followed until reform was effected or the case became 
hopeles.--, when his or her name was added to a list of 



496 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



names which were to be handed to the selectmen of 
the town to be ' posted ' as common drunkards, and 
the dealers in intoxicating drinks were forbidden to 
sell or give to any person whose name was so ' posted.' 
Several lists of some eight or ten names were so made 
out and posted in pul)lic places. The process created 
so much bitter feeling that it was abandoned after 
some years of trial. The binding principle of the 
societies was not, in the beginning, total abstinence; 
other methods had to be tried before." The Moral 
Society at first went no farther than to declare against 
the daily use of ardent spirits. It took nineteen years 
of progress to strike out, in 1S33, the word " daily." 

The first indication of the new reform upon the 
records of the town is a vote passed at the annual 
meeting of 1818, thanking the selectmen (Nathan 
Felton. Jonathan Walcot, Sylvester Proctor, Daniel 
Putnam, Nathaniel Putnam), for the measures by 
them adopted " to prevent those given to intemper- 
ance in drinking, from wasting their health, time, and 
estates by the excessive use of ardent spirits ; and 
that the present board be instructed to pursue the 
system commenced by their predecessors." 

Nine years later. May 27, 1827, Caleb Cakes carried 
a motion for a committee of nine to enibrce the laws 
and " to give notice to the selectmen of every licensed 
person known to violate the laws that their approba- 
tion of such person may hereafter be refused." This 
committee consisted of Caleb Cakes, Fitch Pool, 
Samuel Fowler, John Peabody, Samuel Preston, John 
W. Proctor, Elijah lIj)ton, Nathan Poor and Samuel 
Taylor. It was in this year, 1827, that the first pub- 
lic address advocating total abstinence was delivered 
in Danvers. The speaker was a young physician, 
Ebenezer Hunt, who thus early took the advanced 
stand upon this question, which throughout the 
course of his well-roundeil life he fearlessly took on 
other great questions which later agitated the country. 
In 1830 the town were asked to take certain meas- 
ures " agreeable to a request of the Danvers Moral 
Society." The next year the overseers of the poor 
were instructed not to furnish liquors at the almshouse, 
except as recommended by the attending physician. 

Two years later, and at a meeting held at the Brick 
Meeting-House in the north parish March 4, 1833, 
public sentiment had been so far affected that the first 
no-license vote was passed. John W. Proctor, a 
lineal descendant of the original settlers of that name, 
a young lawyer whose name must appear often and 
honorably in any chronicles of his native town, then 
wrote in lead-pencil certain resolutions which were 
offered to the meeting by a young man whose birth was 
contenijioraneous with that of the century, and who 
to-day is still with us, despite his advanced age main- 
taining the active superintendence of the one of the 
most important departments of town affairs, of whom 
more may be learned in the biographical sketch 
which follows, Samuel P. Fowler. The resolutions 
were these : 



" Voted that the following order be adopted : 

" Whereas in couKequeuce ol the Change that has taken place in pub- 
lic Opinion in regard to the nse of Spiritvious liquors, it is very generally 
believed that the Public convenience does not require licenses to be 
granted for the vending of Ardent Spirits. 

"Antl trheretis it is desirable to discountenance the use of Ardent 
Spirits in all reasonable and practicable ways, Therefore voted as the 
sense of the town that it is not expedient to license the Sale of Ardent 
Spirits within the town, and that the Selectmen be hereby instructed 
and requested to withhold their Approbation of such licenses."' 

Col. Jesse Putnam headed a petition for no-license 
next year, and Daniel P. King, Alfred Putnam, Ab- 
ner Sanger, Robert S. Daniels and Joshua H. Ward 
were appointed to correspond with other towns on the 
question. Women were in no ways backward in the 
temperance movement. At the annual town-meeting 
of 1836, this petition signed by about eight hundred 
of them was presented : 

" To the Citizens of Danvei-s in Town Jleeting assenibh'd : — 

" We, the undersigned, your Mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, 
ask your attention for one moment to the temiJerance cause, as it now 
e.\istsin tiiis community. We are aware that yon are not nnniindful of 
this cause, and that you have heretofore done much in support of it, and 
the present year have instructed your Sidectmen not to approbate the 
sale of Anient Spirits within tlie town. We are also aware that yon 
were among the first pid)licly in town meeting to denounce the traffic in 
ardent Spirits and to proclaim its evils. All this is well, hut still mu( h 
remains to lie done. Notwithstanding all your efforts, there are many 
still inti'niperate, and the means of gratifying their insiitialjle appetites 
are still at Inind. 

"Yes, and tiiey wlio furnish these means go nnpnnisheil and disre- 
garded, of what are laws or resolutions in word only ? llettei Ijy far to 
have no laws, than permit them to be violated with impunity. Have 
you not again and again resolved that the sale and the n-e of ardent 
spirits are ilestructive of the Peace and well-being of Society y Do you 
not all feel and see that this is true? Then why Jierniit itV AVe he- 
seech you delay no longer. Banish the evil from am^mg yiiu. Beseech 
those who transgress, in kindness to desist. But if they will not, in 
kiiidiu*s.s, compel them to do it. Never hesitate or falter in doing thut 
yon know to be right. We your friends, your own consciences, and the 
Ood of heaven, will sustain you in the path of duty. As you love us, as 
you regard your own welfare, both here and hereafter, sutler not the 
evil of drnnkenness to be any longer within your bordeis; and unite wilh 
us in prayer that our neighboring Citizens may share the same 
ble-ssiug." 

At a special meeting held April 3, 1837, a commit- 
tee, in the nature of a temperance vigilance commit- 
tee, and the first of the sort, was ajqjointed ; it con- 
sisted of John Peabody, Rufus Wynian, Jes.se Put- 
nam, John B. Peirce and Samuel P. Fowler. At this 
meeting a resolve was passed which reveals a state of 
things unremedied to this day and which might with 
greater pertinence than efticai-y be at any time re- 
enacted : 

*' WuEUKAs, this town for several years pjist, while endeavoring to 
pieveut the sale and use of intoxicating litinors within it, has found its 
elforts thwarted, and its citizens allured and enticed away to tlieii- in- 
jury, by the Licensed shells and houses on its borders in the City of 
Salem. Therefore 

^^ Resolved^ That the Selectmen in behalf of the town be requested 
respectfully to beseech the Authorities of the City (if such di-ani shops 
shall still bethought necessary in the City) not to locate them imme- 
diately upon oui- i'lorders ; but to remove them lus far off as possible." 

There followed a period of inactivity for some seven 
years. Then, in 1844, more resolutions were pa.ssed, 
and another vigilance committee was appointed, on 
which with others previously mentioned were Joseph 
Csgood, Elias Putnaiu, William and Joseph S. Black, 



DANVERS. 



497 



Samuel Tucker and Samuel Preston. Four years later 
and another committee, another in 1849, several in the 
fifties, and one, the last, as late as 1871, upon the 
earlier of which appear as leading temperance men of 
the day these additional names: Allen Knight, Israel 
Adams, Deacon Frederick Howe, William Walcott, 
Gilbert Tapley, Nathan Taplcy, \Vm. J. C. Kenney, 
Eben Putnam, Israel W. Andrews, J^dward T. Wald- 
ron and Moses Black. Jr. In 1841Mhese rather unique 
votes were passed : 

" Tlmt eacb iiiitiister, each Ijiiwyer and each Dortoi" be requested to 
rteUver to the citizens t)f the Town, one Lecture at least, each, during 
the year, on the subject of Temperance and (lantliling 

** That the Town Clerk send a certitietl copy of tlie above vote to each 
of the genth'men referred to and to publish it in the Dnuwrs Ct^iirUr. 

"That tlie Gentlemen referred to have the liberty to make use of such 
language as Ihey please on the evils of using tobacco." 

About 1849, too, the subject of lotteries received 
the attention of condemnation, aiitl committees were 
especially instructed to prosecute violations of the 
law. 

Agreeable to the law of 18.'").5, the .selectmen ap- 
pointed as the first liquor agent of the town, Needham 
C. Millett. He was reipiired to keep pure and un- 
adulterated liquors, for medicinal, chemical and me- 
chanical purposes only, at his place of business on 
Maple Street ; to sell for cash only at twenty-five per 
cent, net profit ; to make quarterly returns to the town 
treasurer; and his compensation was one hundred 
dollars. His successors as liquor agents were: 18.'i6- 
57, Olive Emery, High Street; 18.58-61, Hiram Pres- 
ton, Maple Street; 18()2-(i5, Levi Merrill, Maple 
Street ; 18t)6, Daniel Richards, corner High and Elm 
Streets; 1867, A. Sumner Howard, Cherry Street; 
1869-72, Abram Patch, Jr., Maple Street. 

From the stand taken so early, when the resolutions 
of 1883 were ado]ited, neither the old nor the present 
town of Danvers has ever receded. Once only, in 
1883, the vote went in favor of license, four hundred 
and twenty-one to two hundred and eighty-three; but 
by a singular coincidence, the proceedings of this 
meeting w'ere technically illegal, through the omission 
to use check lists in balloting for moderator, and on a 
sul)sequent trial the result was reversed by a close vote, 
four huntlred in favor of license, four hundred and 
thirty-eight against. The first vote under the local 
option law of 1868 was a negative answer, one hun- 
dred and forty-nine to five, to the question "Shall li- 
censes be grantetl for the sale, to be drunk on the 
premises, of either distilled or fermented liquors?" 
Late votes on the license question have been : 1884, 
476 no, 275 yes; 1885, 391 no, 233 yes; 1886, 384 no^ 
183 yes. 

Not always, however, has the real state of the tem- 
perance iiue.stion been in harmony with this showing. 
A dozen years ago the saloon element, for a time, suc- 
cessfully defied the law, and endeavored, by terroriz- 
ing prosecutors, to avoid prosecution. At least one 
e.xtens've fire has been traced to such a source. But 
the people at length aroused to meet the emergency, 



and, under a police who deserve great credit for so 
well performing their duty, have brought back the 
town to a place essentially of law and order, where 
liquor-selling timidly skulks and drunkenness is not 
common. 

Within recent years a number of temperance so- 
cieties have been organized. Apparently the oldest is 
the Catholic Total Abstinence Society, whose good 
work cannot easily be over-estimated. It was organ- 
ized November 19, 1871, and bought and fitted up its 
present building some four years later. Its hall was 
dedicated February 17, 1879. The Danvers Reform 
Club was organized, January 21, 1876; the AVoman's 
Christian Temperance Union of Danveisport, January 
17, 1876 ; a similar Union at the Plains, February 6, 
1876. 

Fire Dep.\rtment. — The first action of the town 
regarding fire-engines was in the fir.st year of this 
century. On the 2-'>th of Augtbst, 180O, Robert Shilla- 
ber, Israel Putnam and Edward Southwick were 
chosen "to purchase two fire engines for the use of 
the town, whenever a sum of money shall be raised 
by subscription equal to one-half the cost of said en- 
gines, and depositeil in the hands of the committee 
aforesaid for that purpose." 

" Vi'ltd : Said engines shall be kept in repair at the expense of the 
town and one of fheni shall be placed near the house furnierly called 
the Bell Tavern and tlie oilier <in the neck of land near the new mills 
so called provided the inhabitants who may be likely (o receive the most 
benefit therefrom will at their own expense erect suitable buildings to 
receive them." 

By a law of the Commonwealth, the selectmen of 
towns owning fire-engines were empowered to nomi- 
nate " engine-men." At the beginning of 1801, the 
selectmen made these appointments: 

T. 



" rOR E.NOINE NO. 

Edward Southwick. 
Nathl. Storrs. 
Henry Cook. 
.Joseph ltn\Ion, .Ii. 
Danl. Reed, Jr. 
Isaac Frye, 
Caleb Osliorn. 
.bina. Osborn. 
.lolinOshorn. 
Amos Osborn, 
George Stone, 
.lohn Pierre. 
Wm. Woods. 
Wni. Reed. 
David Osborn. 
Sanil. Osborn, Jr." 



" FOR ENGINE NO. 2. 

Thomas Putnam. 
Caleb Cakes. 
Benj. Kent. 
.lami'S CaiT, .Ir. 
Joseph Kent. 
Willebe Wells. 
Nathl. Putnam. 
Wm. Tra«k. 
.lames Gruy. 
Currier True. 
Sanil. Pinder. 
Wm. Pinder. 
Sand. Mclutire. 
Sanil. Fairtiold. 
Joshua Coodftle. 
.lanu'B Carr." 



The names of Eclward Southwick, William and 
Daniel Reed, Jr., Caleb Osborne, (ieorge Stone, John 
Pierce and Samuel Mclntire were subsequently, for 
some reason, erased. 

Officers known as "fire-wards" were first chosen 
at the annual meeting of 1801. The )iersons then 
chosen were Ebenczcr Sprague, Samuel Page, Edward 
Southwick, ICbenezer Shiilabcr, Simon Pindar and 
Israel Hutchinson, Jr. Ten years later Page and 
Southwick were both on the board, and w^ith them 



498 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Samuel Fowler, Jr., Gideon Foster, Joseph and Syl- 
ve.ster Osborne and Benj. Crowniushield. 

Some records of the meetings of No. 2, about this 
time, have been preserved. At Nathaniel Putnam's 
store certain preparations were made one day in Feb- 
ruary, 1S08, which show that charity went hand in 
hand with festivity. 

Voted, That the company have a supper to-morrow night, as per vote 
the last meeting. 

Voted, The committee be authorized to invite the minister and school- 
master to sup with ns in free cost, and that tliey invite the tire ward in 
said district to sup with us in club. 

Voted, That tlie remaining part of the tines that may be had after 
paying for said supper, Ac, be given to the most needy persons in said 
district. 

Voted, That there be a committee to distribute the same and inform 
them what fund it came from. 

Voted, That this committee consist of Mr. Caleb Cakes, Mr. Israel En- 
dicott and Mr. Wm. Trusk. 

Voted, That the clerk pay over to the committee last chosen the bal- 
ance that may be in his hands after settling for the supper. 

Voted, That the connuittee make a return of their doings at the ad- 
journment. 

At the adjournment the report was accepted and 
the committee duly thanked. They received from the 
clerk thirty dollars for distribution, and fourteen per- 
sons received from one to four dollars each. 

In 1810 the " Columbian Fire Club '' is first men- 
tioned in the town records. The club petitioned for 
an additional number of buckets to be placed under 
it scare. Three good men and true considered the 
subject, — Jona. Ingersoll, Jas. Foster and Samuel 
Page ; but whether the club secured the buckets or 
not is a question of distressing uncertainty. A sur- 
vivor of this club relates that each member was re- 
quired to keep a iire-bucket, a bed-key and a canvas 
bag, hanging ready for use in the front entry. 

In 1815 there were ten fire-wards, — Sylvester Os- 
borne, Benj. Crowniushield, Caleb Oakes, Thomas 
Putnam, Joseph G. Sprague, James Brown, Moses 
Black, John Upton, Jr., Samuel Fowler and Ward 
Pool. In that year the New Mills engine was thus 
manned : 



Thomas Cheever. 

Wm. Francis. 

Hercules H. Joselyn (gone 

sea). 
Allen Gould. 
John W. Osgood. 
Saml. W. Treaky. 
Andrew Gould. 



Jacob Jones. 
Samuel Pindar. 
Ebenzr. Jacobs. 
Daniel Brady. 
Benj. Chaplin. 
ThoB. Symonds. 
Nathaniel Putnam. 
Jona. Mclntire. 



Appropriations, by direct vote, for the fire depart- 
ment were few and far between in the early years of 
its existence. In 1837 the selectmen were authorized 
" to furnish the new mill engine company with fire 
Buckets, as they think proper, provided they do not 
find those they lost at the late fire" and the only 
other recorded appropriation for the first twenty 
years was on a vote in 1S19, authorizing the repair of 
the hook-and-ladders belonging to the town, and the 
purchase of as many new hooks, ladders, pikes, not to 
exceed fifteen, as the fire-wards should think proper. 

In 1821 Oliver Saunders and others petitioned for 



a new engine. The first thing was to inquire into 
the status and condition of the old engines. It was 
evidently an important matter. Notice the number 
and character of the committee of inspection : Eben- 
ezer Shillaber, Andrew Nichols, Natlil. Putnam, 
John ITpton, Jr., John Page, Sylvester Osborne, 
Caleb Oakes, John W. Proctor, Danl Putnam, Warren 
Porter and Samuel Fowler. But the committee was 
considered still lacking somewhat in w'eight and five 
more were added, — Briggs R. Reed, Oliver Saunders, 
Eben Putnam, Jr., Joseph Spaulding and Allen 
Gould. All these were appointed by the moderator, 
yet " the inhabitants " were not quite satisfied. They 
voted " to add two more to the above Committee, the 
Town to have the liberty of nominating them, and 
Edward Southwick and Nathaniel Watson were 
added." Verily, if the old engines were not thor- 
oughly overhauled, it was not the fault of the town- 
meeting. Subsequently it was voted to procure two 
new engines and repair the old ones, provided half 
the cost of the new ones be raised by subscription. 
Squires Shove, Caleb Oakes, Nathaniel Putnam, 
Ebenezer Shillaber and Wm. Sutton, were delegated 
to pass around the hat. 

In 1826 two sets of sail cloths were provided at an 
expense of one hundred and fifty dollars, one set to 
be located near the south meeting-house, the other at 
New Mills. The men who ran with the machine this 
latter year at New Mills were 

John Ross. James Smith. 

Josiah Gray. John Bates. 

Jam<!S Smith. John Kent. 

John Burns. Andrew Porter, 

tliram Perley. Moses Wood. 

Frederick A. Tufts. Daniel Woodman. 

John T. May. Franklin Batchelder. 

James Haynes. Daniel Caldwell. 

Richard Elliot, Jr. Darid S. Barnard. 

James Perry. Jesse P. UarrimaD. 

John Herrick. Daniel Hartwell. 
Benjamin Kent, Jr. 

In 1830 another engine was purchased for the south 
parish ; the same year an act of the Legislature was 
passed " to establish a Fire Department in Danvers." 
The act provided for the choice of twelve fire-wards ; 
changed the power of appointment of engine-men 
from the selectmen to the fire-wards ; limited the 
number of engine-men to forty " for each hydrau- 
lion or suction-engine, twenty-five to each common 
engine, four to each hose-carriage, twenty to each 
sail-carriage and twenty for a hook-and-ladder com- 
pany ;" authorized the engine-men to organize them- 
selves into distinct companies under the direction of 
the fire-wards ; and made the fire-wards custodians of 
all fire-apparatus. The first board chosen under 
this act consisted of R. H. French, Lewis Allen, Ca- 
leb Low, Richard Osborne, S. P. Fowler, Moses 
Black, Calel) L. Frost, Benjamin Wheeler, Henry 
Cook, Edward Upton, Enoch Poor and Jacob F. 
Perry. 

In 1835 the New Mills people petitioned for a new 



DANVERS. 



499 



eugine-house, aud secured it. The same year "' John- 
ny " Perley, the storekeeper at the little village which 
was springing up at Porter's Plains, petitioned lor a 
fire-engine, to be located near Berry's tavern, and the 
next year Philip Osborn and others wanted a new 
engine-house at the "Pine Tree Corner " (Wilson's 
Corner), and secured an appropriation of three hun- 
dred dollars for that purpose. 

3Ir. Perley 's petition not having met with success, 
another store-keeper, Daniel Richards, headed a peti- 
tion in April, 1836, " for a good and sufficient fire- 
engine to be located at the Plains, and to provide a 
convenient building for the same." The fire-wards 
at this meeting presented a report which, doubtless, 
influenced favorable action, — "The engine Niagara, 
No. 1, is not suitable or fit to work with the Salem 
engine.s, they being suction . . . ; the Forrest, 
No. 3, is in good order and well manned . . . ; 
the Erie. No. 2, is in a bad condition and not maii'd. 
wants repairing and altering . . . ; the , 

No. 4, a good, new engine, is wanted at the Plains, 
with hose and a house for the same." A vote was 
|iassed to raise two thousand three hundred dollars 
for the purpose of purchasing two new engines, one 
to replace the old " Niagara," the other for the Plains, 
and for hose, etc., and the repairing of the '■Erie." 
Richard Hood's bill " for finishing the eugine-house 
at the neck" in 183() was .'plOi.SS. 

But the new engine for the Plains was not imme- 
diately forthcoming. At the March meeting of 1837 
one of the articles was " To inquire of the Fire De- 
partment what they have done towards obtaining a 
Fire-Engine to be located at the Plains, agreeable to 
the request of Eben Putnam." At an adjournment a 
committee which had been appointed to consider the 
report of the fire-wards reported " that it is expedient 
to procure a middling-sized engine of good construc- 
tion to be located at the Plains, provided an efficient 
company of thirty men can be found in that vicinity 
ready to take charge of the same ; that, in ca.se an 
engine is procured, a suitable house should be built 
for the accommodation of the same." These recom- 
mendations were adopted, and eight hundred dollars 
appropriated. But the committee added in their re- 
port, — " It is worse than useless to expend a thousand 
dollar.-, for an engine and to have it, when the alarm 
of fire is given on a cold night, frozen up and unfit to 
be used." Two hundred dollars was soon after added 
to the appropriation of eight hundred dollars. 

The election for fire-wards in 1840 resulted as 
follows, the number of votes each received being 
given : 



Miles Osborne 297 

Francis Baker 300 

.\mo8 Osborne, .Ir 300 

Jere L. KinibaU 297 

Benjamin Wheeler 298 

Edwin V Putnam 299 



Henry Fowler 299 

George Porter 29(1 

Simeon Putnam 190 

John Hart 190 

William H. Little 189 

Eben Sulton 186 



E. F. Putnam and Simeon Putnam declined, and 



Daniel Richards and Ezra Batchelder were chosen to 
fill the vacancy. 

In 1842 Otis Mudge and one hundred and twenty- 
eight others petitioned for an engine and house, "to 
be located near the North Parish Mecting-House 
(Rev. Mr. Braman's) ; '' the matter was referred to 
Mr. Mudge, Miles Osborne and W. J. C. Kenney, 
but when a vote was taken — this wius a meeting held 
in the South Parish — only 51 voted for the measure, 
and 59 voted against it. It was " tried again." Mr. 
Mudge and John W. Proctor were appointed tellers. 
They reported 65 in the affirmative and 65 in the 
negative. Then the house was polled, and the tell- 
ers having reported "68 for locating an engine, and 
78 against it," it was then voted that the subject bo 
dismissed. In 1843 the engine at New Mills was re- 
placed by a new machine, called the "Ocean," at a 
cost not exceeding a thousand dollars ; and what be- 
came of the old Niagara appears in this item of the 
fire-wards' report for 1844 : 

"No. 2. — This engine, with its apparatus, is iu good 
order, it having been removed from the Neck to the 
Tapley Village, and is now under the charge of Per- 
ley Tapley, who has engaged to furnish a house for it 
at his own expense." 

In this report the story is told at length of the 
great fire which swept through what is now Peabody 
Square, burning the South Mceting-House, the old 
E.ssex Cotfee-House and many other principal build- 
ings in the vicinity. "The sun, this morning, rose 
upon a scene of desolation never before witnessed in 
our town, disclosing more fully to view crumbling 
walls and smouldering ruins in the place of those 
buildings which the devouring element had swept 
from our view. The destruction of property was very 
large." Further details will doubtless appear under 
the sketch of the history of Peabody. 

Perley Tapley soon requested the town to purchase 
his engine-house, aud the fire-wards were directed to 
buy it unless they could do better otherwise. In 
1849 Tapleyville was given a new engine, and the 
" Niagara " was finally disposed of. 

The number and value of the several fire-engines, 
houses and api>aratns belonging to the town at the 
time South Danvers was set ofi' as a separate town, 
will be found in the inventory of town property in 
this sketch, where the history of the division of the 
town is given. A few days alter the act was j)a.ssed 
which incorporated South Danvers, the Legislature 
amended the act of 1829, which established the Dan- 
vers Fire Department, so that the town of Danvers 
was required thenceforth to choose five fire-wards an- 
nually instead of twelve. 

The men elected as the first fire-wards of Danvers, 
after the division of the town, were VV'inthrop .An- 
drews, R. B. Hood, A. G. Allen, W. B. lilcliardsoii 
and Josiah Ross. 

The rising generation knows little of the glory 
which once surrounded the country fire department. 



500 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



Only certain grandfathers remember the halcyon 
days. Now and then an item in old newspajjer 
files recall them, days of reception or visitation, the 
carefully polished machine, the well-drilled company 
of choicest young manhood, rivalry not a little, ad- 
miration unbounded. There was such a day in the 
fall of 184!:i, when a great event happened in Wen- 
ham, — its first new engine came. On the shore of 
the big pond where Hugh Peters preached in the 
wilderness of Enon, there was a grand exhibition of 
prowess, and Danvers was there by her board of fire- 
wards, and the " General Putnam, No. 4 ; " the com- 
pany dressed in uniform of white frocks, dark pants 
and glazed caps. 

" They marched under the direction of that pattern 
of directors, William J. C. Kenney, to the music of 
Osgood's excellent band, and the way they performed 
the military evolutions would have done honor to a 
company of veteran soldiers." 

The idea of having a " steamer " first came up in 
town-meeting in 1866, on the petition of Henry F'. 
Putnam and others. It was then referred and indefi- 
nitely postponed. Two years later George W. Bell 
headed a similar petition, and on the last day of 
March, 1868, a series of votes were taken on the 
motion, "that the town purchase a steam fire engine." 
The first hand vote was declared lost ; it was then 
voted to poll the house ; the motion was again put 
and declared carried, eighty to forty; the minority, 
not satisfied, doubted the count; the voters jiassed in 
front of the moderator, and were counted as they 
passed, and the motion was finally declared carried, 
seventy-six to twenty-five. No money was immedi- 
ately appropriated, but at the annual meeting of 1S69 
it was voted, after another close fight, sixty-seven to 
sixty-five, to appropriate five thousand dollars, and 
the fire-wards, namely, Timothy Hawkes, George W. 
Bell, Charles T. Stickney, Wyatt B. Woodman and 
John C. Putnam, together with Winthrop Andrews, 
William L. Weston, R. B. Hood, H. A. Perkins and 
Nathan Tapley were entrusted with the weighty bus- 
iness of buying the only "steamer" which the town 
ever indulged in. Three thousand dollars more was 
appropriated for apparatus for the new engine and 
filteen hundred dollars for accommodations. And, 
at a final adjournment, each of these votes were re- 
considered, and the whole matter indefinitely post- 
poned. Thus it is ever with town-meetings. But the 
next year and the next the steamer agitation was re- 
newed, three self-acting extinguishers, "soda foun- 
tains," having been purchased in the meantime, and 
so on until in 1873, the first and only steam fire 
engine came to stay — but a short time. The fire 
wards, who were entrusted with its purchase, were 
G. W. Bell, George Kimball, J. C. Putnam, Thomas 
Curtis and William J. Murphy. The basement of 
the building known as Bells hall, on Maple Street, 
was fitted up as a steamer-house. 

But now for some time the ad\ ance guard of public 



sentiment had been laboring to bring up the rank 
and file to the belief that Danvers was ready to in- 
dulge in the metropolitan luxury, nay, necessity, of a 
water-supply system. It is now some eleven years 
since the pure water of Middleton Pond first appeared 
in our streets and kitchens. Who would part with 
it? Yet it came only after much agitation and much 
honest opposition. The matter of water supply was 
first brought up in town-meeting in 1870, and was re- 
ferred to S. P. Fowler, Daniel Richards, Oliver Rob- 
erts, C. T. 8tickney and ^\'. L. Weston. They reported 
next year, recommending acceptance of certain terms 
oflTered by the city of Salem for supply for five years, 
keeping an eye to Middleton and Swan's Ponds for 
an ultimate supply. Nothing further until November 
17, 1873, when another committee of consideration 
was appointed. They reported at the annual meet- 
ing of 1874 in favor of building a reservoir on Will's 
Hill, in Middleton, at an estimated cost, with pipes, 
etc., of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The 
following April, 24th, the Legislature pa.ssed the 
Danvers Water Act, authorizing the town to take 
water from Middleton and Swan's Ponds, to issue 
bonds to three hundred thousand dollars, payable in 
not exceeding thirty years, to choose three water 
commissioners, and to provide for a sinking fund. 
The validity of the act depended upon its acceptance 
by the town within two years. In the meantime 
another factor entered into the water question. The 
State needed a new insane asylum; sites were exam- 
ined here and there; finally the summit of Hathorne 
Hill, in Danver.s, was fixed upon as the most eligible. 
The asylum commissioners wanted water and were 
willing to co-operate with the town. Their hill lay 
almost in a direct line from the square to Middleton 
Pond and about midway. They offered the town a 
part of the hill for a reservoir, thirty thousand dol- 
lars towards the cost of works and one thousand 
dollars annually for their supply. The proposition 
gave new energy to the water men. A motion to raise 
two hundred thousand dollars June 15, 1875, received 
364 yeas to 314 nays, but, two days before, a law went 
into effect requiring a two-thirds vote for such extra- 
ordinary appropriations, and the proposition thus 
failed of being carried. They tried again very soon, 
July 2nd. Then the Water Act was accepted, 506 to 
290, but a motion to proceed with construction still 
failed of two-thirds,— 512 to 336. 

George H. Norman, the great contractor, in Sep- 
tember, 1875, made this ofl'er ; to put in the works, 
including a five million gallon reservoir, twenty 
miles of pipes and one hundred and fifty hydrants, 
and keep them as a private speculation or sell them 
to the town for two hundred thousand dollars. The 
ofler was accepted September 13th. The first water 
commissioners were elected September 21st; they 
were John R. Langley, Otis F. Putnam, Harrison O. 
Warren. Then the question arose as to the authority 
of the town to transfer its rights under the act to 



DANVERS. 



501 



Mr. Norinau, ami the matter was dropped. The 
next month tlie town of Beverly made a proposition 
to supply Danvers, and a vote was passed to take 
water from this source provided a fair bargain eould 
be made, but no bargain was made. In the mean- 
time the asylum people would wait but little longer 
for further action on their oiler. The cjuestion was 
put to vote April 28, 1870, on proceeding to intro- 
duce water, in connection with tlie State, at an ex- 
pense to the town, not exceeding one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars. Yeas, 409, nays, 230, — not 
two-thirds. The water men kept at work. May 13, 
1876, they were successful. Then, on the same ques 
tion, the whole number of votes — the largest number 
ever cast up to that time — were 983. Of these (!37 
were yeas; 296 nays. Samuel Waitt, an old man of 
eighty-four, threw the last vote, a yea. 

Early in July following, the water commissioners 
closed a contract with G. H. Norman for complete 
works and twenty-one miles of street pipes for one 
hundred and sixty-two thousand five hundred dollars. 
The State built the reservoir, paid twelve thousand 
five hundred dollars, and agreed to pay one thousand 
dollars annually for twenty years. Thus the net first 
cost of the water-works to the town was one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars, which was met by the 
issue of five per cent, bonds. The principal main 
was completed to the square August 17, 1876, and 
water first appeared, direct from the pond, the reser- 
voir not being completed, Wednesday, November 8th. 
Early in December the reservoir was ready for use, 
and on Thursday, December 23d, the entire system 
was in working order and opened by a formal trial. 
The head was found to be strong enough to throw a 
IJ-inch stream, not only over the highest buildings, 
but well over the flag-stafi' to a hight of over one hun- 
dred and twenty-five feet. Fire-engines were im- 
mediately at a discount. At the annual meeting o' 
1877 it was recommended that the steamer be sold, 
and notices of its sale at auction were sent broadcast 
to towns and cities. Hose companies have taken the 
place of the engine companies. Nine of these com- 
panies and one hook-and-ladder company comprise 
the present fire department. Fires have happily 
been comparatively infretiuent, but on more than one 
occasion the ready presence of Miildleton waler has 
prevented what otherwise threatened to the sciuare a 
repetition of the ruin of '45. Two lamentable and 
disastrous conflagrations have within a few years oc- 
curred in spite of the water. 

Benjamin E. Newhall was appointed superintend- 
ent of the water-works in September, 187G, while they 
were in process of construction, and held the office 
efficiently to his resignation, July 1, 1883. The 
duties of the office were then divided. Henry New- 
hall was appointed registrar; David J. Harrigan, 
superintendent of pipes, and no change has since 
been made. 

In December, 1880, the commissioners were obliged 



to defend a suit brought by the Ipswich mills for 
damages alleged to have been sustained by the diver- 
sion of water from Ipswich Kiver by lowering Mid- 
dleton and Swan's Ponds, they being tributary to 
the river. The commissioners who heard the evi- 
dence, Judge Choate of the Probate Court and 
Messrs. Frances and Darrascott, engineers, reported 
in favor of the mills, and awarded five thousand four 
hundred and ninety-five dollars for the diversion of 
water from Middleton Pond, and two thousand and 
five dollars for Swan's Pond, " if in the latter case the 
petitioners are entitled to an assessment under this 
award." The Superior Court at the October term, 

1881, ruled against the Swan Pond assessment. An- 
other law-suit was the result of a ballot for water 
commissioner at the annual meeting of 1881. Josiah 
Ross was declared elected by one vote, five citizens 
having been appointed to count the votes, and having 
so reported to the moderator. A motion thereupon 
made that the votes be recounted by a new committee 
was carried. The new committee reported that the 
opposing candidate, Otis F. Putnam, was elected by 
one vote, and the moderator so declared the vote, 
stating it so appeared on recount. These are all 
the facts of record. But it seems that the moder- 
ator and town clerk subsequently counted the ballots 
which had been preserved, and their results coin- 
cided with the original count. Under the circum- 
stances the two members of the board recognized 
Mr. Ross as having been elected. Presently Mr. Put- 
nam brought a petition to the Supreme Court for a 
writ of mandamus, compelling the two commissioners 
to recognize him and to refrain from recognizing Mr. 
Ro.ss. The cpiestion was practically the legality of the 
recount, important and hitherto undecided. Judge 
Endicott, before whom was the original hearing, dis- 
missed the petition, but by request reported the case 
to the full court. The case was argued at the bar in 
November, 1881, and the judges present not agreeing, 
the court afterwards directed it to be submitted on 
briefs to all the judges. The final decision reported 
in One Hundred and Thirty-third Ma.ssachusetts Re- 
ports was ''by a majority of the court" in favor of 
the petitioner, Mr. Putnam. 

At the expiration of John R. Langley's term in 

1882, resolutions were passeil in recognition of his 
ellicient and valuable services as chairn)an of the 
l)oard from its establishment. He was one of the 
earliest and most zealous advocates of water. The 
full list of water commissioners is, — 



187J-s-.i. Ji,hii K. Laiiffli-y. 

1S75-00. Otis F. PutiiJiin. 

1875-^1. Ilrtrrisoii o. Wane 

1880-8:1. Ilaiiid Rii-lmrds. 



188:i-8."i. (.JeorgM H. Peiibody. 
1883-86. <!. A. Tapley. 
1885-88. C H. Gitea. 
188G-89. C. S. Kirhanis. 



Law-Suits. — The early records of the town give 
evidence that the inhabitants in their corporate 
capacity not infrequently indulged in lawsuits, and 

as usual this species of entertainment seems to have 



502 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



been rather expensive, especially as the town was 
commonly at the unsuccessful end of the verdict. 
In March, 1767, this action was taken, — 

"Voted, Thomas Porter and Gideon Putnam be agents in behalf of the 
Town and they or either of them be fully Impowered to defend and 
settle the actions or Pleas of the Case which Benj. Sawyer & Gilbord 
Tapley has brought against tlie Town as .Surveyors of Highways for the 
year 17IJ6." 

In the following May, this, — 

" To see if the inhabitants will prosecute their appeal against Benja- 
min Sawyer at the next Superior Court to be hoklen at Ipswich. 
" Voted that the appeal shall he prosecuted." 

The town was beaten, but in that prime fighting 
condition when it hated to let go. An article was in- 
serted in the warrant of 1768, " to see if it be the 
minds of the Inhabitants to Petition the General 
Court for a Rehearing at the Superior Court on the 
case of Deacon Benja. Sawyer, and in another County 
if it can be obtained." But moderation prevailed : 
it was voted '"to dismiss the claws," and — perhaps 
with no reflection on their efficiency — " also the 
agents." 

In March, 1769, Samuel Holten, Jr., and William 
Shillaber were appointed agents " to answer at the 
next Court of General Se.ssioiis of the Peace for the 
County of Essex to a presentment carryed into said 
Court against sd Town of Danvers." 

Two years later the two men jusi named and Gid- 
eon Putnam, Jona. Buxton, Benj. Porter, William 
Putnam and Roliert Shillaber were chosen " to take 
legal advice respecting Mess. Aaron and Enoch 
Putnam with regard to their taking timber which the 
town provided to repair the bridge over Water's 
River and to prosecute them in their discretion." 
They did prosecute, with what disastrous result the 
following dociiiuent shows : 

" Danvers, December 23, 1771. 

"Then received of Mr. Gideon Putnam and Samuel Holten, .Tuu'r. 
(two of the Select-men of Danvers), the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty- 
eight pounds fourteen shillings and two pence Lawfull money in full of 
a judgment of the Siiperior Court & costs in favour of Mr. Aarun Put- 
nam and Enoch Putnam (two of the Surveyorsof Highways in the Town 
of Dauvers for the present year), against the Inhabitants of the said 
Town of Danvers. 

" Witness : pr. us, Gideon Pvtnam, 

"Jeeemiah Page, "Enoch Putnam, 

"Isaac Dempsev." 

For some time after this law-suits were at a dis- 
count. When next the town was sued, by Archelaus 
Dale, in 1781, he seems to have been satisfied by a 
conference committee, and when, in 1783, the inhabit- 
ants were asked what they would do re.-fpecting an action 
commenced against them by Major Caleb Low, they 
voted to pay the cost of the action upon his with- 
drawing it. 

Commencing in 1784 and extending over a period 
of two years there was a long and obstinate series of 
encounters at law and otherwise between the town 
and Daniel Prince, on account of taxes collected by 
him. Concerning the merits of the case it is diflBcult 



now to understand. Prince was committed to Salem 
gaol, where the town clerk was sent to desire him to 
send proposals as to his release, but " no proposals 
were sent by Mr. Daniel Prince in writing." His 
real estate was taken on execution and agents were 
appointed to bid oft' the same for the use of the town. 
In 1814 the town was indicted for not being suffi- 
ciently provided with powder. Several indictments 
for not conforming to the school laws have been 
mentioned in connection with the schools. 

"The inhabitants of the town of Danvers" have 
been parties to a number of cases which have gone to 
the Supreme Court upon points of law. The first, 
reported, 10 Mass., 514, was on a question of taxing 
the Iron Foundry Company. In 6 Pickering, 20, 
there was a question between the town and the county 
commissioners on a highway matter; in the same 
volume the case of Joseph Osborne against the town 
to recover money paid for taxes is reported. A ques- 
tion of a pauper's settlement which arose between 
Danvers and Boston was decided in 10 Pickering, 
^IS. Another case in which the town and the county 
commissioners were parties arose on the laying out of 
a new highway from Haverhill to Salem, through Box- 
ford, Topsfield and Danvers, 2 Metcalf, 18.5. A case 
in which John Page was plaintiff', 7 Metcalf, 326, on 
a question of damages from the laying out of a road 
over his land, involved the validity of the action of a 
Topsfield town meeting in selecting a jury-list. In 
1860 Gilbert Tapley was sued by School District, No. 
6, for " taking and carrying away a school- house," a 
case in which the real defendant was the new district, 
No. 7 — 1 Allen, 49. The injunction to restrain the 
payment of fifty thousand dollars, voted for bounty, 
reported 8 Allen, 80, is spoken of in the war history ; 
as the case of Gustin vs. School District No. 5, is 
spoken of in the School History. Putnam vs. Langley 
et. al., involving a disputed election, has been referred 
to in connection with the water department. 

Burying Grounds. — When Salem filled the North 
River basin in the summer of 1885, gravel was taken 
from West Danvers (West Peabody) and on the farm 
which was owned in witchcraft times by the widow of 
Joseph Pope, neighbor of old Giles Corey and of the 
Flints, the steam shovel unearthed some ancient 
graves, and before the work went on, the remains were 
careftilly removed to a new re.sting-place. It was one 
of the many family or neighborhood burying-grounds 
which are to be seen here and there all over the town, 
the time-worn head-stones relieved now and then by 
a fresh marble, signifying that one of the later gene- 
ration had gone to sleep with the fathers. Over on 
the old " Boston path " is a lot in which the Popes 
buried their dead from the earliest times. Here lies 
Caleb Oakes, his wife, Mehitable Pope, and their 
.son, William, the distinguished botanist; Sarah, 
" relict of Nathaniel Pope & daughter of the Rev. 
Peter Clarke, who was more than 50 years the worthy 
minister of this Parish," 1802, and many others, — the 



DANVEKS. 



503 



familiar " Jasper," of which the Popes have been 
fond, several times appearing. 

On the summit of Hoj^ Hill, well worthy of the 
modern name of Jlount Pleasant, ihe Proctors and 
Needharas, families from the first occupying the 
heights, have a private ground. A short distance 
back of Governor Endicotfs old residence, plainly to 
be seen from the jiassing train, in a quiet, secluded 
spot, rest the remains of many of the great pioneer's 
early and late descendants. 

Of the larger, more public burial-grounds, that on 
Summer Street, known as the Wadsworth Cemetery, 
is the oldest. It was an ancient burial-i)lace, origin- 
ally set apart by the Putnam family and purchased 
by Eev. Dr. Wadsworth of Jonathan Perry, and by 
him conveyed to the Fir.<t Parish, to whom it still 
belongs. The most interesting stone here is that of 
Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Samuel Parris, the " witch 
minister," who died July 14, IGilli. Judge Holten is 
Viuried in the old ground on Holten Street, near his 
home, as are many others who were honored in their 
day and generation. The High Street Burying- 
ground.at the Plains, contains stones a hundred years 
old or more, many of which are of prominent citi- 
zens of New Mills in the earlier part of the century, 
the Pages, Captain Benjamin Porter, Deacon Benja- 
min Kent and many (jthers. 

These old grounds are now seldom used. By the 
foresight of certain men whose names, hereafter ap- 
pearing, are worthy of all honor, a large tract of 
land, originally twelve acres, and subsequently much 
increased, was purchased of Judge Samuel Putnam, 
and laid out as Walnut Grove Cemetery. This tract, 
extending from Sylvan to Ash Streets, embracing the 
valley of the two brooks which liy their union make 
Crane River, and the sloping hills on either side, 
well wooded with walnut, beech and other trees, is 
of rare natural beauty, and is prized inestimably by 
the town. The movement for a new cemetery was 
initiated at a meeting held May 5, 1843, at the Plains 
school-house. Captain Eben Putnam was chosen 
chairman ; Henry Fowler, secretary. Another meet- 
ing was held October ITlli, P2lias Putnam, chairman. 
A committee reported a form of organization with 
by-laws, and recommended the names of fifteen men 
as trustees: Elias Putnam, Gilbert Tapley, Moses 
Black, Joshua Silvester, Henry Fowler, Nathaniel 
Boanhnan, Thomas Cheever, F^ben G. Berry, William 
J. C. Kenney, Daniel Richanls, Nathan Tapley, 
Samuel P. Prowler, A. A. Edgerton, John Bates and 
Samuel Preston. The tirst regular officers were 
chosen at a meeting held the next day at Joshua 
Silvester's shoe factory, and Elias Putnam was elected 
president; Henry Fowler, clerk; Joshua Silvester, 
treasurer. Samuel P. Fowler was chairman of this 
meeting. He is now both president and treasurer, 
and his brother, Henry, has been the clerk from the 
beginning. 

Incorporation was granted at this time. The 



grounds were consecrated Sunday afternoon, June 
23, 1844. The exercises, beginning at five o'clock, 
were, — 

I. Hymn, written for the occasion by Andrew Nichole, M.D. II. 
[iitroductury Prayer by Rev. S C. Bnlkley. III. Hymn, written for 
tlie occasion tiy Rev. Janiea Flint, D.D. lY. Address by Rev. .John 
Brazcr, P.P. V. Hymn, written for the occasion by G. Forrester Bar- 
stow, MI). VI. Concluding Prayer by Rev, J. AV. Eatjn. VII. Part- 
ing Hymn. VIII. Benediction by Rev. T. F. Field. 

The services were held in the grove, and were at- 
tended by not less than two thousand persons. The 
• dilresK of Dr. Frazer was said to have been a very 
appropriate and beautiful discourse, and that it made 
a deep impression on the many hearers. It remained 
unpublished for nearly forty years, when, through 
the eflForts of Dr. A. P. Putnam, the original manu- 
script was traced to the possession of Mrs. Annie W. 
Ellis, of Dorchester, who kindly furnished him a 
cojjy, which was published in full in the Danvers 
Mirror, December 31, 1881. 

April 13, 1885, the corporation was empowered by 
the Legislature to hold properly in tru.st for the im- 
provement of lots, etc. 

Up to quite recent times the town so far cared for 
the burial of its deceased citizens as to own and pro- 
vide hearses. They are tirst mentioned in ISl.s, when 
this action was taken : 

" I v./.-./ , to choose a committee of live persons to consider on the clause 
I eepoctinf; procuring herses to make an estimate of the cost of one or 
more and to make report at the ailji>urnment. 

" Voted : that .Sylvester (Osborne, Doctor George ()sgood, .lesse Putnam, 
t'aleb Oakes and Sylvester Proctor be of said committee. 

" To^erf; that there be two herses and two houses for the wime pro- 
vided within in this Town." 

In 1842 Moses Black and thirty-five others peti- 
tioned " for a Hearse and Hearse-house near the 
Burying Ground on the Plains, near the house ol 
Joseph Dan forth" The petition was referred to the 
selectmen, with instructions to cause the things prayed 
for "to be placed in such a location as will best ac- 
commodate those who have occasion Uy use them." 

Ill 18.">4similaraccoinmodationswere asked for, to be 
located near Mr. Braman's church. A house was there 
erected, and remained until 1871, when the selectmen 
were instructed to sell it. In the appraisal, at tiie 
division of the town, these items were charged to 
North Danvers : house at cemetery, 10 by 15, ^45 ; 
house at Braman's 12 by IS, 8120; two hearses, new, 
$440 ; one o\&, *20. 

The Anti-Slavery Movement. — A few slaves 
were owned in Danvers before slavery was abolished 
in the State. At the time of sejiaration from Salem 
there were twenty five such chattels, sixteen of whom 
were women. A number of documents .such as the 

following have been preserved: 

" liAN\r.R.<,.\piil I'lili, ITSti. 
" Rec'd of Mr. .lereniiah Page Fifty Kighl pound Ihirtee?! shilliDgs and 
four pence lawful money and a negr.. woman called Dinah which is in 
full for a Negro girl calleil Curubo and a Negro girl called Cate and 
a Negro child called Deliverance or Dill which I now Sell and Deliver to 
ye said Jeremiah Page. 

f JONA. BiSCKOFT. "Jl'HN T.IPLKV. 



' Witness. 



EZEK Maesu.' 



504 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



A story has been told that Cudjo, owned by a neigh- 
bor of General Israel Putnam, was of fierce and re- 
vengeful temper, and having suffered some real or 
fancied injury at the hands of his mistress, threatened 
her life. To get rid of him his master sent him on a 
play-day trip to deliver a load of potatoes on some 
vessel at Salem. He took his fiddle and played to the 
sailors, went below to "rosin his bow," and when he 
reached deck again was far out at sea, consigned to 
the same southern market as his potatoes. 

During the struggle on the admission of Missouri, 
Danvers addressed to Nathaniel Sillsbee, representa- 
tive of the district in Congress, a very forcible letter 
on the subject of slavery, signed by Edward South- 
wick, William Sutton, Thomas Putnam, Andrew 
Nichols and John W. Proctor, committee. 

The history of Abolitionism is, to a great extent, 
the biography of William Lloyd Garrison, a native 
of this county of Essex. For some ten years after 
the conflict over the admi.>^sion of Missouri, a sort of 
lethargy prevailed over the country in regard to slav- 
ery. On the 4th of July, 1829, Garrison, then not 
quite twenty-five, delivered an address which excited 
much attention from its bold and vigorous assault on 
the peculiar institution of the South. That fall, as 
joint editor of the (TCiiius of Universal Emancipation 
with Quaker Benjamin Lundy, of Baltimore, he is- 
sued over his initials his distinct avowal of the doc- 
trine of immediate emancipation. He at the same 
time attacked the colonization societies, and was 
soon thrown into jail, convicted of libel for charac- 
terizing as " domestic piracy " the transportation of a 
cargo of slaves from Baltimore to Louisiana in a ship 
owned in Newburyport. Coming North, he lectured 
in the principal cities, finding all halls in Boston 
closed against him save that offered by a society of 
infidels. But to his mind Boston was the best centre 
from which to arouse the public .sentiment of the 
North to a revolution in favor of emancipation. He 
issued the first number of the Liberator on the first 
day of the year 183L " I am in earnest ; I will not 
erpiivoca^e; I will not excuse; I will not retreat a 
single inch, and I will be heard." He was heard. 
In December the Georgia Legislature offered five 
thousand dollars for his arrest and conviction under 
the laws of that State. January 1, 1832, he and 
eleven others organized the New England (afterward 
jVIassachusetts ) Anti-Slavery Society, the first based 
on the principle of immediate emancipation. He 
continued to be heard to such effect that in October, 
1835, to save his life from a mob who were dragging 
him through the streets of Boston, the mayor jailed 
him as a disturber of the peace. On the other hand, 
his burning words kindled here and there sympa- 
thetic hearts, and probably there were few earlier 
and certainly no more ardent and enthusiastic sup- 
porters of Garrison and his doctrines than a number 
of young men of Danvers, chiefly residents of New 
Mills, and the leading spirits of these young men — 



James D. Black, Joseph Merrill, Jesse P. Harriman, 
William Endicott, Richard Hood, John Hood and 
John Cutler — came to be called " the Seven Stars." 

Of these. Black and Harriman are the only sur- 
vivors at the time of this writing. Mr Black, now of 
Harvard, Mass., was a member of that family of 
Moses Black, already spoken of as having filled prom- 
inent and honorable parts in our town life. When 
not more than twenty years old he took an advanced 
position in favor of immediate and unconditional 
emancipation as the only adequate remedy for the 
evil of slavery. The occasion was at a meeting of a 
Lyceum, the first established at New Mills, in 1833, 
and he made such an impre.^siou that he was invited 
to deliver a fuller address on the same subject on the 
4th of July of that year, in the Baptist Church. 
With the exception of a lecture by the distinguished 
Oliver Johnson in Mr. Braman's church sometime in 
1832, the words of this young man, uttered in the 
face of such circumstances as only the courage of 
strong convictions would have led him to oppose, 
seem to have been the first public utterance of such 
radical and unpopular views in Danvers. To the 
position thus early taken he remained constant, fore- 
most with his tongue and pen in the hot times which 
were to follow. Others, who were quick to ally them- 
selves with the Abolitionists, were Hathorne Porter, 
Alfred R. Porter, William Francis, Dr. Eben Hunt, 
Rev. .S. Brimblecom, Job Tyler, Hercules Jocelyn and 
a number of ladies. The cause grew by continual 
agitation. Local societies were formed, the Liberator 
and Herald of Freedom went into the sho]is and the 
homes. Eloquent and dauntless speakers spoke wher- 
ever they could get a hearing, and the seed thoughts 
grew by earnest talks over the anvil and cobble-stone 
or by the formal debate of the Lyceum. Among the 
earlier orators at New Mills was the Rev. C P. Gros- 
venor of Salem, in whose parlor was organized the 
Essex County Anti-Slavery Society. George Thomp- 
son, of England, spoke in the Baptist Church in 1835, 
after a fruitless attempt had been made to procure a 
church or hall in Salem. The earliest organized so- 
ciety in Danvers was among the women, chiefly of the 
South Parish, in 1837. Very soon the men at the 
North Parish, chiefly of JNew Mills, formed the Dan- 
vers Anti-Slavery Society, and this society celebrated 
the 4th of July, 1838. Alfred Porter wrote a hymn 
for the occasion ; Rev. S. Brimblecom was the ora- 
tor. A "Young Men's" Society was organized in 
August following, at the Universalist Church. Jo- 
seph Merrill, Thomas Bovven and John R. Langley 
drafted the constitution. Rev. Samuel Brimblecom 
was the first president. 

The meetings were commonly held in the brick 
school-house, or in the engine-house at New Mills. 
Dr. Putnam, who has devoted much attention to 
gathering up the details of this chapter of local his- 
tory, has well said, of the records of these early meet- 
ings, that they " all attest how these younger citizens 



DANVEKS. 



505 



of the town were in the habit of debating and form- 
ing opinions in relation to matters of great public 
interest. Their organization opened to them a school 
of no little importance, where they learned many 
valuable lessons, and became fully imbued with the 
sentiments and principles of Liberty. So it wiis that 
the New Mills became in due time a well-known cen- 
tre of Abolitionism. Thence the influence spread 
through the town and beyond its limits." Early in 
1839 a change was made in the name : " This society 
shall be called the North l)anvei"s Anti-Slavery So- 
ciety and shall be auxilliary to the Massachu.setts 
State Society." These are the names of the members 
at this time: William Endicott, Thomas Bowen, Jo- 
seph Jlerrill, William Alley. .1. R. Langley, Samuel 
Brimblecom, .Jonathan Richardson, J. F. Mclntire, 
M. Black, Jr., Ellas Savage, J. D. Andrews, J. M. 
Usher, C. P. Page, Hercules Jocelyn, J. D. Black, 
.luhn Hines, Hawthorne Porter, Richard Hood, Jesse 
P. Harriman, Wm. Francis, Oliver O. Waitt, James 
Kelley, Archibald P. Black, John Hood, John Cut- 
ler, Winthrop Andrews, George Kate, Eben Hunt, 
.Joseph W. Legro, Benjamin I'otter, I. K. Mclntire, 
Job Tyler, Daniel Woodbury, Henry A. Potter, Jo- 
siah Ross, A. R. Porter (withdrew), Edward Stimp- 
son, Jonathan Eveleth, Charles Benjamin, S. P. Fow- 
ler, O. O. Brown, A. A. Leavitt, William Needham, 
E. G. Little, J. R. Patten, Ira H. Clough, Abner 
Mead and Joseph Porter. 

Of these men and others, if any, like them, N. P. 
Rogers at a later time wrote in his Herald of Freedom, 
"The people of New Mills are mostly working peo- 
jile, and therefore favorable material for the abolition 
movement. They embrace it leadily and it has done 
everything for them in the way of mental improve- 
ment and moral strength. Young men bred to labor 
and unbred to learning have risen up by intimacy 
with the Anti-Slavery enterprise to an astonishing 
degree of mental power and eloquence." From time 
to time delegate.^ were sent to the State Society, often 
traveling in the only way they could allbrd, on foot. 
On Thanksgiving Day, 1839, the name was again 
changed to the Danvers New Mills Society. It was 
the custom of the members to express their feelings 
in resolutions, a long series of which, more or less 
spirited, have been preserved. A sample, selected 
for its brevity, is this : 

" He^olved, that it is iucoDsistent anil nuliet-ttniing in us as .\bolitioii- 
iets to cek-brate the Foui-th of July as the Birth'lay of u free country 
while nearly three millions of our countrymen are held in most abject 
slavery. " 

In a hasty review it is necessary t<i take long strides. 
It was not for some ten years after Garrison began his 
crusade that the excitement of the times reached its 
extreme in Danvers, in the collision with the church&s. 
In the meantime, the young men here more than kept 
pace with the forward movement of the Abolitionists. 
They talked, wrote, agitated. The files of abolition 
pajiers abound in letters from Endicott, J. D. Black, 
32J 



the two Hoods, Harriman and others, sharp and caus- 
tic, abounding in flings at the churches, enlivened now 
and then by a controversy with some minister. Gar- 
rison himself came, February 16, 1841. Of the meet- 
ing he wrote in the /liberator : 

" It was our privilege to lecture in lUnvers, New Mills, on Sabbath 
evening last, to a densely crowded audience in the t^niversalist Meeting 
House — a house to the praise of it^ proprietors lie it told— that has never 
been shut against the advocacy of the anti-slavery cause, not even in the 
troublous times of mobocracy in the Commonwealth." 

Other 8[)eaker.s, especially Foster and Pillsbury, 
showed no such courtesy to the churches, and, indeed, 
about this time the trouble, which had long been 
brewing, culminated. The old First Church, Dr, 
Braman's, did not escape condemnation, but was out- 
side the storm-line. On the Universalist and Baptist 
churche,s the storm broke. At first both of these 
churches ojiened their houses freely to the anti-slavery 
meetings, but the speakers .so often immediately 
turned to the open and violent denunciation of the 
churches themselves, that considerations of self-res- 
pect and self protection forced themselves upon the 
churches. After sundry experiences of this kind the 
committee having charge of the Universalist Church 
called a meeting of the Society for instructions, and a 
committee was appointed to consider and report upon 
whether the further use of the church should be al- 
lowed. Through the chairman, Elias Putnam, this 
committee reviewed the state of things and concluded : 
'' We think this Society should pursue a liberal p(dicy 
in granting the use of their house for moral and reli- 
gious purposes, but to say that we should give up the 
house to every one who would please to occupy it, 
would be in effect to surrender our claim to the house 
and would leave the Society without the use of the 
house for any speciflc purpose," and a resolve was re- 
commended and adopted, allowing the use of the 
church " on all suitable occasions for the promotion 
of religion and morality, and that the committee 
should refuse the house when they have reason to be- 
lieve that it will not be used for the promotion of these 
objects." This majority report was accepted, and in 
a few instances the standing committee refused appli- 
cations for the church. The sentiments of the more 
radical reformers were expressed in a minority report 
by Dr. Hunt. Upon premises of the great liberality 
of Universalism, and the doctrine it has always taught 
that truth has nothing to fear in conflict with error, 
he said that "any action of the Society in closing 
their meeting-house against the discussion of any 
question deemed by any one of sufficient im|)ortance 
to gain the attention of the public, and not incom- 
patible with sound morality, would be a gross depart- 
ure from those principles by which we as a denomi- 
nation professed to be governed, anti-Republican and 
anti-Christian." 

About the middle of June, 1841, the anti-slavery 
society passed a resolve " that it is the duty of the 
Baptist and Universalist Societies to open their meet- 



506 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ing-houses for the sacred purpose of pleading the 
cause of our brethren and sisters in bonds on all 
proper occasions free of expense to the Anti-Slavery 
Society as such," and talk began to be common about 
the duty of anti-slavery Christians to withdraw from 
or come out of the churches to which they belonged. 
Richard Hood had asked for and received letters of 
dismissal and recommendation from the Baptist 
Church to a church of the same denomination in 
Wenham, buta private letter prevented his admission 
to the Wenham Church. Mr. Hood turned upon the 
home church in vigorous rebuke for its unfaithfulness 
to the slave, and quoting the te.xt, " Come out from 
among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and 
touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you," 
asked that his name be erased from the church record. 
Mr. Hood was only one of many who, by similar ac- 
tion, received and were doubtless proud of the name 
of " Come-outers." At a special meeting of the 
Anti-Slavery Society August 19, 1841, it was " Re- 
solved that nothing should be allowed to hinder the 
progress of Abolitionists in their work of deliver- 
ance to the slave. If they find themselves attached 
to a pro-slavery political party or a pro-slavery relig- 
ious church they should come out from them imme- 
diately or we cannot consider them in any other light 
than loving party and sect more than they love the 
slave." A week later, Parker Pillsbury in the chair, 
the church was characterized as " the stronghold of 
slavery." No wonder that feeling between man and 
man at New Mills was wrought to a very high pitch. 
No wonder that conservatives retaliated by calling 
the disturbers fanatics, " Gab-olitionists," " Long- 
heels," "the school-house gang" and other epithets 
even less expressive of endearment. So matters went 
through the following winter and spring, and if in- 
terest had in any respect flagged, a two days' conven- 
tion of the Essex County Anti-Slavery Society, held 
at New Mills in the latter part of June, 1842, rekin- 
dled the fires to fiercer flames. Wendell Phillips was 
there, and Rogers, Foster, Pillsbury, Thomas P. 
Beach and others from abroad. There was no lack 
of material for rousing meetings. The third Sunday 
after the convention Rev. Mr. Mansfield, a Baptist 
"supply," had closed the long prayer, and was pro- 
ceeding with the service when a man, who was recog- 
nized as Beach, one of the convention speakers, rose 
from his place in the congregation and began an an- 
ti-slavery appeal. He was temporarily choked off by 
a hymn, but when the music ceased he was at it 
again. Major Black and Captain Caldwell with 
righteous indignation descended upon the intruder 
and dragged him out of the house. Beach was ac- 
customed to this sort of thing, was non-resistant, 
limp as a wet rag, and while the guardians of the 
churches were struggling to carry his dead weight, he 
quoted to them texts, " Love your enemies," " If a 
man smite thee, etc." Worship was broken off. The 
congregation, or most of them, were thoroughly mad. 



The minister called for a sheriff', and certain ones 
jumped out of a window to run to the Universalist 
Church for an officer. Something was said about 
ducking Beach in the horse-trough near by, but the 
plug was pulled out and no such attempt was made. 
Service was resumed, but in came Beach at a side 
door and again interrupted : " Come down from the 
pulpit, and not stand there like a whited sepulchre." 
In his own subsequent account, "the committee-man 
took a vote of the meeting and they decided I should 
not stay in the house. Whereupon they rushed upon 
me like tigers and landed me in the street," After 
church an officer went to arrest Beach at the house 
of Jesse P. Harrimau. Beach assumed his putty 
state. The officer was unable to handle his weight 
alone, and commanded his host to keep him. Harri- 
man, an ardent come-outer, refused in the name of 
God. Dr. Hunt was commanded to assist, and in 
terse English gruffly declined to obey. Somehow, 
with the help of prominent Universalists, Beach was 
put into Salem jail, but back he was at a meeting in 
the Universalist Church at five o'clock, speaking to 
a large audience, at which, he wrote, " the Spirit of 
God was present, and several were convinced of the 
truth and openly confessed Christ by identifying 
themselves with the despised and hated Abolitionists." 
Dr. Hunt was fined a hundred dollars for refusing to 
assist the officer, and Harrimau went to jail for the 
same offence. Later William Black renewed the 
complaint, which had been withdrawn, against Beach 
and united with the Quakers of Lynn in keeping him 
for some time in the jail at Newbury port, to the freely 
expressed indignation of his friends. 

In September, 1842, Richard Hood was another 
guest from Danvers in Salem jail. His offence was 
attempting to sjieak on anti-slavery at a Friday even- 
ing prayer-meeting in Amesbury, against the orders 
of the minister to desist. 

It was through such times as these that the people 
finally emerged to a calmer consideration of the great 
principles which soon organized the advocates of 
universal freedom into a great political party. The 
New Mills Society disbanded about 1S44. Much bit- 
terness and personal feeling could not fail of being 
engendered by the events of which only the merest 
outline has been given, but these men were but the 
skirmishers preceding the awful, inevitable conflict, 
in which differences were merged in loyalty, and 
Liberty, unthroned, was re-crowned with the blood of 
heroes. 

Out of this agitation came the beginnings of a great 
political party, the principle of which was opposition 
to slavery. These beginnings were v.-ry small and 
the men who first stejiped out of the old parties 
braved not a little unpopularity and opprobrium. 
The names of some forty Danvers men who voted with 
the "Liberty Party " in 1840, the first year of its ex- 
istence, have been recalled. They are Frederick 
Howe, Jesse Putnam, J. A. Learoyd, Jonathan Perry, 



DANVERS. 



507 



Peter Cross, Elias (Savage, Peter Wait, Samuel Wait, 
Samuel Harris, Jr., Warren Sheldon, Elijah Hutch- 
inson, Otis Mudiie, Kimball Hutchinson, Nathan Tap- 
ley, Allen Knight, Henry Dwinell, Joseph Danforth, 
Eben Hunt, Winthrop Andrews, Joseph Veriy, Jr., 
Benjamin Hutchinson, Charles Page, Samuel Brown, 
Edward Waldron, Amos Brown, Abel Nichols. Of 
these, Dr. Hunt was perhaps the most active. From 
interesting reminiscences furnished the writer by 
James D. Black these extracts are made: "The Free 
Soil party was not organized until some years subse- 
quent to the earlier struggles of the Abolitiouists. 
We used to vote at the State elections scattering votes 
for Garrison for Governor, &c. At that time a ma- 
jority of votes were required to elect, and our scatter- 
ing votes counted against the regular tickets and 
made pcditiciansmad, and jnany times as I approached 
the ballot-box the epithet, " Long heel" would be 
hurled at me. After the Free-Soil party got a foot- 
hold the dominant party, the Whigs, were put to 
their wits ends to retain control of elections." 

It was the campaign of IS-iS, which consolidated 
the anti-slavery elements. Throughout the summer 
and fall of that year politics waxed hot. On the 4th 
of July a social gathering of the Friends of Liberty 
in Essex County was held in a beautiful grove in the 
northern part of the town. The convention was at- 
tended by from fifteen to twenty thousand persons 
during the day. .Addresses were made by Rev. W. 
B. Dodge, of Illinois, by clergymen from Salem, 
Lynn and Boston, Dr. Hunt and Dr. Nichols repre- 
senting home talent. The Kimball family, of Wo- 
buru, .sang a number of liberty songs, and a glee club 
and choir of singers from North Danvers, " by their 
sweet music added greatly to the enjoyment of the 
people." Letters were read from Hon. S. C. Phillips 
and the Hon. D. P. King, breathing the spirit of lib- 
erty, and Dr. Nichols' muse was inspired by the occa- 
sion. 

■ The voters in District No. 13 who were dissatisfied 
with the nominations of both the Whig and the Dem- 
ocratic Parties, and were in sympathy with the Con- 
vention of Freemen held at Bull'alo in August, 1848, 
at which the Free-Soil Party had its birth, immedi- 
ately held weekly meetings for free and candid dis- 
cussion of the candidates and principles of that con- 
vention. Early in September they formed a Free- 
Soil Club, and upwards of eighty out of the hundred 
and fifty voters of I he district signed a 

Co.VSTlTfTION OF THE NoRTU DaNVEKS FkeE-SoIL ClVB, 

witli this Preamble : * We, the uudersigned, beholiHng with feelings of 
deep regret, the disposition of tbp slave power of this Union, to sub- 
vert the spirit of our Government by extending American Slavery 
over territory now free, and ihe determination to control the policy and 
interests of our country, and seeing, as we have seen, that spirit of 
truckling to the slave power, on the part of the two great parties of 
our country— the Whigs and the Democratic — as shown by their past 
acts, but more recently and more clearly in their chosen leaders, we 
feel called upon as Patriots, as lovers of Freedom, if we would be 
true to our own interests and the interest of our nation to renounce 
both these parties ; and 



•• Wheseab, We behold in the Buffalo Platform, principles to which 
every friend of free institutions should subscribe, and candidates wor- 
thy our support, we do therefore endorse these principles, and that 
we may act with greater ellicienry in the election of the candidates 
do form ourselves into an organization to be called the Free-Soil 
Club, and to be governed by the following constitution." 

Under the articles which follow, these officers of 
the club were chosen : President, Elias Putnam ; 
Vice-Presidents, Nathan Tapley, John Hood, Augus- 
tus Mudge, I. W. Andrews; Corresponding Secretary, 
Daniel Foster ; Recording Secretary, Jeremiah Chap- 
man ; Executive Committee, William Dodge, John 
R. Langley, Allen Knight, Otis Mudge and William 
J. C. Kenney. 

Who managed the caucuses forty years ago ? was a 
question put to Jlr. Black. " I can't tell," he writes, 
" who ran the Whig and Democratic caucuses. The 
Free-Soil caucuses had such young men as John A. 
Putnam, J. R. Langley, Alfred Fellows, Winthroi) 
and L W. Andrews, Ira Clough, E. F. Putnam, Rich- 
ard and John Hood, E. T. Waldron and the writer." 
A clipping from a newspaper of the day gives some 
hint of the prominent Whigs : 

NOTICE. 
'■ The Whigs of Danvers are requested to meet in Union l{all_ on Mon- 
day Evening, August 28tb, at ~J^ o'clock, for the purpose of forming a 
Taylor Club, and to adopt such other measures as may be necessary for 
the thorough organization of the party for the coming election ; and to 
choose six delegates to the Whig Convention at Worcester, Sept. 13. 

*' \ full atteu'lance of Whigs from all sections of the town is earnestly 
requesteil. 

" Wm. D. NoRlHENn, Henuv Fowleh, 

"Samuel Preston, Joshua Silvestek, 

"Eden S. Poor, a. A. Edgerton, 

"George R. Carleton, Elijah W, Upton. 

" Danvers, August 20, 1848." 

At this meeting A. A. Edgerton was chosen secre- 
tary ; George W. French and Joel Putnam, delegates 
from the north parish ; town committee from No. 2, 
H. Fowler, William Endicott; No. 3, LP. Board- 
man, Joseph S. Black ; No. 4, Albert Bradstreet, 
Charles P. Preston; No. 5, Nathaniel Pope, Edwin 
Mudge ; No. 6, .\aron C. Proctor, Jesse Tapley ; No. 
13, N. Silvester, Dr. Osgood ; No. 14, G. W. French, 
Augustus Tapley. The vote of Danvers at the election 
of 1848 resulted, 5(i0 for Taylor, 50.S for Van Buren, 
146 for Cass. 

With the formation of the Republican party Dan- 
vers promptly wheeled into line. Out of a total vote 
of 1382 cast in 1856, 1076 were for electors represent- 
ing the candidates of that party. In 1800 .John G. 
Whittier, elector for this district, received •')G4 out of 
769 votes ; in 1864 Mr. Whittier received 502 votes 
to 125 for S. Endicott Peabody, of Salem. Subse- 
quent presidential elections have resulted as follows : 

Republican. Democnitic. 

1868 7211 (Grant.) 201 

1872 64.'. (Grant.) 195 

187C 701 (llaye.s) 335 (Tildon.) 

1880 637 (Garfield.) 29.'; (Hancock.) 

1884 665 (Blaine.) 276 (Cleveland.) 

In 1 880 there were also 227 " Greenback votes ;" 
in 1884, 254 Greenback and 34 Prohibition. The 



508 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Greenback party held its first caucus in Danvers in 
the fall of 1878, when a local committee and dele- 
gates to conventions were elected. The party grew 
with surprising rapidity, enlisting great numbers of 
active and earne.st young men, who developed great 
skill in political organization, and succeeded in 
controlling the Legislative elections in 1879, '82 and 
'83. See lists of Representatives. This party lost 
much of its cohesive strength after the disappearance 
of General Butler from politics, and a number of the 
leaders openly returned to the Republican fold this 
past spring, 1887. 

Railroads. — One day in the summer of 1847 two 
men might have been seen on the summit of the hill 
which is now crowned by the asylum, eagerly scan- 
ning the winding valleys to the south and to the 
north. Presently they went on, and climbing one 
of the high hills of Andover followed again the 
course of the lowland to the great mills in the new 
manufacturing town on the Merrimac. These two 
men, Elias Putnam and Joshua Silvester, always pro- 
gressive, were full of the new idea of steam and iron, 
which had already begun to revolutionize travel. 
Following closely the old stage route from Boston, 
east, were laid the rails of the Eastern Railroad. 
These men on the hill-tops saw in the valleys the 
course of an iron highway, which uniting Lawrence 
to the main line at Salem, would " bring the railroad 
to Danvers." 

And soon it came, but not while Mr. Putnam lived. 
Cutting through the high ridge south of Water's 
River, it crossed the stream almost at the little cove, 
where Governor Endicott is said to have landed from 
his shallop ; passed within a gun-shot of the ancient 
pear-tree which the Governor planted; bridged the 
river down which was brought, in a little shop, the 
genesis of Danversport ; entered Parson Skelton's 
grant close by the old home of the Revolutionary 
Colonel Hutchinson ; pushed on across the old Ips- 
wich road through Porter's Plains ; beyond Beaver 
Dam, almost under the windows of that little room 
where "Old Put" was born, and so on northward. 
But the railroad did not come all at once. It seems 
to have halted on the way. This letter which ap- 
peared June 9, 1848, signed "North Danvers," is a 
sample of other communications ; 

" Why cauuot the inhabitanta of Nurth Danvers ))e accoQiuiudated with 
two or three trains on the Essex Railroad i)er day ? The rails are laid 
and seen; to be in good condition to run upon. The engine and cars 
now have to remain at South Danvers doing nothing — waiting for time. 
Cars have been running to accommodate South Danvers for a year and a 
half while we have waited patiently until now. The people of this part 
of Danvers labored and toiled, ami did what they could to have this road 
built. The time has been designated repeatedly by one or more of the 
directors when we should have this accommodation, but thus far we have 
not seen It." 

On the 1st day of July, 1848, the road was formally 
declared open to Xorth Danvers. There were on the 
first time-table three trains a day, each way, to and 
from Salem. On the Fourth of July three thousand 



persons passed over the road. Before the end of the 
summer trains were running to Andover. On the 
4th of September the whole line was opened and a 
train of eight cars filled with stockholders and guests 
took a trial-trip to Lawrence. It has been recorded 
that during the pa^-sage up a canvass was taken for 
presidential preferences. While General Taylor was 
the choice of 401, Van Buren 62, and Cass 41, the in- 
ference is somewhat amu.sing from the fact that on the 
return-trip, after a first-rate dinner, the number of 
Taylor's adherents was reduced by 51, while those of 
his rivals were increased. 

The first station-agent at the Plains was Samuel 
W. Spaulding. He came here, a young man, from 
Merrimac, N. H., and worked for John Grout, coach- 
ing between Danvers and Salem. Spaulding bought 
out Grout, and was running the line himself when 
appointed on the railroad. Not being willing to re- 
linquish the coaching business, he soon gave up the 
other. About twenty years ago Parker Webber took a 
half interest in the coach-line, and a few years later 
Spaulding sold out his interest to Webber, who car- 
ried on the business until the latest competitor for 
public travel — the horse-car — made this business un- 
profitable. In November, 1878, Benjamin Henderson 
resigned the position of station-agent, which he had 
then held twenty-eight years and more. He is still 
living, approaching his ninetieth year; he was chorister 
of the First Church, and a famous singer in days 
gone by. 

Danvers has long been provided with double rail- 
road facilities to Boston. Both lines are, by the 
recent consolidation of the Eastern with the Boston 
and Maine, under the control of the latter company, 
and the "know-nothing" has become an important 
junction. Instead of the " Eastern " and the " Maine," 
it is now " the eastern division " and " the western 
division." The latter was originally built and in- 
corporated in several pieces : Haverhill to George- 
town, Newburyport to Georgetown, Georgetown to 
Danvers, Danvers to Wakefield, and the main line 
of the present western division of the Boston and 
Maine. Travel was opened through Danvers in 
1854, and by successive changes and consolidations 
the entire branch became the property of the Bos- 
ton and Maine. 

In 1841 the subject of town clocks was brought be- 
fore the town. Petitions for clocks, one at South 
Parish, and one on the Baptist Church at New Mills, 
met with indefinite postponement. 

About ten years later a subscription paper, which 
had its origin in the grocery -store of Gould and Em - 
erson, dated December 24, 1852, was circulated to 
raise money " for the purpose of defraying the ex- 
pense of placing a clock upon the meeting-house 
(Rev. Mr. Fletcher's), at the plains." These items of 
expense are summarized on the original paper : 

Paid Perkins i Cressey S 83.73 

Paid Putnam i Kenney's bill, freight 3.37 



DANVERS. 



509 



November lyiL, paid Huwitni & Duvia, caali l.j.tK) 

Eben Putnam's bill 2.00 

Paid balance to Howard & Davis 150.0t) 

$414.10 

The town-clock thus establisheil was soon trans- 
ferred to the Maple Street Society, and has ever since 
been maintained by the society. Once only, 1801, a 
petition was introduced for the town to keep the 
clock in repair, but the subject was indefinitely post- 
poned. 

The " gold-fever " of '48-49 struck Essex County 
and did not leave Danvers untouched. The local pa- 
pers devoted much space to the subject, and many 
heads were filled with dreams of sudden wealth. 
" At present,'' so run a sample letter, credited to the 
Alcalde of Monterey and copied into the Dancers 
Courier," the people are running over the country 
and picking gold out of the earth here and there, 
just as a thousand hogs, let loose in the forrest, 
root up ground-nuts." An item of January 1.3, 184M, 
speaks of several young men of this town who will 
leave for San Francisco in a day or two. About the 
same time twenty-one members of the Naumkeag 
Mining and Trading Company embarked in the ship 
"Capitol," for San Francisco, among them two 
Danvers men, tieorge K. Radclifte and Franklin 
Ward. Early in March following, some thirty men 
from Salem and vicinity, comprising the " Essex 
Mining and Trading Company," left Boston for Cor- 
pus Christi on the schooner " John W. Herbert," 
Of this number was Mr. Henry Fowler, whose remi- 
niscences are of experiences far at variance from 
those depicted by that alluring old Alcalde. 

Those who paid the largest taxes forty years ago 
in North Danvers may be found in the following list, 
1848: 



TAX OF OVEK 


Slno 




TAX OF OVER ioO 




Wm. A. Lander 




t 3^2.38 


Nathaniel Boarduian 


.« 59.74 


Nancy Oaks 




100.80 


Ebenezer G. Berry 


. 69.82 






382.30 
1>2.48 
113.i;8 
112.38 




. 53.20 








. 50.78 


Est Eliad Putnam 






. 71.50 


John Page 


James A. Putnam 


. 75.98 


Benj. Porter 

Gilbert Taplev 




176 22 


Asa Taplev . 


. 5414 




194.U 


Jonaa Warren 


. 88.30 


Gilbert Tapley, in trust... 


84.00 


Stephen Wilkins 


. 57.50 


Matthew Hooper.... 




119.66 


John Bates 


. 58.62 



The Cente.nnial. — With the year 1852 a round 
century had passed since the farmers of Salem Village 
and the settlers of the Middle Precinct separated 
from Salem and began their corporate existence as 
the district of Danvers. Early in the previous fall 
those spirits who never allow such anniversaries to 
pass unforgotten were on the alert. At a town-meet- 
ing held in Granite Hall, September 22, 1851, a com- 
mittee of nineteen, — five at large and one from each 
school district, — were chosen with full authority, to 
make such arrangements and adopt such measures as 
in their judgment should seem most appropriate to 



the occasion. This centennial committee consisted of 
the following persons : 



Fitch Poole. 
.Andrew Nichols. 
Ebeuezer Himt. 



AT LARGE. 

I John W. Proctor. 

Rev. Milton P. Bi-ameu. 



FROM THE SCHOOL PISTRICTS, 

1. Robert S. Daniels. 

2. Samuel P. Fowler. 

3. Aaron Putnam. 

4. Albert G. Bradstreet. 



8. Samuel Brown, Jr. 

9. Joseph Brown. 

10. Leonard Cross. 

11. Frauds Baker. 



5. Nathaniel Pope. 

6. Moses Preston. 

7. Fmncis Phelps. 



12. Miles Osborne. 

13. John Page. 

14. Gilbert Tapley. 



The day choseu for the celebration was Wednesday, 
June lt3th. The scene of the festivities was the Mid- 
dle Precinct, South Parish, through whose streets a 
procession a mile and a half long moved amid a very 
large and enthusiastic throng and beneath a very 
warm sun. The committee had half a thousand dol- 
lar at their disposal, and this, together with private 
enterprise in the way of decorations, gave the town a 
gala-like appearance. There are plenty of men still 
in their prime who were in that procession ; but it 
was thirty-five years ago; a new generation has sprung 
up since then and the fathers will pardon a smile as 
their children read of the pride and pomp of that 
day. It was the day of days for the engine com- 
panies. The choicest young manhood of Danvers 
tugged at the ropes of their polished machines. Com- 
ing at the very head of the line, after the escorting 
military was General Scott, No. 2, of Tapley ville — ah. 
Fame, where is the old tub now? — drawn by Captain 
Calvin Upton's forty-eight men, dressed in fire hats, 
plaided sacks and black pants. Next the Torrent, 
and next General Putnam No. 4, of Danvers Plains, 
Captain Albert G. Allen, with forty men, likewise in 
plaided frocks and black pants, and carrying a ban- 
ner on which was emblazoned ' General Putnam — 1 
never surrender." This engine also appeared well, 
says the record. Of course it did; it appeared well 
on that little occasion already referred to, when Cap- 
tain Kenney took it over to pump out Wenham pond, 
and that occasion to this was but a candle to a 
comet. 

After the "Eagle" came the "Ocean," No. 0, of 
Danversport, Captain Welch, whose thirty-five men, 
clad in white shirts, black pants and Kossuth hats, 
were assisted by a pair of roan horses. Seven com- 
panies in all there were, nearly four hundred strong. 

Then came the civic division headed by Chief Mar- 
shall, Dr. S. A. Lord and his assistants. In a long 
line of open barouches the people saw a live Governor 
and many distinguished guests. Then came old 
School Master Epps and other representatives of his 
time. A " Blind Hole Shoe Shop of 1789," and an 
ancient up-in-tbe-lane pottery were both in active 
operation. 

Next followed the schools. Sylvanus Dodge was 
chief of this division, aided by Jeremiah Chapman, 



510 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Edward W. Jacobs, Augustus Varney, Alden Deinp- 
sey, James P. Hutchinson, Dr. J. VV. Snow, George 
Tapley, Albert J. Silvester, Loring Dempsey, Abner 
Mead and Gilbert A. Tapley. Fifteen hundred pu- 
pils presented a most beautiful feature of the occasion, 
but no adequate description — the record again — can 
be given of the ingenious and admirable designs they 
displayed. The Peabody High School came first, 
then the Holteu High School, followed by the 
schools from the ditl'erent districts. 

The last division of the procession was a cavalcade 
of three hundred horsemen. After great exertions ou 
the part of the chief-marshal and his assistants the 
streets were .so far cleared of the multitude of people 
and vehicles that the procession was put in motion. 
Moving down Main Street it countermarched at the 
Salem line, near the Great Tree," but, alas, the 
streets then spanned with arches and gay with ban- 
ners and bunting are not now Danvers streets. At 
noon the line reached the Square again. The schools 
moved up Lowell Street to a large tent provided for 
them, and the rest of the procession entered the Old 
South, in which the following exercises had been ap- 
pointed. 

1. Voluntary By the orgau. 

2. Invocation By Rev. James W. Putnam. 

3. Antheh. 

Readinq the Scriptubes By Rev. James Fletcher 

Prayer by Rev. Israel P. Fntnam, of Middleborough. 

Original Hymn By Fitch Poole. 

Address By John W. Proctor. 

Music By the band. 

Poem By Andrew Nichols. 

Psalm, selected from a collection in use one hundred years 
ago, '' Faithfully trauslatedinto SEngllsli SHctre ; foi- 
the Use, Edification and Comfort of the .Saints in J'ublick 
and Private, especiaUy in New Englayul.'^ 
Psalm Ixvii. 
To th( Mueiciaii, Neginoth. A Psalm- ofSoiuj. 

Prayer By the Kev. F. A. Willard. 

12. Old Hundred Snug by the whole congregation. 

13. Benedictio.n. 



11. 



On account of the heat Mr. Proctor's address 
was abridged, and Dr. Nichols' poem was entirely 
omitted. At a full town-meeting held shortly 
after, however, the Doctor was cordially invited to 
read his poem on an occasion to be specially appoint- 
ed, and such an arrangement was carried out. 

Diuner was served after the exercises at the church 
in a large canvas pavilion erected near Buxton's hill 
on the Crowninshield estate. After the feast the 
Chief Marshal introduced as President of the Day, 
Rev. Milton P. Braman, and after the Doctor's own 
remarks there was enough talking, both from men 
prominent in local affairs and from others of wider 
renown, to last perhaps another hundred years. The 
Commonwealth was represented by its Governor, 
.George S. Boutwell, and its vSecretary, Amasa Walker. 
Salem, the mother-town, sent her mayor, Charles W. 
Upham, afterwards author of " Salem Witchcraft ;" 
Daniel A. White, Judge of Probate for Essex County ; 



VViUiam D. Northend, Esq., who begun his practice 
in South Danvers; and another young lawyer who 
to-day aits in the Cabinet as Secretary of War, Wil- 
liam C. Endicott. The historian of New England, 
John G. Palfrey; the annalist of Salem, Rev. J. B. 
Felt, at this time of Boston; Rev. Messrs. Thayer, of 
Beverly; Stone, of Providence; Sewall, of Medfield; 
and Putnam, of Middleboro'; Allen Putnam, of Rox- 
bury ; Lilley Eaton, of South Reading; John Web- 
ster, of Newmarket, N. H.; and George G. Smith, of 
Boston, were nearly all present and delivered the 
contributions which are credited to them. Alfred A, 
Abbott, Esq., P. R. Southwick, R. S. Daniels, S. P. 
Fowler, J. W. Proctor, Rev. F. P. Appleton and Dr. 
Hunt were called upon as representative citizens of 
the town. Letters were received from the Hon. Rob- 
ert C. Winthrop, Rufus Choate, Robert Rantoul, Jr., 
Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, Jared Sparks and 
others. 

In the meantime the school children were enjoy- 
ing themselves at a feast of their own, prepared 
by a committee on which William L. Weston and 
Henry Fowler represented the northern districts. 
William R. Putnam, of the school committee, pre- 
sided, and to his own remarks and those of the toast- 
master, Augustus Mudge, were added addresses from 
Charles Northend, then recently elected superintend- 
ent of schools, and John D. Philbrick, then of the 
Quincy School of Boston. 

The printed volume of something over two hun- 
dred pages, containing a full record of the Centennial 
Celebration, forms an important contribution to the 
material for local history. 

These books are seen here and there in family 
book-cases, but they are not popular reading. There 
remain, however, as constant and conspicuous re- 
minders of the day thus celebrated, certain memori- 
als of another sort. 

The biography of George Peabody properly belongs 
to that part of old Danvers which now for nearly 
twenty years has borne his honored name, and there 
it will undoubtedly be found. Let a i'evi meagre facts 
and dates appear here. 

He was born February 18, 1795, in a house still 
standing near the junction of Washington and Fos- 
ter Streets, on the old Lynn Road, in Peabody. His 
earliest business experience was as a store-boy for the 
man whose friendship he cherished to the last, Capt. 
Sylvester Proctor. At sixteen he became a clerk for 
his oldest brother, David, in a dry-goods store at 
Newburyport. Before he attained his majority he 
was taken into partnership by Elisha Riggs, a wealthy 
New York dry-goods merchant. In 1815 Riggs and 
Peabody moved their business to Baltimore and sub- 
sequently established branch houses in Philadelphia 
and New York. In 1827 he made his first voyage to 
Europe in furtherance of his business. During the 
next ten years he often repeated the trip, and at 



DANVERS. 



511 



times the United States Government, taking advan- 
tage of his business sagacity, entrusted him with im- 
portant fiuancial negotiations. He went to Enghiud 
for a permanent residence in February, 1837, at the 
age of forty-live. In 1843 he retired from the Amer- 
ican house of Peabody, Riggs & Co., and thenceforth 
was George Peabody, Banker and Merchant, of Lon- 
don. 

It was for fifteen years then, wben Danvers cele- 
brated her Centennial, that her illustrious son had 
been a stranger to his native land, and nearly twice 
that time since the sixteen -year- old boy went away 
from the place of his birth to seek and find his for- 
tune. 

An invitation had been sent to him. When John 
\V. Proctor arose to respond to the toast in his honor, 
it was somehow generally expected that something of 
especial interest was about to be made known. Mr. 
Proctor held up to the view of all a sealed envelope, 
and, in explanation thereof, read a letter from Mr. 
Peabody, regretting his inability to be i)resent, con- 
cluding in these words, — 

"I enclose a sentiment, which I ask may remain sealed till tliis letter 
is read on the day of celebration, when it is to be opened according to 
the direction on the envelope." 

This direction was as follows, — 

[" The Seal of this envelope is not to be broken till the toasts are be- 
ing proposed by the Cbairnian at the dinner, 16th .Tune, at Danvers, in 
rommemorution of the one htindredth year since its severance from Sa- 
lem. It contains a sentiment fiir the oirasion from George Peabody, 
of London."] 

The seal was broken and the sentiment disclosed, 
which has long since become as household words, — 
■' Education, a debt due from present to future gener- 
ations." It was followed by the announcement of a 
gift of twenty thousand dollars for the purpose of 
erecting and maintaining a public library and 
lyceum. 

Among the conditions anne.xeil to the gift was one 
that the town should accept the gift and choose a 
committee of not less than twelve to carry out its pur- 
poses. Both of these things were done at a town- 
meeting, June 28, 1852, the action of the town being 
embodied in a series of resolutions submitted by Dr. 
Andrew Nichols. The committee of twelve were 
chosen on such tenure that two vacancies were to be 
tilled by election each year. The committee thus 
first chosen and their terms of office decided by lot 
were as follows, — Eben King, Jo.seph S. Black, one 
year, to 18o3 ; William L.Weston, Aaron F.Clark, 
two years, to 1854 ; Francis Baker, Joseph Poor, 
three years, to 1855; Elijah W. Upton, Miles Os- 
borne, four years, to 1856; Joseph O.-^good, Eben Sut- 
ton, five years, to 1857; Robert S. Daniels, Samuel P. 
Fowler, six years, to 1,858. Subseipient elections for 
terms of six years were as follows, — In 1853, Henry 
Poor, Joel Putnam; 1854, Philemon Putnam, John 
B. Peabody ; 1855, Francis Dane, Israel W. Andrews ; 
1856, Franklin Osborne, Isaac Hardv, Jr. 



Dr. Nichols' resolves provided also that the com- 
mittee or trustees should themselves annually ap- 
point a lyceum and library committee from the town 
at large. The trustees made this latter committee 
equal to their own number. The first appointees 
were Dr. Andrew Nichols, who died during his first 
year of service, Fitch Poole, George A. Osborne, Ben- 
jamin C. Perkins, Ebenezer Hunt, John B. Peabody, 
\V. N. Lord, Eben S. Poor, Wm. L. Weston, A. A. 
Abbott, Philemon Putnam, Eugene B. Hinkley, Wra. 
F. Poole. The latter is now widely known as the 
author of " Poole's Index of Periodical Literature." 

The corner-stone of the new building was laid 
August 20, 1853, and after its comjilelion was dedi- 
cated September 29. 18-54 — a substantial brick edifice, 
eighty-two feet by fifty, bearing on its front the words 
Pe.\body Ix-^TiTiTE, situate on the main street from 
the South Meeting-house to Salem, on the opposite 
side and a little northwest of the Lexington monu- 
ment. 

DiLHsidii tif the Town. — It is the intention to speak 
particularly of the Peabody Institute, not of Peabody 
but of Danvers. It is necessary, therefore, here, as 
the sequence of events will show, to speak of no less 
an important matter than the dismemberment of the 
old town, which had celebrated its hundredth anni- 
versary, and the .seiiaration of the southern half of its 
territory into a new town, leaving to the upper half 
alone the name of the old town. The separation was 
no sudden movement. From the very first, the com- 
munities north and south of Waters River and the 
long chain of hills, .separated, as they were, by natu- 
ral barriers, found themselves possessed of difterent 
interests and associations." There was no common 
centre. Town-meetings w-ere held, as has been seen, 
one year at a meeting-house in the North Parish, the 
next at the South Parish, and each parish made hay 
for itself when the time came. A recent letter from 
a former resident contains something of this sort : 
" No. Danvers was rich in oratorical talents, while So. 
Danvers was exceedingly deficient in that material. 
They ha<l money and votes, but no orators, and when 
the town-meetings were held at So. Danvers, there 
all the appropriations in that part of the town could 
easily pass the ordeal ; and when the town-meeting 
was held at No. I-)anvers, that was the golden oppor- 
tunity for appropriations for that part of the town." 
Before division was finally accomitlished the anomaly 
was presented of two town-houses in one town. The 
history of the agitation which brought this about 
goes back to 1772, when Ebenezer Goodale and others 
prayed that the inhabitants might assemble and make 
known their mindsasto whether mcetingsforthefuture 
should be held alternately in the V'illage and Mid- 
dle parishes according to the agreement made between 
the parishes before incorporation, and ''also to see if it 
be their minds to Erect a House near the Centre of 
the Town, to hold their Town-Meetings ami other 
Publick Meetings in,&c." "The question was put to 



512 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



see whether the inhabitants would act anything re- 
specting the holding the Town -Meetings for the fu- 
ture, and, a Poll being demanded, it was determined 
that way. Ninety-four for acting and Ninety-three 
against. , Voted, not to act upon the paragraph in 
the warrant respecting the erecting of a House near 
tl*e Centre of the Town." 

At the annual meeting of 1828 a committee was 
chosen to consider the building of " one or more 
Town Houses," but whatever their report may have 
been, it was gently but effectively disposed of by a 
motion that "the subject subside for the Preseut." 

The matter next came up in 1834. Another large 
and representative committee was appointed, who 
were instructed to make estimates for " one or more, 
designating the place of location of the same." But 
their report met no better fate than the one of 1828. 
It was " deferred, — " just twenty years. 

In the warrant for the annual town-meeting of 
1854 were two articles, — one for the erection of a 
town-house " near the centre of the population and 
business of Danvers South Parish," another for the 
erection of " two school-houses for the accommoda- 
tion of the Peabody and Holten High Schools." 

After much discussion and several special meetings, 
these two propositions were combined. The High 
School buildings were a necessity. It was voted " to 
construct them so as to make each building suitable 
to convene the town-meetings," and twenty-two 
thousand dollars was apjiropriated in all. The report 
of the building committee was accepted in 18.56, and 
ordered " placed on the file." From this oblivion a 
partis here brought back to the light of day. It is 
interesting to know what hands helped to build our 
temple of democracy and how much it cost : 

Net cost of land $1360 00 

Bei^amin Moor'ei bill, contract and extras 7800 00 

Architect's bill 85 00 

John Rollin's biU for well 26 2S 

Perkins ACressy, building fence, etc 11.5 63 

Clark & Blether, stone gate-poits 18 50 

Hezekiah Dwinell, gate 28 00 

Smith & Wallis, chestnut rails for fence 42 09 

WilliamH. Walcott, teaming 2 50 

Simeon Putnam, freight 12 22 

Benjamin Tnrner, buikiiug fence 49 84 

E. T. Waidron, turning-posts and furnisbingsame 87 00 

Calvin Putnam, lumber 43 70 

Eben Putnam, painting 61 40 

Eliot & Kimball, masons 8 85 

Stephen firanville, furniture, curtains, etc 174 49 

Joseph W, Ropes, furnace 380 00 

Joseph L. Eo8s, furniture 445 00 

William 0. Haskell, settees 125 47 

Total »1],148 05 

Total cost, South Danvers til, 803 48 

The building committee were Fitch Poole, Joseph 
Poor, Nathan Tapley, Calvin Putnam, E. T. Waidron, 
Josiah Mudge. In the summer of 1883 the Danvers 
town-house was enlarged to its present proportions. 

Thus much of the town-house. To take up the 
broken thread of the division of the town : in Feb- 



ruary 16, 1855, a warrant was issued under the hands 
of Lewis Allen, Leonard Poole and Nathan H. Poor — 
the names of Benjamin F. Hutchinson and Joel Put- 
nam, North Parish members of the board of select- 
men, did not appear — warning the voters to meet at 
Union Hall, in the South Parish, "to see what action 
the Town will take on the order of Notice from the 
Legislature on the petition of Benjamin Goodridge 
and others, relstive to a division of the Town." 

Lewis Allen was chosen moderator. Alfred A. 
Abbott presented the following resolution : 

" Resolved, That the time ha« arrived when the true interests of all 
portions of the Town of Danvers, and the convenience and well-being of 
its citizens imperatively demand a division of its extended territory and 
numerous population into two separate and independent municipalities — 
that an ecjuitable and convenient division would be made by a dividing- 
line drawn from the mouth of Water's River on the East, thence westerly 
through the centre of said River, to Pine Street, and thence straight, in 
a northwesterly course, to the bend in Ipswich River, the point of inter- 
section of the stream running from Phelp'fi Mill ; all remaining on one 
side of said line to constitute a town b.y itself; and all remaining on the 
other side of said line to constitute another and separate town ; and 
that our Representatives in the Legislature be hereby requested, and a 
committee of Ten to be appointed by this meeting be and they are hereby 
instructed to nee all fair and honourable means in aid of the prayer 
of the petition of Benjamin Goodridge and others, and to secure by an 
Act 01 the Legislature, the ilivision of the Town substantially in ac- 
cordance with the plan above indicated." 

An adverse amendment offered by Samuel Preston 
was voted upon four different times, and each lime the 
amendment was declared lost. 

Messrs. Hardy and Andrews ])olled the house, but 
could not agree in their count. 

The South people had the advantage of jiosition. 
As the day wore away the northern farmers had to 
think of the cows and the chores. Tcj take off the 
keen edge of the contest, a motion was interpolated 
that a committee of ten — five from each section — be 
chosen " to take into consideration the subject as to 
.see what names shall be applied should a division 
take place, and report at the next annual meeting." 
It would take a long time to choose ten men ; it was 
getting really dark; the cows would be suffering, and 
then the committee just elected were to report at the 
next annual meeting. So .some went — enough to de- 
cide the contest against the non-divisionists, for the 
South people had no idea of deferring the matter. 
They had come to stay. The main question was put, 
and this time the work of the tellers was not difficult. 
At five minutes past seven o'clock the moderator de- 
clared the result : one hundred and forty-one opposed 
to the resolution and two hundred and thirty-five in 
favor. 

By vote of the meeting the chairman nominated as 
the committee called for by the resolution : Dr. George 
Osborne, R. S. Daniels, Winthrop Andrews, Henry 
Poor, Moses Black, Jr., Eben Sutton, Philemon Put- 
nam, Joseph S. Needham, Amos Merrill and Francis 
Dane. 

Within a very short time, March 8, 1855, a special 
meeting was held in the new town-hall in North 
Parish, to vote by ballot on the tjuftstion : " Is it ex- 



DANVEES. 



513 



pedient to have the Town divided agreeably to the 
petition of Benjamin (ioodridge and otliers? " 

Though the polls were kept open from nine o'clock 
to five, the advocates of division, relying on the vote 
already secured, wisely let the day go by default, and 
the count showed but four yeas to four hundred and 
thirty-six nays. The clerk was instructed to send to 
the Legislature on the next day a copy of the record 
of this meeting, and Kendall (Jsborne, Sanniel Pres- 
ton, Andrew Torr, Daniel Richards, Joseph Poor and 
Henry Fowler were appointed to remonstrate against 
division. James D. Black was in theSenate, and Israel 
W. Andrews was in the house. The latter was the 
champion of the opposition to division, and by a 
great effort he succeeded in obtaining an adverse vote 
in one of the earlier stages of the bill; but on May 
18, 1855, the Legislature finally passed "An Act to 
Incorporate the Town of South Danvers." This act 
established a division line, but provided that if a 
majority of the voters of Danvers should by vote ex- 
press within thirty days their desire to have the line 
changed, that the (xovernor should appoint three 
commissioners to consider, and finally determine the 
same. The present line was in this manner estab- 
lished by commissioners. 

An examination of this line as shown on any good 
map shows that instead of following the channel of 
Water's River to the Salem line, it leaves the river 
and turns southerly, so as to include about fifty acres 
south of the bridge. Upon this territory is a part of 
Hanson's Grain-Mill, the large brick-house built by 
Matthew Hooper, a three-story brick tenement house 
now owned by John Bates, the old witchcraft house 
of the Jacobs' family ,jand several other dwellings. Mat- 
thew Hooper and some, if not all, of his neighbors 
petitioned the Legislature to be set oft" from Danvers 
to South I )anvers, but Danvers wa.s unwilling to let 
them go, and nothing came of their petition. 

A special meeting of that part of the inhabitants of 
the territory which still retained the name of Dan- 
vers, was called (jn 28th of Jlay, to take such steps as 
the new phase of their muncipal career demanded. 
Certain vacancies in ottices formerly held by citizens 
of the new town were filled. In the place of Francis 
Baker, William L. Weston was chosen treasurer, a 
position to which he was annually re-elected for 
eighteen years. Samuel Preston and Zephauiah Pope 
were elected overseers of the poor in the places of 
Wingate Merrill and Andrew Torr. Daniel P. Pope 
was added to the health committee; Aaron Putnam 
was chosen auditor. There were already three Dan- 
vers men on the old board of selectmen, and seven 
out of twelve on the school committee, and in each 
case it was voted "to dispense with choosing any 
more." It was here voted that the chairmen of 
the several boards and the clerk procure all the books 
and records remaining in South Danvers, and that the 
Danver.-> members of the town-hall building commit- 
tee provide a suitable place for them. 



Another very important subject was considered at 
this first meeting of Danvers after division. It is 
sufficiently explained in the vote pa.ssed, namely, 
" that a committee of persons be chosen to con- 
fer with a committee of the town of South Danvers 
for the purpose of adjusting the division of town 
paupers, town jiroperty, town debts, State and county 
taxes, the government Of the Peabody Institute, the 
expenses of the bridges now existing in the town of 
Danvers, and any other matters arising from the divi- 
sion of the town, and if the said committee shall dis- 
agree they are directed to apply to the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas for the County of Essex for the appoint- 
ment of three disinterested persons to hear the parties 
and award thereon." At an adjournment a week later 
the blank in the vote was filled by tlie appointment 
of one from each of the old school districts remaining 
in Danvers, as follows: No. 13, William Dodge, Jr.; 
No. 2, Henry Fowler; No. 3, Aaron Putnam ; No. 4, 
Francis D^dge ; No. 5, Nathaniel Pope ; No. 6, 
Nathan Tapley ; No. 14, George Tapley. 

South Danvers was represented by George Osborne, 
Henry Poor, Robert S. Daniels, Francis Baker, Ehen 
King and Abel Preston. 

The two committees, acting in conference, first met 
on June 25, 1855, and proceeded then, and at suc- 
cessive adjournments, to a very systematic appraisal 
and adjustment of accounts between the two towns. 
The report, which was accepted in all particulars save 
that part which referred to the government of the 
Peabody Institute, on March 2, 1857, and which was 
finally accepted as a whole on February 1, 1858, covers 
nearly twenty large-sized pages of record, and, though 
very interesting reading, is too long to insert here. A 
few general items may be culleil from the report, how- 
ever. The footing of the appraisal of the projierty of 
the old town, on May 18, 1855, the day of division, 
exclusive of the two town hou.ses, the Surplus Revenue 
and the Ma.ssachusetts School Fund, was .^539,1 84.50. 

The assessors' valuation, 1854, of property north of 
the division line was S1,444,'.IOO; south of the line, 
82,732,tJ((0. Danvers was, therefore, entitled to 34.''oVii 
per cent, of the corporate property, or the value of 
$13,553.14, and South Danvers to 65rVs'ii per cent., 
125,(591.36. 

To the town id Danvers was assigned property 
scheduled as follows : 

Engine (Jetn'ral Scult, fixtures and hose 8814 On 

Engine Oonttral Putnam, fixtures and hose .'iSt'i .^0 

Engine (tcean, fixtures and hose (;,'»7 (0 

Sail car at Dativeraport l.^ (K) 

Engine House No. •! 275 00 

Engine House No. 4 rilHI Ol> 

Engine House Nof. XI) (HI 

Hearse House at Teuieterv 4.'> 00 

Hearse House at Itranuin's \'lo ()o 

Two new hearses, ^40 ; one old hears^', §20 4*''U (H> 

Liquors and fixtures at. I. \V. Snows 100 ."iO 

Iron 8.ifc, 14(K) Ihs. at Sc 112 00 

Caae for weights and measures S (HJ 

Bookcase. 7, Pound at Wliipple's Brook, 33 4o W 

Five hallot boxes, 3, stereotype maps of Danvei-s, t 4 0<> 



514 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Reservoir near E. Putnam's 89 25 

Reservoir nearC. Putnam's 164 00 

Reservoir near Villagfi Bank 89 25 

Reservoir near Baptist Cliurch (interest in) 1 00 

Hoolis-aod-ladders near Baptist Churcb 25 00 

Hooks-and-ladders near Fox Hill 5 00 

Hook-and-ladders near Berry's Stable 15 on 

Hooks-and-ladders near P. Tapley's house 25 (« 

Total 8*297 60 

The residue of town property, including the town 
farm and almshouse (ap|)raised at $22,050, and per- 
sonal property thereon, $5,519), the whole valued at 
$34,887, was assigned to South Danvers. 

The Surplus Revenue Fund ($10,000), by the terms 
of the act was to be apportioned according to the 
number of children between five and fifteen years of 
age, on May 1, 1855, on either side of the line. The 
number of children was ascertained to be as follows: 



stric 


. Danvers. 


S. Danvers. 


District 


Danvers 


S. Danvers 


1 




359 


10 




47 


2 


239 




11 




359 


3 


53 




12 




170 


4 


VI 




13 


228 




5 


126 




14 


181 




6 


32 


44 









7 




51 


Totals 


.... 930 


1170 


8 




125 









9 




22 


firand Total 


2107 



To Danvers was, therefore, assigned $4,413.85 ; to 
South Danvers, $5,586.15. The amount of the Mas- 
sachusetts School Fund, $862.72, was, on the same 
basis, apportioned, $383.45 to Danvers, and $485.27 to 
South Danvers. 

The cost of the two new town houses was found, as 
has been already noticed, to be $22,951.53. The north 
building cost $11,148.05. On the basis of valuation, 
Danvers was entitled only to the 34fVV(j per cent, of 
the value of both buildings, namely, $7,938.24; there- 
fore, Danvers was indebted to South Danvers in this 
matter, $3,209.81. 

The total tax for 1855 was found to be $44,698, of 
which $15,460.15 was due Danvers, and $29,237.85 
South Danvers; and the balance of accounts showed 
that Danvers owed South Danvers, $9,016.98. 

The total indebtedness of the old town, on May 18, 
1855, was .$65,167.38, of which $20,000 was held by 
the Salem Savings Bank, about $19,000 by the Warren 
Bank, $10,000 by the Trustees of the Surplus Revenue 
Fund, and $3,-500 by the Danvers Savings Bank; and 
the total assets, $4,829.18— leaving the balance of in- 
debtedness, $60,338.20. Of this balance, Danvers was 
holden to pay, according to the fixed ratio, $20,869.78; 
South Danvers, $39,468.42. And it was decided that 
South Danvers pay to Danvers this latter amount in 
full discharge of its proportion of indebtedness, with 
interest from May 15, 1855, and that Danvers, retain- 
ing all the assets, continue liable for the whole amount 
of indebtedness. 

One point the joint committee could not agree up- 
on. The Danvers men claimed that South Danvers 
was liable to pay its proportion of two roads, Towo's 



road and Endicott Street; the South Danvers men 
refused to allow the claim, and the matter was passed 
unsettled. 

After a careful examination of all the bridges in 
the old town, the committee awarded eight hundred 
and seventy-five dollars to be paid by South Danvers 
to Danvers as an indemnity to the latter for the 
greater burden thenceforth to be borue by reason of 
their maintenance. 

The final balance of all accounts passed upon 
showed that South Danvers was indebted to Danvers 
in the sum of $33, '.t31. 86. 

It was found that of the thirty-seven paupers at 
the almshouse, seven had gained or derived a settle- 
ment within the limits of Danvers, and the remainder 
within the new town and mutual releases were re- 
commended from each town to the other from liability 
for support of those paupers not found to belong to 
the respective towns. 

The relative interests of the two towns in the gov- 
ernment of the Peabody Institute were adjusted so 
that South Danvers should have nine of the twelve 
trustees, a lion's share and inasmuch as four of 
the board were already residents of Danvers, it was 
provided that the first vacancy occurring among 
these four should be filled from South Danvers. 

Finally, as a matter of courtesy, it was agreed that 
Danvers should pay its proportional expense of the 
cost (two hundred dollars), of copying the records for 
South Danvers, and that the latter town should pay 
its ])r<>porti()n of J. C Stickney's bill of one hundred 
and fifty dollars, for services in behalf of the North 
people before the Legislature. 

And so, now for more than thirty years, there have 
been two towns where there was but one. Those who 
went out are richer and more populous than those 
who are left; but to the latter, within narrowed 
limits, belong the name and fame of the old town. 
The question of division gave rise to much bitter feel- 
ing, but the fact of division was sooner ot later one 
of necessity. It is only strange that it did not come 
earlier. Traces of this feeling, it must be acknowl- 
edged, might still reward patient research, but the 
younger generation know it not. While there is 
little mutually attractive between the towns, but 
each looks to Salem as a centre, there is nothing re- 
pellant between them, and with increased traveling 
facilities the people are learning to know each other 
better to the end of a more perfect cordiality and 
unity. 

And, now, to return to the broken thread of the 
story of George Peabody's benefactians. In the 
latter part of the summer of 1856 it was known that 
the man whose name had become so widely honored 
intended presently to leave London for a visit to this 
country. On the petition of the trustees of the insti- 
tute the selectmen of South Danvers called a town- 
meeting, August 21, 1856, at which resolutions of 



BANVERS. 



515 



welcome were passed, ami a committee of twenty, 
together witli tlie selectmen, were appointej to meet 
Mr. Peabody on his arrival at New York "to invite 
him to the home of his youth, and the seat of his 
noble benefiictions; and, if he shall accept their in- 
vitation, to adopt such measnres for his reception and 
entertainment as, in their judgment, will best express 
the love and honor which we bear him." An attested 
copy of the action of South Danvers was sent to 
Danvers, with an invitation to unite in the proposed 
reception. 

On September 10th a D.'invers town-meeting passed 
a series of resolutions, thanking " our sister town of 
South Danvers for the invitation to co-operate with 
them in the reception and entertainment of Mr. Pea- 
body," heartily concurring in the sentiments of I he res- 
olutions adopted by them, and a committee of twenty- 
one were chosen to act with the South Danvers com- 
mittee. The gentlemen chosen were, — 

Joabua Sihester, c-liainii;iii. 

Samuel I'reston. I'hili-mun Putnam. 

Ebenezer Hunt. Levi Merrill. 

Saiuuel P. Fnwler. Cliuvles Page. 

William L. Weston. • Keuben Wilkine. 

Matthew Hooper. William Endicott. 

Israel II. Putnam. William Green. 

Augustus Miidge. Charles P. Preston. 

Janie.'i I). Black. Benjamin F. llulehinsou. 

John .\. Learoyd. Georjjje A. Tapley. 

Nathan Tapley. Arthur ,\. Putuam, secretary. 

The committees of the two towns henceforth acted 
as a joint committee, and the general expenses of the 
celebration were borne by the inhabitants of both 
towns in due proportion, as if no division had taken 
place. Delegations from the joint committee were 
sent to New York to welcome Mr. Peabody on his ar- 
rival, and, despite numerous invitations to accept of 
metropolitan honors, he declined to accept any pub- 
lic demonstration except from the hands of his own 
townsmen. And so on the 9th of October, 1856, the 
old town gave her son a royal welcome. Because of 
Mr. Peabody'smodest refusal to be honored elsewhere, 
those who wished to show him their respect were 
obliged to come to him. "From being simply a vil- 
lage festival, it became almost national in its char- 
acter." 

The day of the reception opened auspiciously — 
one of the fine Indian summer days. Mr. Peabody 
had come from Georgetown, driving over the road in 
a private carriage with his two sisters and a nephew. 
A salute of a hundred guns announced his arrival at 
the Maple Street Church, Danvers Plains. Here he 
was met by the committee, and was seated in an ele- 
gant barouche, drawn by six horses, accompanied by 
Robert S. Daniels, Joshua Silvester and Rev. Milton 
P. Braman. 

"The scene here was very beautiful. The spire of 
the church and private buildings were gayly dressed 
with Hags and streamers, and in full view was an ele- 
gant three-fold arch spanning the wide street, the cen- 
tre arch rising high above the others, and being 



adorned with evergreens, wreaths, medalions, flowers 
and flags." This arch ileserves more than passing 
notice. One cannot easily imagine its imposing and 
graceful proportions. It wiis designed and executed 
by Jlr. Silvester, and coming first in the long series 
of decorations with which the streets of both towns 
were adorned, Mr. Peabody personally expressed his 
surprise and grateful admiration to its designer at his 
side. 

Two cavalcades were drawn up just below the 
arch; one wholly of ladies, added greatly to the at- 
tractiveness of the escort. Each lady threw into Mr. 
Peabody's carriage, as he passed, a bouquet of flowers. 
The procession moved on through High Street to 
Danversport, and so on to South Danvers, " through 
streets lined with decorated houses and under wav- 
ing flags and triumphal arches, attended by the boom- 
ing of cannon and strains of martial music. The 
shouts and salutations of the people were gracefully 
acknowledged by Mr. Peabody as he bowed to the 
throng on either side." The cavalcades and car- 
riages forming as escort about half a mile long, pro- 
ceeded thus through and out of Danvers and into 
South Danvers. 

At Wilson's Corner Mr. Peabody and bis escort 
found drawn up to receive them the main body of a 
large and notable procession. 

It is unnecessary to enter into the details of the 
day. The pageant of joy was ef|ualled only by the 
pageant of sorrow, when through the same .streets the 
great benefactor was years later borne to his grave. 
On the day following the reception Mr. Peabody 
went back in company with his sisters to George- 
town. A large crowd was gathered in Danvers 
Square, intent on having a last hand-shaking. Tired, 
as he must have been, it was evidently his intention 
to proceed with only a passing greeting, but he 
found his way blocked by a barrier he could not re- 
sist. A chain of little children stretched, hand in 
hand, clear across the wide street. He stopjied, and 
the informal reception held from the open carriage, 
and his expression of pleasure at the enthusi;istic 
welcome accorded him, made a pleasing close of the 
great reception. 

Branch Library and Peabody lN.STiTaTE. — 
Reference has been made to the fact that Joshua 
Silvester had partaken of Mr. Peabody's hospitalities 
in London. Mr. Silvester went to England in the 
latter part of 1846, the year after the disastrous lire 
wdiich swept away his business on Danvers Plains. 
He took with him his brother-in-law, J. M. C. Noyea, 
and Jacob Cross, Samuel Knights, Chas. Wait, and 
one Story, of Essex, and introduced the business of 
making pegged shoes in Manchester. Mr. Silvester 
came back within a year, the others soon following, 
except Noyes, who remained and carried on the busi- 
ness until his death, about ten years ago. P>ctwcen 
1850 and 1855 Mr. Silvester made four other trips to 
England. On one of these, in '53, he took letters to 



516 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Peabody, was invited to attend his annual 
Fourth of July dinner, and being the only Danvers 
man in London, was asked much by him concerning 
the progress of the Institute he had then recently 
given. This acquaintance thus formed, ripened with 
later visits. 

It was to Mr. Silvester that, soon after the recep- 
tion here in 18.56, Mr. Peabody wrote from George- 
town, requesting a meeting on the arrival of a certain 
train at the Danvers station. While walking to- 
gether on the station platform, Mr. Peabody first 
made known his intention to give ten thousand dol- 
lars to establish a Branch Library for Danvers, so 
that the citizens of this part of the old town would 
not be obliged to depend on the Institute at South 
Danvers. He asked ]Mr. Silvester to bring to him at 
the Revere House, Boston, a list of suitable persons 
to receive the gift. Mr. Silvester found him enjoying 
buckwheat cakes at a late breakfast; and over an in- 
formal cup of coffee the list was accepted, with Mr. 
Silvester's name, which Mr. Peabody insisted upon 
adding. This letter, soon written, is self explana- 
tory. 

"Revere House, Boston, Dec. 22, 1856. 

" Gentlemen : — During my recent visit to the old town of Danvers, I 
Lail opportunities of examining into and understanding tiie operations 
of the Institute, and of ascertaining to some extent the comparative ad- 
vantages derived from it by different portions of the town. 

" In compliance with my original directions the Institute was located 
within one-third of a mile of the site of the meeting house formerly un- 
der the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Walker; and while thus the popula- 
tion of South Danvers is within a reasonable distauce of the Institute, 
the population of Danvers is mostly too remote therefrom, and cannot 
very conveniently share fully in its privileges. It has occurred to me 
that a Branch Library might be established in Danvers, in some central 
position, probably the Plains, which would remedy the existing difficul- 
ty and would secure to the inhabitants a more equal participation in the 
benelits which it was my design to confer upon all. 

*' I therefore propose to make a donation of Ten Thousand Dollars for 
the purpose of establishing a Branch Library, to be located as before 
mentioned provided the suggestions and conditions hereinafter stated 
are satisfactory to all the parties interested. 

" First, the Library shall be called aud known as the Bra.nch Library 
of the Peabody Institute, and shall be under the direction and control 
of the Trustees of the Institute, in the same manner and to the same ex- 
tent as are the funds of the Institute and its library at South Danvers. 

Second, Three Thousand Dollars of the amount to be expended at 
once for the purchase of books, and the fitting up a room or rooms for 
their reception ; the remainder, Seven Thousand Dollars, to be sjifely in- 
vested by said Trustees, and the income thereof to be used by the Lyce- 
um and Library Committee of the Institute for the increase of the Li- 
brary, the payment of rent, and for defraying such other expenses as 
may be incurred in the proper care and management of the same ; the 
whole income to be used for the exclusive beuefit of the Branch Li- 
brary. 

"Third, the inhabitants of Danvers are to be still entitled to the full 
enjoyment of all the privileges and advantages of the Parent Library 
and of the Lyceum, and the inhabitants of South Panveis are to have 
the right of participating equally in the privileges of the Branch Libra- 
ry. If, however, it should be found hereafter that this arrangement 
ought to be modified for the better accommodation and the greater ad- 
vantage of all concerned, then this last provision, as also either of the 
others, may be altered by general consent ; such alteratien being subject 
to my approbation. 

" It is my desire, gentlemen, that you will, as soon after the receipt 
of this as convenient, confer with some of our friends in Danvers, in 
which conference it is my wish that the Lyceum and Library Committee 
of the Institute should take part, as in all proceedings relating to this 
matter. "Very respectfully and truly yours, 

"George Peabody." 



Mr. Peabody designated Rev. Milton P. Braman, 
Samuel Preston, Joshua Silvester, James D. Black, 
Matthew Hooper and William L. Weston, to act in 
the conference, suggested by the above letter, with 
the trustees of the Institute and the Lyceum and Li- 
brary Committee. Appropriate resolutions were 
passed at a town-meeting held January 12, 1857 ; and 
at the same time it was voted to otler to the trustees 
for the use of the branch library certain rooms in the 
Town-House over the selectmen's and town-clerk's 
offices. And here the library was situated for about 
a dozen years. The first delivery of books from the 
branch library was September 5, 18.57. It then con- 
tained two thousand three hundred and seventy vol- 
umes. 

But as early as the March meeting of 18.57, the 
town took action towards securing a suitable lot 
on which some time to erect a library building. The 
matter was referred with full powers to a committee 
consisting of the selectmen and JMatthew Hooper and 
Wm. L. Weston at large ; and, !)y districts, Joshua 
Silvester, Mo.ses Black, Jr., Aar.ai Putnam, Francis P. 
Putnam, James Goodale, Israel W. Andrews, George 
Tapley and Frederick A. Wilkins. This committee 
purchased, for four thousand dollars, about four and 
a half acres, fronting on Sylvan Street, of land 
formerly a part of Judge Samuel Putnam's estate. 
Mr. Silvester, Mr. Hooper and Augustus Mudge were 
appointed to lay out the ground in a suitable manner. 
This latter committee expended $.347.13 in grading, 
laying out walks, etc., and they set out two hundred 
and sixty-one rock-maple trees. In their report they 
say: 

"When Mr. George Peabody was riding through these grounds last 
August, he seemed to inquire with much interest, what grounds they 
were ; he wiis answered that it was Peabody Park, a lot purchased by 
the Town for the Branch Library Building site, and as there is no name 
sanctioned by the Town, the Committee would advise the adoption of 
Peabody Park as the future name of this lot. . . . The committee 
would also express their appreciation of the valuable services of one of 
their number who has been removed by death, Mr. Matthew Hooper, 
and add their testimony to his worth as a member of the committee and 
the high estimation in which he was justly held by citizens of the 
town." 

Ten years passed, long, trying years ; and after the 
war was over, in the spring of 18G6, it was known that 
Mr. Peabody intended to visit this country again. At 
a special town-meeting, April 2.'-!, l.SOO, Rev. Milton 
P. Braman and Daniel Richards were sent to meet 
Mr. Peabody at New York, and in concert with a 
delegation from South Danvers to tender him a 
cordial welcome in behalf of both towns. 

This visit was especially auspicious to Danvers. 
Not contented with the generous gilt of the branch 
library, Mr. Peabody had come prepared to make a 
far more notable donation. The endowment of ihe 
Peabody Institute of Danvers is contained in the 
following letter : 

" To Rev. Milton P. Braman, Joshua Silvester, Francis Peabody, 
Jr., Samuel P. Fowler, Daniel Richards, Israel W. Andrews, Jacob 



DANVERS. 



517 



v. PeKKY, ChAKLES r. PRKSTUN lllul IsitVKL 11. IH^TNAM, Rsyits., nil ,il 

I)anver8. 

"Gentlemen; — In a letter to the Trvistees cif the Peabody Institute 
at South Danvers, bearing date of the 2"Jd of hist month, T expressed to 
thuni my purpose of giving, in a4^1ditiyu to the Ten Tbousiiiid liullara 
lurmerly given by uie to tlicni lor the foumlation of the Branch Library 
in your town, tbe sum of Forty Thousand Dullars, tiiaking in all Fitty 
Thousand Dollars for the foundation of a separate ^nd distinct Institu- 
tion in your town ; and with the understindiug that by the necestiary 
nuincipal aition on the part of South Danvera and Danvers, each town 
Bhouk: formally relimpiish all rights and privileges in the Library, Lec- 
tures or other beuetlts of tlie other ; and I then also stated that it would 
be necessary that the fund heretofore placed in the hands of the Trustees 
uf the Institute at South Danvers fur the especial use of the Branch Lib- 
rary should be transferred to those who should hereafter have it in 
charge. 

"The Town of South Danvers having taken the municipal action indi- 
cated in the letter to which I have referred, I now, with the underatand- 
ing that the Town of Danvers has taken or shall take like action, desig- 
nate you, gentiemeu, as the persons to whom the funds heretofore held 
by the said Trustees for the benefit of the Branch Library, shall now be 
transferred, and give you in addition tlie sum uf Forty Thousand Dol- 
lars; which with the amount thus transferred to you, shall be by you 
held in trust, or expended under the provision of such Trust, for the 
establishment of an Institute, for the promotion of knowledge and Mo- 
rality, in the Town of Danvers, similar in its general character to that 
which now exists at South Danvers. 

" Of the amount, I direct that the sum of thirty thousaml ilollars be 
and alwaj's remain permanently invested as a Fund, of which the 
annual income shall be expended, under the direction of yourselves and 
your successors for the maintenance, increase, and care of the Library, 
and the delivery of such Lectures or courses of Lectures, aa shall be con- 
ducive to the purpose proposed in the establishment of the institution. 

" The remainder uf the amount I have placed in your hands as above, 
shall be used for the erection of a suitable building for the Library and 
other purposes of the said Institute, which shall be completed within 
two yeaii* from the date hereof. In the event of any and all the vacan- 
cies occurring in the number of you, my Trustees above nann-d, by resig- 
nation, by death, or in what manner soever such vacancy shall occur, I 
direct that such vacancy shall be filled by the choice of the luhabitants 
of the Town of Danvers legally qualified to vote at Town-meetings, who 
shall, at a Town-meeting to be called for the purpose as soon as conven- 
iently may be after such vacancy occur?, make such choice ; and 1 
further direct tliat my said Trustees shall annually make and print a 
Report, which shall be made public and published setting forth the con- 
dition of the Library and of the funds invested. 

"And wishing as I do to promote both now. and fur all coming tinm a 
spirit of Peace, unity and brotherly love, I enjoin upon you and your 
successors forever the* same principles and directions for your guidance 
in relation to party politics or sectarian theology, or any allusion to 
theii! whatever in any of the lectures, meetings or transactions of the In- 
stitute, which 1 have already enjoined upon the Trustees of the Peabody 
Institute at Scnith Danvers, in my letter September 22, tsOO, and I beg 
to refer you specially to that letter, for the rules to be observed in rela- 
tion to your future course. 

"I have further to ask, that you will communicate the contents of 
this letter of trust to a town-meeting of the citizens of Danvers at aa 
early a day as convenient. 

"I am with high respect your humble servant, 

"George PE.^Bol>K 
"(Jakland, Md , October 30, 1866." 

RULES REFERBED TO IN ME. PEABODV'S LETTER. 

" My earnest wish to promote at all times a spirit of harmony and 
good will in society, iny aversion to intolerance and party rancor and my 
enduring respect and love for the happy institutionfj of our prosperous 
republic, impel me to express the wish that the Institute I have pur- 
posed to you shall always be strictly guarded against the possibility of 
being made a theater for the dissemination ur discussion of sectarian 
theology or party politics ; that it shall never minister in any manner 
whatever to infidelity, to visionary theories of a pretended philosophy 
which may be aimed at the subversion of the approved morals of society ; 
that it shall never lend its aid or influence to the propagation of opin- 
ions tending to create or encourage sectional jwalousiss in our happy 
country, or which may lead to the alienation of the people of one state 
er section of the Cnion from another. 

" But that it shall be so conducted, throughout its whole career, aa to 



teach political and leligions charity, toleration and beneficence, and 
prove itself to be, in all conditions and contingencies, the true friend of 
our inestimable Union, of the salutary institutions of our free govern- 
ment, and of liberty regulated by law." 

Some question arose as to the best location for the 
New Institute. At the annual meeting of the town, 

1867, the matter was referred to a committee, of 
which \Vm. L. Weston was chairman, who reported, 
" There are many considerations which would make 
it de.sirahle that a Imilding such as is proposed should 
he more centrally located ; but, after conferring with 
the Trustees, they are nearly unanimous in the con- 
clusion that the interests of the town will be best 
promoted by its location on the spot originally se- 
lected. They therefore recommend the passage of 
the following vote : That the Selectmen of the town 
be and they are hereby authorized to transfer to the 
Trustees of the Peabody Institute the lot known as 
Peabody Park, for the purpose of erecting thereon, at 
such time as the Tru.stees may deem expedient, a Ly- 
ceum and Library building.'' 

These recommendations were accepted. Time adds 
each year to the beauty of the grounds and empha- 
sizes the wisdom (if the choice. 

Plans for a building were laid before Mr. Peabody 
and approved by him. (_)n the 10th of February, 

1868, a contract was made with Charles H. Smith, of 
Newburyport, tor its construction, for the sum of 
$18,500. The institute was completed in January, 
1870, at a total cost of $29,2-11- It is a wooden build- 
ing, inclined to the Gothic style of architecture, 
eighty-six by fifty-two feet, and contains on the lower 
rtoor the Peabody Public Library, and on the second 
rioor a large lecture-hall. 

Mr. Peabody was ag.iin expected from iMigland 
during the summer of 1870. The formal opening of 
the institute was deferred to the 14th of July, when 
he, him-elf, was present. A permanent record of the 
eventii of that memorable day was made by the gra- 
phic pen of Dr. Braman. 

A few months later, and the world received in sad- 
ness the news that Ueorge Peabody was dead. He 
died on the 4th of November, 1870, in London. 
Once more he was borne across the Atlantic, and the 
cannon of a noble ship of the Queen of England an- 
nounced to his native land the arrival of his body- 
According to his dying request he was buried from 
the place where he was born, and tlie funeral ]>omp 
was such as when a king dies. 

The citizens of South Danvers had already lionored 
and perpetuated his name by the acceptance of an 
act passed bv the Legislature April l.i, 1868, that 
** the town of South Danvers, in the l'i)unt.y of Kisex, 
shall take the name of Peabody." 

The people of Danvers hold Mr. Peabody's name 
very dear. His gift to them wius especially generous, 
for, were his only motive to remember his birth-place, 
that might well have been satisfied by his original 
gift to the old town. The Peabody Institute of Dan- 



518 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



vers is a potent influence for education, which, in the 
words of tlie donor, " is a debt due from the present 
to future generations." 

Of the original life Trustees Francis Peabody, 
Jr., Samuel P. Fowler, Israel W. Andrews and Is- 
rael H. Putnam are still on the hoard. 

The first vacancies occurred in 1871, when Mr. 
Braman and Mr. Preston resigned. It was then voted 
that the term of office of trustees elected by the town 
should be four years; and Mr. Preston and Melvin B. 
Putnam were elected. In 1875 Mr. Preston and Ezra 
D. Hines were elected. In 1877 Mr. Perry resigned 
and Dr. W. W. Eaton- was elected in his place. In 
1879 Mr. Preston and Mr. Hines were re-elected. At 
the expiration of Dr. Eaton's term, in 1881, J.Peter 
Gardner was elected. In 1883 Lucius A. Mudge and 
William T. Damon were elected. In 1886 Mr. Gard 
ner was re-elected. In 1887 Mr. Mudge and Mr. 
Damon were re-elected, and Joseph W. Woodman 
was also elected to fill the vacancy caused by the 
death of Daniel Richards. 

A course of free lectures, concerts, etc., have been 
annually provided since the winter of 1867-68, at an 
average expense of about |500. 

By an act of the Legislature, March 16, 1882, the 
trustees were incorporated to hold jiroperty to the ex- 
tent of 1300,000. 

The list of librarians since the opening of the 
Branch Library, — April 1, 1857, Nathaniel Hills; 
June 24, 1865, 8. P. Fowler, pro tern. ; October 9, 
1865, Wm. Kankin, Jr.; January, 1867, A. iSumner 
Howard; April, 1882, Lizzie M. Howard; January 3, 
1885, Emilie K. Davis. A few summers ago the 
library was closed and the books classified and cata- 
logued according to modern scientific methods. The 
special committee were Dr. W. W. Eaton and Rev. 
W. E. C. Wright, of the Maple Street Church. A 
contemporaneous report says that " upon the latter 
rested the heaviest burden of gratuitous work which, 
he has shouldered, although it was a labor of love, 
and carried through almost without stopping to rest 
for six months. With what assistance the doctor 
could find time to give, Mr. Wright has directed and 
superintended every detail of its preparation, and ])er 
formed himself a large part of the most responsible 
and difficult work." 

The whole number of volumes now in the library, 
12,024; number of borrowers' cards issued, 2300; 
average number of books delivered each day, 185. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

D.\NVERS— ( Conlhined). 

INDU.STRIAL PURSDIT.S1— SOCIETIES — PHYSICIANS, ETC. 

Ageiciilture. — Farming has of necessity been 
moat developed within recent years in the line of 



market-gardening. Proliably nowhere in the counly 
can finer cultivated fields be seen than in this town. 
Sun and rain, bugs and worms, remain as ever uncer- 
tain elements, but there has been a wonderful ad- 
vance in the application of scientific principles. 
Very much of that broad plain, up which swept the 
tide of original settlement, is devoted to this sort of 
farming. The land here is rich and level, and every 
acre is worked for all it is worth. The Danvers 
onion is famous everywhere. Hundreds of barrels 
are raised within half a mile of the Collins House. 
Much of this land is comparatively new, "Turkey 
Plain," as it used to be called, having been covered 
with bushes within the memory of some living, and 
a hundred years ago thought to be the poorest land 
in town. The older fann.s are generally under thor- 
ough and enterprising management. Many of them 
make a specialty of producing milk. 

An article by the editor of the Massachusetts 
Ploughman , in that jiaper November, 1880, is author- 
ity lor the statement that the reputation of Danvers 
exceeds that of Weathersfield, Conn., for the cultiva- 
tion of the onion, and, further, that " no town in the 
State is so distinguished for its superior orcharding." 
This statement will not here be challenged. If it be 
true, it is well, and fits well to the fact that here on 
the "Orchard Farm" of Governor Endicott the first 
fruit trees of any account in New England — perhaps 
the whole country — were raised. A hundred years 
ago pear-trees were to be seen near every fiirm-house. 
Some had a few plum and peach-trees. These bore 
abundantly. Most of the apple-trees were then of 
natural fruit, and the apples were largely consumed 
in the shape of cider. An old cider-mill which stood 
on the General Putnam place was thus constructed. 
A trench was dug, fifteen inches wide and fifty feet 
in circumference, and flat stones were placed on the 
bottom ; the sides were of brick, eighteen inches deep. 
Apples were thrown in this circular trench, and a 
heavy stone wheel, drawn by horse-power and re- 
volving about a central upright, did the squeezing. 
The apparatus was taken down about 1819. Deacon 
Joseph Putnam, who owned and carried on this mill, 
and Abram Dodge, of Wenham, were the first in the 
county to plant apple orchards of improved varieties 
for growing winter apples for market. This was soon 
after the Revolution. At that time farms were val- 
ued not so much for their location as for the amount 
of stock they would keep. The Clark farm was then 
considered the best farm in Danvers, so Wni. R. Put- 
nam has written. Before the discovery of the uses of 
coal relieved the fear of a scarcity of wood, every 
well-appointed farm included one or more peat lots. 
Here and there peat sheds are still seen in the mead- 
ows, but it is not common, as formerly, to see about 
the farm-buildings carefully piled blocks of this sort 
of fuel. Its most general use was from about 1780 to 
about 1830. 

The Essex Agricultural Society has from the first 



DANVERS. 



519 



lieeii wannly supported by the fiirmers of Danvers. 
Among the iueorporators of the society, June 12, 
1818, were Frederick Howes and Jesse Putnam. The 
Danvers men have always taken a good share of 
premiums at the annual exhibitions, and they now 
stand at the head of membership. Charles P. Pres- 
ton was for twenty-five years secretary of the society, 
resigning in 1885. Some minutes of the exhibition of 
1848 show that Elijah Pope received the first pre- 
mium for ploughing with double team, and Francis 
Dodge the second. For working oxen, Orrin Putnam, 
fourth ; Francis Dodge, fifth. Working steers, 
Elijah Pope, second. Fat oxen, Perley Goodale, 
first. Bulls, Orrin Putnam, second. Milch heifers, 
Eben Putnam, third. Yearlings, Francis Dodge, 
first. Sheep, Elijah Pope, gratuity, no premiums 
given. June butter, Charle.s P. Preston, first ; same, 
second for September butter. 

Jonathan Perry came to Danvers in 180.3, wheu he was 
twenty-one years old. In 1815 he bought the Towne 
farm of some fifty acres, which has remained in the 
family since that time. Mr. Perry was the first farmer 
in Essex County to raise strawberries and dandelions 
for the market, and for over thirty years he drove a 
vegetable wagon to Salem. His sons, Horatio and 
.James, followed the same business, and will long be 
remembered and missed. Shortly before the death of 
the former, a few months ago, ho furnished the writer 
with scmie information in regard to his father, who 
was a most excellent citizen. In the cause of temper- 
ance and liberty he was first and foremost; he was 
one of the five who first signed the total abstinence 
]iledge and stood alone for more than a year; he 
labored earnestly to start the first temperance store in 
town ; he was one of the twelve Liberty Party voters in 
1840; was captain ot the militia company for a num- 
ber of years. 

Shoe Busine.-^s. — All over this part of the country, 
outside of tlie thickly settled villages, a peculiar type 
of building may be noticed. It has grown dingy 
from lack of paint, and cob-webs and old hats have 
not unccimmonly usur|ied the glazier's work. Here 
a hospital for decrepit plows and rusty guns, there 
converted into sleeping apartments for poultry, now 
freshened up into quarters for a " hired help,'' again 
abandoned altogether, sitting cozily by the roadside 
and near liy the home, ec[uipped with a chimney and 
well supplied with windows, the olisorving stranger — 
and it must be considerable of a stranger not to know 
all about it — struck by the number of its duplicates, 
could not fail to conclude that it was originally de- 
signed for some use to which it is not now put. 

The little building is a monument to the departed 
days of the industry here spoken of. It is a shoe- 
maker's shop. Here, for many years, the "stock"' 
was brought from some one of the manufacturers, 
and in the intervals between farm chores was made 
up. [t was a family work shop, the boys learning 
early to use hammer and awl, and the girls "closing" 



and " binding." It was, too, a sort of educational 

and political exchange. While the jiegs flew in at 
the swil't strokes or the hlack-liall stick coursed round 
the freshly trimmed edge, ears were open to some one 
who read aloud what Horace Greeley said in the last 
rribujie about Kansas. Town topics and national 
legislation were here freely discussed, and the forever 
unsettled ipiestions, which no man will solve until 
the mystery itself comes, were likewise earnestly and 
thoughtfully del)ated. Pair by pair the finished shoes 
went back into the stock box, and when the sixtieth 
completed the "set," the hinged lid was fastened 
down and the old horse took a triji to town for pay 
and fresh work. Business was steady, pretty much 
the year round, and there was always the little land 
to fall back upon, — no fear of slack times between 
trades, and no labor troubles. 

Machinery has closed the little .sho|is. First a sim- 
ple roller replaced the old lap-stone. That made no 
difference. Even when the pegging-machine was 
successfully intrdduced "gangs" were formed, and 
for a time the shops struggled against steam. But 
-team concjuered, and here, as elsewhere, shoes have 
been nuule by the hands of many men and women, 
from cutter to packer, all working under one roof, 
and, so far as possible, by the aid of pcjwer machin- 
ery. 

Danvers was a rei)re.sentative shoe-town in the 
days of the old regime, and much business is here 
done in the modern way. The first shoe manufac- 
turer in town was Zerubbabel Porter, and a little 
shop at the foot of Porter's Hill, standing until with- 
in a few years, was the cradle of the business. Mr. 
Porter was a tanner by trade, and he cotnraenced 
making shoes in order to wurk up leather unsaleable 
for custom trade. This was about the time of the 
Revolution. That little shop, which was raised from 
its first condition so that tanning was carried on in 
the basement and shoemaking above, became a sort 
of normal school in the latter art, fnmi which nuiiiy 
graduated to success. About the time young Elias 
Endicolt married Nancy ('reasy, of Beverly, in 17iM, 
he, likewise a tanner and currier by trade, built a 
little shop for that business. That shop now forms 
the parlor of the present residence of Elias Endicott 
Porter, above Putnamville. The young man pres- 
ently added a second story, moved into it, and kept 
at his business beneath. 

More additions were made, and about the i-om- 
mencement of this century, in a small shoji still used 
as a woodshed, hi' too, following the example of his 
brother-in-law, began to manufacture shoes. Both 
found nuirkets in lialtimorc and other southern ports, 
packing their goods in barrels and shipping them 
from Salt-m on hoard of coasters. 

Jonathan Porter worked for his cousin Zerubbabel 
as early as 178(i, and anujiig hisajiprentices was Caleb 
Oakes, who commenced to manufacture in the little 
shop, and later built up a large and prosperous busi- 



520 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ness at Danversport. His widowed mother, who was 
a Putnam, came here from Portsmouth when he was 
hut two years old. He was brought up by Colonel 
Enoch Putnam, married Mehitable, daughter of Na 
thaniel Pope, and is buried with her in the old Pope 
buryingground. He was the father of William 
Oakes, the distinguished botanist. 

About 1789 a young boy of fourteen went to Jona- 
than Porter, to learn his trade, and when he became 
of age he took out work a year for Caleb Oakes. 
One day, when he returned a set of shoes and found 
no stock ready for him, Mr. Oakes sold him a little 
leather and told him he might cut it up himself. 
The next set of shoes he made he put into saddle- 
bags and took them to Boston on horseback. From 
this beginning Moses Putnam continued with patient 
industry and sagacity until he became, in the neigh- 
borhood which bears his name, the chief shoe manu- 
facturer of the town. He followed the business 
steadily for fifty-seven years, surviving two sons and 
a son-in-law, all of whom had been as.sociated with 
him. 

Among other early manufacturers were Samuel 
Putnam, Nathaniel Boardman, Eben Putnam, Major 
.Toseph Stearns, Daniel Putnam, Gilbert Tapley, the 
Prestons, Elias Putnam and Joshua Silvester. Fifty 
years ago the business was confined mostly to Put- 
namville, the Plains and the Port. About that time 
James Goodale and Otis Mudge began to manufacture 
at the Centre. In 18.54 there were thirty-five firms, 
making more than a million and a half pairs annu- 
ally, and giving employment to about twenty-five 
hundred men and women. 

Samuel Preston and Joshua Silvester were carrying 
on business on opposite sides of the square at the 
time of the great fire of 1S45. About 1830 Mr. 
Preston was also running a store at Perley's corner. 
David Wilkins did his teaming, going into Boston 
four times a week with a pair of horses. He would 
load up with cases of brogans and start at one or two 
o'clock in the morning, and deliver the shoes at the 
various wharves along old Commercial Street. Then, 
with a load of groceries previously ordered, — molas- 
ses, great boxes »( sugar bound with raw hide, and 
with a hundred sides of leather on top of all, — he 
drove back. One Hartwell at the Port was, at the 
same time teaming for the Putnamville people, and 
did a good business. Eater Mr. Wilkins, still a fa- 
miliar figure with his lumber-wagon in our streets, 
formed a partnership with the late D. J. Preston, 
and took all the Boston teaming. It was the grow- 
ing importance of the shoe business and the need of 
banking accommodation that led to the establishment 
of the Village Bank in 183(i. During the financial 
crisis of the next year Danvers men lost heavily with 
others. For twenty years there was prosperity, and 
then the crisis of 18.57 and the demoralization of 
business occasioned by the breaking out of the war, 
forced many to the wall. Those who pulled through 



or rallied afresh, had prosperous times during the 
war. 

Among those who have contributed to the fame of 
Danvers as a shoe town within the past twenty or 
thirty years, and who have either retired, deceased or 
engaged otherwise in business, are John Sears, Daniel 
F. Putnam, J. C. Butler, C. H. Gould, Ira P. Pope, 
Alfred Fellows, J. R. Langley, Amos A. and Henry 
A. White, Joel Putnam, Aaron Putnam, I. H. Put- 
nam, William E. Putnam, I. H. Boardman, Henry 
F. Putnam, Phinehas Corning, J. M. Sawyer, G. B. 
Martin, G. H. Peabody. 

The oldest established firm still in business is that 
of E. and A. Mudge & Co. Edwin Mudge, senior 
partner, commenced manufacturing in 1837, when 
nineteen years old. From 1840 to 1847 he was asso- 
ciated with his brother Otis. In 1849 he formed the 
partnership with his brother Augustus, which, with 
the admission of Edward Hutchinson in 18.58, has 
since remained without fiirther change. After a num- 
ber of expedients to accommodate their extensive 
business, the firm erected a large three-story factory, 
well fitted with all modern conveniences. It was sit- 
uated close by the residences of its owners, and was 
the life of the Center, but at present the tall chimney 
is the melancholy moiuiment of its former existence. 
It was burned about the first of June, 1885. Its loss 
has not proved so disastrous to the Center as was 
feared, for it so happened that the firm were able to 
move at once into the factory they now occupy at the 
corner of Pine and Holten Streets, Tapley ville, taking 
their old help with them, and the horse cars make the 
two villages practically one. Upon the corner men- 
tioned, George B. Martin manufactured shoes, and 
built up a prosperous business in a factory which, by 
successive additions, had grown to great size, and 
was occupied by Martin, Clapp and French (W. T. 
Martin, son of (x. B.), when, on the night of February 
23, 1883, the whole establishment and five adjoining 
dwellings were burned. The firm at once rebuilt, but 
they had not hmg occupied their fine factory before 
they experienced serious labor troubles and were in- 
duced to move their business to Dover, N. H. Thus 
the Mudges were enabled to move into it at once after 
their fire. G. W. Clapp withdrew from the Martin 
firm at the time of its removal, and with W. A. Tap- 
ley commenced the business carried on near the old 
carpet factory. Other large shoe manufacturers are 
C. C. Farwell & Co., J. E. Farrar & Co., Glover & Co. 
and Eaton & Sears ; numerous other firms do a smaller 
business. 

BElcK-MAKiNfi. — Danvers bricks rival l)anvers 
onions in their reputation for sterling qualities. Far- 
mer Andrews' trip to Medford and young Jeremiah 
Page's return with him, the origin of the business 
here, has been mentioned in the sketch of the Plains. 
Mr. Page continued the business, of which he was the 
pioneer, to the close of his life, 180G, and at his de- 
cease his son, John Page, and son-in-law, John Fow- 



DANVERS. 



521 



ler, carried it on a few years iu partnership. Mr. 
Page then continued the business alone, and witli 
such energy and success that Page's bricks were wide- 
ly known and in great demand. He is said to have 
made the first "clapped bricks," which were really 
pressed bricks, made before the invention of machin- 
ery facilitated this most important feature of brick- 
making. For many years Sir. Page was a large con- 
tractor for government work, and many of his bricks 
were used in fortifications and light-houses. A verr 
large number were sent to Forts Taylor and Jefferson 
on the Florida coast. In fact Danvers bricks were 
the government standard, specifications calling for 
them or others as good. Mr. Page had yards on both 
sides of High Street, that on the we-sterly side extend- 
ing beyond the location of the railroad and others on 
South Liberty Street near the Peabody line. 

Deacon Joseph Putnam and Israel, his brother, 
nei)hews of tieneral Israel, many years ago made 
bricks near the driving-park on Conant Street. The 
Webbs, too, were early brick-makers, Nathaniel 
Webb, grandfather of Putnam Webb, now living at 
the Port, having a yard near the horse-car stables on 
High Street. Jotham Webb was just beginning busi- 
ness below the box-mill at the Port, when at the 
Lexington alarm, he hurriedly donned his wedding 
suit, and was brought back to his young bride slain 
by a British bullet. 

Josiah Gray was born in Beverly, but bis jiarenls 
moved to Bridgeton, Me., when he w;is a small boy. 
He came thither when a young man and learned to 
make bricks under John Page. He then worked 
some fifteen years making nails and anchors at the 
iron works, but on the occasion of a sharp cut in 
wages he began to make bricks in East Danvers, then 
Beverly. He virtually made Liberty Street what it 
is to-day, erecting a number of dwellings and setting 
out the first shade trees. He died in 1873 at an ad- 
vanced age, having been a most excellent citizen. The 
business which he began has continued prosperously iu 
his family for more than fifty years. In 18S1 the old 
yard off" Liberty Street, then carried on by S. F. and 
J. A. Gray was bought by the New England Pressed 
Brick Company. Expensive works proved, however, 
a poor substitute for simpler jjrocesses and the com- 
jiany failed. J. A. Gray went to Maine, and S. F. 
Gray, is carrying on the yard olf High Street, former- 
ly worked by W. H. Porter. 

Asa and Nathan Tapley and Matthew Hooper 
were early brickmakers iu District No. 0. William 
H. Walcott succeeded Nathan Tapley, and William 
T. Trask succeeding Mr. Walcott, at present carries 
on that yard. Isaac Evans, Samuel Low and Moody 
Elliott were also among the early nuikers. G. H. 
Day commenced business in LSGl ; his sons, G. H. 
and E. F. Day, later. Samuel Trask, who succeeded 
Mr. Evans, W. H. Porter, Edward Carr and H. E. 
Elliott, began about the same time. At some time, 
John C. Page made bricks on Lefavour's Plain, 
33 J 



South of Water's River, near Kernwcjod ; and ('harles 
I'age in the large pasture near Crane Kiver bridge ; 
this latter yard was reopened by the Grays, and some 
of the bricks for the Danvers Lunatic Hos|)ilal, for 
which they had the contract, were made here. 

Jtdin Grout had a yard in tlie rear of his residence 
on High Street. It is estimated that about five mil- 
lion bricks are now annually made here, divided as 
follows : 

I'.. H. Day I,6u<),nOO 

S. K. Gray I,(K)0,OOU 

Wwiird Ciirr 1,000,000 

I". .\. Oiillivan 800,(100 

Sumiifl Tnisk 600,000 

Will. T. Trask 400,0(JO 

Of these, at least, a fifth are of first quality front 
brick, rated in the market as good as any made in 
New England. 

PnysiCTANS. — ^\'ith the exception of an uncertain 
report of a Dr. Gregg, said to have lived at Salem 
Village iu 1(11)2, there is no evidence that the town 
had any settled physician until about 1725, but de- 
pended for medical and surgical services upon the 
Salem doctors. 

Jonathan Prince was [)robably born in Danvers 
and was certaiidy the first resident physician of whom 
there is any clear account. He studied medicine 
with Dr. Toothaker, of Billerica, and was the pre- 
cejitor of Drs. Amos Putnam and Samuel Holten. 
He lived on the southern slope of Hathorne Hill, at 
a spot nuirked by a cluster of pines. The house was 
long since removed to the corner of Hobart and For- 
rest Streets, where it is known as the " Hook house." 

Amos PuT^^A.^[ was bom in Danvers 1722. He 
pursued his medical studies with Dr. Prince, and 
practiced in the town till the opening of the French 
War, when he entered the service as a surgeon. At 
the close of the war he returned to Danvers, and fol- 
lowed his profession until he was more than eighty 
years of age. He was a justice of the peace for many 
years, and one of the most influential citizens of the 
town. His grave is in a small inclosure near the 
Collins House, marked by a ])lain head-stone, on 
which is the following inscription : " Sacred to the 
memory of Doct. Amos Putnam and Hannah Pliil- 
hps, the wife of A. P." He died July 26, 1807, aged 
eighty-five. She died Oct. 2, 1758, aged thirty-three. 

Samuel Holten was more distinguished in our 
history in other respects thau as a physician. An 
outline of his Iiiography has been already given- 

A];rH?:LAUsPuTNA,M was born in Danvers in 17-14. 
His birth-place and residence through life was the old 
Putnam homestead, near Wadsworth Cemetery. He 
graduated from Harvard College in 17(13, and soon 
after commenced to practice his profession in town. 
He w:us a skillful |ihysician and surgeon, and a man 
of great inflnence among his fellow-citizens. His 
death occurred in LSOO, and his remains are buried iu 
Wadsworth Cemetery. 



522 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



James Putnam, son of Dr. Amos Putnam, was 
born in Danvers about 1760, studied medicine and 
was associated in practice with his father. 

Andrew Nichols was born November 2, 1785, 
died 1853. See sketch of his life and portrait. 

Dr. Shed was a druggist rather than a practicing 
physician. He was long town clerk, and something is 
said of him in connection with that office. He lived 
in the South Parish. 

During the first years of this century quite a num- 
ber of physicians began business in town, but after a 
brief period removed to other localities. Among 
these may be mentioned, Drs. Clapp, Cilley, Gould, 
Porter, Patten and Carleton. 

Dr. Carleton located at the Port, and was famous 
as a "singing-master." Dr. Patten lived in what is 
now the Bijss River House. 

George Osgood was born in North Andover, 
March, 1784. After receiving his medical degree he 
came to Danvers and commenced practice in 1808. 
He also joined the Massachusetts Medical Society 
the same year. His home was for a time near the 
village bank building, and afterwards near the Essex 
depot, in the Abbott House. He was in active prac- 
tice more than half a century, and during this long 
time he was one of the most familiar figures in the 
town. He was a son-in-law of Dr. Holten, and is 
buried near the grave of the latter in the Holten 
Cemetery. The'headstone bears this inscription: 

Georoe Osgood, M.D. 

He practiced medicine in tliis town fifty-five years. 

Beloved and respected by all who knew him. 

He passed to bis rest, fliuy "JG, 1863, 

Aged 79 years, 2 months. 

Ebenezer Hunt, whose name has often appeared 
in these pages, for more than half a century prac- 
ticed in this town of his adoption. He was born in 
Nashua, N.H., April 13, 1799; died at Danversport, Oc- 
tober 27, 1874. He graduated at Dartmouth Medical 
College in 1822, and the next year settled here. He 
was among the earliest and foremost in the temper- 
ance and anti-slavery movements, and so ardent was 
his patriotism that when war came he enlisted as as- 
sistant surgeon in the Eighth Regiment. Radical in 
his views, grufl' in manner, he was warm of heart 
and skillful in his profession, and will long be re- 
membered as a useful citizen. 

David A. Geosvenor, Jr., a son of Dr. Grosve- 
uor, of North Reading, was born in Manchester, 
Mass., 1812. He pursued his medical studies with 
his father, and also with Dr. Mussey, of Hanover, 
N. H. He received his diploma as Doctor of Medi- 
cine from Dartmouth Medical School in 1835. He 
commenced practice in Rutland, Mass., in 1836, but 
three years later came to Danvers and settled. His resi- 
dence is on Elm Street, near the Esjex depot. He 
became a member of the Ma-ssachusetts Medical So- 
ciety in 1840. 

J W. Snow, born in Eastham, Mass., October 10, 



1820. Studied medicine at Harvard Medical School 
and Hospital. Graduated at Pittsfleld College ; com- 
menced practice at Liverpool, Nova Scotia, in 1847 ; 
settled in Danvers, January 1, 1850 ; removed to 
Saco, Me., in 1867, and shortly after to Boston, where 
he now resides. 

Dr. p. M. Chase was born in Bradford, Mass., May 
11, 1828; entered Phillips Academy, Andover, in 
1847 ; attended a medical course at Woodstock, Vt., 
in 1853; was a pupil of Dr. H. B. Fowler, of Bristol, 
N. H. ; entered the Medical Department at Dart- 
mouth College in 1854, and in 1855 entered Harvard 
Medical School, and graduated from Harvard Medi- 
cal College in 1857 ; located at Danvers as practicing 
physician in 1857;, was commissioned examining sur- 
geon for recruits in the Rebellion in 1861 ; in 1874 
was commissioned United States Examining Surgeon 
for Pensions; in 1875 was commissioned surgeon in the 
Eighth Regiment, M. V. M. ; was a Democratic can- 
didate for State Senator in 1874-75. He died at his 
residence, corner of Locust and Oak Streets, January 
4, 1887. 

Lewis AVhiting, homeopathist, was born in Han- 
over, Mass., January 24, 1832; he graduated from the 
Bridgewater Normal School, and taught school till his 
health failed ; began the study of medicine at Belle- 
vue Hospital, N. Y., in 1861 ; was afterwards two 
years in the navy as surgeon's steward ; continued his 
studies in 1864 at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, in New York, and graduated in 1865 at the 
New York Homeopathic Medical College; settled in 
Danvers August, 1865. Residence on Putnam 
Street. 

William Winslow Eaton, born in Webster, Me., 
May 20, 1836 ; graduated from Bowdoin College in 
1861 ; began the study of medicine, in I860, with Dr. 
Isaac Lincoln, of Brunswick ; took his first and second 
course of lectures in 18(«1 and '02, at the Maine Medi- 
cal School ; was a pui)il of Dr. Valentine Mott in the 
winter of '63 and graduated at N.Y. University in 1864; 
entered the military service as assistant surgeon of the 
Sixteenth Regiment, Maine Infantry, in 1862 ; was 
promoted to surgeon and served three years ; began 
practice in South Reading, Mass., in 1865; removed to 
Danvers in April, 1867; was elected a member of the 
Maine Medical Association, and of the Massachu- 
setts Medical Society in 1865. Residence on Holten 
Street, near the Peabody Institute. Dr. P^aton has 
served on the school committee, as trustee of Peabody 
Institute, and in other public capacities, and has been 
recently elected president of the Walnut Grove Ceme- 
tery corporation. 

D. Homee Batcheldee, born in Londonderry, 
N. H., 1811, graduated at Berkshire Medical College 
in 1840, practiced thirteen years in Londonderry, 
then removed to Cranston, R. I., from which town he 
came to Danvers in December, 1876. His residence 
was at the Port, and after a few years he moved else- 
where and was succeeded by Dr. Frost. 



DANVERS. 



523 



Edgar O. Fowler was born in Bristol, N. H., 
May 7, 1S53 ; graduated at New Hampton Institute; 
studied medicine with his father, Dr. H. B. Fowler, 
of Bristol, N. H. ; was a student at Bellevue Medical 
College and Long Island Hospital, N. Y., in 1872 and 
1873 ; graduated at Dartmouth Medical School with 
the degree of M.D. in 1873 ; commenced practice in 
Danvers in 1874 ; joined the Massachusetts Medical 
Society in 1875; died suddenly of heart disease, May 
1, 1884. 

Woodbury G. Frost wa-s born in Brunswick, Me. ; 
graduated at Bowdoin College in 1800 ; taught school 
before and after graduation ; received degree of A.M. 
in 18()3, and the degree of M.D. in ISfili ; was acting 
assistant surgeon under Farragut in the W. G. B. 
Squadron ; practiced medicine twenty years in Free- 
port and Portland, Me., and in Danvers, Mass. ; 
served on school committees in Maine, and at pres- 
ent is on the Danvers board. 

Drs. F. a. Gardner and Cowles recently prac- 
ticed here a short time. 

Dr. H. F. Batchelder, horaeopathist, has lately 
settled. 

Lawyers. — At least three natives of North Dan- 
vers have risen to high judicial positions, — Samuel 
Holten, as probate judge of Essex County; Samuel 
Putnam, as justice of the Su|)reme Ci>urt of Ma.ssa- 
chusetts ; and Rufus Tajdey, a.s justice of the Supreme 
Court of Maine. Hon. Nathan Read came also to 
be a Maine judge. Arthur A. Putnam ha-s been, if he 
is not still, judge of a local court in Worcester 
County. Judge Cummings of the Massachusetts 
Supreme Court ; Frederick Howes of the Burley 
Farm ; Abner C. Goodell, long Register of Probate 
at Salem ; and Mellen Chamberlain, ex-chief justice 
of the Municipal Court of Boston, and now superin- 
tendent of the Boston Public Library, have lived in 
North Danvers. Wm. Oakes was a lawyer, and prac- 
ticed somewhat in Ipswich, but devoted himself 
chiefly to botany. Among those who have jiracticed 
here and gone elsewhere are William (t. Choate, A. 
A. Putnam and Horace L. Hadley. A few devoted 
martyrs still remain to pour on oil when life's waters 
are troubled. Their names, — J. W. Porter, E. L. Hill, 
D. N. Crowley and A. P. White. Stephen H. Phil- 
lips, at one time attorney-general of Massachusetts, 
has within a few years taken up his residence on a 
part of the estate which was formerly owned by his 
father. A number of distinguished lawyers, includ- 
ing Rufus Choate, practiced in that part of Danvers 
which is now Peabody, and their names, here pur- 
posely omitted, will be found in the sketch of that 
town elsewhere in this book. 

The Danvers Li'NATir Hospital. — That is the 
official name, and though it doesn't slide so easily 
from the tongue as insane asylum it doubtless is pro- 
fessionally more correct. The act of 1873 author- 
ized the Governor to appoint commissioners to select 
and buy a site for a new hospital for the insane, to 



be located in the northeastern part of the State. 
S. C. Cobb, of Boston, C. C. Esty, of Framingham, 
and Edwin Walden, of Lynn, were so appointed, and 
they selected Hathorne Hill, in Danvers, then owned 
by Francis Dodge, as the best location. From an 
aesthetic and hygienic point of view, the situation of 
the great institution is superb, and the beautifully 
kept grounds on the summit of the sightly hill add 
much to the attractiveness of Danvers, yet on prac- 
tical grounds, the wisdom of placing the building so 
high has beeu questioned. 

Work was commenced on the hill May 1, 1874. The 
hospital was ready for use in May, 1878. The cost 
of buildings, land, etc., at the latter date was $1,599,- 
287.49. The first superintendent was Calvin S. May, 
M.D., who served from May 13, 1878, to August 9, 
18S0. William B. Goldsmith, M.D., was appointed 
superintendent March 1, 1881, and resigned Febru- 
ary 1, 188t), to accept a similar position at the Butler 
Hospital, Providence, R. I. During the year's ab- 
sence of Dr. Goldsmith in Europe, July 15, 1883, to 
July 15, 1884, Henry R. Stedman, M.D., was acting 
superintendent. William A. Gorton, the present 
su|)erintendent, was ajipointed on the date of Dr. 
Goldsmith's resignation. 

The first board of trustees were Charles P. Preston, 
of Danvers, Daniel S. Richardson, of Lowell, Gard- 
ner A. Churchill, of Boston, Samuel W. Hopkinson, 
of Bradiord, James Sturgia, of Boston. The present 
board, 18S7, include Messrs. Preston, Richardson and 
Hopkinson, and also Harriet R. Lee, of Salem, Solon 
Bancroft, of Reading, Dr. Orville F. Rogers, of Bos- 
ton, Florence Lyman, of Boston. 

Dr. May was treasurer as well as superintendent. 
After his resignation the offices were separated, and 
Stephen C. Rose, of Marblehead, was ajjpointed 
treasurer. He served from August 9, 1880, to Sep- 
tember 1, 1882, when his successor, Charles H. Gould, 
of Danvers, who at present holds the office, was ap- 
pointed. There are now, July, 1887, in the institu- 
tion seven hundred and fifty patients. The receipts 
for the past year were §151,598.95 ; payments, $149,- 
887; balance in favor of the institution, $1711.95. 
The coal bill was about $2500. 

The officers at the hospital, 1887, are as follows: 
superintendent, William A. fiorton ; lady physician, 
Julia K. Carey ; first a.ssistant physician, Edward P. 
Elliot; second assistant, Milo A. Jewott; third as- 
sistant, Arthur H. Harrington; treasurer, Charles 
H. Gould ; steward, Nathaniel W. Slarbird, Jr. ; clerk, 
C. A. Reed; engineer, G. A. Lufkin ; farmer, S. S. 
Pratt. 

Literary Societies. — Probably the first was the 
"New Mills Lyceum," organized December 24, 1832. 
Its original members were Wm. Francis, Alfred Por- 
ter, J. P. Harriman, Edward Stimpson, Hathorne 
Porter, Samuel Mclntire, Jr., Benj. Porter, Aug. 
Fowler, Jere. Page, Jr., Wm. Black, Wm. Endicott, 
Wm. Cheever, Edward Perry, Wm. Chaplin, David 



524 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Taylor, John Perkins, Samuel D. Pindar, H. G. Bix- 
by, Moses W. Wilson, Edward D. Verry, Joseph 
Merrill. 

The meetings were held in the school-house or 
Baptist vestry. Many of the young men who be- 
came conspicuous in the anti-slavery movement 
" learned to talk " in this debating club. 

Nearly fifty years ago the North Danvers Lyceum 
used to hold its meetings in the hall of the old tav- 
ern, which hall was part of the mansion once stand- 
ing on Folly Hill. On one side sat the ladies, on the 
other the gentlemen. The dignitaries, chief among 
whom were the ministers. Dr. Branian and others, 
sat at the head of the hall. Just how long the Ly- 
ceum continued its existence cannot be stated, but 
that for a time its meetings were the scenes of many 
vigorous and beneficial discussions on all sorts of 
topics, and by men who were no mean gladiators in 
sucli combats there is ample testimony. Mrs. Phil- 
brick has preserved thi.s interesting notice : 

"The question for debute on "Wednesday evening, December 25th, 
provided there be no lecture is — 

'* Will the present pressur(3 in business on the whole be a benefit to tiie 
community ? 

" PISPUTANTS. 

I P Proctor, 1 to- ,■ 0. A. Woodbury',! ,, ,. 

J. D. Pliilbrick, > Otis Mudge. J 

" North Danvers, December 18, 1839. 
" Mr. PiriLBBU'K : 

" At a meeting of N. D. Lyceum you were chosen one of the Library 
Committee for coming season. 

" I. P. Proctor, Secretary." 

The BowDlTCH CiAiB, which liad its origin among 
the young men of Putnaniville, grew to a flourishing 
and very useful existence, and lived far longer than 
such societies usually do. Its first meetings were 
held in the Putnamville school-house in 1857, and 
one of its original members and most enthusiastic 
supporters has informed the writer that so earnestly 
were questions debated that after adjournment certain 
members who lived at the Port would be accompanied 
and argued with all the way home. 

The club held its meetings at the Plains after 1858 
or 1859, and in 1870 moved into very comfortable 
quarters in the Bank Building. A halfa dozen years 
later it died the inevitable slow death of its kind. It 
has left a fine record, and was long an efficient agen- 
cy in the promotion of culture. The club maintained 
an annual lecture course, before the Peabody free 
course, and brought here the best talent to be had. 
Its own entertainments were of a high tone and al- 
ways interesting. The " Bowditch Club Dinner" 
was long a feature of each winter, and a " picnic " 
was held each summer. It would be well, indeed, 
for the town, were ju.st such another society in ex- 
istence to-day. 

The Holten Lyceum, Wadsworth Association, and 
perhaps other societies, have had their day and ceased 
to be, at the Centre. A number of other.s might be 
mentioned, the Shakespeare Club, the Atlas Society, 
etc., etc. 



The Danvers Scientific Association was organized 
September 27, 1882, and has held fortnightly meet- 
ings at Peabody Institute. The Sawyer Club is an 
active literary and social organization composed prin- 
cipally of members of the Universalist Society. 

The Danvers Women's Association. — On the 
18th of April, 1882, a number of ladies met with Miss 
A. L. Page, under a call to all interested in ibrming a 
society among the women of Danvers for considera- 
tion of matters of common interest, furtherance of 
woman's work, general improvement and social en- 
joyment. One week later, the first regular meeting 
w.is held at Miss Shepherd's, where, also, officers 
were elected and a code of by-laws adopted, under 
the name of the " Danvers Women's Association ;" 
and until November following, meetings were held in 
private houses. Then the Grand Army Hall was 
used until January 1, 1884, when the As.sociation took 
and fitted rooms especially for its own use, in the 
Ropes building. Upon the completion of the new 
post-oflice building it moved into its present quar- 
ters, comprising the whole of both upper floors. The 
membership of the Association has been for some 
time necessarily limited to one hundred and twenty, 
and the number is always full. Meetings have been 
regularly held on Tuesday afternoons, for seven 
months each year, at which instructive papers or 
talks have been given, usually by friends from out of 
town. Three times each winter " social teas " have 
been held, to which gentlemen have been invited. 

To a renuvrkable degree the club has been success- 
ful in its aim towards 'general improvement and 
social enjoyment," and in tending to break down 
whatever prejudices or exclusiveness naturally clung 
to the several religious societies it has been a potent 
influence in the right direction. Mrs. Harriet L. 
Wentworth has been its president from its fiirmation. 
The other officers at present (1887) are: Vice-Presi- 
dents, Mrs. E. A. Spoflord, Mrs. C. E. Whijiple. Treas- 
urer, Mrs. V. A. Burrington. Secretary, Miss Mary 
W. Nichols. Directors, one year. Miss Maria L. 
Fowler, Mrs. Sarah D. Merrill, Mrs. Abby Hutchin- 
son, Mrs. Alice G. Richards. Two years, Mrs. Mary 
L. Ewing, Mrs. Julia S. Spalding, Mrs. Hattie R. 
Keith, Miss Isabel B. Tapley. 

Secret Societies. — They are a small legion. Yet 
let no man with a new " improved " or " ancient " or 
otherwise peculiar " order " hesitate to come. There 
are still plenty of "joiners." 

Free Masonry goes back nearly a hundred and ten 
years in Danvers, to the organization of the " United 
States Lodge," May 1, 1778. It ante-dated the Essex 
Lodge of Salem by one year. Among the members 
of the "United States" were Samuel Page, Jethro 
I'utnam, Daniel Squiers and the famous drummer 
of New Mills, Richard Skidmore. 

The latter was Tyler, and the jewels and regalia 
were destroyed at the burning of his house in 1805. 
The lodge had ceased to hold regular meetings be- 



DANVERS. 



525 



fore this, ita decay being attributed to tlie eulistinent 
of so inany of its members in tlie Revolution. A new 
lodge — the Jordan Lodge — was established in ISOS, the 
meetings of whicdi were held many years at Berry's 
tavern, but during the anti-masonry excitement, from 
1825 to lS3o, meetings were held in South Danvers, 
and only often enough to preserve the charter. The 
furniture, regalia, etc., were moved there, and 
when regular meetings were resumed the lodge 
kept and hiis since retained its establishment in South 
Danvera (Peabody). Many North Danvers Masons 
went thither until 1863, when Amity Lodge was es- 
tablished here and provided itself with the comfort- 
able quarters in the Bank buihling, which are ex- 
clusively used for secret society purposes. The first 
regular c<immunication of Amity Lodge was held 
October 2tj, ]8()3. Seven years later thirty-three of 
the members petitioned for a new lodge, and the 
present Mosaic Lodge, which was chartered October 
30, 1871, was the result. 

The Holten Royal Arch Chapter was constituted 
March 12, 1872. 

There is but one lodge of t)dd Fellows, — Danvers 
Lodge, Number 103. It was instituted September 13, 
1870. 

The following list of other societies is perhaps not 
full ; the date is that of establishment : 

Wnr.J Port 'in, G. A. R : lune S, 1M09 

.4gawam Tribe, Imp. Onlw of lii-d Mcu Fob. 24, l«7o 

Fraternity Lodge, Kniglits of Honor Mar. 14, 1877 

Arcadian Council, No. '249, Royal Arcaunni Feb. 10, 1S79 

Danvers Union Equihibln Aid, No. 2S Nov. W, 1879 

Danvers Lodge, A. O. of Uniled Wor1<nieu May 28, 1881 

Tuesday Evening Aid Society Oct,24. 1881 

Hawtliornu t!ouucil, No. 7r».^., Legion of Honor Oct. 1881 

State Grand I'nion Ecjuitable XUl May 1.5, 1882 

Ward Relief Corps, No. 12 (Women) April 12,1883 

Wauliewan Tribe, No. 10, Imp. Order of RedMen,... April 3, 1886 
Daughtei-s of I'otabontaa 1887 



CHARTER XXXIX. 

B\nVERii— (Continued). 
CIVIL HISTORY. 

Olti Officeks. — Under the act of February 13, 
17811, any town might "give liberty for swine to go 
at large during the whole or part of the year," pro- 
vided they were yoked throughout spring and summer, 
and "constantly ringed in the nose," the legal yoke 
to be " the full depth of the swine's neck, above 
the neck, and half as much below the neck, and 
the soal, or bottom of the yoke full three times as 
long as the breadth or thickness of the swines." To 
see that the laws were enforced, officers called "hog- 
reeves " were regularly elected until 1827. Many 
honorable and well-known men were incumbents of 
this office, seeminglv not alluring to ambition. Israel 



Hutchinson, Jonathan Osborn and Jonalhan Trask 
were on the first board. 

Daniel Rea was, in 1752, commissioned "to take 
care that ye Laws Relating to ye Preservation of 
Deer be observed." " Deer-reeves " were chosen from 
1765 to 1797; the first, William Poole and George 
Wiatt ; the last, Eleazer Putnam and Timothy 
Fuller. 

A Sealer of Weights and Measures was first chosen 
in 175'.>, and but for the resignation of Francis Sy- 
monds, of the Bell Tavern, hi.s posterity, instead of 
the descendants of Joseph Pairpont, might now 
claim the ancestral honor of having first adjusted 
the pints and pecks of the town to legal standard. 

Sealers of Leather were chosen from the very first, 
and the office was not altogeiher discontinued 
until within a few years. Israel Cheever and James 
Upton were the first leather measurers. Deacon S. 
P. Fowler has in his possession one of the old iron 
seals mentioned in this memorandum : 

" .Tune 18, 170.5. Two Sett of Maries or Seals, was Provided at tlie Cost 
of tlie Town for Sealing of Leatber according to the Law of the Prov- 
ince and the same delivered to ttie Sealel'S of Leatln?r for tlie Present 
year, the Tees arc for Sealing of Tanned Leather, and tlie Cees for Cur- 
ried Leatlier. Bv order of Selectmen. 

" Auiii. IIMK. T. Clerk." 

" Wardens " were elected from 1761 to 1790. The 
first to hold that office were .leremiah Page, Bar- 
tholomew Rea, (lideon Foster, and Joseph Osborne ; 
and the la-st, Benjamin I'roctor and Oliver Putnam. 

The last "clerks of the market," chosen in 1800, 
were Joseph Osborn, Jr., Gideon Foster, Samuel 
Page and Nathaniel Putnam, Jr. 

Whether or not it was common for the selectmen to 
appoint sextons, the only record of such appoint- 
ments is in 1821, the appointees being Isaac Munro, 
Bartholomew Dempsey and William Johuison. 

From 1752 to 1791 "haywards" were annually 
chosen. Jonathan Putnam and John Osbon were 
the first ; Jno. Dodge and Gideon Putnam the last. 
That hay-scales were not in existence here earlier 
than 1770, witness the following interesting jie- 
tition : 

"The Petition of Francis Syiiicjiids to tlie Selectmen .if Iianvers for tlie 
Present year 17711 .Signifieth that they grant hiin the following Request 
on the following Conditions Namely that he may Erect a Convenient 
pair of Sliails or Stilyards that will answer to way t!ait or Sleil Loails of 
bay that are liongbt and Sold in our Marliets, and that .Said .Selectmen 
Enter it in our Said Danvers Tt.wn Book. 

'* That no other Person within two miles of the I'etitiuiier shall have 
the Liberty or IJrant from us to Eiitercept him by Entering the liUr or 
any Skails or Stilyards for said puipow for Twenty year provided and it 
is understood that said Synionds hath this l.'rant allowed him by ns Ibe 
said Select Men im those Conditions That he keep said Skails or Stilyards 
in gooil order and see tliein well tended and that be tUnirges no more for 
his waying hay or anyUiing Ells Then the Conion Price Now tleiitle- 
men as I trust you will Observe the need we have of such a Convenience 
and how Likely to Ilennefit our Nabonrwbod for wliicb Reson I trust 
you will due it as well as this to oblige youi 
Francis Symonds ItuMvers .liuie I7lli 1770. 



hoinhnl Sarvent. Signed 



Wil.r.!.\M SlIII.I.AllEK. 

".loNATiiAN Buxton. 

" .lOHN I'KKSro.N. 

".loiiN Pi;tnam. 
The four Persons Above named was Select Men of the Town of Han- 



526 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



vers for the year 1770 : and I have Recorded the above in the Town 
Book According to their order. 

" Att: Sam : Holten Jun T. Cler. 

Captain Jouathan Ingersoll, Benajah Collins and 
Samuel Page were chosen in 1811 "to consider the 
expediency of the Town erecting hay-scales," and 
their report sets forth the need of such scales near 
the south meeting-house, " and we also find that a 
considerable quantity of hay is annually purchased 
on the road leading from the plains (so-called) to 
Salem, and that a hay-scale erected in some suitable 
place on that road would make it very convenient for 
the inhabitants of that part of the Town, and further, 
we find from the best information we can obtain that 
the expense of erecting one hay-scale with all the 
apparatus thereto will amount to about one hundred 
and seventy-five dollars." 

The acceptance of this report was doubtless the 
origin of certain massive arrangements of beams, 
tackle and steel-yards, which, within the memory of 
older citizens, stood nearly in front of the Baptist 
Church at Danverspnrt, and which weighed whatever 
was driven beneath by liftiug wagon and load bodily 
from the ground. The selectmen were, in 1836, in- 
structed to sell " the Hay Scales at the Neck." 

Among those who were licensed to knock down 
the goods and chattels of their friends and neighbors 
under the auctioneer's hammer in the first quarter ot 
this century were Sylvester Proctor, John Fowler, 
Benjamin Porter, Captain Thomas Putnam, Eleazer 
Putnam, Joseph Shed, Porter Kettell and Stephen 
Upton. Dr. Shed was an auctioneer from 1818 near- 
ly or quite all the time to his death, in 1853. Those 
who began service in the second quarter were William 
D. Joplin, Hathorne Porter, Edward Stimpson, 
Squires Shove, Daniel P. Clough, Thomas Trask ; 
since 1850, Richard Hood, William Dodge, S. D. 
Shattuck, Alfred Porter, John A. Putnam, Charles 
H. Rundlett, William B. Morgan, George Faxon, T. 
P. Conway. 

The tax collectors of the early years of the town 
glad enough doubtless to meet with ready payment 
in any sort of money, were nevertheless bothered to 
reduce the several kinds of currency, silver and con- 
tinental notes of old and new issues, to a common 
standard. Distraining and tax sales were rare, and 
abatements common. The assessors left sbort min- 
utes of their reasons for abatement, such as " Gone," 
" Poor and dead," " G. P's dam gave way," " Under 
captivity by the Indians," " Taxed twice," " Taxed 
wrong," " Old and lost bis faculty," " Poor widow," 
" Being gone to sea fishing," " Being not well," " Broke 
his leg," " Not 16 years old." 

A move was made as early as 1813 towards the 
creation of a Board of Health. At that time certain 
persons asked the town to petition the Legislature 
for authority to elect such officers. The proposition 
was dismissed, however, and not till nearly twenty 
years later, 1832, was the first board chosen. Its 



members were Benjamin Jacobs, Oliver Saunders, J. 
W. Proctor, Thomas Cheever, Samuel Preston, Jo.seph 
Stearns, Jeremiah Putnam, Robert S. Daniels and 
Richard Csborn. Since then a Board of Health have 
been annually chosen. 

Town Clerks and Records. — The records of 
the town clerks have reached the thirteenth volume. 
As a whole, they have been kept remarkably well. 
A good recording oflicer must have continually in 
mind the fact that the writing will outlive the writer 
and must preserve in his records a full and clear 
statement of events which shall be of use when they 
can no longer be aided by the memory of any. Such 
true quality was possessed by our earliest town clerks, 
and the spirit has been, for the most part, transmitted 
through the line. In one hundred and thirty-five 
years of town life there have been twenty different 
clerks, the average length of whose terms is about 
six and a half years. Since 1800 there have been 
but seven, the terms of three of whom comprise sev- 
enty-three years. Here follows a complete list of 

TOWN CLERKS. 



1762-53. Daniel Epea, Jr. 


1777. Sanuiel Flint. 


1754-56. .lames Prince. 


1778-86. Stephen Needham. 


1757. Benjamin Prescott, Jr. 


1787. Jonathan Sawyer. 


1758-61). James Prince, 


1788-9(1. James Porter. 


1761. Benjamin Presrott, Jr. 


1791-94. Gideon Foster. 


1762. Gideon Putnam. 


I79S-1SU(I. Joseph Oshorn, Jr 


1763. Thoma<i Porter. 


18U1-28, Nathan Felton. 


1764-66. Archelaus Dale. 


1829-34. Benj.Jacohs. 


1767. Thomas Porter. 


1835-53. Joseph Shed. 


1768-71. Samuel Holten, Jr. 


1864-65. Nathan H. Poor. 


1772. Gideon Putnam. 


1856. Edwin F. Putnam. 


1773-75. Samuel HoUen, Jr. 


1857-85. A. Sumner Howard. 


1776. Stephen Needliam. 


1886. Joseph E. Hood. 



Mr. Howard's twenty-eight years is the longest ser- 
vice, and was appropriately recognized by apprecia- 
tive resolutions when he declined to serve longer. 
Mr. Poor, who was clerk of the old town at the time 
of division, has ever since been retained as clerk of 
South Danvers and Peabody. Before the building of 
the town-houses the records followed the abode of the 
clerks. A small projection in front of ouq of the 
houses where the old Ipswich Road crosses the An- 
dover turnpike, and begins to climb Hog Hill, is re- 
called by a few aged people as the headquarters of 
Nathan Felton, whom they remember as an old man 
dispensing the rude justice of a country squire. 
Much of biographical interest might and ought to be 
written of many of these town clerks, but space here 
forbids. Perhaps the model clerk of all was Dr. 
Shed, a man who evidently loved to make his records 
clear and beautiful. He was a physician of the 
South Parish, residing on the main street opposite 
and a little below the old bank building, where he 
also had an apothecary store. Dr. Shed was a justice 
of the peace, and he drew and acknowledged most of 
the deeds by which his fellow-citizens made their 
real-estate conveyances. His death was formally an- 
nounced at a meeting in Granite Hall April 11, 1853, 



DANVERS. 



5:^7 



when Dr. Hunt presented resolutions of regret and 
respect, and the selectmen and other town officers 
were directed to attend, in official capacity, the fu- 
neral. 

Up to the annual meeting (if 1887, the town has held 
nine hundred and forty meetings. Of this number, 
309 were held in the several meeting-houses of the 
First or North Church (of which number 25 were in 
the " Brick Meeting-house," and 22 at " Village Hall," 
the basement of the present meeting-house), 293 
were held in the South Meeting-house, 2 in school- 
house No. 5, 17 at Liberty Hall, 2 at Chapman's 
Tavern, 4 at the hall of Benjamin Goodridge, 96 at 
Union Hall, 39 at Granite Hall (vestry of the Maple 
Street Church), 172 in the Town-Hall, 6 at places not 
named. One of the meetings at " Liberty Hall, in 
the house occupied by Geo. Southwick, Jun., Inn 
holder," was called there in 1828 by reason of the re- 
fusal of the proprietors of the South Church to allow 
the use of their house, and at this meeting a familiar 
parliamentary form was slightly but pungently va- 
ried ; it was voted " that the communication from the 
Proprietors of the South Meeting-house pass under 
the table." 

The first attempt at a systematic index of the 
records was made in 1832. Then the selectmen were 
directed to have made a " digested index of the town 
records from the commencement thereof in a book 
specially for this purpose, with reference to the vol- 
ume and page in which the subject may l)e found.'' 
They were to allow such compensation for the work 
as when completed they should judge it worth. 
Nine years later, on petition of J. W. Proctor and 
others, the index was brought up to date, and it was 
then made the duty of the clerk to make an annual 
index. Measures were taken in 184(5 " for keeping 
the records in one office, rather than in separate 
places, as now kept." But the old indexes have been 
found to be imperfect, and, with the accumulated 
records of later years, need has been felt of a new in- 
dex, based upon a thorough and systematic overhaul- 
ing of the originals. A few years ago J. W. Porter, 
J. A. Putnam and I. W. Andrews were appointed to 
take the matter in hand. They consulted at first and 
from time to time with William P. Upham, an expert 
in such matters, and obtained the services of Miss 
Helen Tapley to do the practical work. The town 
clerk's records have all been thus indexed, and it is 
safe to say that no other town can surpass the ac- 
curacy and general excellence of this work, and but 
few can equal it. A new vault has been constructed 
for files and plans in the basement, and the old one 
for ordinary use has been much enlarged. 

Moderators. — From 1752 to 1887, inclusive, 
thirty-five diflerent men have presided over the one 
hundred and thirty-five annual town-meeting.s. A 
list of these moderators arranged chronologically ac- 
cording as their names first appear, with subsequent 
vears of service, if any, given, is as follows, the right 



hand column showing at a glance the total service of 
each : 

Years. 

llanicl Epc«, Ksc|., n.i2, 'M 2 

Cnpl TI"W. I'"r(i-r, 1754 1 

Ilimiel Epc's, .Ir., Esi]., nSS, '66, 'itT, '59, '60, '65, '06, '67 8 

Samuel Flint, 1758 1 

ThulnaB Porter, 17(;l, '62, '6:i, '71, '72 5 

Deaoon Maladli Felton, 1704 1 

Saliiu.'l Hnlten, ,Ir., 1708, '81, '84, '86, '87, '89, '9(1, 1796-1812.. 24 

Ciiieon I'ntiiani, 1709. '7'J, '83, '85, '9:i, '94, '95 7 

Archelans Hale, 17711, '7:i, '76 3 

Capl. Win Sliillalier, 1774, "75, '77, '78, '88, '91. "92 7 

Aniiis Putiiniii, 1780, '82 2 

Samuel Page, 1813, '14 2 

Dr. Andrew Nichols, 181.i, '10, '17 3 

I)r. Joseph Shed, 1818 1 

Dr. George Osgood, ISl'.l, '21, '25, '35 4 

Capt. Thos. Putnam. 1820...-. I 

Nathan Poor, 1822, '23.i'24 3 

Robert S. Daniels, 1826 1 

Elias Putnam, 1837. '29, '31 3 

Lewis Allen, 182S, '40, '48, '.lO, '62, '54 6 

John W. Proctor, 18:i0, '32, '34, '36, '38, '40 6 

John Preston, 183.3, S" 2 

Samuel P. Fowler, 1839, '43 2 

Abel Nichols, 1841 ■. 1 

Daniel P. King, 1842 1 

Jonathan Shove, 1844 1 

Moses Black, Jr., 1845, '47, '51 3 

Janu-s D. Black, 1849, '53, '66, '57, '05 5 

Israel W. Andrews, 18.%, '7(1, '77 3 

Wm. Endicott, 1868, '59, '02, '63, '66, '67, '68, '69 8 

A. A. Putnam, 1800, '61 2 

Charles P. Preston, 1804 1 

George Tapley, 1871, '72, '74, '78, '79, '8U, '81 7 

George J. .Sanger, 1873, '75, '70, •»>, '83, '84 6 

Daniel N. Crowley, 1886, '86 2 

Alden P. White, 1887 1 

It may be noticed with what regularity honors al- 
ternated from say, 1826, to division, 1856, the office 
being held by north parish men odd years, and by 
south parish men even years. 

Treasurers. — There have been from 1752 to 1887, 

inclusive, twenty-one treasurers of the town, as 

follows : 

Years. 

James Prince, 1752, '.IS 2 

Samuel King, 1754 1 

.loseph Osborne, 17.'i.''i, 50 2 

Cornet Samuel Holten, 1757, '68 2. 

Joseph Southwick, 1769 1 

James Smith, 1700-09 10 

Thos. Porter, 177(3-72 3 

Jeremiah Page, 177.3, '74 2 

Stephen Proctor, 177.5-83 9 

Gideon Putnam, 1784-88 5 

Samuel Holten, 1789-1812 24 

.Samuel Page, 1813, '14 2 

Ward Pool, 181.1-18 4 

Edward Southwick, 1819-24 

Eheuczer Shilhiber, 1825-31 7 

Robert S. Daniels, 1832, '41-48 9 

Stephen rpt(Ui, 183.3-40 8 

Abner Sanger, 1849 I 

Francis Baker, 18.50-65 

William L. Weston, 1850-82 27 

,\. Frank Welch, 1882-87 '^ 

Rei'REsentativks.— The following men have rep- 
resented Danvers in the <Tcneral Court, arranged by 
consecutive years after 18(»2, when the town began to 
send several representatives annually : 



528 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



Daniel Epee, Jr., 1754, '56, '56, '57, '65, '67. 

Daniel Gariiner, 175W. 

Thomas I'ui-ter, 1760, '61, '62, 'C3, '65. 

John Preston, 1764. 

Samuel HoKen, Jr., 1768, '69, '70, '71, '7'2, '73, '75, '80, '87. 

Wni. Shillaher, 1776. 

Samuel Epes, 1776. 

Jeremiah IIutchitiBon, 1777, '78, '70, '80-83, '85-88. 

Gideon Putnam, 1784. 

Israel Hutehinson, 1789, '91-'.)5, '97, '98. 

t'aleh Low, 1790. 

Gideon I"o.ster, 1796, '99, lS(Hl-2. 

1804. — Gideon Foster, (_'apl. .Samuel Page, Dr. Nathan Read. 

1805. — Gideon Foster, .Samuel Page, Nathan Felton. 

180C. — Gideon Foster, Samuel Page, Nathan Felton. 

1807.— Nathan Felton. 

1808. — Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, Squiers Shove. 

1809. — Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, ,Squlers Shove. 

1810. — Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, Dennison Wallis. 

1811. — Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, Dennison Wallis, Daniel Putnam. 

1812. — Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, Dennison Wallis, James Foster. 

1813.— Samuel Page, Nathau Felttni, Deunison Wailis, .lames Foster. 

1S14. ^Samuel Page, Nathan Felton, Sylvester Osborn, Hezekiah 
Flint. 

1815.— Nathan Felton, Sylvester Osborn, Hezekiah Flint, William P 
Page. 

1816. — Nathau Felton, William P. Page, Frederick Howes, John 
Swinertou, Jr. 

1817. — Daniel Putnam, Sylvester Osborn, Frederick Howes, Thomas 
Putnam. 

1818.— Frederick Howes. 

1819. — Nathan Felton, Dennison Wallis, Daniel Pntuam, Thouiiis 
Putnam. 

1820-21.— Nathan Felton. 

1«2'2. — William Sutton. 

1823. — Ehenezer Shillaher, John Page, Nathau Poor, Nathaniel Put- 
nam. 

1824.— Nathan Poor. 

1825.— John Page, John Endicott. 

1826. — Jonathan Shove, Kufus Choate. 

1827. — Uufiis Choate, Jouathau Shove. 

1828. — Jonathan Shove, Nathan Poor, Robert S. Daniels. 

1829. — Jonathan Shove, Eliiis Putnam. 

1830.— Elias Putnam, Jonathan Shove, Robei t S. Daniels, Nathan 
Poor. 

1831 (May).— Nathan Poor, John Page, William Sutton, John Pivston. 

1831 (November). — .lohu Page, John Preston, Nathau Poor, Jonathan 
Shove. 

1832. — John Preston, John Pago, Ehenezer Shillaher, Jonathan 
Shove. 

1833. — Jonathan Shove, Henry Cook, John Preston, John Page. 

1834. — John Preston, Iloury Cook, Andrew Lunt, Eheu Putnam, 
Jacob F. Perry. 

1836. — Jacob F. Perry, Andrew Luut, Daniel P. King, Allen Putnam, 
Joshua H. Ward. 

1836. — Joshua H. Ward, Jacob F. Perry, .\udrew Luut, Cjileb L, Frost. 

1837.— Caleb L. Frost, Eben Putnam, .Samuel P. Fowler, Lewis Allen. 

1S38.— Lewis Allen, Samuel I'. Fowler, Henry Poor, Abi-1 Nichols. 

1839. — Joshua II. Ward, Henry Poor, Samuel P. Fowler, Allen 
Putnam. 

1840.— Allen Putiuim, Fitch Poole. 

1841. — Fitch Poole, Samuel Preston, 

1842. — Daniel P. King, Samuel Preston. 

1843. — Frederick Morrill, Joshua Silvester. 

1844. — Richard Osborn, Henry Fowler. 

1S45. — Henry Fowder, Richard Osboru. 

1846.— Henry Fowler, Elijah W. Upton. 

1847. — Elijah W. Upton, Joshua Silvester. 

1848.— William Walcott, William Dodge. 

1K49.— A. A. Abbott, John Bines. 

1850.- William Walcott, Otis JIudge, Henry A. Hary. 

1851. — John nines, Philemon Putnam, Alfred A. Abbott. 

1852.— William Walcott. 

1853.— David Daniels, Philemon Putnam, James P. King, 

1854. — Joseph Jacobs, Francis Dodge, Israel W. Andrews. 

1865. — Israel W.Andrews, Eben S. Poor, Alonzo P. Phillips. 



1856. — Arthur A. Putnam, Israel W, Andrews, Richard Smith. 

1857-58.- Francis P. Putnam. 

1859.— Arthur A. Putnam. 

1860.- George Tapley. 

1861-62. — James W. Putnam. 

1863-64,— Charles P. Preston. 

1865-56.— Simeon Putnam. 

1867-68.— Edwin Mudge. 

1869.— Abbott Johnson, of W'enham. 

1870-71.— George U. Peabody. 

1872.-73.— George J. Sanger. 

1874. — John L. Ridiinson, of Wenham. 

1875-76.- Chtirles B. Rice. 

1877.— Israel W. Andrews. 

1878.— Charles B. Rice. 

1879.— Henry Hobbs, of Wenham. 

1880-81.— Gilbert A. Tapley. 

1882.— Alonzo J. Stetson. 

1SS3.— Andrew H. Paton. 

18S4.— N. Porter Perkins, of Wenham. 

1885-86.— Malcolm Sillars. 

To the great convention culled in 1820 to make the 
first revision of the State Constitution, in which 
Daniel Webster, Judge Story, Leverett Saltoustall, 
Josiah Quincy and others were prominent figures, 
Danvers sent Caleb Oakes, John Page, Ehenezer 
Shillaher and Ehenezer King. At the gubernatorial 
election of 1851 voters were called upon to decide 
whether or no a convention should be called for 
another revision of the Constitution. The citizens 
of this town said "No," 681 to 5r)6. The ne.\t year 
on the same question, "Yes," 038 to 630 ; in each 
case the voice of the town was the voice of the State. 
Delegates were chosen to meet at the State House, 
May 4, 1853. In this convention were Rufus Choate, 
Sidney Bartlett, Nathan Hale, George S. Hillard and 
others from Boston. Robert Rantoul, Miircus Mor- 
ton, Jr., Henry K. Oliver, John B. Alley, R. H. Dana, 
Jr., A.sahel Huntington, Otis P. Lord, Charles VV. 
Uphani and others from Essex County. John A. 
Putnam, now of Danvers, represented Wenham. At 
the election, March 7, 1853, the vote of Danvers was 
as follows : 

Whole number of votes 736 

Noc.es-siiry to a choice 369 

Milton P. Braman had 399 

Samuel P. Fowler had 397 

Alfred A. Abbott had 370 

.\ndrew Nichols had 300 

James D. Black hiul 297 

Charles Estos had 289 

Sixteen other candidates had from 1 to 39. Messrs. 
Braman, Fowler and Abbott were elected delegates. 
Each of the eight propositions submitted by the con- 
vention to the ]ieoi)le were rejected by this town at 
the fall electi(>n of 1853 by an average vote of jibout 
715 nays to 515 yeas. 

Selectmen. — The following is a complete list: 

17.'-i2.- 



Dauiel Epes. 
Captain Samuel Flint. 
Deacon Cornelius Tallin 
Stephen Putnam. 
Samuel King. 
Daniel Gardner. 
Joseph Putnam. 
1753.- Daniel Epes, Jr. 



Captain Thomas Flint. 
Corntt. Samuel Holten. 
Sanniel King. 
Lieut. David Putnam. 
Ens. .lohn Procter. 
Jasper Needham. 
-Datiiel Epes, Jr. 
Jasper Needhalu. 



DANVERS. 



Samuel Putnam. 
James Prince. 
Ebenezer Goodale. 
1755.— Daniel Epes, ,Jr., 
Ja^jier Needham. 
Capt. John Proctor, 
James Prince. 
Capt. Samuel Flint. 
1756— Daniel Epos, Jr. 
Daniel Marble. 
Capt. Thomas Flint.' 
Deacon Cornelius Tarble 
James Prince. 
1757— John Preston. 
Francis Nurse, 
Daniel Gardner. 
Benj. Prescott, Jr. 
Joseph South wick. 
1758. — James Prince. 
Nathan Procter. 
Jasper Needham. 
Bartholomew Rea, 
Benj, Upton. 
1769.— James Prince. 

Capt. .Samuel Flint. 
John Epes. 
Ezekiel Jlarsh, Jr. 
Ebenezer Jacoljs. 
1700. — Tames Prince. 

Jasper Needham. 
John Epes. 
John Nichols, 
John Preston. 
1701.— Samuel Holten: 
Nathaniel Pope. 
Abel JMackintiro. 
Lieut. .Sauil. King. 
Benj. Prescott, Jr. 
1762.— Abel Mclutire. 

Benj. Ru.«sell, Jr. 
Daniel Purrington. 
Gideon Putnam. 
Joseph Putnam. 
1703.— Thos Porter. 
Saml. Holton. 
John Epes. 
John Proctor, Jr. 
John Preston. 
1764.— Benj. Putnam. 
Archalas Dale. 
John Putnam. 
Stephen Procter, 
Benj. Moultr>n. 
1705.— Benj. Moultou. 
John Putnam. 
Stephen Procter. 
Jona. Buxton. 
Arch. Dale. 
1760.— Archelaus Dale. 
Benj. Upton. 
Jonathan Buxton. 
John Swinerton. | 

Jonathan Tarble. 
1767. -Samuel Molten, Jr. 
John Epes. 
Jonathan Tarbell. 
Jonathan Buxton. 
Ebenezer Goodell. 
1708.- Jonathan Buxton. 
John Epes, 
Samuel Holten, Jr, 
Ebenezer Goodell. 
Gideon Putnam. 
1»C9.— Samuel Holten, Jr. 
Ebenezer Goodale. 
Samuel Gardner. 

34 



Wlliam .Shillaber. 
Samuel King. 
1770.— .Saml. Holten, Jr. 

Lii'ut. John Preston, 
John Putnam, 
Jonathan Buxton. 
Capt. Wm. Shillaber. 
1771.— C!apt. Wm. Shillaber. 
Jonathan Buxton. 
Gideon Putnam, 
Benj. Proctor. 
Samuel Holton, Jr. 
1772.— Samuel Flint. 
Vt'm. Shillaber. 
Gideon Putnam. 
Jonathan Buxton. 
Benj. Procter. 
177.3,— Samuel Holten, Jr. 
John Putnam. 
Lieut. .\rch. Putnam. 
Benj. Porter. 
Stephen Needham. 
1774 —Samuel Holten, Jr. 

Lieut. Arch. Putnam. 
Wm. Poole. 
Stephen Needham. 
Jonathan Buxton. 
1775.- Dr. Saml. Holten. 

Capt. Wm. Shillaber. 
Ca;)t. Wm. Putnam. 
Stephen Needham. 
Ezra Upton. 
1770. — John Epes. 

Wm. Shillaber. 
Stephen Needham. 
Ezra Upton. 
Edmund Putnam. 
1777.— Capt. John Putnam. 
Capt. .Samuel Flint. 
Capt. Wm. Shillaber. 
Stephen Needham. 
Phineas Putnam. 
1778.— Stephen Ngedham. 
Capt. Wm, Shillaber, 
Benj. Procter. 
Capt. John Putnam. 
Phinehas Putnam. 
1779.— Colonel Enoch Putnam. 
Ezra Upton. 
Stephen Needham. 
Major Sanmel Epes. 
James Prince. 
1780. — Jona. Sawyer. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Capt. Joseph Porter. 
Ezra Upton. 
1781.- Capt. Joseph Porter. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Stephen Needham. 
Samuel White. 
Major Sanmel Epes. 
1782. — Stephen Needham. 
Daniel Putnam, 
Jonathan Sawyer, 
Capt, Jos. Porter, 
Capt. Gideon Foster. 
178.3.- Capt. Gideon Foster. 
Daniel Putnam. 
John Walcut. 
Aaron Putnam. 
Stephen Needham, 
1784.— Stephen Needham, 
I^lajor Caleb Low, 
Aaron Putnam. 
Capt. Gideon Foster, 
Daniel Putnam. 



1785.— Jona. Sawyer. 
David Prince. 
Stephen Needham. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Col. Jeremiah Page. 
1786.— Stephen Needham. 
Stephen Putnam, 
Daniel Putnam. 
Capt. Jona. Procter, 
Capt. Gideon Foster, 
1787,— Jona, Sawyer, 

Samuel Gardner. 
Amos Tapley . 
David Prince, 
Timothy Leech. 
1788. — David Prince. 

Capt. Samuel Page. 
Amos Tapley. 
James Porter. 
Stephen Needham. 
1789.— David Prince, 
Samuel Page, 
John Kettell. 
Amos Tapley. 
James Porter. 
1790,— David Prince. 

Capt. Samuel Page. 
John Kettell. 
James Porter. 
John Brown. 
1791.— Stephen Needham. 
Gideon Foster. 
John Kettell. 
David Prince. 
Amos Tapley. 
1792. — Gideon Foster. 
David Prince. 
Samuel Pago. 
John Kettell. 
Stephen Needham. 
179.3.— Gideon Foster. 
David Prince. 
John Kettell. 
Joseph Putnam. 
Stephen Needham. 
1794.- David Prince. 

Stephen Needham. 
Samuel Page. 
John Kettell. 
Gideon Foster. 
1795.— Joseph Osborn, Jr. 
Stephen Nee9ham. 
David Prince. 
John Kettell. 
Zernbbabel Porter. 
1790. — Joseph Osborn, Jr. 
Samuel Page, 
John Kettell. 
Stephen Needham. 
Daniel Putnam. 
1797. — Joseph Osborn, Jr, 
Nathl, Webb. 
Zerobabell Porter. 
Amos Tapley. 
Elijah Flint. 
1798.— Joseph Osborn, Jr. 
Samuel Pago. 
John Kettell. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Nathan Felton, 
1799. — Nathan Felton. 
Daniel Putnam, 
John Kettell. 
-Vmos Tapley. 
Joseph Osborn, Jr. 
1800,- Josejfh (Jsborn, Jr, 



Daniel Putnam, 
Samuel Pago. 
John Kettell. 
Nathan Felton. 
1801. — Sanmel Page, 

Joseph Putnam, 
Nathan Felbm, 
Zerobabell Portor. 
Elijah Flint, 
1802,— Nathan Felton, 
Johnson Procter. 
Sylvester Oslioru, 
Jona. Walcut. 
John Fowler. 
1803.— Nathan Felton. 
Sylvester Osborn. 
John Preston. 
Jona. Walcut. 
John Fowler. 
1804.— Nathan Felton. 
Sylvester Osborn. 
Jonathan Walcut. 
Johnson Procter. 
John Fowler. 
1805.— Nathan Feltoo. 
Amos Tapley. 
Sylvester Osborn. 
Jona. Walcut. 
John Fowler. 
1806.— Nathan Felton. 
Sylvester Osborn. 
Jonathan Walcut. 
Thomas Putnam. 
John Fowler. 
1807.— Nathan Felton. 
Sylvester Osbora. 
Jonathan Walcut. 
John Fowler. 
Amos Tapley. 
1808-— Thomas Putnam. 
Nathan Felton. 
Sylvester Procter. 
Daniel Putnam. 
.\mos Tapley. 
1809.— Nathan Felton. 
Amos Tapley. 
Levi Preston. 
Thos. Putnam. 
Daniel Putnam. 
1810.— Nathan Felton. 

Nathaniel Putnam. 
Sylvester Procter. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Peter Cross, Jr. 
1811.— Nathan Felton. 
Levi Preston. 
Jona. Walcut. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Andrew Nichols, Jr. 
1812.- Nathan Felton. 
Jona. Walcut. 
Richd. Osborn. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Nathl. Putnam. 
1813.— Nathan Felton. 
Jona. Walcut. 
Daniel Putnam. 
Nathl. Putnam. 
Richd. Osborn. 
^814.— Nathan Felton. 

Jonathan Walcut. 
Nathaniel Putnam. 
James Brown. 
,lohn Page. 
815. — Nathan Felton. 

Nathaniel Putnam, 



530 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jonathan Walcut. 

John Page. 

Sylvester Procter. 
1816.— Nathan Felton. 

Sylvester Procter. 

Nathaniel Putnam. 

Jonathan Walcut. 

Daniel Putnam. 
3817.— Nathan Ft-lton. 

Jona. Walcut. 

Sylvester Procter. 

Daniel Putnam. 

Nathaniel Pntnam. 
1818.— Joseph Shed. 

Israel Putnam, Jr. 

Thomas Putnam. 

Jesse Putnam. 

Mosea Preston, Jr. 
I819._Israel Putnam, Jr. 

Thomas Putnam. 

Jesse Putnam. 

Joseph Shed. 

Moses Preston, Jr. 
1820.— Israel Putnam, Jr. 

Thomas Putnam. 

Jesse Putnam. 

Joseph Shed. 

Moses Preston, Jr. 
1821.~Thoma3 Putnam. 

Joseph Shod. 

Jesse Putnam. 

Moses Preston, Jr. 

Elias Putnam. 
1822. — Jesse Putnam. 

Elias Putnam. 

Nathan Felton. 

Moses Preston, Jr. 

Joseph Stearns. 
1823. — Jesse Putnam. 

Joseph Stearns. 

Elias Putnam. 

Moses Preston, Jr. 

Jonathan Shove. 
1824. — Jesse Putnam. 

Joseph Stearns. 

Elias Pntnam. 

Moses Preston. 

Jonathan Shove. 
1825. — Jesse Putnam. 

Elias Putnam. 

Joseph Stearns. 

Moaes Preston. 

Jonathan Shovo. 
1826. — Jesse Putnam. 

Jonathan Shove. 

Joseph Stearns. 

Elias Putnam. 

Moses Preston. 
1827. — Jesse Putnam. 

Elias Putnam. 

Jonathan Shovo. 

RohertS. Daniels. 

Nathan Felton. 
1828.— Jesse Putnam. 

Jonathan Shove. 
Robert S. Daniels. 

Nathan Poor. 

Elias Putnam. 

1829. — Jesse Putnam. 

Elias Putnam. 

Jonathan Shovo. 
Nathan Poor. 
Daniel P. King. 
1830.— Elias Putnam. 

Jonatlian Shove. 
Nathan Poor. 



1833, 



Jes.s6 Putnam. 

Benjamin Jacobs. 
— John Preston. 

Benjamin Jacobs. 

Jacob F. Perry. 

Eben Putnam, Jr. 

Joseph Shed. 
— Benjamin Jacobs. 

Kendall Osborn, 

Lewis Allen. 

John Preston. 

Jacob F. Perry. 

— John Preston. 

Kendall Osborn. 

Jacob F. Perry. 

Benjamin Jacobs. 

Nathaniel Pope. 
—John Preston. 

Joseph Tufts, Jr. 

Benjamin Jacobs. 

Nathl. Pope. 

Kendall Osborn. 
— Nathaniel Pope. 

Samuel P. Fowler. 

Eben Putnam. 

Lewis Allen. 

Henry Poor. 
— Lewis Allen. 

Nathaniel Pope. 

Eben S. Upton. 

Samuel P. Fowler. 

Joseph Tufts, Jr. 
, — Nathaniel Pope. 

Abel Nichols. 

San:iuel P. Fowler. 

Joseph Tufts, Jr. 

Ebenezer Sutton. 
—Samuel P. Fowler. 

Elijah Upton. 

Joseph Tufts, Jr. 

Eben Sutton. 

Nathaniel Pope. 
. — Elijah Upton, 

Nathaniel Pope. 

Samuel P. Fowler. 

Joseph Tufte, Jr. 

Abel Nichols. 
. — Elijah Upton, 

Nathaniel Pope. 

Andrew Torr. 

Andrew Lunt. 

Samuel P. Fowler. 
. — Henry Poor. 

William Black. 

Nathl. Pope. 

Elijah Upton. 

Joshua Silvester. 
.—Elijah Upton. 

Joshua Silvester. 

William Black. 

Joseph Poor, Jr. 

Wingate Merrill. 
.. — Wingate Merrill. 

Joseph Poor, Jr. 

Jo-hua Silvester. 

William Black. 

Perley Goodale. 
. — Wingate Blerrill. 

Jo.Hhua Silvester. 

Joseph Poor, Jr. 

Henry Fowler. 
Eben King, 
I. — Wingate Merrill. 
Lewis Allen, 
Henry Fowler. 
Nathaniel Pope. 
William Dodge, Jr. 



1846.~Wingate Merrill. 
Kendall Osborn. 
Nathaniel Pope, 
William Dodge, Jr. 
Lewis Allen. 
1847.— Lewis Allen. 

Wingate Merrill. 
Nathaniel Pope. 
William Dodge, Jr. 
Moses Black, Jr. 
1848. —Nathaniel Pope. 
Wingate Merrill. 
Moses Black, Jr. 
Lewis Allen. 
Kendall Osborn. 
1849.- Otis Mudge. 
Elias Savage. 
Abel Preston, 
W^illiam Dodge, Jr. 
Eben S. Upton. 
1850.— Lewis Allen. 

Kichard Osborn. 
Samuel Preston. 
Kendall Osborn, 
Francis Dodge. 
1851.— Kendall Osborn. 
Francis Dodge. 
William Endicott, 
Daniel Emeraon. 
Aarou F. Clark. 
1852.— Kendall Osborn. 
llichard Osborn. 
William Endicott. 
Aarou F. Clark. 
Edwin Mudge. 
1853.— Kendall Osborn. 
Leonard Poole. 
Edwin Mudge. 
Aaron Putnam. 
Eliaa Savage. 
1854.— Lewis Allen. 
Leonard Poole. 
Jottl Putnam. 
Benj. F. Hutchinson. 
Nathan H. Poor. 
1855.— Abel Preston. 

William Walcott. 
Nathaniel Bodge. 
Mosea J. Currier. 
Augustus Fowler. 
1856.— William Dodge, Jr. 
Augustus Fowler. 
Charles P. Preston. 
1867. — Augustus Fowler. 
Charles P. Preston. 
William Dodge, Jr. 
1858. — Rufus Putnam. 
Chas. P. Preston. 
Otifl Mudge. 
1859.— RufuB Putnam. 

Chas. P. Preston. 
William Dodge, Jr. 
I860.— Rufus Putnam. 
Chas. P. Preston. 
.Tames HI. Perry. 
1861.— Francis Dodge. 

William Dodge, Jr. 
Charles Chaplin. 
1862.— William Dodge, Jr. 
Charles Chaplin, 
Augustus Fowler. 
1863. —James M. Perry. 
Jacob F, Perry. 
John A. Putnam. 



1874.- 



1864.— Jacob F. Perry. 

John A. Putnam. 

William Dodge, Jr. 
1865.— Jacob F. Perry. 

William Dodge, Jr. 

John A. Putnam. 
18G6.-Jacob F. Perry. 

William Dodge, Jr. 

John A. Putnam. 
1867.— William Dodge, Jr. 

Simeon Putnam. 

Henry A. Perkins. 
1868.— William Dodge, Jr. 

Simeon Putnam. 

Henry A, Perkins. 
1869.— William Dodge, Jr. 

Simeon Putnam. 

Henry A. Perkins. 
1870.- William Dodge, Jr. 

Henry A. Perkins. 

Josiah Ross. 
1871.— William Dodge, Jr. 

Henry A. Perkins. 

Josiah Ross. 
1872.— William Dodge, Jr. 

Henry A. Perkins. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

1873.— Henry A. Perkins. 

Joshua Bragdoa. 

Samuel W. Spaulding. 
-Joshua Bragdon. 

Henry A. Perkins. 

Otis F. Putnam. 
-Henry A. Perkins, 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. Putnam. 
-Henry A. Perkins. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. Putuam. 
-Henry A. Perkins. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. Putnam. 
, — Charles H. Adams. 

Otis F. Putnam. 

Josiah Ross. 
.—Henry A. Perkins. 

Josiah Ross. 

Harrison 0. Warren. 
, — Henry A. Perkins. 

Harrison 0. Warren. 

Daniel P. Pope. 
. — Henry A. Perkins. 

Daniel P. Pope. 

Josiah Ross. 
.—Daniel P. Pope. 

Otis F. Putnam. 

Joshua Bragdon. 
.—Daniel P. Pope. 

Otis F. Putnam. 

Joshua Bragdon. 
.—Daniel P. Pope. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. Putnam. 
.—Daniel P. Pope. 

Joshua Bragdon, 

Otis F. Putnam. 
, — Dauiel P. Pope. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. Putnam. 
. — Daniel P. Pope. 

Joshua Bragdon. 

Otis F. PutnaEu. 



1877.- 



1886,- 



1887.- 



DANVERS. 



531 



One of the propositions for disposing of the new 
scliool building in tlie sliort-lived district No. 8 was 
to convert it to :i lock-uii and tramp-station, but the 
town then refused to believe itself sufficiently ad- 
vanced in modern civilization to need a separate 
building devoted to such uses. Soon, however, 1864, 
accommodations for guests of the public, voluntary 
and otherwise, were fitted in the basement of tlie 
town-hall, and there for ten years some sin and vag- 
rancy retired behind the bars. When in 1874, bet- 
ter conveniences were demanded, a part of the base- 
ment of Bell's Hall, on Maple Street, was fitted up. 
This past year, 1886, a considerable addition was 
made to the old brick school-house on Schofd Street 
- the original building being now occupied by two 
companies of tlie fire department— and ample and re- 
spectable police headquarters have there been estab- 
lished, with plenty of room above for a local court, — 
when it comes. Michael J. Mead has been for some 
years chief of the small police force, which is efficient 
much beyond its numerical strength. William 
O'Neil presides over the station and dispenses the 
town's hospitality to certain of the traveling public. 



CHAPTER XL. 

DANVERS— ( Cuntinued). 
THE CIVIL WAR. 

At twenty minutes past four o'clock on the morn- 
ing of April 12, 1861, a shell from Sullivan's Island 
aimed at Fort Sumter announced the open defiance 
of rebellion. The loyal cities and towns of the North 
were alert for such tidings. About a week previously 
two of the selectmen of Danvers, William Dodge, Jr., 
and Charles Chaplin, had issued their warrant for a 
town meeting " to hear an act on tlie petition of A. 
A. Putnam and others to see if the town will raise or 
appropriate any money in aid of the families of such 
citizens of the town as may enlist to serve in the 
Volunteer Militia of the Commonwealth or take any 
action thereon." This is the first intimation on the 
town records of preparations for probable war. But 
the news from Sumter brought the citizens together 
sooner than the day appointed for town meeting. The 
first "war meeting" was held in the town hall, April 
16th, and was crowded with earnest and enthusiastic 
men. Arthur A. Putnam, Esq., presided. In some 
recently written reminiscences he says, " the meeting, 
though stormy in applause and verbally bellicose, 
was very aimless and likely to end in talk alone un- 
til a modest and unfamiliar voice in the town hall 
reminded the assemblage that the meeting was not 
for eloquence, but enlistment." The voice was that of 
Nchemiah P. Fuller, who stepped forward to sign the 
company roll which Nathaniel A. Pope had received 



permission from the State Department to recruit. At 
least one other name preceded Fuller's, that of Ruel 
B. Pray, who has the distinction of being the first re- 
cruit in a Danvers company ; others followed that 
night, and in six days the roll was full and ready for 
organization. As the company was soon given the 
name of the Danvers Light Infantry, it will be spoken 
of by that name. Election of officers resulted as fol- 
lows : Captain, Nchemiah P. Fuller; First Lieuten- 
ant, William W. Smith ; Second Lieutenant, Kuel B. 
Pray; Third Lieutenant, William W. Gould ; Fourth 
Lieutenant, D. W. Hyde. Captain Fuller, who was 
promoted during the war to major of the Second 
Heavy Artillery, was a son of Putnam Fuller, of this 
town, and a descendant of Lieutenant David, brother 
of General Israel Putnam, being a grandson of Major 
Ezra Putnam, one of the founders of Ohio. He had 
seen service In the Mexican War, and was just the 
man to command a company of willing but raw re- 
cruits. After the war he removed to Mis.souri, but 
returned here in broken health in the fall of 1880, and 
died February 3, 1881. 

Immediately after the meeting of April 16th, some 
young men at the Plains took steps to organize 
another company. In the course of a week the num- 
ber, fifty, were recruited, and met in the unfinished 
rooms of the Maple Street School-house, where the 
first lessons in drill were given by Benjamin E. New- 
hall. Organization was effected in due form, April 
30th, in the B.ank Hall, where the following officers 
were elected: Captain, Arthur A. Putnam ; Lieuten- 
ants, Benjamin E. Newhall, Charles H. Adams, Jr., 
William J. Roome, George W. Kenney. Mr. New- 
hall not qualifying, the other lieutenants were each 
promoted one degree, and Elbridge W. Guilford was 
added. 

Captain Putnam, then a lawyer here, now of Ux- 
bridge, Mass., was a native of Danvers, a son of Hon. 
Elias Putnam. This year, 1887, he delivered thei 
Memoiial Day Address before an audience which in- 
cluded many survivors of his old comrades, and later 
published in the Danvers Mirror a full and interest- 
ing account of the history of his company up to the 
time of leaving for the front. Mr. II. B. Pray had 
previously printed a short sketch of Capt. Fuller's 
Company. A newspaper clipping says of Capt. Put- 
nam that he had no previous military training, " but 
possessing that energy and spirit noted in the Puri- 
tan blood, will soon make himself a proficient com- 
mander." 

No sooner had the two companies organized than 
the ladies of the town devoted their energies to the 
making of uniforms and other necessary clothing. 
Gothic Hall was the busy scene of their labors. The 
men who enlisted expected active service at once, and 
were eager for it. But the time which ensued be- 
tween organization and final acceptance by the State 
authorities and assignment to a State camp extended 
from days to long weeks, and made it serious business 



532 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



keeping the men together. Many of them had fami- 
lies to support, and while patriotism did not flag, the 
hread and butter question at home was quite as vital 
as the question of slavery a thousand miles away. 
There were no bounties at this time; it was only by 
constant and generous contributions of money and 
provisions that the men were encouraged to hold out. 
But by dint of much patient forbearance both com- 
panies were kept intact, and maintained thorough 
drill. Long practice marches were taken through 
neighboring towns, and charges were occasionally 
made at double-quick to dislodge an imaginary enemy 
on the top of Folly Hill. For some time the Light 
Infantry went into camp by themselves, at East Glou- 
cester, such a move being deemed expedient. Cap- 
tain Putnam's company used Berry's pasture, now the 
Trotting Park, for a training-field. The local news- 
papers of the day contain such items as these: 

'* On Sunday morning, May 19tb, the two Danvers companies marched 
with drum and fife to the Maple Street Church, and in the afternoon 
they attended the Universalist Church. 

"The appearance of the men, one company in grey, and one in blue, 
is described as having been remarkably fine." 

"Tuesday, May 28th. The Putnam Guards, a well ordered company 
of 79 men, of an average age of 27 years, passed through our place this 
afternoou, on tlieir way to Salem. Their motion was nimble, their ac- 
tiou strong and their eye quick and piercing. They have been accus- 
tomed to toil and moderate fare without luxuries, and will do the State 
good service when summoned to the field." 

Of the origin of the name of " Putnam Guards," 
Captaiu Putnam thus writes : 

*' Of visitors at Gothic Hall while the ladies, as before mentioned, 
were immersed in the manufacture of the uniforms, there came one day 
Mrs. Julia A. Philbrick, of Boston, who, warmed at the sight of the 
scene, went away carrying it as au hnpressive picture in mind. A few 
days later she addressed an appreciative letter to one of the chief work- 
ers, Miss Anne L. Page, and iti it embraced a proffer in these pleasant 
words : — 

" ' I have used my pen in your behalf, and to-day have the pleasure of 
informing you that, if your Company is called the Putnam Guards, they 
shall have a Banner worthy the name they bear. There is living in 
Peterborough, N. H., a most noble and patriotic lady, who bears that 
honored name, whose father^was born in Danvers, yes. beneath the very 
roof with the old General (that dear old home, the home of my child- 
hood)— to this lady, Miss Catheriue Putnam, you are indebted for this 
proffered benefaction.' 

"The proposition for the name was duly submitted to the Company, 
unanimously adopted and the Flag at once became a matter of joyous 
auiicipation." 

The presentation of the flag, May 22, 1861, was an 
event of great interest. A stand draped with the na- 
tional colors was reared in front of the Bank Build- 
ing, and during the exercises the Square and all the 
surrounding buildings were densely crowded with 
spectators. Mr. Nathaniel Hills, principal of the 
High School presided, and Hon. John D. Philbrick, 
then superintendent of schools in Boston, to whom this 
honor had been assigned by the donor of the flag, 
made the presentation speech. On the same occa- 
sion Rev. A. P. Putnam, then of Roxbury, a brother 
of the commander, presented each member of the 
company with a Bible, accompanying the act with an 
impressive address. The flag was of heavy silk, and 
a silver plate upon its oaken stafl'was thus inscribed: 



" PBESENTED 

to the 

PUTNAM GUARDS 

of 

DANVERS, MASS., 

BY 

Miss Catherine Putnam, 

Daughter of a Son 

of 

Danvers. 

Our Birth-right is Freedom 

and God is our Trust. 

Mav, 1861." 

It is now, and has been for many years, in the cus- 
tody of John G. Weeden, one of the original mem- 
bers of the Guards. The Danvers Light Infantry 
were also given a reception before their departure for 
the State camp, on which occasion Rev. J. W. Put- 
nam presented them with a silk banner in behalf of 
the citizens, and Allen Putnam, of Roxbury, in be- 
half of Miss Putnam, presented an elegant sash and 
sword to Captain Fuller. Side-arms were also pre- 
sented to the officers by certain citizens. 

It was nearly two months after the organization of 
the companies that they were finally called for by 
the State authorities. On June 11th, 1861, the Dan- 
vers Light Infontry were ordered to report at Camp 
Schouler, Lynnfield, and on June 24th the Putnam 
Guards reported at Fort Warren. The Light Infan- 
try were assigned to the Seventeenth Volunteer In- 
fantry, three years' men, as Company C, were mus- 
tered into the service of the United States July 22, 
1861, and left for the front August 22d. 

The Putnam Guards became Company I of the 
Fourteenth Volunteer Infantry, were mustered into 
service of the United States July 5, 1861, and left for 
the seat of war August 7th. The regiment was 
changed, January 1, 1862, to the First Massachusetts 
Heavy Artillery. It saw hard service and partici- 
pated in engagements at Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Tolopotoniy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry 
Plains, Deep Bottom, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton 
Road, Hatcher's Run, Vaughn Road. The original 
members of both these Danvers companies may be 
determined by inspection of the list of soldiers which 
follow later on. 

The first military funeral of the war, in Danvers, 
was that of Thomas A. Musgrave, of Captain Ful- 
ler's company, who died August 9, 1861, at the Lynn- 
field camp hospital. The whole regiment marched to 
the Universalist Church, where the services were 
held. Private William F. Guilford, a member of the 
Salem City Guards, was buried under arms a few 
weeks later from Dr. Braman's Church. 

At the town meeting of May 25, 1861, which had 
been already called when news came of the attack on 
Fort Sumter, A. A. Putnam presided and Dr. 
Ebenezer Hunt presented a series of resolutions, 
which were adopted, one hundred and eighteen to 
three, in the following form, — the clergymen of the 



DANVERS. 



533 



town having first been added to the committee therein 
called for : 

'* Whf.reas, War has been forced upon us without justifiable cause 
by traitors whose avowed object is the subversion of the Government 
and the dissolution of the Union by armed resistance to Law, and where- 
as our Patriotic fellow-citizens have been barbarously slain while has- 
tening to the defence of the Cajtitol at the call of the Chief MHgistrate 
in pursuance of his solemn Oath of office, and whereas our flag has been 
insulted, and our existence as a nation put in peril, therefore, 

'^Kejolred, By the citizens of Danvers, in town-meeting assembled, 
that we will co-operate, to the fullest extent in our power, with all the 
good citizens throughout the whole country, in prosecuting the war 
with such vigor as to bring it to a speedy close. 

** liesolvedy That animated by the glorious memories of the past, our 
duty to posterity, our love for the Union, our reliance upon a just God, 
in a righteous cause, we will devote our whole energies in the ac- 
complishment of the object, regardless of its cost in treasure or in 
blood, 

" Resolcedt That in this Contest there can be no neutrality ; whoever 
is uot/'T us is agttinst us ; and that all bearing arms and not rauged 
beneath the flag of the Union, wherever found, shall be dealt with as 
traitors. 

'* Resolved^ That the Treasurer of the town be authorized to borrow a 
sum, not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars, for the uses of the town for 
the above purposes, which shall be designated as a War Fund. In order 
to carry out the above Resohttions it is further 

"Resolved, That a committee consisting of the Selectmen of Danvers, 
together with Daniel Richards, John R. Langley, C. P. Preston, E. 
Hunt, S. P. Fowler (a committee appointed by the citizens to disburse 
the fund raised by Voluntary Contribution), and five other gen- 
tlemen be appointed to take into consideration all applications for aid 
consequent upon our citizens being called upon to enlist in the service 
of our Country, either during the time of Drilling in anticipation of 
being enrolled, or wliile in actual service, and the 8;iid Committee are 
hereby authorized and empowered to render such aid to the families of 
any such citizens as in their judgment is needful, by a draft on the 
Treasury of the Town, on the War Fund, signed hy such a sub-com- 
mittee as said Committee shall select ; that said Committee shall hold 
stated and regular meetings as often as once in two weeks, of which 
due notice shall be given, and they may hold meetings at such other 
times as they may deem necessary and may make all such rules and reg- 
ulations in reference to the disbursing of the money appropriated aa a 
War Fund as may from time to time be deemed expedient. 

" They recommend to fill the blank in the committee, by selecting 
the following gentlemen, who together with those above named will 
distribute the Committee in the various parts of the town, viz.; 

"Jesse W. Snow, Philemon Putnam, Nathan Tapley, Josiah Gray 
and John A. Sears. All of which is respectfully submitted." 

Seven month.s after the fir.st town meeting, another 
was called fi^r December 19, 1861, to provide for aid 
to the families of soldiers agreeable to an act of the 
■special session of the Legislature. Information was 
first desired as to the disbursement of the ten thou- 
sand dollars raised in May, and the committee were 
prepared with a report containing these items : 

"There has been paid out for driiling 31901.37. There has also been 
paid to one hundred and seventy-three families as aid in various sums of 
from one dollar to five dollars and a half jKr week, making in the gross 
amount 8801(5. .Ifi. There is now due to families and undrawn one 
hundred and thirty-nine dollars, making the amount drawn from the 
Treasury J9917 73. Of this sum your Committee estimate that the sum 
of five thousand-eight hundred dollars will be received from the Common- 
wealth." 

"The Committee will also say that the number of families assisted at 
the present time is one hundred and forty -three, the amount now jmid 
each family is from one to four dollars per week. Your Committee 
would further say, although the amount of money expended is a large 
sum in the aggregate, yet. when we consider the condition of many of 
the families of the Volunteers owing to thestHgna.tion of business and the 
want of employment for several months previous to their enlistment, we 
think the wonder is that so little hiLS answered for the Jturpose. If by 
«ven a greater sacrifice of property the Government of the Country is 



rescued from the unscrupulous attacks of a widespread and atrociouB 
rebellion, which threatens our very existence as a Nation, we ought to 
beexceedingly thankful:— at any rate, the tax -payers of the Town will 
have reason to feel that the old Town of Danvers, by encouragement of 
the enlistment of her patriotic sons, has not fallen from the reputation 
acquired in the times of the Revolution. 

" And may God grant us a speedy and honorable peace. All of which 
is respectfully submitted. In behalf of the Committee. 

** Edes Huxt." 

At an adjournment of this meeting $5000 was ap- 
propriated for soldiers' aid, in accordance with the 
act of May, 1801, and $.100 additional to be e.\peuded 
under the authority of the committee appointed 
May 3d. 

At the annual meeting, 1862, the finance commit- 
tee recommendted the adoption of annexed votes pro- 
posed liy the chairman of the relief committee, which 
were, first, that a relief committee, like that of last 
year, be chosen for the ensuing year to aid in the dis- 
tribution of the War Fund ; second, that the sum of 
$15,000 be raised and appropriated for aid to soldiers' 
families, under the statutes ; and, third, that $500 be 
placed at the dispos.al of the relief commit tee. These 
measures were all passed and the committee re- 
elected. $1000 was at the same time added to the 
appropriation for the town's poor. 

At a meeting held in midsummer, July 25, 1862, 
the Governor's call for one hundred and four volun- 
teers w.is considered, and, agreeable to the expressed 
desire of a mass-meeting of citizens held ten days be- 
fore, the matter of bounty w.is the chief object of 
action. The first offer of bonnty here made by the 
town was on the adoption of J. D. Black's motion, 
96 to 1, to pay $125 "to whatever person may report 
himself to the selectmen of Danvers, upon his being 
or having been accepted into the United States ser- 
vice, as furnishing a part of our quota." 

On August 4, 1862, the first draft was ordered, for 
300,000 nine months men. Early in that month a 
town-meeting was held, at which it was first voted to 
continue the payment of bounty until our quota of 
volunteers was full, and to include also drafted men ; 
but this action was reconsidered, and Henry Fowler, 
Win. E. Putnam and the Selectmen were a|ipointeii 
" to wait upon the Governor and to ascertain if our 
quota can be reduced, to get further information in 
regard to the draft, and to report at the next town- 
meeting." 

On the heels of this meeting came Lincoln's call 
for 300,000 more men. Immediately another warrant 
was posted, calling upon the citizens of Danvers to 
meet on Monday, August 25th, to consider the call. 
A motion that the selectmen open a recruiting 
office and pay $100 bounty to each recruit volunteer- 
ing and making one of the quota under the call, was 
successfully amended to .$125. 

The committee appointed August 12th, to attempt 
to secure a reduction of the quota, presented a letter 
to the Adjutant-General in the following forcible and 
direct terms : 



534 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" To Hon. \Vm. Schouler, Adjutant-General. 

" Dear Sir, — We, the undersigoed, would represent that the town of 

Dauvtra has furniahed the following Tolunteers for the war : 

3 months men 37 

3 years men, to June 1st, 1862 285 

Salem Cadets, Fort Warren 10 

Salem Light Infantry, Co, B 6 

Under General Order No. 26 70 

398 
3 months men re-enlistod 17 

381 
"The Town has paid to Volunteers under General Order No. 26 Eight 
Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (fi8750). By the Adjutant- 
GeneraPs Report to the Leg. of 18G2 the town of Danvers had furnished 
for the war Eight officers and Two hundred and fifty-six privates, giving 
one Volunteer to fifteen inhabitants of the town, under the State census 
of 1 855. 

*' This proportion exceeds that of the towns of Beverly, Gloucester, 
Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Marblehead, Newburyport, Salem 
and South Danvers, from 9 to 57 percent. 

" The ninety-nine Volunteera received and put into the service of the 
United States since last December makes the same disproportion between 
the town of Danvers and the towns above referred to, hold good. 

'' The assessor* of 1861, in Danvers, mistaliiug the law on this matter, 
returned aliens on the Militia Roll, which materially Increased our 
number liable to do military duty. 

"The town of Danvers does not shrink from any duty imposed on 
her in this great crisis of our Country, neither will she fail to do her 
part in furnishing men to crush out this rebellion, but knowing from the 
above facts tliat the town has furnished more men in proportion to her 
InhabitantH than the other large towns in the County, and feeling that 
the payment of the bounty to the thirty-four Volunteers required to fill 
the quota for Danvers of 104 men, will be burdensome beyond what 
strict equality would require of ua, we ask, therefore, that the town, by 
furnishing seventy men under General Order No. 26, may be considered 
as having filled her quota," 

Respectfully submitted, 

WiiJiAM Dodge, Jh. j Selectmen 
CuAHLES Chaplin. r of 

Augustus Fowleb. ' Danvera. 
Danvers, August 14, 1862. 

Approved, 

Wm. Schouler, 

Adjt.-General. 

In seventeen days, another meeting to act on 
propositions for more bounties, for three-years' men 
and drafted men, principals or substitutes. A motion 
made by Samuel Moore in the afternoon failed of 
passing, because but fifty-four voted for it, less than 
the by-laws required— it was hard work to get the 
requisite number together, so many were away during 
the war— but in the evening it passed, eighty to 
twelve, namely to pay one hundred and twenty-five dol- 
lars to each person, resident in town, who had en- 
listed for three years of the war, and was not already 
in receipt of a bounty, " provided said person has 
served nine months, or has been earlier discharged 
on account of injuries received in service; said bounty 
to be payable at the end of said volunteer's service." 
It was immediately voted to extend the bounty to 
drafted men. 

Busy times, these, for selectmen and voters. While 
this meeting of the 11th was in session a warrant 
for still another meeting had already been two days 
posted, the special object being the consideration of 
a matter, which was disposed of by the unanimous 
adoption, eighty-six voting, of these resolutions pre- 
sented by W. L. Weston : 



" Whereas, at a legal meeting of the town on the 25th day of August 
last, it was voted ' to pay a bounty of $125 to each recruit volunteering 
in the service of the United States, and making one of the town's quotJi 
under the call of the President for300,00u military for nine months 
service,' and 

*' Whereas, acting under the belief that the town might be called 
upon for a considerable number of recruits to fill this requisition, a 
Buccessftd effort has been made to raise a Company under Capt. A. G. 
Allen — said Company having made arrangements by which it is to form 
a part of the 8th Regt. now being recruited under Col. Coffin, and have 
already placed themscdves in Camp, and 

"Whereas, it now appears to be uncertain whether the men so 
raised will be required as part of the town's quota, thus rendering said 
vote inoperative, 

"Therefore, in view of the patriotic action of the young men composing 
said Company, and that the faith of ths town has been pledged to thom 
and also in view of the fact that other calls for men may be made upon 
the town, it is hereby 

"Voted, that the town will pay a bounty of 125 dollars to each resi- 
dent of Danvers who has volunteered, or may volunteer as a member of 
Capt. A. G. Allen's Company, upon his having been accepted and sworn 
into the United States service. 

" Voted, that the town Treasurer be and ia hereby authorized to hire 
a sum of money sufficient to pay the bounties mentioned in the above 
vote." 

The names of the company here referred to, Com- 
pany K, Eighth Regiment, nine months' men, mus- 
tered in October 1, 1862, and discharged August 7, 
1863, will be found further on. The regiment sailed 
from Boston November 7, 1862, under Colonel CoflSn, 
of Newburyport, for Newbern, N. C, and in June, 
1863, was transferred to Baltimore, thence to Mary- 
land Heights and experienced hard service in the 
pursuit of Lee after the battle of Gettysburg. 

The adoption of the resolutions in regard to 
Captain Allen's company was the only business this 
meeting could in strictness consider. But there was 
a man present with something in his pocket to read, 
the man who in the first war town-meeting had 
voiced the determination of his fellow-citizens to 
stand by the government, who, long years before, had 
stood up to strike the first blow for temperance, and 
had been foremost in every reform and the uncom- 
promising foe of wrong in whatever guise, and who, 
with the courage of his convictions, entered active 
service in the war despite his advancing years — Doc- 
tor Ebenezer Hunt. There is a ring to his words 
not unlike certain resolutions already quoted which 
came from the ancestors of these very men, citizens of 
Danvers in town-meeting assembled, in those other 
days which tried men's souls : 

"Whereas — The town of Danvers hag already furnished more than 
her full quota of men, and is ready and willing to send more if neces- 
sary, and to expend her last dollar in defence of the Common Country, 
Therefore — 

" Resolved, that the citizens have a right to ask and do ask the Gov- 
ernment for a vigorous prosecution of the war and that nothing shall be 
permitted to stand in the way of the progress of our armies in crushing 
out the rebellion and restoring to our country a speedy and permanent 
peace. 

•' Resolved — That had there been no slavery, there would have been 
no rebellion, and as the rebellion will continue so long as slavery exists, 
we, the citizeus of Danvers, in town meeting assembled, ask, that the 
war forced upon ua by the rebels in defence of slavery, shall be so prose- 
cuted as to leave no vestige of that accursed institution." 

The first of these resolutions was passed unanimously ; 
three voters could not accept the second. At the fall 



DANVEKS. 



535 



election, 1862, John A. Andrew received four hun- 
dred and twenty-six votes to one hundred and fifty 
for Charles Devens, Jr. February 9, 1863, five 
thousand dollars was appropriated for military aid. 

At the annual meeting of 1863 the relief committee 
which had been at work during the previous year, 
reported that they had assisted two hundred and fifty- 
one families. "At the present time," they say, " the 
number is reduced to one hundred and ninety fami- 
lies receiving aid in various ways from one dollar per 
week to twelve dollars per month." A relief commit- 
tee for the ensuing year were chosen, — Drs. Hunt and 
Chase, William Dodge, Jr., Nathan Tapley, John A. 
Sears, C. H. Gould, Josiah Gray, C. P. Preston, S. P. 
Fowler and Philemon Putnam. 

At this time S. D. Shattuck and others petitioned 
for the purchase by the town of a lot in Walnut 
Grove Cemetery for the burial of deceased soldiers, 
and the selectmen were instructed to purchase the 
lot which has been used for this purpose. 

The vote of September 11, 1862, as to bounty for 
three years' men was prospective ; no appropriation was 
then made. It became necessary to think about a large 
appropriation. If at any time after nine months' ser- 
vice the war should end, these bounties would be at 
once payable. So in midsummer, 1863, a special meet- 
ing was called toseeif the town would raise money to 
defray the expenditure contemplated by the vote of Sep- 
tember 11th. This meeting, held first July 3d, aftersev- 
eral adjournments unanimously voted to ap])ro])riate 
fifty thousand dollars for the jiurpose, a sum .so large that 
Mr. Howard underlined the words when he entered 
the vote on the permanent records of the town. This 
amount was never paid nor raised, for the reason 
that certain citizens petitioned for an injunction, on 
the ground that such an appropriation was illegal, 
prohibiting the borrowing or payment of money under 
said vote. The case came before the Supreme Court 
in January, 1864, and is reported in Massachusetts 
Reports, 8 Allen 80, under the title "Samuel P. Fow- 
ler and others vs. Selectmen and Treasurer of Dan- 
vers." The decision turned on the interpretation of 
the statute of 1863, ch. 38, entitled "An act to legalize 
the doings of towns in aid of the war," and the court 
held that the statute while covering appropriations 
for bounties to induce enlistment, did not legalize a 
vote to pay money to persons who had already en- 
listed in the service of the United States. 

There was a light vote for Governor in the fall of 
1863, — Andrew receiving two hundred and seventy, 
Henry W. Paine forty-seven. At the March meeting 
of 1864, Dr. Hunt was again on hand with a report 
from bis relief committee ; two hundred and forty- 
five families, he said, had received State aid. 

" Your commitlee propose to make no predirtion in reliitinii to a 
speedy peace. This ^iul>ject is still ii question of time. We can only s.iy 
the omens are anspicions, and tliat if tlie people of the Loyal States 
stiall do their duty in snstiiining the Government in a vigorous prosecu- 
tion of the war, ami in following the leadings of Providence in the path 1 



of Justice and Humanity, and if the heads of the Departments and other 
Politicians at the Capitol interest themselves as heartily in crtishing out 
the Rebellion, as in making a new President, our honored Hag will at 
length wave in triumph over a regenerated and glorious Union, inhab- 
ited only by Freemen." 

At this same March meeting of 1864, fifteen thous- 
and dollars were appropriated " for families of volun- 
teers who have enlisted or may enlist during the 
present war." Once only in the summer of 1864 was 
there a special meeting, occasioned by the President's 
call for five hundred thousand more men, and at this 
time an apjiropriation of eleven thousand two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars was made for the purpose of fill- 
ing our quota under this call. 

At the presidential election in the fall of 1864, the 
Lincoln electors received five hundred and ninety-two 
Danvers votes against one hundred and twenty-five 
for the McClellan electors; John G. Whittier, of 
Amesbury, whom Danvers is now so proud to claim 
among its residents, was chosen elector from the 
Essex District over S. Endicott Peabody, of Salem. 
For Governor, John A. Andrew received five hundred 
and ninety-six votes; H. W. Paine, one hundred and 
twenty-five. 

December 19, 1864, another call. " We're coming, 
Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more!" 
On the day after Christmas men read a warrant, sum- 
moning them to meet on the fourth day of the new 
year to face a demand for still more money. Voters 
were slow of coming forward, and, as on some other 
occasions during the war, adjournmeuts and rallying- 
committee tactics were necessary; but finally, by a 
large vote, it was decided to pay another bounty of 
^125 to each volunteer going to fill the town's quota 
under the new call. 

Before November the men whom the majority of 
Massachusetts citizens had kept at the head of the 
State Government in these years of trial, had done 
with life. At the election of 1865 Danvers helped to 
elect his successor, Alexander H. Bullock, of Worces- 
ter, by a vote of 688, to 64 for Darius N. Couch, of 
Taunton. 

Recruiting was ordered to be discontinued on April 
13, 1865. Danvers furnished in all seven hundred 
and ninety-two men for the war, which was a surplus 
of thirty-six over and above all demands. Forty- 
four were comiuissioued officers. The total amount 
of money raised on account of the war, exclusive of 
State aid, was $36,596. The amount of State aid 
raised during the war for soldiers' families, 1861-65, 
amounted to $66,068.11. The appropriations for aid 
made subsequently were, — 1871, iii5U00 ; 1872, $4000, 
also $200 for special cases not within the law ; l.'<73, 
$2000 and $200 sjiecial ; 1874, $4000, $200 special; 
1875, $3500, also $1.5U special; 1S76, $2500, $150; 
1877, $2500, $150; 1878, $150 ; 1879, $100; 1880, 
$800; 1881, $1000; 1882, $1000; 1883, $800; 1884, 
$600; 1885, $600; 1886, $700 ; 1887, $700. 

Of the voluntary contributions all through the 
years of the war, of money, materials, labor, amount- 



536 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ing in value to perhaps thousands of dollars, and 
cheerfully given, no record has been kept. 

In the warrant for the annual meeting of 1868 ap- 
peared this article : " To see what action the town 
will take on the petition of S. P. Cummings and oth- 
ers to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of 
erecting a suitable monument or tablets whereon 
shall be inscribed the names, age and date of death, 
of all Danvers soldiers and sailors who fell in the 
late war for the union." The matter, when reached, 
was referred to a committee, one from each school 
district: No. 1, William Dodge, Jr.; No. 2, E. T. 
Waldron ; No. 3, J. F. Bly ; No. 4, William K. Put- 
nam ; No. 5, Dean Kimball ; No. 6, George Andrews ; 
No. 7, Timothy Hawkes ; No. 8, Kufus Putnam. S. P. 
Cummings was added. 

At an adjournment, this committee reported rec- 
ommending the erection of a monument at a cost of 
not less than three thousand dollars, that fifteen hun- 
dred dollars be appropriated by the town and the 
balance by subscription, through a committee of one 
from each district. The committee already appointed 
were made a subscription committee, to report at a 
meeting specially called when they should have se- 
cured the required sum. 

At the March meeting the next year, 1869, the 
committee reported th.at they " have attended to their 
duty, and by the patriotism and generosity of our 
citizens we have been enabled to raise the required 
sum. The committee would, with the consent of the 
Trustees of the Peabody Park, recommend that 
place as the most appropriate for the erection of said 
monument." 

The old committee were elected for the ensuing 
year, with the addition of the selectmen. But the 
question of location was not easily settled. At the 
next March meeting, 1870, a motion was introduced 
to place the monument in front of the Town House, 
but was withdrawn to give place to the proposition 
that, at the adjourned meeting a ballot-box be so 
placed that citizens might informally express in 
writing their preferences for location. The result of 
this ballot showed ninety-three votes for Peabody 
Park, and sixty-six for the Town House yard. 

May 2d, Simeon Putnam was added to the commit- 
tee. On that same day it was reported that the 
Trustees of the Peabody Institute had declined, on 
account of some legal objection, to allow the monu- 
ment to be erected in the park. In the meantime, 
March 21st, an additional appropriation of sixteen 
hundred dollars was voted. 

In June a special meeting was called to consider 
several important subjects, first of which was the re- 
port of the monument committee. Those who 
strongly favored the park as a location disliked to 
accept the decree of the trustees as final. Some one, 
to fame unknown, succeeded in getting recorded a 
pithy motion "that the Monument be paid for and 
stored until consent be obtained of the original 



grantors and the Trustees," but not in getting it 
passed. 

Mr. Augustus Mudge moved that the committee be 
instructed to place the monument on the Common at 
Danvers Centre. The motion was declared carried, 
was doubted, and on division was declared carried, 
one hundred and thirty-five to eighty-five. To clinch 
the matter, a vote was taken to re-consider, and 
lost. 

This seemed decisive. Doubtless the inhabitants 
of the Centre, as they passed old Deacon IngersoU's 
training field on some of those summer evenings, 
saw with no great stretch of imagination certain 
ghostly monumental outlines rising from the green 
sod, where soon the substantial shaft would consecrate 
anew the historic ground. But no. In just one week 
a warrant was issued to act on a petition for the re- 
location of the Soldiers' Monument. The meeting 
was held July 11th. Dr. Hunt moved for a re-loca- 
tion within half a mile of the flag-staff at the Plains. 
On a large vote by ballot the motion was carried, — 
yeas, 264; nays, 161. The definite location was then 
left with the committee, who decided upon the Town 
House yard. The monument was dedicated No- 
vember 30, 1870. It is of Hallowell granite, thirty- 
three and one quarter feet high, and seven and three- 
quarters feet square at the base ; its total cost, $6298.- 
20, towards which sum Edwin Mudge contributed the 
larger part of his two years' salary as the Representa- 
tive in the Legislature of the district composed of 
Danvers and Wenham, the remainder being pre- 
sented to the latter town for a similar object. The 
names inscribed upon the monument are these: 



Major Wallace A. Putnam, 



Lt. James Hill. 



Hector A. Aiken. 
Henry F. Alien. 
James Battye. 
Edwin Beckford. 
Isaac Bodwell. 
Sylvester Brown. 
James H. Burrows. 
Lewis Britton. 
John H. Bridges. 
■William H. Croft. 
Simeon CoiEn. 
H. Cuthbertsoa. 
Thomas Collins. 
Wm. H. Channell. 
Charles W. Dodge. 
George H, Dwinell. 
Moses Delaud. 
William C. Dale. 
George A. Ewell. 
George W. Earl. 
Reuben Ellis. 
George A. Elliott. 
William S. Evans. 
Nathaniel P. Fish. 
Beuj. M. Fuller. 
Eph'm Gefchell. 
E. I. Getchell. 
William F. Gilford. 
John Goodwin. 
0. W. C. Goudy. 
Alonzo Gray. 



Daniel H. Gould. 

Samuel S. Grout. 
Amhrose Hinds. 
Levi Howard. 
James J. Hurley. 
Thomaa Hartman. 
Abiel \. Home. 
James H. Ham. 
Everson Hall. 
Charles Hiller. 
T. C. JefTs. 
- William W. Jessup. 
James W. Kelley. 
Moses A. Kent. 
James E, Lowell. 
Samuel A. Letflau. 
Joseph Leavitt. 
Charles II. Lyons. 
Cliarles E. Meader. 
John fllerrill. 
T. A. Musgrave. 
James Morgan. 
Michael McAulitf. 
William Metzgar. 
Allen Nonrse. 
William H. Ogden. 
William H. Parker. 
George W. Peabody. 
J. Frank Perkins. 
George W. Porter. 
Samuel M. Porter. 



DANVERS. 



537 



Alfred Porter. 
Robert W. Putuam. 
Isaac N. Roberts. 
S. P. Richardson. 
S. A. Rodgers. 
Israel Roach. 
Daniel Smith. 
Henry A- Smith. 
Wm. E. Sheldon. 
Charles W. Shelden. 
John Shackley. 
Frank Scampton. 
Cornelius Sullivan. 
Patrick F. Shea. 
Joseph T. Smart. 
Edward Splane. 



Milford Tedford. 
Patrick Trainer. 
Wm. F. Twiss. 
John N. Thompson. 
Austin Upton. 
Angus Wanl. 
William Ward. 
Joseph Woods. 
C. E. tt. Welch. 
George Woodman. 
John Withey. 
Nathan'l K. Wells. 
George T. Whitney. 
Joseph F, Wiggin. 
Charles H. Young. 



A special meeting was called a week before Deco- 
ration Day, 1872, to see if the town would appropriate 
a sum of money in aid of Post 90, G. A. R., for the 
expenses of Memorial Day, and by a vote of eighty- 
four to two, two hundred dollars was appropriated. 
Each subsequent year at the annu;il meeting an 
amount varying from one hundred and fifty to two 
hundred dollars has been devoted to this jjurpose. 
Ward Post, 90, G. A. R., was organized June 8, 1869. 

The list of Danvers volunteers which follows is 
made up chiefly from the official lists of Massachu- 
setts volunteers compiled by Adjutant-General Sehou- 
ler. These two large volumes contain a hundred and 
fifty thousand names, more or less, arranged only ac- 
cording to organization, and not according to towns, 
and therefore a close scrutiny of the entire list has 
been necessary to ascertain every Danvers volunteer 
credited to the quota of the State. It is thought that 
no omissions have been made. Some errors have 
been noticed and corrected ; if others appear, the 
responsibility must rest on the official authority, 
referred to. The figures opposite the names give 
the age of first enlistment. 

The members of the Danvers Light Infantry and 
of the Putnam Guards were not the first volunteers 
from Danvers. A number enlisted in the two Salem 
companies assigned to the Fifth Regiment, three 
months' men, mustered in May 1, ISGl. In Company 
A, known as the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry, 
were these : 



Age. 

James H. Sleeper, corporal 32 

Charles W. Allen 20 

Edwin Bailey 25 

Henry T. Briggs 21 

William Burroughs 28 

Jacob Burton 25 

Lyman D. Crosby 23 

George M. Crowell 29 

George H. Fuller 25 

John T. Gilman 19 



Age. 

James Hill 20 

JohnH. Howard 19 

William Lufkiu 2.'> 

Joseph C Munscy 19 

Janie« D. North 21 

Chas. n.Phippen 22 

Chas. W. Ricker 18 

Henry Sloper 29 

Robert Smith 20 

Mendall S. Webber 23 



In Company H of the same regiment, the Salem 
City Guards, were these : 



Age. 

Wm. F. Bickford 23 

Charles W. Chase 20 

David A. Gilford 36 

John M. Hines 21 

Edward Kelley 26 

James W. Lowe 19 



Age. 

Henry H. Richardson 20 

Wm. H. Richardson 22 

Edgar JI. Riggs 24 

John N. Thompson 30 

Herbert W. Very 22 

George Webster 23 



These men arrived at Annapolis April 24th, and 
were mustered into L^nited States service as stated. 
They bore an honored part in the disastrous battle of 
Bull Run, July 21st, exactly three months after the 
regiment left Faneuil Hall. Henry T. Briggs was 
there taken prisoner, and was exchanged in 1862. 

A list of Danvers volunteers in the three years' 
regiments : 



Second Eetfiment. 
Age. I 



David A. Fuller, Co. C 28 

Levi E. Goodale, Co. C 19 

John Stonehall, Co. C 20 



Age. 



John Smith, Co. 1 28 

James Patterson, recruit 32 



Xinth Iteginieid. 
Age. I 



John Fitzpatrick, Co. B 26 

James Brown. <'o. D 23 

Daniel Buckley, Co. E 18 

Richard Bush, Co E 32 



Abram Yates, Co. B 

Jas. McLaughlin, corp , Co.F. 

Ulick Burke, Co. F 

Patrick Shea, Co. F 



.Age. 
... 21 



2:1 

24 
20 



Tetith Itegititent. 
Age. I Age. 

Wallace ■\. Putnam 1 24 1 George W. Bigelow, 2d lieut... 32 

EU't-enth liegimaU. 



Alexander Spinney, Co. C 

Michael McAuliffe, Co D 

Wm. Shackley, Co. G 

Horace L. Hadley, Corp., Co. H. 



Age. 
. 29 



30 
21 



Age. 

George A. Ewell, Co. 1 28 

Henry Beckett, recruit 22 

James Finnerty, recruit 23 

George A. Wilson, recruit 27 



Fourteenth Jiegiment, 
(See 1st Heavy .\rtilltry below.) 
Seventeenth Regiment. 
Age. 



Robert W. Jessop, Co. A 

Geo. Putnam, Jr., Corp., Co. B. 

James Battye, Co. B 

Patrick Carr, Co. B 



Age- 



Chaji. M. Goldthwaitt, Co. D.. 22 

Doniiuick McDavitt, Co. D 31 

Thomas J. Shea, Co. D 2G 

.\rtenms Wilson, Co. D 34 

Joseph H. Coley, Co. G 18 

Nicholas Congdon, Co. G 25 

Ephraim Getchell, Co. G 35 

Wm. Ober, Co. G 27 

Seward Sylvester, Go. G 18 

Jas. Smith, sergt., 2d and 1st 

lieut., Co. 1 30 



36 

18 

43 

33 

David Coleman, Co. B 44 

Lawrence Fox, Co. B 39 

George H. Goss, Co. B 22 

Thomas Hartmau, Co. B 42 

James McCarty, Co. B 47 

Andrew Pattou.Co.B 38 

George Pitman, Co. B 34 

Reuben H. CoHin, Co. D 29 

Company C, Seventeenth Regiment. — Those 
marked with a star were original members of the 
Danvers Light Infantry. 

Age. 

*Nehemi.ah P. Fuller, capt., promoted major 2d H. Artillery 31 

* Wm. W. Smith, Ist lieut., promoted capt., major, lieut. -colonel 23 

*RueI B. Pray, 2d lieut., 1st lieut 24 

*LewisCann, sergt. 2d lieut., 1st lieut., capt 23 

* Henry G. Hyde, sergt, 2d lieut., Ist lieut 22 

♦Uriah Robertson, sergt., 2d lieut., 1st lieut 30 

Timothy Hawks, priv., 2d lieut., 1st lieut 44 

* Robert Smith, sergt., 2d lieut., 1st lieut 31 

*MalcolmSillar8, 2d lieut., Ist lieut 29 

*.\ndrew Cook, sergt., 2d lieut 30 

♦James Innian, sergt., 2d lieut 25 

♦Joseph G. Martin, sergt., 2d lieut 35 

* George H. Putney, sergt 28 

♦Richard W. Fuller, pr., sergt 19 

♦Timothy Hawks, Jr., Corp., sergt 26 

•John B. Moores, pr., sergt 26 

♦.\llen Nourse, sergt 21 

♦William H. Ogden, pr., sergt 21 

♦John F. Wells, pr., sergt 24 

♦Isaac Bodwell, corp ^ 

* Charles F. Erown, corp 27 

* James Cochrane, corp 23 



1 Enlisted as Ist lieut., pronioted major 56th Infantry ; died of wounds. 



34J 



538 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



Age. 

•David Cook, corp •IS 

* David H. Ogdcu, corp 23 

Patrick Sexton, pr., corp 20 

George C. Wilson, musician 18 

Charles Hartmau, musician IB 

Fi-iuates. 

Ago. 

♦Lewis D. Moore 18 

♦Archibald Morrison 25 

♦George H. Moulton 28 

Andrew Mullen 24 

♦John Muudie 27 

Martin Murray 20 

Owen Murphy 23 

Wm. J. Murphy 27 

Edward North 19 

♦David Pettingill 31 

♦Richard Poor 19 

♦Nathaniel W.Pope 23 

James Prince 29 

Charles H.Putnam 21 

♦ George F. Putnam 23 

♦Wm. Reynolds 23 

♦Michael Riley 30 

John A. Eoherts 18 

Frank Scamptou 39 

♦ George Scamptou 32 

Joseph E. Shaw 18 

♦John Shackley 33 

♦Daniel Smith 28 

♦Philip Sullivan 20 

Jeremiah Tooiney 21 

♦ Patrick Toomey 23 

♦Patrick Trainer 19 

•Ezra W. Watson 24 

Charles F. Wells 18 

Edwin G. Wells 18 

Edwin F. Welsh 38 

» Henry R. Wiggin 43 

♦Joseph P. Wiggin 37 

♦Frederick Wright 28 



Age. 

♦Samuel D.Benson 23 

♦Charles H. Burcbstead 22 

♦Joseph N. Burchstead 29 

♦ James H. Burrows 25 

Simeon Cofhn 21 

♦Wm. R. Crawford 19 

Wm. H. Croft 17 

John L. Cunningham 31 

♦James W.Dickey 19 

♦George H. Dole 28 

♦ Samuel W. Durgin 22 

Joshua Gosa 43 

♦ George W. Gos8 18 

♦ Rufus Hart 20 

♦Thomas Hartmau 19 

James A. Holt 31 

« Daniel A. Hyde 38 

♦Thomaa Hyud 41 

Andrew Kelly 40 

John Kelly 35 

♦Jackson Kennedy 31 

♦Ezra D. Kimball 23 

Michael Kirby 21 

♦David P. Lang 24 

Joseph Leavitt 42 

♦James Lee 22 

♦ James E. Lowell 23 

♦Melville Maley 18 

John McCreary 36 

♦Alexander Mon 43 

♦George E.Moore 24 

♦John Moore 23 

♦John B. Moores 26 

John K. Moore 31 

In the list of original membera of the Light Infan- 
try Company are these names which do not appear 
above : 

Edward Murphy. Wm. W. Flyun. 

Jonas S. Monroe. Jonjt Fogg. 

Alden C. Shaw. Thos. A. Musgrave. 

John P. Stiles. Peirce Butler. 

Florence H. Crowley. Geo. R. Wentworlh. 

Newell Durgiu. Wm. Sillars. 

George W. Elliott. Geo. S. Lowe. 

Ninetei'iith Reijimenl. 
Age. 



Edwin Starkey, Co. D.. 



John N. Thompson, Co. B 30 John Berry, Co. H 

Robert W. Putnam, Co. F 18 Joshua Berry, Co. H.. 

Levi Trask, Co. H 44 

l\ventieth Regiment. 

Age. I 

Robert McKenncy, Co. H 34 I John T. Brown, 

Ticettty-second Regiment. 

Age. 

Daniel P. Clough,Co. A 18 

John H. Moser, Co. D 19 

Samuel F. Pray, Co. D 23 

Twenty-third Regiment. 

Age. 
Isaac N. Roberts, hosp. stew,. 28 

Joseph Blake, Corp., Co. A 22 

William Webber, Co. A 18 

Edward Blake, Co. A 20 

Nathaniel W. Chaplin, Co. A. 23 

Wm. A. Chaplin, Co. A 18 

Albert T. Cressey, Co. A 18 

Hpnj. M. TuUer, Co. A;. ...,,,,. 18 



Age. 
. 18 

. 28 



Co. K 33 



Age. 
... 15 



Thomas Caldwell, Co. E 34 



Age. 

James Kelley, Co. A 45 

James W. Kelley, Co. A 28 

Thos. B. Kelley, Co. A 19 

Moses A. Kent, Co. A 20 

Albert Kimball, Co. A 18 

Jeflerson Nichols, Co. A 35 

Henry H. Richardson, Co. A.. 22 

Wpi. H. Richardson, Co. A. .. 22 



Age. 

Matthew C. West, Co. A 32 

Abel N. Tyler, Co. A 18 

Daniel Fuller, col-p. Co. B 22 

Geo. D. Choate, sgt. Co. C 28 

Francis S. Dodge, corp. Co. F. 19 

Francis S. Caird, Co. F 24 

Jeremiah Cook, Co. F 35 

Geo. H. S. Driver, Co. F 19 

Charles H. Field, Co. F 46 

George Newhall, Co. F 20 

Twenty-fourth Rtginwnt. 

David H. Cunningham, Co. E 18 

Twenty-sixth Regiment. 

George T. Welch, Co. B 20 

Twenty-eighth Regiment. 



Age. 

Alonzo P. Dodge, sgt., Co. G.. 23 

Tristram C. Jeffs, Corp., Go. G. 33 

Jacob Bradbury, Co. G 41 

Richard Hood, Co. G 58 

Chas. P. Trask, Co. G 19 

Chas. Annable, Co. K 34 

Abraham North, Co. K 35 

Isaac N. Roberts, Co. K 28 

Richard B. Withey, Co.K 25 



Jeremiah Murphy, Co. A.. 
John Dowdall, Co. E 



Age. 
.. 26 
.. 20 



Age. 
Patrick R. O'Grady, Co. E 23 



Twenty ninth Regiment. 

Age. I Age. 

Chas. D, Bedell, Co. D 21 I John Smith, Co. D 19 

George W. Field, Co. D 21 ! 

Thirty-second Regiment. 

Warren Thomas, Co. D 28 

Thirty-third Regiment. 



Age. 

Jas. Hill, sgt, Co. C 22 

Geo. 0. Smith, corp., Co. C... 40 

James Hopkins, Co. C 18 

James Reynolds, Co. C 18 

Richard Landers, Co. E 22 

Thirty-fifth 
Age. 

Daniel J. Preston,^ 45 

Edgar M. Riggs, 2d Lieut 25 

COMPANY F. 

Jas. H. Ham, corp 24 

Seth S. Stetson, corp 23 

Wm. G. Colcord 20 

Lewis W. Day 29 

Henry G. Dockham 43 

Chas. W. Dodge 25 

John F. Eveleth 19 

James A. Green 21 

Thomas E, Green 22 

George W. Hansun 19 

Ambrose Hinds 26 



Age. 

John Smith, Co. E i8 

Joseph McKenney, Co. F 23 

John J. Smith, Co. F 22 

Patrick Dunlay, Co. K 18 



Regimtnt. 

Age. 

Joseph E. Hood 21 

Samuel L. Knight 26 

Charles P. Le Gro 25 

Christopher Metzgar 19 

Wm. .\. Peabody 21 

Israel Roach 38 

Jonas M. Rollins 32 

Levi A. Trask 21 

Lewis Verry 34 

Chas. E. M. Welch 27 

George T. Whitney 27 

Jonathan E. Whitebouse 21 

Oliver P. Wiggin 21 

Joseph Wood 24 

Wm. H. James, recruit 22 



Thirty-eighth Regiment. 

George W. Stanley, unassigued recruit 24 

Thirty-ninth Regiment. 
Age. 



Chas.W. Hanson, sergt.-major. 26 
Wm. S. Evans, Co. A 21 



John H. Perkins, Co. X... 



Fortieth Regiment. 
Age. 



Patrick Brannan, Corp., Co. B. 22 

John Rosenthal, Corp., Co. B. 18 

John Withey, corp., Co. B 44 

Sam'l P. Withey, muc. , Co. B. 18 

Joseph E. Annis, Co. B 32 

Edwin Beckford, Co. B 19 

Horace Beckford, Co. B 20 

Chas. W. Benjamin, Co. B 27 

Wm. H. Channell, Co. B 29 

George H. Day, Jr., Co. B 18 

Stephen S. Day, Co. B 37 

Fifty-sixth Regiment. 
Wallace A. Putnam. (See Tenth Regiment.) 

1 Enlisted 1st Lieuteuant, aged 45, promoted Captain, and December 
6, 1863, commissioned Major 36th U. S. Col. Inf. 



Age. 
.. 23 



Age. 
, 25 



George H. Dwinell, Co. B 

Henry Fish, Co. B 45 

Wm. W. JeSBup, Co. B 18 

Wm. H. Parker, Co. B 31 

Samuel M. Porter, Co. B 411 

Wm. F. Twiss, Co. B 31 

George Woodman Co. B 35 

Charles A. Young, Co. B 21 

Charles E. Meader, Co. K 18 

Lorenzo A. Quint, Co. K 33 



DANVERS. 



539 



Fi/ttf-niulh liegiment. 
Tlioniaa Carney, Co. I i'Z 

FiHST Regiment Heavy Artillery (three 
years). — Those marked with a star were original 
members of the " Putnam GuarcLs." 

Age. 

» Elbridge W. Guilfoiil, sergt., 2d li.'ut., Lit lieut, Co. A MS 

James Skene, Co. II 30 

Frank W. Taggard, 2d lieut., 1st lieut., Co. D 2.5 

Henry P. Fowler, eergt., 2d lieut., Co. D 22 

Charles H. Masury, sergt., 2d lieut., Co. D 19 

John P. Witliey, pr., sergt., Co. D 21 

William F. Beclif(>rd, Corp., Co. D 24 

Charles R. Brown, Corp., Co. D 21 

James Murray, Corp., Co. D 24 

George II. Chaplin, Co. D 21 

William H. Dockham, Co. D 21 

Charles W. C. Goudy, Co. D 21 

EversoD Hall, Co. D 30 

John M. nines, Co. D 21 

Charles L. McGill, Co. D 21 

George 0. Shattuck, Co. D 34 

Daniel B. Usher, Co. D 23 

Daniel Berry, Co. H 21 

•Charles 11. Adams, Ist lieut., Co K 24 

Edward Murphj', Co. L 22 

Nathaniel K. Wells, Corp., Co. M 22 

Samuel P. Richardson. Co. M 34 

C^mpatiy I. 

•Arthur A. Putnam, capt 30 

•Jonathan U. Hanson, sergt., 2d lieut., Ist lieut., capt 32 

•William J. Roome, 2d lieut., 1st lieut 22 

•James Mack, sergt., 1st lieut 31 

•George W. Kenney, 2d lieut 

•Andrew O. Carter, sergt., 2d lieut 22 

Charles F. Kelley, pr., sergt 24 

•George G. Clark, pr., sergt 

•Charles A. Shepard, pr., sergt 



2(i 

28 

•William H. Shirley, pr., sergt 23 

•George E. Smith, sergt 20 

Edward Callahan, corp 21 

William F. Davis, pr., corp 23 

•Edward W. Thonia'^, pr., corp 27 

•Sidney M. Pearson, corp 25 

Benjamin D. fliiles, corp 30 

•John G. Weeden, corp 32 

PriviiUs. 



Age. 

• Hector A. Aiken 32 

• Chas. G. .\nsenberger 25 

•George D. Batchelder 19 

•Chas. E. Brown 23 

Giistavus Brown 23 

•Henry T. Chalk 23 

Frank B. Colby 21 

Wm. Cunningliani 19 

•Oscar F. Curtis 22 

• William C. Dale 22 

•James Drysdale 35 

•George W. Earle 24 

• Isaac O. Evans 18 

•Nehemiah P. Fiske 20 

George E. Fleet 32 

• Edwin A. Fuller 40 

• Edwin I. Getchell 22 

•John Goodwin 37 

• Warren F. Goodwin 18 

Orlando C. Gui.py 2G 

•James II. ILim 21 

« Alljert Henderson 22 

John V. Hennessey 22 

Charles Ililler 22 

••lohn Hobbs 20 

• Levi H. Howard 42 

•Cliarles Ilur.l 22 

•George Ingraham 22 



Age. 

George H. Jones 18 

• Frank S. Kittrcdge 23 

• Samuel F. LelHau 24 

George S. Low 19 

Thomas Maloney 21 

•John Merrill 26 

• JohnMetzgar 27 

• William H. Moser 44 

•Simon Murray 25 

• Elbridge G. Pearson 27 

•Franklin Perkins 25 

•George W.Perkins 29 

George Peterson 21 

•Oliver A. Plumnier 27 

•Charles W.Sheldon 26 

•William E.Sheldon 27 

Daniel H.Smith 26 

•David Smith 29 

• James C. Smith 23 

George W. Stevenson 25 

•Milford Tedford IS 

Angus Ward 23 

•\villiam Ward 28 

•Robert Weigand 26 

•John Westcott 20 

•James F. Whittier 21 

• Carlton Woodward 21 



Names of original members of the "Putnam 
Guards" not given above, are Tluimas Turncy, corp., 
George Beard, Frank A. Burrill, .John F. Diiiliey, 
Ezra S. Dudley, George A. Dodge, Eilwin K. Diidge, 
George G. Esty, Charles M. Goodwin, Wm. .Johnson 
Charles F. Jordan, Albert F. Putnam, Addison W. 
Putnam, Kendall F. Richardson, Philemon R. Rus- 
sell, Jr., Wm. Shackley, Ira T. Tra.sk, John K. Tiney, 
drummer, John Wcsel. 

SECOND EEGIMENT, HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

Age. 

Nehemiah P. Fuller, capt., major 33 

Arthur A. Putnam, 1st lieut, capt 2.5 

Charles H. Adams, 2d lieut 27 

Arclielaus P. B. Kelly, Co. A 16 

George A. Elliott, sergt., Co. B 25 

.\braham North, sergt., Co. B 39 

Albert D. Webber, Corp., Co. B 21 

Richard P. Abbott, Co. B 25 

Samuel D. Benson, Co. B 25 

George H. Fuller, Co. B 26 

James H. Kelle.v, Co. B 18 

Edwin H.Marshall, Co. B 25 

Henry Maud, Co. B 37 

Stephen W. Roberts, Co. B 29 

William H. Stetson, Corp., Co. C 29 

GeorgeD. Goldthwalt, Co. D 32 

Abraham North, Co. D .39 

Wm. II. Southwick, Co. D 26 

Joseph G. Whitehouse, Co. D 30 

Addison W. Fowler, sergt., Co. E 22 

John McCoy, Co. E .39 

John Shackley, Co. E 44 

Henry Sloper, Co. E 31 

.loseph Leavitt, Co. F 43 

Edward P. Mayhew, Co. F 18 

Wm. Brown, Co. G 19 

Compaiiti E, 



Ag«. 
Charles II. .\dams, Jr., sergt.... 26 

Daniel P. Clough, sergt 19 

Fredk. A. Wentworth, sergt.... 24 

Wm. S.Forrest, corp 42 

Ezra W. Watson, curp 26 

Henry F. Allen 18 

Orion W. Clough 18 

James M. Collins 23 

Albert A. Fowler 22 

George A. Freeze 31 

Andrew J. Goodwin 21 

Eben J. Griffin 18 

JohnC. Harris 23 



Age. 

Geo. W. Jellison 18 

Franklin Johnson 18 

Chas. T. Mosier 18 

Allen Peabody 44 

■loB. S. Peabody 18 

Shepard Pierce 18 

John F. Pillsbnry 22 

Alonzo A. Rackliffe 18 

Aniasa L. Ross 19 

Albert Spaulding 18 

Fredk. T. Stone 18 

Robert Tough 20 

Wm. H. Weeks 18 



THIRD EEOI.MENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 



Edward Mitchell, 2d lieut. 

William 0. Blake, Co. D 

Edward Mitchell, sergt., Co. F.. 
Joseph Inman, Co. F. 



Ago. 
, 26 
. 26 

26 

, 2;t 



Benjamin F. Larrabee, Co. F 28 

Frederick Marr, Co. F 20 

Edwin F. Morrill, Co. F 18 

Prince W. Nash, Co. F !« 

Thonuia Nugent, t'o F 37 

John 1". Thomas, Co. G 21 

William H. Chadwick, corp., Co. H 27 

Henry G. Abbott, Co H 22 

Henry T. Briggs, Co. 11 2-' 

James Finnekin, Co. II ■'■'' 

Joshua Goss, Co. 11 ''^ 

EzraD. Kimball, Co. H 25 

Solomon B. Lane, Co. H ^I 

Thomas McKe.ag, Co. II 21 

John A. Roberts, Co. II •" 



540 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Age. 

Douglas R. Wilson, Co. H 18 

Albert Woodbury, Co. H '26 

Calvin F. Ricbiirdson, Co. M 21 

John Shea, Co. M 40 

Ansel C. Smart, Co. M 18- 

John Stowoll, Co. M 26 

William H. Mosier. Co. M 44 

FOURTH REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
Company A. 
Ago. 



John Ambrose 21 

Thomas H. Bailey 25 

Wallace Bailey 20 

Elbridge Cothran 21 

EbenF. Creesy 22 

Florence H. Crowley 21 

Timothy D. Crowley 18 

Lewis W. Day 30 

Stephen S. Day 41 

Wm. G. Dickey 38 

Thomas H.Dodge 19 

John S.George 24 

Thomas B. George 27 

Two companies of sharpshooters, three years' men, 
were recruited at Lynniield, and left for Washington 
in December, 1861. In the first company, which was 
ordered to report to General Lander near Maryland 
Heights were the following Danvers men : 

Age. 

Joseph T. Smart 30 

Alfred M. Trask 21 

Austin Upton 35 

Samuel A. Waitt 28 



Age. 

Edward F. Gourlcy 23 

Benj, F. Grover 23 

Charles A. Gnppy 23 

John Kelly 22 

Elbridge Kennedy 18 

Charles Newhall 25 

Albert Parry 36 

Joseph F. Pitman 18 

John W. Rollins 27 

William B. Boss 28 

Jacob C. Spauldiug 21 

John Q. Welch 22 

Douglass K. Wilson 22 



Age. 

Chae. N. Ingalls, sergt 40 

Austin Upton, corp 37 

David S. Huse 18 

Horace Kimball 34 

Joshua Severance 37 



In the second company, attached to the Twenty- 
second Regiment Infantry, were these : 



Age. 

Wm. I. Adams 34 

George Beard 35 

Moses Deland 22 



Age. 

Richard Goss 40 

Hiram B. Kenuiston 36 



In the Salem Cadets, which organization performed 
garrison duty in Boston Harbor from May 26, 1862, 
to October 11, 1862. were these Danvers men : 



Age. 

EbenF. Creesy 10 

Florence H. Crowley 19 

John G. Dervan 19 

George F. Dockbam 18 

Addison W. Fowler 21 



Age. 

Alonzo Gray 24 

Samuel F. Gray 27 

Arthur C. Kenney 23 

John T. Ross ,'i2 

Charles F. Sleeper 25 



In Company B, of the Seventh Begiment Infantry 
(six months), July 1, 1862, to December 31, 1862, 
were : 

Age. 

Ale.\ander Caird 19 

Warren P. Dodge 23 

Richard Poor 19 

The company of Danvers men previously referred 
to as having been recruited in the summer of 1862, 
was as follows: 

CtJnyjany K. Eighth Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Nine Months' men. 



Geo. M. Crowell, sergt.. 
John H. Howard, Corp.. 
Henry Sloper, corp 



Age. 
.. 29 
.. 20 
.. 29 



Albert G. Allen, capt 42 

Edwin Baitey, 1st lieut 25 

Benjamin E. Newhall, 2d lieut. 27 

Charles W. Allen, Ist sergt.... 22 

Thomas Baructt, sergt 37 

Henry D. Wallace, sei'gt 22 

James H. Sleeper, sergt 34 

Samuel P. Fowler, sergt 24 



Lorenzo C. Rogers, corp 43 

Denis \V. Regan, corp 27 

Alfred Porter, corp 36 

Frederick N. Putnam, Corp.... 21 

John Proctor, corp 34 

Abiel A. Home, corp 32 

Jacob Bradbury 44 

William Brady 33 



Age. 

Thomas Carney 40 

Orion W. Clough 18 

Henry Collins 29 

Patrick Collins 20 

Thomas Collins 22 

William Collins 18 

Edward Darling 30 

Judson W. Dodge 29 

Henry F. English 27 

William T. Fay 38 

James L. Fish 18 

William Fowle 41 

Cyrus Fuller 30 

Solomon Fuller 26 

Charles W. Giddings 23 

Charles A. GiUnan 19 

Mark Glidden 43 

Samuel Glover 53 

Charles Goother 44 

William W. Goodwin 31 



Age. 

Cleavcland Gould 29 

Daniel H. Gould 17 

James P. Margesod 35 

John M. Martin 25 

John Mc.\nliffe 30 

William O'Neil 38 

Albert Parry 34 

Amos Peai-son 43 

Charles W. Peart 22 

Joel F. Phelps 40 

Joseph M. Proctor 32 

Albert F. Putnam 21 

William Reynolds 47 

John Russell 28 

John H. Sears 19 

Asa J. Spaulding 41 

Alonzo J. Stetson, 24 

Walter F. Tarleton 27 

William Webber 18 

Douglass R. Wilson 18 

In the other nine months' regiments which left for 
the front, in the latter part of 1862, were these : 

Age. 

Salmon B. Lane, Co. C, 42d 30 

Jo.sepb N. Burchstead, Co. I, 47th 30 

Michael Joyce, Co. E, 48th (deserted) 27 

Wendell P. Hood, Co. F, 48th 22 

Augustine Upton, Co. E, 50th 18 

But four men are credited to Danvers in the cav- 
alry. These are 

George S. Osborne, asst. flurg., 1st Cav 24 

Charles H. Lyons, Co. E, 1st Cav 21 

Samuel W. Lewis, 1st sergt, 3d Cav 25 

Reuben Leighton, Co. G, 5th Cav 18 

But two are credited to the light artillery : 

Daniel P. Avery, 2d Batt. , 3 years (deserted) 23 

John L. Edwards, 4th Batt., 3 years 28 

Fifth Eegiment, (100 days), mustered in .July 
23, 1864: 

William Metzgar, Co. C 18 

Samuel W. Nourse, Co. C 23 

Amos Pearson, Co. C 44 

Gideon Kowell, Co. C 33 

Samuel P. Trask, Co. C 19 

Erdix T. Turner, Co. C 20 

Sixth Regiment, (100 days) mustered in July 
15, 1864: 

George M, Crowell, 2d lieut., Co. 1 34 

Warren P. Dodge, corp., Co. 1 25 

Allen W. Bodwell, Co. 1 18 

Daniel A. Caskin, Co. 1 20 

Patrick Collins, Co. 1 20 

William Collins, Co. 1 19 

Thomas Hartman, Co. 1 22 

Orris K. HufT, Co. 1 21 

William S, Inman, Co. 1 18 

Jeremiah Kirby, Co. 1 19 

Frank B. Messer, Co. 1 19 

Hugh Murphy, Co. 1 18 

Edward North, Co. 1 21 

Thaddeus Osgood, Co. 1 18 

Richard Poor, Co. 1 21 

Walter F. Tarlton, Co. 1 28 

John Thompson, Co. 1 21 

Joseph Thompson, Co. 1 18 

Austin Towne, Co. 1 19 

Frederick Wright, Co 1 33 

Eighth Regiment, (100 days) Dr. Ebenezer Hunt, 
aged 64, mustered in as assistant surgeon July 29, 
1864 ; discharged November 10, 1864. 



DANVERS. 



541 



Veteran Reserve Corps, July, 1S(J4: 

Age. I Ago. 

Thomas Caldwell 36 I Wni. Keynolds 28 

Hiram S. Faje 33 I W. Sliackle.v 28 

Julin McCreaiy « I KJwarii F. Welch 40 

JohnO'Keefe 3'J 1 

Thirteenth, Unattached Coihpan y, Infantry 
(90 days), May, 18G4, William Francis, aged 45. 

T\VENT\--NiNTH, Unattached Company, Heavy 
Artillery' (1 year) George W. Keiiney, captain, 
aged 34. 

Regular Akmy, Louis E. Goodale, Signal Corps, 
aged 21 ; John W. Wiley, Engineer Corps, aged 19. 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 



DR. ANDREW NICHOL.S. 

Dr. Andrew Nichols was born in the northern 
part of Danvers, on that ]>ortion of the "Prince 
Farm" now owned by heirs of Philip H. Wentworth, 
on the 22d of November, 1785. His father was 
Major Andrew Nichols, an efficient and progressive 
farmer. He introduced the Lombardy Poplar into 
this section of the country, his farm being lined with 
them. His mother was Eunice Nichols, the daugh- 
ter of John Nichols and Elizabeth Prince. It was 
Elizabeth Prince, granddaughter of Captain Robert 
Prince, who set out the large elm tree now standing 
near the main entrance to the Wentworth estate. 
Sarah Warren, of Watertown, wife of Robert Prince, 
and grandmother of said Elizabeth, who was after- 
ward married to Alexander Osborne, was cried out 
upon as a witch, and died in jail. 

The first of his ancestors to settle in this country 
was William Nichols, born about 1596, who took 
grants of land in "Brooksby" (now Peabody), and 
settled on them in 1638. In 1652, as by his deposi- 
tion on record in the office of the clerk of courts, he 
was living on his farm of about two hundred acres, 
situated between Ipswich River and Salem line. The 
farm in Middleton, now owned by Walter L. Harris, 
of Salem, and adjoining lands bounded by Nichols 
Brook, including the hill called " Ferncroft," were a 
portion of it. His only son was John Nichols, who 
married Lydia Wilkins, a daughter of Bray Wilkins, 
of Wills I-iill, Middleton. Their son, John Nichols, 
by hia second wife, had two sons, John Nichols, who 
married Elizabeth Prince, before mentioned, and 
Deacon Samuel Nichols, who married Abigail Elli- 
ot, and they were the parents of Major Andrew 
Nichols. They were all well-to-do farmers, an<l lived 
within a mile and one half of Dr. Nichols' birth- 
place. 

After the completion of the course at Phillips Acad- 
emy, in Andover, in 1804, he studied with Dr. Water- 
house, at the famous "Cragie" or Longfellow Man- 



sion at Cambridge, and attended the course of lectures 
at the Harvard Medical School in 18()('> and 1807. 

He commenced the practice of his profession in the 
southern part of the town (now Peabody), in 1811 ; it 
soon spread to every part of the old town, also to 
Middleton, Lynnfield and a portion of Topslield and 
Salem, where, as the beloved physician, he might 
be seen early and late, either walking or riding. I 
think it can well be said, that no practitioner had 
more names of persons who were unable to pay upon 
his books than he. He seldom asked twice for the 
very moderate fee, and never asked for it where he 
knew or mistrusted it was hard for them to pay. But 
to rich or poor alike, he always responded cheerfully, 
and was very sympathetic to all. I have seen him 
performing surgical operations and appear to sutler 
more than the patient. 

He was admitted to the Massachusetts Medical So- 
ciety in 1811, and was for many years president of 
the Essex South District Medical Society. He was 
always a diligent student, and in the advance guard 
of his profession, delivering an essay on the irritation 
of the nerves before the Massachusetts Society in 
1836. 

He was interested in all that was going on about 
him. He was a charter member and first master of 
Jordan Lodge of Masons, and during his whole life 
an active member, of which his poem on " The Spir- 
it of Free Masonry" in 1831, gave evidence. 

He was a distinguished botanist, assisting Dr. Bige- 
low in his well-known book. He gave the first course 
of lectures ever delivered upon that subject in Salem 
in 1818; his keen love of it led him to discover the 
minute Arctic flower, the Draha Verna, on the 
bleak hills of Peabody, upon the melting of the win- 
ter snows. He was the first president of the Essex 
County Natural History Society in 1836, which, with 
the Essex Historical Society of 1821, formed the Es- 
sex Institute of 1848. 

Though in active practice and living in the .south- 
ern part of the town, he showed a great interest in 
agriculture. He was intensely interested in the man- 
agement of his farm in Middleton, some seven miles 
away next adjoining the old William Nichols farm of 
1652, which fell to him through his first wife, Ruth 
Nichols. 

He was one of the founders of the Essex Agricul- 
tural Society, and its treasurer for thirteen years. He 
delivered the address at its first cattle show, held at 
Topsfield, in 1820. 

He was one of the old line Abolitionist.s, and at the 
head of the Free Soil party in Danvers. I have seen 
the poor fugitive slave at his house being fed and in- 
structed on whom to call as he went northward. Ho 
carried on the anti-slavery lectures in town, lecturing 
and entertaining the lecturers of those days. Garrison, 
Phillips, Pillsbury, Piorpoint, Henry (l5ox) Brown 
and many others, and doing all in his power to ad- 
vance the cause of the oppressed. He did nut live 



542 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



long enough to witness the results. In this connec- 
tion I would state that his brother, Abel Nichols, 
cast the first vote in town in the anti-slavery cau.se, 
and the only one at that particular election. 

The reading and study of the poets, ancient and 
modern, was a recreation which he thoroughly en- 
joyed, and which gave him many happy hours. He 
wrote many poems and hymns, some for special occa- 
sions, that have been published, among them the 
"Centennial" poem of Dan vers in 1852. 

It was his regular habit to write one every Sab- 
bath, many times quite late at night, as his profession- 
al duties would give him no regular hour. Also 
poems to his wife, mother, children, friends and self, 
on their recurring birth-days. 

He was active in the temperance cause, and as 
early as 1819 lectured before the " Society for Sup- 
pressing Intemperance and other Vices," of which he 
was a member. He took an active part in the Wash- 
ingtonian movement in 1840, and in his profession he 
did all in his power to stay its evils. 

He was very inventive, and constantly at work 
with mind or hands upon something to the advance- 
ment of science, as his improvement of Dr. Arnott's 
Hydrostatic Bed, upon one of which he died. He 
had, that very week, given instructions to a mechanic 
for additional improvements to it. The rubber air 
pillows and beds used at the present day take its 
place. Tubes for the introduction of fresh air from 
the window to the bed of the patient. The making 
of zinc paint. The coupling of railroad cars while in 
motion. Object cards and letters to place upon the 
blackboard in our schools while upon the School 
Committee, of which he was for many years a mem- 
ber. In this connection it is proper to state that he 
made the first move for the establishment of the High 
School within the town. 

He was one of the founders of the First Unitarian 
Congregational Society of Danvers (now Peabody), 
and was a sincere friend and helper to all of its pas- 
tors from the first to the last. The Rev. Frank P. 
Appleton truly said of him, " His heavenly 
Father was a dear and sacred presence to him." In 
all the brighter scenes of life he saw that Father's 
love ; and he laid his soul meekly, cheerfully before 
that infinite Friend . . . His was a guileless worship. 
He was open-hearted to God, as he was to man. No 
fear mingled in his communion ; his cheerful love 
cast out all fear, or rather his unselfishness made fear 
of God impo-ssible. ... To serve his Father and to 
help his brethren, this was the aim of his life. He 
never lost his love for his fellow-beings, — they were 
always God's children ; and the deep interest in others 
which rose uppermost in his heart during his last 
sickness, the sacred counsel, "to live for man, to work 
for humanity,'' which, with faltering lips, but unfal- 
tering soul and faith he gave, were only simple repe- 
titions of what his whole life had said. 

His monument in the Monumental Cemetery in 



Peabody has the expressive inscription, "Erected by 
the friends of Humanity to Humanity's Friend." 

An intimate friend of George Peabody from his 
boyhood, in the apothecary shop, when he removed 
the wen from his forehead, to his success as a London 
banker, and corresponded with him until the time of 
his death. 

He married his cousin, Ruth Nichols, daughter of 
Deacon John Nichols, of Middleton, and wife of 
Sarah Fuller, the 1st of June, 1809; she died without 
issue, March 31, 1832. 

He married secondly, Mary Holyoke Ward, daugh- 
ter of Joshua Ward, of Salem, and wife Susanna 
Holyoke, daughter of Dr. Edward Augustus Holyoke, 
the 3d of October, 1833. 

He died the 30th of March, 1853, and his widow 
the 15th of April, 1880. 

He left two children, Andrew Nichols, civil engi- 
neer, who now occupies the northwesterly corner of 
the Robert Prince farm, which, to this time, has never 
been out of the ownership of his descendants, though 
for one hundred years in the name of Nichols, and 
a daughter, Mary Ward Nichols. 

Of the next generation four sons and three daugh- 
ters are living children of Andrew Nichols and wife, 
Elizabeth P. Stanley, of Salem. The eldest Andrew 
inherits his grandfather's taste for Natural History. 



HON. ELIAS PUTNAM. 

Elias Putnam, son of Israel and Anna Putnam, 
was born in Danvers, Mass., June 7, 1789, and was 
descended from John and Priscilla Putnam, who, in 
or about the year 1634, as stated in a previous page, 
came from England to America with their three sons, 
and settled in Salem village. The second of these 
sons was Nathaniel, whose son John had a son, also 
named John, the father of Edmund and grandfather 
of the above mentioned Israel. Through the various 
matrimonial alliances of this line of ancestors, Elias 
might trace his pedigree back to many others of the 
emigrant colonists whose history has more or less 
been made known to us, and whose progeny is now 
very numerous throughout the country. Edmund 
Putnam dwelt for the greater part of his long life, 
and died in the year 1810, at the old Daniel Rea 
house, which still stands at the north of the Plains, 
and at a little distance east of the direct road from 
Salem to Topsfield, and which, having been the 
property and home of four successive generations of 
this branch of the Putnam family, passed many years 
ago into the possession of Mr. Augustus Fowler, who 
now occupies it. He was commonly known as 
" Deacon Edmund," having served as deacon of the 
First Church from 1762 until 1785, when he became 
a Universalist. While holding this office, he was 
unanimously chosen captain of a Danvers Alarm 
List Company, March 6, 1775. In 1776 he was made 
selectman and assessor, and in 1778 was appointed 




^ 









DANVERS. 



543 



one of a committee of the town to consider and report 
upon the New State Constitution then proposed for 
adoption. Israel, the third of his five children, was 
born November 20, 1754, at the old Rea place just 
referred to, and his w'ife, Anna, was a daughter of 
Elias Endicott, St., and lineal descendant of the old 
Puritan Governor, John Endicott, whose " Orchard 
Farm " was her father's native spot. Immediately 
after their marriage, in 1788, they began houseljeep- 
ing on another farm owned by the family, situated at 
a point on the road two miles f^irther north and 
about a third of a mile souih of the Topsfield line. 
The house, which is still standing, was built during 
the last century, and marks the site of one of the 
earlier Porter homes, which was destroyed by fire. 
There Elias, and also two of four other children, 
were born, the family then removing for a time 
to the Aeu; Mills (Danversport), and next to the 
original homestead, where they might have a more 
immediate care of the grandparents in their de- 
clining years. It was here that Elias took his firet 
real lesson in manual work, serving about the house 
and in the field in such waysas New England lads were 
then generally expected to learn and practice. Mean- 
while, the short winter terms of the rural district 
schools, located about midway between the upper and 
lower farms, afforded him about all the opportunities 
foreducation, which he enjoyed in his boyhood. Early 
in 1812, in company with several other young men 
of the neighborhood, he entered Bradford Academy, 
but had not long been a student at that institution 
before he gave much offence to its teachers and offi- 
cers by a composition which he prepared and pre- 
sented as one of the required exercises, and in which 
he ably and boldly advanced views at variance with 
the theology there dominant and almost everywhere 
prevalent. Unwilling to remain where he found that 
he could not enjoy full religious freedom, he with- 
drew from the school and repaired to Topsfield for 
private instruction under Mr. Israel Balch, and there 
finished the one short term that was to end his 
school-day life. His classmates or companions from 
Danvers sympathized with him, approved his action, 
and all joined him at once in his new scene of study 
and endeavor. Their concurrent and life-long testi- 
mony, as well as his own subsequent career, bore 
abundant witness to the fidelity wilh which, at both 
places, he improved his all too limited advantages, 
and to the rapid progress he made in his work. De- 
siring to qualify himself especially for the plain, 
practical pursuits that engaged so many of his fel- 
low townsmen, he devoted himself to the common 
English branches, and gave particular attention to 
the art of surveying, which he so mastered that he 
subsequently made his proficiency in it, very useful 
to many others as well as to himself. But however 
much he might have been indebted to books and 
schools, nature gave him a still better outfit in a 
strong mind, in excellent judgment, good common 



sense, a high moral purpose, indomitable energy and 
a spirit of industry and activity that never seemed, 
from first to last, to crave, or even need, relaxation or 
rest. 

He was now twenty-three years of age, and was 
asked to teach the school of his native district for 
the following winter of 1812-13, and this he did. The 
old scbool-house had been condemned, and a new 
brick one had just been erected, of whose long line 
of " masters " he was to be the first, as a youngest 
son was to be the last, about forty years later. Hav- 
ing married Eunice Ross, d.aughter of Adam Ross, of 
Ipswich (who had been a soldier at Bunker Hill and 
in the Revolutionary War), he and his bride com- 
menced housekeeping, like his parents before them, 
at the upper farm. His father had otl'ered to send 
him to college, or to deed to him this estate, as he 
might choose. Too distrustful, perhaps, of his 
chances of success in professional life, and fond of 
agricultural pursuits, he decided to hold to his ances- 
tral acres. Soon alter he had served out his single 
term as a teacher, he concluded to unite with his occu- 
pation as a farmer, the business of manufacturing 
shoes. Amongst the intelligent and sturdy inhabit- 
ants of the district and its vicinity, this industrial 
interest, which was destined to be of prime import- 
ance to the town, had already attracted the attention 
and engaged the enterprising spirit of such men as 
Caleb Oakes, Zerobbabel Porter, Moses Putnam, 
Elias Endicott, Jr., and a few others of like charac- 
ter. Elias Endicott, Jr., was a near neighbor as well 
as an own uncle of the subject of our sketch. The 
latter had learned not a little from him about the art 
of the " gentle craft," and now wished to set up busi- 
ness on his own account. He bought the old aban- 
doned school-house, moved it up near his own home, 
reconstructed and enlarged it, and began in it what 
was to be the chief avocation of his life. Not, how- 
ever, without serious discouragement at the very out- 
set; for, through the insolvency of a Southern trades- 
man to whom he had sold a large lot of g"ods, he lost 
the first thousand dollars he had earned by hard and 
patient work. But the misfortune only nerved him 
to greater exertion, and his shop, as well as his laud, 
became ere long still more the busy scene of labor. 

In 1814, or about that time, "Deacon Edmund" 
and his wife having died, Israel returned with his 
household to the scene of his early married life to 
sjieiid the remainder of his days with the son and his 
family, enlarging the habitation with a northern " L," 
the future birth-place, it may be noted by the way, of 
that distinguished soldier and civilian of the West, 
Major-Geueral Granville M. Dodge. Israel, like his 
father Edmund, was a Universalist, and soon began, 
with -ome of his neighbors, to take the necessary steps 
for the promulgation of the doctrine within ihedistrict. 
He presided over a meeting, held at the school-house, 
April 22, 1815, at which the friends of the new move- 
ment presented a declaration of their principles and 



544 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



made arrangements to secure preachers. Here was 
the origin of the present Universalist Church of 
Danvers. Israel and Elias, both, were among the 
signers of the declaration, and the active participants 
in the enterprise, and they subsequently welcomed to 
their home many of the early apostles of the faith 
who came from time to time to expouud it to such as 
were willing to hear, Hosea Ballou, Charles Hudson, 
the Streeters and many others. As the father was 
prominent in the society in its infant history, so 
the son was a staunch supporter of it in its more 
prosperous years, both of them being identified with 
its fortunes as long as they lived. Farmer Israel was 
a deeply religious, as well as a very intelligent 
man, and in his zeal for Universalism he wrote able 
sermons in its advocacy and defence, several of which 
were published in pamphlet form for circulati<m. He 
died in the summer of 1820, at the age of sixty-five, 
and the Essex Register, in announcing his decease, 
referred to him as " a highly respected and worthy 
citizen." His wife, who was characterized by a full 
share of the traits and qualities of her race, died long 
years afterward, at Dan versport, at the residence of her 
only surviving daughter, Mrs. Mary P. Endicott. 

In 1832 Elias, finding that shoe manufacturing was, 
and was likely to be, a more lucrative calling than 
farming, and that the prospective needs of his family 
of ten children, to which one other was added in the 
following year, required him to engage in it more ex- 
tensively, let out his house and land and moved 
down once more to the aucient homestead on the 
lower and smaller farm, where he could be nearer the 
heart of the town, and enjoy ample facilities and 
opportunities for the end in view. Building for him- 
self, out by the road-side, a more commodious fac- 
tory than he had thus far occupied, he embarked 
more and more largely in business, furnishing em- 
ployment to increasing numbers of workmen in Dan- 
vers and surrounding towns, and supplying with the 
products of their labor the markets of still other 
cities in the Middle, Southern and Western States. 

The qualities of character which distinguished him 
had a long time before fixed the attention of his fel- 
low-citizens, and he had already received not a few 
marks of their confidence and respect. He had 
again and again been chosen moderator of the annual 
town meetings, and had repeatedly been a member 
and also a chairman of the Board of Selectmen, in 
years when such offices were posts of honor more 
than they are now. In 1829 and also in 1830 he was 
elected as Representative to the General Court, and 
served for the two years. In 1833 he was chosen 
Senator and served for one term in that branch of 
the State Legislature. Here he had the great pleasure 
of renewing his former friendship with that sterling 
man, Charles Hudson, who had been an inmate of 
his home while preaching in Danvers ten or twelve 
years previously, but who had now entered political 
life, and was destined to high civic honors. The two 



men were the members from the Senate of the joint 
standing committee on railways and canals. It was 
at an important juncture in the history of such inter- 
nal improvements rn the old commonwealth. The 
Boston and Lowell Railroad was the only one then 
in existence in Massachusetts. The eastern com- 
pany was now fighting, against much opposition and 
under many ditficulties, for a charter. Mr. Putnam 
was very earnest and active in his efforts in behalf 
of the measure, and his zeal for it, taken in connec- 
tion with his acknowledged ability to deal with such 
matters as these, and his position as a leading mem- 
ber of the committee, and the only member of it from 
the county which he represented, and in which the 
line was to have one of its immediate termini, and 
with the interests and needs of which, so largely to 
be affected by a successful issue, he was quite well 
acquainted, enabled him to exert, as the late and 
lamented Mr. Joshua Silvester and others testify that 
he did, a very controlling influence towards the fav- 
orable result that was finally reached. In like man- 
ner he defended and supported other measures of 
public utility while thus at the capitol. 

More and more, as life went on, Mr. Putnam had 
at heart the prosperity of his native town, and gave 
to it, in no stinted degree, his thought and care, his 
time and his means. With that object still in view, 
he was, as Mr. Silvester again remarks, in a recent 
biographical sketch of him, accompanied with some 
personal reminiscences, the first to propose the es- 
tablishment of a bank in North Danvers. The two 
men were near neighbors, had already known each 
other for some years, were both engaged in the same 
kind of business, and were associated intimately in 
political, religious and other relations, and were on 
terms of mutual trust and friendship which con- 
tinued to strengthen and ripen with each advancing 
year. " During all this time," says the account or 
tribute of the revered and veteran survivor of his 
long since departed companion and co-worker, 
" scarcely a day passed that we were not together. I 
can safely say that I knew the man perfeetly. One 
day he asked me if I did not think we needed a 
bank in North Danvers? I told him, yes, I thought 
we did. We then called a meeting of the business 
men of the town at the old Berry Tavern to consider 
the matter. It was unanimously voted that applica- 
tion should be made for a charter, and that other 
necessary steps should be taken." The end was at 
length accomplished. The bank was duly incor- 
porated in 1836, and Mr. Putnam was chosen the first 
president, and held the office to the close of his life. 
Mr. Silvester, who was made one of its directors, 
adds, — " the bank immediately went into a success- 
ful business, which was soon checked, however, by 
the general crash of 1837. Nearly all the banks of 
the country suspended specie payment, and well nigh 
all the business houses failed or asked extensions, in 
consequence of the embarrassments occasioned by the 



DANVERS. 



545 



removal of the governmentdepositsand by the destruc- 
tion of the N;ition;il bank. There followed the greatest 
depression and stagnation ever known before or since 
to the industry and trade of the people. But under 
the management of Mr. Putnam, the village bank 
was safely carried through it, and to the most perfect 
satisfaction of the stockholders." And, notwith- 
standing great personal losses, the business of his 
own manufacturing establishment was conducted 
with like wisdom and success. 

In 1842, with the view of extending still more his 
operations, he built in the village of the Plains, at a 
distance of about a mile south from his home, a 
dwelling-house, and a much larger factory than his 
last one, on land he hadjust purchased of Mr. Jonas 
Warren. Thither he moved his family in the follow- 
ing January, and soon took into business with him 
as a partner, his son, Elias E., giving to the firm 
the name of '" Elias Putnam & Co.'' 

It was in the summer of 1S43 that he united with 
others to promote the plan of purchasing and laying 
out the beautiful grounds of the Walnut Grove 
Cemetery as a new and fitting place for the burial 
of the dead. In pursuance of the object, a suitable 
organization was formed at successive meetings of 
citizens, and on the 18th of October, the first regular 
oflScers of the corporation were chosen, Mr. Putnam 
being elected president. The consecration services 
took place June 23, 1844. 

He was a warm friend of the cause of education. 
While in the Legislature he had made the acquain- 
tance of Horace Mann, then and for a long time a 
member from Dedham, and wa-s deeply interested in 
the better system of common schools which the future 
renowned philanthropist had already there advocated 
and urged. He became a diligent reader of his 
writings upon the subject, and especially of his long- 
continued and most useful Common School Journal. 
Some trace of this influence may perhaps be seen in 
the part which he took in causing the large amount 
of surjilus revenue that was apportioned to Danvers 
in 1838, to be set apart as a permanent fund for the 
benefit of her schools. The proposition encountered 
much opposition, but it was finally carried a few 
years later, and John W. Proctor, Esq., in his Cen- 
tennial addre-ss of 1852, says, — "Considering the 
many jealousies brought to bear on this topic, the 
act whereby the investment was made will ever re- 
main most creditable to the town. No man did 
more to bring this about than the late Elias Put- 
nam who, in this as in all his other public services, 
showed himself a vigilant friend of Danvers." If, 
in the same connection, Mr. Proctor, long after iMr. 
Putnam's death, allowed himself to indulge so pub- 
licly in a less just and generous word, those who were 
then conversant with aflairs, were not slow or 
mistaken in referring it to the old frequent contro- 
versies between the northern and southern sections 
of the town, in which these two men not seldom 
35 



stoutly and uncompromisingly antagonized each 
other, and in which the able and distinguished law- 
yer, as he could but remember, was not always suc- 
cessful, even as he was not always in the right. 

Mr. Putnam was also among the very first to de- 
vise and agitate the project of a railroad that should 
connect Danvers and other towns north of it with 
the seaboard and more populous and commercial 
places at the soutli. One of his sons-in-law recalls 
a ride which he was early invited to take with him 
through Middletou to Andover, and the pleased in- 
terest with which the latter sought out and discovered 
a feasible route for the proposed line. Along that 
way the Essex Railroad, extending from Salem to 
Lawrence, was constructed at length, but compara- 
tively few to-day are aware what a protracted and 
determined struggle it cost to give it that direction, 
and thus to ensure to Danvers the increased facilities 
and advantages for transportation and inter-commu- 
nication which she has consequently so long en- 
joyed. The road was chartered in 1846, though 
not opened until 1848, and Mr. Putnam was one of 
the several persons in whose names the grant of in- 
corporation was vested, and subsequently, at the 
organization of the Board, was made one of the direc- 
tors, though he was not to live to see fully com- 
pleted the enterprise which had commanded so much 
of his interest and energy, and which he had done so 
much to put into the way of success. 

Among the numerous offices which he held at one 
time or another, was that of county commissioner, 
and on various occasions he was appointed a delegate 
to county, State and National political conventions. He 
was a member of the Whig party, and few felt more 
keenly disappointed than himself at the defeat of 
Henry Clay in 1844. As a personal friend, he had 
often taken counsel and been much associated in 
these relations, with such men as Daniel P. King, 
Eufus Choate, Leverett Salstoustall, Stephen C. Phil- 
lips and others of like repute in Danvers, Salem and 
vicinity, sharing fully their Whig principles and 
sympathies, and working with them to supplant the 
Democracy. He had a deep and abiding interest in 
political and naticmal aflairs, and kept himself well 
informed in regard to what was going on at Wash- 
ington, as well as to matters of legislation nearer 
home. He had a natural and instinctive alihorrence 
of the system of slavery, and greatly desired to see 
it brought to an end, but he was opposed to all rash 
and violent measures to compass the result, and was 
persuaded that the best good of the country and the 
higher interests of freedom itself, would most surely 
be realized through tlie triumph and continued 
supremacy of the party with which he was connected 
and whose illustrious leaders and statesmen he sin- 
cerely tru.sted and honored. He was fond of argument, 
had debated similar questions long before in the old 
Danvers Lyceum, and still liked to discuss subjects 
of this kind with his friends and neighbors, and such 



546 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was the intelligence and candor of the man that they 
were equally ready and glad to exchange views with 
hira, however much they might differ with him in 
opinion. Whatever his prepossessions, he was a lover 
of the truth, had an inquiring mind, aimed to get at 
the reasons of things, and was most conscientious 
and deliberate in arriving at his convictions. We 
quote again from Mr. Silvester, — " He had supreme 
control of himself under all circumstances, and was 
a deep thinker and reasoner. Every questi6n, or new 
movement, presented to him he traced out in all its 
bearings to the end, after which he was ready to ex- 
press his feelings on the matter, and when you got 
his opinion on any subject, you could rely on it as 
his best candid judgment and most likely to be cor- 
rect." Nor is it difficult to say where he would 
have stood had he lived somewhat longer, only to see 
his old party utterly recreant at last to its better 
principles and high trusts, and men taking sides 
anew for the momentous conflict at hand. 

Mr. Putnam was, morever, a person of rare in- 
ventive skill. As he was one of the early shoe- 
manufacturers of the town, so he was one of the very 
first in the country to invent machines to facilitate 
the various processes of the art, and to economize, in 
connection therewith, labor, time and material. It is 
a curious circumstance that when, in 1833, his neigh- 
bor, Mr. Samuel Preston who, like Mr. Silvester, was 
engaged in the same business, had invented a ma- 
chine for pegging shoes and had got out a patent for 
it, Mr. Putnam had at the same time and in the same 
quiet or secret way, been studying and toiling to ac- 
complish a like result, and had actually constructed 
a machine of his own that did the work. In a letter 
which he addressed to a friend, and a copy of which, 
in his own handwriting, lies before us, he manifests a 
desire to know more fully the principle of Mr. Preston's 
invention, having received an intimation that it was 
essentially the same as that of his own, yet suspect- 
ing his own might have certain merits which the 
other had not. Doubtless the discovered resemblance 
was such as to discourage him from applying for a 
patent in his own case, since, as a matter of fact, the 
two machines worked about equally well, though 
poorly at best. But neither of these gentlemen fol- 
lowed up his advantage so as to make his achieve- 
ment practically useful to himself or others. It was 
reserved to men of a later time to bring to wonderful 
perfection what they had created as only humble be- 
ginnings. Mr. Putnam turned his attention to other 
contrivances, and a few years later obtained a patent 
for a machine which he had invented for splitting 
leather, and which was found to be of so much bene- 
fit to the manufacturers, that it commanded a brisk 
sale amongst them, far and near. Two others, of like 
utility, were soon afterward invented and patented, 
both ingenious, yet simple in plan. The inventor 
had connected with his shop a private apartment to 
which few were admitted, and in which, amidst a 



promiscuous array of drawings, mouldings, castings 
and patterns of great variety, he beguiled in such 
studies or pursuits as these whatever hours he could 
snatch from his busy and stirring life in the world 
without. In such, as in so many other ways, he ad- 
vanced the chief business of the town and wrought 
for the general good. 

It has always and justly been said of him by those 
who knew him that he was one of the most public- 
spirited of men, and he was not less disinterested and 
benevolent in motive and feeling than he was honest 
and upright in thought, word and deed. His worldly 
possessions might have been abundant, indeed, had 
he not given himself so constantly and freely to the 
service of others. He was the helper and not the 
hinderer of men around him, and many were those, 
in Danvers and elsewhere, to whom he gave a good 
start in life, or whom he assisted in their worthy 
struggles by generous advances of money, or by other 
not less valuable forms of encouragement and aid. 
He was a prodigious worker himself, and he had a 
decided liking for men who had in them the very 
spirit of work, who were industrious and virtuous, 
and showed signs of thriftiuess and prudent living, 
and it was a genuine pleasure to him to extend to 
them his sympathy and support whenever they 
chanced to get into a hard place and needed a friendly 
hand. In other words, he was ever quick to help 
those who tried to help themselves, and also those 
who were helpless, indeed, yet were really deserving. 
He had small patience with the lazy and shiftless 
ones, even as the vain, the double-minded and the 
false-hearted found him an uncongenial i)resence. It 
was pleasant to see what a wide re|)utation he had 
in Essex County for wisdom, goodness and rectitude, 
and in what varied and numerous ways the feeling of 
absolute trust, on the part of families or private in- 
dividuals in the region round about, was wont to 
manifest itself. He was constantly called upon to 
arbitrate between contentious parties, to compose 
difficulties, to give advice, to settle estates, to read- 
just boundary lines and to be himself a sort of sav- 
ings-bank for widows and orphans and others at a 
time when no legally incorporated institution of the 
kind existed in the town. Such depositors felt that 
their little all, principal and interest both, was safe 
for them beyond all question in the hands of "Squire 
Lias," as he was popularly called, and so it was. It was 
often at no little inconvenience and sacrifice that he ren- 
dered these different kinds of service to strangers and 
acquaintance alike, but he never declined the request 
if it was in his power to fullil it, and so to di-charge 
an act of kindness. We can hardly refrain from 
quoting once more from the simple and heartfelt 
tribute of Mr. Silvester, — " His personal character," 
he says, " was the noblest." He was frank and gen- 
erous, sincere in all he said and did, scorned a trick 
or an unworthy act, and was incapable of either, 
and he bore about with him wherever he went that 




^2^1^ z"^' 



DANVERS. 



547 



deportment and dignity which secured for him the 
perfect confidence of every man with whom he came 
in contact. He was one of those wlio ticlieve that 
there is a pleasure beyond that of benefiting one's 
self — the pleasure of doing good to others, and this 
he practiced. Seliishness was the last trait which 
the spirit of truth and goodness could have imputed 
to him." 

In person he was tall, large and well proportioned 
of stature, was of reddish brown hair and fair florid 
complexion, with full blue expressive eyes, and was 
of great physical strength and of remarkably good 
health through all his life until his last, lingering and 
fatal sickness. He was generally of grave aspect, 
yet was not without a native element of humor and 
not seldom indulged in more hearty sportive moods, 
was marked by a certain puritan simplicity of man- 
ner, and was plain in his dress and frugal in his 
habits. He was a member of one of the earliest 
temperance societies in Essex County, and was a total 
abstinence man all his life, even at a time when it 
was well nigh a universal custom to make use, in 
some form or another, of spirituous liquors. He was 
an early riser, and was early to bed, filling the waking 
hours with incessant work, aud while he was so faith- 
ful to all the many interests which we have enumer- 
ated he had a supreme and loving care of home and 
kindred. 

After months of severe suflering, occasioned by a 
wrench or a strain of the side, which finally proved 
the cause of his death, he passed peacefully away, 
July 8, 1847, at his village home and in the pres- 
ence of his family and other loving friends. The 
trustees, or directors, and officers, of the various in- 
stitutions with which he had been prominently con- 
nected, such as the village bank, the E*sex Railroad 
Company and the Walnut Grove Cemetery corpora- 
tion at once met, passed resolutions expressive of 
their respect for the memory of their deceased asso- 
ciate, and of their deep sense of the great worth of 
his character and services, and of their own private 
as well as of the public lo.ss, and voted to attend, 
each board as a body, his funeral obsequies. The local 
and other papers contained just tributes in his honor, 
voicing the general sorrow of the hour and the senti- 
ments of high esteem and grateful regard entertained 
towards him by all who had known him. We copy from 
one or two of tliese journals the following extracts. 
Said the Salem Gazette, of July 12, 1847, — "It is with- 
sincere regret that we are called upon to chronicle the 
decease of the Hon. Elias Putnam, of North Danvers, 
a gentleman of great worth, and a highly influential 
and useful member of the community where he dwelt. 
Mr. Putnam was much respected wherever he was 
known. Enterprising, sagacioas, of comprehensive 
views and upright action he was foremost in all 
schemes for the promotion of the general good with- 
in the sphere where his influence could be felt, 
and filled many otfices of public trust, from a State ■ 



Senator to those more immediately local, with un- 
swerving fidelity and acknowledge<l usefulness. His 
death cannot but be regarded as a public loss by hie 
own community, and he will be sincerely mourned by 
a very large circle of neighbors and friends." And 
the Danvers Courier, of July 10th, said, — " For many 
years he has been looked to as the counsellor and 
friend of all around him. Ever ready to lend his aid 
to all who asked it, ever cool and considerate in his 
judgment, — the want of his judicious advice will be 
deeply felt in the circle in which he moved. For 
the last thirty years he had been repeatedly called to 
the discharge of duties of trust and confidence by 
his fellow-citizens, and uniformly met them to 
their entire satisfaction. He never sought office, but 
never refused it when he thought he could be useful 
in the fulfilment of its duties. There are none among 
us who have done more to promote the prosperity of 
the town than Mr. Putnam. Discriminating in his 
judgment, persevering in his industry and efficient 
in his operations, the influence of his example will 
long be remembered with admiration." 

The funeral services were held at his residence, 
July 10, and were attended by a large assemblage of 
people, and the burial took place on the same day 
at the grounds which he had been so much interested 
in having set apart and consecrated as a receptacle 
of the dead. Shortly after, Rev. Mr. Hanson, the 
pastor of the Universalist Church, preached an elo- 
quent sermon in which he bore touching testimony to 
the virtues and usefulness of his departed friend and 
parishioner, aud to the conspicuous exemplification 
which his life and character had given of the value 
and power of the faith he had cherished. 

Mrs. Putnam survived her husband twenty-six 
years. Of their eleven children, seven are still living. 
Of the other four, Emily died in 1843, and Elias 
Endicott, Israel Alden and Louisa Jane, in 1848. 



REV. ALFRED P. PUTNAM, D.D. 

Alfred Porter Putnam, the eighth child of Elias and 
Eunice (Ross) Putnam, was born January 10, 1827, 
in Danvers, Mass., in the house in which also his 
father was born thirty-eight years before. He was 
the lineal descendant of the famous John Putnam, 
who immigrated to this country in 1C.34, and whose 
death, eighteen years later, simultaneous with the 
appearance of a great comet, was publicly pro- 
claimed, by the clergymen of the time, as affording 
this " very signal testimony that God had then re- 
moved a bright star and shining light out of the 
heaven of his church here into celestial glory above."' 
In the female line he traces his pedigree to some of 
the ablest founders of our New England civilization, 
such as Governor John Endicott, Francis Peabody 
and William Hawthorne, men who have made their 



•See Morton's " Momorial," pp. 251, 252. 



548 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



impress on every succeeding generation in Essex 
Countj' to the present day. Educated in tlie common 
schools of his native town, he first turned liis atten- 
tion to mercantile pursuits. After a short appren- 
ticeship in the village bank of which his father was 
president, and, subsequently, a year's study at the 
Literary Institute at Pembroke, N. H. he entered, as 
book-keeper, a dry goods establishment in Boston, 
where he at once discovered an uncommon aptitude 
for a business career. The intellectual and reforma- 
tory movements of the time, however, soon engrossed 
his attention ; and seeking a wider field and a higher 
aim for his life work, he determined to fit himself for 
college, and thus acquire a mental equipment with 
which, in the mighty contests then impending, he 
might do some serv'ce in behalf of his fellow-men. 

Accordingly, in 1848, at the age of twenty-one, he 
began his preparatory studies at an academy in Ver- 
mont, and the next year entered Dartmouth College. 
Attracted by the new elective system under President 
Wayland at Brown University, Providence, he trans- 
ferred his membership to that institution in 1850, 
where he was graduated with high honors in 1852, 
delivering, at the spring exhibition, the valedictory 
oration of his class on " Religion and Art." Thus, 
in the brief period of four years after leaving his desk 
in Boston, he had won his A. B. 

During the following autumn, as in the preceding 
winters, he was eng.aged in teaching, and then he en- 
tered the Divinity School at Cambridge, under Drs. 
Noyes and Francis. Approbated in due time to 
preach by the Boston Association of Unitarian Min- 
isters, he delivered his first sermon in the Unitarian 
Church at Sterling, Mass., December 17, 1854. The 
next year, and while yet a student he received unani- 
mous calls to settle at Sterling, Bridgewater, Water- 
town and Roxbury, the latter of which he accepted. 
He was graduated at the Divinity School July 17, 
1855, and was ordained to the ministry and installed 
as pastor of the Mount Pleasant Congregational 
(Unitarian) Church, Roxbury, December 19th, Rev. 
Dr. George W. Briggs, of Salem, preaching the ser- 
mon. 

His ministrations at Roxbury continued, to the 
great acceptance of his people, nearly nine years, in- 
terrupted only by a visit to Europe, Egypt and the 
Holy Land in 1862-63. Perhaps the most notable 
incident, connected with his travels abroad, was the 
speech made by him at the dinner of Americans in 
London, on the Fourth of July, 1862. It was at one 
of the darkest periods of the Civil War. Banks' 
campaign in the valley of the Shenandoah had just 
culminated in disaster, and the Army of the Potomac, 
the focus of every loyal heart, seemed to hang ou the 
perilous edge of annihilation, between the Chicka- 
hominy and the James. Under these disheartening 
circumstances and in the midst of a people flaming 
with prejudices, the assemblage of Americans to cel- 
ebrate the anniversary of their national independence 



was an event that gained wide publicity on both sides 
of the Atlantic. Called upon to respond to the toast, 
"The Constitution of the United States,'' Dr. Put- 
nam rose to the full height of the occasion. It was a 
speech long to be remembered by those who heard it. 
Of commanding form and with a voice of extraordi- 
nary richness and power, he roused his audience to 
the highest pitch of enthusiasm. The following ex- 
tract (which we copy from a London journal), refer- 
ring to our flag, may aflbrd some conception of the 
speech and the effect it produced at that critical junc- 
ture of our aftairs : 

** And theb, sir, tbat old flag of the Union which so fittingly symbol- 
izes what the constitution makes a reality — that, too, shall go down to 
those who are to come after uB,moreprecious far than ever it has been 
before — more significant in its meaning — glowing with brighter radiance 
—not a single star erased from its field of blue — a thing of beauty and a 
joy forever. Baptized anew into ten thousand deaths, that azure field 
takes on a deeper blue for the faithfulness unto the end of all who have 
fallen martyrs to the righteous cause — those crimson stains wear an in- 
tenser red for the blood that has been shed so freely in our behalf — and 
every line and star of light upon that banner of our love is whiter still 
for the purity of the souls that have mounted from the battle-fields of 
the Union up to God. Oh ! within these few past months, how many 
brave men has that national emblem made braver ! How many a strug- 
gling host it has inspired and led ou to victory ! How many a noble 
fellow has been called upon to sleep his last sleep, enwrapped in its sa- 
cred folds ! How many of our Southern brethren have wept like chil- 
dren as they have caught once more a glimpse of its stars and stripes I 
And what a promise it seems to give us of the hour when the great de- 
liverance shall come to us all, freeing us not only from the hand that 
has been lifted up against our country, but also from that evil and 
scourge of our land which is the source of all our woo. Yes. sir, it is 
the flag of our pride and our affections, growiug richer in associations 
and more terrible in might with every passing day. As new Stars shall 
beadded to itsalready splendid constellation, it shall continue its mis- 
sion of beneficence and power. It shall mean peace and love forever to 
all who befriend it — defiance and war to those only who insult it." 

Returning home in 18U3, Dr. Putnam delivered be- 
fore various Lyceums lectures on " The Nile," the 
" World's Indebtedness to Egypt," and other topics 
suggested by his tour abroad, all of which added to 
his reputation and enlarged the sphere of his useftil- 
ness. 

From time to time, while in Roxbury, urgent calls 
came to him to settle elsewhere, — from Salem, Boston 
and Chicago churches, — all of which, however, were 
declined. In the spring of 1864 the First Unitarian 
Church of Brooklyn, N. Y., presented a strong claim 
for his services. This was everywhere recognized as 
one of the most important posts in the denomination. 
To hold its ground in the City of Churches, it needed 
an exceptionally able and vigorous champion of the 
faith it professed. Considerations of duty, strongly 
urged upon him by leading men of the denomination, 
finally induced Dr. Putnam to sunder the peculiarly 
tender and affectionate ties that bound him to the 
hearts of his people in Roxbury. He accepted the 
call, and on the 28th of September following he was 
installed as pastor. Rev. E. S. Gannett, D.D., of Bos- 
ton, preaching the sermon. 

In the long and eventful pastorate that ensued. Dr. 
Putnam made his pulpit a centre of wide influence in 
the city. 



DANVERS. 



549 



His own society testified their appreciation of his 
pastoral work by the erection, in 1866, of a beautiful 
chapel for the use of its Sunday-school, and, at the 
same time, responded generously to his appeals for 
the religious instruction of the children of the poor, 
so many of whom he had observed spending the sa- 
cred hours idly in the streets and alley-ways of the 
crowded city. 

For this class, accordingly, a Sunday-school was 
immediately opened in a room over the Wall Street 
Ferry-house, and after a time passed under the su- 
perintendency of Mr. A. T. White an active member 
and efficient co-worker in Dr. Putnam's Church. 
Six children only attended the first session, but by 
the persistent and indefatigable exertions of the 
founder and his willing assistants, the numbers rap- 
idly increased, until now [1887], it is a large and 
flourishing institution, with a fine, commodious chap- 
el, erected for its use, a permanently settled mission- 
ary to carry on its beneficent work, and a constituen- 
cy of about a hundred families to share its blessings 
and send down the stream of its influence, it is to be 
hoped, to many succeeding generations. 

Another philanthropic enterprise, to which Dr. 
Putnam directed his attention at this time, was the 
founding of the Union for Christian work, since be- 
come one of the most imiwrtant and influential char- 
ities of Brooklyn. The first conferences of the pro- 
jectors were held in his study. At a subsequent 
meeting, already large and enthusiastic, he presented 
the report, as chairman of the committee on consti- 
tution and by-laws, which was adopted, and, by re- 
quest, delivered an address on the love, pursuit and 
practice of truth, striking the key-note of the organi- 
zation and enlisting still broader sympathy in its be- 
half From these beginnings, the Union has grown 
to be a recognized power in the community. Nobly 
endowed and established in a beautiful edifice of its 
Own, with its library, reading and lecture rooms, its 
labor bureau and schools of industrial art, it stands 
to-day a worthy monument to those who, in the prov- 
idence of God, laid its foundations deep in human 
brotherhood aud love. 

In 1867 Dr. Putnam again signalized his pastorate 
by the establishment of the Third Unitarian Church, 
in the suburbs of the city. The rapid growth of 
Brooklyn toward the East, which he foresaw, has 
abundantly justified the wisdom of the movement, 
though, at the time it was undertaken, there were not 
wanting among well-tried friends some misgivings of 
the result. Sunday services were opened at first in a 
small hall over a fish-market, and conducted there 
regularly, with ever deepening interest, for about a 
year, when Dr. Putnam, appealing to his people, se- 
cured the sum of ten thousand dollars for a house of 
worship. The building was dedicated December 9, 
1868, Dr. Putnam preaching a powerful sermon on 
the " Freedom and Largeness of the Christian Faith." 
Latterly the society has again out-grown its accom- 



modations, and has purchased and fitted up anew 
the ample and attractive structure it now occupies. 
Professor Foster, in his published sketch of the new 
church, thus testifies to its paternity : " Above all 
other human sympathy and aid, does it cherish the 
friendship and services of Rev. Alfred P. Putnam. 
It is simply just to affirm that the Third Unitarian 
Society of Brooklyn is the ofl'spring of his hope and 
zeal." 

During his ministry in Brooklyn Dr. Putnam de- 
livered, from time to time, to his people courses of 
lectures on a variety of important subjects, such as 
the Great Religions of the World, the History of the 
Bible, the History of Sacred Song, the Doctrines ot 
Liberal Christianity, the History of Unitarianism, the 
History of Universalism, the Religious Aspects of 
Europe, and on Egypt, Sinai and Palestine. 

Two of these courses, on the Great Religions and 
the History of Sacred Song, were subsequently re- 
peated to the students of the Meadville (Pa.) Theo- 
logical School. Out of the latter series grew Dr. 
Putnam's ''Singers and Songs of the Liberal Faith," 
a work which required the finest taste and most ex- 
tensive research, and which gives biographical 
sketches of nearly one hundred Unitarian hymn- 
writers, with selections from each, and copious illus- 
trative notes. This work was published in 1874, and 
received with high encomiums by the press, religious 
and secular, and by critics and reviewers of every 
sect. The late Dr. Ezra Abbott said of it : " It seems 
to me in every respect admirably edited. I find un- 
expected richness in the book every time I open it." 
Indeed, that a work like this, avowedly denomina- 
tional in its scope, should yet, by the sweetness of its 
tone and the catholicity of its spirit, win universal 
praise, is almost without a parallel in our litera- 
ture. 

The terrible conflagration at the Brooklyn Theatre 
December 5, 1876, was an event that called forth the 
profoundest sympathies of every class in the commu- 
nity. In obedience to a common impulse, the citi- 
zens at large promptly organized a Relief Association 
for the benefit of the surviving sufferers and the fam- 
ilies of the deceased. From this was formed an ex- 
ecutive committee, and Dr. Putnam, who had deliv- 
ered the address at the burial, in one common grave, 
at Greenwood Cemetery, of the unrecognized dead, 
was appointed a member to represent the churches 
and charities of the city. His capacity for hard 
work, combined with a practical knowledge of affairs, 
brought him at once to the front. The special dis- 
bursement of the fund among the beneficiaries for 
whom it was intended largely devolved upon him. 
The burden was cheerfully and faithfully borne. It 
may afford some conception of the extent of his labors 
in this cause, if it be stated that the sums disbursed, 
mostly in small checks about once a week and cover- 
ing a period of two years, amounted to nearly fifty 
thousand dollars, and that the families receiving aid, 



550 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



all of wbora required personal visitation, numbered 
one hundred and eighty-eight. At the close of the 
trust, Dr. Putnam was requested by bis associates to 
draw up the final report. This he did ; and its pub- 
lication in the daily papers and in pamphlet form 
was followed by a popular verdict of approval as 
spontaneous and hearty as it was well-deserved. 

One of the most interesting events of his life in 
Brooklyn was the celebration of the centennial anni- 
versary of Dr. Channing's birth, April 7, 1880. It 
may well be deemed a landmark in the history of the 
Christian Church in America. Representatives of 
every denomination took part in its impressive cere- 
monies. To Dr. Putnam, who conceived, and, as 
chairman of the committee, carried out the novel ar- 
rangements for the occasion, it was truly a labor of 
love, for Channing's spirit and teachings were greatly 
instrumental in leading him into the ministry and 
\are still very dear to his heart. 

A memorial service in the evening, at the Academy 
of Music, presided over by Mr. A. A. Low, brought 
the exercises to a fitting close. It was a brilliant as- 
semblage. Five thousand people, including men 
eminent in every walk of life, filled the auditorium. 
Henry Ward Beecher, George William Curtis, Rufus 
Ellis, Robert Collyer and others made addresses, in 
which the dawn of a new and better era of Christian 
fellowship was confidently proclaimed. Dr. Putnam 
published the unique proceedings in a volume, entitled 
" The Brooklyn Channing Celebration,'' containing 
the addresses and letters of sympathy from distin- 
guished theologians and publicists in all parts of the 
world. 

He has also published during bis ministry a con- 
siderable number of his sermons in pamphlet form, 
such as those on the " Death of Rev. George Brad- 
ford," 1859; the "Life to Come," delivered in 1865 
at the Cooper Institute in New York and afterwards 
printed as a tract by the American Unitarian Asso- 
ciation ; "Edward Everett," 1865; the "Freedom 
and Largeness of the Christian Faith," 1869 ; " Uni- 
tarianism in Brooklyn," a liistorical address, preached 
on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication of 
the First Church edifice, 1869; the " Unitarian De- 
nomination, Past and Present," 1870 ; " Broken Pil- 
lars," 1873 ; "Christianity, the Law of the Land," 
1876; a "Tribute to the Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth 
Frothingham," 1877; "William Lloyd Garrison," 
1879; "The Whole Family of God," 1884. Also 
biographical memorials of Mrs. Josiah O. Low and 
Mr. Ethelbert M. Low, 1884 ; and of Mr. and Mrs. 
Ephraim Buttrick, 1885. 

For many years, and until he removed from Brook- 
lyn, Dr. Putnam was a director of the Long Island 
Historical Society, and much of the time chairman 
of its executive committee, writing its annual reports 
for publication during the period of 1876-81, and 
giving to its interests, at all times and in full measure, 
a firm and loving support. He was also correspond- 



ing secretary and member of the invitation commit- 
tee of the Brooklyn New England Society from the 
date of its organization, and at one of the annual 
dinners he gave an account of a visit made by him, 
in 1883, to Scrooby, the original seat of the Pilgrims 
in England. 

In the line of historical investigation, which he 
pursued in intervals of leisure, con amore, we owe to 
his fruitful pen, strong articles, jmblished in denom- 
inational and other magazines, on " Hosea Ballou," 
"A Visit to Haworth," "The Origin of Hymns," 
" Helen Maria Williams," " A Story of Some French 
Liberal Protestants," and "Paul's Pout Great Epis- 
tles and his Visits to Jerusalem," etc. He also con- 
tributed one of the chapters in Judge Neilson's vol- 
ume, " Memories of Rufus Choate." 

Scores of extended articles in the Danvers Mirror 
on local history and traditions, running through a 
series of years, attest his fondness for this sort of lit- 
erary work. Future historians will find in them a 
rich thesaurus of materials, historical, biographical 
and genealogical, carefully collated for their use. 

In 1882, under the pressure of his long-continued 
and laborious pastorate, Dr. Putnam's health began 
to decline. His robust constitution could no longer 
resist the strain to which his multifarious cares and 
engagements subjected it. Promptly and aff'ection- 
ately, his church voted to give him a year's leave of 
absence, that he might revisit foreign shores, to con- 
tinue to him his salary, and to supply his pulpit. He 
was also generously supplied with funds to defray his 
personal expenses abroad. 

Removing his family for the year to Concord, Mass., 
the ancestral home of his wife, he sailed for Europe 
on his birthday, January 10, 1883. After a delight- 
ful winter in the south of France, where his restora- 
tion to health and to the natural elasticity of his 
spirits was, as he thought, assured, he visited London 
in May, and was a welcome guest at the Unitarian 
Conferences, then in session in the city. Here, be- 
fore various bodies, he delivered several addresses, 
one of which, by special request, was on the Aspects 
of Unitarianism in America. Its decidedly conser- 
vative tone awakened at once a profound interest 
among his hearers, and at its close drew a running 
fire of criticism, for and against the positions as- 
sumed, from the eminent scholars and divines who 
were present. Subsequently, the discussion was taken 
up by the religious press, on both sides of the Atlan- 
tic, Dr. Putnam publishing trenchant articles in his 
own defence. 

He sailed from Liverpool for home July 4, 1883. 
With some misgivings, confirmed indeed by medical 
advisers, he immediately returned to his pulpit, and 
re-assumed all the burdens his versatile talents had 
hitherto imposed upon him. The struggle, however, 
was in vain. His enfeebled constitution soon admon- 
ished him that a longer period of rest was impera- 
tively necessary. Accordingly, early in April, 1886, 



DANVEK8. 



551 



he resigned bis pastoral office, with regretful sympa- 
thy on the part of the church he had so long and so 
faithfully served, and heartfelt sorrow on his own. A 
testimonial from his grateful parishioners, accompa- 
nied by the munificent gift of fifteen thousand dol- 
lars, fitly expressed their appreciation of his high 
character, and the esteem and affection in which they 
held him. Resolutions of similar import were passed 
by the other organizations with which he was offi- 
cially connected; and the papers of the city made 
warm, eulogistic mention of his life and labors in 
Brooklyn. 

The Long Island Historical Society generously put 
on record " the deep sense entertained by all its mem- 
bers of the value of the service which Dr. Putnam 
has cheerfully rendered it for many years, by his wise 
counsels, by his faithful and intelligent participations 
in its discussions, and his generous and efficient as- 
sistance in accomplishing its plans," Kev. Dr. Storrs, 
president, adding that "the highest regard and es- 
teem of all the members of the board will follow Dr. 
Putnam to his future home, wherever that may be, 
with their best wishes for his speedy and complete 
restoration to health, and for his continued enjoy- 
ment and usefulness in the service which they do not 
doubt he will render elsewhere, as he has so signally 
rendered it here, to the cause of good letters, of his- 
torical enquiry, and of the best social culture." 

The opening words of a Brooldyn Eagle editorial 
were as follows: "The resignation of the Rev. Dr. 
Putnam, of the First Unitarian Church, will occasion 
regret beyond the boundaries of the society. He has 
been a faithful and devoted pastor, and this implies a 
good deal in a term of service of twenty-two years, 
including, as it does, not merely the delivery of ser- 
mons, but the personal work which brings the minis- 
ter into intimate relations with many people in the 
sharp crisis of life and death. Dr. Putnam, during 
that period, has been also an active and useful citi- 
zen, bearing an interested part in those public enter- 
prises which in Brooklyn know no denominational 
lines. An unanimous expression of good will, with 
hearty hope for his restoration to health and his 
jirosperity everywhere and at all times, will accompa- 
ny liim in his retirement." 

The Brooklyn Union closed an article with this : 
" His name has been connected with many benevo- 
lent movements. He was an earnest worker for the 
Union for Christian Work, the Mission School and 
many other charitable enterprises. He was a con- 
spicuous figure in helping to relieve the distress of 
those who were made widows and orphans by the de- 
struction by fire of the Brooklyn Theatre. He also 
did much towards familiarizing people of all denom- 
inations with the life of Dr. Channingin the services 
which were held in his commemoration. Apart from 
his ministerial work Dr. Putnam has filled a large 
sjiace in the public mind by his untiring labor in for- 
warding the great and growing interests of the city 



in which, as pastor and citizen, he has spent the best 
years of his life." 

Rev. Almon Gunnison, D.D., jiastor of the All 
Souls' (Universalist) Church, in Brooklyn, wrote to 
the Chrintian Lender, of Boston, of which paper he 
has long been the regular correspondent : 

" \Vy record witli great sorrow tlie reeiglmtion of Tlev. Dr. A. P. Put- 
nam, the pastor of the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn. H« has 
had a long and triumpliant pastorate of over twenty years, and gives up 
a successful work on account of ill-bealtli. lie has gone South, and it 
is expected tliat freedom from care and rest, will bring eoniplete restora- 
tion. Dr. Putnam is well-known in our denomination, as he is of Uni- 
Tersalist parentage, and has always been in thorough sympathy with 
our faith and the genius of our church. He has been outspoken in his 
utterances and fraternal in his fellowships. A preacher of large ability, 
a gentleman of noble instincts, he has been identified with every good 
work in the City of Churches, and his strong personality has counted for 
much in educational, philanthropic, reformatory and religions work. 
He has been tlie most helpful of yoke-fellows, ready always fur neigh- 
borly service, quick in his sympathy in sickness, swift to speak the ap- 
preciative word and to do the kind act. His resignation will be re- 
gretted not only by his own people, but by all liberal believere, and, in 
fact, by all of every faith, who can appreciate the influence of a strong, 
sweet-souled, consecrated Christian worker."' 

Of the various biographical sketches of him which 
have appeared from time to time, aad to which we 
have been greatly indebted for our materials here, we 
copy the following extract from J. Alexander Pat- 
ten's " Lives of the Clergy of New York and Brook- 
lyn," as showing his character as a preacher and his 
theological position : 

"Dr. Putnam preaches with much effectiveness. There is great com- 
prehension in his thought, and he is able to give expression to it in terms 
of rare conciseness, and not le-s of beauty. All that he says has this 
vigor of meaning and force of application, and much of it is delivered 
in the most classic and glowing pictui-ings of eloquence. In his argu- 
ment, he addresses himself to an elaborate and practical consideration of 
his subject, and you are led along with him, without tediousness, but 
rather allured by the attractive interweavings of a warm and chaste 
fancy. And herein is it that this gifted preacher excels. Your atten- 
tion is instantly riveted by the smoothness of his periofls and the ele- 
gance of sentiment which usher you to profound discussion and lofty im- 
agery. He belongsto the Channing school of Uoitarianism. Holding 
to his particular tenets with all the strength of his intellect and his love, 
he stands prominent among their ablest cxpoundels, and in a pure, con- 
sistent life seeks their practical illustration before his fellow-men." 

One of his sermons, delivered in Roxbiiry in 18(il, 
at the outbreak of the civil war, on the Flag of our 
Country, has become widely known, and is publislied 
in text-books, as a model of fine diction and im- 
passioned eloquence. 

Dr. Putnam received his degree of D.D., from his 
alma mater, Brown University, in 1871. 

In 1877 he was invited to become the pastor of the 
Unitarian Church in Quincy, Mass., but he declined 
the call. While in Roxlury he was elected president 
of the L'nitarian Sunday-school Society. After his 
removal to Brooklyn he was made vice-president of 
the New York and Hudson River Unitarian Confer- 
ence, and was also elected as its president, but the 
latter position he declined. For a time he edited the 
Liberal Christian, a Unitarian weekly paper, pub- 
lished in New York City. When, years ago, the 
project was mi foot to reniove the Meadville (Ba.) 
Theological School to Chicago, III., and there enlarge 



552 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and endow it, the leading man of the denomination who 
had charge of the enterprise asked Dr. Putnam to be- 
come president of the new institution, but thefriendsat 
Meadville could not be reconciled to the loss of the 
school, and the plan was therefore abandoned. Dr. 
Putnam was a member of the Century Club in New 
York, and also of the similar organization, of later 
origin, in Brooklyn, the Hamilton Club, as well as of 
the Brooklyn Art Associatian. He is also a member 
of the New England Historical and Genealogical So- 
ciety, and of the American Historical Association. 

In politics Dr. Putnam was an ardent Free-Soiler 
in old anti-slaverj' days, and often preached from the 
pulpit and spoke at political meetings in behalf of the 
slave and the cause of liberty. While a student in 
the Divinity School in 1854, he was sent, as a dele- 
gate from his native town, to the convention at Wor- 
cester that founded the Rejiublican party and gave it 
its name. He has generally acted with that party 
since, but not seldom has on occasion assumed a more 
independent attitude. 

In his pleasant retirement at Concord, whither he 
lias again removed his family, he is now rapidly re- 
gaining his health. Surrounded by his books, and by 
many beautiful works of art which are the memen- 
toes of loving friends, or which have been gathered by 
him in his extensive travels at home and abroad, he 
is devoting his leisure to favorite literary pursuits. 

In person Dr. Putnam is tall and imjiosing. His 
well-proportioned form, his cultivated bearing, his 
classic, intellectual face in which strength and be- 
nignity combine, make him always a marked man 
among men. 

His voice, sonorous and flexible in a high degree, 
is also wonderfully sympathetic. It can touch the 
tenderest chords of feeling, or express in thunder 
tones, as so often wont to do, hatred of wrong and op- 
pression. The courage of his convictions is invinci- 
ble. No man has hurled more scathing anathemas 
against intolerance, or held up to public scorn cor- 
ruption in high places, more fearlessly than he. 
Courteous, aflable, open-hearted, blessed with hosts 
of friends, he has preserved in its freshness and in- 
tegrity, through all the vicissitudes of a laborious 
and useful life, the charming personality with which 
nature so richly endowed him. 

Dr. Putnam was married to Miss Louise P. Preston, 
daughter of Mr. Samuel Preston, of Danvers, Janua- 
ry 10, 1856. She died in June, 18G0. For his second 
wife he married, in 1865, Eliza K. Buttrick, of Cam- 
l)ridge, daughter of Ephraim Buttrick, Esq., long a 
l)rominent member of the Middlesex bar. Their five 
children are Endicott Greenwocd, Alfred Whitwell, 
Helen Langley, Ralph Buttrick and Margaret Ross. 



JONAS WARREN. 

The man whose portrait accompanies this short 
sketch, one of the best business men who ever lived 
in Danvers, was not a native of the town. His an- 



cestor, Joshua Warren, emigrated from Dover, Eng- 
land, and settled in Watertown. Joshua's son, Dan- 
iel, married Rebecca, daughter of Captain Benjamin 
Church, the famous Indian lighter. Daniel had 
fifteen children, and one of his sous, Phinehas had a 
family of the same number, of whom five sons were in 
the battle of Bunker Hill. Phinehas' youngest son, 
Jonas, married, first, Apphia Stickney, and they were 
the parents of the subject of this sketch, who was 
born in North Beverly July 29, 1787. In his early 
boyhood the family moved to Boxford, and there, 
when he was still quite young, the mother died. He 
was brought up by his uncle, Ancil Stickney, and 
when he reached the age when young men struck out 
for themselves, he came to Danvers, and soon found 
a place of usefulness in the store kept by Deacon 
Gideon Putnam in his old tavern, which stood at the 
corner of High and Elm Streets. Before many years 
he bought the whole establishment of the late Judge 
Samuel Putnam, son of Deacon Gideon. "Jonas,'' 
said the judge, " here you will live and here you will 
die." Though the prophecy was not fulfilled as to 
his death, Mr. Warren did live many years, full of 
activity and thrift, on the old corner, and he built up 
there a busine.'^s more extensive than can be easily 
appreciated at this time. Some days, a half a century 
ago, as many as forty great teams came into Danvers 
Plains from surrounding towns and far back into the 
country, to dispose of their produce and take back a 
season's load of staple groceries. It was chiefly Mr. 
Warren's fair treatment and broad and far-sighted 
manner of doing business that transformed a mere 
country cross-roads into a busy commercial centre. 
The amount of goods handled thus in the way of sale 
and barter was enormous, and it was no rare thing for 
clerks to be obliged to work till midnight, loading 
these teams, so that customers could start away 
bright and early in the morning. His policy was to 
ofler such inducements vhat there was no object to 
farmers to carry their produce four miles farther to 
find a market in Salem, and, as a consequence, he 
and "Uncle Johnnie" Perley, on the opposite cor- 
ner, so controlled the situation that Salem dealers 
often had to come to Danvers to buy at second-hand, 
and, of course, at the seller's price. In all this there 
was no trickery or meanness on the part of Mr. War- 
ren. Mr. Joshua Silvester, just deceased, was in his 
early days a clerk in the old store, and a few weeks 
before his death he was speaking of Mr. Warren : 
"For an up and down square dealer he had no 
superior." 

In 1841 Mr. Warren sold out at the Plains and re- 
moved to the Port, where he became the pioneer of 
the wholesale flour and grain business, entering into 
the larger field with the same energy and sagacity 
which had characterized his previous operations. 
He was the first to bring grain to this port by water, 
and from the cargoes of the many vessels in his em- 
ployment he supplied a very extensive inland trade. 



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DANVERS. 



553 



Mr. Warren was one of the earliest Unitarians of 
Danvers, and was always a steadfiist supporter of that 
denomination. Long before the establishment of the 
church here, he regularly attended the church in 
North Beverly. Rev. E. M. Stone, long the pa.stor of 
that church, has written of Mr. Warren, — ■" He was 
a parishioner whose con.stant attendance on public 
worship greatly cheered my ministry. During the 
thirteen years of my pastorate there I do not recol- 
lect of his being absent from church for a single Sab- 
bath, unless detained at home by sickness, and I do 
remember of his being present after heavy snow 
storms and before the roads were broken, when per- 
sons living near the church excused themselves from 
attendance for the same reason. He was an attentive 
hearer, a devout worshipper, and an unostentatious 
Christian believer." He was much interested in the 
building of Unity Chapel in this town, and attended 
there as long as advancing age would permit, con- 
tributing always liberally towards its support. 

He married Hannah, daughter of Enoch Kimball, 
of Boxford. She died the year following Mr. War- 
ren's removal to Dauversport. Mr. Warren was 
himself nearly ninety years old when he died. The 
date of his death was November 18, 1876, and the 
place, the home which he built, now occupied by his 
only daughter, on High Street. Besides his daughter, 
two sons survived him — Aaron W. and the late Har- 
rison O. Warren. Mr. Warren was a director of the 
Naumkeag National Bank of Salem from its organiza- 
tion to near the close of his life. He was the last 
survivor of New Mills Alarm List of 181-1. 

Though Mr. Warren kept aloof from politics, and 
rarely, if ever, held office, his business relations were 
such that scarcely any man was more widely known 
in the county. His strict integrity secured the con- 
fidence of all. He wronged no man intentionally, and 
his word could always be depended upon. In his 
family, too, he was just and kind, a true husband, a 
wise father. He left to this community the priceless 
example of the life of an honest man, and to his 
fanuly the legacy of an unspotted name. 



SAMUEL P. FOWLEK. 

Samuel Page Fowler was born in Danvei-s New 
Mills {now Danversport), April 22, 1800. His parents 
were Samuel Fowler and Clarissa (Page) Fowler. 
Among his ancestors are to be found the names of 
men, who, by their patriotism, military genius, busi- 
ness activity and enterprise commanded the respect of 
their contemporaries, and left their impress upon the 
times in which they lived. 

The first of the name who came to this country was 
Philip Fowler, born in Wiltshire, England, in 151)0, 
settled in Ipswich, 1634. Joseph, his son, born in 
1629, married Martha Kimball. Philip, their son, 
born in Ipswich, December 25, 1648, was " a man of 
superior ability, and as a merchant, deputy-marshal 
35J 



and attorney, left a good record. He strongly opposed 
the witchcraft delusion, was employed as attorney by 
the Village Parish in its lawsuit with Mr. Parris, and 
in 1692 conducted the proceedings in Court against 
the head and front of the witchcraft i)rosecution." He 
married Elizabeth Herrick, daughter of Henry and 
Editha (Laskin) Herrick, and died 1715. Their son 
Joseph, born Augu'-t 7, 1683, married Sarah Bartlett, 
died December 25, 1745. Joseph, born October 9, 
1715, married Mary Prince, died February 1, 1807. 
Samuel, their son, left Ipswich in 1765 and became 
one of the pioneer settlers of "Danvers New Mills." 
A shipwright by trade he assisted in building many 
vessels, both before and after the Revolution, some of 
which he partly owned ; he was a private in Captain 
Jeremiah Page's company, at the battle of Lexington. 
He married Sarah, daughter of Archelaus and Mehit- 
able (Putnam) Putnam. Deacon Putnam, in the 
spring of 1754 moved a small building used as a 
cooper's shop from his father's farm, now known as 
the "Judge Putnam farm,'' by floating it down Crane 
River to the bank of the river at what is now Dan- 
versport. He fitted it up as a home for his family, 
and here his daughter Sar.ah was born, September 14, 

1775. She was the first white child born in that part 
of the town, which was then covered with woods, 
where she was often lost when a child. She lived to 
see the small hamlet a prosperous village, and died 
in 1847, aged ninety-two years, having had six child- 
ren, twenty-seven grand-children and sixty great- 
grand-children. Deacon Putnam built grist and 
chocolate mills near his house, which gave to this 
section of the town its name of New Jlills. 

Samuel Fowler, the son of Samuel and Sarah (Put- 
nam) Fowler, was born in Danvers, September 15, 

1776. He was a man of large enterprise and carried 
on the business of his grandfather, having a grist 
mill, a mill for pulverizing spices, as well as one for 
grinding bark, besides pursuing the occupation of a 
tanner. He died February 22, 1859. He married 
Clarissa Page, the. daughter of Captain Samuel and 
Rebecca (Putnam) Page. " She was greatly endeared 
to a large circle of relatives and friends by her social 
and domestic virtues." She died April 14, 1854. 
Cajitain Samuel Page was the son of Colonel Jeremiah 
Page and Sarah (Andrews) Page, born in Danvers, 
August 1, 1753. "He enlisted in the cause of his 
country at the breaking out of the Revolutionary 
War, and was engaged in the battles of Lexington, 
Monmouth, and Stony Point. He was with Washing- 
ton at the crossing of the Delaware, and in the severe 
winter of 1777 shared in the sufferings of the Ameri- 
can army at.Valley Forge, and he, with his company, 
wa.s {)resent when Wayne stormed Stony Point. After 
the close of the war he successfully engaged in com- 
mercial pursuits." He married Rebecca, the daughter 
of William and Elizabeth (Putnam) Putnam. William 
was a .son of Lieutenant David Putnam (brother of 
General Israel Putnam) and Rebecca (Perley) Put- 



554 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



nam. David was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth j 
(Porter; Putnam. Joseph the son of Thomas Putnam | 
and Mary Vcren. Thomas was the sou of John Put- 
nam, 1st. Samuel Page's father, Colonel Jeremiah 
Page, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and 
was the son of Samuel Page, who was the pioneer 
settler of Fiteliburg, having been found there with his 
wife and family by the surveyors, sent out by the 
General Court, to lay out the town in 1719. Captain 
Page died in Danvers, September 2, 1814. 

Descended from so worthy and patriotic an ances- 
try, we might reasonably expect that Mr. Fowler 
would inherit their many virtues and worthy traits of 
character, and in this we realize our expectations. In 
boyhood he attended the district school, where he 
read from the well-known books: " The Columbian 
Orator," and "American Preceptor," also " Jedediah 
Morse's Geography," then a popular reading book. 
He learned the rudiments of grammar from the 
"Young Ladies' Accidence," and mastered the diffi- 
culties of " Walsh's Popular Arithmetic," but the best 
advantages the town then furnished its children, were 
meagre when compared with those enjoyed by the 
youth of the. present day. 

New Mills at that time was the home of ship-own- 
ers and sea-captains, who, on their return from their 
voyages, would tell their listening townsmen of the 
lands they had visited, so that the boys of that period 
were made familiar with foreign countries and the 
characteristics of their inhabitants. Another factor 
which helped to develop a desire for knowledge and 
a taste for reading in the subject of this sketch, was 
the New Mills Social Library, formed in 1808, with 
the best books then to be found in the range of Eng- 
lish literature, selected by Jeremiah Chaplin, D.D., 
pastor of the Baptist Church. 

In the War of 1812 the inhabitants of Danvers 
shared in the excitement and the patriotic spirit of 
their more maritime neighbors, and Mr. Fowler, then 
a lad of twelve years, readily imbibed that love of 
country, and hatred of oppression, which he has 
shown through a long life. 

He has always manifested a deep interest in every- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the town, and has 
often been chosen to fill important offices, and to re- 
present his fellow-citizens in many ways. Before the 
division of Danvers, he held the office of selectman 
and assessor from the years 1835 to 1840, was auditor 
in 1833, 1841 and 1842, moderator of town meeting in 
1839, was a member of the school committee for seven 
years, and one of the board of health for three years. 
He was one of the fire-wards of the town upon the 
first organization of the fire department, and continued 
so for several years. He was elected representative to 
the General Court in the years 1837-38-39, and with 
the Eev. M. P. Braman and Hon. Alfred A. Abbott, 
represented the town in the Constitutional Conven- 
tion held at Boston in 1853. He was one of the com- 
mittee appointed to make arrangements for the cele- 



bration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of Dan- 
vers, on the 16th of June, 1852, and at the dinner on 
that occasion responded to the following toast: "The 
Women of Danvers in Revolutionary Times — like the 
staple manufacture of the town — firm, tough and well 
tanned, but unlike it, as they were not to be irampled 
upon." 

He was, also, one of the trustees elected by the town 
to hold the surplus revenue funds, and one of the 
members of the first committee chosen to confer as to 
the best methods of introducing water into the town. 
But it is as overseer of the poor, a position which he 
still holds, that Mr. Fowler's tenure of office has been 
the longest, extending over a period of forty-four 
years, with only one year's exception, and a greater 
part of the time he has been chairman of the board. His 
knowledge of the poor-laws is complete and exhaus- 
tive, and his decisions are undisputed in the settlement 
of the many vexatious questions which arise in the 
administration of these laws. His faithfulne.ss to the 
interests of the town, and his kindness and consider- 
ation to the poor have given liira for many years the 
nomination of all parties. Although taking such an 
active part in all town matters, Mr. Fowler has never 
been a politician, was a member of the old Whig 
party, and has been a supporter of the Republican 
party since its formation. 

He was one of the trustees of the Peabody Insti- 
tute, appointed by Mr. George Peabody, served as a 
member of the building committee, and upon the re- 
signation of Rev. M. P. Braman, was chosen president 
of the board of trustees, which office he held till 
Jlarch, 1879. At the present time he is chairman of 
the committee on buildings and grounds, and in con- 
nection with Mr. Joshua Sylvester, has done much to- 
ward the laying out and beautifying of the park about 
the Institute, making it one of the most attractive 
places in the town. He has also been chairman of 
the lecture and library committee, and in the latter 
capacity gave much time and thought to the selection 
of those books which would instruct and elevate their 
readers, and cultivate in them a desire for useful 
knowledge, having the experience gained by many 
years of reading and study, to help him in this work. 
From his youth he has shown a great taste for natural 
history, and during his long life has been a close ob- 
server of nature, in all her varied forms. By constant 
observation and study, he made himself thoroughly 
conversant with the notes and habits of our native 
birds, and contributed a series of most interesting and 
instructive articles to the New England Farmer, on 
"The Birds of New England." A lover of flowers, 
he has always taken great pleasure in their cultiva- 
tion, and has had equal success with plants from 
widely separated localities, so that in his garden the 
variously-tinted blossoms of our woods and fields 
grow side by side with the more gorgeous flowers of 
Cliina and Japan. Nor is he selfish in the enjoyment 
of his garden, but freely gives its treasures to all — 



DANVERS. 



555 



from the little child, who timidly asks for a few flow- 
ers, to the learned liotanist, who solicits specimens for 
analysis. It has boon his pleasure for many summers 
to arrange a bouquet each week for the church, and 
the ladies of the Parish showed their appreciation of 
this work by presenting him with a beautiful engrav- 
ing. He has not devoted his attention exclusively to 
the cultivation of flowers, but has also studied the 
characteristics of our native trees and shrubs. The 
results of his close observation in this direction are 
apparent in various articles written by him on our 
" Native Trees and Shrubs," published in the New 
Kngland Farmer, in which he shows himself a nice 
and accurate observer in this department of nature. 
He has carefully noted the habits of the various in- 
sects injurious to vegetation, and in an essay read 
before the Essex County Agricultural Society, gives 
many valuable suggestions as to the best methods of 
destroying the numerous insects, which infest the 
orchards and gardens of the county. Possessing 
these tastes it might be expected that when the Essex 
County Natural History Society was formed, Mr. 
Fowler would be one of its first members. He is now 
the only one living of the founders of this organiza- 
tion. At its fiftieth anniversary, held at Topsfield, 
in June, 1884, he was present, and in an address de- 
livered on that occasion, alluding to the first meeting 
of the society, says : " After dinner a stroll was taken 
in the woods and fields, and among the plants gath- 
ered was a fine specimen of Blood Root {Sanguinaria 
Canadensis) which was taken up with a spade, and 
upon our return it was placed in the middle of the 
table, with a newspaper under it, when we pledged 
ourselves to sustain the Essex County Natural Histo- 
ry Society, and promote its interests." When the 
Essex Institute was formed by the Union of the 
Essex Historical and Essex County Natural History 
Societies in 1848, he was chosen curator of Natural 
History, and vice-president in that department in 
1861, and remained so for several years; he was also 
on the Field committee as early as lSi'7. 

Fond of historical research, the rich field of his 
town, county and State has furnished him abundant 
material, so that he has not his equal as a local his- 
torian, and has given especial time and thought to 
the study of the witchcraft delusion, and the causes 
which led to its origin and continuance. He has 
published an " Account of the Life and Character of 
the Ilev. Samuel Parris, of Salem Village, and of his 
Connection with the Witchcraft Delusion of 16i)2.'' 
and edited an edition of "Salem Witchcraft, by Rob- 
ert Calef, published by H. P. Ives and A. A. Smith, 
in 1861." He has also made a large manuscript col- 
lection bearing upon this subject, copied from the 
church and court records of that period. Upham, 
in si)eaking of Philip Fowler, of Ipswich, and the 
bold stand taken by him in 1692 against the decisions 
of the clergy and magistrates, says : "It is an inter- 
esting circumstance that one of the same name and 



descent, in his reprint of the papers of Calef, and 
other publications, has done as much as any other 
person of our day to bring that whole transaction 
under the light of truth and justice." It is largely 
due to his research and interpretation of Mr. Parris' 
conduct in the affair, that has led to a more fiivorable 
construction of the motives which actuated him and 
the neighboring clergy in their treatment of those 
persons accused of practising witchcraft. Mr. Fow- 
ler has published in the Historical Collections of the 
Essex Institute the following articles: " .lournal of 
Captain Samuel Page, in the Campaign of 1779, with 
Notes ; " " Biographical Sketch and Diary of Rev. 
Joseph Green, an Account of the Life of Rev. Peter 
Clark and Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, Ministers of 
Salem Village," (now Danvers Centre) ; " Records of 
Overseers of the Poor of the Old Town of Danvers 
for the years 1767 and 1768, by the Chairman of the 
Board, Captain Elisha Flint, with Notes." " Craft's 
Journal of the Siege of Boston, with Notes." 

He is thoroughly conversant with the early history 
of the town, and often contributes to the cohmins of 
the local paper articles full of historical facts, which 
will yield a rich harvest to the town's future historian. 

He became a member of the New England Histo- 
ric Genealogical Society, in Boston, in 1862. His 
literary work has been performed in the midst of his 
regular occupations, for Mr. Fowler learned the trade 
of a tanner, and carried on the business in the same 
establishment formerly owned and occupied by his 
father, on Porters river. 

He was one of the corporators of the Danvers 
Savings Bank, incorporated in 1850, and one of its 
first trustees; he was also actively engaged in the 
formation of the First National Bank, and has been 
one of its directors since 1863. He was admitted to 
Jordan Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, March 
26, 1823, and is at present an honorary member, and 
one of the oldest masons in the State. 

He has always shown a deep interest in the tem- 
perance cause, more especially before it became so 
intimately connected with the political questions of the 
d.ay. At the annual meeting of the old town of Dan- 
vers, on the 4th of March, 1833, the subject of intem- 
perance in the town being under consideration, an 
order and vote to be presented to the moderator was 
drawn up by J. W. Proctor, Esq., instructing the 
selectmen to jirohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors 
in the town, which vote w:is presented to the meeting 
by Mr. Fowler, who is now the only one living of 
that band of temperance workers, who, in one of the 
square pews in the brick meeting-house at the Cen- 
tre, conferred together as to the best means to arrest 
the drunkenness in their community. The passing of 
this vote made Danvers tlie first town in the State 
that took action in its corporate capacity against 
licensing the sale of into.Kicating liquors, and it has 
ever since maintained the same position. Before the 
general awakening of the public mind to the subject. 



556 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Fowler was keenly alive to the fact that our 
burial-places were neglected aud unattractive, and it 
was largely through his eflforts, and that of his bro- 
ther, Mr. Henry Fowler, that a tract of land was 
purchased to be laid out as a cemetery, and the Wal- 
nut Grove Cemetery Corporation formed, of which he 
has been president for many years. 

In the year 1832, he joined the First Church dur- 
ing the pastorate of the Eev. M. P. Braman. When 
the Maple Street Church was organized in 1844, he 
became one of the original members, was chosen one 
of its first deacons, which office he still holds, and 
has ever been mindful of all that concerned the tem- 
poral and spiritual welfare of the church. He was a 
member of the building committee to erect the first 
meeting-house, and when this new and beautiful edi- 
fice was destroyed by fire only a few years after its 
completion, he was one of the members who bravely 
took up the work of building the present house of 
worship. He has been clerk of the parish for more 
than thirty years, and the distinctly written pages of 
this record will be a pleasure to the society's future 
historian. Before his advanced years he was a con- 
stant attendant upon the prayer-meetings of the 
church, contributing to their interest by his words of 
instruction and wisdom, and was for many years an 
efficient Sunday-school teacher. 

Although in his eighty-eighth year, Mr. Fowler 
possesses the physical and mental activity of a man 
of much younger years, filling with acceptance and 
fidelity the various offices bestowed upon him by his 
townsmen. The reading of his favorite books, the 
cultivation of his garden are as great sources of pleas- 
ure to him as they ever were, and his interest is un- 
abated in whatever concern the public goods. 

The record of such a life shows what a man can 
accomplish for himself and others by habits of indus- 
try and patient thought, combined with a desire for 
the best good of those who are associated with him as 
fellow-citizens. The public favors he has received 
have not been obtained at the sacrifice of truth and 
honor, for in all things he has shown himself an 
honest 'man, just aud upright in his dealings with 
others. 

Mr. Fowler was married December 3, 1833, to Har- 
riet Putnam (who was born in Danvers, May 11, 1806) 
daughter of Moses and Betsey Putnam. Like her 
husband, she retains in a remarkable degree her 
youthful feelings, possessing those virtues which 
make her a devoted wife, a good mother and an earn- 
est Christian. 

Their children are, (1) Clara Putnam, born March 
20, 1836, married November 25, 1856, George E. Du- 
Bois, of Kandolph, Mass., who died November 3, 
1859; their child, Ellen Tucker, born December 16, 
1857, married, April 22, 1886, Nathan Putnam Proc- 
tor, of Danvers ; they have a son born June 7, 1887. 
(2) Samuel Page, Jr., born December 6, 1838. (3) 
Harriet Putnam, born July 25, 1842. 



CHARLES LAWRENCE. 

Mr. Lawrence was among the thirteen children of 
Abel and Abigail (Page) Lawrence, of Salem, Mass. 
He was descended in the seventh generation from 
John Lawrence, of Wisset, England, who came to 
this country and first settled at Watertown, but re- 
moved to Groton in 1662, where he died. 

The .subject of this notice was born October 7, 
1795, and was graduated at Harvard University in 
the class of 1815. 

About 1833 he married Miss Lucy A. Ward, sister 
of Thomas Ward, the banker of Boston. Delicate 
health prevented him from studying a profession or 
entering upon a business career. He made several 
voyages to India in early life, and spent a winter or 
two in the West Indies and Florida to combat dan- 
gerous symptoms of lung disease. 

With his brother and sisters he afterwards left Sa- 
lem and established a home upon what was then 
known as the Phillips Farm, Danvers. There for 
nearly forty years Mr. Lawrence resided and found 
occupation in open air pursuits, which no doubt were 
the means of prolonging to eighty-four years a life 
which was never robust. Gardening was a favorite 
occupation, and he had a passion for flowers, which 
always flourished under his care. 

Combined with these pursuits was a love of litera- 
ture, which did not fail him while life lasted. 

Though mixing little with the world, he was always 
acquainted with the best and newest books, and whol- 
ly alive to the political questions of his time. 

In November, 1820, he was made a member of the 
Salem East India Marine Society, and was elected 
corresponding secretary January, 1828, remaining in 
that position till January, 1838. He was also an 
original member of the Essex Institute, and through 
life he felt a strong interest in the welfare and success 
of that society. 

A warm friend, a kind neighbor, a genial and pleas- 
ant companion ; his charity to the unfortunate was 
only fully known to the many recipients of his benev- 
olence. He died December 21, 1879. 



GENERAL GRENVILLE M. DODGE.' 

Essex County has given birth to but few more 
remarkable .men than General Grenville M. Dodge, 
uow, and for many years, resident at Council Blulis, 
Iowa. Perhaps no one of her sons has wrought a 
wider, and more varied and important public service 
than has he. He is not yet an old man, but is still 
in his prime, and is as active and busy as ever. Yet, 
as civil engineer, military commander, member of 
Congress, projector of many of the great railroad 
enterprises of the West and Southwest for the last 
thirty years or more, and as president or director of 
most of the companies established to forward and 

I By Bev. A. P. Putnam. 



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DANVERS. 



557 



complete these vast works of internal improvement 
and national development, he has done quite enough 
for fame, and quite enough to entitle him to the last- 
ing gratitude and honor of his country. The storj' 
of his career, however much it has to do with practi- 
cal matters, is yet invested with a wonderfully roman- 
tic interest, and we are glad to learn that a more 
extensive biography of him than we can give here, or 
than has ever been written of him, is in course of 
preparation by Mr. N. E. Dawson, of Washington, for 
a large, voluminous work to be entitled, " Iowa in the 
War." To Mr. Dawson's kindness we are indebted 
for some of the advance sheets of his full and excel- 
lent sketch, from which we have culled many of the 
facts of our hero's maturer life. 

General Dodge is a native of Danvers, Slass., and 
was born April 12, 1831, in a farm-house which was 
situated a short distance south of the Topsfield line, 
and which was then the home of the family of Elias 
Putnam, who was himself born there more than forty 
years before, as stated elsewhere in this volume. 
Israel Putnam, the father of Elias, having removed 
his household, about the beginning of the century, 
several miles down the road, the premises were let to 
Captain Solomon Dodge, who had lived in Rowley, 
Mass., and was a descendant of one of the two brothers 
of the name who early emigrated from England, and 
settled in Essex County. There came with Solomon 
a son, Sylvanus, who had been born. November 25, 
1800, at the old Rowley home, in what has long been 
knon-n as the " Old Dodge House." Not long after 
the family had taken possession of their new quarters, 
the mother of Sylvanus died, and by and by, it is said, 
the surviving members returned to the ancestral seat 
whence they came. The son was married, November 

22, 1827, at New Rowley (now Georgetown), by Rev. 
Dr. Isaac Rraman, to Julia T. Phillips, who was born 
in that town January 23, 1802. The same evening 
the nuptial pair rode to Danvers, to enter there upon 
their early wedded life on the farm where the husband 
had lived as a little child, and in an L which the 
Putnams, who had themselves long before returned 
to the place, had attached to the northern side of the 
house. Their first child was born to them September 

23, 1829, but died about two weeks afterward. The 
second was born April 12, 1831, as we have said, and 
received the name that had been given to the other, 
Grenville M. Dodge. He first saw the light in the 
chamber of the L to which reference has been made, 
and which, many years later, was detached from the 
main part of the building and removed to a point 
about an eighth of a mile further south, on the other 
side of the road, where it was enlarged, and has since 
been tenanted by various families. The Dodges 
remained on the farm about six years, and then went 
to Rowley, where they lived for a year or two, at the 
expiration of which time they returned to their 
Danvers abode, which Mr. Putnam and family had 
recently left to fix their home two miles below, in the 



old house now occupied by Augustus Fowler. While 
Sylvanus Dodge and his family came back to live 
again in one part of the farm-house, there came from 
Wenham, Benjamin Dodge and his family to dwell in 
the other. Sylvanus was then a butcher, and many 
of the present inhabitants of the town will recall his 
regular visits at their doors, as, arrayed in his clean 
white frock, he rode about in his well-covered and 
amply-supplied wagon and ingratiated himself into 
the favor of his patrons by his genial spirit and honest 
dealing. The slaughter-house was a barn which stood 
at the foot of the hill, a little distance north of the 
house, where there is now, if there was not then, a 
beautiful grove. Long afterward it was moved to the 
plains, and then again outside of the village, where it 
was finally burnt. 

The .second sojourn of Jlr. Sylvanus Dodge and his 
family upon the farm continued for only about one 
year. Thence they proceeded to Salem, where also 
they spent a couple of years, and next went to Lynn, 
where they remained one year, living during the 
twelve-month in three different houses. In April, 
1837, they found a home in South Danvers, now Pea- 
body, where, August 20, of the same year, was born a 
third child, Nathan P. Dodge. In 1840 they removed 
to the north part of the old town, and settled for a 
time in Tapleyville, the native place of their fourth 
and last child, Julia M. Dodge, now Jlrs. J. B. Beard, 
born January 14, 1843. During their stay at Tai)ley- 
ville, Mr- Dodge was made postmaster for South Dan- 
vers, and accordingly returned thither with his wife 
and children, and there continued to reside until they 
all emigrated to the distant West. He held the office 
to which he was thus appointed for ten years, and 
through various changes in the national administra- 
tion, securing the confidence and favor of both politi- 
cal parties and of his fellow-citizens generally. In 
politics he was a Democrat, and was an active and 
earnest friend of such men as Robert Rantoul, Jr., 
N. P. Banks and George S Boutwell. In due time he 
came to be much interested in the organization of the 
Repuldican party, and was henceforth to the end of 
his life its sincere and efficient supporter. 

Grenville, the eldest of the three living children, 
sought his fortunes in the West as early as 1851. 
Between the ages of ten and sixteen he had worked 
at gardening, had been employed as a clerk in a store, 
had attended the common schools, and had also im- 
proved his leisure hours in fitting himself for college. 
He entered the Military University at Norwich, Vt., in 
1847, and there completed his course of education 
just before he set out to seek his fortunes in a m )re 
distant part of the country. He first settled in Peru, 
Illinois, as a civil engineer. He participated in the 
construction of the Chicago and Rock Island, and 
Peoria and Bureau Valley Railroads; and in 1853 he 
was ajjpointed assistant engineer of the JNIississippi 
and Missouri Railroad of Iowa, now the Chicago, 
Rock Island and Pacific Line. In the ^ame year, 



558 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



having removed to Iowa City, he explored and exam- 
ined the country west of the Missouri, and became 
convinced that the great Paciiic Railway would have 
its starting point where it now is, at Council Bluffs, 
or Omaha, on the Missouri river. At Council Bluffs, 
therefore, he decided to fix his permanent residence. 
He had married Miss Annie Brown, of Peru, 111., at 
Salem, Mass., May 29, 1854, and in the following 
November he left Iowa City, where his brother 
Nathan from the East had already joined him, for his 
future home, accompanied by his wife. During the 
same month he made a claim, and opened a farm in 
the Territory of Nebraska, on the Elkhorn river, 
occupying it in February, 1855, but staying there only 
six months, the Indians driving him away, and 
obliging him to return with his family to Council 
Bluffs. 

Early in 1855 his father, Sylvanus Dodge, went on 
from South Danvers, followed in the autumn by the 
mother. They lived, in the winter of 1855-56, at 
Omaha, which the reader will remember is on the 
western bank of the Missouri, directly opposite Coun- 
cil Bluffs on the eastern ; and in May, 1856, they, too, 
sought a home on the Elkhorn, but at the expiration 
of eighteen mouths they returned to be with Gren- 
ville, and Council Bluffs has been tlie home of the 
family from then until now. The father had taken 
an active part in .settling the territory and organizing 
the government of Nebraska, and was subsequently 
made the Register of the United States Land Office 
for the district where he had lived. He died about 
sixteen years ago, surrounded by his wile, children 
and grandchildren, and greatly respected and beloved 
by all wlio knew him, while his last days were ma<le 
happy with the thought that, after all the toils and 
struggles, changes and pilgrimages of seventy years, 
his household was finally established in a secure home, 
and had risen to prominence and prosperity. 

Grenville, after his return fi'om the Elkhorn to 
Council Bluff's, in 1855, busied himself for several 
years in civil engineering, banking, real estate and 
mercantile business. He was active and influential 
in advancing the interests of the rising town, and 
organized for it a military company, known as "The 
Council Bluffs Guards." He was chosen its captain, 
and at the breaking out of the war he tendered the 
services of this com[)any to the Governor of the State, 
as the nucleus of the First Iowa Infantry. The Gov- 
ernor deemed it best that tliis organization should 
remain where it was, in order to protect the exposed 
western frontier border ; but accepted the individual 
services of Captain Dodge himself, and sent liim to 
Washington to arrange for the arming and equipping 
of the Iowa troops. The result was that Captain 
Dodge, gaining the confidence and favor of Mr. Cam- 
eron, Secretary of War, was remarkably successful in 
his mission, and at once returned to raii'e the Fourth 
Iowa Infantry Regiment, of which he was duly com- 
missioned as the colonel, and also the Second Iowa 



Battery, whicli took his own name. With this com- 
mand he marched, in July, 1861, to Northwestern 
Missouri, and drove out thence a considerable force 
of insurgents, who were under the lead of Poindexter. 
During the next moutli he reported with his regiment 
and battery to General Fremont at St. Louis, and, in 
October, was ordered by him to the frontier post at 
Rolla, Mo., where he was placed in command. At 
the head of the Fourth Brigade of the Army of tlie 
Southwest, he advanced upon Springfield, in the same 
State, and captured it. Pursuing the enemy south- 
ward, he led the advance, was in the engagements at 
Cane and Sugar Creeks, in February, 1862, and on 
the 27th of the same month, defeated Gates at Black- 
burn's Mills, Ark. He bore a very prominent part, 
and stubbornly met the very brunt of war, in the 
famous battle of Pea Ridge, where the rebel power 
was broken in Missouri and North Arkansas. Here 
he had three horses shot under him, and was severely 
wounded; and for his gallantry in this fight he was 
made brigadier-general, at the request of Major-Gen- 
eral Halieck, who had succeeded Fremont in charge 
of the Western Department. After recovering from 
his wounds he reported by telegraph to the War De- 
partment, and was assigned to the command of the 
District of Columbus, Ky. Soon after receiving this 
appointment, he accomplished with great vigor and 
success the rebuilding of the Mobile and Ohio Rail- 
road, which had been wholly destroyed by the rebels, 
and then, in June, he had a sharp skirmish with a 
body of the enemy, handling his forces with such 
skill and effect as to call forth the hearty commenda- 
tion of both Halieck and Quimby. In further recog- 
nition of these services, he was honored with the 
command of the Central Division of the Mississippi, 
with headquarters at Trenton, Tenn. While here his 
troops captured various towns, and defeated Villipigne 
on the Hatchee river, after which his command was 
enhirged, and his headquarters were again established 
at Columbus. He signalized his return to this post 
by another signal victory, capturing General Faulkner 
and his forces near island No. 10, and taking many 
prisoners. 

In the autumn of 1862, immediately after the battle 
of Corinth, he was charged with the Second Division 
of the Army of the Tennessee, in the district organ- 
ized and commanded by General Grant. Perhaps it 
was here that began the strong friendship which, for so 
many years, hiis subsisted between our hero and the 
great chieftain. General Dodge was soon assigned 
to the command of the District of Corinth. In the 
spring of 1863 he defeated the Confederate forces 
under Forrest and other conspicuous rebel officers. 
He raised and equipped large numbers of colored 
troops. His education and experience as a civil 
engineer proved of invaluable service to him and the 
cause in rebuilding the railroads destroyed by the 
enemy. But he knew how to smash things as well as 
to repair them, as when he shortly conducted the im- 



DAN VERS. 



559 



portant campaign up the Tennessee Valley to the 
neighborhood of Decatur, in the rearof Braprg's armv, 
breaking up its connections and cutting off and wast- 
ing its supplies, and aiding in the rout and destruc- 
tion of that general's forces. The Confederate gov- 
ernment estimated the stores and jiroperty of various 
kinds which he thus destroyed at many millions of 
dollars. On July 5, 18G3, he was appointed to com- 
mand the left wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps, 
with headquarters at Corinth, Miss. In connection 
with a movement from Vickshurg, he made a raid on 
Grenada, of that State, which drove the enemy south 
of the place, and resulted in the capture of an immense 
number of cars and locomotives. While at the head 
of the Sixteenth Army Corps he joined General Sher- 
man in his march to Chattanooga, and wintered with 
his men on the line of the Nashville and Decatur 
Railroad. "He is an able officer," wrote Grant to 
Sherman, "one whom you can rely upon in an emer- 
gency." And the reliance was to be on his skill and 
energy as an engineer, as well as on his sagacity and 
prowess as a warrior. Grant could not subsist his 
forces at Chattanooga except as the Nashville and 
Decatur Railroad should be rebuilt; and this hercu- 
lean task was fulfilled by General Dodge with amazing 
despatch and efficiency. Within about forty days he 
reconstructed and completed the whole line, including 
one hundred and eighty-three bridges, trestles and 
other structures, while in the same period he captured 
Decatur, Ala., with all its garrison, in a well-planned 
night attack. In the spring of 1864 he was entrusted 
with the advance of the Array of the Tennessee, one 
of the three armies consolidated for the Atlanta cam- 
paign. As the mighty host moved forward, Dodge 
drove back the enemy on their railway at Resaca, and 
jiarticipated in the battle at that place a few days 
later. He repulsed a dangerous night attack of the 
foe at Nickajack Creek, Dallas, and it was his men who 
reached nearest the rebel lines on the crest of Kene- 
saw Mountain. At Ruff's Mills he defeated a strong 
force from General Hood's Corps, and shortly after- 
ward constructed, with his usual lightning speed and 
wonderful skill, a substantial double-track bridge 
across the Chattahoochee, seventeen hundred feet 
long and twelve feet high, over which the entire 
Army of the Tennet-see, with all its trains and artil- 
lery, marched with safety. For his brave and faithful 
and effective services in this campaign he was made 
major-general by the government at Washington. 
When the Confederates under General Hood made 
the fierce attack under which McPherson fell mortally 
wounded. Dodge's corps bore the brunt of the encoun- 
ter, and through his skill and intrepidity, rescued the 
Army of the Tennessee and turned the tide of battle, 
capturing eight flags and a very large number of 
prisoners. Says a competent authority : " It was one 
of the fiercest-fought contests of the whole war. It is 
not too much to say that here, as at Pea Ridge, Gen- 
eral Dodge saved the Union armv from terrible disas- 



ter. Riding rapidly up and down his lines, he encour- 
aged his men to hold their ground or die in the 
attempt. This corps was in all the battles in the 
march to Atlanta, and no one, in proportion to its 
size, in the whole consolidated army, lost so many 
killed and wounded.'' 

During the siege of Atlanta General Dodge was 
himself again wounded, receiving a gun-shot in the 
forehead while he was standing in the rifle-pit on the 
skirmish line, superintending an advance. This was 
on the 19th of August, 1864. The writer of this 
sketch contributed some account of the hero and this 
peril to his life, together with a narrative of occur- 
rences that took place immediately afterward, to the 
Darners Mirror, in 1877 ; and the following extract 
from his communication may not be amiss here: 

" The papers, I remember, reported him killed, and 
some of them gave obituary notices of him, which the 
general must have read some time afterward with a 
lively interest. Our sorrow was, however, soon turned 
to joy, for it was soon announced that he was not 
dead, but was still living and would doubtless recover. 
In his weakened condition he was granted a furlough, 
and took the opportunity to visit his friends at the 
East and there recruit his strength. I met him on 
his way to Boston, on board one of the Sound steamers. 
It had been many years since I had seen him, but I 
readily recognized him among the passengers who 
swarmed the deck, and we had a long chat about the 
recent occurrences, and the great events of the war, 
and about old personal friends and associations. I 
told him that Edward Everett was to speak on the 
afternoon of the next day at Faneuil Hall, in advo- 
cacy of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, and that 
he ought certainly to be i)resent. He said he had 
never heard Mr. Everett, and expressed a desire and 
purpose to be there. On our arrival at the Parker 
House early the next morning, I looked into the first- 
issued papers and ascertained who were the commit- 
tee of arrangements for the meeting. The notices 
made mention of various distinguished men who were 
expected to grace the occasion, but the name of Gen- 
eral Dodge was not in the list, for none knew of his 
coming. I immediately despatched a messenger to 
one of the committee, and informed him that General 
Dodge had just arrived in town. The general was 
speedily waited upon and invited to a place on the 
platform, with other eminent men, at the apjiroaching 
meeting. The hour of assembling came at length, 
and I was with the crowd on the floor. By and by 
the long line of State and city officials, and of the 
gifted sons of Massachusetts who usually surrounded 
the matchless orator whenever he spoke in public 
there in Boston, began to file up from below and to 
appear upon the stage, where they seated themselves 
as best tiiey could. The general was there, occupying 
a place at the left of the speaker and near the front 
of the platform, and arrayed, like certain other army 
officers who were with him, in his military costume. 



560 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Charles G. Loring presided, and in his opening and 
well-pre])ared address, referred lo some of the renowned 
heroes of the war and friends of the country. I doubt 
whether he linew that General Dodge was close at 
hand. Certainly the thousands before him did not. 
But Mr. Everett did, and I shall never forget the 
thrilling effect which his words and action produced, 
when, on being presented to the vast multitude, he 
came forward in his most spirited, yet ever graceful 
manner, and said, with eloquent voice, that the chair- 
man had given us the names of not a few who had 
deserved well of the nation, and whom they all 
delighted to honor, but he had forgotten to mention 
one who was present with them, who was fresh from 
the battle-fields, and who could tell us that all was 
well at the seat of war — Major-General Duchje, of the 
Army of the West. The enthusiasm was very great, 
and cries immediately came from all parts of the hall 
— "Dodge!'' "Dodge!" "Dodge!'' until the modest 
soldier was obliged to rise and allow himself to be 
seen of the assembled thousands. The applause that 
greeted him was simply tremendous, and the scene 
which was there witnessed, as the Western warrior 
with his ghastly wound, and the polished and silver- 
tongued orator of the East, stood side by side before 
the excited multitude, only lacked one thing to make 
it beggar all description. A master of the art like 
Mr. Everett could not fail at such a moment. " Yes! 
fellow-citizens," he exclaimed, with deepening emo- 
tion and ringing tones, as he pointed his quivering 
finger at the brow of the hero — "Yes, fellow-citizens, 
and wearing upon his forehead honorable scars, which 
he gained while imperiling his life in the defence of 
the Union!" This was the needed climax, and it was 
perfect. I think I do not say too much when I add 
that what I have here described was the most interest- 
ing and inspiring incident of the occasion, and I felt 
quite satisfied with the success of my little plan, and 
the reception which was extended to the Danvers sol- 
dier boy. The honors which were showered upon 
him a few days later, in his native town and its vicin- 
ity, your readers all remember." 

Concerning the terrible wound which the general 
had received, a writer said : " The ball struck the 
forehead at the upper edge over the left eye, tore off" a 
portion of the scalp, and then, passing backwards, 
tore a gutter two or three inches in length through 
the scalp. The skull is not fractured, though it re- 
ceived a severe stroke. He was immediately conveyed 
to his quarters, where he now lies. He will be sent 
North as soon as practicable." 

As soon as he was again fit for duty. General Dodge 
once more reported to General Sherman, who thought 
he was still too weak to continue the great march to 
the sea, and President Lincoln, at the instance of 
General Grant, assigned him to the Department of 
the Missouri, where he relieved General Rosecranz. 
The national troops in Missouri had become quite 
demoralized, and the State was run over by guerillas 



and marauders. General Dodge brought order out of 
anarchy, notwithstanding he had been called upon to 
send the great body of his organized troops to Gen- 
eral Thomas at Nashville, who, by this timely aid, 
was all the more enabled to win the glorious victory 
he gained immediately afterwards. At the same 
time, Kansas and Utah were merged into his com- 
mand, adding greatly to his cares and responsibil- 
ties. Winter had come, and the States and Territo- 
ries which were entrusted to him were vast in 
extent ; yet he set in motion the fresh forces he had 
raised from the loyal men in each county, broke up 
the bands of guerillas and marauders, and compelled 
the Indians, who were warring on the settlements 
from the Red River of the North to the Red River of 
Texas, to sue for peace. He received the surrender 
of four thousand of Kirby Smith's army in Missouri 
and of the Confederate General Jeff'erson Thompson, 
with eight thousand officers and men in Arkansas. 
His experience and observations in these parts of 
the country led him to advocate the handing over of 
the Indian tribes to the War Department, to be 
treated as wards of the nation and as no longer inde- 
pendent and treaty-making powers. 

Of the military merit and the patriotic services of 
this gallant and battle scarred soldier of the Union, 
it is meet that we should here let those testify who 
have been most competent to judge and from whose 
words there is no appeal. Among them are the 
greatest of the generals and not a few of the war 
Governors and other illustrious leaders of the na- 
tion's cause, to say nothing of the concurrent and 
unanimous voice of subordinate officers and privates 
in the armies which he commanded. He continu- 
ously and abundantly shared the trust and admira- 
tion of General Grant, through whose influence or 
direct appointments he was repeatedly promoted to 
higher positions and honors, as has already been suf- 
ficiently indicated. Their strong friendship for each 
other remained unbroken, and is a matter of history. 
Ex-Governor Noyes, of Ohio, himself a maimed and 
noble veteran of the war, says : " We all regarded 
General Dodge as one of the best officers of the army, 
— a man of great practical, common sense, of distin- 
guished gallantry, of a patriotic spirit and of mili- 
tary genius." General Sherman writes : " General 
Dodge is one of the generals who actually fought 
throughout the Civil War with great honor and great 
skill, commanding a regiment, brigade, division, and 
finally a corps d'armee, the highest rank command to 
which any officer can attain." General Sheridan 
acknowledges the timely and effective aid he received 
from him while he himself was chief quartermaster 
and chief commissary, and says that he " did sjden- 
didly" at Pea Ridge, and was "spoken of by officers 
and men of the army in the very highest terms." 
Governor Kirkwood, of Iowa, writes: "General Dodge 
is one of the very best military men from this State. 
He is emphatically a fighting man. There is not a 



DANVERS. 



5G1 



more galliint soldier in the army, nor one more 
worthy or oa|iable." Said the excellent Senator 
Grimes: "There are very few officers the erjual, and 
none the superior, of General G. M. Dodge, of this 
State, now and for a long time iu command at Cor- 
inth, Miss. He has always been selected for the 
most responsible posts, and has always filled the 
highest expectations formed of him." Judge Dillon, 
the eminent jurist, testifies: "No oflicer in the ser- 
vice from Iowa has accjuired more just and deserved 
distinction ; no one has been more faithful, and I 
may and should add, more useful and efficient;" and 
in the same connection he speaks of " his great expe- 
rience, his sleepless vigilance, his unconquerable en- 
ergy, an'd, above all, his solid judgment and great 
practical talents." Major General Oglesby, anxious 
to serve the country's best interests, urged on Pres- 
ident Lincoln his nomination as major general, say- 
ing: "I know of no officer at this time more deserving, 
nor of any who seeks the honor less. I am willing to 
be held reponsible for his official acts." But it is not 
necessary to proceed further with such tributes, which 
might easily be multiplied to whatever extent. 

Another momentous service was entered upon by 
General Dodge after the war was ended. Soon after 
he fir.st went to the West, and while yet a youth, he 
wrote to bis father a prophetic letter, which was pub- 
lished in the local paper in his native town, and in 
which he indicated a plan or route for a transconti- 
nental railway. It was a cherished dream which one 
day he was to see realized, and that, too, very largely 
through his own instrumentality. To this end, ex- 
tensive surveys and reconnoissances were made by 
him as early as between the years 1853 and 1858. 
The Union Pacific Railroad was chartered by the 
United States Government, July 1, 18()2, and the 
next year the first regular organization was effected. 
General John A. Dix being elected President. Other 
surveyors were in the field, and the work was in 
process of construction during the war. When the 
bloody conflict was well over. General Dodge was 
unanimously cho.sen by the directory as the chief 
engineer of the line. This was on the 1st of May, 
1866. The service was most congenial to him, and 
he readily accepted it. General Sherman, who was in 
command of the vast department beyond the Missis- 
sippi, yieliling liis consent as General Dodge resigned 
for the purpose his commission in the army. The 
latter entered upon his new undertaking with all his 
accustomed courage and zeal, and "organized a sys- 
tematic exploration of the countr}' from the Arkansas 
River on the South to the Sweet Water on the North, 
and developed the country with preliminary lines 
from the mouth of the Lodge Pole through to the 
Calilbrnia State line." His judgment, long years be- 
fore, .IS to the best practicable route for the road, was 
confirmed by these fresh and extensive surveys, and 
the Union Pacific of to-day follows very nearly the 
line which he himself was the first to mark out. 
36 



Scarcely had he begun thus to superintend this 
colossal enterprise, when his grateful and admiring 
fellow-citizens in Iowa, while he was absent from 
home, nominated him, in July, 1866, as representa- 
tive to Congress. Although he had been and still 
was an ardent Republican, and had been a warm 
friend and supporter of President Lincoln and other 
great men of the party, it would have been strange if 
his name should have failed to win tlie sympathy 
and favor of men of other political associations. 
Consenting to be a candidate, he was triumphantly 
elected by about five thousand majority over a very 
popular competitor; but after serving for a single 
term at Washington, he declined to allow his name 
to be used again in this connection, choosing rather 
to return to a more uninterrujited, personal supervis- 
ion of his responsible and gigantic interests and cares 
in the West. As a member of the National House of 
Representatives, he served on the Committee on Mil- 
itary Affairs, secured the reimbur-sement of Iowa for 
her expenses during the war, gave speci.al attention 
to the re-organization of the army and to the defence 
of the border against the Indians, and advocated the 
claims of the Union Pacific Road upon the country's 
favor and support. He was not a frequent speaker 
on the floor; but wlienever he felt called upon to 
address the house, his words were pertinent and 
weighty, and were listened to with marked attention. 
Yet his influence was more particularly exercised in 
a practical direction, and his exceptionally large and 
intimate acquaintance with military matters and with 
the immense Territories of the West, with all their 
native tribes and boundless resources and capabil- 
ities, enabled him to be a most valuable counsellor 
and helper in many important questions of legislative 
or governmental action. 

From May, 1866, until May, 1869, the corps of 
engineers under the direction of General Dodge had 
run not less than fifteen thousand miles of instru- 
mental lines and made as many as twenty-five thou- 
sand miles of reconnoissances, so as thoroughly to 
develop the country and determine the location of 
the road. Impressive or astonishing as njay seem 
the bare statement, it yet fails to give any adequate 
idea of the toil aud the hardships that were endured, 
and ihe difficulties and perils that were overcome, in 
this three years' service. The engineers were fre- 
(piently exposed, not only to severe inclemencies of 
the weather and to much scarcity of food and water, 
but also and especially to the hostility of the Indians, 
whose roving bands or more formidable organized 
forces beset them and threatened them from begin- 
ning to end. Nothing could be done without the 
protection of troops; but even with this safeguard, 
members of the corps were often killed, and their 
parties dispersed. Again and again General Dodge 
and his men were obliged to give battle to these wily 
and savage foes, and rout them, and ])ursue tliem to 
a distance, so that the work could go on. It was not 



562 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



alone that his explorers and surveyors had to find 
their hazardous way across streams, and through for- 
ests, and along deep valleys, and over high moun- 
tains, and amidst heavj' falls of rain or snow ; but at 
every point the location of the line had to be deter- 
mined, with the utmost scientific skill, with reference 
to the extraordinary natural features of the territory, 
its climatic influences and the grade and protection 
necessary to guard the road against the eflects of 
storms and floods. Not only was the general the 
chief engineer of the road, but he was also the agent 
and trustee of the company, to secure its right of 
way, to receive and dispose of the lands granted to it 
by the United States government and to lay out and 
locate the towns and town sites along the route. If 
he was brave to fight and strong to scatter the Indian 
bands that molested him, he knew well how to treat 
with them, dealing with them equitably and never 
betraying their confidence. So far as his engineering 
achievement was concerned, the chief diflBculty was 
to be met in carrying the road over the Kocky Moun- 
tain range. But this Titanic work was accomplished 
at length. The tracks of the Central Pacific and the 
Union Pacific finally met on Promontory, and as the 
lightning flashed the intelligence to the nations, 
"swiftly the telegrams of congratulation began to 
pour in upon the then must conspicuous engineer in 
the world." General Sherman sent word to him : 
" All honor to you, to Durant, to Jack and Dan 
Casement, to Reed and the thousands of brave fel- 
lows who have wrought out this glorious problem 
spite of changes, storms, and even the doubts of the 
incredulous, and all the obstacles you have now hap- 
pily surmounted." General Dodge was immediately 
charged with the delicate task of adjusting the rela- 
tions between the two roads, and this, too, after much 
negotiation, was successfully done. And so another 
great victory was won in the brilliant and eventful 
career of this gifted and enterprising sou of old 
Essex. In the prosecution of the undertaking, other 
difficulties than those which have been particularly 
referred to had to be met. There were unfriendly 
criticisms, and unfounded accusations, and nameless 
hindrances on the part of politicians and newspapers. 
But the general knew what he was about. The gov- 
ernment saw, as well as himself, the unspeakable 
importance of this transcontinental railway to the 
nation then and in all the future. While he was in 
Congress and while he was out of it, he commanded 
the entire confidence of Lincoln and Johnson, Grant 
and Sherman, and all the leading men at Washing- 
ton, as well as the officers of the company whose sal- 
aried servant or agent he was. Such was his influ- 
ence with them that, in connection with others whose 
names will ever be honorably associated with the 
work, he was instrumental in securing the constantly 
favorable action of Congress, and so making sure the 
end in view. More and more, as the years go on, the 
vastness and beneficence of this service will be appa- 



rent, and the approving words of the several succes- 
sive committees appointed by Congress to examine, 
investigate and report in relation to it will find a 
still ampler justification. 

While General Dodge still held the position as 
chief engineer, the famous Chinese embassy, with 
Anson Burlingame at its head, visited America, 
passed over the Union Pacific Road, and made 
known their desire to secure the services of some 
one who should take charge of like public works in 
their own vast empire. President Grant at once rec- 
ommended to them General Dodge, who signified his 
readiness to accept the position, willing to serve for 
a limited time and desiring to see the country; but 
Burlingame died shortly after, and the plan was 
abandoned. 

In 1868 General Dodge was elected a director of 
the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and has since 
remained in that relationship. The same year he 
was delegate-at-larae from Iowa, and the chairman of 
the Iowa delegation to the National Republican Con- 
vention at Chicago, and was very influential ia deter- 
mining the results of the proceedings of that occasion. 
When, in 1870, the Iowa Legislature passed a law for 
the erection of a new State-house, he was made a 
member of the Board of Capitol Commissioners, and 
was charged with the duty of supervising the work. 
It was in 1870, also, that he tendered his resignation 
as the chief engineer of the Union Pacific, and 
received the " very hearty thanks " of the company 
for his " eminent services," Oakes Ames, the presi- 
dent, writing to him a letter in which he said, " When 
we consider the great difficulties and dangers that 
beset you on all sides while locating the road through 
an uninhabited country, and the rapidity with which 
the work was accomplished, we are gratified and sur- 
prised that you should have finished this work in so per- 
fect and acceptable a manner." Early in April, 1872, he 
became the chief engineer of the company which had 
contracted to build the Texas and Pacific Railway, 
and has continued for ten years to develop the wild 
regions, and bring to light the hidden resources of the 
territory south of the Red River, as before he had 
rendered a like, yet larger, service north of it. A 
portion of the latter line was built by the Pacific 
Railway Improvement Company, a corporation which 
he organized, and of which he became the president. 
Of other such companies he has also been president : 
the American Railway Improvement Company, the 
International Railway Improvement Company, the 
Texas and Colorado Railway Improvement Company 
and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Com- 
pany, and he is, at present, the president of the Pan 
Handle Construction Company and the Colorado and 
Texas Railway Construction Company. These lines 
have been projected with the view of connecting 
together the most important and widely-separated 
points in the West and Southwest, and of opening 
the vast interiors to the tide of immigration and 



--"■^ESet 




"'!$'.''»>• AifHitcHte 




MkS^ 




DANVERS. 



563 



travel, and to the commerce of river, gulf and ocean. 
One has but to study a little the advancing railway 
system that is spreading over all those immense tracts 
of territory, to see what an inestimable service 
General Dodge is still rendering to his country and 
to the future. 

Of all his pioneer life, and his explorations into 
every part of this mighty domain ; his personal ven- 
tures, perils and escapes; liis extensive banking and 
stock operations and connections; his active partici- 
pation in political conventions and campaigns, and in 
reunions of military organizations; his repeated visits 
abroad and tours in other lands ; his business interests 
at Council Bluffs and vicinity, and his domestic rela- 
tions, there is not space here for us to write as we 
gladly would. In character he is modest, earnest, 
faithful and true. He is quiet, but forcible in con- 
versation, using no superfluous words, but expre.ssing 
his thought in language that is simple and direct. 
Possessed of a friendly spirit toward all, and most 
affectionate in his relations to family and kindred, he 
is an object of great regard and pride at home, and 
amongst all who know him. In person he is of medium 
height, of spare build and agile frame, with strongly 
marked features, indicative, in every line, of the 
patience and perseverance, the intelligence, courage 
and energy, that have crowned his career with such 
success. 

The general's family consists of his wife and three 
children. Again and again, when he was sick or 
wounded during the war, Mrs. Dodge travelled great 
distances to be at his side, and to tenderly and faith- 
fully nurse him into health and strength once more 
for his country's service. The children, who have 
received their education abroad as well as at home, 
are Lettie, Ella and Annie. The first is the wife of 
Mr. E. E. Montgomery, a lawyer of Fort Worth, 
Texas ; the second married Mr. Frank Pusey, son of 
ex-Congressman Pusey, of Council Bluffs; the third 
lives with her parents, and " has displayed considera- 
ble literary talent, being an occasional contributor to 
some of the magazines." The family mansion is one 
of the finest and most attractive in the city, elegant 
in its appointments and beautiful for its situation. 
Nathan P. Dodge, the brother of the general, is a 
banker, and a prominent and very highly esteemed 
citizen of Council Bluffs. Julia, sister of the two 
brothers, married, as previously stated, Mr. J. B. 
Beard, and they also reside in the same place with 
their two sons. Living amongst this circle of her 
children and descendants of two or three generations 
is the venerable mother, Mrs. Sylvanus Dodge herself, 
now in her eighty-sixth year and much burdened 
with the infirmities of old age. From this remarka- 
ble woman the renowned engineer and soldier inher- 
ited no small share of his fortitude, energy and deter- 
mination. In all her changeful and checkered life, 
and amidst all its manifold struggles and solicitations, 
her devotion to her family, and her faith in their 



brighter future, have never flagged or wavered. For 
many years slie has seen her hopes for their prosper- 
ity and usefulness pass into fulfillment, and she still 
survives to receive the grateful care and undying 
affection of the objects of her maternal love and ser- 



PHIMP H. WENTWOKTH. 
Philip Henry Wentworth, though not a native of 
Danvens, was a valued citizen of the town during 
many of the last years of his useful life, and there 
ended his days. He was born in Boston, July 6, 
1818, and was the son of Philip Wentworth, who 
was born in the same city, in 1787. His mother's 
name, previous to her marriage, was Eliza Orrok. 
While yet very young he was sent to a boarding- 
school in Dorchester, kept by a Mr. Vose, and after- 
ward to school at South Hadley. Subsequently, he at- 
tended the English High School in Boston. Attheage 
of sixteen he entered the dry-goods commissLon house 
ofSaylcs & Hitchcock, better known in later years 
under the name of Sayles, Merriam & Co. Of this 
firm he became a partner when but twenty-one. In 
1841 he married Mary M. Loing, of Newburyport, 
but formerly from the State of Maine. A twelve- 
month or more afterward he went to New York and 
accepted a partnership with Mr. C. Langley, in that 
city ; but in 1848 returned to Boston, and thenceforth 
was prominently known as of the house of Stanfield 
& Wentworth, or, still later, Stanfield, Wentworth & 
Co. He had been for some years a resident of Rox- 
bury, when, his wife having died, he was again mar- 
ried, June 4, 1856, to Miss Harriet Lucetta Daniell, 
daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Daniell, also 
of Roxbury, and both of blessed memory. Mr. Dan- 
iell will be remembered as having long been at the 
head of a large dry-goods establishment in Summer 
Street, Boston, and all who ever dealt with him or 
knew him, gratefully call to mind the purity, recti- 
tude and loveliness of his character. Mrs. Daniell was 
a worthy helpmeet of such a man ; possessing a singu- 
larly sweet and beautiful spirit, and richly adorned 
with the virtues and graces of Christian woman- 
hood. The influence of such a parentage found a 
new sphere for its exercise as the new bride entered 
the home of the husband and his four motherless 
children. Early in 1865, he removed, with his lamily, 
to Danvers, and estal)lished himself on a large and 
valuable estate which, with its elegant mansion and 
charming grounds, continued to be the place of his 
residence to the end of his life. It was after fbui 
other children had been born to him under his second 
marriage and while yet he was j)ursuing still his suc- 
cessful business in Boston that the great fire which 
devastated so extensive a portion of that city and 
swept away in an hour the fortunes of so many of its 
merchants visit(!d, with the rest, the house of Stan- 
field, Wentworth & Co., with its destructive fury. 
Like so manv others, Mr. Wentworth never quite re- 



564 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



covered from the terrible effects of the calamity. 
Says an obituary notice of him, which appeared in 
the Commercial Bulletin, shortly after his death, — 
"He met with heavy reverses at the time of the great 
fire ; but, having the undiminished confidence of his 
business connections soon reinstated himself, and was 
for several years iu active business in the firm of 
Wentworth & Case. Of late, he had withdrawn to a 
large extent from active busiues?, spending much of 
his time at his home in Danvers, retaining, however, 
an office in Boston, where he was to be seen during 
business hours." 

Among the most marked features of Mr. Went- 
worth's character were his indomitable courage, en- 
ergy and perseverance. Not even the app.alling disas- 
ter that had befallen him, and that has just been 
referred to, had any efiect to frighten or paralyze 
him. It only nerved him to more heroic exertions, 
and it was quite touching to see with what manly 
patience and determination he bravely strove, through 
successive years and against fearful odds, to retrieve 
his shattered fortunes. Thoroughly honest and just, 
he could not bear to owe a debt which he could not 
pay, and if ever one purposed and labored that none 
should be losers by any mishap or calamity of his 
own, it was he. It was quite wonderful what victory 
he wrung from the jaws of such defeat. His losses 
were great, but his gains were greater. 

Whatever his discouragements, his cheerfulness 
never forsook him. His fine face was always lighted 
with its glow of good feeling and of the ioy that was 
within and that was too deep to be much disturbed by 
change of outward circumstances. He was habitu- 
ally hearty and cordial. His welcomes were warm 
and free, and his hospitality was genuine and boun- 
tiful. He was one of the most generous of men and 
was one of the truest of friends. He scorned things 
that were false or base, and impressed all who knew 
him or had to do with him with a sense of the noble- 
ness of his nature. Nothing was more characteristic 
of him than his straightforwardness and transpa- 
rency of mind and conduct. It was an element that 
revealed itself in every word, look and deed. He 
was just what he seemed, and no one could for a 
moment mistake his thought or motive, or misinter- 
pret his action or life. 

Full often the child is the father to the man, and 
a pretty story is told of Mr. Wentworth as a lad, that 
goes to show how the truthfulness and frankness 
that marked him in all his mature years, was with 
him even at the very first. It seems to us as good 
as the story of young George Washington and his 
hatchet, and we venture to say it is much more 
authentic. The boys of the neighborhood where 
" Phil," or " Harry," as he was also called, lived, 
were once on a time at their winter play on the Com- 
mon in the vicinity of Tremont Street. There was 
then no fence, as now, between the mall and the 
thoroughfare, and where to-day extends along the 



eastern side a row of shops and stores, there was a 
continuous line of handsome residences of princely 
merchants, " Harry " threw a snow-ball that went 
directly through a window of one of these fine man- 
sions. The little urchins all knew very well that the 
proprietor was a hot-tempered and violent man, and 
at once cried out, "Run, Harry, run !" And run he 
did ; not away, as doubtless many a boy would have 
done, Imt straight up the steps to tell the family with- 
in just what he had done. Before he had a chance to 
ring the bell, the old gentleman of the house appeared 
at the door in a furious state of mind, but at once 
grew calm and gentle as the little fellow openly ac- 
knowledged himself to be the ofl'ender and offered 
a manly apology. The affair was instantly treated as 
of no consequence, and "Phil's" companions were 
quite amazed at the friendly consideration which was 
accorded to him. 

Very soon after their removal from Roxbury to 
Danvers, Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth were foremost in 
starting a new Unitarian Church in their adopted 
town. The history of this enterprise is related else- 
where in these pages, yet the briefest sketch of Mr. 
Wentworth's life would be defective, indeed, without 
a conspicuous reference to his agency and activity in 
this work and to all which such a beneficent service 
implies. It is no disparagement to the efforts and 
zeal of others who were associated with them to say 
that he and his wife were exceptionally prominent 
in the movement, watching and guiding faithfully 
the fortunes of the young society, and giving to it 
their time, means, energy and constant sympathy and 
presence for more than twenty years, and until their 
common devotion to it was broken by death. It was 
at their beautiful home that Rev. L. J. Livermore, 
who was so long the pastor of the church, and the 
many others who from time to time supplied its 
desk, were most heartily welcomed as gue.sts and 
there found strength and encouragement in the work 
of the ministry. Both and all had the satisfaction of 
seeing that their unselfish labors and care were not in 
vain. A tasteful aud convenient hou.se of worship 
wa-s ere long built and paid for, and it stands as no 
unfit monument of the earnest and unfailing fidelity 
of those who ensured its erection, but especially of 
him who was the one main reliance in " the day of 
small things," as also afterward in seasons of greater 
prosperity. In such relations or interests Mr. Went- 
worth was ever ready and prompt to discharge any 
task or duty which seemed to be required of him, or 
in which he might be useful to the cause. Nothing 
here appeared to be menial or trivial. No matter what 
theservice, it was tohim important, and he was glad to 
do it, as unto the Lord. He made small pretensions 
or professions, but he was a man of deeds, and his 
whole soul was in what he wrought. 

He died in the fulness of his manhood, April 10, 
18S6. His funeral obsequies took place on the 14th, 
at the church he had done so much to erect and in 



%2 



//i 



Jt^'^ 





^o^>-A. 



DANVERS. 



565 



which he had so often worshipped. The services, 
consisting of the reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. 
Mr. Hudson, of Peabody ; prayer by Rev. Mr. Israel, 
of Salem, and an address by Rev. S.J. Barrows, editor 
of the Christian BegiBter, were very appropriate and 
impressive, and a memorial pamphlet has since been 
published, giving just and eloquent tril>utcs, from 
Mr. Barrows and others to the noble qualities of the 
departed. One who knew him perfectly has written 
of him, — "His spiritual and religious life grew and 
deepened to the end. He so loved to think and talk 
of the future life that, when the summons came, he 
was only happy in the thought of exchanging his 
faith in the unseen to the light of the glorious 
reality. 1 1 was such an accustomed thought that the 
change, though it came so suddenly, did not disturb 
his peace more than a summons to take a day's jour- 
ney would have done." 

Mr. Livermore, his beloved pastor, survived him 
just seven weeks. In death, as in life, they were not 
divided. Their friendship for each other was pecu- 
liarly strong and atlectionate, and the trust and ad- 
miration which the minister is well known to have 
cherished towards his parishioner could not have 
been warmer or profounder than the same sentiments 
entertained toward him by the writer of this sketch, 
who knew him even longer, had sustained like rela- 
tions with him, had seen him much in the church, 
in the home and in society, and can only think of 
him as one who was, indeed, a man, in the true sense 
of the word. 



ALFRED TEASK. 

Alfred Trask was born in Newport, N. H., Decem- 
ber 7, 1811, his father, John Trask,' having moved 
from Beverly, Mass., the previous year. He was the 
youngest of nine children, five sisters and three 
brothers. Mrs. Benjamin Woodbury, Mrs. John 
Moulton and Mrs. Andrew Boker resided in North 
Beverly; Mrs. Timothy Endicott, Mrs. Nathaniel 
Bachelder and a brother, John Trask, residents of 
Newport and Sunapee, N. H. Another brother, Isra- 
el Trask, settled in Gloucester, Mass. 

From boyhood blest with perfect health and great 
energy, he early displayed good judgment and e.xecu- 
tive ability, developing in manhood sagacity in busi- 
ness affairs. He was repeatedly urged to accept posi- 
tions of honor and trust, thereby proving the confi- 
dence and esteem reposed in him by his fellow-men, 
but preferred, with his retiring disposition, to see 
others enjoy the honor, and rely on his helping hand 
to sustain them in keeping it. With equal generosity 
is he ever interested in matters pertaining to the pub- 
lic welfare of the town. 

At twenty-one, with an extremely limited school 
education, he started in life to make his own fortune 



■John Trask was a major and fougbt at Bunker Hill, also used liis 
own oxen, borees and teams to throw up the earth works at the building 
of the entrenchments. 



without a larthing. His mother gave him the making 
of a freedom suit, the cloth being afterwards paid for 
from his own earnings. For two summers he hired 
out for ten dollars a month, and the rest of the season 
logging and wood chopping engaged his attention. 
His twenty-third year, in company with others, he 
worked a farm on shares, clearing one luuKlred dol- 
lars profit. At twenty-four, tired of farming he left 
Newport and came to what was then called Danvers 
Plains, resolved to try his hand in business as drover. 
With the small amount of money saved he made 
short trips into the country, buying pigs and cattle, 
selling and trading them on his way home, where he 
arrived after two weeks' absence, usually with a profit 
that was an incentive to continue in this line of busi- 
ness, the same in which his father before him had en- 

His indomitable will and self-reliance gained for 
him the encouragement he craved from business men 
who recognized his ability, and an offer of money 
to execute his plans was kindly tendered from an old 
resident of his boyhood home. The indebtedness of 
one hundred dollars was promptly paid and a contin- 
uance of the favor politely declined, but, with an en- 
ergy redoubled and a renewed will to do and dare, he 
pluckily kept on. At twenty-eight years of age, on 
the 5th of March, 1839, he married Mary J. Blackey, 
of Sandwich, N. H. Of this union nine children 
were born. 

Alfred Moulton Trask, born June 25, 1840; 
Julia Ann Trask, born December 15, 1841 ; Charles 
Wesley Trask, born February 14, 1844; Mary Eliza- 
beth Trask, born February 20, 184G ; George Edward 
Trask, born February 6, 1848 ; Sarah Bachelder Trask, 
born September 1,1850; Nancy Ellen Trask, born 
.lanuary 18, 1853; Henry Woodbury Trask, born No- 
vember 10, 1856 ; Frank Boker Trask, born February 
12, 1859. 

Realizing how much he lacked from his own limited 
amount of schooling, it was his greatest desire that 
his children should enjoy the advantages of a liberal 
education, and to further the project no expense was 
spared. After completing their education, with rare 
forethought and generosity, he established each in a 
good business and also purchased homes for those who 
were married. 

The eldest, Alfred M. Trask, .attended school at New 
London Academy, N. H., and afterwards was started 
in the stock business in Canada, and some years later 
settled in Brocton. where a house was presented to 
him. 

The eldest daughter, Julia Ann, was graduated at 
Tilton Academy, N. H., but died September 7, 1862, 
in her twenty-first year. 

Charles Wesley Trask, after graduating at the Dan- 
vers High School, also attended school in Tilton, and 
for a business was started in a fine market in Wal- 
tham, but for several years has been living on an ex- 
tensive farm given by his father in Sandwich, N. H. 



566 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mary Elizabeth Trask married quite young, but 
(lied when only twenty years of age, leaving one son, 
William Alfred Patch. 

George Edward Trask was graduated from Danvers 
High School and afterwards attended a Commercial 
College in Boston. A house was given him in Wes- 
tern, and ho started in the slaughtering business. 

Sarah B. Trask attended school at the Female 
Academy in Ipswich, Mass., and on her marriage with 
Roswald D. Bates, was presented with a house on Co- 
nant Street, Danvers. 

Nancy Ellen Trask w:is a graduate from the High 
School in Danvers and later from the Abbot Acad- 
emy in Andover, and on her marriage with Henry W. 
Swett, was given a house in Haverhill, Mass. 

Henry W. Trask also graduated at the Danvers 
High School and then attended the school of Tech- 
nology in Worcester, Mass. At present he is unmar- 
ried and living in the State of Colorado. 

The youngest son, Frank B. Trask, is the only 
member of the family residing in the old home. He 
learned the upholstery trade, and has recently opened 
an extensive furniture establishment on Maple Street. 
Dan vers. 

Aside from the benefits conferred on his own fami- 
ly, to numerous others has his helping hand been ex- 
tended. By some the confidence has been abused, 
while others have pi'ofited by the aid rendered, to the 
mutual pleasure of all concerned. It is well to note 
the prominent characteristics that mark Alfred Trask 
one of the most successful self-made men of Essex 
County. 

His business of drover was carried on for a period 
of thirty years, then he changed it to a wholesale 
butcher for ten ye;irs more, when he concluded to re- 
tire from active business and attend to private atJiiirs 
and the care of his spacious house and grounds, — the 
realization of his boyhood's hopes, acquired by years 
of constant toil, backed by energy and courage, which 
the rising generation would do well to emulate. 

June 8, 1872, he met with a great loss in the death 
of his wife who, with marked energy and frugality, 
had ever been a ready helper in amassing a compe- 
tency for the future. 

His second marriage occurred September 1, 1873) 
to a very estimable woman, Dora T. Webster, of Law- 
rence, Mass., who has made herself much beloved by 
all those who enjoy her acquaintance, and for the 
many Christian acts of unostentatious charity and 
kindness. To do good for others is the one thought 
ujipermost, having great sympathy for young and 
old, and their good and welfare. The esteem in which 
she is held by the little flock of grandchildren must 
indeed be flattering to her, with her keen appreciation 
of the beautiful in all things in life. 

May the Angel of Peace and Contentment hover 
for many years over the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred 
Trask, is the hcirt-felt wish of their numerous friends 
and acquaintances. 



EBEN GARDNER BERRY. 

For many years no man has been more familiarly 
associated with Danvers Plains than Eben G. Berry, 
and no portrait will be more generally recognized, not 
only by Danvers people, but by many others through- 
out the county, than that of him which here ap- 
pears. For a period extending from 1808 the site of 
the present Hotel Danvers has been sufficiently iden- 
tified by the name of " Berry's Corner." In the year 
named Ebenezer Berry, who had corae down from 
Andover, bought out the old tavern and began inn- 
keeping. He married Hitty Preston, a daughter of 
Captain Levi Preston, of Danvers. The subject of 
this sketch, the son of these parents, was born Feb- 
ruary 19, 1809. He was the only son, and about the 
time of his coming of age he succeeded to his father's 
business. Since then, for nearly sixty years, both in 
the old tavern and in the new hotel which he himself 
built, he has either himself or by lessee entertained 
such of the public as sought his hospitality. 

The hall of the old tavern was the scene of many 
events of great local historical interest, concerning 
which Mr. Berry has contributed many reminiscences, 
which have been incorporaied in the sketch of the 
Plains in previous pages. These reminiscences, very 
properly a part of his biography, Mr. Berry modestly 
insists are suflicieut to accompany his portrait. He 
has been twice married — first to Elizabeth J. Abbott 
of Andover; second to Mrs. Sarah (Nichols) Page. 
The latter died recently. He has but one survi- 
ving child — Mrs. Emily B., wife of Deacon John 
S. Learoyd. Another daughter was Caroline, wife of 
the late Captain James A. Johnson, who left two 
children, now living in Danvers. He has a sister, 
Mehitable, widow of Henry Sperry, living in close 
neighborhood to him. A few years ago he built 
the fine dwelling in which he resides, on Conant 
Street, next east of the hotel. 



CHAPTER XLI. 
IPSWICH. 

BY M. V. B. PERLEY. 



PRE-HISTOEIC. 



DISCOVERIES. 

1. PhcBiiicians and Norwegians. — This territory, 
once the abode of the red man, and known to him by 
the name of Agawam, was settled by our ancestors 
some more than two hundred and fifty years ago. It 
was, however, known to the white race, no doubt, at 
a very much earlier period. The learned suspect 




t 





e77 fL/ //^^^H"' 



IPSWICH. 



567 



that the Phrenicians visited our New Entrland shores 
ill aniMent times, and tliat Norwegian adventurers 
sojourned here about nine hundred years ago. 
Certainly, their annals treat of voyages of adventure 
and discovery, and it only remains to find the places 
they describe. Their " vinland," Mr. Fewkes, a 
summer sojourner with us, and an archicologist, de- 
clares to be located here, citing the ocean beacon, the 
changed channel, the cellars and foundations of nine 
houses, and the remains of three wells, which evince 
a greater antiquity than do any known works of a 
similar nature of Puritan origin. 

2. Mnps. — In the eagerness of navigators to find a 
short northwest route to the East, Canada was well 
and very accurately mapped, while New England's 
" cartography," says Kohl, " remained very defective 
through nearly the whole of the sixteenth century. 

3. Champlain. — In 1G04 Champlain, who afterwards 
attached his name to the beautiful lake at Vermont, 
explored the coast from the St. Lawrence River to 
Plymouth Bay, following the sinuosities of the shore. 
At Saco Bay he oVjserved a marked change in Indian 
habits, mode of life and language. The tribes at the 
East were nomadic, living wholly by fishing and the 
chase. At Saco and at the West they were sedentary, 
and subsisted mainly on the products of the soil. 
Around their settlements were fields of Indian corn, 
gardens of squashes, beans and pumpkins, and a gen- 
erous patch of tobacco. At the headland we call 
Cape Ann, the land of Mascounomet, of whom we are 
soon to speak, the natives were cordial and highly in- 
telligent. Furnished with a crayon, they made an 
accurate outline of Mass.achusetts Bay, and indicated 
their six tribes and chiefs by as many pebbles. 

4. Hardie et al. — In 1611 Captain Edward Hardie 
and Nicholas Hobson were kindly received here. In 
1(514 the famous adventurer, John Smith, found "a 
multitude of people." He explored and mapped the 
territory, naming it Southampton, at the suggestion 
of Prince Charles, and thus described it, — " Here are 
many rising hills, and on their tops and de.seents are 
many corne fields and delightfuU groues. On the 
east is an isle of two or three leagues in length, the 
one halfe plaine marish ground, fit for pasture or salt 
ponds, with many faire high groues of mulberry trees. 
There are also okes, pines, walnuts and other wood 
to make this place an excellent habitation." A mere 
mention of these must suffice ; though they may have 
left traces of their handiwork, they embalmed no 
thought or feeling. 

iNDIANiB. 

1. Territory. — The Atlantic Ocean on the east, 
Cochichawich (now Andover), on the west, the Mer- 
rimack (Sturgeon) River on the north, and theNaum- 
keag (now North) River, at Salem, on the south, en- 
closed the beautiful territory of one hundred and 
eighteen thousand five hundred acres, called Agawam. 
The name signified " Resort for fish of passage," and 



was eminently appro]iriato. With the spring came 
the myriad-swarming alewife and the bone-burdened 
shad, and river and brook and pond became an Eden 
of new life. In late summer schools of mackerel 
darkened the waters of the bay, as they migrated to 
their southern sequestered home. Here the blue fish 
sported and the doughty sturgeon pur.sued his prey. 

2. Siigamore. — The name of the Sagamore of this 
princely domain was Masconnomet, sometimes called 
Masconnomo, or John. His exact relation to other 
tribes is unknown. He may have been a sub- tribe of 
the Massachusetts, or the Aberginians, a great na- 
tion, the power of whose sachem is said to have ex- 
tended from the Charles River to the Merriraac; but 
he seems to have been under the leadership of the 
powerful Pennacooks. His subjects are represented 
as kind-hearted and tractable. Captain Hardie and 
Nicholas Hobson, exploring the coast in 1611, testi- 
fied to kinder treatment by these natives than by 
others. 

3. His Conversion. — After Governor Winthrop had 
arrived in Salem harbor, 1629, Masconnomet and one 
of his men went on board the Governor's ship, Sun- 
day morning, June 13th, and remained all day. The 
governor's object in coming to New England was to 
Christianize the Indians. He so far succeeded here 
that March 8, 1044, Masconnomet put himself, his 
sul)jects, and his possessions under the government 
protection of the Massachusetts Bay, and agreed to be 
instructed in the Christian religion. The purpose of 
this chief and a few of his friends is shown in the 
following examination : 

1. Wtll iiim Wf>rs}iip the onhj tnic God and not bUisphenie f Ane. "Wo 
do desire to reverence the God of the English, aud to Hpealt well of him, 
becaiiee we see He doth better to the Engliali than other gods do to oth- 
ers. 2. Will yon cease from sweitrmy /iihehj f Ans. We know not what 
swearing is. 3. Will you re/rain frotti lootkiiig on the Sabbath, especially 
in Christian totcns f Ans. It ia ea^y for ns — we liave little to do any day, 
andean well rest on tliatday. 4. Wiil you honor your parents and all 
your superiors ? Ans. It is our custom to do so. 5. Will you refrain 
from killing any man without cause and aitthority f Ans. It is good, and we 
desire it. 6. Will you put away fornication, nduUery, incest, rape, sodomy 
a7id beasiialityf Ans. Though some of our people do some of these 
things, we count them naught, and do not allow tbein. 7. Will yon put 
away stealing f Ans. We answer this as the sixth question. 8, Will you 
allotv your children to read the word of God, so that they may know him 
aright, and tvorship him in his own way f .Vns, We will allow this as 
opportunity will permit, aud as the Knglish live among us, wo desire to 
do so. 

4. Fiiendly Tokens. — The examination was satisfac- 
tory; they were "solemnly received," and were then 
presented to the court. They gave the court twenty- 
six fathoms of wampum, and the court gave to each 
of them two yards of cloth, a dinner, and at their de- 
parture a " cup of sac." 

5. Depopulation.— At the date of Champlaiu's and 
Hardie and Hobson's visits the tribe seemed numer- 
ous and valiant, but the pestilence that prevailed 
among the tribes generally, about 1G17, reduced their 
number and greatly enfeebled the strength of this 
tribe. 

0. Suspicion. — In 1642 several tribes were suspected 



568 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of an intention of rising against the English, and 
were, therefore, deprived of their arms for several 
mouths. But generally the English experienced no 
trouble from the Agawams. 

7. Tarratines. — At the north of Agawam lay the 
imperial realm of the Pennacooks, and next to 
them, as allies, were the Pawtuckets on the north 
side of the Merrimack River, and the Penobscotts in 
the vicinity of the Penobscott, or, as they called it, 
Pentegoet River. Somewhere in that territory wig- 
wamed the Tarratines, agile, warlike, blood-thirsty 
and, as some say, cannibal. It is said that Ma-<con- 
nomet had slain some of the tribe, and so had in- 
curred the price of blood, and endangered the safety 
of the English. Accordingly, July 5, 1631, he was 
banished from the house of every Englishman for 
one year, under penalty of ten beaver-skins for every 
oB'ence. Of the Tarratines the Agawams had a mor- 
tal dread. In 1629, and several times after, they ap- 
plied to Governor Endicott for aid, and received it. 
Sagamores James and John, of Saugust and Charles- 
town, often assisted them. One instance of such al- 
liance was August 8, 1631, when the Tarratines, to 
the number of a hundred, in three canoes, surprised 
the Agawams, slew seven men, wounded Sagamores 
John and James and some others, and took, among 
other captives, the wife of James, who, however, was 
returned the following September with a demand of 
wampum and ten beaver-skins for her ransom. 

8. Indian Arts. — Their arts were simple and their 
wants were few. Their wild dance and song were the 
life of the wigwam ; tobacco was their solace ; they 
delighted in smoking, or "drinking the pipe;" fish- 
ing and hunting were their sustenance, and they ex- 
ulted in the capture of a salmon, a shad, or a stur- 
geon, of a fox, a bear, or a deer. In spring their food 
was largely fish, in summer berries, in autumn har- 
vest products, and in winter clams. They cultivated 
only the Indian bean and corn, which was always 
their staple food. Rude granite mortars and pestles 
served to powder the corn ; their tomahawks were 
stones about the length of a man's hand, with one 
end fashioned for a handle and with the other end 
beveled to an edge. Their arrow-heads were of slate, 
and a lapidary for their manufacture has been discov- 
ered near Prospect Hill. Abundance of clam-shells 
have been found on high ground, which, doubtless, 
mark the sites of their wigwams. These implements, 
even now after the flight of two hundred and fifty 
years, the plow-share sometimes discovers. Their 
highest art was expended upon the bow and arrow; 
their proudest skill was in throwing the tomahawk, 
shooting the arrow and spearing the fish. 

9. MasconnomeVs Death. — Masconnomet saw his 
tribe fade away, as a summer cloud ; his rich domain 
become the abode of the pale- face; his scepter broken 
fall from his nerveless grasj). In 1655, 21st Febru- 
ary, the selectmen granted him a life-interest in six 
acres of planting ground. He died 6lh March, 1658. 



The 18th of the following June, his widow was 
granted the same ground during her widowhood. 
Both were buried on Sagamore Hill in Hamilton. 
With him were interred his gun, his tomahawk and 
other implements of the chase. The tribe lived in 
scattered wigwams, much at the town charge, till it 
was practically extinct, about 1730. 

PLANTERS. 

1. Definition. — These were such a? obtained tracts 
or parcels of land, and occupied them as fishing sta- 
tions or for the purpose of traffic with the natives. 
Two parties principally are concerned in this history, 
John Mason and William JeflVey. 

2. John Mason was a member of the Plymouth 
Company, whose corporation was incident upon the 
published maps and description of this section, by 
Capt. John Smith, .about 1015. Sir Ferdinand Gorges 
was president of the company. They held the land 
between the Charles and Merrimac Rivers, and had 
trading posts and fishing stations along the coast as 
early as 1619. About 1621, Mason obtained from the 
company the land between the Naumkeag and Merri- 
mac Rivers. Perchance he never occupied the grant, 
or if he did, he had abandoned it and removed all 
trace of his occupancy, before the settlement by 
Winthrop in 1633 ; for to his claim made, in 168tl, the 
settlers replied : " We have subdued the wilderness 
with great pains and cost; our lands have passed 
through several hands; we were confirmed in our 
rights by the law of 1657 for settling inheritances, 
which was not designed against Robert Mason, of 
whom and of whose claim we were then wholly ignor- 
ant. So we continued till surprised by order of the 
General Court, according to your letter of September 
30th, requiring us to furnish agents and evidences, as 
to our lands." Thus it was ; Ipswich had been set- 
tled ; the lands bought, sold and improved ; houses 
erected; and the bustle of business felt for nearly 
half a century, when suddenly before the king ap- 
peared Mason with his claim. He went before the 
local court for justice. Litigation continued two 
years and a half At last Mason won his case. "The 
General Court allow John Wallace and Content 
Mason, relict of John Tufton Mason, to give deeds as 
her husband had done. Some paid a quit-rent of two 
shillings a year for every house built on the land of 
his grant, which was in their possession." Mason's 
heirs hoped to establish their inheritance, name it 
Mariana, and hold it " in fee and common socage." 
Thus the decision, which was against the settlers, 
was favorable. 

3. William Jeffrey obtained his title to Jeflrey's 
Neck of the Indians and presumably of Masconnomet. 
His alleged right to the territory of our Ipswich may 
have been derived from M.ason. He was here very 
early. Winthrop called him " an old planter." He 
was probably associated with John Burslin, Edward 
Hilton and David Thomson, fishmonger of London, in 



IPSWICH. 



569 



the employ of the Plymouth Company, and belonged 
to Robert Gorges' party, who settled at Wessagusset, 
in September, 1(523. Mr. Fewkes' old cellars and 
wells, evincing to him traces of the Nor-semen, re- 
ferred to above^ may have been Jeffrey's trading and 
fishing station; and so to Jeffrey's diminutive city- 
by-the-sea the Court of Assistants may have referred, 
when, in lGo!\ by warrant, they " ordered those 
planted at Agawam forthwith to come away." How- 
ever this may be, William Jeffrey, in 1G60, to satisfy 
his claim to Jeffrey's Xeck within the bounds of Ips- 
wich, is granted five hundred acres of land on the 
south side " of our patent, to be a final issue of all 
claims by virtue of any grant heretofore made by 
any Indians whatsoever." 

4. Nofice. — Mr. Jeffrey is referred to in one of the 
company's letters of instruction as " William Jeflries, 
Gentleman." He was an Episcopalian ; was made 
freeman May 18, 1637; was one of the proprietors of 
Weymouth, in 16-tI— 12, where he was commissioned 
to solemnize marriages. Very early he had property 
rights at the Isles of Shoal*. He and his business 
associates, — Hilton, Blackstone. Burslin and Thom- 
son's widow contributed to meet the expense of the 
expedition, that dislodged that '' merry, rollicking, 
scholar, adventurer and scape-grace, Thomas Morton, 
Gentleman," from Merry-Mount, about 1G28. In 
163-1 Morton called him "My very good gossip." He 
witnessed the will of William Waltham, of Wey- 
mouth, in 10 12; and his daughter Mary was born 
there "20 : 1 : " of the same year. 



CHAPTER XLII. 



MUXIClrAL. 



SETTLEMENT. 

1. Pioneers. — About twelve years after the Pilgrims 
landed at Plymouth, four and a half years after Cap- 
tain John Endicott colonized Salem, and three years 
after Governor John Winthrop established the colony 
of Massachusetts Bay, a rumor spread in Boston that 
the Jesuits were about to establish a mission. This it 
was a part of the Governor's duty to prevent, and he 
immediately organized a company of thirteen men 
with his son John as leader, to forestall the move- 
ment. Accordingly Mr. John Winthrop, Jr., Mr. 
John Thorndyke, Mr. William Clark, John Biggs, 
Robert Cole, John Gage, Thomas Hardy, Thomas 
Howlett, William PL-rkins, William Sergeant and 
three others, in March, 1633, wooed and wed the 
virgin soil of Agawam. 

2. Incorporation. — " A Court holden att Newe 
Towne, — Cambridge — August 5th, 1634, ordered that 

36i 



Aggawam shallbe called Ipswitch," wherefore Au- 
gu-t 16th, new style, 1634, dates the beginning of our 
corporate capacity. The name is derived from Ips- 
wich, England, " in acknowledgment of the great 
honor and kindness done to our people who took 
shipping there.'' The House of Commons, in the 
memorable resolve of the 10th of March, 1642, gave 
New England the title of Kimjdom, and Wonder-tnork- 
iiiij Providence, in consonance, calls Ipswich an Earl- 
dome. 

3. Deed. — The colonial records read that Masconno- 
met sold his fee in Ipswich to John Winthrop, Jr., 
March 13, 1638, and that he expre-ssed himself .satis- 
fied with the consideration, March 5, 1639. The fol- 
lowing is the deed: 

" I Masconnumet Sagamore of Agawam do by these presents ack nowi- 
edge to have received of Mr. John W'iiithrop the siiui of £20, in full 
satisfaction of all the right, property, and claim [ have or ought to liave, 
unto all tlie land, lying and being in the Bay of Agawam, alias Ipswich, 
beiu^ so called now by the English, as well as such land, as I formerly 
reserved unto my own use at Chebacco, as also all other laud, belonging 
to me in these parts, 3lr. Dummer's farm excepted only ; and I hereby 
relinquish all the right and interest I have unto all the havens, rivers, 
creeks, islands, huntings, and fishings, with all the woods, swamps, tim- 
ber, and whatever else is, or may be, in or upon the s;iid ground to me 
belonging ; and I do hereby acknowledge to have received full satisfac- 
tion from the said John Winthrop for all former agreeiuents, touching 
the premises and parts of them ; and I do hereby bind myself to make 
good the aforesaid bargain and sale unto the said John Winthrop, his 
heirs and assigns forever, and to secure him against the title and claim 
of all other Indians and natives whatsoever. 
Witness my hand, 28th of June, 1638. 
Witnesss hereunto ; 

John Joyliffo, 

James Downing, his ^~ mark. 

Thomas ('oytimore, ^^ 

Robert Harding. 

Ipswich is ordered November, 5, 1639, by the 
Court, to refund to John Winthrop, Jr., the twenty 
pounds named in the above deed. The town voted 
February 22, 170.3, " That Samuel Applcton, Esq., 
and our two representatives, Nehemiah Jewett and 
Nathaniel Knowlton, treat with Hon. Wait Win- 
throp about Masconnomet's deed of Agawam, made 
to his father, deceased. 

4. Extent. When the town was settled in 1633, 
the boundary on the north and west was the boundary 
of ancient Agawam ; on the east the ocean ; on the 
southeast Cape Ann, (Gloucester) ; and on the south 
Jeffrey's Creek, (Manchester) ; Enon, (Wenham); and 
Salem Village, (Danvers), four hamlets then belong- 
ing to Salem. Newbury, 12,300 acres, was set off in 
1635, and contributed to the sisterhood Newbiiry- 
port, 4575 acres, in 1764, and Parsons, 8072 acres, in 
1810, which became West Newbury, June 14, 1820. 
The court, in 1636, established our western limit six 
miles in the country, the southern and eastern boun- 
daries remaining the same. In 1639, Ipswich with 
Newbury contributed Rowley, 10,310 acres, for which 
the two towns received £80(1, and out of which 
were cut the towns of Bradford, 4564 acres, in 1675, 
of Boxford, 14,200 acres, in 1685, of Middleton, in 
part, about 2500 acres, in 1728, of Georgetown, 7548 



Masconnomet.. 



570 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



acres, in 1838, and of Groveland, 5230 acres, in 1850. 
In 1650 Ipswich contributed the part of Topsfield, 
north of the river, part of 7375 acres. The Hamlet 
of Ipswich, 9440 acres, was incorporated Hamilton in 
1793, and the Chebacco of Ipswich, 7839 acres, be- 
came Essex in 1819. In 1774, certain families of 
Ipswich were set off to Topsfield ; in 1784 certain 
others to Rowley ; and in 1846 slill others to Boxford, 
and there now remains 25,478 acres, the heart of 
the grand old town, pulsating strong in her original 
integrity and enterprise, and in her wealth and pleas- 
ant memories. 

5. First Settlers, These men were largely citizens 
of wealth and learning, and some were merchants. 
They were thoughtful, conscientious, heroic, righte- 
ous. God-fearing ; thoughtful, for they had clear 
views of the tenets of their religion and of civil life; 
conscientious, for they could not brook known errors: 
heroic, for they suffered for principle ; righteous, 
for they made a righteous civil code ; God-fearing, 
for it was their purpose in all things to serve Him. 

The Wonder- Working Providence reads : 

" The peopling of this towne is hy men of good ranke and quality, 
many of them having the yearly revenue of large estates in England 
before they came to this wildernesse." In Rev, Joseph Felt's history of 
the town, we read: "A large proportion of the inhabitants possessed 
intelligent minds, virtuous hearts, useful influence and remarkable char- 
acter. They well understood how the elements of bociety should be for 
the promotion of its welfare, and how such elements should be formed 
and kept pure from ignorance and iireligion. They were careful of their 
own example, and thereby gave force to their precepts. They attended 
to the concerns of society as persons, who felt bound to consult the 
benefit of posterity as well as their own immediate good." 

6. Citizenship. The next month after the settle- 
ment by Winthrop and his associates, April 1, 1633, 
it was ordered by the Court of Assistants, that "noe 
pson wtsoeuer shall goe to plant orinhabitt att Agga- 
wam, without leave from the Court." This order 
obtained for some time ; there for a considerable 
period the rulf^ and practice obtained that no one 
should be admitted as townsman without the consent 
of the town's freemen. This practice served to preserve 
the unity of their religious belief and the high stand- 
ard of their civil and social life, by excluding the 
immoral and the idle, the ignorant and the conten- 
tious. 

7. Names. The following catalogue has been 
gleaned from the town records, and, probably, con- 
tains nearly all the names of settlers in the town 
during the first twenty years, arranged in the years 
when they were first observed : 



AVinthrop, John, Jr. 
Thorndyke, John. 
Clark, William, 
Bigg", Jobn. 
Carr, George. 
Cole, Robert. 
Gage, JohD. 



I«ft3. 

Hardy, Thomas. 
Howlett, Thomas. 
Perkins, AViltiam. 
Sellman, Thomas. 
Sergeant, William. 
ShatBwell, John. 

1634. 



"Probably some from New Town, now Cambridge, since 'they sent 
men to Agawam and Merrimack, and gave out that they would move ' 



to Connecticutt ; Rev. Thomas Parker and his company of about one 
hundred, from Wiltshire, England, sojourned here about a year before 
settling Newbury ; there were also, — 



Currin, Matthias. 
Dillingham, John. 
Easton, Nicholas. 
Elliot. 

Fawne, John. 
Franklin, William. 
Fuller, Johu. 
Manning, John. 



Andrews, Robert. 
Bartholomew, William. 
Bracey, Thomas. 
Bradstreet, Simon. 
Bradstreet, Humphrey. 
Bradstreet, Dudley. 
Cogswell, John. 
Covington, John, 
Cross, John. 
Denison, Daniel. 
Dudley, Thomas. 
Dudley, Samuel. 
Firman, Thomas. 
Foster, Reginald. 
Fowler, Philip. 
French, Thomas. 
Fuller, William. 
Gardner, Edmund. 
Gidding, George. 
Goodhue, William. 
Haffield, Richard. 
Hassell, John. 
Hubbard, William. 
Jackson, .John. 
Jacob, Richard. 
Johnson, John. 
Jordan, Francis. 
Kent, Richard. 
Kinsman, Robert. 
Knight, Alexander. 



Bishop, Thomas. 
Clark, Daniel. 
Dorman, Thomas. 
Hall, Samuel. 
Harris, Thomas. 
Hart, Nathaniel. 
Jennings, Richard. 
Lord, Robert. 
Merriall, John. 



Appletou, Samuel. 
Archer, Henry. 
Averill, William. 
Bishop, Nathaniel. 
Bixby, Nathaniel. 
Boardman, Thomas. 
Browning, Thomas. 
Challis, Philip. 
Clark, Thomas. 
Colby, Arthur. 
Comesone, Symond. 
Cross, Robert. 
French, Edward. 
Hiiy^s, RoWrt. 
Heldred, William, 
Hovey, Daniel. 
Jordan Stephen. 
Kimbsill, Richard. 
Ladd, Daniel. 
LawBon, William. 



Newman, John. 
Parker, Thomas. 
Perkins, Johu. 
Robinson, John. 
Sewell, Henry. 
Spencer, John. 
Symonds, Mark. 
Ward, Nathaniel. 



1635. 



Lancton, Roger. 
Metcalf, Joseph. 
Moody, William. 
Mussey, John. 
MuBsey, Robert. ' 
Osgood, Christopher. 
Perley, Allan. 
Procter, John. 
Saltonetall, Richard. 
Saunders, John, 
Sayward, Edmund. 
Scott, Thomas. 
Sherrat, Hugh. 
Short, Anthony. 
Short, Henry. 
Symonds, William. 
Treadwell, Edward. 
Tuttle, John. 
Varnum, George. 
Wade, Jonathan. 
Wainwright, Francis. 
Webster, John. 
Wells, Thomas. 
White, William. 
"WTiityear, Johu. 
Williamson, Paul. 
Woodmouse, Mr, 
Wyatte, John. 
Wythe, Humphrey. 
YouDglove, Samuel. 



1636. 



Norton, John. 
Norton, William. 
Peabody, Francis. 
Rogers, Nathaniel. 
Sawyer, Edmund. 
Seaverns, John. 
Sherman, Samuel, l 
Wilson, Theophilus. 



1637. 



Lord, Widow Katherine. 
Morse, Joseph. 
Northe, John. 
Perkins, Isaac. 

Pike, . 

Furrier, William. 
Quilter, Mark. 
Rawlinsone, Thomas. 
Reading, Josej)h. 
Symonds, Joseph. 
Thornton, John. 
Turner, Capt. 
Vincent, Humphrey. 
Warren, William. 
Wattles, Richard. 
Wedgewood, John. 
Whitred, William. 
Whittingham, Jobn. 
Williamson, Michael. 



IPSWICH. 



571 



1638. 



Baker, John. 
BrowD, Edward. 
Burnham, John, 
Cochame, Henry. 
Cartwright, Michael. 
Commings, Isaac. 
Cooley, John. 
Crame, Robert. 
Dane, John. , 
Dix, Widow. 
Emerson, John. 
Emerson, Joseph. 
Emerson, Thomas. 
English, William. 
Eppes, Daniel. 
Gibson, Thomaa 
Graves, Robert. 
Greenfield, Samuel. 
Hancbet, John. 
Kimball, Henry. 
Kingsbury, Henry. 



Andrews, John. 
Belcher, Jeremiah. 
Bellingham, Richard. 
Bird, Jathnell. 
Bird, Thomaa. 
Boardman, Samuel. 
Bosworth, Nathaniel. 
Button, Matthias. 
Cochame, Edward. 
Castell, Robert. 
Chute, Lionel!. 
Davis, John. 
Farnuni, Ralph. 
Filbrich, Robert. 
Firman, Dr. Giles. 



Bachelor, Henry. 
Lee, John. 



Hart, Thomas. 
Hoyt, John. 

Adams, William, 
Annable, John. 
Beacham, Robert. 
Bitgood, Richard. 
Brown, Thomas. 
Brown, John. 
Cowley, John. 
Dane, Francis. 
Davis, Richard. 
Day, Robert. 
Douglass, William. 
Fsllewe, William. 
Green, Heurj-. 
Howe, James. 
Knight, Oleph. 



Andrews, Richard. 
Buckley, William. 



Bridges, Edmund. 
Chapman, Edward. 
Chilson, Robert. 



Burnham, Thomas. 
Denison, John. 
Heard, Luke. 



Knight, William. 
Lumkin, Richard. 
Mitcalfe, Thomas. 
Miller, William. 
Morse, John. 
Newmaroh, John. 
Nichols, Richard. 
Paine, William. 
Scott, Robert. 
Sherman, Thomas. 
Silver, Thomns, 
Stacy, Simon. 
Swinder, William. 
Taylor, Samuel. 
Tredwell, John. 
Tredwell, Thomas. 
AVhipple, Matthew. 
Whipple, John. 
W'hitman, Robert. 
Wilkinson, Henry. 



1«»9. 



Gilvin, Thomas. 
Hadley, George. 
Hodgea, Andrew. 

Humphrey, . 

Hattley, Richard. 
Knowlton, John. 
Mohey, Robert. 
Newman, Thomas. 
Pitney, James. 
Preston, Roger. 
Smith, Thomas. 
Storey, Andrew. 
Thompson, Simon. 
Tingby, Palmer. 
Wallis, Robert. 



1640. 



Paine, Robert. 
Urann, . 



1641. 



Safford, Thomas. 



1642. 



Knowlton, William. 
Knowlton, Thomas. 
Lee, Thomas. 
Lameon, Edward. 
Lammas, Richard. 
Perry, Thomas, 
Pettis, John. 
Pinder, Henry. 
Pengry, Moses. 
Podd, Daniel. 
Redding, John. 
Scofield, Richard. 
Setchell, Theophilui. 
Smith, Richard. 
Waruer, Daniel. 



1643. 



1644. 



Low, Thomas. 
Windall, Thomas. 

Roberts, Robert. 
Wood, Daniel, 
Whittingham, Thomas. 



1647. 



Appleton, John. 
Ayers, John. 
Belts, Richard. 
Birdley, Gyles. 
Bishop, Job. 
Bosworth, Haniel. 
Bragg, Edward. 
Catchame, John. 
Choate, John. 
Cliute, James. 
Clark, Malachi. 
Cogswell, William. 
Col burn, Robert. 
Dix, Ralph. 
Dutch, Robert. 
French, John. 
Gilbert, Humphrey. 
Gillman, Edward. 
Granger, Lancelot. 
Green, Thomas. 
Gutterson, William. 
Harris, Anthony. 
Harris. Thomas. 
Heiphar, William. 
Lancton, Joseph. 
Leighton, John. 
Long, Philip. 

Bixby, Joseph. 
Palmer, George. 
Potter, Anthony. 

Griffin, Humphrey. 
Harinden, Edward. 



164$. 



Long, Samuel. 
Pierpont, Robert. 
Pendleton, Bryan. 
Perkins, Jacob. 
Pindar, John. 
Pengry, Aaron. 
Podd, Samuel. 
Ringe, Dani«;l. 
Koffc, Daniel. 
Roffe, Ezra. 
Salter, Theophilua. 
Satchell, Richard. 
Smith, George. 
Smith, Robert. 
Stacy, Richard. 
Stone, Nathajiiel. 
Story, William. 
Walderne. .\braham. 
Walderne, EMward, 
Ward, Dr. John. 
Warner, John. 
Warren, Abraham. 
West, John. 
W'hitred, Thomas. 
W<>oddam, John. 
Woodman, John. 



1649. 



Priohard, William. 
Wood, Obediah. 



1651. 



Leigh, Joseph. 
Walker, Henry. 



Hunter, Robert. 
Lovell, Thomas. 
Silsbee, Henry. 



GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS. 

1. Object and Origin.~The object of our early an- 
cestors was religious freedom, and when they had 
obtained the right and privilege to exercise it, they 
established governments to protect, sustain and foster 
it. The Bible was to them the Book of books : it 
contained the principles of all municipal, moral and 
religious governments, and was absolute authority in 
all such matters. Here is the origin of our unique 
town-government — a pure democracy — a government 
of the people, by the people, and for the people, 
which was confirmed and established by law, in 1636, 
when the General Court conferred upon the towns the 
power to grant lots of land, to make by-laws for their 
own common weal, under colonial approval, to impose 
and collect fines not above twenty shillings, and to 
elect such officers as necessity required. But March 
3, 1635-36, it was ordered that at the next term of the 
General Court, Ipswich, with other towns, ** shall 
have libertie to stay soe many of their fireemen att 
home for the safety of their towne as they judge need- 
ful, and that the saide ffreemeu that are appointed by 
the town to stay att home shall have libertie for this 
Court to send their voices by proxy." Thus, necessity 
foreshadowed our present representative form, which 
was afterwards inaugurated in place of the unwieldy 
assemblies of the congregated towns. In 1631, it was 
enacted that only church members could vote, a law 
which was practically repealed in 1644. In 1692, a 
voter for representative must be worth a realty of 
forty shillings a year, or other estate of forty pounds, 
yet it was practically a government of equal rights. 



572 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



2. Sevenmen. — The highest office in the municipal 
gift was the committee called The Sevenmen, a. title 
suggested, doubtless, by such scriptures as these: 
"Wisdom has hewn out her seven pillars," "Seven 
men that can render a reason," "Look out seven men 
of honest report to appoint over this business." The 
Sevenmen are now called the Selectmen. They were 
entrusted with the concerns of church and town, and 
managed them; cardinal questions and general prin- 
ciples being settled in town-meeting. The duty of 
exercising this duplex order, civil and religious, was 
a most important and responsible one; but notwith- 
standing the weight of responsibility, the breadth of 
trust, and the possibility of satisfaction, they, from 
year to year, acquitted themselves so justly, that they 
long since received, as a badge of honor, the title: 
" The Town Fathers." They began their work when 
the town began. In 1638 they were expanded to 
eleven men. For 1723 the number was five. After 
1740 the seven seems to have lost its power. In 1794 
one man was selee/ed from the north side of the river, 
one from the south side, and one from Chebacco. In 
1798 it was voted to have five selectmen, at a salary 
of nineteen dollars. Fifteen men were chosen, and 
all declined to serve. Afterwards the salary was made 
thirty-eight dollars, and the five were thereupon 
elected. In 1791 their office was in the school-house 
chamber. The present chairman of the Board, 
Nathaniel Rogers Farley, Esq., was first elected in 
1844, and this is his nineteenth year of service. 

3. Clerks. — To be clerk of a town was then, as now, 
a most important service. His records become his- 
tory as time advances; they may be the basis of legal 
investigation, and so be arbiter between man and 
man ; they must approach absolute correctness, to be 
trustful. It has been the practice of this town to 
continue this officer for a series of years. Elder 
Robert Paine and William Bartholomew are said to 
have been the first elected to this office. Daniel 
Denison was chosen in 1G35-36, and probably was 
continued till 1039, when Samuel Symonds was 
chosen. Mr. Symonds was successively chosen till 
1645, when Robert Lord succeeded, and served till 
his death, August 21, 1683. John Appleton appears 
to have been his immediate successor till 1688. 
Thomas Wade was clerk, 1688 to 1696-97; Francis 
Wainwright, 1696-97 to 1699-1700; Daniel Rogers, 
1699-1700; John Wainwright, 1719-20 to 1739; 
Samuel Rogers, 1739 to 1773; Major John Baker, 1773 
to 1785; Nathaniel Wade, 1785 to 1814; Joseph 
Swazey, 1814 to 1816; Ebenezer Burnham, 1816 to 
1843; Samuel Newman, one month ; Ebenezer Burn- 
ham, 1843 to 1846; Alfred Kimball, 1846 to 1855; 
John A. Newman, 1855; Alfred Kimball, 1856 to 
1864; George R. Lord, 1864; Wesley K. Bell, 1865, 
his twenty-third year to the present time. He has 
been an obliging and efficient officer. 

4. Constables. — The early duty of constables was 
principally the collection of taxes. Their budge of 



office was a staff, some five or six feet long, and 
tipped with brass. A similar badge may now be seen 
in the hand of the court-crier, an officer who an- 
nounces the opening of a court. The officer, how- 
ever, with all its insignia and distinction, often 
sought the man, and not the man the office. In 
1738 Robert Wallis was chosen, and paid a fine of 
five pounds rather than serve. The records show 
several such cases at earlier dates. This duty apper- 
tains to the officer now if a collector is not chosen. 

5. TUhin(jmert. — The General Court as early as 
1677 ordered tithiugmen to be chosen in the several 
towns, and Ipswich, December 20, 1677, chose twenty- 
five. In 1681 thirteen were chosen for the north 
side of the river, and twelve for the south side. Their 
duty was to guard the public morals, to note infrac- 
tions of laws, and cite oftenders to justice. But, in 
the presence of a vigilant police, they were not 
needed, and so they were not chosen after 1871. 

6. Treasurer. — The duties of this office were the 
same then as now. Most, if not all, of them were at 
the same time county treasurers. The following are 
confidently named as long time in office: Robert 
Paine (1665-83), John Appleton, Nathaniel Apple- 
ton, Aaron Porter ( 1766), Michael Farley 

(1766 ), Nathaniel Wade, William Foster Wade, 

Jeremiah Lord, and the present genial officer, Mr. 
Jonathan Sargent, who has served since 1872 — six- 
teen years. 

7. Surveyors. — These were the guardians of the 
king's highways — sometimes builders, but commonly 
only repairers of roads and bridges. The town was 
divided into districts for the purpose by the select- 
men, pretty much as the business is conducted now. 

8. Fireftnen. — In relation to fires, our ancestors 
showed a characteristic caution and precaution. 
Their houses had wooden chimneys, plastered with 
clay, and thatched roofs — a condition which rendered 
care particularly necessary. In 1642 it was voted 
that "as much hurt hath been done by fire, through 
neglect of having ladders in readiness at men's 
houses, and also by the insufficiency of chimneys and 
due cleaning of them, every householder shall have a 
ladder in constant readiness, twenty feet long, at his 
house." In 1649 the town adopted the following order: 
" Whereas complaint hath been made of the great dan- 
ger that may accrue to the inhabitants by reason of some 
men'ssettingstacksof hay near their dwelling houses, if 
fire should happen, ordered that whosoever hath any 
hay, or English corn, or straw by their houses, or 
hath set any hay-stacks within three rods of their 
houses, shall remove it within six days after notice, 
on fine of 20s." In 1681 it is ordered that every 
house must be provided with a ladder, and the tith- 
iugmen were instructed to note infractions of the 
order. In 1804 smoking in the streets was consid- 
ered dangerous to buildings, and the practice vs'hich 
had become prevalent was prohibited, on pen- 
alty of one dollar for each offence. In 1803 the 



IPSWICH. 



573 



town, by siibsi-ription, raised money to purchase a 
fire-engine, and January 3, 1804, the South Parish 
voted to join with the North Parish and build a 
house for it. In 1808 the town voted to have four 
fire-ladders and four hooks with chains, two of each 
to be kept in the body of the town, one of eacli to be 
kept at Chebacco, and one of each at Linebrook." 
lu March 13, 1821, the selectmen were ordered to 
purchase a fire-engine and to build a house for it- 
The cost of the engine was four hundred and fifty 
dollars. The department now is in good, serviceable 
condition, and is constituted of the Warren Engine 
Company, a hand-machine, w-ith fifty-five men; the 
Barnicoat Engine Company, another hand-machine, 
with fifty-five men ; and the Hook-aud-Eadder Com- 
pany, of twenty men. The fire apparatus is valued 
at S5000; the cost of running the department is nearly 
$800. 

9. Commit sioner of Taxes. — Here is a long name for 
a short service. The duty was to assist the selectmen 
in assessing the tax. A commissioner was chosen 
in 1G4G, and continued to be for several years there- 
after. 

10. Hog-reeves, Hog-Ringers, etc. — In the primitive 
days of the town swine ran at large. How naturally 
they would poke their noses in human affairs. As a 
badge of their mischievousness, they wore a ring in 
their snout. In 16-10 they should be yoked; in 1G61 
they were liable to be arrested and impounded, and 
in 1794 should not go at large at all. Deer-reeves are 
mentioned in 1739. The woods between Chebacco 
and Gloucester abounded in those animals. 

11. Haywards. — This word found little favor with 
us. Our forefathers brought it from England, but 
seldom used it. It is from an obsolete word " hay," 
which meant hedge, and it signified persons whose 
duty it was to guard the hedges, and hence to 
keep cattle from breaking through them, and then to 
impound cattle running at large. It seems to have 
combined the duties of our field-driver and fence- 
viewer. 

12. Fence-viewer. — It was enjoined by the General 
Court, October 31, 1653, that all farms of less than 
one hundred acres be fenced "of pales well nayled or 
pined, or of fine rayles well fitted, or of a stone wall 
three foote and a halte high at least, or with a good 
ditch between three and foure foot wyde, with a good 
banke of two rayles or a good hedge upon the banke, 
or such as is equivolante to these." As might be sup- 
posed, this order was not complied with in haste. In 
March, 16G3, the town ordered that all " fences gen- 
eral and particular be made sufficient before April 4 
next." Fence-viewers, or judges of legal fences, were 
chosen as early as 1668, and are now annually chosen. 

13. Town-crier. — This service, by law of the Colony, 
began in 1642. The oflice was a walking advertise- 
ment to announce sales by vendue, the lost, strayed 
or stolen, or to give immediately any public notice. 
The pay was two pence per article cried. 



14. 6Ver/;o/rtf J/ar^-e^— In]637,byColonial order, 
the purchase of venison was forbidden unless legal- 
ized by the town. Buns and cakes must not be sold 
except for funeral or marriage occasions. The In- 
dians used to steal the town.-people"s swine and then 
return them by way of sale ; and so, in 1672, the Eng- 
lish were ordered to mark one ear of their swine. 
The Indian mu.st not mark his at all, neither must he 
offer for sale a swine without ears. The medium of 
exchange in those days was largely the vital com- 
modities. Taxes were paid in them and the minister 
stipulated to receive a part of his salary in them. 
The town in its corporate capacity bought and sold 
them, and thus helped the poor and facilitated busi- 
ness. In the latter part of the eighteenth century 
there was also the Clerk of the Hay-Market. Other 
officers, whose duties are obvious, were early men- 
tioned in the records : Sealers of weights and meas- 
ures, in 1677 ; Packers of fish, in 1678 ; and cullers of 
fish, in 1715; cullers of boards and staves in 1686, 
and of bricks in 1801 ; corders of wood in 168- ; gang- 
ers of casks, in 1691 ; surveyors of boards and timber, 
in 1760, and of leather in 1681 ; and measurers of 
grain and salt in 1801. 

15. Inference. — These various offices indicate some- 
what the varied mechanical skill of our ancestors. 
The town then plied quite all the practical arts that 
now employ the county. The exchange, now by 
transportation, was then between townsmen and 
neighbors. They made their implements of hus- 
bandry, converted the raw hide into wearable leather, 
and the wool of the sheep and the flax of the field 
into garments. Conspicuous among the common 
trades were coopers, whitesmiths, cabinet-makers, 
cloth and leather tailors, millers, mill-sawyers, tan- 
ners, curriers, spinners, weavers, fullers. 

WAYS AND JIEASS. 

1. Roads. — The early roads were generally laid out 
one and a half rods wide, but in practice were 
hardly more than pathways, since walking and horse- 
back riding were the common modes of travel- 
ing. The earliest carriage-roads led to the marshes 
and meadows, whence our ancestors derived hay for 
their cattle and peat for fuel ; and the earliest of these 
was the river road which led to the great meadow, 
and over which Governor Winthrop passed in 1634. 
In 1637, "all those who have planting-grounds by the 
river side, beyond Mr. Appleton's, are to take the lot- 
layers and lay out a highway most convenient for 
them." The General Court, March 5, 1639, ordered 
all roads to be laid out. This act gave all roads a 
legal status and assured proper care of them. It re- 
lieved travelers of trespass, and protected them in 
their public rights. The position of the town laid 
upon it a vigilant care of its own roads. The town is 
in the direct communication between Boston and 
Salem on the south and Newburyport, commercial 
New Hampshire and Maine on the North ; so Haver- 



574 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



hill and Andover on the west and Gloucester and 
Cape Ann on the east. 

In 163.5 a pathway to Newbury was opened ; in 
1041 the road to Salem was determined ; in 1652 the 
road to Andover. The present Andover road in town 
was a footpath in 1692. The highway to Essex was 
laid out about 16.51 ; that from Newbury to Topsfield 
through Linebrook Parish, in 1717. The bridge in 
the Salem road, at Mile Brook, was " broken up by 
the flood " in 1665. In 1667 John, Nathaniel and 
Samuel Adams, Joseph Saftbrd, Nicholas Wallis and 
Thomas Stacey had built a bridge over the river and 
were exempted from highway service " for seaven 
years." In 1730 John Lamson, John Lamson, Jr., 
Joseph Cummings and Israel Cummings, Jr., ask for 
an allowance, having built a bridge over the river, 
and a way having been laid out from the old Lamson 
house, on the south side, to Gravelly Brook. In 
1832 the length of our roads was seventy-two miles. 
Our public ways are pronounced by bicyclists the best 
of country roads. 

2. Turnpikes. — " The Ipswich Turnpike " was in- 
corporated March 1, 1803. The corporators' names 
were John Heard, Stephen Choate, Wm. Gray, Jr., 
Jacob Ashton, Asa Andrews, Joseph Swasey, Israel 
Thorndyke, Nathan Dane, Wm. Bartlett and James 
Prince. The road began at the blacksmith's shop 
of Nathaniel " Batchelder" in Beverly, ran by Nathan 
Brown's in Hamilton, over the "old road" to the 
stone bridge in Ipswich ; thence through Kowley, 
over the Parker bridge to Newburyport, — four rods 
wide, with toll-gates. This road was built in the in- 
terest of the town, and it served its purpose well. 
How long it was a road with pikes, or if it paid well 
we know not. It certainly was the great thorough- 
fare for land transit between the east and south, and 
its width and quality to-day attest the excellence of 
its construction. The railroad robbed it of its pres- 
tige and left it only a county road. 

3. " The Newburyport Turnpike Corporation " was 
incorporated March 8, 1803, and the corporators were 
Michael Sawyer, William Coombs, Nicholas Pike, 
Arnold Welles, Wm. Bartlett, John Pittingell, Wm. 
Smith, John Codman and James Prince. This route 
was to be the passenger express, the dispatch for 
freight, the swift mail, — iu short, the rapid transit 
from Newburyport to Boston. Perhaps it was de- 
signed to favor Newburyport especially, by setting 
Ipswich one side, but Ipswich enterprise was equal 
to the emergency. The Ipswich road was incor- 
porated a week earlier. This route was thirty-two 
miles long, and so straight, that all the angles to- 
gether in the first twenty miles increased the distance 
only eighty-three feet. Many a strange story is told 
of the drivers' skill, of short-time passages, of eques- 
trian speed, of frightened passengers, and of the 
fearful, headlong drives down the precipitous hills. 
Tradition says, that the construction was done with 
wheelbarrows, and not with dump-carts, as is the 



practice in road-building at present. It is further 
told that the road was ultimately to be straight and 
level, condition consonant with absolute dispatch. 
The task was herculean. It was the wonder of the 
people, the glad era of the laborer, the joy of the 
proprietors, the hesperian garden of the capitalist. 
One thousand less five shares were sold. The con- 
struction was begun August 23, 1803, completed in 
1806, and cost nearly four hundred and twenty thou- 
sand dollars. Many of the heaviest capitalists were 
involved in it. As an enterprise it deserved a better 
fate, and a generous remuneration ; but taste and the 
exigencies of business led the traveling public over 
the Ipswich road, through the shires of Ipswich and 
Salem, and away from this, which is now only a costly 
monument of the enterprise and perseverance of its 
proprietors. That portion of the road lying in this 
county was sold to the County Commissioners May 
10, 1849, for two thousand two hundred dollars. 
Ipswich's share of it was two miles less seven rods, 
and the town was fortunate ; for one mile of it has 
been very serviceable and none of it very expensive. 

4. The Railroad. — This is a more satisfactory route 
than its air-line predecessor. It runs where the peo- 
ple want to go, where business and taste lead the 
way. It introduced comfort and speed. "The East- 
ern Railroad Company" was incorporated April 14, 
1836. The iron-horse entered the town first in 1839. 
It was thought to be the beginning of a golden era ; 
general business would be urged forward by steam, 
workshops enlarged, dwellings erected, wharves ex- 
tended, vessels multiplied, the streets more populous, 
manufactories more varied and extensive, farms more 
remunerative, merchants busier and less exacting, 
and the whole hive of industry' more alive by per- 
petual endowment. But the corporation has not 
cultivated our soil, nor built our houses, nor much 
enlarged our factories, nor removed the river impedi- 
ments, nor retained our courts, nor fostered our com- 
merce, nor enlarged our fisheries. It has, however, 
removed " the center " of the county to the extremes, 
and clustered the various trades around other manu- 
facturing and commercial points. Yet we must not 
undervalue the road; it has uses peculiarly our own, 
which the crowded city and summer heat, and our 
taste and enterprise are developing year by year, and 
which will bring full compensation. 

5. The Choate Bridge. — This bridge deserves a par- 
ticular notice, because it was the first of such con- 
struction in these parts, and hence was so wonderful 
during its construction and has been so serviceable 
since. The Town and County built it in equal shares 
of the expense. The width was to be not less than 
twenty feet, the length between the abutments sixty- 
eight feet, with one pier, twenty by eight feet, and a 
water passage beneath each arch thirty feet. The 
guards were to be three feet high, fifteen inches thick 
at the bottom, and nine at the top. The building 
committee were Hon. John Choate, Aaron Potter, Esq., 



IPSWICH. 



575 



and Joseph Appleton, Esq. It was completed in 1764, 
at a cost of £996, 10s., 6rf., 3/. It was widened, as it 
now is, in 1837. 

6. The Canal— In 1G52, 22: 12, Tliomas Clark 
and Reginal Foster were " to have ten pounds for 
cutting a passage from this river to Chebacco river 
of ten foot wide and soe deepe as a lighter laden 
may pass, and making a forde and foote bridge over." 
In 1669, the selectmen are "to take care that the 
bargain concerning the cutting of the creek at Castle- 
hill be forwarded." In 1681, February 7, any towns- 
man has liberty to " perfect the cutting the Cut that 
comes up to Mr. Eppes, his bridge." In 1694, who- 
ever will cut the Cut through the marsh at Mr. 
Eppes' shall have liberty, — who pays five shillings 
towards it "shall have liberty forever to pa.ss as they 
have occasion ; " others must pay three pence a cord 
or a ton, in money. "The Proprietors of the Essex 
Canal " were incorporated June 15, 1820. The cor- 
porators' names were William Andrews, Jr., Adam 
Boyd, Tristram Brown, Robert Crowell, John Dexter, 
Moses Marshall, Parker, Jonathan, Benjamin, Samuel, 
Francis, Jacob, Jr., Ebenezer, .Ir., and Nathan Burn- 
ham : Dudley, George and Joseph Choate; Enoch, 
Winthrop and Joshua Low; Jonathan 4th, Jacob, 
Jonathan, Abel, Daniel, Perkins and Epes Story. 
The canal was opened in 1821 ; was half a mile long 
and cost one thousand, one hundred dollars. The 
stock was twenty-seven shares at forty dollars each, 
and paid nearly six per centum. It connected the 
Merrimack River with Chebacco River and so let in 
ship-timber at reduced rates. Late years it has been 
of little use, and within a year its walls have fallen 
in decay. 

7. Carriages. — These were at first the rudest sort of 
vehicles, a cumbersome hay-rack, or a pair of wheels. 
Conveyance for business or to church was on horse- 
back by saddle for a man, side-saddle for a female, or 
saddle and pillion for both. The first kind of vehicle 
for personal conveyance was introduced about 1725, 
and consisted of the body of a chaise upon a pair of 
wheels, and called a curricle. Richard Roger.s, Esq., 
had one in 1730. About 1750, a top was put to the 
seat, which made it a full-grown chaise, one of which 
a year or two latter was owned by Rev. Samuel Wig- 
glesworth. Family conveyance to church or social 
party was upon clean straw in the bottom of the cum- 
bersome dray. In 1762 John Stavers began to run a 
two-horse curricle between Portsmouth and Boston, 
making the round trip in five days, and stopping two 
nights at Ipswich. The advent of the stage with four 
horses was as early as 1774. This welcome convey- 
ance made two trips weekly between Newburyport 
and Boston, passing through Ipswich both ways. 
About 1800, horse-wagons began to be used. Mer- 
chandise by horse had formerly been carried in sad- 
dle-bags, wallets and panniers. The wagon-body at 
first set firmly upon the axle-trees, next upon wooden- 
springs, upon the principle of a spring-hole; then 



upon long leather straps, or thorough-braces; and, 
lastly, as now upon steel-springs. Rev. Felt re- 
marked, in 1834: "Should the improvements in 
journeying be as great for two centuries to come as 
they have been in the two already elap.sed, posterity 
will as much wonder that we are contented with the 
present degree of such improvements, as we do, that 
our ancestors were satisfied with their mode of trav- 
elling." This remark was penned five years before 
the steam-cars entered the town. 

8. The Mail Service. — The earliest method of for- 
warding letters was by such means as chance offered. 
Thus William Jeffrey, " the old planter," brought a 
letter to John Winthrop, Jr., from Merry Morton in 
16.34, Jeffrey doubtless having been over to Morton's 
on business. The earliest stated carrying of the mails 
was on horseback, and during the early Indian Wars 
the messengers were watched for with the greatest 
anxiety and hailed with the greatest earnestness and 
suspense. The Essex Gazette, established 1768, the 
first newspaper published in Salem, was delivered to 
the subscribers here and as far east as Newburyport. 
by a post-rider for that express purpose. One of the 
most active of the distributors of that paper was 
Thomas Dimon, doubtless a descendant of our Mr. 
Andrew Diamond, who died in 1708. Early in 1775, 
our town chose five delegates to a convention of dele- 
gates from the several towns concerned, to establish a 
regular post between Newburyport and Cambridge. 
The convention met May 4th in this town ; their action 
was to be binding upon all alike. Immediately fol- 
lowing this convention — before May 24th — a post-office 
was established here by the Provincial Congress, and 
Deacon James Foster was the post-master. The fol- 
lowing is a list of the post-masters that have served 
since Deacon Foster, with the dates of their respective 
appointments: Daniel Noyes, October 5, 1775; Jo- 
seph Lord, November 25, 1800 ; Isaac Smith, July 1, 
1805; Nathan Jaques, September 14, 1807; Ammi 
Smith, October 5,1818; James H. Kendall, August 
10, 1829 ; Stephen Coburn, August 28, 1832 ; John H. 
Varrell, April 18, 1861; Joseph L. Ackerman, July 
20, 1865; John H. Cogswell, January 3, 1868; Ed- 
ward P. Kimball, August 2, 1886. 

9. Town-House. — About two years after the full 
completion of the church edifice, the people began to 
desire a town-house and a school-house. They pro- 
posed a two-story building, with school-room on the 
first floor and town-house above. Accordingly, May 
11. 1704, the town voted to build " forthwith, if the 
county would pay half, as it did for the town-house in 
Salem." Thus their economy devised the triple ser- 
vice of school, town and court-house in one. The 
same year, December 28th, a committee was chosen 
to contract for a building "about 32 feet long, about 
28 feet wide and about 18 or 19 feet stud, with a flat 
roof raised about 5 feet." Abraham Felton was the 
contractor. A steeple was constructed upon it at a 
cost of X29 78. 8(/., which was voted August 2, 1767. 



576 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Another town-liouse was built about 1794-95. This 
was also used for a court-house, and the county paid 
half the cost. Its use as a town-house was discon- 
tinued in 1841, when, October 12th, the town sold its 
interest to the county for twelve hundred and fifty 
dollars. From that time to 1843 they had no town- 
house. In that year, January 23d, the town instruct- 
ed a committee to purchase the unused Unitarian 
church edifice, if it could be bought at two thousand 
dollars or less. Early in that year the purchase was 
made. The building has undergone considerable al- 
teration and enlargement, and now is very serviceable 
for all the purposes of the town, for which such 
building is needed. 

10. A List of Voters in town affairs, made by a 
committee for the purpose, to be corrected at the next 
town-meeting." Presented December 2, 1679: Maj. 
Gen. Denison, Mr. Thomas Corbet, Mr. William Hub- 
bard, Elder Paine, Mr. John Rogers, Capt. John Ap- 
pleton. Maj. Samuel Appleton, Corp'. Jo: Andrews, 
Corp'. Jo: Andrews, Nathaniel Adams, Nehemiah 
Abbott, Arthur Abbott, Naniel Bosworth, John Brew- 
er, Sen'., Tho: Borman, Edmund Bridges, Sergt. Bel- 
cher, Henry Bennett, Ens. Tho: Burnam, Thomas 
Burnam, Jr., Edward Bragg, Moses Bradstreet, John 
Burnam, Sen., John Caldwell, Sergt. Clarke, Corp. 
Tho: Clarke, Tho: Clarke, mill, Robert Cross, Sen., 
Mr. William Cogswell, John Choate, Mr. John Cogs- 
well, Edw. Colburne, Rol)'t Day, John Denison, Sen'., 
John Dane, Sen'., Mr. Daniel Eppes, Nathaniel Em- 
erson, Philip Fowler, Reuold Foster, Sen'., Renold 
Foster, Jr., Jacob Foster, Joseph Fellows, Eus. 
French, Tho: French, Abraham Fitts, Isaac Fellows, 
Ephraim Fellows, Isaac Foster, Abraham Foster, Dea. 
Goodhue, Wm. (?) Goodhue, Tho: Giddings, Joseph 
Goodhue, Mr. Richards, Daniel Hovey, Sen., Daniel 
Hovey, Jr., Sam: Hunt, George Hadley, Wm. (?) How- 
lett, James How, Sen'., James How, Jr., Nehemiah 
Jewett, John Jewett, Samuel Ingalls, Nathaniel Ja- 
cobs, Tho: Jacobs, John Knowlton, Sen., John Kim- 
ball, Dea. Knowlton, Rob't Kinsman, Daniel Killam, 
Sen., Tho: Lull, Robert Lord, Sen., Robert Lord, Jr., 
John Layton, Thomas Lovell, Edwd. Luma.s, John 
Lampson, Thomas Metcalf, John Newmarch, Sen., 
Dea. Pengrey, Aaron Pengry, Quart. — Mr. Perkins, 
Sergt. Perkins, Jacob Perkins, Abraham Perkins, 
Anthony Potter, Samuel Podd, Samuel Perley, Mr. 
Samuel Rogers, Walter Roper, Mr. Smith, Richard 
Smith, Wm. Story, Sen., Wm. Story, Jr., 8ymon 
Stace, Wm. Smith, Simon Tuttle, Nathaniel Tread- 
well, Thomas Varney, Mr. Jonathan Wade, Rob't 
Whittman, Obediah Wood, Mr. Wainwright, Sen., 
Mr. John Wainwright, Daniel Warnex, Sen., Na- 
thaniel Warner, Capt. John Whipple, Isaiah Wood, 
James White, Wm. White, Nicholas Wallis, Corp'. 
John Whipple, Twisford Westt, Nathaniel Wells, 
Rich: Walker, Joseph Whipple, Samuel Younglove, 
Sen., Samuel Younglove, Jr., Tho: Low, Mr. Jos: 



Willson, Nath'l Rust, Simon Chapman, Mr. Wm. 
Norton, Mr. Thomas Andrews, Joseph Quilter. 

11. Vilta(/es.—The Town Village, with the First 
Church as a centre, is about one mile from the sea in 
latitude 42° 41' N. and longitude 70° 50' IF.,— or ex- 
actly, according to the United States Coast Survey in 
1850, the former runs along and crosses High Street 
from the front of the Lord Mansion to Jlineral Street, 
and the latter crosses Market Street into Union. It 
is five and a half miles from the Linebrook Church ; 
five and a quarter from Castle Neck or Patch's Beach, 
and three from the Almshouse. It is 27.8 miles from 
Boston, the State capital ; 11.5 from Salem, the county 
capital ; and 9.5 from Newburyport. Other villages, 
as reported by the United States Census of 1880, were 
Argilla, Candlewood, Goose, Ipswich, Linebrook, 
Mill, Peatfield, Turkeyshore and Willowdale. 

12. Population. — The population about 1650, ac- 
cording to Wonder-working Providence, was " about 
one hundred and forty-families," which, we compute, 
was about 700 inhabitants. In 1680 there were one 
hundred and twenty-six voters, which, we presume, 
represented about 825 people. The growth has been 
slow, many decades making little increase, a few 
slightly retrograding. The population in 1830 was 
2951 ; in 1885, 4207, with a proportion of 47 males 
to 53 females. The growth in fifty-five years has 
been 42 per centum, making an average /)«?■ annum of 
77-100 of 1 Tper centum. The growth of the last dec- 
ade has been 12 per centum. There are at present, by 
the Manual of the Legislature for 1887, 1,016 voters. 
The census of 1880 reports 694 dwellings and 861 
families, and a population of 3,699, of whom 3,257 
are native-born and 442 are foreign-boru ; 219 being 
Irish, 129 English, 54 Canadians, 16 Nova Scotians, 
11 Scotch and 6 Germans. There were 25 colored 
persons of African descent. 

SCENERY. 

1. Its Character. — Our town has no White Moun- 
tains, nor Berkshire Hills, — nothing wild, awful, or 
grand ; but our landscape aflfords an agreeable variety 
and a peculiar beauty. The diversity of hill and 
vale, of meadow and marsh, of woodland and field, 
of river, and pond, and brook, — enhanced by the va- 
riety of the seasons; verdure and flower, the cattle 
upon the hillside and the husbandman in the field, 
the fruit-setting and the waving grass, the ripening 
apple and the purpling plum, the yellow corn 
and the nodding grain, and the enchanting beauty of 
our frost-painted forests, gratifies the eye, educates 
the heart and sheds over the mind a soft radiance of 
perennial joy. 

2. Pond. — In the Linebrook District is a beautiful 
sheet of water, called successively Baker's, Pritch- 
ard's, Great and Hood's Pond, by which last name it 
is now known. Its surface is eighty feet above Town 
Hill, or one hundred and ninety-two feet above sea- 
level. It might be made an excellent reservoir for 



IPSWICH. 



fire or other purpose, for the viUage of Topsfiekl, or 
Ipswich, or perhaps botli. Rev. Jacob Hood, of 
Lyunfield, who died, in 1885, at the age of ninety- 
four years, surveyed it, in his youth, and computed 
the area, at nearly eiglity acres. In the winter of 
1861-(52, the writer surveyed it, and made, by tra- 
verse-table, sixty-five and nine-tenths acres. A third 
of the pond is in Topsfield, and a dozen years ago 
that town stocked it witli percli and bhiclc b;xss, thus 
availing itself of a State law, which, for that purpose, 
gave that town exclusive control of the waters for 
fifteen years. On its bosom blooms the fragrant, 
white-jjetaled lily ; and boats for rowing and sailing 
invite to healthful recreation ; and it lends a charm 
to the surrounding hills. On the west, rising seven- 
ty feet labove its surface, is a broad grazing field, 
where General Israel Putnam, in his boyhood, when 
in the tutelage of his stepfather, went to find and 
" fetch " the cows ; and on the east is Burnham's 
Hill, named from James Burnham, who, in 1717, 
owned the land. 

3. Streams. — The principal streams are Winthroji's, 
Norton's, Howlefs, Mile and Bull Brooks, which used 
to be good fishing for pickerel and trout. Other 
streams are North, or Egypt River (now Bull Brook), 
and Muddy and Ipswich Rivers, all of which have 
been serviceable for fishing, for irrigation and for 
mill-privileges. The Ipswich River rises in "Ma- 
ple Meadow Brook," in the town of Burlington, and 
meanders through Wilmington, North Reading, Mid- 
dleton and Topsfield, entering our town upon the 
southwest border. Upon its banks, throughout its 
length, are saw, grist, paper, cotton and woolen- 
mills, enhancing its incturescjueness by its utility. 

4. Elevation. — The seeming discrepancy in the 
area of the pond, above mentioned, and the subsi- 
dence of Egypt River, serve to illu-trate the fact 
of a general elevation of the territory. Old deeds 
speak of ponds in the vicinity of the West Meadow, 
which are unknown to the present generation ; yet 
there are swamps which answer to the location and 
size. 

5. Hills. — We have two hills more than two hun- 
dred and fifty feet high, three more than two hun- 
dred, and nine more than a hundred and fifty. A 
thoughtful view from either is delightful and in- 
structive. It was Heartbreak Hill, one hundred and 
ninety-six feet high, from which an ancient hunter's 
fair daughter watched in vain for the return of her 
sailor-lover, and died of a broken heart. Turner's 
Hill, two hundred and fifty feet high, shows the 
State Asylum at Danvers, and the nearer and mag- 
nificent view of forest, and farm, and river. The 
hill is upon the "Bracket Farm," in Willowdale. It 
is surmounted by a commanding look-out; the grove 
upon its slope has been prepared for picnic jjartics, 
an artificial pond of an acre's extent, drawing its 
supply from a generous spring above, is furnished 
with boat for recreation, and a huckleberry field, 

37 



from which fifty bushels have been gathered in a 
day, is near and free to all. Drive-ways, and sta- 
bles, and pond, and boat, and spring, and field, in- 
vite the weary to rest atid recuperation, and the 
grounds which have recently been christened " Mount 
Turner," are fast becoming a noted public resort for 
peoples far and near. There is also Bartholomew's 
Hill, two hundred and four feet high, at whose foot 
once dwelt William Bartholomew, an early benefiic- 
tor of the town ; Turkey, two hundred and forty feet 
high ; Jewett's, or Muzzy's, two hundred and twelve 
feet high ; Little Turner, one hundred and ninety- 
seven feet high; Bush, one hundred and ninety-three 
feet high; Scott's, one hundred and eighty feet high; 
and Sagamore, one hundred and seventy-two feet 
high, where, instead of Sagamore in Hamilton, should 
rest the bones of our Masconnoraet. Prospect Hill is 
two hundred and sixty feet above the sea-level, and 
shows us the White Mountains, Old Monadnock and 
Wachusett. Town, or Cemetery Hill, is one hundred 
and eighty-four feet high, and shows the village and 
surrounding farms, the Pow-wow Hill of Amesbury 
and the white church spires of Newburyport. Castle 
Hill, the grand old sentinel of " ye anciente tyme," 
located on the famous Ipswich Beach, at the mouths 
of Ipswich and Plum-Island Rivers, rises onehundred 
and sixty-eight feet, and embraces in her view the 
winding stretch of the river, the busy mills, the cat- 
tle-grazed hillsides, the cultivated fields, the bustling 
village, far lonely Agamenticus, the island-bound 
coast of Maine, the Isles of Shoals, the white crests 
of the ocean, the spreading sails of commerce, the 
headland and silvery beach and rolling surf of Cape 
Ann, the villages of Lanesville, Bay View and Aunis- 
quam, and the summer homes of Col. French and 
Gen. Butl'er, depictingapanoramaof exquisite beauty 
and rare interest. This is the native hill of Mr. John 
B. Brown, of Chicago, who, after years of absence 
and success, having never forgotten the haunts of his 
boyhood, is now grading and terracing it, planting 
upon it trees and laying out drive-ways, and other- 
wise beautifying it and making it as attractive as the 
view from the summit. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 
1. Jokn Winthrop. Jr., the founder of this town, 
was born in Groton, County Essex, England, Febru- 
ary 12, IGOG. He was a son of Governor John Win- 
thnqj of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He grad- 
uated at Dublin University, at the age of nineteen ; 
he became a barrister of the Inner Temple; he was 
a member of the relief expedition to the Huguenots, 
at Rochelle, in 1627; he came to this country in 
l(i31, and to this town in 1(333. He had two houses 
in town, one on the Essex Road, and one at Castle 
Hill. Soon after the settlement of the town, his first 
wife died ; he had a second wife, Elizabeth, youngest 
daughter of Edmund Keade, of Wickford, County 
Essex, England. She was the mother of all his chil- 



578 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dren. After her father's death, her mother married the 
celebrated Hugh Peters. John visited England many 
times, and while there was serviceable in many ways 
to the colony. He was one of the founders of the 
Royal Society, and so wore the honorable title F.E.S. 
He was the founder of the Connecticut Colony, and 
several years its Governor. He was efficient in all 
his enterprises. He belonged to a highly esteemed 
family. After the dissolution of the monasteries 
almost the whole of the parish was given to them as 
their future domain. Why they resigned their wealth 
and distinction for the wilderness can hardly be con- 
jectured. Governor Winthrop, the younger, ''appears 
in history without a blemish. Highly educated and 
accomplished, he was no less upright and generous. 
In the bloom of life, he left all his brilliant prospects 
in the old world to follow the fortunes of the new. 
When his father had made himself poor in nourish- 
ing the Massachusetts Bay Colony, this noble son 
gave up voluntarily his own large inheritance to 
further the good work." He died in Boston, April 5, 
1676. 

2. Governor Thomas Dudley wzs, born in Northampton, 
England, in 1576. He settled in this town soon after 
the settlement, and during or shortly after his first 
term as Colonial-Governor. He owned land on the 
north side of the town upon which he built a house, 
all of which he afterwards sold to Mr. Hubbard. He 
also owned land near Heartbreak Hill. He disposed 
of most of his estate in the town about the time of his 
second inauguration as Governor. He was a resident 
here some nine or ten years. He was assistant six 
years, Deputy-Governor thirteen years, and Governor 
four years. He died July 27, 1653. 

3. Governor Simon Bradstreef. was born in Holling, 
Horbling, Lincolnshire, England, March, 1603. He 
matriculated, July 9, 1618, as a sizer, Emmanuel Col- 
lege, when he was fourteen years old. In two years 
he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and, in 1624, 
the Master's degree. When he was about twenty- 
five years old, he married Anne Dudley, daughter of 
Governor Dudley, who became the first New England 
poetess. He came here in 1630. He was assistant 
forty-eight years, colonial secretary thirteen years, 
Deputy-Governor five years, and Governor ten years. 
He was a resident of this town about twenty years. 
In March, 1658, he was a resident of Andover. He 
died in Salem, March 27, 1G97, at the great age of 
ninety-four years. 

4. Deputy- Governor Samuel Sijrnonds came from 
Yieldham, County Essex, England, and settled here 
in 1637-38. He was made fireman in 1638, was town 
clerk from 1639 to 1645, was professor of the Gram- 
mar School, deputy to the General Court from 1638 
to 1643, then assistant to 1673, when he was elected 
Deputy-Governor, an office which he held till his 
death. He was long time a justice of the Quarter 
Court. He was oue of the committee to draft a body 
of laws in 1645. He addressed Governor Winthrop, 



in 1646, urging more activity in the divine purpose in 
the settlement of New England — Christianizing the 
Indians. He was of the committee " to pass the arti- 
cles of Confederation with the United Colonies," in 
1643, and to examine the proceedings of the commis- 
sioners in May 10, 1648. The Legislature granted 
him five hundred acres of Pequod land, and in 1651 
he was granted three hundred acres of the land 
beyond the Merrimac. He was one of tliese seveial 
committees: To visit and settle a government at 
Piscataqua, 1652 ; to prepare the case of the United 
Colonies against the Dutch and Indians, 1653 ; to 
prepare and present the case of the Colony to Crom- 
well, 1654; to receive the allegiance of the natives to 
Colonial authority, July 13, 1658; to consider the 
matter between the King's Commissioners and the 
Assembly, in 1665 ; to revise certain laws annulled 
by the King, one of which abolished the observance 
of Christmas, as a relic of Episcoi)acy, 1667. He held 
court in York County in 1672 ; and he often per- 
formed such service outside the jurisdiction of the 
Ipswich Court. He was away from home so much on 
public business, and his house was so remote from 
neighbors, that two men were appointed to guard it, 
during the war, in 1675. In December the enemy 
burned his mills at " Lamperee River." 

He died in October, 1678. The Legislature as a 
token of respect, voted £20 towards his funeral 
charges. His first wife was daughter of Governor 
Winthrop, and was living September 30, 1648. His 
second wife was Rebecca, widow of Daniel Eppes, 
and died July 21, 1695, aged seventy-eight years. 
His estate was £2534 9s. His Argilla Farm is a noted 
district in town at present. 

5. Joseph Metcalfe was born about 1605 ; he died 
August or September, 1665, aged sixty years. He 
held various town offices ; he was deputy eight years 
between 1635 and 1661. He was a committee to col- 
lect gifts made by friends in England, in 1655, and 
also one of the Essex committee for trade. He owned 
an estate in the village, and lands in the Linebrook 
district, which continued in the family name till 
1829, when it was sold to Samuel Dane Dodge. 

6. Nehemiah Jewett was son of Jeremiah, who died 
in 1714. He was town officer in several capacities, 
was deputy sixteen years, between 1689 and 1709, 
three of which he was speaker. He was a justice of 
the Court of Sessions. He was on a committee to 
compensate for damages in the witchcraft trials. He 
was esteemed and respected in every walk in life. 
He died near the beginning of 1720. 

7. Robert Paine was born in 1601. He was influ- 
ential in town affairs. He was professor of the gram- 
mar school, and contributed very largely of his estate 
to its permanent establishment. He was a deputy 
three years. He was one of the Esses Committee for 
trade, in 1655 ; was county treasurer from 1665 to 
1683, inclusive; was ruling elder of the First Church. 
He was an exemplary man. Wonder-working Provi- 



IPSWICH. 



579 



dence sayii: "Aright gndly man, and one whose es- 
tate hath holpen on well with the work of this little 
commonwealth." 

8. Francis Wainwright lived with Alexander 
Knight, inn-keeper in Chelmsford, England, and came 
with him to Ipswich. He was a soldier in the Pe- 
quod War, and was greatly applauded for his brave ex- 
ploits. He became a wealthy merchant. He died 
suddenly. May 19, 1692. 

His son Francis was bom August 25, 1664 ; he 
graduated at Harvard, 1686. His first wife, Sarah 
Whipple, married March 12, 1686, died March 16, 
1709, aged thirty-eight years. He made an engage- 
ment with Mrs. Elizabeth Hirst, of Salem, but died 
before married. He was engaged in commerce and 
as merchant. He bequeathed five pounds to the 
First Church. His estate was valued at nineteen 
hundred and fourteen pounds. He was a member of 
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company; was 
colonel, town clerk, representative, feoflee, general 
sessions, justice, commissioner and collector of excise 
for Essex. He died in the strength of ripe manhood, 
August 3, 1711. 

9. Among the early settlers was that Spartan com- 
pany who met at the Appleton Mansion, the 23d of 
August, 1687, and settled the question for themselves, 
that Andros, the King appointed Governor, had no 
right to tax the [leople without the consent of an 
assembly, and who dared " render a reason." That 
miniature Provincial Congress, who counseled for 
righteousness, principle and honest government, were 
Rev. John Wise, John Andrew, John Appleton, 
Robert Kinsman, William (Toodhue, Samuel Apple- 
ton and Thomas French. The first two were of Che- 
bacco, the rest doubtless of Ipswich. Goodhue had 
a house-lot in town in 1635, was afterwards large land 
owner, was commoner, was a Denison subscriber, was 
selectman, representative and a deacon. He was a 
man of rank and influence. He died in 1700, at the 
age of eighty-five. John Appleton was born about 
1622, and came here with his father, Samuel, from 
Waldringfield, England, in 1635. His parental home 
in this town was a grant of six hundred acres of land, 
bounded by the river and Mile Brook, a part of 
which is still retained in the family name. He mar- 
ried 1651, Priscilla, daughter of Rev. Jesse Glover. 
She died February 18, 1697 ; he, November 4, 1699. 
He had been selectman, militia captain, marine cap- 
tain, county treasurer, representative to the General 
Court sixteen years. Samuel Appleton, brother of 
the above John, was born about 1626. He married, 
first, Hannah, daughter of William Payne, and had 
Samuel, born 1644 ; seCLud, Mary, daughter of John 
Oliver, of Newbury, December 2, 1656, and had ten 
children. She was born June 7, 1640, and died Feb- 
ruary 15, 1697. He was selectman, lieutenant-major, 
colonel, and with his regiment achieved distinction 
in the war against King Philip, in 1676. He was as- 
sistant six years, and was a member of the first coun- 



cil under the charter of William and Mary, 1692. He 
died May 15, 1696. Of his sisters, Sarah mar- 
ried Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Rowley, and Judith, 
Samuel Rogers, son of Rev. Samuel, April 8, 1657. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

I ps\vich-(Co»<;h ««(?). 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 



THE FIRST CHURCH. 

1. Oriyin and Methods. — The church at this time 
was the object and end of government ; and there can 
be no doubt that the organization of the government 
here and an organization for religious instruction and 
worship were practically simultaneous. Governor 
Winthrop recorded in his journal, November 26, 1633, 
that " Mr. Wilson (by leave of the congregation of 
Boston, whereof he is pastor), went to Agawam to 
teach the people of that plantation, because they have 
yet no minister." Again, he wrote, April 3, 1634, 
that himself " went on foot to Agawam, and because 
the people wanted a minister, spent the Sabbath with 
them, and exercised by way of prophecy, and returned 
home on the 10th." There was, therefore, no church 
organized at that time, but there must have been 
shortly thereafter ; for Mr. Parker came the next 
month and Mr. Ward the second month. According 
to .lames Cudsworth, 1634, " a plantation was made 
u]) this year, Mr. Ward P[astor] and Mr. Parker 
T[eacher]." This was the ninth church in the colony 
and the third in the county. 

The teacher appears to have been an assistant who 
might or might not be ordained. His service was 
merged into the duty of the pastor about 1745, 
though the idea still obtains in many parishes where 
the minister is installed as pastor and teacher. The 
Sabbath service ran thus : The pastor began it with 
prayer; the teacher then read and expounded a chap- 
ter; the ruling elders announced a Psalm, which was 
sung; the pa.stor read a sermon, and sometimes fol- 
lowed it with an extemporaneous address, consuming 
frequently an hour or more ; singing followed ; then 
a prayer and the benediction. In the afternoon ser- 
vice, just before the benediction, the congregation re- 
cited : " Blessed are they that hear the word of God 
and keep it." The singing was peculiar. One of the 
ruling elders read a single line of the Psalm, then 
such of the congregation as could sing, rose in dif- 
ferent parts of the house and sang it ; then other lines 
were successively read and sung till the ('onclusion of 
the Psalra. When elders were not chosen the dea- 
cons performed their duty, which gave rise to the 
phrase, " Deaconing the hymn." About 1790 the 
whole stanza was read at once, and about three years 



580 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



later the whole hymn was read at once by the pastor. 
Singing choirs began to form as early as 1763, when 
seats were assigned them, but they were not elevated 
to the gallery till about 1781. A contribution every 
Sabbath was the rule till some part of 1763. To de- 
posit theofferings, the magistrates and chief men first 
walked up to the deacon's seat, then the elders and 
then the congregation. There was also weekly ser- 
vice, which was as carefully observed as the service 
of the Sabbath. It was called "The Lecture," and 
was attended each week on Thursday, which was 
known as " Lecture Day." It consumed the best 
part of the day, beginning at eleven o'clock. It be- 
came monthly, in 1753, and our weekly prayer-meet- 
ing is its successor. The old churches had a practice 
of holding a Fast just before and in reference to call- 
ing a pastor. The practice has much fallen into dis- 
use, much to our disadvantage and discredit, for if 
prayer with fasting means anything, to discontinue it 
is like cutting the telegraph wires when we need a 
message of instruction from a friend. It is observable 
that the various town offices, the status of eligibility 
to them, the offices in the church, the church services 
and requirements were a practical, business-like 
method of securing a punctual observance of religion 
and a highly moral and religious community. Cotton 
Mather said, in 1638, that this " was a renouned 
church, consisting mostly of such illuminated Chris- 
tians, that their pastors in the exercise of the ministry 
might, in the language of Jerome, perceive that they 
had not disciples so much as judges." 

The first to come among this people as pastor or 
teacher was Kev. Thomas Parker. He came in May, 
1634, with a colony of about one hundred, who sub- 
sequently settled in Newbury. They sojourned here 
about a year, and Mr. Parker meanwhile exercised 
the office of teacher. He labored, says Mr. Sewell, 
" preaching and proving, that the passengers came 
over on good grounds, and that God would multiply 
them as he did the children of Israel." 

The following will treat the several church socie- 
ties by pastorates ; for in all the work of the church 
and society the pastor takes the lead, and as is the 
pastor so are the people. 

2. First Pastorate. — The first pastor of this church 
was Rev. Nathaniel Ward. He was the son of 
Kev. Joh" Ward, and was born in Haverhill, Eng- 
land, about 1570. He was educated at Cambridge ; 
he studied and practiced law, and he traveled on the 
Continent. On his return to England, he was or- 
dained a minister of the gospel, at Standon, where, 
for the expression of his Puritan views, he was sus- 
pended, till he made a public recantation. He be- 
came a Puritan exile, and soon after his arrival here, 
in June, 1634, became pastor of this church. The 
early church records were destroyed by fire, and we 
have no account of bim as undershepherd. His great 
learning fitted him for any of the professions; his 
want of health was the only impediment to a very 



high distinction. His legal attainments fitted him 
pre-eminently for the important civil and legal ser- 
vice of the colony, wherein he received many appoint- 
ments, and they served him well in expounding clearly 
and cogently the immutable law of God, wherein he 
exercised his gifts of prophecy even after his resigna- 
tion of his pastorate, which took place February 20, 
1637. 

3. Church Edifice. — It is probable that during the 
early p.irt of his ministry the first house of worship 
was built. The earliest record referring to it is found 
in the public laws of September 3, 1635, which reads 
;hat "Noe dwelling house shallbe builte above halfe 
a myle from the meeting-house," (except mill-houses 
and farm-houses of such as have their dwelling 
houses in town), in Ipswich, Newbury, Hingham and 
Weymouth. It stood on the rise of ground where 
the Wonder- Workintj Providence says it " was a very 
good prospect to a great part of the town and was 
beautifully built." 

Mr. Ward was appointed March 12, 1638, on a 
committee to draft a code of public laws. He was 
the leader and learning of the committee. He handed 
the result of their labors to the Crovernor in Septem- 
ber, 1639. 

About the middle of 1640 he, with assistance from 
Newbury, formed a settlement at Haverhill, where 
his son John became the minister. He was granted 
six hundred acres of land near Haverhill, May 10, 
1643, probably, as Mr. Felt expresses it, "for his 
public services." He was chosen May 25, 1645, on a 
committee to codify the laws for the consideration of 
the next Legislature. The laws were printed in 1648. 
The justice and foresight which the laws embodied, 
are conspicuous in our present code. Soon after com- 
pleting the work, he returned to England, and be- 
came minister of Sheufield, in count)' Essex. He 
once preached before the House of Commons. He 
published, in New and Old England, several works of 
a religious character, the most noticeable of which 
were " The Simple Cobbler of Agawani," and " The 
Simple Cobbler's Boy." He brought out the former 
in 1647. It illustrates the length to which good peo- 
ple could go in vindication of intolerance in days 
when antinomian and aggressive views were troubling 
many minds. '' It is a sparkling satire," says one, 
" known and appreciated for its keenness and wit. 
Its character and style were suited to the times, and 
it served to encourage opposition to King and Parlia- 
ment, and to moderate party excess." 

He died in 1653, at the age of eighty-three years. 
He was a man, says Mr. Felt, whose "talents, attain- 
ments and piety were of a high order; and after an 
examination of his public and religious service, and 
with a good knowledge of the public's opinion of 
him, — since he had probably then left the colony, the 
Wonder-working Providence declared him, a judicious 
man, a very able preacher, and much desired." 

His son John was minister of Haverhill. James 



IPSWICH. 



581 



went to England with his father, and became a phy- 
sician, and Giles Firman married a daughter and fol- 
lowed them over the sea. 

Mr. Felt speaks of a Rev. THOJfAS Bracey, who 
resided here in 1635. Cotton Mather did not know 
him. He probably assisted Mr. Ward a short time, 
and early returned to England. 

4. Second Pastorate. — The second pastorate was be- 
gun by Rev. John Norton. Rev. E. B. Palmer, of 
the tenth pastorate, says that Mr. Norton " was set- 
tled here in 1636, and continued in his relations to 
the church till about the year 1653, when he removed 
to Boston and became pastor of the old church of 
that place." He was probably a colleague with Mr. 
Ward, who resigned in 1637, and then became acting 
pastor till the settlement of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, 
February 20, 1638, when he was ordained teacher. 
Mr. Norton was born May 6, 1606, in Starford, county 
Hertford, England. He entered Cambridge at four- 
teen years of age, was a brilliant scholar, and took 
his first degree. On account of parental pecuniary 
embarrassment, he left college to become usher and 
curate in his native place. His intellectual promise 
attracted the attention of many. A prominent Cath- 
olic sought to win him to Popery; his uncle oftered 
him a " considerable benefice ; " he declined a fellow- 
shin at Cambridge ; he served meanwhile as chaplain 
to Sir William Masham. He could not subscribe to 
the church conformity, and cast in his lot with the 
Pilgrims. 

He arrived at Plymouth October, 1635, and settled 
here the next year. He expected friends to follow 
him, and he asked for grants of land to be held in 
reserve for them. Accordingly, lands were reserved 
in several parts of the town. His friends did not 
come, and the lands are now known as the " Norton 
Reserves." He wis an influential member of the 
Synod that heard the case of Mrs. Hutchinson in 
1637; he composed, in 1645, the reply of the New 
.England ministers to the questions on ecclesiastical 
government, proposed by Rev. AVilliam Ap<jllonius, 
of Middlebury, — a work in Latin, the first book in 
that language printed in this country, — an able crposi 
of the usages of the church fathers. He was influen- 
tial in the formation of the Cambridge Platform in 
1647 ; and in 1651 he made the reply before the Gen- 
eral Court to the treatise of Mr. William Pynchion. 
Rev. John Cotton, of Boston, who died in 1652, ad- 
vised his church to call Mr. Norton. They did call 
hira, and his friends and admirers here demurred. 
The controversy was long and warm, but he, having 
accepted the pastorate in 1653, was installed July 23, 
16.56. While of Boston he published several works, 
and was for two years in England as colonial agent. 
He was twice married, but had no chiUlren. He died 
A|iril 5, 1663, in his fifty-seventh year. 

He is said to have been learned and eloquent, an 
able disputant and a ready writer, a warm friend and 
a pious man. If failing he had, it wiis a natural iras- 



cibility, and a weakening under compliments, of 
which few men received or merited more. In this 
ordeal, among the most searching, his good sense and 
sterling piety kept his mind and heart. When he 
left England, a venerable minister remarked that " he 
believed that there was not more grace and holiness 
left in all Essex, than what Mr. Norton had carried 
with him." Mr. Felt remarks, " He was, undoubtedly, 
one of the greatest divines, who ever graced this or 
any other country. He was emphatically 'diligent 
in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.' As a 
result of this, many souls were given him as the seals 
of his ministry." 

The pastor of the church at this time was Rev. 
Nathaniel Rogers. He was the second son of 
John, best known as minister of Dedham, in Eng- 
land, and was born in 159S, while his father minis- 
tered in Haverhill, England. He was a lineal de- 
scendant of the Smithfield martyr. He had a pious 
mother, and rewarded her Christian care and instruc- 
tion with evidence of early piety. He entered 
Emmanuel College, Cambridge, w'hen about fourteen 
years old, and was eminently scholarly in his attain- 
ments and Christian in his deportment. He began 
his labors as chaplain, then he was curate, but con- 
formity to the established church troubled him and 
he must flee its power. He had married Margaret 
Crane, of Coggshall, daughter of a gentleman of 
wealth, who offered to maintain him and his family 
if he would remain at home. His heart spoke bis con- 
viction, and he declined the generous offer. He ar- 
rived in Boston in November, 1636, " after a long and 
tedious voyage." 

In 1637 he was a member of the Synod convened 
in reference to the antinomians; he received a call 
to settle at Dorchester, but chose to fraternize with 
Ward and Norton and Winthrop, and he was ordain- 
ed here February 20, 1638. The same year he took 
the oath of freeman. Mr. Palmer says that " seven- 
teen male members of his church in England came 
with him to this town," and that tradition names 
them, — William Goodhue, Nathaniel Hart, Nathaniel 
Dav, Robert Lord and Messrs. Warner, Quilter, 
Waite, Scott, Littlefield, Lainbcrt, Lumax, Brad- 
street, Dane and Noyes. 

He was long in feeble health, and in consequence 
was subjected to periods of despondency. Hemor- 
rhage of the lungs was his boding trouble. He was 
obliged to reduce his manual labors to their mini- 
mum, and his later sermons were not written. He, 
however, kept a diary ; but, as he requested, it was 
burned after his death. He little realized how much 
value for other days he thus destroyed. He left a 
manuscript production, in fine, classical Latin, a jdea 
for Congregational church government. He was 
much exercised in mind and heart when Mr. Norton 
went to Boston. He was burdened with his infirmity 
and with cares, and an att.ack of an epidemical in- 
fluenza proved fatal. With his latest breath, he ex- 



582 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



claimed, — " My times are in Tliy hands." Tlius the 
" reverend and holy man of God fell on sleep," July 
3, 1655. During this pastorate, "this church, says 
Wonder- Workintj Providence, consisted of about one 
hundred and sixty souls, being exact in their con- 
versation, and free from the epidemical diseases of 
all reforming churches, which under Christ, is pro- 
cured by their pious Learned and Orthodox min- 
istry." It calls the pastor " a very sweet, heavenly- 
miuded man, . . . whose mouth the Lord was 
pleased to fill with many arguments for the defense 
of his truth." Rev. William Hubbard, his son-in- 
law, says of him, — " He had eminent learning, sin- 
gular piety and holy zeal. His auditory was his 
epistle, seen and read of all that knew him." He 
left an estate of £1200. His widow died January 
23, l(5f!(5. His children were John, Nathaniel, Sam- 
uel, Timothy, Ezekiel and the wife of Mr. Hubbard. 
The amount of all the salaries had been £140 
previous to 1652, but was then changed to £160, 
which in 1656 was paid "three parts in wheat and 
barley and fourth part in Indian." 

Third Pastorate. From the death of Mr. Rogers 
till Mr. Cobbett's settlement, the church was without 
a pastor. This wiis the Rev. Thomas Cobbett, who 
was born in Newbury, England, in 1608. He studied 
at Oxford, then with Dr. Twigs, of his native town, 
and prepared for the ministry. Soon after his set- 
tlement, he was confronted with conformity. He 
came to this country, arriving June 26, 1637. He was 
colleague at Lynn, till he was invited to succeed Mr. 
Rogers. Mr. Palmer says he was settled in 1656. 

5. Church Edifice. -During his pastorate a new 
house of worship was built. Ezekiel Woodward and 
Freegrace Norton contracted, June 10, 1667, to furnish 
timber, and June 18, 1668, to furnish shingles for 
a new meeting-house. The steeple was completed 
October 22, 1667, when the committee was discharged 
with thanks. In 1673 they voted to repair the house 
" with speed." In 1674 seats were put in the gallery. 
Early in 1677 a committee was to see about keeping 
the house " tite." In 1681 it had a " pouder Roome." 
It stood where the present First Church edifice 
stands. In 1665 the salaries amounted to £210. 

Mr. Cobbett was a noted public man, sought out 
for his learning, his diligence, his readiness in de- 
bate, the dexterous use of his pen and his stabil- 
ity of purpose and action. Yet amid arduous public 
labors he found time to attend carefully and dutifully 
to his flock. In about four mouths, beginning in De- 
cember, 1673, nearly ninety were added to the 
church, some in full communion and some by 
" taking the covenant." There were sixty-five males. 
Twenty-four of the " young generation " took the 
covenant. He conferred special privileges on the 
children of his laity in full communion, thus enact- 
ing in advance a half-way covenant, like that sanc- 
tioned by the synod shortly after and drafted, doubt- 
less, by his own hand ; a covenant so noble in purpose, 



so mischievous in practice. He was watchful of the 
needs of the pious poor, and promptly excommuni- 
cated the scandalous. His ministry was noted for its 
Christian fervor. 

In 1643 his pen advocated a negative vote for the 
Assistants; in 1644 he preached the Election Sermon ; 
in 1657 was of a committee of thirteen to answer 
ecclesiastical questions, proposed by the Legislature 
of Connecticut ; in 1661 was one of a committee on 
"our patent," our laws and privileges and duty to 
His Majesty; in 1668 was one of six ministers to rea- 
son several Baptists out of their peculiar views ; in 
1676 was one of twenty-four to counsel in the case of 
Gorges and Mason ; in 1677 he handed Increase 
Mather " a Narrative of Striking Events." He pub- 
lished, in 1645, " Defense of Infant Baptism," 
" Prayer," " First, Second and Fifth Command- 
ments," "Toleration and Duties of Civil Magistrates;" 
in 1653, " Vindication of the New England Govern- 
ment, " " Civil Magistrates in Religious Matters ;" 
in 1656, " Duties of Children to Parents and of 
Parents to Children ;" and in 1666 an Election Ser- 
mon. " He wrote more books than any man of hia 
generation, yet not one has survived to this day." 

He was a great man. The great and learned and 
wise of his day regarded him as their noble peer. He 
was equally at home in matters of Church and State. 
No invective deterred him, no flattery swerved him ; 
once planted on his judgment of duty and righteous- 
ness, he remained firm and garnered success in the 
end. Says Mr. Felt, "So far as human imperfections 
permitted, he was a pastor after God's own heart." 
He went to his reward November 5, 1685, at the age 
of seventy-seven. Provisions for his funeral included 
a barrel of wine, half a hundred weight of sugar, 
men's and women's gloves, and spice and ginger for 
"Syder.'' His widow, Elizabeth, died the next year. 
Three children crossed the bound of life before he 
did and three remained to mourn, — Samuel, Thomas, 
John, who was located at Newbury at the time, and 
Elizabeth. His estate was valued at £607. His epi- 
taph, as conceived by the great Cotton Mather, ran 
thus : " Stay, passenger, for here lies a treasure, 
Thomas Cobbett, of whose availing prayers and most 
approved manners, you, if an inhabitant of New Eng- 
land, need not be told. If you cultivate piety, ad- 
mire him ; if you wish for happiness, follow him." 

This was the office of 

KEV. WILLIAM HUBBARD, 

Whose father was AVilliam and who was born in Eng- 
land in 1621, and crossed the ocean with his father in 
1630. He graduated at Harvard College in 1642, a 
member of the first class. The same year, 4th July, 
he was called as colleague with Mr. Cobbett, and, 
says Mr. Palmer, was " probably settled as such in 
1656," which statement seems corroborated by a vote 
of the town, recorded in Mr. Cobbett's pastorate. 
This pastorate he occupied till his death, September 
14, 1704, when he was eighty-three. 



IPSWICH. 



583 



In 1667 he testified against the " Old South, in Bos- 
ton, in the settlement there of John Davenport ; in 
1671 he and fourteen others memorialized the Legis- 
lature against the censure of its committee for advis- 
ing the formation of South Church Society in Boston ; 
in 1675 he was of a council to advise in Mr. .Jeremiah 
Shepard's case, as minister inRowle_v; in 1676 he 
pre.ached the Election Sermon. About 1677 he 
brought out his " Troubles with the Indians in 1676- 
77," to which was appended " The War with the 
Pequods " in 1637, and also " Troubles with the In- 
dians from Piscataqua to Pemaqnid.'' The works are 
now known as "' Hubbard's Indian Wars." In May, 
16.S0, he had compiled a history of New England. 
The Legislature voted him £50 for the work. It 
was then much needed, was done in a commendable 
manner and has proved to be of great value. He was 
appointed to "manage" the Commencement of Har- 
vard College, .July 1, 1684 ; and, in June, 1688, he 
was appointed by Andros acting president at the fol- 
lowing Commencement, a high honor which he jtrob- 
ably did not accept. In 1699 he arraigned the Brattle 
Street Church, in Boston, for irregularity in doctrine, 
baptism and communion. In 1701 his decrepit age 
was overburdensome and he asked for more assist- 
ance ; and in 1702 gave up pastoral labors entirely, 
when his people voted him a gift of £60, and in 1704 
he rested from his toils. 

6. Church Edifice. — In 1686 all the salaries paid 
were £160, and in 1696 the salaries were paid, one- 
third money and " the rest in pay." The same year 
the church edifice was repaired, but November 4th, 
two years later, Abraham Perkins contracted to build 
a new house, for £900— £500 money and £400 as 
money. The house was to be " 26 feet stud, 66 feet 
long and 60 feet wide, with s gables on every side, 
with one Teer of gallery round said house ; as far as 
necessan,', having five seats in the gallery on every 
side thereof, with as many windows or lights as the 
committee or said Perkins can agree for." In 1700 
Abraham Tilton agreed to finish the meeting-house, 
and Abraham Perkins is relea-sed. The house stood 
where the present First Church edifice stands. The 
same year the old bell, the gift of " Hon. Richard 
Saltonstall," was sold to Marblehead for £37}, and a 
new one, weighing 200 pounds, was bought in Eng- 
land for £72. In 1702 a clock was purchased. 

Mr. Hubbard's first wife was Jlargaret Rogers, daugh- 
terof Rev. Nathaniel, alady of raresociiil worth. Their 
children were John and Nathaniel, and Margaret, the 
wife of John Pynchon, of Springfield. His last wife 
was Mary, widow of Samuel Pearce, who died in 
1691. She was alive in 1710. 

He was a judicious adviser, a faithful laborer in 
the Master's vineyard and righteous in his inter- 
course with men. John Dunton said of him: "The 
benefit of nature and the fiitigue of study have 
equally contributed to his eminence. He is learned 
without ostentation or vanity, and gave all his pro- 



ductions such a delicate turn and grace, that the 
features and lineaments of the child make a clear 
discovery and distinction of the father; yet he is a 
man of singular modesty, of strict morals and has 
done as much for the convertion of the Indians, as 
most men in New England." He "certainly was, for 
many years, the most eminent minister in Essex 
County, equal to any in the Province for learning and 
candor, and superior to all of his contemporaries as a 
writer." For his great labors and his moral and 
Christian worth, he is held in grateful remembrance. 

Another minister of this pastorate was Rev. .John 
RoGf;ES, M.D., the eldest son of Rev. Nathaniel, of 
the second pastorate. He came to this country in 
16.36, with his parents. He entered Harvard College 
in his tenth year, and graduated in 1649. He studied 
medicine and divinity. He wore the title " Rev.," 
though there does not appear to be any record of hi.s 
ordination. He was called here to preach July 4, 
1656, by Mr. Hubbard, and afterwards became assis- 
tant to him and Mr. Cobbett. Tradition assigns to 
him " The Lecture," as his particular service, and re- 
fers to his small salary as commensurate with his 
duty. He was the while, the principal physician in 
town. Although his youth was marked with periods 
of hereditary despondency, the business of active life 
wore off the sharp angles of his temperament, and 
made him one of the great men of his day. He was 
invited to the presidency of Harvard College upon 
the death of President Oakes. He accepted and en- 
tered upon his office Augu.st 12, 1683. This was a 
l)lace of honor and responsibility, for which his dig- 
nity and firmness, his deportment and culture, his 
wisdom and learning, particularly fitted him; but his 
sun hardly rose above the morning's gray twilight. 
Just before his first commencement he was prostrated 
by a "sudden visitation of sickness." Mr. Hubbard, 
of this pastorate, was appointed to "manage" the 
commencement, and Mr. Rogers died on the regular 
Commencement Day, .July 2, 1684. 

His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Daniel 
Denison, and died June 13, 1723, at the age of eiglity- 
two years. His children were Elizabeth, Margaret, 
John, Daniel, Nathaniel and Patience. His tomb is 
in Cambridge, and his epitaph is as follows: 

" There is committed to this earth and this tomb a depository of Itind- 
nefs, a garner of divine linowledse, a library of ]ioliee literature, a sys- 
tem of medicine, a residence of integrity, an ahoile of faith, an example 
of Christian sincerity. .\ treasury of all these excellencies was the 
earthly part of Rev. John Kogers, son of the very learneil Rogers, of 
Ipswich, and grandson of the noted Rogers of Cedham, Old England, 
the excellent and justly beloved president of Harvard Collego. His spir- 
it suddenly taken fn.ni us .Inly 2, A. n., lr,84, and in the tlfty-fourth 
year of his age. Precious is the part that remains with us even while n 
corpse." 

Another minister of this pastorate w.as Mr. John 
Den-nison, whose father was John, who.se grand- 
father was Gen. Daniel and whose mother was Jlar- 
tha Symonds, daughter of the deputy-governor. 
John fitted for college at the grammar school, and 



584 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



graduated from Harvard in 1684. Mr. Palmer says 
that, according to frenerally received testimony, he 
became the actual pastor of this church iu 1686. 
Other statements represent him to have been elected 
to the pastoral office, but on account of tailing health, 
he was not ordained. He was permitted, however, 
to render pastoral service to this people for quite 
three years. Mr. Felt says: "He engaged, April 5, 
1686, to preach one-quarter of the time as helper to 
Mr. Hubbard, and the next year one-third of the 
time. The atfection of this people was strong to- 
wards him, and their estimation of his merits un- 
commonly high. They elected him for their pastor, 
but he was not ordained." He was, no doubt, a 
young man, of rare attainments and virtue; his ill- 
health, however, crippled his activity, and finally 
prostrated him. He slept in Jesus September 14, 
1689, in his twenty-fourth year. 

His wife was Elizabeth Saltonstall, daughter of 
Hon. Nathaniel, of Haverhill. She survived him, 
and married Rev. Rowland Cotton, of Sandwich, and 
died in Boston July ;>, 1726. He left a son John, who 
was born in 1689. Cotton Mather describes him as 
" a gentleman of uncommon accomplishments and 
e.xpectations," and " a pastor of whose fruit the church 
in Ipswich tasted with an uncommon satisfaction." 

7. Fourth Pastorate. — This was Rev. John Rogers', 
son of Rev. John, president of Harvard College, a 
native of this town, born July 7, 1666. He studied 
in the grammar school and graduated at Harvard 
College in 1684, when his father died and when he 
was eighteen years old. He was called to this church 
during the service of Messrs. Hubbard and Dennison, 
March 9, 1686. He complied as early as 1688, and 
December 24, 1689, was asked to settle. In relation 
to his salary there was a diflerence of one hundred 
acres of land, and for that reason he was not ordained 
till October 12, 1692. In 1702 Mr. Hubbard was too 
feeble to preach, and August 13th Mr. Rogers acceded 
to the full ministerial duty, wherein he continued till 
the next year, when Rev. JaOez Fitch came as col- 
league. 

During this pastorate, in 1712, the old diminutive 
turret was removed to give place to a commodious 
belfry. In 1743 there was a very extensive revival of 
religion, as a result of the evangelical labors of Revs. 
Whitefleld and Tennant, a full account of which was 
published by Mr. Rogers iu the " Christian History." 

In 1726, when he had served his people, he said, 
"thirty-seven years," he had sold a part of his prop- 
erty and mortgaged the rest to meet the requirements 
of his family, his salary having depreciated through 
a depreciated currency. Although depreciation was 
a common burden, his people promptly lifted his 
mortgage by a gift of a hundred pounds, and in 1733 
they gave him forty pounds to repair his house. He 
died December 28, 1745, and his society voted a fune- 
ral benefit of two hundred pounds old tenor. His 
(lortrait is with the Essex Historical Society. 



His first wife was Martha Smith, whom he married 
January 12, 1687. His second wife was Martha 
Whittingham, daughter of William, whom he married 
November 4, 1691, and who died March 9, 1759, at 
the great age of eighty-nine years. His children were 
John, Samuel, Nathaniel, Richard, Elizabeth (who 
died an infimt), Martha, Mary, William and Daniel 
and Elizabeth, twins. 

Mr. Felt says of him : " Such was the strength of his 
mind, the amount of his acquisitions in learning and 
theology, the prominence of his piety and the perse- 
vering labore of his ministry, that he held a high 
rank in the estimation of his people and of the pub- 
lic." Mr. Wigglesworth, of the Hamlet, January 5th, 
the Sabbath after the funeral, thus referred to him : 
" If the tree is to be known and judged by its fruits, 
we have reason to think him as eminent for his piety 
as learning; as great a Christian as a divine. There 
are many living witnesses of the success of his minis- 
terial labors, as was a multitude who went before him 
to glory, both of whom shall be his crown when the 
great Shepherd shall appear. His old age was not 
infirm and decrepid, but robust, active and useful, 
whereby he was enabled to labor in word and doctrine 
to the last, and quit the stage of life in action." 

Another minister of this pastorate was Rev. Jabez 
Fitch, who was the son of Rev. James Fitch, of 
Norwich, Conn. He graduated from Harvard College 
in 1694, was tutor there 1697-1703, and was elected 
Fellow in 1700. The town voted, October 5, 1702, to 
call him to the office of assistant to Mr. Rogers. He 
accepted December 11, 1702, and was ordained Octo- 
ber 24, 1703. His settlement was .£150 current mon- 
ey. His salary was £60 for the first year; £70 for the 
second year ; and £80 for the third year, " and so to 
continue." In 1724 he complained that his sup])ort 
was not sufficient, and though the parish tried hard 
to meet his demand, he began to preach at Ports- 
mouth with a view to settle there, which he did the 
next year. His claim upon this society was adjusted 
by referees September 22, 1726. 

He assisted Dr. Belknap in the preparation of the 
"History of New Hampshire. The earthquake of 
1727 called forth a sermon which was published. He 
was a man of great learning, had a strong, clear mind, 
a cheerful disposition, a benevolent spirit and a pious 
heart. He was eminently useful during a long life, 
falling asleep in his seventy-fifth year, November 22, 
1746. His wife was Elizabeth Appleton, daughter of 
Col. John, married June 10, 1704. 

8. Fifth Pastorate. — This we must call Rev. Na- 
thaniel Rogers' pastorate. He was son of Rev. 
John, who then occupied the pulpit, and was born 
March 4, 1702. He fitted for college at the Gramm.ar 
School, and graduated from Harvard College in 1721. 
He succeeded Mr. Fitch, and assisted his father for a 
year or more, when August 16, 1726, the church gave 
him a call to settle. In the call the society concurred 
September 15th, and he was ordained October 18 



IPSWICH. 



585 



1727, as colleague. His salary was £130 annually for 
three years, and £150 annually tliereafter. 

9. Church Edifice. — Mr. Rogers built a new meet- 
ing-house. The frame was raised April 19, 1749. It 
was twenty-six feet stud, forty-seven feet wide and 
sixty-three feet long. On either side of the broad 
aisle were seats instead of the old box-pews, one row 
of seats for females, and the other for males. The 
house was supplied with wood-stoves. Hitherto the 
foot-stoves had furnished all the warmth. In 1743 
there was a fine of fifteen shillings for leaving a foot- 
stove in chtirch, and of five shillings for the careless 
use of them. The weathercock surmounting the 
steeple was one hundred and eighteen feet above the 
base. 

In 1739 Mr. Rogers preached a memorial of Col. 
John Appleton ; in 1743 he made with others a 
written statement " that there has been a happy and 
remarkable revival of religion in many parts of this 
land, through an uncommon divine influence, after a 
long time of great decay and deadness." This was 
the great awakening that was felt throughout New 
England. This church invited Messrs. Tennant and 
Whitefield, and engaged, heart and soul, in the work, 
with these gratifying results: In the five years follow- 
ing 1741, during the ministry of father and son, one 
hundred and forty-four persons were added to the 
church, cue hundred and twenty-three of whom are 
said to have been the result of the Whitefield revival. 
In 174G there were more than three hundred mem- 
bers. The same year he refused the assistance of Mr. 
,lohu Walley as colleague. Mr. Walley had declined 
pulpit exchanges with a minister who had officiated 
for a wevi church, in Boston, composed of members 
from other orthodox churches. The stand taken by 
Mr. Rogers caused a deep excitement, and the germi- 
nation of the South Church. In 1747 he helped to or- 
dain Mr. Cleaveland over a new church in Essex ; in 
17(53 preached the sermon at the ordination of Mr. 
John Treadwell, of Lynn, and a memorial of Deacon 
Samuel Williams of his own church, which were 
(printed. In 1765 he gave the right-hand of fellow- 
ship to Rev. Joseph Dana of the South Parish ; in 
1752 he asked for a colleague, and ofl'ered to relinquish 
a third of his salary for that purpose. He had assist- 
ance March 30, 1764, because of sickness. His 
natural infirmities had been to him for many years a 
cause of anxiety, and they fccemed to grow with his 
years. He owned their power and peacefully submit- 
ted May 10, 1775. 

Mary Leverett Denison, daughter of President Lev- 
erett of Harvard College, and widow of Col. John 
Denison, was his first wife, married December 25, 

1728. His second wife was widow Mary Stauiford, 
married May 4, 1758, and died in 17811. His children 
were Margaret, Sarah, Elizabeth, Martha, Lucy and 
Nathaniel. 

He was emphatically a strong-minded man ; he 
could state exactly his reason for the hope within 
37 J 



him ; he could not brook irregularity in faith or prac- 
tice. Clearly perceiving his way, he pursued it 
without fear or favor and with few or many. His ob- 
ject was a clear conscience. He was an industrious 
man and charitable. The welfare of his church was 
his pride, and deeds of kindness his solace. Read the 
record upon the tomb : 

" A mind profoundly great, a lieart that felt 
Tlio ties of nature, friendship and Innnanity, 
Distinguished wisdom, dignity of manners ; 
Tliose marlied the man ; but witli suiwrior grace. 
The Cliristian shone in faitli and heavenly zeal. 
Sweet peace, true greatness, and prevailing prayer. 
Dear Man of God ! with what strong agonies 
He wrestled for his flock ami fur the world ; 
And, like A polios, mighty in the Scriptures, 
Opened the mysteries of love divine. 
And the great name of Jesus ! 
\Varm from his lips the heavenly doctrine fell. 
And numbers, rescued from the jaws of hell. 
Shall hail him blest in realms of light unknown, 
And add immortal lustre to his crown." 

Mr. Rogers' assistant was Rev. Timothy Symmes, 
who was born in Scituate, graduated from Harvard, 
and ordained at East Haddam, Conn. He began his 
work here in.l752, and labored in season and out of 
season, in whatever his hands found to do, for the 
stability of the church and the good of souls. He 
was called to his reward in the midst of his useful- 
ness, and the ripeness of his manhood. He died April 
6, 1756, in his forty-first year. His wife was Eunice 
Cogswell, daughter of Francis and Hannah. He left 
two sons, — Ebenezer and William, born about 1755 
and 1756 ; his widow married Richard Potter. 

10. Sixth Pastorate. — This was held by Rev. Levi 
Frisbie. Mr. Frisbie was born in April, 1748, at 
Brantford, Conn. At the age of sixteen he joined 
Dr. Wheclock's Indian Charity School, at Lebanon, 
where he became seriously affected, and began a 
preparation for college, which he completed with 
Dr. liellaniy, of Bethlehem. He entered Yale Col- 
lege and remained more than three years, but gradu- 
ated at Dart'iiouth College, with the first class, in 

1771. He was much attached to Dr. Wheelock, in- 
terested in the permanency of the school, and was 
devoted to the cause of Indian education. While a 
senior at Dartmouth College, he sung the labors, the 
anxieties and the remarkable occurrences attending 
the removal of the school and college and their estab- 
lishment at Hanover. His poem concludes as follows 

"Thus Dartm'mth, Imppy in her sylvan seat. 
Drinks the pure pleasures of her fair retreat ; 
Her songs of praise in notes melodious rise, 
Like clouds of incense to the listening skies ; 
Her God protects her with paternal care 
From ills distractive and each fatal snare ; 
And may he still protect, and she adore. 
Till Heaven and earth and time shall ije no more."' 

To prosecute his desire to Christianize the Indians, 
he and, at the same time, David McClure were or- 
dained missionaries at Dartmouth College May 21, 

1772, and the next month proceeded to occupy their 
chosen field along the Muskingum. Hut the year 



586 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



belonged to the decade of war, the country was exer- 
cised with questions of statecraft, and agitated with 
the precursors of war, and, more than all to him, 
the Indian was inimical to the English. He aband- 
oned his mission, traveled in Canada, labored awhile 
in Maine, and visited the South. In March, 1775, he 
became an assistant to Mr. Rogers, and after the 
death of that venerable pastor, accepted a call to 
settle, and was installed February 7, 1776. His sal- 
ary was one hundred pounds. He was patriotically 
devoted to his calling. His heart and hands were 
warm and active for his countr}^ He labored for her 
salvation, and hoped as he hoped for the salvation of 
souls. As his heart succeeded in his country's wel- 
fare, so the Blessed Spirit aided him in the church. 
Especially was His power manifest in the years 1799 
and 1800, when twenty-eight were added to the 
church. During his ministry there were added 
eighty of such as should be saved. 

In 1781 be published an oration upon the an- 
nouncement of peace; in 1784 a memorial of Rev. 
Moses Parsons, of Newbury ; in 1799 two fast sermons 
and a fellowship address at the ordination of Mr. 
Josiah Webster; in 1800 a eulogy on tieorge Wash- 
ington and a thanksgiving sermon ; and in 1804 a 
sermon before the Society for Propagating the Gospel 
among the Indians. 

In 1805 his church contributed largely to the for- 
mation of a Baptist society in town, which not a little 
disturbed the well-earned quiet and the tender sensi- 
bility of his age. His last official service was to ad- 
minister the sacrament September 21, 1805. He 
died February 25, 1806. His parish voted a funeral 
benefit of one hundred dollars, and Rev. Asahel 
Huntington, of Topsfield, preached at his interment 
the 28tb. 

His first wife was Zevirah Sprague, eldest daughter 
of Captain Samuel Sprague, of Lebanon, Conn. She 
was born March, 1747, and she died August 21, 1778, in 
her thirty-second year. His second wife was Mehit- 
able Hale, of Newburyport; married June 1, 1780, 
and died April 6, 1828, aged niuety-six. His children 
were Mary, Sarah, Levi, Nathaniel and Mehitable. In 
his personal appearance he was, says Mr. Felt, " of 
light complexion, above the common height, and ra- 
ther large." Dr. Dana, of the South Church, pays the 
following tribute to his memory: "His manner was 
serious, his conception lively, his expre.ssion natural 
and easy. He was interesting and profitable. He 
read, thought and conversed much. His labors were 
blessed. In his catechizing and visits he was affec- 
tionate. He had great tenderness of conscience. 
The loss to his family and flock was great. The 
vicinity was greatly bereaved. The Society for Pro- 
moting the Gospel have, in him, lost a worthy mem- 
ber. Zion at large will mourn. But to him it is be- 
lieved that death was a blessed release." 

11. Seventh Pastorate. — Mr. Frisbie's successor was 
Rev. David Tenney Kimball. He was born in 



Bradford November 23, 1782, to Lieutenant Daniel 
and Elizabeth-Tenney Kimball. He united with the 
Bradford Church November 13, 1803, where his pa- 
rents had consecrated him in baptism years before. 
He dated his conversion from a period in his college 
life. He graduated at Harvard College in 1803, 
taught one year in Phillips Academy, Andover, 
studied divinity, or theology, with Rev. Jonathan 
French, of same place, and was approbated by the 
Andover Association August 6, 1805. He was intro- 
duced to this pulpit by Rev. Mr. Frisbie on the com- 
munion Sabbath, September 22, 1805. He was called 
to settle, without a dissenting voice, June 17, 1806, 
was ordained October 8th following, and continued 
in the ministry till 1851, when he withdrew from the 
activities and responsibilities of pastor, retaining, 
however, his relationship till his death, February 3, 
1860. He had a settlement of six hundred dollars 
and a salary of six hundred dollars. 

Father Kimball's was a long and useful service. 
He left nearly two thousand fairly written sermons, 
and the Good Spirit crowned his labors with remark- 
able success, as appears from his last pulpit utterance 
— his semi-centennial address, October 8, 1856. At 
the time of his settlement the membership of the 
church was twelve males and forty-one females — a 
total of fifty-three. He had admitted three hundred 
and fifty — three hundred and twelve by profession, 
and thirty-eight by letter. The address further states 
that he had attended more than a thousand funerals, 
nine hundred and seventy of which were in his own 
parish ; he had united in marriage more than a thou- 
sand persons ; and that only two of the members of 
the church when he was ordained were then living. 

He was an esteemed and useful member of the Es- 
sex North Association of Ministers, was chosen 
Scribe May 12, 1812, and continued in the office till 
his death. He survived all who were members of the 
association when he was settled, and all but two of 
those who were clergymen in the couuty at that time. 
He was a warm friend of the cause of education, a 
member of the American Educational Society, whose 
object it was to assist young men preparing for the 
ministry, and did much to enlist the etforts of the 
churches in its behalf, and his service for the schools 
in his own town was valuable. 

The following are among his publications : " A Fel- 
lowship Address at the Ordination of Messrs. Cyrus 
Kingsbury and Daniel Smith as Missionaries to the 
West," in 1815; "Female Obligations and Disposi- 
tion to Promote Christianity,'' in 1819 ; " Sermon be- 
fore the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Chris- 
tian Knowledge," "The Installation Sermon to Rev. 
William Ritchie, of Needham," and "Ecclesiastical 
History of Ipswich, in 1821; "The Fellowship Ad- 
dress at the Ordination of Mr. Daniel Filz over the 
South Church," in 1826; "An Address before the 
Essex County Foreign Mission Society," in 1827 
" An Address before the Essex County Auxiliary 



IPSWICH. 



587 



Educational Society," in 1S28; "First Church Cen- 
tennial Sermon," in 1834; "Sermon," in 1838; "Ser- 
mon," in 1839; "Last Sermon in Old Meeting- 
house," in 1846 ; " First Sermon in the New Meeting- 
House, in 1847 : " " Semi-Centennial of his Ordina- 
tion," in 1856 ; " Memorial of Rev. Isaac Braman, of 
Georgetown," and " Memorial of Rev. Gardiner B. 
Perry, D.D., of Groveland," — which he was preparing 
for the press, when prostrated with his last sickness 
— in 1860. He also contributed to various religious 
publications. 

He married October 20, 1807. Dolly Varnnm Co- 
burn, daughter of Captain Peter and Elizabeth-Poor 
Coburn, of Draent, and granddaughter of Deacon 
Daniel Poor, of Andover. They had seven children 
and one adopted child. See " Noted Natives" be- 
low. 

Mr. Kimball was a learned, laborious and eminent- 
ly useful man ; he had a welcome and honored place 
among the titled and learned men of his dav ; yet it 
was not beneath his dignity to recite nightly, with 
his worthy consort, their cradle hymn : 

" Now I lay me down to sleep, 
I pray tlie Lord my soul to keep ; 
If I should die before I wake, 
I pray the Lord my soul to take," 

— a practice which seldom outgrows childhood, but 
which, if continued, would tend to banish dissipa- 
tion and profanity, to polish speech, and to ennoble 
character. 

Says one who knew him : " The distinct impression 
which he leaves on the memories of all who knew 
him, is his fidelity and untiring industry. As the 
old divines used to say, he was a painful preacher, a 
painful pastor, a painful scholar, a painful man. This 
mark pervaded all his performances. His voice was 
confined in its compass and husky, and yet he con- 
trived to impress on his audience the conclusion of 
most of his sermons. He always disappointed you 
on the right side, making a deeper impression than 
you had anticipated. His sermons were very care- 
fully written. He visited his people with uncommon 
diligence. He was a respectable scholar in sacred 
Greek, but began Hebrew after he was forty years 
old, and by perseverance enabled himself to profit by 
the exegetical commentaries of the times. O, departed 
brother ! if we have something to forget, we have 
much to remember ; and may thy activity and devo- 
tion preach to us forever." 

The remains of this worthy man repose in the 
High Street Cemetery, where a monument is erected 
to his memory. The sliaft is of Oak Hill granite, and 
is fifteen feet high, surmounted with a cross and 
crown. The inscription reads : 

•' Rev. David Tenney Kimball, born in Bradford, JIass., Nov. 23, 1782: 
graduated at Harvard College in 1803, ordained the eleventh Pastor 
of the First Congregational Churc'i in Ipswich, Oct. 8, 1806, in which 
relation he died, Feb. 3, 1860, aged 77 years,' 

"A fine classical tcholar, a vigorous writer,a man of unsullied purity 



and humble piety, akind husband and tender parent, a sincere friend, a 
faithful pastor." 

"When the summons came, catching a glimpse of heaven, he said, 
'The gates of the New Jerusalem are open, I see within the city.' " 

12, Eighth Pastorale. — Rev. Robert Southgate suc- 
ceeded Father Kimball. Mr. Southgate wiis born in 
Portland, Me.. January 28, 1808. His parents were 
Horatio and Nabby-McLellan Southgate. He fitted 
for college in his native city, and graduated at Bow- 
doin College in 1826, when he was eighteen years old. 
He dated his conversion from the week of prayer for 
colleges; he unhesitatingly consecrated himself, as 
four of his other brothers had done, to the Christian 
ministry. He completed the prescribed course at the 
Andover Theological Seminary, then studied a year 
in the Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn. After 
spending a year in various ministerial labors, he was 
called to the Congregational Church, at Woodstock, 
Vt., and he entered upon the duties January 4, 1832. 
During the winter of 1834-3.5, he experienced a show- 
er of divine grace, which brought into the churches 
in the town more than two hundred persons, and the 
greater part to the Congregational Church. In 1836, 
his health failing, he resigned, and he was dismissed 
October 26th. He was settled over the Congrega- 
tional Church in Wethersfield, Conn., February 7, 
1838, as colleague pastor with Rev. C. J. Tenney, D. 
D., and became full pastor on the resignation of Dr. 
Tenney, January 10, 1841. He had there three 
marked seasons of religious interest. The church 
membership was enlarged by one hundred and sev- 
enty-three accessions. He requested a dismission, 
which took place November 22, 1843. The church 
keenly regretted his withdrawal. He was next settled 
over a young and small Presbyterian Church, in 
Monroe, Mich., in October, 184.5. In two years the 
society built and furnished a beautiful and commo- 
dious house of worship ; and while he was there, he 
experienced many seasons of refreshing and many 
accessions to the church. Malarial troubles in his 
family forced him to relinquish the pleasant place 
and goodly heritage for the green hills and healthful 
air of New England. 

In December, 1850, he was called unanimously 
and urgently to this church, and was installed July 
24th following. Here also his labors were blessed 
with many tokens of divine favor, and one hundred 
and twenty-five persons became members of the 
church. In his seventeenth year he tendered his 
resignation, which was not accepted. He renewed it, 
and was dismissed March 31, 1867. He then preached 
a year in Hartford, Conn., while the pastor of the 
church was in Europe; then a year at Oxford, N. H.; 
and then a year at Hartford, Vt., where he was called 
to settle, and was installed December 20, 1871. 
During his service there, the society repaired and 
beautified the house of worship, and the churcli mem- 
bership was enlarged. In that vineyard of the Lord, 
"he was not for God took him." He died of apo- 



588 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



plexy, Thursday, February 6, 1873, while visiting his 
daughter at Woodstock, and passed 

" In the wink of an eye, or the draught of a breath, 
From the blosaom of health to the paleness of death." 

Mr. Southgate contributed forty-two years of earn- 
est Christian labor ; five churches were blessed and 
strengthened by his efficient ministry, and left har- 
monious and sorrowing at his departure. Says the 
memorial of him : " He was a sensitive, modest, self- 
distrustful man, whose full merit was slowly discov- 
ered. He was a plain, direct, earnest preacher, 
glorying in the cross of Christ. He had a tropical 
exuberance of feeling and language through which he 
always made Christian truth seem like a garden well- 
sown and cultured, and bearing precious fruit in 
abundance. He had an extraordinary gift in prayer, 
that showed he dwelt in the prophet's own cham- 
ber, whose windows looked out upon the glorious 
heavens. He excelled as a pastor, his heart was 
quick and sympathetic, and carried on it the burden 
of his people." That " he was a good minuter of 
Jesus Christ " was the people's verdict. 

Mr. Southgate married, October, 1832, Miss Mary 
Frances Swan, daughter of Benjamin Swan, Esq., of 
Woodstock. She died October 2, 1867. There were 
five children. One died young, the others are wor- 
shippers with the people of God, one of whom is a 
minister of the gospel ; another, a native of this town, 
is noticed in "Noted Natives" below. 

13. Mnth Pastorate. — Rev. Thomas Morong was 
installed February 5, 1868. His pastorate continued 
about eight years, closing January 12, 1876, which we 
believe was a season of general prosperity. 

14. Tenth Pastorate. — Rev. Edwin Beaman 
Palmer was born in Belfast, Me., .September 25, 
1833. He fitted for college at North Bridgeton, 
1850-52; graduated at Bowdoin College August 6, 
1856, and at the Bangor Theological Seminary in 
1859. For a year, while studying in the Seminary, 
he held the principalship of the high and grammar 
schools in Brunswick. He was ordained, September 
20, 1859, over the Second Congregational Church in 
New Castle, which he resigned because of nervous ex- 
haustion from over work, and from which he was dis- 
missed, February 10, 1862. From October 10, 1862, 
to March, 1863, he served in the field as chaplain of 
the Nineteenth Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry, 
and from March to October, 1864, the Pine Street 
Church, Lewiston, when the pastor was temporarily 
in the army. He was installed, December 26, 1864, 
at Southbridge, Mass., and was dismissed. May 3, 
1869, to accept a call to the Third Congregational 
Church, Chieopee, where he was installed June 10, 
following. That pastorate closed March 23, 1875, in 
which year he was called to this church, where he was 
installed January 12, 1876. He gave a devoted 
Christian service, amid many untoward circumstances. 
" His first year," said a friend, " seemed full of funer- 
als ; it seemed as if he had been called to bury the 



people." The same year the seminary closed, and 
some fifty pupils were taken from his congregation. 
He received eleven members by profession of faith 
and seventeen by letter. There were two baptisms, 
and strange enough there were, during the time, but 
two births where both parents were in the church, 
and only four where either parent was a member. 
He soleminized seventy marriages, and attended two 
hundred and three funerals, forty-one of which were 
members of his church. He was dismissed, upon 
his request, May 3, 1885, and June 17th, following, 
was elected treasurer of the Massachusetts Home Mis- 
sionary Society, where he now serves, with office in 
Boston and residence in Winchester. 

15. Eleventh Pastorate — Rev. Geoege H. Scott 
is the present incumbent. He is a native of Bakers- 
field, Vt, ; ho graduated at Williams College in 1865, 
aud at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1873. 
The same year he became pastor at Plymouth, N. H., 
where he continued with gratifying results till 1881, 
when he returned to the Andover Seminary to pursue 
a post-graduate course, during which he received a 
call to settle over a church at Lawrence, Kansas. 
There he labored and nourished a healthful growth 
of the church for two years, when he was obliged to 
resign and return East. He supplied one year at 
Rockland, Me. Upon call he was installed here De- 
cember 30, 1885. 

The church and society are practically free from 
debt, and meet their current expenses without diffi- 
culty. The church is heartily united and enjoying a 
healthful growth, there having been additions at each 
communion season during the year. There is now, 
Christmas, 1886, a membership of about one hundred 
and seventy-three. 

16. Deacons. — Rev. David T. Kimball has furnished 
the following list of deacons, which, for want of suffi- 
cient records, cannot be made satisfactory: 

John Shatswell was a resident in 1634, and served 
for some time. Deacon Whipple is recorded in 1651. 
William Goodhue was called deacon in 1658, and his 
son Joseph some time after. Moses Pingry served 
1658 to 1683 ; Thomas Knowlton, 1667 to 1678 ; Dea- 
con Jewett, 1677; Robert Lord, 1682 ; Thomas Low, 
1696 ; Jacob Foster, 1697 to 1700 ; Nathaniel Knowl- 
ton, 1700 to 1723; Deacon Abbott, 1710 to 1715; 
John Staniford, 1721 ; Thomas Norton, 1727 to 1737 ; 
Jonathan Fellows, 1727 to 1736 ; Aaron Potter, 1737 ; 
Daniel Heard, Mark Haskell, Aaron Potter and 
Samuel Williams (who died in 1763), 1746 ; Jeremiah 
Perkins, 1763-90 ; Joseph Low, 1763 to 1782 ; John 
Crocker, 1781 to 1790 ; William Story, Jr., 1781 to 
1788; Caleb Lord, 1790 to 1804; Thomas Knowlton, 
1801 to 1832 ; Mark Haskell, 1804 to 1S25 ; Moses 
Lord, 1825 to 1832 ; Isaac Stanwood, 1832 to 1867. 
The present incumbents are Zenas Gushing and 
Aaron Cogswell, chosen April 2, 1866. 

17. Conclusion. — This church has had fourteen pas- 
tors, the present incumbent is the fifteenth. They 



IPSWICH. 



589 



served during a period of more than two hundred 
and fifty years, and during that time rendered a col- 
league or double pastorate service of more than a 
hundred years, making an aggregate service of three 
hundred and fifty-five years. The longest pastorate 
was Mr. Rogers', 1092-1745, fifty-three years ; the 
average service has been twenty-five years. A double 
pastorate in the early times seems to have been neces- 
sary, because of the extent of territory covered by the 
parish, including Essex and Hamilton, and the triple 
labor of catechizing, lecturing and sermonizing. 
There seems to have been very little colleague ser- 
vice after 1745, about the time the Linebrook and 
South Parishes were formed. 

This church is said to have been, in early times, 
the most flourishing and vigorous .in New England; 
and probably no element contributed more to give 
the town the prestige it enjoyed than this church, 
holding forth such luminous names as Ward and 
Norton, asCobbett and Hubbard and the Kogerses, au- 
thorities in the church and molding influences in the 
laud. Thus we conclude our notice of this mother of 
churches. 

SOUTH PARISH AND CHURCH. 

1. First Pastorate. — This church came oft" from the 
First Church, during the pastorate of Rev. Nathaniel 
Rogers. The first effort in that direction was a peti- 
tion dated November 17, 1745. Little or nothing was 
done about the request at that time, because of the 
death of Rev. John Rogers, that soon followed. The 
petition was renewed the next year. The church 
then had three hundred and four members, and the 
edifice was crowded and unfit for its purpose. Rev. 
Nathaniel Rogers, Rev. John's colleague and succes- 
sor, opposed the movement. Then came the ques- 
tion of pastoral succession, Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, 
the late colleague, or Mr. John Walley, of Boston. 
To effect a compromise, two houses of worship were 
built, and each minister occupied his own pulpit in 
the morning and exchanged in the afternoon. The 
plan failed of its purpose, and December 2, 1746, 
sixty-eight members of the Parish resolved to peti- 
tion the Legislature for a new parish. Accordingly 
a petition, dated December 24th, was sent in to the 
General Court. The south part, however, made 
further overtures of settlement January 6, 1747; and 
again. May 27th, petitioned the Legislature. The 
new parish was incorporated June 20th, following. 
The act provided, however, that the parish was to 
remain intact, if they took " eflectual care for build- 
ing a new meeting-house " on the south side of the 
river before July 20th, and settled another minister, 
and supported the two churches out of the common 
fund, as a joint-stock company, — which they did not 
do, and so the new parish was established. The 
church was embodied July 22d, of twenty-one or 
twenty-two members from the First Church. The 
following 7th of August, they voted unanimously to 
call Mr. Jous Walley, at a salary of £150, and a 



settlement of £1200, old tenor. Mr. Walley was a son 
of Hon. John Walley, of Boston, and was born in 
1716. He graduated at Harvard in 1734, and was a. 
member of the South Church, Boston. In his letter 
of acceptance he refers to his feeble health. He was 
ordained November 4, 1747, the day on which the 
frame of the church edifice was raised. He labored 
faithfully more than sixteen years, and was dismissed 
February 22, 1764, because of sickness. 

The meeting-house was first occupied May 22, 
1748. It was two-stories high, and sixty feet long 
by forty feet wide. It was finished and furnished iu 
the usual manner of that period. In 1819 two stoves 
were added to the furniture, much to the good sense 
and comfort of the people. 

Mr. Walley was installed at Bolton, in May, 1773. 
He was dismissed to that church in 1784. He died 
in Roxbury, March 2, 1784. His wife, was Eliza- 
beth Appleton. In his will he says: " I give, as a 
token of my love, to the South Parish in Ipswich, 
£13 6.V. 8(f., the yearly income Ut be given by them to 
such persons in the Parish, as they shall judge to be 
the fittest objects of such a charity." He wiis a man 
of average height, and light complexion, of an aflfec- 
tionate disposition and a pious hei\rt ; he held the 
pen of a ready writer, and was an eloquent speaker, 
and possessed a clear, able and learned mind. 

2. Second Pastorate. — Rev. Joseph Dana, D.D. — 
He was born in Pomfret, Conn., November 2, 1742, to 
Joseph and Mary Dana. His father was an inn- 
keeper. His boyhood eyes really looked upon Gen. 
Putnam's historical wcjlf 

He graduated at Yale College in 1760, studied di- 
vinity with Rev. Dr. Hart, of Preston, Conn., and was 
licensed to preach before he was twenty-one years 
old. He preached here several months as candidate, 
and was ordained November 7, 1765, at a salary of 
£100 lawful money, and a settlement of £160. " No 
man entered upon a duty with a more devoted inter- 
est." During his pastorate was the struggle for In- 
dependence, and in word and deed he displayed a 
Christian patriotism. Many were added to his 
church. His sixtieth anniversary sermon reads that 
all who were heads of families when he was settled, 
were dead except five; that he had followed about 
nine hundred of his parishioners to the grave. He 
was then eighty-three years old. 

He was eminently worthy of the doctorate, which, 
in 1801, Harvard College conferred upon him. Mr. 
Felt says: In person, he was about the common 
height and size, quick and active in his movement. 
In his manner he was kind, accessible and gentle- 
manly. In morals he was exact, being diligent in 
business, punctual in his engagements, refined and 
improving in his conversation and upriglit in his ac- 
tions. His intellectual endowments were of a high 
order, and richly improved with attainments in litera- 
ture and theology. His style of wiiting was strong, 
lucid and sententious. His piety was the same 



590 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



everywhere, and at all times, bearing the impress of 
the Holy Spirit and appearing as a sacrifice, accep- 
table in the sight of Deity. He published twenty or 
more sermons. He died of lung fever, after an ill- 
ness of four days, November 16, 1827. His funeral 
sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Crowell, of Es- 
sex. 

His first wife was Mary Staniford, daughter of Dan- 
iel and Mary-Burnham Staniford, and daughter-in- 
law of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, who died May 14' 
1772, in her twenty-eighth year. His second wife 
was Mary Turner, daughter of Samuel, of Boston, 
and died April 13, 180.3, in her fifty-third year. His 
third wife was Mrs. Elizabeth-Green Bradford, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Jacob Green, of Hanover, N. J., and wid- 
ow of Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, of Rowley, who was 
married December, 1803, and who died 1824, aged 
about seventy-five years. His children were Mary, 
who married Major Thomas Burnbam ; Joseph and 
Daniel by first wife ; Elizabeth, Samuel, Sarah, Abi- 
gail and Anna, by the second. See "Noted Na- 
tives." 

3. Third Pastorate.— 'Kts.y. Daniel Fitz, D.D.— 
He was born in Sandown, N. H., May 28, 1795. He 
studied in the Perry and Atkinson Academies in 
New Hampshire, and August 11, 1818, graduated at 
Dartmouth College. He assisted in the Derry Acad- 
emy one quarter, was principal of the Salisbury 
Academy two years and being called to the Academy 
at Marblehead, Mass., taught there one and a half 
years. He became converted during a revival in 
1819, while principal of the Salisbury Academy, and 
united with the church in that place in 1820. He 
then resolved upon a theological course, and gradu- 
ated at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1825. 
He was approbated to preach by the " Hopkiuton 
(N. H.) Association," June 15th, the same year, and 
the next year, June 28th, was ordained colleague pas- 
tor with Dr. Dana, of this church, of which he be- 
came the sole pastor upon the death of the doctor, 
November 16, 1827. 

He published the following sermons : Memorials of 
Mrs. Hannah C. Crowell, wife of Rev. Dr. Robert 
Crowell, of Essex, in 1837; of Dr. Crowell in 1855, of 
Rev. David T. Kimball in 1860, and the thirtieth 
anniversary of his settlement. The doctorate was 
conferred on him by Dartmouth College in 1862. His 
pastorate closed in 1866 ; he died September 2, 1869. 

Dr. Fitz had a mild, gentle, sympathetic nature, 
was socially agreeable and public-spirited, — an exem- 
plary man. He was a man of prayer and piety, and 
delighted in the service of the Master. He had a 
long, peaceful and useful pastorate. 

4. Fourth Pastorate. — Rev. William H. Pierson. 
— Mr. Piersou succeeded to the pastorate January 1, 
1868. He was born in Newburyport, June 12, 1839 ; 
he graduated at Bowdoin College, Me., in 1864, and 
at the Princeton Theological Seminary, N. J., in 
April, 1867. This was his first pastoral charge, and 



he held it four and a half years. A parsonage was 
purchased during his service. At the beginning of 
his ministry a marked revival occurred, which re- 
sulted in some fifty accessions to the church. His 
pastorate was dissolved July 15, 1872, and in the 
August following he began to serve the church in 
Somerville, where he remained nearly nine years. 
During the latter pastorate he saw cause to change 
his religious views and to become a Unitarian. He 
accepted the charge of the First Parish, Fitchburg, 
Mass., and was installed June 7, 1881, and is now 
serving as pastor. 

5. Fifth Pastor. — Rev. Marshall Ballard 
Angier was born in Southborough, Mass., March 
22, 1819. His father was Calvin Angier, a farmer, 
and his mother, Anna-Parker Angier. 

Mr. Angier fitted for college at Leicester Academy, 
and graduated at Yale College in 1844. He gradu- 
ated at the Union Theological Seminary, New York 
City, in 1847. He was resident licentiate at the Theo- 
logical Seminary, Princeton, N. J., 1847-48. He was 
acting pastor atWorcester and Orange, Mass., 1848-52, 
at Hopkinton, N. H., 1852-53, where he was ordained 
and installed June 8, 1853. During the following 
twenty years, till 1873, — in addition to his eight 
years' ministry in Hopkinton— he filled pastorates 
in Dorcbe-ter, Sturbridge and Haydeusville, Mass. 
He preached the first time in this church in March, 
1873, and filling the pulpit from time to time during 
the year, he was installed pastor of the church Febru- 
ary 4, 1874. His pastorate continued till August 1, 
1878 — four and a half years. During the early part 
of his ministry he enjoyed a refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord, resulting in accessions to the 
church, at one Communion, of fifty-three persons, 
varying in their ages from thirteen to seventy-nine 
years. The whole number uniting with the church 
during his ministry was about sixty. 

During the time, the sum of $1500 was raised and 
expended f 'r repairs on the church and parsonage. 
A debt of $3500 upon the property of the society was 
lifted, being raised by voluntary subscrii)tion. Thes-e 
make a grand total for repairs and debt of more than 
$5000. He is now preaching at New York, with resi- 
dence at No. 839 E. 168th Street. 

He married, September 29, 1864, in Newburyport, 
Miss Emma S. Brewster, daughter of Wm. H. Brew- 
ster, of Newburyport. They have a daughter, born 
in Plymouth, Mass., June 23, 1868. Mrs. Angier be- 
longs to the tenth generation, in lineal descent, from 
Elder Brewster, of the May Flower. 

6. Sirth PaMorate. — ReV. Thomas Franklin 
Waters is the present pastor. He was born in 
Salem, to Thomas S. and Mary A. Waters, April 12, 
1851, He graduated at Harvard College in 1872, at 
Andover Theological Seminary in 1875, and the Aug- 
ust following entered the pulpit service at Edgar- 
town, Martha's Vineyard, where he was ordained Oc- 
tober 23, 1876. He was installed here January 1, 



IPSWICH. 



591 



1879. In 1885 the house of worship was entirely re- 
modeled ; the galleries, pulpit and pews were re- 
moved, and a portion of the auditorium was cut off hy 
a partition, erected some fifteen feet in front of its 
posterior walls. The smaller room thus made was 
finished with a small vestry and a ladies' parlor on 
the first floor, and a large vestry and a kitchen on the 
second floor. The former rooms are both connected 
with the main riidience-room, by sliding sashes, by 
which the three rooms may be converted into one. 
In the main audience-room, by a new arrangement of 
pews, thus economizing the space, there are about 
four hundred sittings, an alcove for an organ on the 
left of the pulpit platform and a platform for the 
choir. The windows were furnished with inside 
blinds, the walls and ceiling were frescoed, gas was 
fully supplied and the audience-room newly furnished 
with pulpit-set, carpet and cushions. They have now 
a verj- pretty, convenient and commodious house, 
and a very pleasant and prosperous pastorate. 

LINEBROOK PARISH ASD CHURCH. 

1. Incorporalion. — This parish is centrally located 
with reference to Topsfield, Boxford, Georgetown, 
Eowley and Ipswich, and is distant from them re- 
spectively, from church to church, from three to four 
miles. It was originally constituted of the last two 
towns. 

Much inconvenience was felt as early as 1738-39 in 
attending church service at the above places, and 
thirteen of the freeholders of Ipswich, December 20, 
1739, O.S., petitioned the First Church to be set off to 
Topsfield. The petitioners, March 18th of the same 
year, were denied the set-off, but were " discharged 
from all parish rates for the future." Soon after they 
began to employ a religious teacher. They again pe- 
titioned the First Church, and were answered Decem- 
ber 2, 1742, that "the West End do not become a 
parish, but keep up preaching among them." 

In 1743 they and freeholders of Eowley erected a 
meeting-house; April 12, 1744, they all voted to be 
set off as a distinct parish, and accordingly petitioned 
the Great and General Court for incorporation. Fif- 
teen Rowley men remonstrated. The committee of 
court, to whom the matter was intrusted, reported 
favoring the petition, March 21, 1745 o.s. The act 
of incorporation is dated June 4, 1746. The first 
meeting of the parish was held July 7, the same year. 
The precinct was bounded on the south by Howlett's 
Brook and Ipswich River, on the east by Gravelly, 
Bull and Batchelder's Brooks, and on the west by 
Strait Brook and was therefore by vote January 27, 
174(3-47. called Linebrook Parish. 

2. Meeting- House. — The church was finished in the 
following manner, as the parish voted June 27, 1746-47: 
First, the pulpit and deacon's seat; second, the body- 
seats below; third, three fore-seats in each gallery ; 
fourth, the galler\' stairs, and plaster under the gal- 
lery; fifth, a pew for the parish. It was voted May 



IS, 1747, that the meeting-house be finished by the 
last of October. It was a two-story, square house, 
was finished with box-pews, and was entered by a 
front door and a door on each side. It stood in Row- 
ley-Linebrook, perhaps an eighth of a mile across 
the Ipswich-Rowley town-line, on the road leading 
from the Ipswich-Linebrook school-house, a spot now 
called " up in the woods." The house was removed 
to the location of the present church, and rebuilt in 
1828 by Daniel Searl and Mark K. Jewett, contrac- 
tors, of Rowley, for six hundred dollars. Rev. David 
Tullar was present at the raising, and offered prayer. 
The rebuilding followed the old model. The site was 
purchased of Miss Mehitable Foster, about a third of 
an acre, for twenty dollars. May 24, 1828. The house 
was dedicated January 1, 1829. 

The present church edifice was built in 1848. In 
1847 the First and South Parishes gave this parish a 
bell, which was accepted June 23, 1847, when it be- 
came a question whether the old house should receive 
needed repairs and be remodeled to accommodate the 
bell, or whether a new house should be built. The 
parish determined, December 22, 1847, to build a new 
house, and to set it on the site of the old one. The 
necessary funds were raised by subscription at twenty- 
five dollars per share. Eighty shares were sold, 
amounting to two thousand dollars. Charles E. 
Brackett, who died at Quincy on the night of Easter, 
1885, was the contractor, at nineteen hundred and five 
dollars and the old house, which did not include pay 
for painting and pews. The whole cost, $2197.55, for 
structure, painting, graining slips and hanging the 
bell. The house was furnished by the Ladies' Sewing 
Circle. A stockholders' or proprietors' meeting was 
held December 2, 1848, when they voted not to relin- 
quish any of their rights to the parish ; they voted 
also to adopt the action taken by the parish in rela- 
tion to the house, and to proceed in the sale of the 
pews. Forty slips were sold for twenty-four hundred 
and eleven dollars, one hundred and sixty more than 
the appraisal. The seating capacity of the house is 
about two hundred and fifty. It was dedicated No- 
vember 22, 1848. 

3. Parish Lands. — The parish leased for nine hun- 
dred and ninety-nine years from July 5, 1753, a par- 
cel of land for a cemetery. The land is a few rods 
north of the site of the old meeting-house in Rowley- 
Linebrook, and has long been abandoned. The town 
granted ten acres in Bull-brook p.isture to this pastor- 
ate November 15, 1790, which subse(iuently were ex- 
changed for ten acres in Long-hill pasture, which the 
parish now owns. The site of the old meeting-house 
was sold to Mr. Joseph B. Perley for twenty dollars. 

4. The Church. — The church was embodied with 
twelve or thirteen male members November 15, 1749. 
They then adopted the belief and polity of the Cam- 
bridge platform made the year before. The following 
is a list of the deacons : 

.luhii .\bl«tt, chosen December 13, 174'.l ; died December 18, 1759. 



592 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jona. Burpee, chosen Pecember 13, 1749 ; Iransferred to N. B. May 6, 
1764. 

Mark Howe, chosen May 22, 1760 ; died February 17, 1770. 

Moses Chaplin, chosen October \3, 1706 ; died October 18, 1811. 

Anthony Potter, cliosen Januarys, 1771; died June 21, 1701. 

Abraham Howe, Sen., chosen March 12, 1792 ; died November 5, 1797. 

Isaac Potter, cliosen ; transferred to Rowley, October 1, 1809. 

Joseph Chaplin, Sen., chosen October 1, 1809 ; transferred to Byfield 
October 4, 1812. 

Philemon Foster, Sen., chosen October 4, 1812 ; died May 10, 1818. 

William Dickinson, chosen September 30, 1831 ; resigned November 2, 
1844. 

William Foster Conant, chosen September 30, 1831 ; died May 7, 1886, 

Jacob Symonds Potter, chosen November 2, 1844 ; transferred to George- 
town November 4, 1876. 

John Harrison Tenney, chosen June 9, 1884. 

James Davis and George Hibbert were elected 
Elders December 19, 1749 ; the former died Marcli 
11, 1752; tlie latter April 29, 1750. Deacon Joha 
Abbott was chosen January 7, 1752, and subsequently 
David Perley. Both declined to serve February 1, 
1757. Amos Jewett and Jeremiah Burpee were 
elected February 15, 1757, and were ordained April 
19th. Elder Burpee was transferred to St. John, N. B., 
May 6. 1764, and Elder Jewett to Hamilton August 
30, 1789. Abraham Howe was chosen June 11, 1787. 

In 1773 "the tuners" of the hymns were Nathaniel 
Howe and Joseph and Jonathan Chapman. In April, 
1791, the singing-school was invited to assist Messrs. 
Howe and Joseph Chapman in psalmody. 

5. First Pastorate. — Rev. George Lesslie was 
born in Scotland in 1728, and came to this country 
when about two years old. His father was Rev. 
James Lesslie. I spell the name as Rev. George 
spelled it in legal documents. Our subject graduated 
at Harvard College in 1748; at the age of twenty 
years. He joined the Topsfield Church March 5, 
1749, presumably upon profession of faith. He 
studied for the ministry with his own pastor, Rev. 
John Emerson. He began to preach for this parish, 
in August, 1748, shortly after his graduation, and re- 
ceived six pounds a Sabbath for his services. He 
began to preach ;is candidate March 19, 1749, four- 
teen d?ys after joining the Topsfield Church. His 
transfer from that church was October 6, 1749. He 
was ordained and installed here November 15, 1749, 
the day of the organization of the church. His set- 
tlement was £700 old tenor, or $311.08, and his salary 
was £100 lawful money and twelve cords of wood. 
The depreciation of paper money and the failure of 
the parish to supply the deficiency, and an urgent 
call to the new society of Washington, N. H., deter- 
mined him to ask a dismission October 22, 1779. A 
council convened November 4, 1779, and advised that 
the pastorate be dissolved November 30th, the date 
that had been mutually agreed upon by the church 
and the pastor. His transfer by letter was December 
10th. Mrs. Ruth Conant, daughter of Deacon Foster, 
wife of Esquire William Conant, and mother of Dea- 
con Conant, wrote: "The Church was embodied with 
thirteen male members. In that year twenty-two 
members were added. From 1749 to 1770 forty^six 



members were added. There is no account of other 
additions during Mr. Lesslie's pastorate." 

Mr. Lesslie, one of the organizers of the Essex 
North Association of Ministers, at New Rowley (now 
Georgetown), September 8, 1761, signed the rules 
of government. The fifth meeting of the association 
was with him November 30, 1770. He was a learned 
and serviceable member. About the time of his 
removal from this place, he was invited to a profes- 
sorship in Dartmouth College, which he declined, 
probably because of his promising field at Washing- 
ton. He preached the ordination sermon of his 
divinity student, Mr. Samuel Perley, at North Hamp- 
ton, N. H., January 13, 1765. The sermon was printed. 
He has also left two sermons written in stenography, 
preached in 1760. In July 2, 1778, he attended Ezra 
Ross, at the gallows, in Worcester, and his church 
kept the day with fixsting and prayer. Young Ross 
was a member of his society, and Ross' parents were 
members of his church. 

He early adopted the following covenant: 

" I take God, the Father, to he my chief good and highest end ; I take 
God. the Son, to be my only Lord and Savior ; I take God, the Holy 
Spirit, to bo my Sanctifier, Teacher, Guide and Comforter ; I take the 
truth of God to be my rnle in all my actions; I take the people of God to 
be my people in all conditions. I do likewise devote and dedicate unto 
the Lord my whole self, all that 1 am, all that I have, and all that I 
can do. This I do deliberately, sincerely, freely and forever." 

He was not only a fine scholar, but, we may judge, 
an apt teacher. Many students resorted to him for 
instructions ; in modern phrase, his house was a 
boarding-school. He had students learning the use- 
ful sciences, fitting for college, and preparing for the 
ministry. A few names of them between 1752 and 
1759 are preserved : Symonds, son of Capt. Baker, and 
Asa, son of Samuel Bradstreet; Timothy Andrews 
and Daniel Fuller; Thomas Stickney, Samuel Per- 
ley, Thomas Gowing, Moses Nichols and Samuel 
Porter. In September, 1757, he went to Cambridge 
with Asa Bradstreet. Mark Howe of his own parish 
studied with him si.x months in 1757, and gave six 
pounds in payment. 

Mr. Lesslie was accustomed to write deeds, wills 
and other legal documents. He had a wide range of 
knowledge, and was practically useful to such of his 
people as sought his service or advice. 

In July, 1753, he exchanged land with his parish 
for " land to set a house on." He built on it a few 
rods west of his meeting-house a two-story house and 
a barn. He sold his interest in the property Septem- 
ber 13, 1780. The house was burned some dozen 
years ago ; the barn is still standing. 

He was a man of mental strength, of studious 
habits, of correct sentiments, of strict integrity, of 
con.scientious action, was a fine scholar and enjoyed 
the confidence of the people. He had decided ortho- 
dox views, and was a pious and learned minister. 

He married, October 26, 1756, Hephzibah Burpee, 
youngest daughter of his junior deacon. She joined 
the church June 25, 1756. Their children were 



IPSWICH. 



593 



George, David, James, Jonathan, William, Hephzi- 
bah, Joseph and Jlehitable. This family left Line- 
brook March 6, 1780, and was nine days making the 
journey of eighty miles, there being at that time no 
roads worthy the name. Their privations the fii'st 
year were great, provisions were obtainable only at a 
distance of thirty or forty miles. Their fir-st winter 
was unusually long, a burden of snow la.sting from 
October till late the next spring. Of the people's 
cattle tw-enty-seven died of starvation. They lost 
their only cow, and were the while without salt, a 
bushel of which in the spring cost five dollars. The 
society observed a day of fasting and prayer in view 
of the di.smal prospect. 

Mr. Lesslie was installed at Washington, July 12, 
1780, in a barn belonging to John Sattbrd, his house 
of worship not being completed till 1789. His salary 
was fifty-five pounds, payable in eatables and wear- 
ing apparel, and his settlement was two hundred 
acres of land "to him and his heirs forever." He 
died September 11, 1800, at the age of seventy-two 
years. 

6. Inter pastorate. — During this period of nine years 
the records are very unsatisfactory. In 1780 Rev. 
Joseph Motley supplied ; in 1783flev. Joshua Spauld- 
ing who, by vote, Marcli 31st, was requested to 
" draft rules for the government of the church on the 
basis of the Cambridge i)latform ; in 17S5, Mr. Eben- 
ezer Cleaves supplied. Each one was called to 
settle. 

7. Second Pastorate. — Rev. Gilbert Texxext 
Williams was invited, December 23, 1788, to |ireacli 
here six months, and February 18, 1789, the church 
called him to the pastorate. He was ordained and 
installed, August 5, 1789, when the membership was 
nine males and fifteen females. His salary was one 
hundred pounds law-ful money. He lived in the 
house formerly owned and occupied by Mr. Lesslie. 
Eight members were added during his pastorate. The 
society was small and unable to give him adequate 
support, and April 19, 1813, according to advice of 
council, dismissed him from pastorate and member- 
ship. His farewell discourse, which w^as printed, was 
preached May 2, 1813. 

He was well armed with " the sword of the Spirit, 
which is the word of God ;" was a plain and easy 
writer ; was a man of sound orthodoxy, of pure mo- 
tives, of lovely temper, of sterling integrity, of deep 
piety, and an earnest laborer for the common good. 

He was son of Rev. Simon Williams, of Windham, 
N. H., born at Fagg's Manor, Pa., October 8, 17G1. 
He graduated at Dartmouth College, 1784, and 
studied for the ministry with Rev. John Murray, of 
Xewburyport. 

He was installed at West Newbury First Church, 
June 1, 1814, and labored till a paralytic shock un- 
fitted him for parochial duties. He was dismissed 
September 26, 1821, and died atFarmington, Septem- 
ber 24, 1824. 
38 



His wife was Martha Morrison, of Windham, N. H. 
She left this church. May 2.5, 1814, and in 1834 re- 
sided in Boston. Their children's names and births 
in Linebrook were: Simon Tennent, 1790; Martha, 
1792; Samuel Morrison, 1794; John Adams. 1799; 
Constant Floyd, 1802. 

8. Inter-pastorate. — From this time to 1860 this 
church was without a pastor. It was a period of de- 
cay, darkness and trial resulting in a new lease of 
life. From 1829 the society had pecuniary aid from 
the Domestic Missionary Society. In 1814, when the 
membership was only one male and three females, 
an effort was made to establish a Baptist church. The 
faction called a quasi parish meeting and voted to re- 
linquish the church to the new society every alternate 
Sabbath. The Congregational Society held to their 
purpose. Rev. Joseph Emerson, of the Byfield Fe- 
male Seminary, supplied, and the effort was baflled. 
In 1819 the parish voted to occupy the church to the 
exclusion of the Baptist brothers. This action aug- 
mented the strife, deepened the bitterness, and 
bandied threats ; but legal advice showed that " pos- 
session was nine points of the law," and wisdom 
brought in peace. Rev. Joseph Emerson, in the 
kindness of his heart, was very serviceable to this so- 
ciety during his four years at Byfield, from 1818. 

During these years was the dark period. The so- 
ciety had preaching but part of the time, till 1824, 
when Rev. David Tullar became the stated sup- 
ply. In 1818 Deacon Foster died, at the age of 
eighty-two years; September 3, 1819, Mrs. Martha 
Perley died, aged eighty years and ten months, and 
Octobers (6), 1831, Mi-s. Mehitable Chapman died, 
aged eighty-five years. Mrs. Chapman was lame and 
unable to get about, so Mrs. Ruth Conant was prac- 
tically alone in the churcli from 1819 to 1826, when 
three males and two females joined. Between 1826 
and 1831, when, by reason of age and infirmity, Mr. 
Tullar retired, eight males and nine females became 
members. The membership, January 1, 1829, was 
fiuir males and five females. A particular notice of 
this truly good man belongs to Rowley history, and 
we will only remark that he was a judicious and 
faithful undershepherd. He purchased half of the 
Joseph Holt farm of William P. Kimball, December 
14,1825, and sold it to Jeremiah Ellsworth, Decem- 
ber 31, 1835. 

Rev. Moses Welch took charge of this church 
January 1, 1831, and labored with success. Four 
males and five females were added in that year, two 
males and four females the next year, and three fe- 
males in 1833 and 1834. The membership in 1833 
was thirty-four. 

Mr. Welch was born in Plaistow, N. 11., in 1784, 
and was son of Colonel Joseph Welch, a Revolution- 
ary patriot. He was a member of the first class of 
the Bangor Theological Seminary. While there he 
was licensed a missionary in that State, where he lab- 
ored several years. He thence came to Amesbury, 



59-1 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



where he became a stated supply for five years. Then 
he returned home to Plaistow, where he was installed 
and continued five years more. His people were de- 
votedly attached to him, but ill health forced his res- 
ignation. Before coming here he preached awhile on 
Cape Ann, that the climate might help his complaint. 
His salary here was .$300. Our older people remem- 
ber him with affection. 

Rev. John P. Tyler came here probably in the 
fall of 1834. He continued through the winter; 
a schism resulted. 

Rev. James W. Shepherd followed. He proved 
a physician, indeed. After service. May 24, 1835, he 
asked the church to remain. The question of the 
schism was discussed, and the 30th instant was agreed 
upon as a day of fasting and prayer. The day was 
duly observed and the church voted a Public Confes- 
sion, on the first Sabbath in June, when accordingly 
all but two males and one female stood forth in and 
made public confession." In 1835 three males and 
four females became members. 

Rev. Samuel Harri.s was the stated supply in 
1836. In this year eight males and one female 
joined. Mr. Harris' father, Deacon Jacob, was a na- 
tive of this town and born in 1741. Samuel studied 
divinity with Rev. Seth Payson, D.D. (1809), of 
Ringe, N. H. He was ordained and installed at 
Windham, N. H., in 1805. He lost the use of his 
voice, and was dismissed in 1826, after a long and 
useful pastorate. A partial recovery permitted a lim- 
ited parochial service, and he preached in several 
places, including this parish. He died at Windham 
September 5, 1848, aged seventy-four years. He had 
twelve children ; ten were learned, influential and 
useful citizens ; five of the six sons were profession- 
ally educated. 

Rev. Moses Dow was born in Atkinson, N. H., 
February 4, 1771. He studied in part at the Atkin- 
son Academy, and prepared to enter Dartmouth Col- 
lege. He studied divinity with Rev. Jonathan 
French, of Andover, He married Miss Hannah 
Knight, of Atkinson, and had two daughters and one 
son, who died at the ages of forty-one, forty and forty- 
four respectively. 

He was settled over the First Church, York, 
Maine, November 9, 1815. Rev. Benjamin Wads- 
worth, of Danvers, preached the installing sermon, 
and said, — " We are not strangers to Mr. Dow. We 
have long known him. We have loved and esteemed 
him. We believe him to be an able and faithful, a 
discreet and devoted minister of Christ." He was 
di>missed in 1829, and he removed to Hampton 
Falls, N. H., " where he supplied the pulpit, and also 
in the adjoining town of Kensington." In the spring 
of 1833 he removed to Plaistow, N. H., and preached 
in Beveral pulpits, including this. He died at Plais- 
tow, of paralysis. May 9, 1837. 

Rev. Francis Welch was the stated supply from 
1838 to 1842. He was son of Joseph Welch, a 



farmer, of Hampstead, N. H., where he was born 
March 30, 1805. Rev. Moses Welch above and Rev. 
Francis Welch, of Amesbury, were his uncles, and 
sons of Joseph Welch, of Pl.aistow, who was a colonel 
in the Revolution. They were lineal descendants of 
Philip Welch, who was kidnaiiped in Ireland, and 
sold in Ipswich as a slave for twenty-nine pounds in 
corn or cattle in 1654; and Samuel Welch, of Bow, 
N. H., who was a grandson of Philip, and who died 
at the age of one hundred and twelve years and 
seven months, was Rev. Moses' great-uncle. 

Francis studied at the Hampton Academy and in 
Bowdoin College. He was approved a minister by 
the Haverhill Association May 15, 1833. He preached 
at Brentwood, N. H., where he was ordained, at 
Perry, Maine, and in this pulpit. He has for many 
years resided upon his farm in Topsfield. He mar- 
ried, April 4, 1839, Miss Harriet Atwood Conant, 
daughter of William, Esq., and Mrs. Ruth Conant, 
of this parish. She was born March 9, 1818, and 
died at Topsfield October 22, 1886. She had ten 
children; nine survive her, one of whom is a lawyer 
in St. Paul, Minn. 

In 1838 and 1839 six males and four females became 
members, which made the membership between forty 
and fifty; from 1840 to 1843, inclusive, one male and 
five females. 

Rev. Jacob Coggin followed and continued till 
1848. He preached the last sermon in the old meet- 
ing-house, and also the dedicatory sermon in the new 
house. Rev. Isaac Braman making the prayer. 

Mr. Coggin was born in Woburn September 5, 
1781, to Jacob Coggin, who graduated at Harvard 
College in 1761, and became a teacher by profession, 
though he sometimes preached. Jacob, the son, 
graduated at Harvard College in 1803, studied divin- 
ity with his pastor. Rev. Joseph Chickering, of Wo- 
burn, and was ordained pastor of the Congregational 
Church in Tewksbury October 22, 1806, and continued 
in that relation till his death, serving the last years 
as senior pastor. 

He represented his town in the State Legislature 
two successive years; he was a member of the con- 
vention called to revise the State Constitution in 
1853 ; he was a Presidential elector in 1852 ; was an 
inspector of the State Almshouse from its institution, 
and the chaplain there till his death, from congestion 
of the lungs, December 12, 1854, at the age of sev- 
enty-three. 

Mr. Coggin was one of the acceptable preachers ot 
his day, sound in doctrine and faithful in its presenta- 
tion. He was a careful, wise, social and beloved 
pastor. He was the author of the Ladies' Benevolent 
Society here, the fruit of whose earnest, meritorious 
work furnished the new church in 1848 — a society 
which, after some years' relapse, was revived in the 
acting pastorate of Rev. Joseph W. Healy. The 
writer, then a mere lad, now well remembers the 
tall, erect, manly form of that servant of God, as he 



IPSWICH. 



595 



ascended the pulpit stairs, and his polite and genial 
manner in his visits. His labors here covered a pe- 
riod of some three or four years and were blessed. 
In the years 1840 to 1843, inclusive, one male and 
five females became members, and from 1844 to 1852, 
inclusive, eight males and sixteen females. 

Eev. Eliphalet BiRCHAEDwas the first minister 
to occupy the new church edifice. He preached here 
while an undergraduate at the Andover Theological 
Seminary, and, after completing his course there, be- 
came the .stated supply here. He was born in Leb- 
anon, Conn., January 21, 1812, and died there Sep- 
tember 20, 1854. He was always an invalid; he 
called his atfliction rheumatism, but it ended in con- 
sumption. He was a great sufi'erer, but patient and 
hopeful. His parents were Arial and Abigail-]Met- 
calf Birchard. He had a brother, Kev. William 
Metcalf Birchard, born February 14, 1810, died 
March 20, 1883, and a sister, Abbie Correlia. He 
graduated at Harvard in 1843. This church .voted 
February 24, 1849, to call him to settle on a «-alary of 
four hundred dollars. He did not accept. He 
drafted a government for the Church, which was 
adopted May 28, 1849. In 1850 Rev. James Gala- 
gher, a revivalist, labored with Mr. Birchard, and 
there was a very general awakening. Many indulged 
a hope; but only four joined the Church. In 1850 
there was a membership of fifty-six. He remained 
here about three years, and afterwards preached at 
Andover, Conn. In the pulj)it he was serious, awak. 
ening and effective, and left a very desirable im- 
pression upon the people; he was excellent in visit- 
ations, a reliable spiritual counselor and a firm 
friend. 

Eev. Willard Holbrook and his wife joined 
this church April 14, 1851. He began to preach here 
some time before, and remained about four years. A 
sketch of him properly belongs to Rowley history. 
He was one of those noble spiritual workers whom 
this church must hold in grateful remembrance, — 
Tullar, Holbrook, Kimball and Dana, — names to be 
respected everywhere, but here to be revered for their 
labors, advice and prayers. 

Rev. Joseph Wareen Healy, M.D., D.D., LL.D., 
was, by this church, made a life-member of the For- 
eign Missionary Society, April 10, 1850. He then 
had been preaching here probably about six months. 
He was at the time the enterprising, able and popular 
principal of the Topsfield Academy. This church 
under his guidance enjoyed a period of harmony and 
prosperity, and grew in numbers and healthful 
strength. He remained about three years. 

He wa.s born in South Hero, Vt., April 11, 1827, to 
Kathaniel and Jane-Tabor Healy. He fitted for col- 
lege as Newbury Seminary and Bradford Academy, 
Vt. He graduated at tlie University of Vermont in 
1852. He was principal of the Bath Academy, N. H., 
and afterwards of the Tojisfield Academy. He at- 
tended lectures at the Audover Theological Semi- 



nary, and was licensed by the Salem Congregational 
Association. After supplying this pulpit, he preached 
at Royalston, Gardner and Walpole. Then removing to 
the West, he preached six years in Milwaukee, and 
four years in Chicago. While there he was called to 
the pastorate and presidency of Straight University, 
in New Orleans, La. There he attended medical 
lectures and received the medical degree. In 1871, 
Olivet College, Mich., conferred upon him the doctor- 
ate of divinity. The same year he was delegated by the 
American Missionary Association to visit Great Britain, 
and organize an auxiliary to that society. He re- 
sided in London as its secretary for three years. 
While abroad, he visited the Continent and the East, 
and lectured in the principal cities of Great Britain. 
Returning home he was elected professor of English 
literature and pastoral theology in Maryville College, 
Tenn. Preferring an active pastorate to the routine 
of professional life, he returned to Milwaukee in 1878. 
The death of his wife prostrated him. Subsequently 
he went to California for his health. In 1853 he was 
a pastor in Oakland, Cal. Upon the incorporation of 
Sierra-Madre College, at Passadena, in 1884, he was 
selected as the president, a position which he now 
holds. 

The writer remembers him at the academy with 
sentiments of high esteem. He excelled as a teacher, 
and readily won the regard of his pupils. He was an 
exemplary man — one of nature's noblemen. He was 
magic to untie purse-strings. Several societies re- 
gard him as their pecuniary savior. He has risen by 
his own exertions, and achieved a grand success. 
His titles are emblems of his character and attain- 
ments. 

He married, October S, 184S, Miss Jane Hibbard 
Clark, who was born in Groton, Vt., May 12, 1830. 
She studied in the Female Seminary, Burlington, Vt., 
taught with her husband at Bath and Topsfield, and 
adorned the place of a pastor's wife wherever he 
la!)ored. She died at her mother's home in Corinth, 
Vt., Se])tember 12, 1880, beloved and lamented, a 
pure and gentle spirit. Their children, — Jane Corinne, 
born Marcli (ith, and died October 8, 1850 ; and Frank 
Joseph, born March 4, 1857, studied at Olivet College 
and London Universities, admitted to the bar, 1878, 
and is now editor of The Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind. 

9. Third Pastorate. — Rev. Ezekiei, Do^v was set- 
tled. He was born April 9, 1807. His father was 
James, of Warren, X. H., and was liorn in Plaistow, 
April 23, 1775 ; his mother was Hannah Merrill, and 
was born in Warren, May 24, 1781. E/ekiel was the 
second son of five children, four of whom were sons 
and became farmers. He studied at the Academy, 
Haverhill, X. H. He commenced preaching as a 
Universalist, but early in his ministry clianged in liis 
belief, and studied in the Theological Seminary, 
Andover, I'or the Congregational jiulpit. He preached 
in Massachusetts, at South Wellhet, Monument, Chil- 
tonville, Linebrook, Huntington and Ikckel, where 



596 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



he closed his labors in 1880. He was settled over this 
society December 25, 1800, and dismissed November 
14, 1866. He was a good-hearted man, socially pecu- 
liar yet agreeable, took good care of his pastorate, had 
a good mind, never overworked, and we may say 
was fairly successful. 

10. Fourth Pastorate. — Rev. Alvah Mills Kich- 
AEDSON was born in Woburn — now Winchester — 
April 30, 1833, to Gilbert and Hannah-Davis Rich- 
ardson. He had four brothers — Gilbert Brainard, 
who died February 20, 1883, and Martin Luther — who 
were ministers, and two sisters. He fitted for college 
at the Warren and Phillips Academies, Woburn and 
Andover, and graduated at Amherst College in 1862. 
He entered the service against the Rebellion for nine 
months in September, 1802, a member of the band of 
the Forty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment. He gradu- 
ated at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1866. 
He was ordained and installed here November 14th, 
the same year. He tendered his resignation October 
10, 1870, and his pastorate closed when his successor 
was installed. May 3, 1871. (He left the church with 
a membership of fifty-nine). Part of 1871 and 1872 
he managed for the Lincoln County, Me., Bible Soci- 
ety, and since then has superintended his widowed 
mother's farm. He was a pious man, scrupulously 
exact, conscientious, studious, a good writer, but an 
unsuccessful preacher. He has never married. 

11. Fifth Pastorate. — Rev. Benjamin Howe was 
a native of this parish, and born November 4, 1807. 
His parents were Joseph and Mehitable-Stickney 
Howe. He was eighth in a family of ten children. 
When a mere lad, he was thrown upon his own re- 
sources. Any acquisition he made was wholly his. 
He commenced his studies at the Tojisfield Academy, 
shortly after the founding of that institution, in 1828, 
and completed his preparatory course at the Meriden 
Academy, N. H. He graduated at Amherst College 
in 1838, and at the Theological Seminary, Hartford, 
Conn., in 1841. 

He married, May 31, 1842, Miss Waty Williams 
Tyler, born August 27, 1814, a lady of excellent 
worth, of a gentle and godly spirit. They h.ad two 
children : Homer, who was born August 16, 1848, and 
Cecil Putnam, who was born November 8, 1857, and 
died February 13, 1866. 

He joined the Topsfield Church November 7, 1830, 
and was transferred to the Seminary August 80, 1839. 
He was acting pastor at Coventry, Conn., 183.3-34, 
and at Wells, Me., 1844, till he was ordained and in- 
stalled there November 5, 1845. He was dismissed 
November 5, 1849; was teacher and preacher at 
Brooklyn, Conn., 1850-55; acting pastor at Meredith, 
N. Y., 1855-60; without charge, N. H., 1860-66; 
acting pastor at Hudson, N. H., 1806-67; at Lemp- 
ster, N. H., 1807-70 ; and was settled here May 3, 
1871. His death October 18, 1883, closed his pastor- 
ate. His walk was exemplary. His service for the 
Master was sincere ; he had an exalted and abiding 



faith and an earnest love for souls committed to his 
care. Frowning upon sin as such with the severest 
rebuke, but charitable to the erring, he was a man of 
noble and generous impulses. As a neighbor, he was 
kind, obliging and discreet; as a citizen, intelligent 
and declared; in his home, gentle and kind, loving 
and loved. His life, as we knew it, was a perpetual 
benediction. Taking into the account the severity of 
his teacher. Experience, the quick impulses of [his 
nature, his wise discretion and his godly life, he 
stands before us a massive character, a grand and no- 
ble manhood, commanding our respect and winning 
our love. He rests in Harmony Cemetery, George- 
town ; his widow is living at Hudson, N. H. 

12. Sixth Pastorate. — Rev. Edward Holm an 
Briggs was installed December 6, 1883. He was 
born in Boston Highlands, March 8, 1851, to George 
Washington and Anna Matilda-Ross Briggs. In the 
autumn of 1857, after the death of his father, he went 
to live in Columbus, Ga., with his paternal aunt, the 
wife of John Johnson, Esq., Judge of Probate. His 
preparatory studies were pursued with a private 
teacher. He entered the Sophomore class, half-ad- 
vanced, in June, 1869, in the University of Georgia, 
at Athens, and graduated there in 1871. His scholar- 
ship was excellent. He matriculated at the Presby- 
terian Theological Seminary, Columbia, S. C, in 
September, 1871, and completed the course in April, 
1874. He was licensed to preach April 19, 1874, by 
the Pre.sbyte.ry of Macon, Ga. He supplied at Whit- 
ing and Newton several months, and at Mount Tabor 
and Smyrna about two years. In January, 1877, he 
went to Palatka, Fla.,'where he was in^talled July 8, 
1877. The pastorate was dissolved in November, 
1880. He then labored a few months at Memphis, 
Tenn., a work he was forced to relinquish, being 
stricken with malaria. In November, 1881, he re- 
sumed his ministerial Labors, and served in Good- 
Water, Hatchet-Creek, Hackneyville and Nixbury, 
Ala., till the close of 1882. Early in 1883 he re- 
turned to Miissachusetts, and had no regular minis- 
terial work till his settlement here. In his labors he 
appears to have been fairly successful. He began to 
prfiach here in mid-summer. The circumstances of 
his settlement were very favorable. The death of our 
venerable pastor, Mr. Howe, and the memorial ser- 
vice of him left a marked seriou-iness upon the minds 
and hearts of all. An awakening among the young 
was already observed, and in January following his 
settlement, some fifteen, it was said, were ready for 
church membership. Eleven joined the first Sab- 
bath, and several others soon after. Such haste 
against the wishes of older and official members was 
not wise. From a remarkable unity in his favor at 
first, he held till there was a remarkable unity against 
him at last. The church was in a ferment for nearly 
three years — from the Sabbath he administered the 
sacrament, of which he did not partake, till he arbi- 
trarily refused to administer it at all, — a usurpation, 



IPSWICH. 



597 



which apparently forced his resignation November 
7, 1S86, to take effect as soon as his successor could 
be installed. 

Mr. Briggs may purpose well, but he reads books 
better than men, and he is wedded firmly to the 
Presbyterian Church polity; he will, therefore, suc- 
ceed better as a Presbyterian clergyman or as a busi- 
ness man, than as a Congregational pastor. 

13. Seventh Pastorate. — Rev. William Pexn Al- 
COTT, the present incumbent, was born in Dorchester, 
July 11, 1838. His parents were William A., M.D. 
and lecturer, and Phebe L.-Bronson Alcott, who was 
a student in the Ipswich Academy wlien Misses 
Grant and Lyon taught. They are natives of Wol- 
cott. Conn. 

The son graduated at Williams' College in 18(il, 
and at the Andover Theological Seminary in 186.5. 
After his college graduation he taught in the Pitts- 
burgh Female College, Pennsylvania, and in 1867 was 
elected tutor in Williams" College, and taught chem- 
istry and mineralogy. As minister, he was seven 
years pastor of the Congregational Church, in North 
Greenwich, Conn., and two years in the Fir.st Church 
in Boxford. He preached for short periods at Barton 
Landing, Vt., and at West Newbury, this State. In 
1877, he traveled extensively with Dr. Philip Schaff, 
in the Orient — Palestine, the Sinaitic region and 
Egypt — and Southern Europe. 

During his jiastorates, he was accustomed to make 
scientific studies his relaxatiim. The practice grad- 
ually conducted him into correspondence for the 
press, and to authorship. His contributions to the 
press have been principally upon temperance and 
scientific subjects. He edited the Natural History 
department of Dr. SchafTs Bible Dictionary, and, as 
a member of the Lowell Hebrew Club, is interested 
in the publication of a de novo translation of the 
Book of Esther, with notes and excursuses, exhibit- 
ing much careful and patient philological and scien- 
tific research and study, — to which he was a liberal 
contributor. He is now at work upon the Books of 
Ezra and Nehemiah, to be presented uniform in mat- 
ter and size with Esther. 

He married, in 1868, Sarah Jane Merrill, daughter 
of Rev. David Merrill, of Peacham, Vt. She died 
in 1876, and he married, two years later, Lucy R. 
Davis, daughter of Andrew Davis, Esq., of Boston. 
He has three children in " the better land," and two, 
a daughter by the first wife and a son by the second 
wife, living. 

His service began here the last Sabbath in Septem- 
ber, 1886, and his installation took place May 4tii fol- 
lowing. 

The notice of this church would be very incom- 
plete without reference to the society's liberal bene- 
factor, JonK Perley, Esq. He died May 11, 1860, 
and by will placed in trust seven tliousand dollars, as 
a perpetual fund, " the income of which shall be paid 
to the Orthodox Congregational Society, Linebrook 



Parish in the towns of Ipswich and Rowley, for the 
support of preaching and a Sabbath-school in said 
society annually, while said society has a .-etlled min- 
ister." 

Mr. Perley was born September 3, 1782, in Rowley- 
Linebrook. Becoming of age, he went to live with 
his uncle (afterwards deacon) Philemon Foster, in 
Ipswich-Linebrook, where he plied his trade as cord- 
wainer. Upon "breaking ground " fortheNewbury- 
port turnpike, he opened a shop in connection with 
his tr.ade. The enterprise was a success, and he there 
laid the foundation of his subsequent wealth. He 
never married. He devoted most of his estate to 
public benefactions, eleemosynary, educational and 
religious, among which was an annuity fund of three 
thousand five hundred dollars for the worthy poor of 
Georgetown, another of seven thousand dollars for 
the Orthodox Congregational Society, where he wor- 
shipped, and another — the residue of his estate — to 
found a free school in Georgetown. 

This man's body has long since returned to its 
mother earth, but he still lives. So long as wealth 
has value, and learning is sought, and charity is kind, 
his name will be mentioned with praise, and his life 
will be fresh and fruitful as the dew, and redolent as 
the lily upon the bosom of crystal waters. 

THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. 

"This society," says Mr. Felt, "was formed in Feb- 
ruary, 1806. Their first preacher was Rev. H. Pot- 
tle. They occupied the building formerly a woolen 
factory. Their church contained sixty-eight commu- 
nicants in 1813. A secession took place from the 
church, because discipline was not exercised, June 4, 
1816. This secession was justified by a council July 
16th. The seceders formed themselves into a new 
church August 27th, and met in a building on 
High Street, opposite North Main. They were in- 
corporated " The First Baptist Society in Ipswich," 
June 16, 1817. 

The names of the corporators were Samuel, Samuel 
G. and Timothy Appleton, Samuel and Robert Stone, 
Josiah Syiuonds and Charles Simonds, William Den- 
nis, Frederick Mitchell, Jacob M. Farnum, Daniel, 
Jr., and Joseph L. Ross, James Caldwell, Moses 
Graves, John Lord, Daniel W. Low, Nathan Perkins, 
Major Woodbury, Simeon Spafibrd, Amos Jones, 
Francis, John, Levi and Joseph Hovey. William 
Taylor was their first minister. He continued with 
them till August, 1818, and took his dismi.ssion, be- 
cause his people were few and unable to support him. 
When he left the church, it contained thirty mem- 
bers. Thus, destitute of one to guide them, they 
continued to hold meetings and have the sacrament 
administered occasionally till August, 1823. In the 
course of this year they dissolved. The original So- 
ciety of Baptists continued, after the secession from 
them, only one year." 



598 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH AXD PARISH. 

1. First Rectorship. — The Parish was organized in 
1867. The service of the church had been regularly 
maintained from 1861, and occasional services had 
been held for some time before that date. Rev. 
Henry Wall was the first rector, and occupied the 
office about two months. 

2. Second Rectorship. — Rev. Benjamin Rowley 
Gifford, the second rector, was born in Falmouth, 
Mass., October 18, 1819. His parents were Braddock 
and Mary. He received his education at the Fal- 
mouth Academy and Amherst College, leaving the 
latter institution in 1840. He subsequently went to 
St. Francesville, La., and pursued his theological 
studies under the direction of the Rev. Daniel Lewis, 
D.D., rector of the church in that town. He was or- 
dained to the ministry of the Episcopal Church in 
Davenport, Iowa, August 28, 1857, by the Right Rev. 
Henry W. Lee, bishop of that diocese. He was rec- 
tor of parishes in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Mount 
Pleasant and Ottumwa, in Iowa, and in Kewanee, in 
Illinois. Early in 1866, he returned to Massachu- 
setts, and then traveled extensively in Europe and 
the East, visiting Palestine, Egypt, Turkey, Greece 
and other countries, returning the following spring. 

He entered the rectorship of this church Novem- 
ber 3d of the same year. The services were then 
held in the Damon Hall ; subsequently they were 
held in the Town Hall. In 1869, his second year 
here, October 26th, the corner-stone of the present 
church edifice was laid, by the Right Rev. Mant-on 
Eastburn, bishop of the diocese of Massachusetts, in 
the presence of a large audience of the people, the 
bishop making the address. 

In the spring of 1870, before the edifice was com- 
pleted, Mr. Giflbrd resigned, and in June, 1871, enter- 
ed the rectorship of Trinity Church, Bridgewater. In 
1873 he visited England, and there, September 9th, 
he rrfarried Miss Mary M. Hewett, in All-Saints' 
Church, near Taunton, Somersetshire. The following 
March he returned to America and resumed the 
charge of the Parish of Bridgewater. His connection 
with the church continued till the next spring, when 
he went to Natick and became rector of St. Paul's 
Church there. He continued in Natick five years, 
when in May, 1880, mainly owing to ill-health, he re- 
signed, deciding not to take regular charge of another 
parish. In 1882 he and his wife spent the summer in 
England, when he preached in various parts of the 
country. Returning to America he took up his per- 
manent residence in Wood's Holl, a famous summer 
resort in his native town. In the meantime he has 
quite frequently officiated in the local church and 
the neighboring parishes. After Mr. Gifford's resig- 
nation, there was a vacancy in the rectorship till 1873, 
when Rev. B. F. Newton was elected. 

3. TIdrd Rectorship. — Rev. Benjamin Franklin 
Newton. He was born October 20th, 1846, in St. 
Albans, Vt. He graduated at Hillsdale College, 



Hillsdale, Mich., in 1870; at the Union Seminary, 
New York, in 1873 ; and at the Episcopal Theological 
School, Cambridge, Mass., in 1874. 

This was his first rectorship, and he continued in it 
till 1877, when he removed to St. James' Church, 
Texarkana, Texas, whence, in 1881, he went to the 
rectorship of the Church of the Good Shepherd, St. 
Louis, Mo., where he is at present engaged. 

While he was here the church made steady and 
substantial progress, increasing in numbers and 
efficiency, and doing a large amount of missionary 
and benevolent work. Some progress was made upon 
the church edifice. 

4. Fourth Rectorship. — Rev. Reuben Kidner suc- 
ceeded, and entered upon the duties of the office Jan- 
uary 1, 1878. Mr. Kidner is a son of James Frederic 
Kidner, merchant, of Bristol, England, and was born 
March 18, 1848. He graduated at Harvard College 
in 1875, and at the Episcopal Theological School, 
Cambridge, in 1878. He resigned the rectorship Feb- 
ruary 1, 1882, to become assistant minister of Trinity 
Church, Boston, where he is in active service. He 
married July 3, 1878, Miss Katharine Clinton Si- 
monds, and has one son, Frederic Clinton. Mr. Kid- 
ner's successor is the present iucumbeut. 

5. Fifth Rectorship.— Uev. Juliu.s W. Atwood, 
wlio entered upon the duties of this office in 1882, 
was born in Salisbury, Vt., June 27th, 1857. He 
graduated at Middlebury College in 1878, where in 
course he took the Master's degree ; studied a year in 
the General Theological Seminary in New York City 
and in 1879 entered the middle class of the Episcopal 
Theological School, Cambridge. In 1880-81 he spent 
a year in study and travel in Europe and the East. 
Returning in the latter year, he resumed his studies 
in the Cambridge Theological School, where he grad- 
uated in 1882 with the degree of B.D. Shortly after 
graduation, the same year, he was elected to the rec- 
torship of this church. 

In 1883, during Mr. Atwood's rectorship, the church 
edifice was completed, and was consecrated as the 
Ascension Memorial Church, in memory of the gener- 
ous contributions and personal efforts of the Rev, 
John Cotton Smith, D.D., of New York City, who 
was the principal donor of funds and who, from the 
organization of the parish, was a warm and devoted 
friend of the church. Dr. Smith and Joseph E. Bo- 
mer, M.D., might be considered the founders of the 
society and church. Some one has given a very just 
and vivid description of the edifice : 

"It stanfls forth in all its architectural beauty unadorned by tree or 
paling. Within it has all the richness and refinemeut of the costly ca- 
thedrals of the old world, which it resembles so much in raiuiature. 
Nothing flashy or gaudy can be seen. Its very richness is softened to 
harmonize with the spirituality of its creations. It has none of the un- 
finished look which 80 often mars otherwise elegant church edifices. Its 
very coloring seems to give a restful, quiet atmosphere to the place. It 
contains two memorial windows, one given by the citizens of Ipswich to 
the late Jose]>h E, Bomer, who did so much in creating and fostering the 
Episcopal Churcli in Ipswich. On the lectern we noticed a large Bible 
presented to the church by his wife, who plays the organ, and who takes 



IPSWICH. 



599 



a deep interest in the church. The other memorial window is dedicated 
to a little daughter of Dr. and Mrs. .lohn Cotton Smith, to whose gener- 
osity Ipswich is indehted for one of the most heautifiil cliurch edifices 
that we ever have seen in this country. The pulpit used hy the late Dr. 
Smith in his church in New York was sent to the Ipswich Church after 
his death. Over the door is a tablet stating that the church is dedicated 
to the memory of Dr. Smith." 

The cluircli organizations are : The Benefit, tlie 
Church-Aid, the St. Agnes Societies, the St. Andrew's 
Guild and the Children's Mission Circle. The officers, 
teachers and scholars of the Sunday school number 
about one hundred and twenty-five. The wardens are 
E. H. Martin and C. S. Tuckerman, Esquires. The 
society enjoys a harmony of sentiment and a unity of 
jjurpose, aud has a hopeful future. 

6. One of the founders of the church and society 
was Joseph Edwakd Bomer, M.D. Dr. Bonier was 
born in Beverly, March 14, 1819. His tYither, of 
French descent, went, in early life, to Windham, 
N. H. At the age of twenty-eight years, he removed 
to Beverly, where he married Abigail Friend, who 
was descended from the old Puritan stock. He was a 
farmer and highly respected. He had a family of 
nine children. Joseph E. was the fifth son. He had 
a delicate constitution, was unetjual to farm labor, 
was fond of books, and so was devoted to intellectual 
pursuits. He was a Beverly scholar till he was i'our- 
teen years old ; then he became a student in the 
Topsfield Academy, under principal Edmund F. 
Slafter, who became very much interested in him and 
soon engaged him as assistant teacher. Leaving 
Topsfield, he studied in the Phillips Academy, Exe- 
ter, N. H., and afterwards in the Phillips Academy, 
Andover. Having completed his course at Andover, 
he entered Harvard Medical School, from which he 
graduated in 1848. In February, 1849, he settled in 
this town, a physician of the old-school of practice. 
His oflice was next to the Agawam House, and near 
the residence of Dr. Thomas Manning, then the 
oldest and most skillful physician of the town, 
through whose influence and kindness the young 
physician soon secured a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. 

In October, 1850, Dr. Bomer married Miss Caroline 
Elizabeth Hayes, of Gloucester. Soon after this 
event, Dr. Manning, feeling the burden and cares of 
business and professional life weighing upon him, and 
wishing on that account to retire, invited our young 
doctor to reside with him and assume his practice. 
Dr. Bomer accepted and lived in reciprocal confi- 
dence, till the death of his aged friend. 

Dr. Bomer was physician to the House of Correc- 
tion and the Insane Asylum from 1850 till his death. 
He was examining surgeon, of the Eastern District, 
of those who enlisted ibr the War of tlie Rebellion, 
during which time he attended professionally the 
families of the soldiers free of charge. He was placed 
upon the school board and served while he lived. A 
high school graduate gives the following estimate of 
him : " I refer to him who was so respected and be- 



loved among us. The physician who was always 
welcome in the schools, and for his ready tact in ask- 
ing questions and eliciting answers, as well as pleas- 
ant manner, won the favor of the schools." In poli- 
tics, in early life, he was a "Webster Whig." He 
believed in freedom of thought, and was courteous 
and liberal to all who differed from him in politics or 
religion. In the latter he was a firm Episcopalian, 
and an earnest w'orker. Some years before his dtiy, 
the service of that church had been started, but failed 
to succeed for' want of interest, and funds. Through 
the doctor's influence and perseverance it was again 
revived. Dr. Bomer and John F. Clothey, of Mar- 
blehead, then a resident and merchant here, secured, 
though the kindness of the trustees of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, the use of their church edifice, and 
then invited the Rev. Robert F. Chase, of Danvers, 
to ofiiciate. He preached to an audience of devout 
listeners, and from that service spmng the present 
church. The doctor continued a firm supporter of 
the church and society through life. He was a 
devout, genial, sympathetic and exemplary Christian. 
He was, too, eminently a public-spirited citizen, aud 
among the foremost in all works of public utility. 
He Ijiire an unblemished reputation. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY. 

Origin. — This denomination of Christians arose in 
England, in 1729, aud derived their name from the 
exact regularity ol their lives, a very pleasing com- 
mentary upon theii character. In 1741 they divided 
into two parties, under George Whitefield and John 
Wesley. The former adopted the views of John Cal- 
vin ; the latter of Arminius. The followers of Ar- 
minius compose the great body of Methodists in this 
country and Great Britain. In 1830 seceders from 
the Wesleyan Methodists established a government 
and discipline of their own and styled themselves 
"The Methodist Protestant Church." This church 
diflers from its parent church only in certain matters 
of discipline, particularly those relating to Episco- 
pacy and the manner of constituting the general con- 
ference. 

Methodism first came into this country with Rev. 
George Whitefield in 1739, and was an important 
factor in the deep and extensive revivals that soon 
after followed. Its power was first felt in Ipswich 
when that eloquent divine electrified the populace 
from "the Whitefield-Pulpit" rock near the First 
Church, and "Pulpit Rock," in Linebrook. 

Methodism, as now taught, "was first introduced 
in New England, in 1789," says Miss Archer, in her 
excellent and serviceable sketch of this church, and 
"in Ipswich in the year 1790, by Rev. Jesse Lee, who 
was sent by the venerable Bishop J'rancis Asbury, 
still active and ardent in the cause." The sketch 
relates that the first convert, by the preaching of Mr. 
Lee, was the mother of Gen. James Appleton. She 



600 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



fixed the date August 12. IZiH, and ever after remem- 
bered the day with adoring gratitude. 

Mr. Felt, in 1834, wrote : " The remainder of the 
first Baptist Society and some Methodists began to 
have preaching of the Latter denomination in 1817 " 
but Miss Archer, discriminating in the call and the 
doctrine, says " no other Methodist preacher labored 
in Ipswich till October, 1821, when Rev. Aaron 
Wait (1821-25 or '26) came." His coming was for- 
tuitous. Passing through the town on business, on 
Saturday, the 6th, he stopped at the " Treadwell tav- 
ern." He was invited to preach, and the next day 
addressed three audiences in " the old woolen factory,'' 
in which the Baptists had worshipped, and which 
stood north of and contiguous to the famous Choate 
Bridge. In November, he came again and preached 
three times. In four weeks he came again, and again 
preached three times, and held a prayer-meeting, 
when five inquirers came forward. On Christmas, 
he preached twice, and held an inquiry-meeting. 
Two weeks later he made a fourth visit, and found 
the work he had done was " good." Soon after he 
removed his family to Ipswich, but, like Paul, " cov- 
eting no man's silver," he w'orked at shoe-making 
during the week and preached on Sundays. Mr. 
Charles Dodge was Mr. Wait's first convert. 

The seed thus sown by Mr. Wait budded and blos- 
somed in the spring of 1822, and was named The 
Methodist Episcopal Society. The first class- 
meeting was held in the dwelling of Mr. Aaron Wal- 
lace, afterwards of Mr. Amos Jones, on South Main 
Street. It had twenty-two members, eight of whom 
came from the Baptists. Prayer-meetings were held 
in various parts of the town. The first love-feast was 
had with Capt. William Gould, in the Bobbins 
house, on High Street, near the North Cemetery. 
The Sunday-school was organized in the summer of 

1824, with three classes and twenty members, and 
Charles Dodge as Superintendent. The first meeting- 
house was begun in September, 1824, and dedicated 
the Christmas following, Rev. John Lindsey preach- 
ing the sermon. It was built, fifty by forty feet, 
with galleries, and cost, all finished, less than two 
thousand dollars, including two hundred and fifty 
dollars, the price of the land. It stood where now 
stands the residence of Mr. Robert .Tordan. Within 
six months after this time, the society was called to 
mourn the deaths of Dr. John Manning, Aaron 
Treadwell, Sr. and Judge Sutton, three ardently ac- 
tive friends. 

In 1825 Mr. Wait joined the New England Con- 
ference. Ipswich and Gloucester were made a cir- 
cuit, and Rev. Aaron Wait .and Rev. Aaron Josselyn 
were appointed Circuit preachers. The first Quar- 
terly Conference for this circuit w,as held Septeniber, 

1825, and there were present Rev. E. Hyde, Presiding 
Elder; Rev. Aaron Wait and Rev. Aaron Josselyn, 
Pastors; and Charles Dodge and Daniel B. Lord, of 
Ipswich, and Thomas Hillard, of Gloucester, Stewards. 



Mr. Wait was a native of M.alden, and was born 
September 24, 1799. He united with the church 
when quite young, and with the Conference in his 
twenty-sixth year. His appointments were to Ips- 
wich, Gloucester, Wilbraham and Ludlow. About 
1830 he retired, though he preached, more or less, 
till his death, September 1, 1864. His personal pres- 
ence was good ; he was an easy, pleasant s])eaker, had 
a fair pulpit ability and an unblemished Christian 
character. 

Rev. Aaron Josselyn w.as born in Pembroke 
Miiy 4, 1804. He entered the ministry August 9, 
1825, and continued twenty years, but preached occa- 
sionally till age and infirmity disqualified him for 
pulpit labor. He was an ardent advocate of Anti- 
slavery, was a member of the Legislature three years, 
a justice of the peace fourteen years and held various 
town offices. He was thirty years a resident of 
Duxbury, but now resides with his daughter, in East 
Cambridge. This church h.ad a steady growth dur- 
ing his ministry, and among the number added w.as 
Apollos Hale, afterwards Rev. The number re- 
turned for this circuit this year was forty-six. 

1826. Rev. Nathan Paine. — The number re- 
turned this year for this church was twenty-eight 
member.^. Mr. Paine was born in Burrellville, R. I., 
September 30, 1791. He was converted in his seven- 
teenth year, and soon received a license to preach. 
He joined the New England Conference in 1815, and 
continued in active service till 1853, a period of 
thirty-eight years. In 1853 he took a superannuated 
relation, and removed to New Bedford, where he 
lived with his children, till his death, September 9, 
1863. Says Rev. Dr. Allen: "He was remarkably 
cheerful, affectionate and unpretentious ; he was wise 
in counsel, and of unswerving integrity. He was a 
true, earnest and faithful minister, and accomplished 
great good, though his pulpit ability was not of the 
highest order. Few ministers have lived of purer 
character, of nobler purpose, of more unselfish aims 
and of greater devotedness to their work. He was a 
noble specimen of ministerial purity and goodness. 
The closing years of his life were full of Christian joy 
and hope." 

1828. Rev. John Thompson Bureell. — Mr. 
BurrcU was born in Lynn December 25, 1799, and he 
died in Chelsea September 20, 1885. He qualified 
for membership in the Conference under direction of 
pastors, while a local preacher, and entered when he 
was twenty-eight years old. This was his first pulpit, 
to which he was returned in 1833 and 1834. He 
preached in the Methodist Episcopal Ministry till 
1850, then in the Methodist Protestant Ministry. His 
were among the best pulpits. Rev. J. L. Estey re- 
cords him as a man " of fine presence, of gentlemanly 
bearing, of eloquent oratory and faithful instruction. 
He was, wherever he labored, beloved and success- 
ful.'' He is said to have been one of the most pleas- 
ing and talented men ever stationed here. The mem- 



IPSWICH. 



001 



ber.s returned for his fli-st year number fifty-two, and 
the number returned for the two years is twenty pro- 
bationers. 

1829. Rev. Johx J. Blis^.— Mr. Bliss united with 
the Conference iu 1826 or '27, and for about seven 
years was an earnest, active and successful minister. 
In 1834 he was excluded from the church, upon 
charges that may not have affected his character, 
and, it is tliought, went West. He was a man of 
considerable ability, and had been highly esteemed 
by those who knew him. 

His pastorate here was very successful. Rev. 
John N. Maffitt assisted and preached sixty successive 
nights. The religious interest was so great that for 
an entire week business was suspended, most of the 
stores were clo.sed, the cotton-mills shut down for 
want of help, and people seemed bent on seeking 
"first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.'' 
The number returned for this year is two hundred. 

1830. Rev. Jacob Sanborn. — Mr. Sanborn en- 
tered the ministry in 1812, and continued fifty-five 
years. He died March 16, 1867, at the age of seven- 
ty-nine. During his pastorate a parsonage was 
built. 

1831. Rev. Enoch Mudge. — This man was the 
first native Methodist preacher in New England. He 
was born in Lynn June 28, 1776. He entered the 
New England Conference when seventeen, received 
Deacon's orders when nineteen, and Elder's when 
twenty. He continued in active service fifty-seven 
years. His fields of labor were chiefly in Maine. 
In Massachusetts he was a member of the convention 
to revise the State Constitution, and was two years a 
member of the Legislature. 

He occujjied this pulpit ten months and was called 
to the responsible charge of the Seaman's Chape), 
New Bedford. He remained there as chaplain of the 
Port Society, abundant in labors and honored by all, 
till 1844, when failing health compelled him to seek 
repose. He went to his kindred at Lynn, where he 
died April 2, 1850. Enoch Redington Mudge, the 
famous Boston mill-agent, recently deceased, was his 
son. 

1832. Rev. Epaphras Kibby. — He served the 
church well, and there was a steady growth. He en- 
tered the ministry in 1798, and after a service of 
forty-three years, died, August 16, 1864, at the age of 
sixty-six years. 

1833-34. Rev. J. F. Bcrrell.— This jiastor is 
noticed in 1828, above. 

1835. Rev. Newell S. Spauldixg. — During this 
pastorate there was quite an extensive work of grace, 
and fifty probationers were received. Mr. Spaulding 
began to preach in 1822, and after a ministry of sixty- 
two years, died August 17, 1884, at the age of eighty- 
four years. 

1836-37. Rev. Edward Murphy Beebe.— Dur- 
ing this pastorate the church edifice was enlarged at 
a cost of one thousand and forty dollars, and a bell 
38i 



was purchased at a cost of three hundred dollars, 
raised by subscription. Mr. Beebe was in the minis- 
try sixteen years. He died March 10, 1845, aged 
forty years. 

1838-39. Rev. Joel Knight.— Mr. Knight con- 
tinued in the ministry thirteen yeais. While here 
forty probationers were received. He died August 
13, 1843, at the age of thirty-nine years. 

1840-41. Rev. Daniel Wise, D.D.— This cluirch 
kept the 1st day of January, 1841, with fasting and 
prayer. It was the beginning of a very gracious re- 
vival. The following winter was also a season of re- 
freshing. Eighty-eight were received on probation. 
Because of failing health, he resia:ned in March, 
1842. 

The doctor was born in Portsmouth, England, June 
10, 1813. He was educated in the Portsmouth Gram- 
mar School, a classical institution, under the patron- 
age of the dean and canons of Christ Church, Oxford. 
He removed to America in the summer of 1833. He 
received the Master's degree in 1849, and the doctor- 
ate in 1859, from tiie Wesleyan University, Jliddle- 
towu, Conn. He was licensed to preach in 1834, or- 
dained deacon in 1839, and elder in 1843. He has 
published two books, highly recommended : " Boy 
Travelers in Arabia," and " Our Missionary Heroes 
and Heroines." He resides in Englewood, N. J. 

1842. Rev. Daniel Webb. — During this pastor- 
ate a steady growth was maintained, and " a few 
valuable members were added to the church." 
" Twenty-five members withdrew and joined the 
' Methodist Wesleyan Church in the United States.' 
Some of them soon returned." Mr. Webb was sixty- 
nine years in the ministry, and died March 19, 1867, 
aged eighty-nine years. 

1843-44. Rev. John S. Springer. — In this pas- 
torate the church edifice was re-modeled, and a new 
pulpit constructed. The expense was about two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. He joined the Conference in 
1839, and for seven years was a very successful min- 
ister. In 1847, while stationed at Lowell, he with- 
drew from the church. It is thought he stood well 
in his Christian and moral character. He was a man 
of considerable ability, was popular, and filled some 
of the best puipits in the Conference. 

1845. Rev. Joseph Denison, D.D. — Though he 
left no special vestige of his service here, he was an 
able and learned man. He was born in Bernardstou 
October 1, 1815. He entered Wesleyan Academy, 
Wilbraham, in 1833, and the sophomore class of the 
Wesleyan L'niversity, Middletown, Conn., in 1837, 
graduating in 1840. He taught the languages in 
Amenia Seminary, Dutchess County, N. Y., three 
years; he spent about twelve years in the ministry, 
and in 1855 went to Kansas. He was one of the 
founders of the State Agricultural College, and was 
its president from 1863 to 1873, and was president of 
Baker University from 1874 to 1879. He received 
the doctorate from McKendree College. He is an 



602 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ardent and active Prohibitionist. He is now presid- 
ing elder of the Atchison District (Kansas) Confer- 
ence, and resides in Atcliison. 

1846-47. Re\'. Lorenzo R. Thayer. — During 
this time a vestry, fil'ty by forty feet, was built, in the 
rear of the church, at a cost of four hundred dollars, 
and about twenty probationers were received. He 
preached at the dedication of the new church edifice 
in 1860. He was born in Winchester, N. H., De- 
cember 2, ] 814. He studied for college in the New- 
bury Seminary, Vt., and in 1841 graduated at the 
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn, He 
joined the New England Conference the same year. 
He was stationed at Lynn in 1848-49; is now in 
Newtonville. 

1848. Rev. Stephen Gushing. — This pastorate 
was pleasant, and attended with much spiritual inter- 
est. Fifteen were received into the church. Mr. 
Cashing was born in Boston March 15, 1813. He 
was two years at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, 
and took a partial course in the Wesleyan University, 
Middletown, Conn., in 1832. He entered the New 
England Conference in June, 1833. He now resides 
in Boston. 

1849. Rev. Charles Baker. — During this pas- 
torate about thirty were received on trial, He was 
born in Scituate, E. I., April 7, 1798. He did not 
graduate. After a ministry of forty-three years, he 
died at Sonierville, August 16, 1864, aged sixty-six 
years. 

1850-51. Rev. Jajies Shepherd. — During the 
first year of this pastorate the meeting-house was 
again enlarged, at a cost of seven hundred and fifty 
dollars. He preached twenty-two years. He died 
May 22, 185o, at the age of fifty-three years. 

1852. Rev. Mo.ses A. Howe.— With Mr. Howe 
the New England Conference held its annual session. 
He died January 27, 1861, aged sixty-one years, after 
a successful ministry of twenty-two years. 

1853-54. Rev. John William Dadman. — This 
was a period of great harmony, in the church and 
out of it. Mr. Dadman and Mr. Southgate made the 
first pulpit exchange between the Methodist and 
Congregational Churches, and the event marked a 
new era in Christian fellowship among the good peo- 
ple of the town. Mr. Dadman was born in Hub- 
bardston, December 20, 1819. He entered Wesleyan 
Academy, Wilbraham, in 1840, and graduated in 
1842. Indigent circumstances obliged him to forego 
a collegiate course, and he at once entered the minis- 
try. He was licensed April 10, 1841, joined the 
Conference June 29, 1842, and was ordained elder 
May 3, 1846. His fields of labor have been Boston, 
Worcester, Lowell, Roxbury and the we-stern part of 
the State. The last twenty- two years he has been chap- 
lain and superintendent of schools in the city insti- 
tutions. Deer Island, Boston. One of his children, 
Luella Jane, was born here June 30, 1853. 

1855-56. — Rev. Jeremiah L. Hanafoed. At 



this time there was another great outpouring of the 
Divine Spirit, and one hundred and fifty were re- 
ceived on trial, and Rev. George S. Noyes and Rev. 
F. G. Morris were among them. Mr. Hanaford was 
born June 7, 1824, at Northfield, Vt. 

1857-58.— Rev. William Carpenter High. Mr. 
High took up the good work and labored earnestly 
and well. He baptized about sixty. He was born in 
Waitsfield, Vt., March 30, 1822. He was educated at 
the Montpelier Academy and the Newbury Semi- 
nary. His first appointment was at Danvers (now 
Peabody). He took a supernumerary relation, and 
has since resided in Somerville. Mr. High conducted 
several large revivals, and was generally considered a 
successful minister. 

1859-60.— Rev. C. L. Eastman. At this time the 
present house of worship was built, and, marvelous 
to relate, not a dollar was pledged. The trustees be- 
came personally responsible for it. Their names 
were Joseph Wait, Ezekiel Peabody, Oliver Under- 
bill, Daniel L. Hodgkins, Daniel P. Nourse, William 
H. Graves, Abraham D. Wait, James M. Wellington, 
Frederick Willcomb, ever worthy of remembrance. 
The size of the house is eighty-four by sixty-two feet; 
chancel, twenty-nine by eleven feet ; vestibule, eight 
and a half feet wide; tower, eighteen feet square; 
and several hundred sittings. Rev. George Bowler 
was the architect, and our townsman, William H. 
Smith, the contractor. The cost was twelve thousand 
dollars, including the site. It was dedicated January 
8, 1861, Rev. L. R. Thayer, noticed above, preaching 
the sermon. Mr. Eastman was born in Weare, N. H., 
June 11, 1822. He joined the conference in 1844. 
His pulpits have been among the most onerous and 
best. He now resides in Chelsea. 

1861-62.— Rev. Austin F. Heerick. Mr. Her- 
rick was born in Otis, June 17, 1824. He entered 
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in 1849 ; 
but left before graduation, and entered the Biblical 
Institute, Concord, N. H. (now the Theological 
School of Boston University), graduating in 1852. 
He joined the conference, at the session with this 
church, April 27, 1853. He came here as pastor on 
that memorable April 19, 1861. In two or three 
months, Ipswich's first company for the war, in full 
military dress, on the Sabbath before marching, wor- 
shipped with his church. Those were years of 
thrilling events, and of general prosperity to this 
church ; some twenty were received on trial. 

1863.— Rev. Joseph Chapman Cromack. This 
clergyman was born in Boston, May 11, 1812, to 
Joseph and Judith Millett Cromack, who were some- 
time of Amesbury. He was educated at Wesleyan 
Academy, Wilbraham, and was licensed to preach in 
1835. 

1864-65. — Rev. I. J. P. Collyer. This pastor was 
in the ministry twenty-eight years. While stationed 
here, twenty persons were received on trial. He died 
May 7, 1872. 



IPSWICH. 



603 



1866-68.— Rev. Jesse Wagnee. Mr. AVagner 
was born in Williamsburg, Pa., August 14, 1835. He 
graduated at the Methodist Biblical Institute, Con- 
cord, N. H., iu 18()1, and entered the ministry the 
following year. While here, by his personal eflbrts> 
an organ was bought at an expense of two thousand 
dollars, and twenty probationers were received. 

1869-70. — Rev. Charles Atwood Merrill. 
Tills pastor is a native of Woodstock, Me. He grad- 
uated at the Biblical Institute, Concord, X. H. While 
located here, twenty persons were received on proba- 
tion. 

1871-72.— Rev. Charles H. Haxafoed. Mr. 
Hanaford was born at Northfield, N. H. He was 
educated at the New Hampshire Conference Semi- 
nary, without graduation. He entered the ministry 
in 1858, and joined the New England Conference in 
April, 1859. The semi-centennial of the establish- 
ment of the church was celebrated in this pastorate> 
when money enough was raised to liquidate the debt 
of the society, and also a large part of the cost of the 
present parsonage. Twenty-eight persons were re- 
ceived on probation the first year. 

1873-75.— Rev. E. A. Smith. Mr. Smith is a 
native of Howard, Pa. He fitted for the Junior Class 
of Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport. He afterwards 
taught three years there, filling the chair of natural 
sciences one year. In 1858 he joined the New Hamp- 
shire Conference, and graduated at the Biblical Insti- 
tute, Concord, in June, 1859. He preached in the 
chief cities in the State, built the Main Street Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, at Nashua, had extensive re- 
vivals in many of the churches, and bought and built 
several parsonages. He entered the New England 
Conference in 1873, and while stationed here, the 
society built and furnished a parsonage, at an ex- 
pense of nearly six thousand dollars; and, in Decem- 
ber, 1873, a great revival began, whicli continued 
nearly a year. More than three hundred persons 
knelt at the altar, and persons of all ages, from seven 
to eighty-five, were among the converts. 

1876-^77.— Rev. Frederick Woods, D.D. Dr. 
Woods is a native of St. John's, Newfoundland. He 
studied in Sackville Academy, N. B., (Tcne-see Col- 
lege, Lima, N. Y., and graduated in 1859, at AV'es- 
leyan University, Middletown, Conn., where he re- 
ceived the Master's degree in 1862. He joined the 
New England Conference in 1859, and has done very 
efficient pulpit service. He has published several 
sermons and addresses. He preached the baccalaure- 
ate sermon at Mount Alleston University, Sackville, 
N. B., 1886, and received the doctorate. His service 
in this pulpit was efficient and progressive. 

1878. — Rev. Geouge Whitaker. This pastor 
was born in Boston, May 14, 1836. His father w.as a 
government official, son of Rev. Junathan Whitaker, 
of Sharon and New Bedford, and nephew of Rev. 
David T. Kimball, of the First Church. George pre- 
pared for college at the Wesleyan Academy, Wil bra- 



ham, graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, 
Conn., in 1861, and entered the ministry the same 
year. He was presiding elder of the Springfield Dis- 
trict, 1874-77. His pastorate here was very satisfac- 
tory. The church was repainted, frescoed and gener- 
ally improved; the society debt of about three thous- 
and three hundred dollars was canceled ; and a 
gracious revival blessed the church. 

1879-80.— Rev. P. M. Vinton. 

1881-82.— Rev. Charles Nelson Smith. Mr. 
Smith was born in Brookfield, Vt., December 14, 
1816. He studied at Newbury Seminary, entered 
college, but did not graduate. In 1865 he received 
the Master's degree from W^esleyan University, Mid- 
dletown. He joined the conference July, 1842, was 
presiding elder in New Hampshire one year, and iu 
Massachusetts one year; he has had nine two-year 
pastorates, four three-year pastorates, and was a mem- 
ber of the General Conference iu 1856. He has built 
and repaired several churches, and by the blessing of 
Heaven has had his full share of success. He re- 
ported his full membership to be two hundred and 
sixty-one. 

1883-84.— Rev. Charles T. John.son. He was 
born in Lynn — now Nahant — October 16, 1838. His 
father was a grocer there nearly fifty years, and was 
postmaster thirty-two years. He studied at Wesleyan 
Academy, Wilbraham, and graduated at Wesleyan 
University, Middletown, Conn., in 1863, and entered 
the ministry the same year. His pastorate here was 
blessed, the society prospered, several united with the 
church. The membership reported was two hundred 
and seventy-eight full members and thirty-two i)roba- 
tioners. 

1885.— Rev. John Galbraith, Pn. D. Dr. Gal- 
braith is a graduate of Wesleyan University, Middle- 
town, Conn., whence he received the Master's degree in 
1882. He is also a o-raduate of Boston University, 
whence he received the degree of Doctor of Philoso- 
phy in 1886. The preseut church membership is two 
hundred and thirty-six full members and forty-two 
probationers. 

the unitarian society. 

A society of this belief was formed in 1830, the 
several churches contributing to the membership. 
Their services were held in the court-house till, at a 
cost of three thousand dollars or more, they built a 
church edifice, which was dedicated October 23, 1833. 
They continued a worshiping congregation some six 
or seven years, and then formally dissolved. A few 
years later — 1843 — they sold their house of worship 
to the town for a town-house, at a price not exceeding 
two thousand dollars. The house, with alterations 
and additions, is th'; present town-house, and the 
pews are those of the Linebrook Church. 

ST. JOSEPHS catholic SvCIETY. 

This is a mission society. At first it belonged to 
Rev. Father Teeling's parish in Newburyport, but in 



604 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1871 was transferred to Rev. William H. Ryan's par- 
ish in Beverly. They have a very pretty church edi- 
fice, which was completed in 1872. The society con- 
sists of about five hundred and fifty wor.-hipers. 

Conclusion — The proportion of service, by the vari- 
ous denominations, is about as follows : The First 
Church, by its double pastorates and colleagues, 355 
years; the South, 140 years; the Linebrook, 1.38 
years; the Methodist, 65 years; the Episcopal, 26 
years ; the Catholic, about 20 years ; the Baptist, 17 
years; and the Unitarian, 7 years, making a total of 
more than 750 years for one man, which is equivalent 
to three pastorates for the actual time. The several 
pastors and assistants have been, almost to a man, 
liberally educated. They have brought an apparent 
zeal to their work, and a good conception of their 
duty therein. They have been watchi'ul, diligent, la- 
borious, prayerful. A good proportion of them have 
been dignified, trusty, efficient leaders. They have 
been able to read the signs of the times, to under- 
stand the needs of their people, and to utilize circum- 
stances, as well as actual means. They have watched 
the ripening grain in their respective fields of labor, 
and gathered their gracious harvests ; their doctrines 
have been a leaven that has permeated the whole 
mass of the populace ; that has endowed the legisla- 
tor, the justice, the mariner, the mechanic, the manu- 
facturer, the farmer; that has impeded crime and 
corrected the erring ; that has superinduced a nobler, 
truer, more earnest and more efiijctive manhood ; and 
has first, last and midst, been our people's enlighten- 
ment and guide. Such is our hope of the future. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

IPSWICH— ( Contmued). 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Initial Status. — It has been said that the Plymouth 
Colony had only one University man, the Elder 
Brewster, while the Massachusetts Bay Colony was 
noted for its men of wealth, social position and edu- 
cation. Ipswich, in this respect, was a representative 
town — not a whit behind the metropolis in mental 
and educational influence and ability. She under- 
stood and appreciated the value of a varied learning 
practical and polite, of a thorough knowledge of 
home arts and .social culture, and of the acquisition 
of ancieut history, literature and tongues; and to this 
end she was willing to contribute, even to a sacrifice, 
to obtain them. 

Wliy Latin '? — It may be asked why our forefathers 
so valued a knowledge of the ancient languages, es- 
pecially the Latin, as to give them immediate at- 
tention. Doubtless they studied them for the same 
reasons we do to-day, but we apprehend that they did 



then chiefly because they were intensely English ; 
and on that ground anything that did not conflict 
with or savor of religious tenets must be intensely 
English also. The Latin language, at that time, was 
in its old age, only dead in the sense that it had 
passed the period of its growth. It may be said to 
have been the language of the time, the English 
tongue sharply vying with it for the supremacy. It 
embodied the laws of the realm and Biblical ex- 
egesis, and scientific essays and important documents 
were presented in it. The learned addressed their 
compeers in public assemblies, and statecraft was 
orally discussed in its elegant phrases. Queen Eliza- 
beth spoke it, and Lord Bacon, " the great glory of 
literature," composed most of his writings in it. The 
devotion, benefactions and labors of our emigrant 
ancestors in the matter of schools excites not our 
wonder so much as our gratitude. The kind and de- 
gree of learning at their native lioraes must be the 
kind and degree here, so far as practicable; and while 
the exigences of the occasion made the family a 
school in the rudiments, and the mother the teacher, 
a grammar school, in the English sense, was early es- 
tablished for preparing young men for college. 

The Grammar School. — According to the records, a 
grammar school was "set up'' in 1636, and Lionel 
Chute appears to have been the teacher. The record 
further states that the school did "not succeed." It 
began some two years after the incorporation of the 
town, and the young town doubtless made no appro- 
priation for its support. Its success would have been 
phenomenal. Mr. Chute died in 1G44 or '45. 

The School Endowed. — This attempt of Master 
Chute was followed by "several overtures and en- 
deavors among the inhabitants for settling a Grammar 
School," which failed to realize their object, as did 
he. The spirit of education, however, had taken pos- 
session of the public mind, and when about 1649, 
Robert Paine, the leading spirit in the endeavor, 
offered to " erect an edifice for the purpose, provided 
the town or any particular inhabitant of the town 
would devote, sett apart or give any land or other 
annuity for the yearly maintenance of such one as 
should be fitt to keep a Grammar School." The town 
accordingly, January 11, 1650, granted to Robert 
Paine, Mr. William Paine, Major Denison and Mr. 
Bartholomew in trust " for the use of schools all that 
neck beyond Chebacco River and the rest of the 
ground (up to Gloucester line) adjoining to it." 
Soon after this the land w'as leased to John Cogswell, 
his heirs and assigns, for the space of one thousand 
years, at an annual rental of fourteen pounds. The 
tenants began to build upon the land as early as 
1723, and a part of the village of Essex now occupies 
a large portion of it, and the rent continues to be 
paid. 

The citizens are now i'ully awake to the occasion, 
and give body, shape and ))urpose to the enterprise 
by ordaining, January 26, 1651, the following: 



IPSWICH. 



605 



" 'rite Feoffees. — For tlio better onlcring of the scliool and the affiiirs 
thereof, Sir. Siiiioniis, Mr. Rofigers, Ulr. Norton, M.aj. Denison.SIr. liob- 
ert Paine, 51r. William Paine, ]\lr. Hubbard, Ilea. Wliipple, BIr. Ilar- 
tholoniew were chosen a committee to receive all sncli hums of money as 
liave or shall be given toward the building or maintaining of a Gram- 
mar School and school-master, and to disburse finA dispose .such sums as 
are given to provide a school-house and scliool-master's house either in 
building or purchasing the saiil house with all convenient speed. And 
such sums of money, parcels of land, rents or annuities as are or shall 
be given towards to the maintenance of a scliool-master they shall le- 
ceive and dispose of to the school-master that they shall call or choose 
to that office from time to time to his maintenance, which they have 
power to enlarge by appointing from year to year what each scholar 
shall yearly or quarterly pay or proportionately ; who shall also have 
full power to regulate all matters concerning the school-master and 
scholars, as in their wisdom they think meet from time to time ; who 
shall also consider the best way to nuike i>rovisions for teaching to write 
and cast accounts." 

In 1652 Mr. Robert Paine purchased a house, witli 
two acres of hxnd belonging to it, for the use of the 
school-master, and in IG08, at his own expense, as 
per agreement, erected an edifice upon the land for 
the grammar school, and October 4, 1.683, he and his 
wife gave the house and land to the town for the 
school's use. About the same time Mr. William 
Hubbard gave about an acre of land adjoining the 
school-master's house. In 1650 Mr. John Cross "se- 
cured" on his farm near Kowlcy a perpetual annuity 
often shillings towards a free school in the town. In 
1696 the town grants ten acres of marsh at Castle 
Keck. These gifts were sold by order of the General 
Court in 1836, and netted the feoffees about three 
thousand two hundred dollars. In 166U Mr. William 
Paine gave the land near the mouth of the river called 
Little Neck. In 1661 "the barn erected by Ezekiel 
Cheever and the orchard planted by him were, after 
his removal to Charlestown, bought by the feotl'ees,'' 
as the trustees were then and have since been called, 
and presented by them ibr the school-master's use or 
for rent. 

We can hardly say too much in praise of the exer- 
tions, devotion, benefactions and leading spirit of the 
original donor of this school. Me. Robert Paine. 
He was timely, efficient, provident, public-spirited, 
noble, wealthy, generous. Of a hundred and Hfty- 
five subscriptions "to encourage Major Denison in 
his military helpfulness," Mr. Paine's was the largest, 
to be paid annually. He was a ruling elder in the 
church, ranking next to the minister. He was repre- 
sentative three years. He was county trca-urer from 
1665 till his resignation in 1683, the year before he 
died, at the age of eighty-three years. 

William Paine, brother of the above, seems to 
have been wealthy and active for the public good. 
He removed to Boston about 1656, where he died 
October 10, 1660. He was buried in the Granary 
Cemetery, and his tombstone forms a part of the 
basement wall of the Athenreum. Besides his liberal 
bequest to our Grammar School, he gave twenty 
pounds to Harvard College. 

Mr. William Hubbard, another original bene- 
factor of the school, came with the elder Winthroj> to 



Boston in 1630, and settled in this town in 1635. He 
was representative six years between 1638 and 1646. 
In 1()51 he was commissioned to solcinnizp marriages, 
clergymen at that time being denied such authority. 
He removed to Boston in 1662, where he died in 
1670. He left a large estate. Two of his children, 
Richard and William, the historian and colleague of 
Rev. Mr. Norton in our pulpit, were profes.sors of the 
school. 

The Board of Feoffees consisted originally of nine 
members ; in 1662 the town voted that the number be 
"increased to nine." In 1664 the number was ten, 
but after the death of Robert Paine, Jr., the number 
never appears greater than nine. The town by vote, 
April 7, 1687, ordered the selectmen to obtain deeds 
of all the school lands, tliat they may know the power 
the feoflees have to order the schools; and J[ay 19th, 
of the same year, voted that the former feoffees now 
living (Rev. William Hubbard, Robert Paine and 
Elder and Captain John Appleton) with the select- 
men shall manage the schools till further action by 
the town. If this vote was inoperative or eflective we 
know not. Vacancies in the board seem to have been 
filled by the remaining members without reference to 
any action of the town. Their history for the colo- 
nial period seems to have been only the routine work 
of the school. 

The First Master. — The first master of the school 
was Ezekiel Cheever. He kept it ten years. He then 
n^moved to Charlestown and afterwards to Boston, 
where he was master of the Boston Latin School. He 
was born in London, England, January 25, 1615, and 
died in Boston August 25, 1708, at the great age of 
ninety-three years and seven months, after seventy 
years of tedious labor as school-master. 

In six years from the opening of the school this 
town had six students in Harvard College. They 
were Robert Paine, son of the founder of the school ; 
John Emerson, son of Thomas, and afterwards minis- 
ter of Gloucester; Nathaniel Saltonstall, son of Rich- 
ard, and afterwards minister of Haverhill; Ezekiel, 
Rogers, son of Rev. Nathaniel; Samuel Cheever, son 
of the master; Samuel Belcher, son of Jeremy, min- 
ister of the Isle of Shoals and later of Newbury. 
Other pupils of Master Cheever's, who were students 
in Harvard, were William Wittingham, son of John ; 
Samuel Cobbett, son of Rev. Thomas; and Samuel 
Symonds, sou of the deputy-governor. 

Mr. Cheever's successor was Thomas Andrews, 
who began August 1, 1660, and kept it twenty-three 
years. During this time Ipswich sent to Harvard 
College Samuel Bishop; Samuel and Daniel Epcs, 
sons of Daniel; John Norton, son of William and 
nephew of Rev. John; John Rogers, son of President 
John of Harvard; John Denison, son of John and 
grandson of (General Daniel, and pastor-elect of this 
church; Francis Wainwright; and Diiniel Rogers, 
another son of the president, and many years master 
of the school. Mr. Andrews died July 10, 1683, and 



606 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



left a considerable property to his relatives, probably 
never having married. 

Mr. Noadiah Russell, of Cambridge, succeeded 
Mr. Andrews, and took charge of the school October 
31, 1683. He was a graduate of Harvard in 1681. 
He continued master of the school till his resignation 
February 23, 1686-87, when he was succeeded by Mr. 
Daniel Rogers. 

Mr. Rogers' mastership completed the colonial pe- 
riod and began the provincial, probably from 1687 to 
1715. It was during his service, also, that the old 
school-house was abandoned, having been the subject 
of extensive repairs several times, and the new rooms 
in the court and town-house occupied, which change 
was made abont 1704. 

From Mr. Rogers' tuition fifteen pupils entered 
Harvard College, among whom were John Wade, son 
of Colonel Thomas; Francis Goodhue, son of Deacon 
William; Jeremiah and Henry Wise, sons of Rev. 
John ; John Perkins, son of Abraham ; William 
Burnham, who became a minister; Benjamin Choate, 
son of John ; Francis and John Wainwright; John 
Denison, son of Rev. John ; Nathaniel Appleton, son 
of Colonel John, and afterwards minister of Cam- 
bridge; and Francis Cogswell, son of Jonathan. 

Made a Free School. — The town and feoflees agreed 
April 8, 1714, to make the Grammar School fur the 
present year " absolutely free to all such scholars be- 
longing to the town." The town appropriated twen- 
ty-five pounds and chose a committee, who with the 
feoffees, provided a master, who shall attend "con- 
stantly in teaching grammar scholars and also Eng- 
lish scholars, to perfect them in reading and instruct 
them in writing and ciphering." Master Rogers is 
sketched as registrar of probate. 

Ebenezer Gay, who graduated at Harvard in 
1714, was the next teacher for one year, and had a 
salary of fifty-six pounds. He was afterwards the 
celebrated Dr. Gay, of Hingham. He was followed 
by Mr. Thomas Norton, who was master in 1716. 
He was a deacon. His son, Thomas, graduated at 
Harvard in 1725, and taught this school ten years, 
1729-39, under the direction of the selectmen. 

Benjamin Crocker took the school June 4, 1717, 
at a salary of eighty pounds, old tenor, and left it 
November, 1719 [1718?]. He taught afterwards two 
years, 1746-47, at a salary of one hundred pounds, 
old tenor, and again two years, 1759-60. He gradu- 
ated at Harvard in 1713. He was feolTee 1749-64; he 
occasionally preached. Deacon John, of the First 
Church, was his son. 

Revolution in School. — At this date began the period 
of contention and revolution in the school. For the 
encouragement of the school the town voted, May 8, 
1718, to make up sixty pounds to the school, if neces- 
sary, after the collection of rents and a tuition of 
twenty shillings per scholar, for that year. The se- 
lectmen, it was voted November 5, 1718, shall provide 
" with all convenient speed " a master for the rest of 



the present year. The town chose a committee Feb- 
ruary 9, 1719, to eject the tenants of the great farm, 
leased to John Cogswell, and release it for a period 
not exceeding twenty-one years. Rev. John Rogers 
and Rev. Jabez Fitch enter their protests. The dis- 
satisfaction .seems to be "especially of the younger 
sort." The town voted June 6, 1720, to hire a gram- 
mar school teacher; and also chose a committee to 
recover the great farm, and re-lease it for twenty-one 
years. The town thus took control of the school and 
the school property ; the feoffees entered their protest 
in their records and retired. The tenants of the great 
fartn. took advantage of the quarrel and refused to pay 
the rent till it might be determined who was entitled 
to receive it. The town January 4, 1720-21, consti- 
tuted John Wainwright, Ens. George Hart and Mr. 
Thomas Boardman trustees, to eject all persons in 
possession of school lands, but failed in the Court of 
Common Pleas March, 1722, to establish their claim. 
An inadvertence of the clerk failed to enter their ap- 
peal to the Superior Court, and Sarah, the widow of 
John Cogswell, still held possession. 

In 1721 the town brought an action at law against 
the tenants of the school farm, and in 1729 Giffbrd 
Cogswell is ordered to pay £100 in adjustment of the 
claims, which sum was apportioned to the several 
parts of the town according to their proportion of the 
Province tax, whence dates the beginning of the dis- 
trict school system. 

Reading a7id Writing School. — The above appropri- 
ation of £100 probably lasted about three years ; but 
no other is recorded till after the town is required, 
April 26, 1739, to answer to the Court of General 
Sessions, for not maintaining a Reading and Writing 
School according to law. Then, March 4, 1739-40, 
the tow'n appropriated £150 for both the grammar 
and the reading and writing schools, put them un- 
der one teacher and began the practice of moving 
them at the judgment of the selectmen. The appro- 
priations were thus applied while the town had con- 
trol of the school property. 

Incorporation. — In 1749 Jonathan Wade was the 
only survivor of the feoffees, and February 10th, of 
that year, he filled the vacancies by appointments ; 
but in 1756, the General Court incorporated Thomas 
Berry, Daniel Appleton and Samuel Rogers, E-qs., 
with Mr. Benjamin Crocker, on the part of the pri- 
vate persons who granted lands for the school, to- 
gether with Francis Wash, Esq., Capt. Nathaniel 
Treadwell and Mr. John Patch, Jr., three of the board 
of selectmen of the town, a Joint Committee, or 
Feoffees in Trust, with full power to grant leases, re- 
cover rents and annuities, appoint masters, regulate 
their salaries, appoint clerk and treasurer and if 
necessary, impose a tuition. The act was limited to 
ten years ; it was, at the end of the period, continued 
twenty-one years ; and at the end of that period, or 
February 14, 1787, it was made perpetual, the feoffees 
representing private persons filling vacancies in their 



IPSWICH. 



607 



number, while the three senior members nf the suc- 
cessive Hoards ol' Selectmen represent the town. 

Masters. — Mr. Henry Wisk was the first master 
in the employ of the selectmen. He accepted the 
trust June 20, 1720, and continued eight years. His 
salary was £5.5. Tho:ma.s Norton, Jr., before men- 
tioned, succeeded and continued ten years. After 
him was D.\niel Staniford, a graduate of Harvard 
in 1738, who continued five years, 1740— 1.5. He was 
master of botii schools, at a salary of £80. He was 
afterwards a successful merchant ; and also a Repre- 
sentative three years. His successor was Benj,\.min 
Crocker, above mentioned, who taught two years, 
1746-47, at a salary of £150. John Dennis taught 
in 1753, for the school rents. In 1754 the town 
claimed to have conducted the affairs of the school 
for more than twenty years ; yet she practically re- 
lin(juished the school at the close of Mr. Crocker's 
mastership. 

Under the act of incorporation, the fir_st master was 
8a>iuel Wiggleswouth, sou of Rev. Samuel of the 
Hamlet. He graduated at Harvard in 1752, and 
taught the school two years, 1757-58. His salary was 
£40. He afterwards practiced medicine. Ben.jaj[IN 
Crocker, before mentioned, tauglit two years, 1759- 
00. Joseph How succeeded and taught one year, 
17(51. His salary was £33 Gs. Sd. He graduated at 
Harvard in 1758, married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Hon. Thomas Berry and died March 2(>, 1762, at the 
aee of twenty-five, and his wife May 6, 1759, at the 
age of twenty-two years. Daniei, Noyes, who is 
sketched in " Registrars of Probate," kept the school 
thirteen yeans, 1762-73 and 1780, at a salary of £46 
IM.f. 4(/. Thoma.s Burnham, a graduate of Harvard, 
in 1722, kept the school five years from 1774, at a 
salary of £50, and than entered the army, where he 
attained the rank of major, .\fter the war he taught 
six years, 1786-91 ; then one year, 1793; then eleven 
years, 1807-17, when, in 1815, the income was .'S205.- 
78, a total .service of twenty-three years. Nathan- 
ii:l Dodge, a graduate of Harvard in 1777, taught 
two years, 1779 and '84. Jacor Ki.mball, a gradu- 
ate of Harvard in 1780, taught one year, 1781. Rev. 
John Treadwei.]., a graduate of Harvard in 1758, 
taught two years, 1783 and '85. Daniel and Joseph 
Dana, graduates of Dartmouth College iu 1788, 
taught two years, 1792 and '93 respectively, at a sal- 
ary of £65. Sa.muei. Dana, a brother of the above 
Daniel and Joseph, and son of Rev. Joseph, of the 
South Parish, and a graduate of Harvard in 1796, 
taught three years, 1797-99, when, in 1797, the in- 
come was $139.66. Joseph JIcKean, a graduate of 
Harvard in 1794, taught three years, 1794-96. His 
salary was £80. He became a minister and a professor 
in Harvard College. Amos Choate, a graduate of 
Harvard in 1795, taught seven yeare, 1800-6. He 
was afterwards registrar of deeds for the county. 
Ui'.oRGE Choate, a graduate of Harvard in 1818, 
taught four years, 1818-21. Richard Kimball 
taught nine weeks in 1822, "for the income of the 
school lands." Charles Cho.^te, son of Hon. 
,lohu, taught in 182-3-24 on the same terms. Steph- 
en CoBURN taught in 1825; Richard Ki.mball in 
1826, when the income was$l65.23 ; Jame.s W. Ward 
in 1827; Nathan Brown in 1828; Daniel Perley 



in 1829; David Tenney Kimrall, Jr., in 1830; 
Joseph Hale in 1831-33, when, in 1831, the income 
was $163.61 ; Tolman Willey in 1834 ; Dan Weed, 
Jr., in 1835-40 ; Ebenezer S. Stevens in !1841 ; 
Dan Weed, Jr., in 1842-45; George W. Tewk.s- 
BURY in 1846; Ezra W. Gale in 1847-48; Caleb* 
Lamson in 1849. Arrangements were made with 
Rev. John P. Cowles, of the Seminary, to instruct 
the grammar scholars, at forty cents a week, per 
capita, 1850 ; then with the town for a High School, 
wherein Benjamin P. Chute taught, 1851-52; Jo- 
seph A. Shores, 1853-56 ; Issachar Lefavour, of 
Beverly, 1856-74. In 1874, when the present Man- 
ning School was established, the feoffees arranged 
with the trustees and town, to meet the obligation of 
the enfeoffment, and pradicalhj have contributed since 
then three hundred dollars annually. 

Present TnJue of the Fund. — The condition of this 
trust, March 28, 1887, according to the treasurer's re- 
port, was as follows: "26f old rights in Jefi'rev's 
Neck, 2 house-lots in Revere, school-farm in Esse.x, 
Little Neck, deposit in Savings Bank, town notes, 
Lynn water-bond and cash, valued at $11,514, and 
yielding an income of about $500." 

The school has been practically in the control of 
the town from a very early period, by right, assump- 
tion, or agreement, and since 1851 has been popular- 
ly called the Ipswich High School. Along near the 
close of the first century, and again near the close of 
the second, it was less efficient than at other times; 
and jierhaps, on the whole, has not attained to the 
very high distinction hoped for by its founders, yet it 
has been a permanent good always, and most of the 
time of excellent worth. The trust is now ra|)idly 
growing in pecuniary value, and wisely managed, as 
now, will be in the future a large and efficient educa- 
tional support. 

THE manning school. 

The Foiiiider. — This school was established in 1874. 
Dr. Thomas Manning, from whom it took i(s name, 
was the founder. He was son of Dr. John Manning, 
who <lied in 1824, at the age of eighty-si.v years, after 
a long, useful, public service, especially given — aside 
from his professional service — to the cause of educa- 
tion. Dr. Thomas inherited his father's sterling 
i|Ualities, his generous public spirit, and |)erchance 
excelled him. He was devoted to the prosperity of 
the town, energetic in advancing her business inter- 
ests, and, when in age he bethought him " to set his 
house in order," as a crowning service of his life, he 
devoted the greater part of his ample fortune to the 
purpose of establishing "a High Schocd in the town of 
Ipswich, which should be free to the youth of the 
town of both sexes." 

He was born February 7, 1774, and died Febriniry 
3,1854. He gave the property to Richard H. Man- 
ning, of Brooklyn, Francis C. Jlanning, of Boston — 
brothers — and Francis H. Blanchard, of Wallham, in 
trust, and provided that the school-house should lie 
built and the school begun in the year of the one 
hundredth anniversaiy of his birth, the cost not to ex- 
ceed one-third of the devise. 

The Trust. — The doctor's son, however, thought that 
his father's long and serious illness in his old age had 



608 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



improperly influenced the making his will, which 
made what was thought by many an inadequate pro- 
vision for liim, and he contested it, and it was disal- 
lowed. The son tlien paid all the minor bequests, and, 
to carry out the views of his father, generously gave 
'the trustees, in 18.57, about one-third of the i-emain- 
der, the sum of $10,000. 

Here Mr. Blanchard declined to serve and Mr. Otis 
Kimball was elected to the vacancy. The board thus 
constituted made and declared the deed of trust. In 
1869 Mr. F. C. Manning died, and Mr. Joseph Ross, 
of Ipswich, was elected to his place; and in April, 
1874, Dr. Y. G. Hurd was appointed a trustee in place 
of Otis Kimball, who had then died. About thi> 
time Otis Kimball, Jr., was elected. 

Other BcqueUs. — When tlie century was nearly 
completed and the house was to be built, and the 
fund was found too small to meet the desired end, 
providentially came to hand the generous bequest of 
$4000 from Dr. Joseph Green Cogswell, of New 
York and Cambridge, one of Ipswich's most distin- 
guished sons and a gentleman of unusual scholarly 
attainments. About this time, too, one of the trus- 
tee, Mr. Richard H. Manning, contributed the 
princely sum of $15,000. The present condition of 
the trust, exclusive of the buildings and land, which 
cost $32,000, is about $40,000. 

The House and Appointments. — The school-house is 
a two-story, square structure, with mansard roof, and 
has rooms for cabinets, apparatus and recitations, 
and, on the third floor, a spacious and .serviceable 
hall. The architectural design was by Edward R. 
Brown; the interior design, by George W. Archer; 
the trustee supervision of the work, by Joseph Ross 
and Dr. Y. G. Hurd ; and the design of the furniture, 
by Joseph L. Ross — all Ipswich men. 

The cabinets illustrative of natural history and 
mineralogy, and the apparatus for chemical and 
philosophical e.xperiments are excellent. In 1842 
Mr. Abraham Hammatt donated to the school his pri 
vate cabinet of minerals, which, with additions pre- 
sented by friends of the school, is now large, choice 
and weU arranged. 

Its Dedication. — Thus the trustees were enabled to 
meet the desire of the founder in establishing the 
school. It was dedicated in the afternoon of Wed- 
nesday, August 26, 1874. The exercises were con- 
ducted by the trustees and the school committee of 
the town, and consisted of addresses, the reading of 
a paper on the Genealogy of the Manning Family, 
and music. The president of the trustees, in his 
opening addresses, remarked: "The noble legaties of 
the dead and more noble gifts of the living have 
completed and furnished a structure which the citi- 
zens of Ipswich may look upon with grateful pride 
and satisfaction." 

Mr. R. H. Manning, secretary and treasurer of the 
trustees, on the same occasion .said, that the equip- 
ments of the school were ample to prepare students 
for professional studies, but its special object was " to 
lay the foundation, and do what time and opportunity 
may allow towards the superstructure of a useful 
education of a!l the children of the town." " The 
school has but little to do with regularly organized 
religious matters." It was open for " all who are 



qualified to receive its instructions without distinc- 
tion of sex, color, race or religion." " While, there- 
fore, it will be quite within its province to do 
much for those who intend to make literary pursuits 
the business of their lives, its pur|)ose will rather be 
to provide an education which, through its general 
influence as well as by its special teaching, shall 
tend to make all who receive it able to perform the 
common duties and enjoy the common blessings of 
life ; to make them better observers and thinkers, 
and consequently better farmers, engineers and men 
of business; and also, by laying a good foundation, 
better lawyers and doctors and ministers and states- 
men ; and above all, better neighbors and citizens ; 
better and manlier men and bettor and more 
womanly women." 

T/ie Principals. — The teachers have been Martin 
H. Fiske, 1874-80; George N. Cross, 1881-82; A. M. 
O.sgood, 1883-84; and George M. Smith, the pi-esent 
incumbent. The school has graduated one hundred 
and twenty-three pupils, and is now, more than ever, 
growing in popular tavor and influence. 

The Trustees. — The Board of Trustees, as at present 
constituted, is Dr. Yorick G. Hurd, president; Rich- 
ard H. Manning, secretary and treasurer; Joseph 
Ross, Otis Kimball and Theodore F. Cogswell. 

Richard Henry Manning.^ — The subject of 
this sketch was born in Ipswich, February 1, 1809. 
His name at fir.st was Henry. It was after his 
father's death, which occurred in 1815, that he as- 
sumed his name. His mother, whose maiden-name 
was Lydia Pearson, died when he was only a few 
months old, and soon after he was taken home by his 
grandfather, Dr. John Manning, and his wife, Lucy 
BoUes, with whom his father also lived until his 
death. The grandfathf-r was a leading pioneer of 
woolen manufacturing in Massachusetts, if not the 
first. The father also engaged in this business in the 
old building which stood where the "Caldwell Block" 
now stands. A good mathematician and surveyor, he 
was, for one winter at least, master of the district 
school, and his little son, six years old wlien liis 
father died, was subject to his instruction. The death 
of his grandmother, with whom his early years were 
very happy, consigned him to the care of his paternal 
aunts, whose good intentions sometimes failed of 
meeting the requirements of the sensitive and grow- 
ing boy. It was probably on this account that he 
acceded to their plan for sending him to Diimmer 
Academy, in Byfteld, where the preceptor was Nehe- 
miah Cleaveland, who had married his cousin, Abby 
P. Manning. But it was a heart-breaking business to 
leave his grandfather, who had been very kind to 
him and to whom he was very necessary, and he dared 
not trust himself to say good-bye, but stole away early 
in the morning. The experience entered on so pain- 
fully was very beneficial, Mr. and Mrs. Cleaveland 
proving admirable directors of his studies and help- 
ing the formation of his character with affectionate 
and judicious guidance of his habits and his tastes. 
To a period of repression succeeded a period of 
genial growth. " I have often thought," he wrote not 
long before his death, " that if I had grown up from 

> By Rev, Jobii W. Chadwick, Brooklyn, N.T. 





^^m^ 




/S^y'Ml 



/:lA-^^*-^-, 



^ 



IPSWICH. 



608a 



early childliood with more sunshine and less wind, I 
should not hiive. wrapped the cloak of reserve so 
closely about me, and might have been less censo- 
rious, of gentler and more considerate speech, and 
altogether a more agreeable member of society." But 
if he ever was censorious, harsh, or inconsiderate, it 
must have been at a period to which the memory of 
his later friends did not go bacl<. 

In 1825, after about eighteen months at liyfield, his 
school-days came to an end, and on the day l)efore tlie 
laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument, 
June 24th, he entered on his business life in Boston, 
which continued with a single change of employers 
till he removed to Philadel|)liia in 1831. At this 
time his intellectual tendency of mind and earnest- 
ness of character Inul already sensibly declared them- 
selves. With no taste for dissipation, refusing the 
summer evening punch and winter Sunday toddy 
proffered by his employer, in whose family he lived, 
he devoted his leisure hours to the reading of well- 
cliosen books and to various literary exercises under 
the auspices of the Mercantile Library Association, of 
which he was a director. He was a lover of the poets 
as well as of the historians and novelists, and could 
"drop into poetry" himself upon occasion, once 
keeping up for some time a tilt of verse, incrxjiiitn, with 
Mrs. Frances Osgood, not unknown to fame; and he 
never got to be so practical or scientific but that he 
could revert to this early habit. He was fond of re- 
vising the hymns sung at church in accordance with 
his scientific predilections, and he often turned a 
graceful rhyme to bless some birthday festival or 
other happy anniversary of home and friends. 

Within a year after his going to Philadelphia he be- 
came a partner in the firm of Farnsworth & Manningi 
and the confidence with which he had inspired his 
employer in Boston was evidenced by his willingnesB 
to go security for him to the amount of several 
thousand dollars. In Boston he had not taken kindly 
to the Unitarianism of his employer, but in Phila- 
delphia, coining under the influence of Dr. Furness, 
he became an ardent Unitarian, and with increasing 
liberality and growing satisfaction in rationalistic and 
scientific methods, he remained a Unitarian until his 
death, connected for the last thirty-five years of his 
life with the Second Unitarian Church in Brooklyn, 
N. Y., of which he was a trustee for several terms, 
and in which he was always greatly loved and honored 
for the wisdom of his counsels and the goodness of his 
heart. It was during his stay in Philadelphia that he 
made the acquaintance of Frances Augusta Moore, who 
became his wife Jan, 15, 1835, and died in March, 1839 
leaving a daughter .Vdeline. Mr. Manning w-as again 
married, >fov.7, 1840, to Sarah P. Swan, who died leav- 
ing a daughter Sarah, Dec. 21, 1841. The domestic hap- 
piness, twice laid in ruins, was again renewed June 29. 
1843, when he married Mary D. Weeks, who remained 
until his death the fit companion of his earnest purpose 
and generous heart. They never wearied in " devising 



liberal things" for tho.se of theirown household and for 
many far and near who were in need of such encourage- 
ment and help as they could give. The children of this 
marriage were Henry Swan and Mary Channing, and 
their children, with those of the daughter Sarah, were 
the crowning happiness of Mr. Manning's later life. 
Through all the vicissitudes of his domestic life, from 
1835 until her death, in 1880, his sister Elizabeth was 
a member of his family, with a mother-heart for all 
liischildren and a helping hand for every needful work. 

Mr. Manning's business life in New York had hardly 
begun when the great fire of 1835 and the fiiianiial 
crash of 1836 gave a sudden check to his incipient 
prosperity. With a courageous heart he set out again, 
this time alone, as a dry-goods jobber, and he re- 
mained in the same business till 1851, with two or 
three ditterent partners at different times. After a 
year of leisure, he entered into partnership with Wil- 
liam U. Squier, of the New Jersey Zinc Company. In 
1855, with the same partner, he took the selling 
■igency of the Passaic Zinc (Iom]>any, and made no 
further change for the remainder of his active busi- 
ness life, which terminated only lour years before 
his death His partner testifies, that in the thirty- 
two years of their connection, they never had one 
hour's misunderstanding or one word of anger or re- 
proach. His year of leisure, 1851, was marked by 
one of the most agreeable and characteristic ei)isodes 
of his career. For some years he had been deeply 
interested in the teachings of Fourier and other 
writers upon social reorganization. With others, he 
had induced the Rev. William Henry Channing to 
come to Brooklyn as minister of a society wholly free 
from any conventional limitations. Mr. Channing 
was profoundly interested in social questions and 
stirred up a generous enthusiasm for them in the 
minds of his hearers. For two or three years there 
was a series of parlor meetings, at which the times 
and the eternities were discusscl with equal warmth. 
To these meetings came many able men and women — 
Horace Greeley not the least among them, and Mar- 
garet Fuller, in Mr. Manning's estimation, the great- 
est; or, at any rate, the ablest talker. For several 
months she was a member of his family, while on the 
start of the Kew York Trihniie. In the summer of 
1S50 Mr. Manning boarded at the North American 
Phalanx, the New York "Brook Farm," with sev- 
eral friends and their families. The doctrines of 
social reorganization which he had been brooding 
on so long, were thus ])ractically tested, and the result 
wiis so assuring that in 1851 he built a cottage on the 
Phalanx grounds and spent the summer there. This 
was the episode to which we liave referred. .Mr. 
Manning always maintained that the failure of the 
movement was owing more to accitlental circum- 
stances than to intrinsic causes, and held to the 
necessity for changes in our present social order in 
the direction of co-operative life. 

Mr. Manning never forgot his native town and iiad 



608b 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



at all times relations of kinship and affection with 
many Ipswich folks ; but that which brought him 
into the closest and most gratifying contact with his 
former townsmen was his connection with the "Man- 
ning School." His uncle, Dr. Thomas Manning, 
dying in 1854, left nearly all his moderate fortune in 
trust to liim, liis brother Francis and Francis H. 
Blanchard, of Waltliani, for the establishment and 
maintenance of a High School in Ipswich. The will 
was contested by the only son of Dr. Manning and 
it was disallowed by the Probate Court. But after the 
son had paid all the minor bequests of the will, he gave 
one-third of the sum remaining, about ten thousand 
dollars, to the trustees named in the will, with which 
to carry out his father's wishes. As only one-third 
could be spent for the building, it seemed best not to 
build until investmeut had considerably increased 
the sum in hand. The investment was made by Mr. 
R. H. Manning, and so successl'uUy, that in 1874 the 
original sum had increased to more than forty thou- 
sand dollars, and then the bonds representing ihe 
whole amount were stolen by a thief, who had fol- 
lowed Mr. Manning into his office. The loss of no 
other money could have been so hard, but though his 
cheek was for a moment blanched, the next morning 
(New Year's day) he made his usual round of calls 
with his habitual cheerfulness. Of the stolen money, 
he at length recovered the larger part. What could 
not be recovered, he made up ; adding to tnis a sum 
which, with a bequest made in his will, constitutes 
an amount more than double that originally in hand. 
These were the benefactions of a man of moderate 
means, of whom a I'riend has said that "he was wisely 
economical, in order that he might be nobly gener- 
ous." But he gave the school more and better than 
money. He gave a well-selected library, into the 
choice of which he put hundreds of thoughtful hours. 
He gave his constant oversight and i)i-ivate counsel, 
and several times some well-considered public word 
in furtherance of the cause he had so much at heart. 

Mr. Manning apprehended his position as a citizen 
in the most serious manner. He was always deeply 
interested in State and national politics and in ques- 
tions of municipal reform. His anti-slavery senti- 
ments dated from the beginning of the great debate. 
Horace Greeley had no mure honored friend, and he 
made him one of the administrators of his will. He 
was a stanch Republican, and when the ordeal o( 
battle succeeded to the strife of words, he was proud 
to have a soldier-son, and with the co-operation of 
his wife and sister, did what he could for the allevia- 
tion of the suffering and sorrow of the time. His 
connection with civil service reform was close and 
earnest from the start, and the last public duty he 
assumed (but did not live to i)crform) was that of an 
examiner under the civil service rules. His last ill- 
ness began October 25th and he died Nov. 2d, 18S7. 

There was no more hospitable roof than his in all 
the land. There was welcome under it not oulv for 



the fortunate and happy who could bring their health 
and cheer, but for those who had been bruised and 
maimed in life's hard fray. Madame Zulavsky, an 
exile from Hungary, the sister of Louis Kossuth, had 
her last sickness here. The gravity of Mr. Manning's 
mind and character attracted to him many wise and 
noble spirits. He had a genius for friendship, and his 
friends were olten persons of exceptional ability and 
worth. Horace Crreeley and Margaret Fuller have 
been already named. Samuel Johnson, the Salem 
thinker and reformer, was another. Professor E. L. 
Youmans, with whose scientific thought he was en- 
tirely sympathetic, was perhaps the closest of them all 
But he did not demand high culture and ability from 
all his friends. To be simple and sincere and kind was 
a sufficient claim on his regard ; or to be in need of any 
help that he could give. He had a gift for doing 

" Little kindnesses which most leave tindooe or despise." 

An "advanced thinker" always, he never lost the 
art of sweet, old-fashioned courtesy. He was remark- 
able for the comprehensiveness and balance of his 
powers. With great jiractical ability he united an 
admirable gift for speculative thought, and while tlius 
profoundly intellectual, he was pre-eminently a "man 
of sentiment," without ever being sejitimental. His 
feelings were extremely sensitive and warm. And so 
it was that, however admirable in every wider sphere, 
it was in his home-life that he revealed his most es- 
sential character. He wrote such letters as men 
used to write when as yet there was no penny post. 
They were not often long, but they were always care- 
fully considered and gracefully expressed. For other 
forms of literary expression he was well equipped. 
His printed speeches and addresses and the jiapers 
that he published upon various subjects, though but 
few, are evidence that if he had devoted himself ex- 
clusively to a life of thought and literary expression, 
he might have won an enviable fame. But there is 
nothing to regret. He could have done no better 
than to show by his example that a life of constant 
and exacting business cares can be conjoined with 
intellectual pursuits and noble charities and genial 
fellowship, and such social usefulness as is still alive 
and operative when the places that have known 
us know us no more forever, 

THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS, 

Origin. — This system has been the growth of years 
and exigencies. In 1642 the town voted that there 
be a free school. Such a school was to teach " read- 
ing, writing and cyphering." In 1664 Mr. Andrews 
was invited to teach. In 1695 N.vth.-v.miel Ru.st, ,Jr,, 
taught at Chebacco, and the following year was in- 
vited to settle as master. In 17(12 Chebacco was al- 
lowed to erect a school-house on the common, and in 
1713 William Giddikgs was master there. In 1714 
the town voted to have a school in the watch-house, 
and in 1719 it was used for the same purpose, Wil- 
liam SoNE, a fisherman, by reason of sickness, was 
granted a room in the Almshouse for a school. The 



IPSWICH. 



609 



Hamlet voted March 10, 1730, to build a school-house 
for their accommodation ; and on the 30th the town 
appropriated one hundred pounds for three masters 
for the First, Chebacco and Hamlet Parishes. Thi.s 
was the sum paid by Gifiord Cogswell in scltlenient 
of the Grammar School claim. The First Parish had 
£41, the Hamlet committee £20, the Chebacco com- 
mittee £20, Mark How for West Parish (afterwards 
Liuebrook) £4 18s. 9rf., Moses Davis for his neighbor- 
hood £6 Us. lOd., and Deacon Fellows for his neighbor- 
hood £2 4s., thus outlining the present district system. 
The selectmen, May 22, 1732, engaged Henry Spil- 
LAR to teach, and granted him the use of one end of 
the Almshouse for that purpose. 
' Supervmon. — The committee of the First Parish 
agreed with him to teach a quarter for eight pounds. 
No further appropriation was made till ordered In' 
the Court of General Sessions, when, 1740, the Gram- 
mar School (which see) and the reading and writing 
schools were served together. In 1742 eighteen 
pounds of the school rents, old tenor, were "ad- 
judged " to each Chebacco and Hamlet, and twenty- 
eight pounds of said rents, old tenor, " to those parts 
of the First Parish as have least benefit from the 
Grammar School," and the same year the selectmen 
were to visit the schools once a quarter, and invite 
the minister to attend with them, the germ of our 
present committee supervision. 

In 1743 a committee of five were chosen to visit 
the schools, as often as they thought proper, and in- 
quire into the conduct of the master and the behavior 
of the scholars, and report to the town. In 175(5 the 
town appropriated two hundred and fifty pounds, old 
tenor, for a master who was to be employed three 
months and two weeks at Chebacco, three months 
and two weeks at the Hamlet, two months at Line- 
brook, and otherwise as directed l)v the selectmen. 
This amount and plan of appropriation continued a 
number of years. 

In 1761 the General Court authorized the sale of 
school rights in Birch Island, Bush Hill, Bartholo- 
mew Hill and Chebacco Woods, and the next year 
rejected pi-oposals to sell the school farm. A school 
house was built at Linebrook, on land two rods front 
and four rods deep, enfeofled by Jeremiah Smith 
October 30, 1765, so long as used for the purpose of a 
school. In 1783 the town employed two masters, and 
raised one hundred and forty pounds for schooLs, and 
granted land for a school-house near Joseph Fowler's 
lane. 

Approprialions. — The yearly appropriation, 1785- 
94, was £160; 1795-96, £230 ; 1797-1801, $766.66 ; 
1802, $900; 1810, $1200; 1816, $1500; 1840, $1600; 
1854, S2000 ; 1861, $2500 ; 1866, $3000; 1868, $3500; 
1871, $4000; 1886, $4400 and 12300 for High 
School. 

In 1791 the visiting committee consisted of forty 
members ; eleven in the body of the town, seven at 
Chebacco, nine at the Hamlet, five at Linebrook, two 
39 



at Candlewood, two at .\rgilla, two at Moses .Tcwett's 
and two at John Patch's. 

The Studies. — The variety, extent and relative im- 
portance of the studies a century ago, may l)est be 
learned from perusing the committee's instruction 
from the town April 2, 1792, viz.: "To go with the 
Latin scholars to the Grammar School, are tho.se who 
study English grammar, those who are to be taught 
in book-keeping and after them, the foremost in read- 
ing and spelling, until the number in the Granunar 
School shall rise to a third part of the whole existing 
number in both. To read well in the Bible and s\w\\ 
should be necessary qualificatious for entering as stu- 
dents in English grammar. To be taught in book- 
keeping, the pupil must have gone through the four 
first rules of arithmetic, simple and comjwund; Re- 
ductions in both parts; the Rules of Proportion, di- 
rect, inverse and compound ; and the rules of Prac- 
tice. The master of the English school shall attend 
upon all in Arithmetic except the Latin scholars and 
those in book-keeping as aforesaid. In both schools 
the Catechism of the Assembly of Divines with Dr. 
Watts' explanatory Notes and the Catechi.sm by the 
same author be constantly used as much as three or 
four times a week according to the iliflerent grades of 
the scholars, until the same are committed to memo- 
ry." The practice of teaching the Catechism lasted 
till 1826. 

Committees Chosen. — In 1794 a committee of seven 
was chosen to consider the subject of schooling. They 
recommended a committee "to regulate and visit the 
schools, as it is thought it would be an encourage- 
ment to the masters and scholars, and consequently 
would be beneficial to the education of the youth." 
A committee of nine were chosen. In 1795 five were 
chosen; in 1796, nine; in 1798, seven ; and the same 
in 1800. The number now is three. 

Districts. — Shortly after 1800 the school districts 
were defined by metes and bounds. Some twenty- 
five years later, prudential committees were em- 
ployed. This plan was probably the remains of the 
old system of parish committees respectively. Still 
later, by some ten years, the prudential committees 
were empowered to hire their respective teachers. 
The prudential system was abolished in April, 1869, 
when the district property w'as appraised and pur- 
chased by the town. 

Expense. — The present number of pujjils enrolled 
is six hundred and eighty, distributed in .seven un- 
graded schools, three primary, three intermediate and 
one high. The total cost for the year is seventy-six 
hundred dollars, making a per capita cost of eleven 
and eightcen-one-hundredths dollars. 

Oi/r Schools Free. — The existence and importance 
of schools was inbred in our ancestors, and the first 
and leading thought in relation to them was that they 
should be free. Their first vote declared the senti- 
ment, and along the years circumstances have been 
made subservient, and pecuniary ability has been 



GIO 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pledged to hasten the grand consummation. With 
free text-books in the hands of the scholars, as has 
been the case for the last year or two, our schools are 
absolutely free. If the spirits of the departed are 
conversant with the aflairs of men, there is a multi- 
tude of our citizen benefactors with the Paines, and 
Hubbard, and Cross, and Burley, and Manning, and 
Cogswell at their head, uniting with the generous 
living in one glad acclaim for the fruition of their 
hope — absolutely free schools for all our sons and 
daughters. 

THE IPSWICH FEMALE SEMINARY. 

The Acadermj. — The institution now or lately known 
by the above title was incorporated February 28, 
1828, by the name of the Proprietors of Ipswich Acad- 
emy. The incorporators' names were Nathaniel Lord, 
Jr., Joseph Farley, Ammi E. Smith, George W. Hart 
and Charles Kimball. They could hold a personal 
estate of ten thousand dollars and a real of eight 
thousand dollars. The building was completed early 
in 1826, fifty-six feet long, thirty-five wide and two 
stories high, at a cost of four thousand dollars. The 
last Wednesday in the following April, Rev. Hervey 
Wilbur opened the school and with a female assist- 
ant taught one year. In his advertisement he called 
the school a Classical Seminary for Young Ladies. In 
May, 1827, James W. Ward began, and he continued 
to March, 1828. 

The Seminary. — In 1818 Eev. Joseph Emerson, a 
descendant of Thomas, of Ipswich in 1642, opened in 
Byfield the pioneer school for educating young ladies. 
Two of his assistant pupils. Miss Grant and Miss 
Lyon, went out and opened schools on the same plan. 
These designs were not long in maturing; female 
schools soon became a settled fact, and the proprietors 
of the Ipswich Academy, imbibing the sentiment, 
made their school a seminary, and, in the well-chosen 
words of another, 

"Ipswicli was favored for nearly half a century with a celebrated 
school for young ladies. A large and commodious edifice, erected in 
1826, was in April, 1828, placed without rent in the hands of Miss Z. I. 
Grant, then already well and widely known as an instructor. Many of 
her scholars followed her from the Adams Female Academy in Derry, N. 
H., where she had taught with great success, and her Ipswich School 
became at once the resort of young ladies from all parts of the country. 
Her able associate, Mary Lyon, and other competent assistants helped 
her to make it one of the best in the land. She arranged a coui-se of 
study, liberal for the times, established regular classes— junior, middle 
and senior— to which students were admitted on examination, and intro- 
duced the custom of conferring diplomas on those who completed the 
course. She made education the handmaid of religion, the Bible a daily 
study, and the school a nursery of character and scholarehip. Her 
schi^lars were in great demand as teachers, and so known and prized for 
purity of intention and active usefulness that wherever they went their 
presence was a recommendation and advertisement of the Seminary. 

"Miss Grant's hope of founding a college for ladies at Ipswich was 
frustl'ated more by the delicate state of her health than by the want of 
funds, but her ideas were happily incorporated in the Mt. Holyoke Sem- 
inary by her associate, Mary Lyon, its eminent founder. Miss Grant 
resigned the charge of the school in 1839, having had during her eleven 
years at Ipswich 1458 scholars, of whom 130 were full graduates, and to 
that date twenty had become missionaries of the American Board, and 
488 teachers in various parts of our own country. 

*' In 1841 Miss Grant was married to Hon. Wni. B. Barrister, of New- 



buryport ; she survived in honor and usefulness till 1874. Her memory 
is preserved in an excellent volume, "The Use of a Life," printed by 
the American Tract Society. 

" In the spring of 1844 the trustees, after various changes and disap- 
pointments, installed Rev. and Mrs John P. Cowles as principals. Mr. 
Cowles was a graduate of Yale College, class of 1826, and has been pro- 
fessor of Hebrew in the Oberliu Theological .Seminary, while Mrs. 
Cowles, for ten years before her marriage, had been associated either as 
pupil or teacher with Miss Grant or Bliss Lyon. They brought to their 
work industry, energy and zeal, and with the aid of vigorous and accom- 
plished assistants, mostly of their own training, they not only kept up 
the previous moral and religious tone of the institution, but rai.sed its 
classical and literary character to egual, if not surpass, the general ad- 
vance in the country. Young ladies, from one to two hundred, according 
to the accommodations for boarding in the village, soon gathered around 
them, often continuing with them three, four or five years before grad- 
uation. 

" Although the stochholders had granted the use of thair property 
rent free, yet, for the sake of much needed improvements, the principals 
bought it and added to it the adjacent Dutch estate, thus extending the 
grounds to the river, and by means of fencing, terracing, grading and 
planting fruit and ornamentjil trees, shrubs and vines, they transformed 
it into one of the fairest, as it had always been one of the airiest and 
healthiest, sites of the village. For thirty-two years they continued 
their onward and upward way, ever teaching and training minds in the 
line of natural development, faithful study, careful investigation and un- 
shackled freedom and independence of thought. Their students, no less 
than Mrs. Barrister's, have enrolled themselves as thinkers, toilers, 
teachers and writers, whose names their country-men and country-wo 
men will not soon nor willingly let die." 

The school was closed in 1870. 

SuNDAY'-SoHOOLS. — One of the most powerful edu- 
cational agencies of the present time is the Sunday- 
school. Our schools enroll as many scholars as the 
day schools and even more. They embrace all ages, 
and although they have one grand central theme 
there is a correlation of themes, which gives breadth 
and scope to their work and enhances their influence 
and importance. The youngest are taught to talk, 
to read, to memorize ; others study geography, his- 
tory, biography, and still others comparative ethics, 
and the methods and principles of Christian living, 
preparing the mind and heart and soul for an intelli- 
gent reception of the gift of eternal life. As re- 
ported, there are 8,034,478 scholars thus engaged in 
the United States, seven millions of whom are child- 
ren and youth. The same report estimates nine mil- 
lion children and youth not yet reached — a glorious 
work and opportunity. The schools here were or- 
ganized in the First and South Churches in 1816, 
and at Linebrook about 1818. In 1832 or 1833 the 
•First Church school had two hundred scholars and 
three hundred and eighty-four volumes in the library ; 
the South Church school had two hundred scholars 
and four hundred and fifty volumes ; the Methodist 
Church school one hundred and thirty scholars and 
three hundred and ninety volumes. The First Church 
school now has two hundred scholars and three hun- 
dred and fifty volumes. The Line Brook Church 
school fifty scholars and two hundred and fifty 
volumes. These teachers labor without pay ; they 
give their time and exertions for the love they bear 
the cause. Their influence upon the moral and social 
condition of the town is great, and their office deserves 
a more helpful public recognition. 



IPSWICH. 



611 



LiBRAElES. — There were two libraries in towu in 
1833. They were called the social and the religions, 
and had each about three hundred volumes. They 
are now out of remembrance. One was kept in the 
town hou.se, and unpaid fines and dues excluded one 
and another of the proprietors till only two or three 
remained, when the books were divided to each, and 
the library closed. 

The present " Free Public Library " was founded 
in 18(58 by the munificence of Captain Augustine 
Heard. It was opened to the public, March 1, 18G9. 
Captain Heard donated the building, three thousand 
volumes, and an endowment fund of $10,000, nuiking 
a grand total of about 840,000. This gift was sup- 
plemented by Prof. Daniel Treadwell, of Harvard 
College, who gave his private library, .some valuable 
paintings and a fund of $20,000. These princely 
gifts have made the lives of these gentlemen a per- 
petual blessing. The trustees are Hon. George Has- 
kell, Zenas Cushing, Joseph Ross and c.r oflicio, the 
principal of the Manning High School and the pas- 
tor of the First Congregational Church. Miss Lydia 
Caldwell has been the librarian from the very first 
and has proved herself very efficient. The library 
contains some more than ten thousand volumes, 
which have been selected with great care, especially 
the works of fiction, which are scrupulously stand- 
ard, and which constitute three-fourths of the books 
loaned. 

Books. — New England's first book of poetry was 
by Mi"s. Anna Bradstreet, early of Ipswich. One of 
the first histories of New England was by an Ips- 
wich clergyman, William Hubbard. The first I^atin 
book printed in America was by Rev. John Norton, 
of Ipswich. The " Body of Liberties," containing 
the essence of our civil rights to-day, and the " Sim- 
ple Cobbler of Agawam," long to be remembered as 
an old-time classic, were the work of the author, 
)ireacher, jurist and scholar, Nathaniel Ward, of Ips- 
wich. These are a few of the most illustrious names. 
For two centuries, Ipswich clergymen and scholars 
issued many publications ; but now the profession of 
authorship precludes the double vocation that for- 
merly obtained, and clergyman and scholar and 
author have each his respetive province. A little 
volume of poems, from the pen of Jlr. Edward G. 
Hull, was issued in 188fi. Mr. John Patch has pub- 
lished a volume of poems. He was a poet of very 
high, if not the highest rank. He had genius of a 
marked character. His compositions evince poetic 
fervor and keen appreciation of both moral and physi- 
cal beauty. He had warm partialities for the sea and 
all that concerns it, and for nature in all her varying 
moods. Many of his best poems are sea pictures and 
descriptions of rural scenes. His versification is 
noble, and his poems in general have worthy com- 
pleteness. A tone of calm elevation and hopeful 
contemplation is well sustained throughout. The 
rhythm is well modulated, and in some of his shorter 



|>oems inexpressibly pathetic. His poems are richly 
ideal, and abound in detached images of exceeding 
beauty and of high merit. 

Newspapers. — One of the best popular educators is 
a carefully edited family newspaper. Tiie first news- 
paper started here was The I/mvich Journal. It was 
issued weekly by John H. Harris, who began its|>ul>li- 
cation in July, 1827, and discontinued it August, 1828. 
The next venture was The Ipswich Reghter, edited 
by Eugene F. W. Gray, and published by Gray & 
Smith. It was a weekly ; it began June 1, lS37,and, we 
presume, was issued last. May 25, 1838. The next was 
The Ipswich Clarion, hegun February 23, 18o0, and is- 
sued fortnightly by Timothy B. Ross. It w:is folio 
and very newsy. The first Saturday in January, 
1868, the Ipswich Bulletin first appeared. It continued 
till about August 1st. The proprietor, Mr. Charles 
W. Felt, of Salem, proposed to furnish a paper to 
each of several towns, cheaply, by having local cor- 
respondents who were to manage their respective 
localities, and by changing the name of the print to 
correspond. Thus the Rockport Quarry and the Ips- 
wich Bulletin were the same with change of name. 
The plan was new, an advance thought, and had 
merits, besides being the first deviation from the old 
method. Soon after came the " patent" sheets, then 
sterotyped .stories and news. The next was The Ips- 
wich Advance with Mr. Edward B. Putnam as editor 
and proprietor. He began July 3, 1871, and con- 
tinued till March 16, 1872, when Edward L. Daven- 
port and Frederick W. Goodwin, having purchased 
the establishment, began its publication as The Ips- 
wich Chronicle. They ran it about ten months, and 
Mr. Goodwin sold his interest to his partner, who 
alone began January 4, 1873, and continued four 
years, when Lyman H. Daniels bought it and began 
its publication January 6, 1877. Mr. Daniels asso- 
ciated with him, January 1, 1881, Mr. I. J. Potter, 
who purchased Mr. Daniels' interest, June 4th, of the 
same year, and September 9, 1882, changed the large, 
unwieldy folio to the present neat quarto. Within a 
year or two, Mr. Potter has associated himself with 
his brother, J. M. Potter, and is now joint proprietor 
of the Ipswich Chronicle, the Amesburij Villaijer, the 
Lynn Reporter, the Lynn Bee, aiul the Yankee Blade, 
Boston. Recently, September 10, 18SG, began The 
Ipswich Independent, a sizable folio, edited by Mr. 
Charles G. Hull. 

The Bukley Fund.— Captain William Hurley 
was a native of Ipswich, born January 6, 1750. He 
died in Beverly December 22, 1822, and left to his na- 
tive town a bequest of fifty dollars to be paid annu- 
ally for ten years "for the sole pnrjiose of teaching 
poor children to read and instructing them in the 
principles of the Christian religion." The town 
voted, April 7, 1823, "expressive of their respect to 
his memory." The executors agreed with the town 
that the equity should be liquidated in one payment. 
Accordingly, an act of iucorp(jration, dated June 18, 



612 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1825, was obtained, and "Nathaniel Lord, Jr., and 
William Conant, Jr., Esquires, Josiah Brown and 
John Kimball, gentlemen, and Daniel Cogswell, mer- 
chant," became a " body politic " by the name of 
"The Trustees of the Burley Educational Fund in 
Ipswich." The amount of the trust was five hundred 
dollars, but the Sunday-schools and the Bible socie- 
ties, and our admiralile system of free schools and 
school-books, are performing the mission of this be- 
quest almost entirely, and the fund only labors to 
grow. It is now seven thousancf five huudred dol- 
lars. Some future Legislature may reappropriate it, 
when, in a maturer growth and strength, it will per- 
form a wider range of service, and the generous 
tboughtfulness of the donor build wiser and better 
than he planned. 

Abraham Hammatt. — Among the men who have 
fostered the educational growth of our town, and de- 
serve a warm sentiment of regard, is Mr. Hammatt. 
He was born in Plymouth in 1780 of Puritan ancestry, 
and there learned the trade of rope-malcing. In 1800 
he removed to Bath, Me., and began business for him- 
self. Years of industry and frugality gave him a 
competence. He then devoted his time and talents 
to literature and science, for which he had a fine 
taste. He was said to have been the best scholar in 
Bath, not excepting the men of any of the learned 
professions. He died August 9, 1854, aged seventy- 
four years. About eighteen years before, he removed 
to this town. He was a member of the New England 
Historical-Genealogical Society, and was by them 
considered a true antiquarian and an accurate gene- 
alogist. In his death they sustained a severe loss. 
He was for a long time feofl'ee of the grammar school 
and member of the Town School Board. He was an 
earnest and efiicient otficer, and his genial presence 
was alwa)'s welcome in the school-room. In his 
later years he prepared " Early Inhabitants of 
Ipswich," copied the ancient inscriptions in the 
High Street Cemetery, and wrote a bi-centennial his- 
tory of the grammar school — all noble, serviceable 
labors. His death closed a blameless, benevolent and 
useful life. 

Anne Beadsteeet was born in Northampton, 
England, in 1612. She married at the age of sixteen, 
and in 1630 came to this country. Her father was 
Governor Thomas Dudley, her husband Governor 
Simon Bradstreet. She resided in Ipswich about 
twenty years, and then removed with her husband to 
Andover. She was the earliest poet of New Eng- 
land, and was noble and gifted. Rev. Cotton Matlier 
wrote, — "Her poems, divers times printed, have af- 
forded a grateful entertainment unto the ingenious, 
and a monument for her memory, beyond the state- 
liest marble." Rev. John Norton calls her "the mir- 
ror of her age and the glory of her sex." The second 
edition of her poems is said " to be the work of a 
woman honored and esteemed where she lives for her 
gracious demeanor, her eminent parts, her pious con- 



versation, her courteous disposition, her exact dili- 
gence in her place, and discreet managing of her 
family occasions ; and, more than so, these poems are 
the fruit of but some few hours curtailed from her 
sleep and other refreshments." She was as much 
loved for gentleness, discretion and domestic dili- 
gence as she was admired for her genius, wit and love 
of learning. Her death occurred September 16, 1672. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

IPSWICH {Contained). 

MILITARY AND MARTIAL. 

The Situation. — Although this town had a very 
fortunate situation as regards the Indians, yet, in the 
same manner, thougli not to the same extent, as the 
frontier towns, our ancestors were obliged to be ever 
on the alert, and ever ready to meet an active display 
of the treachery, perfidy and jealousy of the red man. 
As our later New England ancestors planted the 
school-house by the church, very truly and wisely 
our early ancestors planted a fort also. The Eastern 
Indians were jealous, blood-thir.sty and cruel, and any 
day or night their war canoes might float in our har- 
bor. They were active, among other tribes, in plot- 
ting mischief and instilling a spirit of dissatisfaction. 
At the south — in Eastern Connecticut and Western 
Rhode Island, and extending from the sea several 
leagues to the north — were the Pequods, a race, the 
quintessence of jealousy, cruel mischief and murder. 
Their emissaries were in every camp ; they were a 
scourge from the very first. Every hamlet, every 
home, was in jeopardy and fear. The sudden rush 
of attack and the startling war-whoop were their dec- 
laration of war, and whoever was surprised thereby 
paid the penalty with his blood and scalp. 

Caution. — This condition of circumstances occa- 
sioned a careful carriage, and an adequate protection 
of some weapon of defence. The musket was the 
white man's vade mecum upon the road, in the field 
and workshop, and at church and home. To meet 
this emergency the town's people maintained watches 
and erected forts ; powder was kept in store under 
penalty ; night signals and day signals of alarm were 
established; companies were formed, and the entire 
populace were minute-men. 

Means. — In 1683 it was ordered that Saugus, Sa- 
lem and Agawam assist Boston in building a fort. 
The next year the Ipswich assistant is ordered to so- 
licit funds for a movable fort at Boston ; every man 
must be trained for service. Daniel Denison and 
Nicholas Easton have charge of the powder here. 
The town was to receive its proportion of muskets, 
bandoleers and rests, just then imported, and to have 



IPSWICH. 



613 



the use of two sakers, if they will provide carriages 
for them. 

In 1635 the company was ordered to maintain its 
officers ; eight swords were added to their equipments. 
In 1().36 the military force of the jurisdiction was di- 
vided into three regiments — Saugus, Salem, Ipswich 
and Newbury making one, with John Eudicott, Esq., 
of Salem, colonel; and John Winthrop, Jr., of Ips- 
wich, lieutenant-colouel. The next year it was or- 
dered that " no person shall travel above a mile from 
his dwelling, except where other dwellings are near, 
without some arms, upon pain of 12.s. for every de- 
fault;" each town must have a watch-house, and 
keep a watch ; eight annual trainings were ordered; 
Daniel Denison was commissioned captain. 

The Pequod War. — This year occurred the mem- 
orable Pequod War, wherein I|>swich was repre- 
sented by twenty-three soldiers and William Fuller 
as gunsmith. History depicts the overwhelming dis- 
aster of the Indians. Therein Francis Wainwright 
attacked a knot of Pequods, expended his ammuni- 
tion, broke his gun over them and brought in two 
scalps. John Wedgewood was wounded and taken 
prisoner, and John Sherman was wounded in the 
neck. The following-named persons were granted 
from two to ten acres of land tor their services: 
John Andrews, John Burnum, Robert Castell, Rob- 
ert Cross, Robert Filbrick, Edward Lumus, Andrew 
Story, William Swynder, Palmer Tingley, Francis 
Wainwright and William Whitred. In 1668 Edward 
Thomas was granted six acres of land for services 
rendered at some time, against the Indians. 

Other Means. — In 1639 a reservation is made for 
a fort on Castle Hill, where the land was granted 
John Winthrop, Jr. The town has two barrels of 
powder, and may .sell, on the county's account, at two 
shillings per pound; and the following year the 
meeting-house was used as a watch-house. In 1642 
there was a general suspicion and alarm. It was 
thought the various tribes of Indians had conspired 
to annihilate the white man, and Ipswich, Rowley 
and Newbury were ordered to disarm the Merrimac 
sachem. Forty men went the next day, and not 
finding the chief, they took away his son as a hostage. 
The town record allows " twenty men \'ld. each per 
day for three days." That year a retreat for wives 
and children must be provided; twelve saker bullets 
were allowed to the town ; the town must have spe- 
cial alarms — sentinels who, going to the houses, shalb 
in case of attack, cry : " Arm, Arm ! " This general 
suspicion and alarm of the colonists was the pre- 
cursor of the famous colonial league of March 19, 
1643, and its earnest, unanswerable though silent ad- 
vocate. In 1643 worshippers must go in arms to 
meeting on Lord's day. In 1644 the counties of Es- 
sex and Norfolk — which extended from the Merri- 
mac River and included Exeter, Dover and Ports- 
mouth in New Ham|)shire, while Essex then ex- 
tended only to the Merrimac — form one regiment, 



and Captain Daniel Denison was commissioned colo- 
nel. 

In 1645 all lads from ten to sixteen must be drilled 
in the use of the musket, the half-pikes and of bo«s 
and arrows. Thomas Whittingham was lieutenant, 
and Thomas Howlett ensign of the Ipswich compa- 
ny; every town must set a guard, a pike-man and a 
musketeer, about sunset, and must keep a daily guard 
on the outskirts and scour the woods for lurking foes; 
each company was divided in two-third musketeers 
and one-third pikemen, who were to wear corselets 
and head-pieces. 

In 1648 boys, allowed by their parents or guardians 
on the training fields, were to be '"exercised " in mil- 
itary discipline. In 1649 each town must provide 
for each fifty soldiers, one barrel of powder, one 
hundred and fifty pounds of musket bullets, and 
twenty-eight pounds of matcii, which, for a long 
time, subserved the use of flint. 

In 1652 a company was to consi.st of sixty-four or 
more privates, and to have at least two drums, 
and the military affiurs of each town were to 
be administered by a committee of magistrates 
and three chief officers. In 1653 John Apple- 
ton was commissioned lieutenant of the troop of 
horse for the Essex regiment. General Daniel Den- 
ison ordered a squad of twenty-seven men from Ips- 
wich and Rowley, to "descry the distant foe, where 
lodged, or whither fled ; or if for fight in motion or 
in halt;" for it was reported, as ten years before, 
that a general conspiracy had been formed to sweep 
the white man from the soil. Each private was al- 
lowed a shilling, the sergeant two shillings, and two 
troopers two shillings, si.x pence a day for four days. 

Officers. — In 1664 the following were confirmed as 
the officers of the Ipswich Company: Thomas French, 
ensign ; Thomas Burnani, Jacob Perkins and Thomas 
Wait, sergeants; and Thomas Hart and Francis 
Wainwright, corporals ; and in 1668, .lohn Appleton, 
captain, and John Whipple, cornet, of the troop. In 
1672 a new fort was built; Gen. Denison wrote the 
Governor that great fear aud alarm prevailed ; that 
the enemy had crossed the Merrimac, and that a 
detachment of fifty men, under Capt. John Apple- 
ton, was proceeding to Andover. The following year 
Ipswich was required to furnish her quota of one hun- 
dred men for service against the Dutch. 

Philip's War. — The year 1675 is memorable for 
the beginning of King Philip's War. It was a long, 
agonizing struggle. Philip was .sagacious, crafty, of 
great native mental strength, aud as chief of a civil- 
ized people, would have been known as their patriot- 
ic defender. He was, with all, a powerful monarch, 
chief of thirty tribes and the powerful Passaconaway 
was his ally. His eagle-eye scanned the encroach- 
ments of the English upon his lands, their usurpa- 
tion of his fruitful hunting-grounds, their growth in 
numbers and power, and in all this and more, the 
doom of his race, which he could no longer brook. 



614 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Ffrther Means. — -"The Indians lurked in ev- 
ery forest and covert ; tliey watched for the lonely 
settler as he opened his door in the morning, as he 
was husy at his work in the field, as he rode out on 
business or followed the forest path to church." The 
fearful war-whoop, the deadly tomahawk and the 
treacherous ambuscade were a terror to every Eng- 
li.'ih home. The soldiers of every town were ordered 
to scour and ward to prevent the skulking and lurk- 
ing of the enemy about it and give notice of danger; 
the brush along the highway must be cut up ; and 
the watch must not come in till sunrise, when the 
scouts go out ; the inhabitants .shall flee to the garri- 
sons for defense, if invaded. 

Fearful Co.st of the War. — The war cost the 
Colonial League a million of dollars and six hundred 
lives, of which Ipswich's proportion must have been 
about forty. Every eleventh house in the colony 
was burned, and every eleventh soldier killed. Ips- 
wich was represented in Capt. Prentice's troop, and 
in the " Flower of Essex," that perished at Deerfield, 
and she furnished her quota of the four hundred and 
sixty men levied the next year and led by Maj. Sam- 
uel Appleton ; of eighty men called for sixty days; 
and of seventy for service in the East. 

Fatalities. — In this war fell Edward Coburn, 
Thomas Scott, Benjamin Tappau, Freegrace Norton, 
sergeant John Pettis. John Cogswell was a prisoner. 
In the great battle of the war,^ — with the Narragan- 
setts, — three were killed and twenty-two were wound- 
ed in the Ipswich Company. One of the saddest 
events of the war was " the Deerfield Massacre." Of 
a company of eighty men, known as the '" Flower of 
Essex," forty perished by one fell swoop of the sav- 
ages. Here Robert Dutch was prostrated by a ball 
which wounded his head, was mauled with a hatchet, 
stripped and left for dead. After several hours he 
was discovered and restored to consciousness. In a 
list of the names of the slain the following look like 
Ipswich names : Thomas Manning, Caleb Kimball, 
Jacob Wainwright, Samuel Whittridge, Josiah Dodge, 
William Day, John and Thomas Hobbs. 

Officers. — In 1680 Ipswich had three companies; 
the year following a magazine is kept in the meeting- 
house, and in 1(582 the companies' officers were: CajU. 
Samuel Appleton, Lieut. Thomas Burnum, En. Simon 
Stacey ; Capt. Daniel Eppes, Lieut. John Appleton, En. 
Thomas Jacobs, Lieut. John Andrews and En. Wil- 
liam Goodhue, Jr. In October, Thomas Wade was 
cornet in place of John Whipple, promoted to lieu- 
tenant in place of Lieut. Appleton, who as.sumed com- 
mand of the troop upon the death of Capt. John 
Whipple ; and in 1689 Thomas Wade was captain, 
John Whipple lieutenant, John Whipple, Jr., quar- 
ter-master; and under Maj. Samuel Appleton, Simon 
Stacey was lieutenant and Nehemiah Jewett ensign. 
That year wards were ordered to guard the church- 
es, during service. 

William's War. — This year began King Wil- 



liam's War, which, by sympathy, extended to and 
involved New England. Ipswich contributed her 
proportion of three hundred soldiers to be raised iu 
the county. The Ipswich troops rendezvoused at 
Haverhill. The following year she furnished her 
quota of sixty-live recruits from the Essex Middle 
Regiment, composed of Ipswich, Rowley, Wenham, 
Gloucester, Topsfield and Boxford, and her quota of 
four hundred from the Province. Nathaniel Rust 
was quarter-master in the expedition against Canada, 
and in 1691 Samuel Ingalls was lieutenant, and Rob- 
ert Kinsman quaner-master in Thomas Wade's 
troop. About 1700 the town voted to purchase three 
field-pieces; to supply themselves with powder and 
flints; and to repair the watch-house and fort near 
the meeting-house. The town's proportion of four- 
teen men from the Essex Middle Regiment was 
called for; Maj. Samuel Appleton led sixty men to 
defend Gloucester ; Col. Symonds Eppes was ordered 
to " empress " a man into the service at York in 
place of Archelaus Adams, whose time had expired, 
and the colonel was also to hold his regiment for im- 
mediate service. The town furnished her quota of 
ninety men ; she stored her powder in the meeting- 
house ; her troops use carbines. In 1697 William 
Wade wa.s killed and Abraham Foster was wounded. 
These particulars, in which we have thus far in- 
dulged, serve to show the small beginning, the inade- 
quate means, the slow but steady growth and the pe- 
culiar phases of primitive warfare. 

Anjse's, George's and French Wars. — Queen 
Anne's War followed ; it fell with merciless force 
upon New England. Ipswich was true to English 
instincts ; she honored every call for men with her 
quota, i£nd gave a devoted and eSicient service. Ips- 
wich was represented at Port Royal, in 1707, where 
Samuel Appleton had a command. In 1710 William 
Cogswell was killed, and ten years later Samuel 
Clark was wounded. In 1737 John Hobbs was 
wounded, and ten years later asked of the General 
Court pay for his care of the sick at Cape Breton. 

So in the Austrian succession, known as King 
George's War, wherein Louisburg, the Gibraltar of 
America, was reduced by four thousand fishermen 
and farmers of New England, with whom served the 
strength and support of Ipswich homes. 

Peace returned in 1748, but it was of short duration ; 
it served only for recuperation and preparation for an 
intenser struggle. This was known as the French 
and Indian War, and was waged for conquest ; for 
long j'ears of conflict had demonstrated that the 
French and English could not live contiguously in 
peace. Five points of attack were agreed upon, and 
Ipswich men served at three, Crown-point, Quebec and 
Nova Scotia. In 1756 the town appropriated £50 for 
powder and other military stores. Dr. John Caleft'e 
was surgeon in the expedition to Quebec ; Abraham 
Smith and Philemon How died at Louisburg. Mr. 
Smith made his will about the time of enlisting, and 



IPSWICH. 



615 



gave "the residue and remainder'' of his property to 
Linebrook Parish. In 1760 the town voted that 
"such private soldiers, as are in the war, exclusive of 
tradesmen and carpenters, shall be excused from 
their poll-tax." Besides the town's occasional indi- 
vidual appropriations, she met with promptness every 
provincial demand for men and tax. 

This war solved an old and vexatious problem, 
which is stated and illustrated in Longfellow's unique 
and beautiful Evangeline, and is called The French 
Neutriih. In the distribution of that people, Essex 
County had about two hundred. Ipswich had the 
families of Francis and John I/Sndrey and Paul 
Breau, twenty persons. At the expense of the State, 
the town rented them a house and furnished them 
with provisions, in which were included, as the State 
archives show, items of " Cyder and Rum," at a total 
cost of about a shilling per week for each person. In 
June, 1758, the General Court ordered that the '"sick, 
infirm and aged" among them be maintained at the 
expense of the government, but that others must earn 
their living. In 1760 the province distributes its en- 
tire ward among the various towns according to the 
rate of taxation. Ipswich's proportion was twenty- 
three. The original number of twenty had been 
augmented at the time of the distribution by four 
births, and there had been one death, or else one was 
removed, to adjust the proportion. Our next notice 
of them was August 18, 1766, when the town refused 
to appropriate money to convey them to Canada, and 
November 2-")th following, when £20 was voted for 
their support for that year. They probably soon after 
removed to Canada. They were apparently a clever, 
sober, industrious people, and on the wliole desirable 
citizens. 

The Revolutiox. — Our narrative has now ad- 
vanced a century and a quarter. Ipswich has as- 
sisted, by her treasures and skill and bravery, in 
silencing the fierce Tarratines, in annihilating the 
Pequods, in forcing the Xarragansetts to sue for peace, 
in burying King Philip and four thousand of his 
brave warriors, in gathering scalps in the North for 
the bounty, in keeping at bay the powerful Penna- 
cooks. and lias fought the allied French and Indians, 
to defend their homes, their religion and their coun- 
trv. What a fearful cost. "The dear purchase of 
our fathers." But that, appalling as it was, was only 
part of the price. The war-whoop had hardly ceased 
its terror, when the precursor of another ordeal 
stalked througli the land and inaugurated the War 
of The Revolution. 

Though occasional irritations from the same source 
had been felt from the early days of the colony, this 
contest was unexpected. Our fathers had faithfully 
labored and hoped; they had "fought and bled and 
died" with only one purpose in reference to their 
nationality, and that purpose was to be Englishmen 
"lirst, last, midst and without end." But while they 
were English the same spirit that made them true 



and devoted patriots, gave them a deep sense of jus- 
tice, so that they could not brook a scathing insult or 
endure a flagrant wrong, though they be inflicted by 
a brother. 

For nearly a hundred years they had fought for 
their homes and freedom to worship (rod, in the 
wildest, most barbarous and bloodiest wars. They 
had sued for no peace ; they had begged no quarter. 
Their brothers across the sea had furnished few' troops, 
little money, and perchance no sympathy; and when 
the strife for territorial acquisition came, when the 
valor of English arms was on trial, and the grand old 
flag beckoned them by its waving folds to service and 
duty, they stood shoulder to shoulder in the .serried 
ranks with the confident regular; they fought while 
he fought; conquered where he fled. Mainly by 
their spirit and skill was English rule established 
over these verdant hills and picturesque vales, and 
Englisli arts and arms extended from the Great 
River on the west to the ocean on the east, and from 
frozen seas on the north to the delightful savannahs 
of the south. 

For all this devoted service and baptism of blood, 
not a word of sympathy, nor an expression of thanks, 
and only a pittance to reimburse an impoverished 
treasury. The service and baptism only inflamed old 
jealousies, fashioned new rigors and forged new 
chains. History is replete with the mockery of 
justice, the travesty of righteousness, by which 
a jealous hatred sought to stamp our ancestors 
as an inferior class and to bind them to perpetual de- 
pendence. But the flinty jjurpose that brought our 
forefathers to these shores struck fire upon the steel 
rigors of the laws forged for their subjugation. Jlaga- 
zines of indignation were fired from Maine to Georgia. 
Subjugate ! Why, as well attempt to draw out levi- 
athan with a hook or to turn back Niagara by com- 
mand. The seed sown in the compact penned in the 
cabin of the May Flower had its fruitage in the Dec- 
laration of Independence ; and while John Adams 
and Patrick Henry, in advocating the principles of 
that immortal document, electrified the people, the 
stout-hearted yeomanry, in town-meeting a.ssembled, 
voted and recorded the sentiments, and by their votes 
pledged money and life to the cause. Ipswich met 
the issue r)n the threshold with no uncertain voice. 
"No representation, no taxation," was a sentiment 
indigenous to her very soul. She recorded her in- 
structions to her representatives, October 21, 1705: 
" We must maintain the Charter. When our fiithers 
left their native land, they left its laws, its Constitu- 
tion .and itspeculiar institutions and customs, — all but 
what was secured by their Charter. Three things are 
necessary to make this otherwise : first, the migra- 
tions should have been authorized and regulated by 
legal authority ; second, the expense of the coloniza- 
tion should have been borne by the government ; and 
third, the colony should have been sent to settle 
some place or territory that the nation had before, in 



616 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



some way or other, made their own, as was usual — if 
not always — the case with the ancient Komans. But 
neither of them obtained in this case. Our only hope 
of Ireedom in religion and law, and our only ground 
of patriotism and manliood, is the Charter." Again, 
August 11, 1768, the town recorded a vote of thanks 
to tlie ninety-two members of the House who stood 
firm against rescinding the resolves of the last 
House, and so declared anew the righteousness of the 
cause and their determination. The town voted 
Captain Michael Farley delegate to Convention at 
Boston, to advise measures for the peace and safety 
of the people. A meeting was " called for February 
28, 1770, to determine upon some satisfactory method 
to prevent the use of that pernicious weed called 
Tea," to advise in the matter of withholding our cus- 
tom from those merchants who traffic in it. A com- 
mittee, to whom the questions involved were submit- 
ted, reported, "That we retrench all extravagances; 
and that we will, to the utmost of our power and abil- 
ity, encourage our own manufactures; and that we 
will not, by ourselves or any for or under us, di- 
rectly or indirectly, purchase any goods of the per- 
sons who have imported, or continued to import, or 
of any person or trader who shall purchase any goods 
of said importers, contrary to the agreement of the 
merchants in Boston and the other trading towns in 
this government and the neighboring colonies, until 
they make a public retraction or ageneral importation 
takes place." It was voted also, " that we will abstain 
from the use of tea ourselves and recommend the 
disuse of it in our families, until all the revenue acts 
are repealed." 

The Crisis Approaching. — Affairs grew in inter- 
est and importance ; the situation became more try- 
ing ; but their brave hearts grew braver and stronger. 
Learning the action of Boston in the crisis, the town, 
December 17, 1772, recounted the common grievances 
at length, complimented the metropolis for the stand 
she had taken, pledged her support and chose the fol- 
lowing "Committee of Correspondence": Captain 
Farley, Mr. Daniel Noyes and Major John Baker. In 
December, 1773, the town was gratified with the ac- 
tion taken by Boston and records resolutions of sym- 
pathy and firmness of purpose. The people are now 
fully aroused. June 29, 1774, Daniel Noyes, Deacon 
Stephen Choate, Captain Michael Farley, John 
Choate and Nathaniel Farley were voted a committee 
to see what could be done " in the distressing state of 
affairs." The same year a lot of land, fifty by twenty- 
five feet, east of the town-house, was granted for mili- 
tary discipline ; a committee was chosen to fix the 
compensation of " Jlinute-Men ; " the proposals and 
resolves of the Continental Congress were adopted ; a 
committee of eleven members was chosen to see that 
" said resolves are most punctually observed;" and 
Colonel Michael P'arleyand Daniel Noyes were mem- 
bers of the Great and General Court ordered to meet 
at Salem, and, meeting in the absence of the Gover- 



nor, resolved themselves into a Provincial Congress 
and adjourned to Concord. 

The next year was 1775, the ever-memorable one 
in the annals of the province. In April Ipswich met 
with other towns, by committee, to plan for coast de- 
fences ; the town voted to hire money to pay " minute 
men." Then came the clash of arms the 19th. In 
May five men were chosen a committee of intelli- 
gence; a watch was set on Ca«tle Hill, lest an armed 
cutter come and take away cattle ; Michael Far- 
ley and Dummer Jewett were chosen to represent the 
town in the Provincial Congress at Watertown. It 
was now time to put none but Americans on guard. 
Congress ordered that committees of safety and cor- 
respondence be sworn. Hence such committees were 
dismissed, and these cho.sen and sworn in their stead, 
— Daniel Noyes, Captain Daniel Rogers, Captain 
Isaac Dodge, John Crocker, Samuel Lord, Captain 
Ephraim Kindall, Major Jonathan Cogswell, Captain 
Al)rahani Howe, Mr. John Patch, 3d. 

The Alarm. — It was a beautiful moonlight even- 
ing of the 18th of April, 1775, when Governor Gage 
sent out Lieutenant-Colonel Smith and Major Pit- 
cairn, with eight hundred regulars, to seize the stores 
at Concord. It was Paul Revere and William Dawes 
who simultaneously started and gave the alarm. The 
ringing of bells and the firing of guns told the patri- 
ots of their needed presence and valor. Early on the 
19th, the day when the bloody die was cast, five 
Ipswich companies of infantry and a troop of horse 
left their homes for the scene of conflict. They were 
led by Captains Thomas Burnham, Daniel Rogers, 
Abraham Dodge, Elisha Whitney, Abraham Howe 
and Nathaniel Wade, and Colonel John Baker. As 
Putnam left his cattle yoked in the field, so no less, if 
not the same, did Ipswich men. Nearly three hun- 
dred stout-hearted yeomanry marched to the defence 
of righteousness against tyranny, with banner stream- 
ing and drums beating and hurried pace, " while 
their zeal outran their footsteps." 

The following rolls of Ipswich minute-men have 
been gleaned from the State archives, and will doubt- 
less gratify many a patriotic interest. They marched 
upon the alarm of April 19th. 

COMPANY ONE. 

O'plain, ThoniM Burnbam. 1st Lieut., Charles Smith. 

id Lieut, John Farley. 
Bergeants. 
Daniel Lord. John Potter. 

Ebeuezer Lord. John Lakeman. 

Privates. 
Neheuiiah Abbott, Nicholas Babcock, Samuel Baker, Elijah Boynton, 
John Brown, 4th, Isaac Burnham, Jr., Jeremiah Brown, Thomas Cald- 
well, Thomas Chun, Benjamin Cross, Nathaniel Cross, Nehemiah 
Choate, Nathaniel Dennis, Benjamin Emerson, Ephraim Fellows, John 
Fellows, Isaac Fellows, Nathan Fellows, John Glazier, James Harris, 
John Harris, Abraham Hodgkins, Nathaniel Heard, John Heard, Jr., 
Thoniiia Hodgkins, Amos Heard, Ebene/.er Kimball. Moses Kinsman, 
William Kinsman, Abraham Lord, Aaron Lord, Caleb Lord, Samuel 
Lord, John Manning, Elisha Newman, Samuel Newman, Nathan Par- 
sons, William Goodhue, Francis Pickard, James Pickard, Jr., John Por- 
ter Jeremiah Rose, Simeon Satford, Moses Smith. Jr., Henry Spellar, 



IPSWICH. 



617 



Henry Sp'^Ilar, Benjamin Sweet, Daniel Lowe, Richard Sliutawell, Philip 
Lord, Elisliii Treadwell, Samuel Wallis, Nathaniel Wells. 

Total jiay was £2i>, ih, A:d. for thirty miles and three 
days. 

COMPANY TWO. 

C'lpliiin, Nathiiniel Wadt;. 1st Lieut., Joseph Ilodgkins. 

2d Lieut., William Denuis. 
Serijeunt!!. 
Aaron Perkins. Jabez Farley. 

Michael Farley, Jr. Thomas Boardnuin. 

Corporals. 
Asa Barker. Francis SIcrrifield. 

John Grave9. Joseph Appleton, Jr. 

Prirates. 
Thomas Appleton, Samuel Bnrnhani, Stephen Dutch, .Tonathau Fos- 
ter, John Fowler, Jr., Jogi-ph Fowler, 3d, John Fitts, Jr., Isaac Gid- 
dings, Daniel Goodhue, Jr.. William Goodhue, Ephraim Goodhue, Fran- 
cis Ilovey, Benjamin Heard, John Harris, 5th, Nathaniel Jewett, 
Abiah Knowlton, Nathaniel Lakeman, Nathaniel Lord, 3d, Charles 
Lord, Samuel Lord. 5th, James Fuller Likemin, Nathaniel Ross, Ben- 
jamin Ross, Nathaniel Rust, Jr., Jabez Ross, Jr., Kneeland Ross, 
Thoniaa Hodgkins, 4th, Henry Spellar, Jabez Sweet, Jr., John Stan 
wood, Isaac Stanwood, Daniel Stone, Nathaniel Souther, Edward Stacy, 
James Smith, Nathaniel Treadwell, Ebenezer Lakemau, Nathaniel 
March, John Peters, Nathaniel Brown. 

This company Avas ia service as minute-men till 
May lOth. The distance was eighty-eight miles and 
their pay £101, Ids. 2d. 

COMPANY THREE. 

Captain Abraham How. Ist Lieut. Thomas Foster. 

EiiA. Paul Lancaster.* 



How. 

Smith. 



Fisk. 

Potter. 



Sergeants. 



Corporals. 



Dresser.* 
Chapman. 

Chaplin-* 
Abbott. 



Drumyner, Foster, 
Privates. — Joremiah Smith, John Daniels,* Joseph Cliapmnn,* Caleb 
Jackson,* Amos Jewett, Jr.,* John Perley, Jonathan Foster, Jr., Samuel 
Woodbury,* David Chaplin,* Moses Chaplin, Jr ,* Moses Foster, Abra- 
ham How, 3d, Allen Foster,* Charles Davis, John Fowler, Jr., Daniel 
Kimball, Jr., Joshua Dickinson,* George Abbott,* James-Smith. Joseph 
Nelson,* Philemon Foster, Timothy Morse, John Fowler, Elijah Foster, 
Moses Chaplin,* Daniel Kimball. Allen Perley, Ezekiel Potter, Edmund 
Tenney,* Mosea Conant, John Chapman. 

The distance for most of this company was eighty 

miles, and their total pay was £22 Qs. Sd. If. Those 

marked with a star (*) belonged to Rowley-Line- 

brook, and perhaps two or three others. 

COMPANY FOUR. 

Captain Daniel Rogers. \st Lient. Thomas Burnham. 

2d LidU. Abraham Dodge. 

Sergeants. 

Martin. Wallis. 

Wade. Treadwell. 

Corporals. 

Kimball. Pearson. 

Lord. Appleton. 

PWro/tfji.— John Andrews, William Baker, Pliilip Abbott, Jonathan 
Appleton, Samuel Beal, Benjamin Brown, Thomas CaldweU, Abraham 
Choate, John Cross, Aaron Day, Jeremiah Day, Thoma>i Day, Ebene/er 
Caldwell, Joshua Fitts, Ebenezer Goodhue, Barnabas Dodge, Samuel 
Henderson, Mark Haskell, John Hodgkins, Thomas Hodgkins, Jr., 
Cols. (?) Jewett, Richard Kimball, Jeremiah Kinsman, Israel Kinsman, 
Ephraim Jewett, Nathaniel Grant, Ebenezer Hovey, Purch;iae Jewett, 
John Lord, Daniel Lord, Jr., Gideon Parker, Nathaniel Perley, Daniel 
Potter, Joshua Smith, Simon Smith, Robert Stocker, Richard Sutton, 
Moses Treadwell, Asa Warner, William Warner. 

39A 



Their distance was sixty miles, their time was four 
days, and their total pay was £28 12.?. Grf. 

TEOOP OF HORSE. 

Caplaiii Hlosfs Jewett. Liml. Robert I'lTkiim. 

Cornet^ John Kiusuian. Quartcmt., Elisliii Brown. 

Oirporah. 
Natlmniol Smith Pelatiah Hiown. 

Nchemiah Choate. Nehemiati Brown. 

Trumpaler, John Brown. Clerti, John Tearson. 

Prinitm. —Ebenezer Brown, John Brartslreot, Samnel Bnigg, Allen 
Baker, Francis Brown, Joseph Brown, Jonathan Cnnnninfs, IVlatiah 
Cuinniingii, William Conant, Abuer Day, John Einei-son, Joseph GooJ- 
liue, Soth Goodhne, Mark Haakell, John Harris, Nohoniiali Jewett, 
Aaron Jowott, Michael Kinsman, Joseph Metcalfe, Nehemiah Patch, 
Thonuis Smith, Zebulon Smith, Nehemiah Jewett, Jr. 

The distance was sixty miles, they served ninety- 
nine days, and their total pay was £16 9.t. Sd. 2f. 

Ipswich hamlet furnished thirty-eight minute-men, 
under Captain Elisha Whitney. They were out three 
days, and returned to Cambridge, 1st of May. 

Captain Abraham Dodge's company did not go into 
the conflict, except such as volunteered. They were 
encamped in sight. 

The War. — They, however, soon returned ; but 
enlistments immediately began. Captain Abraham 
Dodge enlisted forty men ; Captain Gideon Parker, 
twenty-two; Captain Elisha Whitney, thirty-nine; 
Captain Daniel Rogers, fifty-one; Captain Nathaniel 
Wade, sixty-nine. Our st.atement is necessarily 
short. Enlistments were constant. The only busi- 
ness that received first attention was the war. The 
citizens contributed of their service, their sympathy, 
their kindness, their money, their prayers for the one 
great end. They were represented in every depart- 
ment. Our soldiers fought at Bunker Hill, and 
helped drive Howe from Boston. They fought under 
Gates at the North, on Long Island, in New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. They helped 
conquer Burgoyne, and they guarded his troops at 
Prospect Hill, near Boston. They suffered in the 
retreat through New Jersey and at Valley Forge. 

Colonel Hodgkins wrote February 22, 1778: "What 
our soldiers have suffered this winter is beyond ex- 
pression, as one-half has been barefoot and all most 
naked all winter; the other half very badly on it for 
clothes of all sorts ; and to com Pleat our messery, 
very shorte ont for provisions. Not long since our 
brigade drue but an half days Lounce of meet in 
eight days. But these defcttis the men bore with a 
degree of fortitude becoming soldiers." The bloody 
foot-track in the "Flight through Jersey" and the 
extreme sufferings at Valley Forge are no myth. 
"These benign institutions, the dear purchase of our 
fathers, are ours," bought at a jirice unparalleled. 
On ,Iune 10, 1776, " Voted that this Town instruct 
their representatives that if the Continental Congress 
should, for the safety of the said Colonies, declare 
them independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, 
they, the said inhabitants, will solemnly engage with 
their lives and fortunes to sujjjiort them in the meas- 
ure." The town had expended November 28, 1777, 



618 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



£1737 6s. That year was voted £1000 for recruits. 
In February the town voted to pay, in addition to 
Continental and State bounty, £18 for three years, or 
during the war, or in lien of it, £6 for the first year, 
£8 for the second, and £10 for the third, if detained 
so long. 

In May £1(1 was voted for eight months' men. 
Voted in September that the selectmen supply the 
families of soldiers, who were enlisted for three years, 
or during the war. In November a committee was 
chosen for that purpose according to law, and it was 
voted to raise £100 for the purpose. In April, 1777, 
at a very full meeting, the town approved the Gen- 
eral Court's order to prevent monopoly and oppres- 
sion, and instructed the selectmen " not to approbate 
any innholder or retailer that does not strictly adhere 
to it." In 1778 the town instructed her represent- 
atives to vote for the " Articles of Confederation," 
and voted to hire £900 to supply the families of sol- 
diers in the Continental Army. In 1779 voted to 
raise £3000 for town charges and war services, and 
£12,000 (old tenor) to pay men to be hired, if need be. 
In 1780 the town's proportion of supplies is 106 
shirts, 106 pairs of shoes and stockings, 33 blankets 
and 31,800 pounds of beef. Voted £1200 for hire of 
soldiers. In March, 1781, voted £1000 to pay inter- 
est, — taxed for that purpose alone. In 1781 voted 
£500 for soldiers' pay, £220 for Rhode Island service, 
£400 for hiring four months' men, £200 for clothing, 
and £300 for beef On January 1, 1782, the town 
earnestly desires instruction to be given the Commis- 
sion for negotiating peace, that they make " the right 
of the United States to the fisheries an indispensable 
article of treaty." The town voted £440 to pay ibur 
men lately engaged, and old Continental soldiers. 
These extracts exhibit the town as among the fore- 
most in sustaining the cause and the most discerning 
in the conditions of treaty. Our fathers hailed with 
joy the return to the arts of peace and the amenities 
of home. 

Biographical. — Conspicuous in our Revolutionary 
history is the name of Col. Nathaniel Wade. He 
began as captain of" Minute-Men," in the town during 
their "discipline" for service. He led his company 
out on the memorable 19th of April, and commanded 
them at Bunker Hill, where they rendered eflicient 
service. He was afterwards in the siege of Boston, 
and participated in the joyous acclamations of the 
citizens, when Gen. Howe sailed with his army, navy 
and tories for Halifax. He was in the campaign on 
Long Island, participated in the dexterous manceuver- 
ing of the troops through New York, and in the noble 
stands at Harlem Heights and White Plains. He 
suffered in the " Flight through New Jersey," where 
" many of the patriots had no shoes and left their 
blood-stained foot-prints on the frozen ground ; " and 
at Valley Forge, where a paucity of provisions and 
clothing severely tried their patience and endurance 
and cemented their patriotism. He attained the 



rank of colonel in the Continental Army. He was 
actively engaged in the whole campaign in Rhode 
Island. He was president of a court-martial there, 
December 23, 1777. He was under Gen. Arnold at 
West Point in 1780, and upon Arnold's defection suc- 
ceeded to the coniQiand of the fort. On this occasion 
Gen. Washington wrote him, uuder date of Septem- 
ber 25, 1780 : 

"Gen. ArnoUl baa gone to the Enemy. . , . The command of the 
Fort for the present devolves upon you. I request you will be as vigi- 
lant as possible, and as the Enemy may have it in contemplation to 
attempt some enterprise even to-night, against those Posts, I wish yon 
to make, immediately after receipt of this, the best disposition you can of 
your force, so as to have a proportion of men in each work on the west 
side of the River. You will hear from or see me to-morrow." 

Col. Wade was suspicious for some time, that all 
was not right about Gen. Arnold ; but the general 
was so vigilant and adroit, that nothing could be ob- 
tained upon which to base a charge. 

The most tearfully joyous occasion of the colonel's 
life was probably the greeting of Gen. Lafayette, 
when the latter visited this country in 1824. At a 
collation provided by Col. Treadwell in honor of the 
town's distinguished guest at which were delegations 
from Ipswich, Haverhill and Newburyport, Col. Wade 
was presented to the general. Their embrace was 
cordial and "affecting beyond description." They 
had been companions in arms ; they had planned to- 
gether for success in the noble cause; they had fought 
for the same purpose ; they had hoped together for 
the fullest realization ; and now they rejoiced together 
in the grand consummation and the glorious fruition 
of their hope. Their converse was earnest ; their 
theme was familiar and involved points of the deepest 
interest ; and their feelings at times bearing sway 
" became too strong for utterance." 

Col. Wade retired from the army near the close of 
the war and returned home ; but upon the insurrec- 
tion led by Captain Daniel Shays, he entered the ser- 
vice under Gen. Lincoln and commanded the Middle 
Essex Regiment. The winter campaign was particu- 
larly severe, and he often afterwards spoke of his suf- 
ferings. This campaign closed his martial career. 

He enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his fel- 
low-citizens, and held many important civil trusts as 
their gifts. He was town clerk from 1784 to 1814, 
and Representative to the General Court from 1795 to 
1816 inclusive, and was county treasurer twenty-five 
years. He is said to have possessed a remarkable 
equanimity and mildness of temper. Says one, ' He 
did not have a blot on his character." He died Octo- 
ber 26, 1826, at the age of seventy-seven years. 

Another pleasant name of Revolutionary memory 
is Col. Joseph Hodgkins. He was first a lieutenant 
in Captain Wade's company of " Minute-Men." He 
was one of the score or more who were voluntarily 
led by Captain Wade into the battle of Bunker Hill. 
He was in the siege of Boston, the campaign of Long 
Island, the battles of Harlem Heights, White Plains 
and Princeton. He witnessed the surrender of Bur- 



IPSWICH. 



619 



goyne's army and guarded it on pnrole near Boston. 
He wrote numerous letters to his family while he was 
in arms, valuable mementos of his noble patriotism 
and descriptive of his campaigns, his sentiments and 
his sufferings, to which reference is made in the quo- 
tation above. He succeeded Col. Wade as commander 
of the Middle Essex Regiment, was Representative to 
the General Court from 1810 to 1816 inclusive, and 
held various town offices. It is needless to speak of 
his exemplary character. He died September 25, 
1829, eightj'-six years old. 

Another illustrious man, the Gen. Denison of this 
period, who deserves an extensive notice, was Gen. 
Michael Farley. He was a man of commanding 
influence, of varied ability and comprehensive views. 
He was a tanner by trade. He excelled in State- 
craft. He was elected for many years to tlie princi- 
pal town offices. He was a long time town treasurer 
and feoffee of the grammar school. During the 
Revolutionary period he was vigilant, earnest, active, 
efficient, in meeting, in behalf of the town, the de- 
mands of the government, for men, clothing and 
provisions. He was a member of the General Court 
from 1775 to 1779 inclusive, and of the Provincial 
Congress 1774 and 1775. The General Court accord- 
ing to the Governor's warrant for the election was to 
convene at Salem October 5th. Gen. Farley was 
chosen a deputy. Meanwhile the Governor recalled 
his warrants, but ninety deputies, including Gen. 
Farley, ai)peared and after waiting a day for the 
Governor, resolved themselves into a Provincial Con- 
gress and adjourned to meet at Concord the 11th. 
He was high sheriff, was a major-general of the mili- 
tia, and a member of the executive council, that ad- 
ministered the government from 1775 to 1780. When 
Gen. Lafayette came to this country to offer his ser- 
vices to this government, he came to Ipswich and 
was the guest of Gen. Farley. The general was a 
very polite man, and "remarkably hospitable." Rev. 
Levi Frisbie wrote: " He was generou.s, public-spir- 
ited, humane and impartial; a great loss to the town 
and country." He died June 20, 1789, aged seventy 
years. 

Gexeral Daniel Dexisox. — These annals of the 
wars would be very incomplete without some notice 
of General Daniel Denison, the foremost man of the 
times. He was born in England in 1612, and came 
to this country with his parents when about nineteen 
years old. He was at first a citizen of Roxbury, then 
of Newton, now Cambridge. He married Patience, 
daughter of Governor Thomas Dudley, and shortly 
after chose a permanent liome in this town, then the 
home of his wife's father. He entered upon public 
life shortly after his majority, being elected depu'y 
in 1635. He was dej)uty the five following years and 
in 1G4S, 1649, 1651 and 1652. Three years he was 
speaker. He was town clerk in 1636, and probably 
held the office till Mr. Symonds was chosen in 1639. 
In 1636 he was made captain. In 1638 he, with 



others, began a plantation at Merrimack, now Salis- 
bury. In 1641 he was one of a committee to advance 
trade in the town. In 1643 he had a grant of two 
hundred acres to encourage him to remain here. 
Soon after the union of the colonies, March 19, 1643, 
he was called as a military leader. In May of that 
year he was one of five who were to organize and 
equip an army and set up fortifications. He was 
chosen the leader or drill master of the Ipswich 
militia, and they agreed to pay him £24 7s. an- 
nually. Wonder-workinri Providence calls him "a 
good souldier, of quick capacity, not inferior to any 
other of these chief officers." 

He was one of three commissioners with full powers 
to treat with D'Aulney in the La Tour-D'Alney 
imbroglio. In 1647 he was made a justice in the In- 
ferior Court. He assisted in organizing and estab- 
lishing the grammar school and was one of the 
feoffees. He was made major-general in 1653, 
and was appointed several times afterwards. 
In 1657 he was one of a committee to ad- 
just the claims of Gorges to Kittery, York and other 
places, which they did with satisfaction. In May, 
1658, he was requested by the General Court 
thoroughly to revise and codify the colonial laws, (or 
which service he received half of Block Island, which 
was sold in 1660 for four hundred pounds. In 1660 
he joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery and 
was chosen their commander. In June, 1664, him- 
self, Bradstreet and Symonds, who were sometime 
Ipswich men, prepared a "Narrative" defending the 
course of Massachusetts in " the great confederacy of 
colonial times,'' against the accusation of the other 
colonies. He entered the Quaker controversy with 
decided views, and advocated strenuous measures to 
prevent their " mischief." He took an active part in 
the controversy with the Dutch, and it was chiefly by 
his advocacy that war was averted. He was one year 
colonial secretary. 

In the troubles between King and colony in 1660, 
Denison and Bradstreet counseled "the golden 
mean," b.asing their advocacy upon kingly preroga- 
tive and law, a course which was wise and prevailed. 
He was called to the front again wlien the Dutch took 
possession of New York. He was the general command- 
ing the Bay forces in the King Philip's War. His 
general's commission for this war, dated June 26, 
1675, is in the State Archives, 67: 206. This war 
closed his military career. In 1680 he was chosen 
assistant, an office which he held, by re-election, till 
his death, September 20, 1682. 

He was continually in the public service, and we 
know nothing of his private life excejjt as it is mirrored 
in that service. The fact that he was a deputy ten 
years, assistant twenty-nine years, major-general 
eleven years, inter-colonial commissioner eight years, 
shows, after allowing for double service, that his 
public career began soon after he attained his major- 
ity ; that he was continually honored l)y his towns- 



620 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



men shows his home life to have been exemplary, 
and that jjublic honors crowned the service of his 
youth, his manhood and his age, exhibits him a man 
of varied talents and learning, of stout-hearted virtue, 
of fullest integrity and unswerving purpose. He was 
quick to adapt means to ends, was a persuasive advo- 
cate, a faithful, judicious and wise counselor. He was 
an earnest Christian man and defender of the faith. 
He was one of the greatest men of his day. 

A Painful Incident. — It is proper here to di- 
gress a little and relate an incident of peculiar sad- 
ness, the capital punishment of a youth of sixteen, 
who was accidentally made partaker of a heinous 
crime. 

Jabez Ross was the father of seventeen children, of 
whom nine were living in 1775 — six sons and three 
daughters. Five of the sons were in the army of the 
Revolution ; four fought at Bunker Hill ; one perished 
in the army of the North ; three were enlisted for 
three years, and one, Ezra, the youngest, for one year. 
This son, only sixteen years of age, is the subject of 
this narrative. He had served the term of his enlist- 
ment and was returning to the home of his parents. 
The toils, hardships and sufl'eriugs of the war had 
been too much for his tender years, and he fell sick 
at Brookfield. He was brought very low, and for a 
time his life depended upon kind attention and 
watchful care. Providence placed him in the home 
of Mr. John Spooner, whose wife gave him " every 
kind office and mark of attention that could endear 
and make gratei'ul a child of sixteen, sick and desti- 
tute." " After the evacuation of Ticouderoga, in his 
march to reinforce the Northern army, gratitude for 
past favors led him to call on his old benefactress, 
who then added to the number of her kindnesses and 
engaged a visit on his return." 

The woman in question was Mrs. Bathsheba 
Spooner; she was the sixth and favorite child of 
Chief-justice Ruggles, a graduate of Harvard, a man 
of wealth, honor and social distinction. She was 
born February 17, 1745 ; was in the vigor of woman- 
hood and well educated. She had inherited wealth 
and social pride, and was haughty and imperious. 
Mr, Spooner, her husband from 17G6, was a retired 
trader, a weak character, and the marriage was not 
happy. Dissension followed dissension, till she hated 
him and flew to criminal indulgence. Ross had a 
fine 7)%s((7?(e, and stature far beyond his years. He 
was youthful, ruddy, active, social, handsome. His 
youth and inexperience unconsciously became the 
prey of the strong-minded, artful, seductive, profli- 
gate woman. Once in her toils, his youth furnished 
him with no power to extricate himself. He heard 
her hellish proposals and her flattering promises, but 
he " never attempted an execution of the detestable 
crime, notwithstanding repeated solicitation and as 
frequent opportunities, until on an accidental meet- 
ing he became a party with those rufiians who, with- 
out his privity, had fixed on the time and place." 



The news of the deed spread far and wide ; the case 
became famous as the crime was heinous. Its secret 
could not long be kept ; the perpetrators were soon 
ferretted out, and Mrs. Spooner, two vagabond sol- 
diers and young Ross were arrested. The trial was 
short, the evidence conclusive and the sentence 
severe and condign. Much sympathy was felt for 
the woman because of her delicate condition, and for 
Ross because of his accidental knowledge of the deed, 
hisyouth and inexperience; but several petitions for 
executive clemency, in both cases, were of no avail. 
The criminals met their fate upon the gallows, July 
2, 1778. This history is a solemn warning to youth, 
and will ever excite our sympathy and pity. 

Shays' Rebellion. — The town was active in sup- 
pressing the Shays' Rebellion in 1786-87. This grew 
out of the scarcity of money, caused by the interrup- 
tion of trade and the long, tedious di'ain upon the 
energies and finances of the government by the late 
war, and was led by Captain Daniel Shays, who him- 
self participated in the Nation's struggle for freedom. 
Ipswich furnished twenty-five men, who were out 
sixty days, a winter campaign of great severity. 

War of 1812.— In speaking of the War of 1812, 
we must begin with the Embargo Act, or, as the op- 
ponents of the administration, spelling it backwards, 
called it "The 0-grah-me Act." England and France 
were in a desperate struggle. Between the " Berlin " 
and " Milan " decrees of Napoleon on the one hand 
and the "Orders in Council" of England on the 
other, the commerce of the United States sulfered in 
the extreme. We reasoned, we remonstrated, we ex- 
postulated — all in vain. England was haughty, mo- 
rose, insulting. She vauntingly searched our vessels 
and impressed our seamen, with apparent impunity. 
This government retaliated by passing the "Embargo 
Act," by which all American vessels were prohibited 
from sailing for foreign ports, all foreign vessels from 
taking out cargoes, and all coasting vessels were re- 
qxiired to give bonds to discharge their cargoes in the 
United States. The effect of this act was to embitter 
political parties more deeply and to work disastrously 
upon the remnant of our commerce. It fell particu- 
larly heavy upon Boston and Essex County, of which 
Ipswich was an important element and factor. The 
feeling was so intense in Massachusetts — and Ipswich 
representatives aided in expressing that feeling — that 
the President was informed " that New England, if 
the measure were persisted in, would separate from 
the Union, at least until the obstacles to commerce 
were removed ; that the plan had already been ad- 
justed, and it would be supported by the people." In 
1808 the obnoxious act was in part repealed. 

But our difficulty with England continued. She 
stirred up the Indians to prey upon our western bor- 
der ; she searched our vessels upon the high seas ; she 
stationed vessels at the entrances of our harbors, and 
there searched our vessels and impressed our seamen 
under the pretense that they were English born. In 



IPSWICH. 



621 



eight years nine hundred American vessels were cap- 
tured, and more than six thousand seamen had been 
impressed. These wrongs had to be avenged. The 
United States at last declared war June }'.), 1812. It 
was a Democratic measure and was bitterly opposed 
by the Federalists, and the seaports were particularly 
bitter. 

A short time before the declaration of war our town 
held a convention to consider "the momentous sub- 
ject of our national aflairs," to reply to communica- 
tions from Boston and Salem and to ])ass upon ad- 
dresses from Congress and the Legislature. They de- 
clared "that the county of Essex has of late been 
most grossly misrepresented to the agents of our 
country by men in whom this town have no confi- 
dence; they animadverted upon the administration; 
they "were not convinced that any war in an 1/ ca.se 
should be declared;" and they exclaimed, " Who is 
not convinced that enlarging the power of the authors 
and aiding the common enemy of free States was its 
prime object!" They heartily approved the minority 
address of Congress, and declared the address of the 
State House of Representatives to be a true expression 
of the will of the people. The records further declare 
" We are, nevertheless, determined to do our duty to 
bring our beloved and afilicted country to a better 
state of things." 

A company of " Sea Fencibles " was raised, and 
commanded by Major Joseph Swasey, ca])tain ; Col- 
onel Joseph Hodgkins, first lieutenant; Jabez Far- 
ley, second lieutenant; and Colonel Thomas Wade, 
orderly. Of the three hundred men raised in Essex 
County, Ipswich furnished her quota, and October 3, 
1814, voted to make the pay of drafted men seventeen 
dollars per month for the time in actual service. 
Ipswich commerce, however, never recovered from 
the stroke. 

The last of these war veterans to fall was Thomas 
Smith. He died September 29th of last year, at the 
great age of ninety-three years, three months and 
twenty-six days. He was a hatter by trade, but had 
not worked at it since the use of machinery in that 
industry. He drew a pension for many years. He 
was a good kind of man, always well posted in Dem- 
ocratic measures and principles, was of a retiring dis- 
])osition, generous and a good citizen. He never 
married. 

The Eebellion. — The spirit with which I)iswich 
entered the war against the Rebellion was fervent 
and active. It was a vital resurrection of the same 
spirit that bearded the tyranny of Andros, and that 
pledged life and treasure to support the Declaration 
of Independence. She met the issue squarely and 
effectively. At an initial meeting she voted three thou- 
sand dollars in aid of the fiimilies of volunteers, which 
she supplemented from time to time with ample sup- 
ply. Her bounties were commensurate with those of 
sister towns. She was instant in season and out of 
season in providing comforts and delicacies for the 



soldier upon the field and in the hospital. There 
were committees of the town, of the societies, of the 
churches, of the lodges and of the citizens, vying 
with each other in "the labor of love." The town's 
average enrollment during the war was about three 
hundred and eighty. She furnished about three 
hundred and seventy-five. She furnished her full 
quota upon every call. Fifteen oi' her men were 
commissioned officers. At the end of the war she 
had furnished a surplus of thirty-three men. She ex- 
pended f 52,692 ; $13,200 exclusively of State aid. 

The JIonument. — When the cruel war was over, 
in 18()9 the town selected a conspicuous and central 
location, and erected upon the rock-ribbed earth, at a 
cost of two thousand eight hundred dollars, a sightly 
granite memorial, "a single shaft, simple and jdain," 
commemorative of her ]iatriot dead. The front 
panel, which laces the north, is inscribed, — 

"ERECIED 

BY THE TOWN OF ITSWICH 

IN MEMORY OF HER 

BRAVE AND LAMENTED SONS 

WHO OAVE THKin LIVES TO 

THEIR COUNTRY IN THE WAR 

FOR UNION AND LIRERTY 

18C1-I805." 

The other panels record their names. On the 
plinth in front is the year " 1871," when the shaft 
was erected ; on the west, " Their deeds we cher- 
ish ; " on the south, " OuR patriot Dead ; " and 
on the east, " Their record our ukios." 

When the Ronum matron, Cornelia, was asked to 
exhibit her jewels, she ndivehj turned towards her 
boys and said, " These are my ornaments." These 
arc our jewels. 

The Roll of Honor. — [The roll includes the 
names of those who died in the service, and have 
their names upon the soldiers' monument. The first 
semi-colon is the name; second, age ; third, com- 
pany; fourth, branch of service; fifth, mustered in; 
sixth, mustered out ; seventh, remarks. The abbre- 
viations are: B., battalion ; Bat., battery ; Cav., cav- 
alry ; d., died, or dead ; H. A., heavy artillery ; I., 
infantry ; ss., sharpshooters ; tr., transferred ; V. R. C, 
veteran relief corps ; en., expiration of term of en- 
listment.] 

Anilrews, Lutlier B. ; 31 ; D ; 48 I.; 10 Oct.'l ; (1. 2 June, •■I. 

Barker, John A. ; 42 ; I ; 2:! I.; 9 Oct.'! ; il. I'liiUi. :)0 Aug. '-I. 

Batilii Idcr, Chas. P. ; 18 ; L ; 1 It. .\. ; L'S Fell, 'li ; U. of woiinda, WiibU- 

iugton, 2;i Aug. '4. 
Bridges, Gelois F. ; 23 ; I ; 23 I ; 10 Oct. '1 ; d. Ridiinond priaou, Va., 

10 Jluy, '4. 
Bridges, John 0. ; 27 ; I ; 23 I.; 10 Oct. '1 ; d. Nowljern, N. 0., 21! 

April, '2. 
Brown, Henry A. ; 18 ; I ; 23 1.; 28 Sel)t. '1 ; d. NewI.ern, N. C, 21 

April, '2. 
Brown, Jeremiah W. ; lit ; — ; 4 Bat. H. A. : 21 Fell. '4 ; 14 Oct. '5. 
Butler, Pierce L. ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; d. 2 Jan., '5. 
Cash, William ; 33; L; 1 H. A. ; 20Jlch., '2; d. Andersonville, 20 

Mch., '2. 
Chainhcrs, Nathl. ; 20 ; A ; 1 II. A. ; ,'> July, '1 ; d. Patrick Station, li; 

Feb.. '5. 
Clarke, .InnicH A.; 61; I; 23 I.; 28 .Sept., '1; d. Uatteras Inlet, 7 

May, '2. 



622 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cowlcs, Henry A. ; IS ; K ; 150 O.JSat. G'ds ; 15 April, '4 ; d. FortSara- 

toga, 14 July, 'i. 
Crowley, Peter ; 22 ; G ; 1 H. A. ; 4 Dec, '3 ; d. of wounds, near Peters- 
burg, Va. 
Dow, Chas. H. ; 18 ; I; 23 I ; 16 Oct., '1 ; kid. Cold Harlior, 3 .lune, '4. 
Estes, William A. ; 19 ; I ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; made prisoner Ander- 

sonvlHe, 22 June, '4. 
Gordon, James ; — ; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; kid. Si)Ottsylvauia, 19 

May, '4. 
Gray, William ; 34 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 17 Feb., '2 ; kid. 21 June, "4. 
Harris, Edward ; 27 ; I ; 19 I. ; 28 Aug., '1 ; d. Bolivar hosptl., 27 

Oct.,- '2. 
Harris, James. 
Hayes, Nathaniel ; 34 ; 2 SS. ; 10 July, '3 ; d. Petersburg, Va., 2 

July, '4. 
Jewett, John H. ; 20; I; 231.; 28 Sept., '1 ; d. Getty's Station, 5 

April, '4. 
Jewett, John J. ; 31 ; K ; 2 I ; 8 Aug., '2 ; kid. Gettysburg, 2 July, '3. 
Jewett, Lorenzo T. ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; d. Washington of 

wounds at Spottsylvania, 20 May, '4. 
Jewett, William H. ; 42; 0; 19,1.; 31 Dec, '1; 20 Oct., '2. 
Johnson, Nathaniel A.; 43; C; 191.; 28 Aug., '1 ; d. Ipswich, 17 

May, '4. 
Lavalette, Philip C. ; 21 ; H ; 1 II. A ; 6 July, '1 ; d. Washington, 6 

June, '4. 
Lavalette, Pike N. ; 18; A; 14 1.; 6 July, '1 ; d. Andersonville, 24 

Sept., '4. 
Liuburg, Marcus; 42; D; 48 I.; 23 Dec, '2; kid. 15 Nov , '3. 
Lord, Caleb H. ; 22 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; kid. by SS., 29 June, '4. 
McGregor, Alex. B. ; 27 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 11 Mch., '2 ; kid. New Haven, 

Ct., 2(i Oct., '4. 
McGregor, Parker ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; kid. 16 June, '4. 
Morley, George W. ; 19 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; d. 19 July, '3 ; 

wounded 13. 
Morris, George ;.35 ; — ; Navy ; — ; drowned " Cumberlrind," 7 Mch. '2 ; 

sailmaker's-mate. 
Noyes, James W. ; 22 ; I ; 1 H. A. ; 20 Feb., '2 ; kid. Spottaylvania, 18 

May, '4. 
Otis, George W. ; 26 ; A; 1 B. H. A. ; 29 Feb., '2 ; d. Ipswich, 19 

Nov., '3. 
Patterson, William ; 35; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; d. 16 June, '4, of 

wounds at Petersburg. 
Peatfield, Joseph S. ; IS ; I ; 23 I. ; 4 June, '2 ; d. Nowbern, N. C, 31 

July, '3. 
Peatfield, William P. ; IS ; I ; 23 I. ; 5 Oct., '1 ; kid. Whitehall, N. C, 

16 Dec, '4. 
Pickard, Samuel R. ; — ; L; 4H. A; ; d. Alexandria, Va., 25 

Feb., '5. 
Potter, Daniel J. ; 21 ; A , 1 H. A. ; 6 July, '1 ; d. Fort Albany, 27 

Nov.. '1. 
Richardson, Alfred ; — ; D. ; 48 I. ; ; d. Baton Rouge, La., 8 

Aug., '3. 
SchankB, Daniel B. ; 25 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; d. of wounds at Baton 

Eouge, 20 April, '3. 
Schanks, John G. ; 25 ; — ; 4 N. Y. I. ; 1 Jul.y, '1 ; d. wounds at Antie- 

tam, 20 Sept., '2. 
Schofield, Cornelius ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 2 Aug., '2 ; d. of wounds, 13 

Aug. '4. 
Shattuck, W. William ; 21 ; I ; 23 I ; 16 Oct., '1 ; 2 Jan., '4 ; re-enlisted '• 

kid. Petersburg. 
Smith, Asa ; 31 ; — ; 10 Bat.'; 21 Sept., '2 ; kid. 28 Oct., '4. 
Smith, Charles. D.; 28; E; 9 1.; 21 Aug., '3 ; kid. Spottsylvania, 8 

May, '4. 
Smith, J. Albert; 2.'i ; A ; 1 Cav. ; - Aug., '2 ; d. 24 Oct., '4. 
Thurston, Timothy J., Jr. ; 40 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 7 Dec, '1 ; d. Alcxan 

dria, 16 Oct., '4. 
Tozer, John M. ; 19 ; I ; 23 I. ; 10 Oct., '3 ; d. Newport News, 20 Oct., '3 

Turner, Joshua ; — ; I ; 1 H. A. ; ; d. Washington, D. C. 

Wade, David L. ; 41 ; K ; 21.; 8 Aug., '2 ; d. 26 July, '3 ; wounded 

Gettysburg, 2. 
Wells, Samuel S. ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; d. Andersonville, 1 

Nov., '4. 
Whipple, Daniel M. ; 22 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; d. Washington, 26 

Dec, '4. 

Additions. — The following died in the war, and 
seem to be connected with Ipswich, but are not upon 



the monument. Conant and Howe, and perhaps 
Others, were natives : 

Bailey, George W. ; 35 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 20 Mch., '2 ; d. Portsmouth Grove, 

15 Aug., '4. 
Conant, Alvin T. ; 36 ; K ; 40 I. ; 3 Sept., '2 ; d. 26 Oct., '3. 
Fish, Charles W., 32 ; — ; 23 I. ; 15 Feb., '3 ; d. Salem 30 Sept., '6. 
Guilford, Hiram; 34; D; 1 H. A. ; 17 Feb., '2; d. City Point, 17 

Oct., '4. 
Howe, Leonard; 21; H; 2 1.; 11 May, '1; d. Seneca Mills, 28 

Nov., '1. 

LefHan, Sanmel A. ; — ; I ; 1 H. A. ; ; kid. 19 May, '4. 

Murray, Patrick ; — ; F ; 2 1.; . ; kid. North Bridgewater. 

Shattuck, James ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; tr. V. K. C. 

Those Relumed to Citizenship. 

Akcrman, Joseph L. ; 41 ; K ; 2 I. ; 9 .\ug., '2 ; 4 Feb., '4 ; disability ; 

d. 6 June, '70. 
Andrews, Calvin ; 18 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Andrews, Charles 0. ; 22 ; C ; 2 I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 9 June, '3 ; disability. 
Andrews, Daniel H. ; 29 ; H , 24 I. ; 27 Nov., '1 ; close of war ; d. 
Andrews, Eben A. ; 24 ; I ; 1 H. A. ; 19 Mch., '2 ; 4 Oct., '4. 
Andrews, George M. ; 24 ; I ; 16 I. ; 12 July, '1 ; 27 July, '4. 
Andrews, Isaac M. ; 3S ; D; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Andrews, John J. ; 30 ; E ; 19 I. ; 23 Feb., '5 ; 30 June, '5. 
Andrews, Luther B. ; 31 ; D ; 48 I. ; 10 Oct., '1 ; 2 June '4 ; d. 
Andrews, Prince ; 19 ; F ; 2 I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 28 May, '4 ; d. 
Atkinson, Samuel D. ; 29 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3; en. 
Averill, Ephraim P. ; 25 ; D ; 12 I. ; 26 June, '1, for three years ; en. 
Averill, William W. ; 20 ; — ; — ; 10 May, '4 ; 11 Aug., '4. 
Bailey, Amasa P. ; 33 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 25 Feb., '2 ; 27 Feb., '5 ; en. 
Bailey, John ; 26 ; F ; 9 I. ; 22 Aug., '3 ; 19 June. '4 ; en. 
Bailey, Oliver A. ; 29; C; Engr. Troop, Bat.,N. C. ;24 Sept., '1 ; 11 

April, '2 ; en. 
Baker, Charles H. ; 31 ; A ; 1 B. 11. A ; 21 Feb., '2 ; 27 Feb., '5. 
Baker, Francis ; — ; Navy, master's mate. 
Baker, George H. ; — ; — ; 43 N. Y. ; ; ; discharged for 

wounds ; d. 
Baker, George W. ; 23 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 26 Feb., '2 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 
Baker, John E. ; 27 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Baker, Samuel Hazen ; 24 ; E ; 12 N. H. I. ; 26 Aug., '2 ; 21 July, '5 ; en 
Bamford, Charles W. ; 19 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 28 Feb., '2 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 
Barker, George ; 34 ; I, ; 30 I. ; 17 Apr., '1 ; 18 July, '6 ; en. 
Barker, George W. ; 23 ; A ; I H. A. ; 26 Feb., '2 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 
Barton, John F. ; 3) ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 
Barton, William R. ; 26 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 24 Feb., '2; 24 Feb., '5 ; en. 
Batchelder, Hiram R. 

Beck, Hardy M ; 21 ; — ; 1 H. A. ; 6 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., '6 ; en. 
Blaisdell, Leander M. ; 20 ; L ; 1 H. A. 

Vet. Corps. 
Blake, Asher ; 55 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 18 Mch., 
Bxiwell, John ; — ; — ; Navy. 
Boyd, Neil ; 21 ; F ; 9 I. ; 27 Aug., '3 ; 

29 Apl., '5, to Navy. 
Boynton, Charles ; 27 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. 

disability. 
Boynton, Warren ; 25 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 25 Feb., '2 ; 20 Oct., '5. 
Bowen, George W. ; 16 ; A ; Navy and 3 H. A. ; 8 Dec, '2 ; 7 Dec, '5. 
Bradstreet, George S.: 21 ; A; 1 B. H. A. ; 25 Feb., '2 ; 27 Feb., '5. 
Bridges, Richard A. ; 22 ; D ; 48 I.; 29 Oct., '2; 12 Sept., '5 ; en. 
Brocklebank. Lewis A. ; IS ; I ; 23 I. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4 ; en. 

Broderick, Dennis ; 30 ; F ; 9 I. ; 21 Aug., '3 ; ; tr Navy. 

Brown, Benjamin ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 
Brown, Edward ; 22 ; D ; 48 I. ; 29 Oct., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; 
Brown, George A. ; 23 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 15 Feb., '2 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 
Brown, Irving; 19; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 
Brown, John B. ; 24 ; I ; 16 I ; 1 Aug., '1 ; 31 Oct. 3. 
Brown, Jesse F. ; 22 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 27 Sept., '5 ; en. 
Brown, Leverett; 21 ; D ; 48 I.; 24 Sept.' '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Brown, Luther O. ; 27 ; B ; 7 Cal. I. ; 12 Oct., '4 ; 29 April, '6. 
Broivn, Tristram; 42; A; 1 H. A. ; IJan., '2; 13 Jan., '3 ; 

bility ; d. 
Brown, Walter. Jr. ; 20 ; D; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 
Burnham, Abraham ; 53; I; 23 I.; 28 Sept., '1 ; 21 July, '2 ; 

bility. 
Burnhani, Nathaniel ; 21 ; D ; 48 I ; 24 Sept., '2; 3 Sept., '3; en. 



; 28 Feb., '2 ; 28 Dec, '4 ; tr. 
'2 ; 7 Mch., '6 ; disability ; d 

; tr. 10 June, '4, to 32 I. ; 

20 Feb., '2 ; 9 Oct., '3 ; 



disa. 



disi 



IPSWICH. 



623 



Burnham, William ; 22 ; D ; 1 H. A. ; 20 Feb., '2; 6 Jan., '3 ; (lisabilit.v. 
Butler, .Monzo ; 21 ; F ; 2 I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 30 June, '5 ; on. 
Butler, Johu F.; 27 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 21 Feb., '2: 20 Oct.,'5; en. 
Buzzell, George ; 19 ; I ; 4 Car. ; 31 Dec, '4 ; 14 Xov., '5 ; en. 
Buzzell, Isaac ; 25 ; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 5 Xov., '5 ; en. 
CofTery, Thomas; .'iS ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept , '2 ; 3 Sept., "3; en. 
Caldwell, John G. ; 28 ; B ; 23 I.; 2s Sept., '1 ; 20 Mch., 2 ; disability ; 

d. 12 Oct.. -81. 
Callahan, William; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; l(j .Aug., "5; en. 
Capwell, James ; 42 ; A ; 1 H A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 20 Dec, '1 ; disability. 
Carr, Patrick H. ; 24; F; 21.; 2oJIay,'l; 30 Dec, '3;en. 
Channel, Jo.seph H. ; 24 ; I ; 23 1.; 28 Sept., 1 ; 3 Jan., '4 ; d. 
Chaplin, William .\. ; 16 ; A ; 2:) I.; 28 Sept.. '1 ; 28 Sept., '4 ; en. 
Chapman, Charles H. ; 21 ; .4. ; 3 U. A. ; 10 Jan., '3 ; 18 Sept , '.i ; en. 
Chapman, Moses ; 27 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept , '3 ; en. 
Chapman, ThomasT. ; 36; .\ ; 1 H. A. ; 8 Aug. '1; 8July'4; en. 
Clarke, John F. G. ; 30 ; I ; 23 I ; 16 Oct., '1 ; 6 Jan., '2 ; disability. 
Clarke, John W. ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 8 Aug.. >2 ; 5 April, '5 ; en. 
Clarke, Philip E. ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 21 Feb., '2 ; 20 Oct , '5 ; en. 

Coburn, Clarence ; — ; — ; 19 1 ; ; . 

Cogswell, William ; 26; K; 2 1; 8 Aug., '2; 26 .\pril '3; disa- 
bility; d. 

Conant, Cyrus W. ; 25 ; K ; 40 I ; 3 Sept., '2 ; ; disibility. 

Conant, George W. ; 33 ; K ; 40 I ; 3 Sept., '2 ; 6 Feb., '4 ; eu. 
Condon, Patrick ; 56 ; — ; Navy ; 15 Sept., '1 ; 2n Sept., '3 ; en. 
Condon, Thomas E. ; 10 ; D ; Navy, 48 I. ; April, '1 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; er. ; 

wounded at Port Hudson, 17 June, '3. 
Conlace, John ; 24 ; G ; 20 I. ; 12 July '3 ; 12 June, '5. 
Coombs, Samuel ; 13 ; H. ; 31 Me. I. ; Apr., '4 ; 1 July, '5 ; en. 
Cotton, Charles T. ; 22 ; D ; 48 1. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3(1 June, '5 ; en. 

Cotton, John S. ; — ; — ; Navy ; ; . 

Cotton, Moses ; — ; C ; 53 I. ; ; ; en. 

CoughUn, Patrick; 41 ; I ; 23 I. ; 5 Oct., '1 ; 27 Oct., '2; disability; d. 
Cressey, Alvin 0. ; 28 ; A ; 17 1. ; 21 July, '1 ; 3 Aug., '4 ; en. 
Crane, Silas; 44 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 11 April, '4 ; disability; d. 
Crane, William P. ; 43 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 6 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. ; d. 
Crane, William, Jr. ; 22; D ; 48 I. ; 14 Oct , '2; 3 Sept., '3; en. 
Cross, William H. ; 23 ; C; 23 1.; 3 Dec, '3; 11 July, '6; discharged 

by order War Dept. 
Cummings, Cbas. S. ; 23 ; F ; 36 I. ; 27 Aug., '2 ; 19 Nov., '4 ; disability. 

Cunimings, John ; — ; — ; — . ; ; d. 

Dent, William ; — ; — ; Navy ; ; . 

Dodge, James P. ; 25; A; 1 H. A. ; 7.\ug.,'2; 8 July, '4 ; en. ; of 

Wenhalu. 

Dodge, Jefferson ; — ; — ; — ; ; r ; of Wenhan); 

Downes, Thomas J. ; 22 ; L ; 2 I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 12 Feb., '3 ; disability. 
Duunels, Henry F. ; 25 ; — ; Navy; 22 April, '1 ; 7 Oct., '5 ; to reduce 

naval officers ; disabled, -\ug., '4, at Deep Bottom, Va. 
Dunnels, John M. ; 23 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 
Ellsworth, Thomas ; F. ; 22 ; K ; 55 I. ; tr. 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 20 June 

'4 ; en. 
Ellsworth, William ; 19 ; D ; 1 Bat. ; 10 Ma.v, '4 ; 3(1 June, '5 ; en. 
Ellwell, Alvin F. ; 38; B; 50 1. ; 15 Sept., '2; 24 Aug ,'3; on. 
Estes, Charles W. ; 28 ; I ; 23 I. ; 9 Dec, '1 ; 13 Oct., '4 ; en. 
Fall, Hamden A. ; 21 ; C ; 3 Me. I. ; 3 May, '1 ; 4 June, '4 ; en. 
Fellows, Daniel H. ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A ; 5 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 
Fclton, Andrew P. ; 39 ; B ; 22 I. ; 26 Sept., '1 ; 9 .\pr. '3 ; wounded. 
Fields, Chas. H. ; 39 ; A ; 6 Cav. ; 29 Jan., '4; 31 Oct., '5 ; en. 
Fieke, William. 

Flagg, Jo.ieph ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 Nov., '3 ; 16 Aug., '5. 
Forbes, Henry ; 23 ; I ; 23 I ; 1 Oct., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4 ; en. ; d. 
Foss, Jonathan ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, 1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. ; d. 18 

Oct., '77. 
Foster, Cyrus ; 39 ; — ; 40 I. ; 3 Sept., '2 ; 25 Mch., '4 ; en. 
Foster, Edwin K. ; 24 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Se|)t., '3 ; en. 
Foster, Richard R. ; IS ; C ; 19 I. ; 20 July, '1; .30 June, '5 ; re-enlisted 

20 Dec, '3. 
Foster, Solomon L.; 26 ; F ; 48 I. ; 6 Nov., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Foster, Samuel P. ; 2G ; K ; 2 I ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; eu. 

Foster, Thomas E. ; 21 ; H ; 1 H. A ; , '1 ; , '4. 

Foster, Walter C. ; 25 ; I ; 23 I ; 15 Oct., '1 ; .30 Sept., '2 ; disability. 
Fowler, Eben E. ; 20 ; I ; 23 I. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4 ; en. ; d. 24 

Mch., 'S6. 
Fowler, John J. ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 2 Jan. ,'5 ; eu. 
Galbraith, Johu ; IS ; D ; 4s I. ; 1 Dec, '2 ; 3 Dec, '3 ; en. 
Galbraith, Thomas ; 15 ; — ; Navy ; - July, '1 ; - July '4 ; en. ; d. 14 

Apl., '79. 



Goodhue, Nathaniel ; 23 ; D : 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. ; d. 
Goodwin, George W. ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 



A ; 1 H. A. 



1 a. A. 



; 8 Aug., 
5 Jul}' 



1 ; 9 Apr., 



tr. V. E. C. 



pris- 



Goodwin, Sylvester ; ,53 ; 

3 July, '63; d. 
Goss, James W, ; 35 ; H 

oner. 
Grant, George F. ; 18 ; — ; 3 H. .\. ; 10 Jan 
Grant, James H. ; 28 ; D ; 48 I.; 23 Dec. '2 
Grant, James O. ; 23 ; B ; 32 I. ; 21 Aug., '3 
Guiltord, Samuel .1. ; 21 ; I ; 8 I. ; 15 Aug., '2 ; 7 Aug., '3 ; en. 
Gwinn, William H. ; 26 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 23 Nov., '1 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; i 
Hall, William H. ; 18 ; F ; 2 I.; 25 May, '1 ; 28 Sept., '5 ; eu. 
Hardy, Charles A. ; 21 ; F ; 7 I. ; 15 June, '1 ; 27 June, '4 ; en, 

Nov., '71. 

Hardy, Clarendon B. ; 18 ; A : 1 H. A. ; 5 July, 1 ; 8 Jiuie, '4; en. 
Hardy, Freeman ; 19; A; 1 H. A. ; 8July, '1; 30 June, '5 ; en. 

drowned since. 
Hardy, Josiah ; 45 ; M ; 3 Cav. ; 2 Nov., '1 ; - Juue, '2 ; disability. 
Hardy, Joshua M. ; 20 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 2 Feb., '2 ; 31 SIch., '4 ; en. 
Hardy, Otis C. ; 16 ; A ; 3 H. A. ; 10 Jan., '2 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 
Harris, Aaron W. ; 18 ; B ; 44 I. ; 13 Oct., '2 ; 18 June, '3 ; en. 
Harris, Gaorge ; 27 ; K ; 2 I ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 30 Dec, '3 ; en. 
Harris, George W. ; 23 ; — : Signal Corps ; 29 Mch., '4 ; 18 Aug. 



d. 5 



; d. 30 Sept., 

17 Jan., '3 ; en ; 



'Gli. 
died 



Harris, James L. ; — ; — ; Pegular ; ; ■ 

Harris, Maik; 21; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1; 
since. 

Hart, Andrew J. ; 24 ; H ; 24 I. ; 5 Nov., '1 ; 4 Nov., '4 ; en. 

Haskell, Charles ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, 'I ; 5 Oct., '4 ; en. 

Haskell, Henry ; 21; L; 1 H. A. ; 18 Mch., '2 ; 18 Mch., '5; en. 
wounded ; d. 

Hazeltine, Ira G. ; 19 : C ; 1 Vt. I. ; 2 Slay, '1 ; 15 .lug., '1 ; en. 

Henderson, George ; — ; — ; Navy ; ; ; d. at sea. 

Henderson, Moses K ; 18; — ; Regular Navy ; 23 Apr., '1 ; 27 Sept., 
'7() ; en. 

Uenuesey, Peter ; 16 ; E ; 3 N. H. ; 10 July, '1 ; 15 Jul.v, '4 ; en. 

Hills, Albert P ; 15 ; I ; 23 I. ; 28 .Sept., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4; on. 

Hills, Albeit S. ; 40 ; I ; 23 I. ; 10 Oct., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4 ; en. 

Hitchcock, Henry ; 18 ; A ; 3 H. A. ; 10 Jan., '3 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

Hobbs, John ; 45 ; I ; 23 I ; 11 Oct., '1 ; 22 July, '2 ; en. 

Hobbs, Valorus C ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 20 July, '5 ; disa- 
bility; d. 

Holland, Charles L. ; 27 ; — ; 1 Bat. ; 30 Dec, '4 ; 30 June '5 ; en. 

Holmes, Otis S. ; 21 ; — ; 1 B. H. A. ; 25 Feb., '2 ; 27 Fefc., '5 ; en. 

Holt, Augustus ; 26 ; A ; 1 U. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 7 July, '5 ; en. ; disa- 
bility. 

Horton, George ; 32: .^ ; 1 H. A. ; 6 .4ug., '2 ; 8 July, '4 ; en ; d. 

Ilovey, J. Thomas ; 18 ; .\ ; 3 H. A. ; 26 .\pr., '3 ; 25 July, '4 ; en. ; tr. 
Navy. 

Howard, Frank ; 21; I ; 2J I. ; 10 Oct., '1 ; 8 July, '2 ; wounded at 
Roanoke Island. 

Howe, Charles H. ; 23 ; — ; 3 U. A. ; 12 Aug., '4 ; 14 June, '5 ; en. 

Howe, Levi L. ; 29 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 22 Feb., '2; 20 Oct., 'S ; en. 

Howe, Theodore; 18 ; D ; 3 Cav. ; 7 Dec, '3 ; 6 Oct., "5; en. 

Howe, Willard P. ; 38 ; H ; .50 I. ; 19 Sept., '2 ; 5 Aug., '5 ; en. ; tr. H, 
59 I. 12 Mch., '4, and H.61 I.. 1 June, '5. 

Howes, Edwin A. ; 26 ; — ; 2 1.; 25 May, 'I ; 24 May, '4 ; en. 

Hubbard, John ; — ; H ; 16 I. ; 17 .\ug., '3 ; ; tr. Vet. Corps. 

Hull, Edward G. ; 27; I; 231. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; 27 Sept., '2; en. 

Hull, James ; 20 ; A ; 5 N. H. I. ; 20 Aug., '3 ; 14 June, '5 ; en. 

Hull, John ; 30 J A ; 3 H. A. ; 28 Apr., '3 ; 12 June, '3 en. 

llurd, Yorick G. ; 35 ; — ; 48 I ; 8 Dec, '2; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Irving, George W. ; 21; I ; 23 I. ; 17 Oct., 'I ; 2 Dec, "1 ; en. 

Irving, Leander ; 19 ; G ; 3 H. A. ; 4 Dec. '3 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

Irving, Washington ; 23; H ; 3 H. A. ; 4 Dec, '3; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

Jewett, Henry B. ; 18 ; C ; 19 I. ; 25 July, '1 ; 28 Aug., '2 ; eu. 

Jewett, Thomas L. Jr. ; 20 ; I ; 231. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; 26 Oct., '3 ; disa- 
bility. 

Johnson, Joseph ; 33 ; H ; 3 H. A. ; 20 Nov., "3; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

Kimball, Daniel B. ; 26 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 

Kimball, Joseph E. ; 21 ; B ; 1 I. ; 23 May, '1 ; 10 Jan., '4 ; en. 

Kimball, John H. ; 18 ; A ; 1 H A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; eu. 

Kinsman, Joseph F. ; 18 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3. 

Knecland, .losiah ; 30; C ; 2 I. ; 25 May. '1 ; 30 Dec, '3. 

Kno.x, James H. ; 17 ; — ; Navy ; 1 Jan., '3 ; 1 Jan., '4. 

Knox. Kufiis ; 35 ; K ; 2 I ; IS Aug , '2 ; 11 May, '4. 

Lakeinan, Asa ; 24 ; A ; 17 I. ; 21 July, 'I ; ; dropped 18 July, '2. 



624 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Lakeman, Perloy B. ; « ; D ; i8 I. ; 24 Sept., '2; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Lang, Thomas ; — ; E ; 2 I. ; ; ; tr. to Navy. 

Langclon, George W. ; 30; — ; Fort Warreu; 21 Feb., '00 ; 20 Oct., 
'o, en. 

Lavalette, Cbarles C. ; 25 ; C ; 32 I. ; 12 Nov., '1 ; 29 June, '5 ; en. ; 
re-enlisted 5 Jan., '4; d. 

Lefflan, Jofan M. ; 26 ; — ; 3 H. A. ; 11 June '3 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. ; d. 

Leonard, Isaac M. ; 3iJ ; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, ' 1 ; ; tr. Vet. 

Corps ; d. 

Lord, Charles W.; 28 ; A ; 1 H. A.; 6 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 

Lord, Henry A ; 41 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 23 Nov., '3 ; 22 June, '5 ; en. ; from 
Lowell. 

Lord, James A. ; 21 ; D ; 28 I. ; 1.5 Mch., '4 ; 22 June, Vi ; en. 

Lord, Moses G. ; 42 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; ; tr. Vet. Corps. 

Lord, Nathaniel, 3d ; 44 ; K ; 2 I. j 8 Aug., '2 ; 9 May, '3 ; disa- 
ability ; d. 

Lord, Robert ; — ; ^ ; Navy ; ; ; en. 

Lord, William, 4th ; 39 ; D ; 48 I ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Low, Winthrop; 31 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 : 22 Sept., '2 ; disability. 

Lucy, Daniel ; 33 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 

Maguire, John ; 27 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Mallard, Levi W. ; 31 ; G ; 2 I . ; 25 May, '1 : 17 June, '5 ; en. 

Mann, Josiah H. ; 22 ; A ; 44 I. ; 12 Sept., '2; 18 June, '3 ; en. 

Manning, Joseph S. ; 18; K; 29 I. ; 25 Nov., '1 ; 15 Aug., '4 ; en. 

Manning, Thomas; 35 ; C; 2 I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 30 Aug., '4 ; en. 

Marshall, John ; 35 ; M ; 3 H. A. ; 27 Aug., '4 ; 17 June, '6 ; on. 

McDonal, William ; 20; H; 9 1.; 2 Aug., '3; 10 June, '5 ; en. ; disa- 
bility. 

McGregor, Alex., Jr. ; 18; A; 1 II. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., 'S ; 
en. ; d. 

McGuire. Thomas ; 44 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Mclntire, Cbarles W. ; 28 ; K ; 1 I. ; 12 Aug., '2 ; 25 May, '4. ; en. 

31clntire, Dexter. 

McNeil, James ; 23 ; I ; 9 I. ; 11 Aug., '3 ; 29 Juue, '5 ; en. 

Merrill, Dennis ; 21 ; I ; 23 I. ; 9 Oct., '1 ; 10 Dec, '2 ; disability. 

Merrill, Samuel H. ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 

Mooar, Charles A. ; 23 ; G ; 2 I. ; 13 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 

Montgomery, Jobu H. ; 27; I; 23 1.; 9 Nov., '1 ; 21 Apr., '3; disa- 
bility ; d. 

Moore, Richard ; 34; E ; 9 I. ; 1 Aug., '2 ; 10 Oct., '4 ; en. 

Morns, Cbarles ; d. 

Murbey, John ; ti ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 

Murbey, Thomas ; 40 ; — ; 4 Div. Bridge Corps ; 2 Dec, '3 ; , '5. 

Nason, Joseph A. ; 21; G; 3H. A.; 30 ,'3; 18 May, '4 ; disa- 
bility. 

Newman, Benj. D. ; 18; A; 3 H. A, ; 10 Jan., '3 ; 31 Mch., '3; disa- 
bility ; d. 12 May, '72. 

Nichols, AugvifituB ; 14 ; — ; Navy ; 15 Mch., '3 ; 14 Mch., '4 ; en. 

Nichols, Albert N. ; 18 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July '4 ; en. 

Nichols, Edward F. ; 22 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; S July, '4 ; en. 

Nichols, William O. ; 23 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 2 Apr., '3 ; disability. 

Noland, Malachi ; 30 ; H ; 1 H. A. ; 3 July, '2 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 

Norman, Alfred ; 22 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '- ; en. 

Norwood, Samuel ; 22 ; F ; 35 I. ; 22 Aug., - ; 9 June, '5 ; en. ; d. '85. 

Noyes, John W. ; 33 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

O'Conuel, Cornelius, Jr. ; 23 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 7 Aug., '2 ; 28 July, '3 ; 
disability. 

O'Conuel, John ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; .31 July, '5 ; on. 

O'Connel, Michael ; 18 ; — ; Regular Army ; 4 Mch., '4 ; . 

Palmer, Rev. Edwin B. ; 29 ; — ; 19 Me. I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept. 
'3 ; en. 

Peabody, Thomas; 30; T ; 23 I. ; 9 Oct-, 1 ; 16 Aug., '3 ; disability. 

Perkins, Charles N. ; 42 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 7 Nov., '3 ; 2u Oct., '5 ; en ; 
d. 23 Dec, '79. 

Perkins, Josiah ; 29 ; I ; 23 I. ; 9 Mch., '4 ; 21 June '5 ; en. 

Pickard, David ; 44 ; K ; 21.; 8 Aug., 2 ; 6 Jan., '4 ; en. ; disability. 

Pickard, William G. ; 20 ; D ; Frontier Cav. ; 2 Jan., '6 ; 3 June, 
'5 ; en. 

Pickard, Washington P. ; 30 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 

Pierce, George W. ; 21 ; K ; 40 I. ; 3 Sept., '2 ; 25 Feb., '4 ; disability. 

Pike, Edwin T. ; 27 ; C ; 48 I. ; 23 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Pinder, Daniel F. ; 19; I; 23 1.; 10 Oct., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4; en. ; d. 11 
June, '70. 

Pingree, David M. ; 21 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4; en. 

Plouff, Edward, Jr. ; 22 ; D ; 48 I. ; -Sept , 2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

riouff, John W. ; 24 ; D , 48 I. ; 23 Dec, '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Plummer, Hiram ; 19 ; M ; 3 Cav. ; 31 Do;;., '4 ; 28 Sept., '5 ; en. 



Plummer, William ; 34 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept , '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; on. 

Poor, Benjamin ; 26 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. ; 
Mch., '80. 

Poor, David H. ; 32 ; A ; 1 B. H. A. ; 9 May, '3 ; 20 Oct., '5 ; en. 

Poor, George ; 23 ; I ; 23 I ; 6 Oct., '1 ; 1 Dec, '1 ; d. 

Poor, Thomas A. ; 20 ; A ; I H. A. ; 6 July, '1 ; ; d. 

Porter, Ch.^rleB ; 18 ; A ; 3 H. A. ; 16 May, '3 ; 18 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Porter, Thomas. 

Potter, Asa T. ; 29 ; — ; 1 B. H. A. ; 21 Feb., '2 ; 29 Feb., '4 ; en. 

Putnam, Jeremiah ; — ; — ; 40 I. ; ; . 

Ready, Michael ; 30 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 7 Aug., '2 ; ; en. 

Ready, Thomas ; 3(1 ; B ; 48 I. ; 24 Oct., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Reily, Edmund ; 38 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 7 Aug., '2 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 

Richards, Charles. 

Riggs, Charles A . 

Roherts, Charles. 

Roberts, Edward T. ; 23 ; 
L. T. Bat. 

Roberts, George B. ; 27; 
bility. 

Roberts, John S. ; 19 ; C ; 19 I. ; 26 July, '1 ; 13 Oct., '3 ; en. 

Robs, Edward ; 24 ; I ; 23 I. ; 9 Nov., '1 ; 25 Sept., '2 ; en. 

Ross, William P. ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 27 Feb., '2 ; 22 Jan., '6 ; en. 

Rowe, George ; 18 ; I ; 23 I. ; 1 Oct., '1 ; 25 May '2; en. ; disability. 

Russell, Henry F. ; 32 ; — ; 3 H. A. ; 4 Dec, '3 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 

Russell. Edward W. ; 27 ; A ; I B. H. A. ; 21 Feb., '2 ; 20 Oct., '5 ; en. 

Russell, John Ward ; 17 ; F ; 14 Me. I. ; 11 Jan., '2 ; 13 Jan., '5 ; en. 

Russell, John W. ; 21 ; — ; 3 H. A. ; 4 Dec. '3; IS Sept., '6 ; en. 

Sanderson, James H. ; 31 ; H ; 8 I. ; 19 Sept., '2 ; 7 Aug., '3 ; en. 

.Sargent, George H. ; 38; I; 23 I. ; 5 Oct., '1; 8 Aug., '3 ; disa- 
bility. 

Sargent, Kendall; 42; A; 1 H. A. ; 5JuIy'l; - May, '2 ; disa- 
bility. 

Saunders, Moses ; 21 ; K ; 40 I. ; 3 Sept., '3 ; 10 Juue, '5 ; en. 



— ; 2 1.; 31 July, '1 ; 10 Aug., '4; en.; 
G ; II.; 23 May, '1 ; 20 Dec, '2 ; disa- 



9 1.; 21 Aug., '3 ; 



tr. 32 I., 10 



Schaffer, William ; 23 ; 
Jan., '4. 

Schanks, Jacob ; 20 ; H ; 17 I. ; 22 July, '1 ; 11 July, '5 ; en. 

Schanks, Jacob P. ; 44; D; 48 1.; 24 Sept., '2; 30 May, '5 ; disa- 
bility ; d. 

.Scott, James, .Ir. ; 18; F; 14 Me. 1. ; 25 Feb., '5; 28 Aug., '6; en. 

.Scott, John ; '24 ; — ; Navy : - July, '2 ; , '7. 

Seniple, John ; 29 ; — ; Navy ; - June, '1 ; -Aug., '1 ; disability. 

Shatswell, Nathaniel ; 27 ; A ; 1 H. .\. ; 5 July, '1 ; 18 Mlg., '5 ; en. 

Shattuck, Milton B. ; 32 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 6 July, '1 ; 20 Jan., '3 ; en. ; d. 
24 May, '84. 

Sherburne, George W. ; 25 ; D ; 48 L ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 

Sherburne, John T. ; 34 ; I ; 23 I. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; , '3 ; disability. 

Shirley, Reuben W. ; 18 ; A; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, "4 ; en. 

Smith, Charles W. ; 20 : B ; 1 B. H. A. ; 8 Oct., '2 ; 29 June, '5 ; en. 

Smith, Edwin F. ; 18 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1: 15 July, '6 ; en. 

Smith, Edward P. ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, 1 ; 1 May, '2 ; disa- 
bility. 

Smith, George ; 22 ; I ; 23 I. ; 10 Oct., '1 ; 13 Oct., '4; en. 

Smith, Henry R. ; 19 ; H ; 19 I. ; 10 Dec, 1 ; 31 Mch., '3 ; en. 

Smith, .John Allen ; 22 ; D ; 1 Cav. ; 2 Jan., '5 ; 30 June, 'o ; en. 

Smith, John H. ; 20 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July '1 ; 1 Jan., '4; disability ; d. 
3 Aug., '5. 

Smith, John J. ; 27 ; G ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 16 Aug., '5 ; en. 

Smith, Thomas R. ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 8 July, 4 ; en. ; d. 11 
Nov., '68. 

Smith, William H. ; 23 ; A ; II. ; 7 Aug., '2 ; 31 July, '5 ; en. 

Spoar, William M. ; — ; — ; 38 I. ; ; . 

Spinney, J. F. ; 21 ; E ; 17 Ills. I. ; 25 May, '1 ; 2 Aug., '2 ; disa- 
bility. 

Spofford, William H. ; 30; — ; Fort Warren ; 7 Apr., '3 ; 18 Sept., 
'5 ; en. 

Stacey, John R. ; 30; A; 2 1.; 12 Oct., '1 ; 16 Jan., '3; disa- 
bility. 

Stackpole, William .A. ; 10 ; C ; 5 I. ; 23 July, '4 ; 16 Nov., '4 ; en. 

Stanley, Francis A. ; — ; — ; 38 I. ; ; . 

Stateu, William H. ; 19 ; F ; 21. ; 25 May, '1 ; 14 July, '.5 ; en. 

Steven,^ Henry L. ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 2 Aug., '2 ; tr. Navy, 2 April, 
•4; d. 

Stevens, William ; 44 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 22 June, '5 ; en. 

Stevens, William, Jr ; 25 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3; en. 

Stone, Daniel W. ; 23 ; D ; 1 B. H. A. , 30 Doc, '4 ; 30 June, '5 ; en. 

Stone, Lorenzo R. ; 18 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; en. 



IPSWICH. 



625 



stone, William L. ; 24 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 
Swept, Elljridge ; 23 ; D; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 20 June, '4 ; en. 
Taileton, Walter ; 27 ; K ; 8 I. ; 1 Oct., '2 ; 24 Oct., "4' en. ; d. 
Ta.vlur, EJiuimd T. ; 21 ; E ; U I. ; 1.5 Aug., '3 ; 14 July, '4 ; ei 

Taylor, Trowbridge C. ; — ; A ; 2.'i I. ; 1 Oct., "1 ; . 

Tc.-ug.ie, Theodore P. ; 21 ; D ; 4 Cav. ; 31 Dec, '4 ; 14 Nov., '5 
Tenney, .illjert ; 21 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 14 July, 5 ; en. 
Tenney, John E. ; 20 ; H ; 3 H. A. ; 20 Nov., '3 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; < 
Terhune, Henry; 33 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, "1 ; 16 Aug., '5; en. 

Navy ; 12 Aug., '1 ; 20 Oct., '3 ; en. 

21; I; 231 



28 Sept., 
Aug., '1 ; 
25 May, '1 ; 



I ; 5 Oct., '2 ; disa- 



28 



23 Apr., '3 ; disa- 



, '1 ; 7 Jan., '0 ; tr. Han- 



Thomas, Ebon ; 26 ; - 
Thompson, Charles H. 

bility. 
Tibbetts, John L. ; 39 ; C ; 19 I. 

bility. 
Todd, Thomas II. ; 22 ; F ; 2 1. 

i'eb., '2. 
Tonge, Henry F. ; 27 ; — ; 3 B. I. 

cock's corps, 30 Dec, '4. 
Towle, Jenness ; 39 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; eu. 
Tozer, William H. ; 27 ; K ; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, '4 ; en. 
Treadwell, Henry S. ; 20 ; C ; 53 I ; 6 Xot., '2 ; 2 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Treadwell, Marcus M. ; 20 ; D ; 12 I. ; 26 June, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; ( 

Turner, John ; 29 ; L ; 1 H. A. ; 20 Feb., - ; . •. 

Tyler, Colman J. ; IS ; F ; 2 I. ; 25 May, 1 ; 28 May, '4; en. 
Waite, Charles W. ; 16 ; — ; Navy ; 4 Dec, '2 ; 15 Jan., '4 ; en. 
Waite, Joseph, Jr. ; 19 ; D; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., '3 ; d. 
Waite, Luther ; 19 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; .5 July, '1; 5 July, '5; . 

9 May, '4. 
Waite, Rogers ; 18 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., 3 ; 

April, '79. 

Wallia, Henry ; — ; D ; 48 I. ; ; . 

Watts, James W. ; 23; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 17 Feb., '. 

d. 31 Jan., '71. 
Webber, Moses; 32 ; K; 2 I. ; 8 Aug., '2 ; 28 May, 4. 
West, John ; 44 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 8 July, '4 ; en. 
Whedon, Edward M. ; 30 ; — ; 2 H. A. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 3 Sept., 
Whipple, John F. ; 20; L; 1 H. A. ; 20 Feb.,-; 3 July, 

bility. 

_ ; 1 Cav. ; ; . 

21 ; I; 26 1. ; 7 Sept., '1 



; tr. navy 
n. ; d. 21. 

disability ; 



4 Jan., 



B ; 5 I. ; 19 Sept., '2 



July, '3 ; en. 



L ; 1 H. A. ; 2 Dec, '1 ; 31 Jan., '4 ; disa- 



White, W. Charles ; — 
AVillard, Benjamin D. 

enlisted. 
Willett, George A. ; 30 
Winslow, James ; d. 
Winslow, William H. ; 

bility. 

Wood, Francis L. ; 25 ; E ; 32 I. ; 10 July, '2 ; 2 June, '3 ; en. 
Worcester, Leigh R ; 27 ; A ; 1 H. A. ; 5 July, '1 ; 18 Sept., '5 ; en. 
Worcester, James T. ; 20 ; D ; 48 I. ; 24 Sept., '2 ; 2 Sept., '3 ; en. 
Worsley, Pandon E. ; 19 ; L; 1 H. A. ; 26 Nov., '1 ; 15 Dec, '4; en. 
Worth, William K. ; 19 ; I ; 23 I. ; 28 Sept., '1 ; ; en ; d. 

A Noble Gift. — I cannot more fittingly close this 
chapter than by quoting from the records, page 367, 
the town's action of June 15, ISfiS, which is self-ex- 
plaining and as follows : 

"Whereas, 31r. Augustine Heard of this town, in conjunction with 
his nephews, Mr. John Heard, Mr. Augustine Heard, Jr., Mr. .Alfred F. 
Heard and Mr. George F. Heard, have placed in the hands of trustees 
ten thous;ind dollars to be applied for the relief of such persons belong- 
ing to this town as may suffer from sickness or wounds incurred in the 
service of their country in the present civil war, and for the relief of 
such persons a.s may be deprived of support by the loss of relations en- 
gaged in the like service ; therefore, 

"HeKolced, That the thanks of the citizens of Ipswich, assembled this 
day in town-meeting, be tendered to the above named gentlemen, re- 
spectively, for their munificent donation to so noble a cause, together 
with our best wishes for their continued health and prosperity ; that we 
receive with lively sensibility this token of their remembrance of the 
place of their nativity, rejoice in the anticipation of the relief which in 
future years will come to many of the suffering poor in Ipswich in con- 
sequence of their generous gift. 

^^liesoleed. That we sympathize with the gentlemen in their patriotic 
devotion to the welfare of the country, and that we hope their generous 
sacrifices will ajon be amply rewarded by the restoration of the Union 
and the Cunstitntion more complete and vital than ever, with every root 

40 



of bitterness removed, with stable peace and enduring prosperity in all 
our borders, and with the stars and fitripes floating with renewed and 
increased splendor and power over every Amorican citizen by land and 
by sea, at home and abroad." 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

IPSWICH— ( Continued). 

LEGAL AND PENAL. 

The Colonial Period. — Our legal policy was, in 
general, based upon the laws of England, but it was 
moulded by a wise and cautious e.\ercise of au- 
thority, according to our exigencies and circum- 
stances. The royal charter of March 4, 1628, which 
Governor John Winthrop brought out with him, 
created a corporation styled: "The Governor and 
Company of Massachusett.s Bay in New England." 
By this charter the seat of government was trans- 
ferred to these shores, and the corporators were per- 
mitted to make their own laws and to choose their 
own rulers — to make " laws and ordinances not con- 
trary or repugnant to the laws and statutes of the 
realm." The charter held the company to be British 
subjects, and was granted in the hope of increasing 
the royal domain and of augmenting the national 
wealth. It, then, conferred only such powers as 
were necessary to the company's existence, business 
and business prosperity, other matters being reserved 
for adjustment at home. 

The Great Court. — Our fathers, however, inter- 
preted the instrument in its freest sense; for they 
early felt an urgent need of a high and wide range of 
authority, so great was the tide of emigration, and so 
mauy and varied were the interests involved. Under 
it the colonists turned their prow ocean-ward, and 
spread their sails for a prosperous voyage upon an 
untried sea. Their polity of church and State was 
new and peculiar. Although they based their laws 
upon the English code, the}' ignored its authority ; 
in fact, in one instance at least, they denied it — they 
disfranchised all but members of churches, and the 
magistrates had power to determine or select what 
churches. Their laws reached public and private 
relations, and not only such crimes as were known to 
common law, but many recognized in the Hebraic 
code. They proposed a State dependent upon the 
church, where the elders and clergy were at the head, 
the reciprocal of their former relation, where the 
church was dependent upon the State, and the king 
the head. The entire administration of the govern- 
ment was held or controlled by clergymen, who 
sought to imitate the regal action of the supreme au- 
thority of Israel. They made no distinction in courts 
or court actions — civil or criminal, at law or in equity, 
lay or ecclesiastical — all were held and determined 
in one great and General Court. 



626 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



This court was at once the great source of law 
and justice. For the first few years, it consisted 
of the Governor, Deputy-Governor, eighteen assist- 
ants and the freemen, but in 1634 the number of 
freemen so increased, and the inconvenience and 
danger, from leaving their homes exposed to Indian 
barbarities, during their absence, were so great, that 
the town chose deputies to represent them in all 
matters, but the choice of officers, wherein the free- 
men sent their votes by proxy. The court was legis- 
lative, judicial and executive. It held quarterly ses- 
sions, and enacted the laws. The assistants were 
chosen by the ireemen, and were the magistrates, 
who with the Governor constituted the Onat Quarter 
Court. The Governor and assistants, as council, were 
the executive head. For about ten years the court 
exercised discretionary powers, hearing and determin- 
ing all cases, and "seems,'' says a writer, "to have 
been more disposed to punish the religious than the 
civil offender." 

Ipswich's Influence. — During the decade, what- 
ever may have been the methods or results, it cannot 
be denied that Ipswich was an important factor. 
Next to the metropolis, she was the seat of wealth 
and learning, and, therefore, of power. Her voice 
was potent in every department of the government. 
There was Winthrop, the son of our Governor, the 
founder of our municipality, a man of learning and 
wealth, and a governor in embryo himself; Dudley, 
who had already been Governor one term ; Bradstreet, 
a man of vast executive and business ability ; Salton- 
stall, a gentleman of business enterprise, of wealth 
and culture, of pure and just sentiment, the first 
American abolitionist; Denison, the man of war and 
continually in the public service; and Ward, a man 
of polished learning, pi-ofound in divinity and law, 
the compiler of the Colonial Magna Charta. The 
mere mention of these names was like " the sweet in- 
fluence of the Pleiades," and the sentiment of Ips- 
wich citizenship with such leaders worked like des- 
tiny. 

The Demands of Growth. — But the State grew 
rapidly in population and business interests, and the 
jurisdiction of the Court as largely and rapidly ex- 
panded. The people at length became alarmed at 
such exercise of courtly power, and cried for a legal 
code resembling Magna Charta. The deputies feared 
that "great damage to our State" mightaccrue, if the 
magistrates should " proceed according to their dis- 
cretion." Accordingly, committees were appointed 
at various times to frame a code. They failed to 
meet the approbation of the Court ; even the great 
Cotton Mather, who reported a " copy of Moses his 
judicials, compiled in an exact method," did not suc- 
ceed. It remained for the committee, of which 
Rev. Nathaniel Ward, of Ipswich, was the leading, 
active and efficient member to perform the work. 
The work, however, was not published till 1641. The 
delay was occasioned by a desire to prepare a code 



commensurate with the need and adapted to the public 
temperament and our institutions. It was a herculean 
task, but Mr. Ward performed a thorough work. 
His great ability, his broad learning, his legal train- 
ing and practice and his peculiar cast of mind, made 
him the fittest, and his work shows it. He embodied 
one hundred civil and criminal laws. The civil laws 
were far in advance of English law at the time ; they 
have been adopted in new codifications from time to 
time since ; and some are in force at present, after a 
period of nearly two centuries and a half. In the 
criminal code he followed Moses in a great measure, 
but he distanced England in mildness, and for scope 
was far in advance of his time. He thus embodies 
personal rights : 

"No man's life shall ba taken away, no man's honor nor good name 
shall be stained, no man's person shall be arrested, restrained or dis- 
membered, nor any ways punished, no man shall be deprived of bis wife 
or children, no man's goods or estate shall be taken away from liim nor 
any ways endamaged under color of law or countenance of authority, 
unless it be by virtue or equity of some express law of the country war- 
ranting the same, established by a General Court and sufficiently pub- 
lished, or in case of a defect in a law in any particular case, by the 
Word of God. And in capital cases, or in cases concerning dismember- 
ment or banishment, according to that word to be judged by the General 
Court." 

In his "Body of Liberties," it is said, there was "a 
notable disregard of English law," which had sorely 
discomforted the Puritan temper, and the work was 
annotated with chapter and verse in the Bible — their 
sure palladium of both civil and religious liberty. 

Other Courts. — Moreover, as population, busi- 
ness, personal complications and infelicities increased, 
the necessity for other tribunals became apparent. 
Accordingly, the General Court March 3, 1636, re- 
lieved the Court of Assistants, or " Great Quarter 
Court," by establishing an Inferior Quarter Court, 
which held four terms annually — one term in each 
of these places: Ipswich, Salem, Cambridge and Bos- 
ton. The judge was such magistrate or assistant as 
lived in or nearest the town where the Court was 
lield, assisted by " Commissioners," as they were 
called, who were appointed by the General Court 
from a list of nominations by the several towns. The 
judge and four commissioners constituted the lull 
Court, and himself and two commissioners a quorum. 
The jurisdiction of the Court extended to all matters 
ecclesiastical, and sometimes to family infelicities — 
divorces — and the settlements of estates; to civil con- 
troversies, wherein the damage or debt was less than 
ten shillings, and to criminal cases not involving life 
or banishment. 

Ipswich Court. — The original act establishing 
this Court was changed June 2, 1641. Four Quarter 
Courts were held in Ipswich and Salem for this 
county by all the magistrates of both these places 
sitting together. This Court exercised the jurisdic- 
tion before exercised by the Oreat Quarter Court, ex- 
cept trials for life, limb or banishment, and cases 
whose damage exceeded one hundred pounds, wherein 
the Great Quarter Court had concurrent jurisdiction. 



IPSWICH. 



627 



To this Court was attached, September 9, 1639, a 
recorder's otfice, and October 7th of the next year 
Samuel Symonds, of Ipswich, was appointed for the 
jurisdiction of the Ipswich Court. Previous to this 
tlie records of deeds and the conveyances of real 
estate were recorded in the records of the town. The 
office of recorder was, after a while, blended with the 
office of the clerk of the Court, and Robert Lord, 
then, by virtue of his office as clerk, succeeded Mr. 
Symonds. By the first act Xewbury was placed in 
the jurisdicti(m of Ipswich ; by the second, Salisbury 
and Hampton. 

Court Offices. — The first court at Salem June 27, 
1636 ; the first at Ipswich probably soon after, 
though no records appear " till from the year 1646," 
when, March 31, Robert Lord, of Ipswich, was clerk. 
The judges were appointed May 25, 1636, and those 
for Ipswich were Messrs. Dudley, Duramer, Brad- 
street, Saltonstall and Spencer. The sittings of the 
court at Ipswich were twice a year, — March and 
September, — till by Quo Warranto, 1684, the colonial 
government was arrested and the courts suspended, 
to be resumed 1689, after the removal of Andros, and 
in 1692 superseded by authority of the province 
charter with Sir William Phipps as Governor. 

Jurisdiction. — These courts laid out highways, 
licensed " taverns," guarded the orthodoxy of the 
church, admitted freemen, probated ^states, recorded 
deeds and adjudicated upon the most important con- 
cerns in the county. During the period, Ipswich 
enjoyed an eminence, advantage and influence second 
to none but the metropolis, where the highest tribu- 
nals always sat. She was a legal centre, and was the 
home of lawyers, judges and the colonial law-giver. 

Court-House. — During this period, it is probable, 
there was no court-house, and that the meeting- 
house was used instead. Their civil life was under 
the patronage of their religion, was subservient to it, 
and wore a sanctity that gave it a proper place in the 
house of God. In that house they counseled 
together "after lecture," they voted the minister's 
salary, they elected church-officers, they chose the 
seven-men, the clerk and the treasurer, they raised 
moneys, and arranged the munici|)al concerns, they 
counseled for war, they stored their muuitioi>s, they 
worshipped in arms, they made it a watch-house, 
they meted out justice and exposed the criminal for 
punishment. The meeting-house to that practical 
people was serviceable next to their homes ; it was 
the emblem of righteousness, justice and e(iual rights 
— God's proper peerage. They wore out their houses, 
we remodel ours to conform to fashion. 

Jail. — There was but one prison in the colony be- 
fore 1652. That year. May 22d, the Court ordered 
one to be built at Ipswich, and September 26ih, the 
seven-men contracted with Henry Binder and Thomas 
Rowell to construct it. It was to stand near the 
watch-house, — a site near the First Church, — and 
was to be of the " same hight and wyndcs." They 



were to make three floors of joist thick set and well 
bound with partition above and below the sides and 
ends, stud and stud spaces, and to clap-board the house 
round and shingle it, and to daub its whole wall, all but 
the gable ends, and to underpin the house and make 
doors and hinges, and hang the doors and lit on locks, 
which said house shall be finished with all the appurte- 
nances, drawings, iron-work for the doors and nails by 
the loth of May next, at their own proper cost and 
charges, without allowance for help or diet for their 
reasing, in consideration of which they shall have for 
their worth £40 out of country rate by the first of 
the next March. Theophilus Wilson was keeper in 
1656, and received a compensation of £3 a year, S.i. for 
each prisoner, and further, each prisoner was to pay liis 
board if he was able to do so ; if he was not able, he 
was to be kept on bread and water. The prisoners 
were required to work, and the seven-men were re- 
quired by law to furnish hemp and fiax for that pur- 
pose. Another prison, or house of correction, was 
built about 1684. This was ordered to be built by 
the Quarterly Court, and the expense was to be 
borne by those towns that sent juries to Ipswich. 

The Causes. — The causes determined in these 
courts have already been indicated. These may be 
noticed as illustrative : In 1633 a man was fined ten 
pounds and to wear a badge marked "Drunkard" 
during the discretion of the court, for drunkenness 
and undue familiarity with his neighbor's wife, and 
she was fined fifteen shillings for drunkenness. In 1637 
William Schooler was examined by the magistrates 
here on a charge of murder. After a year he was 
convicted and hanged at Boston. In 1639 " lewd at- 
tempts" were punished by whipping. In 1663 a wo- 
man was sentenced, for perjury, to stand at the meet- 
ing-house door on " lecture day," with "for taking a 
false oath" conspicuous upon her garments. In 1665 
a woman was tried for burning Gien. Daniel Denison's 
house. She was acquitted of arson, but was fined for 
theft and whipped for lying. In 1667 a man was 
prosecuted for digging up Masconnomet's bones and 
sjiorting with the skull on a pole. In 1677 a highway 
robber was sentenced to be branded and fined. In 
1684 a burglar was sentenced to be branded with B, to 
pay treble damages and receive fifieen lashes. Dur- 
ing this period there were several arraignments for 
witchcraft, but no convictions. This glance of the 
trials presents a picture not so pleasing to contcm|ilate 
as we might wish, but still it is such as in the nature 
of things we might expect. 

Representative Mex. — Among the representa- 
tive men of the Colony, upon whom we have more or 
less claim, we note the following: — 

Governors. — Simon Bradstreet and Thomas Dudley. 
Deputij-Ooreriton. — Simon Bradstreet, Thomas Dud- 
ley, Samuel Symonds, John Wintlirop, Jr. Governor's 
0)««c(7.— Andros'.— Sanuiel Appleton, ten years be- 
tween 1681 and 1692. Colonial Secretaries. — Simf.n 
Bradstreet and Daniel Denison. Speaker of the 



628 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Souse. — Daniel Denison. Commissioners of the Unit- 
ed Colonies. — Thomas Dudley, Simon Bradstreet and 
Daniel Denison. Assista7its. — Samuel Appleton, Si' 
mon Brad.itreet, Daniel Deniaon, Thomas Dudley, Sir 
Richard Saltonstall, Samuel Symonds, John Winthropi 
Jr. Justices Inferior Quarter Court. — Samuel Apple- 
ton, Simon Bradstreet, Daniel Denison, Thomas Dud- 
ley, Sir Richard Saltonstall, John Spencer, Samuel 
Symonds. Registrar of the Court. — Samuel Symonds. 
Clerk of the Court. — Robert Lord. Deputies. — John 
Appleton, fifteen years; Samuel Appleton, nine years; 
William Bartholomew, iive years ; Thomas Bishop, 
one year; Thomas Boreman, Sr., one year; Hum- 
phrey Bradstreet, one year; Simon Bradstreet, one 
year; Thomas Burnham, two years; Daniel Denison, 
ten years: Daniel Epps, three years; George Gid- 
dings, twelve years ; John Giddings, one year; John 
Goodhue, one year; William Goodhue, eight years; 
Thomas Howlett, one year; William Hubbard, eight 
years ; Robert Lord, one year ; Richard Lumkin, two 
years; Joseph Metcalfe, eight years; John Perkins, 
one year; Moses Pingrey, one year; Robert Paine, 
three years; Lyman Stace, three years; John Spen- 
cer, one year; Samuel Symonds, six years; Jonathan 
Wade, two years ; John Whipple, twelve years ; Sam- 
uel Whinsley, one year. 

BlOGEAPHlCAL. — Most of the parties named above 
are sketched in Early Settlers; Daniel Denison in 
Martial and Military ; Sir Richard Saltonstall in Bus- 
iness ; here it is proper to speak briefly of Robert 
Lord, John Appleton, Jr., and Thomas Wade, who 
were the clerks of the Ipswich Courts for the Colonial 
period. 

No name is oftener met in the Colonial records for 
this section than Me. Robert Lord's. His life was 
occupied in the details of the courts. By virtue of 
his office as clerk, he was also registrar ol probate. 
His clerkship covered a period of forty-seven years — 
from September, 1636, to August 21, 1683. He was 
born about 1602 or '3, and appears to have been son 
of widow Katherine, who came with her sons to Ips- 
wich as early as 1635. He married, about 1630, Mary 
Wait, who, with eight children, survived him. He 
was made freeman March 3, 1635-36, deputy to the 
General Court March 12, 1636-37, and was on a com- 
mittee to raise fifteen hundred pounds for the Colony. 
He fixed the boundaries of towns and private lands, 
was clerk of court a year in Norfolk before the estab- 
lishment of that county ; was clerk of the Salem 
Court in June, 1658; in 1649 was town-sealer of 
weights and measures; March 30, 1652, was empow- 
ered by the magistrates to "issue all executions in 
civil and criminal cases;" was "searcher of coins" in 
1654; was sheriff of the Ipswich Court till March 27, 
1660, when he was superseded by his son, Robert. He 
was also clerk of writs, whose duty it was to issue at- 
tachments, summons, replevin, etc. He made his last 
entry July 13, 168B, and on or before August 21st 
closed his mortal record. He was a good penman 



and a faithful and correct ofiicial. His line has fur- 
nished two rev istrars in the person of Nathaniel and 
Nathaniel's sou George Robert. 

Mr. Lord's successor was John Appleton, Jr., 
who received the appointment August 21, 1683. The 
appointment was confirmed September 25th, and held 
till April 18,1698. Mr. Appleton was born in Ips- 
wich October 17, 1652. He married, November 23, 
1681, Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of Rev. John, fifth 
president of Harvard College. He was lieutenaut of 
a company of foot-soldiers, and rose to colonel, and 
was feoffee of the grammar school and clerk of writs. 
He was clerk of the new court established by Presi- 
dent Joseph Dudley, 1686, was town clerk. Represen- 
tative to the General Court, member of the Governor's 
Council from 1698 to 1722 inclusive, county treasurer 
many years. Judge of Probate thirty-seven years from 
October 23, 1702, and chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas from 1702 to 1732. He wrote a bold, 
legible hand, remarkably modern, and was a superior 
clerk. He did much to reduce the former practice to 
the modern and exact form, and was the first to use 
printed blanks. He died September 11, 1739, wealthy, 
respected, honored. 

His successor as registrar was Thomas Wade, who 
served from April 18, 1689, to June 18, 1692. Mr. 
Wade was born in Ipswich in 1650 to Jonathan Wade, 
one of the wealthiest men in the Colony. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Cogswell February 22, 1670, who, with 
nine children, survived him. He was towu clerk 
some nine years, was chosen clerk of writs July 29, 
1684. After the Andros revolution, he was chosen, 
March 25, 1690, " clerk of probate," was made mili- 
tary captain in 1689, and in 1692 was a retailer of 
liquor — a polite office at that time. He was a justice 
in the Court of General Sessions of the Peace. His 
last military service was to lead the Essex Middle 
Regiment against the Indians in April, 1696. He 
died October 4, 1696, at the age of forty-six. He was 
an excellent penman, and a worthy man. "When 
he fell," says Felt, "death had 'a shining mark.'" 
Colonel Nathaniel Wade, of Revolutionary fame, is 
supposed to be a descendant of his. 

Resistance to Tyranny. — The Colonial period 
would be very incomplete without a notice of those 
noble patriots who " knew their rights and dared 
maintain them," against the tyrannical measures of 
Andros. Ipswich at that time was the foremost town 
in the county ; she was wealthy and influential. She 
could not brook the abolition of the people's govern- 
ment and the usurpations of regal power. She was 
outspoken and determined, and, therefore, incurred 
the particular enmity of the regal vassal. Andros 
and his subservient council ordered that the towns 
choose "commissioners" who should aid the select- 
men in laying a tax of " a penny on the pound — four 
and a sixth dollars on the thousand. This order sapped 
the vital principle of the Colonial Government, and 
was, therefore, extremely obnoxious to the colonists. 



IPSWICH. 



629 



They had hitherto paid no taxes but those ordered 
by their own deputies; but now tlie House of Depu- 
ties, or the General Court, was abolished, and men of 
adverse tendencies ruled. Ipswich recognized the 
violation of principle, aud sipunded the clarion note 
of resistance. It was, not the amount of the tax nor 
the purpose, in this case, to which it was to be ap- 
plied — little or much the tax, wise or unwise the pur- 
pose, it was all the same ; the principle was wrong 
and must not obtain. Where there is no representa- 
tion, there can be no just taxation." 

A town-meeting was called for August 2.3, 1687, 
and the evening before, a few leading men assembled 
at the house of John Appleton, located on a site near 
the depot, to counsel what was best to be done in the 
trying emergency. Among them was Rev. John 
Wise, patriotic, i)ious, learned and very able, who 
used to assert " Democracy is Christ's government in 
Church and State." That little Colonial Congress, 
a prototype of the Provincial a hundred years later, 
perceived the gravity of the situation ; they felt its 
boding, but duty pressed thim more. The ancestral 
lamp, whose light illumined their hearts and mindsi 
burned brightly, their sacrifice in the Indian struggle, 
their love of home and freedom and the hope of re. 
alizing the former in the sunlight of the latter, nerved 
them to action, strengthened their purpose and 
armed them with pow-er. They planted; the fruit 
was gathered in the Revolution, and we are partakers 
of it. They counseled resistance to the unrighteous 
demand, and Mr. Wise prepared the sentiment to be 
presented to the town-meeting the next day. The 
town voted as follows : 

"That considering tlie saiil act dotb infringe tlieir liberties as free 
born English subjects of his JLijesty, and by interfering witb tlie sta- 
tute laws of tlie land, by which it was enacted that no taxes sliould be 
levied upon the subjects vithout the consent of an Assembly chosen by 
the freemen for assessing the same, they do, therefore, vote they were 
not willing to choose a commissioner for such an end without such a 
privilege ; and they, moreover, consent not that the selectmen do pro- 
ceed to levy any such rate until it be appointed by a general assembly 
concurring with the Governor and Council." 

Immediately and heavily swept the besom of pow- 
er. Samuel Appleton, sketched in Early Settlers of 
this town, a member of Andros' Council, was already 
under a £1000 bond for refusing to concur with the 
council's action. Rev. John Wise, John Appleton, 
brother of the above Samuel, John Andrew, Robert 
Kinsman, William Goodhue and Thomas French, 
were arrested, cast into prison in Boston and denied 
the privilege of habeas corpus. They langui-hed 
twenty-one days in prison after the trial, and were 
fined from £50 to £15 each, including costs, which 
the town afterwards, in justice and in honor, paid. 

To that memorable town-meeting, Mr. Wise, coun- 
seling resistance, said : "We have a good God and a 
good King ; w'e shall do well to stand to our privi- 
leges." When the patriots were on trial, a member 
of the tyrannical council exclaimed, " You have no 
privileges left you, but not to be sold as slaves." Two 



years later the iniquitous Andros went home in dis- 
grace. 

At the Bi-Centennial Celebration of the town, Aug. 
1(), 1S3-), Hon. Rufus Choate, the orator, in speaking 
of this occasion, said: 

" The latter and more stormy spectacles and brighter glories and visi- 
ble results of the age of the Kevolution, have elsewhere c;ist into shade 
and almost covered witli oblivion the actoi-s on that interesting day, and 
the act itself, — its hazards, its intrepidity, its merits, its singularity and 
consequences. But yoil will remember them and teach them to your 
children." 

The Provincial Period. — During the transition 
period from colony to province, under both the Pres- 
ident and Council and the Governor and Council, the 
administration of justice was unstable in method. 
The charter, creating "The Province of Ma-sachu- 
setts Bay in New England," was signed October, 
1691, and arrived with Sir William Phipps as Gov- 
ernor in May, 1692. But hardly had the new Gov- 
ernor entered upon his career, when occurred that 
strangest of delusions, the Witchcraft tragedy, making 
the wildest and saddest chapters in our Xew England 
history. 

Witchcraft. — For years before this date there 
had been trials for witchcraft in Connecticut, Xew 
York and Pennsylvania ; there were trials in Boston, 
Charlestown and several before the Ipswich courts, 
but the records of the latter show no convictions. 
The Rowley ministers, Rev. John Wise, of Chebacco 
Parish, and, we may presume, the Ipswich ministers 
generally, opposed the proceedings. But at this 
time it seems as if a tidal wave from all the seas at 
once had rolled in upon our " stern and rock-bound 
coast." It was a terrible culmination. The prisons 
in Salem, Cambridge and Boston were crowded. It 
seems as if "the principalities and powers and rulers 
of darkness " had conspired to reign. The entire 
populace was delirious and enthralled ; society 
agonized and struggled to be free. Almost everybody 
suspected his neighbor, and on the slightest provoca- 
tion was likely to be accused. 

At this time, when the delirium was wildest, Sun- 
day, May 29, 1692, Ephraim Wildes, constable of 
Topsfield, came to the home of James Howe, Jr., 
whose site was, or was near, the nativity of Rev. 
Nathaniel Howe, the celebrated divine of Hopkinton, 
and took into custody the wife and mother as a witch. 

She was charged with sundry acts of witchcraft, 
done or committed on the bodies of Mary Walcott 
and Abigail Williams and others of Salem Village, 
now Danvers. She was examined the next Tuesday 
at the hou.se of Nathaniel Ingersoll, of that place. 
She plead not guilty, denied all knowledge of the mat- 
ter, and testified that she had never heard of the girls, 
Mary and Abigail, till their names were read in the 
warrant. But in the court they fell down, they cried 
out, they were pinched and prickeil, and they accused 
Jlrs. H<iwe. She was remanded to prison in Boston 
to await the action of the jury of inquest. Her case was 



630 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



called June 29th and 30th. The jury heard the testi- 
mony of twenty -three persons — eleven for and twelve 
against her. Of those against her, one quarreled 
with Mr. Howe about some boards, and his cows, in 
consequence, gave less milk ; three others gave the 
history of a child that for several years had had 
"fits," and in them would call "Goody Howe," and 
cry out, "There she goes, there she goes, now she 
goes into the oven, etc; '' another would not loan his 
horse to Mr. Howe, and the horse strangely died ; 
another, several years before, had some rails broken 
by Goody Howe without her api^roach to them ; 
another refused to attend upon her preliminary trial, 
and his "pig jumped up and fell dead; " five others 
opposed her admission to membership in the church, 
and were concerned in the loss of two mares. Of 
those for her, Rev. Samuel Phillips and Rev. Edward 
Payson, gospel ministers of Rowley, had seen the in- 
sane girl and the families concerned, and entirely 
dissipated the theory of withcraft. Deborah Hadley 
had been a neighbor to Mrs. Howe for twenty-four 
years ; Daniel, John and Sarah Warner about twenty 
years; Simon and Mary Chapman, and Joseph and 
Mary Knowlton about ten years, and they each testi- 
fied to her neighborly courtesy, to her conscientious 
dealings, to the faithful observance of her promises, 
to her Christian-like conversation and character. 
Her father-in-law, then ninety-four years old, who 
had known her for thirty years, testified to her 
daughterly conduct in leading him in his feebleness 
and blindness, and her loving attention to him, and 
to her exemplary home character as wife and mother. 
She was, nevertheless, condemned, and July 19th 
following executed upon Gallows Hill, Salem. The 
good Christian woman fell a victim to the prevailing, 
wild infatuation. 

These proceedings, to us who are removed two 
hundred years, seem at first unaccountable, mortify- 
ing and persuasive of disowning our fathers, and of 
forgetting the jjeriod of their folly ; but the Hon. 
Joseph Story, associate justice of the United States 
Supreme Court, after surveying the field, considering 
the circumstances, weighing the conditions and bal- 
ancing the conclusions, wrote, — "Surely our ances- 
tors had no special reason for shame in a belief which 
had the universal sanction of their own and all 
former ages, which counted in its train philosophers 
as well as enthusiasts, which was graced by the learn- 
ing of prelates as well as by the countenance of 
kings, which the law supported by its mandates, and 
the purest judges felt no compunctions in enforcing." 

On September 9, 1710, Mrs. Howe's daughters, 
Mary and Abigail, the only survivors of the family, 
petitioned the General Court for indemnity, making 
the cash expenses of the imprisonment £20, yet "yt 
ye name may be Repayard, are content if your 
honors shall allow us twelve pounds." The sum was 
duly allowed and paid in 1712. 

The First Court. — The first court provided for 



in this period was the Probate, which the Governor, 
by authority of His "Majesties Royal Charter" — 
authority more implied than expressed and at the 
time sharply questioned, but fully confirmed in 1760 
— established for the counties June 18, 1692. Their 
officers he appointed July 21st, following. 

There were during this period eight judges, three 
of whom were Ipswich men: John Appleton, Thomas 
Berry and John Choate, and eight registrars, of 
whom four were Ipswich men : Daniel Rogeis, Dan- 
iel Appleton, Samuel Rogers and Daniel Noyes. 

Judge Appleton is sketched in Colonial Courts. 

Thomas Berry was Hon. Thomas Berry, M.D. 
He was the fourth judge, and officiated from October 
5, 1739, to September 14, 1756. He was born in 
Ipswich in 1695. His father was a graduate of Har- 
vard College, and came to this town in 1687; his 
mother was Margaret Rogers, who was second daughter 
of President Rogers, and after the death of her husband 
about 1697, when Thomas was about three years old, 
married Hon. John Leverett, F.R.S., President of 
Harvard College. Thomas was a graduate of Har- 
vard in the class of 1712. He married his cousin, 
Martha Rogers, second child and oldest daughter of 
Rev. John, of Ipswich, who was the eldest son of the 
present. She died August 25, 1727, and he married 
Elizabeth Turner, daughter of Major John, of Salem. 

He rose to great distinction as medical doctor, and 
"he was eminently distinguished for his energy and 
activity in public affairs as well as his own." He 
was colonel of militia, representative to the General 
Court, justice of the Court of Common Pleas, judge 
of Probate, and many years of the Executive Coun- 
cil. In 1749 he was active in re-establishing the 
grammar-school. It is said he kept a chariot, with 
servants in livery, and made other display of wealth 
and rank. He died August 10, 1756, at the age of 
sixty-one years. The inscription on his tomb is, — 

"Sic transit gloria mundi." 

He lived at first near the site of the depot; after- 
wards at his farm, now the home for the town's poor. 
He was interred in Ijiswieh. 

Hon. John Choate was son of Thomas, and born 
in Chebacco Parish, July, 1G97. He was educated at 
the Cxrammar School. He married March 3, 1717, 
Miriam Pool, probably of Gloucester. He lost all 
his children during the prevalence of throat distem- 
per in 1735. He was a colonel of militia; a repre- 
sentative to the General Court for fifteen years be-, 
tween 1730 and 1761, inclusive; justice of the Court 
of General Sessions from 1746 till his death ; justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas, and for the last ten 
years chief justice, successor to Judge Berry; judge 
of Probate from September 14, 1756, to February 5, 
1766. He was chairman of the committee that built 
the Choate Bridge, which, because of his enterprise, 
energy and usefulness to the town, was called by his 
name. He died February 5, 1766. By his will he 



IPSWICH. 



631 



emancipated two slaves, and gave £12 for a commu- 
nion service for the South Church, of which he was 
an honored and worthy member. His estate was 
valued at quite £3000. He was a man of sound judg- 
ment, enterprising, firm and energetic, and a faithful 
public officer. 

Hox. Daniel Rogers was registrar from October 
23, 1702, to January 9, 1723. He was second son of 
Rev. John Rogers, M.D., fifth President of Harvard 
College, and was born September 25, 1007, fitted for 
college under Master Thomas Andrew, of the Gram- 
mar School, and graduated at Harvard, ItiSG. He 
married S.;rah Appleton, daughter of Captain John 
and sister of Hon. John. He was the fourth teacher 
of the Grammar School, and succeeded Mjister An- 
drew. He fitted fifteen young men for Harvard. 
He was feoffee of the Grammar School, town clerk, 
judge of the Court of Sessions of the Peace. He per- 
ished on the marshes, in a snow-storm, returning 
fr .m Xewbury, December 1, 1722. 

Hon. Daxiel Appleton was registrar from Janu- 
ary 9, 1723, to August 26, 1762. He was born in Ips- 
wich, August 8, 1692, the fourth child of Judge Ap- 
pleton, and nephew of Daniel Rogers, registrar. He 
married Elizabeth Berry, daughter of Thomas Berry, 
of Boston and Ipswich, and sister of Dr. Thomas, who 
was judge of probate. He was a colonel, a feoffee 
of the grammar school, was named in the act of its 
corporation in 1756, was several years Representative 
to the General Court, and was justice of the Court of 
Ses.sions of the Peace. He died August 17, 1762. 

Hon. Sami'el Rogees was the sixth registrar, 
holding from August 26, 1762, to September 29, 1773. 
He was born in Ipswich, August 31, 1709, the young- 
est often children of Rev. John. He was nephew of 
Daniel, the fourth, registrar, and grandson of Presi- 
dent John, of Harvard. His mother was Martha 
Whittingham, great great-granddaughter of William, 
who married Katherine Calvin, sister of John the 
Reformer, and who was a Puritan refugee and com- 
piler of the fomous Geneva Bible. 

He studied in the grammar school, and graduated 
at Harvard, 1725, when he was sixteen years old. 
He studied medicine and had a successful practice. 
He was town clerk, colonel of militia, justice of the 
Court of Sessions of the Peace, and Representative to 
the General Court. His death occurred December 
21, 1772, at the age of sixty-three. He employed 
clerks; his office was well kept. His nephew, Hon. 
Daniel Rogers, who was son of Richard, a captain in 
the Revolutionary AVar, and also a justice of the 
Court of Sessions of the Peace, was acting registrar, 
during his last sickness and for some time after his 
death. 

Daniel Noyes, Esq., was the eighth registrar, and 
occupied the office from September 29, 1775, to May 
29, 181.5. He was born in Xewbury-Byfield, Janu- 
ary 29, 1737, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Woodman) 
Xoyes, and was fifth in lineal descent from Nicholas, 



a brother of Rev. James, Newbury's first minister. 
He graduated at Harvard in 1758, and adopted Ips- 
wich as his home. He was master of the grammar 
school from 1762 to 1774 inclusive, and again in 1780 
and 1781. He was a delegate to the Continental 
Congress, 1774-75; Representative to the General 
Court, 1775; was postmaster, 1775, succeeding Dea- 
con James Foster, and the last under the province 
and the law of 1711 ; was on committees of corres- 
pondence and safety, during the Revolutionary period ; 
was grantor of permits under the non-importation 
act I was feoffee of the grammar school ; was dele- 
gate to the convention that ratified the State Consti- 
tution, with Michael Farley, John Choate and John 
Cogswell; and was justice of the peace and quorum 
in 1797. He is said to have been '' methodical and 
accurate," and " the faithfulness and ability with 
which he discharged his various duties deservedly 
gained for him high and extensive respect." He died 
March 21, 1815. 

Eakly Records. — The early probate records were 
kept by the registrar in his private cu.-tody, and 
usually in his dwelling-house, which was his office. 
After 1722, the office was in the court-house, Ipswich, 
but the records were kept at the registrar's home. 
This practice obtained through this period and prac- 
tically till 1817. 

Other Courts. — Other Province Courts were es- 
tablished by act of November 25, 1692, — Higli Court 
of Chancery, which did not receive regal sanction. 
Superuir Court nf Judicature, or as it was commonly 
called "Superior Court," having one chief-justice 
and four associate justices, taking the place of the 
Court of Assistant-", and exercising appellate jurisdic- 
tion from Inferior Court, holding two sessions an- 
nually, one at Salem in November, and the other at 
Ipswich in May, a court which under the constitu- 
tion became the Supreme Judicial. Inferior Court of 
Commoii Pleas for Essex County, having original 
jurisdiction in all actions of real title and all civil ac- 
tions where the debt or damage was forty shillings or 
more, an appellate jurisdiction from justices of the 
peace in civil cases, andpresidedover by four justices, 
a court which, in 1859, became the Sujierior; Court 
of Quarter Sessions of the Peace which June 2(), 1699, 
became General Sessions of the Peace, presided over b.y 
justices of the peace for the county, "or so many of 
{ them as are or shall be limited in commission of the 
I peace," and having original jurisdiction in all cases 
not given to the Superior Court, and not triable be- 
fore single justices with appellate jurisdiction from 
them. This court granted licenses and laid out high- 
ways, etc. In 1804 its criminal jurisdiction was trans- 
ferred to the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1827 it 
became the County Commissioners' Court. Commis- 
sioners of justices of the peace were authorized at the 
same time. 

The Courts of Common Picas and General .Sessions 
were held simultaneously at Ipswich in March, at 



632 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Newbury in September, and at Salem in December. 
Tlius Ipswich during tliis period retained her courtly 
prestige, as shown by the frequency of court sessions 
and the supremacy of their jurisdiction, whereby she 
was a peer among her sister towns and executed a 
commanding influence. 

Representative Men. — The representative men 
of the town for this period were among the ablest 
men of the times. We append as good a list as we 
are able to obtain : Justices of the Superior Court : 
Richard Salton.stall, twenty years from 1736, and 
Wait Winthrop twenty-five years from 1692, nine of 
which he was chief justice. Special, Dr. Thomas 
Berry and Ezekiel Cheever, the famous Ipswich 
Grammar-school master. Justices of the Inferior Court 
of Common Fleas : John Appleton, Dr. Thomas 
Berry, John Choate; Special: John W^ainwright, 
David Appleton and Samuel Rogers. Justices of the 
General Sessions : Samuel Appleton, Daniel Eppes, 
Thomas Wade, John Wainwright, Francis Wain- 
wright, Neheniiah Jewett, John Whipple, John Ap- 
pleton, Ammi Ruhami Wise, Dr. Thomas Berry, 
Andrew Burley, Daniel Appleton, John Choate, 
Samuel Rogers, Joseph Appleton and John Baker. 
Sheriffs: Major Francis Wainwright, Major Daniel 
Denison, John Denison and Richard Saltonstall. 
Councilors to the Governor : John Appleton, twenty- 
six from 1698 ; Dr. Thomas Berry, seventeen years 
from 1735, and John Choate, five years from 1761. 
Simon Bradstreet, Richard Saltonstall, Ezekiel 
Cheever and John Wainwright. Speakers of the 
House : Nehemiah Jewett, three years, 1693, 1 694 and 
1701. Clerk of the House : John Wainwright eight 
years, beginning 1723. Provincial Congressmen: 
Michael Farley and Daniel Noyes. Representatives: 
Daniel Appleton, five years; John Appleton, one; 
Dr. Thomas Berry, three; Andrew Burley, two ; John 
Calefl'e, two ; Jnhu Choate, sixteen ; Stephen Choate, 
four; Thomas Choate, four; Francis Cogswell, three; 
Jonathan Cogswell, one; Benj. Crocker, three; John 
Crocker, one; Daniel Eppes, one; Samuel Eppes, one; 
Michael Farley, fourteen ; Thomas Hart, two ; Dum- 
raer Jewett, two; Nehemiah Jewett, sixteen ; Nathaniel 
Knowltou, nine ; Daniel Noyes, one ; Abraham Per- 
kins, one; Richard Rogers, three; Samuel Rogers, 
three ; Nathaniel Rust, one ; Simon Stacy, one ; 
Daniel Staniibrd, three ; William Story, two ; Francis 
Wainwright, one; John Wainwright, nineteen; 
Nicholas Wallis, one; Ammi R. Wise, two; John 
Whipple, one. Framers of the State (!imstilufion: 
Daniel Noyes, Dummer Jewett, Stejihen Choate, 
John Crocker and Jonathan Cogswell. 

Jail. — In 1751 the town voted to petition the 
Court of General Sessions " that the late prison be ef- 
fectually repaired and established as heretofore as a 
prison and a house of correction." In 1760 a com- 
mittee reported that the town petition the same court 
to have a house of correction built here, and to per- 
mit the dissolute poor of the town to be put in the 



jail till the house of correction shall be completed. 
In 1771 a new jail was built on the site of the old 
one. 

It is needless to comment upon notable cases. Since 
the arch fiend lied to Eve, our first parents stole the 
forbidden fruit, and Cain killed his brother, neither 
era nor people has been exempt from crime ; one 
age exemplifies another. Our forefathers had a spe- 
cific mission, a glorious cause, and they were true 
to their calling. They wrought nobly and well; but 
to err is human ; we embalm their purpose, their 
deeds, their renown ; we bury their errors in oblivion. 

The Constitutional Period. — The constitu- 
tional period opens with the adoption of the State 
Constitution in 1780. The representatives to 1817 
were John Choate, five years ; John Crocker, one ; 
John Heard, one , Joseph Hodgkins, of Revolution- 
ary fame, seven years ; Dummer Jewett, one ; John 
Manning, ten; John Patch, four; Jo.^ieph Swasey, 
another of Revolutionary fame, eight; Jolin Tread- 
well, two; and Nathaniel Wade, our most noted 
officer in the Revolution, twenty-two. Speakers of the 
House, — Joseph Story, 1811-12, and Otis P. Lord, 
1854. Fresident of the Senate, Samuel Dana, 1811-13. 
Justice of the Superior Court, Otis P. Lord, 1859-75, 
and of the Supreme Court, from 1875 till his resigna- 
tion in 1882. 

County Buildings. — A new court-house was 
completed in the early part of 1795. It cost $7000 
of which the tow'n paid half. In 1794, May 1, a com- 
mittee was empowered to confer with the county, 
and sell the old court-house. The new court-house 
served till 1855, when upon the removal of the 
courts that year, it was sold to the Methodist So- 
ciety, removed and converted into a chapel. After 
the erection of their present beautiful and commo- 
dious church edifice, they sold it in 1862 to Mr. Cur- 
tis Damon, who removed it to Depot Square, where 
it now stands, and converted it into a store. 

A new stone jail was built here by the county in 
1809-10, which was occupied February 2l8t, of the 
latter year. It cost $27,000, and was a model lor 
security and convenience. It stood on the premises 
of the present " County-House " and " Hospital," as 
they are called, and served its purpose w-ell till 
1866, when it was sold to the Eastern Railroad 
Company, who used it to arch a roadway just east of 
the Merrimac River bridge, at Newburyport. The 
" County-House," or house of correction, was occu- 
pied in 1828, when the old one, at Norton's Bridge, 
where Messrs. Stackpole's soap-manufactory stands, 
was discontinued. The " Hospital," or the receptacle 
for the chronic insane was erected about 1841 or 
1842. Some two or three years ago in connection 
with the reformatory, a workshop, one hundred by 
thirty feet, was erected. 

The first probate repository, as such, was occupied 
December 15, 1817. It was built of brick and fire- 
proof, forty feet long, twenty-eight wide and one 



IPSWICH. 



633 



story high, .and cost $3700. During the e.arly part of 
this period the records were kept in the registrar's 
private dwelling, while his office was in the new 
court-house. From 1795 to 1815 the repository was 
also in the court-house. At the latter date both the 
records and the office retired to the dwelling of Na- 
thaniel Lord, the registrar, to come forth in 1817 to 
occupy the safe repository till 1852 when by order of 
the couuty commissioners they were removed to Sa- 
lem. The building is now the property of the Odd 
Fellows, and contains a drug-store, the post-office and 
the Odd F-i'Uows' Hall in an added story. 

Two of the registrars of this period have been Ips- 
wich men, — Nathaniel Lord, 3d, and his son George 
R')bert, whose biographical sketches close this chap- 
ter. 

The only court held here now is trial-justice Bell's. 
The attorneys and counselors-at-law are Hon. Charles 
A. Sayward, Edward P. Kimball, Esq., .John R. Baker, 
Esq., James Brown Lord, Esq., who are natives here 
and Hon. George Haskell, is a native of Newburyport. 
This decadence is entirely attributable to the 
couT)tr)-'s growth in population, the consequent ex- 
tension of business and change of bu<iness centres- 
Biographical. — Nathaniel Lord, 3d, was the 
ninth registrar, and his service covered a period from 
May 29, 1815, to June 12, 1851. He fitted for 
college with Daniel Dana, D.D., son of Rev. 
Joseph, his pastor, and he graduated at Harvard in 
1798. His graduation exercise was a poem, and the 
subject, "Astronomy." In his class were Dr. Chan - 
ning, .Judges Story and Fay, Dr. Tuckerman and Rev. 
Prof. Emerson, who may be considered the first to 
devise and put in practice a curriculum of study and 
discipline especially designed for and adapted to 
female education and culture. 

He married, at Ipswich, Eunice Kimball, daughter 
of Jeremiah and Lois-Choate Kimball. His children 
were Nathaniel James, born October 28, 1805 ; Mary, 
born July 17, 1807, died March 11, 1846 ; Lois Choate, 
born July 9, 1810 ; Otis Phillips, born July 11, 1812 ; 
Isaac, born July 2, 1814, died April 1, 1816 ; George 
Robert, born December 16, 1817, — three of whom were 
lawyers, of whom one was an eminent judge. His 
wife died April 9, 1837, and he married, September 6, 
1S38, Mary Holt Adams, daughter of John Adams, 
Esq., of Andover. 

Mr. Lord was scholarly ; he never relinquished the 
study of the classics. Hehad the habit of a student ; he 
was mathematically exact, careful in verbal dis- 
tinctions ; also methodical and accurate ; and 
when in Judge White's tenure of office it was de- 
termined to improve the old methods, to multiply 
new and remodel old forms, Mr. Lord's taste, judg- 
ment and learning were requisite, and the present 
practice of the Court attests his good sense and fore- 
sight. 

Politically, Mr. Lord was a Conservative Whig, 
and when, in the course of human events, the politics 
40 i 



of the appointing power changed, and democracy 
rules the registrar must be a Democrat. 

He had no taste for public life. He delivered a 
Fourth-of-.July oration when a young man ; welcomed 
General Lafayette to Ipswich in 1824 ; presided at 
the town's bi-centennial celebration in 1834; he was 
a justice of the peace and quorum; was one year, 
1823, selectman and several years on the school 
board. 

He fell from his chair, .at home, and died October 
16, 1852. His residence was on High Street ; his es- 
tate is now known as the " Lord Mansion." The 
house was built in 1728 by Rev. Nathaniel Rogers. 

Geor(;e Robert Lord, Esq., was the eleventh 
registrar. He is a son of the last mentioned registrar, 
and was born as there stated. He was registrar from 
February 14, 1853, to February 27, 1855, soon after the 
advent of the American, or Know-Nothing, party to 
power. He is an excellent penman and exemplary 
recorder. He has spent most of his life in the service 
of the courts. He is employed now where he has 
for years been— in the office of the Clerk of Courts. 



CHAPTER XL VII. 
IPS WICH.— ( Continued). 



The early and leading industries of the town were 
farming, grazing and fishing. The various trades 
met, with facility and skill, the demand of home 
consumption, furnishing the house, and the farm, 
equipping the mariner and manufacturing the cloth- 
ing. 

Farming. — This may be said to have been the lead- 
ing industry, the first requisite of which is the soil. 
The underlying rock of the town, and, of the coun- 
ty, is syenite, or hornblendic granite, an excellent 
building and flagging stone that has made Cape Ann 
famous, but is not quarried here. The soil above is 
light, consisting of gravel, sand, clay, and the pro- 
duct of organic decay, not mixed in a favorable pro- 
portion to make a strong, productive land. The soil 
requires as constant care and judicious handling and 
fertilizing .as the crops need cultivation. The best 
soil is, of course, between the hills, and it rewards 
the husbandman as a garden. The hill-sides and 
plains, of which there are many, are not poor, but are 
much worn in the lapse of two hundred and fifty 
years. They were sought and valued by our ances- 
tors. Well might the Woiiile.r-worl:in<j Providence 
remark: " They have very good land for husbandry, 
where rocks hinder not the course of the plow." This 
land was adapted to the growth of the cereals, such as 
corn, oats, barley, rye, wheat and fiax. "The potato 
was cultivated," says Felt, " in 1733, but was not much 
used. It was a delicacy, accompanying a ro:ist-beef 



634 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dinner and unusual occasions ; the turnip, then raised 
in abundance, took its place on all common occasions." 
Corn and rye were the principal bread-stuff of our 
sires. Barley made a nutritive food, a palatable cofl'ee, 
and a healthliil beer; flax was easily converted into 
linen, which supplied various needs of the household ; 
and hemp, which had been grown by the Indians, was 
cultivated and converted into clothing and other uses. 
Their pasturage, which consisted of more than seven 
thousand five hundred acres, was good. The soil was 
new and feed abundant, and the numerous large hills 
were peculiarly serviceable; the best beef could be 
produced simply at the expense of the herdsman's 
time. The Wonder- Working Providence tells us, " the 
Lord hath been pleased to increase them in Corne and 
Cattell of late [1650] ; insomuch that they have many 
hundred quarters to spare yearly, and feed, at the lat- 
ter end of summer, the Town of Boston with good 
beefe." 

The Marshes. — The salt marshes and fresh mead- 
ows were an important factor in the agricultural 
economy. There are more than 3300 acres of the 
former and some 500 acres of the latter. In the early 
years of the town these were the only sources of food 
for the cattle in winter. The grass of either is not 
very valuable; but when properly mixed and fed out 
with care it is fairly relished and served particularly 
well to winter young stock. The fresh meadows 
have served largely ibr fuel, furnishing an incipient 
coal called peal. This is an accumulation of half-de- 
composed vegetable substance formed under water, 
without pressure, and contains fifty or more per 
centum of carbon. It began to be used at a very early 
period ; so long since was it dug, that some of the 
ditches thus made had, fifty years ago, grown over 
and become sufficiently solid to allow the picking of 
cranberries growing thereon. A hundred and twenty- 
four years ago it was in great demand. The land 
sold from $75 to $100 per acre, or in family yearly 
supplies, at about two dollars per square rod. Coal 
began to be used about 1830, and has now supplanted 
peat except in a few instances, in the rural districts, 
where the families own peat meadow. 

Where this formation of vegetable matter has prog- 
ressed subject to atmospheric action, muck has been 
formed, which has been much used as a fertilizer. 

Some of these meadows are more or less valuable 
for the production of cranberries, yielding from a few 
bushels to forty or fifty ]:)er acre. The berry grows' 
without cultivation, and with little attention. 

Wood and Timber. — The woodlands have been 
very productive ; oak and pine wood and timber be- 
ing the staples. Since the introduction of coal, wood- 
fuel has fallen in price nearly half; and the price of 
timber has been greatly diminished since the easy 
transportation of timber and lumber, by rail from the 
North and the East. Timber and wood merchants, 
with heavy teams of oxen or horses, used to do a 
profitable business, but such teams now are not seen. 



The CuLTlVATlON.^There are besides the above, 
probably three thousand acres now under cultivation. 
The leading productions are fruit, vegetables, corn 
and milk. Much attention late years has been given 
to garden productions, especially early vegetables. 
Hay has been grown with much care, especially the 
so-called English hay, since its introduction at the 
first, by obtaining the seed from England. " Grayne 
seed," — wheat, rye and barley, — was introduced from 
England in 1029, with which probably, or soon after, 
came our fine, English grass-seed. In 16G6 those who 
had taken ground of the town, and agreed to sow four 
bushels of good English grass-seed, were called to an 
account for their neglect to do so. In 1694, for the pay- 
ment of taxes, the town made the following prices : 
barley, barley-malt and rye, four shillings per bushel ; 
wheat, six shillings; Indian corn, three shillings; and 
oats, two shillings. 

Hay. — Hay merchants from fifty to a hundred 
years ago made their toil remunerative by purchasing 
hereabouts and selling in the Salem and Boston 
markets. They employed teams of from four to six 
horses, and carried from four to six tons to a load. 
Hay is now pressed in the East and elsewhere, put up 
in bales and transported by rail, so that the trade in 
hay is hardly more than local. 

Berries. — The prolific huckleberry and blueberry, 
the attatash of the Indians, demands a notice. It is a 
delicious little berry, and by its fine palatable quality 
has ingratiated itself into public favor, and the mar- 
ket demands it. In ripens in July and August, dur- 
ing the long school vacation, and many a family of 
children earns from twenty to thirty dollars in a sea- 
son, — an essential help to the poor, and a profitable 
recreation for the scholars. A hill in the Linebrook 
District, written " Hurttlebery Hill " two hundred 
years ago, is now visited from the towns about us, by 
huckleberry-parties yearly, so plentiful the berry still 
continues. One of the many market-men hereabouts 
sold last year nearly three hundred bushels of them. 

Fruits. — Apples and pears were introduced from 
the mother-country. The houses of the settlers were 
surrounded by " pleasant gardens and orchards," and 
to-day if you find, in the woods or a pasture, an old 
cellar that long since was abandoned, there you are 
likely to find the old wall that enclosed its orchards, 
and some of the old, old trees. So valuable were 
the orchards to our ancestors, so late even as a cen- 
tury ago, that the father divided his orchard, by will, 
among his children, devising or bequeathing certain 
trees to particular children, while one child only was 
to possess the land. During the last fifty years or- 
chards have been cultivated with profit in producing 
the choicest varieties of apples and pears. 

Tobacco. — Our early ancestors derived much profit 
in the cultivation of tobacco. In the Virginia Colo- 
ny, it was a source of large revenue. Our Legislature 
frowned upon it as hurtful, and in 1634 attached a 
fine of 2s. 6d. to every occasion of its public use, and 



IPSWICH. 



635 



in 1635 prohibited traffic in it after September. But 
in 1(582 tobacco-yards were common, and its cultiva- 
tion was continued for a century, at least. Families 
had their gardens of " the weed,'' and their peculiar 
" mode of twisting it and curing it, with molasses and 
rum, to make it palatable." 

Sumach and sassafras were exported, the former as 
a dye-stuff, the latter for medicine. 

Statistics. — The United States Census of 1880 
reported 153 farms, 357 persons engaged in farming 
pursuits, of whom 4 were females, a production of 
129,692 gallons of milk, 4806 tons of hay, 43,482 
pounds of butter, 375 pounds of cheese, 28,511 dozen 
of eggs, 17,940 bushels of potdtoes on 211 acres of 
land and 11,355 bushels of corn on 266 acres of land, 
having a total value of $98,413. 

From the latest official statistics of the State we 
make the following interesting comparison with the 
State statistics of 1875. 

Farms and Appurtenances 1875. 18S5. 

No. of Farms 4S0 216 

Value of Land SCMi),47'J 8.'iG9,640 

Value of BuiWiiipi 305,"9U 480,202 

A'alue of Fruit trees 62,296 51,6.iG 

Value of Domestic Animals 90,440 lll.\7;iS 

Value of Agricultural Implements 50,2i7 48,5l:t 

Total value gl,lS4,i.il 81,201,815 

Valw of PrmlneU. 

Butter ?1»,179 812,842 

Milli 35,276 .W,07.i 

Corn, Indian 3,310 6,783 

Potatoes 14,213 1«,S1S 

Vegetables 2,908 9,8.'!3 

Eggs 6,819 12,453 

Apples 17,024 6,123 

Hay 101,880 77,328 

Other products 44,000 ,'J5,653 

Total 8243,609 $243,905 



The selectmen for 1886 report 495 horses, 845 cows, 
312 other neat cattle, 162 sheep, and 744 dwelling- 
houses. 

This tabulated statement shows a decrease in the 
value of farm lands, fruit-trees, and implements, and 
of butter, potatoes, apples, and hay ; and an increase 
in the value of buildings and animals, and of corn, 
milk, eggs and vegetables, clearly setting up in fig- 
ures the wise departure from the olden time, heavy 
farming to the easy, more agreeable and profitable 
traffic in milk and vegetable products. The alluvial 
river-borders and the mountain districts, however 
distant, may furnish us with potatoes, and hay, and 
butter, and cheese; but the morning's milk, fresh 
eggs and green stuffs from the garden must be pro- 
duced nearer the place of sale. 

Our Essex County Agricultural Society has done 
a great good in years past, in stimulating a healthful 
emulation among our farmers by premiums for best 
farms, fruits, grass and methods ; but a greater prac- 
tical good, in later years, h.is been done by our minia- 
ture or local societies, where the farmers of the town 



met for practical discussion U|ion live topics of 
local interest. This makes a learned, intelligent, 
practical, diligent, progressive f^irmer, and gives us 
the best results with less labor and expense. So we 
compliment the Ipswich Farmers' Club and the 
' " Ipswich Fruit-Growers' Protective Association." 
Fisheries. — There is no doubt that a fishing-station 
had existed here for a number of years before March 
1633. Gorges and his company had stations all along 
this coast. Jeflrey, or Burslim, or both managed here. 
The place was excellent in two respects: The Neck 
furnished the wharfage, and Ipswich and Plum-Island 
Rivers, with Plum-Island as a breakwater, the harbor; 
the shallow water and the high bar forming no im- 
pediment to the small crafts or boats then in use. 
Second, the supply offish along the shore and in the 
rivers was abundant. Cod and sturgeon and bass 
then belonged to our shores and streams. The fishery 
increased and became lucrative. The town took 
measures to make the business inviting. In 1641 the 
fishermen could enclose their fishing-stages, and each 
crew could plant an acre of ground. In 1670 they 
could take wood from the common for needed build- 
ings and for fuel, and each crew could feed a cow 
upon the common. In 1696 Jeffrey's Neck was well 
covered with fish-flakes on the south side. A com- 
mittee was chosen to regulate the flake.s, which were 
"to run up and down the hill," so that one party 
might not interfere with or hinder another. That 
year there seems to have been an impetus given the 
business from the fact, that "new flakes" were set 
up. These were apparently to in\ite and accommo- 
date new parties "to carry on the fishing design." 
At this time there was a community of some seven or 
eight hundred persons doing, in connection with other 
industries and trades, a large and prosperous business, 
and still, wise and generous, holding out inducements 
and inviting co-operation. The business grew, and 
with it grew its hazards, perils, sorrows, losses ; and 
it was necessary to hedge it in with safeguards and 
positive law. Accordingly, in 1729, the town pro- 
vided that owners of vessels should register their 
names and the names of the crew with the clerk, or 
forfeit 20s. for each and every name omitted. But 
with all the liberality of accommodation and assist- 
ance, the industry waned ; better natural facilities 
led the fishermen away, and only six schooners re- 
mained to Ipswich in 1758. From that time Ipswich 
managed to retain the remnant, so that in " 1797 a few 
vessels were employed in the fishery." 

Stream Fisiieuies. — The catches of sturgeon, blue- 
fi-h, shad and alewives were of considerable import- 
ance in the early days. They were a revenue to the 
town, of sonic commercial importance in trade with 
the West Indies, and "last though perhaps not le:ist" 
they were 'of much value to the poorer families. 
Their importance has been considered so great, that 
the Legislature has, again and again, been petitioned 
for fishways by the dams of the manufactories. The 



636 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



petition of May 25, 1768, says : The Ipswich Kiver 
has been reported "from age to age one of the best 
fish streams, particularly for shad, bass and alewives, 
in the county if not in the country." Within fifty 
years, several barrels of alewives have been taken, in 
a season, from a single brook. These fish are now 
little if at all known in our streams. 

Clam-digging, also, has, from the first, been of con- 
siderable importance. Measures were early taken to 
protect the flats. Fishermen and the poor, in early 
years, had special privileges to them. In 1789 a 
thousand barrels were dug. They sold for five or 
six dollars per barrel, and were much used for bait. 
It is a good paying industry now, the product finding 
a ready sale in the city markets, and furnishing a 
dainty relish for poor and rich alike. The Ipswich 
clams rank in celebrity with the Providence Kiver or 
Norfolk oyster. Even the shells pulverized find a 
ready sale, in the country, among poulterers far and 
near. Shore and stream fishing is all that is left to 
us now. The dory, the seine and the fork are the 
chief implements of the industry. In 1875 the capital 
employed was nine thousand dollars, and the value of 
fish caught was twenty thousand nine hundred and 
forty-eight dollars ; while in 1885 the capital was 
only two thousand two hundred dollars, yet the value 
of the fish was twenty-one thousand seven hundred 
and eighty-four dollars. 

Commerce. — The Wonder- Working Providence sa,ys, 
that Ipswich, in 1650, " was a very good Haven Town, 
yet a little barr'd up at the mouth of the Eiver. 
Some merchants are here." The maritime enterprise 
of the town long kept up her merchant service, 
though compared with Boston, it was small. There 
is no source of information on this topic ; the cus- 
tom-house files are barred bylaw; and inferences only 
are left. Ipswich was a port of entry as early as June 
28, 1701-2. The port establishments of 1692-93 did 
not receive regal sanction. The building of wharves 
began 1641, when William Paine had one for a ware- 
house. A wharf was built in each of the following 
years, 1660, '62 and '68. Again in each of these 
years a wharf was built, 1682, '85, '86, '87 and '93. 
In 1730 two wharves were built. In 1732 Joseph 
Manning built one and the town agreed to have one, 
as a landing-place at six pence a load. In 1750 
Daniel and Thomas Staniford were granted liberty 
for wharl'age for a warehouse. In 1756 William 
Dodge had one, and in 1764 Nathaniel Farley an- 
other. The coasting business is said to have begun 
about 1768. Dr. Morse's Gazetteer says that Ipswich, 
in 1779, " employed few vessels in the fisheries, 
and a few traded in the West Indies." That year 
thirteen vessels were enrolled at the Ipswich Custom- 
House and registered at four hundred and fifty tons. 
In 1807 twenty-three vessels were enrolled with thir- 
teen hundred and sixty-two tons; in 1817 twelve 
vessels and seventeen hundred and forty tons ; in 
1827 twenty-five vessels and thirty-two hundred and 



seventy-three tons ; in 1832 twenty-three vessels and 
twenty-six hundred and nineteen tons. During the 
first quarter of this century, Robert Farhy built a 
vessel of three hundred tons, which was about three 
times the average size. At present there are no ves- 
sels belonging to Ipswich enrolled at the custom- 
house, which compasses all of five tons or more 
in the district. There are two or three coalers, which 
supply the coal-wharves yearly with ten thousand 
tons of the ''diamonds," and an occasional sloop, 
bringing stone ibr building purposes; but they are 
owned elsewhere. There is, however, Captain N. 
Burnham's fine excursion steamer " Carlotta," which, 
during the summer .season, runs her regular trips to 
the Island, besides making occasional trips to points 
of interest along the coast. Capt. Moses Treadwell, 
I am told, owned the last vessel belonging here ; and 
that she lay neglected, for many years in "The Cove," 
and went to pieces before 1824. 

This was made a national customs collection dis- 
trict by act of Congress approved May 7, 1796. By 
this act a collector of customs was authorized, and 
the surveyorship formerly existing and held by Jere- 
miah Staniford was abolished. The first collector of 
customs was Asa Andrews. The letter informing 
him of his appointment was dated June 9, 1796. His 
immediate successor, Timothy Souther, received no- 
tice of his appointment, by a letter dated July 22, 
1829. Mr. Souther was succeeded by Asahel Wildes, 
August 2, 1840, who continued in office to and includ- 
ing July 20, 1844, when the ofiice was merged in the 
Newburyport ofiice, and Essex, which had been a part 
of the Ipswich District, was joined to Gloucester, ac- 
cording to an act of Congress approved June 15, 1844. 
At this time Daniel L. Wilcomb was inspector and 
Issachar Burnham occasional inspector, each at three 
dollars a day when employed. Daniel Lakeman was 
revenue boatman, at one dollar a day when employed. 
Other inspectors have been Reuben Daniels, Philip 
E. Clarke, James W. Bond. Mr. Andrews was born 
in June, 1762, and he died January 13, 1856, in his 
ninety-fourth year. He held the ofiice of collector 
about thirty-three years. He was a very able man 
and had honorable mention as candidate for Congress. 
He had a son who graduated at Harvard, at the age 
of eighteen years, and was rector at Bingham ton, 
N. Y., for fifteen years. 

MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURES. 

Trades. — Herein particularly old Mother Necessity 
exhibits her large family of inventions. The people 
of those early days did not live to eat so much as eat 
to live. Every day's labor, on the whole, must be a 
positive advance. We of to-day have abundance out 
of an abundance by means abundant; they lived fru- 
gally and healthfully, cheerfully and hopefully, by a 
poverty of means ; and however unpolished and rude 
may have been the results of their workmanship, it 
served their purpose, advanced thir State, and we 



IPSWICH. 



637 



must accord their meed of praise. In 1638 Thomas 
Emerson was a baker. Thomas Bridan was granted 
six acres of land, on which to plant osiers, or wil- 
lows, for basket-making, in 1639. Mr. Samuel .\pple- 
ton had a malt-house in 1642. The " mault-kills" 
may cut walnut trees for drying malt, in 1669; and 
James Burnam was granted land for a malt-house in 
1696 ; "John Low's," then discontinued, having been 
beneficial to the neighborhood." John Paine was al- 
lowed a brewery and warehouse in 1663, but there 
has been none since 1800. Andrew Peters might cut 
trees for a cider-mill in 1668. A disiillery for the 
manufacture of rum from molasses was set up about 
1750 ; the manufacture ceased in 1830. There were 
two smiths in 1667. In 1682 Thomas Day had a place 
granted for a brickyard, and Andrew Burley burned 
bricks on Jefl'rey's Neck in 1687. Thomas Howlett 
was carpenter in 1633 ; .Samuel Boreman, cooper in 
1639; William Bulkley, cordwainer in 1664; Nath- 
aniel Bishop, currier in 1638; and Henry Keerle was 
admitted to citizenship and allowed to set up the 
trade of currier in 1665. John Brown, Jr., was gla- 
zier in 1664; Nathaniel Bust, glover in 1690; Wil- 
liam Fuller, gunsmith in 1635 ; Samuel Wood, hatter 
in 1692; Simon Tomson, ropemaker in 1648; Moses 
Pingrey may set up salt-pans and works in 1651, and 
in 16G9 the town voted £8 to James Hudson to set up 
salt-works. In 1642 each town was to have a house 
for the manufacture of saltpetre. Henry Russell, of 
Ipswich, and Richard Woodey, of Boston, were pre- 
paring for the manufacture of saltpetre and gunpow- 
der in 1666 ; and in 1667 the town ordered that each 
family should provide a hogshead of earth as a urinal, 
auxiliary to the manufacture of gunpowder. Nath- 
aniel Brown had a grant of land, whereon to make 
ashes and soap. In 1691 there was an old " sope- 
house." John Annable was a tailor in 1647 ; Nicholas 
Easton was a tanner in 1634 ; Thomas ('larke, in 
1641 ; Ens. Thomas Hart, in 1700 ; and Thomas 
Brown's son, in 1734. In 1832 the tanneries 
employed ten men, at 11.20 per day, used ninety 
cords of bark, converted 10,000 hides into 
leather, which was sold in the county for $25,2.50. 
James How was a weaver in 1642, and John Denison 
in 1G47. Richard Kimball, Jr., was a wheelwright in 
1638 ; Thomas Fuller had land for a wheelwright- 
shop in 16S5 ; in 1671 Freegrace Norton could cut 
timber for " cogs and rounds and starts for the mill ;'' 
Deacon Pingrey built a small lighter; and, in 1691, 
"Jacob Foster could cut timber for pails, measures, 
etc." Thus the records record, but of course there 
may have been other names at earlier dates. 

Geist-Mill Machinery. — The first man to make 
use of machinery was Richard Saltoustall, and, we 
think, Sir Richard. Richard Saltoustall was a man of 
liberal, advanced and pronounced ideas. He openly 
and fearlessly denounced the African slave-trade. 
This man set up a grist-mill in 1635, on the site of 
Mr. Farley's stone mill. Jonathan Wade was allowed 



to take timber for a wind-mill, which was built and 
gave name to the hill where it stood. This kind of 
motive power was not much resorted to in Ipswich, 
because of the abundant water-power. Thomas 
Bishop and Robert Lord might erect a grist-mill, in 
1666. In 1671 the town declare one corn-mill insiii- 
ficient for their use, and as if there were but one iu 
town, a complaint was made against Mr. Saltoustall, 
with a request that he erect another. In 1686-87 
Sergt. Nicholas Wallis might dam the river, not ex- 
ceeding three feet, and erect mills for the town's use. 
In 1687 Nehemiah Jewctt might erect a mill on 
Egypt River. In 1691-92 Thomas Boreman desired 
to erect a tide grist-mill, on Labor-in-vain Creek. In 
1695-96 Abraham Tilton, Jr., and Edmund and An- 
thony Potter asked that they might erect a mill on 
Mile Brook. In 1696-97 John Adams, Sr. and .fr., 
and Michael Farley might dam the river, against 
Adams' land, and erect corn and fulling-mills. 

Saw-Mill.s. — There seems to have been no early 
saw-mills on the territory of the present Ipswich, 
Several were at Chebacco. In 1656 sawyers might fell 
trees in the woods three and a half miles or more 
from the meeting-house, if they would allow the 
town one-fifteenth and charge the inhaliitants no 
more than four per centum. 

FiiLLiNG-MiLLs. — The first fulling-mill seems to 
have been built about 1675; another was attempted 
in 1676, on Egypt river, but was not completed in 
the prescribed three years, and the dam was after- 
wards removed. Joseph Calefl'e might erect one 
"where it will not prejudice others,'" if he will full 
for the town's people " lor their pay sooner than for 
other ' towns ' men for money," in 1692. Joseph 
Caleffe and Thomas and Anthony Potter, in 1692-93, 
might erect one on Mile Brook. These were mills 
that received the cloth woven at home and cleansed, 
scoured and pressed it, — that removed the dirt and 
grease, and made the material more compact, firmer 
and stronger, with a soft, glossy nap. 

Cloth. — In 1641 children and servants were to be 
taught the manufacture of cloth from wild hemp, 
with which the country abounded. In 1645, wool 
was scarce, and in 1654 no sheep might be trans- 
ported, and none killed under two years of age. In 
1656 the town was divided into classes of five, six 
and ten, and taught the art of spinning. One per- 
son shall spin three pounds of linen, cotton, wool, 
monthly, for thirty weeks each year, or forfeit twelve 
pence per month, for each ])Ound .short. Half and 
quarter spinners were reciuirod to do tlie same propor- 
tionally. Samuel Stacy was clothier in 1727. Those 
were the days of the "independent farmer." All 
his needs were supplied by his skill or care. Even 
his clothes grew on his own field in the azure-hued 
flax or the silvery fleece of his sheep. His fan)ily 
converted these into fine, cool thread, or soft, warm 
yarn, and these latter they wove into cloth from 
which tbry made his and his family's garments. Our 



638 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



childhood's lips delighted to cord with the hum of 
the spinning-wheel. We have a vivid remembrance 
of the little wheel for linen and the big wheel for 
wool, but the clatter of the loom, that so deftly ar- 
ranged the warp and woof was a home-thrummiug 
hardly so late as our day. The weaver's thrums are 
now supjjlanted by a noisy, profitless thrumming of 
the piano. 

Woolen-Mill — Dr. John Manning, in 1792, was 
granted a lot of land, fifty by thirty feet, at the north- 
west corner of Choate Bridge, for a woolen factory. 
In 1794 he had a further grant for the same purpose, 
and July 8, 1795, a full and complete title was given. 
The mill went into operation in 1794, and manufac- 
tured cloths and blankets. The enterprise was not a 
success, and the business was closed in 1800. The 
site was afterwards occupied by " Coburn's Block," 
the structure now there is called " Caldwell's Block." 

Lace Manufacture. — This product was made in 
families. The manufacture probably had a small 
beginning, — was confined to a few families, but grew 
till "almost every family'' was engaged in it. It 
particularly suited the employment of women and 
children, for profit and leisure. " The lace was 
formed," says Mr. Felt, " on a lap-pillow, which had 
a piece of parchment round it with the particular 
figure, represented by pins stuck up straight, around 
which the work was done and the lace wrought." 
Black aud white laces, in silk and thread, and of all 
widths and qualities, were made. It was considerably 
exported in 1797. In 1790 nearly forty-two thou- 
sand yards were made, and the ))usiness was then 
rather increasing. It continued till about 1821 or 
'22, when a Boston lace company removed to this 
town and set up their machinery. They located on 
South Main Street, near the Foot-bridge, and Feb- 
ruary 4, 1824, were incorporated as the " Boston and 
Ipswich Lace Company." Joseph Farley, William 
H. Sumner, Augustine Heard and George W. Heard, 
were the proprietors ; and could hold real estate to 
the value of fifty thousand dollars, and personal to 
the value of one hundred thousand dollars, and could 
manufacture " lace and other articles made of linen, 
silk, cotton and woolen material." The company, of 
course, achieved success for a number of years; but 
the deepest streams are not always smooth. It is 
said the company "split," and occasioned the forma- 
tion of another. " Thomas Manning, Ammi Smith, 
John Clark, their associates, successors and assigns, 
were incorporated the "New England Lace Com- 
pany," January 17, 1827, and could hold thirty thou- 
sand dollars in real estate, and fifty thousand dollars 
in personal. The f\vctory was located on High Street, 
on the site of Mr. Joseph Ross' residence. In some 
way, by English competition or interference, the busi- 
ness became unprofitable, and the factories closed, — 
the former in 1828, and the latter soon after 1833. 

Cotton Manufacture. — Joseph Farley had leave, 
June 19, 1827, to close a town way, then used as a 



watering-place, between the lace-factory and his saw- 
mill, that he might construct a new dam and erect a 
factory in the place of the saw-mill. In due time the 
preparation was completed, and the fiictory was built 
of stone in 1828 and '29. Augustine Heard, Joseph 
Farley and George W. Heard, were incorporated the 
" Ipswich Manufacturing Company," June 11, 1828, 
with a capital of fifty thousand dollars in real, and 
one hundred thousand dollars in personal estate, for 
manufacturing from cotton and woolen materials. 
The manufacture was begun in 1830. James H. 
Oliver, of Boston, was the treasurer, and in 1834 Otis 
Holmes was superintendent. Samuel Davis was 
overseer of carding, Barnum Leonard of spinning, 
Calvin Locke of weaving. Joseph Farley, Jr., was 
clerk and paymaster, and Joseph Kendall was master- 
mechanic. "The machinery of the mill," says a 
correspondent of the American Journal of Fabrics, 
" consisted of one conical willow for cleaning the cot- 
ton ; one picker twenty-four inches wide, with two 
beaters, without lapper ; fourteen breaker and four- 
teen finisher cards, eighteen inches wide, with wooden 
cylinders, thirty-six inches in diameter; four drawing 
frames with tliree heads each; four Taunton tube 
speeders. The most of the warp-spinning were the 
Engli-h live spindle frames, — part of them had circu- 
lar and some of them straight fronts. The flyers 
were screwed to the top of the spindles, and must be 
unscrewed at each doffing. There were two dead 
spindle frames in the room, built by a Mr. Derby, of 
Exeter, N. H. Two cradle warpers, two dressers, 
two pairs of hand mules, sixty Scotch looms, with 
the crank motion or sweep outside of the ends; speed 
of the looms one hundred and twenty per minute, 
speed of the front rollers on the live spindle running 
fifty per minute, speed of the card cylinders one hun- 
dred and twenty. The cotton was weighed and 
spread on a cloth, about ten feet long by eighteen 
inches wide, was rolled on a stick, placed on the 
breaker card, the cloth dropping slowly to the floor, 
while the cotton, as it was carded, passed on to a 
light drum thirty inches in diameter, by twenty inch- 
es wide. The thickness of one lap was the product 
of one weighing. The lap was folded when taken 
from the drum and placed in a box back of the finish- 
er-card, and then fed to the card. The mill ran 
nearly fourteen hours per day to ten hours of the pres- 
ent time; but the speed of the spinning has been in- 
creased about forty turns of the front roller, and 
looms in many places are now running from one hun- 
dred and sixty to one hundred and eighty picks per 
minute on similar numbers of yarn. In place of 
card cylinders, eighteen inches wide by thirty-six 
inches in diameter, may be seen the colossal English 
carding engine, forty-two by sixty; but cards thirty- 
six by thirty-six and forty-two by forty-eight inches 
are generally in use in this country. The doublings 
of this mill were very limited, and were confined to 
the drawing. The first head doubled four to one, the 



IPSWICH. 



639 



second head the same and the third head two to one, 
equal to sixty-four doublings. (A mill in Lowell to- 
day on about the same number of yarn doubled 
twenty-seven thousand six hundred and forty-eight 
times.") The cloth they made sold for nine and one- 
half and ten cents per yard ; the same quality to-day 
wo\ild bring only three and one-half and four cents. 
Notwithstanding this seeming disparity, the mill was 
a peer in its day, and was run for many years with a 
fair degree of success. It was an exponent of the en- 
ergy and enterprise mainly of Cajitain Joseph Farley. 
The ('ensus of 1880 reported three clothing, hosiery, 
etc., manufactories, employing 452 operatives, 210 
males, 241 females, and one child, at a yearly pay of 
$147,466, and a capital of S254,.i00, and producing 
goods valued at $441,312 from stock valued at $204, 
890 ; two boot and shoe shops, employing 49 persons, 
35 males and 14 males, and a capital of $21,000, 
and producing goods valued at §77,900 ; one box fac- 
tory, employing eight men and a capital of $2.5,000, 
and yielding products valued at $12,000 ; and one 
brickyard, employing 12 men and a capital of $5000, 
and producing bricks worth S3000. No woven 
fabrics were reported. None are reported in the 
latest official returns. The principal manufactures, in 
the order of their value, are knit goods (chiefly 
hosiery), boots and shoes, buildings, isinglass, butcher- 
ing, carriages and wagons, clothing, bread and pastry. 
The manufactories use five steam engines, of 
three hundred and fifty-five actual horse-power; 
nine water-wheels of 162 nominal horse-power. Of the 
631 employes in 1875, 444 were males and 187 were 
iemales, of whom six males and five females were 
under fifteen years of age. Of the nine hundred em- 
ployees in 1885, 600 worked by the piece and 300 by 
the day. This tabulation is self-explaining : 

Iterm. 1875. 1885. 

No. of manufactories 73 51 

Employes ral 890 

Wages for the year ?267,21i', S2l'.4,5il 

Capital invested 42?.,i:k:j4 1,1i)7,1!(i3 

Value of raw material 435,730 5|-2,173 

Goods made 858,532 1,018,532 

This table shows a decrease in the number of man- 
factories of more than thirty per centum in ten years. 
The disparity is due to various causes, but chiefly, 
probably to the concentration of capital. It shows, on 
the other hand, a greater number of employes by 
more than forty-two per centum; but though they do, 
per capita, the same amount of work, their per-eapifa 
pay is much less. To be definitely instructed herein, 
however, would require a complete statement, but the 
general showing of growing industries, employing a 
greater number of persons at fair remuneration is in- 
teresting and gratifying. 

Money. — For about twenty years the town had no 
money. Trade was carried on mainly by way of 
barter. The medium of exchange was musket-bul- 
lets, wampum and latterly some Englisli coins. In 



1652 silver was coined in Boston. Rogues soon be- 
gan to clip and counterfeit the pieces, which occa- 
sioned the appointments of "searchers of coins." 
Massachusetts coined copper, silver and gold from 
1786 to 1789, and the United States began to coin 
them in 1793 and 1794. Paper money was issued as 
early as 1690, and has continued meanwhile. The 
bills at first were expedient to meet the great expense 
of the government in prosecuting the wars and other 
necessary expenses. Though serviceable at first, they 
proved hurtful ultimately. The peoplelost confidence 
in government paper, and great and wide-spread dis- 
tress ensued. In 1781 seventy-five dollars in paper 
would only equal one in silver. In 1794 a tax of £1 
meant £1 17«. 6d., in new emission, and 12s. 6d. in 
hard money. In this century, besides the national 
coinage, a system of State banking obtained till the 
war of the Rebellion. The banks facilitated local ex- 
change. Their service was circumscribed, because 
their ability was seldom known beyond their respec- 
tive precincts. In many instances, on the other 
hand, they continued to serve for the same reason. 

An institution of this kind was chartered here 
March 25, 1833, when Thomas Manning, Michael 
Brown, Ephraim F. Miller, Charles Kimball, Samuel 
N. Baker, and Samuel S. Farrington became "the 
president, directors and company of the Ipswich 
Bank," to continue till October 1, 1851. The capital 
was one hundred thousand dollars. It continued a 
number of years with indifferent .success. The bank- 
ing-house stood nearly opposite the present new Sav- 
ings Bank building. 

".loseph Ross, Aaron Cogswell, Frederick Will- 
comb and I heir associates and successors" were in- 
cor[)orated March 20, 1869, the " Ipswich Savings 
Bank." It began business in the following year, and 
has proved very opportune and serviceable. Theo. 
F. Cogswell is the clerk and the treasurer. 

BENEFAOTIOXS .iND CHARITIES. 

The Poor. — "The poor ye have always with you," 
said tlie Greatest of earth ; and in accordance with 
the suggestion, the benefactions and amenities of 
home and neighborhood are commended by the wise 
and good always and everywhere. " Liberality of 
disposition and conduct," says Cogan, "give the 
highest zest and relish to social intercourse." To 
tithe our incomes, and give as God has jirospered us, 
is a fundamental law of all honest living. The man 
who does not plan and work with both heart and head 
is likely to learn in the end that he has ignored the 
most ennobling zest of labor, and the most ennobling 
joy of life. Beneficence and charity are business, and 
a part of business is beneficence and charity. Our 
ancestors early pnjvided for the needy. There was 
one such in 1666. Twelve years later there was one, 
—probably others. In 16S8the bill for doctoring the 
poor was £2. 1«. In 1701-02, was voted some "con- 
venient building for the entertainment of the widow 



640 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dent, or any of the poor of the town." In 1717 a con- 
venient house for the poor was to be built of logs. 
Its length was forty feet, width sixteen, stud six and 
its roof " flat as may be suitable." In 1738 the town 
paid £400 for the poor. In 1740 the poor were let 
out. In 1742 a hundred bushels of corn were pur- 
chased to be distributed among the poor, and there 
was talk of building a " work-house." In 1760 there 
was voted £(56. 13s. 4d. to purchase a house for two 
men who had become reduced to poverty. In 1784 
it was voted to sell the old almshouse, — that stood 
near the county-house, and which in 1770 was much 
decayed, — for the most it would bring. The same 
year they talked of erecting an almshouse, and the 
next year instructed a committee to furnish one. In 
1786 the cost of the poor was £300, and in 1792 it 
was more than £500. In 179-5 John Harris' farm 
was purchased for a poor-farm, for £250. In 1796 
the whole number of the poor was twenty-eight, 
twenty of whom were supplied in part. The present 
poor-farm, formerly the estate of Hon. Thomas Berry, 
M. D., was purchased April 10, 1818, of Billy Emer- 
son, of Topsfield, three hundred and twenty-one 
acres for $9,500. There are fifty acres of marsh. 
The soil is excellent for hay and grain, yielding one 
hundred and fifty tons of the former, and six hundred 
bushels of the latter in a year. The old farm was sold 
in 1819, and the proceeds were expended in improve- 
ments upon the new farm. The present almshouse of 
brick was built in 1838 or '39. 

The town September 3, 1766, instructed Captain 
Farley, the representative, " to oppose paying money 
out of the treasury to relieve the suffering occasioned 
by the riot of the stamp-act, but to move that the 
Governor call for subscriptions as in case of fire." 
Such plan was adopted, and Ipswich promptly voted 
to raise by subscription £100. To the sufierers by 
fire at Portsmouth in 1803, she gave $100 ; and to 
similar sufferer.s at Newburyport in 1811, she gave 
$1,000. In 1825 she contributed $200 for the Bunker 
Hill monument. 

As early as about 1640, subscriptions from the pro- 
vince towns were requested in aid of Harvard College. 
The general court advised liberal contributions. De- 
puties and elders were enlisted in the cause; grain 
or money, or both would be gladly received. The 
rates for Ipswich in 1664-65 were £7. 6«. 7rf., and in 
1681 her contribution in grain was valued at £19|. 

CojiMOMs. — The town lands were held and man- 
aged by the freemen of the town, as if they were a 
company for that purpose. lu 1644, moved by gene- 
rosity and public spirit, they set apart a tract on the 
north side of the river, containing by estimation 
three thousand two hundred and Ibrty-four acres, 
and gave and granted it " to the inhabitants of the 
town with themselves, their heirs and successors for- 
ever." In 1788 the commoners of Ipswich " make an 
absolute grant of all their interest, both real and per- 
sonal, lying within the town of Ipswich unto the in- 



habitants of said town, to be sold to pay the town 
debt." The grant yielded £600. 2s. 2d. 

Societies. — The various societies have exerted a 
powerful influence in collecting resources, assisting 
the worthy and fostering social amenities. The Gen- 
eral James Appleton Post, No. 128, of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and the Woman's Relief Corps, 
connected with the posts, have exercised a watchful 
and most beneficent care, exhibiting a mutual devo- 
tion equal to their patriotism. They meet weekly. 
The post has about one hundred members, and a fund 
of some three hundred and fifty dollars. The Relief 
Corps fund is some two hundred and fifty dollars. 
Both expend about one hundred dollars a year in 
money, besides oft-repeated personal attention and 
assistance. Another earnest worker in the general 
field is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 
It meets weekly, and conducts a temperance school. 
Its work upon the pliant mind of our youth is wor- 
thy the sincereat prayer of faith and a generous ma- 
terial support. The object of the " Ipswich Mutual 
Benefit Society " is to render monetary and personal 
assistance in sickness and death. The society was 
organized in March, 1879, and has about eighty-five 
members in full benefit. About a year ago Bay- view 
Lodge, No. 2, of the International Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, was organized. The Masons were represented 
here more than a hundred years ago. Unity Lodge 
was organized March 9, 1779. It was the ninth char- 
ter granted in the State. It held no meetings after 
1829. The present John T. Heard Lodge was char- 
tered August 26, 1864. It meets monthly, and has a 
membership ( f about a hundred. It has a fund of a 
few hundred dollars, and is otherwise a strong society. 
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is represented 
by the Agawam Lodge, No. 52, and the Daughters of 
Rebecca, who compose Martha Washington Lodge, 
No. 5, and a Mutual Benefit Association. Agawam 
has a membership of about one hundred and ten, a 
fund of a few hundred dollars and is harmonious and 
eflicacious in her peculiar work. 

Here, too, we find the church. It is one of her 
twin fields of labor, and with her powerful ally — the 
Sunday-school — might crush out error with the force 
of an avalanche. In seven years, about 1830, the 
First Church gave $2100 to religious charities, and 
the South Church more than $1500. The First 
Church last year gave about $600. 

EESULT OF BUSINESS. 

Valuation. — The capital invested at the beginning 
was determination, energy and perseverance. The 
struggle has been long and vigorous ; it has not yet 
ended and is not likely soon to end. In 1831 the 
assessors valued the town property at $505,995; in 
1886, at $2,120,017, of which $527,621 was personal 
estate and $1,592,396 real, and $107,426, an increase 
over the previous year's valuation. The following 
table of Province taxation is interesting in showing 



IPSWICH. 



641 



the increase of expense during the periods of war, 
and the relative vaUiatioti and growth of several old 
towns compared with this : 



lC'.IM)o 

10% 

TC'JT 

17(10-1 

l-dS-fi 

1710-11 

1715-16 

1718-19 

1723-24 

I72i-25 

1725-2(; 

1728-29 

173.!-:i4 

1734-15 

173(3-37 

1738-:i9 

1740-41 

1742-43 



ii 



854 
290 
215 
207 1 
950 1 
1000 
46-,! 
299' 
171 
40(1 
571 
3' II 
2llg 
5C< 
908 
387 
711 
588 



579 
270 
2ij0 
239 
814 
814 
378 
209 
Vi9 
372 
532 
291 
2119 
656 
924 
391 
702 
(a2 






589 .. 
220,., 
1601., 

184;., 

098'., 
698 . 
325'., 
232'., 
143 ., 
334,., 
477'., 
224 . 
177 . 
418 . 
741 . 
354 
04:i . 
630 . 



j 


II 


1 




3 e>t: 


1747-18... 


1133 


1204 


1036 






1748-49... 


2660 


27.9 


2380 




1752-53... 


567 


746 


730 




175 1-54... 


28(1 


»159 


272 




17.-)4-55 -, 


426 


305 


572 




175(i-57... 


1249 


887 


1593 




17.57-6S... 


18.54 


1308 


2579 




17.)9-0O... 


2174 


1642 


2:137 




1761-li2... 


1406 


142i 


1937 




1762-03... 
1764-65... 


141S 
932 


1439 
948 


1921 

787; 




6311 


1770-71... 


4S7 


517 


379! 


3(i:i 


1773-74.. 


368 


(;75 


35ii 


331; 


1776-76... 


734 


1372 


681 


7o' 


1770-77... 


1651 


2985 


14891 


1544 


1777-78... 


4643 


8391 


42431 


4331 


1778-79... 


3685 


6884 


3919 


.351s 


1779-80... 


35573 


40685 


32530 


3781ii 



' Dtinvers, £30, set oft". Before 1765 Newbury included Newbur.v- 



port. 

The town grows as much in five years now as it grew 
in the first two hundred ; and by opening streets along 
the river margin and inviting the touri.sts and summer 
residents to our lieaches, and coast, and mounts, unsur- 
passed for picturesque beauty and interesting moun- 
tain and ocean views, we may achieve still greater ad- 
vances, instill a new and vigorous life, and so ennobh 
and embalm the cherished, quaint, weird and hoarv 
past. 

AB.SENT NATIVES. 

BioGRAPHKJAL. — " And what shall I say more ? fo; 
the time would fail me to tell of the Gideons, thi 
.Teiihthas, the Davids, the Samuels, who," having lefi 
their nativity and engaged in other towns, and in cit- 
ies and other States, " have wrought righteousness, 
obtained promises, escaped the edge of the su-ord, oui 
of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, 
turned to flight the armies of the aliens, and have 
obtained a good report." The influence of Ipswich 
homes is felt abroad for good in the professions and 
every honorable vocation. We have had opportuni- 
ties to gather but few names. 

Rev. William Adams was son of William, of 
this town, and born May 27, 16.50. For want of 
funds he was obliged to make several attempts to en- 
ter Harvard College, where he graduated August 8, 
1671. The fir-it pastor of the Dedham Church died 
the 26th of the same month, and the society at once 
determined upon Mr. Adams as his successor. He 
declined several calls, but at last acccepted, and was 
ordained pastor December 3, 1673. He married, 
first, JIary Manning, of Cambridge, in 167-4; second, 
Alice Bradford, daughter of Major William Bradford, 
of Plymouth. He was a devout and fervent man 
and public-si)irited. He died August 17, 168.5, at the 
age of thirty -six years, and after a pastorate of twelve 
years. 

Rev. Nathaniel Appleton was born December 
9, 1693. He graduated at Harvard in 1712, was or- 
dained pastor at Cambridge October 9, 1717, where 
he died February 9, 1784, at the great age of ninety- 
one years, and after a pastorate of sixty-two. His 
daughters married, — Elizabeth, Rev. Jabez Fitch ; 
Margaret, President Holoyke ; Priscilla, Rev. Robert 
Ward, of Wenham, as his first wife. 



John B. Brown was born December 10, 1837, in 
Argilla District, Ipswich. His father, Manasseh 
Brown, was a farmer, owning the Castle Hill— or 
Governor Winthrop — Farm, and here young Brown 
spent his early years, working u]iou the farm sum- 
mers, attending the district school, and High School 
winters. This, with a few terms at Phillips Acad- 
emy, comprised his educational opportunities. 

At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of 
Blanchard, Converse & Co., Boston, who were at that 
time the leading dry -goods merchants. Here, begin- 
ning as a boy, he received his mercantile training, 
and rose through the various departments. At the 
opening of the war he entered the service, going into 
the field with the Sixteenth Mas.sachusetts Volun- 
teers, Colonel Powell T. Wyman, as first lieuten- 
ant. He was appointed aide-de-camp to General 
Cuvier Grover, of the regular army (at that time 
commanding one of Hooker's brigades) while before 
Richmciiid, and served upon the staff of that general 
during the Seven Days' Battles of the " Peninsula 
Campaign," ending at Malvern Hills; and later 
through the " Virginia Campaign " under Pope, end- 
ing at Second Bull Run ; afterwards in the battles of 
the "Louisiana Campaign" under Banks. In order 
that he might remain with General Grover, to whom 
he was greatly attached, he declined all promotions, 
and leaving the service with the same rank with 
which he entered at the beginning of the war, he was 
commended in general orders for gallant conduct in 
the battles of Burker's Farm, Savage Station, Glen- 
dale, Malvern Hills, (first and second battles), Bull 
Run (second) Irish Bend (La.) and in the battles of 
the siege of Port Hudson — being one of the officers 
who volunteered to lead the storming party in the 
preparation for the last grand assault on the date of 
the capitulation. 

On returning to civil life, he married Lucy, the 
daughter of George J. Teuney, an extensive shoe 
manufacturer in Georgetown, Massachusetts, and 
entering the employ of ex-Governor Gardner, in 
the dry-goods commission business, he shortly after- 
wards became a partner with liis former eniplovcr, 
James C. Converse, and removed to New York, re- 
maining in charge of the New York branch of that 
house till 1869. 

The rapid growth of railroads in that period af- 
fording such an attraction, he left mercantile life, 
and, with his brother Leverett, was engaged in rail- 
road construction for many years in the Western States. 
The most im]iortant work accomplished by him 
was the organizing and building of tin; Chicago and 
Western Indiana Railroad (of which he was presi- 
dent), a trunk line road into the city of Chicago, 
which to-day gives entrance into that city to five or 
six railways, among the most important of which 
are the Grand Trunk, Wabash and the Erie. 

Leaving railroad-building on tlie completion of 
that work, he has since been engaged in the develop 
ment of the Grape Creek coal-fields in Illinois, and 
in the construction of an extensive system of docks 
on the Calumet River, in Soutli Chicago. Though 
actively engaged in the development of important 
enterprises in tlie West, he .still retains his interest 
and affection for his native place, and the Castle Hill 



G42 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Farm, on which his boyhood years were spent, 
claims much of his time and contributes mucli to his 
pleasure in its improvement. 

Children of Ezekiel Cheever. — Thomas was 
born in Ipswich, was minister of Maiden from Feb- 
ruary 1-1, 1679-SO, till dismissed in 1686. He was 
then at Chelsea, where he settled October 19, 1715. 
He graduated at Harvard College in 1677. He died 
November 27, 1749, at the great age of ninety-one 
years. Samuel was also born in Ipswich, did not 
lose a single Sabbath in forty-eight years' preaching. 
and " died without pain, with no disease but mere 
age," in his eighty-fifth year and the fifty-sixth o( 
his ministry. JNIr. Hamraatt says he was a student at 
Harvard in 1656. 

Dr. Joseph Green Cogswell. — John Cogswell, 
the doctor's progenitor, a merchant in London, Eng- 
land, sailed from ^Bristol May 23, les.*). The cargo, 
mostly his own, was shipwrecked oft' the coast ol 
Maine August 15th, and he lost in cash about five 
thousand pounds. Chattering a bark, he brought 
his family, furniture, silver-plate, etc., saved from the 
wreck, to Ipswich. He left Engli.sh opidence for a 
log hut, " that the ancient faith and true worship 
might be found inseparable companions in their 
practice, and that their posterity might be undefiled 
in religion." 

Dr. Cogswell was born in Ipswich Sept. 27, 1786. 
He prepared for college at the Grammar School, and 
in his twenty-first year graduated at Harvard. 

He then made a voyage to India as supercargo. 
Returning, he practiced law in Bangor, Me., with not 
much success. He was then called to a tutorship in 
Harvard. In 1816 he visited Europe with George 
Ticknor. He was two years at the University ol 
Gottingen a student in literature and bibliology, 
wherein he ranked with the highest. He spent two 
years more at various European capitals with the 
same purpose. Returning in 1820, he was appointed 
professor of geology and mineralogy in \ns alma mater 
and librarian. He resigned in 1823, and with George 
Bancroft, the historian, established the Round-Hill 
School at Northampton, based upon the most ap- 
proved English and German systems. Mr. Bancroft 
retired from the school in 1830, and Mr. Cogswell 
continued until 1835, when he went to Raleigh, 
N. C, in a similar institution. He was next editor 
of the New York Review, one of the ablest critical 
journals of its period, a position he retained till 
1842. Hi-i intimacy and friendship with John Jacob 
Astor made him, with Fitz-Green Halleck and 
Washington Irving, one of the projectors of the Astor 
Library. He was also one of the trustees. 

When Washington Irving was appointed minister 
to Spain, he wished Mr. Cogswell to accompany him, 
and accordingly wrote Washington to appoint him 
as Secretary of Legation. Irving wrote: "He is a 
gentleman with whom I am on confidential terms of 
intimacy, and I know of no one who by his various 
acquirements, his prompt sagacity, his knowledge of 
the world, his habits of business and his obliging dis- 
position is so calculated to give me that counsel, aid 
and companionship so important in Madrid, where a 
stranger is more isolated than in any other capital in 
Europe" 



He was appointed, and Astor finding he was to 
lose him, made him librarian in embryo. He went 
abroad to purchase books, and his selections are 
marked with economy and discrimination. 

He gave to the Astor Library his own valuable 
works in literature, and he presented to Harvard a 
valuable cabinet of minerals. He prepared, in a 
series of eight volumes, a critical and analogical cat- 
alogue of the Astor Library, wherein he exhibited 
"an extraordinary knowledge of the history, compar- 
ative value and significance of the books he had col- 
lected." He served the library with industry and 
fidelity. After 1862 he resided in Cambridge. 

He is authority for the statement that Essex County 
had "given birth to more literary people than any 
other in the country," and he substantiated the re- 
mark by naming a remarkably long list. 

He married young, and his wife died young; he 
never married again. He died November 26, 1872. 

Children of Dr. .Ioseph Dana. — Joseph was 
born .lune 10, 1769; graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1788; approbated a preacher June 9, 1795; taught 
school in Newburyport and studied law ; removed to 
Athens, Ohio, 1817; was Professor of Ancient Lan- 
guages in Ohio University twelve years from 1822; 
died November 18, 1849, at the ripe old age of eighty 
years. 

Daniel was born July 24, 1771 ; graduated at Dart- 
mouth \n 1788; ajiprobated May 14, 1793; ordained 
and installed over the First Presbyterian Church, 
Newburyport, November 19, 1794; dismissed to take 
the presidency of Dartmouth College, November 19, 
1820 ; resigned the presidency in 1821 ; installed over 
the Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, N. H., May 
31, 1822, and was dismissed in April, 1826 ; installed 
over the Second Presbyterian Charch, Newburyport, 
May 31, 1826, and was dismissed October 29, 1845. 
He died August 26, 1859. 

Samuel was born May 7, 1778; graduated at Dart- 
mouth in 1796 ; ordained at Marblehead, October 6, 
1801, and installed. 

Sarah was born May 6, 1780, and married Hon. 
Israel Thorndyke, of Boston. 

John C. Donovan, Esq., is yet a young man. He 
was born in Ipswich Village, March 18, 1861. He 
pursued his studies in the Ipswich public schools, 
graduating from the academic department and rank- 
ing high as a scholar. He then entered the law- 
office of Hon. Charles A. Sayward as student. He 
was examined October 1, 1885, for admission to the 
Essex bar, and was admitted the 15th of the same 
month. He is now practicing his profession in New- 
buryport. In 1885 he was commissioned by Governor 
Robinson a justice of the peace for the Common- 
wealth. In connection with his other work, he has 
taken an active interest in politics. He identified 
himself with the Democratic party at an early age, 
and has, by voice and action, aided in promoting its 
welfare. Early in life he was forced to rely mainly 
upon his own exertions and native ability, through 
which he mu.st achieve success. 

Prof. Levi Frisiue, son of Rev. Levi Frisbie, of 
the F'irst Church, was born September 15, 1783. He 
giadnated at Harvard in 1802; was tutor there from 
1805 to 1811 ; professor of Latin language and litera- 



IPSWICH. 



643 



ture from 1811 to 1817 ; Alford professor of natural 

religion, moral [>hilosophy and civil polity from No- 
vember 5, 1817. He died at Cambridge July 9, 1822, 
at the age of thirty-eight. 

Rev. Nathaniel Howe, third sou of Captain 
Abraham and Lucy-Appleton Howe, was born in 
Ipswieh, Linebrook, October G, 1764. In preparing 
for college he studied at Duramer Academy, Byfield, 
then with Rev. George Lesslie, of his native parish, 
and later with Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, of Rowlej-. 
While with Mr. Bradford he made a public profession 
of faith in Christ, and joined Mr. Bradford's church. 
In September, 1784, he entered the junior class of 
Princeton College,New Jersey, a fact which si)eiks well 
for his scholarship. He asked and obtained an hon- 
orable dismission at the end of the year, and then 
entered the senior class of Harvard College, where 
he graduated with the usual honors. 

He studied divinity with a Dr. Hart, of Connecti- 
cut, and completed his course with Dr. Emmons, of 
Franklin. He was licensed to preach by the Essex 
North Association May 8, 1787. His was the first 
license granted by that association. He preached at 
Londonderry and Francistowu, N. H. ; at Hampton, 
Conn. ; and at Grafton, Ma.ss,, where he received a 
call to settle which he declined. In January, 1781, 
he began to preach at Hopkinton as a candidate, 
and was unanimously called in the May following. 
He was settled for life, as was the custom in those days, 
October 5, 1791, on a salary of £70 and the use of 
ministerial land — one hundred acres — and a settle- 
ment of £200. Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, his old in- 
structor at Rowley, preached the installing sermon. 
For more than thirty-eight years hf was the minister 
at Hopkinton, and during the time added two hun- 
dred and forty-five to the church. He was a preacher 
of the Gospel for half a century ; he died February 
15, 18.37. 

Mr. Howe married, some three montlis after his 
settlement, Mi.ss Olive Jones, the sixth daughter of 
Colonel John Jones, of his parish. She proved a 
very estimable lady, and adorned her station. One 
who knew her well says, — " I ever viewed her as a 
l>ersou of superior mind, quick perception, peculiar 
energy, and an unconcjuerable fortitude and resolu- 
tion. She was as distinguished as her husband for 
unaffected aft'ability, unwavering and affectionate 
friendship, as well as for correct thinking, keen pene- 
tration and sound judgment." She was a careful 
and judicious housewife, she was a praying mother, 
and a lady of unostentatious piety. She died Decem- 
ber 10, 184.3. 

Their children were Appleton, born November 20, 
1792, a distinguished physician of Weymoutli, State 
Senator by two elections, major-general of militia, a 
man who possessed a strong character resembling his 
father's for manly independence, made fast friends 
and commanded universal respect; Eliza, born June 
4, 1794, and died of consumption, December 27, 1815; 



Mary Jones, born February 2, 1802, married Rev. 
Samuel Russell, of Boylston, and died November 26, 
1836 ; Lucy Ann, born August 27, 1805, married John 
Fitch, son of Deacon Elijah Fitch, and is thus honor- 
ably mentioned in the Century Sermons. " Whose 
descendants can vie with the descendants of Rev. 
Elijah Fitch." 

Soon after his marriage he purchased the messuage 
and farm of Deacon 8. Kinsman, lying contiguous to 
the ministerial lands and some half a mile from the 
church. At that time his status was excellent and 
his prospects bright. Says Rev. Elias Nason, to 
whose memorial of Mr. Howe we are much in- 
debted, — 

"He had married into an influential family; Ijis pocuniarj' circum- 
stances were easy, his health good and his church tlouristiing. His 
prospects of usefulness were unclouded ; and huoyant with hope, he 
dedicate(i all liis energies to the work before him. But iucreaaiag 
family expenses and the decreasing value of his salary drove him from 
his study to the field and the woods. He was obliged to adopt a rigid 
economy ; but his economy was not parsimony, for by dint of hard labor 
and by frugality he was enabled to educate his son libenilly. maintain his 
respectability and keep out of debt. This was his oft repeated maxim, — 
' The second vice is lying, the first is running in debt.' " 

He frequently chided his people, because they 
neglected to provide fully for his support. He felt 
that the laborer was worthy of his hire, and that the 
cause of God suffered from neglect. He chided though 
" more in sorrow than in anger." His people under- 
stood the justice of his demand and respccled him, 
yet replied : " a bargan is a bargain." After j'ears, 
the rise in real estate and legacies from relatives en- 
abled him to store a few thousand dollars; neverthe- 
less, his legacies at intere.st till his death would have 
amounted to three times the value of his estate at 
that time. 

Mr. Howe was charitable and generous. He wanted 
property for the good he could do with it. One day 
noticing the need of a family of his ])arish, he went 
to his woods, and drew out a load to the door of the 
needy and offered it for sale. The lady replied, she 
could not buy for she had no money ; he answered, I 
ask only one cent, and exacting that unlo.aded the 
wood. When his parish would settle a colleague, he 
relinquished a good part of his salary, when with 
propriety he could have replied, "a bargain is a bar- 
gain." One winter he supplied a family with two loads 
of wood, and left a third near the house and told the 
family to use it if they had need. Later, noticing it 
was not used, and perhaps hardly needed, he reloaded 
it and left it at the door of another that needed it 
more. Several young men, by his advice and pecun- 
iary aid, obtained liberal educations, and some of 
them became distinguished. He frequently visited 
the widow, the fatherless, and the unfortunate and 
usually took some substantial token of his symj)athy. 
He often carried provisions to the poor by night, 
that he might " not be seen of men." 

He did much to encourage the youth. He always 
noticed them with a cheering word. He was particu- 
lar to visit all the schools in town several times each 



644 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



year. He was very fond of children, and had a rare 
faculty of interesting them in whatever he said and 
of winning their respect. 

In 1822 he was made a life-member of the Ameri- 
can Bible Society; and in 1827 of the American 
Educational Society. 

There was no place in his theology for isms, new 
measures, or innovations. Yet those of varying belief 
from his, he treated with respect and tolerance. He 
was no bigot ; the erroneous views of others he 
claimed were not suppressed by calumny, but by 
better action than theirs and by dint of merit. 

Mr. Howe practiced in his reading that excellent 
motto of the great Webster: 

Legerc itniUum, ywn mvlta. 

He read mvch, Baxter, Bunyan, Saurin, South, 
Hopkins, Witherspoon and Emmons, and not many 
others. He thought much, as the field, the woods 
and the road offered him opportunity, and many of 
his thoughts found expression in concise and pointed 
language. He wrote : 

Q. Who .are the wise? 

A. None but Biich as are determined to be wiser still. 

Q. What is the reason that man is so unhappy in his family ? 

A. Because he keeps a bottle of rum in his house. 

Q. What hurt does tliat do? 

,■1. None at all if he let it alone. 

Q. What has the rich man more than the poor? 

A. Nothing but what God has given him. 

Q. What reason, then, has he to exult over the poor? 

A. None at all. 

Q, Who are the rich ? 

A. -Ml such as have health, peace and liberty and none to make them 
afraid. 

Q. W^hat is the reason that man is more prosperous than his neighbor? 

.4. Because he always takes care of little things; he lets nothing be 
lost ; strikes when the iron is hot ; and keeps his dish right-side up. 

" To do nothing is to be nothing. Leisure is the time to do something 
useful. The careless man is seldom fortunate. Would you have a faith- 
ful servant and one that suits you, serve yourself. If you will not hear 
reason, she will rap your knuckles. A dead tish can swim with the 
stream, but a live one can swim against it. Great minds are always can- 
did. Common sense is the best sense in the world. Who marries for 
money buys money dear. Many thingscan be proved by facts that never 
happened. Whoever does not feel himself to be a sinner cannot become 
a Christian. We can enjoy nothing but what God is pleased to give us. 
We can lose nothing but what He is pleased to take away. We can suf- 
fer nothing but what He lays upon us." 

He was a remarkable man. "The cast of his mind 
was original and severe ; the bent of his genius, to be 
useful. He was a man of sterling probity; bethought 
correctly, and said what he thought. In politics he 
advocated the leading measures of the Whig party. 
He despised every kind of political artifice. As a 
citizen he was public-spirited and liberal-minded. 
As a husband and a father he was uniformly kind and 
affectionate. He was constant in his friendships, so- 
cial and amiable in disposition and a lover of good 
men. His friends at his home have remarked his 
cordial hospitality. The standard trait of his char- 
acter was his regard for truth. He was indeed a Na- 
thanacl. 

His publications were, a sermon on the death of 



three persons, 1808; a century sermon, delivered De- 
cember 24,1815; a sermon on "John's Baptism," 
preached before the Mendon Association, and pub- 
lished at their request, 1819; a defense of the same, 
in reply to Rev. Dr. Baldwin, 1820 ; and a catechism 
for the children under his pastoral care, 1834. The 
century sermon was celebrated. It was noticed by 
the North American Review, passed through several 
editions, and was translated into foreign languages. 

As a preacher he was unaffected, plain and impres- 
sive. His sermons were often composed during the 
toil of the day, and written after the family had re- 
tired at night. He aspired not to be eloquent, but 
useful. Perhaps no other man practiced more scru- 
pulously what he taught; his life was a living epistle 
of his doctrine. 

Rev. David Tenney Kimball's Children. — 
Father Kimball had seven children, two daughters 
and five sons: — 

David Tenney was born September 7, 1808. He 
graduated at Middlebury College in 1829, at Andover 
Theological Seminary in 1834, preached at Hartford, 
Conn., and in the West, but was obliged to relinquish 
preaching on account of bronchitis. He married, 
October 10, 1837, Miss Harriet W. Welisler; he lived 
the greater part of his life in Lowell, where for twen- 
ty years he was a deacon in the John Street Congre- 
gational Church, and where he died in 1886, much 
respected. 

Daniel was born May 25, 1810. He was educated 
at jMiddlebury College, from which he received his 
Master's degree in 1855. He has spent more than 
ten years exclusively in the cause of temperance — a 
part of which time as editor of the Midtllesex Wash- 
ingtonian, Lowell, and the Massachusetts Temperance 
Standard, Boston. He lectured in all the principal 
towns in this State and in many in Rhode Island, 
New Hampshire and Vermont with good results. He 
excelled as a lecturer. The Salem. Observer said of his 
lecture at Ipswich October 16, 1846, before the E-sex 
County Teachers' Association, " It was not only well- 
written, but in the manner of delivery it was supe- 
rior. We have rarely listened to a lecture which gave 
such evident satisfaction." Of a temperance address 
at Shelburne Falls, July 4, 1847, the American Repub- 
lic said, ■' It was of a very high character as a literary 
composition, and very impressive from its matter and 
manner of delivery. His appeal to young men was 
full of energy, pathos and power." He was engaged 
in teaching nine years, one as jirincipal of the Cen- 
tral Grammar School at Woburn, and eight as pre- 
ceptor of Williams Academy, Stockbridge, in both of 
which places he was a member of the school boards. 
He was an officer in the Boston Custora-House twelve 
years. He resided at Lexington, 1876-82. He now 
resides at Woburn. 

Augustine Philli]is was born September 9, 1812. 
He was a merchant in Boston many years, — a man of 
enterprise, generous and public spirit. Prosperity at- 



IPSWICH. 



645 



tended him in his business I'or a considerable period, 
but, his health fiiiling him, he returned to Ipswich 
and passed his later years in horticultural pursuits. 
He died August 13, 1859. 

Elizabeth, born July 9, 1814, married, August 8, 
1839, Eugene F. W. Gray, son of Rev. Cyrus W. 
Gray, of Staflbrd, Conn., and some time editor of the 
Ipswich Register. 

John Rogers was born August 23, 1816; was for 
more than twenty years an enterprising and success- 
ful merchant in Boston. He nuirried, May 30, 1.S44, 
Lydia Ann Coburn, of Dracut. In 1866 he retired 
with a competency and established his permanent 
home in Woburn, where he soou became identified 
with many public interests. He united with Rev. 
Jonathan Edwards' church, and was afterwards one 
of the deacons. He was an eificient worker in every 
good cause : was one of the most prominent and use- 
ful citizens. He represented his town in the Legis- 
lature one year, during the period of the late war, and 
did good service. In announcing his death, which 
occurred in 1859, the Woburn Journal said, " Deacon 
Kimball was a man of marked individuality, influen- 
tial, of great integrity, commanding the respect of 
every one. He was active in good works, set a good 
examole — a real Christian, charitable, kind and 
greatly beloved." 

Levi Frisbie was born April 25, 1818, and died May 
9, 1818. 

Mary Sophia was born August 16, 1820, and, March 
25, 1849, married John Dunning Coburn, merchant, 
of Brunswick, Me. He diSd, and she married, sec- 
ondly, John Quincy Peabody, of Ipswich. Both 
daughters graduated at the Ipswich Female Semi- 
nary. 

Joseph E. Kimball, son of John Kimball, was 
born in this town, June 12,1839. He enlisted in the 
service of his country, for the war, in April, 1861, aud 
was mustered in May 23d. He entered Company B, 
First Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Colonel Cow- 
din commanding, who reported at Washington, D. C, 
June 17th. 

His brigade, under colonel, afterwards Major-Gen- 
eral Richardson, who was killed at Antietam, 
formed the advance of General McDowell's " on to 
Richmond " army, and the first blood shed was in 
the reconnoissance, known as the battle of Blackburn's 
Ford, July 17th, three days before the main engage- 
ment. They took no part in the panic, and so felt 
no subsequent chagrin, remaining near Ceuterville 
till after midnight, when they marched to Washing- 
ton, covering the main army's retreat. 

lu the autumn of 1861 he was in Hooker's brigade, 
afterwards Hooker's division, which won the dis- 
tinction of ■' Fighting Joe Hooker's Division." With 
that, in the spring following, he participated in the 
operations before Yorktown, the battles of Williams- 
burg, Seven Pines, and Fair Oaks. 

Immediately before the Seven-days Retreat he was 



stricken down with " Chickahominy fever," yet left 
his sick bed, joined his company, and engaged in all 
the battles of that toilsome and distressing retreat. At 
Harrison's Landing the fever returned, but an elfort to 
join in the expedition, under Hooker, against Mal- 
vern Hills, caused a relapse, and he was taken to the 
hospital and thence to Fortress Monroe, where the 
fever raged for several weeks. 

He next joined his company near Alexandria, and 
was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville 
and (iettysburg. On this march his shoes gave out, 
and he trod more than sixty miles of the mountain 
roads and macadamized pike with swollen and bleed- 
ing feet. 

General Hooker, at Harrison's Landing, recom- 
mended him to Governor Andrew for a commissioner, 
and again at Gettysburg to the Secretary of War. 
While in pursuit of Lee's army his regiment was 
ordered to quell the drafl-rints in New York. While 
there, 1863, he was commissioned second-lieutenant 
and ordered to report to General E. A. Wild, at New- 
bern. That done, he was enrolled in the Thirty- 
seventh United States Colored Regiment. 

In the following spring he joined the Army of the 
James, which was afterward merged in the Army of 
the Potomac, under General Grant. 

In the September following he commanded a com- 
pany in the successful assaults upon Deep Bottom 
and New Market, and was commissioned first-lieuten- 
ant in the One Hundred and Sixteenth LTuited States 
Colored Regiment. Delaying to report to his new 
command, he was a volunteer commander of a com- 
pany in the fiasco against Fort Fisher. He then 
joined his new regiment; was engaged in the oper- 
ations about Petersburg ; was in the final assault that 
precipitated Lee's flight, whence he was breveted 
captain, followed by forced inarches and intercepted 
his retreat, and witnessed the final triumph of our 
arms. 

Later in the spring he joined Sheridan's "army of 
observation," of the Rio Grande, and served till the 
overthrow of the Imperial Government of Mexico. 

He was mustered out in February, 1867, having 
served five years and ten months, the last campaign 
being in the regular service. He bears upon his per- 
son reminders of many a struggle, yet in all the time, 
wonderful to relate, he received no disabling wound. 
He entered the service when bounties and pensions 
and pecuniary rewards were unsought, and gave a 
singleness of purpose, a devotion of heart, and a pa- 
triotism that found their full reward in the emanci- 
pation and the final restoration of his country. 

Mr. Kimball was in the rudiments of his trade when 
the war broke out, and when he returned from the 
conflict he returned to his trade, and associated him- 
self with his brother in Abington, in the numufacture 
of tack and nail machinery for boot and shoe manu- 
facturing, and they were enabled so to improve them 
that they gained an enviable reputation at home and 



646 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in foreign countries. Their reputation was such that 
a powerful combination of tack manufacturers to 
control these goods in the United States paid them a 
con4derable sum in cash, with the sole right to man- 
ufacture their machines and no others. 

In 187(5 and 1877 Mr. Kimball perfected and pat- 
ented a nailing machine. This aroused a powerful 
antagonist, — the McKay Metalic Fastening Company. 
A hard struggle ensued. His brother retired from 
the firm. At last the McKay Company offered, on the 
score of economy, to purchase the surrender of his 
patents rather than expend more money in litigation. 
Just then, very opportunely, Mr. James E. Mayna- 
dier, a patent lawyer, took the case, cleared the 
patents, and was instrumental in establishing a com- 
pany with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars 
to utilize them. The capital was soon increased to 
fifty thousand dollars, then to one hundred thousand 
dollars, and then to one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars, which is now paying good dividends. Mr. 
Kimball received twenty thousand dollars for his in- 
vention and held stock in the company. 

Ere long appeared a fastening called the " Estabrook 
and Wire-clinching screw," which was cheap and pos- 
sessed other merits, but had to be worked by hand. 
Mr. Kimball invented machinery to make it a suc- 
cess. He then removed to Milfoid. 

Within the last two years he has invented an im- 
proved metalic fastening and all the new machinery 
for its manufacture. This is now his main product. 

Lastly he has invented a machine for sole-fastening, 
upon which is placed a simple coil of threaded wire 
from which at each revolution of the machine a 
clinching screw is completed, automatically g')verned 
in length to conform exactly to the thickness of the 
material to be fastened together at the exact point 
necessary to be fastened, inserted in the material and 
securely riveted. By this machine, within a period 
of about fifteen seconds every fastening is made, in- 
serted and riveted, necessary to fasten the sole to a 
boot or shoe. The machine is on trial, with apparent 
prospect of success. 

Here is a lively epistle to young men, showing 
what may be done by energy, perseverance and dili- 
gence, and calling upon them to improve their minds, 
be watchful of their opportunities, husband their 
energies and work for a purpose. The world needs 
such, and will amply reward them. 

Rev. Samuel Perley was born in Ipswich-Line- 
brook, August 11, 1742, son of Samuel and Ruth- 
Howe Perley. He was twelve years old when his 
father died, and Abraham Howe became his guardian. 
He prepared for college under Rev. George Lesslie, 
his pastor, and entered Harvard at the age of sevens 
teen years, where he graduated in 1763. He was in- 
vited to a professorship in his Alma Mater, which he 
declined. He studied divinity with Rev. Mr. Lesslie, 
his former instructor. At the age of twenty-two 
years he received a call to settle over the Presbyte- 



rian church at Hampton Falls, Js^. H., where he was 
ordained and installed, January 31, 176-5. Rev. Mr. 
Le-slie preached the ordaining sermon, which was 
published. 

He was preaching in Seabrook in 1771 and '74. 
He led a company of soldiers to Bunker Hill, on that 
ever memorable occasion, but they arrived too late to 
participate in the action. He was next installed Oc- 
tobers, 1778, at Groton, Stafford County, N. H., over 
the church that had been gathered the year before. 
He continued but a few months, and was next in- 
stalled in Moultonborough October 20, 1780, over the 
church which was organized the previous year. Plii 
next and last pastorate was over the Congregational 
Church, Gray, Me., where he resided till his death. 
His installation, as their first minister, took place 
September 8, 1784. He retired from the ministry 
about 1791. 

He was a delegate from Gray to the Convention in 
Faneuil Hall, Boston, to consider the ratification of the 
Federal Constitution in 1788. Upon the floor he ad- 
vocated its adoption and with heartiness gave it his 
vote. He was for many years the only physician in 
Gray. For many years also he had an extensive 
practice in probate law. He was three times com- 
missioned a justice of the peace, covering a period of 
twenty-one years. He was, then, in his time, the 
minister, the physician and the lawyer of Gray, and 
he filled each oflSce with credit, and left a name that 
is now revered and honored. 

Mr. Perley's manners were open and agreeable. 
His dress was always tidy and plain ; he wore a ruf- 
fle but once, when he took his diploma at college. 
He was an easy and interesting talker, and was nota- 
bly hospitable. As a preacher he has been highly 
commended. He was a man of good-natured ability, 
and he had acquired a store of learning. His library 
was large, and embraced valuable works upon theo- 
logy, law, medicine, literature and general knowledge. 
He was tenacious of his opinions, and had just that 
proportion of self-esteem to give his talents free scope, 
and make them eminently useful. Preceding the 
war of 1812, he held a long correspondence with 
President John Adams, upon State polity, wherein 
he disclosed a wide knowledge of history and of 
practical state-craft. 

A few months after his settlement at Hampton 
Falls, May 21, 1765, he married Mi.ss Hephzibah, 
daughter of John and Mercy-Howe Fowler, of his 
native parish. She was mother of all his children, — • 
eight in number, now a numerous and influential 
progeny. She was baptized May 22, 1743, and died 
Friday, August 28, 1818. Mr. Perley died Sunday, 
November 28, 1830. A monument, costing from a 
thousand to fifteen hundred dollars, marks the fam- 
ily tomb. His children regard his memory with pride 
and affection. 

Frederick Chester Southgate, Esq. — Rev. 
Robert Southgate, the twelfth pastor of the First 



% 



^ l^« 




'^"f^AHfuuHte- 



t^/f^cL. U^c"?^c:C- 



IPSWICH. 



C47 



Church here, had five children, — Horatio died at 
Wethersfield, Conn. A daughter is married and liv- 
ing in Woodstock, Vt. ; Charles M. is a gospel minis- 
ter in Worcester, Mass. ; and the subject of this 
sketch is a lawyer in Woodstock. He is the only one 
of the family native here, and was born January 28, 
1852. He completed his preparatory studies at Phil- 
lips Academy, Audover, in 1869, and graduated at 
Dartmouth College, in 1874. He selected one of the 
prettiest of New England villages ibr his future home. 
He married, August 81, 1877, Miss Anna S. French, 
of that town ; they have two children. He has ac- 
quired a lucrative practice, and enjoys the fullest con- 
fidence of his people, which is shown in their be- 
stowal upon him of many public ofiBces and important 
trusts. He has twice declined a candidacy (which as 
a Kepublican in Vermont means electii n), to legisla- 
tive distinction, preferring the practice of his pro- 
fci-sion, and the quiet, social amenities of his people 
and home. 

Samuel Symoxds' Childeen. — There appears to 
be two SamneJs, — one who was a graduate of Harvard, 
in 1GG3, died in November, 16G9, and had a will pro- 
bated Ninth month 30th, 1669; and another called 
Junior, who died in 1654 ; William was freeman in 
1670, a representative from Wells, Me., 1676, married 
Mary Wade, daughter of Jonathan, and left no chil- 
dren. He died May 22, 1679. His estate was £33.=i9. 
'M. 3rf. ; Iliirlakendine ; Elizabeth married Daniel 
Eppes; 3/iirtha, John Dennison, and afterwards 
Richard Martyn, of Portsmouth ; liuih, Sev. John 
Emeison, of Gloucester; Priscilla, Thomas Baker, of 
Topsfield ; Mary, Peter Duncan, of Gloucester ; Re- 
becca, Henry Bylie, of Salisbury, England, then John 
Hall, of England, then Rev. William Worcester, of 
Salisbury, Mass. ; Dorothy, Joseph Jacobs ; and 
Susannah. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



ASA LORD. 

The subject of this sketch was one of six children 
who were born to Asa and Margaret Lord. On the 
25th day of September, 1797, young Asa first saw the 
light in Ipswich, Mass. 

In December of 1804 his father sailed from New- 
buryport for the West Indies, but was lost at sea, and 
two years later we find the boy, Asa, actuated by a 
strong filial affection, eager to assist his widowed 
mother, on a pleasant autumn day (the 9th of Octo- 
ber, 1806), walking to Newburyport in search of em- 
ployment. 

At this early age of nine years commenced the 
business life of Asa Lord, for here he obtained em- 
ployment as errand boy in the family of William 
Titcomb, with whom he remained seven years. Re- 
turning to Ipswich he learned the shoemaker's trade 



with Jlr. Jacob Stanwood, and continued in this bus- 
iness several years. 

In the spring of 1821, being in poor health, he took 
a four months' trip to Mount Desert, and returned 
improved and has been blessed with good health ever 
since. 

Being ambitious and anxious for a larger field for 
his business talent, on the 16th of May, 1825, he 
rented a small shop on High Street, Ipswich, for fif- 
teen dollars per year, and purchased on credit a stock 
of general merchandise at Salem, valued at two hun- 
dred dollars. 

He still worked at his bench, leaving his shoes to 
attend to the calls of his few customers. By his fair 
dealing, prompt payment of all obligations and his 
pleasant, genial manner, he made firm friends in bus- 
iness circles, and soon found his quarters too limited, 
and accordingly built a new house and large store up- 
on the site first occupied by him, and has continued 
there for more than three-score years, and has been 
successful in winning the respect and love of the 
community, as well as in accumulating a comi)etency 
which he has obtained not by dishonest gains, not by 
failing in business and paying a percentage to bis 
creditors, but by a devotion to business rarely equal- 
ed, by an honesty of purpose never tarnished, by 
making his word as good as his bond, he has steadily 
gone on from little to much, from much to more, un- 
til at life's eventide he reaps the success of a well 
rounded life. 

May he long live to enjoy the fruits of his ajiplica- 
tion, honesty, energy and indomitable will! 

On November 3, 1825, Mr. Lord was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Abigail Hodgkins, of Ipswich, the 
daughter of Captain John Hodgkins. Five children 
blessed this union, as follows: Lucy A., Thomas H., 
Abbie B., Francis G. and Mary A.; of this number 
but two survived, namely, Lucy A. and Thomas H., 
both of whom reside near the old home. Mary A. 
married John A. Brown on December 8, 1872, and 
died July 8, 1873, leaving one child, Hattie W. 

Thomas H. married Lucretia Smith on November 
13, 1859, and has all his life been associated with his 
father in business, and for several years has had al- 
most entire charge of the large trade established by 
his father, which he conducts upon the same never- 
failing principles of honesty and integrity. 



DAVID TESXEY KI.MBALL. 

Rev. David Tenney Kimball, born at Bradford No- 
vember 23, 1782, died at Ipswich February 3, 1860, 
aged seventy-seven ; married Dolly Varnum Coburn, 
of Dracut, October 20, 1807, who died his widow De- 
cember 12, 1873, aged ninety. 

He was the seventh child of Lieutenant Daniel and 
Mrs. Elisabeth Kimball. His mother had a brother, 
David Tenney (H. C, 1768), a devoted minister of 
much promise, who died a short time before the birth 



648 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of the subject of our sketch, after whom she named 
her young son. The home of his boyhood was emin- 
ently Christian, and to its influence and that of these 
parents may be traced the marked and prominent 
features in the character of their children, ten of 
•whom, all that lived to mature age, entered into 
covenant with God. Two of the sons became ministers 
of the gospel and two of the daughters married clergy- 
men. His father was not only one of the best farmers 
in the town, but one of its most influential citizens, — 
a man of intelligence and sound integrity, faithful to 
all his engagements. Born in 17-17, he was in early 
manhood when our Revolutionary struggle com- 
menced. In company with all ihe hardy, liberty- 
loving yeomanry of New England, he espoused the 
cause of the colonies and devoted himself to it, with 
a courage that never failed and a constancy that 
never faltered, till his country passed from impend- 
ing servitude to acknowledged independence. The 
land which he cultivated descended to him from Ben- 
jamin Kimball, through Jonathan and Nathaniel, 
and was greatly improved under his care; but alter 
his decease, having been in possession of the family 
more than two hundred years, it passed into other 
hands. 

The house in which he was born was situated in a 
secluded spot, on a cross-road, more than a mile from 
the public thoroughfare and a considerable distance 
from any dwelling. Though retired, it was the abode 
of intelligence, of manly virtue and gladsome child- 
hood. Here it was that he learned to love his mother, 
his father and his God. But our records of his child- 
hood are brief From all we can learn it appears 
that in every respect, — in character, temperament 
and manner — the boy was father to the man. His 
brothers and sisters all spoke of him as a boy of rare 
seriousness and devotion to books, and of a most ami- 
able and lovely disposition. Said his brother Samuel, 
" I never knew him to utter a mean or profane word. 
He was always pleasant in his intercourse with his 
family and playmates, and beloved by all who knew 
him. He was a great lover of the Bible, which he 
read through aloud three times before he was eight 
years old. His sister Jane wrote : " On the Sabbath 
he would stand by a table and read the whole day 
when he did not go to church, except to leave for 
meals. This was his practice from the time he was 
six years old till he was too tall to stand at a table 
and read. I think that, as a child and a young man, 
he had as many lovely traits of character as I ever 
knew combined in one. He delighted in the memo- 
ries and associations of his childhood and youth." In 
the introduction to a discourse delivered in Bradford, 
he said, " Everything relating to your town, rather let 
me say to our town, interests me, — your hills, your 
valleys, your brooks, your river, your ancient dwell- 
ings, — your burial-places, these gray hairs; in short, 
everything of yours excites in me the tenderest emo- 
tions. Here rest my pious and beloved parents, who. 



in my infancy, gave me up to God for His service in 
general and for the work of the ministry in particu- 
lar; and who watched over my youth with the 
greatest solicitude for ray temporal and eternal wel- 
fare ; and here I first entered into covenant with God.'' 

The education by which his boyhood was instructed 
was such as could be obtained by attending, during 
the winter months, the di-strict school, till he was 
past fifteen. In May 1798, he became a student in 
Atkinson Academy, an institution then much resorted 
to by students preparing for college. That he was 
regarded as one of the most promising scholars ap- 
pears from the fiict that, when a request came to 
Mr. Vose, preceptor, from the neighboring town of 
Plaistow, for a Fourth-of-July speaker, he recom- 
mended young Kimball, " whose oration, pronounced 
in the presence of more than one thousand people, 
was well received." 

Leaving the academy August 14, 1799, he entered 
Harvard College. He had now reached the position 
in his academical career to which he had been looking 
with fond desire, and in which his most sanguine ex- 
pectations were to be full)' realized. In after years 
he was wont to speak with admiration and enthusiasm 
of college life and the friendships there formed, and 
of the four years spent there as among the happiest 
of his life. While here, he was remarkably free from 
all youthful indiscretions, and was then, as ever after, 
the decided friend of law and order, of obedience to 
the powers that be. In sophomore year there was 
trouble in his class, and one of their number was sus- 
pended for insulting a college officer. The censure was 
resented by his classmates as a great indignity, which 
they manifested by raising the flag of rebel lion and es- 
corting the criminal on the way to the place of his des- 
tination. The whole class, with the exception of three, 
were engaged in this rebellious movement. Among the 
excepted was Kimball. The honorable course of this 
trio was considered the result of principle, and not 
of a desire to procure special favor from the college 
government, and was subsequently approved by those 
who were carried away by the excitement of the 
moment. 

As a student, he was noted for the accuracy of his 
recitations in every department of study, and at once 
took rank among the best scholars of his class. That 
he sustained this position during his whole collegiate 
course is evident from the fact, that in taking his de- 
gree of A. M., in 1806, he pronounced the valedictory 
oration in Latin. He was a member of the Phi Beta 
Kappa Society, and active and prominent in various 
other societies for literary and moral improvement. 
His classmates and college acquaintances bear testi- 
mony to his honorable standing. Says Samuel Greele 
(H. C, 1802), for nearly fifty years deacon of the 
Federal Street Church, Boston, in a letter to a son of 
Mr. K., " I believe no one in his class surpassed 
him as a belles-lettres scholar. His themes were re- 
markable for their chaste and classic elegance. Pro- 




-'■ny-'b^AH K-tchu 



Ov 



uiy J. 



IPSWICH. 



649 



fessor Pearson, who had charge of that department, 
used to distinguish compositions of superior excel- 
lence by a double mark. Your father's themes usu- 
ally had this distinction, and in one or two instances 
he received a treble mark, a distinction which, I be- 
lieve, was awarded to uo one else during my collegi- 
ate life. In Andover we were fellow-students in div- 
inity, and, as we were chums together for some 
months, I became intimately acquainted with him. I 
think I never knew one of our sex more remarkable 
for amiability of disposition. To manline-s of char- 
acter he united a loveliness of temperament that 
seemed almost feminine. He pursued his studies 
with conscientious fidelity and became popular as a 
preacher. His settlement in one of the oldest and 
most respectable parishes of tha commonwealth indi- 
cates his professional standing. I take a melancholy 
pleasure in planting this forget-me-not on the grave 
of one whom I shall never cease to respect and love 
as a Christian, a gentleman and a friend." 

He took his iirst collegiate degree August 31, 1803, 
and, a week from that day, became assistant for one 
year in Phillips Academy, Andover, Mr. Mark New- 
man, preceptor. 

The time had now arrived when he was to enter 
upon the study of that profession to which his mother 
devoted him in her heart when he w-as a child, for 
which he had a strong predilection, and upou which 
he deliberately and prayerfully entered. He com- 
menced his preparatory studies under the direction 
offiev. Jonathan French, pastor of the South Church 
in Andover. In theology he was an Andover stu- 
dent, on what was then called the Abbot Foundation. 
Mr. French, who was an orthodox minister in the 
sense of the Assembly's Catechism, had several young 
gentlemen as students in theology at that time, con- 
stituting the Theological Seminary in embryo. On 
Auguft 6, 1805, he was approbated by the Andover 
Association for the work of the gospel ministry, in- 
duced thus early to engage in preaching at the earn- 
est desire of Mr. French, a step which he always re- 
gretted, as it prevented him from prosecuting his 
studies as he had intended. But from the time of his ap- 
probation to that of his settlement he preached every 
Sabbath but one or two. It was on September 22, 
1805, that he preached for the first time in Ipswich, 
and June 17, 180(1, that the First Church, without a 
dissenting voice, made choice of him as pastor, in 
which action the parish concurred with great unan- 
imity, only one dissenting, and he a Baptist in prin- 
ciple. On October 8, 1806, he was ordained pastor 
of the First Church in Ipswich — the ninth in the 
Massachusetts Colony. He was the eleventh pastor 
in succession of predecessors, most of whom were 
men of note in their day, and all of whom maintained 
the doctrine of the Puritan Fathers. The young pas- 
tor, then in his twenty-fourth year, felt no slight 
degree of ditiidence and distrust in regard to meeting 
the high expectations which he had awakened. But 
4U 



the doctrines which he professed, and the course he 
had marked out at his ordination, he firmly main- 
tained and steadily pursued during his public minis- 
try. He devoted not only his ali'ections but his time 
and talents to the service of his JIaster and the inter- 
ests of His kingdom. He felt that Paul's charge to 
Timothy, " Be instant in season and out of season," 
was addressed also to him; and he acted accordingly. In 
his visits to the sick he was prompt, affectionate and 
faithful. When called, at whatever hour of the night, 
he instantly obeyed the summons, and he not unfre- 
quently passed whole nights in the chamber of the 
sick and by the b^ds of the dying. He made many 
social calls and visits, the object of which was, in 
part, to promote kind and friendly feelings and to in- 
cite in his hearers a deeper interest in his public la- 
bors. These visits, which averaged five hundred a 
year, were in all more than twenty thousand. 

In person Mr Kimball was well proportioned, six 
feet in height, and in the prime of life weighed a 
hundred and seventy-five pounds; hair and eyes 
black, step firm and elastic. He had a pleasing 
voice, his enunciation was distinct, his manner never 
violent nor denunciatory, but calm and impressive. 
In summer he generally appeared in the pulpit in 
the canonicals presented to him at his ordination by 
the ladies of the parish, and supplemented by them 
as occasion demanded. 

Though at the time of his settlement he was in deli- 
cate health, and thought by some not sufficiently ro- 
bust to warrant his engaging in the labors and respon- 
sibilities of the ministerial office, and though for 
years he suffered from headache, often for weeks in 
succession, yet he lived to preach, in his own pulpit 
and those of his brethren, more than five thousand 
sermons, having had no vacation and having been 
prevented from preaching but a few times, when he 
supplied his place or the people worshipped with other 
congregations. 

He maintained pleasant pulpit exchanges with his 
ministerial brethren and his labors were highly ac- 
ceptable. These exchanges were not only with the 
Congregational and Presbyterian ministers of the 
county, but occasional'y with others more remote. It 
is believed that his exchanges were never more fre- 
quent or more acceptable to his clerical brethren and 
their societies than at the time of closing his labors at 
Ipswich, at which time more than sixty pulpits were 
open to his ministrations. 

As a monument of his industry he left above three 
thousand sermons, written out with remarkable legi- 
bility. Indeed, he took a pride in doing with clear- 
ness whatever he attempted ; he never slighted any 
trust which he assumed. 

The following is a sketch of his more public ser- 
vices : 

His Labors amonr/ the Yotnif/ — His labors in be- 
half of the lambs of his flock were abundant an<l in- 
cessant. For eleven years, in the earlier period ot 



650 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



his ministry, he instructed the children at the church 

and in his house in the Assembly's Catechism, the 
number varying from one hundred and fifty to more 
than two hundred. At the establishment of the Sun- 
day-school, June 18, 1818, he acted as super- 
intendent and took part in its immediate instruc- 
tion. In December of that year he formed a class 
of young ladies in Wilbur's Catechism, which con- 
tinued for a long time. He also taught the youth of 
both sexes in Sacred History ; preached during his 
ministry more than one hundred sermons exclusively 
to the young; occupied fourteen Sabbath evenings in 
one winter with lectures to young inen on the text, 
" Is the young man Absalom safe?" For years the 
Bible class, composed of the young people and others 
more advanced, numbered from two hundred to three 
hundred. With this exercise he went through most 
of the Pentateuch, the whole of John's gospel, the 
four evangelists in their connection and harmony, 
and the Acts of the Apostles. 

Education. — Impressed with the special importance 
of knowledge to the citizens of a country, the stabil- 
ity and permanence of whose institutions rest upon 
intelligence and good morals, he had no sooner en- 
tered on his pastoral duties than he visited the 
schools, to encourage the children and youth by his 
presence, hissympathy and friendly counsel. For more 
than forty years he was a member of the school commit- 
tee, and no small part of the time chairman, and accus- 
tomed to examine the teachers and the eight schools 
repeatedly every year, to pray with and examine the 
same. In his fiftieth anniversary discourse he re- 
marked that he had probably made more than 
two thousand visits to these schools. He was ever 
the advocate of the most liberal appropriation and of 
the most complete organization, instruction and dis- 
cipline of the common schools, and he did much by 
pen and voice for their improvement. The school 
board, in their annual report for the year ending 
March, 1860, thus speak of his services : " As a mem- 
ber of the feoffees of the grammar school for a period 
of more than thirty years, and as one of the school 
committee for forty years of bis useful life among us, 
he has done much, both by precept and example, for 
the moral improvement of our youth, and his active 
exertions and untiring zeal in the cause of education 
will long be held in grateful remembrance." 

He always took special interest in scholars belong- 
ing to the grammar-school, particularly in those con- 
templating a collegiate course. By the term " gram- 
mar-school," we do not mean the common, or public 
school, as it now exists in our commonwealth, sup- 
ported by a tax and free of charge, to rich and poor, 
but a school where Greek and Latin were taught, and 
where youth could be fitted for college. The Ipswich 
grammar-school was established in 1650. In six 
years from its opening there were six young men 
from this town pursuing at the same time their stud- 
ies at Harvard College; and all of them undoubtedly 



pupils of this school. But the grammar-school no 
longer exists as such ; it has been merged in the 
Manning School, and its funds appropriated, in part, 
to the support of its teachers. It was a grand old 
school some sixty or seventy years ago, when Richard 
Kimball, George Choate, Charles Choate and Stephen 
Coburn reigned there. In it more than one hundred of 
the natives of Ipswich, who have received collegiate 
honors, acquired their elementary education. 

Female Education and Ipswich Female Seminary. — 
He was among the earliest and most earnest to call 
attention, public and private, to the whole subject of 
female education, and especially to the more exten- 
sive employment of women as teachers. Of so great 
importance did he regard this subject, that early in 
his ministry he kept a private school in his own 
house for several years, to which a goodly number of 
the young ladies of his society and the town resorted. 

The Ipswich Female Seminary was opened for the 
reception of pupils, April 23, 1828, on which occasion 
an address was delivered by Mr. Kimball. As presi- 
dent of the board of trustees during the eleven years 
in which Miss Grant was principal, he delivered the 
diplomas with an address annually to the graduating 
class. At no small sacrifice he received Miss Grant 
and her associated teachers into his family, when she 
made the so doing the sine qua wo?i of her establish- 
ment in Ipswich. 

His labors in education were not confined to his 
place of residence. He frequently spoke on the sub- 
ject by request in other towns. Soon after the or- 
ganization of the Essex County Teachers' Association, 
in 1829, the first of the kind in the United States, 
" when," says one,' " few could be prevailed upon to 
favor the enterprise, Mr. Kimball, who had himself 
been an able and successful instructor, readily yielded 
to the request of the society to lecture before it. This 
he did with ability and peculiar acceptance." 

Foreign Missions. — Through his whole ministry he 
was the earnest advocate and efficient helper of the 
American Board ; was present at its organization at 
Bradford in 1810, frequently presented its claims to 
his own people, and occasionally addressed audiences 
in its behalf in other places. " Among the arguments 
that the early friends of missions had constantly to 
meet," says Rev. William Kiucaid, at the annual 
meeting of the Board at Des Moines, October 6, 1886, 
" was the complaint that the sending out of so much 
money to the heathen would impoverish the country. 
So wide-spread and persistent was this objection that 
in 1826 two prominent ministers, of whom Dr. Lyman 
Beecher was one" (and Rev. David Kimball the 
other, see Proceedings of the Auxiliary Mission Society 
of Essex County, A.'pxW 11, 1826), were appointed by 
this board to prepare elaborate papers in answer to 
it. The manner in which Mr. Kimball acquitted 
himself may be seen in the following remarks which 

1 E«T. Gardner B. Perry, D. D. 



IPSWICH. 



651 



he oftered on that occasion : " Sir, the resources of 
our country are not easily exhausted. When I look 
around this country; when I consider its extent of 
territory, fertility of soil and salubrity of climate, its 
agricultural improvenieuts, its extensive and lucrative 
commerce, the rapidly increasing growth of its manu- 
factures ; when I consider the number, intelligence, 
industry and enterprise of its husbandmen, mechanics 
and merchants, and its favorable situation in respect 
to every kind of business tending to the increase of 
wealth ; when I survey the vast resources of my 
country ; I feel as little apprehension that these re- 
sources will be exhausted by its charities to the hea- 
then, as that the waters of the Pacific Ocean will be 
exhausted by natural exhalation. And I would as 
soon accuse that ocean of a wanton waste of its waters, 
for suffering them to ascend for the purpose of falling 
on the pastures of the wilderness, and clothing them 
with verdure, as charge the friends of missions with 
profu.sion for collecting a portion of the riches of this 
world, and causing it to descend in the dew of gospel 
charity on the moral wilderness. Were I to surren- 
der the point which I undertook to maintain, I would 
still hold on to the object to which we are devoted, 
and say, let the wealth of this world go, if on such 
terms souls may be rescued from degradation, guilt 
and death, and raised to that world where they will 
be praising God, and advancing toward him by new 
accessions of glory, forever and ever. But I do not 
surrender the point which I undertook to maintain. 
I do not believe that the property of the community 
has been lessened by the interest in foreign missions, 
nor that it would be lessened, if the object were to 
interest our entire population, and the contributions 
to it were increased a hundred-fold." 

Anti-tSlavtry. — He was the uncompromising enemy 
of oppression and tyranny in all their forms, and 
early declared himself the friend of liberty, personal 
and national. In an address in his native town, he 
said : " I appear this evening, not as a member of any 
anti-slavery organization, but as an anti-slavery man, 
independent of all organizations. As to this cause 
blame me not, my friends, for my love of it ; for here, 
in the days of my childhood and youth, was that love 
kindled. Yes, between those hills my father taught 
me, and in these ancient houses, your fathers taught 
me, and at the house of worship which recently stood 
there, the pastor taught me, that slavery is a sin, 
being a transgression of the law which says: 'Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself I received it as 
true ; I believed it; and I proclaimed it in this house 
of prayer, when at twenty-one our fathers called me 
on the day of our nation's birth, to echo, as I could, 
the just and noble sentiment, ' all men are created 
free and equal.' From the first moment, that, as I 
trust, I began to love God for what he is, for his 
holiness, justice and mercy; I have felt that slavery 
is a sin, and that like every other sin, it should be 
immediately renounced; and I must think and feel 



so, as long as God's law remains as it is, and as long 
as God remains what he is." 

As he believed he spoke, and unhesitatingly gave 
utterance, on all suitable occasions, to the "sentiments 
he entertained. Into the structure of his mind, — ■ 
which was conservative, judicious and catholic, — 
ultraism, fanaticism and bigotry did not enter. He 
had zeal, but according to knowledge ; he hated op- 
pression, but his hatred was tempered with prudence; 
he had opinions of his own to which he tenaciously 
adhered, yet he allowed in others the same freedom 
of expression that he claimed for himself. Early in 
the agitation of this subject he took an open and de- 
clared anti-slavery position ; took it, and held to it, 
through evil report and good report, and though he 
did not live to see the day of deliverance and triumph, 
yet he believed it would come and gloriously too. He 
identified himself with the enterprise at a time when, 
through indifference, or cowardice, or selfishness the 
voice of the pulpit and press was dumb, and few de- 
sired to have the subject agitated in the community. 
The American Colonization Society was then at the 
liight of its popularity, and it was regarded as almost 
impious to question the benevolence of its scheme. 
That dark period of ignorance and apathy, delusion 
and prejudice should be carefully pondered and pro- 
perly estimated in order that the amount of moral 
courage requisite to meet it should also be measured 
and appreciated. Mr. Kimball though a diffident 
man and one who shrank from contending with 
an antagonist in open extemporaneous debate, was 
yet firm, decided and earnest in the discussion of 
any question in which he conscientiously believed, 
whether popular or unpopular with the people. 
The thing for him to decide was, whether the sen- 
timents he entertained were in accordance with 
the word of God. If they were he was bold in pro- 
claiming them ; and undeterred by the fear of man 
and the consequences, went straightforward in the 
discharge of duty, sustained by the belief th.at, though 
all men might be against him, the God in whom he 
trusted would be with him. His name, which stood 
at the head of the Massachusetts delegation, is among 
the one hundred and fifty-four clergymen who came 
before the public in 1834 as the advocates of imme- 
diate emancipation, by signing a document giving a 
decided expression of opinion on these two cardinal 
points, viz. : 1. That colonization is not an adequate 
remedy for slavery, and must therefore b& abandoned 
for something else that is ; and 2. Th.at the scheme of 
Immediate Emancipation is such a remedy, and is, 
therefore, to be adopted and urged. 

In the formation of the Essex County Anti-slavery 
Society he took an active part. At a convention held 
at Topsfield April 4, 1834, to consider the expediency 
of forming said society, he was chosen, with others, 
to prepare a constitution. When the New England 
Anti-slavery Society met in Boylston Hall, Boston, 
May 2(5, 1834, he was on the committee to report on 



652 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the District of Columbia and the Territories; and in 
June of the same year, when the Essex County Anti- 
slavery Society was organized at Salem, he was one 
of the vice-presidents. Thus early and openly did he 
commit himself steadfastly and zealously to this great 
enterprise. 

Temperance. — His mother instilled early into his 
mind and heart the great principle of brotherly love, 
including in its wide embrace love of all humanity, 
thus striking, with her heaven-inspired hand, the key- 
note of philanthropy in his heart, and laying the 
foundation of that spirit of benevolence which led 
him to adopt and proclaim the great reformatory doc- 
trines which in the last half century have so exten- 
sively occupied the atti ntion of the more thoughtful 
of our fellow-countrymen. Hence it was, that war 
and slavery and intemperance had in him an uncom- 
promising foe, ready on all proper occasions to em- 
ploy against them " a sling and a smooth stone out of 
the brook," weapons which, if not mighty, did good 
service in the cause of humanity. The second ser- 
mon which lie wrote was on temperance, and during 
his ministry he frequently discoursed ujjon it on the 
Sabbath, and always readily and cheerfully complied 
with the invitations of his fellow-citizens and others 
to speak on the subject, lending his influence and giv- 
ing his labor to promote it at a period when, in popu- 
lar feeling, attachment to the cause did not add to a 
man's public reputation. 

He was one of the original members of the first 
State temperance society in the country, — " The 
Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intem- 
perance," instituted in 1813. In 182(5, when the 
American Temperance Society was formed, on tlie 
principle of total abstinence, he united with it, as he 
did with the Washingtonian movement of 1840. 

The American Education Society. — While he took a 
deep interest in all the benevolent and religious en- 
terprises of the day, the American Education Society 
in particular, whose object was the education of pious 
young men for the gospel ministry, occupied much of 
his time and attention. In the preliminary work of 
the Essex Auxiliary Education Society he bore a 
prominent part. At its organization, October 30, 
181(5, he was made secretary. As such he prepared, 
in December of that year, a circular addressed to the 
evangelical ministers of the county, inviting them to 
recommend to their several churches an annual col- 
lection for this object; and in 1828 he caused to be 
printed five hundred copies of the constitution, with 
a list of otBcers and an address prepared by himself. 
Having acted as secretary for twenty-three years, in 
1839 he resigned the oliice. His resignation not 
being accepted, he continued the secretaryship, at- 
tending the annual meetings and preparing the 
yearly reports to the close of his life, a period of 
forty-four years. During this time, says Rev. Dr. Perry, 
"he never failed in an appointment, nor at the an- 
nual meeting came unprepared with a report carefully 



made out. His reports were often extended to a 
considerable length, were directed to different bear- 
ings and responsibilities of the society, and, if 
brought together, would make a volume filled with 
important truths and practical instruction ; and I 
must regard it as no small loss to the religious world 
that they should be hid in the depository of finished 
business, comparatively unknown and unread." 

Essex North Association. — Soon after his ordination 
he united with this association. Having, as scribe 
pro tempore, kept the minutes and conducted the cor- 
respondence of the society for a year, he was chosen 
permanent secretary, May 12, 1812, which office he 
held till his death, a period of forty-eight years, dur- 
ing all which time he was punctual in attendance at 
the meetings, and always ready to contribute his full 
share of time and labor to its interests. Three times 
he was called upon to deliver the annual sermon 
at the conference of the churches in Essex North. 
He was unanimously chosen to preach the anniver- 
sary sermon before the Massachusetts General Associ- 
ation at Woburn in 1844, which discourse was pub- 
licly commended as most appropriate and excellent. 
He was one of four who formed a society separate 
from the association for the purpose of studying the 
Scriptures in their original languages, and for mak- 
ing themselves better men and better ministers. " It 
is a noble example, worthy to be put into tlie history 
of our body," [The " Ecclesiastical History of Es- 
sex County "], " that Father Kimball commenced 
and prosecuted the study of Hebrew after he 
was forty years old." Tlie distinct impression which 
lie left on the memories of his associates was his 
fidelity and untiring industry. His productions, says 
Rev. Dr. Tike, were always scholarly and his heart 
always true to the Redeemer's kingdom. 

Church in Linehrook Parish. — This church, organ- 
ized in 1749, but which in 1819 had been reduced in 
member.<hip to two women, one of whom was very 
aged and infirm, was watched over by him with a 
fatherly eye. For several years he occasionally held 
meetings for prayer among the people, and for a con- 
siderable period conducted a Bible-class exercise one 
evening a week ; visited their sick, buried their dead, 
and, whenever a religious interest was manifest, how- 
ever slight, he instantly hastened to their aid. Said 
a member of that church, " I shall never forget the 
expression of his countenance nor the tears I have 
seen flow, when I have been telling him of persons in 
our parish whom I knew to be anxicms about the sal- 
vation of the soul." His labors for the church during 
its struggle for existence knew no abatement. In this 
he proved himself a wrestling Jacob and a prevailing 
Israel. When at its lowest point and without a suitable 
place of worship, the old meeting-house having gone 
to decay, he urged the people to hold together and 
make a united effort for the erection of a new house ; 
and, when they had decided to build, he addressed the 
secretary of the Massachusetts Missionary Society for 



IPSWICH. 



653 



aid in support of a minister, and received from him 
the assurance that the society would appropriate to 
this object one hundred dollars annually. The con- 
tinued interest of Mr. K. in this parish was shown by 
the action of his society, in presenting to it, at his 
suggestion, in 1848, for its present church edifice, the 
bell which had formerly hung in the steeple of the 
old meeting-bouse in Ipswich. In 1860 the church 
bad increased from two in 1819 to seventy. A bequest 
of S7000, by John Perley, Esq., of Georgetown, has 
enabled it to secure the services of a regularly settled 
minister, and it is in a prosperous condition. 

Publications. — While the modesty of Mr. Kimball 
was such as to prevent him committing to the press 
the earlier productions of his pen, copies of which 
had in several instances been requested, and 
among them an oration delivered in Andover, July 
4, 1804; an addresss on education in Bradford Acad- 
emy, 1805; a sermon on peace in Ipswich, July 4, 
1817; and while he declined similar requests in later 
years, he was the author of sixteen published dis- 
courses, which were regarded as valuable contribu- 
tions to the religious literature of the day, — notice- 
ably, a sermon before the Society for the Promotion 
of Christian Knowledge, in Park Street Church, 
Boston, 1821 ; a Sketch of the Ecclesiastical History 
of Ipswich, 1821 ; a Centennial Discourse before the 
First Church and Congregation in Ipswich, August 
10, 1834, two hundred years after the gathering of 
that church; a sermon on the Utility of a Permanent 
Ministry, 1839; The Last Sermon in the Ancient 
Mecting-House of the First Parish in Ipswich, Feb- 
ruary 22, 1846 ; the First .Sermon in the New Meet- 
ing-house of that Parish, February 4, 1847: a Dis- 
course on the Fiftieth Anniversary of his Ordination, 
October 8, 1856. He also furnished many miscel- 
laneous articles to secular and religious magazines 
and papers. 

Hospitality. — His house was the seat of a generous 
hospitality. He followed the injunction of St. Paul, 
" Be not forgetful to entertain strangers," many of 
whom he cordially received. For most of the time 
from his settlement to the completion of the Eastern 
Railroad, his company, in addition to that of particu- 
lar friends, averaged not less than one person for the 
whole time, and one horse in the stable. It was not 
uncommon for strangers passing through the town by 
stage to come directly to his house to dine, while 
their companions were being entertained at the pub- 
lic-house. 

R';vivaU-—T\\6x6 were several interesting religious 
awakenings during his ministry. As the fruit of 
which there were received into the church in 1808, 
16; in 1820, 13; in 1825-26, 35; in 1829, 88; in 1830, 
22; in 1838, 16; in 1849-50, 45; an aggregate of 
235. "In such sea.sons of merciful visitations," said 
Rev. Mr. Fitz in his sermon at the funeral of 
Mr. K., '■ he spared not himself, multiplying hi:; meet- 
ings and g<iing from house to house to preach repent- 



ance, to ofler to the inquiring sinner an Almighty 
Saviour, and to implore, on behalf of every house- 
hold, the influences of the Holy Spirit." 

On July 24, 1851, he withdrew from the active du- 
ties of the pastoral office, which he had filled with 
distinguished ability and faithfulness, and became 
pastor emeritus. After his retirement he preached 
in various places, and continued to do so till the 
time of his death, ''being never so happy," to use his 
own words, as " when engaged in this delightful em- 
ployment." As he drew near " the shining-shore," 
he must have found comfort in the thought, that by 
God's blessing, the church, which at his ordination 
consisted of but fifty-three members, had been quad- 
rupled under his ministry. 

The great aim which Mr. Kimball seems ever to 
have had in view was usefulness. He lived to do 
good ; and although it cannot be said <if him, or of 
any man that ever lived, that he made no mistake in 
the devising or the carrying out of his plans, yet no 
one could question the purity of his motives or the 
integrity of his acts. If he possessed little of what is 
called genius, he had two of the greatest of all posses- 
sions, diligence and perseverance; if not a man of 
profound erudition, his requirements were more than 
respectable. He was a careful and cautious thinker, 
an accomplished writer, an accurate scholar, a forci- 
ble and instructive preacher. In every department 
of duty he was diligent, prompt and faithful, deeply 
interested in all the ]diilanthropic movements of the 
day, and zealous for the Lord of Hosts, — a consecrated 
champion of Christian truth. And having lived a 
life of faith and obedience, he died the death of the 
righteous. 

His la.st sickness, pneumonia, was short, but very 
painful. As he drew near the river's brink, and 
some thought he had passed over, he revived and ex- 
claimed, " The gates of the New Jerusalem are 
opening; " and after a pause, " I see within the city." 
He then took affectionate leave of his family, and 
breathing benedictions on his people, for whom his 
last audible prayer was offered, he fell asleep. There 
was no pang in the dying hour. At the moment of 
the soul's dejiarture, according to the testimony of his 
daughter, Mary, there came to his lips a smile of in- 
effable beauty, and there it remained till he was bur- 
ied out of sight, never more to be seen till the morn- 
ing of the resurrection. 

The citizens of the town exhibited the most pro- 
found respect for the deceased pastor. A man of 
spotless character, he was universally beloved. From 
the time the intelligence of his illness spread through 
the community till his burial the house was thronged. 
Many children came to see the face of him they 
loved. At twelve o'clock of the day following his 
death, all the bells in the town tolled in concert. At 
his funeral all classes pressed to* show their love and 
express their grief. The people of Ipswich without 
distinction of sect or party, formed a most honorable 



654 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



procession and accompanied the remains to the ap- 
pointed place of burial. He was greatly honored in 
his death. Many clergymen and distinguished lay- 
men from abroad were present at his funeral. Through 
the kindness and generosity of his nearest neighbor 
and ever constant friend. Deacon Aaron Cogswell, an 
eligible burial spot was secured for him and his 
family, near the centre of the ancient cemetery in 
High Street, where he reposes in the midst of a thou- 
sand of the people of his charge, and where the sun 
smiles upon his rest as his Heavenly Father smiled 
upon his departing spirit. 



EDWARD p. KIJIBALL. 

Edward P. Kimball, son of Hon. Charles Kimball, 
was born March 22, 1836. Acquiring the rudiments 
of his education at the common schools of the town 
and at the old High School, he finished his course 
there at a time when there sprang up among the 
young men of the place quite an enthusiastic desire 
to fit and enter college, and he was one of a class of 
several who. with that end in view, recited their 
Latin and Greek before breakfast at an early morn- 
ing hour to Bev. John P. Cowles, then principal of 
the IpsW'ich Female Seminary. Continuing under 
Mr. Cowles' instruction for a year, he completed his 
preparation for college at Thetford Academy, Thet- 
ford, Vt., and at the Williston Seminary, Easthamp- 
ton, Mass., and in the autumn of 1852 entered the 
Freshman Class of Amherst College. Remaining 
there two years, he was obliged to leave on account 
of ill health, and staying out a year, entered the Ju- 
nior Class at Williams College, where he graduated 
in 1857. The late ex-President Garfield was then a 
member of Williams, and rooming near him, he there 
made his acquaintance, as well as that of other men 
afterwards distinguished in public life and in the 
various professions. After graduating, he taught in 
the Shippensburg Collegiate Institute at Shippens- 
burg, Pa., practically having charge of the school. 

In 1858 he entered upon the study of the law in 
the olfice of Hon. Otis P. Lord at Salem, remaining 
there till Judge Lord took his seat upon the bench, and 
then completing his studies in the olfice of his father, 
he was, in 1861, admitted to the bar. He practiced 
his profession in Ipswich for a few years, and after- 
wards in Gloucester, and then associated himself 
with his father in business at Salem, and continued 
it after his father's decease until, in October, 1886, he 
assumed the duties of postmaster of Ipswich under 
appointment from President Cleveland. Mr. Kim- 
ball has held various public ofiices, having served 
upon the school committee of Ipswich for six years, 
and as selectman of the town for two years, besides 
being candidate for the House of Representatives 
and State Senate, falKng of election only because his 
party were in the minority. He has always taken a 
great interest in music, is a fine bass singer, has 



given instruction in vocal music, and was leader of 
the South Church choir for eighteen years. Mr. 
Kimball was married in 1867 to Sarah M. Kimball, 
daughter of Rev. Reuben Kimball, of North Conway, 
N. H., and has four children, — two sons and two 
daughters. Mrs. Kimball is a lady of intelligence, of 
a bright, cheerful and sunny disposition, remarkably 
conscientious, interested in every good work, devoted 
to her family and a leader in the affairs of church 
and society which come within the sphere of wo- 
man's activities. 

It is interesting to notice in families the peculiar 
traits that descend from father to sou, and in Mr. 
Kimball's case they are especially noticeable. 

He has inherited from his father, and possesses in 
a remarkable degree, a spirit of thoroughness in 
everything which he undertakes. There is nothing 
so abhorrent to him as the disposition sometimes dis- 
played of an arrogant, dogmatic assertion as facts of 
thingsof which the speaker is profoundly ignorant. 
Indeed, his exceeding caution in this respect may 
have sometimes worked to his disadvantage in giving 
him an appearance of hesitation, betokening ignor- 
ance of subjects on which he was really better in- 
formed than more flippant and showy, but at the 
same time more superficial, thinkers. 

He is of a kindly and genial disposition, thought- 
ful of the feelings of others and considerate of the 
rights of all. 

In manner and deportment he is unassuming. His 
natural reserve has sometimes given the impression 
of haughtiness, but this is an erroneous view of his 
temperament. 

Though dignified in bearing, he is not distant. He 
has a quick perception of the humorous. His opin- 
ion and judgment are often sought in questions of 
dispute. 

In matters pertaining to the welfare of the town he 
is deeply interested, and takes pride in her grand his- 
toric past and its present growth and prosperity. 

In the preparation of legal papers and in advising 
upon legal subjects, this mental quality of his con- 
spicuously appears, so that whatever is said or done 
by him can be depended upon without hesitation, 
subject only to such qualifications as he expressly 
lays down. Weighing well a subject, and coming 
slowly and carefully to a conclusion, we cannot won- 
der that his opinions, once formed, are held with 
great tenacity ; but no one, however much he may 
ditier himself from his views, can but respect the de- 
liberate and careful way in which his judgment is 
made up or the conscientious fairness and candor 
with which his views are entertained. At the same 
time tolerant and deferential to those who are con- 
strained to disagree with him, it is not strange that 
he commands the undivided respect and esteem of 
the entire comunity in which he dwells. 








Cpdju^€vi-€L^ U, (Jtl^ri 




^>if ^M'AIfRz^'^'^^^ 



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IPSWICH. 



(535 



REV. DANIEL FITZ, D.D.^ 

The Fitz fiimily ranks among tlie very early Puri- 
tan families of New England. Its first Anglo-Ameri- 
can ancestor was Robert Fitz. He was born in 1617, 
and came to this country from Fitz Ford or its vicin- 
ity, near Tavistock, in the county of Devonshire, 
England, as early, certainly, as 1640. Mrs. Bray has 
directed attention to this locality by making it the 
scene of her novel entitled " Fitz of Fitz-Ford." She 
says of it, in the introduction to her book : 

"To the west of the town, by the side of the new road to Plymouth, 
etand the mine of the gate-way of Fitz-ford. which, excejit an oM barn, 
(b all that now remains of the mansion and offices of the family of Fitz. 
This gate-way is spacious, and the label ornamenta of its architectnre 
proclaim it to be a structure of the time of Henry the Seventh. .Such 
portions of the carving as appear through the ivy, with which it is am- 
ply hung, are well sculptured ; and the whole might form an interesting 
-siubject for the pencil of a Harding or a Front, The ancient mansion of 
Fitz-ford, that once stood in an open court beyond this gate-house, was 
many years since pulled down, and the materials used to erect the pres- 
ent market-house in the town." 

There is a tradition that Robert Fitz was at Ips- 
wich in 1635. The most prominent member of his 
family at the time of his emigration was Sir John 
Fitz, a London barrister of position and wealth, whose 
country seat was upon the bank of the river Tavy on 
the west side of Tavistock as above stated by Mrs. 
Bray. 

Robert Fitz is said to have been induced to leave 
his native land by the discomforts to which he was 
subjected on account of his Puritan principles. 
Whether he was at Ipswich, in 1635, or not, it is cer- 
tain that he and his wife Grace D. were among the 
original settlers of Salisbury, in 1640. From that 
time the genealogy of his descendants has been care- 
fully preserved. 

Rev. Daniel Fitz belonged to the seventh genera- 
tion of his family in this country, and his ancestry 
may be traced back in unbroken line through 
Samuel Currier, of Derry, of the sixth generation ; 
Daniel, of Sandown, N. H., of the fifth; Richard, of 
South Hampton. N. H., of the fourth ; Richard, of 
Salisbury, of the third; Abraham, of Ipswich, of the 
second ; and Robert, of Salisbury, the Anglo-Ameri- 
can head. 

He was the second child and oldest son of Samuel 
Currier Fitz, above named, and of Sarah George Fitz. 
He was boru at Sandown, N. H., May 28, 1795, and 
in early childhood accompanied his parents upon 
their removal to Derry, where they ever afterwards 
lived. He graduated in 1818 at Dartmouth College, 
then under the presidency of Dr. Francis Brown, and 
just emerging from its great controversy, finally set- 
tled by the Supreme Court of the United States, and 
since famous as the Dartmouth College case. His 
class numbered twenty-eight, some of whom subse- 
quently attained positions of eminence. Among these 
were Prof. George Bush, D.D., of New York Univer- 

1 By Joseph B. Walker. 



sity, and Prof. Thomas C. Upham, of Bowdoiu Col- 
lege. Not one of this class now survives. 

Upon leaving college, Mr. Fitz devoted himself to 
teaching for a while, as thousands of other New Eng- 
land students before and since have done. By this 
means he strengthened his resources, both mental 
and financial, the first by a review of former studies, 
and the latter by the moderate compensation then al- 
lowed for such work. For a single term he was 
a.ssistant teacher of Pinkerton Academy, established 
but a few years before in his town of Derry. Soon 
afterwards, Salisbury, N. H., Academy, then in its 
palmy days, offered him its principalship, which he 
accepted and continued to hold for some two years, 
until he was called to assume that of the Academy at 
Marblehead in which he continued for about a year 
and a half. 

The objects sought by teaching having been at- 
tained, he entered Andover Theological Seminary in 
1822, there to prosecute the studies which were to pre- 
pare him for the work of his chosen profe.ssion, under a 
corps of stalwart theologians, prominent among whom 
were Dr. Leonard Woods and Dr. Moses Stuart. It 
was near the clo.se of the period of the great warfare 
waged by the theological Titans of New England ; a 
fierce warfare in which no quarter was asked or given 
by either party, but which, like most religious contro- 
versies, was most effective in confirming the com- 
batants in their own cherished views. As was most 
natural, Mr. Fitz accepted the doctrines of his 
teachers. These, with slight modifications, he held 
throughout his whole subsequent life. 

Mr. Fitz completed the prescribed course of study, 
and graduated in 1825. At this time, the health of 
the venerable Dr. Joseph Dana, who had been in 
continuous service as pastor of the South Congrega- 
tional Church, of Ipswich, for sixty-one years, had 
become impaired by age, and he was wanting a col- 
league. The position was offered by the church and 
society to Mr. Fitz, and he accepted it. On the 26th 
day of June of the next year he was ordained and in- 
stalled as a.ssociate pastor. 

The services of this occasion were held in the an- 
cient meeting-house of the society, which stood near 
the location of the present house, by which it was 
superseded in the year 1837. The clergymen who 
took part in the exercises were well known in their 
day and have been favorably remembered ever since. 
The ordination sermon was by the Rev. Daniel Dana, 
D.D., of Newburyport, a son of the senior [)astor. 
His text was the 26th verse of the 20th cha|)ter of 
Acts. The installing prayer was by Rev. Robert 
Crowell, of Essex; the pi'ayer of consecration by Rev. 
Samuel Dana ; the concluding prayer by the Rev. 
Joseph B. Felt, of Ipswich ; the address to the church 
and society by the Rev. Edward L. Parker, of Lon- 
donderry, N. H., the home pastor of .Mr. Fitz; the 
right hand of fellowship by Rev. David T. Kimball 
of the Fir.«t Congregational Church of Ipswich, and 



656 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tlie charge to his young brother, by the senior pastor. 
Tlie church had not had an ordination before for two 
generations, and the occasion was as interesting as it 
was solemn. 

There occur in human life periods of intense inter- 
est which exact approbation and move the heart. It 
is a glorious hour when the soldier, in unselfish 
defense of his country, buckles on his harness and 
hies to scenes of peril. So is it when a venerable and 
able statesman, as regardless of the opposition of 
rank and numbers as of his own comfort, raises his 
voice in the parliament house of his nation in aid of 
the helpless, and spends his last strength in a desperate 
struggle for right, conscious the while that his tongue 
will be dumb in death when the piean of victory is 
sounded. We follow with bated breath and admira- 
tion the modest figure of a Florence Nightingale as 
it moves noiselessly at midnight through dimly lighted 
hospital wards, now pausing to moisten the parched 
lips of the suftering, and anon to gently close the eye- 
lids of the recent dead. 

But a nobler than any of these is the sight of a 
young man, of clean hands and a pure heart, coming 
to God's altar for solemn consecration of himself to 
bis chosen life-work of aiding his fellows in their 
efforts for delivery from the curse of sin. The 
warrior, the statesman, the philanthropist minister to 
social and physical needs, which are temporal ; the 
priest at God's altar to spiritual wants which ar% 
eternal. 

At the time of his ordination, Mr. Fitz was thirty- 
one years of age, in vigorous health and possessed of 
a sound mind in a sound body. His figure was of 
medium height, compact and firm. His complexion 
was dark, and his hair, which inclined to curl, was as 
black as the raven's wing. His eyes of a hue similar 
to that of his hair were .soft and gave to his face when 
in repose a mild expression, which changed immedi- 
ately to one of great earnestness when his mind was 
roused. He was of graceful manners, and easily and 
equally accessible to persons of all conditions. His 
mind, which was strong and well-balanced, working 
actively and incisively, reached correct conclusions, 
partly by reason and partly by instinct. His imagina- 
tion, which was quick and enhanced the interest of 
his utterances, was kept in subjection to a calm 
judgment which rarely led him wrong. His quick 
sympathies made him appreciative of the real charac- 
ter of the person with whom he had to do, and pro- 
tected him from the impositions to which a minister 
is often exposed. While naturally inclined to be 
much guided in his opinion by an abounding charity, 
he intuitively tempered these by a clear insight into 
the motive which underlaid proffered professions. 

By descent Mr. Fitz was a Puritan. As above 
stated, the emigration of his Anglo-American ances- 
tor, Robert Fitz, was due to his Puritan principles. 
Spiritual constraints, rather than jibysicul discom- 
forts, prompted this. In the latter respect he was no 



gainer by leaving home. No part of England pos- 
sessed greater attractions than the one he abandoned. 
Devonshire, the " Emerald County,'' was a county of 
small farms, of pastures and cattle and dairies ; of 
numerous streams and water-powers and forests. It 
possessed a fair soil and a good climate. It was near 
to the sea, and ever open to the southwest winds which 
floated over it continually, freighted with the mild 
winds and moisture of the gulf stream just before it 
loses itself in the Bay of Biscay — those winds which 
are a benediction to some of the southern counties of 
England ; securing to them perpetual mildness of 
climate and a verdure 'unsurpassed. 

The transition from which such a land to one upon 
which the Arctic current breathed even in summer, 
as yet in possession of savages and a wilderness, was 
as disheartening as it was marked. But great moral 
purposes afford a sustaining power which regards but 
little, either, hardship or danger or even de.ath itself. 
So the Puritan left his old home and religious con- 
straint upon the Tavy for a new one and freedom, 
three thousand miles away upon the bank of the 
Merrimac. 

All the way down the succeeding generations of his 
family, we find apparent strong religious traits of 
character. Sarah Thorne Fitz, the great-great-grand- 
mother of the subject of this sketch, displayed tliese 
in a very marked degree. She was a member of the 
first Ipswich Church, but lived in Salisbury, sixteen 
miles away. Tradition says that to enjoy its Sunday 
worship, she was accustomed at times, to rise very 
early in the morning, and, having milked her cows, 
to paddle across the Merrimac River to Newbury, 
whence she went on foot, to Ipswich, arriving in sea- 
son for the morning service. This journey was re- 
versed in the afternoon and finished in season for the 
evening milking. 

To anticipate a little, for the sake of convenience, 
it may be here said in regard to some of the religious 
opinions which he held in mature life, that Mr. Fitz 
received bis theological training at Andover Theloogi- 
cal Seminary, under the distinguished professors who 
had raised it to an eminent power in the land. He 
then accepted and ever held the doctrines there 
taught, which were in full accord with the orthodox 
branch of the Christian Church. But while he re- 
ceived these and held them firmly, he held them 
broadly. He had little sympathy with narrow inter- 
pretations of great truths, and was free from the un- 
charitableness which comes from the magnifj'ing of 
minor points. While as a Calvinist he adopted Cal- 
vin's views, he yet took them with such modifications 
as more quiet times and a wider learning had sug- 
gested. But the deep, underlying foundation of his 
religious faith was the gospel of Jesus Christ. This 
he read and pondered all his life, and upon this rested 
his belief that the Son of God had made provi- 
sion for the salvation of all and not for that of an 
elect few only. Hence, he urged all men to repent, 



IPSWICH. 



657 



inasmuch, as faith and repentance made salvation 
jiosisible to all. 

He had little taste for polemical divinity, not very 
much for metaphysics, by which almost anything can 
be proved, and no admiration whatever for hair-split- 
ting theorists. As was usual in his day, he preached 
doctrinal sermons from time to time for the instruc- 
tion of his people, but with an unfeigned respect for 
the views of others from whom he differed upon unes- 
sential points. Both the conservative bent of his 
mind and his wide knowledge of mankind, led him 
naturally to this, as well as a native courtesy which 
never for.sook him. But this was not the courtesy which 
weakness or timidity engenders. Fear was an emo- 
tion to which he was a stranger. If attacked, he was 
always ready to encounter heavy blows, and return 
them if necessary, not, however, from any love of con- 
test, but from loyalty to what he deemed the right. 
Consef|uentIy, like most peace-loving men of like 
character, he was very rarely assailed. 

Such was the ancestry, bent and religious training 
of the young minister, who, on the 2(ith day of June, 
1S26, stood upon the threshold of his career, gazing 
into a future which his dark eye could not penetrate, 
with faith and a hearty submission to the will of 
him to whom he had consecrated his every power. 

But, he was not to go on far alone. Protestantism 
has never favored the celibacy of its clergy. It has 
rather made prominent the injunction of the great 
apostle that, "A bishop must be the husband of one 
wife." Mr. Fitz's parishioners could not consent 
that he should serve them unaided, and his own lov- 
ing nature was in accord with their wishes. 

The writer of this memorial sketch would be un- 
worthy of his delicate trust, if he omitted a jia-ssing 
tribute to the gifted woman who soon after the pas- 
tor's installation became his wife. She was the 
oldest daughter of the Rev. Moses Sawyer, of Hen- 
niker, N. H.. who, for nearly twenty-four years, had 
been the faithful pastor of the Congregational Ohurch 
of that town, where she was born on the 8th day of 
May, ]8<I4, and subsequently reared, amid the duties 
of a country ministerial life. 

We omit all record of her earlier years, e.\cept to 
note that she received her higher edui-ation partly at 
Byfield Academy, then in charge of Rev. Josejih 
Emerson, and partly at Derry Female Academy, of 
which Miss Grant and Mary Lyon were the in- 
structors. 

After her graduation, she was herself a teacher 
until her marriage to Mr. Fitz, on the 5th day of 
September, lS2tJ, transferred her from a New Hamp- 
shire ScliDol to a Massachusetts parsonage. 

Mrs. Fitz brought to her new home a thorough 
knowledge of a New England pastor's wife. This 
she had acquired in the best of all schools, that of ex- 
perience; and, from the lips and lives of the best of 
all teachers, those of her father and mother. 

She possessed high mental endowments whiuh had 
42 



been enhanced in power by thorough training. She 
naturally took broad views of a subject, and had a 
ready insight to its vital points. Having the rare 
power to divest herself of all personal predilections, 
when her opinion was asked, and to look disinter- 
estedly at the matter under consideration from all 
sides, she almost uniformly reached correct con- 
clusions. She had common sense — the gift of God — 
in large measure. Courage she also had, and w-as 
undaunted in the presence of obstacles. Possessing 
executive and organizing ability, she was naturally 
a leader in her husband's parish ; not from choice, 
but from the demands of her position and of her as- 
sociates. Skillful was she in dissipating the apathies 
and in allaying the various frictions, not unfrcquently 
present in society work ; mingling love with energy 
and intuitively comprehending the various forces 
operating to advance or retard its progress. 

Besides these qualities, the power of which time 
and experience greatly enhanced, to Mrs. Fitz was 
given great sweetness of dis[)osition and marked come- 
liness of person. Natural grace of manner, and a 
charming affability, founded upon innate modesty 
and brilliancy of intellect, combined to give her 
presence an unusual attractiveness. Both at home 
and in society, these marked characteristics secured 
to her the popularity which usually attends upon the 
gifted and the good. 

She was always accessible to all who would ap- 
proach her. To the burdened soul which, in its per- 
plexity confidentially sought her advice, she gave 
wise counsel mingled with the most delicate sym- 
pathy. The giddy and the wayward were rebuked so 
lovingly that they blessed in very gratitude the hand 
which chiistened them. Her ministrations to the 
sick were abundant, and in her presence there was 
healing. 

At the general assemblages at the parsonage from 
time to time, she dispensed hospitality mingled with 
grace and sea.soned with love. The kindly glances of 
hor dark eyes and the graceful pose of her attractive 
figure increased the fascination of her conversation. 
It was natural for her to be agreeable, and she knew 
not how to be otherwise. Indeed, Madame Recamier, 
in her splendid salon, surrounded by the beauty and 
talent of the French capital, never presided with 
more grace and sweetness than did she on those sim- 
ple occasions. We must not be surprised, therefore, 
at the remark of one who knew her well, "She had 
never a peer in Ipswich." 

For nearly forty years Mrs. Fitz discharged with 
great ability the double duties which she liad as- 
sumed with her marriage ring. She was faithful to 
her family, and faithful to her husband's peo])le, 
and when, in January, 18(i2, her pure spirit rose to 
companionship with ''the just made perfect," and her 
mortal remains were lowered tenderly to their last 
rest, hot tears fell upon the cold ground, and hearts 
ached with a sorrow as lasting as li/e. 



658 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In about a year after his settlement, the death of 
Dr. Dana left Mr. Fitz sole pastor of his church and 
society. He accepted willingly the increase of labor 
which this event devolved upon him. He was fortu- 
nate in his people who were reasonable, peaceful and 
intelligent. Part of them resided in the village, and 
a part upon some of the hay farms for which Ipswich 
is so celebrated. They were not rich, yet poverty 
was unknown to them. They were blessed with that 
golden mean of life's condition for which the Hebrew 
sage so wisely besought his God. 

With the acres of their forefathers, they had in- 
herited the traditions of two hundred years or more. 
These were influencing and moulding their characters 
constantly. The generations of many of the families 
of Mr. Fitz's parish went back in unbroken succes- 
sion to the foundation of the town. They were good 
old English stock, with hearts of oak; stock which 
had been improved by transplanting, and grew better 
continually. They were a people who feared God, 
and respected every man entitled to respect. No 
where outside of New England can such a commun- 
ity be found, a happy society of villagers and farmers 
wliich had flourished for two hundred years, without 
deterioration, upon a fertile tract of coast land, with 
three thousand miles of ocean in front of them, and 
three thousand miles of continent behind them. The 
ocean was, and had ever been, a blank. Over the 
continent the waves of new populations had been ad- 
vancing continually, a hundred miles each decade, to 
meet ere long the great Pacific Sea, whose eastern 
billows wash the Occident, and whose western breakers 
dash upon the shore of the orient. Yet the Ipswich 
farms were to change only to increased productiveness, 
and the village to wider borders and greater beauty. . 

Among this people Mr. Fitz went in and out, a 
welcome visitor at every house. He had come among 
them to stay. For better or worse they had taken 
him and he them, and the bond which united both in 
one was to endure as long as he lived. He soon 
learned their habits of life and thought, and so ad- 
justed his ways to theirs, that he came into their 
sympathies and gained their confidence and love. 
Indeed, one of the most beautiful characteristics of 
his pastorate was the mutual affection and respect 
which ever existed between him and the people of 
his charge. 

In labors for their good he abounded. He preached 
a carefully-written sermon the forenoon and after- 
noon of every Sunday, and conducted a less formal 
meeting for conference and prayer in the evening. 
Besides these, he held frequent week-day meetings in 
the rural parts of his parish, and for many years, as 
chaplain of the county almshouse, held there a Sun- 
day morning service. Yet his strength failed not, 
and he never grew weary in his work. He had 
scarcely a vacation in all his life. His chief recrea- 
tion was in the variation of his daily duties. 

In his pulpit, his full figure clothed with scrupu- 



lous neatness, his dark eye and fine face enhanced 
the effect of his ministrations. His manner was 
.simple and reverential. He never assumed familiarity 
with the Deity, but seemed to feel that it was a sol- 
emn thing to minister at God's altar, and to be deeply 
sensible of the responsibility of standing between 
Him and those he sought to aid. 

His sermons were logical, lucid, earnest, practical. 
He drew his illustrations largely from sacred history. 
Whatever the subject discussed, the application was 
close and personal to every heart. The commonest 
individual could understand his message and retain 
in mind the truths uttered in his hearing. He was 
always animated, and at times eloquent. His prayers, 
which were filial, earnest and expectant, were 
prompted by his nice appreciation of the wants of 
those for whom he plead. He had a strong, clear, 
flexible voice, and so read the sacred scriptures that 
his simple reading became a luminous commentary to 
those who listened. 

He could hardly be called a literary man ; yet a 
perusal of some of his written sermons proves that he 
wielded a pen of much ability, evidently writing with 
fluency, and always with clearness and vigor. His 
reading was more extensive than that of the average 
minister of his time. Some of his discourses on spe- 
cial occasions, which have been published, and are 
models of their kind, aflbrd evidence of the possession 
by their author of broad views and a well-trained 
mind. But his regular clerical duties absorbed his 
time, and to these he gave his strength. 

Dr. Fitz understood perfectly the character of all 
his people, and how to influence them for good. In- 
deed, he measured their several capacities for excel- 
lence, and was reasonable in his expectations and pa- 
tient. He attempted the possible only, but never 
sought the manifestly unattainable. Like all active 
clergymen, his course was at times through channels 
narrow and devious, with Scylla on one side and 
Charybdis on the other ; yet he was never wrecked 
on either shore. An amusing incident, which oc- 
curred one Sunday morning during our late war, will 
illustrate his skill on such occasions. His people 
were divided in their sympathies for the two contend- 
ing parties. As he was going out of church at the 
close of the service, a good deacon of democratic pro- 
clivities whispered sternly in his ear : " You were 
altogether too outspoken, sir, in your prayer this 
morning; your plainness of speech will give just 
offense." Farther down tha aisle he encountered a 
second oflicial of the same grade, who also whispered, 
as he passed him, " Too lukewarm, sir, too lukewarm, 
you didn't come come up to the mark." These con- 
flicting assurances which offset one another, we:e 
answered by a silent smile, and in a few days both 
his friends were complaisant again. 

Dr. Fitz mingled little in civil affairs, and probably 
never held a political office in all his life. But he 
took a deep interest in the general welfare, and with 





'^;^^ o^^^^S^^::^ 



IPSWICH. 



659 



unostentatious independence exercised his rights of 
citizenship. He rejoiced in the prosperity of his 
townsmen, and was always ready to aid, as lie could, 
in the promotion of their interests. He did much 
for the improvement of the schools of Ipswich, and 
to the furtherance of all useful local enterprises, he 
never declined to lend a willing hand. 

He possessed courage, and was rarely disheartened. 
But his was a courage based upon knowledge, guided 
by wisdom and sustained by activity. He believed 
that the realization of faith came from persistent 
effort, and that all hopes of success without this were 
vain. 

But the most marked trait in his character was his 
abounding love for all mankind. It was the domin- 
ant quality of his nature. His appeals in behalf of 
the effete nations of the East manifested it, and this 
prompted his earnest calls in aid of the missionaries 
upon our Western frontier ; thus laboring to mould 
into homogeneity and elevate to a higher manhood 
the discordant populations which have come to us 
from the nations beyond the sea. Everything which 
promised highest good to his fellow-men commanded 
at once his interest. 

Particularly strong was his love for children, who, 
apprized of this by their unerring instincts, returned 
it in full measure. With their love they mingled 
respect, but never fear. Sober Ipswich never enjoyed 
a more charming sight than that of the sleigh of the 
good doctor, when carrying his children to their 
school, into which others had climbed, and piled one 
upon another, until it was full, and more than full. 
As he sped along as best he could, buried in this liv- 
ing load of clamorous joy, no heart beat happier 
than his own. Was all this a little thing and unim- 
portant? It was a significant one, and thoughtful 
observers saw more than the animated pile, and re- 
membered that childhood would soon grow to youth, 
and youth in a short time change to maturity, but, 
that the love then engendered would never grow cold, 
and the good counsels which it enfolded would never 
be forgotten. 

It was his invariable custom when driving upon 
the road to invite any chance footman he might over- 
take to a seat in his carriage. One of his daughters 
has remarked that, when riding with her father, and 
up almost to the time when she considered herself a 
young lady, she had repeatedly been asked to sit in 
his lap to make room for some wayfarer whom he had 
never seen before and was most likely to never see 
again. 

The soiled tramp who called at his door, ragged 
and redolent perhaps of whiskey, was always treated 
with kindness. He bore God's image upon his face, 
and that must be respected. 

The ministry of Dr. Fitz was a successful one. His 
active pastorate lasted forty-one years. He and his 
predecessor, Dr. Joseph Dana, were the sole pastors 
of the church for a continuous ijcriod of one hundred 



and two years, a fact not easily' paralleled. The re- 
cords show that at the time of his settlement, its 
members numbered fifty-four and that three hundred 
and thirteen joined it while he held the sacred office. 
But the most important acts of his pastorate were not 
recorded upon the register of the church, but the 
hearts of his people, to be read only by the eye of 
Omniscience. 

It was impossible that such a life, identified with 
all that was best in Ipswich, and flowing on for 
nearly half a century in a channel ever widening and 
ever deepening, should fail to be a power for good. 
It was impossible that its beneficent fame and in- 
fluence should be restricted to the scene of its own 
labors. As the decades came in and went out, 
one after another. Dr. Fitz became more and more 
widely known. Neighboring parishes in their per- 
plexities sought his counsel. To pulpits more im- 
portant than his own, he was invited for exchanges 
of ministrations. In 1862 his Alma Mater, in recog- 
nition of his merit, conferred upon him a degree of 
Doctor of Divinity. He rose into high esteem among 
his brethren in the ministry, and became at length 
an honored father in their midst. 

But his heart of hearts remained where it had ever 
been, and clung closest to the people he was ordained 
to serve. His settlement had been for life. With 
the union then formed both parties were satisfied, 
and never wished it sundered. So it continued on 
until his strong arm began to weaken, and physical 
infirmity compelled a surrender of his sacred trust. 
In 1867 he resigned the active duties of his ministry. 
For two years longer, in declining health, he went 
about among those he had loved so long, until, on 
the second day of September, 1869, "he was not; for 
God took him." His manly form was laid before the 
altar at which he had ministered, and his friend. Dr. 
Pike, of Rowley, comforted as well as he could the 
sad hearts which had gathered around. From the 
church it was borne to the cemetery near by, and 
laid to sleep in the company of dear ones gone on 
before, — there to rest until "this mortal. shall have 
put on immortality, and Death is swallowed up iu 
victory." 



GESERAL JAMES APPLETON. 

Among those who have done good and signal ser- 
vice in the cause of temperance, the name of the 
late James Appleton, of Massachusetts, should be 
held most gratefully and most tenaciously in remem- 
brance by all who have faith in the expediency and 
the necessity of a prohibitory liquor law. It was he 
who first publicly maintained — as most, if not all, 
who believe in total abstinence now maintain is the 
logical outcome of the temperance movement — that 
legislation has nothing whatever to do with moral 
evil except to aim at its complete suppression. If 
this is to be the legislative policy of the future as to 



660 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the traffic in intoxicating drinks, as it already is that 
of several of the States, it is interesting to trace that 
policy to its source, and to learn something of the 
man who first promulgated it. 

James Appleton was born in 1786 on the farm in 
Ipswich, Mass., granted to his ancestor, Samuel Ap- 
pleton, in 1636; to this home he returned in his old 
age, when the work of his life was finished, and there 
he died in 1862. For many years his home was in 
the neighboring town of Marblehead, and for twenty 
years, from 1833 to 1858, he resided in Portland, Me. 
But wherever he lived he was known and esteemed 
for his interest and energy in public affairs, and was 
looked up to as a born leader of men. Though a 
Federalist in politics, he gave his services, as a col- 
onel of a regiment, to his country when it became in- 
volved in a second war with England in 1812. Those 
old enough to remember the earlier days of the anti- 
slavery movement, if they know anything about it or 
those engaged in it, will recall the name of General 
Appleton as conspicuous in that little band of men 
and women, who, like their great leader, would not 
equivocate, who would not retreat a single inch, who 
would be heard and who were not afraid. Nor was 
he less earnest in upholding the saving grace of total 
abstinence from all intoxicating drinks; but that 
doctrine, even half a century ago, had so grown into 
popular favor that the most zealous on its behalf were 
not easily distinguished in the multitude of its 
apostles, nor has the memory of them been so care- 
fully preserved. 

But it was James Appleton, as chairman of a legis- 
lative committee to which had been referred a peti- 
tion in regard to the license laws of Maine, made a 
report, herewith published, which would in time be 
recognized as the beginning of a new and auspicious 
era in the temperance reform. Its argument was that 
inasmuch as "it is now ascertained, not only that the 
traffic is attended with most appalling evils to the 
community, but that ardent spirit is entirely useless 
— that it is an unmitigated evil," the committee, there- 
fore, were "not only of opinion that the law giving 
the right to sell ardent spirits should be repealed, but 
that a law should be passed to prohibit the traffic in 
them, except so far as the arts or the practice of 
medicine may be concerned." 

But the legislative report, though the most com- 
plete, was not the earliest attempt made by General 
Appleton for the suppression by law of all trafiic in 
ardent spirits. It is remembered in his family that 
he dated his convictions upon the subject from the 
year 1831. It came to him — when listening to an 
earnest debate in the Massachusetts Legislature, of 
which body he had been a member — as a sudden rev- 
elation, as a discovery in morals, that the way to stop 
intemperance was to stop it. If the drinking of 
spirits was always wrong and dangerous, and the 
source of all the monstrous evils charged to it, then 
it was not to be tolerated, nor dallied with bv licen.se 



laws, but put an end to. If there was no liquor, there 
would be no drunkenness ; if the sale was made ille- 
gal, the traffic in it and the use of it would become 
disgraceful as well as dangerous. It might not, in- 
deed, be possible to suppress it altogether and at once 
by act ot the Legislature; but, as an argument, this 
was just as true of the laws against murder, arson, 
forgery, theft, or an)' other acknowledged crime, 
which bad men would still commit in defiance of the 
law. 

Though persuaded in his own mind that he had 
discovered the true remedy for the monstrous evil, 
the first application he proposed was tentative and 
indirect ; not that he wanted faith in the perfect 
efficacy of that remedy, but he doubted if the public 
mind was yet ready for heroic treatment. Accord- 
ingly, he prepared a petition to the Massachusetts 
Legislature — this was before he removed to Portland, 
and when he was residing at Marblehead — praying 
that the sale of liquor in any quantity less than thirty 
gallons be forbidden by law. 

The proposition was clearly meant as the first step 
toward absolute prohibition ; indeed there was no 
pretence in the petition of concealing the hope of its 
author that a limitation of the sale of ardent spirits 
to a minimum of thirty gallons would take from the 
large majority of drunkards all chance of getting 
drunk. The purchase of rum in so large a quantity 
would be beyond their means, while the moderate 
drinker who could afford it would easily and almost 
unconsciously abandon a habit, unless very firmly 
fixed, which called for more forethought and larger 
immediate outlay than the gratification was worth. 

But even this compromise aroused more opposition 
than probably General Appleton was prepared for. 
The agent of the Massachusetts Temperance Society, 
a Rev. Mr. Hildreth, pounced upon it at once as a 
mischievous measure. His notion evidently was that 
among the " inalienable rights " of man was the right 
to rum. He fairly represented the timid public 
opinion of that day, which in the temperance, as in 
the anti-slavery, movement, shrunk from any denun- 
ciation in "harsh language" of a popular wrong, and 
from any proposed remedy that would be pronounced 
"radical." Moral suasion " was the cant phrase of 
the time, and if there were a few tender souls — 
Mr. Hildreth may have been one of them — who used 
the term in its true sense, with the multitude it only 
meant that they would not tolerate any onslaught 
upon evil which reflected upon respectable sinners, 
was likely to open their eyes and bring them to re- 
pentance. 

The letter of Mr. Hildreth and that of another 
writer, who signs himself " Dan vers," show the 
spirit in which General Appleton's moderate pro- 
posal was met. He was quick to reply whether to 
argument or cavil, and in three clear and forcible 
letters signed " Essex," to be found in the Sa/em Ga- 
zette of February, 1832, he sets forth his reasons for 



1 




iViiAo VuvUilC 



.i*?^'**^te5 



IPSWICH. 



661 



the f'iiith that is in him, and tlie real (>l)jei-t he liad in 
view in the petition. On one point, however, he ac- 
knowledged his error, and accepted, in hi.s own way, 
the rebuke of his opponents. He ought not, he con- 
fessed, to have asked the Legislature for a limitation 
in the traffic in ardent spirits, whether to thirty gal- 
lons or any other quantity. The trade, it was plain 
to him now, should be not regulated, but prohibited. 
The opposition he had aroused was an evidence of 
the foolishness of any proposed comiiroinise between 
right and wrong. He meant prohibition, and ought 
to have said so directly, rather than have conde- 
scended to an expedient which pleased nobody and 
would deceive but few. " I made a great mistake," 
he said to a member of his family — " a great mis- 
take." And this he publicly reiterates, it will be ob- 
served, in a postscript to his third and final letter, — 
" We wish the prayer of the ])etitiou had been with- 
out any qualification, for its authors, we believe, in- 
tended the absolute prohibition of the traffic, as their 
argument abundantly evinces." But here was the 
end of the matter. Perhaps he had gained all he had 
hoped for in provoking some discussion of the sub- 
ject, and it is doubtful if the petition, which jirobably 
nobody but himself would have signed, was ever pre- 
sented to the Legislature. 

Here for (he fint time prohihifurij legu/alion was pro- 
posed, though with no other immediate result, appar- 
ently, than to convince its author that the opposition 
to it would be formidable, if not insurmountable. He 
may have been for a time discouraged, but he was not 
defeated. He knew he was right, and he had learned, 
moreover, a lesson of practical value. If ever again 
he could make an opportunity to urge his principles 
upon any legislative body, there should be no mistake 
of a want of directness in his method. 

Meanwhile he had removed to Portland, and in 
1836 he was elected a member to the Maine Legisla- 
ture. The opportunity he had waited for came when 
a petition on the license laws was referred to a Com- 
mittee of which he was chairman. He could speak 
now with a certain authority, and did not need, even 
were he so minded, to appeal to public attention by 
the suggestion of an indirect and experimental 
measure. The whole subject was, no doubt, much 
clearer in his mind than when he put forth his thirty 
gallons petition, and he was ready to meet the unbe- 
lieving or the timid at all possible points of difficulty 
or objection. He covers the ground so completely, 
presents his argument so frankly, confidently and 
forcibly, that the report might go before any State 
Legislature to-day as an exhaustive presentation of 
the whole question of prohibition. 

The report, of course, was laid upon the table, and 
it is nst remembered whether it gave rise to any 
debate. Very likely not; for doubtless to most, if 
not all, of the honorable members, it seemed as pre- 
posterous as it was novel, and not even worth talking 
about. Nevertheless, "The Maine Law " was born 



then and there, though it was not till nine years later 
that the first tentative act was passed as the begin- 
ning of prohibitory legislation. The years of agita- 
tion and discussion which preceded and prepared the 
way for legislation also had a beginning, and there is 
neither record, nor tradition, nor memory of the old- 
est inhabitant that can trace it beyond the Appleton 
Report to the Maine Legislature of 1836-37, unless it 
be to the Appleton petition to the Massachusetts 
Legislature of 1832. But both came from the same 
man, and together they leave nothing more to be 
said as to the question of the origin of this special 
temperance policy. James Appleton, as a private 
citizen of Massachusetts, publicly suggested in 1832 
the wi-'dom of a prohibitory liquor law, and in 1837 
the same James Appleton, as a member of the Maine 
Legislature, urged upon that body the enactment of 
such a law. When at last, in 1S51, the " Maine 
Law," as it now stands upon the statute-books of the 
State, was passed, it was a fitting recognition of his 
early devotion to the principle of prohibition that he, 
among other.s, should have been called upon to aid in 
the preparation of the act. 

He lived to see ten years of the enforcement of the 
perfected law in Maine and in other States. It was, 
in spirit and purpose, of his own devising, and he 
would sometimes speak at his own fireside with nat- 
ural pride and profound thankfulness of the result of 
his work. But he left it to others to show at some 
future time how much was due to his foresight, his 
keen moral sense and his courage. 

The following is the inscription on the stone over 
General Appleton's grave in Ipswich : 

"A rhilantbropist, a Patriot and a Christian." 

He served his fellow-men, his country and his God 
by laboring for the emancipation of the American 
slave. 



HOX. rH.4RI.ES KIMBALL. 

Charles Kimball was born in Ipswich, Mass., on 
Decemiier 24, 1798. His ]iarents were Jeremiah and 
Lois Kimball. Twelve children were born to them, 
of whom he was the youngest. His mother was of 
the Choate family, of Essex, made famous by the 
"great Rufus." His father was a lineal descendant 
of Richard Kimball, who came from Ipswich, Eng- 
land, in 1634, the same year in which its namesake 
on this side of the water began its existence as a body 
corporate. This ancestor located in Watertown, 
Mass., but three years later, 1637, removed to Ips- 
wich, and there made a permanent settlement ; and 
from that date to the present the male line in Ips- 
wich has been unbroken. The father of Charles, 
like his progenitors, was of sturdy mould, and " hon- 
est, manly and efficient." Of the twelve children, 
five of them attained the age of more than eighty 
years, two of them the age of seventy-five or more, 
one the age of ninety-one and another the afe of 



662 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ninety-seven, a remarkable record of longevity for 
one single family. In 1815, when Charles was sixteen 
years old, he entered the office of Nathaniel Lord, 
Jr. (who married his sister Eunice, and who was 
the father of the late Judge Otis P. Lord), in 
Ipswich, then register of probate, and at the same 
time became a member ot his family. He began ac- 
tive life with few educational privileges, but the head 
of the family in which he made his home was a 
graduate of Harvard College, a man of letters, of ex- 
act knowledge and accurate business methods, and of 
the advantages these afforded he fully availed him- 
self. In 1827 he was elected colonel of one of the 
militia regiments from the office of adjutant, the lat- 
ter being equal, only in rank, to the modern lieuten- 
ant, a very marked promotion, and the cause of many 
heart-burnings at the time, but soon forgotten, as his 
special fitness for the position became apparent. His 
precision and promptness in the discharge of his du- 
ties was readily acknowledged, and his dignified and 
soldierly bearing and easy and graceful horsemanship 
won many commendations. In 1830 he voluntarily 
resigned this office, but the title followed him through 
life. In 1829 he married Mary Ann Outein. Her 
father was of French origin ; her mother of New Eng- 
land birth. Three children were the fruit of this 
union, two sons and one daughter. The elder son, 
Charles A., was a lawyer, and died at the age of 
thirty-eight ; and the daughter died at the age of 
thirty-five. Both were unmarried. The surviving 
son, Edward P., is a lawyer, and at present postmas- 
ter, and resides at the homestead. The wife and 
mother was a woman of great intelligence, of remark- 
able simplicity of character, of earnest, sincere piety, 
faithful in her conjugal relations and her filial duties, 
and self-sacrificing to the last degree in her devotion 
to her family. In 1836 he was elected to the State 
Senate, and served therein till 1840, the Hon. Ed- 
ward Everett being then Governor. This was also a 
marked honor, as he bad had no previous legislative 
experience. From 1841 to 1847 he was county com- 
missioner, and perhaps the highest compliment ever 
paid him was that of one of his associates on this 
board who remarked that he " never saw a man so 
anxious to know and do the right." In politics he 
was a Whig, but upon the dissolution of that party, 
he, like many other conservatives, associated himself 
with the Democracy. In 1851 he was candidate for 
State Treasurer. In politics, as in everything else, 
he acted from conviction and principle. He held, at 
different times, various town offices; was selectman 
one year. School Committee man and clerk and treas- 
urer of two boards of trustees of educational funds 
for many yeare, and for thirty or more consecutive 
years moderator of town meetings. In 1851, on the 
retirement of Mr. Lord from the office of register of 
probate, he established an office in Salem. He had 
been all this time acquiring a knowledge of probate 
law, and had become well known throughout tlie 



county as a practitioner in the Probate C mrts of rare 
skill and experience. In 1858, at the age of fifty- 
nine, on the petition of Judge Perkins, Wm. C. En- 
dicott, Wm. D. Northend and others of mark in the 
profession, he was admitted to the bar, a very high 
compliment to his ability, learning and personal 
worth, and unique in itself. Hitherto in all his cases 
before the courts, except the Probate Court, he had 
been obliged to call to his aid some member of the 
bar; but now a wider fiSld of practice was open to 
him, and from that date to the close of his business 
career, he devoted himself assiduously to his profes- 
sion. On the 10th day of December, 1877, at the age of 
seventy-nine, he suddenly lost, while in his office, all 
capacity for business. In a moment the power of con- 
nected thought was gone. Eveiything became one 
confused mass in his mind, and in this condition he 
remained to the day of his death, November 30, 1880. 
It was not alone in business th.at he w.is active. In 
1830 he united with the South Congregational Church, 
in Ipswich, and to its spiritual welfare gave much of his 
time and thought. He served on church and parish 
committees, was superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school for over forty-five years, and in 1868 was chosen 
deacon. He understood the creed of his church, and 
could and did stoutly maintain it against all antagon- 
ism. He was versed in ecclesiastical law, and was 
prominent in Ecclesiastical Councils, notably, the 
famous one at Manchester, in the deliberations ol 
which he took an active and leading part. He pre- 
pared a paper on ecclesiastical law, which he read 
before the Essex Congregational Club, and which was 
regarded as a valuable contribution to this difficult 
and occult branch of legal lore. On the occasion of 
his funeral, which was largely attended by the people 
of the town and many others, including members of 
the bar, his pastor, the Rev. T. F. Waters, preached 
a discourse which was a discriminating analysis of 
his life and character, and a glowing tribute to his 
sterling worth. 

At the December Term of the Supreme Court, 1880, 
resolutions in memoriam were offered by the Hon. 
Wm. D. Northend, seconded by James Gillis, Esq., 
and responded to by his Honor, Judge Bacon, the 
presiding judge, and by him ordered to be entered on 
the records of the court. 

Such is the mere outline of this long and useful 
life. While the record speaks for itself, behind it 
lies the secret of his success. Slow and patient toil, 
close application and an absorbing interest in his 
work, led him, step by step, thro' rugged paths to the 
standing in his profession which he attained. Unlike 
the majority of the profession, he entered upon his 
work without any knowledge derived from the text- 
books. He learned first in the school of experience, 
and then he sought the books, and they accompanied 
him in his laljors. Hi^' keen observation, quick per- 
ception, logical acumen and retentive memory, en- 
abled him to build on a sure basis and to .acquire an 



IPSWICH. 



663 



■nurate and precise kiiowiedj^e ot' the I'l 
ire routiue, the mere knowing liuw t' 

i;id not satisfy him. He must know thr 

underlying principle of every le?.".! rule, n: 

deep till he found it. \Vi> • 

estate, to trusts and mnrtc 

picalities and fine diatin. 

Miiliar. lu the drafti- ■ 
rtaining to probate 

ed as authority. ITi^ 

in the county. For s 
' licate and in( ! 

i [e became .in 

practic" ir. 



ii'. (grounded, arnl '^:~ n'^'l.ii- f.'.<, ■ v ,i, i , 
id, that they r^ 

' " 'od iijl' inc.;, iinii - 
L>n. He went regui:. 
eekly mt'' i 

■i with inii :i- 

ig the last week of his life his constant plea wa? to 
,,'0 home." and thitiv '■ i ■• !'■■■' '"•"" !• ■" m'" behind 
im a fragr.mt mem. c of fi- 

'i.'i ■ ' and wj]-[a. 



.lOHX MEHKILL KRADBCKY. 

rii; Er:iabnrv, b...]. \u y,-s\ ■ 



n 0<-., 



II claim. 
UiJo his business liiu fovcied a period u:ai,\iy-ihi 
■ars, during which he never took a vacation, ai 
his professional services were in constant denian 
bf. v,t found time for other duties. He respond. J 
' all of the church, the parish, the town oi 
"'■iiunity. Whatever he did he r' ' ■ 
ire and exactness. His standard w 
i I' allowed no opportunity for 
.ncement to escape him. H. 
'ious nature. As the Ci; 
vil life, so were ti<« -■ . 
tion. He wh 
great i 
rained 
his cour^. 
follow-merj 
He was | 
itizeng of la- 11..1 1 ,. ■ ••, . 
icetings with efEciency, impn 
'ty. His self-possession never foisuok him. 
natural leader of men. 

In temperament he was moderate and cautious. 
Ms sense of bnmur was keen, ani 'nf ivt.,.. 1,,. n-.,^ 
u'ays reaii 

[n disfii'^ IIS kindly arm synipuiiu'; 

rous and 1 .very good cause, and hi- 

of charity were ; ind at the same time uij.. 

tentatious. He- lamiiy, his home and 1' 

iwn. 

In person, he was cf large stature, well prop 
oned, erect figure, commanding presence and dig n 
•d bearing. 

Tn the clo.sine' years of his life, when the chain 
and the aflairs of th' 
bis TtU-ntion had bi 
iVth to him, 1 nciple.'s ; 



ra. in 1853 he wat . 

■.1 the Constituti.j 

of the Municipal Court in tl 
" ' offices with w' ' ' 

: winning the c of 

'1 \'':i,= a worthy son of such 

"'cen promi- 

" ■'-:iut un- 

. Kn-r- 



. - I 1) e 

riting, pre- 

udmired for 

superior in 

his de- 

neul in 

-ons for believing 

-iry, was a son of 



■ miial ^ri.-UlVc- 
;iit3 there ha.s 
punlic office." There are 

I l,:il Tl,.,nio^ V.r .llinry, ^ 



'f Wicken Bonaot in Essex, . 

Mi i;iiiiii_v ii* Sir Thomas BracTln 
vas mayor of London, and that hi- 
■ of Archbishop Whitgilt. 
IViii^burv's youth was spent in his natiN 

J a good English ;ind clas,Hii al (mUk-: 



ii.i-lic 
ii the adi 
ution 
. T.T. 1 



' 'be Dummer 

.1 bury, while 

of Nihcm'ah 

In Newbiirv- 



of the capital of the countr> . 



IPSWICH. 



663 



accurate and precise knowledge of the law. The 
bare routine, the mere knowing how to do a thing, 
did not satisfy him. He must know the theory, the 
underlying principle of every legal rule, and he delved 
deep till he found it. With the law relating to real 
estate, to trusts and matters in equity, with theirtech- 
nicalities and fine distinctions, he was specially fa- 
miliar. In the drafting of wills and in all matters 
pertaining to probate law and practice, he was regard- 
ed as authority. His clientage included every town 
in the county. For sound and judicious advice and 
delicate and intricate business he was sought after. 
He became an instructor of those who desired to 
])ractice in the Probate Courts, and many are they 
who owe all their knowledge of probate matters to his 
tuition. His name was frequently mentioned in con- 
nection with the judgeship of the Probate Court. 
The late Judge White, of that court, said of him, 
" No man was better fitted than Col. Kimball for 
Judge of Probate." His qualifications for the posi- 
tion were generally recognized, and he probably would 
have been so appointed if he had urgently pressed 
his own claim. This his sense of propriety forbade. 
While his business life covered a period of sixty-three 
years, during which he never took a vacation, and 
his professional services were in constant demand 
he yet found time for other duties. He responded to 
every call of the church, the parish, the town or larger 
community. Whatever he did he aimed to do with 
care and exactness. His standard was of the highest. 
He allowed no opportunity for mental or moral ad- 
vancement to escape him. He was of an intense re- 
ligious nature. As the Constitution was his guide in 
civil life, so were the Scriptures his guide in moral 
action. He was true to his convictions, possessed of 
great moral courage, and when he had once deter- 
mined upon the right nothing could swerve him from 
his course of action. He had the confidence of his 
fellow-men. They felt safe w-ith him. 

He was prominent in every public gathering of the 
citizens of his native town. He presided over their 
meetings with efiiciency, impartiality, ease and dig- 
nity. His self-possession never forsook him. He was 
a natural leader of men. 

In temperament he was moderate and cautious. 
His sense of humor was keen, and in repartee he w-as 
always ready. 

In disposition he was kindly and sympathetic, gen- 
erous and liberal in every good cause, and his deeds 
of charity were numerous and at the same time unos- 
tentatious. He loved his family, his home and the 
town. 

In person, he was of large stature, well propor- 
tioned, erect figure, commanding presence and digni- 
fied bearing. 

In the closing years of his life, when the chain of 
thought was broken, and the affairs of the world 
which once engaged his attention had become a 
myth to him. his religious principles had been so 



firmly grounded, and his religious observances so 
habitual, that they remained clear and distinct in his 
otherwise clouded intellect, and still controlled his 
thought and action. He went regularly to the sanctu- 
ary and to the weekly meetings, and often spoke on 
religious subjects with intelligence and force. Dur- 
ing the last week of his life his constant plea was to 
"go home," and thither he has gone, leaving behind 
him a fragrant memory and a shining example of fi- 
delity, integrity and worth. 



JOHX JtERHILL BE.VDBUEY. 

John Merrill Bradbury, born in Newburyport Octo- 
ber 29, 1818, was son of Hon. Ebenezer and Mrs. 
Nancy (Merrill) Bradbury. Major Bradbury, the fa- 
ther, was one of the prominent men of the town for 
many years, noted for his intelligence, public spirit 
and genial temper, and lor his interest in the i)ublic 
schools of the town. He was frequently entrusted 
with public oftice, representing Newburyport in the 
legislature in various years, from 1828 to 18-17, at 
which time he was chosen speaker of the House of 
Kepresentatives. In 1845 and 1846 he was a member 
of the executive council, and in 1849 he was chosen 
treasurer of the commonwealth, which office he held 
for two years. In 1853 he was delegate fr(jm the tow^n 
of Newton to the Constitutional Convention, and 
was later judge of the Municipal Court in the town 
of Milford, filling all the offices with which he was 
entrusted with ability, and winning the confidence of 
all who knew him. 

The subject of this sketch was a worthy son of such 
a father, and it was a family which had been promi- 
nent in New England. The earliest immigrant an- 
cestor w-as Thomas Bradbury, who came to New' Eng- 
land in the year 1634 as the agent of Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges, and after a few years' residence at Agamenti- 
cus, now York, Maine, settled in Salisbury, Mass., 
where he was long prominent in the afl'airs of the 
town, county and colony. " His hand-writing, pre- 
served in the colony records, has been admired for 
clearness, elegance and force, having no superior in 
our colonial archives. In every generation of his de- 
scendants there has been one or more prominent in 
public office." There are strong reasons for believing 
that Thomas Bradbury, of Salisbury, was a son of 
Wymond Bradbury, of Wicken Bonant in Essex, of 
the same family as Sir Thomas Bradbury, who, in 
1500, was mayor of London, and that his mother was 
a niece of Archbishop Whitgilt. 

Mr. Bradbury's youth was spent in his native town, 
where he received a good English and classical educa- 
tion at the public schools, and also at the Diimmer 
Academj' in the adjoining town of Newbury, while 
this institution was under the charge of Nehcmiah 
Cleveland, LL.D,, recently deceased. In Newbury- 
port he was, at one time, a pu[)il of Albert Pike, tlie 
poet, lawyer and confederate general, who, in his old 
age, is a resident of the capital of the country. 



664 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



One of his earliest schoolmates and most intimate 
friends was Rev. George Wildes, D.D., who was in the 
same class in the High School, in the Latin Depart- 
ment of which, under Roger S. Howard, they occu- 
pied neighboring desks and formed a life- long friend- 
ship, and Dr. Wildes said of his friend that the sight 
of a mathematical problem was to him an inspiration, 
that he was well grounded in historical studies and 
had a love for the English classics. 

In April, 1835, in his seventeenth year, Mr. Brad- 
bury entered Dickinson College at Carlisle, Penna., 
where he studied three years, leaving college in April 
1838, after completing his junior year. On leaving 
college he visited Philadelphia, but soon returned to 
his native town, and engaged in teaching for several 
years. 

On the 28th of August, 1843, he was married at 
Gloucester to Miss Sarah Ann Hayes, daughter of 
Daniel and Abigail (Sargent) Hayes, a lady of culti- 
vated tastes, who appreciated and encouraged his 
studies, and made his home pleasant and attractive. . 

In May, 1849, he went to Boston, and soon after 
received an appointment to the second clerkship in 
the State Treasury, and on the resignation of the chief 
clerk, in December, 1850, he was advanced to fill the 
vacancy. Very soon after this promotion, he engaged 
with Messrs. Gilmore, Blake and Ward, hankers, as 
their accountant, which position he held through va- 
rious changes of the firm to the summer of the year 
1868, when his interest in the house ceased, and he 
retired with a competent fortune. Mr. Bradbury's 
tastes and attainments fitted him for the banking busi- 
ness, and he applied himself assiduously to its duties, 
but during his leisure hours he cultivated his liter- 
ary tastes, his favorite reading, his history and belles- 
lettres. 

Joseph E. Brown, Esq., of New York, who was in 
the banking-house with him, wrote the following, 
W'hich characterizes him in his business: 

" Mr. Bradbury's mine was eniitreiitly of a miithornatioal and ana- 
lytical cast ; and in almost every conversation and discussion, whetlier 
upon literature, art, science, or religion, the tendency 'to analyze was 
apparent. Mr. Blalie used to say frequently, tiiat Mr. Bradbury under- 
stood the relations of figures better than any man he knew ; and the fa- 
sility he displayed in mathematical calculation was surprising. The 
following incident will illustrate. On one occasion, the State of Blassa- 
chusetts. being about to issue a new loan, submitted, through the State 
Treasurer, certain questions, the answers to which involved some very 
nice calculations. ^In order to secure accuracy in the niatter, Mr. Blake 
handed the questions to three clerks, Mr. Bradbury, Mr. Harris and my- 
self, and requested that we work out the problems independently. The 
following morning Mr. Harris and myself appeared each with a formid- 
able bundle of paper containing our calculations. Mr. Bradbury, how- 
ever, quietly took from his pocket two half sheets of note paper, on 
which he had worked out, by the use of logarithms, the prob'euis which 
had cost his junior clerks quires of paper and the midnight oil. He had 
frequent recourse to algebraic solutions of problems. 

** On one occasion, the examination of a foreign account, embracing 
many hundreds of items, resulted in a discrepancy of just one penny. I 
think Mr. Bradbury and myself devoted the greater part of ten days to 
a vain search for the error, so that finally, utterly vexed and out of pa- 
tience, I threw down the account declaring that I would pursue the 
matter no further. I remember distinctly the unruftled manner of our 
friend on taking up the account and saying, "Joseph, the error is some- 



where, and can be found.*' He quietly, and I need hardly say success- 
fully, continued the examinations." 

In September, 1868, Mr. Bradbury, accompanied 
by his wile, took passage for Europe. They travelled 
in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, the Ty- 
rol, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. In London 
they met his friend and correspondent, the late Hor- 
atio G. Somerby, Esq., like himself a native of New-" 
buryport, who was of much assistance in directing 
them to the points of interest to be visited, and in 
whose society they spent many pleasant evenings 
during their stay in that city. Soon after Mr. Brad- 
bury's arrival, he obtained, through Mr. Somerby, a 
reader's ticket at the British Museum, and, at a later 
period, to the department of Literary Inquiry in the 
principal registry of Her Majesty's Court of Probate, 
commonly called Doctors' Commons. After he had 
become weary with sight-seeing, he spent much time 
in historical and genealogical research at these two 
institutions. 

While at London he made several excursions into 
the country, especially to places where his ancestors 
lived or which had a special interest to Americans, — 
Boston, in Lincolnshire, and Wicken Bonant, in 
Essex, where his emigrant ancestor is supposed to 
have been born. 

On the 18th of November, 1868, Mr. Bradbury left 
London, and the same evening arrived in Paris, 
where he remained till the following spring, and then 
returned to London. On the 31st of August he again 
left London on a brief tour. After travelling a few 
weeks in Ireland and Scotland he returned to Eng- 
land, arriving in York on the 23d of September. 
As several of the early settlers of Essex County, from 
whom he had descended, came from Yorkshire, he 
remained there nearly a week, employing much of his 
time in genealogical researches. From York he went 
to Hull, and also visited other places in the country 
of genealogical interest to an Essex man, and on his 
way to London he spent one day in Oxford. 

The following winter he visited the continent and 
saw Rome and Naples, and ascended Vesuvius, re- 
turning to England in the autumn. In the spring of 
1870 a lameness came upon him which at first he did 
not suppose to be serious, but it was more than the 
sprain which he considered it, and resulted in the 
necessity of amputating his foot. 

He returned to this country in July, 1S71, and re- 
sided in Boston till the next spring, when he pur- 
chased an estate in Ipswich, where he resided till his 
death. His residence was near the summit of Town 
Hill, from which the fine view is obtained, which his 
friend, the Rev. Mr. Nason, paints in such vivid 
colors. Here he died on Tuesday morning, March 
21, 1876, in his fifty-eighth year, leaving a widow but 
no children. 

In his will he left one thousand dollars to his na- 
tive city, for the benefit of its public library, and two 
thousand dollars and certain stock securities to the 





'ff-^i^c^td ^'i 







A 



IPSWICH. 



665 



New England Historic Genealojfical Society. Both 
these bequests have been funded ::nd named '"The 
Bradbury Fund.'* 

Mr. Bradbury was admitted a resident member of 
the New England Historic Genealogical Society, 
April 11, 1853, and in 1863 he made himself a life- 
member. From 1863 to 1867 he served on the com- 
mittee on finance, and from 1867 to 1870 was one of 
the board of directors. In 1860 his eminent fitness 
for the position induced the nominating committee to 
tender him the office of treasurer, and he took the 
matter into consideration, but finally decided that he 
would not have the requisite leisure to perform the 
duties of the office. He was also a member of the 
Prince Society of Boston, and the Essex Institute of 
Salem. 

Mr, Bradbury published '* The Bennet Family of 
Ipswich," and "The Whitgift-Bradbury Family,'* 
"A Memoir of Horatio Gates Somerby," and a num- 
ber of shorterarticles in the HUtoricnl afid Genealogical 
Uegister. No better summing up of the character and 
tjistes of Mr. Bradbury can be given than that of his 
friend, Charles W. Tuttle, Esq., who has himself 
since died, and who was a man of rare discrimina- 
tion though ardent in his friendships. Mr. Tuttle 
says : 

"I became acquainted with the late Mr. Bradbury while I was living 
*n Newburypoxt about twenty years ago. His intelligence, frankness, 
anJ gentle manners attracted me to him at once ; and I saw much of 
him after I came to Boston, where he whs then living. 

"While he was familiar with a wide range of subjects, being a con- 
stant reader, there were two on which he most frequently discoursed 
with me. Of astronomy he had considerable knowledge, having been 
drawn to that science by his early fondness for mathematics. He 
watobed its progress with more than ordinary interest, and was ac- 
quainted with the names and discoveries of the great observers through- 
out the world. 

" But his chief delight and interest were in the history and antiqui- 
ties of New England. He had a keen relish for antiquarian research, 
and never lost an opportunity to add to his stock of this kind of infor- 
nmtiun. He was as familiar as one could well be with the local history 
of both banks of the Slerrimac River where the early settlements were 
made. His ancestors for six and seven generations had lived and died 
there, and he knew the history of each generation with marvellous 
accuracy and fullness. He had gathered local traditions and exam- 
ined ancient records till he was master of the history and genealogy of 
all, or nearly all, of the old families between Haverhill and Plumb 
Island. 

" In these researches he was careful and exact beyond any one I ever 
knew. A result was carefully weighed, and only the highest degree of 
probable evidence would satisfy him of its being true. This fastidious- 
ness, the consequence of mathematical training, prevented his quickly 
arriving at results satisfactory to him, and giving to the worhl many 
things he had undertaken. A retentive and exact memory greatly facil- 
itated his investigations. 

"While in England, and suffering from severe lameness, he found 
time to write several letters giving me information which he had copied 
from ancient records, of persons of my surname who had died there in I 
the fore part of the seventeenth century, and telling me of his wander- 
ings in that merry land. These letters show how ardently he was pur- 
suing his inquiries, and how thoroughly he M-as enjoying his rambles 
among the venerable antiquities of England, especially any connected 
with our Xew England forefathers. 

*■ Mr. Bradbury was a man of large practical common sense. There 
was no petty jealousy in his composition. He was serene under all 
circumstances. He loved peace and minded his own aff.iirs. I remem- 
ber, with mingled feelings of pleasure and sadness, how cheerfiil and 
happy he Wiis in his pleasant home in Boston where he alwavswas 

42.! 



when not at his o£5ce ; how he made every one welcome there, and 
how like a benediction his politeness and hospitality were. I am sure 
all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance revere his memory." 



RICHARD SUTTOX RUST, A.M., D.D., LL.D.' 

Mr. Rust is one of the most energetic, enthusiastic 
and successful ministers of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church; and in the varied official positions to which 
he has been called has rendered valuable service and 
exhibited rare executive ability in the administration 
of affairs intrusted to his care. He was born in Ips- 
wich, Mass., September 12, 1815. His mother, from 
whom he inherited many of his traits of character, 
was a woman of deep piety and superior attainments, 
the daughter of Richard Sutton, distinguished among 
his townsmen for integrity, independence and intel- 
ligence. He was left an orphan, his father dying 
when he was eight years old, and his mother when 
he was ten, leaving him no patrimony but a parent- 
age spotle.ss and revered. One of his uncles, residing 
in Portsmouth, N. H., gave him a year's schooling, 
where he first formed a taste for study, which never 
forsook him. Another uncle gave him a home till he 
was fourteen, during which time he was compelled to 
work hard upon a farm, with only three months' 
schooling each winter. He was then apprenticed to 
learn a cabinet-maker's trade, and at the end of three 
years, yearning for school and more congenial pur- 
suits, purchased the balance of the apprenticeship, 
and entered Phillips' Academy, Andover, Mass., to 
prepare for college. 

While at Andover, the distinguished abolition lec- 
turer, George Thompson, of England, visited Phil- 
lips' Academy and lectured to the students on sla- 
very. With his wonderful eloquence, wit and logic 
the students were charmed, and a large number of 
them became abolitionists and formed an anti-slavery 
society. The teachers were displeased at this action, 
and required the students to leave the anti-slavery 
society or the academy. Nearly one hundred of 
them, rather than to give up their principles and 
rights, left the school; some went into the anti-sla- 
very field as lecturers, and others to institutions 
wliere freedom of thought and speech could be en- 
joyed. Young Ru^t, with several others, went to 
Cjnaan, N. H., where an academy had been estab- 
lislied upon liberal principles, and where young men 
and women of color were allowed to enter and enjoy 
the advantages of culture. So bitter was the oppo- 
sition to this school, because it extended its privi- 
leges alike to all withcmt distinction of color, that 
the mandate went forth that it mu^t be broken up, 
and the farmers in the vicinity, with a hundred 
yokes of oxen, drew the academy more than a mile 
out of town into the woods and broke up the school! 

Our young friend finished his preparatory studies 
at the Wilbraham Academy, and in 1837 entered the 

' From the Ohio Eucyclupjedia. 



666 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn, where lie 
was graduated in 1841, and received the degree of 
Master of Arts in 1844. In 1859 he received the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Wes- 
leyan University at Delaware, Ohio. While in col- 
lege he paid his expenses by teaching and lecturing 
winters. He was one of the first anti-slavery lec- 
turers in Counectieut, and in New Haven County 
was mobbed repeatedly while delivering lectures 
against slavery. He aided the ladies in organizing 
the First Anti-Slavery Fair at Hartford, Conn., and 
published for that occasion "Freedom's Gift," an 
annual of anti-slavery poems and prose. The great 
anti-slavery struggle reached its height as he came 
to his manhood, and he did valiant service in the 
good cause, and was a pioneer in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in this grand conflict. In 1842 he 
was principal of Ellington School, Connecticut; in 
1843, principal of Middletown High School. In 
1844'he joined the New England Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and was stationed at 
Springfield, Mass.; in 1846 he was stationed at 
Worcester, Mass. 

During the next five years Mr. Rust passed 
through one of the most interesting periods of his 
life. He originated and published the "American 
Pulpit," was transferred to the New Hampshire Con- 
ference, was principal of the New Hampshire Con- 
ference Seminary and Female College, and was 
elected State Commissioner of Common Schools for 
New Hampshire for three years. He delivered pop- 
ular lectures on education all over the State, awa- 
kened the deepest interest in the schools, assailed 
with wit, sarcasm and invectives the miserable old 
school-houses, and did a grand work in introducing 
into New Hampshire good school-houses, teachers' 
institutes and an improved system of common-school 
education. 

In 1859 Dr. Rust was transferred from the scenes 
of his early struggles and triumphs to the Cincinnati 
Conference. The name and character of the man 
preceded him in the West, and he was at once wel- 
comed to active service in the leading enterprises of 
the church. He was four years president of the Wil- 
berforce University, at Xenia, Ohio, after which he 
became pastor of Morris Chapel, Cincinnati, where 
he was elected president of the Wesleyan Female 
College, Cincinnati, where he remained until the old 
college was sold and vacated, and the school was 
suspended until the new college could be erected. 
He was corresponding secretary of the Western 
Freedmen's Aid Commission, and in connection with 
Bishops Clark and Walden, aided in the organiza- 
tion of the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and for the last twenty years has 
been its corresponding secretary, and has discharged 
its duties with such marked efiiciency and ability as 
to meet the highest commendation of the whole 
church. The society under the administration of 



Dr. Rust, has established and sustained in central 
locations in the South thirty institutions of learning, 
styled seminaries, colleges or universities, for the 
training of teachers and preachers for the elevation 
of this long-neglected race, so lately admitted to all 
the rights and duties of American citizens. For the 
successful management of this important educational 
work, the subject of this sketch, by his deep, long, 
life interest in this people, his attainments as a 
scholar, his previous experience as an educator and 
shrewd'business habits, was pre-eminently fitted, and 
the results achieved by this society have exceeded 
the highest anticipations of its friends. 

Dr. Rust was successful as a pastor, a fine writer 
and an impressive preacher ; pre-eminent as an edu- 
cator, possessing great power over the young of awa- 
kening them to high and noble purpose; and there 
are but few men in this country who have aided in 
educating so many of her youth who now fill impor- 
tant positions in society and wield so great influence 
for Christ and the right. In his boyhood he espoused 
the cause of the slave, labored for his emancipation, 
and his mature life, attainments and ample means 
are consecrated to the preparation of this emanci- 
pated people for the appropriate discharge of the 
important duties imposed upon them by freedom, so 
that liberty may prove a blessing rather than a curse 
to them. As a Christian philanthropist, he has done 
his noblest work, and for this by a grateful people 
he will be held in remembrance. 

The society is now, under the supervision of Dr. 
Kust, establishing a system of schools for the benefit 
of whites similar to what it has done for the colored 
people. Little Rock and Chattanooga Universities 
and ten seminaries as feeders have been established 
and superintended by the Freedman's Aid Society, 
and the venerable Dr. Rust still remains as the 
efiicient administrator of its affairs. 



COL. yOKICK G. HURD, M.D. 

Col. Hurd was the eldest son of Col. Smith and 
Mehitable (Emerson) Hurd, and was born in Lemps- 
ter, Sullivan County, N. H., February 17, 1827. 

In the early days of the settlement oi the town of 
Lempster, Uzzel (or "Squire," as he was best known) 
and his brother, Shubael Hurd, made settlement. 

Shubael and his wife coming on horseback from 
Connecticut to the farm, which is still retained in the 
family. He was the first deacon of the First Congre- 
gational Cluirch, organized November 13, 1781, and 
was widely known as " Deacon Hurd." 

As a fruit of the second marriage of Deacon Hurd 
with Mrs. Smith [nee Ames, and one of the Fisher 
Ames family), two sons were born, viz: Smith and 
Justus (phvsician). 

The former husband of Mrs. Hurd was Robert 
Smith, of Pelerboro, N. H. (a brother of Judge Jere- 
miah Smith), to whom were born three sons, viz: 
Eobert, Stephen and Jesse (physician) Smith. 




J 



IPSWICH. 



667 



Col. Smith Hurd, son of Shubael, was born in 
Lenipster, N. H., in 1804, and married Mehitable 
Emerson. 

Col. Hurd died in March, 1877, but his wife is still 
living, at the age of eighty-three and in the enjoy- 
ment of good health. 

Col. Smith Hurd was very prominent in town 
affairs, holding various offices of trust and responsi- 
bility with marked fidelity. He was captain of a 
Volunteer Rifle Company, which had quite a local 
reputation, and he was subsequently colonel of the 
Twenty-sevei)th Regiment, New Hampshire Militia. 

Yorick G. Hurd, M.D.,the eldest son of Col. Smith 
and Mehitable (Emerson) Hurd, was eminently a self- 
made man, having in early life attended the District 
School, when three months of winter teaching was 
made to suffice for the year. 

After one fall term at the academy, at the age of 
seventeen he commenced school teaching, working 
upon the farm when not engaged in study. 

One term he attended the Hancock Literary and 
Scientific Institution, and was then employed as a 
teacher at Dublin, N. H., where he attracted the at- 
tention of that ripe scholar. Rev. L. W. Leonard, 
D.D., who invited him to his residence for study and 
rendered him every possible assistance. 

By the advice of Dr. Leonard Mr. Hurd com- 
menced the study of medicine with Dr. Albert Smith, 
of Peterboro, N. H., professor of Materia Medica 
and Therapeutics in Dartmouth College March, 1850, 
teaching the public Grammar School in the winter 
and the Pine Grove Academy in the spring and au- 
tumn for three years, attending one course of Medical 
Lectures at Woodstock, Vt., and two courses at Dart- 
mouth, graduating November, 1853, proceeding im- 
meJiateiy to Amesbury, Essex County, Mass., where 
he commenced the practice of medicine, soon secur- 
ing a large and remunerative practice. 

During his long residence here he was for several 
years a member of the school committee, and by his 
constant and untiring efforts materially aided in the 
establishment of the present high state of efficiency 
and success of the public schools of the town. 

On the breaking out of the Civil War the military 
spirit, inherited from his father, caused him to enter 
fully into the spirit of the North, and in September, 
1SG2, he was appointed post surgeon at Camp Lander, 
Wenham, Mass., and in December 8th following, was 
appointed surgeon of the Forty-eighth Regiment, 
Massachusetts Volunteers, following its fortunes to 
New Orleans, where he was assigned to the First Bri- 
gade, First Division of the Nineteenth Army Corps, 
where he remained until .June 20, 1863, when by order 
of Gen. Auger, commanding the First Division, he 
was detached and sent to Baton Rouge, La., in charge 
of the division hospitals, and sick and wounded offi- 
cers in quarters about Baton Rouge. 

Returning home with the regiment at the expiration 
of its term of service. Dr. Hurd was reported to Sur- 



geon General Dale, of this State, as being the best 
regimental surgeon in the division ; certain it is that 
his regiment had the smallest sick-list and the fewest 
deaths from disease of any in the corps to which it 
was attached. 

The practice of his profession was resumed imme- 
diately on his return from the service of his country, 
and the various and responsible official positions to 
which he was successively chosen, attest to the high 
esteem in which he was held by the community. 

In 1865 and again in 1866 he was chosen a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate, and in January, 1866, 
while a member of the Senate, was appointed super- 
intendent of the Essex County House of Correction 
and Insane Asylum at Ipswich. 

Immediately upon the assumption of the duties of 
the responsible position of superintendent of' the 
house of correction he instituted such reforms in its 
management as secured a state of quiet and good order 
among those placed in his charge as had never been 
known in the previous history of the institution, which 
by his even-tempered management he was able to 
preserve so long as the institution was under his su- 
pervision. 

His management of the insane soon attracted at- 
tention, and for many years he was the consulting 
authority in all parts of the country, and was often 
called in the courts as an expert in insane cases. 

Dr. Hurd continued in the position of superintend- 
ent of these institutions until January, 1887, resigning 
his charge at the close of a service of twenty-one years 

In 1867 he was appointed medical director of Divis- 
ion Ma-sachusetts Volunteer Militia, with the rank of 
colonel on the staff of Major General Benjamin F. 
Butler, serving in that capacity eight years. 

In 1877 Bowdoin College conferred upon him the 
honorary degree of A. M. 

In April, 1874, he was a[)pointed a memlier of the 
board of trustees of the " Manning School Fund," 
and on the decease of its president, Otis Kimball, E.«q. 
in 1878, he was chosen his successor, a position which 
he still retains. 

A gentleman whose knowledge of the care of this 
fund is not to be questioned says of Dr. Hurd : " Dr. 
Hurd brought to the councils of the board rare 
advisory and executive abilities, and has ever since 
discharged the duties of his trust with intelligence 
and fidelity. Having in early years been a successful 
teacher, he has by his experience and by his friendly 
advice and co-operation, stimulated and encouraged 
the teachers, contributing thereby very largely to the 
success and usefulness of the school." 

In 1879 he was appointed by his excellency, Gov- 
ernor Long, as medical examiner for the Second Essex 
District, resigning in 1883. 

He is at the present time a trustee of the Ipswich 
Savings Bank and adireccor of the Ipswich Gas-Light 
Company — offices which he has held since the date 
of the charter of these corriorations. 



668 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dr. Hurd was married to Mary Ann Twitchell, of 
Lempsler, N. H., May 17, 1853, who died October 8, 
185S, He was married aguin November 5, 1861, to 
Ruth Ann Brown, of Salisbury, Mass. They have no 
children as the result of marriage, but adopted one 
who has since married H. K. Dodge, of the firm of 
Dodge & Spiller, of Ipswich. « 



WILLIAM G. BROWN. 

Says an old philo.sopher : " All men, whatever their 
condition, who have done anything of value, ought to 
record the history of their lives." Eventful periods 
occur at rare intervals in the lives of men the most 
distinguished, but even in their more retired walks of 
private life, there are few whose lives are not marked 
by some vicissitudes of fortune, which, however triv- 
ial they may seem, are yet sufficient to excite great 
interest. The events which give the highest interest 
to biography are of a volatile and evanescent nature, 
and are soon forgotten. It is the part of the biogra- 
pher to collect these passing events and fix them in- 
delibly on the page of history, that succeeding gene- 
rations may know how their predecessors lived, what 
ideas governed them, what trials and difficulties they 
encountered, and bow they overcame them, and even 
their domestic relations ; for all these teach a lesson that 
will be serviceable, by pointing out what paths lead 
to success and what roads are to be avoided as lead- 
ing to failure. There is none so humble that his life 
can fail to be an object of interest when viewed in the 
right light. How much more will this interest be en- 
hanced when we contemplate the life of a man who, 
by his own heroic struggles, has hewn out his own 
pathway to success, and compelled the fates to grant 
him his reward. Most certainly one, who, entirely 
by his own efforts, has attained affluence and social 
position, and through all the changing events of life 
has preserved his integrity unimpaired, is well de- 
serving of the pen of the historian. 

William Gray Brown, son of Jacob and Frances 
Quarles Brown, was born in Ipswich, January 27, 
1830. His parents were both born in Ossipee, N. H., 
from which place they came to Ipswich, and made a 
permanent home. They had six children, four sons 
and two daughters. Three died in early childhood. 
One daughter, Mary F., a young girl of lovely dispo- 
sition and of bright promise, died in 1846 at the age 
of fifteen years. 

Jacob Franklin, the eldest, was educated in the 
public schools of Ipswich, and graduated at the State 
Normal School at Bridgewater, Mass. He had thus 
fitted himself to be an instructor of youth, and de- 
voted his whole after-life to that vocation. He 
wrought well in this his chosen profession. His 
knowledge was exact, his discipline strict, his mode 
of imparting instruction clear and precise, and he soon 
gained a reputation which placed him in the front 
rank of able instructors. For a long series of years 



he taught in Salem, Mass., and just prior to his de- 
cease, April 26, 1877, he was head master of the Brown 
School in that city. 

Jacob Brown, the father, was a farmer, and in ad- 
dition to his farming did considerable teaming 
about the village. William G. lived with him and 
worked for him, when not at school, and at an early 
age learned the need of industry and frugality, a les- 
son which he never forgot in after life. His educa- 
tional privileges were limited to the schools of his 
native town, but in them he became thoroughly 
grounded in the elementary principles of a good Eng- 
lish education. 

In his fifteenth year he left school, and from that 
time till the present he has been hard at work, either 
for his father or for himself. At the time the first 
church was erected, in 1846, William G. Brown, then 
a mere youth, volunteered to assist in the work, and 
to him was assigned the duty of drawing the lumber 
from Salem, and for six consecutive days he drew 
from that city to Ipswich an enormous load each day, 
helping to load and unload, and taking the sole care 
of his horses. 

"I well remember," said the subject of this sketch, 
"the fir.st money I ever earned. It was ten cents paid 
me by Mr. James Fuller, for drawing home his grist 
from mill, when I was nine years old. The next was 
thirty cents earned in planting." These sums were 
not spent for notions, so dear to the boyish heart, but 
were deposited on interest, and have never been dis- 
turbed. To this principle of economy and the habit 
of saving and making money may be attributed much 
of his subsequent success. Hard work, prudence and 
foresight were the foundation-stones upon which he 
reared the superstructure of a successful business 
career. At the age of eleven years he commenced 
the sale of pastry, made by his mother, to the passen- 
gers on the trains that stopped near his father's house 
for water. One-half the money he gave to his mother, 
the other half was carefully saved and put away. At 
the age of eighteen his father gave him "his time." 
and he began life on hisownaccount, supporting him- 
self and every year adding something to his store. 
With some of the money he had earned in his various 
youthful business ventures he purchased a pair of 
horses and commenced, in a small way, the business 
of teaming and the letting of horses. 

With a steadfast resolution not to go beyond his 
means, he worked until the increase of his business 
obliged him to add to his facilities, by purchasing 
more horses and by employing men to do what he 
himself could not do. His father was a pioneer in 
the ice business, and among the first who brought 
coal (Anthracite) into Ipswich. Both the ice busi- 
ness and coal business were then small, the markets 
being limited. 

For many years he was the sole dealer in ice and 
coal. Jacob Brown died in 1863, and his son William 
G. succeeded to the business, and since that time he 





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IPSWICH. 



(i69 



has constantly and cpntinuously increased it. By 
close application to the principles laid down and the 
habits formed in early life, by constant and untiring 
labor, and by prompt attention to the necessities of 
the hour, he has established the most varied and the 
most extensive business in his native town. He deals 
in ice, cutting and storing annually about four thou- 
sand tons. He deals extensively in coal, handling 
from six to seven thousand tons every year, most of 
which is sold at retail. He still retains the farm 
where his father lived and where he was born, and 
carries it on. He is the owner of the "Agawam 
House,'' a famous Ipswich hostelry. This house he 
has thoroughly repaired, renovated and enlarged, so 
that to-day it is an ornament to the town and a con- 
venient and agreeable stopping-place for its guests. 

At the stable in the rear of this house he conducts 
an extensive livery business. He employs many men 
in his various business operations. He is a large 
owner of real estate which brings him a good rental 
every month, and is the largest individual tax-payer 
in the town. By steady application, prompt decision, 
sound judgment, and carefully looking after every- 
thing personally, he has made all his business ventures 
profitable. He married Elizabeth M. Cogswell, 
daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth B., January 12, 
1853. 

Mrs. Brown proved a true help-meet to her hus- 
band. She is a bright clear-headed woman. Pos- 
se^sing both business tact and energy, she has ably as- 
sisted her husband by her advice and counsel, and 
with a capacity for business possessed by few women, 
she has made herself familiar with the immense busi- 
ness other husband, and thus has been able to advise 
him intelligently. She is a woman of intellect, taste 
and judgment, she is vivacious and sociable, fond of 
her home, and a capital manager of her household. 

William G. Brown has a generous, charitable dis- 
position, free from every miserly taint. His hand is 
ever ready, and his purse ever open to assist and aid 
any one in suflFering or want. He is never a harsh 
creditor, but always ready to extend to the deserving 
all possible leniency. His manners are kind and af- 
fable. He has never sought or accepted any oflBcial 
position, although repeatedly urged so to do by his 
fellow-townsmen, preferring to give his whole time to 
the interests of his constantly increasing business. 

He enjoys the confidence and respect of the com- 
munity in which he dwells, and is recognized as a 
representative business man and a prominent factor 
in the growth and prosperity of his native town. 



DAVID TULLAR PERLEY. 

David Tullar Perley ' was born in Linebrook Par- 
ish in Ipswich, January 17, 1824. He is of Puritan 
.stock and a descendant in the seventh generation 
from Allan Perley, who came from London in the 

1 By C. A. Sayward. 



ship " Planter," and settled in Ipswich in 1635, where 
he died in 1675, aged sixty- five years. His youngest 
son Timothy, born 1653 and died 1719, married Dor- 
othy , by whom he had Patience, born 

March 28, 1682; Stephen, born June 15, 1684; Allan, 
born March 1, 1688 ; and Joseph, born June 3, 1695. 

Stephen died 1725, leaving a son Allan, born 1718, 
who died 1804, leaving a son Allan, born 1763, who 
died 1843. He left a son Abraham, born 1793, who 
died 1861, who was the father of David, the subject 
of this sketch. 

Abraham Perley was a farmer and dealer in cattle. 
He lived in Linebrook Parish, where he owned a large 
farm, and carried on an extensive business. David 
was educated in the ])ublic schools and at Topsfield 
and Dummer Academies. He succeeded to his fa- 
ther's business, and owns the largest and best con- 
ducted farms in the western part of the town. 

He married first Sophronia O. Phimmer, of New- 
bury, June 12,1851, by whom he had one child, Oscar 
Wentworth, born March 3, 1853, who now resides in 
Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Perley's first wife died 
March 14, 1853. His second wife was Abigail Kent 
Stevens, of West Newbury, whom he married May 
16, 1861. They had three children, namely : 

David Sidney, born February 21, 1862. He married 
Annie L. Hart, of Ipswich, February 21, 1887, and 
resides on the old homestead with his father. 

Roscoe Damon, born August 11, 1864. He fitted 
for college at the Ipswich High School and Dummer 
Academy, and entered Dartmouth College at the fall 
term. 1887. 

Carrie S., born October 18, 1865. She graduated 
from the Ipswicb High School in the class of 1885. 

The mother of these children died June 19, 1879, 
aged fifty-three years. He married Lizzie, daughter 
of Nathaniel H. Lavalette, of Ipswich, October 18, 
1880, by whom he has had three children, viz: Ches- 
ter G., born November 13, 1881 ; Mabel A., born Au- 
gust 19, 1883; Bertha C, born December 18, 1886. 

Mr. Perley has never sought or held any public 
ofBce, but has devoted himself entirely to his business 
and has been very successful, both as a farmer and 
dealer in cattle. 



COLONEL IfATHAXIEL SHAT.SWELL. 

Colonel Nathaniel Shatswell was born in Ipswich, 
Essex County, Mass., November 26, 1834. He was 
the son of John Shatswell and Anne Shatswell 7iee 
Lord. The name of his grandfather was Moses 
Shatswell, that of his grandmother Sarah Lord. His 
ancestors came from England in 1634, settling in Ips- 
wich on High Street, building the old homestead, 
still owned by him. Here they have always lived, a 
sturdy race of thrifty farmers distinguished for their 
pluck and indomitable energy. All seem to have 
been imbued with a military spirit and each genera- 
tion furnished its soldier. In all the campaigns and 
wars which the earlier settlers waged against the In- 



670 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dians the name of Shatswell appears among the 
troops. The great-grandfather of Colonel Shatswell 
served with distinction in the American army during 
the Revolution. John Shatswell, his father, was 
captain of the Ipswich troop, a cavalry companj' at- 
tached to General Low's brigade of the militia of 
Essex County. The early life of Colonel Shatswell 
was passed on his father's farm, and did not differ 
from that of every farmer's son — working on the farm 
in the summer, attending school in the winter. He 
received the rudiments of his education at home 
under the instruction of his mother and afterwards 
was sent to "the old Puddirig Street School" 
under the famous master, Jonathan Pressey. Sub- 
sequently, he attended the Latin grammar school. 
Leaving .school, he remained with his father at work 
on the farm until the spring of 1855, when becoming 
a little tired of farming life and with the resistless 
curiosity of an energetic young man, wishing to see 
something of the world beyond the limits of his native 
village, he went to East Boston to live. Here he 
found employment in a planing-mill and remained 
two years. The old Shatswell military spirit began 
to stir within him, and in December, 1855, he joined 
the old Boston Fusiliers and continued his member- 
ship with this company until the breaking out of the 
War of the Rebellion. In the spring of 1857 he re- 
turned to Ipswich and since that time has resided, 
with the exception of the years spent in the service of 
the United States, at the old homestead on High 
Street. During the lifetime of his father he assisted 
him in the management of the farm and since his 
decease has had the exclusive control of it. When 
in April, 1861, news came that Sumter had been fired 
upon and war began the great tidal wave of patriot- 
ism that swept over the country reached Ipswich, and 
the historic old town not unmindful of her ancient 
renown at once proceeded to enlist and organize a 
company. Nathaniel Shatswell was one of the first 
to enlist and was chosen first lieutenant and commis- 
sioned May 14, 1861, by Governor John A. Andrew. 
June 24th the company left Ipswich for Fort Warren, 
Boston Harbor, to join the Fourteenth Regiment 
Massachusetts Infantry. On July 5th the company 
was mustered into the service of the United States, 
and Lieutenant Shatswell was commissioned captain. 
The regiment remained at Fort Warren, drilling and 
learning the duties of a soldier, until August 4, 1861, 
when it was transferred to Washington, and went 
into camp at Kalorama. On the 12lh of August the 
regiment was ordered to Fort Albany, across Long 
Bridge on the south side of the Potomac. Here it 
remained two years, doing duty in the fortifications 
around Washington, and guarding Long Bridge and 
other bridges across the Potomac. January 1, 1862, 
the regiment, by orders from the War Department, 
was changed from an infantry to a heavy artillery 
regiment, two additional companies were enlisted and 
the regiment was recruited to its maximum strength 



and was known as the First Regiment Massachu- 
setts Heavy Artillery. In August, 1862, when General 
Banks was retreating down the Shenandoah Valley the 
regiment was hurried to the front and at Fairfax Court- 
House, Va., met the Union army in full rgtreat. Cap- 
tain Shatswell led the advance. Halting his men across 
the turnpike he affoi'ded an opportunity for the tired 
Union troops to reform in his rear and boldly charging 
with his own men he checked the advance of the 
enemy, and after a sharp skirmish saved a battery 
from capture which becoming demoralized early in 
the day, deserted their guns as soon as halted by 
the skirmish line. As a reward for these services the 
guns were assigned to the companies under the com- 
mand of Captain Shatswell. Captain Shatswell was 
commissioned major December 31, 1862, and for 
the next year he was with his regiment continu- 
ously, building roads, guarding bridges, doing 
picket duty, drilling and exercising his men and 
making it one of the best disciplined and drilled 
regiments in the army. Returning to the forti- 
fications around Washington Major Shatswell re- 
mained until May 15, 1864, when the regiment was 
ordered to the front, and started at once from Alex- 
andria, Va., for Belle Plain with its full complement 
of twelve companies and each company with full 
ranks, marching from Belle Plain by way of Frede- 
ricksburg, May 18, 1864, it reported to General 
Meade near Spotsylvania. General Meade assigned 
the regiment to General R. O. Tyler's division of 
heavy artillery, placing its Colonel, Thomas R. Fan- 
nalt, in command of the brigade. May 19th the 
brigade while supporting a battery on the extreme 
right of the Union lines was exposed to a terrible fire 
from the rebel troops. Leading the advance Major 
Shatswell's regiment was engaged with Rhode's divi- 
sion of General Ewell's Corps. At the first fire the 
senior major of the regiment was killed and the com- 
mand devolved upon Major Shatswell who, from that 
time till the close of the war, commanded the regi- 
ment. All through the terrible fight of that day 
Major Shatswell held the enemy in check until they 
were finalh' repulsed, and the supply train of Gene- 
ral Grant, which was the objective point of General 
Ewell, was saved. In this engagement the regiment 
lost ninety-one killed and three hundred and four 
wounded. Major Shatswell was severely wounded in 
the head by a minnie ball which partially stunned 
him. He was taken to the rear, and his wound was 
dressed. Recovering consciousness he returned to 
the command of his regiment and remained until the 
retreat of the rebels at dark gave him an opportunity 
for rest. On the 2d and 3d of June, the major was 
engaged at Cold Harbor, successfully repelling five 
attacks made by the rebels on the regimental line of 
breast-works. 

Crossing the James River on June 14th, Major 
Shatswell arrived at Petersburg in time to engage in 
the night attack on the rebel works June 16tb ; 



IPSAVICH. 



671 



during this engagement his sword was shot away 
from his side. On June 18th, the major was or- 
dered to charge the rebel lines in front of him. 
Driving in their picket-line he charged with his 
whole regiment, the enemy drawn up behind a sunken 
road, and succeeded in driving them from their posi- 
tion. While leading this charge Major Shatswcll was 
struck in the side by a minnie ball, which prostrated 
him to the ground. Quickly regaining his horse, he 
continued to lead his men. After the enemy had 
been driven from his position the major examined 
his side and discovered what a narrow escape he had 
had. He found in the pocket of his blouse a small 
book tilled with papers and orders through which the 
ball had penetrated, lodging in the cover of the book 
against his side. The colonel has the book, papers 
and ball now in his posses'sion. June 22d, while 
division officer of the day he was ordered to examine 
carefully the ground in front of his lines and ascer- 
tain if it was practicable to advance the picket line. 
He reported that it was practicable to advance a 
short distance. Receiving orders to advance five 
hundred yards he endeavored to carry out the orders. 
While doing this the rebels attacked his tlank with 
three lines in echelon and drove him back. Many of 
his men were captured and he himself was only saved 
by the cover of a friendly thicket. At one time the 
rebel line passed all around him and he was nearly 
certain of being captured. Keeping clo.sely under 
cover he remained concealed from nine o'clock in the 
morning until dark, when he succeeded in gaining the 
Union lines. 

July 27th, the major led an attack at Deep Bottom, 
charging across an open field and relieving a battery. 
August l-")th and 16th he was engaged in another 
battle at Deep Bottom. August 25th he wa.s fighting 
on the Weldou Railroad. From that time till Octo- 
ber he was in fort Alec Hays in front of Peters- 
burg. He was at the battle of Poplar Spring Church, 
October 2d, in which his regiment lost heavily in 
killed and wounded. The battle at Boydton Plank 
Road, October 27th, was one of the most desperate 
of all the battles in which the colonel was engaged. 
The whole corps was cut ofi' from the rest of the 
army, and so near were the combatants to each other 
that each side alternately drew men through the 
fence that separated the two opposing forces, and 
made prisoners of them. In this battle the colonel 
performed one of the most difficult tactical move- 
ments which is ever attempted, and then only under 
the pressure of dire necessity, that is, to change front 
in line of battle while under fire. The colonel with 
keen military sagacity seized just the right moment 
to i:-sue the necessary orders, which were promptly 
executed, and the movement was a success, tlie rebel 
assault repulsed and the day won. Until the'middle 
of December the colonel, with his regiment, was in 
the field continuously and constantly under fire. 
January 27, 18G5, Major Shalswell was commissioned 



lieutenant-colonel and the next day received his 
commission as colonel. 

In January, in consequence of a cold, contracted 
in a raid on the Weldon Railroad, which brought on 
a serious attack of rheumatism, Colouel Shatswell was 
granted leave of absence for sixty days, and came to 
Ipswich. He again reported for duty March, 5, 18Go, 
and never left the regiment again until the expiration 
of its term of service. The rebels charged the Union 
lines for the last time March 25th. After that, until 
the surrender of General Lee at Appomatox, Colonel 
Shatswell was engaged in one continuous skirmish, 
closely following the retreating forces of General 
Lee, and was present when that general surrendered. 
Major Shatswell was breveted lieutenant-colonel and 
colonel for meritorious conduct on the field. Colonel 
Shatswell was mustered out, with his regiment, at 
Wa.shington, August 16, 1865, and soon after re- 
turned to Ipswich, where he immediately resumed 
the occupation of farming. In April, 1869, Colonel 
Shatswell was appointed assistant superintendent of 
insane at the county institution, situated in Ipswich, 
and continues to hold that position at the present 
time. 

In 1883 he was elected a member of the board of 
selectmen for the town of Ipswich and re-elected in 
1884 and 1885. Colonel Shatswell is a member of 
John T. Heard Lodge, of F. & A. M., of which lodge 
he was W. M. five years. He is also a member of 
Washington Royal Arch Chapter and Winslow 
Lewis Commandery of Knight Templars, of Salem 
He is an active member of General James Appleton 
Post G. A. R. Colonel Shatswell was married, June 
15, 1861, to Mary White Stone, and has two daughters, 
Fannie W. and Annis L. Shatswell. Colonel Shats- 
well is a man of indomitable will, cool, firm and with 
a wonderful power of commanding men. 

With steady courage, undismayed by repulse or 
defeat, under fire he never faltered, but was as calm 
and undisturbed as on dress parade. He carried 
the same characteristics into civil life. In the admin- 
istration of afi'airs of the town and in his position as 
a.-sistaut superintendent of the county insane he was 
and is an able executive officer, far-seeing, skillful 
and well versed in the requirements of his position. 
Steady in his private attachments, his att'ection is 
warm and sincere ; open and social in his temper, his 
generosity is limited only by his means; with a lively 
and delicate sense of honor, neither public trust or 
private interest was ever betrayed by him. Intel- 
lectually strong and vigorous, he weighs carefully 
every matter, and is firm and tenacious in his opinions 
without obstinacy. He was a brilliant soldier, and 
he is an exemplary private citizen. Modest, quiet 
and unassuming in his demeanor, he has shown him- 
self capable and efficient in every position he has 
been called upon to fill. In politics he is a staunch 
Republican without being a bitter partisan. lu 
stature the colonel is rising six feet, his frame of 



672 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



body is remarkably robust, and his physical strength 
fully developed. 



JAMES PEATFIELD. 

James Peatfield was born in 1804, at Arnold, a 
small town three miles from Nottingham, England. 
He was the son of Joseph Peatfield, a man somewhat 
remarkable in his day. He was a bleacher by occu- 
pation, and carried on an extensive bleachery works 
at Arnold, doing work for the Nottingham spinners. 
Afterwards he came to the United States and was one 
of the first to engage in buying coal lands in Penn- 
sylvania, having firm faith in the enormous coal-fields 
that were just then beginning to attract the attention 
of miners and capitalists. Mr. Peatfield did not live 
to realize the full extent of the immense resources of 
the Pennsylvania mines, or to see this gigantic in- 
dustry assume the controlling interest in the United 
States. He did acquire a competency by his mining 
operations, and died at a ripe old age in St. Clair, 
Pennsylvania, where his remains now lie buried. 
Joseph Peatfield married Jane Spenser. She bore 
him five children, — James the subject of this sketch. 
Mary afterwards married to Jabez Mann, Sandford, 
Joseph and John, all of whom came to the United 
States and settled at Ipswich. James Peatfield se- 
cured his early educatiouathome, under his mother, 
and afterwards in the schools at Bulwell and Three 
Knights Bridge. 

Playing as a boy or helping in his father's bleachery 
he early became fimiliar with machinery, and readily 
understood the principles which govern its construc- 
tion. He, when a mere youth, showed a strong pre- 
dilection for mathematics, and even to this day has 
a strong love for them. He was bound as an appren- 
tice to John Atherly, of Arnold, with whom he re- 
mained until his " coming of age," and thoroughly 
learned the building of lace and woolen machinery. In 
July, 1827, he (jame to the United States, landing in 
New York city. That same month he journeyed to 
Ipswich, where he took up his residence, and has re- 
mained in this town ever since his first arrival. At 
this time the manufacture of lace was receiving much 
attention in this country, and at Ipswich were two 
factories wherein lace was manufactured, one situated 
on Hight Street and owned by the late Dr. Thomas 
Manning, and is the present mansion-house of Joseph 
Ross, Esq. ; the other was situated on what Is now 
known as County Street, and is now used by S. F. 
Canney as a factory for the manuficture of boxes and 
as a planing mill. This latter was owned and oper- 
ated by the Heards. When James Peatfield came to 
Ipswich he at once entered the employ of the Heards, 
as machinist. He found the machinery then in 
use old and imperfect. All the machines had been 
brought from England and had been in use for a long 
time. 5Ir. Peatfield immediately went to work to re- 
pair these machines and to make improvements, and 
finally built a new machine, which was one of the 



first lace machines made in this country. This ma- 
chine did the work so much better than the old ma- 
chine, and with a large increase in its productive 
power that the business rapidly increased and bid 
fair to become one of the leading industries of the 
country. Afterwards a heavy tariff' was liid on the raw 
material out of which the lace was manufactured, and 
this industry began to languish and at length died 
out entirely. Mr. Peatfield then turned his attention 
to other fields of manufactures, and in 1839 he in- 
vented and built a warp machine, and began the 
manufacture of woolen underclothing. This was the 
beginning of that immense business, the manufacture 
of woolens, which at the present time gives employ- 
ment to many thousands of workmen and millions of 
capital, and to James Peatfield belongs the honor of 
being the first person to manufacture woolen under- 
clothing in the United States. The goods were man- 
ufactured in the lace factory of the Heards', the lace 
machinery was removed and warp machines put in 
their place. The Ipswich River afforded ample 
water power to run the machinery, and the business 
was very successful. A ready sale was found for all 
the goods that could be manufactured. This mill 
continued to make woolen goods under the management 
of James Peatfield until the Heards moved into the 
stone mill farther up the river, where was greater 
water-power and increased facilities for manufactur- 
ing. Mr. Peatfield was transferred to this mill and 
continued here for several years, making, repairing 
and improving machinery. He devoted his time es- 
pecially to the loom department. In 1842, in com- 
pany with his brother Sandford, he built the brick 
mill on Washington Street, near the Bnston and 
Maine Railroad Station, and continued the manufac- 
ture of woolen goods, hosiery and underclothing until 
1877, when he retired from active labor in the mill 
to the quiet enjoyments of rural life. Mr. Peatfield 
always had a great loudness and aptness lor mathe- 
matical studies, and has pursued them into the higher 
branches of pure mathematics, and even to this day, 
at the age of more than four-score years, nothing 
pleases him more than to find some difiicult mathe- 
matical problem to solve or some mathematical puz- 
zle to unravel. He at one time constructed a very 
ingenious labyrinth, which was the wonder and de- 
light of all. He also made a most intricate puzzle 
which he calls the puzzle of the squares, which has 
proved a very difficult nut for mathematical scholars 
to crack. James Peatfield was always a great lover 
of horticulture. In 1846 he bought some seven 
acres more or less bounded by the Topsfield road and 
the Ipswich River, and planted a nursery in a part of 
this purchase. After leaving the building of machinery 
and the manufacture of woolens he devoted himself 
to the care of his nursery and the developing of his 
lands. He sold, from time to time, small portions of 
his original juirchase to various parties for house lots, 
but he retained the part which he had planted as 



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IPSWICH. 



673 



a nursery until 1885. Knowing almost every kind 
of fruit tree and plant, it has been his great pleasure 
to cultivate his garden and his orchard, and in the 
jnire enjoyment of watching them thrive and grow, 
his latter days have passed in peace and quiet. Since 
1S8.J he has not been engaged in any active business. 
October 2, 1834, he was married to Susan Heard, of 
Ipswich. Two daughters, — Hannah Moore and Mar- 
garet Fox — were born to them, and they are living at 
the present time. Mr. Peatfield. at the age of eighty- 
three, has his mental faculties unimpaired. His memo- 
ry is wonderfully retentive. He remembers every in- 
cident of his life, and can give the most minute de- 
tailsofevery circumstance and eventof hislonglife. He 
retains a strong interest in all the aft'airs of his adopt- 
ed town, and is interested in every effort to advance 
its prosperity. 

James Peatfield is a man of undoubted prol)ity and 
lionesty, liberal in every sense of the word and inter- 
ested in every good work. Temperate in all things, 
simple in his habits, amiable in his disposition, quiet 
in his manner, conscientious and upright in all his 
dealings, genial and affectionate, his later years af- 
ford him the plea.sant consciousness of a well-spent 
life. 



DANIEL POTTER. 

Daniel Potter, one of Salem's most respected and 
honored citizens, was the second of thirteen children 
of Daniel and Eunice Fellows Potter, of Ipswich, 
and was born in that historic town on the 24:th of 
]\Iarch, 1800. 

His earlier years were passed in his native town, 
and here, in his school-boy days, by persevering in- 
dustry and attention to his studies, he laid the foun- 
dation lor a life of usefulness anil honor, worthy .of 
emulation. 

In April, 1815, he removed to Salem and became 
apprenticed as a blacksmith to David Sattbrd, with 
whom he remained until he reached the age of twen- 
ty-iwo years, when he commenced in business for 
himself on Sewell Street, Salem, continuing until 
1827, when he removed to Roxbury, Mass. 

Two years later, on the 29th of November, 1829, 
he returned to the city of Salem and took a shop on 
West Place ; he there pursued his trade until 1852 
and with marked success. 

The industry and integrity of character with which 
he pursued his business commended itself to the peo- 
ple, and he was repeatedly called to positions of honor 
and responsibility. 

He was chosen a member of the Common Council 
for the years 1842, '-13, '44, '45, '46, '48, '54, '55, '60, 
and 70, receiving the additional honor of being se- 
lected as its pi'esiding officer for the years 1854 and 
'55. 

The ability, faithfulne.ss and dignity which he 
brought to the discharge of the duties of this high 
position in these years when to be a member of the 
43 



government of a city was only attained by men of 
honesty and integrity, mark him as a man of worth 
and e.Kcelleuce. 

In 1852 retiring from his trade he was appointed to 
the very responsible position of deputy-sheriff of Es- 
se.K County by High Sheriff' Robinson of Marblehead, 
which position he continued without interruption to 
hold, by reappointments, until his resignation in Jan- 
uary, 1887, rounding up thirty-five years of almost 
uninterrupted official life. 

In politics a recognized Republican. As a citizen, 
an upright man, as an official incorruptible. In so- 
cial life, jovial and witty, and in all those character- 
istics which go to make up a man to be honored, re- 
spected and beloved by his fellows, a man of note. 

On the 10th day of March, 1824, he was married to 
Dolly New-ell, daughter of John and Hannah B. 
Ferguson, of Salem, a union which has been happily 
continued for more than three-score years. 

Of thirteen children born to them one son and three 
daughters remain to honor and cheer them in their 
declining years, viz.: Daniel, Jr., resides in South 
Braintree ; Dolly Ann, married to Nathaniel Jack- 
man, of Salem; Ellen, married to George H. Pous- 
land, of Salem ; and Margaret F., who resides at home 
with her parents in Salem. 



WESLEY KEXDALL BELL. 

Wesley Kendall Bell was born in Albany, Oxford 
County, Me., August 10, 1827. 

He was the second son of John and Betsey Kendall 
Bell, whose farm home was one of comfort and thrift, 
so that Wesley, after attending the Common District 
School was sent for one term to Wilbraham (Mass.) 
Academy, and thence to Greenwich, R. I., where he 
was fitted for college. 

He came to Ipswich in 1850, where he received an 
appointment as teacher in the Grammar School, in 
which position he remained for sixteen years, giving 
eminent satisfaction by his close application to the 
duties of the position, and retaining the respect of all 
the pupils who were favored by being under his tui- 
tion. 

In 1858 he was appointed by his excellency, Gov- 
ernor Banks, a justice of the peace. 

Mr. Bell married on the 24th of November, 1863, 
Kate B., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Noyes. 

At the town-meeting, in the spring of 1865, he was 
chosen to the responsible position of town clerk, and 
the satisfactory manner in which he has performed his 
duties has a.ssured his re-nomination and election in 
each succeeding year up to the present time. 

In 1866 Mr. Bell was apjiointed an Assistant Asses- 
sor of United States Revenue (Internal), which posi- 
tion he retained for three years. 

In the autumn of 1869 he was elected a member of 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and 



674 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



during the term for which he was chosen did most 
excellent service as a member of the committee on 
education. 

In 1872 he was appointed by his excellency, Gov. 
Washburn, as a trial justice for the trial of criminal 
cases. The terms of appointment to this position are 
for three years, and so ably has the dut}' been per- 
formed that he has received four re-appointments to 
this important office. 

In 1878 he was chosen treasurer and clerk of the 
Ijjswich Gas-Light Company, which position he con- 
tinues to occupy with great credit to himself and to 
the satisfaction of the corporation. 

Mr. Bell is a cousin to the Hon. Charles H. Bell, of 
Exeter, N. H., the genial ex -governor of that State, 
and, like his relative, is in politics a positive Repub- 
lican — reliable and true to his party — not the blind 
]iartisan, but the well-read, thinking man, able to 
defend and " give a reason for the faith which is within 
him." 

Mr. Bell has taken an active interest in the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and has held various 
oflicial positions in the order. He is a member of 
Agawam Lodge, No. 52, Naumkeag Encampment, 
No. 13, and Canton Wildey, No. 2. 

It would seem that Mr. Bell, while he has had the 
fortune to be much in public life, has continued and 
still continues to have the ftill confidence of the peo- 
ple of our town. 

Said a gentleman who had known of him from the 
time he first came among us, " For the citizen of good, 
sound, practical ability, of sterling integrity and un- 
doubted character, his superior cannot be found." 
Said another, " For a man who has been upwards of 
thirty-six years in public life as a teacher, as a politi- 
cian, as a judicial oflicer, while I am not of his polit- 
ical faith, I believe him to be the same honest, upright 
citizen as when he first made this place his home," — 
and these are but the faint expressions of esteem and 
confidence which are heard on every hand among the 
townspeople. 

In these days it is a pleasure to note cases where 
after long terms of official life, the communities where 
men live are still ready to endorse them as faithful 
and honest in the discharge of responsibilities, and it 
is to be hoped that examples like this will be appre- 
ciated by the young and that his conduct may be em- 
ulated bv them. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 
BEVERLY. 



BY FKEDERICK A. OBEK. 



Its Physical Features. — The township of Bev- 
erly is locally bounded on the north by Wenham, 



east by Manchester, west by Danvers, south by the 
waters of Massachusetts Bay, and the channel of its 
own harbor, separating it from Salem. 

The centre of this township (which has a length 
of about six miles and an average breadth of three) 
is in north latitude 42° 34' 38", and west longitude 
70° 54' 5". 

Within its boundaries are included surface, soil 
and vegetation, in greater variety perhaps than with- 
in the limits of any other section of equal area in 
the State. Though greatly diversified, the general 
aspect is hilly, with no elevation approaching the al- 
titude of mountains, j'et without any considerable 
tract of level land. The general trend of the surface 
towards the ocean gives a southerly exposure to its 
slopes and valley-lands, of material advantage to its 
agriculturists. 

Geologically considered, Beverly lies very close to 
the primitive rock; diorite in the western portion, 
and its eastern half the granite structure that forms 
the hills of Cape Ann, beginning here and culminat- 
ing in the headlands of Gloucester and Rockport. 
Its geological structure, then, is granitic, with a few 
shore strips of older and more thoroughly crystal- 
line rocks. 

Some of the numerous out-cropping ledges contain 
rare specimens of columbite polymignite, green feld- 
spar and ore of tin; but the mineralogical field is 
necessarily a restricted one, though exceedingly in- 
teresting, A peculiar feature of the scenery are 
these denuded ledges, as well as the great superim- 
posed boulders, giving character to the hills and 
headlands. These furnish a coarse quality of gran- 
ite, which has been extensively quarried and utilized 
in the construction of the best buildings. 

Although there is much rocky land, there is very 
little absolutely sterile within the limits of the town. 
Even the rocky pastures, though often discouraging 
to an ambitious ruminant, are rich in multitudinous 
examples of the indigenous flora. 

The soil, in the main clayey, gravelly or sandy, is 
strong and productive, yielding good returns when 
fertilized. 

Natural elements of fertility, such as peat and sea- 
weed, were formerly found here in great abundance. 

Valuable strata of clay give much material for 
brick and pottery, while even the sand of the sea- 
shore has been — anciently, at least — a source of profit 
to those who engaged in shipping it to other parts. 
On the beach near Hospital Point is a deposit of 
"black sand," which was at one time much sought 
after, for a purpose explained by one of the writers on 
New England, two hundred years ago, the curious 
Josselyn : 

" There is likewise a sort of glittering Sand, which 
is altogether as good as the glasse powder brought 
from the Indies, to dry up Ink on paper newly writ- 
ten." 

The only ore which has been discovered in quan- 



BEVERLY. 



evs 



tity sufficient for export is an inferior quality of bog 
iron, wbitli was at one time worked in tiie primitive 
foundries of Kowley and Lynn. 

This deposit lies near the present railroad station 
of Montserrat, and is to-day only indicated by a 
chalybeate spring, locally famous as " Imn-Mine 
Spring," whose waters are sufficiently impregnated to 
be nauseous without being positively medicinal. 

But one other mineral spring is known to occur in 
Beverly, though the subterranean flow of water is 
copious and pure, and can be reached by wells with 
an average depth of thirty feet. 

Beverly's woods and water are its chief attractions, 
although its ponds and streams are few and small. 
The largest body of water, lying partly within its 
boundaries, is Wenham Lake, about one-third of 
which pertains to this township. The purity of its 
water and the crystal clearness of its ice, have made 
this beautiful lake famous, even beyond the seas. It 
is some three hundred and twenty acres in area, lies 
at an elevation of thirty-four feet above the sea, and 
supplies Beverly as well as the city of Salem with 
water. It is known in the early chronicles as the 
" Great Pond,'' and figures prominently in deeds and 
grants. A lesser sheet of water, though in some re- 
spects more interesting, is Beaver Pond of twenty 
acres, which is still secluded within the embrace of 
the pine woods, not far from the Wenham line. 

Its outlet, a small stream, winding through the 
woods, connects with Norwood Lake, a submerged 
meadow-tract of some forty acres additional, which 
gives a large head of available water-power at a point 
formerly occuiiied by the old "Conant Mill." Both 
Wenham and Beaver are stocked with fish, though 
not to an extent to make them famous. Their shores 
are in places well-wooded, delightfully adapted to 
out-door recreation, and hence much frequented by 
the inhabitants of the adjacent territory. Round 
Pond, in North Beverly, and Little Pond, not far 
from Beaver, are the only others, and scarce worthy 
of mention. 

To its abundant supply of pure water and to its 
perfect surface and subterranean drainage, Beverly 
owes much of its reputation for healthfulness. Its 
streams, though neither numerous nor large, are ex- 
cellently adapted for the carrying away of the surplus 
water. 

In the western part of the township is Bass River 
Brook, which flows into the arm of the sea known as 
Bass River. Another, which pursues a course nearly 
parallel with the main line of the railroad, and empties 
into Bass River, is Tan Yard Brook, while yet another 
flows along the Gloucester Branch Railroad, and was 
formerly known as Job's Pond Brook. 

A region lying near the base of Brimble Hill, known 
as Cat Sivamp, and adjacent territory, is drained by a 
brook variously called Cedar Stand and Sallow's 
Brook, which enters the extreme head of Mackerel 
Cove; a meandering stream, forked and branched. 



running through alder swamps and open meadows, 
alternate, locally famous for their wild flowers. A 
tradition of trout lurks about its deeper and gloomier 
portions, and it was once a stream of importance 
enough to su[)port a grist-mill at its mouth, though in 
latter times it is prone to withdraw within itself and 
disappear almost entirely from sight, duriug the heat- 
ed months of midsummer. Farther to eastward is 
Patches' or Thissell Brook, where one of the earliest 
settlers, Nicholas Woodbury, had a grist-mill. Some 
distance beyond is a streamlet, crossing Mingo's 
Beach and another flowing into Plum Cove, while the 
largest is near the eastern border of the town ; Saw- 
mill Brook, where trout are said to have been caught 
within the memory of people now living. No one of 
these streams is of sufficient importance to claim the 
attention of a stranger, yet, collectively, these water- 
courses play an important part in giving the coast 
that diversity of aspect which is its most attractive 
feature. 

Of the elements of the landscape those natural fea- 
tures most prominent are, of course, the hills, which, 
though of moderate elevation, afford the observer from 
their summits views unsurpassed of their kind. 

One of the finest water views, 2)erhaps, is that 
spread below and beyond "Josh's Mountain," near 
and to the west of the bridge connecting Beverly with 
Salem ; from the summit of Brown's Hill (the crown 
of which, however, is now in Danvers) the most ex- 
tensive view is afforded, though equally good may be 
obtained from the crests of Chipman and Brimble 
Hills, especially from the latter. All, indeed, of the 
numerous hill-tops favor a visitor with charming 
scenes, such as are aft'orded by the contiguity of 
wooded hills and valleys with the ocean. 

Flora and Fauna. — To obtain an adequate con- 
ception of this region as it existed prior to the visit 
of the first settlei's, one should become acquainted 
not only w-ith its geological and topographical feat- 
ures, but with the leading types of its flora and 
fauna. These are, to a great extent, interdependent, 
and collectively throw light upon the subsequent 
actions of the settlers themselves. It was not a bar- 
ren country, this, when first seen by civilized man ; 
for the primitive rock was covered with a rich soil 
clothed in an attractive and exuberant vegetation. 
Many plants and fruits were found here indigenous, 
while nearly everything brought by the settlers from 
their own country took root and flourished sponta- 
neously. 

The principal native trees and those which give 
color to the woods and a distinctive tone to the 
masses of foliage (esiiecially as seen from the sea) are 
the pines, variously iutermixed with oaks, maples, 
hemlocks and birches. These compose mainly the 
masses or "bulks" of trees, while there are numerous 
other natives, such as the elm, butternut, ash, cherry, 
red and white cedar, and a host of shrubs and bushes 
of lesser growth. 



070 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The remarks of Captain John Smith upon the 
coast productions of New England in general are 
particularly applicable here: " First, the ground is so 
fertill that, questionless, it is capable of producing 
any Grain, Fruits or Seeds you will sow or plant, 
growing in the region afore-named; but it may be 
not eviry kinde to that perfection of delicacy, or 
some tender plants may miscarie, because the sum- 
mer is not so hot, and the winter is more cold, in 
those parts wee have yet tryed neere the Seaside than 
wee finde in the same height in Europe or Asia. . . . 
The hearbes or fruits (native) are of many sorts and 
kinds, as alkermes, currants, mulberries, raspices, 
gooseberries, plummes, walnuts, chestnuts, punipions, 
gourds, strawberries, beans, pease and mayze; a kind 
or two of flax (wherewith they make nets, lines and 
ropes, both small and great). Oke is their chief 
wood ; firr, pine, walnut, chestnut, birch, ash, elme, 
cedar and many other sorts." 

Its diversity of surface gives to Beverly a flora 
equally varied ; in the gloom of its mo.st secluded 
dells and swamps grow plants rare in localities more 
to the southward, while the southern exposure of its 
coast slopes offers a congenial habitat for several 
unknown much farther north. Its fragrant pasture 
lands breathe the incense of spiciest bloom in the 
season of inflorescence, and here are found those 
plants of mystical and medicinal virtues so beloved 
of the Indian medicine-man and the "yarb doctor" 
of early times. Nowhere in the world is there a 
greater variety of berries and native small fruits 
than may be found in the coast country of New Eng- 
land : such as blueberries, high and low, blackberries 
of several varieties, barberries, cranberries, whortle 
or huckleberries, elderberries, strawberries, raspber- 
ries, wild currants and gooseberries, cherries, grapes, 
etc., to which may be added many other kinds and 
the nuts and fruits of various trees. 

In this region, favored of nature, may be found 
most of the flowering plants belonging to Massachu- 
setts, many of brightest bloom being especially 
abundant ; as the laurel {kalmia), occasionally the 
magnolia [m. glauca), on the borders of Man- 
chester ; the cardinal flower {lobelia cardinalis), the 
bright rhodora, the fringed gentian {g. crinita), late in 
autumn, the fragrant water lily {nymphcea odorala), 
the choicest species of the violet family, the wild rose 
and clematis; in fact, the entire range of flowering 
plants peculiar to New Ei)gland. That early blooming 
l)lant of adjacent regions, the mayflower (epigcea 
ripens), is rarely found here, but almost cotemporary 
with it are the saxifrage, dog-tooth violet, anemone 
and Housatonia, close followed by the columbine 
{aquilegia Canadensis), the " Solomon's seal," " ladies' 
slijjper " {eypripedium jmbescens), the star flowers and 
a constantly augmented troop of summer flowers. 
Certain meadows, in June, are red with that delicate 
orchid, the arethusa bulhosa, and white with the 
buckbean, while along the water-courses, later, grow 



the sagittaria (the arrow-heads), the thickets are 
green with the parasitic dodder, and all the road- 
sides, later yet, lined with the golden-rod. It would 
be impossible to merely enumerate the species (in this 
brief introductory), that till the months of spring, 
summer and early autumn, with bloom and fragrance. 
It was of this (Cape Ann) coast that the reverend 
Higginson wrote, when on his voyage to Salem : 

*' By noon we were within three leagnes of Cape Ann, and as we 
sayled along the coast we saw every bill and dale, and every island, full 
of gay woods and high trees. 

"The nearer we came to the shore the more tlowers in abnndance, 
Bometymes scattered abroad, sometimes joyned in sheets nine or ten 
yards long, which we supposed to be brought from the low meadowes by 
the lyde. 

" Now, what with fine woods and greene trees by land, and these yel- 
low flowers paynting the sea, made us all desirous to see our new para- 
dise of Kew England, whence we saw such forerunning signals of 
fertilitie affarre off." 

There is in Beverly, growing wild in the fields, a 
native grass, peculiarly fragrant ; and the odors from 
these fragrant fields, mingled with the balsamic 
breath of the pine woods, and borne to a sea-stranger 
by an off-shore breeze, must, indeed, have seemed to 
him like favored gales direct from paradise. 

Having glanced at Beverly in its aspects topograph- 
ical, geological and botanical, it only remains now 
(in order to complete our picture of this region as it 
existed prior to the European visitation^ to view it 
in its aspect zoological. Its elementary features: 
rocks, soils, water-courses, vegetation, — these have 
been described ; from them — from their relative ar- 
rangements and combinations — it may be deduced 
that this section was eminently favored by nature, 
and well fitted to support a numerous population. 

Nor was that population lacking, although com- 
posed principally of the humbler inhabitants of the 
woods and meads, in fur and feather. With a few 
exceptions, the animals found here by the early set- 
tlers may be assumed to have existed here from time 
immemorial. The knowledge acquired by the early 
planters was necessarily imperfect, but they soon be- 
came acquainted with the larger and more obtrusive 
members of the lower animals that ranged the wil- 
derness around them. Says the inquisitive Higgin- 
son, writing at that time, and of it : 

' ' For beastes, there are some beares, and they say lyons ; for they 
have been seen at Cape Anne. Here are several sorts of dcers, also 
wolves, foxes, beavers, otters, martins, great wild cats, and a great beast 
called a niolke (moose) as biggo as an oxe." 

Fifty years later, Josselyn writes : 

*' There .are not many kinds of Beasts in New England; they may be 
divided into Beasts of the chase of the stinking foot, as Roes, foxes, 
Jaccals, Wolves, Wild-cats, Raccoons, Porcupines, Squncks, Musquashes, 
Squirrels, Sables, and Mattrisses ; and Beasts of the chace of the sweet 
foot : Buck, Bed Deer, Rain Deer Elk, Marouse, Bear, Maccarib, Beaver, 
otter, Martin, Hare." 

The larger quadrupeds, such as the bear, deer, bea- 
ver, otter, martin, wolf and wild-cat, have long since 
beeu exterminated here (tliough the locality known 
as Cat Swamp derived its name from the abundance 
of wild-cats once found there), but several of the 
smaller yet remain. The fox yet haunts the hills ot 



BEVERLY. 



077 



the northern part of the township, leading a preca- 
rious existence, even though the feeling towards him 
is friendly, rather than otherwise, as the survivor of 
a race now nearly extinct. 

The hunter instinct still remains in the hreasts of 
our people, and many here would gladly reimburse 
the farmers the loss of an occasional fowl raiher than 
that reyuard should he exterminated, and the spark 
that lingers from the frontier existence of our ances- 
tors become extinguished. Scarce a clover-field on 
the forest border that has not still a resident beneath 
its surface, in the s^hape of the woodchuck — arctomys 
monax — that gray hermit, indigenous to the soil. 
This animal, likewise, would be sadly missed and 
even lamented, though occasional!)' destructive to 
clover and early vegetables. 

There is another, however, whose presence would 
be gladly dispensed with ; a small animal of inoffen- 
sive habit, generally, but endowed by nature with 
most pungent possibilities when thoroughly aroused. 
"The Squnck," says Joselyn, referring to the skunk 
(mephitis mepliitica), " is almost as big as a Kaccoon, 
perfect black, white, or pye-bald, with a bush tail 
like a Fox — an offensive carion." And, of a truth, 
he is ofl'ensive when at his worst; yet, indirectly of 
great benefit to our agriculturists as he is insectivo- 
rous in his habit. "The Mu.squash,'' says the same 
writer just quoted, "is a small Beast that lives in 
shallow ponds." This is the Indian name for the 
musk-rat {nndrata zibethicus), which still inhabits our 
shallow ponds, and within a score of years was quite 
numerously represented. 

That the beaver once dwelt in our ponds and built 
his dams in our waters there yet remain tradition and 
ocular evidence ; yet none is found here to-day. 

Another fur-bearing animal, the mink, is occasion- 
ally seen, as also the weasel ; the other has long been 
extinct. But Beverly, even to the present day, 
constitutes with several adjoining towns, a fine range 
for the unambitious fur hunter to trap in during the 
winter months. In the larger swamps the hare is 
still found, while the rabbit is a denizen of every 
woodland, and moles, rats and field-mice are in 
the fields in modern abundance. The squirrels, red 
and gray, are quite numerous, especially the former; 
occasionally the flying-pquirrel is seen, and the 
striped squirrels, or "chipmonks," are everywhere in 
the woods and pasture lands. 

Birds of Beveely.— Although the number of fe- 
rous quadrupeds is not large, the territory embraced 
in this township contains nearly every representative 
genus of the avifauna, or bird-life, of the Eastern 
States. The first settlers, though not particularly ob- 
servant of animated nature, could not avoid noticing 
the numerous birds. Captain John Smith (1616), 
mentioned some of the many birds seen in coasting 
Cape Ann, as " Eagles,Gripes, divcrssorts of Hawkes, 
Cranes, Geese, Brantz, Cormoj-ants, Ducks, Shel- 
drakes, Teals, Mea«es, Guls, Turkies, Dive-hoppers, 



etc., and divers sorts of vermin whose names I know 

not." 

Higginson, a decade later, speaks of wild ducks, pig- 
eons, geese, and turkeys, partridges, eagles and hawks. 
But their attention, though called to the coast species 
and water birds, and such as from their size or habits 
were conspicuous, was not drawn to the numerous 
speciesresident within the woods and secluded meadow- 
lands. The species resident in Beverly to-day, and those 
found here at some season of the year as migrants, 
number about two hundred, and these were (at least 
conjecturally) identified with this region three hundred 
years ago. 

Our ancestors, those who first settled here and re- 
claimed the country from its original wildness, gladly 
welcomed the birds, especially those harbingers of 
spring, forerunners of the coming of milder air, and 
the relaxation of the rigors of winter. Our best lit- 
erature has celebrated the softening infiuenee of the 
birds and flowers upon those stern settlers who were 
compelled to battle with nature for the mere elements 
of subsistence. Without these free gifts of a benefi- 
cient Providence there would be little to cheer them 
at their toil. That they appreciated the coming of 
the birds and looked forward anxiously to their pres- 
ence among them, and encouraged it in every way, is 
well-known. They drew from the ranks of their feath- 
ered friends only such a.s were necessary for food, and 
allowed the harmless and smaller members of the 
fraternity to flit and warble unmolested. But even 
the savage, the red Indian, equalled them in this, 
never slaying except for sustenance and the simple de- 
mands of ornamentation. 

With a few .-light additions, perhaps through the 
introduction of strangers — such as the English spar- 
row — the avifauna of Beverly is essentially the same 
as it was when the first settlers landed here. Assum- 
ing this, then, they would have found, had they in- 
vestigated and classified the re.«ults, nearly two hun- 
dred species. Of the hawks, nine or ten, besides oc- 
casional visitants in the bald-headed eagle and the 
fish-hawk. Of owls, there are eight or nine species, 
including the great Arctic owl (though rarely seen) 
and the great-horned. 

The cuckoos give us two species, the woodpeckers 
six, while of the humming bird there is one spteciesasa 
summer resident (the ruby-throat), whip-poor-will, one 
night-hawk, and one kingfi?her. 

The fly-catchers are represented by seven species, 
which include the "king-bird," pewees, etc. 

The thrushes, also, seven species, containing our 
most delightful songsters: the brown, hermit and 
wood-thrushes, and the cat-bird, as well as the robin. 
There is one blue-bird, one gold-crested and one 
ruby-crowned wren, one of the tit-mice, the chicka- 
dee, two nut-liatchers, one creeper, three wrens (in- 
cluding the house-wren), and one titlark. Of that 
large family termed the warblers, we have at least 
twenty species. They comprise a considerable num- 



678 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ber of our migrants ; for not very many birds are 

resident here throughout the yeai'. 

Every season a host of birds may be noted winging 
their way from woodland to woodland, copse to 
thicket. This aerial army of invasion comes to us, 
mainly, from the far South, making its long journey 
of thousands of miles by progressive stages, never 
fairly halting at any one place, except for food and 
short intervals of rest, until its ultimate destination 
is reached. 

The advance pickets of this flying column arrive 
early in March, their posts continually being occu- 
pied by later visitants, and finally succeeded by the 
army of occupation. 

The black-birds, robins, song-sparrows, blue-birds, 
are among the first arrivals, and these are followed 
by others of their kind so obscure of coloration (some 
of them — though others are of beautiful color), and 
of such secluded habits, that they escape the obser- 
vation of any but the trained eye of the ornithol 
ogist. 

These are the warblers, — quiet and unobtrusive 
tree inhabitants. They take their places among.st 
the ranks of the w'inter residents, such as the crows, 
jays, snow-birds and chickadees, while some of these 
latter retire yet I'urther north to make room for 
them. 

Thus it is that our fields and forests are occupied 
by the feathered flocks. The shores are swept by 
sand-pipers, plover, gulls and terns, while the so- 
called birds of prey, the hawks, owls and eagles, cir- 
cle in the ether of the upper air or lie in wait in the 
dim recesses of the wood. 

The interesting oven-bird, or golden-crowned 
thrush, is included in the warbler group. In the 
oak woods the scarlet tanager is found. Of the 
swifts, swallows and martins, there are six species. 
Of chatterers, one, the cedar-bird, one shrike (the 
butcher-bird), five vireos and one skylark. 

Four members of the finch family, two cross-bills 
and two red-polls and snow-buntings, sparrows and 
snow-birds give us twelve representatives; there is 
one grosbeak (the rose-breasted), one indigo-bird and 
one towhee-bunting, or "chewink." That most de- 
lightful melodist, the bobolink, resides in our mead- 
ows after the first week in May, and we are favored 
with the presence of four species of blackbirds. 

The meadow-lark is found occasionally, and two 
orioles; one, the golden robin, builds its pensile nest 
in the elms of our principal streets. One species of 
crow resides here throughout the year; the blue jay, 
also; and a specimen of the raven may occasionally 
descend to this latitude. 

The wild pigeon once visited our territory in im- 
mense flocks, though now rarely found, since the 
great wheat fields of the West ofler it food nearer 
home. Within a score of years, however, it was very 
abundant in the month of Sejitember, passing over 
our woods in great flocks. 



That it was equally numerous at the opening of 
the seventeenth century, we have testimony from 
Higginson, writing of Salem in 1631: 

"Upon the eightll of March, from after it was fairs daylight until 
about eight of the clock in the forenoon, there flew over all the towns 
in our plautacons aoe many flocke of doues, each flock contayning many 
thousands, and Boe many that they obscured the light, that pafseth 
credit, if but the truth should be written." 

One species of turtle-dove is a visitor here, " par- 
tridges " (ruifed grouse) are found in every wood, and 
quail in the pastures. Of herons and bitterns, five 
species visit our meadows and marshes ; plover, five 
species, on the shore ; one species of woodcock and 
one of snipe. Ten .species of curlew and sandpipers 
may be shot here, and three of rails and coots. 

The Canada goose sometimes alights here, on its 
way to the far north, and, in olden times, doubtless 
bred here. Ducks and sheldrakes, to the number of 
sixteen, swim along shore and sometimes penetrate 
our creeks; now and then a few remain to breed. 

Six species of gulls and terns visit the shore ; two 
breed on the islands in the harbor. Two of the pe- 
trels (or " Mother Gary's chickens "), may.be detected 
by the more observant, in the winter. Of loons and 
grebes five species, the most conspicuous being the 
great northern diver. To end the list, mention should 
be made of four sub- Arctic birds ; the auks and puf- 
fins, which come down from hyperborean regions in 
mid-winter. That species now extinct, the great auk 
{aha impennis), doubtless existed here in the time of 
our forefathers ; but the only representative of the 
family to-day is the little auk, or dovekie, which is 
sometimes blown ujion our coast during severe 
storms. 

In the preceding pages are enumerated nearly all 
the higher forms of animal life indigenous here at 
the time of which we write. Space will not permit 
of a description in detail of these, nor even mention 
of those still lower families, of the insect world, 
which are numerous ; yet, with few noxious, or even 
annoying, representatives. 

Tradition has, perhaps, invested some reptiles with 
fateful attributes, but it is not known that there are 
many harmful here, unless they have been introduced 
from other parts. In a word, then, this territory was 
amply provided by the Creator with animals neces- 
sary to man's subsistence, and even to minister to 
his aesthetic tastes ; but with none noxious .so numer- 
ous as to cause him excessive apprehension. 

The A.BORIGINES. — Mention ought to be made, 
before this general subject is dismissed, of the origi- 
nal proprietors of this territory, at least, who were 
found in possession when it was discovered by white 
men. 

There is abundant evidence that this region was 
looked upon as a favored abiding-place by the red 
men, the American aborigines. Not alone tradition 
points to it as the ancient home of the Indian, but the 
material evidence of his occupation, in the shape of 



BEVEKLY. 



679 



remains of his feasts, his village sites and specimens 
of his domestic utensils and implements of war and 
the chase. Banks of shells, where the wigwam was 
once pitched, and the refuse of the kitchen deposited, 
are yet found here. The largest yet discovered was 
near the head of Galley's Brook, doubtless an ancient 
estuary, on the slope leading to the cemetery. These 
ancient encampments were always at or near the 
head or mouth of some stream contiguous to the sea ; 
for almost the entire subsistence of the Indians, 
during the summer months especially, was drawn 
from the sea. "They hunted iu the winter," says an 
ancient writer, " the moose, bear, etc. ; for this pur- 
jiose making long excursions into the interior, but 
their fishing follower iu the spring, summer and fall 
of the leaf; first for Lobsters, Clammes, Flouke, 
Lumps or Poddlers, and Alewives, and afterwards for 
Bass, Cod, Rock, Bluefish, Salmon, etc." 

" All these, and diverse other good things," says 
Captain John Smith, " do heere, for want of use, in- 
crease and decrease with little diminution ; whereby 
they growe to that abundance that you shall scarce 
find any Baye, or shallow Cove of sand, where you 
may not take many Clampes (clams) or Lobsters, or 
both, at your pleasure, and in many places lode your 
boat, if you please ; nor iles where you finde not 
fruites, birds, crabs, muskles, or all of them, for the 
taking, at low water. And in the harbors we fre- 
quented, a little boye might take of Cunners and 
Pinacks and such delicate fish, at the ship's sterne, 
more than sixe or tenne can eat in a daie." 

They are not quite so plentiful to-day; but in the 
season our forefathers (like the Indians) only had to 
go forth with hook and line, or spade, or lobster spear, 
to be assured of abundant material for a dinner. The 
shell-heaps of Ipswich sand-hills have yielded many 
a specimen of Indian relics, and the fields of Beverly, 
likewise, though not so many as the former, where 
numbers of the Aborigines were gathered together, 
for many seasons, to feast upon the products of the 
sea. Skeletons have been found here, in different 
places, which were undoubtedly those of the red men, 
sometimes with various articles of stone in the graves, 
as arrow and spear heads, stone hammers, pestles and 
gouges. This was undoubtedly a favorite resort of 
theirs, but not held in so high estimation iis the sand- 
hills of Ipswich. It was one of the outlying posses- 
sions of the Sagamore of Agawam, Masconomo, some- 
times known to the settlers as "Sagamore John." His 
possessions extended from the Merrimac River south 
to the Naumkeag, and from Cochicewick, or Andover, 
to the coast of Massachusetts Bay. Being well dis- 
posed toward the English who sought settlement here, 
he freely granted them all the territory they desired. 
But in the year 1700, when the descendants of the 
Sagamore were very few in number and without pos- 
sessions, a claim was set up by his grand-children to 
the township territory. Although such a claim could 
not be enforced, and the inhabitants of Beverly were 



well aware of this fact, yet they exhibited the fair- 
ness of their intentions towards the impoverished In- 
dians by settling with them, giving them £6 6s 8rf., 
and taking a formal deed of the property. 

The fate of the Agawanis, who were so closely con- 
nected with our earliest history, furnishes an illus- 
tration of that of all the Eastern tribes. They were 
at enmity with the Tarrantiues, or wilder Indians of 
Maine, in conflicts with whom they lost heavily ; but 
appear to have wasted gradually away, even though 
kindly treated by the English. In 1638 Masconomo, 
who seems to have been high-minded and generous, 
sold his fee in the soil of Ipswich to John Winthrop, 
Jr., for £20. He died in 1658, and was buried on 
Sagamore Hill, in Hamilton, still known by its orig- 
inal name. His gun and valuables were buried with 
him ; but a certain vandal, a few years later, dug up 
his bones and paraded his skull through Ipswich 
streets. For this act he was punished, but the ancient 
home of the Agawams no longer afforded them more 
than a mere tarrying-place ; the last record of the 
survivors is in 1726-30, when a few were living at 
Wigwam Hill, in the Hamlet, or Hamilton. 

1626. E.\RLiE.-<T White Inhabitants. — A shore 
so attractive as that subsequently called "Cape Ann 
Side," could not long remain unnoticed by the first 
arrivals, and it must have early drawn the attention 
of those fishermen of Cape Ann itself: Roger Conant 
and his associates in 1624. 

When, in 1626, the fishing station there was aban- 
doned, and these people removed to Xaumkeag, they 
coasted the Manchester and Beverly shore, which 
previously had seemed so beautiful to Capt. Smith, 
that he called it "the paradise of all these parts," 
and subsequently won the admiration of Endicott 
and Higginson. They pa.ssed by its numerous head- 
lands and embayed beaches, seeking a site nearer the 
head of navigation than these afl'orded, and landed 
on a rock on the southwest side of Beverly Harbor. 

1 "Near the extremity of North Point, or at Cape Ann, or Ipswich 
Ferry, as it was variously called, now a little west of the junction of 
Beverly Bridge, may be seen the outcropping of a meUimorpliic rock, as 
it slopes its checkered surface to the sea, that, with its intersected dikes 
and veins, fills the mind of the geologist with wondering interest, as he 
counts the deeply-graven records of eleven of the old earth's eruptions." 

To this description, by a sou of Salem, a one-time 
resident of Beverly, adds : 

2 " Well might we wish — and with no irreverence, surely — that the 
.\lniighty Being, who, in His wonder-working caused them, had, as a 
twelfth signature of His divine power, afBxed the very footprints of the 
worthy company that first stepped nn that rock, to make here their per- 
manent abode. 

" Here on this spot, thus scored by the hand of Deity, we believe 
Conant and his followers, the pilgrim band of Massachusetts, stayed 
their wandering feet, and commenced their permanent abode ; and here, 
too, we believe, they welcomed Endicott and his company to their wil- 
derness home ; thereby tallying another epoch in the world's history; 
for here it was that freedom, long confined in the mother country, burst 
the crust of oppression that bound her and began to overflow the land 
with its blessings, and spread out the solid foundations on which our 
republic rests." 

1 "Old Planters of Salem," G. D. Phippen, 1858. 
= Rev. C. T. Thayer's Bi-Centennial Address, 1SD8. 



680 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Their first settlement, where they began their 
plantation, living in perfect amity with the resident 
Indians, was on the peninsula lying between Collins 
Cove and North River. 

1 *• Here they took up (heir station, upon a pleasant and fruitful neck 
of land, environed with an arm of the sea on each side, in either of 
which vessels and ships of good burthen uiiglit easily anchor." 

Nearly two years, they remained here, courageously 
clinging to the soil they had won from the forest, and 
portions of which they cultivated in common with 
the Indians; then arrived the "Abigail," with Gov- 
ernor Endicott and his colonists, who, at the same 
time, furnished them succor and superseded their 
leaders in authority. 

The new arrivals were, in point of numerical strength, 
double those of the original settlers ; but the latter 
were of seasoned stock, and not desirous of yielding 
up their hard-earned territory and freedom. A con- 
troversy followed which, but for the "'prudent modera- 
tion of Mr. Conant, agent before for the Dorchester 
planters," might have proved a serious matter. 
These good people, however, " who came so far to 
provide a place where to live together in Christian 
amity and concord," ' finally allowed reason to pre- 
vail, and, in commemoration of this, changed the 
name of the place from Naumkeag to Salem, City of 
Pe.ace. 

With the " Old Planters," however, this was but a 
compromise, for sake of peace; they cast about for 
another location, where they could be permitted to 
exercise a portion at least of that freedom they had 
previously enjoyed. 

That they were highly respected by the promoters 
of the new company, and that their assistance and 
counsel were desired, is shown by their retention in 
official capacity for many years, as also in a letter 
from Matthew Craddock, governor of the company's 
aftairs in London, to Governor Endicott, in April, 
1G29 : 

"As to the old planters themselves, . . . wee are content they 
shall bo partakers of such privileges as wee, from his Majesty's espetial 
grace, with great cost, favor of personages of note, and much labor, have 
obtained, and tliat they shall be incorporated into this society, and enjoy 
not only their lands, which formerly they have manured, but such a 
further proportion as, by the advice and judgment of yourself and the 
rest of the council, shall be thought fit for them or any of them," etc. 

Certain privileges were also to be granted them, but 
their leaders concluded to change their residence. 

"The legal title was now in the new company, who, strong in wealth 
and influence, were decidedly aggressive in spirit, and the only alterna- 
tive for their leaders in the forlorn hope was dispersion, and an aban- 
donment of the now ripening fruits of their labors. They submitted to 
the lesser evil ; but historic impartiality, upon a survey of the facts, 
will yield a verdict of exact justice, unvitiated by superior interests and 
prejudices." - 

We need not to seek for any other cause than this 
feeling of insecurity and the desire to occupy the 
fertile meadow lands about the bays of the opposite 
coast. 

1628. As early as 1628 the dwellers at Naumkeag 



Bubbard. 



" Thorntou. 



were attracted by the fields of natural grass on Bev- 
erly side. Says one of them, Richard Brackenbury, 
in a deiJosition : 

"The same yeare we came over, it was, that wee tooke a farther pos- 
session on the north side of Salem Ferrye, commonly calrd ' Cape An 
Side,' by cutting thatch for our houses; and suone after laid out lotts 
for tillage, land on the said Cape An Side, and quickly after sundry 
houses were built on the said Cape An Side." 

' "The marshes where thatch grew were reserved for roofing ; in 1628, 
one in Beverly was especially mentioned for that purpose." ^ 

Most of the dwellings of that period were cottages, 
with thatched roofs and wooden or ''catted" (mixed 
clay and stick) chimneys. The first house erected in 
Salem was, probably, that of Roger Conant ; and one 
he had occupied at Cape Ann was subsequently taken 
down and removed to Salem, for Endicott's use. 

The leaders of the Cape Ann plantation, and the 
most prominent, men of the first Salem settlement 
were, doubtless, the founders of the first permanent 
colony of "Cape Ann Side," later incorporated as Bev- 
erly. 

Tradition points to a small colony of fishermen at 
Tuck's Point as early as lG28-'30 ; but the first sub- 
stantial house was probably erected farther down the 
coast. 

As nearly as can be determined, the first settlers 
who came here to stay were the Woodburys. In the 
spring of 1028, John Woodbury, who had come to 
Naumkeag with Conant in 1626, returned from Eng- 
land (whither he had been sent for assistance) with 
his son Humphrey and his brother William. Hum- 
phrey (probably with his father's aid), located at or 
near the Cove, between two rocky points directly op- 
posite the " Willows" of the Salem shore. 

William Woodbury settled near the lower point of 
the name (Woodbury), and here was built (tradition 
states), the first dwelling, a large, double, oak-framed 
structure, called the garrison house, about the year 
1630. This was. says an old resident, built with 
loopholes and scuttles, open underneath, and some of 
its oak timbers are in the lower portion of the house 
afterwards built there by John Prince. The first set- 
tler.s were probably as above mentioned, the first 
great house at William Woodbury's Point and the 
first town-born child (accepting current tradition), 
was of the name of Dixey ; a William Dixey, who 
followed Conant to Bass River side, was admitted 
freeman in 1634, and died, aged eighty-two, in 1690. 

It will not fail to be noticed, that the settlement of 
Cape Ann side, afterwards Beverly, virtually began 
with the arrival of those sturdy pioneers, Roger Co- 
nant and his associates. They were but temporarily 
located at Naumkeag, the leaders of this band, styled 
the " Old Planters ; " and removed hither as soon as 
grants of land were secured, though retaining for a 
while, in Naumkeag, their gardens and improved 
lots. 

1635. In the original "Book of Grants," yet to be 
seen in Salem, is found the following entry: 

s " Felt's Annals." 



BEVERLY. 



681 



"On the 25th of the llth moneth, 1035." Voted that "Capn Trask, 
Jno. Woodbery, Mr Conant, Peter Palfrey & John Dalcli are to have 5 
fearmes, viz ; each 200 acres a piece, to form in all a thousand acres of 
Land, togeathor lying, and being at the head of Bass River, 12-1 pole in 
breadth and see rimno nortlierly to the River by the great pond 
side,* and eoe in bredth making up the full quautitye of a thousiind 
acres, These limits laid out and surveyed by vs. 

John Woodbebv, 
John Balch." 
Of the same date : 

"Mem. the limits of a fearme of ground granted to llenery Ilerrick, 
between two and three acres of ground, lying oo the north Bide of Jeffry 
Mercy's Cove, bounded by the Rock on one side and Woolytons (Porter's) 
River on the other." 

And on the " 8th of the twelfth month, 163.i." 

" That Israel Burnet may have a tenne acre lott at the upp. end of 
Bass River." 

In 1639, " 23d day of the 10th moneth," 

"Granted to John Woodbery, Jobn Balch & Mr Connaught 5 acres of 
medow a piece iu some convenient place." 

The best lands were then found at the heads of 
creeks and the margins of rivers, the higher sections 
being, for the most part, covered with dense forest, 
while these meadow-lands were open, or, in great 
part, free from forest. 

There were no roads in those days, there being, for 
many years, but a single Indian trail between Boston 
and Agawam, or Ipswich; hence all communication 
between different settlements was by water. 

It is related of the origin of the first road in Beverly 
that it was laid out by a heifer, which, having been 
driven from Woodbury's Point to the farms at the 
head of bass River, by a circuitous trail along the 
shore, escaped, and made her way back home directly 
through the woods. This trail was followed, and 
subsequently became a line of communication be- 
tween the two places. " Two hundred years,'' says 
the historian of Beverly (Stone), "still leave us in 
possession of many highways whose numerous wind- 
ings bear ample testimony to the same scientific 
origin." 

Regarding means of travel at that time, a contem- 
porary,^ writing in 1634 of Salem, says: "Although 
their land be none of the best, yet beyond the rivers 
is a very good soyle, where they have their farmes 
and get their Hay and plant their corne; there they 
crosse these rivers with small cannowes (canoes), 
which are made of whole pine trees, being about two 
foot and a half over, and 20 foot long; in these like- 
wise they goe a fowling sometimes two leagues to 
sea; there be more cannowes in this town (Salem) 
than in the whole Patent, every household having a 
water-house or two." 

Of the lives of the planters of that time, the same 
writer gives us a glimpse: "For all New England 
must be workers in some kinde; and wheresoer it 
hath been reported that boyes of tenne or twelve 
yeares of age might doe much more than get their 
living: that cannot be, for he must have more than a 



t Wenhara Xakd. 
■ William Wood ; 

43J 



Jsew England's Prospect," London, 1C34. 



boye's head, and no lesse than a man's strength, that 
intends to live comfortably; and he that hath under- 
standing and Industrie, with a stock of an hundred 
pound, shall live better there than he shall doe here 
(in England) of twenty pound per annum." 

This pioneer life led by our forefathers, passed in 
felling forests, clearing land and opening roads and 
trails, is well described in several books treating of 
that formative period of New England's history. 

Of the "Old Planters" who received the thousand- 
acre grant of land between Bass River and Wenham 
Lake, three — Roger Conant, John Balch and John 
Woodbury — soon settled on their respective tracts. 
Captain Trask's grant went by exchange to Thomas 
Scruggs, whose daughter, Rachel, married John Ray- 
ment (Raymond), by a descendant of whom it is oc- 
cupied (or a portion of it) to-day. 

The two-hundred-acre grant to Peter Palfrey was 
not occupied by him, but subsequently came by pur- 
chase (1644) into the possession of William Dodge, 
the founder, with his brother Richard, of this numer- 
ous family in Wenhara and Hamilton. He was 
known as Farmer Dodge ; his son. Captain William 
Dodge, married a daughter of Conant, a portion of 
whose grant was sold by one of his descendants, to 
John C'hipman, the first minister of the Second So- 
ciety, ordained December 28, 1715. 

* " The grant of a thou.sand acres, comprising the five farms, was 
always known as the 'Old Planters' Farms.' The fii-st proprietors of 
them, and their immediate successors, appear to have arranged and 
managed theui in concert — to have had homesteads near together between 
the head of Bass River and the neighborhood of the 'Horse Bridge,' 
where the meeting-house of the Second Congregational Society (or of the 
Precinct of Salem and Beverly) now stands. Their woodlands and pas- 
ture lands were farther to the north and east The dividing 

line between Beverly and Salem Village, finally agreed upon in 1703, ran 
through the 'Old Planters' Farms,' particularly the portions belonging 
to the Dodges, Raymond, and Woodbury. It went through 'Capt. John 
Dodge's dwelling-house, six feet to the eastward of his brick chimney as 
it now stands.' At the time of the witchcraft delusion (16y2), the Ray- 
monds and Dodges mostly belonged to the Salem Village parish and 
church. They continued on the rate-list and connected -with the pro- 
ceedings entered on the record-books until the meeting-house at the 
horse-bridge was opened for worehip, in 171-5, when they transferred 
their relations to the 'Precinct of Salem & Beverly.' " 

It would, perhaps, be well to digress from the fol- 
lowing of events in chronologic sequence to glance at 
three of these "Old Planters," the fathers of Bev- 
erly : — Conant, Balch and Woodbury. Roger Conant, 
one time Governor of the Plantation at Cape Anne 
and at Naumkeag, was born in Budleigh, England, 
in Devonshire, in April, 1591. He came to New 
England (Plymouth Colony) in 1G23, removing to 
Nantasket. where he remained a while, and then went 
to Cape Ann as superintendent of the Dorchester 
(England) Company's venture there, being, in point 
of fact, " the first Governor of the Colony of Massa- 
chusetts." Removing to Naumkeag in 1626 (as al- 
ready related), he was instrumental, through his 
firmness and constancy of purpose, in keeping his 
little band together until the arrival of Endicott, in 

3 " Upham's Witchcraft," vol. i., ].p- l:!0, 131. 



GS2 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1628. He proved himself, according to Cotton 
Mather, "a most religious, prudent and worthy gen- 
tleman, always maintaining an interest in the affairs 
of the town to the last of his life." An original mem- 
ber of the first church in Salem, he was also one of 
the founders of that of Beverly, was made a freeman 
in 1630, and represented Salem in the General 
Court. In addition to the grant of lands in Beverly, 
he received, in 1671, two hundred acres more, near 
Dunstable, as a " very ancient planter." He died on 
November 19, 1679, in his eighty-ninth year, leaving 
seven children, — four sons and three daughters: Lot, 
born 1624, died 1674; Roger, born 1626, died 1672; 
Mary, married John Balch, and afterwards William 
Dodge ; Sarah ; Exercise (son), baptized December 
24, 1637, died April 28, 1722; Elizabeth; Joshua, 
died 1659. 

The ancestor of the Beverly branch of the family 
was Lot, some of his descendants yet residing here. 
The second son, Roger Conant, Jr., enjoyed the dis- 
tinction of having been the first child born in Salem 
(in 1626), and was granted twenty acres of land in 
1G39 in recognition of this. 

On the fly-leaf of an old Bible, once the property 
of the Conants (according to Mr. G. D. Phippen, in 
his memoir'), is this entry by the widow of Roger, 
Jr., who lost both son and husband within the space 
of si.x weeks : 

"The 4 (lay of Mjiy, 1072, being Saturday, my dere littel sone Samuel 
Conant dyed. The 15 of June 1072, heing Saturday, my dere, dere, dere 
husband Koger Conant dyed." 

A most pathetic chronicle of the old, sad story. 

John Balch descended from a very ancient family of 
Somersetshire, England, where he was born at or near 
Bridgewater about 1579. He came to New England 
in September, 1623, with Captain Robert Gorges and 
settled at Salem with Conant. He was made a free- 
man May 18, 1631, and was one of the original mem- 
bers of the first church in Salem, also holding various 
ofticcs of trust, — an " intelligent, exemplary and use- 
ful citizen." 

He removed to his Bass River grant in 1638, and 
there resided until his death, in June, 1648. His will, 
dated May 15, 1648, was witnessed by Peter Palfrey, 
Nicholas Patch and Jeffrey Massey, and proved in 
the same court a fortnight later. 

It brings in a vivid manner before us the life of his 
times to read in his inventory of the "great fruit 
trees, the young apple-trees, the corn that is growing 
upon the ground," and two of his cows "Reddie" and 
" Cherrie." Even at that early time our first settlers 
were firmly rooted in the soil of Beverly. 

Batch's children were: Benjamin, born 1629; John, 
drowned in 1662, June 16th, at Beverly Ferry during 
a violent storm. It was his widow, daughter of Roger 
Conant, who aiterwards married Capt. Wm. Dodge. 

Freeborn (who, from his name, is believed to have 

1 Essex Hist. Col., vol. i, No. 4. 



been born the year his father was made freeman, in 
1631) went to England and never returned. 

The widow of Balch died in 1657. 

The most numerous family in Beverly to-day is de- 
scended Irom the Woodburys. 

John Woodbury, ilie first of the name in America, 
came from Somersetshire, England, to Cape Ann in 
1624, afterward removing with Conant to Salem, in 
1626. The year following he went to England for 
supplies, returning in 1628, bringing with him his 
son Humphrey. He and his wife, Agnes, were of the 
original members of the first church in Salem, and he 
was made a freeman May 18, 1631. 

It is stated that John and his brother, William, went 
over to Cape Ann Side about 1630, where the latter 
settled at what is now called William Woodbury's 
Point. From them, it is thought, are descended all 
of the name in New England. After his grant at 
Bass River, John, or " Father Woodbury " (as he is 
called), removed thither and there died, " after a life 
of energy and faithfulness to the colony," 1641, aged 
about sixty years. 

Humphrey, son of John, came to Naumkeag with 
his father in 1628, and at that time was nineteen 
years old, having been born in 1609. He was a mem- 
ber of the Salem Church in 1648, and one of the 
founders of the first church in Beverly, of which he 
was chosen deacon in 1668. 

Other children of John, whose names are recorded, 
were Hannah, baptized 1636; Abigail, 1637; Peter, 
1640. Humphrey is said to have reached the age of 
three-score and ten, and his widow died about 1689. 
Peter, son of John, was made freeman in 1668, a rep- 
resentative to General Court in 1689, and died July 5, 
1704. 

William Woodbury, John's brother, had also grants 
of land in Salem, and is mentioned in the records of 
1639. His children: Nicholas (the oldest), William, 
Andrew, Hugh, Isaac and Hannah. His will was 
dated 1st Fourth month, 1663, and he died in 1676. 
Nicholas died 1686, leaving a widow, who survived 
till June 10, 1701. His daughter, Abigail, married 
Richard Ober, and died 1727, aged eighty-six. 

It is an honorable as well as ancient family of Bev- 
erly. "Few enterprises of 'pith and moment' were 
set on foot in the colony except a Woodbury was of 
the party, and they seem to have been ready early 
and late, whether in humble or consjjicuous station, 
and whatever might betide, to bear a man's part. 
Two Beverly Woodburys piloted the little fleet in 
the capture of St. Johns and Port Royal, in the N. E. 
expedition of 1654. And a full century later a Bev- 
erly Woodbury stood by the side of Wolfe as he fell 
in victory upon the plains of Abraham, and wore that 
day a sword which is still an heirloom with his fam- 
ily." -^ 

Two other names, equally honorable, and linked 



2 Eobert S. Bantoul. 



BEVERLY. 



683 



with those of the Old Planters, were those of Brack- 
enbury anJ Lothrop. Richard Brackeubury came with 
Endicott in 1628, was a member of the first church, 
made freeman in 1630, and was granted seventy-five 
acres of land in 1636. 

He was an active member of the first church in 
Beverly, where he lived till 1685, and died at the age 
of eighty-five. The family long ago became extinct 
here, though the name is perpetuated in one of our 
streets, Brackenbury Lane, which runs through his 
former farm. 

Captain Thomas Lothrop was another man of force 
and integrity who came early from England, and who 
received a grant of land on Bass River Side in 1636, 
in which year he became a member of the first church 
of Salem. He was a representative to General Court 
for several terms from Salem, assisted in founding the 
church in Beverly, and was there elected selectman 
for many years. 

The more important events of his history will be 
narrated in proper sequence, but it will be well to 
keep in mind this eminent man as one of the leaders 
of this young and struggling colony. His grant of 
land was at the Cove, not far from Humphrey Wood- 
bury's, where traces of his house-cellar were shown 
until a very recent jteriod, and there he lived for forty 
years, a model of fidelity to all his public and jjrivate 
relations. 

"Brave and gentle, penerous and jnat, confiding, yet cautions and 
wise, of large estate for the time, bountifully as sliilfuUy administered, 
never sparing of liis own exertions, hut always ready for every good 
word or work, he had a rare and remarkable hold on the coufidenee and 
affection of the community in which he lived, . . . His house was not 
only the abode of a liberal hospitality, but an asylum for the orphan 
and distressed. . , . Among those who shared his fostering care was a 
Bister, Ellen, whom he brought with him on his return from a visit to 
England. She became the second wife of the veteran schoolmaster^ 
Ezekiel Cheever, who taught for more than seventy years in New Haven, 
Ijtswich, Charlestown and Boston." 

Lothrop, in 16r>-t, was lieutenant under Captain 
Hawthorn, and a captain under Major Sedgwick at the 
capture of St. Johns and Port Royal. From the latter 
place he brought home a bell, taken from the "New 
Friary " there, for the use of the church in Beverly. 

We will return now to the chronological narration : 

1636. — " It is agreed, December 26, that John Stone 
shall keep a ferry, to begin this day, betwixt his 
house on the neck upon the north point and Cape 
Ann side, and shall give diligent attention thereupon 
dureing the space of three yeares, unless he shall 
give just occation to the contrary; and in considera- 
tion thereof he is to have twopence from a .stranger 
and one penny from an inhabitant. Moreover, the 
said John Stone doth engage to provide a convenient 
boat for the said purpose, betwixt this and the first 
month next coming after the date hereof." 

In 1653 the profits of the ferry "towards Ipswich,'' 
were allowed to Richard Staekhouse's family provided 
he find boats and men. He continued in charge till 
16S6, when he was succeeded by John Massey, "the 



oldest town-born child then residing in Salem." Two 
years later, Massey had charge of the south side, and 
Bogers Haskins of the north (or Beverly) side. In 
1694 the latter was succeeded by Edmund Gale, and 
he, in 1701, by the widow of Haskins, who, in 1708, 
leased the ferry for a terra of twenty years. In 1742, 
over one hundred years after the establishment of the 
ferry, the rates for crossing were " 3rf. for a person, 
9rf. for a horse and 31!. for a chair or chaise." 

In 1749 it was leased by Robert Hale, of Beverly, 
at three pounds sterling per annum for seven years. 
In 1769 B. Waters, of Salem, and Ebenezer Ellin- 
wood, of Beverly, hired the ferry for three years. The 
rates then were, " Id. for an individual, 2 half-pence 
for ahorse, 4 half-pence for man and horse, !jd. for a 
chair, 7rf. for two-wheeled chaise, and 9t/. for a four- 
wheeled." 

The building of a bridge over the ferry was agi- 
tated in 1787, the principal mover in the matter being 
an eminent merchant of Beverly, George Cabot. 
As the proposition gave rise to angry discussion, a 
certain Mr. Blyth remarked, that he " never knew a 
bridge to be built without a ' railing ' on both sides." 
The following year, 1788, the bridge was built by a 
distinguished contractor, Lemuel Cox. It rested 
upon ninety-three piles, was thirty-two feet span, 
fourteen hundred and eighty-four feet long, entirely 
of wood. Its cost was about sixteen thousand dollars, 
which sum was divided into two hundred shares, 
worth, prior to 1830, five times the original value, 
but steadily declining later, after the railroad was 
built, and in view of its approaching reversion to the 
commonwealth. 

It was called Essex Bridge, as so beneficial to the 
county, and its cost was to be remunerated by tolls 
for a period of seventy years, after which it became 
free to the public. 

This, in brief, is the history of the Salem and Bev- 
erly ferry and the Essex Bridge. In 1789 General 
Washington, then on his famous tour, was so inter- 
ested in it that he dismounted after he had crossed 
the " draw," w hich was hoisted that he might examine 
it. 

1638. — John Winthrop, Jr., having settled at Aga- 
wam (1633) has leave to set up salt-works at Ryal 
Side — then part of Salem, now of Beverly — and to 
have wood enough for carrying on his works, and 
pasturage for his cows. The name of Salt-house, or 
Salter's Point, remains to this day, Applied to the 
jioint l)etween Danvers River and Duck Cove. 

1639. — " At genall towne meeting, the 11th month. 
Granted to Roger Conant. the sonne of Roger Co- 
nant, being the first borne childo in Salem, 20 acres 
of Land." 

This individual was Roger Conant, .Tr., born 1626, 
died June 15, 1672. 

1642. — "At a particular meeting of the seven men, 
Granted to Samuel Edson 25 acres of Land joyning 
to Humphrey Wooilburys farme in Mackerel! Cove, 



684 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



& 2 acres of medow where he can find yt there 
about." 

1643.— "8th moneth: John Balch, for the Basse 
River, and William Woodbury for the Mackerell Cove, 
were nominated to receive donations of corne for a 
certain John Moore." 

" It is ordered that all those that have land granted 
them at the great pond, shall fence with the rest or 
els leave theirre Lands. And all that have lotts at 
Bass River are bound to the like conditions." 

1644.— "The 29 of the 2d moneth, 

" Ordered that Guydo Bayly .shall have soe much of 
the swamp that lyeth along by his lott over at Cape 
Ann side as he can ridd within 3 yeares next insu- 
ing." 

Bayly emigrated to Plymouth colony, and sold his 
lands to Humphrey, the son of John Woodbury. 

These extracts, from the Salem Book of Grants, 
give us a glimpse of the toiling pioneers and enable 
us to localize some of those hitherto in doubt. 

1646.—" The 26 day of the 8th moneth, 

" Ordered, that Willm Woodbury and Richd Brack- 
enbury, Ensign dixie, Mr. Conant, Lieftenant Lo- 
throp, Lawrence & Leech, shall forthwith Lay out a 
way between the ferry at Salem & the head of Jef- 
I'ryes creek, -and that it be such a way as men may 
travell on horse back & drive cattle ; and if such a 
way not be found, then to take a speedy course to sett 
up a foote bridge at Mackrell Cove." 

The original roads were merely tracks or trails, over 
the beaches, and leading from one house or settlement 
to another, not having a well-defined objective point; 
hence their meandering courses at the present day. 
From foot-paths and bridle-trails, those most in use 
finally hardened into roads, which were ultimately 
extended so as to connect distant points, or with the 
great public highways, as between Boston and Ips- 
wich. 

Our forefathers came here, primarily, for religious 
freedom ; they accepted the country and conditions 
of life as they found them, striving hard and always 
to improve both, They could not, like settlers at the 
present day, project a town or city in advance, on pa- 
per, laying out streets and highways, broad and 
straight, and defining beforehand the position of 
every public building, park and station. 

A home, first of all, they sought; a farm, where the 
land was most fertile and its surface most easily pre- 
pared for the plough. They found no broad acres of 
prairie land lying open to cultivation ; but were 
obliged to labor, for many months, at the .surface- 
work of preparation. There was at first a struggle 
for mere existence ; their sustenance was to be drawn 
from the soil, supplemented by the various products 
of the sea. Theirs was not a high ambition, yet it 
was the noblest man can conceive : to have a home 
of their own for the possession of themselves and 
their descendants. 

This characteristic trait has descended to the pres- 



ent generation : this desire to retain an ownership in 
the soil; and perhaps explains the thrift and pros- 
perity that has ever attended upon the town. 

As the founding of homes was the main occupation 
of the inhabitants during the first century or so, and 
as this gave them little leisure for visiting, there was 
not much attention paid to the means of intercom- 
munication. Thus it was the original trails, with all 
their sinuous traceries, became indurated, as it were, 
into the roads of the present day. The cow path of 
the " stray " from the Woodbury farm at the Cove to 
the larger farms on the Bass River, is now crossed by 
portions of Cross and Colon (or Cow Lane) Streets. 

It may be well to note, in passing, that the right to 
traverse the ancient bridle-trail along the shore is 
still claimed by many inhabitants. 

1647.— 27th October : The inhabitants of Mackerell 
Cove (as the coast settlement was called), were re- 
leased from watching in Salem, except in seasons of 
danger. They had preaching soon after at Cape Ann 
Side, and erected a house of worship. Twelve years 
later, they built a parsonage, as appears from the cu- 
rious deposition in the Salem Records : 

1659.— 9th month, 29th : 

" Wee whose nauies are heareunder written being desired to vew and 
to take notice what work is yet to be done to the house which John 
Norman built for the use of the Ministrie on Cape An Side, having 
Tewed the same accordinge to our best vnderstandinge wee doe judge 
that the worli yet to be donne is worth att least fiftie shillings, besides 
the dividing of the rooms. 

"The Tmark Cof Thomas Chubb. 

*'TbeZ '* of Zachakiah Heet.ich. 

" William Seabgent." 

This house was built on the slope of the hill oppo- 
site the (Bancroft) house at present standing, which 
was built for the minister's use about 1690. 

First Church of Beverly. -The records of the 
First; Church contain a faithful description of the 
first foundation in Beverly, as follows : " The Lord in 
mercy alluring and bringing over into this wilder- 
ness of New England, many of his faithfull serv- 
ants from England, whose aymes were to worship 
God ill purity according to his word; they, in pursu- 
ance of that work, began to sett up particular 
churches ; and the First Church gathered in Massa- 
chusetts colony was in the town of Salem ; a gratious 
beginning of that intended church reformation, which 
hath beine farther prosecuted and prospered through 
the Lord's mercy in divers parts of the land. This 
church of Salem entered church covenant with pub- 
lique fasting and prayer U])on the sixth day of the 
sixth month, 1029 ; their number att the beginning 
very small, was soon greatly increased and inriched 
with divers worthy labourers in God's vineyard as 
Pastors and Teachers successively, viz. : Mr. Samuel 
Skelton, Mr. Francis Higginson, Mr. Hugh Peters, 
Mr. Edw.ird Norris and Mr. John Higginson, their 
present Pastor. 

1650. "As their church increased, divers of the 
members came over the Ferrv to live on Bass River 



BEVERLY. 



685 



side, who, on the 10th of the 12th mo., 1649 (Mr. 
Norris beinge teacher), presented their request to the 
re.st of the church for some course to be taken for the 
means of grace among themselves, because of tedious- 
ness and ditficulties over the water and other incon- 
veniences, which motion was renewed againe the 22d 
of 1st mo., 1650, and on the 2d day of the <Sth mo. 
they returned their answer, viz. : that we should look 
out some able and approved teacher, to be eniploied 
amongst us, wee still holding communion with them 
as before. 

" But upon farther experience wee, uppon the 23 
of the first month, 1656, presented our desires to be a 
church of ourselves, and after some agitation about 
it, wherein our teacher stood for us, it was put to 
voat and yielded unto, none appeering opposite, we 
protesting there was no disunion in judgment or af- 
fection intended but brotherly communion. 

"Our desire being consented unto, wee proceeded 
to build a meeting-house on Bass River Side, and we 
called unto us successively to dispense the word of 
life unto us, Mr. Joshua Hubbard, Mr. Jeremiah 
Hubbard and Mr. John Hailes ; and after almost 
three yeares experience of Mr. John Hailes, our mo- 
tion was 'again renewed the 23d of 4th mo., 1667." 
The petition follows of Mr. Roger Conant and some 
eighty others, to be set off from the First Church in 
Salem to form the Fir.^t Church of Beverly. 

Rev. John Hale was ordained 1667, witli John 
Higginson, pastor of the First Church, Salem, Thomas 
Cobbett, of the Church of Ipswich and Antipas New- 
man, of the Church in Wenham, officiating. 

Tlie first fast day, or day of humiliation, entered on 
the parish records is in 1667, Sth day of Tenth 
month. On the 26th day of First month, 1668, " The 
Councill of Magistrates apoynt a General Fast, to 
mourne for prophainess, superstition & herisie, in 
ceasing to pray for the encouragement of religion, 
disapoynting of its Enemys, yt the great motions of 
ye world bee overruled by God's glory. That He 
would bless & direct ye King, Counsell & Parlament, 
bless ye peace with Hollend, & sanctifie ye late war, 
pestilence & burning of ye city of London, & contin- 
ue to New England peace, liberty & ye gospel, & pre- 
vent in ye ensuing yeare blasting mildew & caterpil- 
lars, & convert the rising Generation." 

1669, 17th day. Ninth month, was a day set apart 
for Public Thanksgiving, " to bless ye Lord for stay- 
ing ye immoderate raines wch thretened to destroy ye 
harvests of corne & fresh hay, & for ye harvests the 
Lord has given." 

Let us now turn to the first records of the growing 
settlement, still to be found in the custody of the 
town clerk, and in excellent preservation : 

1665. — lit month. — "A booke of such publicke con- 

cernements as appertaine to the people of Bass river 

or Cape An side, relating bothe to theire civill & min- 

isteriall affairs, from the first of the first month, 1665. 

" 3(/ mij. '65. — Wherecis, we doe, with one consent, 



invite Mr. John Hayle to come amongst us, in order 
to setling with us in the worke of the ministry; for 
his due encouragement in the work of the Lord, 
amongst us, according to 2 Chron. 31, 4; & that he 
may attend upon the worke of the ministrie without 
distraction, we doe promise & engage to pay unto him 
£70 per annum, &. his fierwood raised amongst us by 
a rate in equall portions, according to our former 
custonie ; & for the manner and time of payment, 
that he may not have to doe with particular men's 
portions of allowance, the bill shall not be delivered 
unto him, nor shall he be troubled with gathering of 
it in ; but 2 men shall be chosen yeere by yeere, to 
take the care of bringing it into his house, and to 
make up the account at the time appointed. Also, 
whereas we have built a house for the miniStrie, 
wherein it is defective to be finished by us. And 
there are 2 akers of home lot (to be fenced in by us) 
& as much meadow land belonging to it as commonly 
bears about fower load of hay ; we doe agree that he 
shall have the use of that so long as he continues in 
the worke of the ministrie with us; yet, because we 
do acknowledge it his duty to provide for wife and 
children, that he may leave behind him, and our 
duty to have a care of him in that respect, we doe 
therefore promise and engage that in case he die in 
the ministrie with us, that either the house and two 
aker house lot forementioned shall be his, or that 
which is equivalent, to be paid (according to his last 
will and testament) within the compass of one yeare 
after his decease, and for the repaire of the house and 
fenced home lot, to be done by him living thereon for 
the time being. 

" Also, it is agreed that Mr. Hayle shall have the 
use and benefit of a pasturing, the time he lives with 
us. 

" [William] Dodge & Humphrey Woodbury be 
chosen to gather the rates for the ministrie. 

"May 15th. — There was chosen at a publick meet- 
ing, for to make the rate for Mr. Hails maintenance 
for this yeere ('65), as followeth : Captain Latbrop, 
Mr. Thorndick, Roger Conant, Samuel Corning, Jo- 
seph Rootes. 

"Mr. John Haile his year begineth with us for his 
allowance of £70 and his fierwood." 

From this date on, through a long period, the his- 
tory of the church is that of the community. 

1667. — The first meeting-house was erected in 1656, 
just easterly of the present building; but the first 
church was organized in 1667, September 20, and the 
Rev. John Hale ordained as pastor. The names of 
original members are here given: John Hale, Rich- 
ard Dodge, William Woodbury, Richard Bracken- 
bury, John Stone, John Dodge, Roger Conant, Wil- 
liam Dodge, Humphrey Woodbury, Nicholas Patch, 
John Hill, Thomas Lothrop, Samuel Corning, Robert 
Morgan, John Black, Lot Conant, Ralph EUingvvood, 
William Dixey, Henry Herrick, Peter Woolfe, Josiah 
Rootes, Exercise Conant, Edward Bishop, Elizabeth 



686 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTy, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dodge, Mary Lovett, Elizabeth Haskell, Mary Wood- 
bury, Sarah Leech, Freegraoe Black, Eliz. Corning, 
Eliz. Woodbury, Ellen Brackenbury, Hannah Wood- 
bury, Eliz. Patch, Hannah Sallows, Bethiah Lothrop, 
Anna Dixey, Anna Woodbury, Eliz. Woodbury, 
Martha Woolfe, Hannah Baker, Mary Herrick, 
Bridget LufF, Mary Dodge, Anna Woodbury, Ede. 
Herrick, Mary Dodge, Jr., Abigail Hill, Lydia Her- 
rick. Mrs. Rebekah Hall was subsequently admitted 
by letter from the Church at Salisbury, and a month 
later Humphrey Woodbury's wife, Sarah, Humphrey 
Jr., John Clark, Jr., Remember Stone and Sarah Conant, 
were received into full communion. The first sacra- 
ment was observed September 29th, and the first infant 
baptized was Abigail, daughter of John and Hannah 
Sallows. 

1667. — " At a generell meeting of [the inhabytants 
of Cape An side, the 11th of the 9th month, there is 
chosen to make the rate for Mr. Hale for the year 
Mr. [I.] Thorndike, Thomas Lowthropp, Robert Mor- 
gan, Richard Brackenbury, Ensigne Corninge, Wil- 
liam Ramond & John Dodge Sen., to see it brought 
in." 

Four men were appointed for ihe year, to see that 
the cutting and hauling of wood were attended to, 
viz.: "(1) Goodman West, from his house to Cedar 
Stan (from West Beach to Sallow's Bridge) ; (2) 
Humphrey Woodbury, from his house to the ferry 
(probably from Humphrey Woodbury's point to 
bridge), and soe to the meeting-house (and from the 
ferry via Cabot street to the Old South); (3) Ensigne 
Corning, from his house to Mr. Conant's bridge (or 
from the Old South to Tan-yard brook) ; (4) Mr. Co- 
nant is for all the rest" (probably all north of Tan- 
yard brook to the Wenham line). 

" Cart wayes. It is agreed that the waves to the 
meeting-house & mill be laide out wheare it is most 
convenient, & those that are damnified thereby shall 
be satisfied by those that make use of the same." 

The first mill was at the head of Bass River, near 
Balch Street, 

The Town Incoepoeated.— The Bass River peo- 
ple were allowed by General Court to exercise some 
of the powers of a town in 1665, a step preliminary to 
final separation from the mother-settlement. They 
were still subordinate to Salem until 1608, November 
23d. 

"Whereas, wee the inhabitants of Basse River and Cape Ann Bide, 
after many agitations in publique meetings what might bo for our com- 
fortable eettloing, made choise of gome amongst us to draw upp a writ- 
ing specifying our desires and deputing messengers to the General Court 
held att Boston the 29th of Aprill 1668, by petition to our Governor & 
magistrates to invest them with power to choose yearly a fitt number of 
persons, who might iiave power within themselves as Selectmen have in 
other places, and so to act in the behalfe of the place by imploying 
others, ofBcors or persons, as the affairs of the place may occasion. 

"Att the next General Court att Boston the 14th of October 1668, 
"Wee received thia answer ; that they judged meete that henceforth wee 
ehould be a towneshij^p of oursolvea, nomanating itt Beverly." 

The County (Essex) was iocorporatcd in 1643. The 
eight original towns wereNaumkeag, 1626 ; Salem, set- 



tled 1628; Lynn, 1629; Ipswich, 1633-34; Cochichew- 
ic (Andover), 1634; Enon (Wenham), 1639; Row- 
ley, 1639 ; Newbury (offshoot of Ipswich), 1635 ; Glou- 
cester (Cape Ann, 1624). 1642; chronologically, the 
settlements were: Cape Ann, 1624-25; Naumkeag, 
1626; Salem, 1628; Lynn, 1629; Cape Ann Side 
(Beverly), 1630 ; Ipswich, 1634, etc. 

*'It was not long," says Cotton Mather, in his 
Magnalia Christi Americana, " before the Massachu- 
setts colony was become like an hive, overstocked 
with bees; and many of the new inhabitants enter- 
tained thoughts of swarming into plantations extended 
further into the country." 

Thus had "Cape Ann Side" and "Bass River" 
grown from its small beginnings until strong enough 
to set up a hive of its own, and, in turn, send out the 
avani couriers of conquest and colonization. And re- 
garding the name selected, '* As there are few of our 
towns but what have their namesakes in England, so 
the reason why most of our towns are called what 
they are, is because the chief of the first inhabitants 
would thus bear up the names of the particular 
places there from whence they came." This may not 
have been the case with Beverly, though the inhabi- 
tants of Cape Ann Side were exceedingly fortunate in 
the euphonious appellation bestowed by General Court. 
The name may have been suggested by Beverley in Eng- 
land, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, celebrated for 
its beautiful minster and as the home of John de 
Beverley, Archbishop of York, a thousand years ago. 
The name also, may have been derived from " Beaver 
Lea " or beaver meadow, as we have " Beaver Pond ; '* 
and remains of beaver dams have been found here. 
Notwithstanding the beauty of the name and its asso- 
ciations, some of the settlers were dissatisfied, as ap- 
pears in 1671 (May 28), in 

"The umblo petition of Roger Conant, of Bass river, alias Beverly 
who have bin a planter in Ni.nv England fortie-eight yeers and vpwards, 
being one of the first, if not the very first, that resolved and made good 
my settlement, vnder God, in matter of plantation with my family, in 
this collony of the Masaacliusott. Bay, and bane bin inatrumentall, both 
for the founding and carrying on of the same ; and when in the infancy 
thereof, it was in great hassard of being deserted, I was a means, through 
grace assisting me, to stop the flight of those few that then were heere 
with me, and that my vtter deniall to goe away with them, who would 
haue gon either for England or mostly for Virginia, but therevpon 
stayed to tlie hassard of our Hues. 

" Now my vmble snit and request is vnto this honorable Court, onlie 
that the name of our town or plantation may be altred or changed from 
Beuerly and be called Budleigh. I haue two reasons that haue moved 
me vnto this request. The first is the great dislike and discontent for 
this name of Beuerly, because, (wee being but a small place) it hath 
caused ou vs a constant nickname of beggarly, being in the mouths of 
many, and no order was giuen or consent by the people heere to their 
agent for any name vntill they were shure of being a town granted in 
the first place. 

" Secondly, I being the first that had house in Salem (and neuer had 
any hand in naming either that or any other towne) and myself with 
those that were then with me, being all from the western part of Eng- 
land, desire this western name of Budleigh, a market town in Deuon- 
shier and neere vnto the sea as wee are heere in thia place, and where 
myself was borne. 

"Now in regard to our firstnesse and antiquity in this soe famous a 
colony, we should umblie request this littell priuelidg with your fauors 
and consent, to giue this name abouesaid vnto our town. 



BEVERLY. 



087 



" I netier yet mode Bute or request vnto the Cenerall Court for the 
Irast matter, tho' I thinks I might as well bauo done, as many others 
haue, who haue obtained much without hassard of life or preferring the 
publick pood before theire own interest, which, I praise God, I haue 
done. If tills my snte may lind arceptation with your worships, I shall 
rest vniMy tlmnUfnll and my praires shall not cease vnto the throne of 
grace for tiod's guidance and his blessing to be on all your miglitie pro- 
ceedings and that instice and righteousness may be eurie where adminis. 
tered, and sound doctrine, truth, and holiness eurie where taught and 
practised throughout the wilderness, to all posterity, which God grant. 
Amen. 

" Your worships vmble petitioner and servant, 

" KOGER C'ONANT." * 

His petition was not granted, fortunately, though 
the General Court gave him, in recognition of his 
services, two hundred acres of land, near Diinstahle. 

This petition is inserted, at length, owing to its 
great value in authenticating several facts in Beverly's 
early history. 

1668. — yovcmbei- 23. — "Att a gener.ill meeting of 
the luhahitauts of Beverly, this 23d Nov., 1G(!8, se- 
lectmen were nominated, & by vote 5 chosen, to or- 
der the affaires & consernmenta of the town for this 
yeare following, viz. : Capt. Thomas Lothropp, Wni. 
Dixey, Wm. Dodge, sen., John West, Paule Thorn- 
dike. . . . 

" It is ordered, that the selectmen shall call in all 
old accorapts & see them rectified. 

'■ It is also agreed at this present meeting, that 
Capt. Lothropp, Wm. Dodge, sen., John Rayment, 
Edw'd Byshopp & Wm. Rayment, shall meet with our 
neighbours of Salem, to divide the grounds between 
us . . . in tyme convenient." 

A little ])revions to this time, in 1G60, Salem had 
applied to the Legislature for a grant of the islands 
lying off her harbor, though nearer the Beverly shore, 
Baker's Island and the Jliserys. 

" Whereas there are certayne Hands neare our 
towne commonly known by the names of the Miserys 
and Baker's Hand, fit for fishing employments, etc." 
In 16(32-()3 Thomas Tyler, then of Martha's Vine- 
yard, son of Masconomo, the Ipswich sagamore, sold 
his claim on these islands to Bartholomew Gale ; but 
it was disallowed by Salem. 

They were then covered with primitive forest. 

The "Misery" was so called from a dis.astrous 
shipwreck happening there. 

Baker's Kland was so-called after one Robert Baker, 
a ship-carpenter, ancestor of the present families of 
the name in North Beverly and the Cove, who was 
accidentally killed while felling timber there. 

1669. — Jane 11. — "At a generall towne meeting, 
legally warned by the Inhabitants of Beverly, it is 
agreed upon that Mr. John Hailes shall have hold 
and enjoy that i>arcell of land being within the gen- 
erall fence of the field adjoyning unto his pasture 
which he bought of Wm. Dodge, sen., for him and his 
heirs forever, hee maintaining the side fence liing 
against the Common without the field. (This land 
probably lies along Essex St., adjoining Prospect 



^ Mass. Hiat. Collections. 



Hill, which was Hale's pasture). It is allso ordered 
this present tyme by a generall vote that no man 
shall fall any timber in the Commons without order, 
except it be for his own use ; but he shall pay the 
value of twenty shillings for each tree, to him or 
them, that are deputed to receive it for the publique 
good of the place." 

1070. — 29th April. — Ordered and generally voted, 
"that there shall not be any of the towne land liing 
in the Commons disposed of uppon any accoumpt ; 
but by the consent of the whole, att a Generall towne 
meeting, legally warmed." 

" March 24th. It ia ordered that all swyne above 3 
month shall be sufficiently ringed and yoaked.'' 

1671. — It is ordered that the country highway 
from Cederstand up to the meeting-house, as far as 
the ferry, be made sufficient for horse and cart. 

It is agreed with Jonathan Byles to make a pound 
for the town. "And the said Jonathan is to have 
for this pound aforesaid & to make a payre of stocks, 
both to be brought in and sett up in ' Beverly, 50 
shillings,' part of it in trees from the Commons. 

17th Aug. "It is ordered that their shall be a rate 
made to make provision for powder & shott & ammu- 
nition, according as the law requires, by the select- 
men. 

\Zth Sept. " It was agreed that a place for buriall 
should be provided, and an acre of ground to be got- 
ten, — which was bought of Lieut. Wm. Dixey, lying 
by the country highway on the one side, bounded on 
the other side uppon Nathaniel Stone & Josias 
Rootes." (This land extended from Milton to Wallis 
st'eets, between Cabot street and Stephen's hill,) and 
was not used for burial purposes, but exchanged for 
land of John Lovett. 

1672.— The town contributed (February 14th), £13 
to Harvard College. 

The bounds between Beverly and Manchester were 
defined and settled about as they stand to-day. The 
land bought for a cemetery was " exchanged with 
John Lovett, Jun., for one acre of Land, on part 
whereof the publique meeting-house standeth, begin- 
ing at the bound tree on the northeast & so to make 
u]) the acre compleat towards the house of the said 
John Lovett." (This latter is the one first used as a 
cemetery, on a portion of which the present Old 
South chapel stands, and through which Abbott 
Street now runs.) 

1674. — "It was agreed upon and vote<l that there 
shall as soon as conveniently may be, a school-house 
built that shall likewise be for a watch-house ; and 
that the said house shall be set upon the town's land 
by the meeting-house." Its construction was de- 
layed, and for a time the school continued to be held 
in the church. 

1675. — " It is agreed at a ])ublick towne meetinge, 
in the two & twentie day of October, that they should 
have forthwith a forte builte, about the meeting- 
house, & one at Bass River, & one at Mackrill Cove 



688 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



& another at John Dodge's, senior," near the Wen- 
ham line. 

The Narragansett War. — These preparations for 
defense announce that the niutterings of war were be- 
ginning to disturb tlie calm of their peaceful occupa- 
tions. Philip of Pokanoket, the dreaded sachem of 
the Wampanoags, broke the peace, which had existed 
between his tribe and the settlers for fifty years, and 
began the series of massacres that alarmed every resi- 
dent in the colonies. No section felt safe from at- 
tack; all the towns joined in sending soldiers to the 
seat of operations in the Connecticut Valley. And 
even Beverly, though remote from the field of active 
warfare, felt the necessity for not only defensive, but 
aggressive action. 

Her favorite .son. Captain Lothrop, was appointed 
to the command of a company of infantry in the 
Massachusetts forces, and with them hastened to the 
frontier. The town of Hadley was then the head- 
quarters of the troops in that region, and at that 
place Captain Lothrop was soon found, with his choice 
company of young men, selected from the best fam- 
ilies in the county, and styled the " Flower of 
Essex." 

The provisions and forage of Hadley ran short, but 
in the near town of Deerfield was a large amount of 
grain, estimated at 3000 bushels, stacked in the fields, 
which had been abandoned by the farmers when 
driven out by the Indians. To thresh this grain and 
transport it to Hadley, Captain Lothrop and his com- 
pany were detached, and set out for Deerfield with a 
number of teams and drivers. 

Having secured the grain, Lothrop began the re- 
turn march to Hadley, on the 18th of September, 
without apprehension of attack from Indians, as none 
had been seen. But the wily Philip had marked him 
for his prey. The following account,' published many 
years ago, describes the terrible event : 

" For the distance of about three miles, after leaving Deeriield mea- 
dow, Lothrop's march lay through a very level country, closely wooded, 
where he was every moment exposed to an attack on either tlank ; at 
the termination of this distance, near the south point of Sugar-loaf hill, 
the road approximated the Connecticut River, and the left wa.s in some 
measure unprotected. At the village now called Muddy Brook, in the 
southerly part of Deerfield, the road crossed a small stream, bordered by 
a narrow morass, from which the village has its name ; though more 
appropriately it should be denominated Bloodij Brook, by which it is 
sometimes known. Before arriving at the point of intersection with the 
brook, the road for about half a mile ran parallel with the morass, then, 
crossing, it continued to the south point of .Sugar-loaf bill. On discov- 
ering Lothrop's march, a body of upwards of seven hundred Indiana 
planted themselves in ambuscade at the point of crossing, and lay in 
waiting. Without scouring the woods in front and flank, or suspecting 
the snare laid for him, Lothrop arrived at the fatal spot, crossed the 
morass with the principal part of his force, and probably halted to allow 
his teams to drag through their loads. The critical moment had arrived 
— the Indians instantly poured a heavy and destructive fire upon the 
column, and rushed furiously to the attack. Confusion and dismay 
succeeded. The troops broke and scattered, liercely pursued by the 
Indians, whose great superiority enabled tliera to attack at all points 
Hopeless was the situation of the scattered troops, and they resolved to 
sell their lives in a vigorous struggle. Covering themselves with trees, 
the bloody conflict now became a trial of skill in sharpshooting, in which 

1 Hoyt's " Indian Wara." 



life was the stake. Difficult would it be to describe the havoc, barbarity 
and misery that ensued. The dead, the dying, the wounded, strewed 
the ground in all directions; the devoted force was soon reduced to a 
small number, and resistance became faint. At length the unequal 
struggle terminated in the annihilation of nearly the whole uf the Kn- 
glish, only seven or eight escapiug to relate the dismal tale ; and the 
wounded were indiscriminately butchered. Captain Lothrop fell in the 
early part of the action." 

The whole loss, including teamsters, amounted to 
ninety, and among the slain were included, I'rom Bev- 
erly, besides the lamented Lothrop, Josiah Dodge, 
Peter Woodbury and John (Joseph)? Balch, John 
Bennett,!?) Edward Trask, (?)Samuel Whitteridge. (?) 
Unsuspicious of danger, it is said, the soldiers had 
laid aside their arms and were gathering grapes by 
the roadside when the destructive vollej's were poured 
into their ranks. 

- "This catastrophe sent a thrill of terror and dismay through all the 
New England colonies. Especially did the news of it come with appall- 
ing force to this county, from which its choicest flowers, all culled out 
of its towns, and blooming so lately in manly beauty and strength, had 
been thus suddenly cut down and withered as by untimely frost. 
Throughout its length and breadth, scarcely was there a village or 
hamlet left unscathed by this great calamity. More particularly, and 
with stunning effect, did the blow fall here, where, besides several that 
were deeply lamented, the fallen chief was best known, and for that 
reason most respected, trusted and loved." 

In the year 1835 the burial-place of Lothrop and 
his thirty men was identified, and a monument erect- 
ed (1838) in commemoration of the battle of Bloody 
Brook. At the laying of its corner-stone, Edward 
Everett delivered a memorable address, saying, in con- 
clusion, "The ' Flower of Essex ' shall bloom in un- 
dying remembrance, as the lapse of time shall con- 
tinually develop, in richer abundance, the fruits of 
what was done and suffered by our fathers." In order 
that the descendants of such ' fathers ' should remem- 
ber one of the most valiant of their deeds, we should 
acquaint them with the story, and locality, of the 
famous Bloody Brook. The monument erected may 
be seen to-day, standing in South Deerfield, overshad- 
owed by the towering mass of sandstone known as the 
Sugar-loaf, where, beneath a shelving clifi" is shown 
the hollowed rock known as King Philip's Seat, 
whence he overlooked the surrounding country and 
that day noted the movements of Captain Lothrop's 
command. 

The original list of the slain at " Muddy Brook, 
being y" 18 of Sept.," is in the State-House, Boston : 
"A List of Men slain in the county of Hamshire, 
tho' we cannot gett y° names of all, yet as many as 
wee can gett are here ynserted ; al.so, the time when 
and place where they were slain." — Mass. Military 
Records, v. 68, p. 33. 

" Ah, gallant few I No generous foe 
Had met them by that crimsoned tide ; 
Vain even despair's resistless blow, — 
As brave men do and die, — they died 1 
Yet not in vain, — a cry that shook 
The inmost forest's desert glooms. 
Swelled o'er their graves, until it broke 
In storm around the red man's homes ! 

2 Thayer's Memorial. 



BEVERLY. 



689 



" But beating hearts, far, far away, 
Broke at their story's fearful truth. 
Ami inaidL'TlH sweet, for many a liay, 
Wept o'er tlie vanished tiieains of youth ; 
By the lilue distant ocean-tide. 
Wept years, long yeai^t, to hear them tell 
How by tlio wild wood's lonely side 
The Flower of Essex fell." 

In the same year, 1675, in the expedition against 
the Narragaiisett Fort, when Philip met his Waterloo, 
Beverly contributed her quota, nothing; dismayed at 
■ her previous losses. We find, as the soldiers engaged 
under the brave Captain Gardner, of Salem, who fell 
December 19th, the following persons, townsmen of 
ours : William Allen, William Balch, Wm. Bonner, 
Joseph Bayley, Thomas Blashfield, Jonathan Biles, 
Christopher Browne, Lot Conant, John Clark, Wm. 
Dodge, John Dodge, John Ellingwood, Wm. Ferry- 
man, Samuel Harris, Richard Hussband, Jloses Mor- 
gan, Joa. Morgan, Ellas Picket, Thos. Raynient, Wm. 
Rayment, Christopher Reed (wounded), John Trask. 

At th& capture of Port Royal, in 1654, where 
Lothrop served as captain, he had with him, from 
Beverly, Lieut. Thomas Whittredge, Lieut. Elias 
Rayment, Wm. Woodbury, Humphrey Woodbury and 
Peter Wooden. From the very beginning of their 
settlement, the people of Beverly furnished their 
share of soldiers for the common defense and con- 
quest. 

In addition to these soldiers, engaged, there were 
others, in a coinj)any on the eastern frontier, under 
the command of Captain Frost. These were John 
Ellingwood (who had the fore-finger of his right 
hand shot away, for which he subsequently received 
a pen-ion), Thomas Parlor and Samuel Colling. 

Previous to the attack upon the Narragansett Fort, 
when the soldiers were assembled on Dedham Plain, 
they were jiromised a reward in land for their services 
in addition to their ]>ay, provided they "played the 
man, and drove the Narragansetts from the fort." 
This promise was eventually fulfiled, but not until 
nearly sixty years had passed away, when the soldiers 
engaged in this campaign were granted several town- 
ships of land, each six miles square, in the wild 
region, now included in the States of Maine and New 
Hampshire. The township shared in by the Beverly 
soldiers or their heirs, was known then as Souhegan 
West, at present Amherst, New Hampshire. The 
names of the proprietors from Beverly, in 1741, when 
they met to take pos.se.ssion, were '* Henry Bayley, 
Henry ISlashfield and assigns, * Jonathan Byles, *Lott 
Conant, Andrew Dodge for J. Ellinwood, ,loria. Dodge 
for John Dodge, Wm. Dodge's heirs, * Ralph Ellin- 
wood, Saml. Harris' heirs, Joseph Morgan for his 
father, Joseph Picket for his father, Elias, * Thomas 
Rayment, Wm. Rayment's heirs, and * Christopher 
Read. 

1676.— .Vt a public meeting, December 5th, it was 



1 From " Hist, of Anihenit.' 
the tiglit. 

44 



The stars denote the then survivors of 



voted to employ two constables, in place of one, on 
account of the extraordinary troubles of the times. 
And " It is ordered by the selectmen th.at the hinder 
site of the olders galery in the meeten house is to be 
altered, and the Boise ar to seete there, and Robert 
Hibberd, senior, is to hafe an Eie out for them, and 
for the first ofense to aquaint thar parants or masters 
of it, and if they do ofend again to aijuante the Select- 
men with it, who shall dele with them according to 
lawe." 

1677. — May 12th, " It is agreed between the select- 
men, in behalf of the towns, and Mr. Samuel Hardie, 
that the said Mr. Hardie is to liegin to teach a scoole, 
according to the utmost of his ability, . . . and 
the said Hardie is to have the meeting-house to teach 
scoole in during the somer tyme, and some other 
place against winter." He was to receive £20; and 
it is explained that " by ordinary learning is meant 
reading, writing, arethmetick, and Latin according to 
his ability." 

Jime 2')th, "In obedians to a law of the honored 
Jenerall Corte they made choise of ten men to in- 
specte thar naibours to prevente as much as may be, 
privet tipling and Druuckenness," whose names be 
as followeth: Wm. Dodge, Robt. Bradford, Humph. 
Woodbury, .losiah Root, Robert Heberd, Nath. Hay- 
ward, Exsersis Conant, John Hill, Richard Ober, 
John Dodge. 

1679.— 2Sth April, " We whose names are under- 
written beeing by the apointment of the selectmen of 
our respective towns, mett to goe a perambulation in 
the bonnds between our said towns from the Rock at 
the head of Bass River to the pine stump in the 
swamp that runneth out of Laurence Leach's meadow, 
have acordingly gone the SHid preambulation, and 
renewed the said bounds as neere as one could guess," 
etc. 

Beverly. S.mem. 

,Iohn Raiment. .Totin Corwin. 

Paul Thorndike. Tliomas Putnam. 

Jolin Iiodg. PliilJip Cromwell. 

William Raiment. Richard Leach. 

Andrew Elliott. John Putnam. 

Peter Woodbery. Israeli I'orter. 

1679.— 25i!A November, " Leftenent Thorndike and 
William Rayment was chosen to manage the case in 
ye behalf of ye towne of Beverly at the present 
corte held at Salem, which controversy is between the 
town of Beverly and Captaine Moore; al)out a bell." 
(This was a controversy on the freight on the iiell 
brought from Port Royal in 1654.) 

1680. — December 10, The selectmen agreed with 
William Hoar to . . . "sweep the mecting-liousc as is 
necessary and usuall, keep and turn the (hour) glass, 
& doe in all respects as Goodman Bayly hath done 
before him ; and further, the said Goodman Hoar is 
to ring the meeting-house bell at nine of the clock 
every night a sufiicientsp.ace of time, and as is usuall 
in other places. In consideration whereof the said 
Hoar is to have for his i>aiiis as goodman Bayley had. 



690 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



viz. : of every family in the towne one peck of come 
per year." 

It is said that the town was troubled by wolves, and 
in 1678 John Edwards was allowed £3 for killing 
three of them. These creatures were numerous and 
troublesome in the neighboring village of Ipswich, so 
late as 1750. 

Beverly resisted the claims of the Mason heirs to 
their portion of the territory between the Naumkeag 
and the Merrimac, and memorialized the king. 

After reciting their loyalty to King Charles, etc. 

1681. — February 22<t, "So that we can produce 
quires, yea Rheams of paper, which we conceive it 
would be presumption for us to desire our dread sov- 
ereign to bee diverted from the mighty affairs of 
three kingdoms for the hearing of; for we had above 
fifty years possession, & entered upon°_the place with 
the good liking of the Indians, the ancient inhabit- 
ants of this country. Wee have adventured our lives 
and estates & worn out much time and strength in 
the subduing a wilderness for the increasing his Maj- 
esties dominions & customs ; and in the late wars with 
the heathen have carried our lives in our hands to de- 
fend our possessions, with the loss of about 12 English 
lives of our towne, & and expended some hundreds of 
pounds to maintain our lands, & in this time of above 
fifty years neither Mr. Mason nor any for him did 
either take possession or disburse estate, or make de- 
mand of our lands or expended one penny to defend 
them." 

The testimony of the aged inhabitants of the town, 
as Richard Brackenbery, William Dixy and Humphrey 
Woodbury, to the effect that the Massachusetts Com- 
pany had purchased of the Dorchester Company all 
their rights and property at Cape Ann, before Gov. 
Endicott arrived, was regarded as conclusive. They 
further declared that they had " free lease to build 
and plant " from the resident Indians, and that the 
same year, or the next after they had come to Salem, 
they had cut hay for their cattle on the Cape Ann, or 
Beverly side, and " had been in; possession of Beverly 
side ever since." 

Although the occupants of ihe soil were never actu- 
ally molested, it was not until 1746, after nearly a 
century of agitation, that the Mason claimants aban- 
doned this pretension and left the settlers in peaceful 
possession. 

1683. — Beverly became a lawful port of entry, this 
year, annexed to the port of Salem. 

1684. — September 1st, " At a meeting of the select- 
men it was agreed with Andrew Elliott Sen., and 
Samuel Hardie, to transcribe all that is necessary to 
be transcribed out of the old town book into the new 
one within two months after the date hereof; & that 
when the work is completed then the selectmen in the 
town's behalfe shall pay to .said Andrew Elliott ten 
shillings in money, and unto Samuel Hardie five shil- 
lings in money, besides ten already paid him on the 
same account." The second volume of records begins : 



" Third Nov. 1685, then this book was improved for the town of 
Beverly, as a town book to record the town concerns by the selectmen 
of said town succeesively," etc. 

1686. — One of Beverly's aged and worthy citizens, 
John Lovett, died this year; he was born 1610, and 
was " one of the eight admitted inhabitants of Salem,'' 
July 25, 1639. At the "seven men's meeting," Nov. 
3, 1666, he received a grant of two acres of marshland 
lying near the old planter's meadow, near Wenham 
Common. He owned much real estate, and his de- 
scendants maintain the name in Beverly to this day. 

1690. — The town had no regularly-appointed clerk 
until 1690, hence the fragmentary character of the 
records, which were begun in 1665, until, in April of 
this year, Andrew Elliott was elected to the office at a 
salary of 30 shillings in money and 40s. in " pay," or 
produce. He was one of the five witnesses, in 1680, 
taken from Beverly to attend at the execution of the 
Indian deed of the town of Salem. He was town 
clerk until his death, in 1703— i, when Robert Wood- 
bury succeeded to the office. His entries in the rec- 
ord were very circumstantial, as witness the follow- 
ing : 

"John Tovy, sometime of Winserd in Old England, near Bristow, 
afterward apprentice with Andrew Elliott, shoemaker, of Beverly, ^ew 
England, &, nextly, husband unto 3Iary Herrick (now widdow) was un- 
fortunately drowned coming from Winter Island in a Cannoo unto said 
Beverly, not to be forgotten, on the 24th day of August, in the year of 
our Lord God 1686." 

"Andrew Elliott, the dear and only son of ,\ndrew Elliott, (whose 
mother's name was Grace) & was born in East Coker in the County of 
Somerset in Old England, being on board ot a vessel appertaining unto 
Phillip English of Salem, one Bavidge being master, said vessel being 
then at Cape Sables, by an awful stroke was violently thrown into the 
sea & there perished in the water, to the great grief of his said father, 
the penman hereof ; being aged about 37 years on the 12th day of Sep- 
tember, about 10 of the clock in the morning, according to the l)est in- 
formation, in the year of onr Lord God 1088. 

"Deep meditation surely, every man in his best estate is wholly 
vanitie." 

The year 1690 was signalized liy the unfortunate ex- 
pedition against Quebec, under Sir William Phipps. 
The town borrowed money ''to buy great guns and 
ammunition," and a company was raised and sent with 
the expedition, under Capt. William Rayment. This 
adventure is said to have cost Massachusetts £.50,000, 
besides many men, and was disastrous from the be- 
ginning. Captain Rayment and his command were 
subjected to great privations, for which they were 
"subsequently rewarded by a grant of a township of 
land." 

1692. Witchcraft Proceedings. — It is on record 
that the Rev. Mr. Hale served as chaplain in this cam- 
paign, and that on his return he found the country 
agitated over the witchcraft sensation. Although 
none of Beverly's inhabitants perished in this diaboli- 
cal cyclone, yet several were cried out against by the 
"Salem wenches," the "afflicted" children, and nar- 
rowly escaped with their lives. Four, at least: Dorcas 
Ploar, Sarah Morell, Susanna Rootes and Job Tuckey, 
were accused, arrested, condemned and imprisoned. 
Sarah Morell and Dorcas Hoar were arrested by Mar- 



BEVERLY. 



691 



shal Herrick,' May 2, 1692, on a warrant issued by 
Capt. .lona. Walcot and Sergt. Thos. Putnam, of Salem 
Village, which included the well-known merchant of 
Salem, Philip English. So far as we may judge from 
the records of the trials, Dorcas Hoar was the bravest 
and most outspoken of any of that innocent band of 
accused, penetrating through the transparent deceit 
of the " wenches," and promptly characterizing the 
proceedings as infamous. When she was brought into 
court the aifiicted pretended to fall into fits at sight of 
her. "After coming out of them they vied with each 
other in heaping all sorts of accusations upon the 
prisoner; Abigail Williams and Ann Putnam charg- 
ing her with having choked a woman in Boston ; Eli- 
zabeth Hubbard crying out that she was pinching her, 
and showing the marks to the standers-by. The mag- 
istrate, indignantly believing the whole, said : ' Dorcas 
Hoar, why do you hurt these?' She answered, — 'I 
never hurt any child in my life ! ' The girls then 
charged her with having killed her husband, and with 
various other crimes. Mary Walcot, Susanna Sheldon 
and Abigail Williams said they saw a black man 
whispering in her ear. The spirit of the prisoner was 
raised, and she said: ' Oh, you are liars, and God will 
stop the mouth of liars ! ' The anger of the magistrate 
was roused by this bold outbreak. ' You are not to 
speak after this manner in court.' 'I will speak the 
truth as long as I live,' she fearlessly replied.'' 

Having ventured to oppose the bigoted and insen- 
sate magistrate and those inspired idiots the " afflicted 
children," she was, of course, sent to prison.* 

Susanna Rootes was arrested the 21st of May, Job 
Tookey on the 4th of June, iigainst Job it was de- 
clared that he could "as freely discourse with the 
devil"' as with his accuser, John Lander; that he had 
afflicted three of the " children,'' and had caused the 
death of Andrew Woodbury. Job Tookey is described 
as a "laborer," and was charged with having said that 
he would take Mr. Burroughs' (the accused minister's) 
part, and that "he was not the devil's servant, but 
that the devil was his." When charged that his shape 
afflicted persons, he stoutly assumed that in that case 
"it was not he, but the devil in his shape, that hurt 
them." The three girls, Susanna Sheldon, Mary War- 
ren and Ann Putnam, then cried out upon him and 
then were struck dumb ; after which performance 
Mary Warren recovered her speech and exclaimed : 
" There are three men, and three women, and two 
children, all in their winding sheets ; they look pale 
upon us, but red upon Tookey — red as blood." Then 



1 *' Marshal Herrick does not appear to have been connected %vith Joseph 
Herrick, who lived on what is now called Cherry Hill, but was a man of 
an entirely different stinip. He was thirty-four years of age, and had 
not been long in the country." — Upham. 

2 Dorcas Hoar was the wife of sexton "Goodman Hoar," and their 
house was near the Hale parsonage, probably not far from West Dane 
Street {as it now runs). She was a daughter of John Galley, free of 
speech and independent in her bearing. A friend of hers had been ac- 
cused of stealing by Mrs, Hale, and this fact may have led to the accusa- 
tion of the latter by tlie afflicted children. 



she saw "a young child under the table, crying out 
for vengeance," and one of her confederates was struck 
speechless, pointing in horror to the same shape under 
the table. 

Poor Job may well have been struck with amaze- 
ment upon hearing himself accused of murdering 
nearly all who had died at Eyal's Side for the year or 
two past, and the magistrates — Bartholomew Gedney, 
Jona. Corwin and John Hathorne — are represented as 
having been highly incensed at his obduracy in deny- 
ing the charges, and promptly committed him to jail. 

That these people were eventually released does not 
lessen the guilt of their accusers and of those who 
lent themselves as accessories to their conviction. 
Even the revered minister of Beverly, the Rev. John 
Hale, countenanced the proceedings against the ac- 
cused Bridget Bishop, at one time a communicant in 
his church. About the year 1687 there resided at 
Ryal's Side "A woman in the neighborhood, subject 
to fits of insanity, who had, while passing into one of 
them, brought an accusation of witchcraft against her; 
but, on the return of her reason, solemnly recanted, 
and deeply lamented the aspersion."' 

Rev. Mr. Hale had examined into the case at the 
time and exonerated Sifter Bishoj) from the charge, 
yet " under the malign influence of his friend, the 
Rev. Sam. Parrish," he went into court in 1692, 
" without any pretence of new evidence touching the 
facts of the case, and related them to the effect and 
with the intent to make them bear against her." 
Bridget Bishop, innocent of crime, was condemned 
and soon after executed, June 10, 1692. 

In October of the same year, Mr. Hale's own wife 
was accused, and then his feelings underwent a 
change. In a treatise, subsequently written against 
the " delusion," he says : " I have had a deep sense 
of the sad consequences of mistakes in matters capi- 
tal, and their impossibility of recovering when com- 
pleted ; and what grief of heart it brings to a tender 
conscience to have been unwittingly encouraging of 
the sufferings of the innocent." 

The remarks of Cotton Mather may, not inaptly, 
be quoted here : " They now saw that the more the 
afflicted were hearkened unto the more the number 
of the accused increased ; until at last many scores 
were cried out upon, and among them some who by 
the unblameableness, yea, and serviceableness, of 
their whole conversation, had obtained the just repu- 
tation of good people among all that were acquainted 
with them. The character of the afflicted, also, added 
unto the common distaste ; for though some of them, 
too, were good people, yet others of them, and such 
of them as were most tiippant at accusing, had a far 
other character." Setting aside this labored apology 
for the accusers, this admission of Mather's shows 
that the " afflicted " had overreached themselves, 
and had struck too high. 

3 t'phain's Witchcraft, Vol. ii. pp. 2'>, et stq. 



692 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUxNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



As the first victim executed, Bridget Bishop, was at 
one time a resident within the present limits of 
Beverly, and a member of the first church here; so 
likewise, the last to be selected was a shining light 
in this same cliurcb and community. But Mistress 
Hale, of Beverly, was one whose piety and " uu- 
blameableness" was known to all. 

" The whole community became convinced that 
the accusers, in crying out upon Mrs. Hale, had 
perjured themselves, and from that moment their 
power was destroyed ; the awi'ul delusion was dis- 
pelled, and a close put to one of the most tremen- 
dous tragedies in the history of real life." ' 

It is curious to note, in this connection, that one 
of the four daughters of the ill-fated Giles Corey, 
who was " pressed to death," was the wife of William 
Cleeves, of Beverly. Two of the wretched man's 
sons- in-law were among his accusers, but the other 
two remained constant in their belief in his inno- 
cence. To them he willed his entire property, and 
(it is believed), in order not to invalidate their right 
to it, endured the tortures of a horrible death; since, 
if he had come to trial, his property would have been 
confiscated. By refusing to plead, either guilty or 
not guilty, he obliged the court to stay his trial ; 
but, in order to force him to speak the magistrates 
imposed upon him the terrible sentence, which he 
suffered. 

Returning to the town records, we find among the 
entries of that same fateful year, one that will lend an 
additional interest to investigation ; under the head 
of " births " is recorded : " John, son of Rev. John 
Hale, and Sarah his wife, December 24th, 3692." 

Following along a little later, and without over- 
stepping a strictly chronological record of events, we 
may note: " Mrs. Sarah Hale, wife of Rev. John 
Hale, pastor of the church in Beverly, departed this 
life on the 20th day of May in the year 1695." 

A loving tribute to departed worth, is the poem by 
our townswoman, Lucy Larcom, entitled, "Mistress 
Hale, of Beverly," in which the life of that troublous 
witchcraft year, with its local color and environment, 
is finely delineated. After a description of the pro- 
ceedings and of the part taken in them by the minis- 
ter from Beverly, comes the denouement, the ac- 
cusation of his wife, as the pastor of the first parish 
enters the court-house. ***** 

" ' Woe ! Mistress Ilale tormentoth me ! she came in like a bird, 
Perched on her husband's shoulder ! ' Then silence fell ; no word 
SpaUe either judge or minister, while with profound amaze 
Each fixed upon the other's face his horror-stricken gaze. 

" But, while the accuser writhed in wild contortlors on the floor, 
One rose and said, ' Let all withdraw I the court is closed ! ' no more ; 
For well the land knew Mistress Hale's rare loveliness and worth ; 
Her Tirtues bloomed like flowers of heaven along the paths of earth. 

"The minister of Beverly went homeward, riding fast, 
His wife shrank back from his strange look, affrighted and aghast. 
' Dear wife, thou ailest ! Shut thyself into thy room I' said he, 
'Whoever comes, tht^ latch-string keep drawn in from all save me !' 

1 Upham'8 Witchcraft, Vol. ii., p. 346. 



" Nor hie life's treasure from close guard did he one moment lose, 
Until across the ferry came a messenger with news 
That the bewitched ones acted now vain mummeries of woe, 
The judges looked and wondered still, but all the accused let go. 

" The dark cloud rolled from off the land, the golden leavesdropped down 

Along the winding wood-paths of the little sea-side town : 

In Salem Village there was peace ; with witchcraft trials passed 

The nightmare-terror from the vexed New England air at last. 

" Again in natural tones men dared to laugh aloud and speak ; 
From Naugus Head the fisher's shout rang back to Jeffry's Creek ; 
The phantom soldiery withdrew, that haunted Gloucester shore ; 
The teamster's voice through Wenbam Woods broke into psalms once 
more. 

*' The minister of Beverly thereafter sorely grieved 
That be had inquisition held with counsellors deceived ; 
Forsaking love's unerring light, and duty's solid ground, 
And groping in the shadowy void, where truth is never found. 

******* 
■' Truth made transparent in a life, tried gold of character. 
Were Mistress Hale's ; and this is all that history says of her ; 
Their simple force, like sunlight, broke the hideous midnight spell, 
And &igbt restored again to eyes obscured by films of bell. 

*' The minister's long fields are still with dews of summer wet ; 
The roof that sheltered Mistress Hale tradition points to yet. 
Green be her memory ever kept all over Cape Ann Side, 
Whose unobtrusive excellence awed back delusion's tide ! " 

1700. To close the chapter of this eventful century, 
the last decade of which had been so crowded with 
sensations and horrors, it remains only to transcribe 
here the last pathetic entry in the records pertaining 
to the honored head of the church. " The Rev. Mr. 
John Hale, Minister of the Gospel in Beverly, & Pas- 
tor of the Church of Christ there, aged about sixty- 
four years, departed this life on the 15th day of May, 
Anno Domini, 1700." Thus went out with the cen- 
tury a life of piety and broad humanity. 

"The storms of fanatical excitement and of war 
with savages and civilized men had subsided, when, 
in May, 1700, the primeval epoch of this parish was 
closed, and Hale, its first minister, sank peacefully — • 
honored, beloved, deeply lamented — to his final earthly 
rest." The last few years of his life must have been 
full of sorrow, and, doubtless, the messenger that 
summoned him hence to join the company of the be- 
loved departed was welcomed and expected. Born in 
Charlestown in 163(5, he graduated at Harvard in 1657, 
and thus lived through the crucial period of New 
England's existence. It is a matter of lasting regret, 
that, with such great abilities as he possessed, with 
such opportunities for observing the growth of our 
town from its veriest inception, with such intercourse 
as he had with the great men of his day, he had not 
chronicled some of the pa.'^sing events and preserved 
for us memoirs of his contemporaries. 

In the family enclosure of the old cemetery stands 
the grave-stone with this inscription : 

*' Here lies the body of the 

EEV. MR. JOHN HALE, 

A pious and faithful minister of the Gospel, 

And Pastor of the First Church of Christ in this town of Beverly, 

Who rested from his labors on the 15th day of May, 

Anno Domini, 1700, 

In (he 64th year of his age." 



BEVERLY. 



693 



In 1696 four soldiers, John Burt, Benj. Carrill, John 
Pickwortli and Israel Wood, were serving in Captain 
John Hill's c'impnny at Fort St. Mary, near Saco. 

1700. A gjrammar school was established this year, 
with Mr. Robert Hale as master; and the claim of 
Sagamore John's grandchildren to the township terri- 
tory was cancelled, by the payment to them of a sum 
of money, and a deed taken. 

Prior to 17(10 something had been done in the way 
of ship-building and the fisheries, so that with the 
opening of the new century Beverly was well em- 
barked upon that career of maritime conquest and 
adventure which su distinguished herduring the period 
of the Kcvolulion. Upon the land, eng.aged in occu- 
])ations mainly agricultural, was a steadily-growing 
community of sturdy proprietors; on the sea, an 
equally vigorous floating population, with rights in 
the ships they sailed, as well as an attachment for the 
soil of their fathers. 

PiOXEEU Families of Beveely. — In reviewing 
the eventlul epoch closed with the 17th century, we 
should not lose sight of those men and women w'ho 
labored for the welfare of the community. Theirs 
was a struggle with elemental forces, from beginning 
to end. They were sturdy, intense, giving their whole 
strength to the overcoming of obstacles such as their 
descendants are unacquainted with. They brought to 
their administration of afl'airs the same good sense 
that characterized their private life. Their object 
was to live, and live in freedom, in this new land, giv- 
ing to every man an opportunity equal to that of every 
other. The excitements of those distracted times 
they sometimes shared in, but of themselves they 
provided no fuel for the baleful fires that burned so 
long in Salem Village. They were ready, with men 
and weapons, to respond to every call in defence of 
the frontier towns, and joined every expedition under- 
taken for the preservation of their territory. 

Among the names mentioned in this connection 
those accompanied by an asterisk (*) have descend- 
ants bearing the same name still (1887) living in 
Beverly. 

The 'MJld Planters," Balch,* Conant,* Woodbury,* 
and their associates (whose names, doubtless, have not 
all been preserved), deserve first mention, as having 
adventured first over at Cape Ann Side. The three 
above-mentioned have already been noticed at length; 
as also Brackenbury, Dixey, Palfrey, Trask,* Dodge * 
and Scruggs.* 

John Woodbury* (as already noticed) took posses- 
sion of the farm granted him in 1()35, and from him 
descended many of the name in Upper Beverly and 
adjacent territory. William Woodbury,* his brother, 
doubtless first built upon the headland now known as 
Woodbury's Point, just east of Thissel's Brook and 
Patch's Beach. William and his descendants gradu- 
ally progressed eastwardly, obtaining possession of 
lands on the shore as far as the Paine estate, at the 
westerly head of West's Beach. His son, Nicholas, 



succeeded to his estates, which later fell to the latter's 
son, Benjamin, whose daughter, Anna, inherited the 
property now known as the Paine place. 

John Woodbury's son, Humphrey,* settled on land 
extending from the seashore at or below Mackerel 
Cove, to the region known as Snake Hill, back of the 
school-house in that district. He probably built on 
the slope lying between Ober Street and the headland 
westerly from the light-house. In contradistinction 
to that owned by his uncle, this should be called 
Humphrey Woodbury's Point, in order to properly 
localize these first settlers. Several families of the 
name, descendants of Humphrey, are still living in 
this locality, though retaining little, if any, of the 
original grant made to their ancestor. 

The first projection into Beverly harbor, easterly 
from the bridge. Tuck's Point, bears the name of 
another early settler in Beverly, Thomas Tuck,* who 
owned estates in this vicinity. Ellingwood's Point, 
the bold projection west of the bridges, bears the 
name of Ralph Ellingwood,* who owned all the land 
lying along B.iss River, westerly of the railroad, as it 
now runs. The first ferryman, John Stone,* it is said, 
kept an inn or " ordinary " near the junction of Cabot 
and Front Streets; and a neighbor of his was William 
Dixey (who was captain of a military company), and 
who owned land extending from the present Bartlett 
.and Lovett Streets to the sea.shore. The land granted 
Captain Trask (one of the five farms, in ItiSo) went to 
Thomas Scruggs, bs' exchange, but the name is early 
identified with Beverly's history in the persons of Os- 
man Trask * and his nephew, John. The Trask grant 
came by marriage into the possession of John Ray- 
ment,* whose brother, the distinguished military 
leader of that period, located farther eastward towards 
Brimble Hill. 

Captain Thomas Lothrop, who fell in the massacre 
at Bloody Brook, left no direct descendants. 

Andrew Elliott * lived in the upper part of the 
town; his connection with town att'airs has already 
been mentioned. His descendants have made the 
name distinguished, including a celebrated divine. 
Rev. Dr. Andrew Elliot; an ex-mayor of Boston, Hon. 
Samuel A. Elliot, and a president of Harvard College, 
Charles W. Eliot. 

The name of Blackleach occurs in the early annals ; 
John Blackleach was made freeman in 1635, and had 
a grant of three hundred acres and more at what is 
now Beverly Farms. 

John West,* who came from Ipswich about 1650, 
bought the large property of Blackleach, extending 
from the Woodbury (or Paine) estate westerly to .Jef- 
frey's Creek, or Manchester line, and beyond; and 
also a tract of land towards Wenham granted to 
Gardner. From him the beautiful West's Beach de- 
rived its name, as bordering his property. 

Robert Woodbury,* who succeeded Andrew Elliot 
as town clerk, in 1704, and who held the oifice many 
years, married a daughter of farmer West (Thomas, 



694 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



son of John), and the house he lived in is still stand- 
ing, near West's Beach, and now occupied by Dr. 
Curtis. He obtained a large farm by this marriage, as 
also did Joseph Woodbury, who married another 
daughter and settled on the Manchester property. 

The origin of the Dodge* family has been already 
adverted to, the first one of the name here being far- 
mer William Dodge,* who purchased the grant to 
Peter Palfrey, and resided on it during his life-time. 
He was made freeman in 1637. 

Captain William Dodge, son of William, St., had 
an enviable military record ; and through him are 
descended many of the name in Beverly. 

A nephew of these brothers, William Dodge, mar- 
ried a daughter of Koger Haskell * of Beverly. Wil- 
liam Haskell * married a daughter of farmer West, 
and settled at the Farms, where the old Haskell house 
still stands, built about 1690. 

An early immigrant into Beverly from the contem- 
porary settlement of Ipswich, was John Thorndike,* 
whose son, Paul, married Mary, daughter of James 
Patch.* These two names are perpetuated by Paul's 
Point and the contiguous Patch's Beach. 

Another acquisition from Ipswich was Anthony 
Wood,* who located in that part of the town known 
as the " city," or " old haymarket," above the Glou- 
cester crossing. 

John Lovett * was the first of this name here, born 
1610, died 1686, and who settled, it is said, near the 
farm at present owned by General Pearsons. 

John Lovett, Jr., who died 1727, aged about ninety- 
one, married a daughter of Josiali and Susannah 
Eootes, and owned a large lot of land extending from 
opposite the present Milton Street to beyond Central, 
and from Cabot Street to the sea. 

Peter Pride,* it is said, received his house-lot at or 
near the present Pride's Crossing, on condition that lie 
direct travelers passing that way. 

A group of settlers in that region lying between the 
town proper and the Farms contained George Stanley,* 
or Standley, Nicholas Patch,* Jonathan By les, Richard 
Thissell,* and Richard Ober.* Joshua Bisson* (from 
the Isle of Jersey) married the daughter of John 
Black and grand-daughter of Peter Woolfe. Cornelius 
Baker,* a blacksmith and grandson of Robert, married 
Abigail Sallows and settled near or on property adja- 
cent to Bisson. The name Sallows is no longer found 
in Beverly and has been long extinct. 

A name prominent at that time was that of Samuel 
Corning,* made freeman 1641, whose estates once in- 
cluded land in different parts of Beverly, at one time 
near the meeting-house, and also near Bald Hill, where 
his descendants still reside. 

The first Wallis* was Nathaniel, from Cornwall, 
England (who s-ettlsd first at Casco Bay, whence he 
was driven by Indians), whose son, Caleb, married a 
grand-daughter of Corning. A street of this name 
extends from Cabot to Rantoul. 

The names of Slackhouse and Hoskins, who owned 



easterly of Ellingwood, are now believed to be extinct 
in Beverly. Another which has shared the same fate 
is that of Robert Briscoe, brother-in-law of Samuel 
Stone, who came here between 1680-90, and who held 
various important offices during thirty years. His 
house stood nearly opposite the first church, and was 
taken down in the latter part of the last century. He 
is remembered for his numerous benefactions and 
legacies, and the principal school-building of the town 
now bears his name. 

Richard Ober,* founder of the name in New Eug- 
land, and collateral branches in other States, came 
from " Absburg," Abbotsburg, England (where he 
was baptized November 21, 1641), to these shores 
about 1664. In 1671 he married Abigail, daughter of 
Nicholas Woodbury, by whom he had five children : 
John, Anna, Elizabeth, Hezekiah and Richard, Jr. 
The Obers and the Thissells were from the same vil- 
lage in old England, came to this place at about the 
same time, and their estates joined each other. The 
Obers' property was between Mingo's Beach and Plum 
Cove River. In later times Jeflrey Thissell, a Revolu- 
tionary pensioner, lived in a house west of the hill, 
towards town from Mingo's Beach. 

Robert Morgan* owned the estate north of and op- 
posite the central fire station, extending thence to the 
Bancroft estate and to the sea. Many descendants re- 
side here and others are settled throughout the West. 

The estate of Robert Briscoe fell to Thomas Steph- 
ens* (who came here in 1700), on condition of his 
paying several legacies. Lawrence Leach,* who died 
1662, aged eighty-two, came to Salem in the fleet with 
Higginson, was proposed for freeman 1630, and a 
member of Salem church before 1636. The Leach 
farm was at Eyal Side, and long remained in the 
family. 

Conspicuous among these first citizens was Henry 
Hcrrick,* one of the thirty who founded the first 
Church of Salem, 1629; and, with his sons, joined in 
establishing the first church of Beverly. He purchased 
several farms at Cherry Hill and Birch Plain, on 
which he settled his sons, Zacharie, Ephraim, Joseph 
and John. His wife was Edith, daughter of Hugh 
Laskin. In the times of religious intolerance he and 
his wife were fined by the authorities for entertaining 
and comforting an excommunicated person. He died 
in 1671. 

The first of the Grover family was Nicholas Le 
Grove; of the Smiths,* Hazadiah, a large property 
owner, who came from the eastward, married a 
daughter of Edmund Grover and settled near the old 
haymarket. 

Of these families of the 17th century, it is not pos- 
sible to mwre than enumerate such as the imperfect 
records have preserved to us ; but it is thought that 
mere mention, even, may be of service to future his- 
torian or antiquarian, seeking to trace home some an- 
cestral name. 

Of the dwellings erected during the first century of 



BEVERLY. 



695 



the town's existence few remain in their entirety. Por- 
tions of the original structures, as of the Old Planter's, 
and of the garrison house on Woodbury's Point, still 
stand, but incorporated with buildings of later date. 
The oak frames of these buildings were well-nigh in- 
destructible, but there are few houses in town typical 
in their architecture of that of those early times. The 
homestead of Rev. John Hale still remains in the 
pos.session of the descendants, the Bancroft heirs; 
another erected about that time (1690) is the house on 
Essex Street, lately occupied by Wm. W. Baker, long 
the Putnam property, and probably the ancient Pic- 
ton house. 

At the Cove, theEea house, on Hale Street, erected 
by Thorndike, gives evidence of antiquity beyond any 
other ; at the Farms are two of the past century, the 
Haskell house and the Robert Woodbury, both dat- 
ing from 1680-'90. In Montserrat are the Corning 
and Morgan houses, the former, probably, next to the 
Eea house in age. In North Beverly the "Dudley 
Dodge " house, the Cleaver and the Woodbury house, 
and also the Chipman parsonage (1715), residence of 
the first minister of the second parish. 

Near the town centre, several bearing evidences of 
age, and having the halo of antiquity about them. At 
the " city," or near the old Haymarket, are two or 
three, as the Lovett, the Brown and the Davis houses. 
Just beyond is the locality of a group of the Old 
Planters ; William Dodge's, on the site of which is 
the house of Lyman Mason ; farther on the house 
lately owned by Azor Dodge perpetuates the old 
Balch homestead, within a stone's throw of which was 
the residence of Henry Herrick. 

Houses of a later period, built by our famous 
merchants of the Revolution, as the C.ibot mansions 
(now owned by Edward Burley, and heirs of Seth 
Norwood) stand on Cabot Street, fine specimens of 
the architecture of that time. 

That we have so few examples of colonial architec- 
ture is because the citizens of Beverly have ever been 
progressive, lending their efforts to further the aims 
of advanced civilization, and thus aiding the march 
of progress, which, while it creates the new, yet ef- 
faces the old. 

1701. Events of the Eighteenth Century. — 
Succeeding Mr. Hale in the ministry came Thomas 
Blowers, "who was highly esteemed for his learning 
and virtue, and particularly for his devotedness to the 
duties of his profession." He was born August 1, 
1677, graduated at Harvard, 1695, and was ordained 
here October 29, 1701 ; bis salary, eighty pounds per 
annum, with an allowance of one hundred pounds for 
a settlement. His residence was near Charnock 
Street, which takes its name from that of his married 
daughter, Emma Charnock. A new meeting-house 
had been erected in 1682, fifty feet in length by forty 
feet in width, with a tower in the centre from which 
the bell-rope hung, at a cost of three hundred and 
seventy pounds in silver. 



1703-04. The town-clerk, Andrew Elliott, who was 
the first to keep the records in a systematic manner, 
died, aged seventy-six years. He was succeeded by 
Robert Woodbury, who was equally faithful in the 
discharge of his duties. 

1705. The tract of land known as the training-field 
or common, was deeded to the town March 13, 1705. 
" The said town of Beverly are hereby obliged not to 
convey, exchange, or dispose of the said land unto 
any particular person or persons whatsoever, but it 
shall lay and remain for the publick use Of said town, 
especially for military exercise." 

1707. A negro slave named Robin Mingo, the pro- 
perty of Thomas Woodbury, was married to Deborah 
Tailor, an Indian woman. Before the ceremony was 
performed (says Stone) she agreed to live with her 
husband's master and mistress during her life, "to be 
then discharged with only two suits of clothes suitable 
for such persons." This seems a hard bargain, but 
the claims of slavery and servitude hung lightly upon 
the servitors. Fifty years later, in 1754, the number 
or slaves, so-called, was twenty-eight. On July 15, 
1722, Mingo received the rite of baptism and was ad- 
mitted a member of the church. He died in 1773, 
by which time, at least by 1776, " public opinion had 
virtually emancipated the slaves of Miussachusetts." 

The little bay on our coast known as Mingo's 
Beach, is supposed to have derived its name from 
him. There is a tradition extant that his humble 
cottage was near and above it, and it is also related 
that his master promised him his freedom when the tide 
should recede so far as to leave a dry passage between 
the shore and " Becky's Hedge," lying oft" the beach 
harbor. That event occurred, it is said, but once, 
and that was the year of his death. 

1708. The population this year is given at sixteen 
hundred and eighty. Since the period of King 
Philip's War, and with the exception of the witch- 
year, very little had occurred to disturb the peaceful 
growth of the population. 

1710. — Peter Wooden, an able pilot, is sent from 
Beverly to guide the expedition to Port Royal. 

1711-12. — The Ryal's-Side people were allowed to 
associate, as a religious society, with Beverly; but 
were not united with them until September 11, 1753. 

This year, two people of Beverly, Nihil Sallowes 
and Joseph Gray, were killed by Indians at Winter 
Harbor. At Cape Sable, three or four years later, 
another native of the town, Benjamin Dike, was slain 
by savages. A curious entry in the town records, 
throwing a side light upon the customs of the day, is 
the following: March 24, 1711-12. An order " to pay 
unto Richard Ober, senr., 9 shilling.s, money, out of 
ye town rate, yt being for half a barrel of sider, for 
Laurence Davis his burial (6.?.) and for 50 feet of 
bords for sd Davis his coffin (3s.)." 

1713. — Land was granted by the town to the Farms, 
on which to erect a school-house. 

In October, the Second or North Pari-h was incor- 



696 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



porated, and a meeting-house erected, fifty by forty 
feet. 

1715. — The Second Church was organized, Decem- 
ber 28th, and the Rev. John Chipman ordained. 
This good and learned man was born in Barnstable, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1711. He resided here 
nearly sixty years, and left a name and posterity yet 
well-known in the town. The old parsonage in which 
he resided still stands, not far distant from the church 
at North Beverly. 

The original members of this church, and signers 
of the covenant, 28th December, 1716, were John 
Chipman, Edward, Joseph, Jonathan, Elisha and 
John Dodge, John Cressey, John Brown, Jacob 
Griggs, Joseph Herrick, John Leach, Nehemiah 
Wood, Josiah Woodbury, Jonathan Rayment and 
Moses Fluant. A body of worshippers were after- 
wards admitted from Beverly and AVenham. There 
were appointed, to seat the worshippers, persons who 
were " to show respect to ye aged people amongst us, 
as allso to have a special! regard unto persons that 
have don service for ye benefit of ye precinct, & have 
contributed high in building of ye hous for ye pub- 
lick worship of God, and purchasing land for ye use 
of ye people of sd. precinct, and are likely to pay con- 
siderable in ye charge of ye ministry amongst us ; as 
allso not to seat above two-thirds so many persons in 
any seat as ye seats will comfortably hold." March 
29th, same year, it had been voted that the front seat 
in the east gallery "be parted in ye middle" for the 
accommodation of tlie young unmarried women. 

1723. — The records of Ipswich, our near neighbor 
remind us that wolves were so abundant there, and 
even in the vicinity of the meeting-house, that 
parents would not suffer their children to attend 
worship without some grown person as company. A 
bounty was offered for heads, and many were taken 
by means of wolf-hooks. These were made by en- 
closing four mackerel-hooks in brown bread, and dip- 
ping them in melted tallow "(ill they be as big and 
round as an egg." They were then exposed near 
some dead carcass, where they were found and swal- 
lowed by the wolves. 

A noted resort ibr bears, at that period, was the 
great swamp along Ipswich River, and one was killed 
in the Hamlet (Hamilton) so late as 1757. Deer 
were abundant in Chebacco woods up to the year 
1790, but soon afterwards disaiipeared. 

1727. — This year is memorable for the great earth- 
quake, October 29th, which was felt throughout ihe 
colonies and " made strong religious impressions on 
the minds of many in this town and other places." 

Twenty-five new members were added to the Second 
Church, and the pastor. Rev. Mr. Chipman, gave 
thanks to God who hath shaken, violently, the earth 
and also poured out his Spirit upon the people. "Soli 
Deo Laus, qui et terram molenler exagitavit et super 
populam smtm spiriium sumn effudit." 

The ancient record-book of the Second Parish may 



yet be seen, at present (1887) in charge of Henry 
Wilson, now, in his ninety-third year, the oldest male 
resident of Beverly. Mr. Wil-ion came here in 1848, 
from Gloucester ; his wife, who died in 18-14, was 
then eighty-eight years of age. The following is the 
first entry in the record-book : " This book belongs 
to the Second Church of Christ in Beverly, gathered 
out of Salem and Beverly, and embodyed into a dis- 
tinct Society on the 28th day of December in the 
year of our Lord, 1715. . . . That part of the 
Precinct of Salem and Beverly which was a part of 
Salem was by an Act of the Great and General Court 
annexed to Beverly and incorporated in the one real 
Town therewith upon the 12th day of Sept., A.D. 
1752." A note is added by Rev. BIr. Stone: "In this 
Book of Records, Salem usually signifies the territory 
west of Maj. Conaut's brook, and embraced Ryal 
Side, all of which was set off to Beverly in 1752." 

1729. — The second minister of tlie First Parish, 
Rev. Mr. Blowers, died June 17, and £50 were ap- 
propriated for his funeral expenses. In December 
of this year, the Rev. Joseph Champney was ordained, 
whose period of service extended until 1773, when he 
was followed by the Rev. Joseph Willard, who had 
been his colleague for about a year. 

1730. — Very little of public moment occurred to 
disturb the serenity of the inhabitants at this period, 
but in 1730, the members of the Second Parish were 
agitated over the question of psalm-singing. The 
older members wished to adhere to the practice of 
''lining out" the hymnn, while the mire progressive 
wished to sing by note. A compromise was at first 
effected, but later on it was voted that they would in 
future sing "at all times of singing in public worship 
the psalm tunes by rule, according to the notes 
pricked in our psalm-books." 

1747. — "At a meeting of the proprietors of the Com- 
mon Lands in Beverly, legally warned and assembled 
at the First Parish meeting-house in said Beverly, on 
Monday the Seventh day of September, 1747, Cap- 
tain John Thorndike was chosen moderator of sd. 
meeting; voted, Isaac Woodberry, clerk of the pro- 
perty: voted C.iptain Henry Herrick and Isaac 
Woodberry, two of the committee in the rume of Cap- 
tain Robert Woodberry and Deacon William Dodge, 
deceased; voted that the same meeting be adjourned 
unto October 13, at 3 o'clock, afternoon. 

" At the adjournment, Oct. 13, of the meeting of the 
proprietors of the Common Lands in Beverly, ad- 
journed the same meeting to Jno. Thorndike, Jun., 
and there drank two and a half Dubel Boles of punch, 
and put it to vote if theay act any further and it 
passed in tlie negative, and then Desol ved the meeting." 

1752. — That section known as Ryal Side, though 
of the first to receive permanent settlers, was not 
united to Beverly till 1752. At the time Danvers was 
made a town all that territory between Bass River 
and Bass River Creek on the east, and Frost-Fish 
brook on the west, was annexed to Beverly. 



BEVEELY. 



697 



One hundred years, or so, later, in 1857, a portion 
again was set off and joined to Danvers. Within this 
section so recently detached from Beverly lies Browne's 
Folly hill, named after William Browne, a native of 
Salem, born 1709, and educated at Harvard College. 
This gentleman, about 1750, selected the summit of 
this high hill as the site for a noble mansion, which 
he called Browne Hall, a costly structure, with every 
ai)pointment the wealth of the owner could supply. 

The great hall was often the scene of revelry on a 
magnificent scale, and tradition states that on at 
least one occasion an ox was roasted whole, for the 
entertainment of the guests. Mr. Browne died in 
1703, and the mansion was disposed of by the pur- 
chaser of the estate, William Burley. 

The exact shape of the great house may be traced 
in its sunken cellar-walls to-day. The hill has ever 
since been known as "Browne's Folly," yet the 
view from its summit is one of the finest in the county. 

1753. — An enumeration of the population gave 
two thousand and twenty-three; an increase of about 
four hundred in fifty years. Of this number twenty- 
eight were negro slaves. Twenty years later, there 
were sixty less. 

The first half of the eighteenth century is pretty 
well epitomized in the life of one of Beverly's fore- 
most citizens, the physician of the town at this period, 
Dr. Robert Hale, jr. 

Born February 12th, 1702-3, he was at an early 
age (when between fifteen and sixteen), employed to 
teach the grammar-school, which was established in 
1700. In 1721 he was graduated at Harvard, imme- 
diately after which he began the study of medicine 
with Dr. Manning, of Ipswich. He was married in 
1723. and, his wife dying in 1736, leaving him with 
three children, contracted a second marriage in 1737. 
His medical practice soon brought him into notice in 
the neighboring towns, even as early as 1723, and 
with an estate of above £1000, (part of which was 
left him by his parents), he was early possessed of 
independent means. The energy of character, sound 
judgment and business capacity of Dr. Hale, (says 
Mr. Stone, from whose excellent history the materials 
for this sketch are taken), were early appreciated by 
his townsmen. He was successively chosen to fill the 
various offices of surveyor, selectman, a.ssessor, town 
clerk and treasurer ; besides the duties of which he 
discharged those of justice of the peace, and collector 
of excise for the county. As chairman of the school 
committee, he took an active and efficient part in the 
measures adopted to improve the school system of the 
town. For thirteen years, he represented the town 
in General Court, during which time he was chair- 
man of several important committees. 

In 1726 he united with the first church, and for 
nearly twenty years was of infiuite service in ecclesi- 
astical and parochial concerns. 

In 1740, as one of the managers of the " land bank," 
a scheme for relieving the pecuniary embarrassments 
4-ii 



of the colony, he incurred the hostility of the famous 
Governor Belcher, who persistently opposed him until 
succeeded by Governor Shirley. 

In 1745 Dr. Hale received the commission of colo- 
nel, and commanded a regiment, in the expedition 
projected by Governor Shirley against Louisburg. 
The land force employed consisted of three thousand 
two hundred men from Massachusetts, three hundred 
from New Hampshire, three hundred from Rhode 
Island and five hundred from Connecticut, all under 
comm.and of General William Pepperell. The co- 
operating naval force was from England, and coii.- 
raanded by Commodore Warren. A company for 
this enterprise was enlisted in Beverly under Captain 
Benjamin Ives, Colonel Hale's son-in-law. 

1744. — The soldiers and oflicers engaged in the ex- 
pedition against Louisburg were fifty in number: 

Capt., Benj. Ives, Jr. ; Lieut., Geo. Herrick ; Ensign, Josiab Batchel- 
der; Sergts., Job Cressy and Samuel Woodbury; Clerk, Benj. Cleaver, 
Jr. ; Corporals, Bartli. Browti, John Picket ; Drumniei-, Jo«. R,aymond ; 
Privates, Chris. Bartlett, Wni. Badcock, Thos. Butiuan, Israel and Jona. 
Byles, Edmund Clark, Samuel Chute, Benj. Clark, Sauniel Cole, Edward 
and Ebenezer Cox, Benj. Dike, Francis and Joseph Elliot, Israel El well, 
Eleazer Giles, John Grover, Ebenezer Hadley, Jona. Harris, Samuel 
Harris, .\ndrew Herrick, Bery. Hervey, Benj, Howard, William James, 
William Leach, John Morgan, Jona, Morgan, Richard Ober, Caleb Page, 
EIi;is Picket, John Presson, Joshua liea, John Roundy, Benj. Smith, 
Daniel Stephens, Ezra, Benjamin and James Trask, Israel and Josiah 
Woodbury. 

"There were not wanting those in influential stations who, moved 
with an unworthy jealousy for British glory, sought, in public .and pri- 
vate, to undervalue the services of the provincial troops, , . . Col. 
Hale (who, with his regiment, took a conspicuous part in the dangers 
and fatigues of Mie siege) was keenly alive to American honor: and this 
ungenerous attempt to wrest from the provincial forces the tribute of 
approbation justly their due, deeply wounded his sensibilities, lie re- 
pelled the insinuations of the British, and pointed out (in a letter writteH 
at the time) that the great error of the British government, in all their 
provincial enterprises which failed of success, consisted in the appoint- 
ment of foreign officers to the command of troops raised here, when 
between the former and latter there was no reciprocity of respect or 
confidence." 

While at Louisburg Colonel Hale enclosed a piece 
of ground which was long known (and may be still), to 
our fishermen as " Col. Hale's garden." 

" when the government of Massachusetts Bay, in lTo,'>, had detennined 
on an expedition against the French, and the reduction of Crown Point, 
Col, Hale was selected by Governor Shirley as a suitable agent to Liy the 
subject before the government of New Hampshire and solicit their aid. 
His commission hears date Feb. 22, 1755, and the same day he received 
from the governor a series of instructions, by which he was to c rduct 
the negotiation," 

These instructions, together with the correspond- 
ence between Governors Shirley and Wentworth, are 
given in the history above cited. 

He was successful in his commission, and succeeded 
in securing five hundred men as the quota from New 
Hampshire, though, for some reason, he did not him- 
self join'in the expedition. 

In 1761 Colonel Hale received a commission of 
sheriff for Essex County. In 1767, after holding near- 
ly every office, civil and political, within the gift of 
his townsmen, he died, full of honors and lamented 
by all. 

Among the curious memoranda left bv Colonel 



698 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hale are several of value to the local antiquarians, 
as: "A list of deaths in Beverly, 1730-64;" "An 
account of all the houses in Beverly," 1723-51 ; "Per- 
sons now living in Beverly who have had the small- 
pox ; " "A list of Widows and Widowers in ye First 
Parish," which begins with the widow of Mingo (the 
slave); and under date of February 12, 1747-48, is 
this remark : " This day there are 7 Widows to one 
Widower in this Parish — 63 W., 9 Widowers." ' 

1756. — For the Crown Point expedition, this year, 
the Beverly soldiers enlisted, in Captain Andrew 
Fuller's Company, were : 

Benj. Balch, William Eborn, Daniel Gloyd, Corporal John Simonds, 
Joseph Baker, John Clark, Daniel Butuian (again in 1759), Eliezer El- 
lingwood, Robert Matthews, William Moneys, Azor Rouudy, Peter 
Stokes, George Spence (re-enlisted 1759 and 1761), and Andrew Wood- 
bury, 

In another company at Fort Edward, Moses 
Dodge. 

1757. — In Captain Israel Herrick's company of 
Eastern Rangers, are enrolled : Osman Baker, Robert 
Baker (also in the Canada expedition 1759), Barth. 
Peart, John Simonds, John Trask, Josiah Trow. 

1758. — In Captain John Tapley's company : John 
Clark (at the capture of Fort William Henry), Wil- 
liam Herrick, Wells Stanley and Barth. Taylor. 

In vai'ious other companies: John Smith, Samuel 
Tuck, Jonathan Thorndike, Samuel Woodbury, Jo- 
siah Woodbury, James Woodbury, Jonathan Corning 
(seaman), Zebulon Putman, David Hill (drummer), 
Jonathan Dodge, Nathaniel Woodbury, John Hub- 
bard, Abraham Hix (again in 1761), William Dodge 
(1761). 

1759. — Robert Elliott, James Giles, Jonathan Lar- 
com. Corporal Andrew Woodbury, Benjamin Brown, 
William Presson, Richard Standley, Barebeel Wood- 
bury, John Wallis, Samuel Bean, Josiah Cressy, 
Aaron Crowell, Andrew Elliot, Amos Hilton, William 
Morgan, Robert Picket, Nicholas Standley. 

1761.— Benjiirain Presson, Ralph Tuck, Wilks 
West, Robert Standley, Joseph Williams, Benjamin 
Dike, Jonathan Dodge, Timothy Howard, Jacob Po- 
land, Nathaniel Butman, Samuel Stickney. 

1757. — Two families of Acadians, those unfortu- 
nate people who were expelled from their homes in 
Nova Scotia, were quartered upon the town, and a 
house hired for them. They were partially self-sup- 
porting, making wooden-ware and baskets ; but their 
stay was brief, and they soon wandered on and were 
lost to the view of their Beverly friends. 

1765. Revolutionary Period. — Troublous times 
were approaching, and the records of the day show 
that the people of Beverly were alive to every fateful 
prognostication from over the water. 

They anticipated every movement of the home gov- 
ernment, and while conditionally loyal to their dis- 
tant sovereigns, made it appear, by their acts in town 
meetings assembled, that they would suffer no infrac- 



1 See FBsex Inst. Hist. Collections for details. 



tion of their liberties. The odious stamp act was as 
unpopular here as in Boston, and its repeal (1765) 
was heralded by bonfires and celebrated by patriotic 
speeches. 

The proceedings of the " Boston Tea Party " were 
promptly approved, and measures taken for the ex- 
clusion of the obnoxious vehicle of taxation. The 
men, as may be imagined, were more in favor of non- 
importation than the women, and amusing stories are 
told, in which some of the latter evaded the strict let- 
ter of the law and joined together for private tea- 
drinkings. Some of these meetings are said to have 
taken place in the cellars of their respective resi- 
dences, and, on at least one occasion, an aerial " tea- 
drawing " was held on the roof-top of a house. 

The story of a parallel occurrence, with all attendant 
circumstances, is pleasantly told in Miss Larcora's 
poem, " The Gambrel Roof." 

" 111 this old house, even thea not new, 
A Continental Coluuel true 
Dwelt, with a blithe and wilful wife, 
The Bpaiklo on his cup of life ; 

A man of sober mood, 
He felt the strife before it came 
Within him, like a welding flame, 
That nerve and sinew changed to steel ; 
And, at the opening cannon peal, 

Ready for fight ho stood. 

" Cheap was the draught, beyond a doubt, 
The mother country served ua out ; 
And many a housewife raised a wail. 
Hearing of fragrant chest and bale 
To tliirstless mermaids poui'ed. 
And Mistress Audrey's case was hard. 
When her tall Colonel down the yard 
Called, ' Wife, be sure you drink no teal 
For best Imperial, prime Bohea, 
Were in her cupboard stored. 

" Young Hyson, too, the finest brand ; 
And here the good wife made a stand ; 

* Now, Colonel, well enough you know 
Our tea was paid for long ago, 

Before this cargo came, 
With threepence duty on the pound ; 
It wdn't be wasted, I'll be bound I 
I've asked a friend or two to sup, 
And not to offer them a cup 

Would be a stingy shame.' 

" Into his face the quick blood flew: 

* Wife, I hare promised, so must you, 
None shall drink tea inside my house ; 
Your gossips elsewhere must carouse ; ' — 

The lady curtsied low; 
' Husband, yonr word is law,' she said; 
But archly turned her well-set head 
With roguish poise toward this old roof. 
Soon as she heard bis martial hoof 

Along the highway go. 



' But lightly dined the dame that day ; 
Her guests, in Sunday-best array. 
Came, and not one arrived too soon, 
In the first slant of afternoon ; 

An hour or two they sat, 
In the low-studded western room, 
Where hollyhocks threw rosy bloom 
On sampler framed, and quaint Dutch tile ; 



BEVERLY. 



699 



They koit; they sewed long seams ; the while 
Chatting of this and that : — 

*' Of horrors scarcely died away 
Fromjmemory of the heads grown gray 
On neighboring farms; how wizard John 
And Indian Tituba went on, 

When sorcerers were believed ; 
How Parson Parris tried to make 
Poor Mary Sibley's conjuring cake 
The leaven of that black witchcraft curse, 
That grew and spread from bad to worse, 

And even the elect deceived. 

" Dame Audrey said ; ' The sun gets low ; 
Good neighbors mine, before you go. 
Come to the house-top, pray, with me ! 
A goodly prospect you shall see, 

I promise, spread around. 
If we must part, ere day decline, 
And if no hospitable sign 
Appear, of China's cheering drink. 
Not niggardly your hostess think I 

We all are patriots sound.' 

'* They followed her with puzzled air ; 
But saw, upon the topmost stair, 
Out on the railed roof, dark-faced Dill, 
Guai'ding the supper-board, as still 

Au solid ebony. 
* A goodly prospect, as I said, 
Ton here may see before you spread ; 
Upon a house is not iviOun it ; 
But now we must not wjxste a minute ; 

Neighbors, sit down to tea !' " 

"The women were all liberty men," quaintly re- 
marked a survivor of the Revolution, " and threatened 
to scald the Tories; " yet they parted with their tea 
with great reluctance. 

A tale was current in town some years ago of an in- 
terrupted tea-drinking, caused by the lord of the 
house happening home unexpectedly and surrepti- 
tiously dropping a quid of tobacco in the teapot ! But, 
as a rule, the clandestine meetings for indulgence in 
tlie fragrant beverage were winked at by the pa- 
triots. 

The right of women to hold office was, this year, 
recognized by the appointment of Widow Priscilla 
Trask as pound-keeper. 

The eager patriotism of our forefathers was tempered 
by commendable moderation, though tliey were the 
very first to apprehend approaching dauger and pre- 
pare for it. 

1765. — October 21, The letter of introduction to their 
representative, Col. Henry Herrick, amply defines 
this position : 

"We cannot" (they write), " without criminal injustice to those 
glorious princes, King William and Queen Mary, or the memory of our 
vonerahle fathers, nor without the highest injustice to ourselves and to 
posterity, consent to yield obedience to any law whatsoever, which, by 
its natural constitution or just construction, deprives us of the liberty of 
trial by juries ; or of our choosing meet pi-rsons to represent us in the 
assessing or taxing our estates for his Majesty's service. And we do 
accordingly advise and instruct you, our representative, to refuse your 
consent in any such case, and do all that in you lies to prevent any un- 
constitutional drafts upon the public treasury." 

1769. — May 22, In another letter to him, they re- 
affirm these propositions: 



" We apprehend that no iwwer on earth can jui^tly deprive us of our 
essential rights, and that no man can be safe, either as to his life, liberty, 
or property, if a contrary doctrine should pi-evail ; thcrefuro. we 
recommend to you a firm but prudent opposition to all unconstitutional 
measures." 

A powder-house was erected on the south side of the 
common in 1767, to contain the town ammunition, 
which had heretofore been stored in the basement of 
the first parish meeting-house. Increasing supplies 
necessitated this. 

1770. — The first parish meeting-house was taken 
down and a new edifice erected at a cost of about £1300. 
During its construction services were held near the 
big elm on the common. 

1772. — December 21, In town meeting assembled, 
and in an adjournment of January 5, 1773, they again 
assert that " the rights of the colonists in particular as 
men, as Christians, and as subjects, are studiously, 
rightly, and justly stated by the committee of corres- 
pondence for the town of Boston; and Col. Herrick 
is instructed to "endeavor, as much as possible, in a 
legal and constitutional way, to effect the redress of 
the intolerable grievances, and secure the rights, liber- 
ties and privileges, both civil and sacred," guaranteed 
them by the charter. 

1773. — A " committee of correspondence and safety '* 
was appointed the latter part of this year, consisting 
of representative citizens as follows : John Leach, 
Benjamin Jones, Henry Herrick, Joseph Rea, Samuel 
Goodridge, Josiah Batchelder, J. Batchelder, Jr., 
William Taylor, Joshua Cleaves, Larkin Thorndike, 
Joseph Wood, Isaac and Nicholas Thorndike, William 
Bartlelt, Andrew Cabot, Joseph Orne, Benj. Lovett, 
Jr.jNathanand Asa Leach, Caleb and William Dodsre, 
Livermore Whitteredge, Benj. Smith. William Long- 
dell, Thomas Stephens, Edmund Giles, John and 
Jona. Grant, Isaac Chapman and John Lovett, 3d. 

The following letter "to the committee of corres- 
pondence for the town of Boston." January 11, 1773, 
is referred to above, and illustrates their alert and ac- 
tive interest. 

"Gentlemen: Inclosed you have the li-ansactions of this town, in 
consequence of the resolves of the metropolis of this province, and the 
letter of correspondence herewith transmitted, whereby you will perceive 
the sentiments of this town with regard to the common cause in which 
we are all concerned. In the name of the town, we return thanks for 
the early care taken by the town of Boston to communicate the most 
early intelligence of any alarming circumstances that they have with 
regard to any infringements on our rights, as Christians, subjects, or 
Colonists. 

"And, gentlemen, inasmuch as we are all concerned in one common 
cause, we shall esteem it as a favor of a free correspi.indence. that wo 
may have the most early intelligence of any interesting events of a public 
nature, as you live in the metropolis, that we may concur with you in 
any siilutary constitutional measures for the good of all ; and are, gen- 
tlemen, with tho greatest regards. 

"Your most humble servants, 
" John Leach, Samuei, GoonRinaE, 

Benj, Jones, Josiah Batcheldeb, Jr., 

Henry Herrick." 

1774. — In the town-meeting, January 4, it w;is re- 
solved : 

"That the method of introducing tea into this province in the manner 
pruposed by the British Ministry, for the benefit of the Kast India Co., is 



roo 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



justly and fairly stated by the inlabitants of the town of Boston ; and 
that it is the sentiment of this meeting, that they will always, in every 
salutary method, cheerfully join with our brethren of the town of Boston^ 
and every other town in this province, in withstanding every unlawful 
meas ;; o tending to enslave up, or to take our money from us, in any un- 
constitutional manner." 

At a county convention held in Ipswich September 
6th and 7th, the town was represented by three of its 
citizens: Benj. Lovett, Saml. Goodridge and Joseph 
Wood, who subscribed to the report of the committee, 
which, after asserting their continued loyalty to the 
crowu, continued : 

*' But though, above all things, slavery excepted, we deprecate the 
evils of a civil war; though we are deeply anxious to restore and pre- 
serve harmony with our brethren in Great Britain ; yet, if the despotism 
and violence of our enemies should finally reduce us to the sad necessity, 
we, undaunted, are ready to appeal to the last resort of States; and will, 
in support of our rights, encounter even death, sensible that he can 
never die too soon who lays down his life in support of the laws and 
liberties of his country I " 

Abundant assurances of their sincerity are found in 
the minutes of the numerous meetings of citizens. 

1775.— February 27th, Along with other articles in 
the warrant for town-meeliug this year, are the 
I'ollowing: 

"To see if the town will have a watch kept for the preservation of 
the town, and come into such measures relative thereto as may then be 
thought best; and there was a warrant issued out to the several con* 
stables to warn the same, as follows ; viz., to Samuel Woodberry 3d, to 
warn Farms and Bald Hill Districts; to Joseph Woodberry to warn 
Royal Side and Bass River Districts, and to Wm. Elliott to warn the 
Feri-y District." 

It was later voted that a watch, consisting of nine 
persons, be posted at three different places ; and that 
" if the watch discover that any Hoistilities are likely 
to be made on the town or any of the inhabitants 
thereof, they are to make an alarm, by the fireing of 
three guns and the ringing of the bell." 

Voted, also, " that the town will raise fifty-four 
minute-men, including officers." 

. oted, "to give the captain of the minute-men 
three shillings and four pence for each half day ser- 
vice in larning of the art military ; the lieutenants 
two and eightpence, the en?ign two and sixpence, and 
each private one shilling, eightpence." 

Voted, "that the minute-men turn out two half 
days in a week, and four hours each half day be 
spent in larning the art military. Col. Henry Herrick 
was empowered to hire £80, with interest, to pay off' 
the minute-men." 

'* Boston, Feby. 7th, 17V5. 
" Received from the town of Beverly, by the hands of Mr. Henry 
Herrick, a donation, consisting of the following ai'ticles, viz. : Two bar- 
rels of sugar four hundred one quarter of sugar, one bbl. rum, five and 
}'2 qtls. of fish, \05 lbs. of coifee, two cheeses, eight pair of womens and 
five pair of mens leather boots, one hide upper leather, and thin calf 
skins curried, sixteen pounds chocolate, ten pounds of pork, 25 lbs. fiax, 
one bai rel tlower, &. one and 14 bush, corn ; for the relief and support of 
the poor of the town of Boston, suffering by means of the Boston Port 

Bill. 

"Samuel Partridge, 

"one of the committee of Donations." 

These excerpts from the records of the town, show 
that our people were ready, with money and musket, 
to resent the first invasion of their rights. Thus it 



was, the eventful nineteenth of April, 1775, found 
them not unprepared. Though every householder 
had gone forth to his daily occupation, and was 
peacefully following his duty for the day, yet the ar- 
rival of the breathless messenger, announcing the 
departure of a British detachment from Boston to 
seize the military stores at Concord, was a spark that 
kindled into flames their smouldering fires of patriot- 
ism. The business of the day was abandoned, each 
man seized his musket and hastened to the appointed 
place of rendezvous. The captains of the militia 
companies, Joseph Rea, Caleb Dodge and others, 
mounted their horses and posted to the Farms and 
other districts, arousing the whole population along 
their routes. By three o'clock that afternoon a large 
proportion of the male inhabitants of Beverly capable 
of service were armed and ready for the conflict. No 
troops engaged in that memorable fight had so long a 
distance to march, yet they arrived in season to par- 
ticipate in the skirmishes that followed the battle of 
Lexington, and assisted in driving the British back to 
Boston. One of their number was killed, Reuben 
Kennison ; and three wounded, Nathaniel Cleaves, 
William Dodge (3d) and Samuel Woodbury. 

These names are given in " George's Almanac " for 
1776, though Kennison's name is spelled as Kinnym. 
The widow of Kennison (it is stated by Stone in 1842) 
retained in her possession till her death (which oc- 
curred October 22, 1842, at the age of eighty-nine), 
the shirt worn by her husband when killed. 

The present historian, learning that a portion of 
that .interesting relic was still in possession of con- 
nections of the widow Kennison's family, was per- 
mitted to see it, August, 1887, one hundred and 
twelve years after the fatal bullet had pierced it that 
deprived Reuben of his life. ' The fragment is about 
a foot square, of striped homespun, with a jagged hole 
in it that may have been made by the bullet. It was 
wrapped in a >heet of blue paper of ancient manu- 
facture on which was written : " Reuben Kenniston 
of Beverly, killed at Lexington April 19, 1775. Part 
of his shirt." It now belongs to Mrs. Huldah Her- 
rick, whose mother was niece to Reuben's wife. Mrs. 
Kennison was married a second time, to Uriah 
Wright, and lived at Ryal Side. Reuben lived at 
Ryal Side previous to 1775, and is said to be buried 
in the old Leach burial-lot near Brown's Folly Hill. 

The house he lived in has disappeared. Tradition 
states that his body was brought to Ryal Side on an 
ox-cart. An elm tree which was planted near Kenin- 
son's house, April 19, 1775, was blown down a few 
years ago. 



1 At the seventy-fifth anniversary of the battle of Lexington (April 
19, 1850) the president of the day said : "You may see on the table be- 
fore me the powder-born of Isaac Parker, of Chelmsford, who wore It at 
the North Bridge, and a fragment of the shirt in which Reuben Ken- 
niston of Beverly, was killed, which wsig preserved with pious care by 
his wife. The holes through it have decayed from the blood sUiiits, which 
were left unefiaced." 



BEVERLY. 



701 



A valuable lesson in history might be acquired by 
tracing the route of our first Revolutionary soldiers, 
as they so eagerly pressed on to join their brothers-in- 
arms and that of their return, bearing with them their 
slain and wounded comrades. 

Nathaniel Cleaves, who was wounded in the fight, 
having had his fingers cut off and ramrod carried 
away by a bullet, is included in the "list of the names 
of the provincials who were killed and wounded in the 
late engagement with his Majesty's troops at Con- 
cord." He seems soon to have recovered of his 
wound, for he was in the Bunker Hill fight of June 
17th, and with the troops at Cambridge within a mouth 
of the Lexington engagement. 

An extremely interesting relic of the times is the 
journal of this same soldier, which is now in posses- 
sion of one of our most estimable citizens. It com- 
mences : 

" Thursday, STay ye 25, 1775. Captain Low marched from Beverly to 
Cambritipe ; took up our quarters at mister bloggets; the 27, Suturdai/ 
(forenoon), plesent ; at night a scurniig (skirmish) came on between the 
regulars and our peopel on the island (?) ; burnt a house and barn, 
killed — horses, burnt one schooner and took sum plunder, and lost no 
lives on our side, but supposed that we killed a number of them. Sun- 
day, 28, Some guns fired on our peopel that were getting sum guns out 
of the racks, but no damage. Monday, the ^9, brought off the island 27 
head of cattel, 20 od horses, 30IJ sheep and lams, and no damage. Tm-s- 
day, (fte 30, great movement made with the troops in Boston, by which 
means the country was alarmed, and no men to go out of the camp, 
Wmn., 31, Capt. Cimbel's (Kimbal's (?) company came to Cambridge. 

" Thursday, Jutie 1, 1775. Cloudy morning ; cleavetl of pleasant. Had 
Blister Willard, Mr. Cutler and Mr. Ilichcock in the afternoon. [These 
were the ministei-s of First Parish, Beverly, Hamilton, and Second 
Parish, Beverly. These three also rode to Lexington iniinedialely on 
receipt of the alarm.] A meeting concerning our field officers adjourned 
to next day. Curnelos Jlaurice hanged hisself with bis hanchii-chrf. 
The next day, pleasant morning; guns were fired, supposed to be at 
Nodels islHnd (Ewst Bostonl, and so continued all day by spurts; sent a 
party of about 2(i(), and 2 field peises, for Chelsea. The day ended with 
the meeting of the officers ; had the mager before us and had a full 
hearing; so that day ended. The same night a scout flent to Dear 
J.-land, took of -lOO sheap, sum cattel, fore priseners. 

" llie 3d day, Saturday, a plesent morning ; this day the whole army 
was mustered on the common to see 2 theives whipped, one 20 stripes, 
negro 10 ; one man drumed out of the army with 36 drums and 40 fifes, 
with the rogues march. Sinidotj, (he 4tk day, fair whether ; went to 
meeting, heard 2 sermons. Monday, the 5 day, fair wether ; nothing re- 
markibel. The 1th day set out for Beverly, reached it about 12 o'clock, 
and ret'd to Cambridge Saturday, the 10th. 

*' Monday, the 72 day, a number of the priseners under the main gard 
ris and abused the oaittain of the gard, and a gineral cort niarshel was 
ordered to try the same ; the common report for this day is that their is 
3 rigemeut and 3 company of horse ofl" in the Bay ; this day ended with- 
out anything new. 

" 15 day Monday, cool morning ; cort marsbel continued till Fryday ; 
nothing new. 

*Wfte 10 r>aj/, a pritty hot Fire, said to be at the effege of Hancock. 
This day the nuse came to Cambridge that Philadelphia had taken a ship 
\\\\\i 75(1 stand fire-arms and quantity of ammunition. This isgoodnuso 
for which I am thankful. About 6 o'clock there was mustered about 
1000 men to go and take possession of Bunker hill (!), which they did 
the same night without any disturbance. 

Battle of Bunkeh Hill. 
" Till Saturday morning about sunrise the Lively fired on our men ; 
killed Asa pollerd of Bilierica ; Orders for our rigement to parade at 5 
o'clock with 3 other rigetnents to relieve those at Bunker hill, but was 
alarmed at 12 when the troops began to land, which caused a hot fire on 
both sides, which our side left the ground for want of field peices and 
jiowder (!). Soon after the engagement began they set Charlestuwn on 



fire ; our rigement returned at night to Prospect hill and intrenched all 
night. 
" Tii€ 18 day, Sunday, they fired upon our peupid but did no damage." 

In this brief chronicle of the soldier's life in Cam- 
bridge is given his share in the important battle of 
Bunker Hill, which he treats merely as a skirmish of 
little consequence. His point of view was not suffi- 
ciently removed from the scene of conflict for him to 
appreciate its magnitude. He wastes no words in ex- 
cuses for their retreat, nor stops for gratulatioii : 

" Tlie 24 day, Saturday, in the morning was alarmed by a great move- 
ment of the regulars on Bunkers hill, sui>posed to be a coming (uit, but 
did nut. 25, Sunday, in the forenoon stayed at our camp at Cambridge ; 
about 12 o'clock went down to the hill and begun our brcstwork. There 
was a packet of lettei-8 came to gineral Putnam from our prisenei-s in 
Boston and say that they are treated vary wel. Mister Cleveland 
preached on the hill, from John 20, 22; this day dug up the bones of a 
man buiied about a foot under ground. 

" Went up to see Capt. Francessis men Thursday ; went to breakfast 
without butter or cheas ; had Capt. Batchelder to dine with iis, we bad 
biled vittels and rost veal . . , the sargents went to supper on New 
England grog, and then went to our logings in peace. 

^^ Fry da — this day chool and clowdey ; gineral orders to be on the 
parade at o o'clock, and william Anderson to receive 29 stripes and one 
Russel 80, and one rid the wooden hors and then went down to Prospect 
hill to work on the intrenchmenls. A whoonian was drumed of the 
hill for playing the roge with a drummer, and bob Picket was as focksey 
as the Divel. . . . 

^^ July theS Day, this morning cloudy. There was four cannon fired 
to Rocksbury and one hous sot on fire. General Washington came to 
Cambridge about twelve o'clock and was atended with a great number 
of gentlemen from nabering towns ! Captain Low went to Beverly this 
morning; Ensign Henery Herrick went with him." 

Leaves of absence to visit Beverly were frequently 
obtained, and in one of them Lieutenant Cleaves 
walked home on a Friday, stoppinc^ at Colonel Her- 
ricks to " fix up," and " brought up '' at Mister Chip- 
mans. 

*' The next day, 'Saturday,' in the morning went down to Mister 
Joshua Herricks ; in the afternoon to the Hatnlet (Hamilton), from there 
over to Topsfit^ld, to David Perkinses, from there to Beverly, down to the 
lower perrisb (parish). Sunday the 9, went to meaten in the forenoon, 
Mister Hichcock preached ; ihen sot of for Cambridge." 

The camp-life seems not to have been entirely with- 
out its relaxations, as witness the following : 

" Fvidny the 14 Day, Cap. and Capt. Low went to Watertown after 

bords to finish our barnicks ; l.ad a very plesent time ; they fel in com- 
pany with a very butiful Lady and took her into the shay with them ; 
the recompense she gave them is not yet none (known) for carying of 
her. . . . Tusday the IS. this morning warm and clear. I went 
down to Chelsea with more ofisers and 130 men after a mast for a liberty- 
pole ; had a fine prospect of the enemy, saw 83 horses paraded and near 
40 more m the paster. I went into a house, got sum biled sider, and 
kissed the old whoroans Daughter to pay for it, had a fine frolick ; at the 
tavern drove a dog out of the windo, and sum other things worthy of 
note. Coming back met the chief general aidecamp from Cambridge, 
who said that there was a great movement with the troops at Uocksl ery 
and had struck a number of tents, supposed to be going somewhere- 
Arrived a little after sunset very much fatigued, went to bed at ten 
o'clock, and was under arms by half-past two the next morning. Weuti- 
dtiy the 19, Captain Low and Lieut. Herrick went to Watertown for 
bagonets, and this afternoon I secured some powder and ball." 

This excerpt gives a fair picture, probably, of the 
soldier's life at that period, before the hardships of 
war had begun. The brave fellow, whose diary we 
have been permitted to glance at, was lost at sea in 
1780, so he must have resigned his commission in the 
army before the war was over. 



702 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In the great work of preparation for inevitable war 
the women of Beverly ably assisted their husbands 
and brothers — weaving cloth, knitting stockings, 
making garments — :vnd dividing with the soldiers 
their household supplies. 

1775— April 22, "Col. Henry Herrick, Capt. 
Benjamin Lovett and Capt. Wm. Bartlett chosen to be 
a committee in behalf of this town to confer with the 
committees of the several seaport towns of this county 
what steps shall be most expedient for them to take 
at this difficult time, and for to meet at the tavern 
near Beverly meeting-house on Monday, the 24th 
instant, at 9 o'clock in the morning." 

"Also, Col. Henry Herrick, Capt. Ebenezer Francis, 
Capt. Edward Giles, Capt. Benj. Lovett, Jr., Capt. 
Nicolas Thorndike, Mr. Peter Pride, and Lieut. 
Elisha Dodge, were chosen a committee of safety for 
this town, for to act in that affair in the best manner 
they can for the Publick good." 

May 19, A town-meeting w.as warned "to elect and 
depute as many members as to them shall seem neces- 
sary and expedient to represent them in a Provential 
Congress, to be held at the meeting-house in Water- 
town, on the 31st of May inst., ... to consult, delib- 
erate and resolve upon such further measures a«, 
under God, shall be effectual to save this people 
from imjiending ruin," etc. 

Their representative, Capt. Josiah Batchelder, Jr., 
was instructed to lay before Congress the exposed 
situation of the town and ask for soldiers to defend it, 
as many of their men had enlisted in the army. 

October 12, It was voted that the committee of cor- 
respondence procure "six pe.ases of cannon ;" two six 
and four four-pounders, mount them on carriages and 
place in position ; to have two breastworks thrown up, 
one at Woodbury's Point and the other at Paul's 
Head. It was later voted to place one nine-pounder 
and one four at AVoodbury's Point, the other nine and 
one four-pounder at Paul's Head, and the two field- 
pieces wherever the committee should judge best for 
the public safety. 

" After the collision, which extinguished the last lingering hope of 
reconciliation, the County of Essex, essentially maritime in her habits, 
launched her thiinderbolts on the deep, and trailed the flag, that for a 
thousand years had braved the battle and the breeze, ignominiously on 
many a conquered deck, whence went up the pine-tree fl.ag of the rebels 
in token of victory. The first flag, untler the Coiilhmital milhorilij, that 
ever jtouted tit an Americtm mast-head in defiance of British supremacy, 
was hoisted on hoard the ' Hannah,' from Beverly ! The first comman- 
der who, under Washington's commission, threw down the gauntlet of 
maritime warfare, was Capt. Manly of Marblehead. . . . The har- 
bors of Salem, Marblehead and Beverly swarmed with prizes. The 
same hardy flshermon of the seaports of Essex, driven from the theatre 
of their adventurous industry by the breaking out of hostilities, trod the 
decks of these little wanderers of the sea, who afterwards manned the 
* Constitution ' in the second War of Independence, when St. George's 
Cross went down before the stars and stripes " i 

A dramatic episode of the conflict was witnessed in 
Beverly harbor, this same autumn of 1775, which is 
graphically described in Stone's " History of Beverly." 

- Rautoul's Oration at Concord, 19th April, 1850. 



One pleasant morning a privateer schooner sailed out 
of Beverly on a cruise. She had not been long out 
when she was discovered by a British sloop-of-war, 
the " Nautilus," of twenty guns, which immediately 
bore down upon her. The superior force of the enemy 
induced the captain of the privateer to jiut back ; but 
in the confusion of the chase he grounded on the flats. 
It being ebb tide, the " Nautilus " came to anchor 
outside the bar, from which position she opened fire on 
the town. The meeting-house being the most con- 
spicuous object, several shots were aimed at it, one of 
which penetrated the chaise-house of Thomas Steph- 
ens, destroying the chaise, and another struck the 
chimney of a house on the opposite side of the street. 

The worthy man whose chaise was destroyed did 
not rest an idle spectator, but seizing his musket he 
hastened to the beach, returningthe fire of the enemy 
in gallant style. Here he was joined by several other 
patriotic inhabitants of the town, conspicuous among 
them being Col. Henry Herrick, an active member of 
the committee of correspondence, in full military cos- 
tume. Their fire may not have been very effectual, but 
it at least showed their good intentions, and warned 
the commander of the sloop-of-war that he had stirred 
up a veritable hornet's nest of rebel musketeers. The 
receding tide soon left the "Nautilus" in an awk- 
ward position aground, so that she careened and could 
not use her guns. In this condition she lay till dark, 
the target for the cannon of Hospital Point, on Salem 
side, and of the small arms of the Beverly patriots. 
The tide rising, after dark, the bafiJed commander 
weighed anchor and stood for Boston, "carrying with 
him no very pleasant recollections of his introduction 
to the citizens of this town." 

Between March and November, 1781, 52 vessels, 
carrying 74G guns, with crews of 3940 men, were fitted 
out and chiefly owned in Salem and Beverly. 

Beverly has the honor of having sent out the first 
commissioned privateer of the Revolution. This 
vessel was the " Hannah," the papers for which were 
issued September 3, 1775, and signed by General 
Washington. 

The first to commence operations against Great 
Britain's mercantile marine, Beverly maintained her 
privateers throughout the war. Our most noted and 
most successful privateersman was Captain Hugh Hill, 
who, as early as 1775, brought into port a valuable 
prize, the British schooner " Industry," the cargo of 
which was sold and the vessel turned over to the pub- 
lic service. Captain Hill (the first of his family in 
this town), commenced privateering in the " Pilgrim," 
of twenty guns, which was built under his superin- 
tendence in Newburyport. He captured numerous 
prizes, and nearly all were sent into Beverly, which 
was then, as one writer has expressed it, the head- 
quarters for our infant navy. More captured vessels 
(it is said), were brought into this port than into any 
other in New England. The first navy agent was 
William Bartlett (after whom Bartlett Street was 



BEVERLY. 



703 



named), who Lad charge of the captured cargoes, which 
were of such material aid to tlie continental army in 
their time of sorest need. 

Many anecdotes are related of our great privateer 
captain Hill, illustrating his sagacity, bravery and 
humanity. 

On one cruise, while sailing with the English en- 
sign at mast-head, as a decoy, he was boarded by the 
captain, of a British man-of-war, who, unsuspicious 
of his host, remarked that he was in search of "that 
notorious Hugh Hill." Captain Hill, at that mo- 
ment unprepared for an engagement, answered that 
he was on the lookout for the same individual, and 
hoped soon to meet him. The officer departed, but 
in a few days they met again ; the American flag was 
run up, and an engagement followed, in which the 
Englishman was captured, and the prize sent into 
Beverly. 

Captain Hill, who was own cousin to General An- 
drew Jackson, proved himself such a terror to British 
commerce, that his capture would have been looked 
upon as a great achievement. 

Several other townsmen shared with Captain Hill 
the honor of successful commanders, among them 
Captain Eleazer Giles, Elias Smith, John Tittle and 
Benjamin Lovett. Captain Giles, in 1776, sailed from 
the port of Beverly in a ten-gun brig, with which he 
captured four merchantmen out of a large fleet, two 
of his prizes being ships of four hundred and three 
hundred tons, respectively, and the other two brigs 
of lesser tonnage. He was, however, captured on a 
later cruise by a British vessel of superior force, and 
sent prisoner to Halifax. 

Captain Elias Smith, commander of the ship " Mo- 
hawk," of twenty guns, cruised mainly in the West 
Indies, where, in 1781, he captured a Guineaman 
fslaver) of sixteen guns, which was sent into Bev- 
erly. 

Captain John Tittle, when sailing in a letter of 
marque, was attacked by two cruisers, being engaged 
with them for three hours. All his canvas above the 
lower yards was shot away, and his crew, looking u])on 
their condition as hopeless, began to abandon their 
guns, when the gallant captain drew his sword and 
threatened to run the first man through who left his 
quarters. A fortunate shot soon taking effect uiwn 
one of the enemy and night coming on, he was en- 
abled to escape. 

These meagre gleanings from the annals of our town 
indicate the spirit of this little community, w'hich sent 
its citizens forth to battle for freedom, on land and sea. 

1776. — In January of this year the town voted to 
hire twenty-four men as night-watchers on the sea 
coast, at West's beach and near Benjamin Smith's 
house at Plum Cove, and one hundred pounds, to de- 
fray these expenses. A watch at the fort was main- 
tained by Colonel Glover, with the Fourteenth Regi- 
ment of the Continental army. 

At a town-meeting June 13, 1776, three weeks be- 



fore the Declaration of Independence, it was voted 
that, in event the Continental Congress declare the 
independence of the colonies, they would " solemnly 
pledge their lives and fortunes to support them in it." 
This pledge was fulfilled on almost every battle-field 
of the Eevolution ; yet, in 1779, a fine of five thousand 
four hundred pounds was asses8e<l on the town, by 
the General Court, for failing to furnish a prescribed 
number of men for the militia. 

In a petition for its remission in 1780 the towxi ap- 
pealed to the records in evidence that {which was 
strictly true) they had " furnished more men, and 
been at greater expense to carry on the war, than al- 
most any other town in proportion to their abilities." 

1776. — Town-meetings were held with increasing 
frequency, as the exigencies of the occasion de- 
manded the building of breastworks, the purchase of 
ammunition, instructions to their representatives and 
protection of the harbor and coast. It was put to vote 
(November 7th) if the town would stop up their har- 
bor, and it passed in the negative. Voted that " the 
selectmen be empowered to petition to General 
Washington, or any other department, for ammuni- 
tion and men for the safety of this town whenever 
they shall think it necessary and expedient." They 
were also empowered to procure two hundredweight 
of powder, " in the best manner they can." 

Interleaved in the volume of records for 1774-8.3, 
opposite the entry for July 2, 1776, is a copy of the 
original proclamation of independence (July 4,1776,) 
in accordance with the order accompanying it, that a 
" copy be sent to the ministers of each parish of every 
denomination, who, after reading it to their congre- 
gations, were to deliver it to the clerks of their re- 
spective towns, who are hereby required to record 
it in their respective town or district books, there to 
remain, as a. perpetual memorial thereof." 

The town records for 1776 show that the regular 
business of the town went on uninterruptedly, but 
their pages throughout indicate active preparation for 
warfare and defense, and seem to smell of gunpow- 
der and liristle with baj'onets. 

1777. — Under date of February 17th is a list of men 
paid for watching at night, comprising twenty-six 
names. The chief bills of the town are for watching, 
militia service, bounties to soldiers, etc., as "to time 
spent in making Brestworks; procuring and hauling 
cannon ; to hauling 500 cwt. of powder from Ando- 
ver; to going to Dan vers to procure intrenching 
tools ; " and finally, as war's bloody returns come in, 
" to choose a committee to supply the soldiers' fami- 
lies that are in the continental army ; " and, " or- 
dered the treasurer to pay the several persons, soldiers 
in the continental army, the sums annexed to each of 
their names, they being extremely poor, and unable 
to procure things of the committee of supply." 

1777. The town voted to give fourteen pounds to 
each non-oomtuissioned officer and private who would 
enlist in the Continental army for three years, or dur- 



704 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ingthe war, and four pounds additional to such as had 
been in the army and would re-enlist. Pi'ovision 
was made for barracks for the sea-coast men at Wood- 
Imry's Point. Three hundred pounds was voted for 
the relief of families of soldiers, and the next year 
two hundred pounds additional. 

In 1779 a "sum not exceeding twelve thousand 
pounds " was voted for procuring men for the army, 
and in succeeding years sums varying from five 
thousand to fifty thousand pounds were provided for 
the same purpose. 

In 1780 the selectmen were authorized to procure 
five horses for the public service, and a bounty was 
offered to soldiers enlisting of 100 pounds sugar, 100 
pounds coffee, 10 bushels corn, 100 pounds beef and 
50 pounds cotton or £1370 in money, to which was later 
added 67 pounds coffee, and the money bounty in- 
creased to £1611. Price of labor on the highway was 
then fixed at £12 per day. Salt sold for £50 per 
bushel. 

1777. A prominent man in military affairs at this 
time was Colonel Ebenezer Francis, born at Medford, 
in 1743, and removed to Beverly in 1764. He received 
a captain's commission in the Continental Army, 
July 1, 1775, the year following was colonel, and com- 
manded a regiment on Dorchester Heights. By com- 
mission of November 19, that year, he was authorized 
to raise a regiment in Massachusetts, and at the head 
of this regiment, the Eleventh Massachusetts, he 
marched, in January, 1777, for Ticonderoga. His 
death occurred July 7, 1777, at Hubbardston, N. Y., 
near Whitehall, where he was shot while leading his 
troops to battle. 

Previous to setting out on this march his company 
was assembled in the first parish meeting-house, at 
religious service, and " associated with him on that 
perdous expedition into the wilderness, were many 
brave and noble spirits, and some of them highly ed- 
ucated." 

His brother, John Francis, fought by his side, an ad- 
jutant in his regiment when he fell, and was subse- 
quently in several battles, was wounded at the cap- 
ture of Burgoyne, and retired with honor. Later, in 
1786, he raised a company in Beverly and Danvers, 
and marched to suppress Shay's rebellion ; after his re- 
turn was captain of the militia company of the 
second parish, and commanded the Beverly regiment, 
dying in 1822, aged sixty-nine years. Two other 
brothers of Colonel Francis, Aaron and Thomas, 
fought in the Revolution. As chaplain of Colonel 
Francis' regiment went the minister of the second 
parish. Rev. Enos Hitchcock, a graduate of Harvard 
in 1767, colleague of Rev. Mr. Chipman in 1771, 
whom he succeeded in 1775. 

He had been preceded as chaplain in the regiment 
by the Rev. Mamasseh Cutler, the celebrated minister 
at Hamilton. Mr. Hitchcock was at Valley Forge, 
and wrote of the condition of the army in 1778 : 
"Numbers of our brigade are destitute, even of a 



shirt, and have nothing but the ragged remains of 
some loose garments as partial covering." 

This brave chaplain survived the war; was dismiss- 
ed from the Second Parish in 1780, and became pas- 
tor of a church in Providence, in October, 1783. He 
is remembered as aa eloquent preacher and as the 
author of a work of fiction and several published dis- 
courses. 

In this regiment also was Henry Herrick, a gradu- 
ate of Harvard, and a successful teacher in Beverly 
after the war, and Moses Greenleaf, captain of a com- 
pany, whose private journal contained incidents of 
the e.xpedition. 

1777. The women of Beverly " took a hand " in af- 
fairs this year, a company of them gathering and 
leading a raid upon the storehouse of one of the 
merchants who had a stock of sugar on hand which 
he refused to sell, on account of the depreciation of 
the paper mone}'. With the assistance of some of the 
men one cold November morning, about sixty of them 
marched down Main (Cabot) and Bartlett Streets to 
the wharves, where they broke open the warehouse 
and loaded up two ox-carts with sugar. The foreman 
of the establishment oflering resistance, he was 
promptly charged upon by the ladies, one of whom 
seized him by the hair, at which he fled, leaving his 
wig in her grasp 

The sugar was carted to the shop of the leader, who 
retailed it at a fair price to customers, and rendered 
her account faithfully to its owners. 

1778. Out of a list of ten abatements for taxes, op- 
posite five of the names is entered " on account of 
being in captivity;" two others were " long absent 
abroad," and one " dead and left nothing." 

Out of seven such abatements in 1779, two were for 
persons who had been "long in captivity;" one, An- 
drew Ober, "long missing if alive;" and another, 
Joseph Ober, second, " died in captivity." 

1779. At the March town-meeting it was voted to 
hire five hundred pounds, for the use of the commit- 
tee for supplying the familes of soldiers. 

Forty men were lost at sea this year, and in conse- 
quence the town petitioned to be released from sup- 
plying its quota. 

As late as 1788, in a list of abatements of taxes, 
fourteen were on account of the persons taxed then 
being or having been in captivity. 

The following names of soldiers have been mostly 
copied from the original muster rolls in the State 
House at Boston : 

Captain Caleb Dodge's MIuster-Roll of Minute Men. 

Captain — Caleb Dodge. First Lieutenant— Jona. Batclielder. Second 
Lieutenant — Nathan Smith. Ensign— Benj. Shaw. Sergeants — .Ino. 
Batchelder, Sanil. Woodbury, Peter Woodbury, Benj. Jones, Jona. 
Perliina. Privates— Jacob Dodge, Benj. Cressy, Jr., Nathl Cressy, Wm. 
Canimel. Jos. Raymond, Elisha Woodbury, Stepb. Felton, Dea. Wm, 
Dodge, Wm. Woodbury 3d, Ebenr. Trask, Mark Dodge, Clias. Dodge, 
Joshua Dodge, Saml. Conaut, Israel Greene, Barth. Trask, John Cressy, 
Nathan Cressy, Aaron Salley t?J, Robert Dodge, Joshua Cleaves, Jona. 
Dodge, Nathan Wyman. 



BEVERLY. 



705 



'* These may certify that this list above is a true list of the commission 
officers, non-commission officers and Privates in ye alarm list under my 
command in y second Parish in Beverly, wi" went to assist at y« alarm at 
Lexington & Concord, on ye I'Jth A 'iu'b of April last. 

"Beverly, Deer, ye ifith, 1775. 

"Caleb Dodgk, Capt." 

Captain Dodj^e's eoiupany arrived In season to 
overtake the British at Lexington, and materially re- 
tarded their retreat. 

A copy of the '* Muster Rail of the First Foot Company 
of Beverly, at the alarm, of the Concord fights on the 
VMk of April last." 

Captain — Larkin Thorndike. First Lieutenant — Joseph Wood. Second 
Lieutenant — John Dyson. Ensign — Theophilus Herrick. Sergeants — 
Moses Brown, Henry Herrick, Benj. Leech. John Low. Corporal — 
Sewal Tuck. Privates— Robert Roundy, Benj- Lovett, Jr., Sol. Loaf kin, 
Benj. Corning, Jos. Larkin, Henry (?) Standley, Wm. Herrick, Benj. 
Parsons, Andrew Smith, Elisha Woodbury, Josiah Ober, Jos. Lovett 2d, 
Jos. Herrick, Josiah Woodbury. Steph. Cabot, Wm. Taylor, Joseph 
Baker, Nathl. Lamson, Ezra F. Foster, Jos. Goodridge, Robert Stone, 
J;is. Smith, Timothy Leech, Jolin Pickett, Benj. Briant, Heni-y Thorn- 
dike, John Low 2d, Sanil. Dane, Richard Ober, John Morgan, Benj. 
Beckford, Benj. Adams, Wm. Trask, Henery Herrick 3d, Jos. Wyer, 
Bonj. B. Lovett, Hazadiah Smith, George Stephens. 

"Then Capt. Larkin Thorn<like, aforesaid, personally appeared before 
me and made solemn oath Jliat the foregoing muster-roll is true and 
just. Before me, 

"Benj. Jones, J. P." 

In Captain John Low^s Company, August, 1775; in 
Colonel Mutchinson's Hegirnent. 

Captain — John Low. Lieutenant— Js'athl. Cleaves. Ensign — .Tos. 
Herrick. Sergeants— Luke Roundy, Geo. Steavens, John Low, Henery 
Herrick. Corporals— Gid. Batchelder, Arch. Dale, John Morgan, An- 
drew Wood. Drummer— Samuel Cole. Fifer— Hale Hilton. Privates- 
Benj. Adams, Saml. Arbuckell, Daid. Bunker, Benj. Buotman, Thos. 
Butman, Jiis. Brazill, Jas IJiichman. Ji.hri Cleaves, Thos. H. Cule, Alex. 
Calico, Thos. Carry, Sol. Cole, Mat. Furnesse, Jos. Foster, Edw. Foster, 
Jona. Foster, Wm. Goodridge, Saml. Giles, Geo. Gross, Geo. Gallop, Wm. 
Hales, Thos, Hogane. John Herrick, Jona. Knowlton, Jos. Lovett, Wm. 
Lovett. Mark Morse (last survivor), Wm. Lewis (?), Ashael Moore, An- 
drew Ober, Pickett, , Raymond, Robert Stone, 

Staudley, Symmes, Sharley, Jona. Setchel, Eph. Smith, Israel 

Nash, Mose^ Traek, Wm. Tuck. Wm. Woddel, Benj. Woodman, Caleb 
Wallia, Benj. Woodbury, Corn. Woodbury, Jona. Young. 

Captain Peter Shaw's Company ; sworii to before Henry 
Herrick, J, P., January 16, 1776. 

Captain— Peter Shaw. Lieutenant— Caleb Balch. Clerk- Joua. Co- 
nant. Sergeant— Saml. Dudge. Privates— Joshua Coining, Simeon 
Dodge, Josepii Poland, Israel Woodbury, James Dodge, John Cressy, 
Abner Smith, Phineas Hovey, Benj. AVoodburj-, John Conant. Gideon 
Rea, Jona. Leach, Saml. Conant, Jr., Ebeur. Waldron, Xathl. Raymond 
Barnabas Trask, Jona. Raymond, Robt. Baker, Robert Canibel, Aaron 
Putnam, Ebenz. Trask, Jr., Lot Conant, Wm. Trask ^d, Prise (?) Dodge, 
Cornelius Dodge, Andrew Eliot, Israel I*erkins, Ebenr. Raymond, Benj. 
Raymond, Win. Synis, Joseph Serls, Timotliy Batchelder, Sand. Nurse, 
Nehemiah Dodge, Benj. Shaw, Jr., Edward Dodge, Juseph Foster, 
William Pearce. 

Muster-Poll of the Company under Captain Ebenezer 
Francis, in Colonel Mansfield's Regiment, August, 
1776. 

Captain— El)enr. Francis. Sergeants— Nathl. Ob»r (Wenham) and 
Benj. Shaw. Privates— Aaron Francis John Smith, Nathaniel Hyat (?), 
Jos. Raymonil, Timothy Batchelder, Jno. Bowles, Wm. Cox, Wm. Cressy, 
Job Cressy, E<lward, Nehemiah. Nathaniel. Richard (?) ami Cornelius 
Dodge, Robert Edwanls, Jusiah Foster, Israel Greene, Joseph Larkin, 
Stephen Miisury, Joseph Marble, .Saml. Nurse, Wm. Parice, Jos. Picket, 
Jos. Potter, Beuj. Raymond, Benj. Shaw, Daniel Twist, William Wood- 
bury, Gideon Woodbury. 

45 



From the Mileage- Roll of Captain John Gay's Company, 
in C'-lonel Francis' Pegiment. 

Lieutenant— Hen. Herrick. Sergeants— Edward Dodge, Cornelius 
Dodge, Jos. Serle (?), Peter Trask, Jas. Thistle, John Austin, Joseph 
Stand ley. 

1776, — The following list of patriots in Captain 
Moses Brown's company, raised in August, 1776, is 
given by Historian Stone : 

Richard Ober, Jona. Harris, Freeborn Tliorndike, Jona. Foster, Siim- 
uel Stone, William Crowther, Cornelius, Luke and Andrew \N''oodberry, 
John Cressy, Amos Cressy, Robert Lovett, Thos. Parker, Barth. Smith, 
Blibill Woodberry, Thomas Cox, Nath. Batchelder, Nathaniel, Joseph 
and .Tames Ober, Wm. Cook, Ahner Stone, Benj. Foster, James Patch, 
Henry Peirce, Asa Larcom (Salem?), Robert Stone, Esup Hale, Herbert 
Standley, John Biles, Josiah Woodberry, Jacob Poland, Andrew Elliot, 
William Henick, Eben'r Rogei-s, John Stone, William Cressy. Israel 
Greene, Benj. Porter, Thos. Slorse, Joseph Hall, William Kimball, Dan- 
iel Carleton, William Gage, Jona. Gage, Caleb Wallis, Ebenezer Messer, 
Joseph Cross, Elisha Webber, \\ illiam Harriman, John Berry, Joseph 
Foster, John Swain. Officers: First LJeuteuant— Win. Grover. Second 
Lieutenant-John WalHs. Ensign- John Clark. Sergeants— William 
Bowles, Richard Ober and Samuel Cressy. Corporals— Wm. Dike, 
Joshua Elliugwoud, Francis Ober and Ezra Ober. 

Men enlisted November, 1776: 

Sergeants— Richard Butman, Isaac Tliorndike. C<jri>onils— Simeon 
Lovett, Bart. Wallis. Privates— Benj. Leach, Richard Ober (2d), Joha 
Porter, Josiah Foster, Nathan Cressy, Benj. Ober, Nathl. Woodbury, 
Jeffrey Tliissell, John Woodbury, Andrew Eliot (2d), George Standley, 
Ebene/.er Rea, Joshua Ellingwood, Nichohis Woodbury, Edward Smith, 
Obed Woodbury, Wm. Lovett, John Harmon, Ezra Lovett, Beuj . Blash- 
field. 

1779. — In Captain Billy Porter's company, and in 
Colonel Tupper's regiment at West Point (Stone's 
History) : 

Lieutenants — Thos. Francis and William Burloy. Ensign — Benj. 
Shaw. Sergeant— John Pickett. Corporal— Jer. Woodberry. Drum- 
mer— B. B. Wood. Privates— Asa Batchelder, Jona. Conant, Benj. 
Corning. Mathias Claxton, .Vlex. Carrico, Samuel Dcwige, Simeon Dodge, 
George Grose, Andrew Herrick, Claton Jones, Nathan Jones, John 
Kennedy, Abner Rjiyraond, Benj. Woodberry, Benj. Woodberry, Jr., 
Israel, Nathaniel and William Woodberry. 

In Captain Page's company (of Danvers) ; 

Lieutenant— Samuel Goodridge. Sergeant — Jos. Raymond. Privates 
— Uobt. Edwards, Scipio Bartlett, James Harley, Joseph l^uliind and 
Primas Green. 

Jonathan Conant, Sr., was paymaster under Colonel 
Francis, and was in the battle of Monmonth ; Joshua 
Twist was in Gates' army at the surrender of Bur- 
goyne ; William and Samuel Cressy were in the bat- 
tle of Trenton ; Luke Roundy, a lieutenant in Cap- 
tain Low's company, was wounded at Saratoga, and 
died at Albany, and Nathaniel Cleaves was in the 
same engagement (says Mr. Stone), who adds further 
names of soldiers in the service, as: 

William and Robert Goodridge, Israel Trask, Benj. Ellingwood, Thos. 
Lovett, Benj. Bicktord, Benj. Bickford, Jr., John Bickford, Nath'l 
Friend, Isjiac Smith, Jona. Woodberry, Zachariah Morgan and Benj. 
Spriggs. 

From the 'iniister roll: 

Captain — Billy Porter (of Wenham). Thos. Francis, Jr., Luke 
Roun<iy, Aaron Putnam, Jona. Buwles, Robert Twist, Jo-;eph Fosler, 
Jos. .Searle, Abner Raymond, Benj. Shaw, .Iitna. Conant, Kdw. Sliaw, 
Sam'l Dodge, Simeon Dodge, Benj. Corning, William Woodbury, Benj. 
Woodburj', Benj. Wood, Wm. Clark, John Kandy, Job Cressy, Richard 
Lee, .*\sa Batchelder, Dan'l Lampson, Philip Crush, Wm. Cook, Wm. 
Collins, Francis Thompson, Matthias Claxton, John Paris, Peletiub War- 



706 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ren, Matthew Tobin. Jona. Standly, Jere. "Woodbury, Israel Woodbury, 
Alex. Carico, Joseph Picket, Jacob Keed, George York, Joseph Freethey 
(?), Audrew Herrick, John Carter, "W'tu. Dodge, George Gross, Win. 
Cutler, Wm, Webber. 

1780. — Men who served for six months : 

Wm. Clerk, Weeden Cole, Jona. Conant, Joseph Carr, Kichard Craft, 

Asa Leach, .\bner Kaymond, RobH Standley, John Trask, Trask, 

Joseph Wood, Benj. Woodbury. 

Beverly's suflerers by sea were not few during the 
Eevolution, and of those committed to Mill Prison 
are the following : 

Benj. Chipnian, of schooner "Warren," taken December 27, 1777. 

Michael Down, of brig "Rambler," taken October 21, 1779. 

Joseph Leach, taken and committed to Pembroke Prison in 1779. 

Josepli Perkins, Levi ^ oodbnry, Kobert Kaymond, Matthew Cham- 
bers and Andrew Peabody, of ship 'Essex," taken June 10, 1781 ; also 
James Lovett and Benjamin Spragne. 

William Haskell, Alexander Carrico and George Groce, of brig 
"Eagle," taken June, 1780. 

John Baker, of brig "Black Princess," taken October 11, 1781. 

John Tuck, Thomas Hadden, Josiah Foster, Hezekiah Tliissell, Na- 
thaniel Woodbury and Zebulon Ober, of snow " Diana," taken June 15, 
1781, and committed January 23, 1783. 

William Herrick was killed at sea, off Bermuda, in the snow "Diana," 
the year before ; Benj. Bickford was mate of the " Diana" when Her- 
rick was killed. 

The " Diana " was a letter of marque, and a 
" snow " was a vessel half brig and half schooner. 

1780. lu the annals of this period the " dark day " 
(May 19th) held a conspicuous place. The sun, that 
morning, rose clear, but "soon assumed a brassy 
hue," and at two o'clock was totally obscured. Dur- 
ing three hours time it was extremely dark, the 
birds and fowls went to roost in silence, and every- 
thing portended an awj'ul visitation. The alarm of 
the people was universal, many supposing that the 
judgment day was at hand, and one old gentleman, it 
is said, dressed himself with great care, took his sil- 
ver-headed cane with him into the field and calmly 
awaited the event. The darkness became dispelled 
during the afternoon, but the night succeeding was of 
such intense gloom, until midnight, that even the 
horses refused to go out into it from their stables. In 
explanation of this event, it is said that the smoke 
from great forest fires in the interior had settled over 
this region, thus obscuring the .sun and necessitating 
a resort to candle-light by the frightened inhabitants. 

From the journal of a resident of Beverly came this 
quaint record. 

" Bevehiy, Friday, May 19, 1780. 
" This day happened something very Remarkable. From 10 o'clock 
in the forenoon till half after two in the afternoon, there was totale 
Darkness. But about 1 o'clock the Darkest; the sky was as Red as 
though the Element had been a Fire. This was Wrote by me in my 
Bedchamber in the house of coll. Thorndike, where Joseph Baker 
keeps Tavern." 

The first town-meeting under the new constitution 
was held September 4th, this year, for the election of 
governor, lieutenant-governor and councillors, and 
the first representatives, Larkin Thorndike and Jon- 
athan Conant, were then chosen. 

1781. The constables were instructed to receive, in 
the payment of taxes, one silver dollar instead of 
seventy-five dollars of the old continental paper, and 



one dollar of the new emission instead of forty dol- 
lars of the old. 

1781.— The Rev. .Joseph Willard, who had been 
for e'ght years pastor of the First Parish, was called 
to the i)residency of Harvard College, a position he 
held until his death, in 1804, " after the longest term 
of service, but one, in the series of Harvard's presi- 
dents." His loss was deeply felt in Beverly, where 
he had the respect and love of «very inhabitant. It 
was he, who, during the darkest hour of the dark 
day, acted the part of the true philosopher, and in- 
stead of giving way to fear, calmly made observations 
of the attendant phenomena. As he was thus engaged, 
he became surrounded by frightened citizens, whose 
alarm was soon allayed by his own indifference. 
When one of them rushed up, breathless, with the 
announcement that the tide had done flowing, he 
drew out his watch and quietly remarked : " So it 
has, for it is just high-water." 

It is not very generally known, perhaps, that Mr. 
Willard was at one time custodian of the literary 
treasure? of a privateer. In 1781, the famous priva- 
teer. Captain Hugh Hill, brought a prize into port, 
containing, among other things, the celebrated Kir- 
wan library, consisting of more than one hundred 
scientific works, ancient and modern, which, when 
taken, was in transit from England to its proprietor 
in Ireland. At the suggestion of Mr. Willard, the 
owners of the prize generally relini|uished their title 
to it, allowing it to be sold, in compliance with law, 
to an association of gentlemen resident here and in 
Salem, for a mere nominal price. 

" To the honor of Richard Kirwan it should be mentioned that he 
declined an offer of compensation for his property in it, preferring to 
have it pass for an outright gift to the infant cause and scanty means of 
scientific progress, in a country not yet emerged from the clouds of des- 
perate strife with his own for separate national existence. 

" The books, so fortunately secured, were first committed to Willard's 
keeping, but upon his removal from Beverly they were transferred to 
Salem, where they were united with other collections, first under the 
name of the Philosophical Library, then that of the Salem Athen.-eum, 
and finally of the Essex luatitute, of which flourisliing, richly-endoweil. 
greatly-valued and useful institution it may be considered as the possible 
germ. From that germ alone great advantage has, hy not a few, been 
derived. Our famous mathematician, Nathaniel Bowditch, of world- 
wide fame, availed himself extensively of the aid of the Kirwan books, 
especially in the earlier portions of his remarkable career, when such 
works were rare, and diiEcult (at least in this country) to be procured ; 
and his sense of indebtedness was freely and gratefully acknowledged by 
him while living, and testified at his decease by a liberal legacy to the 
institution in which they are deposited, and of which they form a 
part." 1 

It will be seen from the above, that Beverly con- 
tributed (though perhaps unwittingly yet, not un- 
willingly), to swell the stream of knowledge that 
flowed from the early founts. 

1783. — French troops passed the night in the Sec- 
ond Parish, on their way to Portsmouth to embark 
for France. 

Beverly received the news of assured peace, pro- 
mulgated this year, with the greatest satisfaction. 



1 Thuver's Bi-Centennial Address. 



BEVERLY. 



707 



Having performed her whole duty in the perilous 
times, throughout, having lost many of her noblest 
citizens, and having freely expended of her substance 
to bring about this consummation, it was with joyful 
anticipations for the future that she entered upon the 
era of peace. It was some time, however, before the 
tangled web of debt and obligations, woven about her 
by the war, could be unraveled, and her paralyzed 
commerce regain its wonted activity. 

In 1786, especially, the burden of debt and taxa- 
tion, together with the weight of a depreciated cur- 
rency, bore heavily upon Beverly, in common with 
every town in the State. It was in this year that 
Shay's rebellion occurred, to aid in suppressing which 
soldiers from Beverly joined the Essex company, un- 
der Colonel Wade, of Ipswich, an officer kuown and 
trusted by General Washington. 

1785. — Rev. Joseph McKean, who was born in 
Londonderry, N. H., 1757, and graduated at Dart- 
mouth College, was ordained over the First Parish 
May 11th, on which occasion a large number of 
churches were represented. His salary was fixed at 
two hundred pounds and his settlement at three hun- 
dred pounds, to which two hundred pounds was added 
in 1801. He was a man of great piety and learning, 
honored by all our citizens. In 1802 he received and 
accepted a call to the presidency of Bowdoin College. 
Among other papers published in the Rantoul Rem- 
iniscences is the following bill, for entertaining the 
council and delegates at Mr. McKean's ordination : 

t s. d. 

*' 30 Bowles of Punch before the people went to meeting .3 (1 

80 People Eating in the nioroing GOO 

10 bottles of Wine before they went to meeting ... 1100 

68 Dinner>> 19 4 n 

44 Bowles of punch while at dinner and after .... 480 

18 hollies of Wine i; 14 

G people drank tea 9 

40 Horses 3 

4 Horses two days and nights IG 

8 Bowles of Brandy 12 

Cherry Rum 100 

3 of the gentlemen's servants, 2 meals each and drink, 

the day 12 

43 5 " 

1787. — Beverly cast one hundred and twenty-five 
votes for Governor, of which seventy-seven were for 
John Hancock, and forty-eight for James Bowdoin ; 
George Cabot, Joseph Wood and Israel Thorndike 
were this year chosen delegates to the convention in 
Boston January, 1788, for considering the framing of 
a constitution for the United States. For several 
years later, it was difficult to find people willing to 
serve the town in official capacity, and fines were 
imposed upon those who refused offices. 

1788. — The first fruits of peace were not long in 
showing themselves, and the most important step 
taken in the securing of independence of the mother 
country was the establishment of a cotton factory. 
This factory, the first in America, wa.s erected in the 
Second Parish, near Baker's Corner, at the junction 



of Cabot and Dodge streets. A company of proprie- 
tors was incorporated February 3, 1789 • but, the enter- 
prise proving unprofitable, it was afterwards aband- 
oned. The factory attracted much attention at the 
time, and was visited by General Washington when 
on his tour through the country in 1789. 

A contemporary periodical said of it : " An experi- 
ment was made with a complete set of machines for 
carding and spinning cotton, which answered the 
warmest e.xpeetations of the j)roprietors. The spin- 
ning jenny spins sixty threads at a time, and with the 
carding machines forty pounds of cotton can be well 
carded per day. The warping machines and the 
other tools and machinery are complete, and promise 
much benefit to the public, and emolument to the 
patriotic adventurers." 

The Salem Gazette, of 1790, says : " The wear of the 
Beverly corduroys is already become very common ; " 
yet the enterprise failed, and, after several other at- 
tempts, the proprietors suspended operations. 

For nearly thirty years preceding 1800, the town 
was agitated over the spread of the small-pox, and in 
1788, even threw fences across the roads, to prevent 
the passing of persons infected with the disease, 
erecting a hosiiital and smoke-houses for fumiga- 
tion. 

1788. — The Essex Bridge was built this year, one 
thousand four hundred and eighty-four feet long and 
thirty-two feet wide, at a cost of sixteen thousand 
dollars. It was to be a toll-bridge for seventy years, 
at the expiration of which period it reverted to the 
State. Robert Rantoul states, iu his remini-sceiices, 
th.at (then a Salem school-boy often), he walked over 
the bridge the day it was opened, and again in his 
eightieth year, in 18.i8, on the day its charter ex- 
pired. 

Town fire-wards were first chosen in the preceding 
year : 1787, Moses Brown, Andrew Cabot, George Ca- 
bot, Joseph Lee and Joseph Wood. 

In October, 1787, the Rev. Daniel Oliver was or- 
dained over the Second Church, continuing here for 
ten years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Ste- 
phen Dorr, who was ordained iu March, 1800. 

Several of our inhalntants joined the famous expe- 
dition of Dr. Cutler (of Hamilton), that initial migra- 
tion to Ohio, which resulted in the settlement of our 
vast Western prairies. 

1789. — The event of this year was the visit of 
Washington, on his tour of the North, when he called 
on his friends, William Bartlett and George Caliot ; 
the latter then occupying tlie mansion now owned by 
Mrs. Seth Norwood. In the Book of Records of the 
Second Parish is a note by Mr. Stone ofthe following 
communication made to him by Isaac Babson March 
13, 1835: 

" ^Vhen General Washington ciiuie to visit the cottnn factory (near 
Bakers Tavern corner), he rode from .Salem on huit-oback and was 
greeted by a great number. As he passed the residence (jf ('ol. Francis 
he bowed to Mr«. F., who was at the wiudow. In the factory a number 



708 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of females were arranged, holdirg pieces of clotb in their laps for in- 
spection. The General stopped opposite Miss Francis (afterwards Mrs. 
Low) and examined the cloth in her lap. On leaving the factory he 
entered his carriage (his servant riding iiis horse) and went on to Ips- 
wich." 

As recently as 1863 there died, one who was con- 
versant with these details: Mrs. Beisey Grant (widow 
of Joseph, and mother of Benjamin D. Grant), a 
lineal descendant of John Balch, one of the first set- 
tlers. She was horn in the " Tipper Parish," Febru- 
ary 10, 1772, and was seventeen years old at the time 
of Washington's visit, which she distinctly remem- 
bered in 1861. Washington paused at her side and 
asked her several questions about the work, '' little 
realizing, perhaps, the reverent affection with which 
he was regarded by her, and which would embalm his 
sentences in her heart forever." 

The last individual living in Beverly to whom 
Washington then spoke was Captain Peter Homan 
(it is said), who died in 1871, at the age of ninety-one. 
He was then a boy of nine, at work in the factory. 
As a child, Mrs. Grant " assisted in laboring for the 
soldiers of freedom at that early day of our nation's 
history ; when a woman, wife and mother, she 
worked for the sous of America in 1812, and as an 
aged grandmother, she kuit stockings for the soldiers 
of the Union in 1861." 

Her eldest sister was a participant in the famous 
female riot of 1777, and the mother of Captain Ho- 
man was also one of the company. 

1791. — The town treasurer was directed to fund the 
paper money on hand, and in 1793 it was voted that 
all contracts should be paid in hard money, instead 
of town orders. 

1793. — The proclamation of neutrality, by the 
President, was warmly approved by the merchants of 
Beverly. 

1795. — A petition was presented to Congress, drawn 
up by the Eev. Mr. McKean, William Burley, Israel 
Thorndike, Moses Brown and John Stephens, praying 
for the immediate fulfilment of the treaty between 
the United States and Great Britain. 

1798, — A health officer was appointed, for the first 
time, and in 1801 a small-pox hospital was built at 
Paul's Head. This promontory, where the light- 
house now stands, and where the breastworks, erected 
during the Indian wars and the Revolution, may yet 
be seen, was early the property of Paul Thorndike, 
one of the first selectmen of the town. 

The hospital, built here in 1801, costing four hun- 
dred and fifty doHars, was destroyed by fire, and the 
land is now included within the boundaries of the 
light-house property. The residue of Paul's Point is 
now occupied by some of the finest houses on the 
coast. 

1799. — This year, departed one of the least of Bev- 
erly's population, in point of size, yet who had a 
wide-spread provincial reputation, — Miss Emma 
Leach, sixty-one years of age and but twenty-two 
inches in height. She was the daughter of William 



and Tryphosa (Herrick) Leach, and was born here 
June 27, 1717. She measured nearly as much at the 
age of two years as at her death, being then twenty- 
two inches in height. 

In the almanac for 1777, published by Nathaniel 
Ames, on the cover of which is a wood-cut of the 
" prodigy," is " A short description of the extraordi- 
nary person that lately made her appearance in this 
town (Boston), which may not be disagreeable to our 
readers, although it may not be so particular as the 
curious may desire, as she would not admit of an ac- 
curate examination." From this it is learned that 
"she was, at her birth, as well a shaped child as any 
of the ten which the same mother bore. Her friends 
early discovered her bones to be in a flexible state, 
and unable to resist the action of the muscles, which 
made it very difficult to support her in any other than 
a horizontal position. After two years the bones ac- 
quired some considerable degree of firmness ; but they 
had been so long inflected, by the action of the mus- 
cles, that they never recovered their proper figure or 
function." 

" She measured in a right line from the crown of 
the head to the feet, twenty-two inches. The head 
was as large as is usual for persons of a common 
stature, and not at all deformed. The vertebrae of 
the back were somewhat elevated. Her feet were 
about the size of a child's of four or five years old, 
and notat all deformed. She could never walk, but was 
either carried by her friends, or moved herself about 
with the assistance of a small chair and stick. She 
enjoyed a tolerable share of health, free from most 
complaints except indigestion. In her conversation 
she discovers a vivacity which very much .surprises 
all who hear her. She now enjoys herself very agree- 
ably at her native place." 

The Leach homestead, where she resided, has de- 
scended to Benjamin Goldsbury, through the mar- 
riage of his grandfather, Nicholas Goldsbury, to 
Tryphosa Leach, daughter of Benjamin, brother to 
Emma Leach. 

In this, the last year of the century, a schooner of 
Beverly, the " Alert," was set upon by three French 
privateers, as she was entering the harbor of Santan- 
der, and, after a desperate resistance, captured and 
sent into Bayonne ; an outr;ige upon American neu- 
trality deeply resented. 

1800. — A review of the century past shows a con- 
tinued advance, since the close of the " primeval 
epoch," in every native industiy and all the elements 
of prosperity. 

The population of the town had doubled in the 
century: from 1680 in 1708, to 3300 in 1800. 

A large area of land had been brought under culti- 
vation, remote districts connected by roads, six school 
districts were now established, and two flourishing 
churches ; the fleet of fishing- vessels, numbering thir- 
ty-two, employed three hundred men, and foreign 
commerce was in a flourishing condition. 



BEVERLY. 



r09 



For a short period of the nineteenth century, prox- 
imate, even while the inhabitants of Europe were 
distracted by ware, employing four millions of their 
fighting men, our people were to enjoy the blessings 
of peace. 

So.ME XoTABLE Namf.s OF THE Cextury. — Many 
of those who contributed to the prosperity of Beverly, 
either on land or sea, some who aided in shajiing its 
destinies, and others who acted as the conservators of 
the morals of the community, have been mentioned 
in the pages preceding. Yet it is not claimed that 
many may not have escaped mention, through the in- 
complete chronicles of the times. A distinguished 
merchant of the war peri<jd, was jl/wr.* Brown, born 
in 1748, a graduate of Harvard in 1768, who began 
business here in 1772. He took an active part in 
military affairs, raised a company of soldiers in 1775, 
and in 1776 joined the army as a captain in Glover's 
regiment, serving in New York and Xew Jersey, and 
being present at the battle of Trenton. 

Resuming business in 1777, he retired in 1800 with 
a fortune, and died in 1820, after a life of acknowl- 
edged usefulness. 

Associated with him in business at one time was 
another famous merchant, larael Thorndike (born in 
Beverly in 1755), who owned several large ships, and 
through extensive trade with China and the East 
Indies, ama.-sed a fortune (immense for those times), 
of nearly a million and a half of dollars. He re- 
moved to Boston in 1810, and expired in 18^2. He 
subscribed five hundred dollars for the founding of 
a professorship of Natural History in Harvard, and 
the same sum for the library of the Theological 
School. In 1818 he purchased, in Plamliurg, at a 
cost of six thou.sand five hundred dollars, and pre- 
sented to Harvard, a large library " thereby securing 
to his country one of the most complete and valuable 
collections of works extant in American history." 

The Cabols, George, Andrew, and John, left an en- 
during fame as great merchants; the first, who was 
born in 1751, residing here nearly forty years. He 
was one- of the most enlightened men of his time, a 
delegate to the provincial Congress in ]77!i, the con- 
fidential friend of Washington and adviser of Ham- 
ilton. He removed to Boston in 1793, where he died 
in 182.3 ; but the foundation of his fortune was laid, 
and his most brilliant labors performed, while a citi- 
zen of Beverly. 

Joseph Lee, a brother-in-law of the Cabots, was also 
associated with them in business. He was born in 
Salem in 1744, and died in Boston in 18.31. During 
his residence in Beverly, and throughout his life, he 
gave great attention to the designing of vessels, being 
of material aid to naval architecture. He gave twen- 
ty thousand dollars to the Massachusetts general hos- 
pital. His grandson, Henry Lee, who married a 
granddaughter of Andrew Cabot, resides on a fine 
estate at Beverly Farms. 

In the year 1780, deceased in Beverly, Henry Her- 



Wc^-, one of the most active and influential members 
of the "Committee of Correspondence" in the Revo- 
lution, a direct descendant of the first American an- 
cestor of the same name. He was an active agent, 
says the historian, in all the first Revolutionary move- 
ments, and for many years (twenty-four) represented 
the town in General Court. 

From his relative, Joshua, have descended most of 
the name still residing in Beverly, and others in 
Maine, including Horatio G. Merrick, sheriff of Es- 
sex County for many years past; and Joshua and 
Benjamin Herrick, of Maine. The Herricks are inti- 
mately connected, through marriage, with several of 
the oldest families of Beverly. 

In 1807 (March 27), Captain. George Raymond, de- 
ceased, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years, 
having been born December 21, 1707. This aged 
citizen, whose life embraced the greater part of the 
eighteenth century, was influential in town affairs, 
and at one time in military, having taken part in the 
Cape Breton expedition. From generation to genera- 
tion, and from century to century, as in the Herrick 
and Raymond families, the military prestige has been 
kept alive. 

Another eminent citizen, who died in 1809, was 
Josiah Batchelder, Jr., whose father served in the 
Port Royal expedition of 1707, His early years were 
passed at sea, aud in 1761 he had the misfortune, 
while in command of a vessel, to be captured by a 
French privateer. He succeeded in having the ves- 
sel relea-ed, but was detained for it^ ransom for some 
time, in a prison at Martinique. His name appears 
frequently in the Revolutionary correspondence, and 
he was actively engaged in privateering; he was 
several times elected a member of the Provincial 
Congress, and during his declining years was sur- 
veyor and inspector of the port of Salem and Bev- 
erly. 

William Jiurley, horn January 2, 1751, died Decem- 
ber 22, 1822. Was a native of Ipswich, but gave 
freely of his wealth to the poor of this town, leaving 
legacies to Beverly and Ipswich to promote the in- 
struction of poor children. He not only aided the 
American cause, with advice, but took an active part, 
enlisting as a soldier, and while a lieutenant, under 
Colonel Thompson, in February, 1780, was taken pri- 
soner near White Plains, remaining in ca])tivity a 
year and nine months. His son, Edward Burley, is 
living in Beverly, at the age (1887) of eighty-four, and 
two grandchildren, Mrs. Cabot and Mrs. Susan Howes. 

To the neighboring town of Ipswich, the town of 
Beverly has been placed under deep obligations 
for some of its most vigorous and brightest intellects. 
Notable above all his professional brethren of that 
i\m&ixas, Nathan Dane,hovn in Ipswich, December 29, 
1752. He was of English ancestry, the first of the name 
having settled in Andover, Ipswich and Gloucester. It 
will benoticed,by one who will closely scan the chroni- 
cles of our earlv settlements and note the achievements 



710 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of our foremost citizens, that no Englishman became 
fo truly great as when transplanted to America. All 
the inherent nobility of character of long lines of an- 
cestors, latent for generations, first finds expression 
here. 

The sou of a farmer, Mr. Dane worked on his fa- 
ther's farm till he was twenty-one, acquiring that 
physical stamina which supported him through the 
unremitted labors of a long life. He graduated from 
Harvard in 1778, immediately after which he taught 
school in Beverly, where, in 1782, he began practic- 
ing law. In this latter year, and the three years suc- 
ceeding, he was a representative at the General Court 
of Massachusetts ; after which for three years he was a 
delegate to Congress, and for five years, beginning with 
1790, a member of the Massachusetts Senate. He 
was on a committee to revise the State laws, in 1795, 
and a presidential elector in 1812. His enduring 
monument is the celebrated " ordinance of 1787," of 
which Daniel Webster said, in the United States 
Senate, in 1830 : 

" We are accustomed to praise the law-givers of antiquity ; we help 
tu perpetuate tiie fame of Solon and Lycurgug ; but I doubt \vlietlier one 
single law of any law-giver, ancient or modern, has produced elTects of 
a more distinct and marked and lasting character than the ordinance of 
'87. ... It fixed, forever, the character of the population in the 
vast regions northwest of the Ohio, by excluding from them involuntary 
servitude. It impressed upon the soil itself, while it was yet a wilder- 
ness, an incapacity to bear up any other than freemen. It laid the in- 
terdict against personal servitude, in original compact, not only deeper 
than all local law, but deeper, also, than all local constitution." 

The great labor of his life was " A General Abridge- 
ment and Digest of American Law," publi-shed 1823- 
'29, the material for which he began to gather as 
early as 1782 ; the first general code of American law, 
and of incalculable value to the country. The pri- 
vate life of Mr. Dane was exemplary, his public life 
every way to be admired. By his benefactions, as 
well as by his literary jiroductions, he has cau.sed his 
name to be remembered. By a donation of $15,000, 
he established the " Dane Professorship of Law," at 
Harvard, and was a donor to the Dane Law Lib- 
rary, of Oliio, and other institutions. 

His valuable life was prolonged to eighty-three 
years, during sixty of which he pursued his studios. 
Although surviving to 1835, well into the nineteenth 
century, he yet belongs to the eighteenth, the forma- 
tive period of our political history. His home was 
opposite the old South Church, in the house (still 
standing) built by Capt. Benjamin Ellingwood about 
1784, one of the first (four) brick houses erected in 
Beverly, the others being the dwellings of Andrew, 
George and John Cabot. The monument to Mr. 
Dane, in the Hale Street Cemetery, bears an inscrip- 
tion by Judge Story. 

In the year 1781, Robert Endicott, a descendant of 
Governor John Endicott, removed from Danvers to 
Beverly, where he died in 1819, aged sixty-two years. 
He was born on the ancient Endicott farm, now be- 
longing to William Endicott, of London. His son, 
the venerable and well known William Endicott, the 



only survivor in the seventh generation from Gov. 
John Endicott, resides in Beverly, at the advanced 
age of eighty-eight. He began business here as a 
clerk with "Squire" Ilantoul,and for thirty-six years 
owned and occupied the drug store at the corner of 
Cabut and Washington Streets. He retired from act- 
ive business twenty-five years ago, but still maintains 
relations with several financial and charitable institu- 
tions. 

We have seen that our town was particularly favor- 
ed in its ministers, such as Hale, Blowers, WiUard, 
MclLcan andChipman. The medical profession also was 
adorned with names whose lustre is yet undimmed. 
The minister and the doctor of early times exerted a 
greater influence than even the politician ; in truth, 
he who attended to the spiritual welfare of the people, 
as well as he who ministered to their physical well 
being, was considered competent also to shape their 
political atfairs. 

The first school-master, 31r. Hardie, was also a dis- 
penser of medicines, and succeeding him came the 
Hales, Robert and Robert, Jr., the latter already no- 
ticed. Robert Hale was son of the Rev. John Hale, 
born November, 1668, died 1719. 

A Dr. John Herrick was here in 1721, and a resi- 
dent physician was Dr. Benj. Jones, a native of Bev- 
erly in the second pariah, who had an extensive prac- 
tice, and died in 1778. He was distiuguished for his 
active interest in public afiairs and in the welfare of 
the community. 

Dr. Timothy Clement, who married a daughter of 
Capt. William Dodge, had a promising practice, but 
died at an early age. His successor was Dr. Israel 
Woodbury, born 1734, died 1797, who resided on his 
ancestral estate, and whose life was a blessing to the 
parish. Dr. Isaac Spofford, who died 1786, at the 
early age of thirty-five, was skilled alike in his pro- 
fession and in music, and was very popular. His 
gravestone in the old cemetery is conspicuous for its 
Latin inscriptions and Masonic emblems. Dr. Larkin 
Thorndike, another native of this town, who died at 
Norfolk, Va., also practiced here, and was appointed 
a surgeon in the navy under the administration of 
President Adams. Dr. Tucker, Dr. Orne and Dr. 
Lakeman (from Hamilton) all died without achieving 
the great distinction promised in early life. 

A man of prominence was Dr. Elisha Whitney, born 
1747, graduated at Harvard, 1766, who began practice 
in Ijjswich. After several voyages as surgeon on 
board the privateers under Captains Hill and Giles, 
he returned to his profession, removing to Beverly in 
1792, where he resided till his death, in 1807, beloved 
and highly respected. 

Dr. Joshua Fisher, who was born in Dedham, 1749, 
and graduated at Harvard in 1766, came to Beverly 
in early manhood, after practising a while in Ipswich 
and Salem. Like Dr. Whitney, he sailed as surgeon 
in a privateer, but was unfortunate in his maritime 
experiences, the vessel being driven ashore in the 



BEVERLY. 



ni 



British Channel, and he with difficulty avoiding cap- 
ture. Escaping from England to France, after a num- 
ber of dangerous adventures, he embarked in another 
|)rivateer for America, which he ultimately reached. 
He was interested in that first cotton i'actory in 1788, 
and his public spirit always led him into similar en- 
ter|irises for the good of the people. Through his 
great talent and active pursuit of his profession, he 
amassed a large fortune, much of which he expended 
in charitable works. He endowed the Fisher Pro- 
fessorship of Natural History at Harvard, with twenty 
thousand dollars, and founded the Beverly Charitable 
Society, now known as the Fisher Charitable .Society, 
which has been so benelicial in ameliorating the con- 
dition of the poor. 

Of the donation to this society one hundred dollars 
was to be set aside to accumulate for one hundred 
years, as an available fund at the expiration of that 
period. Dr. Fisher died in 1835. aged eighty-four. 

From this brief biographical excursion, let us re- 
turn to the narration of events. It is a matter of re- 
gret that we cannot much more than enumerate the 
names of those departed worthies, whose many vir- 
tues adorn the age in which they lived. The best 
lessons of history are to be drawn from the lives of 
great and good men and women, who worked with 
singleness of purpose and high aims for the advance- 
ment of their fellows. Many such — though, from the 
limitations of their environment, unknown to the 
world at large — we find living in the pages of our lo- 
cal history. Their lives shine with devotion to prin- 
ciple and religion ; they had faith in their God, iheir 
country and the home of their adoption ; and the 
torch they lighted at the fires of their primitive 
hearth-stones they have handed down to us, their de- 
scendants. 

The Mother Churches.— As two new churches 
were founded in the opening years of this century, and 
imjiortant changes took i)lace in the first and second 
parishes, at this point it would seem tilting to take a 
survey of some matters ecclesiastical. 

What was the origin of the First Church, has been 
shown ; that its growth was identical with that of the 
town, and their aflairs inseparably interwoven. Its 
first ministers and officers were the leaders of the com- 
munity, as the church, indeed, formed the nucleus of 
the town. 

Its ministers, mentioned in order, were: Hale, 
Blowers, Champney, Willard, McKean, up to the close 
of the eighteenth century, when the last-named was 
called to the presidency of Bowdoin College, and was 
succeeded, Dec. 13, 1803, by the Rev. Abiel Abbott. 

The following biographical sketch of Dr. Abl)Ott 
was prepared by the Rev. Dr. A. P. Peabody, a life- 
long fi-iend of the family, and is entitled to the read- 
er's thoughtful attention : 

"Abiel Abbott, the youngest son of John and Abi- 
gail Abbott, was born at Andover, August 17, 1771. 
Two elder brothers — John, professor of ancient lan- 



guages at Bowdoin College, and Benjamin, the so 
widely-known, revered and beloved i)rincii)al of Phil- 
lips' Exeter Academy — had already graduated at Har- 
vard. Abiel was the pupil of Dr. Pemberton, at Phil- 
lips' Academy, in Andover, whence he entered col- 
lege, graduating the second scholar in his class, in 
1792. He maintained ever afterw'ards a close connec- 
tion with the college, where he was held in high re- 
gard, as was evinced in his appointment as Phi Beta 
Kappa orator in 1800, his being invited to deliver the 
Dudleian Lecture in 1819 and his receiving the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity in 1821. On graduating he re- 
turned to Andover and became assistant teacher, 
afterwards principal of the academy, at the same time 
pursuing the study of theology under the direction of 
his pastor. Rev. Jonathan French. In 1795 he was 
ordained as minister of the First Church in Haverhill. 
In the following year he married Eunice, daughter of 
Eljenezer Wales, of Dorchester. His ministry at 
Haverhill was eminently successful. Its precious 
memory long survived him, and was lovingly recalled 
by old people who had him for their pastor in their 
childhood or youth. But his salary was inadequate 
to the support of his family and he was, therefore, and 
for that sole reason, compelled to resign his charge. 

On his release from his engagement at Haverhill, 
Mr. Abbott'sservices were eagerly sought by several va- 
cant jjarishes. He preached with great acceptance at 
the Brattle Square Church, in Boston, and, anticipat- 
ing the probability of his being invited to its pastor- 
ate, the First Church in Beverly chose him as its 
minister, voting him as salary the sti[)end which (with 
the addition, however, of a parsonage-house and fuel 
for its fires, and the education of his sons) would have 
been ottered him in Boston. 

This salary throughout his lifetime was larger than 
was paid by any parish in Massachusetts, except in 
Boston. The Beverly parish was and continued to be, 
during his entire ministry, very large, embracing a 
population at the outset of twenty-three hundred, and 
never less than tifteen hundred. The town was then 
the fourth in the State, in point of wealth, with a 
better harbor than that of Salem, with a great deal 
of foreign commerce as well as with a large amount 
of capital lucratively invested in the fisheries. It 
was the residence of several merchants of distinc- 
tion, who afterwards removed to Boston, and whose 
ships sailed thence and brought thither their return 
cargoes. It was also the home of several professional 
men of the highest eminence, as Nathan Dane and 
Joshua Fisher, and the parish comprised many fam- 
ilies of wealth and culture. Hence, in a worldly 
point of view, the place was especially desirable, while 
its pulpit had been tilled by men of superior ability 
and merit, his two nearest predecessors having been 
called to the presidency — one of Harvard, the other 
of Bowdoin College. Such a pastorate made great de- 
mands on its incumbent, and in this case they were 
more than fuUv met. 



712 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



No ministry can ever have been more prosperous 
than Dr. Abbott's, in the full attendance on its ser- 
vices, in the undivided respect and affection of the 
people, and in the tokens of religious interest and 
spiritual edification. By those who knew Dr. Abbott 
best it has been often said that they never knew 
his like, or, for his peculiar life-work, his equal. His 
personal endowments were of a rare order. His 
countenance bore the impress of his character, at 
once grave and gracious, commanding and winning, 
with a benignity whose attractions none could re- 
sist, yet with a dignity which would keep a flip- 
pant tongue in silence. His maiiner.s were those of a 
born gentleman, who could not be otherwise than 
courteous, meek, considerate and kind. His conversa- 
tional power was almost unique. In whatever society 
he might be, without assuming the leadership, he 
could not bear other than the chief part, and those 
who were else the most ready to talk, in his pres- 
ence subsided into greedy listeners. He was unsur- 
passed in vivid and picturesque description and nar- 
rative, and he possessed the rare and precious art of 
giving religious admonition, counsel or consolation, 
without seeming to give it— of virtually preaching 
the gospel without unseasonably interlarding his con- 
versation with conventionally sacred names and 
{)hrases, so that all that he meant to say reached the 
inward ear, only after, sometimes long after, his voice 
had died upon the outward ear. Wheu Monroe, as 
President of the United States, was making his 
northern tour, he breakfasted with Israel Thorndike, 
and Dr. Abbott was one of the guests. Some time 
afterward the President said to a visitor that the 
best talkir that he ever heard was a clergyman who 
breakfasted with him at Mr. Thorndike'a. While 
Dr. Abbott thus adorned the choicest society, he made 
himself none the less welcome in the poorest homes, 
and with persons of the lowest standard of intelli- 
gence and culture. Without the wretched farce of 
condescension, he so identiiied himself with all the 
people under his charge that he felt, and therefore 
always seemed, at his ease among them, as belonging 
with them, and they had no experience of restraint or 
awkwardness as with one who stooped to them from a 
loftier plane than theirs. He was the most assiduous 
of pastors. Of course, in so large a parish he would 
not be a frequent visitor in every house, yet there was 
not a family in his flock wliich he did not know 
intimately, and in which there was not a correspond- 
ing sense of intimacy with him ; nor was there a child 
whom he did not know, or who was not made the hap- 
pier by meeting him and having his unfailing smile 
and kind word of recognition. A large part of his 
time was devoted to the sick, infirm and afflicted, who 
received his most tender ministries and always felt 
that he came to them in their need and sorrow as 
a messenger of divine support and comfort. Nor 
was he less mindful of the poor, and while gener- 
ous to them to the utmost of his means, he knew 



how to stimulate and direct the charity of those 
who had ability and leisure for the work of Chris- 
tian love. 

Dr. Abbott was, in an important sense, the minis- 
ter of the town, no less than of his own parish. 
There was no public occasion on which he did not 
officiate, nor any public enterprise that tended to im- 
provement or progress in which he did not bear a 
foremost part. For many years he was chairman of 
the school committee, and his reading of his annual 
report was among the first items of business at the an- 
nual town-meeting, which he always opened with an 
impressive prayer. He presided at the school exami- 
nations, and the pupils listened eagerly on those oc- 
casions to the closing address which he always gave. 

In the pulpit Dr. Abbott's manner was impressive 
to the last degree. He was never impassioned, and 
never cold ; but there was a calm, equable f rvor, iu- 
dicating a full flow of devout feeling, without ebb or 
ripple, sustaining the unflagging attention of the 
audience, and adapted to make the entire service to 
the serious hearer, as it manifestly was to the preach- 
er, a continuous act of devotion. His voice was clear, 
strong and flexible, and his utterance was perfectly 
natural, with no pulpit tone, but as it might have been 
in conver.sation on solemn themes. Nature shaped 
him for an orator, and he remained unspoiled by art. 
What he should say seemed his sole concern ; his un- 
studied saying of it could have been only made worse 
by the attempt to make it better. His sermons were 
scriptural, evangelical, in the true sense of the word, 
in a style elegant without being ornate, sufficiently 
simple for the receptivity of any person of ordinary 
intelligence, yet so thoughtful as to command the close 
attention and strong interest of those of the most ad- 
vanced culture. They were remarkable for so strict 
an appropriateness to time and space that many of 
the best of them could have been preached elsewhere 
or at a later time only with large omissions or changes. 
No phase ofthe passing day, or occasion of public inter- 
est, or striking event in the larger or smaller circle, 
was suflered to pass without being made to yield up 
its fitting lesions of truth or duty. His sermons for 
the Sunday service were always carefully written, and 
such of them as admitted of it, especially his frequent 
exijository sermons, bore the tokens of extended read- 
ing and faithful study. He had at the same time a 
great facility of extempore utterance, or rather, of 
thorough preparation without writing ; and some of 
his most appreciative hearers thought that he ap- 
peared at his very best in the unwritten discourses^ 
sometimes in series lasting through several weeks or 
months, which he was wont to deliver in a chapel 
erected expressly for evening services. 

Dr. Abbott's devotional services jhad an indelible 
and cherished place in the memory of all who listened 
to them. They were not preaching prayers, but com- 
posed wholly of simple and lofty forms of praise and 
supplication. It was the custom in his church, as in 



BEVERLY. 



713 



the New England churches generally, to send in 
' notes,' requesting public prayer, or thanksgiving, in 
case of bereavement, severe illness, or recovery there- 
from, the birth of a child, being ' bound to sea,' or re- 
turn from a voyage. 

Dr. .\bbott, without ever compromising the digni- 
ty of the service, or entering into details unfit for the 
sanctuary, would so make reference to every individ- 
ual case, that he would seem to bear heavenward and 
to lay upon the heavenly altar the burden or joy of 
each soul in a form denuded of all earthliness, and 
fully fit to be heard on high. The children of the 
parish enjoyed his special care. The old institution 
of 'catechizing' was with him a matter, not of form, 
but of deep concern, and he made it such a service 
that no child was ever willingly absent from it. He 
not unfrequently addressed the children on Sundays, 
and sometimes had special services for them in the 
cha])ol, while they learned very early to listen to his 
sermons, and many a dull child who carried home no 
meagre report of one of his discourses, would com- 
mand neither attention nor memory when any one else 
filled the pulpit. 

The earliest Sunday-school in New England, if not 
in the United Slates, was opened in 1810, by two 
ladies of his church, after the example and method of 
Robert Raikes. This school, which had, from the 
outset, their p:istor's approval and furtherance, was 
never discontinued, but was, after a few years, re- 
moved to the church, and was the nucleus of a still 
flourishing Sunday-school, subsidized by a considera- 
ble i'und, tiie legacy of one of its superintendents, who 
was trained under Dr. Abbott's nurture and inliu- 
ence. 

Dr. Abbott added to his distinctively professional 
gifts that of superior musical taste and talent. He 
had the best voice in the congregation. The old 
church had no space in which an organ could be 
erected till it was remodelled alter his death, and 
whenever the chorister was absent. Dr. Abbott led the 
singing from the pulpit, as he did at the communion 
service, at the monthly ante-communion lecture, and at 
the chapel. Dr. Abbott was a Unitarian, of the 
tvpe commonly, though incorrectly denoted under 
the name of Arian. But while he explicitly de- 
clared and defended his own opinions in the pulpit, 
he was indisposed to controversy, sought peace among 
the churches, was at many points in close sympathy 
w ith clergymen of a difl'erent creed, and was associated 
with not a few of them in intimate friendship and in 
the interchange of professional services. 

When the disruption of the Congregational body 
took idace, probably no member of that body had so 
much reason to regret it as he had, nor was there any 
onew^ith whom his friends of the opposite party were 
so sorry to part fellowship. In his family and in all the 
relations and intercourse of society Dr. Abbott, by his 
sweetness, gentleness, unselfishness of spirit, was con- 
stantly ditiusing liapiiines.j.and in his cheertul, sunny 
451 



temperament received largely of the happiness which 
he gave. His home was rich in all that can make life 
beautiful, and that can render the Christian house- 
hold at once a centre of refining and beautifying min- 
istries and influences for this world, and a training 
school for heaven. 

In 1818 Dr. Abbott's health had become so far im- 
paired by incessant labor as to make a rest aud change 
of scene desirable, and he spent the winter in South 
Carolina and Georgia. He performed the return jour- 
ney alone, in a sulky, driving through regions where 
he was warned of serious danger from the savageness 
of the poor whites; but all along his way making 
friends and receiving civilities and kindnesses. 

In 1827 he was again an invalid, and spent the 
winter principally in Cuba. He seemed in the spring 
entirely restored, but on his passage homeward, in 
the harbor of New York, he was seized with a sudden 
and ])rofuse lieraorrhage from the lungs, which proved 
almost instantlv fatal, leaving him but a few moments 
for some last directions as to his worldly affairs, and 
for the expression of his cheerful readiness to de- 
part in the full assurance of a blessed immortality. 
His death occurred on the 7th of June, 1828. 

Dr. Abbott published a considerable number of 
sermons and other pamphlets. The only volume that 
he gave to the jjress was of ' Sermons to Seamen,' 
which in its time was highly prized, especially by 
shipmasters and sailors. 

After his death his ' Letters from Cuba,' a charm- 
ing record of travel and sojourn in an inland then lit- 
tle known at the North, were edited, with a memoir of 
the author, by his friend, Judge Story. 

A volume of his sermons, edited with a memoir, 
by his son-in-law. Rev. Stevens Everett, was also 
published. 

Dr. Abbott's excellent wife survived him only two 
years. Of his nine children there remain: Emily, 
widow of Rev. Stevens Everett, now resident at Cam- 
bridge, Anne AYales, a member of her sister's family 
aud Rev. William Ebenezer Abbott, formerly pastor 
of the First Church in Billerica, now living in the 
Dorchester district of Boston." 

Dr. Abbott was everywhere welcomed in the town, 
and his good offices as peacemaker were often sought. 
He had one parishioner who frequently quarreled 
with his wife, and who, disregarding the figurative 
meaning of his pastor's advice, to " throw water on 
the fire," obeyed it literally, drenching his wife with 
a full bucket, the next time she scolded. 

When the good parson chided him, telling him the 
woman was the weaker vessel, and should be 
cherished, he retorted: "The weaker vessel, is she; 
then, blast her, let her carry less sail ! " 

A gradual divergence from the tenets of the original 
church took place during Dr. .Vbbott's ministry, and 
his successor, the Rev. Christojilier T. Thayer, was 
settled over the first parish as a Unitarian, by a vote 
of two to one, January 27, 1830. .Mr. Thayer, though 



714 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



coining to Beverly from Lancaster, was a descendant 
of Andrew Elliot, our first town clerk. He was a 
graduate of Harvard (1824), always interested in the 
welfare of the town during his pastorate, and the 
author of a valuable contribution to its history — a 
"Bi-Centennial Address,'' on the two hundredth an- 
niversary of the formation of the First Church. He 
retired in 1859, followed by the best wishes of all his 
townspeople, and passed his remaining days in Bos- 
ton, where he died June 23, 1880, at his residence on 
Beacon Street, and was buried in Mount Auburn Ceme- 
tery. Mr. Thayer served as chairman of the School 
Committee many years, and at his death left a legacy 
of five thousand dollars to the church. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. John C. Kimball, a 
native of Ipswich, and graduate of Cambridge Theo- 
logical School, the period of whose pastorate was 
eleven years, and who has since preached in Oregon, 
Newport, R. I. and Hartford, Conn. 

In 1872 (March 7), Rev. Ellery Channing Butler 
was settled over this church, the ninth in the line of dis- 
tinguished ministers, beginning with Rev. John Hale. 
Mr. Butler was born in Otego, N. Y., and is a grad- 
uate of Meadville College, Pa. Under him the parish 
continnes in a prosperous condition, the present con- 
gregation numbering two hundred and eighty fami- 
lies. 

The First Meeting-house. — The first house of 
worship was erected as early as 1656, a rude structure, 
which answered the needs of the people until 1682, 
when a new building was raised, fifty by forty feet, 
which stood on the site of the present church. It was 
used as a town-house also, and as no fires were allowed 
in the meeting-houses of those days, it was considered 
the safest depository for the town ammunition, a pow- 
der-room in it having been built in 1727. 

In 1770 a third meeting-house was erected, on the 
site of the second, and is at present standing, having 
been enlarged in 1785, remodeled in 1835 and again 
some twenty years ago. 

Its first bell was brought by Capt. Lothrop, from 
Port Royal, in 1656 ; this was rejilaced by another in 
1685, by yet a third in 1712, the gift of Robert Bris- 
coe, and, by the fourth one, which remains, in 1808, 
from the foundry of Paul Revere & Son. 

The first town clock was obtained in 1796, and has 
done good service for ninety years. The first parish 
meeting-house, the " Old South," is one of the land- 
marks of the town, and around it cluster associations 
that should never be dispelled. From its bell-tower, 
these many years, have rung the noon-day hour and 
the vesper peals, proclaiming the hour of nine and 
warning the youth of generation after generation of 
the time for retiring. 

The venerable sextons of the church have been, 
at times, reckoned as personages of almost as much 
importance as the ministers themselves. The first to be 
mentioned (1665), is Goodman Bailey, who received 
for his services a peck of corn annually from each 



householder; and to the emoluments of this office, in 
1680, succeeded Goodman Hoar, during whose term 
the nine o'clock bell was introduced. An important 
service of these early sextons was the turning of the 
hour-glass, as a gentle reminder to the minister that 
time was fleeting. In 1748 Josiah Woodbury held 
the office, remaining its incumbent for forty-one 
years, when he died. Wells Standley came next, in 
1790, dying in office 1797, in which year Joshua 
Wallis fell de.id while ringing the bell, and was suc- 
ceeded by Thomas Barrett. This faithful servitor 
held the position from June, 1797, to 1844, the year 
he died. Ezra Woodbury was appointed his colleague, 
in 1842, and for over thirty years attended to the va- 
rious duties, dying in January, 1876. 

The first meeting-house of the Second Parish was 
erected 1713, with a turret, but no steeple or bell. 
The Rev. Mr. Chipman was ordained 1715, and Janu- 
ary 11, 1716, the church held its first meeting. As a 
special mark of honor, in 1759, Lieut. Henry Herrick 
was invited, when he attended worship there, to 
" take the second seat on the floor before the pulpit." 
In 1771 Mr. Enos Hitchcock was settled to succeed 
Mr. Chipman, who died in 1775, and was buried in 
the old cemetery of the parish. 

In 1787 Mr. Daniel Oliver accepted a settlement 
here, but resigned in 1797, dying in Roxbury in 1840, 
at the age of eighty-nine. Mr. Moses Dow, of At- 
kinson, N. H., was the next minister, called here in 
October, 1800, ordained March, 1801, resigned 1818. 

The Rev. Humphrey C. Perley was settled here in 
1818, leaving in June, 1821, and in 1823 Mr. Ebenezer 
Poor, who retired in March, 1827. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Robinson succeeded Mr. Poor, 
in October, 1830, but was dismissed in January, 1833. 
Rev. Edwin M. Stone was pastor for thirteen years 
succeeding. Rev. Mr. Stone is the author of the ex- 
cellent " History of Beverly," published in 1842, a 
book of reference to which all writers on the subject 
must turn for exact information. Mr. Stone's pastor- 
ate began March 21, 1834, and ended in 1847. For a 
period of nearly twenty years, there was no settled 
minister here, and the church dwindled to less than a 
score of members. At the end of this time its history 
was joined to that of the Fourth Congregational, in a 
curious manner. This latter was organized 1834, and 
the Rev. John Foote installed as first minister, 1836 ; 
who was succeeded by Rev. Allen Gannet, installed 
December 15, 1847, and dismissed April 26, 1853. 

He was succeeded by J. W. Lounsbury, and he by 
Eli W. Harrington, in 1860. Rev. Mr. Harrington 
continued pastor until 1866, when the Fourth Con- 
gregational was merged in the Second, taking the name 
of the " Second Congregational Church." Rev. Mr. 
Harrington continued to reside here till 1884, though 
with no pastoral charge, active in educational work, 
when he removed to another town. In 1865 the 
church celebrated its one hundred and fiftieth anni- 
versary by a re-dedication, and began its worship in 



BEVERLY. 



ri5 



May, 1866, with Rev. Chas. S. Porter ofliciating. 
This, the Second Congregational, continues to occupy 
its original church, though the building has several 
times been altered and improved. 

Rev. Robert Southgate succeeded Mr. Porter, and 
he was followed by Rev. Wm. Phipps in 1861), Rev. 
T. D. P. Stone in 1870, the Rev. Alexander J. Ses- 
sions, installed as acting pastor, in 1872, and, since 
1876, various preachers have occupied the pulpit, it 
being filled, at present, by Rev. William Merrill. 
The church now numbers thirty-five persons, the 
parish twenty, with one hundred in the Sunday- 
school. The locality of the Second Parish (or Xorth 
Beverly) is a historic one, with its old house, the par- 
sonage of John Cliipnian (the first minister) erected 
1715, still st;tnding in good preservation, and the old 
cemetery with its ancient head-stones. 

1801.— March 25th, the First Baptist Church of 
Beverly was organized, and a meeting-house erected 
the same year, on Cabot Street, nearly opposite 
Elliot, with the Rev. Joshua Young as pa-stor. He 
departed in 1802, and in 1803, in June, he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Elisha S. Williams, a graduate of 
Yale College, who ministered until 1812, when he re- 
signed. In early life, Mr. Williams had served under 
Washington, on Long Island ; in his later years he 
returned to Beverly, and died here in 184.5, at the 
home of Mrs. Samuel S. Ober, his daughter, at the 
age of eighty-seven years, four months. 

In 1814, the Rev. Harvey Jenks, of Hudson, N. Y., 
was called to the society, but died before settlement ; 
and the next pastor ordained was Rev. Nathaniel W. 
Williams, of Salem, whose ministry extended from 
1816-24, when he resigned: in 1836 he accepted an- 
other call to the church and continued till 1840. 
His successor, in 182.5, was Rev. Francis G. Macomber, 
a graduate of Waterville College, who suddenly ex- 
pired July 1, 1827, and there was again no settled 
pastor until 1830. Then the Rev. Jonathan Aldrich 
was ordained and served till 1833, during which time 
twenty-six members of the church were dismissed, to 
form a new society at Wenham. 1834, September 
10th, the Rev. John Jennings was ordained and 
continued two years, followed by Rev. Nathaniel 
W. Williams a second time, from 1836-40. On 
November 11th, this year. Rev. Charles W. Flanders, 
a graduate of Brown University, was ordained. He 
remained ten years, but in 1850 resigned his pastor- 
ate here and afterwards occupied pulpits at Con- 
cord, N. H., Westboro', Mass., and Kennebnnk- 
port, Me. Finally returning to Beverly, he built here 
a home, doing occasional ministerial work, especially 
at the Farms, in the Second Baptist, and expired here 
AuguH 2, 1875, at the age of sixty -eight. 

In 1852 the Rev. Edwin B. Eddy was ordained, re- 
signing three years later, and in the year following, 
August 7, 1856, Rev. Josei)h C. Foster was settled 
over the church. 

During Mr. Foster's pastorate of sixteen years, 



which was a highly successful and memorable one, 
the beautiful church was erected, now occupied by 
the society, at the corner of Abbot and Cabot Streets. 

In 1837 the original church building had been 
taken down and a new one erected in a more eligible 
locality on the same street. This was several times 
enlarged and improved, and a chapel built, but the 
needs of the society demanded better accommodations, 
hence the spacious structure now in use. It is the 
finest house of worship in the town, cost forty-five 
thousand dollars, and its handsome spire is one hun- 
dred and sixty-two feet in height. 

It was built by a member of the society, master- 
builder John Jleacom, who also rebuilt the older 
structure in 1854, and who has followed his honorable 
calling here for nearly sixty years. 

Mr. Foster resigned in 1872, and was succeeded, 
for one year, by Rev. E. B. Andrews, late president 
of Denison University, Ohio, and now professor in 
Brown University, Providence, R. I. The present 
pastor, Rev. D. P. Morgan, gallantly served (as did 
Mr. Andrews) in the Union army in the War of the 
Rebellion. 

1803. — The most important ofishoot of the First 
Church was the Third Congregational, subsequently 
called and now known as the Dane Street Society. 
The church was organized November 9, 1802, incor- 
porated March 7, 1803, present name adopted in 1837. 
Their first meeting-house was raised in 1802, finished 
in December, 1803, and dedicated by the Rev. Samuel 
Worcester, of Salem. This building was altered and 
improved in 1831, but destroyed by fire in December, 
1832. In 1833 the present commodious building was 
erected, since, from time to time, enlarged and beau- 
tified in accordance with the demands of the times. 

The first minister was Rev. Joseph Emerson, born 
in Hollis, N. H., October 13, 1777, a graduate of Har- 
vard, a teacher and preacher in several places prior 
to his ordination here, September 21, 18U3. After 
thirteen successful years he resigned, his health de- 
manding a cessation of labor for awhile, and for some 
time was engaged in educational work, occasionally 
preaching in various places. He established a liter- 
ary seminary in Byfield, removing thence to Saugus, 
and later to Weatbersfield, Conn., where he died May 
13, 1833. To Beverly, where he was highly honored 
and esteemed, he frequently returned, delivering here 
several courses of historical lectures, and writing a 
memoir of Miss Fanny Woodbury, a missionary from 
this town. 

His successor was the Rev. David Oliphant, in- 
stalled February 18, 1818, and dismissed, by mutual 
council, 1833, after a long period of i)rofitable la- 
bor. He died in St. Louis, Mo., in 1871. October 
13, 1834, the Rev. Joseph Abbot was ordained, an 
occasion which witnessed also the dedication of the 
present house of n^orship. After a pastorate of thirty 
years, during which his serene and beautiful life was 
ever a beneficent presence to his people and the com- 



716 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



munity, this beloved minister was dismissed in De- 
cember, 1865. He was removed by death April 10, 
1867, at the age of fifty-eight years, eight months. 
Mr. Abbot was born in Philadelphia August 16, 
1808, and graduated from Union College, N. Y. In 
early life he studied medicine with Dr. McClellan, 
father of Gen. George B. McClellan, but became con- 
vinced that the ministry should be his calling, and 
pursued his theological .studies at Andover. He early 
became aware that he was subject to disease of the 
heart, and considered himself in the light of a "min- 
ute man," liable to call at any moment. This con- 
sciousness served to restrict his labors somewhat, and 
gave to his aspect that repose and serenity which were 
his characteristics. 

Of marked piety (says an obituary), of ripe and rare 
scholarship and culture, of a peculiarly social, amia- 
ble and genial nature, his companionship was a bene- 
diction at all times, and our community have been 
favored indeed in enjoying so much of the blessing 
of his well-spent life and labors. Able as a writer, 
and instructive and discriminating as a preacher, yet 
he published but little, although there were but few 
if any of his finished productions that would not 
have well stood the test of severe criticism. Feeling 
a deep interest in the cause of education, he aided 
many in travelling those cherished walks of literature 
in which he was so much at home, doing public serv- 
ice also as chairman, and for about a quarter of a cen- 
tury as member, of our school committee. He was, 
said his friend, Rev. J. C. Foster, a <r«e wiara. "To 
this, his whole life was a beautiful testimony. He 
was genuine and sincere, and his artlessness and 
truthfulness were uncommonly prominent. He was 
as unselfish as unpretentious, and he shrank instinct- 
ively from publicity. He did not appreciate his own 
claims to be ranked high among the strong men in 
the ministry, and his remarkably unobtrusive spirit 
would not allow him to gain the reputation abroad 
which he could have easily sustained with his supe- 
rior abilities." 

" Death did not take him by surprise ; but he had 
been looking for the event which at length came un- 
noticed by him in its actual coming, permitted as he 
was ' to wake up in glory ' from the peaceful slumber 
of the midnight hour." 

It was with diliiculty — so attached to their life-long 
teacher had become his parishioners — that an accept- 
able successor was found. 

In 1866 (February 15th) Rev. Eugene H. Titus was 
ordained, but dismissed, after an active pastorate, 
June 16, 1867. He died in Georgetown, Mass., July, 
1876. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Orpheus T. Lanphear, 
who was installed October 23, 1867. Dr. Lanphear 
was dismissed June 3, 1880, but fixed his residence in 
Beverly, in whose prosperity he has always taken a 
lively interest. In 1881 (July 7th) Rev. Samuel W. 
Eddy, a graduate of Union College, N. Y., was or- 



dained, but dismissed April 8, 1887, on accou'-t of ill 
health, to the great regret not only of his own par- 
ishioners, but the entire community as well. 

The Dane Street Society now numbers about nine 
hundred and fifty, with three hundred and forty-one 
in the church, and has a large and constantly in- 
creasing membership in its Sunday school. Its oldest 
living member is Mrs. Adeline, the widow of Rev. 
Francis Norwood, who united with the church in 
1826. 

CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED. 

1802. — Having thus outlined the history of the 
four oldest churches in Beverly, and prepared the 
way for mention of the others in sequence, attention 
will now be given again to civil affairs. The Beverly 
Bank, one of the most important of the town, was 
incorporated 1802, with capital at $160,000, reduced 
in 1815 to $100,000, but increased in 1836 to S125,000. 
Under successive charters it has continued in corpor- 
ate capacity to the present time, becoming the Bev- 
erly National Bank in 1865, with a charter for twenty 
years, renewed for twenty more in 1885, with a capi- 
tal of $200,000. Its first president was Israel Thorn- 
dike, succeeded by Moses Brown, Joshua Fisher, 
William Leach, Pyam Lovett, Albert Thorndike, 
Samuel Endicott and John Picket, names, all of 
them, synonyms for integrity, and identified with 
the town's highest interests. 

In the course of its long existence, eighty-five 
years, it has had but three cashiers: Josiah Gould, 
Albert Thorndike and Robert G. Bennett. Mr. Ben- 
nett succeeded Mr. Thorndike, when the latter was 
elected president, in 1844, and held this position of 
trust during forty-one years, when he was chosen 
treasurer of the Savings' Bank. The present cashier, 
Mr. Augustus Stevens, was connected with the bank 
thirty-one years, as teller, when he succeeded Mr. 
Bennett as cashier. 

The bank, for a long time, occupied a portion of 
the brick building at the corner of Cabot and Central 
Streets, built by John Cabot in the latter year of the 
last century, and now owned and occupied by Ed- 
ward Burley. It was, for a period, located in the 
Masonic building, but in 1885 entered into the beau- 
tiful edifice, corner of Cabot and Thorndike Streets, 
which it now occupies conjointly with the Beverly 
Savings' Bank, which built it. This latter institution 
was chartered in 1867, and has deposits to the amount 
of about a million dollars. Its president is William 
Endicott, who has held this position since 1867, as 
also has its treasurer, R. G. Bennett. The bank 
building, erected in 1885, at a cost of twenty-five 
thousand dollars, is iu the Queen Anne and Colonial 
style of architecture, of brick, with trimmings of 
freestone and is con.^idered one of the finest and 
most complete of its kind in the country. It occu- 
pies the site of the former residence of Albert Thorn- 
dike (long time cashier and president of the old 
bank), a house built above one hundred years ago. 



BEVERLY. 



117 



and once the home of Joshua Fisher, the third presi- 
.lent. 

1802. — January 20, a Soi-ial Lilirary was started, 
by subscription, with thirty-two shares at five dollars 
each, the money raised beiny; invested in valuable 
1 looks. These were selected by Joshua Fisher, Na- 
than Dane, Thomas Davis and Rev. Mr. McKean, 
and the collection steadily augmented by purchase 
and donation, amounted in 1842 to one thousand vol- 
umes. Other libraries, later established, were those 
of the Mechanics' Association and the "School Dis- 
trict.'' In 1851 the Legislature authorized towns to 
establish public libraries, and that year John I.Baker 
introduced a petition for an appropriation in the 
town-meeting, by which one hundred dollars was 
voted. It was also voted that the library be located 
in the Social Library room of the town hall. The 
first library was in the Briscoe Hall. 

Each succeeding year the town appropriated one 
hundred dollars more towards the library, until 1860, 
when the amount was increased to five hundred dol- 
lars, and since 1870 to one thousand dollars, at which 
figure it now stands. When the question was first 
discussed, some of our best citizens raised two thou- 
sand five hundred dollars by subscription ; donations 
were later made, and the interest in the subject has 
increased to the present day. 

The first trustee*, who were al-o active in securing 
the sub>criptions (aided by several ladies), were: Dr. 
Chas. Haddock, Wm.Endicott, Jr.,Chas. W.Galloupe, 
Benj. O. Peirce, Richard P. Waters. The present 
trustees are: Wm. C. Boyden, president; Franklin 
Leach, secretary ; Joseph D. Tuck, treasurer ; Edward 
Giddings and Wm. R. Driver. A new trustee is 
elected each year ; Mr. Tuck has been re-elected for 
nearly thirty years, and Mr. Leach twenty-five. Un- 
der the intelligent supervision of its trustees the li- 
brary has prospered exceedingly, containing to-day 
over ten thousand volumes and proving itself a ne- 
cessity to all, only limited in its beneficent work by 
the scantiness of the a])pro|iriations. It is open to 
the public every week day afternoon, and Saturday 
evenings. 

1806. — Mi.ss Elizabeth Champney, daughter of the 
third pastor of the First Churcti, and for many years 
a successful teacher, died, April 2.3d, aged sixty-six. 

1807. — The Beverly Charitable Society (already 
mentioned), was incorporated. The town was called 
to lament the death of Dr. Elisha Whitney. The 
sons of Dr. Whitney became world-famous as mer- 
chants and ship owners, and his descendants to-day 
maintain in Beverly the honorable name of their dis- 
tinguished ancestor. 

An old soldier, in the person of Capt. George Ray- 
mond, died this year, aged ninety-nine years, having 
been born December 21, 1707. He was in the expe- 
dition to Cape Breton, and in 1770, as ai)i)ears by the 
records, was moderator of a town-meeting assembled 
f ir the purpose of condtmtjing the use of tea by patriots. 



1808. — Joseph Wood, who died this year, at the 

age of sixty eight, was a survivor of the Committee 
of Correspondence during the Revolution, in 1778 a 
member of the convention for ratifying the United 
States Constitution and from 1771 to the day of his 
death held the office of town cleric, discharging every 
public duty with conspicuous fidelity. 

1809. — The Beverly Marine Insurance Company 
was chartered, with a capital of (Uie hundred thou- 
sand dollars. Its rooms were in the building then 
occupied by the bank. 

1809. — December 10, Josiah Batchelder, jr., expired, 
aged seventy-three. From his tombstone standing 
in the Second Cemetery, we learn that, "The whole 
assemblage of associate virtues, which so superlatively 
exalt the Christian and endear hira to society, his 
friends and his God, conspired to portray in the liveli- 
est colors the character to whose memory this stone 
is sacred." 

A curious oflicial paper is preserved by one of our 
citizens, as follows : 

"To Josiah Batchelder jr., Esqr. one of tlie Justices assigned to keep 
the Peace in and for the County of Essex. — Ebenezer W'oodbury, of 
Beverly, gentleman, in the county aforesaid, on oath informs the said 
Justice, that on tlie first day of February, instant, and ou divers other 
days, in the night time, the following Goods, viz : live poclts of Indian 
Corn. & one canvas bag, two bushels & one half Bushel of meal, and two 
Bags (one of said bags being of plain coarse Cloth and marked J. R.) all 
which were stolen and carried away from the Grist Jlill then in the cai-e 
& occupation of the said Ebenezer Woodbury — the first mentioned corn 
and bag the property of Benj" Butman ; 5 pecks of llie meal A the bag, 
marked E W'., is the property of Elizabeth Woodbury, widow; Si 5 
j)ecUs of the meal and the bag inarkVI J. K. was tlie property of Joseph 
Kea of s'd Beverly, Gentleman,— of the value of twenty-four shillings & 
nine pence, the property of the said Benj* Rutman Eliz" Woodbury & J. 
Ray— were feloniously stolen, taken and carried away from the Grist 
Mill of the said Ebenezer, & others, now in the occupation of s'd Eben'r 
at Beverly, as aforesaid, and that tlley, and he, hath jirobable cause to 
suspect, aud doth suspect, that one Jl'i'lTER BlUNN, of Beverly, in the 
county of Essex, labourer, "did steal, take, aud carry away, the same 
goods, as aforesaid, and prays that he, the said Jupiter Buun, may be 
apprehended, and held to answer to this complaint, and further dealt 
with, relative to the same, according to law ; and the said Eben'r saith 
that he hath cause to suspect, and doth suspect, that the aferesaid corn, 
meal, etc., are secreted in the dwelling-house of one .-Vnthoney, aud 
prays for a Warrant to search there for the sjinie." 

" Received and sworn to on the seventeenth day of February, a. p. 1794, 
before me, Josi. Batcheldbk, Jr., 

Justice of the Peace." 

A nd the sherifl'of said County of Essex is instructed, 
forthwith to apprehend said Ju|iiter Bunn, and bring 
him l)efiire said Josi Batchekk-r ; from which it is in- 
ferred that said Bunn was apprehended, and had good 
cause to repent his misdeed. 

There are some grounds for believing that Jupiter 
Bunn was not the guilty party, since he was at one 
time a trusted servant in one of the first families of 
Beverly. In the possession of Mii-s Hannah Rantoul 
is an antique chair, which once belonged to the fami- 
ly referred to, and which was always called " Jupi- 
ter's chair," because this individual .always insisted 
upon occupying it, refusing to sit in any other. 

In January, 1852, there died here a native of Africa 
named Phyllis Cave, aged ninety, who was the sister 
of Jupiter Bunn. She is remembered as a faithful 



718 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and devoted servant, by Mr. Eantoul, in his " Eemi- 
niscences," who states that she, when a child, was 
sold to a Mr. Cave, of Middleton, who paid for her 
in iron, and took her in his chaise from Salem to 
Middleton. 

She came to this town about the beginning of the 
Revolutionary war, and maintained herself by labor. 
"She resided upon that portion of the old Gloucester 
road, now traversed by the railroad, between Pride's 
Crossing and West's Beach, and habitually, within a 
few years of her death, walked by starlight from this 
point to the town, some four miles distant, whenever 
she had a day's work to perform, that she might be 
ready to begin her labors with the sun." 

1810, — The Earliest Sunday- School in New 
England. — At the close of the Revolutionary war, 
that sturdy privateersman and patriot. Captain Hugh 
Hill, then in the emplo)' of Messrs. John and An- 
drew Cabot, sailed for Ireland, with the intention of 
bringing to Beverly his brother James and family. 
On the return voyage to Philadelphia, on board the 
ship "Rambler," in the Delaware River, Hannah 
Hill was born, September 17th, 1784. And this 
daughter of James and Elizabeth Hill, in connection 
with Miss Joanna B. Prince, established, in the year 
1810, the first Sunday-school in America, for the reli- 
gious instruction of the young. Misses Hill and 
Prince both taught private schools during the week, 
and in the summer of 1810, they gathered a company of 
about thirty neglected children, who were accustomed 
to play about the wharves on the Sabbath, in a cham- 
ber of Miss Prince's house, corner of Davis and Front 
streets, and taught them that knowledge which is be- 
yond all price. Tliis later grew into a school for 
children of all families. Miss Hill is described by a 
person who knew her as a woman of great originality, 
intellectual and scholarly, possessing a lively interest 
in children. It was said by Dr. Peabody, at the fif- 
tieth anniversary of the school, that he was a pupil 
In her class in Sunday-school for several years, and 
that later in life, at her earnest solicitation, he gave 
her lessons in Greek, so that she had the satisfaction 
of reading the New Testament in the very language 
in which it was written. Miss Hill continued her 
connection with Sunday school work until her death, 
which occurred in 1838, at the age of fifty-three 
years. She lies in the Dane Street Cemetery, where 
her grave-stone may still be seen. 

Miss Joanna B. Prince was born in Castine, Jle., 
February 23, 1789, and removed to Beverly, the na- 
tive home other mother, with her parents during her 
childhood. She was a person of entirely different 
temperament from Miss Hill, but like her, delighted 
in doing good. In 1819 she married Ebenezer Everett, 
and removed to Brunswick, Me., where she died, Sep- 
tember 5, 1859. Her son. Professor C. Carrol Everett, 
is now Dean of Harvard Divinity School. 

The school, after its formation, was removed to the 
house of Colonel Abraham Edwards, thence to the 



brick school-house in the south district, the Dane 
Street Chapel, the Briscoe School-house, and finally, 
about 1819, to the First Pariah Church. It is proba- 
ble, says Robert R. Endicott, (from whose report as 
superintendent of this school in 1885, this account is 
mainly taken), that the children who attended the 
school at the start had no church connection, but as 
the school widened its sphere and increased its num- 
bers it embraced scholars and teachers from the var- 
ious parishes in town. In the year 1819, the Dane 
Street and the First Baptist societies organized par- 
ish schools, and from that time to the present the 
various societies have formed schools under their own 
organizations. 

On the 4th of July, 1842, a union celebration was 
held on the Town-Hall square, 1,123 scholars and 
teachers being present ; and in 18fi0 occurred the 
Fiftieth Anniversary, with large floral processions, 
music, a collation on the common, under a mammoth 
tent, and addresses by distinguished speakers. The 
Eightieth Anniversary, doubtless, will find within 
the limits of the United States, 100,000 Sunday- 
schools, 10,000,000 scholars, and a million teachers. 

1812. — The manufacture of Britannia ware was 
begun here, the first in America, by Israel Trask. 

Throughout the years 1809, '10, '12 and '14, the 
citizens of Beverly entered frequent and eloquent 
protests against the embargo, and restrictive laws of 
that period, which eventually (as they had foreseen) 
destroyed the commerce it had taken a hundred 
years of self-sacrifice to found and maintain. 

In the petition of 1812, it is stated: "They find 
themselves totally deprived of their commerce, coast- 
ing-trade and fisheries, even in their own bays and 
harbors within the State, by the restrictive laws 
of the Union, and another embargo, which, for sever- 
ity and oppression, is without precedent." 

But, though finding themselves plunged into a con- 
flict they could not conscientiously approve, they yet 
contributed soldiers for the manning of the ancient 
breastworks and sailors for service by sea. 

The surviving sailors, some of them, can be remem- 
bered by the jiresent generation, the last having 
passed away within the past decade. 

Under act of Congress, March 9, 1878, pensions 
were granted to those who had served in the war of 
1812 ; and in June, 1879, the venerable Stephens 
Baker wrote an account of the militia and the pen- 
sioners, from which the following is an extract : In 
this town, the first coast guard consisted of a ser- 
geant's guard of fifteen men, with a sergeant and two 
musicians. The place of meeting was in front of 
the First Parish meeting-house. On the alarm being 
given, their location was at Hospital Point. 

There were three companies of militia in the time of 
the war, in which were enrolled some three hundred 
and fifty men. The North Beverly Company was 
commanded by Abraham Lord, with I->rael Trask, 
second lieutenant; the Cove and Farms Company by 



BEVERLY. 



(ID 



Aaron Foster, with Jona. Foster, lieutenant. The 
company in the centre of the town, in which were 
nearly half of all the men enrolled, was commanded 
by Capt. Nathaniel Lamson, John Davis, lieutenant; 
.lames Hill, ensign, Isaac (iallop, .Jonathan Stickney, 
Thomas Farris and Stephens Baker, sergeants, with 
the latter recording clerk. Ebenezer Trask and Rob- 
ert Cary were the musicians. This company attended 
a regimental muster in Danvers numbering one hun- 
dred and sixty-five muskets, three commissioned offi- 
cers, four sergeants, four corporals and two musicians. 

They were under excellent discipline and consid- 
ered one of the best companies in the State. But 
three of this company were known (by Mr. Baker) to 
lie living in 1879,— Thos. Farris (died 1882, aged 
ninety), S. P. Lovett (died recently), and Stephens 
Baker (died 1883, aged ninety one years, ten months), 
and four of the company commanded by Capt. Fos- 
ter, — Eben Ray, Peter Corning, Joseph Russell and 
.Jesse Woodbury. The following persons received 
pensions under the act of 78: Stephens Baker, Peter 
Corning, Samuel P. Lovett, Joseph Russell, Eben 
Ray. Fourteen willows are enumerated as entitled to 
pensions, several of whom died after application had 
been made, and several other applications were pend- 
ing. But two survive. Many sailors from Beverly 
were taken prisoners in that war, John Bradshaw, 
who died 1880, aged ninety-three ; and James Stone 
died 1881, aged ninety-one, were both confined as 
jirisoners at Bermuda, and both returned to lieverly 
to live many years. I'eter Honian died 1871, aged 
ninety-one, Jacob Grace died lS7ti, aged ninety-six, 
.John Bradshaw in 1880, at ninety-three. Of the 
widows of 1812 veterans but two are living. One of 
these, Mrs. Nancy Trowt, who lives at the Farms, is 
active and cheerful, at ninety years of age. 

The Dartmoor prisoners surviving in 1866, from a 
list furnished at that time by Mr. James Brazil : 

James Brazil, died lS7'.i ; Joseph Robinson, died 181)8 ; James Bri;int, 
died 181)7; NaUuiniel Rol)eit», died Feb. lOtli, 1871; lienj. Briant, died 
Oct. 5, 1874 ; Dixey Woodbury, died 1861. 

DECEASED. 

John BridReg, Josluia Ellingwood, Joseph Givens, John Udson, Isaac 
I.akenian, John Wyer, John Dempsey, Moses Green, Benj, Elliot, Asa 
.\ndrew6, Jaa. Andrews, .Tedediah Stiles, William Young.t .loliu Ayers, 

Sam'l Bartlett, Hodgdon, Edw. Pousland.l Capt. John tiiddings, 

.\mo8 Stickney, Thos. Roberts, "Wm. Glover, Edw. Stone, Robert Clax- 
ton, Josiah Pickett, Archibald Dale, Larry Osborne, James Burke, Scipio 
Bartlett, Joa. "Wyer, Richard Vitkary, Robert Grimes. 

There were many veterans and pensioners scattered 
throughout the town, and of the local "characters," 
" Uncle " Peter Woodbury is one of the best remem- 
bered. He was a sailor ou board the " Constitution," 
and lost his thumb while at the helm during a fight, 
by having it struck by a splinter. Another veteran 
was .John Crampsey, who had both arms shot oflT at 
the shoulders, and who was yet an expert fisherman 
in later life. 

1814. — Of the momentous events ot tlie war-period, 

1 Died in prison. 



a large number of our aged citizens yet retain vivid 
recollections. The battle between the Chesapeake 
and .Shannon was witnessed from many house-tops, 
and the excitement in town was intense. An inci- 
dent that brought the vicissitudes of the war home 
to our doors, was the chasing a>hore of a schooner 
belonging to Manchester, by a barge load of sailors 
from a British man-of-war, who destroyed her cargo 
and set her on fire. The flames were extinguished 
by the rallying inhabitants of the shore, but vessel 
and cargo were a total loss. Great alarm spread 
throughout the country, and a town meeting was 
promptly called to provide for the protection of our 
coast. This event is remembered and vividly narrated 
by .several of our venerable citizens. 

The arrival of the artillery company from Danvers 
(which, with others from Haverhill and Methuen, was 
stationed here for a period), and which he followed 
to its station at Hospital Point, is distinctly remem- 
bered by one. At the alarm, his grandfather hastily 
entered the room in which he was sleeping, strapped 
powder-horn and accoutrements, seized his musket 
and ran out to join with his fellow-citizens in repell- 
ing the anticipated inviision. He was followed by 
the boy of seven, who, now a man of eighty years, 
gives this narrative to the w'riter. 

The affair is remembered also by William Endi- 
cott, now eighty-eight years old, by Richard Clark, 
eighty-six, and by several others. Mr. Clark was 
working in a garden above the beach itself when the 
schooner was driven ashore, and stayed to watch pro- 
ceedings until the flying bullets drove him behind a 
house. He saw one of the English sailors climb the 
rigging and cut a strip of canvas out of the topsail, 
and remembers that he thought him an excellent 
mark for a bullet and wondered they had not shot 
him. 

Mr. Clark's father was in a priv.ateer in the Revo- 
lutionary war commanded by Captain Herbert Wood- 
bury. Their vessel was taken by an English brig of 
fourteen guns, which they retook and brought safely 
to an American port. The first American ancestor 
of the Trowts — the widow of whose son, Mrs. Nancy, 
over ninety years old, draws a pension for her hus- 
band's services in the war of 1812 — came here as one 
of the prisoners. 

Richard Clark, Sr., who was then quite young, took 
his share of the prize money and went to school. It 
was just after the War of 1812, says Mr. Clark, 
that the most money was made b_v the fishermen, as 
for so long a period the embargo had kept their ves- 
sels in port and prices were high. He went fishing 
twenty-five summers, beginning when a mere boy, 
and distinctly remembers landing at " Col. Hale's 
garden," at Cape Breton. 

In the procession on Memorial Day, 1874, walked 
two veterans of 1812 — Thomas Farris and Thomas 
Pickett, — who were once shopmates with .lohii Smith, 
a survivor of the Chesapeake engagement, and known 



720 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



as "Chesapeake John," who lived in Beverly and 
worked at cabinet-making. 

In consequence of this occurrence (at Mingo's 
Beach), writes Robert Rantoul, in his " Reminis- 
cences," " a town-meeting w\is held on Saturday, 
June 11th, and measures were taken to procure from 
the State field-pieces of cannon, ammunition, etc., 
for the defence of the town. A number of persons 
were associated together as artillery men, and on the 
17ih of June, at a meeting held for the purpose, 
Nicholas Thorndike was chosen captain, I was chosen 
first lieutenant, and Benj. Brown, Jr., 2d lieut. Fre- 
quent meetings were held to exercise with the two 
brass six-pounders, which the State had furnished. 
The number of persons associated was fifty-four. 
We turned out twice on alarms that the British were 
landing, which proved to be groundless, and met 
frequently for practice until February 13, 1815, when 
information was received that a treaty of peace had 
been signed at Ghent, 24th Dec, 1814. In the after- 
noon of the day of the receipt of this news, the com- 
pany assembled, and, dragging the cannon to the 
Watch-house Hill, near Hale St., fired a salute of 18 
gnns, under my command, Capt. Thorndike being out 
of town." 

1815. — Celebration of the peace, February 22, 
1815 : 

" The town of Beverly, tho' almost bent to the ground by the pressure 
of the times, has not lost its elasticity. True to their principles, the in- 
habitants have never engaged in a War which they believed to be ini- 
pulitic and unjust. They have undergone their full share of suffering in 
a variety of forms, from the interruption of business and loss of property, 
to the alarms of threatened attack and actual aggressions on their shores 
by the enemy. The intelligence of the Peace found them almost in de- 
spondency, fur that blessing was supposed to be still distant. The change 
from that despondency to excess of joy can only be described by an 
appeal to the feelings of every patriotic bosom on the occasion. Indi- 
vidual pleasure was expressed by congratulations, and countenances once 
more illuminated with smiles, whilst reiterated huzzas were at once the 
effect and btimulus of their united rejoicings. A large sled fancifully 
dressed with the national colours was soon manned with a crew of gal- 
lant seamen, and dispatched through the street with the intelligence. 

" Tiie assembled people flew to the gun-house, dragged tlie heavy 
artillery to the top of the highest hill, and, amidst the peals of bells, fired 
salutes which proclaimed the pleasure they felt. lu the evening, the 
destruction by fire of the dwelling-house of an unfortunate citizen, sus- 
pended for a while the natural joy, which had begun to flow from the 
domestic circle. 

"On Wednesday, the 22d iust., when the memory of Washington was 
again associated with peace, in conformity to previous arrangements, the 
inhabitants, at an early hour, assembled at the Bank, where, after listen- 
ing to the official declaration of Peace, read by the first Marshal, they 
were escorted in procession to the South Meeting-house. A large con- 
course of people was assembled. The Rev. Mr. Emerson read appropriate 
scriptural selections, and then addressed the God of Peace with mingled 
eff"usiun8 of patriotism and devotion. An elegant and interesting address 
was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Abbot, with his characteristic energy and 
propriety of manner, followed by a pertinent concluding pi-ayer by the 
Rev. Mr. Whiting. Select pieces of music were well performed by an 
uncommonly numerous choir under the direction of Mr. Isaac Flagg. 
Tho bells were rung and salutes fired by the two artillery companies of 
exempts, at sunrise and during the moving of the procession. The eseort 
honors were handsomely performed by the Light Infantry company, 
commanded by Capt, Wni. Thorndike, which on this occasion made its 
first public appearance ; and all the proceedings were conducted with the 
attention and decorum due to the day. After the public performances, a 
large number of the citizens dined together in the town hall ; Moses 
Brown Esq., was elected their President, and Nicholas Thorndike, Na- 



thaniel Goodwin, and Josiah Gould, Esqrs., Vice-Presidenta. A large 
number of patriotic toasts circulated with the glass, and the company 
separated at a seasonable hour, after a temperate foretaste of the blessings 
of Peace. In the evening, tho Bank and several conspicuous private 
buildings were neatly illuminated." 

Among the twenty " patriotic toasts circulated with 
the glass," at this "temperate foretaste," are a few 
which, like the above-quoted description, give us an 
insight of the times, the motives for action, and the 
prevailing condition of affairs. 

"(1.) The Treaty of Ghent — The last seal to a universal Peace through- 
out Christendom — Woe to its wanton disturbers ! 

"(4.) The Union of the States— May it be perpetuated by impartial 
laws, and a comiuunion of rights, and undisturbed bj- local jealousies. 

*'(5.) His Excellency, Caleb Strong — May we never forget, that 
though we have felt the inconveniences of War, it is to him we o^e our 
preservation from it3 horrors, 

*'{G) The Nations of Europe— Our joy at Uieir emancipation is no 
longer clouded liy fear for ourselves. 

" (8.) The Fisheries : the Grand Bank — May its charter be perpetuated 
and its capital unlimited. 

" (9.) The American Navy — Its well-deserved glory points to the only 
field where 'Sailors' Rights' should ever be defended, 

" (10.) Our Army — Having gathered a full harvest of honor, in defence 
of our own territory, may it never have occasion to glean in the field of 
our neighbors." 

Among the '' volunteers," we find: 

" By Joshua Fisher : The Fisheries — ' Free-trade and sailors' rights ' — 
IMay they not be abandoned by our Government, although forgotten by 
our Envoys. 

"By C(l. Francis: May party spirit subside, and true patriotism 
revive. 

"By Eben'r Everett, Esrj. : The Emperor of all Elba — We come to 
bury Cffisar, not to praise him." 

1818. — The town voted to purchase a hearse. 

1820. — Four delegates were elected to attend the 
convention of five hundred met for amending the con- 
stitution, — Nathan Dane, Robert Rantoul, John Low 
and Rev. Nathaniel W. Williams. 

1824, August 31st. — The great event of this year 
was the reception to General Lafayette, who passed 
through the town (August 31st) on his grand tour 
through the country. A salute of thirteen guns on 
Ellingwood Point announced his approach; anarch 
spanned the bridge, decorated with flowers and flags, 
and inscribed: *' Welcome, Lafayette, the man whom 
we delight to honor! " 

He was welcomed in a brief but eloquent address by 
the Hon. Robert Rantoul, to which he feelingly re- 
plied, and then continued his journey. Many people 
yet residing with us remember the visit of Lafayette, 
and all allude to the day as having been exception- 
ally rainy. The following is Mr. Rantoul's account 
of the visit, taken from his *' Reminiscences," pub- 
lished in the Essex Institute "Historical Collec- 
tions : " 

*' A committee of arrangements was constituted to prepare for his re- 
ception. This committee invited me to make an address to him. Ha 
was BO situated, in regard to his stopping at Salem and at Ipswich, that 
ho could not alight here ; it was therefore arranged that he should stop 
with the escort and cavalcade in front of the bank-house on (Jabot St., 
and receive the address in his coach. When he arrived at the proposed 
place there was a heavy shower of rain ; his coach stopped abreast the 
front door of the house, the door of his carriage was thrown open, and 
I proceeded in the midst of the heavy rain from the door of the house to 



BEVERLi'. 



72] 



the side of the coach, having first secured Xathaniel Lnmaon to hold an 
umbrella over nie. I stood ip the watt-r with my hat uiiiler my arm, and 
ri'a<i the address I had prepared, tu wliicti he made a reply ; but Ids for- 
eign accent, the excitement of the occjiaion and my perturbation pre- 
vented me from fully understanding it. This being accomplished, tho 
cavalcade moved on for Ipswich, amidst the cheei-s of those assembled 
around the bank, and the pelting of a drenching rain/' 

In 182-1 was established the Liberty Lodge of Free- 
mrt.soiis, with Coliinel Jesse Sheldon as its first master, 
and Stephens Baker as secretary. This lodge has 
flourished from the first, and now eintiraces many of 
our leading citizens. 

In 1867 the Masons erected a large brick building 
at the corner of Cabot and Washington Streets, 
which was then considered the finest of its class in 
town, and cost over twenty thousand dollars. The 
Amity Chiipter of Royal Arch Masons was chartered 
subseijuently, and occupies the hall, while stores and 
numerous offices absorb the space of the first and sec- 
ond floors. 

1826.— -May 15th the town lost a valued citizen by 
the death of Dr. Abner Howe, who was born in .Taf- 
frey, N. H., 1781, and graduated from Dartmouth in 
1801. He wa.s eminently successful as a physician, 
and interested in public and private charities and 
the schools. The house he lived in, on Washington 
Street, is now occupied by his son, Captain Octavius 
Howe. 

1827. — Captain John Low, a one-time resident of 
Beverly, who died in Lyman, Maine, in his eighty- 
second year, raised a company here for the Continen- 
tal army at the commencement of the Revolution, and 
at one time kept a public house near the ferry land- 
ing. 

1829. —At the Farms, this year, a church was or- 
ganized, and the Rev. Benjamin Knight ordained 
pastor, September 2d. It started as a '' Christian '' 
Church, but afterwards became, under the lead of 
Mr. Knight, united with the Baptist denomination in 
1834. The cost of its first house of worship, which 
was built of bricks from the old factory at North 
Beverly, was one thousand six hundred dollars, and 
it was dedicated February 23, 1830. In 1831 it was 
presented, by the First Church, with a silver tankard, 
as a token of its love and good-will. Mr. Knight 
severed his pastoral relations with the church in 1831, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Gilbert, then by Rev. 
P. P. Sanderson, March, 1840-42 ; Rev. Sumner 
Hale, 1842-47; Rev. C. W. Redding, 1848-56; Rev. 
Samuel Brooks, 1857-60 ; various " supply s" 
from 1860-67; Rev. J. W. Lothrop, 1867-70 ; Rev. 
Chas. W. Flanders, 1870-74; Rev. C. W. Redding. 
1874-81, when he resigned, ou account of ill health, 
but still resides at the Farms; Rev. E. M. Shaw, 1881 
-84 ; Rev. J. D. Smith, 1885-86 ; Rev. T. R. Reed, 
stated supply from October, 1886, to present date. 
The present church was erected in 1843-44, at a cost 
of five thousand dollars. 

1829-30. — About this time, says the annalist of 
Salem, the spirit for lyceums broke forth, and a con- 
40 



vention was held in Topsfield to found a county ly- 
ceum. This most valuable method of disseminating 
knowledge was publicly advocated in this town, and 
the Beverly Lyceum was one of the very first estab- 
lished, by independent etTort of its citizens. As 
early as 1830, '31 and '32, Robert Rantoul, Sr., deliv- 
ered before it his lectures on local history, which 
formed the basis of Stone's work ou Beverly. During 
the twenty years and more of its existence, it was 
ably supported, and many famous names appear 
among the lecturers on its platform. It is recorded 
that Horace Greeley and Elihu Burritt each re- 
ceived fifteen dollars for a lecture, and that the 
former was very much surprised to receive an invita- 
tion to appear a second time. George Bancroft, 
Wendell Phillips, Chas. Sumner and Theodore Park- 
er, received twelve dollars each. Ex-President 
John Q. Adams lectured here, as also Miss Lucy 
Stone, Wilson Flagg, Robert Rantoul, Jr., Mr. Thorn- 
dike, Dr. W. C. Boyden, Dr. Augustus Torrey and 
others of our townsmen. 

Owing to the rise of rival a.ssociations, the old Ly- 
ceum lo.st support, but the impulse toward this form 
of intellectual recreation continued, and has been 
sustained to the present day. 

In the Athena;um course of 1860 lectured Nath'l 
P. Banks, Josiah Quincy, Jr., Dr. R. H. Neale and 
six others, while invitations were extended to Wen- 
dell Phillips, Dr. T. D. Anderson and John G. Saxe. 

Of late years, the most active promoter of lectures 
here have been the oflBcers of the Royal Arcanum, 
led by Austin D. Whitcomb. 

The earliest lyceum lectures were held in the Bris- 
coe Hall, and the later ones principally in the large 
hall of the town-house. 

1830-31. — The introduction of coal into this town 
began about this time. In October, 1831, Messrs. 
Pickett & Edwards carted two thousand seven hun- 
dred and ninety pounds of coal to the hay-scales 
near the Old South, to be weighed, and then to the 
house of Jonathan Batchelder; and also other small 
lots to a few other individuals. October, 1834, forty- 
seven tons were landed here from a vessel, of which 
Capt. Stephen Woodbury was master. This lot was 
sold to forty-three different persons in the space of 
eleven and one-half months. It came in large blocks, 
and had to be broken up with the top-maul or a.xe, 
to prepare it for the stove. JIany weary, fretful hours 
(says Mr. Pickett), were spent in trying to make the 
"strange stuff " burn ; some would finally give it up 
in despair, but others persevered and made it a suc- 
cess. At present, it is estimated, twelve thousand 
tons are aunually consumed. 

Fuel at first came (after the home supply became 
diminished) from the forests of Maine; but even 
these are now exhausted, and wood is brought from 
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

1833. — The Beverly Academy, projected as a i)ri- 
vate school by an association of gentlemen became. 



722 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



although its existence was relatively brief, an impor- 
tant factor in the intellectual development of the 
town. 

In May of this year, the association purchased 
land on the northeasterly side of Washington Street, 
and erected a building in which, June 17th, a school 
was opened, with Abiel Abbott, of Wilton, N. H., as 
principal, and Miss Mary R, Peabody assistant. 

Chas. A. Peabody, of Tain worth, N. H. (since a 
judge and a prominent citizen of New York City), 
succeed Mr. Abbott for one term, next year, when Ed- 
ward Bradstreet assumed the position, retaining it 
till June 30, 1836. 

A year previous, January 30, 1835, an act of incor- 
poration had been obtained by Elliot Woodbury, Jo- 
siah Lovett 2d, Michael Whitney and their associates 
and successors, as the Beverly Academy. 

The officers of the Institution elected February 
18, 1835, as trustees, were : Robert Kantoul, Josiah 
Lovett 2d, Elliott Woodbury, Albert Thorndike, 
William Endicott, with Wm. Enrticott treasurer, and 
Stephens Baker clerk. 

Between the years 1836-41, Thos. B. Webb was 
principal, followed by Edward Appleton, a Cam- 
bridge graduate of 1835. Valued assistants under 
Mr. West were: Miss Ann W. Abbott, Miss Mary 
Williams and Miss Mary T. Weld. 

After Mr. Appleton came John F. Nourse, from 
January, 1844, to August, 1847, with exception of two 
terms, taught by James W. Boyden. 

From September, 1847, to November, 1854, Issachar 
Lefavour was principal, with Miss Phojbe E. Abbott 
as assistant. Mr. Lefavour, a graduate of Amherst 
College, who began teaching in Beverly, in 1834. in 
the old school-house at the Cove, purchased the 
Academy building in 1848. The building was then 
situated on the corner of Brown and Washington 
Streets, but was removed thence, and is now occupied 
as a shoe factory, on Park Street. Mr. Lefavour was 
the last to maintain the Academy here, and in 1855 
accepted a situation as principal of the Ipswich Gram- 
mar School, where he taught without interruption 
nineteen years. He always remained a citizen of 
Beverly, however, and still maintains, after half a 
century of valuable service, an undiminished interest 
in the cause of education. A short-lived academical 
school was opened previous to the above mentioned, 
in a building on Washington Street, since removed to 
Beckford Street, where it was used as the Ryal-Side 
School-House, but now owned and occupied as a 
dwelling-house. 

1834.— February 21st, the Beverly Anti-Slavery 
Society was formed. There died in Camden, Maine, 
December 10, 1834, a native of Beverly, Mr. Robert 
Thorndike, at the age of one hundred years and five 
months. 

1835. — On February 5th Nathan Dane departed 
this life, who was born in Ipswich December 27, 1752. 
Another lawver of local eminence, who at one time 



studied in the office of Mr. Dane, closely followed 
him at his departure, — William Thorndike, born in 
Beverly January, 1795, died July 12, 1835. He fitted 
for college at Phillips Academy in Exeter, and grad- 
uated with distinction from Harvard in 1813. He 
was admitted to the Essex bar in 1816, and com- 
m enced the practice of law in Bath, Me., but in a 
few years returned to his native town to engage in 
mercantile pursuits. Here he was elected to fill posi- 
tions of trust and honor; he pronounced the Fourth 
of July oration of 1816, was a representative at Gen- 
eral Court in 1826 and '27, and a senator in 1828 and 
four years succeeding, during the last of which he 
was president of the Senate. He was for several 
years superintendent of the First Parish Sunday- 
school, and at his death at the head of financial in- 
stitutions in Boston. 

A noteworthy celebration of America's independ- 
ence was that of this year's anniversary, on the occa- 
sion of which Edward Everett delivered the oration, 
taking for his theme the early life of George Wash- 
ington. 

An immense audience greeted him in the Dane 
Street Church meeting-house, where, for an hour and 
a half, they had the enviable pleasure of listening to 
this distinguished orator. After the intellectual feast 
had concluded, the citizens of the town, with invited 
guests, repaired to the Common, where a pavilion had 
been erected, and there sat down to a substantial din- 
ner. Robert Rantoul, Sr., presided, and among the as- 
sembled participants were twelve Revolutionary sol- 
diers, probably the last survivors of those gallant sons 
of liberty our town had provided in such numbers. 
Although many toasts were drunk, it is related that 
the president of the occa-ion and many influential 
citizens set a commendable example of total absti- 
nence from intoxicants. 

Among the toasts was one to the "orator of the 
day," responded to by Mr. Everett in his happiest 
vein: — 

'* The orator of the day : The union of geniue, talents and industry, 
regulated by virtuous principle, will always command respect and es- 
teem from a free and enlightened community. The power of eloquence, 
when employed to promote harmony, union and peace among friends 
and neighbors, excites the most grateful feelings and merits the warm- 
est praise." 

Josiah Lovett, 2d, was chairman of the committee 
of fourteen who so wisely conceived and ably elabor- 
ated the plan of the celebration, and the Beverly 
Light Infantry did escort duty on the occasion. There 
is a tradition current now, at this date fifty years re- 
moved from the event, that there was prospect of the 
festivities being interrupted, early in the day, by the 
appearance of a "suspicious-looking Southerner," 
armed with pistols. As this gentleman made earnest 
enquiry for Mr. Everett, some zealous officials 
promptly arrested him and took his pistols away from 
him. But when he was permitted to send a note to 
Mr. Everett, his identity was established as a reporter 
for the New York Herald, at all events not an enemy 



BEVERLY. 



723 



thirsting for his blood, and he was promptly discharg- 
ed and invited to the dinner. 

At a town meeting held August 20, 1835, a com- 
mittee was appointed to secure the change of location 
of the Eastern Railroad, from the east side of Essex 
Bridge (as projected) to the west, and this was com- 
plied with in 1837. 

The old ways of traveling were now to give way to 
the new method with propulsion by steam, and at 
the advent of the iron horse came the edict of ban- 
ishment for the antiquated coach and stage, with 
their numerous and interesting retinues of attendants. 
But various stage and transportation lines were kept 
up until very recent times, the hist (or one of the 
last) being Trask's stage to Gloucester, terminated 
within the memory of many of the younger genera- 
tion. 

Even this solitary representative of the past, — this 
lumbering stage with its four prancing horses and 
jolly driver, making its daily trips between Salem and 
Gloucester, awoke great interest all along the line, 
and gave us a hint of what the stage-coach must have 
been in the hey-day of its existence. 

It is a tradition, firmly believed in by all who were 
favored with a glimpse of Trask and his " turn-out," 
that the stage of ancient times was a most glorious 
thing, bright with varnish, with gorgeous landscapes 
painted on its panels, numerous straps dangling 
temptingly just out of reach of the small boy, and 
mysterious recesses within its sp.acious interior. And 
the broad-visaged, rubicund driver, with his expansive 
smile and hearty ways, his long-lashed whip that 
could easily reach a " cut behind " — but rarely did — 
he was a king on a throne, and, if he were conscious 
of the envy and .admiration he e.xcited, would cer- 
tainly have put on kingly airs. 

The last stage coach has now been relegated to the 
most neglected corner of shed and barn, its only 
occupants the feathered bipeds of the farm-yard ; for, 
even in regions remote, that were w-holly unknown 
in the days of its glory, such as Texas, California 
and the highlands of iMexico, it has been steadily 
pursued and persistently demolished by the iron 
monster — that first entered our territory as a humble 
servitor, but now threatens to crush us beneath the 
steel-shod hoofs of monoi)oly. The last of the old 
stage-drivers of the Boston line was Woodbury Page, 
who was also the first station agent here of the rail- 
road company. His old stage, " The Rambler," was 
for a long time stored in a barn on the Bancroft estate, 
which was burned to the ground, with all its contents, 
about 1850. Woodbury Page, though a native of New 
Hampshire, was connected, through his mother, with 
the Woodburys, of Beverly. 

1836. — A body of its members retired from the 
Dane Street Church, and organized as a distinct so- 
ciety, February 8, 1837, by the name of the " Wash- 
ington Street Church." 

A house of worship was erected, and dedicated 



March 29, 1837, on which occasion religious services 
were performed by Rev. David Oliphant, formerly 
pastor of the Third Congregational. 

The first pastor was Rev. William Bushncll, in- 
stalled January 3, 1838, and dismissed May 9, 1842. 
Rev. George T. Dole was ordained October G, 1842, 
and dismissed July 1, 1851. 

Rev. Alonzo B. Rich, installed December 8, 1852, 
was dismissed August 0, 1867. During his ministry 
the greatest number (one hundred and fourteen) were 
added to the church. 

Rev. Charles Van Norden was installed March 18, 
1868, and dismissed April 14, 1873. 

Rev. Benson M. Frink was installed October 1, 1873, 
and dismissed September 30, 187(3. 

Rev. William H. Davis was ordained July 5, 1877, 
and disrais.sed May 1, 1884. 

Rev. William E. Strong was ordained July 15,1885, 
and is the present pastor. 

1840. — The first Universalist Society was organized 
February 17, 1840, with Daniel Hildreth, Stephen 
Homans, Jeremiah Wallis, Benjamin D. Grant and 
William A. Foster as parish committee. Among its 
early preachers were Revs. John Prince, Henry Ba- 
con, William Hooper and Sylvanus Cobb, but the 
first settled pastor was Rev. E. H. Webster, in 
1843. 

In 1846 a church was erected, which was enlarged 
and beautified in 1863, and every demand anticipated 
of the increasing needs of its congregation. After 
Mr. Webster came Rev. W. G. Cambridge, for a 
year and a half, followed by Rev. John L. Stephens, 
who remained a year and then withdrew from the 
ministry and entered political life. He was after- 
wards editor of the Kennebec Journal and subsequent- 
ly was appointed United States Minister to Uruguay 
and Paraguay, and later to Norway and Sweden. 

Rev. Mr. Washburn came to the pastorate in 1847, 
and continued till May, 1851, when he resigned, on 
account of ill-health, and died the same year. Rev. 
Stillman Harden occupied the pulpit two years, re- 
signed in 1853, and died in Rockport in 1865. 

Rev. L. W. Coffin was pastor for two years, between 
1853 and '55, tlien resigned ; died in Barnardston in 
1879. 

September 19, 1856, Rev. John Nichols was settled 
over the church, and continued in service here for 
eleven years, impre.ssing the entire community with 
the purity of his life and sincerity of puriKjse. The 
day of his valedictory sermon was al-so the day of his 
death, as he was stricken with paralysis of the brain 
that afternoon, and died the same evening. 

Rev. G. W. Whitney was ordained July 24, 1867, 
and resigned in April, 1872. In November, 1872, 
the Kcv. J. N. Emery was installed, remaining here 
until 1884, and is now at Bellows Falls, Vt. Like his 
predecessors, he acquired the confidence of his fellow- 
citizens and exerted an influence for good. From 
1884-85 Rev. E. W. Prebble preached here, and Rev. 



724 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Charles S. Nickerson in 1886; but at present (1887) 
there is no settled pastor. 

The present congregation numbers about three 
hundred individuals. There is a well-attended Sun- 
day-school, of whieh one of our influential citizens, 
Samuel Porter, was (until 1880) superintendent for 
thirty years. 

1840. — In the great Whig campaign of this year 
Beverly partook of the general excitement. The 
population of the Farms and Cove marched to the 
Centre in procession, with banners flying, and on the 
day of the great convention at Charlestown the town 
seemed almost entirely deserted, so universal was the 
attendance. 

1841. — All town-meetings, previous to 1798, had 
been held in the First Parish meeting-house, but in 
this year a building was erected as a town and school- 
house combined. In town-meeting March 12, 1798, 
" the committee appointed to view and report the dis- 
position of the rooms in the new Grammar School- 
house find the large chamber in the upper story in 
said house (with another row of benches), will accom- 
modate one hundred and forty persons, and therefore 
recommend that this chamber in future be appropri- 
ated to and occupied for tlie purposes of town-meet- 
ings and town affaii's, and that the western room be 
apiiropriated more immediately for the use of the 
selectmen and assessors. 

" N. B. — In case of a very full meeting it may be 
adjourned to the meeting-house." 

It was then voted that " All future town-meetings 
shall be warned and holden in the chamber in the 
new Grammar School-house, known by name of the 
Town Hall, instead of the place they are now held.' 

This old town hall stood on the hill back of the 
present Briscoe school-house, was of two stories in 
height, with a cu])ola and bell. In 1842 it was given 
over to the exclusive use of the Grammar School, and 
was thereafter known as Briscoe Hall, until 1874. 
In 1841, with a portion of the United States surplus 
assigned the town it purchased the Thorndike man- 
sion, which was built by Andrew Cabot some si.xty 
years previously, and fitted it up for the uses of the 
town officials, with a large hall for public meetings. 
This edifice was a beautiful example of the best 
buildings of the period of its construction, and long 
stood an ornament to the business centre of the 
town. 

It was opened to the pul)lic October 26, 1841, with 
religious exercises and an address by Robert Rantoul, 
Jr., who, though at first opposed to its purchase, 
gracefully admitted his mistake. The work of alter- 
ation was ably supervised by a committee of citizens, 
of whom the only survivor is Augustus N. Clark, who 
has, for nearly fifty years, been prominent in works 
for the welfare of the town. This iiall, at various 
times enlarged and improved, answered the needs of 
the community for nearly thirty years. But the 
growing demands for hall and library space, for rooms 



in which to transact town affairs, and greater security 
of property, necessitated its enlargement in 1874. 
The lines of the original structure were obliterated, 
but ample accomodations were secured for all the 
purposes of town business. The cost of the later 
alteration was about thirty thousand dollars. 

The Thorndike propertj', which included a garden 
of great attractiveness, and extended from Cabot to 
Lovett Streets, was thrown open to occupation, at the 
time of its purchase by the town, and is now covered 
by some of our finest estates. 

A grandson of Rev. Thomas Blowers (second minis- 
ter of the First Parish) died at Halifax, N. S., in Oc- 
tober, 1842, at the age of one hundred years. He was 
the oldest surviving graduate of Harvard College, and 
had long occupied an eminent judicial position. 

1845-46. — The Mexican war was more unpopular 
in Beverly than the War of 1812, and there were few 
enlistments of our citizens. These, it is believed, 
joined the ranks of the regular army : Thos. J. Pous- 
land (who was among the missing in the last war ot 
the rebellion) ; Joseph Bradshaw and Charles F. 
Dodge. Mr. Bradshaw (now seventy-two years old, 
and Mr. Dodge, who is about ten years his junior, re- 
ceive pensions from the general government, under 
the new law. Mr. Dodge, who is still hale and 
hearty, and who diligently pursues his vocation, as a 
builder, retains vivid recollections of the most event- 
ful scenes of the Mexican invasion. He enlisted in 
December, 1846, in the battery of mountain-howitzers 
which became so famous as " Reno's Battery " in the 
operations of the Valley of Mexico. As he was with 
the troops under General Scott, he w.as at the bom- 
bardment of Vera Cruz, where he first landed on 
Mexican soil, and marched thence up the mountain 
slopes to Cerro Gordo. In this famous pass of Cerro 
Gordo the Mexicans, under Santa Anna, were strong- 
ly posted, with a numerous force, and guns guarding 
every possible approach. Contrary to the expecta- 
tions of the enemy. General Scott did not march di- 
rectly into the yawning jaws of the gorge, where cer- 
tain destruction awaited him and his army, but spent 
several days in opening a road along one of the high 
and apparently inaccessible hills, in this manner 
flanking the strongest batteries and forcing the Mexi- 
cans to retreat in confusion. 

This masterly move won the admiration of all the 
old soldiers, man}' of whom had been with the dash- 
ing Taylor at Monterey and Buena Vista, and were 
disposed to murmur at Scott's slow advances. But 
this was the. secret, perhaps of his success, for the 
lives of his men were precious to him, not only for 
their own sakes, but on account of the small force 
with which he was making this invasion. 

Mr. Dodge was detailed to go back to communicate 
with the lieutenant of his company, and in doing so 
saw the brave General Shields, who was lying on a 
hillside desperately wounded. He had the pleasure 
of meeting General Shields thirty years later, in 1878, 



BEVERLY. 



i'^a 



on the occasion of a lecture delivered here by the lat- 
ter, ■wlien they spent several hours in recounting the 
scenes through which they had passed together, and 
Mr. Dodge occupied a place on the platform, while 
the General gave his lecture on the war. In the great 
march up the slopes of the plateau to the table-land, 
through Jalapa, Perote and Puebla, and in the strat- 
egic operations about the Valley of Mexico, Mr. 
Dodge was in constant service. In addition to Cerro 
Gordo, he was in tlie battles of Contreras, Churubusco, 
Chapultepec and the city of Mexico. 

When the brave Reno was wounded the command 
of the battery devolved upon Beauregard, for whom, 
as well as Pillow and Scott, he had great admiration. 
For Genera! Scott, indeed, he had that fervent admi- 
ration undewtood only by one who participated in 
the desperate conflicts on Mexican soil, when the 
great general so successfully led that little army of 
ten thousand against such overwhelming odds and 
into the heart of a country swarming with enemies. 
Our townsman was one of the first through the breach 
in the western wall of Chapultepec, but declares that 
General Scott was on the castle esplanade almost as 
soon, looking about solicitously for the wounded and 
complimenting the boys on their gallant and success- 
ful charge. 

-Vfter Chapultepec had been carried, the city of 
Mexico was virtually in Scott's possession, for the 
guns of the castle on its rock-ribbed hill commanded 
every portion. But the enthusiastic soldiers da^^hed 
down the sides of the hill and along the great aque- 
duct away from Chapultepec to the city, charging in 
and out its hundred arches, to the very gates of the 
ancient Aztecstronghold. They carried the gates and 
overcame some of the barricades, when night fell 
about them and necessitated a halt; but they held 
what they had captured, and completed the conquest 
on the morrow. One of the guns of the battery to 
which Mr. Dodge was attached was taken by General 
(then Lieutenant) Grant into the tower of a church, 
and this mountain howitzer figures conspicuously in 
the account of the doings of Grant at that time. Dur- 
ing the American occupation of Mexico Mr. Dodge 
twice performed the journey between Vera Cruz and 
the city of Jlexico and return; once in doing escort 
duty after the Mexican surrender. This is but one 
episode, briefly sketched, of a single soldier of Bever- 
ly ; could the history of each one's adventures be 
given, it would fill a volume. 

1848-49.—" The California Fever."— Through 
the acquisition of Texas, Kew Mexico and California, 
a vast territory was thrown open to exploration, as 
the outcome of the Mexican War. The great excite- 
ment over the discovery of gold in California was felt 
in Beverly as in few other places, the majority of its 
male inhabitants being fishermen, or connected in 
some way with maritime affairs. 

It was at lea-st twenty years prior to this event that gold 
was brouglit from the Pacific coast by Capt. Joliu Brad- 



shaw, who got it of the Indians in trade. It was in 
the form of gold-dust, of a coarser grain than the Af- 
rican gold, and of a difierent color, ('apt. Bradshaw, 
who cl.aimed to be the first to hoist the American flag 
on the Northwest coast, traded there for many years ; 
he used to refit in the Sandwich Islands, and is men- 
tioned in Dana's "Two Years before the Mast." Mr. 
.loseph D. Tuck was postmaster during this jieriod, 
and says the great event of this time was the arrival of 
the first mail acros- the Isthmus from California. The 
rate for letter postage was forty cents per ounce, yet 
some gold-dust and even grains of the precious metal 
found its way through the mails to expectant friends 
of the far-distant miners. Although the gold country 
was on the other side of the continent and in a region 
almost inaccessible, yet neither distance nor prospec- 
tive danger deterred our hardy population from mak- 
ing the venture. They had faced the dangers of the 
seas for years, and a voyage around the Horn was to 
them a matter of small moment. 

Of those who had determined to seek the golden 
country, many united in purchasing and fitting out 
vessels. One party started on the overland journey 
across Texas, but some of them died of cholera at 
Corpus Christi, and the others were obliged to return 
and seek a more practicable route. 

There w-as then no railroad reaching out westwardly 
across the Mississippi, and only the trail was known 
across Texas and New Mexico opened by American 
soldiers a year or two previously. Even this was lit- 
tle known, the territory through which it led having 
then but recently been acquired from Mexico. The 
first vessel to fit for California, it is said, was the brig 
"Sterling," Capt. Edmund Gallop, whose residence 
was at the Cove. 

The second party sailed from Salem in the " Eliza- 
beth ; " in 1850 the " Metropoli-'," Capt. JohnC Ben- 
nett. Various parties were fitted out, in fact, Bev- 
erly's population being greatly depleted. If a man 
could not go himself, he would, perhaps, invest in 
another's venture, and sometimes two or more would 
combine to fit out a man who had no capital other 
than his brain and muscle. A frequent question of those 
times was : " Don't you w-ant half a man ? " meaning 
a half-interest in some miner's adventure. 

The most important venture was made by forty men 
of the county, thirty-six of whom belonged to Beverly, 
who purchased and fitted for a long sea-voyage, the 
new and fine barque " San Francisco," of 3l'IJ tons, 
then just built in Portland. 

They chose Capt. Thomas Remmonds as master, 
.lohu G. Butman as chief mate, and Andrew Larcom 
second mate. They set sail from Beverly, these later 
Argonauts in search of the golden fleece, with as lit- 
tle concern for the vast voyage aheail of them as now 
we of the present generation would take palace-car 
for " Frisco." They were five months on the voyage, 
doubled the Horn, .coasted the western shore of the two 
continents, and arrived at their destination without 



726 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



mishap, for they were sailors all, and nearly every 
man capable of taking charge of the vessel. 

They landed first in San Francisco, and then went 
up to Sacramento, where they shared out their provi- 
sions, sold their vessel at a great sacrifice, and 
went into the mines. The story of their adventures 
has been practically repeated a thousand times ; in 
fine, they did not find the golden treasure they had 
dreamed of, and few of them returned with much to 
show for their labors. They could have made more 
in California at labor in the woods and fields, for wood 
that any one might cut brought sixteen dollars a cord, 
and labor was from ten to fifteen dollars per day. 

Many of them remained two years ; some even stayed 
from ten to twenty years ; but the homeward migra- 
tion soon commenced. Most of them returned via 
the Isthmus, and suffered terribly. One of our citi- 
zens, Samuel O. Gallop, broke his leg on the Isthmus, 
and died of the accident in New York. 

Mr. Larcom and a companion came across Nicara- 
gua, in an ox-cart, with two Indian guides, who 
couldn't speak a word of English. As they spoke no 
Spanish, their course was sometimes a difficult one 
and their adventures amusing, as well as sometimes 
dangerous. Mr. Larcom, who is now living at eighty 
years of age, and who is one of our keenest sportsmen 
yet, was on the coast of Sumatra, in 1831, when the 
ship " Friendship " was taken by native pirates who 
killed some of the crew and drove the rest overboard. 
The crew of his ship, the " James Monroe," retook 
the abandoned vessel after a lively fight with the 
pirates and brought her home. Mr. Larcom is prob- 
ably the only survivor who participated in this fight; 
and there are but seven others, living in town, who 
went in the "San Francisco" around the Horn; 
Albert, Charles and Edward Perry, Charles Pickett, 
Daniel Wallis, Thos. D. Davis and Josiah Bennett. 
Many of the original " Forty-niners " died on the 
voyage or at the mines, and but few are left of those 
who returned. 

1851. — Bass River Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, installed at Bell's Hall, February 21st, 
by M. W. G. Master Usher. A hall built for its use in 
1857 was destroyed by fire 1873, but in 1874-75, the 
fine block now owned by the Order was erected, at a 
cost of about sixty-five thousand dollars. It is sit- 
uated opposite the town-hall, is of brick, with trim- 
mings of granite, and contains, besides the halls used 
by the lodge, some of the most eligible store-space in 
town. The post-office occupies the entire rear half of 
the lower floor, with entrances from Wallis and 
Thorndike Streets. 

The lodge now numbers about four hundred mem- 
bers, its receipts during its existence have been large, 
and its expenditures for benefits and charities on a 
generous scale. 

The auxiliary Friendship Lodge of the Daughters 
of Rebecca was installed January 10, 1870, and the 
Summit Encampment September 20, 1870. 



1852. — August 7th, this year, Robert Rantoul, Jr. 
died, in Washington, a biographical sketch of whom 
is elsewhere given in this volume. It needs no mention, 
perhaps, that the greatest in the land brought their 
tributes here and laid them on Rantoul's grave. In 
the United States Senate, Charles Sumner sketched 
his career and pronounced his eulogy: 

"Ho was bitrn August l:Uh, 180), at Beverly, the home of Nathan 
Dane, author of the immortal ordinance by which freedom was made a 
perpetu.al heirloom in tlie broad region of the Northwest. Here, under 
happy auspices of famil3' and neighborhood, he commenced life. Here 
his excellent f.ither, honored for his public services, venerable also with 
years and flowing silver locks, yet lives to mourn his last surviving son . 

"The bad fortune of Burke is renewed : he who should have been as 
posterity is now to this father in the place of aucestor. 

'•The death of sucli a man, so suddenly, in mid-career, is well calcu- 
lated to arrest attention and to furnish admonition. From the love of 
family, the attachment of friends and the regard of fellow-citizens he 
has been removed. Leaving behind the cares of life, the concerns of 
State and the wretched strifes of party, he has ascended to those man- 
sions where there is no strife, or concern, or care. At last he stands face 
to face in His presence whose service is perfect freedom. You and I, sir, 
and all of us, must follow soon, God grant that we m.ay go witli equal 
consciousness of duty well done." 

The offering of Whittier has become a part of the 
permanent literature of our country, familiar to every 
reader of his poetry ; yet we must be pardoned if 
we quote it here entire ; for it belongs to us, who 
dwell,— 

Here, "where his breezy hills of home 
Look out upon his sail- white seas — " 

this noble poem ; a joint legacy of the bard of free- 
dom and its eloquent advocate. 

" RANTOUL." 
" One day, along the electric wire 

Hia manly word for Freedom sped ; 

We came next morn : that tongue of fire 

Said only, " He who spake is dead ! " 

Dead ! while his voice was living yet, 

In echoes round the pillared dome ! 
Dead 1 while his hlolted page lay wet 

With themes of state and loves of home I 

Dead ! in that crowning grace of time, 

That triumph of life's zenith hour ! 
Dead ! while we watched his manhood's prime 

Break from the slow bud into flower I 

Dead 1 he so great, and strong, and wise, 
While the mean thousands yet drew breath ; 

How deepened, through the dread surprise, 
The mystery and the awe of death ! 

From the high place whereon our votes 
Had borne him, clear, calm, earnest, fell 

His first words, like the prelude notes 
Of some great anthem yet to swell. 

We seemed to see our flag unfurled, 

Our champiou waiting in his place 
For the last battle of the world, — 

The Arnuigeddon of the race. 

Through him we hoped to speak the word 

Which wins the freedom of a land ; 
And lift, for himian riglit, the sword 

Which dropped from Hampden's dying hand. 

For he had sat at Sidney's feet, 
And walked with Pyiu and Vane apart ; 

And, through the centuries, felt the beat 
Of Freedom's march in Cromwell's heart. 



I 



BEVERLY. 



r27 



He knew the paths the worthies held, 

M'herc Eugland's best and wisest trod ; 
And, lingering, drank the springs thut welled 

Beneath the touch of Milton's rod. 

No wild enthusiast of the right, 

Self-poised aud clear, he showed alway 
The coolness of his northern night. 

The ripe repose of autuum's day. 

His steps were slow, yet forward still 
He pressed where others jjaused or failed ; 

The calm star rlomb with constant will, — 
The restless meteor flashed and paled ! 

Skilled in its subtlest wile, be knew 

And owned the higher ends of Law ; 
Still rose majestic on his view 

The awful 8hape the schoolman saw. 

Her homa the heart of God ; her voice 

The choral harmonies whereby 
The stars, through all their spheres, rejoice. 

The rhythmic rule of earth and sky ! 

We saw his great powers misapplied 
To poor ambitions ; yet, through all, 
, We saw him take the weaker side 

And right the wronged, and free the tbrall. 

Now, looking o'er the frozen North 

For one like him in word and act. 
To call her old, free spirit forth. 

And give her faith the life of fact, — ■ 

To break her party bonds of shame. 

And labor with the zeal of him 
To make the Democratic name 

Of Liberty the synonyrae, — 

We sweep the land from hill to strand. 
We seek the strong, the wise, the brave. 

And, sad of heart, return to stand 
In silence by a new-made grave ! 

There, where his breezy hills of homo 

Look out upon his sail-white seas. 
The sounds of winds and waters come, 

Aud shape themselves to words tike these : 

" Why, murmuring, mourn that he, whose power 

Was lent to Party over-long. 
Heard the still whisper at the hour 

He set his foot on Party wrong ? 

** The human life that closed so well 

No lapse of folly now can stain ; 
The lips whence Freedom's protest fell 

No meaner thought can now profane. 

*' Mightier than living voice his grave 

That lofty protest utters o'er ; 
Through roaring wind and smiting wave 

It speaks his hate of wrong once more. 

" Men of the North ! your weak regret 

Is wasted here ; arise aud pay 
To freedom and to him your debt 

By following where he led the way !" 

1853. — The Beverly Insurance Company was incor- 
porated, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. 
Frederick W. Choate was president for many yeans. 
About 1880 the stock was sold at par to gentlemen of 
Boston, and the name changed to the Merchants' In- 
surance Company, with Chas. H. Fuller, president, 
and Eli-sha Whitney, secretary, doing business in 
Boston till 1886. 

The Last Suevivok of the Ef.volution. — In 
the year 185-1 expired the last (as diligent inquiry, 



and thorough examination of the records and muster- 
rolls inform us) of Beverly's Revolutionary heroes. 

Mark Morse, ■n'ho died March 18, 1804, at the great 
age of ninety-six, was a private in Capt. John Low's 
Company, in Col. Hutchinson's Regiment, August 
1, 1775, according to the muster-roll of that date, 
which is still preserved at the State House in Boston. 
Sir. Morse was a respected resident of that part of 
Beverly known as the Cove, and lived in the house 
(still standing) on Ober Street, ju.st west of its junc- 
tion with Woodbury Street. It is within a short dis- 
tance of the spot on which Humphrey Woodbury 
(about 1630) built one of the fir.st houses in Beverly; 
a section rich in reminiscence, and the home of many 
of the hardy fishermen that once materially contri- 
buted to the wealth of Beverly. 

It is, the historian is well aware, contrary to the 
popular opinion that any survivor of the Revolution 
abode with us beyond 1850. On the occasion of the 
seventy-fifth anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, 
in 1850, but two survivors of that fight are mentioned 
as among the living: Jonathan Harrington, of Lex- 
ington, aged ninety-two, and Amos Baker, of Lincoln, 
aged ninety-four. These honored men sat on the 
platform, the chief guests of the occasion, aud were 
feelingly alluded to by the speakers. 

In the town records, between 1820-.30, are many al- 
lusions to the demise of Revolutionary veterans, be- 
coming less and less frequent beyond the thirties and 
forties, and ceasing entirely within forty years of the 
present time. In 1822 (to cite a few illustrious names) 
Col. John Francis died, aged sixty-eight ; he was 
wounded in the war and received a small pension. 
Aaron Francis, his brother, died 1825, aged seventy- 
four, an officer in the Revolution. The year follow- 
ing died Peter Glover, aged eighty-five. In 1821 Asa 
Herrick, aged seventy-nine. Capt. Hugh Hill, our 
famous privateer, deceased 1829, at the ripe old age 
of eighty-eight. The same year, Jeffrey Thissell, at 
seventy-four. 

Ill 1833, at the age of ninety-one, departed Sarah 
Wyer, a sister of the brothers Francis. Sergt. William 
Taylor Manning, a Virginian by birth, but long a 
resident of Beverly, died in 1838, aged eighty-one. 
Sergt. Manning served throughout the war, aud at the 
close received an honorable discharge signed by 
Washington, bespeaking his worth and merit. In 
1842, the year Stone's " History of Beverly" was pub- 
lished, casual mention is made of a Revolutionary 
soldier, Ebenezer Rea. According to the muster-roll 
of November, 1776, he was then enlisted. He died 
November 11, 1843, aged eighty-three. Upon his 
tomb-stone, to be seen in the second cemetery, is in- 
scribed : " He was beloved and honoured all his life 
and lamented in death as the true friend, the upright 
and patriotic citizen, the enlightened and devoted 
(Jhristian ; " but no mention is made of his war 
record. He lived in the old house at the Cove, on 
Hale Street, still known as the Rea-house, the oldest 



728 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in that neighborhood, perhaps in the town, built by 
one of the first Thorndikes, and a fine example of 
the colonial architecture. Ebenezer Rea's father 
was Capt. Joseph Rea, who was one of the Revolu- 
tionary committee of correspondence, and commanded 
the company enlisted in Beverly and Lynn which 
went to the aid of Washington in New Jersey. Capt. 
Ebenezer was fifteen years old at the time of the bat- 
tle of Lexington, and, it is said, used to relate man)' 
anecdotes of events that transpired in town during 
the war. 

After serving in the army, he sailed for the West 
Indies, in the " Resource," wilh Capt. Richard Ober, 
when he was taken prisoner by the British and car- 
ried into Jamaica. He was not confined closely, but 
was transferred with other sailors to the "Pelican," a 
British man-of-war which foundered at sea, four of 
the crew being lost. He obtained his liberty in 1782, 
and arrived safely home, to dwell with his neighbors 
during sixty years of comparative peace. 

Rev. Elisha S. Williams, at one time pastor of the 
Baptist Church, and who died in Beverly in 1845, 
aged eighty-seven years, four months, was a soldier 
under Washington. The last of these patriots, prob- 
ably, next to Mark Morse, was Josiah Foster, who 
died, at the age of eighty-nine, in 1849. Mr. Foster 
was one of the captured crew of the snow " Diana," 
imprisoned in Mill Prison, England, in 1781. By no 
means complete, this scattering record of " Revolu- 
tioners " is given merely, to indicate the probable 
survivors, at different periods, of that most important 
epoch of our history. 

1858. — October 24th, Robert Rantoul, deceased, in 
his eightieth year. 

To the faithful portraiture following, from the 
skilled and loving hand of Rev. Dr. A. P. Peabody, who 
knew so intimately the departed, little may be added. 

"Robert Rantoul was the son of Robert Rantoul (a 
native of Scotland, who early became an American 
citizen, was a shipmaster, and was lost at sea in 178.3), 
and of Mary, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Lam- 
bert) Preston, of Salem. The subject of this sketcli 
was born in Salem, November 23, 1778. The eldest 
child of a family left witli a scanty competence, it was 
the ambition of his boyhood to relieve his mother's 
bhrdens, and to minister to her support and comfort, 
and after a short but thorough apprenticeship, at the 
age of eighteen, he invested his small patrimony in 
the establishment of a druggist's shop in Beverly. 
He understood his business, was diligent, frugal and 
enterprising, obtained the respect aud confidence of 
his townsmen, and remained in his original calling 
for more than twenty years, till forced to abandon it 
by the pressure of various public trusts and duties 
which demanded and filled his whole time, till, in a 
late old age, he yielded to disabling infirmity. Mean- 
while he had acquired not wealth, but property amply 
sufficient for his comfortable living, and his never 
stinted charities. 



In 1801 he married Joanna, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Herrick) Lovett, of Beverly, whose pre- 
eminently lovely character gave grace and happiness 
to his home for nearly half a century, and whose pre- 
cious memory has an enduring place in the hearts of 
all that knew her. 

Shortly after his marriage he built, on a beautiful 
site near the seashore, the house in which he lived for i 
more than fifty years, and which is still in the posses- I 
sion and occupancy of his only surviving daughter. 

Of Mr. Rantoul's public life the following synopsis 
is an authentic, and probably a full record. It would I 
hardly permit of being fuller: He was an overseer of the ' 
poor of Beverly from 1804 to 1854, when he resigned, 
having written fifty consecutive annual reports ; a 
justice of the peace and acting trial justice for the 
town from 1808 until his death in 1858, as well as 
parish clerk of the First Parish for the same period, 
and deacon of the First Church, for forty-six years 
before his death ; an original and life-long member of 
the Massachusetts Temperance Society from its incep- 
tion in 1812; was, from 18.30 to 1851 inclusive, an 
original trustee, on the part of the State, of the Insti- 
tution for the Education of the Blind; represented 
the town in the General Court for the years from 
1809 to 1819, from 1823 to 1827 and from 1828 to 1833 
inclusive, having been chosen a Senator from Essex 
County for the years 1820, '21 and '22, — a total legis- 
lative term of twenty-five years ; was captain of the 
Light Infantry Company of Beverly from 1805 to 
1809; and first lieutenant of the Coast-guard Artillery 
Company in 1814-15; was for some years one of the 
county commissioners of highways, and presented, at 
the invitation of the town, August 31, 1824, an addre.ss 
to Lafayette on his tour through Beverly ; was a mem- 
ber of the school committee lor forty years ; a member 
of two State Conventions which have been held 
(1820 and 1853) for amending the Constitution of 
Massachusetts, and called the latter to order; and, 
after reaching his majority in 1799, attended every 
annual town meeting but one, and nearly every town 
meeting held in Beverly, until 1854, a period of fifty- 
five years. 

It may well be inferred from this list that his was a 
pre-eminently busy life, especially as it was Iris uni- 
form habit to do thoroughly to the full measure of his 
ability whatever he undertook to do. For many 
years, as justice of the peace, he had probably nine- 
tenths of the business of Beverly and the smaller 
adjacent towns, and his office became a well-known 
and frequented court-room. At the same time, his 
intimate knowledge of the laws actually in force made 
him a safe and wise counsellor, and he was constantly 
called upon for his opinion and advice, which was 
always given gratuitously, and alway.i with the pur- 
pose of settling disputes and superseding litigation. 
During the greater part of his service in the Legisla- 
ture he was chairman of the Committee on Accounts, 
and in that capacity it was his wont to audit the 




SAFTALT^ 



0^^(/iU^'^^-^Z^>t.^' 



BEVERLY. 



r29 



entire accounts of the State, and to report against 
every charge that wss not reasonably fair, fully author- 
ized and legally due. In his care of the poor he kept 
the almshouses under constant supervision, while the 
merits, claims and needs of outside pensioners were 
made the subject of careful enquiry. He took great 
interest in the public schools, and the teachers and 
pupils found in him a judge of their work equally dis- 
criminating and kind. These various offices he bore, 
not because he sought them, but because they sought 
him. His public life lay chiefly within the period 
when fitness was deemed the prime qualification for a 
iniblic charge. He would not have lifted his finger 
to obtain the highest place in the government of the 
State or the nation, and had he been elected to the 
humblest post of civic duty, he would have accepted 
it. and have put into it the best work that could be 
done for and in it. He belonged (as long as it existed) 
to the Federalist party, and had the singleness and 
tenacity of aim and purpose which constituted the 
enduring praise of its leader, yet undoubtedly led to 
its inevitable defeat and disorganization. In the lat- 
ter years of his life he voted with the Democratic, 
then with the Free Soil party, but took no active part 
in the measures of either. In addition to his public 
and official duties, Mr. Rantoul had a large and benefi- 
cent life-work. Private trusts seemed to gravitate 
spontaneously in his direction, and no man can have 
had them in greater number or diversity than he, if 
we except those who make the management of them 
a profession. As executor, administrator, guardian or 
trustee, he had in his hands a large proportion of the 
estates in Beverly, especially when such a charge was 
a charity. If there was a small or heavily-encum- 
bered estate from which there was a possibility of 
saving a pittance for a widow or children, he was 
almost always solicited to assume its management, 
and there were many instances in which a family that, 
but for him, would have been left in utter penury, 
had their slender means secured, invested and hus- 
banded by him, without cost, and without ever being 
reminded of their indebtedness to him. His widowed 
sister and her children were hardly less under his 
assiduous and generous charge than if they had lived 
under his own roof. Of the two orphan children of a 
brother-in-law, he adopted one as his own daughter, 
and so managed the patrimony of both as to surrender 
it on their majority with an incredibly large increase. 
The late Rev. Dr. Anderson and his two brothers 
were tlie step-sons of his sister-in-law, and the sons 
of a clergyman who left them a very scanty inherit- 
ance, which Mr. Rantoul, as their guardian, so admin- 
istered as to make it suffice, so far as they were 
informed, for their college and professional education. 
Two of the brothers died young, but the venerable 
survivor never ceased to speak with the warmest 
gratitude and affection of his early care-taker and 
benefactor. 

Mr. Rantoul was among the pioneer reformers of 
46J 



his time. When, as a military officer, several years 
before the existence of the earliest temperance society 
in the world, he received the company under his 
command at his own house, he omitted the usual 
supply of intoxicating liquors, taking care to add to 
the entertainment more than a full equivalent for 
their cost. From that time — how long before we do 
not know— he never tasted such liquors, or had them 
in his house, and for a long time he found himself, at 
public tables and on festive occasions, the only water- 
drinker. 

He was the first person in Massachusetts to stir the 
question of capital punishment, which he kept con- 
stantly before the Legislature, and toward the discus- 
sion of which he contributed largely by legislative 
reports and through the public press. 

Always opposed to slavery, yet equally opposed to 
philanthropy of the denunciatory type, he was in 
full sympathy with the advanced opinions of wise and 
patriotic men in favor of emancipation. 

Of Mr. Rantoul's private character it is impossible 
that any eulogy should exceed the truth. His firm 
religious faith and principle were made manifest in a 
rigid conscientiousness which could not neglect or 
slight any known duty. His integrity was not only 
strict and unswerving, but often transcended its own 
proper measure, so that in what he meant as simple 
justice he was not unapt to wrong himself, sometimes, 
indeed, at a very serious loss and sacrifice, assuming 
responsibilities which no one else would have regarded 
as in anywise belonging to him. While always ready 
to meet every legitimate call of charity, he was, in 
fact, much more generous than he seemed. He obeyed 
in full the evangelic precept of reticence as to his 
good deeds, and there were many cases in which funds 
inadequate for the needs which they were to meet 
could have been made sufficient only as supplemented 
by his unostentatious kindness 

In his family, as a neighbor, as a friend, as a citizen, 
no man could have been more trusted, honored and 
revered than he was, or more deservedly. 

Of church and State he was one of the strong pil- 
lars, that are never replaced in the public esteem and 
confidence till the generation that relied on their sup- 
port has passed awa)-. Mr. Rantoul was never in 
vigorous health, but seldom ill ; his mind retained its 
unimpaired vigor till his last illnes-'.' 

1859.— The first local paper, The Citizen, estab- 
lished on a sure foundation was started this year, af- 
ter several previous but unsuccessful attempts. The 
first paper to bear this name was )iublished by An- 
drew F. Wales, now deceased, the first number bear- 
ing date of March 17, 1851, with Rev. Ira Wa.shburn 
as editor. 

The later Citizen was founded by John Batchelder 



1 Fu tlier details of Mr. Rantoul's life, and his ronuection with town 
afTnire, may be found in his " Reminiscences," published in the " His- 
torical Collections of the Essex Institute." 



730 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cressy, who, during twenty-three years of ownership, 
wisely maintained it as a valued depository of local 
news and history. In 1882 it became the property of 
Irving W. Allen, under whose management it has 
been enlarged, but with the main features preserved 
that conduced to its success. 

1860. — In the presidential election of this year the 
vote of Beverly is recorded : for Lincoln and Ham- 
lin, 739; Bell and Everett, 120; Douglas, 72; Jef- 
ferson Davis, 23 ; total, 954. 

It must be admitted that the people of Beverly 
were not unanimously in favor of the Anti-Slavery 
movement, although its principles had won with the 
majority. The struggles and triumjjhs of the friends 
of the cause are a part of yet unwritten history. 

One of them , Mr. A. N. Clark, kindly furnishes the fol- 
lowing data regarding the formation of the Beverly 
Anti-Slavery Society : Although the plan of coloniz- 
ing Liberia, as a means of civilizing and Christianiz- 
ing Africa, as well as helping to rid our own country 
of the curse of slavery, had been earnestly presented 
to the people of Beverly, in their churches, and con- 
tributions sought in aid of that endeavor, it was not 
till about the year 1832 that immediate emancipation 
began to be advocated and the rights of the slave to 
his freedom and citizenship upon the soil where he 
was born.' Lectures were frequently delivered upon 
this exciting theme and earnest debates held before 
the Beverly Lyceum. 

The universal sentiment was opposed to the exten- 
sion of slavery, but very few, then, were in favor of 
complete emancipation. The temper of the public 
mind at that time is well known. By some, Garrison 
and his immediate followers were denounced as dan- 
gerous to the well-being of the nation ; while they, in 
turn, accused the northern churches of being in fel- 
lowship with the South — the "Bulwark of American 
Slavery " — and declared the Constitution of the 
United States a "covenant with hell." 

There were other advocates who were listened to 
with more of patience, and who did good service in 
correcting and moulding public opinion : such men 
as Pierpont, May, Staunton, Leavitt, Phelps and 
Phillips. 

The church doors, however, had become barred 
against the Anti-Slavery advocates, and the Old 
Town Hall became the battle-ground ; and this only 
was secured by some of the citizens giving a bond for 
its security against violence. 

As early as 1833 an Anti-Slavery Society was 
formed in Beverly, not numerous, for it required 
courage to " stand up and be counted." The object 
of the society was to educate public sentiment in re- 
gard to the great evil of American slavery and the 
safety to both races in its immediate overthrow. A 
library was established for the circulation of tracts 

1 See, also, Wilson's " Rise and Fall of the Slave Power," vol. i., p. 
264. el., >eq. 



and other literature on the question of slavery as was 
then available. This library, as a matter of conve- 
nience, was located at the drug-store of Augustus N. 
Clark, on Cabot Street, the proprietor of the store 
acting as librarian. The library case was made by 
John Tuck, 2d, and by him presented to the society ; 
it has been carefully preserved, while the library, 
made up as it was mostly of pamphlets and unbound 
books, has disappeared. 

Of the original members of the society, Augustus 
N. Clark, John I. Baker, Charles Moulton and Eben 
H. Moulton, still survive. 

The society continued during six years, when slav- 
ery becoming (18-tO) an issue in politics, it ceased to 
exist; but the impetus of the movement could not 
be arrested ; the result the world knows. 

BEVERLY IX THE CIVIL WAR. 

It has been fully shown, in the pages preceding, 
that the people of Beverly were ever animated by 
highest principle, and were never wanting in military 
spirit. A well-trained militia was always to be found 
here at call; as early as 1662 there was a foot com- 
pany under Captain Thomas Lothrop. After his 
lamented death, at Bloody Brook, Lieutenant William 
Dixey was appointed to the command, by the Gen- 
eral Court, and he was succeeded by Paul Thorndike. 
A company of horse had been organized previous to 
1689, with William Rayment as captain, William 
Dodge as lieutenant, John Dodge, Jr., cornet, and 
Thomas West quartermaster. 

They were on the point of being disbanded, by or- 
der of General Court, in 1690, but at their earnest 
request were allowed to continue, provided they could 
furnish " forty able-bodied troopers, equipped accord- 
ing to law," which they did. The services of our 
soldiers in the various fights with the Indians, and 
during the Revolution and the war of 1812, have 
been detailed. Between the peace of 1783 and the 
end of the eighteenth century the military spirit was 
at an ebb, but rose promptly with the exigencies of 
the occasion. 

In 1800 (October 17th) the first voluntary associa- 
tion of men as a light infantry company was formed, 
but not organized Juuder the law till June 2, 1801. 
They were then regularly enlisted under an order 
from Lieutenant-Colonel James Burnham, of the 
Third Regiment. Jonathan H. Lovett was chosen 
captain, Josiah Gould lieutenant, and Robert Ran- 
\,oul ensign. 

This company was disbanded in 1814, but in 1815 
another light infantry company was organized, which 
has existed to the present time. Its first captain was 
William Thorndike, and his successors various re- 
spected citizens eminent in different walks of life. 
This organization kept alive the spark that might 
otherwise have become extinguished during the long 
period of peace ; especially at the annual " May train- 
ings" and "Fall musters." 



BEVERLY. 



731 



During nearly fifty years of peaceful life, the Bev- 
erly militia had fought its bloodless battles on the 
training-field ; the monotony of its existence seemed 
likely to continue unbroken during an equal period, 
when suddenly there came the occasion for its ser- 
vices. 

1861. — It is significant, that, though there were 
formerly three military companies in Beverly, these 
had dwindled to one in 1860, and that one a volun- 
tary association. But this one, Company E., Beverly 
Light Infantry, was alert and prepared for action ; 
its commander had his " ear to the ground '' for the 
first premonitions of war. 

In the Citizen for January 19th, 1861, is printed 
the official order by Governor Andrew, for Beverly to 
be ready at all times to furnish her quota of troops 
upon any requisition of the President of the L^nited 
States. The original of this order is now in posses- 
sion of Colonel Francis E. Porter, then captain of 
Company E. The paper adds : " In accordance with 
this order. Captain Porter has notified Company E. 
to meet at the armory on Monday nest, at seven 
o'clock." 

The sequel is thus stated : " Company E. at a spec- 
ial meeting, in response to the order of Governor 
Andrew, had a full and enthusiastic rally, and sixty- 
seven readily volunteered for any service that might 
be required of them by the government." 

And two months later the following : 

"The order for the meeting of the Eighth Keginient was received 
here on Monday, April 16tli, and early on Tuesday morning the flag of 
the Beverly Light Infantry was waving on their armory. The compa- 
ny mustered in full ranks, and with music, marched to the station to 
takf the 10 00 train for Boston, heing frequently greeted by the wavitlg 
of handkerchiefs hy the young ladies in the shoe factories on Railroad 
Avenue. Some time elapsed before the arrival of the train, during 
which the company went through the drill exercise quite satisfactorily. 
Before leaving, each officer was the recipient of a splendid sword and 
revolver, gifts from friends here." 

"After they had entered the train, and as it left, cheer after cheer 
rose from the aasemhled multitude who had gathered to witness their 
departure. The company is composed of youug men who are called 
away from the scenes of home and cherished associations to serve the 
land of their birth in the hour of need, and most cheerfully have they 
responded to the call. The wishes of every loyal citizen and lover of his 
country go with them. 

" While the company were drilling at the station. Mr. William J. 
Smith, not a member, but whose breast was filled with patriotism, and 
who has experienced some of the hardships of Texan life, hearing the 
sound of the drum, dropped his axe and hastened to respond to the call 
to arms. He left with the company and his name appears on the roll. 

" On arrival at Boston the company marched to Faneuil Hall, where 
they quartered until Thursday, when they left for Washington at 6 
P. M.' 

The same paper announcing their departure con- 
tained, also, the President's proclamation for 75,000 
troops, dated Washington, April 15th, the .surrender 
of Sumter, April 13th, the attack on the Sixth Regi- 
ment by the Baltimore mob, and the additional in- 
formation that the Eighth had safely reached Phila- 
delphia and was quartered in the Continental hotel. 

"On the 15th of April, ISfit, (says Schouler's ' Ma-ssachusetts in the 
Kebellion ') Governor .\ndrew received a telegram from Washington to 
send forw.ird at once 15,000 men. The drum-beat of the long roll had 
been struck. 



"On the morning of the IGth the companies began to arrive in Bos- 
ton, and before nightfall every company that had received its order in 
time reported at headquarters for duty." 

Company E. was the first in Massachusetts to re- 
port for duty ; Captain Porter received his orders at 
five p. M., April 15th, when he immediately notified 
his men in person, reporting ready for duty that 
night. It was the second to arrive in Boston, and 
could have been the first, had not Adjutant-General 
Hinks sent word that the company was not needed 
before twelve o'clock. 

Subscriptions were started for a relief fund for sol- 
diers' families in town, and had reached the amount 
of two thousand eight hundred dollars on the morn- 
ing of their departure. 

April 20th, a mass meeting was held in the town- 
hall, and patriotic speeches were made by many citi- 
zens. The relief fund, at the clo.se of the meeting 
amounted to three thousand dollars. 

The ladies of Beverly organized a society for the 
furnishing of clothing and other necessaries to the 
militia of the State. One "hundred and thirteen la- 
dies attended the first meeting ; Miss Hannah Ran- 
toul was chosen president, with an able corps of as- 
sistants. 

Military companies, formed in various parts of the 
town, received over one hundred members during the 
first week. 

Following Schouler's " ilassachusetts in the Civil 
War," we find that the Eighth Regiment, which had 
arrived in Boston on the 16th, did not leave the city 
till the 18th, when it marched to the State-House and 
was presented with a set of regimental colors by Gov- 
ernor Andrews, who also addressed the soldiers in 
spirited terms. The regiment left Boston at four 
o'clock that afternoon, greeted everywhere along the 
route to Philadelphia " with the same unbounded 
enthusiasm the Sixth had received. General Butler 
accompanied it as commander of the Massachusetts 
brigade. The regiment reached Ivew York on the 
morning of the eventful 19th of April, — when the 
soldiers of the Sixth were attacked by the Baltimore 
mob, — and marched down Broadway amid the con- 
gratulations of the vast multitude. This was the 
second Massachusetts regiment that had marched 
through that city in advance of all others, while two 
other regiments were on the seas for Fortress Monroe." 

It was in Philadelphia, where they arrived that 
evening, that they received details of the attack upon 
the Sixth, that day, in Baltimore. 

" This intelligence gave new energy and enthusiasm 
to the men, and made them more eager to jiress for- 
ward to AVashington. They had expected to reach 
the capital by way of Baltimore; but that route was 
now closed, and a new one had to be opened, which 
served as the military highway to Washington for 
Eastern troops, until sedition was suppressed in Bal- 
timore, and that city assumed a loyal attitude. The 
new route was by the Su.squehanna and Chesapeake 



732 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS^ 



Bay to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. A branch 

railroad of seventeen miles connected Annapolis 
with the Baltimore and Washington Railroad. By 
this route, Washington could be reached without 
touching Baltimore The lailroad from An- 
napolis to the Junction, where it connects with the 
Baltimore and Washington Railroad, had in part been 
destroyed, and the engines and cars partially dis- 
abled. After considerable delay, the track was re- 
laid and the engines and cars put in order by the men 
of the Eighth. To the Eighth Regiment will ever be 
the honor of having opened the route to Washington 
by the way of Annapolis, and of having saved from 
possible loss the frigate ' Constitution,' the ' Old Iron- 
sides' of the War of 1812." 

The regiment arrived in Washington on the after- 
noon of Friday, April 26th, eight days after its de- 
parture from Boston. 

Referring to the achievements of this regiment at 
Annapolis, the Naiional Intelligencer of the next 
morning remarked : 

"We doubt whether any other single regiment in the country could 
furnish such a ready contingent to reconstruct a steam engine, lay a 
railroad track and bend the sails of a man-of-war." 

One of the company wrote home that week, that 
President Lincoln appeared on their arrival in Wash- 
ington, and said : 

"Three cheers for the Eighth Kegimerit of Slassachusetts, who can 
build locomotives, lay railroad tracks and re-take the Constitution." 

On the arrival of the Eighth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment at Annapolis, General Butler found the rail- 
road engine-house locked up. He broke it open, 
and discovered the engine all in pieces. "Who 
knows anything about an engine ? " was tlie ques- 
tion. 

One man stepped out of the ranks and said : " I do, 
General, I made that locomotive, and can repair her 
in two hours," — and he did. 

This was Chas. S. Horaans, a native of Beverly. 
When in Wa.shington he was visited and congratula- 
ted in person by President Lincoln. 

A member of the New York Seventh writing of 
this event at the time, said that Charles S. Homans, 
of the Beverly Light Infantry, was the deus ex ma- 
china, who found his mark written on the disabled 
locomotive at Annapolis, and superintended its con- 
struction. 

Mr. William Isaac Smith, who volunteered as fire- 
man on this occasion, was the gentleman who left his 
labors to join the company in the depot at Beverly. 

He is now living at Ryal Side, and Mr. Homans is 
still living, though an invalid. 

A letter from Capt. Porter, dated May 8, 1861, des- 
cribes the regiment as in good condition, undergoing 
thorough drill and quartered in the House of Repre- 
sentatives. 

The Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, he adds, 
were the first to reach Washington, and the Eighth 
opened the military route from Annapolis. " We 



should have been the next, had we not received a 
despatch from General Scott to stop at Annapolis, 
and guard that post until the arrival of another regi- 
ment." 

The first man of the regiment injured was Lieut. 
Moses S. Herrick, of the Beverly Company, who was, 
shot in the foot by the accidental discharge of a mus- 
ket, in the rotunda of the Capitol. The muskets, 
loaded with ball cartridges, were stacked around 
near the wall, and as some men were bringing in 
mattresses, they knocked a stand down, one of the 
guns being discharged into Lieut. Herrick's foot, 
mutilating it terribly. The limb was amputated by 
the surgeon of the Sixth, and Lieut. Herrick bore his 
great misfortune bravely, only lamenting that he 
could not have received the wound while fighting in 
the field. Attentions of every sort were showered 
upon him as he lay in hospital, and also en route 
home and in Beverly. He is residing in Beverly to- 
day, in the Upper Parish, the house of the Chipmans 
and Herricks. 

1861. — May 15, At a town-meeting in aid of the 
Beverly soldiers, the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted: 

" liesolved. That we tender to the officers and soldiers now absent in the 
service of the country, our warmest meed of praise for their noble and 
manly self sacrifice, in bo readily responding to the national call, and for 
the skill, energy, perseverance, courage and ability which they so faith- 
fully evinced in their triumphal progress and march to the nation's 
capital. 

** Resolved, That we tender to the fur-famed Seventh Regiment of New 
York, our heart-felt thanks for their many kindnesses to our Eighth 
Massachusetts Regiment, and especially for their liberality towards our 
wounded fellow-citizen, Lietit. Moses S. Herrick. 

"fl^fioZt'erf, That our warmest sympathies be tendered to Lieut, Her- 
rick in his misfortune, and that we l"ledge ourselves to him and to all 
his associates in our Beverly company, and our other Beverly soldiers, 
and to their respective families, to render all the material aid and com- 
fort that we can legitimately bestow." 

The last of August, 1861, Lieut. John W. Raymond, 
who had returned with the Eighth, proposed to re- 
cruit a company in Beverly, to be attached to the old 
regiment, if revived, otherwise to some other Massa- 
chusetts regiment. 

In less than a month he had raised over sixty men, 
who were encamped under his command on the com- 
mon. The name proposed for the company was the 
" Rantoul Guard." The first of October the company 
chose as officers : Captain, John W.Raymond; First 
Lieutenant, Henry P. Woodbury ; Second Lieutenant, 
Dduiel W. Hammond. 

On the Sunday succeeding (October 5lh), they at- 
tended, in a body, divine services at the Washington 
Street Church, in the morning, and at the Bapti-l in 
the afternoon. 

October 1.5th the gallant captain, with nearly his 
full complement of one hundred of the picked men ot 
the town, went into camp at Lynnfield. Before they 
had fairly departed from the town a new movement 
was on foot for the recruiting of another company, 
with the promise of more than members enough to help 
fill it at the outset. 



BEVEKLY. 



733 



This Company G was attached to the Twenty-third 
Kegiment, Col. Kurtz, and in November we find them 
encamped at Annapolis. 

The interdependence of soldiers and citizens is well 
shown in one little incident of this period. A request 
was sent from Capt. Raymond to Capt. F. E. Porter, 
at home, for a supply of such shirts as the Ladies' Aid 
Society had furnished them. The letter arrived on 
Monday, on Tuesday the ladies were industriously at 
work, and on Friday they packed and forwarded over 
one hundred of the reijuired garments to their brave 
brothers at the front. 

The history of the Twenty-third Regiment has 
been carefully written by Dr. James A. Eramerton, of 
Salem: " A Record of the Twenty-third Regiment," 
Boston, 1886. 

" Hardly had the year (1862) opened, says the his- 
torian, "when these new made soldiers found them- 
selves amid the dangers and privations of Hatteras, 
and in early February they took a prominent part in 
the battle of Roanoke Island — one of the completc.-'t 
as it was one of the first of Union victories. 

" The capture of Xewbern soon followed, and, after 
that, the regiment, though by no means inactive, saw 
little of pitched battle for two years. 

"In the Virginia campaign of 18G4, it was in the 
forefront of the almost uninterrupted fighting which 
followed the landing at Bermuda Hundred, and cul- 
minated in the stubborn and bloody vepulse of Beau- 
regird at Drury's Bluff; it g;;ined the foremost ground 
reached and held by the Eighteenth Corps at Cohl 
Harbor, and bore its full share of the dangers and pri- 
vations of the early days of ihe siege of Petersburg. A 
remnant of its veterans and recruits was employed in 
picket and outpost duty till the campaign of 1885, 
when they shared the fortunes of the column which 
opened communication with Gen. Sherman." 

The first week in May, 1864, the Beverly boys of 
the Twenty-third lost heavily in killed and wounded. 
Captains Raymond and Woodbury, of Companies G 
and F, were captured and wounded, but the former 
effected his escape by cutting his captor nearly in 
twain with his sword, while the latter shot his assail- 
ant with his revolver. Officers and privates all sus- 
tained ihe honor of their native town at the i)eril,and 
many with the sacrifice, of ihcir lives. 

An episode of the Drury's Bluff battle (May 16, '64) 
in which Captain Raymtnd was a participant, is nar- 
rated in the "Record of the Regiment." 

" Captain Raymond, of ' G,' following the retreat- 
ing regiment, stopped to help a wounded man. Bray, 
of his company. Concluding, from the bloody torrent 
gushing from his breast, that he could do no good, he 
rose to leave him, and found the rebel line, with col- 
ors, close upon him. His contemptuous refusal to 
surrender brought a volley upon him which tore his 
clothes, carried away his sword-belt and almost blinded 
him with the dust and bits of bark torn from ueigh- 
boring trees. Yielding to first impulse, he opened a 



return fire from his revolver, but speedily recognizing 
the odds against him, he left the field in the hands of 
the enemy and escaped into the favoring fog." 

And again, of the fighting before Petersburg, the 
regiment historian says: 

" .About the 1st of July, Captain Raymond, of " G," who, since we had 
lost Colonel Clianibei-B, and Major Brewster was disabled by liis wound, 
was, practically, in command of the regiment, had another, and perhaps 
the closest of his escapes from serious injury. I do not forget that the 
bullet wliicli, liittiug him in the head at Drury's BlufT, left him for a 
time uuconscious, or the missile which passed just below his lii^ilt arm- 
pit, grazing his thorax and arm, at Cold Harbor, came very near his 
life. This time the immediate disability wjis more lasting, and the re- 
mote effects have never disappeared. He was sitting on a trench, read- 
ing a letter, when a shot or shell from some rebel gun plunged through 
the heaped earth, struck the log on which the captain's shoulder rested, 
and threw him against the sharp-angled abutment of the stairs. Exam- 
ination showed a rib broken, another bent, and a third bruised ; but 
Captain Raymond would not go to the hospital, insisting that he could 
not be spared, and th,at his cure would progress as well in the trenches 
as anywhere else." 

Letters from the front, from our brothers encamped 
before the enemy throughout the South, from on 
board men-of-war and gunboats, were for three years 
prominent in our local papers. They all breathe the 
same spirit, of fervent patriotism, disregard of danger 
and high devotion to principle, that infused their an- 
cestors under similar circumstances a hundred years 
before. 

Until the latter part of '61, Beverly had been for- 
tunately exempt from grave casualties, but as the 
next year opened began the list of dead and wounded 
that soon lengthened portentously. 

Tlie fir-t Beverly soldier who died during the Re- 
bellion, private Levi F. Larcom, was buried with mil- 
itary honors. 

The religious services were held in the First Baptist 
Church by Rev. J. C. Foster, Rev. Dr. Abbott pro- 
nouncing the benediction. 

1862. — The first soldier killed in conflict with the 
enemy was private William Wallia, who was fatally 
wounded in the battle of Kewbern, on the 14th of 
March, and died on the 16th. As a specimen of the 
thousands of .soldiers' letters n(W speeding back to 
the north with their sad tidings, the following is 
quoted ; written by a comrade of the deceased to his 
widow. 

"Dear Friend : — I now take up my pencil, with a sad heart, to inform 
you of the death of your beloved husband. I was close by him when he 
fell. I carried him back to the rear, out of the range of the shot, and 
left him in the care of tiie doctor. He was willing to die, but you aud 
the children were all that seemed to trouble him. He gave me your 
likeness and his Bible, and asked me, if I lived through the battle, tu 
write to you and let you know all about it. I then had to leave him, as 
the battle was raging with fury. We drove the rebels out of their dens, 
and took possession of the city. It was then night ; the next morning I 
made enquiries for him, but ho had jiassed away, with a good faith in 
God, He gave bis life for his country's cause, and he now lies in his 
silent grave, far from home. May God, in liis tender mercy, watch 
over the little ones he has left behind ! I shall send the likeness and 
Bible to you a.s soon as I can. 

"No more at present, from your friend, 

" Wm. F. Early." 

The chaplain of his regiment, and also his captain, 
pausing in the heat of contlict, sent home loving 
tributes to his worth. 



734 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



On the 19th of April, just a year from the Balti- 
more massacre, died, private James Williams, an- 
other of the soldiers wounded in the Newbern fight. 
He, with two other comrades, James Dodge and John 
Glidden, had been badly wounded, he in the leg, by 
a ball which passed through the knee and dropped 
into his boot ; Glidden was shot thr<iugh the thigh, 
and Dodge through the shoukh^r. Funeral services 
were held in the Dane Street Church, Bev. Dr. Abbott 
preaching an impressive sermon. The coffin was de- 
posited in the church, and upon its lid the fatal 
bullet. 

Thus were we reminded of the terrible consequences 
of war. Scarce a week passed, now, that some name 
was not added to the death-roll, or that did not wit- 
ness the return of some disabled patriot. Williams 
was the first man, as Dr. Abbott said, who had died 
among us from a wound received on the field of 
battle. 

At a town-meeting, July 10th, which was a full and 
enthusiastic one, it was voted : 

"That the eelectnien of this town be authorizeii to allow and pay, in 
Addition to tlie customary allowance for the benefit of the families of 
Tolunteers, the sum of one hundred dollars to each person who, as a 
part of the quota of this Commonwealth, shall within twenty days be 
duly enlisted in this town into the volunteer service of the U. S. ; paya- 
ble when mustered into service. The selectmen are ai.thorized to use 
the credit of the town fully to carry this into effect." 

At the same time, recruiting was going on vigor- 
ously, with the prospect of a full company of one 
hundred and one men being raised in a short time. 

The Beverly company raised at this time, Company 
K, was attached to the Fortieth Massachusetts, with 
Edward L. Giddings as captain, John F. Piper, first 
lieutenant, Leonard G. Dennis, second lieutenant, 
and left for the seat of war September 4, 1862. 

Company E, of the Eighth, was mustered out 
August 1, 18G1. The next call was made May 26, 
1862. Banks having been driven back into the 
Shenandoah Valley, the government called for more 
men. Ninety men responded in two hours after 
orders were received. They proceeded to Boston 
where, after remaining two days, they found they 
were not wanted at that time and returned home. 

On the 19th of September, Company E was again 
mustered in for nine months, with three officers and 
ninety-eight men. They departed for Newbern, the 
day before Thanksgiving, and arrived there on the 
4th of December. The next day, before the company 
received its arms and equipments, it was ordered with 
Company A of Newburyport to Roanoke Island 
where it remained till June 28th. It then received 
orders to join the regiment at Newbern. On reach- 
ing Newbern, the company found that the regiment 
had been ordered to Baltimore and followed on, ar- 
riving there July 12th, only to learn that the regi- 
ment had gone to Maryland Heights where the com- 
pany found it finally. The same day, the company 
started with the regiment for Funkstown Md., where 
it arrived on the afternoon of the ne.xt day, just in 



season to see the rear of Lee's army across the Poto- 
mac. After following it down the Potomac to Beal- 
ton's Station on the Rappahannock, the company was 
ordered to report at Massachusetts, its term of service 
having expired, arriving about the first of August. 

1864. — April 28fk, another call was made on Com- 
pany E, this time for garrison duty at forts in 
Massachusetts. It proceeded at once to Readville. 
It was mustered into service with three officers and 
eighty-eight men who served ninety days and were 
then mustered out and re-enlisted for one hundred 
days' service. At the expiration of that time they 
were mustered out and nearly all the men re-enlisted 
again, for a year, in the Second Unattached Com- 
pany, Massachusetts Volunteers. The company was 
reorganized at once in Beverly with three officers and 
one hundred men and was ready for service during 
the winter of 18G4-65. 

On the 21st September, 1887, Company E held a 
reunion of its surviving members, at which were 
present many who had served during the Rebellion. 
With the field music marched drummer George M. 
Tucker, beating the old drum which he brought from 
Washington in the summer of '61, with the same 
sticks which sounded the calls and the long roll, not 
only for Company E, but for three years in the First 
Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. 

The following is the original roll of the company, 
stars indicating those who have since died : 

Captain, Francis E. Porter. 



1st Lieut., John W. Raymond. 
3d Lieut., «.\lhert Wallis. 
IstSerg., *Uenry P. Woodbury. 
3d Serg., Benjamin F. Herrick. 
1st Corp , *SaiiiueI Bell. 
3d Corp., *tieorge R. Sands. 



'2d Lieut., *Eleazer Giles. 
4th Lieut., Moses S. Herrick. 
2d Serg., *Reuben Heirick, Jr. 
4thSerg, Alfred Porter. 
2d Corp., Hugh J. Munsey. 
4th Corp., *John Low. 



Dnimmer, George BI. Tucker. 



Charles B. .\llen. 
*W. A. Andrews. 

Jess* .\. Blake. 
*A. J. Blanohard. 

James Brown. 

Thomas D. Brown. 

William E. Choate. 
*William A. Cleaves. 

Fred. A. Currier. 
*John H. Chipman. 

Charles L. Darling. 
♦John Dean. 

John H. Dennis. 
♦Leonard G. Dennis. 

Alonzo P. Dodge. 

Chas. H. Ferguson. 

■William A. Friend. 

Thomas Gavin. 
»Ezra A. Glidden. 



Priiala. 
*George H. Goodridge. 
*Saniuel Goodridge. 

Samuel Gordon. 
* William E Grant. 

Daniel W. Hammond. 
*Henry A. Hale. 

Francis P. Haskell. 
*Josiah T. Hitchings. 

George C. Holden. 

Charles S. Homans. 
*Henry P. Larcom. 

Samuel 0. Lee. 

Charles .\. Lord. 

John W. Masury. 

Arthur Meldram. 

Chr.s. W. Mitchell. 

John E. Moses. 

George A. Mowatt. 

John Neville. 



Edward H. Ober. 
*Mo8es A. Pedrick. 
George H. Pickett. 
John F. Piper. 
*George W. Pevier. 
Wm. H. B. Poland. 
*J. S S. Rogers. 
♦Godfrey Scott. 

Thomas J. Smith. 

William I. Smith. 
♦Joseph G, Stone. 

Charles Story. 

Edwin Southwick. 
♦William A. Teague. 

Amos B. Ti-ask. 

Ehen Trask. 

Fred. A. Wallis. 

W^illiam H. Warren. 

William W. Warren. 
♦Sheribiah S. Webber. 



1864.— On the 26th of April, the Fifty-ninth Regi- 
ment left the State, to join the command of General 
Burnside. In this regiment were thirty-one soldiers 
from Beverly, in Companies A, B, C, G and H. Com- 
pany C was commanded by Captain John H. Chip- 
man, who had returned to recruit fur the rogiineiit. 



BEVERLY. 



735 



The Fifty-ninth went into active service at once, and 
within a month were coming back the sad returns of 
killed, wounded and missing. 

Beverly Men in Company E, 2Scl Eeyiment, 

Captain, John W. Raymond. 
1st Lieut., Henry P. Wo.idl>ury. 'Z<\ Lieut., Daniel W. Hanmioud. 
Sergeants. 
Wm. E. Choate. Williatn G. Mnnsey. William F. Karley. 

Samuel Goodridge, Jr. Joseph H. BitUer. Charles Friend, 'id. 

Charles W. Mitchell. Charles R. Dennis. 



Charles R. Allen. 
Dennis Carney. 
John W, Clayton, 
John J. Dalton.i 



Al.bott, Stephen W.* 
A^ent, Joseph F.* 
Allen, Joseph C. 
All-n, SI**phen B. 
Arnold, JuDiee H. 
Ayers, Jacob E. 
Barry, Patrick, Jr. 
Bassett. Thaddeus. 
Batchelder, Ira D. 
Berrv, Thomas. 



Edward B. Perry. 
George H. Pickett. 
Thomas J. Smith, Jr. 
Joseph P. Wallis.! 



Corporah. 
Thomas D. Davis. 
James Dudge.i 
Charles G. Fernald.i 
Austin Glidden. 
Jlusiciaus, Alfred J. Uall and Charles H. Webber, 
Wagoner, George F.Bragdon. 
Privates. 
Dennis, Charles R.* 
Dow, John E. 
Dtipft;, .\iitiiine.* 
Elliott, Charles, id.* 
Elliott. Israt-l, Jr.* 
Furguson, Alfred W, 
Floyd, Joseph M. 
Gavin, Tbomai*. 
Goodwin, Joseph D. 
Glidden, Austin.* 



Blanchard, Andrew J. Glidden, John. 



Roden, James W. 
Bray, Benjamin.* 
Bradbury, Jacob. 
Bieudon, Robert.* 
Brown, Robert W. 
Burke, Edward K.* 
Burke, Thomas.* 
Caldwell, Augustus. 
Caldwell, Jacob. 
Carrico, Charles. 
Carey, Robert, Jr. 
Caswell, Joseph W. 
Clark, Nathaniel W.* 
Clark, William T. 
Crainpsey, Israel. 
Cressy, Benj., 3d. 
Crombie, Enoch. 



G'over, Charles F. 
Grush, Addison E. 
Handley, 5Iichael.* 



Maxcy, William. 
HIcGnith, Lewie. 
Morgan, Edmund C. 
Ober, Edward H. 
Parker, Charles F 
Pickett, George A.* 
Randall, Lewis J. 
Reed, Perrin W.* 
Sands, Stephen B. 
Soiithwick, Lakeman. 
Stocker, Charles H. 
Taylor, Charles W.* 
Taylor, William K.* 
Thissell, Ebenezer. 



Higginbottoni, Joseph. Thissell, Levi A. 



Holdeu, Charles. 
Jewett, George S. 
Johnson, Joseph H. 
Jones, Charles W. 
Kennison, Benjamin, 
Lefavuur, James A. 
Leach, John. 
Liffiu, John. 
Lufkin, William H. 
Lull, John 
Marshall, John D. 
Maeury, George, lid. 

* Deceased. 



Trask, Albert.^ 
Trask, Amos B. 
Trust, Peter. 
Vickery, Joseph F. 
Wallis, AVilliaro, 2d.* 
Webber, Eleazer A.* 
Weeks. Stephen L. 
Whidden, David.* 
Williams, James E.* 
Williams, Oscar P. 
Woodbury, Levi J. 
Yuung, Isaac T.* 



Beverly Men in Company K, 4.0th Regiment. 

Captain, Edward L. Giddings. 
1st Lieut., John F. Piper. 2d Lieut., Leonard G. Dennis. 

Sergeants. 
Reuben Herrick, Jr.* William H. Brown.* J. Francis Jenness. 
Joseph W Stocker. David M. Carter. Yaruum S. Pedrick. 



John M. Brown.* 

Alfred Corning.* 
Benjamin F. Cressy. 
De-xter H. Fawcett. 
George W. GUdden.* 



Albert W. Haskell. 

Corporals. 
Samuel W. Greer.* 
Eph Hathaway, Ji'. 
Chas. H. Henderson.* 



J. Lewis Preston.* 

George W, Howard. 
Edmund G. Josephs. 
George J. Nutter. 



Musician, Addison A. Center.* 



Andrews, Asa, 
Blanchard, Henry J. 
Blanchard, Wm. H. 
Bryant, George W. 
Burchstead, John. 
Butman, William A. 
Crampsey, Isaac. 
Crafts, Samuel 0.* 
Donegan, Thomas J. 
Ferguson. Jere. W. 
Grush, Joseph.* 
Hall, Benjamin D. 
Iliirw'ood, Francis. 
Haskell, George E. 



Vrivates. 
Holden, Elbridge J. 
Howe, George F.* 
Jenness, Charles H. 
Lord, Charles W.* 
Lovett, Francis S. 
Lovett, Josiah W. 
Marshall, George W. 
Pickett, Charles H. 
Pierce, George W. 
Pierce, George W., 2d. 
Pierce, Thoma.s L. 
Poland, William H. B. 
Poor, WilliiiTu H.* 
Porter, Nathaniel, Jr.* 
* Deceased. 



Prince, George W. 
Selfe, William A.* 
Seeley, George S. 
Stickney, Charles.* 
Taylor, John M. 
Teague, William A. 
Thissell, Jonas.* 
Thissell, Nicholas S. 
Tuttle, C. Frank.* 
Webber, Timothy R. 
AVebber, Tristam L. 
Wentworth, Charles A. 
Wilbur, Henry.* 
Woodbury, Benjamin.* 



' Holding this rank on their return. 



Beverly's War Record.^ — The whole number of 

men lurnished to the army during the Civil War, un- 
der the various calls, was as follows: 

April 16, 1861 — Three months' men 75 

June 17, ISGl.^Three years' men (rec. us bounty 817,lU0)... 172 

July 4, 18ti2. — Three years' men (rec. as bounty 89,000) H« 

August 4. 1.SG2. — Nine months' men (rec. ns bouii'y 8lO<}00) 101 
March 14, July SandDecemberl'J, 1864. — Three years' men 

and one two years (received as bounty 524,0^0) 127 

Also three years, including re-eulisted, who received no 

bounty lis 

In addition to the above we have furnished, for ninety days %Q 

For one hundred days 77 

Making a total of 896 men, and $61,120 in bounties, of which 
the State refunded $18,600. 

Besides the foregoing, some hundred at least of the 
Beverly men have served in the army for other pla- 
ces, and nearly as many more have served in the 
navy. 

The whole number of Beverly men who have died 
in the army and navy is about ninety, or ten per cent, 
of the whole number enlisted, — a much less percent- 
age than that of our early California emigration. 

A reception to our esteemed veterans was given 
August 4, 1865. when the day was observed as a gen- 
eral holiday. Soldiers and citizens marched in pro- 
cession to Standley's Grove (where the tables were 
spread), marshalled by Col. John W. Raymond, of 
the military veterans, and Masters' Mates George P. 
Abbott and George Woodbury, of the navy. 

Recapitulation.— The number of enlistments 
from Beverly in the United States army during the 
Rebellion was 608; in the navy, 74 ; total, 682. The 
wliole number of enlistments, counting re-enlistments 
for nine months, one hundred days and three years, 
was 988. The several calls of the government for 
men were promptly met, and at the close of the war 
Beverly stood credited with a surplus of 90 men, suf- 
ticieut to meet her quota on a call of 300,000 men, 
had it been given. Beverly furnished 32 com- 
missioned officers from the army, most of whom were 
promoted from the ranks. A large number in the 
uaval service also received commissions as volunteer 
othcers. 

Three military organizations represented our town 
in the army: Companies E, of the Eighth Regiment; 
G, of the Twenty-third; and K, of the Fortieth, 
while the rolls of almost every regiment from the 
eastern part of the State bore the names of Beverly 
men. 

The efiects of the war did not cease with the sur- 
render of Lee ; indeed, they may be traced to-day in 
the battle-scarred and maimed veterans yet in our 
midst. 

1863. — The street railway lines of Salem, introduced 
there in 1SG2, were extended through the business 
portions of Beverly. 

In July, a mission service of the Episcopal Church 
was opened at Union Hall, under the charge of the 

- From the Citizen, of August 5, 1863. 



T36 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



rector of St. Peter's, of Salem, the Eev. Wm. E. 
Pickman. The following year Rev. S. H. Hilliard 
had it in charge, and in 1865 the church was erected 
at the corner of Cabot and Bow Streets, with Rev. 
Mr. Pickman as rector, until his removal to IMicliigan 
about a year later. Rev. F. M. Cookson was rector 
till 1870, and Rev. George Denham till Easter, 1872. 
From May 13, 1873, to 1878, the Rev. William G. 
Wells, succeeded by Rev. J. C. Wellwood. In 1885, 
Rev. Roland C. Smith. 

1866. — June 15th, Capt. John H. Chipman died of 
disease contracted in the service of his country, 
through exposure, wounds, and the cruelties of the 
infamous Libby prison. He was scarcely twenty- 
eight years old at the time of his death, yet had won 
for himself and the place of his birth the highest 
honors. He was a descendant in the third generation 
from the Rev. John Chipman, pastor of the Second 
Parish Church, 1715-75. 

Captain Chipman volunteered with the Eighth at 
three hours' notice and left behind him a bride of but 
two months. He participated in the march to the 
capital, but was prostrated by hemorrhage from the 
lungs, and returned home. Rapidly recovering, he 
once more enlisted for nine months, serving which he 
returned, but was soon commissioned a captain in 
the Fifty-ninth Regiment, raising a company, and 
was assigned to Burnside's corps. At Cold Harbor 
he was accidentally wounded in the hand, came home 
on a furlough, but soon recovered, resumed his com- 
mand, and entered the rifle-pits before Petersburg. 
Soon after he was taken prisoner, and confined in sev- 
eral of the horrible pens in which the rebels kept 
their captives, and was not released until February, 
1865. His constitution was now undermined by sick- 
ness, but he reported to his regiment as soon as re- 
covered sutficient'y, only to be honorably discharged. 
A year later he .sank beneath his infirmities and soon 
was carried to the grave, having been preceded there- 
to, two months before, by his young and devoted 
wife. 

The school district system was abolished, and an 
improved order of things educational inaugurated. 

The first steam fire-engine was purchased this year. 

1867. — The first Methodist Church was organized 
April, 1867, with Rev. Allen J. Hall as pastor. Ser- 
vices were held in the town-hall at first, but a church 
and parsonage were built on Railroad Avenue in 1869, 
during the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Bailey. The 
church building was enlarged to its present dimen- 
sions in 1886, and is a conspicuous feature of the sec- 
tion in which it stands. In 1870 Rev. C. S. Rogers 
was settled here ; in 1872, Rev. S. C. Jackson ; in 
1874, Rev. M. E. Wright ; in 1877, Rev. A. P. Adams; 
in 1878, Rev. Daniel Waite; in 1881, Rev. Seth C. 
Cary; in 1883, Rev. John Capen ; in 1885, Rev. 
James W. Barter. 

1867.— Ancient and Modeen Cemeteries. — 
An important addition was made to our cemetery 



grounds in the purchase by the selectmen of about 
ten acres of the Bancroft estate, known as Walnut 
Hill. This hill, which commands one of the finest 
prospects in town, lies immediately east of Galley s 
Bridge. 

Fifty years ago there were eight burial places 
in the township, — two near the second parish church, 
one in Dodge's Row, one at Ryal Side, one at the 
Farms and the three in the town proper. The oldest 
of which mention is made in the records is that near 
the vestry of the First Parish and intersected by Ab- 
bott Street, in which lie the remains of the first three 
ministers of Beverly, — Hale, Blowers and Cbampney. 
This was the only burial-place within the limits of 
the First Parish until 1790. 

The earliest decipherable dates on stones in the an- 
cient burial-place are 1678, 1686, 1683, the last of 
which is at the grave of Rebecca, wife of Rev. John 
Hale. 

The old graveyard of the Second Parish shows as 
its most ancient stone that at the grave of Joseph 
Herrick, bearing date 1717. It was opened ni.'i, and 
the first occupants were a child of John Dodge, Jr., 
and the wife of John Trask. The second cemetery 
here was laid out, near the meeting-house, in 1803. 
In the old Leach burial-lot at Ryal Side, is the un- 
marked grave of Reuben Kennison, the first Beverly 
soldier killed at the battle of Lexington. 

In 1788 a lot of land was purchased near the com- 
mon, and the first grave there was that of Mary Allen, 
widow of Caj)t. Barnabas Allen, in January, 1790. 
Other stones here indicate the last resting-places id' 
many famous in the eighteenth century and first part 
of the nineteenth. 

An extension of the second cemetery was made in 
1829, easterly towards the beautiful Walnut Hill, 
with which it was joined in 1867, forming one contin- 
uous tract of about forty acres. 

Longevity. — It may be interesting, in this connec- 
tion, to note some of the examples of longevity in the 
past, as shown by the grave-stones and the records of 
the town. On one stone in the Dane Street ceme- 
tery are the names of five members of the Appleton 
family, whose combined ages reach four hundred and 
four years, among them one who died at one hundred 
and three. 

Beverly has had a good many nonogenarians, 
among those of the past half century being : 

Huldah Davis, who died in 1843, aped 'Jfi yeai-s ; Lydia Appleton, 184.5, 
101) yearg, 8 months, 4 days ; Amos Trask, 1846, 91 ; Mre. Judith Pick- 
ett, 1846, 92 ; Lncy Gage, 1846, 98 ; MoUie Dodge, 1846, 91 ; Elizabeth 
Trask, 1849, 92 ; Anna Woodbury, 1849, 91 ; Anna Miller, 1851, 93 ; 
Sarah Traak, 1851, 95 ; Abigail Tarbell, 1851, 96 ; Phyllis Cane (colored). 
1852, 90 ; Elizabeth Lowe, 1853, 96 ; Rose Larcom, 1853, 94 ; Mark 
Morse, 1854, 96 ; Susanna Standley, 1855, 93 ; Joanna Prince, 1856, 90 ; 
Asa Osier, 1857, 91 ; Molly Trask, 1858, 90 ; Elizabeth Prince, 1858, 90 ■ 
Miss Judith Pickett, 185S, 93 ; Chloe Turner, 1859, 95 ; Susanna Stone, 
1859, 91 ; Hannah Moulton, 1859, 91 ; Charity Glover, 18C3, 93 ; Betsey 
Grant (who saw Washington on his visit to Beverly), 1863, 91 ; Eliza- 
beth Standley, 1864, 92 ; Moses Howard, 1866,91; Mary Pierce, 1867, 

93 ; John Falls, 1867, 92 ; David Tarbo.\, 1868, 90 ; John Cressy. 1809, 

94 ; Samuel Thissell, 1870, 92; Catherine Lane, 1870, 94 ; Peter Homan 



BEVEKLY. 



737 



(who also 8iw Wnshington), 1871, 91; Sally Adams, 1873, 9U ; Jacob 
Croco, 187C, OG ; Xalicy Ri-yiiol.ls, 1870, ul ; Mary UcarJ, 1877, 91 ; 
William Dudgf, 1877,92; .I"1iu Coleinnli, 1878, ill; Klizabetli Page, 
IS7S, 96 ; Itetwy Mul-sp, 1S7S, 9:i ; Lyilia Stone, 1878, 90 ; Klizahi-th 
Vooilbiiry, 1879, 90; Nancy Slockor, 1879, 91); John Bnulsliaw, 1880, 
9:i ; Jesse Woodlniry, 1881. 94 ; James Stone, 1881, 91 ; JIary Connolly, 
1882, 9U; Thomas Ferris, 1882, 90; Charlotte Smith, lS8:i, Oi; Jndith 
Sands, 1883, 90 ; Margnret Brady, 1883,94; Stephens Dalier, 1883,91; 
Margaret noundy, 1884, 90 ; Elilalieth Wilkinson, 1884, 93; Nancy 
Morgan, 1885, 90 ; Joseph K. Russell, 1886, nearly 93 ; Abigail Young, 
1S8G, 93 ; Lucinda Howard, 1886, 90 ; Jace Hill, 1880, 90. 

There iii-e nearly sixty residents of Beverly, eighty 
vears old and npwitrds, as follows: 

Age. 

Daniel Foster 80 

Andrew Larcom 80 

Mrs. Louisa foster 80 

Mrs. KIsie Kent 80 

John Picket 80 

SIi-s. Lucy K. Shaw 80 

Sirs. Johanna P. Foster 80 

Mrs. Adaline A. Wallis 80 

Isr,ielTrask 80 

Paul H. Obcr SO 

John Clark 81 

Mrs. Ebeu Smith 81 

Blrs. Serena IngersoU 82 

David P. Roberts 81 

Mrs. Robert Goodwin 81 

Sullivan Brown 81 

Francis A. Smith 81 

Mrs. Abigail Prince 81 

John 0. Standley 82 

William Ferguson 82 

Mrs. JMary Preston 82 

Oliver D. Kinsman 82 

Samuel Odell 82 

Franklin Haven 82 

Mrs. Nancy Webb 82 

Lyman Mason 82 

Mrs. Betsey Lefavour 82 

llirani Preston 83 

Mrs. Emeline Caldwell 83 

Israel Elliott 84 

Mr. ('orson 84 

5Irs. Nabby Sheldon 84 

Edward Hurley 84 

George Babcocb 81 

Mrs. Blary Vickery 84 

Ebenezer Rogers 84 

Mrs. Theresa Haskell 84 

Mrs Sarah 0. Perry 84 

Mrs, .Uiby Pcdrick 84 

Charles Marshall 85 

Mrs Mary Glidiien 85 

John Porter (died September 7, 1887) 85 

Mrs. Sarah C. Tracy 86 

Rcibert Goodwill 85 

Mrs. .\ugusta Goodrich 80 

Richard Clark SO 

Ben.jamin Lnddeu 80 

Benjamin Preston (born the last day of the last 

month of the last centurj') 87 

Blrs 3Iary Kendall 87 

Sirs. Nancy Sargent 87 

William Endicott 88 

Mrs Hannah Leach 89 

Mrs. Nancy Woodbury 90 

Mrs. Nancy Trowt 90 

Tliom?sIIanners 90 

Hannah Batchelder 91 

Henry Wilson 93 

Mrs. Lydia Elliott nearly 93 

1868. — Miss Joanna Quiner, who was born August 
17, 179C, and died September 20, 1868, acquired more 
47 



than local fame as a sculiitor. ;ifter she was forty years 
of age. Said the editor of the Xoiih Aniericnn Jie- 
vieiB, July, 1843 : 

" In a town more remarkable for the sober good sense and unostenta- 
tious mannei-s of its inhabitants than for their tjistes in the fine arts, the 
discovery of an undoubteil genius is a remarkable event and deserving 
of record. Miss Quiner, of Beverl.v, with proper i)atronage and advan- 
tages, would take uo mean rank among .'Vmerican artists. Without in- 
struction or cultivation of any sort, her talent for modeling in clay has 
already attracted much notice." 

iShe died in poverty without having secured that 
recognition of her genius it so richly deserved. Her 
portrait, painted by Frothingham, was presented to 
the public library, and a highly appreciative sketch 
of her life and work appeared in the Citizen of about 
the date of her death. 

Memorial Day, 1868, Post 89, G. A. R., i)laced iron 
" markers " at the head of every soldier's grave. They 
then identified one hundred and filty in all ; a list of 
names is given in the Citizen of November 2, 1868. 

1869. — The Roman Catholic Church, organized this 
year, purchased and remodeled the house of worship 
formerly occupied by the First Baptist Society, and 
built a parsonage adjoining. It w:is dedicated in 1870 ' 
by the Very Rev. P. F. Lyndon, Vicar General of the 
Diocese of Boston, as.-iisted by Rev. Fr. Singer, of St. 
Patrick's, Montreal, Rev. Fr. Haskins, of Boston, 
Rev. Fr. Delehanty, Rev. Fr. Higgins and Rev. J. J. 
Gray, of Salem. The first pastor was Rev. Fr. Sha- 
han, who was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Keiley, he by 
Rev. W. J. J. Denvir and he by Rev. W. H. Ryan. 

At the F^arms, in 1887, a handsome church was 
built for the Roman Catholics in that section, at a cost 
of eleven thousand dollars. It is one hundred and 
ten feet long, sixty-five in width, with seats for five 
hundred people. 

It was dedicated October 9, 1887, by the Very Rev. 
Archbisho]) John J. Williams, assisted by several 
others, and is known as St. Margaret's. 

1870.— January 14th. This date died Charles Da- 
vis, at the age of seventy-four, a prominent and 
wealthy citizen who, at his death, left bequests to the 
Essex Institute, of Salem, and to the First Parish 
Sunday School, five thousand dollars e.ach. He pass- 
ed ffiost of his life on the homestead farm, inherited 
through his mother, near the head of Bass River. 
The old house here has a connection with witchcraft 
times, as having been the residence, in 1692, of 
Thomas Gage, who made deposition against one Dr. 
Toothaker. It is related that during the War of 1812 
a brick oven containing rows of bean-pots stored full 
of Spanish dollars was bricked up, and the treasure 
there secreted was not disclosed till many years had 
passed. Kot far away lies the homestead farm of 
Roger Conant, who came here in KJH.'J, one of the 
'• Old Planters." 

1871. — Israel Whitney, a son of Dr. Elisha Whit- 
ney, died November 12th, aged seventy-four years; 
one of Boston's most respected merchants, and of 
Beverly's cherished sons. As a shipmaster, he was 



738 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



for many years in the employ of Israel Thorndike. 
His adventures as merchant captain were sometimes 
perilous, as when his ship "Beverly" was burned at 
sea, despite his heroic eflbrts to save her, and when 
he was exposed to great suffering in an open boat, for 
several days. Leaving the sea, he became interested 
in manufacturing, was for thirty-four years director 
in the Massachusetts Bank and for thirty years a di- 
rector in the National Insurance Company, besides 
having other interests in Boston. 

He left nine children, six sons and three daugh- 
ters. His appreciation of the natural beauties of his 
native place was emphasized by early residence here, 
after his retirement from maritime life, in one of the 
most delightful retreats on the shore, near the mouth 
of Sallow's Brook. 

1872. — On the 28th January, died an old and 
highly-respected shipmaster of Beverly, Capt. Samuel 
Endicott, for a long time president of the Bank, and 
for forty years one of its directors. 

Capt. Endicott was the seventh in the line of di- 
rect descent, from Gov. John Endicott, who came to 
Salem from England in 1629, as follows: 

(1) Gov. John Endicott, (2) Samuel, (3) Samuel, 
(4) Samuel, (5) John, (6) Robert, (7) Samuel. He 
was born July 18. 1793, and was the son of Robert 
and Mary (Holt) Endicott,his mother being a daugh- 
ter of Eev. Nathan Holt, of Danvers. Capt. Endi- 
cott was a fine specimen of the shipmasters of the 
old school, and sailed for many years in the employ 
of that eminent Salem merchant, Joseph Peabody_ 
He was for several years in command of the famous 
ship " George," whose arrival from Calcutta in the 
spring was as regularly looked for and realized as the 
recurrence of the months, and which was largely 
manned by Beverly sailors. 

Two worthy citizens, whose lives of probity and 
industry as mechanics endeared them to all, passed 
away in January ; Deacon Joseph Wallis, at the age 
of sixty-five, long connected with the First Baptist 
Church and Sunday-school, and Reuben Herrick, at 
the age of sixty-seven years. Deacon Wallis lived in 
the honse of Mr. Herrick, who had three sons in the 
Civil War : Reuben, Jr., who lost his life, and two 
others, Benjamin T., and Frank S., who served in the 
Union Army. 

The new almshouse was finished in February, 
which is located on the side of the cedar-covered hill 
near Essex Street, commanding delightful prospects 
by sea and land. The main structure is fifty by 
sixty feet, with three stories, mansard roof and base- 
ment. It contains every convenience of the times, 
thirty-six furnished rooms for inmates, offices, etc. 

The town owns real estate adjoining, to the extent 
of twenty-seven acres, the cost of which, with the 
buildings, was about twenty-five thousand dollars. 
Owing to its eligible location, and its natural ad- 
vantages, this property could, probably, be sold at 
any time at a price exceeding its total cost. 



The town early gave attention to the condition of 
its poor, and the few paupers lived well, "boarding 
around" after the manner in which teachers of coun- 
try schools are even yet entertained. One of the con- 
ditions of contract with a pauper, in 1723, was that 
he should be " kept as a Christian ought to be kept," 
and doubtless he was. The name of a certain Joshua 
Turlaud frequently appears in the town records as 
the first supported at the town charge, being enter- 
tained first by one substantial citizen, and then by 
another. The first almshouse was huilt in 1803, 
though the town voted to provide one nearly a cen- 
tury earlier. This was situated in Ciiarity Court, 
near Essex Bridge, and during the latter years of 
its existence its hospitalities were severely taxed by 
numerous representatives of the genus " tramp." It 
was a comfortable old house, and gave a pleasant 
home to the poor and friendless, who had acquired a 
right of residence. 

A notable character deceased January 17, 1872, in 
the person of a life-time inmate of the almshouse, — ■ 
Hector Ross. This "child of natural and unbiased 
affection '' was born in the poor-house, October 9, 
1809; his mother, Joanna Stoutly, and his father, a 
French West Indian of color, reported of fabulous 
strength. Hector himself was of great strength (im- 
agining himself a Hercules), and though a little "off 
color," and in intellect a " little below the average," 
he was yet a great favorite with the children. Two 
or three generations have been amused by his vagar- 
ies, his droll stories and his comic songs. He had a 
quick wit and retentive memory, but his hallucina- 
tions possessed him completely. He claimed to re- 
semble the great Bonaparte (and his profile was in- 
deed markedly Napoleonic), although his color was 
that of rich mahogany. He firmly believed himself 
the rightful heir to immense wealth, which various 
citizens of the town, now one individual and now an- 
other, retained from him in their possession. 

Schools and Education. — There is nothing on 
record in regard to the education of the young prior 
to 1656, when a meeting-house was built and used as 
a school-room, which arrangement continued for 
eighteen years. In 1674 a school-house was built on 
the town's land near the meeting-house, twenty by 
sixteen feet and nine foot stud, which was also used 
for a watch-house. Samuel Hardie was the first 
school-master, at a salary of twenty pounds. He kept 
the school several years. 

In 1686 an agreement was made with Corporal Per- 
kins to furnish a school-room, with a fire-room in it, 
for the space of six months, for ten shillings, and 
John Perley was engaged for the term ensuing ; his 
salary, twenty pounds " in pay" or ten pounds in 
money per year. 

In 1700 a Grammar School was established, and 
Robert Hale, son of the first minister, appointed 
teacher at a salary of ten pounds. In 1701 Daniel 
Dodge was the teacher, and in 1704 James Hale, 



BEVERLY. 



739 



brother of Robert, taught writing, reading, casting 
accounts, Latin and Greek grammar, at a sahiry of 
thirty pounds. 

In 1720 this school was kept by Pyam Blowers, .sou 
of the second minister. 

In 1782 the Grammar School was discontinued, for 
wliich the towu was presented to the Court of Ses- 
sions, when it was resumed and kept till 1825. It was 
held in tarious places till 1798, when it was estab- 
lished in a new house on Watch Hill, the second 
story being fitted up for town purposes. 

About the middle of the century the teacher was 
required to return a list to the selectmen of the 
names of parents and masters and the number of 
children and servants instructed by him. The select- 
men were to tax the parents and masters for the sup- 
port of the schools, and the children and servants of 
]iersons refusing to pay tlieir proportion of fuel 
were not allowed to warm them.selves by the school- 
house fire. 

In 1749 the sum of thirty-two pounds, old tenor, 
was granted to the inhabitants of the eastern part of 
the town, towards a school, iluring four months, and 
in 1752 a Grammar School was kept there a time pro- 
portionate to the amount of taxes paid. From 1754- 
1825 various changes were made, uutil the Grammar 
School was abolished, and it was voted to divide the 
school money raised among the ten school dis- 
tricts. 

In 1836 these school regulations were revised, and 
a list of books for study jirescribed. 

In 1797, "considering the populous and increasing 
state of the town, and the decayed state of the school- 
house on the common, the town voted it expedient to 
build a new Grammar School-house, 43x32J feet, of 
two stories, each about ten feet stud, with room below 
of about thirty-one feet square for the school, and the 
same above for town-meetings and other purposes, 
with room convenient for selectmen and assessors, 
with one below for a library and with a convenient 
entry and stairway.'' 

The site on Watch Hill was bought of the heirs of 
Larkin Thorndike, liy tlie liuilding committee, and 
the next year, 1798, school was opened here under the 
tuition (it is believed) of Andrew Peabody, father of 
the Rev. Dr. Peabody, whose 8ucces.sor was Silas 
Stickney, who was succeeded by Isaac Flagg. 

Until 1841, when the town, having bought the 
Thorndike mansion and fitted it for a town-house, the 
hall in this building was used for municipal pur- 
poses. 

Then the district bought the school-house and land 
and gave it the name of Briscoe, in honor of Robert 
Briscoe. In 1873 the school-grounds were enlarged 
by the addition, by purchase, of the lands of several 
adjoining estates, and the old school-house removed 
to the lot on the common, where it now stands, but 
little distant from the site of the original school 
building of 1674. 



In 1875 the Central Grammar School was opened 
in this building, the name of which was changed to 
the Hardie School, in lienor of the first school-mas- 
ter, Samuel Hardie. 

Just after the Revolution a school was established 
by a few of the citizens in Dike's Lane (now Elm 
Square). It was in a small, plain building, heated by 
a large open fire-place, and about forty scholars was 
the maximum attendance. The price of tuition was 
four dollars per quarter, and none of the teachers, all 
of them college graduates, received over five hundred 
dollars salary. There was a class in Latin and Greek, 
and the English scholars were divided into three 
classes. The sexes were about equally represented. 
This school lasted about thirty years, Isaac Flagg 
being the last teacher, who, when this was discon- 
tinued, took charge of the Grammar School in Bris- 
coe Hall. 

Among the early teachers of this school was Wil- 
liam Prescott, a son of Colonel Prescott, of Bunker 
Hill fame, afterwards a distinguished judge, who 
came to Beverly to study law with Hon. Nathan 
Dane. He established his first law-office in Beverly ; 
his daughter, Mrs. Franklin Dexter, is one of the 
oldest sea-shore residents. 

The High School was not established until after a 
conflict of several years, the opposition being not so 
much against the establishment of the school itself 
as from a fear that the money devoted to its support 
would be proportionately taken from the various 
district schools, all of them being popular local in - 
stitutions, and each with its special neighborhood at- 
tractions. 

The towns had become large enough to be liable in 
law to support a High School, and some of its friends 
got so far out of patience in waiting for the town to 
establish it that they had it indicted. This but in- 
tensified the opposition, which was then a decided 
majority, and they at first attempted to defend the 
town ; but eventually yielded, though the school was 
at first established at the W"st Farms, at some dis- 
tance from the centre of po|iulation. 

It was established in October, 1857, under John R. 
Baker as master, the scholars mostly going to it by 
railroad. 

In 1860 it was voted to discontinue the school, but 
in 1861 the subject was referred to a committee of one 
from each school district, who reported in favor of 
locating it in Odd Fellows' Hall, then on Railroad 
Avenue. Afterwards the town bought the present 
armory building on Cabot Street, where the school 
was held until the completion of the Briscoe Build- 
ing, in which excellent accommodations had been 
provided for it. The principals have been John R. 
Baker, Joseph Hale Abbott, Leroy N. Griffin, Wil- 
lard G. Sperry, Edwin C. Colcord, Enoch C. Adams, 
Benjamin S. Hurd, who have alw.ays had the services 
of valuable assistant teachers. 

Within the past twenty years the greatest improve- 



740 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ment has been made in the schools and buildings. 
Anticii)ating for several years the abolition of the 
district sy.stem in 1866, the school-houses throughout 
the town had fallen into decay; and this condition 
of things necessitated vigorous measures when the 
town took charge. New buildings were erected in 
every district save one (at the Cove), where the house 
was enlarged and beautified. 

1875. — In January of this year the finest school 
building in town was dedicated, standing in tlie place 
of the Hardie school-house, and known as the Bris- 
coe. The total cost of this brick structure, the arch- 
itect of wliich w.'is J. Foster Obcr, a son of Beverly, 
was about seventy-five thousand dollars. 

The school census of Beverly recently completed, 
shows sixteen hundred and eighty-four children be- 
tween the ages of five and fifteen years — an increase 
of twenty-eight over last year, — 

In the South District about 470 

In tlie Briscoe District about 417 

In the Washington District about 3G4 

In the Cove District about 142 

In the Farms District about 130 

In the Bass River District about (>5 

In the Centreville District about ^2 

In the Dodge's How District about 35 

In 1873, at the age of seventy years, Joseph Hale 
Abbot deceased, in Cambridge. Mr. Abbot was 
well known to the people of this town through his 
long connection with the High School, and his mar- 
riage with the only daughter of a prominent citizen, 
Captain Henry Larcom. He was a descendant of the 
first minister of Beverly, Eev. John Hale, and a rela- 
tive of Kev. Abiel Abbott. He left a widow, who sur- 
vived him but a short time, and several children. 
One of his sons, Edward S. Abbot, is buried here, 
having died in his country's service. 

Of Beverly's place in literature, it is yet early to 
write. Of the published productions of the earlier 
writers — Hale (tract on witchcraft, and 'sermons), 
Champney, Hitchcock, Willard, McKean (published 
sermons), Dr. Abiel Abbott and Rev. Joseph Emerson 
(sermons by the former, and " Letters from Cuba ;" 
scientific and educational essaj's by the latter) — men- 
tion has been made. The greatest contribution to legal 
lore was by Hon. Nathan Dane, in his " Digest of 
American Laws," etc. 

A daughter of Dr. Abbott, Miss Anne W. Abbott 
(still living, at nearly eighty years of age), wrote 
many charming story-books for children, as: "Kate 
and Lizzie," 1845; "The Tamed and the Untamed," 
" The Olneys," etc. ; and a popular game of her 
invention forty years ago, "Dr. Busby," is still pub- 
lished for the delight of the youth of to-day. 

One of the first books descriptive of the islands of 
the South Sea was written by a Beverly lady, Mrs. M. 
D. Wallis, under the title of " Life in Fejee." 

One who wrote throughout a long life was Wilson 
Flagg, whose delightful descriptions of nature are 
unsurpassed. His first observations were conducted 



in Beverly, and his first literary productions ema- 
nated hence. The books that have made his reputa- 
tion, as a poetic and thoughtlul student of nature, 
are " Birds and Seasons," and " Woods and By-ways 
of New England." Besides these, he published other 
books and contributed for many years to the maga- 
zines and papers. 

Another eminent author, whom we may claim as a 
native of Beverly by right of birth, is Rev. Dr. A. 
P. Peabody, whose valued works on Christianity and 
Ethics are familiar to all readers. His most popular- 
ly-known books, perhaps, are " Conversation" and 
" Reminiscences of European Travel." 

Of America's distinguished women, one who has 
modestly won an enviable position in the world of 
letters, is Miss Lucy Larcom, another descendant of 
Beverly's pioneer families. Miss Larcom began to 
write verses while running about the fields and hills 
of Beverly, as a child, and continued to do so during 
her earlier years, while a mill-girl at Lowell. She 
was, perhaps, the youngest contributor to the Lowell 
Offering, published by the working-girls of that city, 
many years ago. She continued to write for publica- 
tion during the years that followed, while studying 
and teaching in young ladies' schools. 

Her first volume of poems was publisbed by Fields, 
Osgood & Co., about 1868. This was followed by 
other volumes of verses : " An Idyl of Work," " Child- 
hood Songs" and "Wild Roses of Cape Ann." A 
complete collection of her poems has recently been 
added to their "Household Edition," by Houghton. 
Miifiin & Co. She has also compiled several works, 
as, " Breathings of a Better Life," " Roadside Poems 
for Summer Travelers," " Hillside and Seaside in 
Poetry," etc. 

To travel and history, Frederick A. Ober, a native 
of Beverly, has contributed " Camps in the Carib- 
bees," a personal narrative of adventure in the West 
Indian forests, " Travels in Mexico," a " History of 
Mexico," the " Silver City," and other stories of ad- 
venture. 

Yet another descendant of the first of his name in 
Beverly, is George E. Woodberry, author of a " His- 
tory of Wood Engraving," a " Life of Edgar A. Poe," 
of a threnody entitled, "The North-Shore Watch," 
and of other poems, which have won the admiration 
of scholars and critics. 

In 1849 deceased, at West Needham, William B. 
Tappan, who was born in Beverly, the author of that 
beautiful hymn, " There is an Hour of Peaceful Rest." 
Of other writers, mention maybe found in the pages 
preceding; but it is not claimed that the list is an ex- 
haustive one, and the historian craves the reader's in- 
dulgence. 

In January, 1875, Rev. George Tr^isk, the anti-to- 
bacco philanthropist, died in Fitchburg, at the age 
of seventy-seven. Mr. Trask did battle for principle 
throughout a long and active life, and was an honor 
to Beverly, the town of his birth. 



BEVEKLY. 



741 



1876. — The oldest inhabitant of Beverly died April 
20th, this year — Jacob Groce, who was born February 
12, 1780. In early life he followed the sea, making 
many trips to the West Indies, Europe and elsewhere. 
In 1800 or 1801, while on a passage to the West 
Indies in the schooner "Sally," with Capt. Gideon 
Ray, his vessel was cliased by a French privateer, 
captured and taken into Guadaloupe ; sailing thence, 
on board the privateer, they were again captured, by 
a British man-of-war, and afterwards sent home on 
an eastern lumber vessel, after remaining a while in 
Martinique. In 1812 he was taken prisoner by a 
Briti.sh sloop-of-war, carried into Bermuda and thence 
to Halifax, where he and his companions were nearly 
starved. Mr. Groce's life was unambitious though 
serene in his Latter years, and his example was one of 
goodness and charity to liis fellow-men. 

1878. — March \~tli passed away the then oldest in- 
habitant, in the person of Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney 
Page, at the age of ninety-five years and three months. 
Her husband was Josiah Page, who was drowned olf 
the coast of Sumatra, 1810; and she was a daughter 
of Dr. Elisha Whitney, whose wife, Eunice, was 
daughter of General Michael Farley, of Ipswich, a 
descendant of the Farley who came from England in 
1075. 

1879. — Dr. Wyatt C. Boyden deceased, after a long 
residence in Beverly, at the age of eighty-seven. He 
was born in Gardner, Mass., in 1794, but reared in 
Tamworth, X. H., where his early life was passed on 
a farm. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1811), a 
class-mate with Rufus Choate, and he was the last 
survivor of his class. Dr. Boyden came to Beverly 
Farms in 1823, where he first taught school, and 
there married and began practice as physician. In 
182.') he removed to the centre of the town, and in 
182(> succeeded to the practice of Dr. Abner Howe. 
As citizen and phj'sician he was held in high esteem; 
he took a lively interest in local affairs, and especially 
in the cause of education ; was a trustee of the Fisher 
Charitable Society for fifty-one years. 

\i%Q.— November \^t, Dr. Augustus Torrey, son of 
Dr. Joseph Torrey, a well-known physician of Salem, 
and in his later years of Beverly, and a grandson of 
the famous Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Hamilton, died, 
this date, in his seventy-sixth year. He graduated at 
Harvard in 1824, and from its medical school in 
1827. He married a niece of Nathan Dane, and left 
a family of five sons and two daughters. He is re- 
membered as a worthy citizen, a man of fiue literary 
tastes and a skilled practitioner. In the same profes- 
sion a-s his father and grandfather is Dr. Samuel Tor- 
rey, son of Dr. Augustus Torrey, who maintains the 
prestige of the family to-day. 

Two physicians long identified with the town were 
the Drs. Kitteredge, father and son, who are men- 
tioned elsewhere in this volume. 

1881.— There died in Philadelphia, March 31st, 
where he had resided since 18(57, Dr. Isaac Ilea, at 



the age of seventy-four. He was a son of Beverlyi 
educated at Phillips Academy and Bowdoin College, 
and studying medicine at the Harvard Medical Col- 
lege. He practiced medicine in Portland and East- 
port, Me., and was appointed superintendent of the 
Maine State Lunatic Hospital in 1841, and of the 
Butler Hospital for Insane, at Providence, R. I., in 
18-16, where he remained till 1867. He won high 
recognition for his practice and theory of the medical 
treatment of insanity, and published many valuable 
books on the sutijcct, which are recognized as author- 
ities. The physicians practicing in Beverly to-day 
maintain the reputation of their predecessors. The 
oldest practitioner is Dr. Chaa. Haddock, who has 
had thirty-five years of service here, and with svhora 
is now .associated his son. Dr. Chas. W., the next 
lieing Dr. Oscar F. Swazey, with thirty years of prac- 
tice in our midst. 

September 2S/h, James Stone, long prominent in 
maritime oft'airs. and a prisoner of 1812, deceased, at 
the age of ninety -two years. 

1882. — October loth, the soldiers' monument w-as 
dedicated, which stands on the triangular lot of latid 
at the junction of Abbot and Endicott Streets. It 
was erected by the comrades of "John H. Chipman " 
Post 89, G. A. R., from the proceeds of various fairs, 
during several years, and subscriptions by our towns- 
people. Four years previously, after advertising for 
designs for a soldiers' and sailors' monument, the 
])ost accepted the design submitted by the Hallowell 
Granite Company, of Maine, at the price of f(mr 
thousand eight hundred dollars. 

The corner-stone was laid October 10, 1882, and a 
box deposited beneath it contaiuiug, among other 
papers, a brief sketch of each full company furnished 
by Beverly for the war: Company E, Eighth Regiment, 
Capt. F. E. Porter; Company G, Twenty-third Regi- 
ment, Capt. John W. Raymond; and Company K, 
Fortieth Regiment, Capt. E. L. Giddings, as also their 
memorable battles, etc. 

The dedicatory exercises were held on the 13th, and 
called to Beverly many distinguished peoj)le as par- 
tici[>ants, among them the Governor, John B. Long, 
and statf, and veterans from other Grand Army of 
the Republic organizations. 

The procession formed was the largest the town had 
ever witnessed within its limits, containing twenty- 
six hundred, with delegates from all the county posts, 
members of the entire Fire Dc|)artment of Beverly, 
and no less than fourteen bands of music and drum 
corps. A section of Battery C, of Melrose, fired the 
salutes of the day, opening with seventeen guns for 
the Governor, and closing with a national salute of 
thirty-eight guns, at the end of the exercises at the 
monument. 

The chief marshal was Col. John W. Raymond, of 
Beverly, with Col. H. P. Woodl)Ury as chief of staft', 
and Dr. Chas. Haddock surgeon-general. Col. F. E. 
Porter commanded the First Brigade, which con- 



742 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tained Post 89 with Its one hundred and fifty mem- 
bers, led by Wra. H. Morgan, commander. The mon- 
ument was dedicated by Post Commander Wm. H. 
Morgan ; prayer was offered by Wm. Staflbrd, chap- 
lain of the post, and an address by Rev. J. F. Lover- 
ing, of Worcester. Owing to an accident, by which 
the platform on which were the invited guests, seventy- 
five in number, was thrown to the ground and several 
people injured, the exercises here were interrupted 
and the procession moved to the common, where a 
dinner was served in the mammoth tent, and toasts 
were responded to by the eminent guests of the oc- 
casion. 

Many buildings along the route of the procession 
were handsomely decorated. At one point was sta- 
tioned an old war-horse, thirty-four years of age, 
from whose back was killed Col. Wells, of the Thirt}'- 
fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, and in whose body 
were several bullets received in battle. 

The monument was cut from fine white granite, is 
thirty-six feet in height, with a square base, twelve 
by twelve feet. The plinth is six feet six inches 
square, and on the dies, five feet four inches square, 
are the inscriptions : 

" To the soldiers and sailors of Beverly ; 

*' Erected in behalf ot the citizens of the town by Post 89, 

' Department of Massachusetts, Grand .\rmy of the Republic, 1882 ; 

" Embalmed in the memories of the succeeding generatioue, the heroic 
dead will live on in immortal youth ; 

"Teaching iu eloquent silence the lesson of the Citizen's duty to the 
State." 

The corners of the dies are ornamented with carved 
cannon. The shaft is surmounted by the figure of a 
soldier loading at will. 

Post 89, Beverly, G. A. R., was organized June 6, 
1869, and took its name from John H. Chipman, who 
went out a second time to the war as captain of Com- 
pany C, Fifty-ninth Regiment Miissachusetts Volun- 
teers, which was recruited in town and composed in 
part of Beverly men. 

The Post has a membership of 200, and has paid 
out, for the benefit of comrades and families of de- 
ceased members, in the past six years, over $G,000. On 
the 1st of November, 1S82, the monument was for- 
mally presented by the Poat to the town, with public 
exercises in the town hall, presented by Commander 
Morgan, and accepted by John I. Baker in behalf of 
the town, and a list was published of the soldiers and 
sailors who had died in service since the war.' 

In April, of this year, died Capt. Jona. H. Lovett,a 
retired sea-captain, and David Lefavour, at the age of 
seventy-six, one of the first shoe manufacturers of the 
town. 

The Beverly Times, a valuable local paper, was es- 
tablished this year by Messrs Morgan & Bates. 

1883. — The Rev. Edwin M. Stone, formerly minis- 
ter of the Second Parish Church, 1834-47, representa- 
tive 1842 and 1844, and the author of a " History of 

1 Pub. in Citizen of Nov. 4, 1884. 



Beverly," died in Providence December 22d, aged 
seventy-eight years. The latter part of his life was 
passed in Providence, R. I., where for some years he 
was a city missionary. He had done much literary 
work in the course of his life, his latest and most val- 
uable publication being "Our French Allies in the 
Revolution." 

Miss Elizabeth Manning Hawthorne, the last sur- 
viving sister of Nathaniel Hawthorne, died January 
1st, aged eighty years and nine months. For the 
thirty years then past she had lived a very retired life 
in a farm-house at Monserrat, almost unknown to her 
neighbors. She was two years the senior of her gifted 
brother, who, it is said, often declared that she could 
attain fame if she would devote herself to literary pur- 
suits. Hawthorne's grandmother, daughter of Jona- 
than and Lydia (Cox) Phelps, was born in Beverly, 
June 1, 1734, in the house that stood on or near the 
site occupied by the Roman Catholic par.sonage. 

In excavating for the ibundation of the Lawrence 
Pottery, to replace the one destroyed by fire, an an- 
cient brick kiln was unearthed. The bricks were 
somewhat longer and wider than those now in use, and 
thinner. 

November 17, Benjamin 0. Pierce, aged seventy-one, 
died in Beverly, well known as a public educator. 

1884. — January 9, Lieut.-Col. Henry P. Woodbury 
died at the age of forty-eight years. One of the first 
to respond to the call for three months' men, in 1861, 
as first sergeant, under Col. Porter, he re-enlisted at 
the expiration of this term of service as first lieu- 
tenant under Capt. Raymond, in Company G, Twenty- 
third Regiment. He ibught gallantly to the end of 
the war in 1865, sustaining injuries from which he 
never recovered. He left a widow and two sons, and 
an aged mother, Mrs. Nancy Woodbury, who is now 
living (1887), in excellent health, at ninety years of 
age. Colonel Woodbury represented the town in the 
Legislature in 1877. 

May 6, at Cambridge, died Wilson Flagg, aged 
seventy-eight years and six months. Mr. Flagg was 
an ardent lover of nature, and the author of several 
books on birds and trees: "Studies in Field and 
Forest," 1857 ; " Woods and Byways of New Eng- 
land," 1872, and other books, as well as many arti- 
cles in the Atlantic Magazine. His rare musical 
talent he inherited from his father, Isaac Flagg, the 
school-master and choir-leader of the old South for 
many years. '' One of his most wonderful feats in the 
musical line was his arrangement of the songs and 
notes of the birds to music, as given in their grand 
anthems of May and June, particularly the song of 
the vesper bird, the peculiar trilling notes of the 
' veery ' and the solemn tones of the wood-thrush 
with its strange cadence. One can say, in the words 
of Emerson, as he wrote of Thoreau ; 'His soul 
was made for the noblest society ; wherever there is 
knowledge, wherever there is virtue, wherever there 
is beauty, he will find a home.' " 



BEVERLY. 



743 



In December, 1884, the South School-house was 
ilestroyed by fire with a loss to the town of 12,000. 
A new building was erected in 1885 at a cost of 
$2.'i,000. 

1885. — In June this year the old mill at the head 
of Bass Biver was burned. It is about two hundred 
and fifty years since the first mill was erected in 
Beverly, probably by John Friend, who had a grant 
of land (ten acres) in 1()37, and one hundred more 
in 1638. In 1665, after Friend's death, his heirs 
granted and confirmed to ,Tohn Leach, son of Law- 
rence, "the mill and mill-house standing in Bass 
River, with all the appurtenances, with two acres 
of land adjoining and twenty acres a little dis- 
tance oiT, all on Ryall's Neck side. " This was re- 
ognized as the property of Lawrence Leach by 
the town of Salem, in 1627, when it decided that 
the way from the meeting-house to said mill shall 
be directly in the country way to Edmund Grover's 
(near the present corner of Cabot and Beckford), 
etc., substantially as Mill Street to-day, but crossing 
the mill-pond farther up the stream than the present 
road over the dam. Relics of the old dam and gate- 
way may still be seen, and the course of the ancient 
roadway may yet be traced. 

The original mill was probably much nearer the 
head of the stream than the last one. At the point 
where Bass River Brook meets the tide-water is a 
high embankment, which once served as a dam and 
another still farther up. One of these dams was 
used to confine the water for the cotton-mill erected 
there in the last century. 

The oak frame of the old mill, or a portion of it, is 
in one of the Isarns formerly owned by Aaron Dodge, 
near the mill-dam. In 1669, John Leach, miller, sold 
to .lohn Dodge, Jr. for two hundred and fifty pounds, 
all the lands, dwelling-house, mills and privileges. 
This Capt. John Dodge, Jr., was a son of William 
Dodge, the first of the name here. In 1702 he deeds 
to his .son-in-law, Ebenezer Woodbury, for two hun- 
dred pounds in silver, "all my grist-mill, alias corn- 
mill, in Salem, with 2 acres of land in Salem & IJ 
acres in Beverly, with all streams, water tools, imple- 
ments, etc." 

Bass River was then a boundary between Salem 
and Beverly. The heirs of Ebenezer Woodbury, in 
1798, sold the mill property to Thomas Davis, Jr., 
who had married a daughter of Israel Woodbury. 

This property was purchased in 1848 by Aaron 
Dodge, who in 1851 enlarged it and added the eleva- 
tor and tower, said to be the first in the State. 

This well-known mill was run by tide-water as a 
grist-mill until 1882, when it was purchased by a Bos- 
ton man and used for grinding rubber. 

In 1882-83 a son of Mr. Dodge, Israel W., and as- 
sociates, erected the large structure known as the 
Eastern Elevator and Mills, four stories in height, 
surmounted by a tower three stories higher, or ninety 
feet from summit to basement. This is one of the 



best establishments of its kind, and is furnished with 
every known appliance for discharging and loading 
cars, grinding grain, etc. 

In 1885 there were in Beverly nine claimants en- 
titled to reparation for French spoliation, on account 
of the losses to brig "Nancy" in 1798, and to the 
schooner "Esther" in 1799. 

The oldest person in Beverly, Joseph K. Russell, 
died at the age of ninety-four year.j, seven months. 
He was a soldier and pensioner of 1812, and had 
lived for seventy years in the same house in Black 
Swamp, from which he had not been absent a month. 

In August one of the most promising of Beverly's 
daughters. Miss Alice L. Moulton, died in Steeleu- 
bosch. South Africa, whither she had gone as a teach- 
er in February, 1884. Miss Moulton was a graduate 
of Wellesley College, where she had won high honors 
Her ideals and aspirations were pure and elevated, 
and her young life was consecrated to the cause of 
Christianity. 

Fire Dei>artmext and Watek-Works. — In 
August and September, 1885, the town voted to accept 
the act of Legislature giving it permission to erect 
water-works and maintain an indepeiident water sup- 
ply, at a cost, exclusive of land damages, not to ex- 
ceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

A committee of sixteen was appointed, who made 
a rejiort in November, recommending a pumjiing sta- 
tion at Wenham Lake, with two pumps, each of two 
million gallons daily capacity, a reservoir on Brimble 
Hill capable of holding three million gallons, an 
eighteen-ineh main to connect with the street pipes 
already laid, and a twelve-inch main to the Farms. 
Brimble Hill is one hundred and seventy seven feet 
above sea-level, and is thirty higher than the Salem 
reservoir. 

Ground was broken for the reservoir on Brimble 
Hill, the highest elevation in town, in May, 1886, 
land having been bought here and on the shore of 
Wenham Lake, where a pumping-station and a cot- 
tage for the engineer have since been erected. The 
sy-tem was completed within the ajipropriation, and 
went into full operation on the 1st day of October, 
1887, and the town is abundantly supplied with water, 
both highlands and lowlands, having over fifty miles 
of pipes extending throughout its length and breadth. 
Beverly had been served with water from the Salem 
system of supply, which was established in 1807, its 
reservoir and pumi)ing-station being within the town- 
ship limits. 

Wenham Lake, from which Beverly and Salem ob- 
tain their water supply, is from forty to fifty feet in 
depth, and is fed by springs beneath the surface. The 
bottom of the lake is composed of white quartz or 
sand, and the water, from analysis by our best chem- 
ists, has been pronounced remarkably pure. The ice 
formed here is so clear that it has been used success- 
fully as a lens in igniting powder by the sun's rays. 

The pond was once famous among the Indians as 



744 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the local fishing-ground of the Naumkeags, a stream 
flowiug from it being a tributary of the Ipswich 
Eiver, on the banks of which their principal settle- 
ment was located. 

The first murder committed in colonial times, of 
which we have any record, was near its shore, on the 
main road from Salem to Ipswich, and the famous 
Hugh Peters (who was afterwards executed by Arch- 
bishop Laud) preached here from the summit of a 
conical hill (now removed) from the text, "At Enon, 
near Salim, for there was mucli water there." 

At a town-meeting in 1774 it was voted that if a 
number of men, not exceeding thirty-five, would pur- 
chase a good fire apparatus and engine, and contract 
to improve the same for extinguishing fires, they 
should be exempt from serving in any town ofiicc, or 
as jurymen. This vote was carried into effect, a com- 
pany formed and engine purchased. The company, 
in 1705, gave up their apparatus to the town, and in 
1805 it was voted to raise SI ,000 and purchase a new 
fire-engine, and in 1828 another. 

The fire apparatus, in 1843, consisted of three en- 
gines, with hose, buckets, axes, etc., one company in 
the North Parish and two in the centre of the town. 

Fire hooks-and-ladders were placed convenient for 
use. In addition to these, the Union Fire Society, 
formed in 1804, had Udders, fire-hooks, sails and axes, 
each member being provided with two leather buck- 
ets, a two-bushel bag, a bed-key and a screw-driver. 
For furnishing a supply of water for fires, four cis- 
terns had been built. The Union Fire Society had a 
fund of $4,000, which was divided among its members 
when they disbanded, their services becoming of less 
importance as public facilities increased. 

The first steam fire-engine was purchased by the 
town in 186(5, and on the introduction of VVenham 
water int > the town, hydrants were established exten- 
sively, hose-houses were built and efficiently equipped, 
and the most approved system of apparatus purchased. 
In all six hose-houses were erected, so that every sec- 
tion, no matter how remote from the town-centre, 
was thoroughly protected. In addition to these 
was the steam fire-engine at the central station ; and 
in November, 188.3, the building known as the Cen- 
tral Fire Station was dedicated, which cost nearly 
$20,000, and is provided with a tower, with perfect ap- 
paratus, two engines, trained horses and etficient en- 
gineers. 

At the Farms, in addition to the hose-house, is a 
new building containing a fine steamer and appoint- 
ments equally good with those in the central dis- 
trict. 

1886. — An electric fire-alarm was established in 
February, beginning in the manufacturing district, 
and extending thence into the outlying sections of the 
town. It started with ten boxes, two in the manufac- 
turing centre, two on Cabot Street, and one each in 
the South, Washington, Cove, Montserrat, North 
Beverly and Farms Districts. 



An indicator and a two-circuit repeater was put 
into the Central Station, a striker attached to the 
First Baptist bell, and a whistle-blower on one of the 
factories. 

In July, 1886, electric lights were introduced into 
the town, under the management of the parties con- 
trolling the gas company, su])erseding gas for street 
lights in the most densely-populated parts. 

The Beverly Gas-Light Company was incorporated 
in 1859, furnishing gas to light the streets and to pri- 
vate consumers. 

The street railway system was extended in one di- 
rection to Chapman's Corner, at the Cove; in another, 
through North Beverly, to Wenham. 

Temperance andothee Societies. — We may say 
of Beverly to-day, as was said of her by the historian 
of forty years ago, that, " on the subject of temper- 
ance she has kept in the van of enlightened public 
sentiment." 

The customs of early times prescribed "drinks" 
upon nearly all public occasions, but this town was 
one of the first to abolish that custom. By a vote of 
March 9th, 1807, the selectmen were requested " not 
to approbate or recommend for the renewal of their 
license any person, in the future, as an innholder, who 
was not provided with accommodations for entertain- 
ing travelers." 

Such popular educators as Rev. Joseph Emerson 
and Dr. Abiel Abbott used their influence in promot- 
ing the cause of temperance ; but the first temperance 
society was not formed until about 1880, up to which 
time nearly every grocer in town was licensed to sell 
intoxicating liquors. 

The Beverly Baptist Temperance Society was or- 
ganized in 18.32, as also was a similar association at 
the Farms. A Temperance Association was formed 
in the Second Parish in 1833, the Union Temperance 
Society in 1835, and a Total Abstinence Society in 
1838. In 1840 the Washingtonian movement swept 
over the land, the beneficial influence of which Bev- 
erly experienced. 

In 1844 the Sons of Temperance, Franklin Division, 
organized and contained a large and influential mem- 
bership, which, alter many years of valued service, 
finally disbanded ; the new division of the same name 
in 1882. 

The Young Men's Catholic Temperance Society was 
organized in 1872, the Woman's Christian Total 
Abstinence Union organized in 1875, and the Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union, at the Farms, in 1885. 

The Crystal Fountain Lodge of Good Templars was 
organized in 1882. 

Other societies of various kinds, which illustrate 
the intellectual and industrial life of the town, are 
numerous, as follows: 

The Female Charitable Society was incorporated 
1836; Beverly Fuel Society, already mentioned ; Sea- 
man's Widows' and Orphans' Friend Society, organ- 
ized 1833 ; Fisher Charitable, organized 1810 ; Old 



BEVERLY, 



745 



Ladies' Home Society, organized 1886 ; New England 
Industrial Schaol for DeafMutes (on a farm of fifty-six 
acres, at Ryal Side), organized 187(1 ; Woman's Re- 
lief Corps, ,Tolin H, Chipman, Jr., No. 30, organized 
1883; Knights of Honor, organized 1877 ; American 
Legion of Honor, Reuben Kennison Council, organ- 
ized 1881 ; Beverly Gas-Light Company, capital 
stock, $40,000, par value $100 ; Light Infantry Com- 
pany, organized 1814 ; Beverly Co-operative Associa- 
tion, organized 1879; Grand Army Post, organized 
18ii9 ; Shoe Manufacturers' Association, organized 
18G5 ; Lasters' Protective Union, organized 1882; 
United Order American Mechanics, organized 1883 ; 
Independent Order of Red Men, Chicataubut Tribe, 
organized 1886; Royal Arcanum, Roger Conant 
Council, organized 1879; Sons of Veterans, Camp 
John Low, organized 1882 ; Thorndike Bicycle Club, 
organized 1881 ; Daughters of Liberty, Mayflower 
Council, organized 1885; Golden Rule Alliance, or- 
ganized, 1885 ; Beverly Fireman's Relief Association 
has a fund of $4,500. 

The Post-Office. — Owing to its contiguity to Sa- 
lem, Beverly did not possess distinct postal facilities 
so early as some other towns in the county. The 
first postmaster was Asa Leech, before the building 
of Essex bridge, who also had charge of the ferry and 
kept a public-house at the corner of Cabot and Davis 
Streets. He was postmaster for many years. Previous 
to the establishment of the office here our citizens, 
as well as those of some other towns, obtained their 
mail from the Salem office. 

Dr. Josiah Batchelder succeeded Mr. Leech, at his 
death, and kept the ofBce in a house on the corner of 
Davi.s and Front Streets. On his removal to Maine, 
John Burley was appointed, who resigned, and was 
succeeded by John Lemon, he by Farnham Plum- 
mer, who removed the office to a building next to the 
Thorndike mansion, now the town-hall, Jonathan 
Smith was the next postmaster, who held the office 
nine years, until Stephens Baker was appointed, in 
1833. Mr. Baker held office sixteen years, at first in 
his store, where the Hinkley Block now stands, and 
during his last ten years in the building he erected 
on the corner of Cabot and Milton Streets. Joseph 
D. Tuck, who succeeded him, kept the office in the 
same place, until another change of administration 
gave it in charge of Gilbert T. Hawes, who established 
it at the corner of Cabot Street and Railroad Avenue. 
Thomas A. Morgan succeeded him, under whom the 
office was opened in the Masonic Block, where his 
successor, Thomas D. Davis, continued it. Mr. Davis 
was a soldier of the late war, whose health was seri- 
ously shattered by barbarous treatment in the pris- 
ons of Richmond and Andersonville, His successor 
wiis another veteran of the war. Colonel Francis E. 
Porter. Under him and his predecessor the office had 
been brought into a high state of efliciency ; but the 
accession to power of a Democratic ailministration 
caused the removal of Colonel Porter, and the appoint- 
47 i 



ment of the present incumbent, Jeremiah Murphy. 
Within the year past the post-office was removed to 
the Odd-Fellows' Block, at the instance of the inspec- 
tor from Washington, and fitted with every ap- 
pointment, so that it is now second to none of its 
class in the State. 

Beverly's Representatives. — Of the early lead- 
ing settlers of Beverly, Roger Conant was one of the 
Representatives for Salem to the first General Court 
in 1634; John Woodbury in 1635, '38 and '39; John 
Blackleach and Thomas Scruggs in 1636 ; Captain 
Thomas Lothrop in 1653, '62 and '64, and from 
Beverly in 1672, '73, '74 and '75. The other Repre- 
sentatives from Beverly have been Lieutenant John 
Dodge, son of Richard Dodge, in 1676, '78, '79, '80, 
'81, '83, '89 and '90 ; John AVest, 1677 ; William Dodge, 
Sr., 1680 ; Lieutenant Paul Thorndike, 1681 ; Exercise 
Conant, 1682, 'S3 and '84 ; Captain William Raymond, 
1683, '85 and '86 ; Thomas West, 1687 (he was also the 
first Representative from Manchester) ; Sergeant Peter 
Woodbury, 1690 ; Lieutenant Andrew Elliott, 1691, 
'92, '94, '95 and '97; Captain John Dodge, son of 
William, Sr., 1693, '96 and 1702; Deacon Samuel 
Balch, 1698, '99, 1700, '01, '05, '06, '07, 09, '10, '13, '14, 
'15, '16, '19; Isaac Woodbury, 1703, '04; Robert Hale, 
Sr., 1708; Lieutenant John Balch, 1711, '12, '27; 
Captain Joseph Herrick, 1717, '18, '20, '21 ; Lieutenant 
Robert Briscoe, 1721, '22 ; Lieutenant John Thorn- 
dike, 1723; Deacon Jonathan Payment, 1724, '25; 
Captain Robert Woodbury, 1726, '30 ; Andrew Dodge, 
1728, '29; Lieutenant (afterwards colonel) Robert 
Hale, 1731, '32, '33, '34, '35, '38, '40, '41, '42, '43, '44, 
'45, '46, '47, '48, '54, "56, '57 ; Captain Henry Herrick 
(of the French and Indian War), 1736, '37, '39, '51, 
'52, '53 ; Lieutenant Daniel Conant, 1749, '50 ; Captain 
John Leach, 1755 (who had been Representative from 
Salem in 1750 and '51, before Ryall's Side was annexed 
to Beverly); Lieutenant (afterwards colonel) Henry 
Herrick, son of Captain Henry, 1758, '59, '60, '61, '62, 
'63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69, '70, '71, '72, '73 ; Captain 
Josiah Batchelder, 1774, '75, '76, '77, '78, '79 (and in 
the Provincial Congress for three of those years) ; 
Jonathan Conant, 1779, '81 ; Colonel Larkin Thorn- 
dike, 1780, '82, '86, '87, '90, '91, '92; Nathan Dane, 
1782, '83, '84, '85 (also Senator, 1790, '94, '96, '97, '98. 
Representative to Congress, 1785, '86, '87; Presidential 
elector, 1812, in Constitutional Convention, 1820); 
Joseph Wood, 1786, '87, '88, '89, '92, '93, '94, '95, '96, 
'97, '98, 1802, '03, '04, '05, '06; Captain (afterwards 
colonel) Israel Thorndike, 1788, 1802, '03, '04, '05, '06, 
'08 (also Senator, 1807, '08, '10, and in State Conven- 
tion, 1788, to consider the Federal Constitution) ; John 
Cabot, 1792; Captain Moses Brown, 1799, 1800, '01 
(and elector of President, 1808) ; John Stephens, 1800, 
'01 ; James Burnham, 1800, '01 ; Abner Chapman, 
1804, '05. "06, '07, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15; 
Thomas Davis, 1805, '06, '07, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, '13, 
'14, '15, '16, '17, '19, '20, '22, '23; Thomas Stephens, 
1808, '09, '10 (and Senator, 1811, '12, '13, '14, '15); 



746 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Eobert Rantoul, 1809, '10, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, 
'17, '18, '19, '23, '24, '25, '26, '28, '29, '30, '31, '32, '33 
(Senator, 1821, '22, 23, and in Constitutional Conven- 
tions of 1820 and 1853); Isaac Rea, 1809, '10, '11, '12, 
13; Nathaniel Goodwin, 1811, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, 
17; Nicholas Thonulike, 1814, '15, '16, '17; Josiah 
Lovett, 1816, '20, '21 ; Oliver Ohear, 1823, '24, '25, '26 ; 
William Thorndike, 1824, '25, '26 (in the Senate, 1828, 
'29, '30, and its President in 1831) ; Pyam Lovett, 1823, 
'37 ; Henry Larcom, 1827, '28, '29, '30 ; Thomas Ste- 
phens, Jr., 1829, '30; Josiah Lovett 2d, 1829 (Senator 
1852); Amos Sheldon, 1829, '30; John Safford, 1833, 
'34, '35, '36, '38, '39 (and in Senate, 1842, '44) ; Charles 
Stephens, 1833, '57; Jesse Sheldon, 1833, '34; Cotton 
Bennett, 1834, '35, '36; Nehemiah Roundy, 1834, '35, 
'36; Stephen Nourse, 1835, '36 ; John Conant, 1835, 
'36; David Larcom, 1837; Ezra Dodge, 1837; Daniel 
Cross, 1837 ; Jonathan Batchelder, 1836, '38 ; Andrew 
Ober, 1838; Edwin M. Stone, 1839, '42, '44; Thomas 
B. Smith, 1839, '40; William Lanison, 1840, '41 ; Ed- 
ward Stone, 1841; John Pickett, 1842. '44; Albert 
Thorndike, 1845, '46, '47 (and Senator, 1850, '51); 
John I. Baker, 1840, '45, '46, '47, '52, '56, '65, '66, '69, 
'71, '75, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84 (Councillor, 1860, 
'61, Senator, 1863, '64); William H. Lovett, 1848, '49, 
'50; Paul Hildreth, 1848, '49, '50 ; Levi A. Abbott, 
1852, '54; William Endicott and Joseph E. Ober, and 
the latter in the Constitutional Convention ; John B. 
Hill, 1855, '74, '76; Richard P. Waters, 1856 (and in 
the Peace Congress of 1861) ; Jolm Knowlton, 1857 • 
Robert S. Rantoul, 1858; Thomas A. Morgan ami 
James Hill, 1859; Andrew F. Wales, 1860 ; Augustus 
N. Clark, 1861 (and Presidential elector, 1880); Elijah 
E. Lumraus, 1861; John Meacora, 1862; Robert R. 
Endicott and Robert S. Foster, 1863 ; Benjamin D. 
Grant, 1864; Charles H. Odell, 1865; John W. Ray- 
mond, 1866, '67 ; Joseph Wilson, 1868 ; Freeborn W. 
Cressy, 1869. '72; Henry P. Moulton, 1870; Nathan 
H. Webb, 1870, '71, '72; Francis E. Porter, 1873, '74; 
John H. Woodbury, 1875 ; David A. Preston, 1876; 
Henry P. Woodbury, 1877 ; Charles L. Dodge, 1885, 
'86, '87. Senators who have not been Representatives : 
Joshua Fisher, 1805 ; Warren Tilton, 1859, '60; Fred- 
erick W. Choate, 1866, '67 ; Francis Norwood, 1881, '82. 
Beveely's Industries. — The Fisheries. — The ear- 
liest industries of Beverly were farming and fishing. 
From the sea came the principal subsistence, until 
the meadows and forests were cleared and planted. 
The first settlements in Beverly were located with 
special reference to their contiguity to the fishing- 
grounds, as the houses erected by William and Hum- 
phrey Woodbury and their people. After the fish- 
eries were established nearly every male inliabitant 
old enough, and not too old, went off for the sum- 
mer's fishing. Few were left at home, except the 
old men and young boys, women and girls. Even 
the boys were taken away at a very early age, some 
at eleven, and nearly all of them at fourteen or fif- 
teen. 



At the outset the voyages were greatly prolonged 
by the custom, then prevailing, of drying the fish be- 
fore the return of the vessel to port, on the Mag- 
dalen or the coast of Labrador, which they after- 
wards took, in the same vessels, to the West Indies, 
etc. Later on, and for the past hundred years or so, 
the fish were salted in tlie hold and brought home to 
be " cured." Then it was possible to make two voy- 
ages each season, sailing on the 1st of March or 
April, and returning about the 4th of July, — this 
was the " first fare ; " the " second fare " would keep 
them out till cold weather had commenced, into No- 
vember, and sometimes even December. In all, 
from six to eight months were taken for the two 
fares ; sometimes three fares were made. Every avail- 
able headland on the coast, from Tuck's Point to 
Paine's Head, was covered with fish-flakes, where, in 
the summer and autumn months, thousands of tons 
of fish were cured for market. 

These fish-drying places have now become too valu- 
able as real estate to be used for this purpose, and 
but a few fish-flakes can be seen on our shores. Most 
of the fishermen resided on the coast, between the 
Old South and the Manchester line. When the cod 
fishery was at its best, which was probably between 
the years 1840-50, there were seventy or eighty vessels 
engaged, and all manned by natives of this town. 
Each vessel carried from six to nine men, and rarely 
exceeded eighty or ninety tons burthen. The prin- 
cipal vessel-owners were Thorndike & Endicott, 
Stephen Nourse, Foster & Lovett, Pickett & Ed- 
wards, James Stone, (Japt. Bradshaw, Ezra Batchel- 
der, Samuel Ober, John Morgan ; and some vessels 
were owned by the crews. 

But the co-operative system did not work very 
well, as all the "combined powers" wanted to be 
skippers, and could hot agree. 

The average cost of a new schooner was about four 
thousand dollars. A good season's receipts, even for 
the "skippers," was five hundred dollars, and an av- 
erage of two hundred quintals of fish was considered 
a "great catch." The fishermen did remarkably well 
immediately after the withdrawal of the embargo, in 
1815, and during the period of the Civil War, as 
prices were very high in the first instance, and crews 
scarce in the second. 

The fishermen led a hard life at the best, and in 
tlie early times lacked the many conveniences that 
their .-uccessors enjoy, some even being subject to 
piracy. Until within a comparatively recent period 
they carried no stove.", but in each vessel was a capa- 
cious fire-place, in cabin as well as in forecastle. In 
de-cending into the fo'castle the sailors were obliged 
to go "down the chimney," as they expressed it, 
there being no other aperture for the esca|)e of the 
smoke than that by which their quarters were reached. 
But they had " lots of comfort" with theirgreat wood- 
fires, especially in the autumn months, even though 
the smoke was annoying. At first, every man was 



BEVERLY. 



747 



his own cook, and it is likely tluit the tare was 
hard. 

With the advent of a special cook, or a man drafted 
from the crew for that purpose, the "grnh" was im- 
proved a little, the staple articles of diet being beef, 
salt pork, beans twice a week, potatoes, bacon, fish, 
" dufl'," doughnuts and pics. Dufl' and doughnuts 
were great luxuries, however, and " duif day" was 
always looked forward to with pleasurable anticipa- 
tions Although the distance travei-sed by the fish- 
ing schooners was not vast, yet the length of the voy- 
age made it wearisome, especially as land was rarely 
sighted after Cape Ann had been left astern until it 
hove in sight again four months later; on the return 
the government gave a bounty of four dollars per 
ton for each voyage of tour months and over, and 
even if a full fare was secured in half that time, the 
requisite numbers of days must be passed at sea be- 
fore port could be entered. The great event of the 
voyage was " washing out day,"' when the fish had 
been landed and the crew were given a royal dinner. 
As winter came on, the vessels were hauled up at the 
wharves and the crews dispersed to seek employment 
at shoe-making, or to spend their hard-earned money 
in completing their education. Many a boy, taken 
from home at an early age, returned to the vilhige 
school on successive winters, to acquire what learn- 
ing he could in the time at his command. It was a 
wholesome discipline they got at sea. and a school 
in which were reared many who afterwards served 
faithfully their country when volunteers were needed 
for the navy. 

At the present day our fisheries are of little im- 
portance. The great fieet of schooners has disap- 
jieared, and scarcely half a dozen vessels sail from 
our port for the Banks each season ; and these are 
manned by strangers. How far the policy of the Na- 
tional Government has contributed to this result is 
one of the debated questions. 

Between the years 1828-40 there were two full- 
rigged ships, the '"Shamrock" and "Malabar," and 
nine brigs, making a total of eleven "square-riggers," 
owned in Beverly, besides one hundred and twenty 
schooners. In 1859 the schooner " Dove " was sold to 
Eastern parties. This vessel was built in 1817, and was 
the last of her class, of half-deck vessels, in Beverly. 

In 186U, just prior to the Civil War, fifty-four ves- 
sels from Bev.rly were engaged in the fisheries, with 
4072 tonnage, a valuation of SltJ(J,800, carrying 4^7 
men, and u»ing 5366 bushels of salt and 1172 bush- 
els of bait. In 1861 the amount of fish bounty paid 
w:is $15,000. In 1863, when the greatest number of 
our fishermen were away, serving in the navy, but 
thirty-seven vessels were engaged. The value of fish 
and oil obtained that year was about $200,000. The 
" catch " was large, but fishermen were scarce. In 
1875 some twenty-tour vessels were fitted out here; 
in 1877 twenty-two, besides smaller craft, carrying 
about 300 men. 



But even this small number has been reduced in 
the past ten years, so that the present year finds but 
tour fishing-vessels employed at the Banks, and one 
of these is supposed to have been lost, with all on 
board. A hundred years ago, in 1786, Beverly 
owned sixty vessels, manned by 492 men ; nineteen 
of these were in the West Indian trade. In 1788 
thirty-two vessels, with 271 men. 

Shoe.i and ShoemaJcing. — For nearly two centuries 
the industries of Beverly were essentially agricultural 
and maritime ; farming, fishing, coastwise and for- 
eign commerce engaged the attention of its inhabit- 
ants, with an occasional digression to repel the In- 
dians or beat off' foreign invaders. It has been 
already shown that the town took active part in 
every affair of national importance from the Pequod 
War in 1637 to the Rebellion of 1861. The growth 
of the town was slow, and resulted more from the nat- 
ural increase of its native population than from alien 
accessions. The early industries were few in number, 
and newer forms of occupation were adopted 
cautiously. Unlike Lynn, which seems to have been 
predestined to traffic in leather from earliest times, 
Beverly did not choose deliberately that which has 
now become its chiefest industry. Resident shoe- 
makers were scarce within its borders before the close 
of the seventeenth century. One of the first re- 
corded cordwainers is Andrew Elliot, who was also 
our first town clerk, who lived in that part of the 
town known as the "Haymarket" or "City," where 
also resided another shoemaker — John Smith, son of 
James, born in 1662. He probably worked upon the 
low bench, having the "kit" — knives, hammer, lap- 
stone, awls, etc. — on one end and the seat at the 
other, and with the shoe held by a strap over the 
knee. 

Of those who first carried on shoemaking as a busi- 
ness, Joseph Foster, who removed hither from Ips- 
wich just before the Revolution, is most conspicuous. 
He supplied shoes to the Continental army and to 
the various grocery-stores of this town and others, 
and later shipped shoes to the Southern States and 
the West Indies. Descendants of shoemaker Foster 
are still engaged in the business here, in which they 
were prominent for nearly a century. Others who 
learned their trade of Joseph Foster's son, Daniel, 
may be remembered by our citizens as Captain Dan- 
iel Cross, Olphert Tuttle and Osman Gage. 

A leading manufacturer of a later period was Dea- 
con Nehemiah Roundy, whose three sons assisted 
him, and who supplied shoes to the trade in Boston 
and shipped to Africa and other countries. Captain 
Thomas B. Smith in 1829 built a factory in which lie 
manufactured large numbers of heavy boots and 
shoes. In 1830 Daniel Lcfavour began the manu- 
facture of women's shoes at the Cove, in which also his 
brother John engaged some fifteen years later. The 
business established by them has since been contin- 
ued rcsiiectively by their sons. .Another raanufac- 



748 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



turer of that period was Ebenezer Moses, who, it is 
said, first introduced the sj'stem of division of labor, 
and first used tin patterns for the shajHng of the soles 
of shoes. The Herricks and Trasks, fathers and sons, 
Wm. D. Crossfield, Wm. Larrabee, the Wallises (de- 
scended from the first deacon) and the Norwoods, are 
names prominent in the history of shoe manufacture 
here. One of the last century Wallises was the aged 
shoemaker Henry Wallis, well remembered by the 
middle-aged of our community, who worked at his 
trade for nearly seventy years in the same shop, 
which was over two hundred years old when it was 
removed from its location at the corner of Cabot and 
Bow Streets. 

Jieal Estate and Improvements. — The era of progress 
may be said to date from the advent of the railroad, 
and the largest and most important transaction in 
real estate took place at the time the railroad station 
was removed I'rora its original site toils present location 
on Park Street, about 1852. Nearly all the large sec- 
tion between Cabot Street and Bass River, and ex- 
tending from the Gloucester cros-ing to the southerly 
junction of Cabot and Rantoul Streets, was open 
field, without house or factory. To-day hundreds of 
dwellings are seen here, and the numerous shoe facto- 
ries, in which are conducted the leading industry of the 
town. An impulse was given to business that has been 
continued to the present day. 

Twenty years ago, or in 1868, a section of territory 
lyingbetweenLovett,Lothrop and Washington Streets 
which had, for more than a hundred years, lain unde- 
veloped, and used as fish-yards, was purchased by Israel 
Lefavour, and thrown open for building purposes. Mr. 
Lefavour, then quite a young man, divided the property 
into lots, some of which he sold, and upon others 
erected houses, and to-day it is covered with some of 
the most attractive residences in town. He also pur- 
chased and improved, more recently, the Wilson land 
and Pickett fish-yards, on Lothrop Street, and has 
built thereon houses commanding beautiful outlooks 
over the sea. 

In the past twenty years Cabot Street, which was 
formerly lined mainly with dwellings, has undergone 
most radical changes, nearly forty stores and places 
of business having been erected there. 

In 1867 the Masonic Association erected the fine 
three-story brick block at the corner of Washington 
and Cabot Streets ; in 1875 the Odd Fellows built, at 
the corner of Cabot and Broadway, the finest block in 
town ; in 1877 Israel Lefavour purchased the Little 
estate, corner of Cabot and Vestry Streets, and en- 
larged and altered the house there into a three-story 
block, with a commodious Opera House more lately 
added ; in 1883 Rich and Newcomb built a very large 
and convenient wooden block on the property ad- 
joining and extending to Railroad Avenue, and in 
1885 Webbi'r Brothers erected a fine brick building 
of three stories adjacent to the Masonic structure. 

In 1881 Augustus N. Clark altered the store and 



house of the Smith estate, owned by him, on the 
corner of Cabot and Broadway, into a large block for 
stores and dwellings, and added much to the beauty 
of Broadway. 

In 1885 the Savings Bank built its beautiful struc- 
ture at the corner of Cabot and Thorndike; in 1886 
Robert R. Endieott reconstructed and enlarged the 
buildings corner of Cabot and Washington Streets. 

George Butman erected a large building of three 
stories on Cabot, near Essex Street. A dozen years 
before, Messrs. Lee and Cressy, George H. Southwick 
and William W. Hinkley had put up fine business 
blocks. These fects but indicate a steady and rapid 
growth in the business of Beverly. 

Beyond the more densely populated portion also 
important improvements have been wrought within 
twenty years and less. 

The extension of Central and Abbot Streets, and 
others, was followed by active building of houses, 
until nearly all were lined with comfortable and ele- 
gant dwellings. The extension of Lothrop Street to 
Cross Lane, the extension of Ober and Corning 
Streets, the improving of Common Lane, etc., gave 
an impetus to building, even in remote places. 

In 1874 Andrew K. Ober purchased a portion of 
the woodland known as Snake Hill, laying out drives 
and walks, and building there a stone mansion, which 
improvements were followed by the construction of 
Lake-shore Avenue, and the elegant station-building 
at Montserrat. Within ten years past radical changes 
have been made at Hospital Point, so that this bleak 
and once desolate promontory is now the abode of 
some of our wealthiest citizens. 

One of the largest land-owners, whose purchases 
have been made mainly within a few years past, is 
Henry W. Peabody, who owns about one hundred J 
and fifty acres, principally near the Montserrat Sta- I 
tion, and including such fine property as Hibbert 
and Laurel Pastures, Turtle and Prospect Hills. At 
the Farms, after the shore margin had been absorbed, 
summer residents purchased much of the hill prop- 
erty in the interior, especially wherever commanding 
views were afforded of the sea. Hence it is that, 
with Beverly's unrivaled possession of hillside and 
seaside, it is not necessary that land should be of 
great fertility to command high prices. In truth, 
the poorest laud as to production is often that which 
is held the dearest. 

What is known as the "shore movement," when 
the manifold attractions of the Beverly coast drew 
hither an appreciative population, began nearly fifty 
years ago. 

About this time Beverly began to receive acces- 
sions in people who came, at first, merely for a sum- 
mer's stay, but who eventually purchased property 
here and obtained a foothold as owners of real estate. 
Attracted by the beauties of the shore, several resi- 
dents of Salem and Boston sought and obtained board 
with the farmers of the eastern part of the town, in 



BEVERLY. 



749 



the section known as Beverly Farms. This region 
was always a rural one, and thinly populated, though 
early settled: the Wests, Woodburys, Haskells, This- 
sells, Obers and Larcoms being among the first; the 
Woodburys especially numerous, descendants of the 
original William and Humjdirey, who located at 
Woodburys' Points about 1030. By direct inherit- 
ance, by grants and by intermarriage, they had ac- 
quired a great deal of the coast property. 

Throughout several generations these farmers and 
fishermen of Beverly had contentedly tilled the soil 
and ploughed the sea, leaving their ancestral homes 
only to participate in the business affairs of the town, 
or when summoned by the imperative calls of war. 
By intermarriage, by the ties of constant association, 
and by family tradition, they were one with the peo- 
ple at the Centre. During the first century of its 
corporate existence the town relied upon them as 
upon those who lived in the shadow of the First 
Parish meeting-house, and they were prominent mem- 
bers of the church itself. The short distance that 
separated them from the business centre of the town 
did not prevent a frequent interchange of visits ou 
Sundays, when all gathered at the Old South, and 
on training days and town-meetings. 

"A town becomes a true home for men through its 
history, not less than by reason of its physical and 
social features." Every family native to the Farms 
had historical traditions in common with every other 
at the Centre, and thus, though in a measure territori- 
ally distinct, the people resident hero were individu- 
ally members of one and the same great family ; their 
interests and their traditions were identical. But the 
time had come when a new element was to be intro- 
duced, and thisw'aswhen the first "summer-boarder" 
appeared, about the year 1840. It does not appear 
that our ancestors were heedless of the attractions 
nature had so lavishly spread aiouud them; but, in 
the stress of their life of toil, these may have seemed 
of secondary importance. At all events, though the 
superlative beauty of their environment may have 
as-erted itself, and they may have unconsciously 
imbibed that love for nature now inherent in their 
descendants, yet they did not, perhaps, attach the 
importance to it that should have prevented them 
from parting with their priceless heritage. The 
consequent hardships of successive wars, and the 
perpetual struggle for existence, inevitably the lot 
of the pioneer, had impressed upon them rather the 
value of substantial gain, than that of a lieautiful 
landscape. In a word, this " fatal gift of beauty," 
which was to them a thing imponderable, attracted 
strangers to their birthright, and it passed from their 
possession. 

The first, or one of the first, who took up residence 
at the Farms fur the summer season was John CJ. 
King, as early as 1840, who bought, in 1844, the 
John 51. Thissell place at Mingo's Cove. He boarded 
with Isaac Prince, then occupying the farm now 



known as the " Paine Place." Early in the eighteenth 
century, this one hundred-acre farm was inherited 
by Anna Woodbury, daughter of Benjamin Wood- 
bury, who married Rev. John Barnard, of Mar- 
blehead She willed it to the chddren of her kins- 
woman, Anna Woodbury, wife of Samuel Swett, who 
sold it to Josiah Ober, whose heirs sold it to Isaac 
Prince, and he to Cha-". C. Paine, whose wife was one 
of the Swett family above mentioned. Mr. Paine 
subsequently bought the entire property, paying six 
thousand dollars for it. From this farm, it is said, 
have been sold estates to the amount of two hundred 
thousand dollars, and with a portion of perhaps e(pial 
value still remaining. 

Nearly cotemporary with Mr. Paine was Charles 
G. Loring, who bought the farm of Benjamin Smith, 
and built the first house thereon for summer resi- 
dence. 

Patrick T. Jackson and Franklin Dexter were 
other early visitors who purchased shore estates about 
this time, and in 1846 Messrs. Haven, Neal, Cabot 
and Lee. A little later the Suhiers, Lowells, Pick- 
mans, Lawrences and Burgesses became dwellers here. 

Thus the Beverly shore, says a recent writer, " was 
probably the fir.it in New England to be sought I'or 
summer homes. Its southerly exposure, the coast 
line trending nearly east and west, gives it a matchless 
summer climate. The prevailing winds of the warm 
months — those from the southwest — elsewhere bearing 
a parching heat, are here wafted across the salt floods 
of Salem Bay, filled with a delicious and invigorating 
freshness. 

The hills and woods, rising directly from the shore, 
also break the force of the harsh winds from the 
northerly quarters. In consequence, many of the 
summer residents come as early as possible in the sea- 
son and often linger late in the fall, enjoying the quiet 
drives amidst the autumnal glories of the Essex 
woods, until even the rich hues of the oaks have 
changed to a uniform dry brown, under the blighting 
touch of the frost. 

Sailing along the coast on a pleasant summer day, 
one sees a moderately high reach of hills slo|)ing 
gracefully back from the sea. The deep water per- 
mits a near approach to the land, so that in the dense 
foliage masses which often come close down to the 
water's edge and give to this shore a luxuriant aspect 
quite exceptional in New England coast scenery .south 
of the spruce-clad capes of Maine, may be distin- 
guished the intermingling hues of pines and oaks and 
the other decidutms trees, whose light leafage relieves 
the sombreness of the evergreen masses. Bold pro- 
montories jut out into the water, the waves ceaselessly 
tossing up white greetings at their feet, and between 
the cliffs stretch intervals of glittering beach, with 
smooth, green lawns reaching far back into the shad- 
owy recesses of forest glades. All along this shore 
stand the beautiful villas; not huddled in vulgar 
promiscuousness, as at popular shore resorts, nor 



750 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



drawn up ia showy dress parade, as at Newport ; but 
disposed in the easy attitudes of a high-bred com- 
pany, thoroughly assured of its place in the world, and 
neither eager for prominence nor solicitous about 
privacy. Embowered in the woodlands, occupying 
castle-like heights, or standing out amid sunny lawns 
with the dignified repose surrounding them of broad 
verandas, there are few of these houses that are not 
in admirable keeping with their surroundings. 

A drive over the beautiful roads that meander in 
easy grades over the diversified region has a charm 
equally great with sailing the shore. Not so much is 
seen of the villas themselves as from the water, for 
they mostly stand retired from the highways, and 
only approached by pleasant avenues. 

Few places could be found affording such a multi- 
plicity of romantic sites; there might be almost a 
surfeit of picturesqueness, were not the variety so 
great that every turn, every new view, reveals a fresh 
charm. In short, the lavish disp(»sition of nature 
and the costly efforts of art have together made of 
the Beverly shore a region that approaches the ideal 
of an earthly paradise as nearly as is possible in this 
part of the world. 

One rolls over the smooth roads among blooming 
gardens and wide lawns, with broad reaches of the 
bay visible between splendid houses. A turn of the 
way, and the natural forest incloses the scene, and 
the air, just redolent with the fragrance of blossoming 
shrubs, is now filled with the tonic breath of the 
pines. Again, reaching a slight elevation, the sea 
comes into sight, framed by a wild margin of rocks 
and trees. 

And so the enchanting picture continues in scores 
of lovely glimpses, until it seems as if nature's port- 
folio would be exhausted of its novelties. Life on the 
Beverly shore during the season has a character quite 
distinctive, and very different from that of the usual 
summer resort, as may be inferred from the character 
of its population. This is composed chiefly of lead- 
ing Boston families, with a few from neighboring 
Salem, and some permanent residents of Beverly — 
whose ancestry, like that of the Endicotts, is identi- 
fied with ihe founding of the town — nearly all more 
eminent for social position and culture than for 
wealth ; which, however, needs be considerable to en- 
able residence in such a place." 

Census of Town of Beverly for 1885.^ 

(Courteously furnished in advance of publication by the Chief of the 
Bureau of Statiatics.) 
Occupations. Number. 

Males. 

Government 32 

Professional 53 

Clergymen 14 

Other 'professional " 39 

1 This table shows the arrangement by "Classified Occupations" (in 
italics), with detail for certain classes by principal lines of occupation. 
Also, the "Explanatory Note," defining the distribution of the people 
into classes of occupations, that is, those having related occupations, as, 
for Census purposes, all pei-sous are supposed to be "occupied." 



Occupations. Number. 

Domestic Service 64 

Coachmen and servants (in families) 53 

Other "domestic service " 11 

Personal Service 44 

Trade 356 

Merchants and dealers 141 

Salesmen 43 

Book-keepers and clerks 114 

Other " trade " 58 

Transportation 2US 

Drivers of delivery wagons 25 

Livery stable keepers and employes 29 

Officials and employes of express companies 26 

Teamsters 32 

Steam railroad employees 61 

Mariners (sailing) 23 

Other "transportation" 12 

Agriculture 355 

Farmers 122 

Farm laborers. 174 

Florists 10 

Gardeners and garden laborers 47 

Other "agriculture" 2 

Fisheries 57 

Fishermen 65 

Other "fisheries" 2 

Manufaclni-ea 1,569 

Shoe-factory operatives l,ii(il 

Carpenters Ifil 

Masons 62 

Masons and plasterers 13 

Painters 49 

Bakers 22 

Morocco Workers 3U 

Blacksmiths 24 

Other "manufactures " 207 

Mining 2 

Laborers 153 

Apprentices 7 

adldrni >it Work 4 

Scholars and Sludent$ 798 

Retired 136 

Afflicted, etc 20 

Unemploijed (12 mojiths) 19 

Dependents 32 

At Home 420 

Not Given 20 

Total males 4,349 

Females. 

Government 1 

Professional 64 

Teachers 55 

Other "professional" 9 

Domestic Service 2,751 

Housekeepers 39 

Housewives 2,009 

Housework 475 

Servants (in families) 214 

Other " domestic service" 14 

Personal Service 37 

Trade 32 

Book-keepers and clerks 25 

Other "trade" 7 

Transportation 1 

Manufactures 514 

Shoe-factory operatives 4(il 

Dressmakers 47 

Milliners 9 

Oil-clothing makers 20 

Seamstresses 12 

Tailoresses 9 

Other '■ manufactures" 16 

Children at Work 1 

Scholars awl Students 797 



BEVEKLY. 



751 



OCCUPATIOXS. 



Number. 

24 

29 

38 

436 

Xot Given 112 



Retired 

A_^icted, etc.. 

Dependent 

At Home 



Tutul females.. 



Explanatory Xote. 

Government. — Persous eogagetj in Ihe service of the national, state and 
city governments, or in the U. S. army and navy, 

Pro/eMional. — Pereons connected uith religion, law, medicine, litera- 
ture, art, music, amusements, education a,nd science. 

Donttstic Servi<e. — Persons concerned or employed in the hotel, board- 
ing and lodging service, house^Nives, pei-sons engaged in house work 
(without i-emuneration, generally in own family), housekeepers and do- 
mestic servants. 

Pei$ >n'il Service. —Versons who render personal service, as barbers, 
boot-blacks, carpet-cleaners, companions, jauitora, matrons, nurses, stew- 
ards, ui^hers, valets, washer-women, watchers, watchmen, etc. 

Troile. — Merchants and dfalei-s, salesmen, book-keepers, clerks, agents, 
bankers, brukL-rs, messengers, porters, etc. 

Tratispitrlalion. — Carriers on roads, steam railroacls, seas and rivers. 

Agriculture.— Y-Arai^rs^ farm laborers, gardenei-s., persons engaged in 
the care of animals, etc. 

flaherifrs. — Persons engaged in the fisheries. 

Mann/acUires. — As specified. 

Mining. — Persons employed in mines, riuarries, pits, etc. 

Laborers. — General day laborers. 

Apprtnitici's — Learning tradfS. 

Children at Work. — Children of legal school age (^ten to thirteen) who 
both work and go to school or work only. 

Scholars and Students. — Public and private school scholars, persons at 
college, or studying special branches, as law, deulistiy, medicine, etc. 

Hetirtd — Persona retired from active bubiness. 

A^licted, etc. — Persons suffering with acute or chronic diseases, blind, 
deaf, dumb, maimed, lame, insane, idiotic, and other alHioted persons and 
paupers and homeless children. 

Ciieiiii>loytd {VZvioidks). — Persona not employtd at their accustomed 
occupation at all during the census jear. 

Dependents {in Private Families). — Kelatives or other pers'ms more or 
less dependent for support. 

At Home — Children too young to go to school. 

Xot tfiiTtt— Young persons or adults, of working age, who, for some 
reason, have no occupation. 

Manufactures of Beverlv, from Census of 1885. 

Capital invested (value) 51,327,218 

Stock or material used (value) 2,401,8u7 

Goods made and work done (value) 4,412,647 

Males employed (number) 1,727 

Females employed (number) 987 



Total 

Average houi-s, day's work, adult male.. 

Average yearly working time (days) 

Day hands (number) , 

Piece hands (number) 

Salaries paid (auiouut) 

Wages paid (amount) 

Machinery (value) 



LIBRARIES. 
Number and value of books and circulation. 



1, 

. S:i4, 

.$1,174, 

122, 



,714 
lU.l 
293 J^ 
842 
,779 
,954 
539 
540 



Kind or Libraries. 



Beverly 

Secular 

Town public 

Private ciruulatiu; 

Religious 

Sunday-school 



number of books. 



Bound 
Books 



16,649 

11,017 

1",017 

1,000 

5,632 
5,632 



16,076 
11,017 
10,U17 
1,000 

5,659 
0,659 



Value jCircula- 

of I tion. 
Books. I 



16,354 

12,4001 

12,000 1 

400 1 

3,954 1 
3,954! 



64,-.i2o 

25,000 

22,000 

3,U00 

29, 20 
29,220 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



School Buildings. 


Number 

of 
' Buildgs 


Value. 




Buildings. Pmperly. 


Beverly 


9 


S 100,000 


S1,000 



PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 





Number of School 
Buildings. 


Value. 


Kind of School. 


Build'gs 
Owned. 






Total. 


Own'd 


Hired. 


School 
prnpt^rty 




1 
1 


1 

1 




5,100 
5,100 


110 




Unincorporated 


100 



1 One w hool kept in a hired room. 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 
By name and dates of establishment and incorporation. 



^'ame of School. 


Date of 
Establishment. 


Dfite of 
Incorporation. 


Kindergartfu (Faunie R. Kilham)... 
New England Industrial School for 


18J-1 
1870 









MARRIED WOMEN AND MOTHERS: CHILDREN, ETC. 



= I Married Women having Children. 



Native and 3. =-5 




Total Number of— 


ATerageUo.of 


Foreign Born. z ^ ^ 

1 1^ 


El 

z 


1 1 


Cliililrcn 
not living 


g 5f'=i 


Beverly I 2,319 398 

Native born..' 1,845 306 
Foreign born 474 92 


1,9 ■! 

1,639 

3«2 


7,211 .5.013 
6.553 3,837 
1,668 1,176 


2,198 

1.71G 

481! 


3.75 2.61 1.14 
3.i;l 2.49! 112 
4.34 3.U8 1.26 



TOTAL ILLITERACY. 



Six. 


PoprLATlON : 
Ten years of age and over. 


Illiterates. 




Native. 


Foreign. 


Total. 


Number Per cent 


Beverlv 


0,4111 
3,IJS2 
3,319 


1,3112 
527 
7-5 


7, 71 '3 
3,609 
4,094 


211 2.74 

73 2.02 

138 3.37 


Mules 







DE(iREE OF ILLITERACY, ETC. 



AUE Periolis. 



Born in 

jMassachu- 
I setts. 



Beverly 

Cannot write , 

20 to 29 years , 

30 to49yeare 

5 I yeai-8 and over 
Neither read ncr write] 

10 ty l:iyeai-s 

14 to 19 years 

20 to 29 years 

30 to 49 years 

50 year:i and over 









M 


F 


T 


14 


21 


3i 




.1 





2 




2 




1 


1 




2 


3 


11 


IS 


28 




2 


a 




3 


6 


1 


2 


3 




1 


•2 


5 


10 


16 



Other 
Native 
Born. 



Foreign 
Born. 



55 112 

81 271 
...I 31 

14 

% li.i 
47 

1 

1 

9 
16 
20 



Aggregates 



85 


I32| 


61 


"2 


3' 


4 


8 


17 10 


37 


53 19 


38 


58; 


26 



138 211 

31 1 43 

3 6 

16 22 

12> 15 

107 168 

2 4 

5 9 

10 20 

39. 68 

511 77 



752 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND PROPERTY. 

pnoDUCTS. 

Q,uantity. Value. 

Auimitl Products. 813,076 

Beeswax (nse) pouuds, 5 1 

Calf-skins 10 8 

Hides 9 W 

Honey pojinds, 371 ',l4 

Manure cords, 1,671>^ 12,055 

Pelts 5 4 

Clotliing, Needh-work, ete. $7,513 

Boots (including "work on") pairs, 9,070 3,lil2 

Crocheted goods (sale) — 5 

Mats (sale) 2 1 

Mittens (sale) pairs, 15 8 

Shoes (including "work on") pairs, 9,950 3,887 

JDairi) Products. $67,729 

Butter (sale) pounds, 2,665 999 

Butter (use) pounds, 2,476 910 

Cheese pounds, 40 4 

Cream gallons, 332 934 

Milk gallons, 303,719 54,882 

Food Products. $2,888 

Canned fruit (sale) pounds, 50 ' 8 

Canned fruit (use) pounds, 49 8 

Ice tons, 500 2,500 

Pickles (use) barrels, ]4 5 

Vinegar (sales) , gallons, 1,530 330 

Vinegar (use) gallons, 175 37 

Greenhouse Products. $3,900 

Flowers, leaves, and vines, cut ... 700 

Plants, flowering and other ... 3,200 

Hothouse and Sotbed Products. $435 

Cabbage plants 31,400 191 

Tomato plants 733 244 

Luiuors and Beverages. ^54 

Cider (sale) , gallons, 3,848 40fi 

Cider (use) gallons, 4,017 44S 

Nursery Products. $27 

Trees, fruit 2 2 

Trees, ornamental 100 25 

Poultry Products. $12,291 

Eggs dozen, 37,299 9,115 

Egg8,fancy dozen, 400 400 

Feathers pounds, 14 4 

Manure, hen and bird bushels, l,r.07 607 

Poultry, dressed: chickens pouuds, 8,841 2,143 

Poultry, dressed : other than chickens, geese, and tur- 
keys pounds, 95 22 

iroo(i ProJucta. $2,930 

Ashes (sales) bushels, 20 5 

Ashes (use) bushels, 431 20'J 

Firewood (sale) cords, 214 l,l(i6 

Firewood (use) cords, 325 1,559 

Hoop poles (use) 200 2 

Lumber (use) thousand feet 2 30 

Posts, fence (sale) 25 15 

Pi'Sts, fence (use) 40 4 

Wooden Goods. 8f. 

A.\e handles (use) 14 4 

Ox-yokes (use) 1 2 

Other Pi-oducts. $951 

Hops pounds, 5 1 

Hotbed mats (sale) 6 6 

Hotbed mats (use) 90 95 

Manure, sea cords, 370j^ 790 

Seeds, garden, field, and flower pounds, 62 59 

Cereals. $2,046 

Barley : bushels, 87 72 

Corn, Indian bushels, 2,502 1,510 

Corn, pop bushels, 229^ 305 

Oats bushels, 127 83 

Itye bushels, 96 76 



Fruits^ Berries arid Nttts. $6,164 

Apples bushels, 7,401 2,314 

Barberries bushels, 1}^ 3 

Blackberries quarts, 1,139 174 

Blueberries quarts, 3,300 295 

Cherries bushels, 12}^ 23 

Citron pounds, 150 15 

Crab-apples bushels, 7 11 

Cranberries barrels, 52J^ 225 

Currants quarts, 916 87 

Grapes bushels, •. 48J/^ 54 

Grapes pounds, J 2,025 487 

Huckleberries quarts, 671 63 

Melons 5,312 601 

Peaches : bushels, 5 7 

Pears bushels, 772J^ 658 

Plums bushels, 3 5 

Quinces bushels, 15^ 35 

Raspberries qiiarts, 4 81 

Shellharks bushels, 2 4 

Strawberries quarts, 8,270 1,012 

Hay, Straw and Fodder. $33,751 

Hay, clover tons, 24 419 

Hay, English tons, 1,308 24,856 

Hay, meadow tons, 139ji 1,690 

Hay, millet tons, 64 669 

Hay, salt tons, 43J^ 401 

Hay, not classified tons, 4 76 

Straw tons, 4 82 

Fodder, barley tons, 34 303 

Fodder, corn tons, 674 2,871 

Fodder, dry tons, 26 274 

Fodder, oat tons, 122% 1,115 

Fodder, rye tons, 13>^ 172 

Beets (for stock) bushels, 2,li52 481 

Turnips (forstock) bushels, 1,693 443 

Meats and Game. $3,603 

Beef. pounds, 8,395 647 

Pork pounds, 29,055 2,896 

Veal pounds, 785 51 

Game, wild pounds, 25 10 

Vegetables. $57,917 

Asparagus bunches, 4,130 471 

Beans bushels, 166 406 

Beans, string and shell bushels, 566 536 

Beet greens bushels, 25 60 

Beets bushels, 1,630 786 

Cabbage greens bushels, 20 10 

Cabbage heads, 379,680 25,061 

Carrots bushels, 3,672 1,122 

Cauliflower heads, 560 116 

Celery bunches, 8,710 714 

Corn, green bushels, 4,382 2,382 

Cucumbers bushels, ■. 86 84 

J 20,400 388 

Dandelions .bushels, 548 418 

Lettuce heads, 1,904 137 

Onions bushels, 3,989 3,638 

Parsley bushels, 37 37 

Parsnips bushels, 293 207 

Pease bushels, 66 72 

Pease, green bushels, 726 684 

Peppers bushels, 30 14 

Potatoes bushels, 21,351 11,364 

Pumpkins pounds, 6,400 29 

Radishes bunches, 100 4 

Rhubarb pouuds, 690 40 

Spinach bushels, 336 83 

Squaslies pouuds, 437,920 4,081 

Tomatoes bushels, 1,109 574 

Turnips, table bushels, 964 445 

Not classified 3,381 



BEVERLY. 



753 



PEOPEETY. 

Cultivated : Laud. acres, 5,512} $585,991 

Hay (used tor) acres, 1,405}^ 199,635 

Princii>al crops (used for) acres, 41-*J^ 57,189 

Market gardens acres, iW/e 32,3G6 

Nurmries acres, 1 150 

Orchards acres, 99 15,950 

I'ther cultivated acres, 96% 17,485 

I'ncultivated ; 

Pernianeut pasture acres, 1,581 107,093 

tHIit-r unimproved acres, 401J^8 37,444 

Unimprovable acres, 53J4 2,700 

Mines, quarries, pits, etc acnis, \^ 25 

Woodland ; 

Over thirty years' growth acres, 308 32,300 

Of thirty years or leas acres, 927 83,655 

BuiUtings. 1563,866 

Dwelling-houses 184 395,850 

liarus 174 124,037 

Carriage-houses 34 9,085 

Granaries *. 15 720 

Greenhouses 9 7,550 

llou-houscs 12it 4,011 

Outhuildings 113 3,105 

Sheds 65 6,765 

Shops 42 4,135 

Stables 15 5,535 

Storehouses 12 1,885 

Other huildings ... 288 

Machine*, Implements, etc. S.35,479 

Carts, wagous. harnesses, etc ... 26,190 

Cultivators 104 645 

Feed cutters 2.3 179 

Harrows 115 1,120 

Hay-cutters 54 267 

Hay tedders 12 384 

Horse hoes 20 207 

Hor^e poweis 4 220 

Horse rakes 62 868 

Implements ... 1,699 

Slanure spreaders 4 225 

Mowing machines .57 1,920 

Plows 208 1,208 

Seed sowers 23 164 

Other machines ... 357 

Domestic Ariimals, etc. 866,516 

Bees (swarnisof) 39 208 

Bulls 11 605 

Calves 54 445 

Dogs 64 498 

Ducks Ill 73 

Guinea fowls 16 8 

Heifers 98 1,936 

Hens and chickens 9,174 7,014 

Hogs 131 1,858 

Horses 250 25,595 

Milch cows 580 26,230 

Oxen 9 760 

Pigeons 250 48 

Pigs 168 507 

Turkeys 12 25 

Other animals ... 806 

Frnil Trees and Vinen. 526,208 

Apple 4,865 10,092 

Apricot 1 5 

Butternut 6 47 

Cherry 136 639 

Chestnut 2 6 

Crab-apple 54 116 

Fig 14 140 

Hickory 159 161 

Mulb.-rry 4 4 

Peach 459 496 

Pear 2,040 6,954 

48 



Plum 102 ' *2 

Quince 169 sen 

Sbellbark 2 5 

Walnut 10 23 

Grape vines 672 938 

AGGKEti.\TES. 

Products. 8206,10* 

Animal products 1£^07<6 

CHotbiug, needle-work, etc fr.513' 

Dairy products 5X^29 

Food products 2,388 

Greenlieuse products 13,900 

Hothouse and hotbed products 435 

liiquors and beverages 854 

Nursery products 27 

Poultry products 12,291 

Wo id products 2,930 

Woollen goods 6 

Other products 951 

Cereals 2,046 

Fruits, berries and nuts - 6,164 

Hay, straw and fodder 3:1,751 

Meats and game 3,603 

Vegetables 57,947 

Properli/. $1,278,060 

Land 585,991 

Buildings 563,886 

Machines, implements, etc 35,479 

Domestic animals, etc 66,516 

Fruit trees and vines 26,208 

PoPCLATiox — VALi;.\TiON. — A resume of popula- 
tion gives, — 

In 1776,2754; 1790,3290; IfiiKi, :'.sk| ; l.Mii, 4605; 1520,4285; 1830, 
4033 ; 1840, 4689 ; 1860, 6376 ; 1860, 6154 ; 1866, 6942 ; 1870, 6507 ; 1875, 
7271 ; 1880, 8456 ; 1885, 9186. 

The assessors' valuation of the public property of 
the town in May, 1S87, was as follows ; 

School-houses $145,000 

Public library 10,000 

other public buildings 115,000 

Public grounds 25,000 

Cemeteries 20,000 

Other real estate 4,900 

Water -works 565,451.85 

Fire apparattis 25,000 

Trust funds 4,300 

Sinking fund 215,947.16 

Other assets 25.000 

Total gl,11.3,.';99.01 

Aggregates for 1887, — 

Number of persons assessed 3495 

Number paying poll-tax only 1662 

Paying property tax 1833 

Polls assessed 2725 

Total value of personal estate $5,269,325 

Total value of bank stock 144,375 

Total value of buildings, excluding land 3,856,645 

Total value of land, excluding buiUUngs 5,016,775 

Total valuation $14,287,100 

The tax on personal estate $69,295.36 

The tax on real estate 113,.579.62 

The tax on polls 5,4.50.00 

Total tax $188,324.88 

Kate of taxation S12iiJV 



754 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



ISRAEL THORNDIKE. 

Israel Thorndike was born in Beverly, Mass., in 
1755. He was fifth in descent from John Thorndike, 
who came to this country in 1633, and returned in 
1668 on a visit to his brother, Herbert Thorndike, in 
England, where he soon after died, and was buried on 
November 3d of that year in the Cloisters of West- 
minster Abbey. The Rev. Herbert Thorndike, above 
referred to, was prebendary of Westminster and a 
profound scholar and theologian. He wrote many 
ecclesiastical works in English and Latin, some of 
which are still of so much interest that they have 
been recently republished. He died in 1672 and was 
buried in Westminster Abbey. In his will he left 
property to his nieces, Martha and Alice, daughters 
of John, who had accompanied their father on his 
visit to England, on condition, however, " that they 
should neither return to New England, their birth- 
place, nor yet, remaining in England, marry with any 
who went to mass or to the new Licensed Con- 
venticles." 

These brothers, John and Herbert, were sons of 
Francis Thorndike, who in 1634 signed the pedigree 
for the first visitation of Heralds recorded in the 
family, and were fifth in descent from William 
Thorndike, who lived at Little Carlton, County of 
Lincoln, in the reign of Henry VII., and died in 
1539. The arms borne by the family were "Argent, 
six guttees, three, two and one, gules, on a chief of 
the last three leopards' faces, gold." 

President Quincy, in his " History of Harvard 
University," speaks of Israel Thorndike as follows ; 
" He had in youth no advantages of education, ex- 
cept those which the public schools of his native 
town afforded, but he possessed, in the vigor of his 
own mind, a never-failing spring of self-advancement. 
The war of the American Revolution was an event 
adapted to call into activity his powers and spirit of 
enterprise. Embracing with zeal the cause of his 
country, he became i)art-owner and captain of an 
armed ship, and the judgment with which he planned 
his cruises, and the intrepidity and diligence with 
which he conducted them, were rewarded with dis- 
tinguished success. Having entered into partnership 
with his brother-in-law, the late Moses Brown, he 
engaged, after the peace of 1783, in an extensive and 
most profitable commerce with the East Indies and 
China.^ Sagacity, judgment, industry, strict at- 
tention to business, and thorough acquaintance with 
the details of every commercial enterprise in which 
he engaged, were the chief causes of his success. He 
was also an early patron of manufactures, and in- 

1 This partnership began during the W^ar of the Revolution, and ap- 
parently continued till the close of the century. See also the biography 
of MoHes Brown in this work. 



vested, it was said, a greater amount of capital in 
them than any otlier individual in New England. 

" Mr. Thorndike was at different periods of his life a 
member of the convention called for the adoption of 
the Constitution of the United States, and a Repre- 
sentative and Senator in the Legislature of his native 
State. He was a generous contributor to all patriotic 
and charitable objects, and often gave an active 
agency in their support. In 1806 he subscribed five 
hundred dollars for the foundation of the Natural 
History Professorship in the University, and also the 
same amount in 1818 for the library of the theological 
school. In the same year, being informed that the 
library of Professor Ebeling, of Hamburg, w'as for 
sale, and that an agent of the King of Prussia was 
negotiating for it, Mr. Thorndike ordered it to be 
purchased at the cost of six thousand five hundred 
dollars, and presented it to Harvard University, 
thereby securing to his country one of the most com- 
plete and valuable collections of works extant on 
American history." 

In 1810 Mr. Thorndike removed to Boston for the 
greater convenience of carrying on his now immense 
business in all parts of the world, and until his death 
resided in Summer Street, in that city. " He was 
eminently social in his feelings, and none more than he 
delighted in dispensing a princely hospitality." But 
he still retained his mansion in Beverly, afterwards 
the Town Hall, passing a considerable portion of his 
time there, ever manifesting a warm interest in the 
welfare of his native town, and the first parish of 
Beverly received from his estate an addition to its 
funds of about twenty-six hundred dollars. 

Mr. Thorndike died in May, 1832., He retained to 
the last his great energy and activity, and left a large 
fortune. Mr. Quincy, in allusion to an obituaiy no- 
tice of Mr. Thorndike in the Boston Daily Advertiser 
in May, 1832, after referring to his remarkable men- 
tal powers, says that " when their influence is united, 
as was his, with high moral powers, and exerted 
during a long life on the side of virtue, and in pro- 
moting the best interests of society, it is enduring, 
and serves to give a character to the age in which 
they live." 

Mr. Thorndike was married three times. His first 
wife was Mercy, daughter of Osmyn Trask, of Beverly. 
By her he had one son, who died in infancy, and a 
daughter, wife of Ebenezer Francis, an eminent mer- 
chant in Boston. Mr. Thorndike's second wife, the 
mother of his twelve other children, was Anna, 
daughter of George Dodge, of Salem. He married 
thirdly, in 1818, Sarah, daughter of the Rev. Joseph 
Dana, of Newburyport. She survived him, and died 
in 1845. 

The accompanying engraving of the portrait of Mr. 
Thorndike was made from the oil painting by Gilbert 
Stuart, taken towards the end of his life.^ 

2 For most of the above see " Quincy's History of Harvard University," 
and " Stone's History of Beverly." 




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BEVERLY. 



755 




MOSES BKOWS. 

Moses Brown, of 
Beverly, was born in 
Wallhani, former!)- a 
part of Watertowu, 
Massachusetts, April 
4, 1748. He was the 
eldest surviving son of 
Isaac Brown, a very 
active business man, 
who resided on Wal- 
tham Phiin, and who 
descended in the fifth 
generation from Ab- 
raham Browne, one of 
the original settlers of 
^ Watertown. Abraham 

" I herebv certify that the above Arms and 
Crist are those of Christopher BrpKTie. of jyas admitted freeman 
Staiitford, Co, Lincoln, and of Tolethorpe, 
Co Rutland, and of li is descendants. ^f Uf « c a Q f Vi 11 <lp 1" t « 

tVidcc. 23, folio -r, and Grams U.,62r.)' "I M aS S a C n U SC [ l S 

March 6, 1631-2, and 
soon became promi- 
nent in the place of 
his adoption, receiv- 
ing, as is manifest 
from the early records 
of the town, "import- 



MeyroMa Csibi-Y- '^^v^J^jv, 

" ant appointments and trusts more numerous than 
" were conferred upon any other person." He was 
descended, in the fifth generation, through the 
Brownes of Swan Hall, Hawkedon, in Suffolk, Eng- 
land, from Christopher Browne of Stamford, in Lin- 
colnshire, and of Tolethorpe, Rutlandshire, who, 




again, was descended, in the fifth generation, from 
John Browne, a merchant of Stamford, and Alderman, 
or chief magistrate, of that town in 1376, the office of 
Mavor not having been created till 1663. Several 
mortuary brasses of the fitmily, called by Fuller, in 
his Worthies, "the ancient family of Brownes of Toll- 
Thorp," still remain on the walls of the Church of All 
Saints in Stamford, and on the floor of a chapel of the 
same " proper to the family ", and also in the church 
at Little Casterton, near Tolethorpe. The church of 
All Saints, itself, was in great part rebuilt about the 
year 1465 at the expense of John Browne, father of 
Christopher Browne, above named ; and its beautiful 
steeple was erected by Vv'illiara Browne, uncle of 
Christopher. This William Browne, under a charter 
dated 1485, also founded the "Browne Hospital or 
Bead House " for the support of " twelve poor men," 
and endowed it liberally by grants of lands. This 
institution still flourishes in Stamford, and, by the 
large increase in the value of its land, the scope of 
its charities has been greatly extended. The Manor 
of Tolethorpe, near the village of Little Casterton, in 
Rutlandshire, about three miles from Stamford, w'as 
purchased by Christopher Browne, above named, of 
the Burton family towards the end of the 15th centu- 
ry, and thenceforth continued to be the seat of the head 
of the family until into the present century, a period of 
nearly four hundred years. About thirty years ago it 
was sold, and the ancient stone manor house is now 
owned and occupied by Charles Ormston Eaton, 
Esq., a prominent banker of Stamford, who kindly en- 
tertained there the writer of this article in the sum- 
mer of 1886. Mr. Eaton has added wings to the 



5^-)§rlSf' f^W 




SIAXSIOX OF MOSES BKOWX, iJKVERl.Y, MASS. 



756 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



original mansion, but has otherwise carefully pre- 
served this venerable structure, as nearly as possi- 
ble, in the condition in which ;he found it. A 
wood-cut copied from a photograph of the house, 
before its recent alterations, is inserted; together 
with wood-cuts fi-om photographs of the church of 
All Saints, and of the Bead House. The two large 
wiudows, at the further end of the latter building, 
are those of the little chapel in which the "twelve 
poor men" are required to attend daily services. 
The rest of the building is occupied by two large 
halls, the whole structure forming one side of an 
interior quadrangle on which are the residences of 
the beneficiaries. 

The three mascles, in the coat of arms given at 
the beginning of this article, were granted, together 
with the crest and motto, to Christopher Browne, above 
mentioned, July ^0, 1480 ; but are here combined 
with a still earlier grant to the family of the three 
mallets with a slightly different crest, which latter 
coat and crest are cut in stone on the walls of the 
Bead House. The original parchment grant to Chris- 
topher still exists, and is in the possession of Freder- 
ick Sayres Browne of Norwich, England. It is a curi- 
ous bit of old French, and is printed in full in the 
Heraldic Journal, Vol. IV., page 146. The herald, 
Mr. Alfred Scott Gatty, of the Heralds" College, 
London, stated to the writer that he knew of but 
one other instance where two grants of arms had 
been made to the same family. 

Moses Brown, the subject of this memoir, was fitted 
for Harvard College by his maternal uncle, the Rev. 
Thomas Balch of Dedham, and graduated in 1768. 
He taught school for three or four years in Framing- 
ham, Lexington and Lincoln, and then settled in 
Beverly as a merchant, in the autumn of 1772. The 
cause of American Independence was warmly es- 
poused by him, and a commission, dated August 7, 
1775, signed by James Warren, President of the Pro- 
vincial Congress, appointed him Captain of a com- 
pany enlisted by him in Beverly, under a commission 
dated July 11th of the same year. In January 1770 
he joined the line of the American army as Captain in 
the fourteenth regiment, Colonel John Glover, under 
a commission dated January 1, 1776, and signed by 
John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress^ 
This regiment, of which many of the privates were 
seamen, and which is accordingly called the "Am- 
phibious Regiment " by Irving in his Life of Wash- 
ington, did good service at Brooklyn in ferrying over 
the army to New York when it was obliged to evacu- 
ate Brooklyn Heights. It also performed similar ser- 
vice for the army on its crossing the Delaware, pre- 
liminary to the battle of Trenton, in which it took a 
prominent part. Captain Brown's Orderly Book ' 



1 The followiug extmct. from this hook, in commendation of Col. 
Glover's command for its gallant attack upon Sir William Howe Oct. IS, 
177fi, on his march to New Rochelle, ina.v be of interest, as showing the 



beginning in January 1776, kept with his characteris- 
tic neatness and exactness, is still preserved by his 
descendants, together with his sword, field-glass and 
commissions. At the expiration of the term of enlist- 
ment of his company he returned to Beverly, where he 
resumed his business with his partner and brother in 
law, Israel Thorndike, and some of the vessels of 
" Brown and Thorndike," transformed from their 
peaceful character as merchantmen into armed ships, 
continued the patriotic work which Captain Brown 
had begun in the field, and did good service to his 
country. 

After the close of the war, Mr. Brown continued to 
be energetically and successfully engaged in com- 
merce until the year 1800, when he retired from ac- 
tive business with what was, for those days, an am- 
ple fortune. His house on the main street of Bev- 
erly, in which, together with Mr. Thorndike, he 
resided for several years, and until the latter erected 
a separate mansion, afterwards the Town Hall, is still 
standing, is a good specimen of the Colonial resi- 
dences of the better class. Of this also, a wood-cut, 
taken from a photograph, is inserted. Here, for many 
years, Mr. Brown dispensed a generous hospitality, J 
and paid much attention to the cultivation of fruit | 
and flowers in the ample garden belonging to his 
house. The noble elms, which still adorn the main 
street of Beverly, were also set out by him. He was 
largely instrumental in the construction of Essex 
Bridge, between Beverly and Salem, and also of the 
Salem and Boston Turnpike, the latter having been 
constructed under his personal supervision. In both 
of these enterprises he was among the largest orig- 
inal proprietors. He was a Federalist of the Wash- 
ington school, was a member of the Massachusetts 
Legislature, and one of the Presidential Electors in 
1808. " His nuinuers were dignified and courteous. 
He always took an important j)art in public enterpri- J 
ses." President Quincy, in his History of Harvard 1 
University, says ofhim that " Pie united integrity with 
benevolence, was exemplary in all social and domestic 

character anil nsefiilness of the Essex troops and the esteem in which 
they were held. 

" Orders for Gen. Lee's Division, Mile Sqnare, Oct. 10, 177G. Gen. Lee 
"returns his warmest thanks to Col. Glover and the Brigade under his 
" command, not only for their gallant behavior yesterday, but, for their 
" prudent, cool, orderly and soldierlike conduct in all respects, he as- 
" Bures these brave men that he shall omit no opportunit.v of shewing his 
" gratitude. All the wotLnded to be sent immediately to Valentine's hill 
"at the second Liberty Pole, where surgeons should repair to dress tbem. 
'• They are afterwards to be forwarded to Fott Washington." And, two 
"days later, Washington issued general orders as follows, "Headquar- 
" ters 21 Oct. 177C. The hurried sitnatii)n of the Genel'al for the last two 
" days, having prevented him from paying that attention to Col. Glover 
"and the officei-8 and soldiers who were with him in the skirmish on 
" Friday last that their merit and good behavior deserved, he flatters 
" himself that his thanks, tho' delayed, will nevertheless be acceptable 
" to them, as they are offered with great sincerity and cordiality. .\t 
" the same time he hopes that every other part of the ariny will do 
" their duty with equal bravery and zeal whenever called upon; and 
'* neither dangers, nor difliculties nor hardships will discourage soldiers 
"engaged in the cause of liberty, anrl while we are conteiidin.g for all 
" that freemen hold dear and valuable." 



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BEVERLY. 



757 



relations, ami a generous contributor to public and 
private eharities and associations." [n his will he 
bequeathed two thousand dollars to the Theological 
School at Cambridge connected with the College, to 
be applied in any way that " will best promote the 
cause of Christianity, and the design and utility of 
this religious establishment." He deceased June loth, 
1820, and his funeral sermon was preached by his 
friend and pastor, the Rev. Abiel Abbott of Beverly, 
lie married first Oct. IG, 177-t, Elizabeth, daughter of 
Osniyn Trask of Beverly. >^he died without issue, 
and he married secondly, May 3d, 1789, Mary, daugh- 
ter of the Rev. Matthew Bridge of Framingham, Har- 
vard College 1741, and grand-daughter of the Rev. 
Daniel Perkins of Bridgewater, Harvard College 1717. 
His children were first, Charles, born in Beverly, May 
24, 1793, who graduated at Harvard College in 1S12. 
He then studied law and was admitted to the bar, but 
never practised his profession. He .soon removed to 
Boston, where, for some years, he was engaged in busi- 
ness. During the latter part of his life he was much 
interested in genealogical jmrsuits, and was largely 
instrumental in tracing his ancestors in this country 
to their origin in England. He returned to the for- 
mer spelling of the name by resuming the final c. He 
married Dec. 14, 1825, Elizabeth Isabella Tilden, and 
died in Boston, July 21, lSo6, leaving three children, 
Harriet Tilden, Francis Perkins and Edward Inger- 
soll Browne (Harvard College 18o5) all now living. 
The name of the old firm has, of late years, been re- 
vived by the association of Edward Ingersoll Browne 
with Charles Thorndike, grandson of Israel, as part- 
ners in the law business, under the name of Browne 
and Thorndike of Boston, in which city they have 
long been established. 

The second and only other child of Moses Brown, 
except one who died in infancy, was George, born 
Nov. 24, 1799. For several years he was a captain in 
the merchant service. In 1843 he was appointed Com- 
missioner to the Sandwich Islands, and, with his eld- 
est son, was lost at sea on a voyage to fUiina in August, 
1846. He married, Dec. 9, 1821, his cousin, Harriet 
Bridge by whom he had several children, all of wliom 
have deceased, his two sons Samuel and Moses alone 
leaving issue.' 



ANDREW PRESTON PEABODY, D.D., LL.D. 

Dr. Peabody is descended from Lieutenant Francis 
Peabody, who was born in 1614 in St. Albans, Hert- 
fordshire, England, and came to New England in tlie 
ship '"Planter'' in 1635, settling in Lynn, and later, 
in 1638, in Hampton, Old Norfolk County, subse- 

1 See Uond's Oenealogies .and Histor.v of Watertown ; Stone's "ITistoi-y 
of Beverly " ; Qnincy's "Hiatoryof Harvard University"; tlie New 
England Hist, and Genealogical Register for January 18S.^) ; ttie Heraldic 
Journai, Boatun 1S65 ; Wright's " History of RntlandBhire " ; Blore's 
" History of Riitlandsbire ;" and Drakard's " Hiatory of Stamford."* 



* By Edward I. Browne. 



quently to which time he became an inhabitant of 
Topsfield, where, in 1657, he married Mary Foster, 
dying February 19, 1697-98. He is the American 
ancestor of a numerous and honorable posterity in 
Essex County and elsewhere, among whom the dis- 
tinguished philanthropist, George Peabody of London, 
is e.specially to be named. 

Lieutenant 'Francis Peabody's son Joseph, born in 
1644, who lived in Boxford, was the father of ^Zeru- 
babel, born February 26, 1707, who lived in Middle- 
ton, married Lydia Fuller February 21, 1733, and was 
the father of ^Andrew, born July 21, 1745, married 
Ruth Curtis December 13, 1769, lived in Middleton, 
and died October 14, 1813. His son ^Andrew, born 
February 29, 1772, married Mary Rantoul, sister of ^ 
Hon. Robert Rantoul, Sr., of Beverly, at Salem, " 
May 30, 1808, lived in Beverly, where he kept the 
grammar school and was a teacher of repute, and died 
December 19,1813. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Beverly March 19, 1811. In a reminiscence 
contributed to a series of autobiographical articles by 
eminent men (published in the Formn for July, 1887) 
he has himself unconsciously disclosed the dominant 
chord in his own character, while describing the 
Spartan educational methods of tlie earlier years in 
this century : — 

" J learned to read before I was three years old, and foremost among 
the hooks that have helped nie I must put Webster's 'Sjielling-book.' I 
knew the old lexicographer. He was a good man, but hard, dry, unsen- 
timental. I do imt suppose that in his earliest reading-lessons for cliil- 
dren he had any ulterior purpose beyond shaping sentences composed of 
words consisting of three letters and less. But while I believe in the 
inspiration of propheta and apostles, I agree with the ("hristian fathers 
of tlie .\lexantlrian school in extending the theory of inspiration far 
beyond the (_so called) canon of Scripture, and I cannot but think that a 
divine aftlatns breathed upon the soul of Noah Webster wlien he framed, 
as the first sentence on which the infant mind shoidd concentrate its 
nascent capacity of ct>nibining letters into words, and which thus by 
long study and endless repetition must needs deposit itself in umlying 
memory, ' No man can put ofl" the law of God.' When I toiled day after 
day on tliis sentence, I probably had no idea of ita meaning ; but there 
is nothing better for a child than to learn by rote and to fix in enduring 
remembrance words which thus sown deep, will blossom into fruitful 
meaning with growing years. Since I began to think and feel oti sub- 
jects within the province of ethics, this maxim has never been out uf my 
mind. I have employed it as a text for my experience and obseivatioEi. 
It is a fundamental truth in my theology. It underlies my moral phi- 
lofiopby. It has nmlded my ethical teaching in the pulpit iuid the rlass- 
rooni, in utterance aud print." 

From his si.xth year until lie entered college, he 
sujiplied himself " with books from a library ot sev- 
eral hundred very good books, the proprietors of 
which were assessed fifty cents a year."' His earliest 
teacher, to whom he owed much, was Miss Joanna " 
Prince, who later married Ebenezer Everett, of Bruns- 
wick, Me., and was the mother of Prof. Charles Car- 
roll Everett. He was also a pupil of Miss Hannah 
Hill in the first Sunday-school in the United States, 
which these two ladies had gathered in Beverly, and 
had the satisfaction later of teaching Miss Hill Greek 
in her <dd age, in fulfillment of her desire to read the 
New Testament in the original tongue. A child of 
\ precocions promise, he wiis on the point of being sent 



758 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to Exeter Academy, when the wise minister, Dr. 
Abbot, persuaded his mother to have him prepared 
for college at home under the teaching of Mr. Bernard 
Whitman, who was then pursuing his studies for the 
Unitarian ministry with that distinguished clergy- 
man, and he was fitted for college in a year, passing 
the examinations for the Freslmian class in 1823, and 
returning to live in Beverly under the same teaching 
another twelvemonth, in which he went over the 
studies of the first two years of the college course, 
returning again to (Jambridge to join the Junior class 
in August, 1824, and graduating in 1826, in the same 
class with his cousin, Hon. Robert Rantoul, Jr. No 
less than fourteen members of this class entered the 
Christian ministry, among them the theologian Oliver 
Stearns, the eloquent preacher George Putnam, and 
Neheraiah Adams, the Calvinistic divine. His father 
had set him apart for the ministry, as far as it could 
be done, by a request on his death-bed, but the boy 
wlio had graduated at fifteen, finishing his academic 
course at an earlier age than any other graduate of 
Harvard College, with the possible exception of Paul 
Dudley and Cotton Mather, was too young to begin 
his theological studies, and the following three years 
were spent, the fir.st in study at Beverly, teaching in 
the winter the same district school in Middleton 
where his father had first taught, the second as private 
tutor in the family of Mr. Huidekoper, of Meadville, 
Pa., where not a few eminent men have both given 
and received much, in a home of patriarclial simplic- 
ity and manorial beauty, and the third in teaching in 
the academy at Portsmouth, N. H. In 1829 he en- 
tered the Cambridge Divinity School, graduating from 
it in 1832. The next year was spent as college tutor of 
Hebrew and mathematics at Cambridge. At this time 
his first publication appeared, "Address on Taxation," 
being No. 1, Vol. 1, of the " Workingmen's Library." 
President Quincy desired to secure Mr. Peabody 
for permanent academic service. He had, however, 
been preaching in various places during the year, be- 
ing called to settle over churches in Fall Elver and 
Framingham, and accepted an invitation to become 
minister of the South Parish in Portsmouth, N. H., 
as colleague with the Rev. Nathan Parker, D.D., one 
of the most honored clergymen of his time in New- 
England, whose lofty character, distinguished alike 
for wisdom and for goodness, has left an abiding mark 
upon that intelligent Christian community. Mr. 
Peabody took charge of that pulpit September 1, 
1833. His previous year spent in Portsmouth as a 
teacher had brought him into such personal relations 
with Dr. Parker as to make him appreciate, as a spe- 
cial privilege, the opportunity of laboring in such 
companionship, but the hope was sadly disappointed, 
as Dr. Parker's rapidly failing health did not even 
permit him to take part in the ordination of his col- 
league and successor in October, 1833, and his death 
a few days later left the young clergyman alone in 
charge of a most important parish. 



The South Church, which was the second in Ports- 
mouth, had its origin, as was the case in many of the 
older parishes in New England, in a dissension about 
the best locality for a new meeting-house. It early 
leaned to Arminianism, while the North Church, long 
under the ministry of the elder Buckminster, held 
fast to the more strict theology ; and at the separation 
of the Congregational body in the earlier years of 
this century, the former had become a leading parish 
in the " Unitarian movement." Under the serious 
evangelical preaching of Dr. Parker, it had been 
strengthened and increased in numbers till not long 
before his death it had built one of the most beautiful 
and costly stone churches of the time in New Eng- 
land, which was filled with worshipers. This respons- 
ible charge was borne by the young minister, and 
prospered in his hands. The further increase of the 
congregation, to the number of two hundred and fifty 
families, made it necessary to enlarge the church ; a 
handsome chapel was built for the large and flourish- 
ing Sunday school, and all the signs of professional 
success in a high degree were evident. 

On September 12, 1836, Mr. Peabody was married 
to Catherine Whipple, daughter of Edmund Roberts, 
of Portsmouth, who, as Envoy of the United States 
Government, negotiated the first treaty between this 
country and Siam and Cochin China, the journal of 
whose travels in I'emote Eastern lands, at that time 
almost unvisited, was published after his death, which 
took place in 1837, while abroad on public business. 
Of the eight children of this marriage, two sons and 
two daughters died in early childhood, and four 
daughters are living. Mrs. Peabody died in Novem- 
ber, 18C9. 

The Portsmouth pulpit, as filled by Mr. Peabody, 
was metropolitan to New Hampshire. While the 
most important part of a faithful minister's labors is 
silent and hidden in the endless round of pastoral 
duty, the calls to public services outside his parish 
multiplied upon him in the educational and charita- 
ble duties which fall in such a community to the 
minister of a prosperous and influential congregation. 
He early became a trustee of Exeter Academy, hold- 
ing that position for forty-three years. One of the 
earliest of the many addres-es which he gave on aca- 
demic occasions, that on "Conversation: its faults 
and its graces," delivered before the Newburyport 
Female High School, and first printed in 1846, be- 
came a classic on the subject. Meantime, in the re- 
ligious discussions which were being earnestly carried 
on in the Unitarian Church, Mr. Peabody soon be- 
came a recognized leader, in 1845 giving the address 
before the Senior class in the Cambridge Divinity 
School on " Anti-Supernaturalism," and being widely ^ 
known as a preacher of positive spiritual Christianity. 
In 1844 he published " Lectures on Christian Doc- 
trine," which became a handbook of the belief of the 
evangelical portion of the religious body to which he 
belonged, while a wider congregation than his Ports- 



BEVEKLY. 



759 



mouth parish \v:is addressed by his " Christian Con- 
solations: sermons designed to furnish comfort and 
strength to the afflicted," of which the first of many 
editions was published in 1846, and by his "Sermons 
to Children," published in 1807. He also was an ed- 
itor of the Chrisfian Register for two years. 

In 18.52 he received from Harvard College the de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity. During all this period 
he was a frequent contril)Utor to the C'hrix/ian Exam- 
iner and the Niirth American Review, and in 1852 he 
became proprietor and editor of the latter publica- 
tion, which duties he retained till 1863, when he 
was succeeded by Professors Lowell and Nortim. 

The invitation to the IMuninier professorship of the 
heart and of Christian morals in Harvard College 
found Dr. Peabody in a happy and successful ministry 
at Portsmouth, over a parish to whom he was bound 
by ties of mutual attachment, such as no other call 
could have been strong enough to break. He had 
seen the first generation of his people pass away and 
give place to children and grandchildren, who.se feel- 
ing toward him was not lessened by his removal to 
the large sphere of duties which Cambridge offered. 
On September 1, 1860, he assumed the Plumnier pro- 
fessorshij), and when, after a generation had inter- 
vened, on September 1, 1883, the fiftieth anniversary 
of his settlement at Portsmouth was celelirated by his 
former parish, it was with a joy and sympathy not 
dimmed by the lapse of time. 

The new work on which Dr. Peabody now entered, 
as successor to the Rev. Frederick Dan. Hunting- 
ton, D.D., was waiting to be shaped by him into a 
large and unicpie o{)portunity of service and influ- 
ence. The wise munificence of Miss Caroline Plum- 
mer, of Salem, had been led to endow the "Professor- 
ship of the Heart and of Christian Morals," by the 
conviction that the " dry light" and unsympathetic 
methods of college training needed to be sufl'nsed 
with the warmth and glow of a personal influence, 
exerted by a Christian minister of wide and ready 
sympathy, hearty interest in young men and belief 
in them, not a teacher only nor a preacher only, 
though both of these he was to be, but one who 
should find what po.ssibilities existed in Harvard Col- 
lege for the function of pastor to the most ditticult 
class of persons in the world to reach, — youths of the 
student age. It had been the conviction of this ex- 
cellent lady that such a place could be created and 
filled by a wise, devout scholar, in whom the weight 
of genuine character and the persuasiveness and charm 
of Christian faith should be a "living epistle, known 
and read of all men," but no one could have ventured 
to anticipate the way in which Dr. Peabody was to 
grow into the place and the place to grow round him, 
or the degree in which his influence was destined to 
]iervade the Cambridge atmosphere like sunshine, do- 
ing more perhaps than any other single cause to sof- 
ten arul change the temjier of mutual antagonism and 
mutual distrust which largely aflected the relations of 



the faculty and the students. This condition of 
things was, of course, not without shining exceptions 
on both sides, and as a survival from the semi-me- 
devial conditions of the college in Puritan times. 
The years of Dr. Peabody's incumbency of the one 
position which was created to be mediatorial between 
the two elements, witnessed a change for the better 
greater than had been wrought in the two previous 
centuries. This process went on side by side with the 
great enlargement of the college on all sides, trans- 
forming it into a veritable university, with the free- 
dom and opportunity of the elective system ; and it is 
not too much to say that Dr. Peabody's presence and 
influence at Cambridge did more than any other 
thing to inspire confidence in the whole community 
that these changes would only give opportunity for 
growth in Christian manhood, and leave the college 
freer to become a training-school in virtue and good- 
ness and faith. The proper official work of the Plum- 
raer profe.-sorship had included the duties of preacher 
to the university and some slight teaching of each 
class at the beginning of the Freshman and at the 
end of the Senior year, while the pulpit services were 
lightened by being assumed by the president (when 
he was a clergyman) on one Sunday of each nuinth. 
E.xcept during the presidency of Dr. Hill, however, 
the burden of the University pulpit now fell wholly 
upon Dr. Peabody, and for twenty-one years was so 
borne as to keep that distinguished place at the 
height of its reputation, as the voice in sacred things 
of the mother and chief of American colleges. 

The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon 
Dr. Peabody bj' the University of Rochester in 1863. 

The publications of Dr. Peabody during the period 
after his removal to Cambridge may be in part noted 
here. In 1861 he delivered and published a course of 
lectures before the Lowell Institute, entitled " Chris- 
tianity the Religion of Nature," and in 1873 a 
volume of sermons on "Christian Belief and Life." 
Besides a multitude of single sermons, lectures, ora- 
tions, discussions in the influential reviews of great 
questions of public interest and memoirs of distin- 
guished persons, the following volumes have also been 
given to the public by him: "Manual of Moral 
Philosophy," 1872; "Christianity and Science," a 
serios of lectures delivered in New York, in 1874, on 
the Ely fouudation of the Union Theological Semi- 
nary, 1874. The Baccalaureate sermons which he 
preached to successive classes on the Sunday before 
commencement, and which were long a marked fea- 
ture of the academic life, were gathered up in a vol- 
ume embracing those preached in successive years, 
from 1861 to 1883, when the emeritus professor might 
well have supposed that his long service in the inter- 
esting duty wiis ended, but in 1885 and 1886 the grad- 
uating classes still felt that from no other could they 
ask the farewell word in behalf of their alma mater. A 
part of the fruit of his ethical instruction in the divinity 
school and in the college appeared in his translations 



760 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of Cicero's De Officiis, De Senectute, De Amicitia, 
and the Tusculan Disputations, published in 1883, 
1884 and 1886, and of Phitarch's De Sera Numinis 
Vindicta, published in 1885. In 1887 he published 
further fruits of liis college teaching in the valuable 
work on Moral Pliilosophy, which embodies a portion 
of the lectures given by him to the senior class in col- 
lege and in the Divinity School at Meadville, Pa. 

The Cambridge life devolved upon Dr. Peabody, be- 
yond the duties of his professorship, not a few sucli 
obligations as seek a public-spirited citizen with 
heavy demand upon his time. On the school com- 
mittee he gave many years of service, and in other 
matters which furthered the cause of good govern- 
ment of the city, he was never backward. Only an 
exceptional eudowraeiit of health and a bodily frame 
strong as iron which was able to bear h.abitnal labor 
ftir into the small hours of the night, could have en- 
dured the toil. 

As a teacher, the work which fell into his strong 
and willing hands naturally broadened more and 
more. The subject of ethics belonged strictly to his 
department as religious teacher to the university, but 
in addition he taught logic, political economy until 
the appointment of Professor Dunbar, and had the 
care of the senior forensics for some years, also filling 
gaps when they occurred in the college and in the 
divinity school. A portion of this labor bore fruit in 
several of his printed works. 

Meantime, the friendly and fatherly relation in 
which he stood to tlie students had beneficent re- 
sults. When the wise generosity of Mr. Nathaniel 
Thayer provided the means for reviving in a better 
form the old " Commons," furnishing good food to 
the great mass of the students for a moderate sum, 
the task of organizing this large enterprise and of its 
supervision for a considerable time was undertaken 
by Dr. Peabody until he had proved that it was a 
wise experiment and had established it on a perma- 
nent basis at the public tables of Memorial Hall. The 
thoughtful and abounding private chariiies which 
sought his aid as almoner in finding and relieving 
needy students who deserved such aid, a form of col- 
lege benefit which escapes all public record, were 
very great in amount and were alone sulficient to oc- 
cupy much of the time of a busy man. It would be 
impossible to overstate the quantity and quality of his 
service in personal and private relations as adviser 
and confidential friend to the multitude of young men 
who sought his help in any kind of trouble and never 
sought in vain. For all this the unsolicited reward 
of a love and veneration, such as it is the privilege of 
few to win, was poured fortli upon him. No one can 
have heard without a thrill the cheers, ringing witli 
the enthusiasm of youth and of personal affection and 
rising again and again as if they would never cease, 
which greeted the mention of his name or welcomed 
his presence on all public occasions of the university. 

The Plummer professorship also offered an oppor- 



tunity to bring the university into religious relations 
with the whole community by making its pulpit not 
the j)roperty of a single sect, but hospitable to all 
branches of the Protestant Church, which Dr. Pea- 
body's large and sympathetic C'hristian temper ful- 
filled to tlie utmost. While himself recognized as a 
leader in his own denomination, he had the gift of 
winning the Christian fellowship and conciliating by 
his own reconciling spirit the friendly respect of 
churchmen of all names, welcoming them to the col- 
lege chapel and being welcomed as a preacher in 
their pulpits, while he was sought to give addresses on 
the public days of the theological schools of Newton, 
Bangor and Andover, representing various Christian 
bodies; and the catholic system of administration ol 
religion in Harvard University, introduced in 1885, 
in which a group of the ablest preachers of ditferent 
churches are associated in the care of spiritual interests 
which are recognized to be so large and various as to 
demand their united care, is the legitimate outgrowth 
of the spirit in which Dr. Peabody admitted this great 
religious opportunity. 

The most important part of Dr. Peabody's i)ublic 
services at Cambridge still remains to be mentioned. 
The death of President Felton, in February, 1862, not 
only removed his closest personal friend in the col- 
lege, but devolved upon him most laborious and re- 
sponsible duties as head of the university, being ap- 
pointed by the corporation acting president, and dis- 
charging the duties of that office until the installation 
of President Hill late in the following autumn. On 
the resignation of Dr. Hill, in September, 1868, he 
was again called to the same responsibility, and con- 
tinued to preside over the university until the inaug- 
uration of President Eliot. His administration as 
acting president thus covered two periods, amounting 
in all to about two years, while he was specially as- 
sociated with the counsels of his immediate prede- 
cessors in the office, and in the plans which marked 
their administrations and which resulted in the aboli- 
tion of the old " hazing " system and the introduction 
of a healthier spirit of mutual regard in tlie instruc- 
tors and students, and the fir^t broadening out of the 
college curriculum beyond its narrow limit by intro- 
ducing the elective system. The success of Dr. Pea- 
body as an administrator was marked, and it seemed 
natural that he should have been elected to the per- 
manent ineuml>ency of the office which he adorned ; 
the strong secular tendency in college affairs had, 
however, predetermined that the office should not be 
held in any event by a clergyman. 

In tliese very important duties Dr. Peabody re- 
mained at his post for twenty-one years, with an in- 
terval of travel in Europe from June, 1867, to March, 
1868, which he accomplished by compressing the 
work of two terms into that of a single one after his 
return, and of which he published, in 1868, a record 
in his "Reminiscences of European Travel." A 
briefer visit to Russia, and the neighboring countries 




iyAN.RitCii^- 




.^fc^_ 



I 



BEVERLY. 



761 



in which he shared the hospitalities enjoyed by Gen- 
eral Grant, was made by him in the summer of 1876, 
and a longer sojourn in Europe with his family after 
rosi.sning the Plummer professorship, from June, 
1881, to September, 18.82. His resignation had gone 
into effect after the commencement of 1881, but he 
was at once appointed professor emeritus, retiring 
from the burdens of his official position, but in no 
sense from his place in the heart of the college nor 
from the opportunities of service which awaited him. 
The key-note of Dr. Peabody's public services is 
given in the paper already quoted, where he men- 
tions three biographies to which he has been specially 
indebted. The first is that of Xiebuhr : 

" If I have been able, in things secular and sacred, as to reports of cur- 
rent and records of past events, to steer a safe way between credulity 
and skepticism, I owe it in great part, not to Niebuhr's ' History of 
Rome.' but to the virtual autobiography that gives shape and vividness 
to his ' Memoir.' If I remember aright, bo expressed his contldence in 
the .substantial authenticity of our canonical gospels, and, however this 
may be, I owe largely to him my tirm faith and trust in them, 

" I would next name the ' Life of Thomas .\rnold.' When I read it I 
was pastor of a large parish, with many young persons under my charge 
and iutluence, and I was at the same time chairman of a school-board. 
I liad no need of .\rnold to awaken my sympathy with young life, hut 
iie has helped me to understand it better, alul to minister more intelli- 
gently and etficiently to its needs and cravings. His ' Rugby Sermons' 
have a great charm for mc, and while I have not been guilty of the ab- 
surd and vain attempt to imitate them, I have felt their inspiration both 
in the pulpit and in the lecture-room. I have also, in a large and diver- 
sified experience in educational trusts and offices, felt myself constantly 
instructed, energized and encouraged by .\rnold. 

"My third biography is that of Dr. Chalmers, fruitful of beneficent 
example in more directions than could be easily specified, but to me of 
peculiar service in his relation to poverty in Glasgow, with its attendant 
evils and vices In his mode of relieving want in person and in kind, 
of bringing preventive measures to bear on the potential nurseries of 
crime, and of enlisting the stronger in the aid and comfort of the feebler 
members of the community, I found many valuable suggestions for the 
local charities which came under my direction while I was a parish 
minister."' 

It is allotted to few men to fulfil with conspicuous 
ability so many and various kinds of public service as 
have fallen to the lot of Dr. Peabody. As a parish 
minister, building up his church in the prosperity of 
numbers and in the better welfare of a spiritual growth, 
never stronger in his hold on the affections of his 
people than when he parted from them, and always 
remaining the pastor of their affectionate regard ; as 
a preacher, devout, earnest, persuasive, a powerful 
expounder of the truth of the gospel, and never more 
eflective or listened to with more interest than in the 
years after he had passed threescore and ten; as a 
theologian, strong in his grasp and luminous in his 
statement of the central verities of Christianity ; as an 
ethical and moral teacher, lucid, eloquent and con- 
vincing; as the incumbent of the most difficult posi- 
tion in Harvard College, turning its difficulties into 
unrivalled opportunities and creating an exceptional 
work ; as a successful administrator, numbered among 
the honored heads of the university ; it has been his 
to win the love and reverence of the successive gen- 
erations among whom his work has been wrou.ht 
from youth to age. 



WILLIAM AND ALBERT THORXDIKE. 

The Thorndikes of America are descended from a 
Lincolnshire family, at one time lords of the manor 
of Little Carlton. The first recorded signature of 
pedigree was made at the visitation of Heralds, in 
the year 1634; but the pedigree itself is traced at least 
a hundred and fifty years earlier, to the middle or 
end of the fifteenth century. The ancestor of the 
American family was John Thorndike, who was one 
of the twelve associates of John Winthrop, Jr., by 
whom the first permanent settlement at Ipswich was 
commenced, in 1633. John Thorndike was the 
brother of Herbert Thorndike, Prebendary of West- 
minster, a distinguished clergyman of the Church of 
England. It is not probable that John Thorndike's 
emigration proceeded from religious motives. He 
never joined a New England Church, he sent his 
only son to England, to be baptized by his uncle, the 
prebendary, and he himself went back to England to 
die, and was buried by the side of liis brother, in the 
cloisters of Westminster. He had passed thirty- 
years in America. From Ipswich he went to 
" Brooksby " (now Peabody), where he is mentioned 
in 1636 as a grantee of a hundred acres of land. This 
grant he relinquished the same year for one of a 
hundred acres in Beverly, then a part of Salem, and 
in the following year his holding was enlarged to a 
hundred and eighty-five acres, extending back from 
the shore at the point afterwards called " Paul's 
Head," from his son Paul. 

Paul Thorndike was prominent in the town affairs 
of Beverly, and discharged the various offices of se- 
lectman, captain of the military company, deputy to 
the General Court and the like. But he, like his 
father, never became a member of a New England 
Church, and not until ten years after his death did 
his oldest son, John, the first Puritan in the fiimily, 
make " public profession." Paul's three sons, John, 
Paul and Herbert, probably lived upon the land 
which had come to them through their father from 
their grandfather. But they all had numerous chil- 
dren, and the parental acres gradually departed from 
the family under a series of petty subdivisions and 
alienations. Nothing now remains to indicate the 
original ownership but the mere name "Paul's 
Head." 

Of the generations which followed the first two in 
Beverly, most of the members were sailors. As Haw- 
thorne picturesquely says of his own ancestors, 
" From father to son for above a hundred years 
they followed the sea; a grey-headed shipmaster in 
each generation retiring from the quarter deck to the 
home.'-tead, while a boy of fourteen took the heredi- 
tary place before the mast, confronting the salt spray 
and the gale which had blustered against his sire and 
grandsire. The boy also, in due time, passed from 
the forecastle to the cabin, spent a tempestuous man- 
hood and returned from his world-wanderings to grow 
ohl and die and mingle his du^t with his natal earth." 



762 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Nicholas Thornilike, the father of the subjects of 
the present sketch, was born in 1764. He began his 
seafaring life early enough to be captured in the 
Revolution by a British cruiser, and to have a short 
experience of the Jersey Prison Ship. He passed his 
youth as a sailor and shipmaster, retired in middle 
life with a moderate competency and spent the re- 
mainder of his days in mercantile pursuits in Bever- 
ly. Except that he commanded a volunteer company 
of artillery during the War of 1812, and that he occa- 
sionally represented Beverly in the General Court, he 
held uo public office. He was a man whose strong 
sense and sound judgment in affairs commanded the 
respect of the community. He was, moreover, like 
many shipmasters of his day, not without a smack of 
literary cultivation. The deck of a ship in the trade 
winds gives great opportunity for general or special 
reading, and one is sometimes astonished at discover- 
ing the sort of books which accompanied our sailors 
on their voyage. 

Captain Thorndike's wife was Mehetabel Rea, 
whom he married in 1789. She was the daughter of 
Captain Joseph Rea, a man of some local note in the 
Revolution, an efficient member of the Committee of 
Correspondence and the commander of a company 
from Beverly and Lynn, sent to the aid of Washing- 
ton in New Jersey. Mrs. Thorndike passed the quiet, 
uneventful life of a sailor's wife, occupied at home 
with the care and education of her children, while 
her husband was employed abroad. She lived until 
her youngest son was nine years old, and died at the 
early age of forty. She was little known beyond her 
own family, but the remembrance of her pure relig- 
ious character, her love and her many virtues, con- 
stantly appears in the affectionate allusions of her 
children. Of this marriage there were four children, 
of whom two were daughters ; Hitty, who married 
Thomas Stephens, Jr. (Harvard 1810), a well-known 
lawyer and town officer of Beverly, and Clara, the 
wife of Asa Rand (Dartmouth 1806), a clergyman of 
some prominence as a preacher and editor, and of 
more as an early Abolitionist and friend of Garrison 
and George Thompson. 

William Thorndike, the oldest son of Nicholas and 
Mehetabel, was born in Beverly January 22, 1795. 
His earliest book learning was obtained in the excel- 
lent schools of his native town. In the formation of 
his character, kindly and manly, and at the same 
time of a certain strictness which sat upon him not 
ungracefully in after life, one may trace the precepts 
and example of his excellent mother. From Beverly 
he passed to Phillips Exeter Academy in 1807, where 
he spent three years under the tuition of the famous 
teacher. Dr. Benjamin Abbot. He entered Harvard 
College as a Sophomore in 1810, and was graduated 
in 1813. He was faithful in his studies as in all 
things, took an excellent rank in his class and was a 
member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, whose rib- 
bon was then, as now, a badge of scholarship. But he 



was also of social disposition, and his name appears 
on the rolls of several of the clubs devoted to good 
fellowship and conviviality. On leaving college he 
entered his name as a student in the office of the emi- 
nent jurist, Nathan Dane, and was admitted to the 
Essex Bar in 1816. While a law student he gave 
some attention to military art, and was Ihe first cap- 
tain of the Light Infantry Company, which succeeded 
in 1814, the Artillery Company, commanded by his 
father during the war. In 1816, the year of his ad- 
mission to the bar, he delivered in Beverly, the 
Fourth of July oration. In the autumn of that year 
he opened an office in Bath, Me., and commenced the 
practice, so often discouraging, of a young lawyer. 
Maine was not a wealthy State, commerce was dull 
and there were more lawyers than business. But he 
persevered, and probably had a fair share of what 
business there was. He also applied himself to the 
study of politics, history and political economy, wrote 
articles for the newspapers, delivered, in 1818, the 
Fourth of July oration at Brunswick and published 
a series of essays upon the constitutional struggles in 
the Pyreniean Peninsula and Italy. The death of 
his father in 1821 left him in comfortable pecuniary 
circumstances, and in the autumn of that year he 
married Nancy Stephens, a sister of his brother-in- 
law, Thomas Stephens. 

His wife, a most lovely person, to whom he was de- 
votedly attached, died in less than two years from 
their marriage. Her death was followed by a period 
of depression, during which he was completely un- 
fit for active life. He abandoned his profession, 
never to resume it, and in the autumn of 1823 re- 
turned to his old home in Beverly. 

Here his interest in affairs gradually revived. With 
the means inherited from his father, he pursued wdth 
success various mercantile enterprises. He was upon 
the board of the banking and insurance corporations 
of the place and active in its charities. He also gave 
much time to town affairs, as selectman, overseer of 
the poor, moderator of town-meetings and the like. 
In matters of education he was especially earnest, did 
much good work upon the School Committee and was 
one of the early promoters of the Debating Society 
and Lyceum, before which he delivered several care- 
fully prepared lectures. 

In 1826 and 1827 he represented the town in the 
General Court. In the House he rarely spoke, but 
his intelligence, clear judgment and familiarity with 
business, made him valuable as an adviser aud as a 
member of committees. In 1828 he was chosen Sena- 
tor for Essex, and was re-elected in the four following 
years. His popularity in the County, as in his own 
town, was very groat, though he was by no means a 
good politician in the way of strict party allegiance. 
In the Senate he joined in debate oftener than in the 
House, and always spoke and voted from his own 
judgment and conscience, rather than from regard to 
the expectations of his friends or his constituents. In 



BEVERLY. 



763 



short, as his distinguished coutemporarj', Mr. Choate, 
once said of him, "He was not able enough to 
agree with any set of men to .succeed in politics." 
But his steadfast integrity and purity of motive cer- 
tainly carried him a great way towards success. In 
National afiairs, which got into the debates and reso- 
lutions of the Legislature more frequently than now, 
he probably would have called himself a Federalist, 
but still he was heretical upon some of the old Fed- 
eralist articles of faith. His name was upon the Na- 
tion.al Republican ticket after that party was formed, 
but he refused to subscribe to the tenet of protection, 
which was its criterion of orthodoxy, and remained a 
free trader to the end. And upon the question of re- 
moval of the Cherokees beyond the Mississippi, he 
drawdown upon himself a storm of indignation be- 
cause he believed, as afterwards proved true, that 
their removal was not only for the good of the coun- 
try, but for their own good. In 1830 there was talk 
in the County of sending him to Congress, but he was 
too poor a politician for this, and the contest fell be- 
tween Mr. Choate and Mr. Crowningshield, the for- 
mer being triumphantly elected and beginning at this 
time his brilliant public career. In 1832 he was elec- 
ted president of the Senate, and filled the chair with 
great ability, dignity and impartiality. His public 
life ended here. In the same year he was made presi- 
dent of two Boston corporations, the Hamilton Bank 
and the National Insurance Company, and to the du- 
ties of these offices he devoted with his wonted faith- 
fulness and industry the brief remainder of his life. 
He died of consumption on July 12, 1835, at thetarly 
age of forty. 

It remains only to speak of his religious character 
and relations. Brought up by a mother who was a 
Puritan of the Puritans, he retained through life a 
certain spirit of that stern faith. Ilis mind always 
tended towards independence in things spiritual of 
all liuman authority, implicit reliance upon Divine 
Revelation, constant regard for moral and religious 
principle and the reference of every daily action to 
the tribunal of conscience. Further than this he was 
no Puritan, or rather he carried the Puritan spirit to 
its logical outcome, and threw off the authority of 
that church in matters of dogma, as that had rejected 
the authority of its predecessors. On his return to 
Beverly betook prominent and active j^art in the af- 
fairs of the First Parish, and spent much time and 
pains in bringing those aflairs into a satisfactory fi- 
nancial condition. His interest in the church be- 
longing to that parish was constant and unflagging, 
and he heartily sympathized with its tendency to- 
wards Unitarianism under the pastorate of Dr. Ab- 
bot, and its open profession of the Unitarian faith at 
the settlement of Mr. Thayer. The Sunday-school of 
that church he found a most congenial sphere of la- 
bor and usefuluess. His zealous services as teacher 
and superintendent are gratefully acknowledged in 
the appreciative memoir of his life, contributed by 



Mr. Thayer to Reverend Mr. Stone's History of Bev- 
erly. 

All)ert Thorndike, the younger brother of William, 
was born March 18, 1800. He, like his brother, re- 
ceived his early education at home, and afterwards, 
in 1813, went to E.xetcr. He had a desire to go to 
college, but did not wisli to become afterwards either 
a lawyer, a doctor or a minister. His father liad the 
old notion that college is a place to learn Latin and 
Greek, and that Latin and Greek are of little use except 
in the three so-called learned professions. The idea 
that a college education has less to do with earning a 
living than with the true life which lies beyond and 
apart from getting means to live, is of later growth. 
So Albert spent his three years under Dr. Abbot, and 
then returned home to commence a business life. At 
first he assisted his father and kept his books. In 
1819 he took a clerk.ship in the Beverly Bank, and 
was promoted, in 1822, to the office of cashier, which 
he retained for twenty-four years. During this time 
he did many things beside, at first in connection with 
his brother William and afterwards with the late 
Samuel Endicott. They owned shares in coasting 
and fishing craft and in larger vessels -for foreign 
trade, sent adventures to Indiaandthe Mediterranean 
and engaged in the manifold enterprises open to the 
inhabitants of a thriving sea-port town; for Beverly, 
as a part of the port of Salem, had then much more 
to do with the world beyond the ocean than now. 

In 1823 he married Joanna Batchelder Lovett, 
daughter of John and Hannah (Batchelder) Lovett. 
Her parents had died in her infiincy, and she had 
grown to womanhood in the home and under the pa- 
ternal care of her uncle, the late Robert Rantoul. Of 
this marriage there were born nine children, of whom 
two are still living, Samuel Lothrop Thorndike, of 
Cambridge, and Charles Francis Thorndike, of Bev- 
erly. Tliere are also living tliree sons of another 
child, the late Dr. William Thorndike, of Milwaukee. 
Jlrs. Thorndike survived her husband sixteen year.s, 
and died in 1874. 

In 184(1 Mr. Thorndike took the presidency of the 
Bank, which he kept until 1853. In addition to its 
local transactions, the Bank did a considerable busi- 
ness with Boston, of which, during his cashiership 
and presidency, he had entire charge. This carried 
him often to the city, and after the Railroad made 
communication easy, he spent niu<-h of his time 
there. 

For the routine of the affairs of the town Mr. Thorn- 
dike was too busy a man, but ho always found time 
for its charities and for its higher interests. lie was 
an early officer of the Lyceum, and always an active 
member of the Fisher Charitable Society. 

From 1845 to 1847 he represented Beverly in the 
General Court, and in 1850 was a member of the Sen- 
ate. He seldom took the floor, except to make a re- 
port or a motion. Oratory was not one of his gifts. 
But his familiarity with commerce and with financial 



764 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



matters in general, made him an important member 

of tlie Mercantile Committee, as well as of the State 
Valuation Committee of 1850. 

During this period he was a director of the Eastern 
Railroad, and spent much time upon its affairs; and 
in 18.52 he was elected to the presidency. In the du- 
ties of this office, which he held until 1855, and that 
of auditor, to which he was afterwards appointed, he 
passed the rest of his vigorous business life. Into 
these duties he put, as was his wont, his whole ener- 
gy, not content to be simply the head of a board, but 
familiarizing himself with, and actively directing, all 
the operations of the road. More than one important 
reform in railway management was either originated 
by him or received early adoption upon his line. He 
was esteemed and beloved by those under him, and 
with his associates he formed warm and lasting friend- 
ships. But a shadow fell upon his term of office from 
the crime of a trusted subordinate. Honest himself, 
as a matter of course, and beyond the conception of be- 
ing otherwise, he had little suspicion of the possibility 
of dishonesty in another; and the blow which he re- 
ceived saddened the whole remainder of his life. 

Mr. Thorndike's religions feelings were strong, his 
faith liberal, his charity universal. He succeeded his 
brother William as superintendent of the Parish Sun- 
day-school in 183.3, and for several years carried on 
the good work his brother had begun. From 1842 
until his death he was one of the deacons of the 
church. 

His favorite recreation was music. He was a sing- 
er from boyhood, and kept his fine bass voice to the 
end. A pupil of Keller, one of the first German in- 
structors who came to this country, he was no mean 
proficient upon the organ and piano. He attended 
all the concerts far and wide, was a member of the 
various musical societies of the neighborhood and led 
the parish choir for thirty years. 

If space jiermitted, it would be pleasant to speak at 
length upon Mr. Thorndike"s disposition and tastes, 
as they showed themselves at home, — his fondness for 
children, his love of books and pictures, his admira- 
tion of the beauties of nature, his skill in horticul- 
ture, his deft handiness as an amateur mechanic. But 
with all this a brief public record lia.s little concern. 

He died after a half year's illness, which he bore 
with patience and fortitude, June 14, 1858, mourned 
by all who knew him, and affectionately remembered 
by those who knew him best, 



CAPTAIN JOHN E. GIDDINGS. 

John Endicott Giddings was born in Danvers, 
Mass., October 6, 1794. His father w.as Solomon 
Giddings, bora in Ipswich in 1767, a descendant of 
George Giddings, who settled in Ipswich in 1635; 
and his mother was Anna Endicott, born in Danvers 
in 1769, and a descendant of Gov. John Endicott. 
His family removed to Beverly when he was about 



eleven years of age, and he soon after commenced 
sea life, accompanying his father to the West Indies. 
During the War of 1812 he enlisted in a privateer, 
and was captured by an English sloop of war, off 
Halifax, and he was taken to Dartmoor Prison, in 
England, where he was confined for nearly two years. 
After his release he entered the employ of the Hon. 
Wm. Gray, of Salem, and soon rose to the po-ition of 
captain. Entering the employ of Joseph Peabody, 
of Salem, he had command of the noted ships, " Car- 
thage '' and "Augustus," making voyages to China 
and Bombay. After the death of Mr. Peabody he 
commanded the ship "Duxbury," owned by Mr. 
John L. Gardner, of Boston, in the Cuba and Russia 
business until he retired from active sea service. 

As a shipmaster he was prudent and skilful, never 
meeting in his long sea life with any disaster entail- 
ing loss upon the Insurance Companies; and he was 
a worthy representative of that remarkable class of 
men justly termed "merchant captains." 

He married, in April, 1824, Martha Thorndike 
Leach, descended from Lawrence Leach, one of the 
first settlers of Beverly. He had five sons, — two of 
whom died in infancy. His oldest son, Charles 
Stephens, died February 9, 1856. 

Two sons, John E. and Edward L., are still living. 
Capt. Giddings died April 28, 1849, and is buried at 
Beverly. 



DR. XN(;AI.LS kittredge, sr. 

Ingalls Kittredge, who was born at Amherst, N. H., 
on the 10th of December, 1769, and died at Beverly 
June 17, 1856, was one of the sixth generation in 
descent from John Kittredge, of Billerica, who re- 
ceived grants of land in 1660, and in 1663 in Biller- 
ica, and in 1661 in Tewksbury, where his descendants 
were located. 

He was the son of Solomon and Tabitha (Ingalls, of 
Andover), who removed about 1766, to Amherst, N. 
H. (now called Mount Vernon), and was one of 
twelve children. He married Sarah Conant, daugh- 
ter of Jonathan and Mary Conant, who was in direct 
descent (of the sixth generation), from Roger Cunant, 
the first settler and founder of Salem, which at that 
period (.1626) was called Naumkeag, and included the 
territory between Portsmouth and Salem. 

Their children were Ingalls, who was born at 
Townsend May 30, 1798, and Sarah, born at Town- 
send October 1, 1800. Ingalls, Jr., who folhiwed the 
profession of his father, was a graduate of Harvard 
College of the class of 1820, and studied medicine (in 
company with Dr. D. Humphreys Storer), with the 
celebrated Dr. John C. Warren. His children were 
seven in number (all daus:hters), the eldest of whom, 
Sarah, married Charles W. Galloupe, Esq., of Boston 
(a native of Beverly), and another, Susan, married 
Captain Edward L. Giddings, of Beverly. 

Dr. Kittrodge's opportunities of an early education 
were exceedingly limited, but a hereditary genius for 



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BEVERLY. 



765 



the practice of medicine seems to have existed in the 
Kittredges for generations, and the tendency is still a 
remarkahle one in the family, the nHme of Kittredge 
being almost synonymous with doctor. 

Dr. Benjamin Kittrcdse, of Tewksbury, had eight 
sons who were doctors, and Ingalls had four brothers 
who practiced the liealing art, the eldest of whom. 
Dr. Zephaniah, who lived in Mount Vernon, was a 
man of famous skill, and with him, no doubt, Ingalls 
studied. 

The name of Ingalls Kittredge first appears in the 
tax list of 1808, but as no i^oll tax was included, he 
probably did not become a resident until August 6, 
lcS04, when his first poll ta.K was asse-sed, indicating 
him at that date a citizen of Beverly. It is said that 
he occupied the so-called " Asa Woodbury" house, 
lately demolished, which stood upon the site of the 
house since built, and now owned and occupied by 
Mr. Mark B. Avery. 

In April, 1803, in consideration of the sum of four- 
teen hundred and fifty dollars, he purchased of "Si- 
meon Brown, Gent," a tract of land consisting of nine 
acres, bounded by the county road, a portion of the 
grant of two hundred acres, made by the Colonial 
Government to the " Old planter," Roger Conant 
(Mrs. Kittredge's paternal ancestor), upon which he 
erected a large mansion house, with suitable outbuild- 
ings for agricultural purposes. It is a portion of the 
well-known " Kittredge F«rm," and through the 
present proprietor. Mr. Charles W. Galloupe, still re- 
mains in the family. 

In the deed of purchase of the nine acres, he is 
mentioned as ''a physician of Townsend, Middlesex 
Co.," and his superior intelligence and ability soon 
gained for him in his new home a large and successful 
practice, particularly in surgery, which extended 
widely to the surrounding towns, where he was well 
known, as the most skilful surgeon of the vicinity. 
His early visits were made on horseback, but a largely 
increasing practice, soon compelled a more convenient 
means of communication, and he adopted the so- 
called " Sulky," a narrow, high-hung, old-fashioned 
" Chaise," barely two feet in width and only capable 
of holding one person, furnishing scanty enough 
accommodation for even a single person of ordinary 
size. The quaint old vehicle was known as the 
" Doctor's Sulky," and was soon as familiar to the 
people of the surrounding towns as was the face of the 
sturdy doctor himself. After his death the vehicle 
speedily fell intodisuse, and but few of the present day 
are aware that it ever had an existence. 

In his practice Dr. Kittredge did not hesitate to de- 
part from the established regulations of the " Facul- 
ty," whenever, in his judgment, the condition of his 
patients could be improved by such treatment. This 
course subjected him to the unfavorable, and often un- 
kind criticism of his contemporaries, but his remark- 
able successes sustained and secured to him the public 
confidence, which during his whole lifetime, he never 



forfeited. He was often urged to accei>t membership 
in the " Medical Faculty," but his independent na- 
ture could brook no rules inconsistent with his own 
conclusions, and during the length of his active pro- 
fessional life, he declined associating himself with any 
society. Later in life, however, after repeated solici- 
tations, he consented to permit his name to be pre- 
sented for membership. 

The death of his esteemed wife, which occurred 
October 7, 1833, and his marriage in April, 1836,. in- 
duced him to change his residence from the upper 
part of the town to a more central location, and he 
purch.ased the "Chapman Estate," one of the finest 
and most elegant of the old Colonial mansions, which 
was situated at the corner of Federal and Cabot 
Streets. Here, with a constantly increasing practice, 
he lived until the month of June, 1844, when a most 
disastrous fire occurred, which reduced the beautiful 
building to ashes, entailing a heavy and discouraging 
loss upon its proprietor; but under his indomitable 
will and perseverance, the ashes were hardly cold be- 
fore he commenced the erection of the sightly and ele- 
gant mansion which still stands upon the same site, 
one of the finest and best residences within the limits 
of the town, and a fitting monument to his energy 
and cnterpri-e. 

Dr. Kittredge was a man of ideas greatly in ad- 
vance of the times in which he lived. A man of 
deep and penetrating thought, with clear convictions 
ba-ed upon reasonable deductions, upon which he 
acted so frequently without consulting the opinion of 
others, that, as a natural consequence, he was often 
upon the unpopular side of the public is.sues. 

As a temperance man he advocated total abstinence 
from the first, and devoted his best energies to recov- 
er society from the abuses of unlimited liquor selling, 
which in th.at day required no small amount of moral 
courage. 

In politics he was an outspoken adherent of the 
" Anti-Slavery " party, a companion of Sumner, Gar- 
rison, Phillips, Whittier and other notable men, and, 
though not an active public advocate, he was always 
ready with his purse, and an ever generous contributor 
to its treasury. He was an indefatigable manager in 
the so-called " under-ground railroad," and his house 
as well as his purse, were always open to the unfortu- 
nate refugees, in their attempts to escape from the 
servitude of the South to the freedom of the North. 

The well-known escaped slaves, George Latimer 
and the since famous Fred. Douglas, were both aided 
by him, and by him introduced to a public audience 
in Beverly very soon after their escape from slavery. 
George Thompson, the noted English philanthropist. 
Member of Parliament and Abolitionist, found in him 
a friend, who, without fear or favor, espoused his then 
unpopular cause and gave him sub.stantial support 
and etticient aid. Actuated by a desire that the citi- 
zens of Beverly should hear the distinguished man 
speak, the doctor applied to a religious society of which 



766 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



he was a prominent member, for llie use of their edi- 
fice for a public lecture. The favor was refused. 
Later on the society had a meeting, and, anticipating 
some trouble from the doctor, in order to propitiate 
him, chose him moderator of the meeting. He never 
failed to improve his opportunities, and before the 
adjournment he had secured the adoption of a series 
of Anti-Slavery resolutions, which, much to the cha- 
grin of the officers, but greatly to the satisfaction of 
the. members of the audience, committed the society 
to the support of the unpopular "Anti-Slavery 
party." 

A descendant of two eminent families, he was a 
vigorous representative of New England character. 
Quick in his decisions and as quick to act, fearless in 
the discharge of all his duties, prompt and punctual 
in all his professional engagements, exact in his 
dealings, somewhat imperious in his manner, he 
quickly decided between the good and the evil, al- 
ways extending a hearty encouragement to the right, 
and administering to the wrong a deserving rebuke. 
He was a man of activity in the pursuits of human 
life, and reverent in his relations to the Deity. The 
citizens of the town heartily accord to him an emi- 
nent place in their history. 



JOHN I. BAKER. 

John I. Baker wrs born in Beverly August 16, 
1812. He left school at twelve years of age, and af- 
ter store-keeping in Salem and Beverly for two years, 
served a fourteen months' apprenticeship at the trade 
of shoeniaking, and worked thereat for several years 
thereafter, with a large shop's crew, and did more or 
less manufacturing on his own account. He was af- 
terwards engaged in rubber manufacturing, and in 
store trade, and did much as land surveyor, scrivener 
and in the settlement of estates. His business of 
late years has been in real estate. He has, during all 
these years, been much in public life. Chosen town 
clerk in 1836, he continued in that position for nearly 
twenty years, serving also nearly half of that time as 
selectman. He was Representative in 1840, and in 
seventeen other years between that and 1884 ; Sena- 
tor in 1863 and '64; councillor with Governor Banks 
and Governor Andrew ; County Commissioner from 
1847 to 1855. He has also held several appointments 
from different Governors of the commonwealth, serv- 
ing now as a harbor and land commissioner, to which 
he was appointed by Governor Butler in 1883, and 
reappointed in 1886, by Governor Robinson. When, 
in 1868, the town entered upon the project of build- 
ing its water works, in connection with Salem, he was 
again chosen on the Board of Selectmen, and its 
chairman for seven years continuously, and when, at 
the abolition of the school district system, it was- 
found necessary to provide new school-house accom- 
modations throughout the town, he was chosen chair- 
man of the committee to carry out this purpose, and 



was also chosen on the school committee (a service he 
had repeatedly declined), and has been chairman of 
that board to this time. In 1884 he was again chosen 
on the Board of Selectmen, and made its chairman, 
and co-operated with others in securing the Legisla- 
tive right to secure an independent water supply, and 
is chairman of the large committee that has now 
those works substantially and successfully completed 
He has also co-operated in carrying forward other of 
the important public works in town, and has 
done something himself to demonstrate the capacity 
of the town for growth and improvement. He is 
president of Liberty Masonic As<ociation, which 
built Masonic Block ; was president during its active 
existence, of Bass River Association, which built 
Odd Fellows' Block. He is likewise president of the 
Beverly Gas Light Company, and of Beverly Co-op- 
erative Store : vice-president of the Beverly Savings 
Bank, whose charter he obtained in 1867, and which 
now has deposits amounting to one million dollars. 
He was an early Abolitionist and teetotaller, and re- 
ported the platform of the first jireliminary Republi- 
can State Convention in favor of "equal rights" and 
of " the right and duty of the people to prohibit by 
law the sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage." 
He was an active worker in the Republican party till 
1870, when, dissatisfied with the uncertain course 
of that party on the liquor question, he united in an 
Independent Temperance Convention, which nomi- 
nated a full State ticket, on which he was a candidate 
for State Treasurer, receiving about eight thousand 
votes. He again united in conventions in 1875 and 
'76, which put his name at the head of the ticket for 
Governor, receiving the first year over nine thousand 
votes, and the second year over twelve thousand 
votes. In 1877 Hon. Robert C. Pitman, whom Mr. 
Baker supported, received over sixteen thousand 
votes. The election of Governor Talbot that year 
divided the Temperance forces, and this movement 
was retarded thereby. Since then Mr. Baker has oc- 
cupied somewhat of an independent position in poli- 
tics, but has frequently been elected Representative 
during that time by very flattering votes. 

In the Legislature he has served on some of the 
most important coiuniittees, often as chairman, and 
has always given faithful attention to the work of the 
sessions. It has been his fortune for eight different 
years, as the oldest member who had served there be- 
fore, to call the House to order, and to preside until 
an organization was effected. He is connected with 
the First Baptist Society, and was chairman of the 
committee that had charge of building the spacious 
and elegant house of worship of that society, and 
was also actively instrumental in budding the former 
neat chapel of said society now occupied by the Bev- 
erly Light Infantry, one of the neatest and best pro- 
portioned buildings in town. He was many years 
connected with the Beverly Light Infantry and with 
the Beverly Fire Department, and has actively co-oji- 





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BEVERLY. 



767 



erated with the latter in securing its modern advanced 
equipment throughout the town, and retains his in- 
terest in the military, continuing a member of the 
Veteran Associates. During the war of the rebellion 
he was not only in active work with Governor An- 
drew at the State House, but also did much of home 
work in co-operation with the Union Committee and 
all other loyal helpers in the service of their country. 
And he constantly insists upon the public duty of 
fulfilling the promises then made, " that as those who 
went into the perilous service of that war were loyal 
to the country in their service, so would we be faith- 
ful to them and those dependent upon them for all 
time to come." 



EEV. WILLIAM E. .\BBOT. 

Rev. William E. Abbot, seventh child of Rev. Dr. 
Abiel and Eunice Abbot, was born in Beverly, Mass., 
May 2, ISIO. 

He was prepaied ibr college at Phillips Exeter 
Academy, Exeter, N. H., under Benjamin Abbot, 
brother of Dr. Abiel Abbot. He entered the sopho- 
more class of Bowdoin College in 1827, and graduated 
in 1830. In September of the latter year he entered 
the Cambridge Theological School, where he gradu- 
ated in 18.33. 

Mr. Abbot was settled as pastor over the First 
Church in Billerica, Mass., in 1837, where he re- 
mained until 1839, when he resigned and went to 
Dorchester, Mass. 

April 20, 1837, Mr. Abbot united in mariage with 
Ann S. Wales, daughter of Joseph and Betsey W^ales, 
who still survives. 



JOHN PICKETT. 

Mr. John Pickett was born on Central Street, in 
Beverly, November 9, 1807. His father, Thomas, was 
born in Beverly December 10, 1775, and died at St. 
Pierre in the West Indies, when master of the brig 
"Alice '■ of Beverly, January 4, 1817. He was son of 
Thomas of Marblehead, born 1720, and lost at sea 
1750; and he a son of John, born in Marblehead 
about 1680, who died in May, 1763, a fisherman and 
shoreman. The father of John was Nicholas who 
was of Marblehead, and forty-three years old in 1692. 
The mother of the subject of this sketch, was Annis, 
daughter of Benjamin and Thankful (Larcom) Pres- 
ton : said Benjamin, a son of Nehemiah and Annis 
(Bradford) Preston; .said Nehemiah, a son of Nehe- 
miah and Abigail (Allen) Preston ; this Nehemiah, a 

son of William and Priscilla ( ) Preston, who.se 

early home was at Preston Place at Beverly Farms, 
where some of their descendants still live. One son 
of theirs was Randall Preston, who married a Stone, 
and was the ancestor of the Rantouls ajid other 
honored posterity. Thankful Larcom was daughter 
of David and Lucy (Downing) Larcom ; he, a son of 
Cornelius and Abigail (Balch) Larcom; said Cor- 



nelius, a son of Mordecai Larcom, who came from 
Ipswich with John West, when the latter bought his 
great farm extending from near the present Pride's 
crossing into Manchester; a portion of which was 
bought by said Cornelius, who built a home, where F. 
Cordon Dexter's summer place now is. Annis Brad- 
ford was daughter of John and Annis (Lovett) Brad- 
ford, whose home was by Esse.x Street, at the present 
site of the Hardie School- House. He was a son of 
William and Rachel (Raymond) Bradford, whose 
home was at North Beverly, where her parents, John 
and Rachel (Scruggs) Raymond, resided on the origi- 
nal grant to her father Thomas Scruggs, a leading 
citizen who had the courage of his theological opin- 
ions, and was among those disarmed, therefor, in 1637. 
This last named Annis was daughter of Simon and 
Agnes (Sw-etland) Lovett, whose homestead was on 
Cabot Street, extending northerly from Franklin 
Place. He was son of John and Bethiah (Rootes) 
Lovelt, whose home was on Cabot Street, next 
northerly of Simon's, extending to about opposite 
Milton Street, and a part of the great estate of her 
father Josiah Rootes, who owned from the sea, on 
both sides of Cabot Street, nearly down to Bartlett 
Street. His wife, Susanna, was one of thftse accused 
of witchcraft and lodged in Boston gaol in 1692, where 
as her grandson, John Lovett testifies, he visited her. 
After some months her innocence was acknowledged 
by her discharge from prison. She was manifestly a 
person of independent character, who would not con- 
form her opinions to those of some of her more illib- 
eral neighbors, and hence came the false accusations 
against her ; but her excellent and numerous poster- 
ity may well honor her memory. Her husband, John 

Lovett, was son of John and Mary ( ) Lovett, 

whose early home was near where now is General 
Piersou's farm on Boyles Street, and where their son 
Josejih succeeded to that homestead, which continued 
to his posterity for many years. Of other ancestry 
named it is believed that Abigail Allen was of Man- 
chester stock; Lucy Downing, of Ipswich; Abigail 
Balch, a daughter of Deacon Benjamin, who was son 
of John Balch, the ancient planter who.se home was at 
the southerly corner of Cabot and Balch Streets. Agnes 
Swetland may have been of the Swetland family who 
owned the estate at the corner of Cabot and Hele 
Streets, now the home of Peter E. Clark. 

After the death of his father, John Pickett lived 
with his uncle Richard Pickett, and before he was 
thirteen years old began his a]iprenticeship at sail 
making, in the sail-loft of the old Bartlett-Haskett 
store, where his grandfather, Thomas, first established 
the business, and where, at twenty-one years of age, 
John joined in partnership with his uncle, who be- 
came also largely interested in the coasting and fish- 
ing trade, and their partnership ultimately extended 
so as to include this, as well as the grocery and fuel 
trade. More or less of anthracite coal was consumed 
here experimentally, down to 1834, when the first 



768 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cargo brought to Beverly of about forty-eight tons 
was landed on the Whittredge wharf, and distributed 
to forty-three diflereut persons, of whom there now 
survive, only Edward Burley, Augustus N. Clark, 
William Lord and Calvin Tuck. The price was eight 
dollars a ton on the wharf, and all of it had to be 
carted to the public hay-scales, by the old South 
Church, to be weighed. At the death of his uucle^ 
Capt. Eichard Pickett, in 1865, Mr. John Pickett 
succeeded to the large business of the firm, and while 
the coasting and fishing trade, in which he has been 
owner in twenty-eight different vessels, has been re- 
duced to a pretty small factor, the coal trade has been 
steadily growing, and the facilities, therefor, have 
been largely increased. The Whittredge wharf and 
the old sail-loft wharf have been consolidated into 
one, And large buildings erected there for the storage 
of Cumberland coal, the demand for which, for steam, 
purposes constantly increases. In 185.5, the present 
coal wharf, by the junction of Water, Front and Cabot 
Streets, was built, and enlarged to its present propor- 
tions in 1875. 

During all these years, the confidence and respect 
of his business contemporaries and fellow-townsmen, 
has been toanife.sted in his election as assessor in 
1838 and '39, as Representative in 1842 and '44, 
selectman in 1845 and '46, and in the war period of 
1861 and '62, director of Beverly Bank since 1851, and 
its president since 1872, and vice-president of the 
Beverly Savings Bank from its start in 1867, to the 
present time. He has always been interested in mat- 
ters de.-igned to promote the public welfare, serving 
as a fireman with Engine No. 2, when eighteen years 
old, and many years thereafter, and afterwards of the 
board of firewards. He was early a member of the 
Beverly Light Infantry, and in its ranks, in its escort 
service at the independence celebration in 1835, when 
Edward Everett delivered the oration in the Dane 
Street Church. He was a member of the Beverly 
Young Men's Temperance Society in 1835, and always 
on the side of good morals and good conduct. Early 
a member of the First Baptist Society, he took an ac- 
tive interest in its progress, especially in the enlarge- 
ment of its meeting-house in 1830, and serving upon 
the committee who purchased the present site of the 
Catholic Church, and took down the old church, and 
rebuilding it somewhat enlarged in 1837, and still 
farther interested in its enlargement. After this, 
Mr. Pickett connected himself with the Dane Street 
Society, where he has continued his interest in good 
works. His memory of the waning days of the an- 
cient commerce of Beverly, is quite interesting, and 
gives glimpses of what was once a great business. 
Among the historic events of his day, which he recalls 
with interest, are his presence when Eobert Rantoul, 
Sr., welcomed Lafayette to Beverly on his journey 
through the town in 1824 ; and also being at Bunker 
Hill when Daniel Webster delivered ihe oration at 
the laying of the corner-stone of the monument. 



December 13, 1832, he married Martha, daughter 
of John and Rachel Fornis, who died in 1834, leaving 
an infant daughter, Martha Preston, who survived 
her mother only about a month. Mr. Fornis was a 
builder, whose father was David Fornis, also from 
Marblehead, who built by himself and his sons a 
large number of the noted Fornis houses, with their 
three rooms to a floor, which have made so many of 
the pleasant homes of Beverly. In 1838 Mr. Pickett 
married Susan, daughter of Seth Clark, a leading 
citizen of Salisbury, whose record may be found in 
that portion of the county history relating to that 
town. After nearly half a century of happy married 
life, she passed away in 1882. Mr. Pickett, despite 
his four-score years, gives his constant attention to 
his many responsibilities, with the same courtesy, 
diligence and intelligence which has characterized all 
of his career. 



SETH KOEWOOD. 

Seth Norwood was born in Kockport, Mass., June 
23, 1815, a son of Major Francis Norwood, a deacon 
of the Congregational Church, and a man of good 
standing in the community, and of his wife Lucy 
(daughter of Caleb Pool), whose services in the cause 
of religion and morality entitle her to remembrance 
as a "Mother in Israel." She was a descendant of 
John Pool, a carpenter, who, before 1690, worked 
near Corning Street at Beverly Cove, with Richard 
Woodbury, who died that year in returning from the 
Canada military expedition, and whose widow, oarah 
(Haskell) Woodbury married said Pool, and emigrated 
to Sandy Bay (now Rockport). Major Francis, hus- 
band of said Lucy, was descended in part from Ed- 
mund Grover, whose early home was in Beverly, near 
the junction of Cabot and Beckford Streets. When 
Seth Norwood was five years old, his father died, and 
two years later he went to live with the family of J. 
O. Drown, a shoe manufacturer at Rockport, learn- 
ing of him a shoemaker's trade, and attending school 
at intervals. At the age of twenty, having mastered 
the trade, he opened a shoe-shop at Rockport on his 
own account and secured a moderate success. Here 
he continued till 1839, when he sold out his interest 
there, and removed to the wider field of Beverly, 
where he obtained employment as a journeyman 
shoemaker, and continued therein for about five years. 
About 1844, with the small capital thus fiir acquired, 
he began the manufacture of American Isinglass, at 
Warner's Mills, in Ipswich, which business he carried 
on there until 1855, when he sold it out to the Rock- 
port Isinglass Company. In 1856 he bought out the 
factory and business of Friend & Lord, shoe manu- 
facturers in Beverly, at the corner of Rantoul Street 
and Railroad Avenue, where the Norwood family now 
have their large factory ; and here he continued the 
shoe business, taking in as partner, in 1857, Joshua 
W. Carrier, who retired from the firm after .about two 
years connection therewith, and Mr. Norwood con- 



768 



j-t-f- r^rw 



MASSACF^^ 



c t^rrfro 



r whom there jiow 

-\ugustus N. Clark, 

The price was eight 

ill of it had to be 

by the old South 

death of his uncle 

Mr. John Pickett 

the firm, and while 



:.^e wharf and ! 
. ..usolid.'ii-'l M,!,, 
here for t 
.:i:i'.i for which, iiir .-.icnii!, 

In 185d, the prt^ent ] 
Water, Front and Cabot ; 
■d to its present pn>por- i 



'44, 

d of 

and 

the 

< the 
i'lat- 



aii infant daughter, Martha Preston, wh 
her mother only about a month. Mr. Foim . 
builder, whose father was David Fornis, also 
M;i ■ V who built by himself and his sr 

lar_ of the noted Fornis houses, witii 

three roonm to a floor, which have madesoin<. .1 
the pleasant homes of Beverly. In 183S Mr. Pu :., : 
married Susan, daughter of Seth Clark, a leadint 
citizen of Salisbury, whose record may be found in 
that portion of the county history relating to thai 
town. After nearly half a century of happy mairicd 
life, she passed away in 1882. Mr. Pickett, despite 
his four-score years, gives his constant attention to 
1.:^ ,>l■M.^- ■'•■ . ■n-'ibilities, with the same courtesy, 
ligence which has characterized all 
ui lii* career. 



morals a 1 



SETH ^■0KWOOD. 

Seth Norwood was born in Rockport, Mass., June 
23, 1815, a son of Major Francis Norwood, a deacon 
of the Congregational Church, and a man of good 
standing in the community, and of his wife Lucy 
(daughter of' " 1), whose services . the cause 

of religiou a. ,;y entitle her to remembrance 

as a " Mother in Israel." She was a descendant ol 
John Pool, a carpente.- \\),,> before 1690, worked 
near Corning Street a Cove, with Richard 

Woodbury, v,-ho died thai year u returning Trom the 
Canada military expedition, and whose widow, Sarah 
') Woodbury married said Pool, and emigrated 
y Bay (now Rockport). Major Francis, hu.<- 
band of said Lucy, was descended in part from Ed- 
mund Grover, whose early home was in Beverly, near 
the junction of Cabot and Beckford Streets. When 
Seth Norwood was five years old, his father died,' and 
two years Later he went to live with the family of J. 
Drown, a shoe manufacturer at Rockport, learn- 
u of him a shoemaker's trade, and attending school 
intervals. At the age of twenty, having mastered 
trade, he opened a shoe-shop at Rockport on his 
11 account and secured a moderate success. Here 
, iiiitinued till 1839, when he sold out his interest 
re, and removed to the wider field of Beverly, 
•re he obtained employment as a journeyman 
'■• ker, and continued therein for about five years. 
: ■*44, with the small capital thus far acquired, 
. the manufacture of American Isinglass, at 
- Mills, in Ipswich, which business he carried 
' 1855, when he sold it out to the Rock- 
f'Atnpany. In 1856 he bought out the 
factory ess of Friend & Lord, shoe raanu- 

'urer;- lu i . ly, at the corner of Rantoul Street 
: Railroad Avenue, where the Norwood family now 
eir large 1aci"ry; and here he continued the 
'iness, taking in as partner, in 1857, Joshua 
' ho retired from the firm after about two 
'ion therewith, and Mr. Norwood con- 



METIIUEN. 



769 



tinned the business in bis own name until 18(>5, when 
his eldest son Frauds became a partner, and the firm 
name became Seth Norwood & Co. This name is 
still retained by his sons, who have continued and 
much increased the business, the factory having been 
fjuadrupled in size to supply the necessary room for 
their trade. A portion of the factory was burned in 
1873, but soon restored and enlarged. 

Soon after he came to Beverly, Mr. Norwood be- 
came interested in real estate, and many marked im- 
provements grew out of his operations therein. He 
became a prominent citizen of Beverly ; was on the 
board of selectmen for three years when the water- 
works were built aud other important public improve- 
ments were made. He was also a director in Beverly 
National Bank, a trustee of Beverly Savings Bank, a 
leading member of the Dane Street Congregational 
Society, and interested in other good works. Having 
just about completed sixty years of an honored and 
useful life, he died of consumption, June 20, 1875, at 
his home on Cabot Street in Beverly, the former his- 
toric homestead of Hon. George Cabot ; a mansion 
hallowed by the belief that George Washington had 
there sought and obtained rest and refreshment from 
his trusted friend, Mr. Cabot. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

METHUEN. 



BY JOSEPH S. HOWE. 



The town of Methuen is situated in the westerly 
part of Essex County, bordering on New Hampsiiire, 
and contains within its limits alrout twenty-two 
square miles. 

Before the incorporation of the City of Lawrence, 
it was a section of land on the north bank of the 
Merrimack River, about nine miles long and three 
miles wide, following the curves of the river. The 
north part of the City of Lawrence was taken out of 
Methuen, on the side next the river, near the middle 
of the town, thus leaving the two ends three miles 
wide, and the middle of the town little more than a 
mile at its narrowest part. 

The towns surrounding Methuen are the Citj- of 
Lawrence and the town of Andover on the South, 
Dracut and Salem, N. H., on the West, Salem, N. 
H., and Haverhill, on the North and Haverhill and 
Bradford on the East. The Spicket River, a narrow 
and crooked stream, flows from Island Pond, in 
Derry, N. H., through Methuen, into Lawrence, and 
empties into the Merrimack in the lower part of the 
City. The village of Methuen is situated upon both 
sides of the Spicket, between Lawrence and the New 
Hampshire line, thus dividing the farming portions 
49 



of the town into two not unequal sections. The sur- 
face of the town is uneven, somewhat hilly and pic- 
turesque, though not ledgy and abrupt. The soil in 
the main is strong, and good for ordinary agricul- 
ture, but like most New England land, more or less 
rocky, requiring much labor to insure agricultural 
success, but capable of producing excellent crops un- 
der judicious management. 

There is a strip of intervale land of varying width 
on the bank of the Merrimack, free from stone, easy 
to cultivate and excellent for farming purposes. 
Leaving this level intervale, the land rises into ridge.'; 
and hills, much of it covered with a growth of wood. 
There are extensive peat meadows in both sections of 
the town, which not only contain large quantities of 
alleged fuel, but when drained and cultivated, prove 
to be the most valuable lands for the production of 
man)' crops. 

The hill formerly known as " Bare Hill," near the 
house of Joel Foster, is the highest elevation in the 
east part of the town, and aflbrds a magnificent view 
of the country in every direction for miles around. 
As many as fifteen towns and cities may be seen 
from its summit. It overlooks Lawrence on the 
South, with the two Andovers beyond, and the spires 
of Haverhill and Bradford may be seen on the East. 
Far oft' to the North can be seen the Nottingham 
Hills, and in the West the Uncanoonucks, the Peter- 
boro' Hills, Monadnock and Wachuset, " Like giant 
emeralds in the Western sky." The view, besides 
being extensive, is one of the most beautiful to be 
found. In the west part of the town, the highest 
land is the hill on which is the residence of Stephen 
W. Williams, Esq. 

The view from its top is nearly as extensive, aud 
quite as beautiful, as that from Bare Hill, and it is a 
favorite resort for lovers of fine scenery. 

The ponds in Methuen are few in number. 

Harris Pond, in the extreme west part of the town, 
contains .about fifty acres, and drains through " Lon- 
don Meadow " into Spicket River. Mystic Pond, a 
little west of Methuen village, drains into Spicket 
River. Worlds End Pond, a mile or more north of 
Methuen village, lies mostly in Salem, N. H., although 
a very small part of it is within the limits of Methuen, 
and drains into the Spicket. 

There is also a small pond in Strong Water Mead- 
ow, known as " Strong Water Pond," which is un- 
doubtedly a small remnant of what was once a large 
body of water. Bloody Brook runs from Strong Wa- 
ter Meadow southerly into Lawrence, and empties 
into the Spicket. Hawkes Brook is in the extreme 
northerly part of the town, rising near Ayers village. 
in Haverhill, and emptying into the Merrimack, 
where Methuen and Haverhill join. Bartlett Brook, 
in the west part of Methuen, runs from Mud Pond in 
Dracut, into Methuen, and empties into the Merri- 
mack. 

There are no stone quarries or ledges that are 



770 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



worked iu the town. A bed of secondary rock for 
the most part underlies the town a short distance be- 
low the surface, and crops out in a few places, par- 
ticularly in the neighborhood of the village, but the 
quality of the stone is not such as to make it specially 
valuable for building purposes. The rocks found in 
the soil, and on the surface of the land, are mainly 
boulders, many of them primary rock, and nearly all 
of a different kind of stone from the underlying ledge, 
indicating that the mass of gravel and stones, resting 
iipon the ledge, has been brought there from a dis- 
tance by glacial action. 

There are in Methuen some very marked examples 
of glacial action in the ridges known to geologists as 
"Kames," and to the unscientific as "Hogbacks." 
One of these ridges extends from Tower Hill, in Law- 
rence, through the west part of Methuen village into 
New Hampshire, and is a continuation of the series 
of " Kames " running through Andover and Beading, 
and known in Andover as " Indian Ridge." There is 
also another line of " Kames," extending from the 
easterly part of the City of Lawrence through ''Ger- 
mantown " northward. In the early times these 
ridges were thought by many to be the remains of 
ancient fortifications, but the investigations of ge- 
ologists have determined, beyond question, that they 
were deposits formed in the great ice age, from ac- 
cumulations of gravel in the melting ice. Methuen 
contains few natural objects of special interest, Spick- 
et Falls being perhaps the most prominent. The 
Nevins Memorial, and grounds of Henry C. Nevins, 
near by, and the extensive grounds of Chas. H. Ten- 
ney, are beautifully laid out and kept, contain many 
rare and costly trees and shrubs, and are all places 
which would attract attention anywhere. 

It is not now known who the first white man was 
who settled within the limits of what is now Methuen, 
nor exactly when or where he settled. We have no 
historic record of what occurred here previous to that 
time. LTndoubtedly the land was inhabited for cen- 
turies by the red men, who were as familiar with all 
its natural aspects, and as strongly attached to their 
favorite haunts, as the native children of the town 
are now. 

When the country first became known to the white 
race, the hills and uplands were mainly covered by a 
heavy growth of timber. The meadows were mostly 
cleared and covered with a thick, heavy growth of 
grass, which the Indians were accustomed to burn in 
the autumn. These meadows were favorite haunts of 
deer, who came there to feed on the young grass in 
the spring, and could easily be killed by the Indians 
from their hiding-places on the wooded bushy edges. 
It is said that some of the hills were bare, and others 
had only a growth of .small wood. This would natur- 
ally result from the fires set by the Indians in dry 
weather, which might spread from the meadows to 
the upland, and kill the standing wood and timber. 
It would also appear that the Indians cultivated corn 



to some extent, and for that purpose selected the 
lands free from stones, easily worked, on the river 
Intervales or sandy plains. We can easily imagine 
the appearance of this town as the earliest settlers 
saw it: 

The meadows on Hawke's Brook, in the east part of 
the town. Bare meadow, Strong-water meadow. Mystic 
meadows, London meadows, and the meadows on the 
banks of the Spicket, mostly bare, and producing a 
heavy crop of grass ; the intervale land on the Mer- 
rimack, more or less cleared, and a few spots of plain 
land here and there, bare of trees and grass, and bear- 
ing marks of the rude Indian agriculture, the rest of 
the lands covered with wood and timber. The only 
2)aths traversing this wilderness were Indian trails, of 
whose location we have now no knowledge, though it 
is not unlikely that some of our oldest roads were 
developed from an Indian path. 

The earliest settlers found very few Indians living 
in this vicinity. Some years before the first settle- 
ment of this country, a violent war broke out among 
thi! Indians living iu what is now New England, 
which resulted in the destruction of a large number. 
This war was followed b}' a pestilence which carried 
off' many more, and was e.specially fatal in the eastern 
part of New England. This destruction of the 
Indians was particularly favorable to the occupation 
of the country by the white settlers. The native 
inhabitants of the valley of the Merrimack, so far as 
we know, were the Pennacooks or Pawtucket Indians. 
These were subdivided into smaller tribes or families. 
The Agawams had their home on the coast from the 
Merrimack to Cape Ann ; the Wamesits, at the junc- 
tion of the Cimcord and Merrimack Rivers, where 
Lowell now stands ; the Pawtuckets, at the mouth of 
Little River in Haverhill. 

No historic evidence appears that any Indian tribe 
had a permanent home in Methuen, but it is known 
that Bodwell's Falls (at the Lawrence dam), the region 
around the mouth of Bartlett's Brook, and the shores 
of the Spicket, as far as Spicket Falls, were favorite 
resorts of the Indians, especially during the fishing 
season. There are also strong indications that there 
were once permanent Indian settlements near Spicket 
Falls and near the mouth of London Brook. The 
stone fire-places or hearths of their wigwams were 
found years ago, before the ground was disturbed, on 
the hillside where the east part of Methuen village is 
now built. Arrow-points, spear-heads and other In- 
dian relics were found while digging the cellars of 
Woodbury's BJock, the hotel stable and in other 
places. A large stone pot was discovered while exca- 
vating for the foundation of Tenney's hat-shop and 
an Indian grave was found in the fall of 1886, while 
digging on Union Street, which contained eight very 
fine spear-heads, besides arrow-heads and pottery, in- 
dicating that the occupant of the grave was a person 
of distinction. The early records of Haverhill speak 
of an old wigwam near the " foot of far west meadow," 



MDTHUEN. 



771 



which was probably what is now known as " London 
Meadow.'' The Indian fire-places can be found there 
now, where the land has not been cultivated and the 
stones disturbed. These old hearths and graves would 
seem to show that the spots where they are found 
were at some time the sites of permanent Indian vil- 
lages, and not merely a transient place of abode for a 
few weeks while fishing. 

The rivers in those early times swarmed with ale- 
wives, shad, salmon, bass and sturgeon. The salmon 
was the principal fish used as food, and the shad and 
alewives were used by the Indians to manure their 
corn. These fish were caught by them around the 
fiills and rapids in the rivers. It would be natural, 
therefore, for them to settle about such a spot as 
Spicket Falls, which must have afforded an excellent 
fishing-place, while the land south and east of the 
falls was easy for them to cultivate for corn. The 
neighborhood of London Brook and Policy Brook — 
up which the alewives and suckers must have run in 
great numbers — would also have been an excellent 
place for an Indian village, particularly as there was 
plenty of land easy to work near by. 

Probably the white man first set foot in Methuen 
about two hundred and fifty years ago. The settlers 
at Ipswich and other towns along the coast explored 
the country before its settlement to find the most de- 
sirable places to locate. In 1640 about a dozen colo- 
nists from Newbury, headed by Mr. Nathaniel Ward, 
settled at Haverhill, where the city proper now stands. 
Two years later they purchased from the Indians a 
tract of land embracing the greater part of what is 
now Methuen. The original deed is now in posses- 
sion of the city of Haverhill, and reads as follows: 

*' Know all Men by these Presents, that we, Passaquo and Sagga- 
hew, with ye consent of Pjuisaconnaway : have sold unto ye iuhahitanta 
of Pentuikett all ye lands we have in Pentuckett ; that is eyght miles in 
length front ye little Rivver in Pentu«kett Westward ; Six niyles in 
length from ye aforesaid Rivver northward ; And si,\ niyles in length 
from ye foresaid Rivver Eastward, with ye Ileand and ye rivver that ye 
ileand stanil in as far in length ;is ye land lyes by as formerly expressed : 
that is fourteen myles in length ; 

".\nd wee ye said P.a-ssaqno and Sagga Hew with ye consent of Passa- 
connaway, liave sold nnto y© said inhabitants all ye right that wee or 
any of us have in ye said ground and Ileand and River. 

"And we warrant it against all or any other Indians whatsoever unto 
ye s.'\id Inhabitants of Pentuckett, and to their heirs and assigns forever. 
Dated ye fifteenth day of november .\nD Dom 1154:;. 

" Witness our hands and sealeB to this bargayne of SJtle ye day and year 
above written (in ye presents of us) we ye said P.assaqtio & Hagga IIcw 
have received in hand, for & in consideration of ye same three pounds & 
ten shillinj^s. 

'* John W,4Rn, 

" RoijERT Clements, ye marke of 

" Tristram Coffin, Passaquo (a bow and arrow) 

" Hf<:il SuERRATT, Passaquo. [Seat.] 

" William White, 

ye sign of ( 1 ) ye marke of 

Sagga Hew (a bow and arrow) 

"Thomas Davis. Sagga Ilew. [Seal] " 

It is not easy to determine exactly what the In- 
dians intended to convey by this deed, nor docs it ap- 
pear to have been clear to the early settlers. No reg- 
ular survey was made until 1666, when a committee 



was appointed by the General Court to "run the 
bounds of the Town of Haverhill." They began at 
the meeting-house which was situated about half a 
mile east of Little Kiver, near the cemeteries in the 
eastern part of the present city of Haverhill, and ran 
due west eight miles, and " reared a heap of stones." 
Then they ran from that heap of stones due south 
until they reached the Merriniac River, and due 
n..rth from the heap of stones until they struck the 
northern line of the town. The shape of Haverhill, 
as finally determined, was triangular. Starting from 
Holt's Rock (Rocks Village), the line ran due north- 
west until it met the north and south line from Mer- 
rimac River, as mentioned above. There is an old 
plan in the County Records, made previously to 1700, 
and probably as early as 1675, from which it appears 
that the Haverhill line started from the little island 
in the Merrimac, situated nearly opposite the junc- 
tion of Lowell and North Lowell Streets. From 
thence the line ran due north, very near the house of 
A. W. Pinney, across Policy Pond, and struck the 
Haverhill north line, northwest of Lsland Pond, in- 
cluding most, if not all, of that fine sheet of water 
within the limits of Haverhill. Thus it appears that 
the title to all that portion of Methuen east of the 
above-described line, came directly from the aborigi- 
nal owners. 

It is noticeable that the Indian deed conveyed the 
river and the islands in it, and thus that Haverhill 
and Methuen are bounded by the opposite shore of 
the Merrimac, instead of tlie centre or channel. It 
will also be noticed that this land was conveyed to 
"ye inhabitants of Pentuckett," and consequently 
was owned by the inhabitants of the town or colony 
in common. Here w;is an example of the common 
ownership of land by a community, the practical 
working of which is interesting to follow now, when 
so many reformers (?) are holding forth the idea that 
such ownership of the land would be the chief rem- 
edy for the evils of modern civilization. But the 
early settlers were evidently not possessed with the 
idea that this would be good for them, and did not 
long cultivate the land in this way, but took steps to 
let every man have his own land in severalty. The 
records of the town of Haverhill show that no one 
was admitted to the rights and jjrivileges of the colo- 
ny unless first voted in by the town. 

In 1643 it was voted that " there shall bee three 
hundred acres laid out for house lotts and no more ; 
and that he that was worth two hundred pounds 
should have twenty acres to his house lott, and none 
to exceed that number; and so every one under that 
sum, to have acres proportionable to his house lott, 
together with meadow, and common and planting 
ground, proportionably." 

The site of these " house lotts" was where the city 
proper of Haverhill now stands, a short distance east 
from Little River. Here all the colonists had their 
houses, from which, as a centre, they sought out the 



772 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



meadows and planting grounds in the more distant 
part of the town. The meadow-lands seem to have 
been the most highly valued, and sought after on ac- 
count of the grass, which was the principal subsist- 
ence for their cattle. They cut and stacked the hay 
in the summer, and in the winter drew it home on 
sleds. The planting grounds were probably patches 
of upland which had been cultivated by the Indians, 
and were free from trees. An early writer says of 
Haverhill : " the people are wholly bent to improve 
their labor in tilling the earth and keeping of cattel 
whose yearly increase encourages them to spend their 
days in those remote parts. The constant penetrat- 
ing further into this Wilderness hath caused the wild 
and uncouth woods to be filled with frequented 
wayes, and the large rivers to be overlaid with Bridges 
passeable both for horse and foot; this Town is of 
large extent, supposed to be ten mil&s in length, there 
being an overweaning desire in most men after Mead- 
ow-land, which hath caused many towns to grasp 
more into their hands than they could afterward pos- 
sibly hold." 

Lot layers were chosen by the town to divide the 
meadows and planting-grounds among the inhabit- 
ants, from time to time, as these lands became access- 
ible and in a condition to cultivate. The records of 
these divisions show that the lots set off at first were 
small, often not more than two or three acres in a 
lot, and the meadow-land seems to have been taken 
up first. So it happened that a man would own lots 
in the eastern part of Haverhill, and on Spicket 
River and might be obliged to travel several miles to 
his planting-ground in another direction. The dis- 
tribution of land went on from year to year, and the 
natural result was that land-owners desiring to have 
their lands as much as possible in one body, traded 
with each other until they became possessed of a 
compact body of land sufficient lor a farm. The next 
step was to build and settle on the farm for greater 
economy and convenience in cultivation of the land, 
and so the settlers gradually scattered from the first 
compact settlements out over the town. The descrip- 
tions of the lots as set off by the lot layers are re- 
corded in the Haverhill ri'cords, but it is very difficult 
to exactly locate them now, because the bounds were 
usually marked trees, stumps or other perishable 
monuments. 

These old descriptions show, however, that some of 
our local names are of very ancient date. In 1658 
five acres of meadow were laid ofi in "Strongwater," 
near a little pond. In 1666 a parcel of meadow was 
laid out to M.atthias Button, on the south side of 
" Spicket Hill." In 1659 there was a division of the 
land west of the Spicket Eiver, with a provision that 
" if more than two acres meadow be found on any 
one lot, it shall remain to the town." In the same 
year we find a record of the laying off three acres of 
land in " Mistake Meadow " in the western part of 
Haverhill, whence we may fairly conclude that our 



present name " Mystic," was once " Mistake." In 1678 
" eleven score acres of upland" were laid off to James 
Davis, Sr., bounded on the west by Spicket River, 
Spicket Falls being the southwest bound. In 1683 
we find that a lot adjoining, on the southerly side, 
running from Spicket Falls to " Bloody Brook " on 
the east was taken up by James Davis, Jr. 

These two lots included the land now occupied by 
the east part of Methuen village. The family of Mr. 
David Nevins have in their possession a grant from 
the " proprietors " of the Islands in the Spicket above 
the falls, to Asa and Robert Swan, for two pounds ten 
shillings, and bearing the date of 1731. The di-tri- 
bution of the common lauds was continued from time 
to time, until finally, after much contention between 
the town, and the original settlers and their heirs, 
the "proprietors" or owners of the common land 
organized separately from the town, and disposed of 
the remaining land as they saw fit. Thus it appears 
that the titles to the land in Methuen, east of the old 
Haverhill line, have all come from the Indians, Pas- 
saquo and Saggahew, through the " proprietors." The 
strip of land in Methuen, perhaps a mile and a half 
in width, between Haverhill line and " Drawcut" or 
Dracut line, seems to have been granted by the Gen- 
eral Court to individuals. Major Denison, who had a 
grant of six hundred acres from the General Court in 
1660, owned more than a thousand acres on the river 
above the Haverhill line, including what is now 
known as the Bartlett farm, and lands south and 
west. West of that was Colonel Higginson's farm of 
over three hundred acres. A little north of these was 
Marshall Nicholson's tract of three hundred acres. 
Printer Green had three hundred acres lying on each 
side of the brook, which runs from " White's Pond, 
then called " North Pond." 

As we have already stated, we can find no record 
showing when the first settlement was made within 
the present limits of Methuen, or who made it. 

It is certain that the east and south parts of the 
town near the river, were first occupied, doubtless 
because they were nearer the villages of Haverhill 
and Andover. It is said that when repairing the old 
"Bodwell House," now in Lawrence, some years ago, 
a brick was found bearing the date 1660, which had 
been marked upon it before the brick was burnt. 
This would seem to indicate that a house was built in 
the neighborhood near that date. It seems doubtful 
whether there were many settlers in Methuen until near 
the time it was set off from Haverhill. The Indian 
troubles which extended over many years previous to 
1700, must have seriously checked, if they did not 
entirely prevent, the settlement on farms. Andover 
and Haverhill were both made frontier towns by act 
of General Court, and both towns suffered severely 
during the Indian War. But we have never seen a 
record of an Indian attack on settlers living upon 
territory which afterwards became Methuen. There 
were many attacks on the scattered settlers in West 



METHUEN. 



773 



Haverhill and in Andover, and if there had been 
many inhabitants in Methuen, it is hardly probable 
that the Indians would have passed them by. The 
incursions of the Indians seem to have come sometimes 
from the North, by way of Dover and Saco, and 
sometimes from the West, down the Merrimack val- 
ley, as was the case when Hannah Duston was taken 
captive, and sometimes the depredations were com- 
mitted by small parties of Indians who had lived 
among the whites and were acquainted with their 
victims. In February, 1()9S, Jonathan Haynes and 
Samuel Ladd, with their sons, had been to Loudon 
Meadow from their homes in West Haverhill for hay, 
each with a team consisting of a pair of oxen and a 
horse. The path lay along between World's End 
Pond and what is now Howe Street. When returning 
home, just northeast of the pond, they were suddenly 
attacked by a party of Indians who had concealed 
themselves in the bushes on each side of the path. 
These Indians, fourteen in number, were returning 
from Andover, where they had killed and citptured 
several persons. They killed Haynes and Ladd with 
their hatchets, took one of the boys prisoner and kept 
him for some years ; the other boy cut one of the 
horses loose, jumped on his back and got away. The 
Indians then killed the oxen, took out the tongues 
and best pieces and went on their way. This is the 
only authentic instance we can find of an Indian out- 
rage happening on Methuen soil. 

In 1712 nine persons living in that part of Haver- 
hill which is now Methuen, petitioned the town to 
abate their rates for the support of the ministry and 
the schools, "on account of the great distance they 
lived from the town, and the difficulty they met with 
in coming," and the town voted to abate one-half the 
ministry rates. 

The names of these persons were Henr)' Bodwell, 
John Gutterson, Thomas Austin, Joshua Stephens, 
Robert Swan, John Cross, William Cross, Robert 
Swan, Jr., Joshua Swan. 

In July, 1719, a petition was presented the Town of 
Haverhill by Stephen Barker, Henry Bodwell and 
others " to grant oi set them off a certain tract of land 
lying in the township of Haverhill, that so they might 
be a township or parish," but this request was de- 
nied. 

At the next March meeting the following petition 
was presented : " Whereas there is a certain tract of 
land in the west end of Haverhill containing fifty or 
sixty acres, lying on the south and southwest of a 
meadow commonly called bare meadow, which land, 
together with a piece of land lying on a hill called 
meeting-house hill, in times passed reserved by our 
forefathers for the use of the ministry, might in hard 
times make a convenient parsonage ; if by the blessing 
of God, the gospel might so flourish amongst us, and 
we grow so populous as to be able to carry on the gos- 
pel ministry amongst us. We therefore humbly pray 
that vou would take into consideration the circum- 



stances we are in, and the difficulty we may here- 
after meet with in procuring a privilege for the min- 
istry ; and that you would grant and settle and record 
the above said lands in your Town book, for the above 
said use, and you will gratify your humble petitioners 
and oblige us and our posterity to serve you hereafter 
in what we may." This petition was signed by Joshua 
Swan and twenty-six others, " was granted according 
to the proposals therein made," and in July following 
a committee was chosen to layout the land. 

It seems, from this petition, that the proprietors of 
the common land had sometime previously "reserved 
for the use of the ministry " two tracts of land in what 
was afterwards Methuen, but that this land had not 
been formally laid out. In 1724 Lieutenant Stephen 
Barker and other inhabitants of the western part of 
Haverhill, petitioned the General Court for a new 
town, to be formed by setting off that part of Hav- 
erhill above Hawke's Jleadow Brook. 

The town of Haverhill voted to oppose the petition, 
and chose Captain John AVhite agent for that pur- 
pose. Opposition, however, was unavailing, and the 
act was passed December 8, 1725, and was as fol- 
lows : 

*' An act far Dividing the Town of Ilaverliill and erecting ji new Town 
tbereand in parts adjacent, liy file name of Metliuen. Wliereas ttie W^est 
part of the Town of Haverliill within tlie County of Essex, and parta ad- 
jacent not included witliin any Towni^liip is (Competently filled with In- 
habitants, who labor under great Difficulties by their remoteness from 
the place of Pnblick Worship, Ac, and they having made their applica- 
tion to this Court that they may he set oflf a distinct and separate Town 
and be vested with all the Powers and Privileges of a Town. Be it there- 
fore enacted by the Lieutenant Governor, Council and Kepresentatives 
in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same. That the 
West part of the said Town of TTaverhill with the land adjoining, be and 
hereby aresetotf and constituted a separate Township by the name of Me- 
thuen, the bounds of the Siiid Township to be as follows, viz; — Begin- 
ning at the mouth of Hawke's Meadow Brook, so called, in Merrimack 
River, and from thence to run half a point to the northward of the 
northwest to an heap of stones, or till it intersect Haverhill line ; from 
thence upon a straight course to tlie head of Dunstable line, and so upon 
Dracut line about four miles to a pine southeast, from thence six miles or 
thereabouts npon Dracut line, South to Merrimack River, and from 
thence to run down said river ten mile and forty pole till it come to th** 
first mentioned bounds. And that the inhabitants of the said lands as 
before described and bounded, be and hereby are investeci with the Pow- 
ers, Privileges and Immunities that the Inhabitants of any of the towns 
of this Province by law are or ought to be vested with. 

" Provided, That the Inhabitauts of the said Town of Slethuen, do 
within the space of Three Years from tlie Publication of this Act, erect 
and finish a suit.ahle house for the Publick Worship of God, and procure 
and settle a Learned, Orthodox minister of good conversation and make 
provision tor his comfortable and honorable support, and that they 
set apart a lot of Two Huudred acres of land in some convenient Place 
in the saiil Town, for the use of the ministry, and a lot of fifty acres for 
the use of a School. And that thereupon they be discharged from any 
further payments for the maintenance of the ministry in Haverhill. 
And be it further enacted liy the authority aforesaid, That the Inhab- 
itants of the said Town of Metliuen, be and hereby are empowered to 
assess all the lands of Nou Residents lying within the saiii town. Two 
pence per acre towards the building of the Sleeting House, and settling 
of a minister there. Provided, nevertheless that there be and hereby is 
made a Reservation or Saving of the Right and property of the Province 
Lands (if any there be) within the bounds aforesaid, to this Province.'* 

So far as we can learn, no other town in the country 
bears the name of " Miflmen." How ibis name orig- 
inated has been a matter of considerable speculation. 



774 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Some have thought tliat it took its name from a town 
in Scotland called "Methven," and others have sup- 
posed that this town was named in honor of Lord 
Methven of Scotland. But Meihuen was not settled 
by Scotch, nor does there appear any reason why the 
town should have received its name from a Scotch 
town or nobleman. A. C. Goodell, Esq., of Salem, 
who is engaged in preparing the Provincial Laws for 
publication, suggests a theory which seems most 
likely to be the true one. It was a common thing 
in those days, when a new town was iucorporated, for 
the Governor to give it a name. The act of incorpo- 
ration was passed by the Legislature, engrossed on 
parchment and sent to the Governor for his signature, 
with a space for the name of the new town in blank. 
When he signed the act, he gave the town its name 
and inserted it in the proper place. The original act 
of incorporation of the Town of Methuen, in the 
office of the Secretary of State, clearly shows that 
the name was inserted by a hand different from the 
one that engrossed the bill. The act is written upon 
the parchment in a large, full hand, while the name 
" Methuen" is written in a small, running hand, and 
with ink of a different color, but similar to that used 
by Governor Duramer, in writing his signature. 
Had the name been suggested by the petitioners for 
the act of incorporation, it would have been likely to 
be inserted in the bill and so copied by the engrossing 
clerk. But a careful examination of the writing 
leaves little doubt that Governor Dummer wrote the 
name with his own hand, when he attached his sig- 
nature. Of course it is now impossible to ascertain 
with certainty the reason which suggested the name 
to him. But at that time there was one Lord Paul 
Methuen, who was Privy Councillor to the King, and 
who was for some years prominent in the English 
Government. It is very likely that Governor Dum- 
mer was a personal or political friend and admirer 
of this nobleman, and so named the town in his 
honor. 

The town of Jlethuen, as originally set off, must 
have included more than double the territory now 
within its limits. St.arting from the mouth of Hawke's 
Meadow Brook, the line ran where it now does, 
through Ayers Village, and continued on until it met 
the west line of Haverhill, which must have been 
somewhere southwest of North Salem Village ; thence 
it ran straight to the " head of Dunstable line," 
which was in Pelham, " in sight of Beaver Brook," 
and a little to the west of it; tlience it ran southeast 
about four miles to Dracut line, at a point about six 
miles from Merrimack River. The easterly line of 
Dracut has not been materially changed, and there- 
fore the present line, prolonged to six miles, would 
indicate the old corner of that town. The old plan 
in the County Records, already referred to, shows that 
this corner was west of Policy Pond, and must have 
been in the vicinity of "Spear Hill," almost between 
the most southern parts of Policy and Cobbett's 



Ponds. From this, it would seem that Methuen, as 
originally incorporated, included nearly all of Salem, 
Windham village and perhaps two-thirds of that 
town, and a little of Pelham. Cobbett's Pond and 
Policy Pond were both in Methuen. The old plan 
referred to gives the name of Policy Pond as " Poliss' 
Pond," which fact may possibly furnish a clue to the 
origin of the name " Policy." The lands in the 
westerly part of Methuen were evidently disputed 
territory. 

Londonderry, settled by the "Scotch-Irish," was 
incorporated, in 1722, by the General Court of New 
Hampshire, and the act incorporating that town 
included quite a .slice of land set off to Methuen by 
the Massachusetts General Court. It is probable, 
however, that the territory claimed under both acts 
was not much settled upon, or considered of much 
value, until after the line between Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire was established in 1740. 

To organize the new town, it was ordered by the 
Court " that Mr. Stephen Barker, a principal inhab- 
itant of the Town of Methuen, be and hereby is em- 
powered and directed to notifie and summons the 
inhabitants of the said town, dul}' qualified for voters, 
to assemble and meet sometime in the month of 
March next, to choose town officers according to law, 
to stand for the year." In compliance with this order, 
a meeting was appointed for the 9th of March, 1726. 

The following is a copy of the record of the first 
town meeting held in Methuen : 

" Att our fii-st animal meeting in tlie town of inetluien, march ye Otli 
1725,6 Lieutenant Steplien Barlter was leaguly clioson moderator for ye 
meeting, 

*' Att the same meeting williara wliittier was chosen town clerli & 
sworn for ye yerinsewing. 

*' Att the same meeting selectmen were leaguly chosen for ye yer. 



1 JoHw Bailey, 

2 Ebenzrr Barker 

3 AsiE Swan 

4 Dantel Bodwel, 

5 TUOMAS Whittier. 



1 Selectmen sworn 
I to the faithful discharg 
V of the oties of aseesere 
I august ye second 1726 

J before me William 



town dark. 



" att ye same meeting Tlichard Swan is leaguly chosen cunstable for 
the year insewing. 

" voted that the cunstablo or colector shall be paid one shilling for 
each twenty shillings of money that he shall colect or gather of the 
Taxes which shall be laied upon the nonrazedance or people which 
belong to other towns. March ye 9th 1720,0 the toun voated that 
Thomas silver should be expected to serve cunstablo or colector instead 
of Richard Bwan for ye year insewing and ye same day thotnas silver 
was sworn to tiie faithfull discharge of the office of a cunstable by the 
selectmen of Jlcthuen. Robert swan is leaguly chosen town treasurer 
att the same meeting march ye nth for ye year insewing. town treasu- 
rer sworn. 



1 Robert Swan. 
Serveirs of 2 Ephraim Clark, 
high ways. 3 Benzamin Stephens, 

2 Thomas Masser. 



] ofhigliwaye 

I serveirs all sworn. 

I 
J 



fence vewers John Cross, 

Samuel Stephens. 2 Both sworn. 

Tithen men 1 James How, 

2 William Gutteeson. Both titben sworn. 

field drivers 1 John Hastiwos, 

2 ZEBADIAH AUSTING. 



METHUEN. 



775 



att the same meeting Slarch ye 9 17'i5,fl 
huge riefs was leaguly choeeu 



Samuel Smith 

hog riefa 
Thomas Austini; 

Botli sworn. 



"Att ye sanio meeting march ye 9 voted yt hogs should go att large 
according to law. 

" Att a town meeting march ye 9 1725,6. 

"Voted that the select men should have power to a gree with an 
atliadoxt minester to serve in the work of the niintstry for ye year in. 
sewing and not to exceed five and forty pownds and find the minester 
bis diat. 

The records of the town-meetings held since that 
time appear to be complete, and the early records 
quite as full as such records usually are. The first 
business done by the new Board of Selectmen was to 
lay out a road *' three rods wide, beginning at a white 
oak tree marked, near Ephraim Clark's land; from 
thence acro-s Thomas Eaton's, and by tiie west side of 
Hamuel Clark's cellar; thence by the west side of a 
white oak tree marked with H, by Hawks' meadow, 
and so along said meadow, as near as is convenient, to 
the lower end, crossing the brook between two maple 
trees marked; from thence, as the trees are marked, 
to a white oak by Haverhill path, running from the 
east side of the tree in the path until we come to a 
stake by James How's well, and thence to a white oak 
marked with H, the way being to the east." This was 
undoubtedly the road north of the Taylor farm, on 
Howe Street, and the above description is a good ex- 
ample of the recorded descriptions of the ancient 
ways. The records of the town of Haverhill show 
that previous to this time a large number of town-ways 
had been laid out in the west part of the town, prob- 
ably for convenience in reaching the meadows and 
woodland. At this distance of time it is almost im- 
possible to trace them unless they happen to touch 
some well-known point. They generally commence 
at a marked tree by some path, thence to some other 
tree, thence to a stump marked, and finally come out 
at another path, and are almost invariably two rods 
wide. 

The roads of those days were probably little better 
than an ordinary cart-path in the woods. Occasion- 
ally we find a record of money paid to the owners of 
land over which a public way passed, but no money 
appears to have been paid by the town for building. 

In fact, scarcely more than a path was necessary, 
for there were no vehicles but ox-carts and sleds. 
People traveled on horseback, and went to market 
with their goods in saddle-bags. Persons are now liv- 
ing in the town who say they can remember when there 
were no w^agons of any kind, or pleasure carriafres, 
except a few chaises, which were introduced about 
the beginning of the century. 

On the 14th of June, 1726, the second town-meet- 
ing was called at the house of Asie Swan, '* to prefix 
a place whereon to build a meeting-house" and make 
other necessary arrangements for religious service. 
At this meeting a bitter controversy began about the 
location of the meeting-house. Votes being called 
for, the following persons voted for "a place between 



James Davis* and Ssmuel Smith's liouse," supposed 
to be on what is now known as " Powder-House Hill :" 



John Hastings. 
Samuel Clark. 
John Messer, 
Daniel Lancaster. 
Thomas Messer. 
Robert Corgill. 
Samuel Smith. 
John Cross. 
W'illiam Cross. 
John Bailey. 
Richard Messer. 
Thomas Silver. 
Nathaniel Messer. 
Thomas Eaton. 



Thomas Whittier. 
Samuel Currier. 
RulM-rt Swan. 
Ephraim Clark, 
.laineti Emery. 
Joseph Pudney. 
John Hue. 
Asio Swan. 
JameB How. 
Abraham Masters. 
James Wilson-. 
Abiel Messer. 
Duniel Peaslee. 
Richard Swan. 



The following persons entered their dissent against 
the meeting-house being carried from the meeting- 
house land or hill, — 



Stephen Barker. 
Henry Bodwell. 
John Guttereon, 
Joseph Morse. 
Henry Bodwell, Jr. 
Daniel Bodwell. 
Samuel Huse. 
James Bodwell. 
John Harris. 
John Gutterson. 
William Gutterson. 



Benjamin Stevens. 
James Barker. 
Sanmel Stevens. 
Zebcdiah .\ustin. 
Joseph Guttoreon. 
Zehediah Barker. 
Thomas Austin. 
Thomas Richardson. 
Abel Merrill. 
Ehenczor Barker. 
Joshua Swan. 



It is likely that these two lists comprise the names 
of about all the persons entitled to vote then living in 
Methuen. We infer also that this dispute was one 
concerning convenience of access to the meeting- 
house, and that the voters cast their ballots for the 
location that was nearest or would best accommodate 
them. 

On the 26th of August another meeting was called 
to perfect the arrangements for building the new 
meeting-house. It was voted that the meeting-house 
should be built forty feet long, thirty-five feet in 
width and twenty feet stud. 

It was also voted to choose a committee to procure 
land to set the meeting house on, to provide timber, 
and hire a carpenter and other workmen, and provide 
for the raising, *'all upon the town's cost and 
charge." The meeting then adjourned to meet Sep- 
tember 6th. At this meeting the dissenters above 
named presented the following quaint and vigorous 
protest, — 

" We, the subscriben-, dissent against the proceedings pursuant to sun- 
dry of the particulars as mentioned in the warrant for this meeting, 
first, for that in the warrant, the day being prefixed, but tlie year is not. 
2. For the bigness of the meeting-house according to the warrant, to 
this we dissent, for the bigness cannot be known until a committee be 
chosen and bound out the laud, for tlie particulars being placed in the 
warrant agreeably to the old saying 'the cart before the Iiorse,* there- 
fore irregular. 3. To choose a committee to procure so much land as 
they shall think convenient for to set the meeting-house on, to this we 
dissent, for that there is no land to be purchased. Our fathers in time 
past, whilst we belonged to Haverhill, voted and granted a piece of land 
for a parsonage for the west end of said town, which since by an act 
of incorpoi'ation of the General Court, is constituted by the name of 
Methuen a township; and the aforesjiid parsonage being most suitable 
and convenient for the inhabitants to build the meeting-house on, 
although in a former meeting of this town, as may be seen by the town 



776 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



book, anii a number of freeholtJers and other inhabitants, did, by a jjre- 
tended vote, contrary to law, or rather by a petition, carry the meeting- 
house to another place, which we then {;ave our dissent against, and do 
now dissent against the proceedings consequent upon said vote or peti- 
tion. For a Committee to have tlie disposal of our estates after the 
manner as is set forth in the warrant to purchase any land is unreason- 
able, for that by the warrant they are invested with a power too great. 
Our estates ought not to lie at their will and doom. The great Charter 
of England lately confirmed to ns by our sovereign lord, king George, 
wherein is contained liberty, right and property, reference thereto be- 
ing had, gives us the disposal and ordering of our estates, all debts and 
demands to our sovereign lord the king being paid firet. What commit- 
tee then shall assess our lands by tax to pay for tlie purchase of land 
without our free consent? i. That the said committee may procureone 
acre of land in some convenient place for a burying-place, — to this we 
dissent. Our right and property that we have in voting and procuring 
mich a place, we deny the giving of it into the hands of a coniTuittee in 
the manner as is expressed in the warrant. For that it is every man's 
right and property that belongs to the town to have his vote in the 
choice of a committee, or rather to vote the place where, and not to have 
them appointed by the Selectmen. 5. The said committee are to provide 
timber and to draw it to the place, or hire it drawn ; we dissent ; for that 
there is no need of making a land tax for such a thing, when every 
man by consent may draw his own proportion of timber, carting, Ac. 
6. To see whether the town will agree that every man in this town 
shall have an equal proportion of the common land within this town, 
according to what rates he shall pay in the town ; we dissent first, for it 
is unreasonable that an hired servant, who is rated only fur his head, 
and hath no freehold, shall have an interest in our right and property ; 
and, farther, the Province law provides that all persons that reside in 
any town for the space of twenty days, if they trade, shall be rated. By 
this you will give our right .and land to strangers. To the particulars 
as above, and for the reasons annexed, we offer our dissent as freeborn 
subjects to the Crown of Great Britain having an interest in the whole- 
some laws and liberties by and from which we expect to be protected." 

It seem.s, however, that this protest failed to con- 
vince the obstinate uiajority of their injustice, but 
worli: on the meeting-liousewent on, and the building 
was raised on Powder House Hill. As a last resort, 
the minority then appealed to the " Great and Gen- 
eral Court," in a petition that the town be ordered to 
set the meeting-house on Meeting-House Hill. It 
seems that a committee of the Legislature was then 
commissioned to visit Methuen to examine the im- 
portant question. The only record we find of their 
visit is, that Richard Swan was afterwards allowed by 
the town one pound, ten shillings for the entertain- 
ment of the visiting statesmen. But the result of it 
all was, that the town was ordered by the General 
Court to set the meeting-house on Meeting-House 
Hill, and, accordingly, in 1727 the town voted to re- 
move the frame to that spot, and the minority tri- 
umphed. We find from the town records that nine 
town-meetings were held during the first year, and 
that the principal business was locating the meeting- 
house, and perfecting the necessary arrangements for 
religious service. At that time, and for many years 
after, the minister and meeting-house were supported 
by a town tax, as schools and highwaj's'are now. The 
town records show that the Sunday services, as well 
as the town-meetings were held at the house of Asie 
Swan until the meeting-house was ready for occu- 
pancy. Asie Swan seems to have been one of the 
men prominent in town afliiirs, and his house is said 
to have been situated a little east of Prospect Hill. 
The meeting-house frame was moved in the fall of 
1727, and raised on " Meeting-House Hill '' on the 



common, a little south of the " Frye place," where it 
stood for nearly seventy years. It was finished in the 
spring of 1728, and it appears from the town records 
that a town-meeting was held in the new meeting- 
house on Wednesday, August 28, 1728, among other 
purposes, "To see if the Town will order that the 
public worship of God should be exercised in said 
meeting-house," and it was voted "that the meeting 
for public worship should be removed from the house 
of Asie Swan, and held at the meeting-house next 
Sabbath." It strikes one now as a little strange that 
a community so devout should have begun to use 
their house of worship without any dedicatory exer- 
cises. 

The next business of the town was to get a minister 

To that end a town-meeting was called December 
16, 1728, of which the first business was to "appoint 
a day of fasting and prayer to spread our united sup- 
plication before the Lord, for his gracious assistance 
and conduct in our endeavors to settle a minister 
amongst us, and to act such things as may be neces- 
sary in order thereunto," and Wednesday, January 
2d, was appointed for that purpose. A committee 
was also appointed to agree with the neighboring 
ministers concerning keeping this fast. The records 
do not tell us how the fast was kept, but Robert Swan 
was paid twelve shillings for providing for the minis- 
ters on the day set apart for fasting and prayer. 

On the third of March, 172y, it was voted " That a 
committee be chosen to discourse with Mr. Christo- 
pher Sargent in order to his settlement with us in the 
work of the ministry." Mr. Sargent was a young 
man, then twenty-six years of age, a graduate of Har- 
vard, and had been acting pastor of the congregation 
for some time. 

It is a fact of interest showing how permanent the 
pastoral oflice was regarded in those days, that at the 
annual town meeting, held on March 12th, it was 
voted to give Mr. Sargent eighty pounds a year for 
the first four years, ninety pounds a year for the next 
four years and after that one hundred pounds a year. 
Mr. Sargent's proposal was, that they should pay 
eighty pounds a year for the first two years, ninety 
pounds a year for the next two years and one 
hundred pounds a year, and also thirty cords of wood 
yearly from the time he began to keep house. After 
considerable discussion between Mr. Sargent and the 
people, the terms of settlement were agreed upon, 
and he was ordained pastor over the church Novem- 
ber 5, 1729. Of the I'estivities which attended that 
occasion we have no record, but there is no doubt 
that the day was celebrated according to the customs 
of the time, with great rejoicing, and by all the peo- 
ple round about. 

The new town now seems to have fairly started on 
its career, and little is to be found in the records 
worthy of notice. The town meetings were frequent, 
and the business ti'ansacted in those meetings in the 
different years much the same. The oflicers of the 



METHUEN. 



777 



town were chosen then, as now, in the month of 
March. 

The officers were about the same as now, with the 
addition of tithing men and the excejition of 8cliool 
Committee. 

Persons were annually chosen " to clear the fish- 
ways " and " to take care that the fish have a con- 
venient course over IMr. Huse's Mill Dam that is in 
Spicket River." 

Two persons called deer reeves were also chosen 
annually for many years, to take care of the deer, and 
a reward was generally offered each year for the 
killing of a grown wolf, and a smaller one for "a 
bitch wolfs whelj).'' 

Each bill against the town, however small, seems 
to liave been presented to the town meeting for al- 
lowance ; and there was, nearly every year, one or 
more roads laid out l)y the selectmen and accepted 
by the town. 

The amount of money annually appropriated for 
town charges, outside of the minister rate, for the 
first fifty years, ranged from forty to one hundred and 
seventy pounds. This does not include the highway 
tax, which was paid in labor, and of which we find the 
first record in 173(). 

In 17;i5 Henry .Saunders and twenty-eight others 
living in the north part of tlie town, — probably most 
of them in what is now Salem, N. H., presented a \>e- 
tition to the town setting forth that 

" It'/icrr.ifl we, till" suhtscritnTS, liie at so great a ilistanrc fmiii tlu' [nii)- 
lir worship of <J'>il in tliis place, tliat \v** cannot afteml upon it witti onr 
families witlioiit a great tipal of diflicnlty, we liave tliL-reforc been at the 
f Iiargo to Iiire a (ninister to preacti to ns in a int)r(> convenient place, 
wtiicti we tliinlv is Imnl for ns to ilo, .so long iia we are oliliged to pay onr 
fnll proportion towards tin- support of the piitjiic worsliip uf (Jod in this 
phn-e ; and althougli we have of late made onr application to this town 
for sonn- iielp under our diiticiilt circnnistances, we have been denied 
any. We therefore pray that yon would set ns off a distinct precinit i>y 
inirselves. . .'' 

This petition was presented to the town December 
16, 1736, and the record says: 

"That the t<jwn, by a majority vote, manile.sted tiierr wiltingne.ss to 
set off the north part of this town for a precinct by themselves, viz.: 
Beginning at the north side of the World's Etid Ponil, so running easter- 
ly to the south side of Peter .irerrill's laud, and so to Haverhill line, and 
from World's Kml Pond, to a wading place in SpicUet Kiver by .Jonathan 
Corliss', ami so running with a straight line to a pine tree standing in 
the line between Dracut and Sletbuen, on the south side of Porcujiine 
Ilrook." 

The territory north of this Hue formed what was 
afterwards known as the North Parish of Methueii,anil 
most of it .soon after fell within the limits of New 
Hampshire. 

The relative number of inhabitants in the two 
parishes at that time cannot be exactly determined. 

The nearest approach to a correct estimate may 
perhaps be made from the statement that the number 
of highway tax payers in 1736, iu the whole town, 
was one hundred and thirty-six. The number of tax 
payers of the minister rate in the First Parish in that 
year was ninety-eight, leaving thirty-eight in the 
North Parish. 
49 J 



The next important event in the history of the 
town occurred in 1741, when the State line was run, 
thereby depriving Methuen of a larne part other ter- 
ritory. Previous to 1740 there seems to have been 
much controversy between the Province of Massachu- 
setts and New Hampshire about the boundary line 
between them. The charter first given to the Jlassa- 
chusetts colony granted "all that part of New Eng- 
land lying between three miles to the north of the 
Merrimack and three miles to the south of the Charles 
river, and of every part thereof in the Massachusetts 
Bay ; and in length between the described breadth 
from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea." Under 
the charter the Massachusetts colony claimed that 
their northern boundary was three miles to the north 
of the northernmost point of the Merrimtick, and they 
fixed upon a rock near the outlet of Lake Winnipis- 
seogee, as the most northern part of the river. This 
would have given to Massachusetts a large part of 
Vermont and New Hampshire, and a large section in 
Maine. The New Hampshire grantees claimed that 
under the Jfassachusetts charter the line could not 
extend in any place more than three miles from the 
river. The territory between these lines became dis- 
puted ground concerning which there was constant 
contention. 

In 1720 the New Hampshire colonists modified their 
claim, so far as to propose that the line should begin 
at a point three miles north from the mouth of the 
Merrimack, and thence run due west to the South 
Sea. The Massachusetts colony refused to agree to 
this, and the contention became more violent, until 
finally the Legislatures of the two colonies met — the 
New Hampshire Legislature at Hampton Falls and 
the Massachusetts at Salisbury — for the juirpose of 
settling the diftieulty. They appointed committees 
of conference, but were unable to agree, and after 
several weeks of angry discussion by agreement of both 
parties the whole subject was referred to the King of 
England for decision. The matter was decided by 
the king in council in 1740, and it was decreed that 
the northern boundary of the Province of Massachu- 
setts Bay " is and be a similar curved line, pursuing 
the curve of Merrimack River at three miles distance, 
on the north side thereof and beginning at the Atlantic 
Ocean." The king also decreed that the line should 
be run and established by the two Provinces, but if 
either should refuse to act the other might fix and 
establish it. 

Massachusetts was dissatisfied with this decision, 
and refused to have anything to do about running the 
new line. New Hampshire appointed George Mitchell 
to run the line from the ocean to a point three miles 
north of Pawtucket Falls, and the line was thus es- 
tablished by New Hampshire as it has been recog- 
nized by the border towns on both sides of the line 
ever since. Massachusetts has never formally agreed 
to this line, and the old controversy has been recently 
revived. Commissioners were appointed by both 



778 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



States in 1885 to settle this question, if possiljle, and 
they have not yet completed their work. Tradition 
says that this decision was brought about by sharp 
practice on the part of the agent appointed by New 
Hampshire to lay the subject before the king ; and it 
gave to New Hampshire seven liuudred square miles 
more than she asked for. It cut off a large slice of the 
original territory of the town of Methuen, and nearly 
a third of the population. The northern and western 
boundaries of the town have remained unchanged 
from that time to the present. From 1740 to 1775 we 
find record of very few important events. 

There was no census until 17<)5, but we judge from 
the increase in the number of tax-payers, that the 
growth was simply the slow and steady increase of an 
exclusively agricultural population. As the land grad- 
ually became cleared, it became more thickly dotted 
with dwellings. The produce raised upon the farms, 
and food taken from the river supplied nearly all the 
wants of the inhabitants. The money necessary for 
their few purchases, and the payment of taxes, was 
obtained partly by the sale of wood and timber which 
was rafted to Newburyport, i)artly by the production 
of flax which was sold to the inhabitants of London- 
derry, and partly, probably, by tlie sale of some pro- 
ducts, such as they could carry on horseback to Salem. 
We find little information of the part Methuen had 
in the French and Indian Wars. Two or three extra 
appropriations for powder and flints, some taxes 
abated to those who were in the service, and pay- 
ments of money by the town for " taking care of the 
French " seem to be all that shows action on the 
part of the town. Tradition has it that Methuen 
sent her share of soldiers at that time, but whether 
there was a company from the town, or whether the 
soldiers were scattered among ditfereut comjjanies 
i'rom neighboring towns we have no means of know- 
ing. 

There seems to have been at this time a remarkable 
reluctance to hold oflice, as is shown by the fact that 
Methuen was fined in 1770, '72 and '73, for not 
choosing a Representative to the Legislature. Possi- 
bly, however, this may have resulted more from a dis- 
inclination on the part of the tax-payers to pay for 
the service, than from a disinclination to serve on the 
part of the possible candidates. In 1774 the inhabi- 
tants of the west part of Methuen petitioned to be set 
oif with the easterly part of Dracut to make a new 
township, " so that both the above said towns may be 
better accommodated to attend public worship." The 
division line of the proposed new town commenced 
" on the bank of the Merrimack River about four 
poles to the east of Mr. Daniel Bodwell's ferry (at 
the foot of Tower Hill), thence running northwesterly 
to the province line, about one hundred and fifty-six 
poles to the west of Spicket River, including all to 
the west of said line," thus cutting ofia large portion 
of the town. There was a strong opposition on the 
part of Methuen, and the scheme failed. About this 



time we begin to find indications of the coming con- 
test. The first record we find of any action by the 
town in relation to the questions then stirring the pub- 
lic mind, is a vote passed in August, 1774, to pay one 
pound, sixteen shillings and seven pence, lawful 
money to defray the charges of the Congress held at 
Philadelphia. In December, 1774, it was voted that 
Mr. Enoch Merrill, former constable should pay the 
remainder of the province money to Henry Gardner, 
and also " that the Selectmen should conduct them- 
selves respecting the Constable's warrants according 
to the Provincial Congress instructions." At that 
time the constables collected the taxes, and paid them 
liver under instructions of the selectmen, and the 
meaning of these votes probably was. that the prov- 
ince tax was to be paid under the instructions of the 
Provincial Congress rather than the English Govern- 
ment. 

No other record of action at that time appears in 
the regular records of the town, but on one of the last 
leaves of the book of records then in use, we find 
tlie following : 

"At a loggel meeting uf the freehulclcrs and utlicr inhabitants i>f tlio 
Town of Methuen lieid by adjuurnnieni liom the ninth uf August, 1774, 
to the 20th of September, 1774. Talcing into serious ronsiderutivm tlie 
State of public affairs, A'oteil, that a t'onimittee be cliusen to consult aiiii 
Advise with Each other. Likewise witll Comniittees of otiier Towns, and 
if need be to communicate to any other Town any measure that may ap- 
pear to be conducive to the publieli Benefite, more Especlay to be 
Watch-full that no Encroachments are not made on our Constitutional 
Rights and Liberties, that we may enjoy the Blessing we have Left in 
peace and not be Deprived of them from any (inarter but may Devise 
prosecute the most vigorous and reselnle mesures as far as Lyes in our 
sphere, retrieve our iuvaluabl privileges. Voted that this Committee 
consist of fifteen persons. 

"Stephen llarlvcr, Esq. ,lohn Hiise. 

,lohn Bodwell. .lames Malloon. 

Nathaniel I'etteugill. .lohn Pettcngill. 

Samuel Bodwell. Lieut. ,IoIin Sargent. 

Cutting Marsh. Richard Whittier. 

David 'Whittier. Ebenezer CoUen. 

Jonathan Swan. John Masten. 

James Jones. 
" Voted, that the above should be entered In the Tov/n Clerk's othce." 

That the people began to contemplate the possibil- 
ity of war with Great Britain is indicated by the fol- 
lowing, which is ail exact copy of the original now in 
possession of A. C. Goodell, Esq., of Salem. 

" Whkueas, niilartrary Exercise hath been much nelicked We the. 
Subscrbers being th« first comptrey in Methuen Do ("ovenant ami En- 
gage to form our sevels in to aBoday in order to Laru the manual Ex- 
ercise, To be Subegat To Such officers as the Comptrey shall chuse by 
Voat in all constutenal marsher according to our Chattaers. 



' Methuen ye fith of octr. 1774 
* James .Tones. 

Ichabod Perkins. 

James Wilson. 

Timothy Eaton. 

Ebenezer Calton. 

Thomas Runnels. 

Henry Morss. 

Samuel Messer. 

Daniel Messer. 

Natlil Hascltiuo. 

Richard Hall 

Samuel Parker. 



AVilliam Runnels. 
Asa Cnrriei'. 
Natlianiel Slesser. 
Ebenezer Messer. 
Nathan Perley. 
John Keley. 
.\sa Messer. 
.lohn Eaton. 
John Davison. 
William .Stevens. 
Silas Brown. 
William Whittier. 



METHUEN. 



779 



John Marsten, Jr. 
Niitlmuiel Smith Messier. 
.Iiimes Silver, Jim. 
A hi el How. 
Tiiiiolhy Eiiiersiiii. 
Joshua KnuM-son, Jr. 
Oliver Emei-suii. 
Tiiiiotiiy How. 
Isaac Barker. 
Simeon Cross. 
Francis Swan, Juiu- 
Jarues Davison. 
.Iaci.ih ilow. 
Klijati Curlloii. 
Joseph Huw. 
Jonathan How. 
Asa Moi-s*s. 
Nath'l. Clark. 
Juliii Merrill. 
Ahiel Cruss. 



Stephen Webster, Jr. 

.Jacob Messer. 

Daniel U. Wliittier. 

Samuel Wehher. 

Jacob Hall. 

Amos Gage. 

John Cross. 

Nathan Russ. 

Jlichard Jaipies. 

Kobert Hastings. 

James Chase. 

Nath. Herrick, 

Joseph Ha-stiiii^s. 

Kimhi.ll Caltou. 

Ricbanl Currier. 

Khenezer Raton. 

Simeon Hasttens. 

John How, Jr. 

Farmiin Hall. 

Kphraim Clark. 

Theu.lore Kmer.'<ori. 
" the fei-st Conipyney in Methuen meat att Mr, Ehen. Carlton's in 
urder tuchnse officers, uTul thay Chose Lieut. Benj'ni. Hall Muilerator. 
they chose Mr. James Jones for tbar Capt. Mr. Ichohied Perkins furst 
Leut. IMr. James Wilson Soncnt Lent. Mr. Saiu' Messer Kns. Mr. 
Nath" Mesjser Jr. (.'lark fur sai<l (.'oniiivneV- 

Clark 
" Wii.i.i,\M P\i;E fur sil, 
Metteii. 
'■ :\lethuen ye T, of Orlc.r I77-L" 

In January. 177'>, the town vote'l to give to the 
poor ot'the town of Boston by sukscription, and chose 
a committee to receive donations. At the same meet- 
ing it was voted th:it tlie miniite-men " drawn out or 
exposed to train, shonhi have eight pence per day tor 
their trouble to tlie last of March," 

Mr. John Bodwell was also chosen at that meeting 
to meet the Provincial Congress on the first day of 
February at Cambri<lge. At the annual meeting in 
March it was voted to provide bayonets, " which 
should be brought to Captain J(din Davis, and after 
the service was over said Davis is to return said bayo- 
nets unto the selectmen of said town." It was also 
voted that the committee of safety or correspondence 
should continue a committee for the same purpose, 
and also that John Masters and Jonathan Barker be 
a committee to make up the ** cartrages " for those 
persons who were not able to provide for themselves, 
out of the town stock. Soon after, the town voted U> 
provide guns for all minute men unable to furnish 
themselves; also to provide blankets and cartridges. 

Another interesting document, dated about this 
time, is also found out of place on one of the last 
leaves of the book of records, as follows : — 

"We, Uie subscribei-s, being appointed a committee by the town of 
Methuen to give some instructions to a certain ( .'ommittee of Safety and 
Correspondence, that was chosen by this town in September la.st or may 
hereafter be chosen iis above, that it is reconiinended that the ahovo 
Committee do strictly observe and conform to the iiistruetions hen-attt-r 
mentioned. 

'* First. That you will be vigilant in this tiniy of public distress ; that 
no infractions, violations be made on the good and whulesome law.-j of 
ihia province, whereby the morals of the people are endangered of being 
corrupted, and in case y«)U should be nnsuccetisful in your endeavors in 
all pmper ways, then to publish their names that the public may see and 
know them to be enemies of their ii>untry inid the piivileges of the 
same. 

"Secondly. That you correspond with ronimittees of other towns, if 
yuu see it needful, as may be necessary on all important uccasionH. 



Thirdly. As a Committee of Inspection we recommend to you that you 
will not buy or purchase any British manufactures or superfluities in 
your families hut such as are of absolute necessity, and likewise that 
you recommend to others to do the same, for we think that a reforma- 
tion of this will greatly tend to lessen our private expense and the better 
enable us to bear the publick charges and prevent those mischiefs that 
may ensue thereupon. 

" Fourthly. That you will suppress as much as possible those persons, 
if any such there be, who travel as pedlers to introduce British goods 
and impose on the inconsiderate, which may impoverish us. And where- 
as, it is said that our enemies are sending out spies in order to get infor- 
mation of our schemes and plans which are contrived for our defence so 
as they may frustrate them, it is recommended that you take care that 
they receive that resentment due to their deeds. 

" Fiftlily. If any trader or other person within this town shall take 
the advantage of liie present distressed circumstances in America and by 
an avaricious thiret after gain shall raise the price of any commodity 
whatsoever beyond their usual reasonable price, or shall use their influ- 
ence by words or actions to weaken the measures advised by the (Jraud 
Continental Congress when made to appear to you (hat he or they persist 
in the same, you are to publifiih their names that they may be publirkly 
known and treated as enemies to their country. 

James In«;am,s, ] 

JoN.\TH.\N Swan >. CinumUtv. 

John Hisk, 
MF.TniKN, Ain-il Aih, 177.'>.'" 

It will be noticed that this paper was dated aliont 
two weeks before the battle of Lexington. It shows 
the resohite, deep-seated earnestness with which our 
fathers entered the contest, aiul that the men of Me- 
thuen were as fully imbued with the spirit of resist- 
ance to tyranny as the more widely known men of 
the time. As might be expected, the town records 
are silent in regard to the events at Lexington and 
Bunker Hill. There was no reason why the town 
as a body should take action in reference to those 
battles. Nevertheless the men of ]\Ieihuen had an 
active share in those great events, and we are not 
without an official record of the jiart they took. 

The archives at the State House contain the names 
of those who went from Methuen on the memorable 
loth of April, and also the names of the Methuen 
Company who fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. 

There were four Methuen conii»anies at the battle 
of Lexington, and the following is a lull list of the 
names ju.st as they are found on the original muster 
rolls now on file in the (dlice (tf the Secretary of 
v^tate : 

('(ij)f(ihi JoJtn Davis Covipamj hi Colonel Fryt's Re</1- 
iiient^ enluted Feb. 14///, 1775. 

Captain, John Davis. 
I'lr.sl L!,rnt>-itu)il, N;Uhl. Herrick. Second Lonlnnuif, Kliphalel li..(iw^ll. 



Senjeants. 



Klea/ei' (^arleton, 
Francis Swan. 

Jonathan Baxter 
John Davison 

James Campbell. 
Silas Brown. 
Enos Kings. 
Asa Moi-se. 
Kbenr. Pingrief. 
Simeon Tyler. 
Amos Harrinion. 



Co,-pn,u,l-i. 



llichard Hall. 
,b.iia. ParKer. 

William Stevens. 
Jtishua Kmerson. 

s. 
Daniel Jennings. 
Wm. Whiteher. 
Nathan Swan. 
Peter Barker. 
Joseph .lacksiin. 
Aaron Noyes 
Parker Bodwull. 



780 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Daniel Morse. 
James Ortlway. 
Ebeuezer Henick. 
Daniel Messer. 
Nathan Rues. 
James Ingalla. 
James Davison. 
Amos Gage (ilrnmmor). 
Joseph Moi'se. 
Dudley NoyeM. 
Joseph Hibbanl. 
Prince Johnnot. 
This muster roll made for seven days, 



Solomon JenningH. 
Joshua Budwell. 
Dudley Bailey. 
James Silver. 
Pett*r Webster. 
John Swan. 
Daniel Bailey. 
Thomas Bace. 
Jeremiah Stevens. 
Ebenezer Sargent. 
John Merrill. 
Samuel Barker (fifer). 
from April llith. Sworn to 

John Davis. 



Muster roll of the following number or party of 
men that belonged to Methuen, in the county of 
Essex, on the alarm on the 19th of April, 1775, and 
never joined to any particular commanding officer: 



Captain. 
James Mallon. 



Abner Monill. 
Isaac Austin. 
Isaac Austiu, Jr. 
Benj. Herrick. 
Peter Harris. 
Joseph Griffin. 
Francis Richardson. 
Elisha Parker. 
John Parker, Jr. 
Isaac Ilnghs. 
Timothy Chellis. 
Total, 22. 



Bodwell, 2d. 

AuBtin, Jr. 

Parker, Jr. 

Obadiah Moi-se. 
W'm. Runs, Jr. 
Wm. Mcf'leary. 
Hezekiah Parkt-r. 
Jesse Barker. 
Moses Morse. 
James Dennis. 



The pay roll of the company under the command of 
Major Samuel Bodwell, exhibited in consequence of 
the alarm on the li»th of April : 

1»(. Lieut., David Whittier. 2(1 Lieut, Nathl. Pettengill. 

Eiisig)!, Enoch Merrill. Clerk, John Hughs. 

Serijeaul, John Mansur. 
Pi-ivates. 



Wm. Guttei-aon. 
Nathl. Pettengill. 
Thomas Pettengill. 
Dudley Pettengill. 
Daniel Tyler. 
John Pettengill, Jr. 
Saml. Cross. 
John Bodwell. 
Parker Richardson. 
Thomas Dow. 
M'm. Bodwell. 
Wm. Morse. 
John Barker. 
Simtion Dow. 
Samuel Cole. 
Samuel Hughs. 
John Pettengill. 
John Webber. 
Benj. Mastin. 
Elijah Sargent. 
Total 45. 



Joshua Stevens. 
John AVliittier, .Ir. 
Abel Merrill. 
Joseph Morrill. 
John Richardson. 
Wm. Richardson. 
Nathl. Ilil.bard. 
James llibbard. 
Bodwell Ladd. 
John Ladd. 
Stephen Barker. 
Mitchell Davis. 
Ebenr. Barker. 
Nehemiali Barker. 
Saml. Richardson. 
Enoch Cheney. 
Jona. Barker, Jr. 
Bonj. Stevens, Jr. 
John Uibbard. 
Wm. Uibbard. 



Captain James Jones' pay roil for the campaign in 
the defence of the country at the battle of Concord, 
made at the rate of twenty-eight days per month, four 
days' service. 



Captain, James Jones. 
LieiitenmU, Irhabod Perkins. 



hergei 



Timothy Eaton. 
Ephraim Clark. 



Nathan Perley. 
Jacob JVIesser. 



Nathl. Hflzeltine. 

John Kelly (drummer). 
Aidel Cross. 
William Page. 
Moses Sargent. 
James Fry. 
Thomas Herrick. 
Joseph Granger. 
Isaac Barker. 
Day Emerson. 
Joseph Perkins. 
Jona. How. 
Nathl. S. Clark. 



Corjoorals. 
Elijah Carlton. 



Simeon Cross, 



John Tippets, 3d. 
Oliver Emerson. 
James Mesier. 
Henry Mors. 
Stephen Webstor, Jr. 
Elisha Perkins. 
Job Pingrey. 
Joaeph Cross. 
Asa Cross. 
John Morris. 
Kimball Carleton. 



/// fhe Company of Captain Charles Furbush. 

Pnvatts. 

James Silver. 
John Hancock. 
Neliemiah Ktdah. 
Daniel Pettengill. 



Theodore Emerson. 

Isaac Maloou. 

Jos. Pettengill. 

Abraham P. Silver. 
Total 8. 
Grand Total 150. 



The number of inhabitants in Methuen in 1776, ac- 
cording to the colonial census, was thirteen hundred 
and twenty -six. 

The tax book of that year gives the names of two 
hundred and fifty-two poll-taxpayers. It is surprising 
that a town of so small population could have sent so 
many men at the first call to meet the British. Noth- 
ing could more forcibly impress us with the universal, 
deep-seated determination of our fathers to protect 
their rights at all hazards, than this simple list of 
names. When we consider that they were not called 
out by any order of the authorities, that their enthu- 
siasm had not been stirred by appeals from the daily 
press or by public speakers, that they only knew from 
the signal guns and fires on the hills that the British 
were in motion, and that the war had actually begun, 
and that nearly every able bodied man in town, more 
than half the poll-taxpayers, must, of their own ac- 
cord, have shouldered their muskets and marched at 
a moment's warning to meet the foe, those of us who 
claim descent from those men cannot help feeling the 
blood tingle in our veins with an honest pride in such 
an ancestry. Such facts show better than anything 
else can, the quality of the Revolutionary spirit, and 
how it was that the colonies were finally successful. 
The next important event was the battle of Bunker 
Hill, on the 17th of June following, in which it is 
certain that a Methuen company bore an important 
part. The following is a copy of the original muster- 
roll on file at the State House. 

"CAMHRIDfJF, Oct. 5, 1775. 
•'Return of the men's names, when they enlisted and where they be- 
longed. Belonging to Captain John Davis' Company, in Colonel Frye's 
Regiment : 

Captain^ John Davis. 

Pirnt Lieutenant, Nathl. Herrick. Second Lieutenant, Eliphalet Budwell. 

ilfiy'fjr, Jonathan Barker. 

Sergeutits. 

Ebenezer Carllton. Francia Swan. 

Richard Hall. Peter Barker. 



METHUEN. 



781 



Corpt'fah. 



Jonathan Baxter. 
William Stevens, 

Alpraiiani Anness, 
John Asten. 
Silaa lliowii. 
I'arkpi- B.jd«.-ll 
David Bailey. 
Dudley Bailey. 
TiiN.itliy Cheliia. 
David Corlifis. 
James ih'dway. 
Jereniiab Stevens. 
James Silver. 
Siineun Tyler. 
Amos Gage (drummer). 
Samuel Barker (fifer). 
James Campbell. 
James Davison. 
Mitehol Davis. 
Ainos Ilarriiitan. 



Joshua Emerson. 
John Davison. 

Lazarus Huhbard. 
Ebeliozer HerrirU.* 
•Joseph Hibbard.- 
James Ingalls.' 
Dudley Noyes. 
Aaron Noyea. 
Peter Webster. 
James Woodbury. 
Ebenezer Sargent. 
Samuel Parkei-. 
Thomas Pace. 
Nathan Iluss. 
.lolin Swan. 
Nathan .Swan. 
Kbene/.er Pingrief. 
Joshua lioiiwell.^ 
Solomon .Tenriiugs.-' 



It is by no means certain that this list includes the 
names ofall Methuen men engaged in the battle ; there 
may have been some in companies from the neigh- 
boring towns. It is known that the Methuen company 
was in the thickest of the fight, that it was stationed 
in the riMloiibt, and was among the last to leave it. It 
is said that it came near being surrounded towards 
the end of the battle, and that as the enemy came up 
on each hand a British soldier ran up to Captain 
Davis, saying, "You are my pri.soner." 

Ca|itain Davis, who was a resolute, powerful man, 
replied, " I guess not," at the same time running the 
soldier through with his sword. The blood spurted 
over his breeches as he drew back the sword, but he 
made his escajie. It is also said that Captain Davis 
took one of his wounded men upon his back just after 
escaping from the redoubt, and carried him ont of the 
reach of ilanger. As he was crossing the hollow be- 
tween the hills, which was swept by the fire from a 
British vessel, he saw before him a board fence. Cap- 
tain Davis, tired by excitement and the weight of his 
comrade, said : " I don't see how we can get over that 
fence." But in an instant after, a cannon ball 
knocked it in pieces and left the way clear. 

Mr. Asa M. Bodwell tells a story of James Ordway, 
who afterwards lived on the west side of Tower Hill. 
Mr. Ordway was in poor circumstances in his old age, 
and had a bad ulcer on his leg. Mr. Bodwell says 
that his father sent him one day to Mr. Orilwaj- with 
a gallon of rum to bathe his lame leg, antl with it 
a message saying that the rum was sent to |)ay for 
throwing stones at the battle of Bunker Hill. The 
story being, that when the ammunition gave out, at 
the close of the battle, Ordway laiddowu his gun and 
threw stones at the British until driven out. Methuen 
lost three men at the battle of Bunker Hill. Ebenezer 
Herrick was killed in the battle, .Foseph Hibbard 
was wounded and died June 20th, James Ingalls was 
wounded and died July 8th. It is impossible to as- 



' Died Jime ITtli. 
2 Died June 2Uth. 



'Died July Stli. 
*Iu train June 17th. 



6 in train June 17th. 



certain the exact number of soldiers Methuen had in 
the Revolutionary War. The town records give us 
no information on this point, and the State records 
are imperfect, but there is no doubt that Methuen 
kept her quota in the field. After the evacuation of 
Boston by the British, the seat of war was so far away, 
that ])robal)ly few of the soldiers from this town 
were at'tively engaged with the enemy. 

There are stories told of Methuen men who went 
to fight Burgoyne, and helped to conduct the captured 
soldiers to Cambridge, and guard them while there ; 
other soldiers from this town were stationed at dif- 
ferent points on the coast exposed to attack. 

During those years, the town business went on as 
usual. A Committee of Safety and Correspondence 
was appointed each year, and in February, 1778, the 
town voted that the Selectmen should supply the 
families of soldiers in the Continental Army with the 
necessaries of life. At the same meeting the town 
was called upon to see what instructions it would 
give to their Kepresentative, relative to a resolve of 
the Continental Congress for all the United States of 
America to join in a perpetual union with one 
another. The subject was referred to a committee, 
consisting of Major Bodwell, Captain James Jones, 
Colonel Thomas Poor, Lieutenant John Huse anil 
Mr. Enoch IMerrill. At an adjourned meeting, the 
([uestion was put whether the town would receive 
and accept the Articles of Confederation and per- 
))etual union, and "voted in the atiirmative." 

The currency question seems to have been as trou- 
blesome in those days as it has been later. At a 
meeting held April 2, 1778, there was an article in 
the warrant "To see whtit the town will do with those 
persons who refuse to take our paper currency, — iind 
passed a resolve to treat them as enemies to their 
country, and voted to publish the same in the Boston 
newspaper." The ra]iid decrease in value of this 
currency is shown by the fact, that while, in 1777, .CoO 
was raised for the ordinary repairs of the highways, 
in 1781 .£6000 was raised for the same purpose. 

In 1779, Lieut. John Sargent was chosen delegate 
to represent the town in the convention to be held tit 
Cambridge, to form a new constitution. In 1780, the 
new Constitution of the State of Massachusetts took 
ertect, and in that year y/e find the first record of ii 
vote for Governor and Senators. It is evident that 
party feeling did not run very high, from the fact that 
for the ofBce of Governor, John Hancock had sixty- 
four votes and James Bowdoin two. 

In that year the town furnished 87S0 pounds of 
beef for the army, and hired sixteen men. The next 
year they fiirnished 6957 pounds of beef, and raised 
twelve men to serve as soldiers. 

We find nothing in the town records to indicate the 
end of the war, except a vote to sell the entrenching 
tools belonging to the town, and the frequency of 
military titles, indicating that the .soldiers were at 
home and active in town matters. 



782 



HISTOEY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



From the close of the Revolutionary War, there is 
little of interest to be gleaned from the town records 
for many years. About this time we find that the 
toivn voted " not to give liberty for inoculation for 
small-pox," and to " choose a committee of five to 
take care of those persons lately inoculated with the 
small-pox, and prosecute them, and take ett'ectual 
care that the distemper spread no further." 

In 1793, a company was organized to build a bridge 
over the Merrimack at Bodwell's Falls. Up to that 
time ferries had furnished the only means of crossing 
this river. We find mention of five ditlerent ferries, 
as follows: 

Gage's Ferry, near the end of Pleasant Valley 
Street. 

Swan's Ferry, at Wingate's farm. 

Marston's Ferry, at the Alms-house, Lawrence. 

Bodwell's Ferry, at the Pumping Station, Lawrence. 

Harris' Ferry, a little east of Dracut line. 

The early inhabitants did not dream that a bridge 
could be built across so broad a stream, and a coinmon 
way of expressing the impossibility of doing a thing 
was to say, " ft is as impossible as to build a bridge 
over the Merrimack River." It seems, too, that some 
of the inhabitants did not take kindly to the new 
project, probably deeming it a base scheme on the 
part of the proprietors to make money out of the 
public ; for a meeting was held soon after to see if the 
town would send a remonstrance to the General 
Court against its erection. This proposition was 
decided in the negative. The ojiponents of the 
bridge then called a meeting to see if the town would 
petition the General Court to order the proprietors to 
pay the cost of the town roads leading to the bridge. 
This also was voted down, and the town decided to 
repair the road over Currant's Hill to the New 
Ham|)sliire line. 

The bridge was built shortly after, and for some 
years the travel from thence to New Hampshire 
passed over Currant's Hill, curving around over the 
old road — now discontinued — on the hill in the rear 
of the house of James Ingalls. 

The "Turnpike" (now Broadway) was built in 
1805-6, by an incorporated comjiany. A system of 
toll was established, but it caused such dissatisfaction 
that in a few years the ".Turnpike" was made a 
public highway by the County Commissioners. 

The town first voted for a Representative to Con- 
gress and for a Presidential Elector, December 18, 
1788, the highest candidate voted for receiving 
twenty-three votes. It seems that at the first Presi- 
dential elections, the town voted for only one elector; 
but in 1804 votes were cast for nineteen electors. 

The change from the use of English money to 
Federal currency took place about 1795-110. The 
last time we find "pounds" used in making up the 
towu records was in 1795. 

In 1805, the town voted that the Annual Town 
Meeting should be held on the first Monday in 



March, for the future ; and, at the same meeting, for 
the first time voted that swine should not go at large. 
Previous to that time, the town had always voted the 
largest liberty to swine, except that for a few years 
this liberty had been coupled with the condition that 
they should be '' yoaked and ringed." 

In the War of 1812 Methuen sent her proportion of 
men to meet the old enemy. The only reference to that 
war in the town records, is a vote passed '' to give the 
detached soldiers a sum to make them up twelve dollars 
a month while in active service with what Govern- 
ment gives them." We have been told by veterans 
of that war, now dead, that the number of men called 
for from Methuen was not large. They were mostly 
stationed to defend the forts along the coast. It is 
said, however, that a small number of soldiers went 
from Methuen to meet the British in Canada, and 
that they were present at the surrender of Hull. It 
appears from the census returns and the tax lists that 
Methuen grew but little in wealth and population, 
during the forty years subsequent to the Revolution- 
ary War. In 1776 the population of the town num- 
ber one thousand three hundred and twenty-six, and 
in 1820 one thousand three hundred and seventy- 
one. 

There was no village in the town at that time, and 
no neighboring markets to induce growth. At the 
beginning of this century, there were only six houses 
in the now thickly settled part of Methuen Village. 
The Miller Cross house, corner of Hampshire and 
Lowell Streets ; Sargent house, where Exchange 
Hotel stands ; Deacon Fry house, Butters farm ; 
Swan place, Nevins farm ; Jonathan Clufl' house, 
Mill-yard; John Sargent house, at elm tree by mill- 
yard. 

There was then one grist-mill, a little south of 
Fisher's grocery store, another on the opposite side ot 
the river, and a fulling-mill just below the foot-bridge 
at the falls. From 1820 to 1840 the town gained 
about seventy per cent, in population, with a corre- 
sponding increase in wealth. This was in consequence 
of the building of the cotton-mills, anil increase in 
the manufacture of shoes and hats. During that time 
there were few events of special interest to this gen- 
eration. In 1837 it appears that a new town-house 
was talked about, and a committee was chosen at the 
March meeting to select a location and prepare esti- 
niates. The committee reported at an adjourned 
meeting, and the town voted to build. A week or 
two afterwards another meeting was called, the vote 
reconsidered and committee discharged. The same 
year the selectmen were authorized to hire the vestry 
of the Baptist meeting-house for holding town-meet- 
ings, and that house continued to be the place for 
town-meetings until the present town-house was built 
in 1853. In 1844 rumors began to circulate of a pro- 
ject to dam the Merrimack, and build factories at 
Bodwell's Falls. The town voted to give Daniel 
Saunders and his associates a refusal of the town- 



METFIUEN. 



783 



fHrm, which was situated on Broadway, the buildings 
being on the east side, south of Haverhill Street, at its 
cost, with an addition of thirty-three per cent. 

The terms on which the Essex (Jompany bonded 
the land now occupied Ijy the principal parts of the 
city of Lawrence were, a fair cash value, with an ad- 
dition of thirty-three per cent. The land was bought 
in (lue time, and the "New City" as it was then 
called, grew with wonderful rapidity. When opera- 
tions first began there were only nine or ten houses 
standing on what is now the thickly settled part of 
North Lawrence. There was a paper-mill, operated 
bv ,\d(il[ihus Durant, on the Spicket, a little above 
its niiiuth. Li 1847 Chas. S. Storrow and others peti- 
tioned for an act of incor|)oration of a new town to be 
called Lawrence. There was a strong ojiposition to 
this scheme on the part ot Jlethuen, a towu-meeling 
was called, ami .hdm Tenney and (ieorge A. Waldo 
were chosen to oppose the ])etiti<ui before the com- 
mittee of the Legislature. They were unsuccessful in 
this opposition ; Lawrence obtained an act of incor- 
poration, and Methnen lost a large section of her ter- 
ritory. .\iiother small slice was subsecpiently taken 
IVdmi Metluun and added to Lawrence, since which 
time the boundaries of Methuen have remained un- 
changed. Doubtless old residents of the town will 
recall many matters of much interest in their day, 
such as the bickerings about the enforcement of tlie 
licimir laws, the efi'orts made to suppress the lii|unr 
trathe in 8aleni, the contests over the dividing lines of 
school districts, and the disputes over the building of 
new roads, but they would hardly be of general inter- 
est now. From 1850 to IStiO there was little change 
in population, and few events of general interest. In 
18(il came the war which laid its hand so heavily on 
the whole land. When the first note of war was 
sounded, and President Lincoln called for seventy- 
five thousand troops to protect Washington in April, 
18(51, Governor Andrew ordered the Si.Kth Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, with others, to start at once. 
Company F of that Regiment, Capt, Chadbourne, had 
its armory in Lawrence, and eight members of that 
company belonged in Methuen as follows: 



Henry ('uiiiiiiii)gs. 
.\lbfrt 1.. Dame. 
.\mos G. Jones. 
George Kent. 



Frank Santturn. 
George Thnrlow. 
.James Troy. 
Henry Tnrkington. 



They were notified of the call late in the afternoon, 
and immediately reported for duty, and the next 
morning they all left Lawrence for Washington. On 
the lOtli they made the memorable passage through 
Baltimore where they met the first resistance to the 
Federal troops. Thus Slethuen has had the honor of 
seeing her sons foremost in the fight in both of our 
great wars ; for as Lexington and Concord were the 
initial events in the Revolutionary War, so was Bal- 
timore in the Civil War. 

The first action taken by the town was inmiediately 
afterwards on April 30th, when a town-meeting was 



held, and the sum of five thousand dollars voted for 
the purpose of arming, ei|uip[iiug and furnishing vol- 
unteers. A committee, consisting of the selectmen, 
Ebeu. Sawyer, J. I'. Flint, John C. Webster and 
Daniel Currier was appointed " to disburse the 
money." A company was at once formed, all of vol- 
unteers from Methnen and vicinity, and most of them 
from Methuen, and they were uniformed, eipiipped 
and drilled, so as to be ready for action. This com- 
pany became Company B, Fourteenth Massachusetts 
Infantry, and for some time were stationed at Fort 
Warren, and went to Washington in the latter part 
of the summer of 18G1. In August of that year, the 
town voted to pay State aid to the families of volun- 
teers according to law. 

In July, 18')2, forty-seven men were called for, an<l 
the town voted to pay a bounty of one hundred dol- 
lars to each volunteer when mustered into the United 
States service. On the 2d of August the town held 
another meeting, in which it was voted to pay two 
hundred didlars in addition to the sum already 
voted, making three hundred in all, to vidunteers when 
mustered into the service. Immediately after came an- 
other from the President lor three hundred thousand 
nine months' men. A meeting was at once called to 
adopt measures to obtain the number required from 
.Methuen. It was voted to pay one hundred and 
fifty dollars to each nine months' man when mus- 
tered in and credited to the town. 

The next call for recruits came in November, 181)3, 
and the town voted " to fill its cpiota under the call 
for three hundred thousand men." A vote also passed 
to pay the families of drafted men the same State aid 
that was paid to families of volunteers. 

In May, 18(i4, the selectmen were authorized to 
pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars bounty to 
volunteers in anticipation of a call from the Presi- 
dent for more men. After this time, however, few re- 
cruits were mustered in. The volunteers from Me- 
thuen were scattered through several dift'erent regi- 
ments, but the largest number was iu Company B, 
First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, which was 
noted as a remarkably well-drilled and discii)lined 
body of men. When the regiments were detailed for 
the defence of Washington, the Fourteenth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry was selected after a competitive 
inspection with other regiments, for their excellent 
discipline, well-regulated camp, good appearance and 
reliable men. 

The name of the regiment was changed from the 
Fourteenth Massachusetts Infantry to the First .Mas- 
sachusetts Heavy Artillery, and the men remained on 
duty in the forts in front of Washington, on .\rlingt(Hi 
Heights, until towards the end of the war, when they 
were ordered to the front, and |)erformed distin- 
guished service. They were engaged in sixteen to 
twenty different battles, and at Spoltsylvania they oc- 
cupied an important position in the centre of Grant's 
army, and held at bay Ewell's force of more than 



784 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



four times their miinber, until reinforcemeuts ar- 
rived from a distance of five miles, thus preventing 
Grant's army from being cut in two. For their heroic 
behavior on that occasion they received the unusual 
distinction of a special commendation from General 
Grant. The Methuen men received their heaviest 
blow in this battle, where fifteen were killed and 
many more wounded. The news that the company 
from Methuen had sufl'ered heavily iu this battle 
caused great excitement throughout the town, and a 
meeting of the citizens was immediately held. Reso- 
lutions expressive of sympathy and condolence were 
passed, and it was voted to send an agent to look 
after the wounded. 

It ought to be mentioned also that the Methuen 
company held au h(morable position in this regiment 
of eighteen hundred men. At the battle of June 16 
the regimental color-bearer was twice shot down. 
Our well-known townsman, Albert L. Dame, was then 
given this honorable and dangerous place in the reg- 
iment, and had the honor of carrying the colors to 
the end of the war, and delivering them up to the 
State. The number of men lost from Methuen during 
the war was fifty-two, exclusive of those serving in 
the navy. According to General Schouler, the town 
furnished three huu<lreil and twenty-five men for 
the war, which was a surplus of fifty-one over and 
above all demands. Fifteen were commissioned offi- 
cers. The whole amount of money appropriated and 
expended by the town on account of the war, exclu- 
sive of State aid, was .i?38,G.51 fW. 

In addition to this amount seven thousand five 
hundred dollars were gratuitously given by individu- 
al citizens to aid soldiers' families and to encourage re- 
cruiting. The total amount of State aid, which has 
been paid to soldiers and their families in Methuen, 
up to January 1, 1887, is $56,747.03. There were 
about a thousand dollars in money raised by fairs and 
levees, and the ladies of Jlethuen devoted a great 
deal of time to work for the soldiers. 

There were two societies, the Sanitary Commission 
and Christian Commission, which performed a vast 
amovint of work whose value cannot be measured in 
dollars and cents. Thus it appears that there must 
have been paid out in Methuen, directly on account 
of the war, considerably more than $100,000. 

As we look back over the record of Methuen in the 
Civil War, on the readiness with which her men 
mustered in the field, and the heartiness with which 
they were supported by those left at home, we cannot 
deny that this generation has proved itself worthy its 
Kevolutiouary ancestry. 

On the 7th of September, 1876, Methuen celebrated 
the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its in- 
corporation as a town. The day was fine, and the 
event was observed with great enthusiasm. The 
booming of cannon in tlu early moruing aroused the 
slumberers in the valley of the Spicket, and gave the 
signal for the festivities of the day to begin. 



The Town-House and most private dwellings were 
tastefully decorated, business was suspended and the 
busy town took on a holiday appearance (luite un- 
usual. The exercises of the day began with a pro- 
cession, composed of a cavalcade of horsemen, a 
military company improvised for the occasion, — part 
equii)ped in the old style and part in the new, — the 
fire department, carriages representing the different 
trades and business of the town, school children, dis- 
tinguished visitors and citizens in carriages, making 
quite an impositig display. Governor Rice, Surgeon 
Gen. Dale, Hon. Allen W. Dodge and Hon. Carroll 
D. Wright, were among the visitors. The president 
of the day was Hon. Jacob Emerson, orator, Hon. 
John K. Tarbox, chief marshal, Adjutant James 
Ingalls, chaplain. Rev. Lyman H. Blake. 

The procession, with bands of music, passed through 
the principal streets of the town to the " Barker 
Lot," near the corner of Lowell and Barker Streets, 
where a stand had been erected. Here an eloquent 
oration was delivered before a large audience, by 
Hon. John K. Tarbox, a son of Methuen. After the 
oration a banquet was served under a large tent near 
by, at the conclusion of which speeches were made by 
the orator of the day, Hon. Allen W. Dodge, treasur- 
er, of Essex County, Rev. Dr. A. A. Miner, once pas- 
tor of a church in Jlethucn, Hon. Carroll D. Wright, 
Hon. J. C. Blaisdell, of Fall River, Hon. J. K. Jen- 
ners, mayor of Haverhill, Major George S. Merrill, of 
Lawrence, Rev. Moses How, of New Bedford and sev- 
eral others. 

Rev. Moses How was a resident of Methuen in his 
youthful days, and at this time, though eighty-seven 
years of age, a hale and vigorous man. After giving 
his audience many interesting reminiscences of old 
Methuen, he stated that he had preached eight 
thousand sermons, attended two thousand two hun- 
dred and sixty-five funerals, married one thousand 
nine hundred and four couples and had distributed 
five thousand two hundred and eleven Bibles and 
fifteen thousand Testaments to seamen. The day 
closed with social and family reunions at the homes of 
citizens of the town. 

The occasion will be long remembered by those 
who participated in it, for the good fellowship which 
characterized the day, and the greetings of the sons 
and daughters of the old town, who had come back 
to revisit the old homestead, revive the memories of 
early days and take once more by the hand the com- 
panions of their youth. 

From the close of the Civil War to the present 
time, the town has [lassed through the most prosper- 
ous period of its history. The population has in- 
creased from two thousand five hundred and seventy- 
six in 1865, to four thousand five hundred and seven 
in 1885, and the wealth of the town has gained in 
like proportion. 

The territorial limits have not been changed, al- 
though there has been a desire on the part of some 



METHUEN. 



ibb 



to annex Methuen to Lawrence. The gain has been 
almost entirely in the thickly settled portions and has 
been due partly to proximity to Lawrence, but prin- 
cipally to an increase in manufacturing enterprises. 

Schools. — The founders of Methuen seem to have 
provided for the educational interests of the town at 
an early date. In 1729 it was voted to lay out a school 
lot and a parsonage lot north of World's End Pond. 
These were undoubtedly tracts of woodland, whose 
income should be devoted to the purposes for which 
they were respectively laid out. In 1731 it was voted 
to keep school one month in Ebenezer Barker's house, 
one month in Thomas Eaton's house and a month at 
Joshua Swan's. In 1738 we find that Ebenezer Bar- 
ker, Zebediah Barker and Thomas Eaton were each 
paid £2 10s. for keeping school. In 1735 the town 
voted to build a school-house eighteen by twenty feet 
near the meeting-house, school to be kept two months 
at the school-house and one month at Spicket Hill. 
The school appears to have been kept at the school- 
house part of the time, but chiefly at private houses 
until 1792. Reading and writing and a little arith- 
metic were the principal branches taught, and the 
latter study was not reijuired. The schools appear to 
have been taught by male teachers only until 1749, 
when it was voted " to choose school-mistresses to in- 
struct children in their reading." Also voted "to 
choose James How, Nathaniel Messer, James Ord- 
way and Ebenezer Hibbard a committee to agree 
with school-mistresses and appoint convenient places 
for them to be kept in. . ." In 1775 the town was 
divided into seven school districts, each of which 
was to have its proportions of the school money, pro- 
vided it built a comfortable school-house. It appears 
from the return made by the committee whose duty 
it was to build the school-houses, that the building 
of them was let out at auction to the lowest bidder, 
and that the houses cost about £29 each. The town 
also appropriated in the same year £30 for schools, 
and continued to appropriate that amount each year 
until 1792. £G0 a year was afterwards appropriated 
for three years, or until 1795, when the first mention 
of " dollars " appears in the town records. A pound 
at that time appears to have been equivalent to $3.33. 
In 1797, $300 was appropriated, and the amount was 
increased from time to time, until in 1823 the sum 
appropriated for schools was $600. From that time 
to the present the increase in the annual school ap- 
propriation has mure than kept pace with the growth 
in population until the present year, when the 
amount appropriated for school purposes was about 
$11,000. 

Up to the year 1775 the selectmen seem to have 
had usually the sole care of the schools, and from 
that time to 179S there was no school committee reg- 
ularly chosen. It was considered a part of the min- 
ister's duty to visit the schools and look after the 
moral instruction, which in those days formed an im- 
portant part of the training, as well as to see that the 
50 



literary instruction did not fall below the pro2>er 
standard. But in 179S the town chose a committee 
of one from each school district, " to inspect the 
schools in the town the present year." This way of 
managing the schools seems to have been followed 
until 1804, when a committee of three was chosen by 
the town from each of the nine school districts, mak- 
ing twenty-seven in all. It was also voted " that each 
committee with the minister visit their respective 
schools." There seems to have been about this time 
an unusual interest taken in school matters, for we 
find among the records of 1800, a system of School 
Regulations adopted by the town, which show what 
the duties of School Committees and teachers were 
then supposed to be, as follows : 

"Section I. 

" ColiL-eniing the duty of the School Committee. 

^^ Art. 1. It shall be the duty of the school committee to vieit the 
several town schools, in each district twice every year and more if nec- 
essary, giving seasonable notice to the Master or Mistress. 

" Art. 2. It shall be the duty of the Committee to eucjuire into the 
regulations, the mode of government, and the method of instruction 
practised in the school, and it shall be the duty of the committee to use 
their best endcavoi-s to correct any deficiency in the mode of govern- 
ment, the manner of instruction, or the discipline of the schools. 

" .4r(. 3. Should any Master or Mistress appearso essentially deficient 
in the mode of government, the method of instruction, or the discipline 
of the school as not to he useful, it shall be the duty of the Connuittee 
and Selectmen, a majority of them concurring, to dismiss him or her 
from the school, and the Committee or the Selectmen, shall provide 
another who may be more useful. 

" Art. 4. It shall be the duty of the Committee to close each visit to 
the school with addressing themselves to the Scholars upon the duty of 
order, the necessity, respectability and advantages of good educa- 
tion." 

*' Section II. 

" Concerning the duty of School Masters. 

" Art. 1. It shall be the duty of every School Miister to open his school 
in the morning, and close it in the evening with prayer. 

*^Art. "2. It shall be the duty of the muster or mistress to adopt such 
general regulations as will have a tendency to operate uniformly 
throughout the whole school, that every one may have an equal chance 
to pulque and improve in his particular brunch of study and be subject 
to the same rules of government. 

"Art 3. The instructor shall endeavor to govern his respective school 
by the skilfullnesa of his hand, and the integrity of his heart, with 
using as little severity as he shall judge will be for the best good of the 
school, bnt when mild measures will not subject the idle to the good or- 
der and regulations of the school the instructor shall have a right to 
inflict reasonable and decent corporal punishment." 

The system of management above outlined con- 
tinued until 1822, when the town adopted the plan 
usually followed throughout the State until the abol- 
ishment of the School District system, in 1869. This 
consisted of a superintending school committee of 
three, chosen by the town, to look after the qualifica- 
tions of teachers and the management of the schools, 
and a prudential committee chosen by the district to 
hire the teachers, furnish supplies and manage the fi- 
nances. 

The school districts were abolished by statute in 
1869. In the winter of that year the High School 
was organized, and has since been in successful oper- 
ation. There are eighteen schools in town besides 
the High School, all kept open nine months in the 
vear. 



786 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Churches. — The fact that strikes oue most forci- 
bly in reading over tlie early town records is the 
prominence given to religious observances. The chief 
and only reason given for setting oft' the new town 
was that the people might more easily attend the pub- 
lic worship of God. The first business done was to 
provide themselves a minister and a place of public 
worship. The principal money tax was for the sup- 
port of these objects. Nothing could show more 
plainly that the hardy pioneers of Methuen were of 
genuine Puritan stock. Whatever we may think of 
Puritan austerity and fanaticism and intolerance, we 
cannot help admiring the indomitable energy, the 
iron will and lofty purpose of those men who braved 
the dangers of hostile Indians and sufi'ered the priva- 
tions of the wilderness, that they might worship God 
in their own way. 

The old papers which have been j'reserved, the 
town records, and the old traditions all show that the 
first settlers in Methuen were men of rugged, vigor- 
ous intellect, accustomed to think for themselves, and 
not afraid to express their opinions. 

The early history of the town was almost identical 
with the history of the church and society for many 
years. We have already related some of the inci- 
dents connected with the building of the meeting-house 
and settlement of a pastor, and it remains to give 
some account of the organization and history of the 
church since. 

From the " Church Records," which were kept by 
Rev. Christopher Sargent during his ministry, we find 
that " the first church in Methuen was founded by 
Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, October 29, 1729." 
On that day a fast, preparatory to the ordination of 
Mr. Sargent was kept, a sermon was preached. Rev. 
Mr. Phillips gathered the church, and the covenant 
was consented to by twenty-four persons, and within 
a month thirty-five others joined. 

A week afterwards Rev. Mr. Sargent was ordained 
pastor, and continued in the pastoral office until 1783, 
when the town consented to release him from the 
active duties of the ministry. Mr. Sargent was born 
in Amesbury, Mass., in 170-1 and graduated from Har- 
vard College in 1725. Although he must ha^•e had 
a large influence in moulding the religious and intel- 
lectual character of the people of Methuen, there is 
now very little to be found to show exactly what 
manner of man he was. He was evidently a man of 
strong common sense, good talents, a moderate man, 
and one who could unite and harmonize the church. 
We should also infer that he was a more broad-minded 
man than the average Congregational minister of his 
(lay, from the fact that he was several times called 
ui)on by some of his hearers to defend his orthodoxy, 
and that his Calvinism was not extreme enough to 
suit them. The church jirospered under his minis- 
trations, and during his pastorate five hundred and 
nine members were received into it. He died March 
20, 1790, and was buried in the old grave-yard on 



Meeting House Hill, close to the church where he had 
ministered so long. One of his sons, born in Methuen, 
Nathaniel Peaslee Sargent, became a prominent 
law'yer, and in 1790 w-as appointed chief justice of the 
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The only 
evidence we find in church or town records of serious 
trouble in the church during Mr. Sargent's long min- 
istry of fifty-three years, was in 1766, when the 
"Second Church in Methuen" was formed. This 
church was composed of those persons, who, to use 
their own language, " were dissatisfied with the Rev. 
Mr. Sargent's doctrine and manner of discipline or 
church government." The records show that church 
meetings for business were frequent during these 
times, the discipline strict, and the members closely 
looked after. It must be admitted, however, judging 
from some of the entries, that there was need of vigi- 
lance, and even then that sin was not always pre- 
vented. 

After the retirement of Mr. Sargent it was nearly 
five years before another minister was settled. 

The next pastor was Simon Finley Williams, of 
Windham, N. H., who was ordained December 13, 
1786. He was dismissed in 1791, under suspicion of 
misconduct. The next pastor was Humphrey C. 
Perley, of Boxford, who was ordained December 2, 
1795. The church w'as not prosperous during his 
ministry, although he was a man of good repute, and 
continued in the pastoral oflice until May 24, 1815, 
when he was dismissed at his own request. 

Jacob Weed Eastman, of Sandwich, N. H., was the 
next pastor, was ordained December 13, 1815, and re- 
mained till July 4, 1828. He was succeeded by Spen- 
cer F. Beard, of West Brookfield, who was installed 
January 21, 1829, and dismissed April 29, 1832. 

He was followed by Sylvester G. Pierce, of Wil- 
mington, Vt., who was installed June 27, 1832, and 
continued in the pastoral office, greatly beloved by 
his people, until his death. May 8, 1839. John 
Charles Phillips, of Boston, was installed as the next 
pastor December 25, 1839. 

He was a broad-minded and cultured man, of fine 
talents, and his pastorate was characterized by peace 
and harmony in the church. On account of failing 
health he resigned, in July, 1860, and gave up active 
work in the ministry. Edward H. Greely, of Hop- 
kinton, N. H., was the next pastor, and was installed 
over the church in 1861, and dismissed in September, 

1866. The next pastor was Thomas G. Grassie, born 
in Scotland, and installed in Methuen September 10, 

1867. He was dismissed August 7, 1873. Lyman H. 
Blake, of Cornwall, Vt., was settled in Methuen 
June 25, 1874, and was dismissed Sei)tember 4, 1877. 

Zephaniah S. ITolbrook, of Berea, 0., was the next 
pastor. He was installed December 4, 1878, and dis- 
missed June 29, 1881. He was succeeded by Joseph 
Henry Selden, of Hadlyme, Conn., who was settled 
May 10, 1882, and dismissed May 16, 1884. Charles 
H. Oliphant, of Boston, the present pastor, was set- 



METHUEN. 



787 



I 



tied October 29, 1885, having acted as pastor of the 
church for a year previous to his installation. 

The church now numbers about two hundred and 
fifty members. 

In 1796 the old "athadoxt" meeting-house, first 
built, was torn down, and a new one built on or near 
the same spot, the congregation worshipping in the 
meanwhile in the house of the Second Parish. The 
building of this house seems to have excited much 
interest through the town, and it is a curious fact, il- 
lustrating the habits of the time, that it was voted 
" That the spectators be given a drink of grog apiece 
at the raising." As the village sprung up around 
Spicket Falls, " Meeting-House Hill " ceased to be 
the most central place, and to better accommodate 
the congregation, it was decided iu 1832, to remove 
the house to the spot now occupied by the stone 
meeting-house. It stood there until 1855, when the 
wooden house was torn down and the present stone 
house erected. In 1880 the parish received generous 
contributiiins from the family of Rev. John C. Phil- 
lips, and also from the family of Mr. David Xevins, 
for the purpose of erecting a chapel. The stone chap- 
el now on the grounds was built shortly after. "The 
grounds have since been tastefully laid out and 
adorned by Henry C. Nevins, Esq., and the church 
property of the First Parish, Methuen, is now unsur- 
passed in beauty by any in the County. 

In 17(JG, April 16, a second church was organized, 
and Rev. Eliphaz Chapman was installed as its pas- 
tor in November, 1772. 

About this time the " Second Parish " was formed 
by act of the Legislature. Under this arrangement 
every taxable jierson in town was taxed for the sup- 
port of the minister, but he paid to the parish to 
which he belonged, instead of to the town. The 
meeting-house of the Second Parish stood on the 
north side of Pelham Street, a little west of the house 
formerly occupied by Leonard Wheeler. It was af- 
terwards removed to the hill, near the house of Ste- 
]ihen W. Williams, whence it was removed to Law- 
rence, and afterwards destroyed by fire. We have 
found no record of the termination of the ministry of 
Mr. Chapman, but wo find that Rev. J. H. Stevens 
was ordained May 18, 1791, and was dismissed March 
10, 1795. Rev. Josiah Hill was settled April 9, 1832, 
and retired April 9, 1833. The Second Parish exis- 
ted for half a century, — until 1816, — when it was 
united with the First Parish. In 1830 it was again 
organized, but was again united with the old church 
and parish. At present there is but one Congrega- 
tional Church in the town. 

The next church iu point of age is the Baptist. 

To an historical discourse prepared by Rev. K. S. 
Hall, and delivered at the semi-centennial celebration 
of that church and society, October 18, 1865, we are 
indebted for much of what follows. For many years 
there had been persons of the Baptist faith scattered 
through the town, and Isaac Backus preached here as 



early as March .30, 1756. It is also known that Bap- 
tist sentiments were held by the Messer family in 
Methuen a century and a half ago, and that Jacob 
Whittier, of Methuen, was chosen one of the deacons 
of the Baptist Church in Haverhill May 9, 1765. 
Sometime during the last century a Baptist Church 
was constituted iu the west part of Methuen, but no 
record is in existence of its formation or subsequent 
proceedings. A meeting-house was built about the 
year 1778, near the burying-ground west of the Bart- 
lett Farm, and simply boarded and supplied with a 
floor. Services were held in it occasionally for some 
years, but some of the leading families removed from 
town, and the church ceased to exist. Religious 
meetings continued to be held occasionally at private 
houses, and baptisms were administered at diflerent 
times, until the formation of the Baptist Society in 
Methuen, March 1, 1815, when a number of the in- 
habitants met at the house of " Mr. Ebeuezer Whit- 
tier, innliolder," and chose a committee to draft ar- 
ticles of signature, which were signed by seventy-one 
members during the first year. The Baptist Church 
was constituted March 8, 1815, and the recognition 
services were held in the house of Daniel Frye, now 
the " Butters Place." During the first year of its or- 
ganization the church held religious meetings in dif- 
ferent parts of the town, the church meetings being 
usually held at the house of Daniel Frye, afterwards 
chosen deacon. Charles O. Kimball, a licentiate of 
the Haverhill Church, commenced preaching June 
25, 1815, and was ordained pastor of the church and 
society May 8, 1816. 

In the summer of 1815 steps were taken for build- 
ing a meeting-house, and it was finally voted to build 
a "two-story meeting-house" on a half-acre lot given 
by Bailey Davis, where the Bajitist Church now 
stands. Several other lots were contemplated on 
which to build the house ; one, the " mill lot," embrac- 
ing a quarter of an acre near where the Town House 
now stands, and another on " Liberty Hill," a little 
southwest of the stone church on the opposite side of 
the street. The house was built and publicly dedi- 
cated December 5, 1816. During the long pastorate 
of Mr. Kimball, the church seems to have been char- 
acterized by activity and zeal in its membership, and 
steadily increased in numbers and influence. For 
the first ten years all moneys for the support of 
preaching and other expenses connected therewith 
were raised by voluntary subscription ; afterwards 
taxes were assessed on members of the society, Mr. 
Kimball closed his labors October 4, 1835. Rev. Ad- 
dison Parker, of Sturbridge, was the successor of 
Mr. Kimball, and was publiclv installed February 3 
1836. The church seems to have prospered during 
his ministry, which closed May 1, 1839. Rev. Samuel 
W. Field was the next pastor, and was installed April 
22, 1840. During the first year of his pastorate the 
old meeting-house was torn down and a new one built 
on the old site, the congregation holding services in 



788 



- HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the Congregational Meeting-House until their vestry- 
was ready for use. Mr. Field resigned August 2, 
1846. 

In June, 1847, Rev. Joseph M. Graves became pas- 
tor of the church, and remained until May 11, 1850, 
when he tendered his resignation. Rev. B. F. Bron- 
son was the successor of Mr. Graves, and after a pros- 
perous pastorate of seven years and a half, resigned 
May 30, 1858. 

Rev. Howard M. Emerson was ordained pastor 
.fanuary 2, 1861, and continued in the office until his 
death, May 16, 1862. Rev. King S. Hall was install- 
ed December 23 of the same year, and resigned April 
30, 1867. He was succeeded by Rev. N. M. Williams, 
who was settled February 13, 1868, and left March 
81, 1871. 

Rev. Lyman Chase became pastor in May, 1871, 
and remained until the summer of 1876, He was 
succeeded by Rev. Thomas J. B. House, who com- 
menced his labors January 1, 1877, and left April 24, 
1883. Rev. Simeon L. B. Chase became the next 
pastor August 19, 1883, and resigned May 29, 1887. 

On Sunday. March 21, 1869, the meeting-house took 
fire during the morning service, and was totally de- 
stroyed. The society erected the house which is now 
standing in the following summer on the old spot, 
and it was dedicated January 13, 1870. This church 
is strong and prosperous, numbers about two hundred 
members, and is the only one of its denomination in 
the town. 

The Universalis! Church and Society was organ- 
ized in 1824. At first religious services were held at 
irregular intervals in the different school-houses in 
town. As the church became stronger, meetings were 
held regularly in " McKay's building," on Lowell 
Street, and later in " Wilson's Hall," Hampshire 
Street. The present Universalist meeting-house was 
built in 1835-36, and dedicated in July, 1836. Rev. 
John A. Gurley was the first settled minister, and 
was pastor at that time. He left about 1837. The 
next pastor was Rev. E. N. Harris, who did not re- 
main long. Rev. A. A. Miner was settled over the 
church in November, 1839, and remained until July, 
1842, when he left to settle in Lowell. Rev. H. R. 
Nye was the next pastor, and remained about three 
years, leaving in 1845. Rev. Willard Spaulding suc- 
ceeded Mr. Nye, and preached at this time two or three 
years. Rev. O. A. Tillotson succeeded Mr. Spauld- 
ing, and was followed by Rev. William H. Waggoner 
in 1851 and 1852. Rev. Willard Spaulding was pas- 
tor a second time in 1855 and 1856. Rev. Edwin Da- 
vis became pastor in the spring of 1861, and remained 
until 1863. Rev. John E. Davenport followed Mr. 
Davis, and continued in the pastoral office about two 
years. Rev. C. A. Bradley became pastor in 1869, 
and resigned March 22, 1871. 

During the pastorate of Mr. Bradley the church 
and grounds were remodeled and much improved. 
Rev. VV. W. Heywood became pastor in 1871, and his 



resignation was accepted by the society March 29, 
1876. Rev. R. T. Polk was installed as the next pas- 
tor March 21, 1877, and resigned August 31, 1879. 

Rev. G. T. Flanders, of Lowell, supplied the pulpit 
for a year, beginning his labors February 29, 1880, 
was succeeded by Rev. Nathan S. Hill from Novem- 
ber 1, 1881, to March 1, 1883. In October, 1883, the 
society called Rev. Donald Eraser to the pastorate, 
and he remained until his resignation in November, 
1885. Rev. A. F. Walch, the next minister, was in- 
stalled October 14, 1886, and is now in the pastoral 
office. The congregation numbers about one hundred 
and fifty. 

We are informed that the Methodists first held 
meetings in Methuen in 1833 or '34. They occasion- 
ally occupied the Second Parish meeting-house, and 
held meetings in the school-houses, but after the in- 
stitution of regular religious services, they occupied 
" Wilson's Hall." The building now used as a 
school-house on Lowell Street was built by them for 
a meeting-house, and occupied for several years, un- 
til the establishment of a Methodist Church and so- 
ciety at the new city of Lawrence drew off a portion of 
the members, and so weakened the society in Methuen 
that it was thought advisable to sell the building. After 
the sale of the meeting-house no regular religious ser- 
vices were held in Methuen by that denomination 
until 1853 or 1854, when a reorganization was effected, 
and religious .services were held in the library room 
in the town hall. As the society increased in num- 
bers, more commodious quarters were needed, and 
the society held their meetings in the town hall until 
1871, when the present meeting-house was built at 
the junction of Lowell and Pelham Streets. John 
Barnes, of Lawrence, was the first pastor after the re- 
organization, and since then the pastors have been as 
follows : 

Rev. Charles Youug, from June, 1856, to April, 1857. 
Rev. Elijah Mason, from April, 1B57, to April, 1858. 
Rev. Nathaniel L. Chase, from April, 1858, to May, 1859. 
Rev. John L. Trefren, from May, 1859, to April, ISCl. 
Rev. Charles R. Harding, from April, 1861, to April, 1802. 
Rev. Joshua B. Holman, frem April, I8(j2, to April, 1864. 
Rev. "William Hewes, from April, 1864, to April, 1805. 
Rev. Nelson Green, from April, 1805, to April, 1866. 
Rev. Larnard L. Eastman, from April, 1860, to April, 1809. 
Rev. James Nuyes, from April, 1869, ti> April, 1872. 
Rev. George I. Judkins, from April, 1872 to April, 1875. 
Rev. Charles A. Cressy, from April, 1875, to April, 1877. 
Rev. S. C. Farnham, from April, 1877, to April, 1879. 
Rev. J. W. Walker, from April, 1879, to April, 1881. 
Rev. O. S. Baketel, from April, 18sl, to April, 1884. 
Rev. H. II. French, from April, 1884, to April, 1880. 
Rev. Alexander McGregor, from April, 1886. 

The church numbers one hundred and thirty-two 
members. 

In 1833, or thereabout, there was an Episcopal 
Church formed in Methuen. It seems to have had a 
short existence as an organized body, and little can 
be learned about it, except that it held its meetings 
in " Wilson's Hall." In 1878 another Episcopal 
Church was organized under the name of St. Thomas' 



METHUEN. 



789 



Church, and a church-building erected on Broadwa.y 
near Lawrence line. The membership is largely com- 
posed of residents of Lawrence. 

The first rector was Rev. Belno A. Brown, whose 
energy and zeal contributed much to the success of 
the new cliurch. The present rector is Rev. Thomas 
De Learsy. 

The Catholics have a large and prosperous branch 
of that church in Methuen. For many years there 
have been a large number of persons in the town, 
holding that faith, who attended church in Lawrence. 
In January, 1878, a movement was made by leading 
Catholics in Jlethuen, and apjjroved by Father Gil- 
more, then Parish Priest in Lawrence, to establish 
religious services. The Town Hall was engaged, and 
has been occupied for that purpose on Sundays ever 
since. Father Marsden officiated from the beginning 
until his death nearly two years afterwards. 

The pastors who succeeded him have been Father 
O'Farrell, about one year; Father Riley, about two 
years; Father O'Connell, about two years; Father 
Rowan, about two years ; and Father JIurphy, who 
is the present pastor. The congregation numbers 
about four hundred ])ersons. 

Methuen has her full share of social and charitable 
organizations. 

Grecian Lodge, F. A. A. M., was formed in Methuen 
December 14, 1825, and seems to have prospered until 
the Anti-Masonic excitement overspread the country. 
In consequence of this it surrendered its charter in 
1838. The lodge reorganized in 1847 under the old 
charter, but witliin the limits of Lawrence. Methuen 
Masons associated themselves with the old lodge until 
1860, when John Hancock Lodge was constituted. 
It holds its meetings in "Currier's Building," where 
it has a cosey well-furnished lodge-room, and num- 
bers about one hundred and fifty members. 

Hope Lodge of Odd-Fellows was instituied in 1844, 
and for a time held its meetings in " Currier's Build- 
ing."' It surrendered its charter to the Grand Lodge 
in 1855. The lodge was reinstated in 1869, and since 
that time has flourished. It has pleasant rooms, well- 
furnished, in Dodge's Building, and numbers about 
one hundred and Ibrty members. 

A branch of the Royal Arcanum was established 
here in December, 1877. It commenced with a mem- 
bership of twenty, and now has eighty-five. It holds 
its meetings in Corliss' Hall, and seems to be a pros- 
perous societj' — if we can call an Insurance Associa- 
tion of that size prosperous, which has had only one 
death among its members for ten years. 

The United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers also have 
a strong organization in Methuen. It was formed 
March 15, 1879, and numbers about one hundred 
meniber.s. They hold their meetings in the hall of 
the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Wm. B. Green Post 100, Grand .\rmy of the Rejiub- 
lic, was organized in February, 1877, and has seventy- 
four members. It has one of the finest Grand Army 



halls in the region, tastefully finished and elegantly 
furnished. As the Grand .\rmy is composed only of 
veterans in the late war, the post cannot expect to in- 
crease much in numbers, but the zeal and interest of 
its members seem in nowise to diminish as time 
goes on. 

In 1873 Minerva Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, 
I. O. of O. F., was instituted. It numbers about 
ninety members. 

The "Home Circle," numbering about fifty mem- 
bers, was organized in May, 1880. They hold their 
meetings in the hall of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public. 

A branch of the " United Order of Workmen " was 
organized January 25, 1886, and has thirty-one mem- 
bers. They meet in the hall of the G. A. R. 

The Knights of Labor have a strong and well or- 
ganized association in Methuen, and hold their meet- 
ings in Corliss' Hall. 

Methuen does not apjiear to have been behind 
other towns of like population and wealth in efforts 
for literary culture and entertainment. About 1819 
a society was formed called the "Addison Literary 
Society," for purposes of mental culture and improve- 
ment. We have been informed by Robert S. Rantoul, 
Esq., of Salem, that two or three years after, princi- 
pally through the efforts of Timothy Claxton, an 
English mechanic and machinist in the cotton mill, 
this society was transformed into what was afterwards 
known as a lyceum. And there is some reason to 
sup[)ose that this was the beginning of the "lyceum" 
in this country. This society tluurished nearly or 
quite twenty years, had a small library and erected u 
building in which to hold meetings on Broadway 
Street near Park Street. But after awhile, a sinful 
desire for dramatic entertainment entered into the 
minds of some of its members, and the acting of far- 
ces and short plays to some extent took the place of 
the sober discussions of great questions which formed 
the staple of the earlier exercises. The sober, sub- 
stantial people of the town looked on more in sorrow 
than in anger, and refused to countenance such loose 
and immoral practices. From this time on the socie- 
ty declined and fell, and utter ruin overtook it with 
the performance of Richard III by some of its mem- 
bers. 

The building was sold and removed to the west side 
of the river and converted into a dwelling-house, now 
owned and occupied by Hon. James O. Parker. For 
many years courses of lectures were given almost ev- 
ery winter, and sometimes a debating club was organ- 
ized, until the easy access to Lawrence made it possi- 
ble for Methuen people to attend entertainments 
there almost as easily as at home. 

In 1873, and every year thereafter until 1887, the 
town voted that the proceeds received from dog li- 
censes should be devoted to the purchase of a public 
library. From this small beginning the number of 
volumes increased year by yearuutil in 18SG a library 



790 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of about twenty-five hundred well selected volumes 
was collected, which was much used by the people of 
the town, until the Nevins Memorial Library was 
opened to the public — January 1, 1887. 

There is nothing in Methuen in which the citizens 
take so much pride, and for which they are so grate- 
ful, as the Nevins Memorial. The design of this in- 
stitution is so well stated in the " Note by the Trus- 
tees," published in the catalogue of the library, that 
we quote it entire : 

" The Nevina Memorial was founded in memory of the late David 
Nevius, who was born in Salem, N. II., Dec. 12, 1809, and was brought 
tu Methuen by hie parents at an early age, and passed here the years of 
his childhood. In bis later years Ije assumed the duties of a citizen, and 
hero at the family homestead be was seized with the illness which, on the 
lllth of March, 1881, une.xpectedly closed his active and useful career. 

"Desiring to promote the intellectual and moral well being of the 
community whose material interests had been so greatly advanced by his 
business sagacity and energy, it was his expressed intention to found, 
during his lifetime, an institution similar in scope to that of this Memo- 
rial. His sudden decease prevented his execution of this design, but the 
purpose he had declared was at once t^ilien up by his widow and sons, and 
tlie Nevins Memorial Building was erected upon the site chosen and 
purchased for that use some years before his death. The building was 
planned and its construction supervised by BIr. Samuel J, F. Thayer, 
architect, of Boston ; ground for its erection being broken March 27, 
1883, and the completed structure first opened to the public June 11, 
1S84. It contains a public ball, ample in size and beautiful in decora- 
lion, a library, waiting and reading rooms, well adapted tu their respec- 
tive uses, and suitable rooms for the trustees and librarian. The gov- 
ernment of the Memorial is vested in a board of seven trustees, five of 
whom, Mrs. Eliza S. Nevins and Messrs. David Nevins, Henry C Nevins, 
Jacob Emerson and John H. Morse, were incorporated by the Massachu- 
setts legislature of 1885 as permanent members. The two additional 
members are chosen by the town of Methuen for the term of two years, 
r>r. George E. W'oodbury and James Ingalls being the present elective 
members. 

" When experience shall have shown what amount is needed for the 
proper maintenance of the Memorial, it is the design of the founders to 
malle an endowment sufficient to render it entirely self-supporting. The 
library comprises nearly ten thousand volumes of standard works, care- 
fully selected, and covering a wide range of general litei'ature and spe- 
cial topics. To Miss Ames was intrusted its entire organization, includ- 
ing the selection of the books, the details of classification and arrange- 
ment, and the preparation of the catalogue. 

'* We feel confident that the result of her labors will not only facili- 
tate the use of the library for general readers, but will be found of par- 
ticular advantage to those pursuing a systematic course of reading, or 
engaged in special studies. The end crowns the work." 

The building is of brick, with freestone trimmings, 
of beautiful architectural design, anil built in the 
most substantial manner. Every foundation wall and 
pier rests upon the solid ruck, tmd the walls are ex- 
ceptionally strong and heavy. 

The building is finished in oak throughout, and all 
the ornamentation, within and without, is in the most 
exquisite taste, No expense was spared to make it a 
perfect work, according to the designs of the found- 
ers. The library, selected and arranged by Miss Har- 
riet H. Ames, is admirably well chosen, and the cata- 
logue, also arranged and prepared by her, is a well- 
nigh perfect specimen of the art of cataloguing. It is 
in two volumes, of nearly five hundred pages each, 
and is an encyclopedia in itself. The following in- 
scription on the front of the building explains the 
purpose of the founders : 



" This Hall and Library 

erected and endowed by 

EliBa S- Nevins, his widow 

and by David and HeTiry C. 

Nevins, his children, 

is a memorial of 

David Nevins, 

Born 1809. Died 1881." 

About three and a half acres of land surrounding 
the building have been set apart and tastefully laid 
out and ornamented with rare trees and shrubs. And 
all this beautiful and costly estate is placed in the 
hands of trustees, and is to be endowed with a fund 
to make it self-supporting, for the benefit of the in- 
habitants of Methuen in all coming time. Surely 
no more noble or lasting tribute could have been paid 
to the memory of a beloved husband and father, and 
no benevolence could have been made wider in its 
scope or more far-reaching in its influence. The in- 
tellectual growth and culture resulting from the use 
of this library and reading-room will only begin to 
be seen in this generation; the best results can never 
be known to those who have established this noble 
beneficence. 

The beautiful and well-kept grounds will be an 
educator of no small influence, and many a home 
will be made jileasanter and more attractive from the 
example there perpetually shown. 

The interest already manifested by the young peo- 
ple of the town in the use of the library, and the 
average high character of the books most sought for, 
must be to the generous founders a most pleasing 
feature of the opening of the library to the public. 

The first newspaper published in Methuen was the 
Iris, which was removed here from Haverhill in 1833. 
It was supposed to have been printed as a campaign 
paper in the interest of Caleb Gushing, and was soon 
discontinued. The next newspaper was the Methtien 
Falls Gazette, which was first issued January 2, 1835, 
by S. Jameson Varney. It was " neutral in politics" 
and not published many years. 

The Methuen Transcript and Essex Farmer was es- 
tablished in 1876 by C. L. Houghton & Co., and 
edited by Charles E. Trow, who soon after became its 
proprietor, and continued to edit the paper until it 
passed into the hands of Fred. A. Lowell, Esq., its 
present editor and publisher. It is a weekly paper ot 
excellent moral tone, published every Friday, and 
the only newspaper now published in Methuen. 

The Methuen Enterprise was established by Daniel 
A. Rollins March 6, 1880, and published by him till 
his death, March 25, 1882, and was a bright, readable, 
spicy sheet. 

After his death it was purchased by Sellers Bros., 
and published by them until September, 1883, when 
it was merged in the Lavirence Eagle. 

In 1826 or '27 a small fire-engine, the " Tiger," was 
bought, one-half the cost being paid by the Methuen 
Company, and the other half by Major Osgood, John 
Davis, Thomas Thaxter, George A. Waldo and J. W. 



METHUEN. 



791 



Carleton. Thomas Thaxter was the first foreman. 
There is no evidence that the town liad any concern 
in its management. This was the only protection 
against fire until 1846, when the selectmen were 
authorized to purchase a new fire-engine and hose, 
and erect a house. This engine (The Spiggot) was 
manned by an active and efficient company, and did 
good service till 1870, when the steamer E. A. Straw, 
was purchased aud the Spiggot laid aside. 

Methuen now has an excellent fire department ; the 
E. A. Straw Company of seventeen men, and the 
Mystic Hose Company of ten men, organized in 1878, 
all well trained and efficient. 

In addition to this there are iron pipes laid through 
the principal streets, and connected with the power- 
ful engines of the Methuen Company, throngh which 
water can be forced, over the principal portion of the 
village, in case of fire. 

One of the first things done by the old settlers was 
to lay out a place to bury their dead. In 1828 the 
town voted "that there should be a graveyard pro- 
vided in the town, somewhere near the meeting- 
house," and chose William Whittier and Joshua 
Swan to measure and bound out the said graveyard. 

Their report to the town describes the lot as fol- 
lows: — "Beginning with a small pine tree marked 
with the letter B, thence running southerly to a pine 
stump marked with B, twenty rods in length ; thence 
to a pine tree marked with a B, northeasterly about 
six or seven rods iu width, and so to another pine tree 
marked with a B, northwesterly about twenty rods, 
and so to the bounds first mentioned." This was un- 
doubtedly the north end of the " old burying-ground" 
on Meeting-House Hill. In 1803 it was enlarged "on 
the south side," and a hearse was purchased " for the 
more convenient solemnization of funerals." 

In 1772, the Selectmen were ordered to lay out a 
burying-ground in the west part of the town. They 
laid out one-fourth of an acre, on land given for the 
jnirpose by Richard Whittier. The lot was after- 
wards enlarged, and, as the ground became occupied, 
it was again enlarged in 187G. 

The burial-ground on Lawrence Street was ]iur- 
chasod and laid out about 1830. 

These three burial-places comprise those owned by 
the town, and are now but little used. 

Walnut Grove Cemetery was laid out by an asso- 
ciation of individuals, in 1853. It is situated on the 
high land overlooking the village on the west side, 
and is a place of much natural beauty, which has 
been greatly increased by tasteful arrangement of the 
grounds; and beautiful memorials erected to the 
dead. 

Business. — The Town of Methuen was at first 
almost exclusively an agricultural community. Still 
there is reason to believe that there was a variety of 
occupations in the town at an early day. There are 
traditions of coopers, tanners, hatters, shoemakers, 
morocco-dressers, and there is mention of "Iron 



works" on the Spicket, in that part of Methuen now 
within the limits of Lawrence. Probably there were 
persons in the town to make almost everything 
required for use by the inhabitants. There was no 
village, and these mechanics were scattered over the 
town, and at first probably found small market for 
their products outside of the community immediately 
around them. The farmers were so far from market 
that their money incomes must have been very small. 
They depended on the city of Salem as a market for 
their produce, and their wood and timber was rafted 
to Newburyport. Hemp and fiax perhaps found a 
market to some extent in Londonderry. 

These places were the only outlets of importance 
for their surplus products, until after the city of 
Lowell was founded, when everything, except wood, 
was carried there, and the farmers found the new 
market greatly for their advantage. Lowell con- 
tinued to be the principal market for agricultural 
products, until the building of Lawrence furnislied a 
more convenient and, in some respects, better market 
than Lowell, and gave the farmers of Methuen as 
good facilities for the .successful cultivation of the 
land as can be found in any part of New England. 
Nevertheless, it is a curious fact that the population 
of Methuen, outside of the village, is no larger now 
than at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. It 
is even doubtful if there is a much greater acreage 
of cleared land now than at that time. It is not to be 
supposed, however, that there are no more farmers 
now than then, or that the value of the agriculture of 
the town is no greater than it was a century ago. 
The system of farming is entirely changed, and the 
product of a single acre now frequently has a greater 
value than the entire crop of a large farm in the 
olden time. 

From the old traditions, we should judge that the 
manufacture of hats has been carried on in Methuen 
from a very early date. There are several places 
pointed out in the east part of the town, as the site of 
ancient hatters" shops. The work was done entirely 
by hand, no doubt in a small way at first, and half a 
dozen men or less could carry on the whole business 
of a shop. Within the memory of many hatters now 
living, the manufacture was done entirely in this way. 
But, with the introduction of machinery, the business 
has been concentrated into a few factories, by which 
the production has largely increased. Nearly all the 
hats now made in the town, are manufactured at the 
factories of James Ingalls and J. Milton Tenney. 

A similar statement would perhaps be true of the 
shoe business, which for many years has been an im- 
portant industry in Methuen. In the early days shoe- 
making was not carried on to so great an extent as 
hatting. But within the recollection of many now 
living, there was a shoemaker's shop in every neigh- 
borhood and at almost every house. 

Shoes were all made by hand, and the workmen 
took out the stock, all cut, from the shop of their em- 



792 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ployer, and carried it home to make up. In those 
days to be a shoemaker was to know how to make an 
entire shoe. Farmers' and shoemakers' wives and 
daughters " bound " shoes, and the board of the shoe- 
makers formed an important part of the income in 
many families. It would have been hard to find a 
spot in Methuen, where in the still summer days, the 
sound of the shoemaker's hammer did not penetrate. 
But after the war came on, and labor became scarce, 
machinery was devised to do the work which had 
been performed by hand, and the husiness began to 
centre into factories, like hatting, where, by the use 
of machinery, the production is largely increased. 

In past times it is probable that more persons in 
Methuen have been dependent on the shoe business 
for a livelihood, than on the manufacture of hats. At 
[)re.sent the shoe factory of Tenney & Co., is the only 
one in operation in Methuen. 

The first store in town was opened by Abial Howe, 
at a building on Howe Street, nearly opposite the 
liouse of Charles L. Tozier. The exact date is un- 
known, but it is within the recollection of persons now 
living. Later, Esquire Russ opened another store a 
little south of the Russ place, but it does not appear 
that either of them had an extensive business. 

It is not known precisely when Spicket Falls was 
first utilized as a water-power. A deed is in existence 
from the widow of John Morrill, dated December, 
1709, in which she conveys to Robert Swan, for the 
sum of thirty pounds, one-fourth of a saw-mill and 
land " on Spicket River Falls, the mill that was built 
by and belonged to and amongst Robert Swan, John 
Morrill and Elisha Davis " Without doubt this was 
the first mill built. Afterwards a grist-mill was built 
on each side of the river, and as there was not busi- 
ness enough to keep them both running, it was agreed 
between them that they should run on alternate weeks. 
This arrangement was kept up until the cotton factory 
was built. The first cotton factory was built some- 
where near 1812, by Stephen Minot, Esq., of Haver- 
hill, on the north side of the river. 

This was burned in 1818, and soon after rebuilt. 
In July, 1821, the whole privilege and lands con- 
nected therewith were purchased by the Methuen 
Company. The old carding or fulling-mill, which 
had stood on the south side of the Falls, was moved 
away and converted into a dwelling-house, which now 
stands on the north side of Pelham Street. In 1826- 
27 the brick mill was built as it now stands. In 1864 
the property came into the possession of David 
Nevins, Esq., by whom it was largely increased in ca- 
pacity and value, and to whose enterprise the town 
is greatly indebted for its prosperity in recent years. 
He erected a large addition to the brick mill, and in- 
troduced the manufacture of jute, which was contin- 
ued until his death in 1881. The mill has since been 
kept in operation by his family. The principal man- 
ufacture of the Methuen Company has been cotton 
goods. "Methuen duck " has been for many years a 



well-known article in the market, and " Methuen 
ticking " has always been a principal article of man- 
ufacture. After the death of Mr. Nevins the jute 
machinery was removed, and, in addition to duck and 
ticking, the Methuen Company now manufacture 
awning material and light and heavy cotton flannels. 

In 1824 a saw-mill and grist-mill were built where 
the Methuen woolen-mill stands. They came into 
the jjossession of Samuel A. Harvey, Esq., by whom 
the business of the respective mills was carried on for 
some years. In 1864 the Methuen Woolen Company 
bought out the privilege, and erected a fiictory where 
the manufacture of woolen goods has been since car- 
ried on. The Arlington Mills have a large factory in 
Methuen, near the Lawrence line, built in 1881, de- 
voted to the manufacture of fine cotton yarn. The 
other mills of this enterprising and prosperous cor- 
poration are situated a little below on the Spicket, 
but within the limit of Lawrence. 

The extensive chemical works of Lee, Blackburn 
& Co. are also situated in Methuen. They produce 
commercial fertilizers and chemicals used in manu- 
facturing processes. 

The variety of manufacturing interests in the town, 
the nearness to Lawrence, and close connection by the 
horse-railroad, which has been in operation since 
1867, have combined in times of business depression 
to prevent that utter stagnation in business, which 
has been so severely felt in isolated manufacturing 
towns having only one important industry. 

We have thus jiresented such of the principal 
features in the history of Methuen, past and present, 
as space will permit. Many details have been omit- 
ted, and some subjects altogether neglected, which 
would doubtless be of interest to those acquainted with 
the town, but the limits assigned to this paper will 
not admit of an exhaustive history. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



DAVID NEVINS. 

David Nevins was born in Salem, New Hampshire, 
December 12, 1809. His parents were John Nevins 
and Achsah Swan, who removed to Methuen, the 
native place of his mother, while David was quite 
young. He received such education as could be ac- 
quired at the public schools, and in 1824, at the 
age of fourteen was, apprenticed to Hall J. Howe 
& Co., of Boston, a dry goods commission house, 
and selling agents of the Methuen Company, then 
just beginning business. He remained with this 
firm until he reached the age of twenty-one years, 
and there laid the foundation of those business habits 
and methods which contributed so largely to his sub- 
.sequent success. Immediately after coming of age he 
entered into partnership with Philip Anthony, of New 





y^^-^Tm^^^ 



METHUEN. 



793 



Bedford, and carried on a flourishing business, fitting 
out whuling vessels and merchantmen for long voy- 
ages. During several years of his life he kept up his 
interest in shipping, in connection with his firm, and 
managed this branch of his extensive business so 
skillfully as to make it also one of his most profitable 
ventures. In 1838 he married Miss Eliza S. Coffin, 
of Nantucket, an estimable lady who still survives 
him. After remaining in New licdford eight years, 
he left, and formed a partnership with George Baty 
Blake, in the dry-goods importing business, under the 
firm name of " George B. Blake & Co.," in Boston, 
and " Nevins & Co.," in New York. 

While a member of this firm, he occasionally visited 
Europe, where he made the purchases for the house, 
and thus acquired an extensive acquaintance with the 
manufacturers of England and the Continent. Mr. 
Blake retired from the firm in 1845, and the New 
York house continued business under its old name. 
Soon after, Mr. Nevins re-established the Boston 
house under the name of "Nevins & Co." In 1846 
he first became engaged in manufacturing, when with 
E. K. Mudge and others, he built the Victory Mills, 
at Schuyierville, New York, in which he was always 
a large owner. After the financial crash in 1857, he, 
with George Howe purchased the Pemberton Mills, 
in Lawrence, which had been built and i)roved a 
financial failure. Under the new management, the 
mills were run with great success until their fall on 
the evening of January 10, ISGO. Mr. Nevins then 
purchased the ruins, formed a new company, and re- 
built the mills, getting them ready for operation 
early in the spring of 1861, and continued to operate 
them as president of the corporation and selling 
ageut, successfully and continuously until his death. 
In 1864 he purchased the entire plant of the Methuen 
Company, which liad suspended operations at the be- 
ginning of the war. The mill was not put in opera- 
tion, however, until the succeeding year. 

In 1870 the mill was greatly enlarged, and in 1871 
he introduced the manufacture of fine and coarse jute 
fabrics. Wheu he bought the mills, they furnished 
employment to about one hundred and fifty persons; 
when he died they required six hundred and fifty 
operatives, and his enterprise had been instrumental 
in largely increasing the population and business of 
the town. About 1868, the .Stevens' Linen Works, of 
Webster, Ma~s., came into his hands through the 
failure of the former proprietors, and by his energy 
and ability it soon became a successful business en- 
terprise, and continued so until his death. About 
1874 he purchased the mills of the India Bagging- 
Company, at Salem, Mass., and two years later, the 
entire plant of the Bengal Bagging Company, of 
Salem, both of which had been unsuccessful business 
ventures. He soon made a success of both, and so 
increased the production of jute fabrics at these and 
his other mills, that at the time of his death lie was 
the largest manufacturer of this staple in the United 



States. His manufacture was not confined to one 
article, but embraced the four great staples of cotton, 
wool, jute and flax, and with marked success in all. 
He carried on his business so successfully that he ac-, 
cumulated a large fortune, and directly employed at 
his death, probably two thousand people, and in- 
directly afforded employment to many more. 

His extraordinary business capacity was shown in 
nothing more clearly, than in his ability to take up a 
broken down business enterprise, infuse into it new 
life, and make it profitable for himself and the com- 
munity in which it happened to be located. He was 
an excellent judge of men, and rarely made a mistake 
in the selection of those whom he was obliged to 
[ilace in important positions. So systematically and 
perfectly hail he organized his immense business, tliat 
at the time of his death all parts continued to run, 
like a perfect machine, without a jar or break, a 
splendid tribute to his foresight and ability, and the 
capacity and faithfulness of those to whom the details 
of his business were entrusted. Endowed with an 
iron constitution he was accustomed from early boy- 
hood to his latest day.s, to severe and long continued 
labor, and no task was too difficult for him to under- 
take. His business career was characterized from the 
first by an indomitable energy, far-sighted policy and 
an unvarying attention to all the details. Thnmgh 
all the financial revulsions of over half a century his 
busine.-s credit remained untarnished, and an unvary- 
ing success rewarded his strict adherence to rules of 
probity and honor. In addition to his extraordinary 
mental powers, keen, quick and accurate in solving 
the intricate questions presented to him, was a rare 
taste and love for fine literature which amidst all his 
cares and duties he found time to gratify and cultivate. 
He was a devoted student of Sliakspeare, Milton and 
the old English cla-ssics, and withal was remarkably 
well informed on all questions of the time. He de- 
lighted in nature, and whether driving his horses over 
his favorite country roads, or interesting himself in 
the details of his farm, he manifested a fondness for 
her beauty and works. He took great delight in 
the management of his farms, always keeping them 
in a high state of cultivation, and giving personal 
supervision to the details. He had a strong affection 
for the home of his boyhood, and always took an ac- 
tive interest in the affairs of the town. He seldom 
failed to be present at the town-meetings, and partici- 
pate in the clebates over town matters. Within two 
weeks of his death he attended the annual town- 
meeting, and as usual took an active interest in the 
proceedings. Mr. Nevins was of a social, genial 
nature, generous in his instincts and liked to enter- 
tain his friends. In personal apjioarance he was 
nearly six feet in stature, had a .superb figure and a 
remarkably handsome, refined and intellectual head 
and face, and presented a commanding and patrician 
bearing. 

A few days before his death, he took a severe cold. 



794 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



which gradually grew worse, and developed heart 
difficulty, causing his death in the midst of his ex- 
tremely active and useful career, on the 19th of 
March, 1881. 

He left two sons, — David Nevins and Henry C. 
Nevins, who with their mother have continued his 
extensive and varied business enterprises. 



CHAPTER L. 
GEORGETOWN. 



BY HENRY M. NELSON. 



INTRODUCTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

The town of Georgetown, the twenty-seventh in 
the sisterhood of Essex County, and numbering three 
hundred and three in the line of date of incorpora 
tion of the towns then existing within the limits of 
the State, has for its natal day April 21, 1838. Two 
municipalities besides Georgetown were at that ses- 
sion of the General Court granted permission "to be." 
One, a poor, feeble child of the commonwealth, on 
the extreme western border, w.as, just a week before, 
in exquisite raillery it would seem, ushered into the 
family as Boston Corner, and then, after a few brief 
years, with its square mile of territory and seventy- 
three inhabitants, was quietly or otherwise disposed 
of to our New York neighbors. The other, known 
originally as " Erving's Grant," became the town of 
Erving, in Franklin County. That town has had a 
moderate growth in a fairly, fertile agricultural dis- 
trict, and to-day continues with but slight increase 
from one census point to another. Georgetown is lo- 
cated about six miles northerly of the geographical 
centre of the county, and on the southern border of 
the Merrimac towns. It has an outline of five sides 
known as quinquangular, having that number of 
rather unequal sides, but bounded, however, by four 
towns only, viz : Boxford, extending along the west 
and south; Rowley on the southeast; Newbury on 
the east; Groveland along the entire north; and 
without any marked change of boundary line, exists 
to-day as when set off from Rowley, the mother-terri- 
tory, nearly a half-century ago. Its greatest length 
is from west-northwest to east-southeast, nearly five 
and three-fourths miles. This is from the angle north 
of the house of Mrs. Edward Poor, on West Street, to 
a point about one-half mile southeast of the new 
cemetery in Byfield, and its extreme width, three and 
one-half nules, is from just north pf the Thurlow es- 
tate, on Thurlow Street, to the noted boundary-mark 
where Rowley, Boxford and Georgetown lines diverge 
a large red oak tree of which the charred stump now 



remains, known from early times as the " Three Sis- 
ters." A Sunday raccoon hunt by some of our local 
sportsmen is understood to tell the story of its de- 
struction, a score or more of years ago. 

The seventy-first dej'ree west, Greenwich, at the 
Boxford boundary is just west of the B. & M. R. R., 
across which the railroad diverges to the west of the 
line near the residence of H. P. Chaplin, Esq., cross- 
ing Georgetown village very nearly where the First 
Congregational Church stands and Main Street a few 
rods northwest of the centre, having the eastern cor- 
ner of Groveland and the villages of West Newbury 
and Merrim.ac on the same line at the north. Direct- 
ly south is the most westerly section of Lynn, East 
Saugus, West Peabody, Middleton and Boxford vil- 
lage. Located within the latitude of 42° 42' to 45', 
this town has exactly on the western line the city of 
Lawrence, the denser part of Methuen, the river side 
of North Andover, West Boxford, and eastwardly the 
entire town of Rowley, the Great Neck district of 
Ipswich, and along the ocean all that part of Plum 
Island within Rowley and Ipswich. The nearest 
point to the open Atlantic, from the village centre on 
the air line, is across Hog Island and just south of 
the division on Plum Island between Rowley and 
Ipswich, about ten and one-half miles. The entrance 
to Ipswich River, the same distance. In favoring 
conditions of wind and .atmosphere, the beating of the 
surf on Plum Island, after or during a gale, and Ips- 
wich beach before the storm is upon us, is distinctly 
heard in this town. The nearest point to Merrimac 
river, is at the boundary between Bradford and Grove- 
land, distance three and one-fifth miles. Direct line 
to Haverhill bridge railroad station five and one-half 
miles. Nearest point ti State line, a point about 
midway of Plaistow, N. H., just north of Kenoza 
Lake, six and three- fourths miles. City of Lawrence 
eight and one-half miles ; and the factory bells are 
heard frequently and very clearly. The tide-water .at 
Byfield not quite four miles distant. 

The topographical features of the town are first, the 
Baldpate as the most prominent elevation, extending 
in its foot hills nearly to Central Street on its western 
side, and includes the entire southwestern section of 
the town. It attains at its highest altitude about four 
hundred feet above the sea, with a broad, level tract 
at its northeast base, terminating sharply at Rock 
Pond. This hill was known as Baldpate (or including 
the hill in Boxford near by, known as Shaven-crown) 
as the Bald hills from early times. The divisional 
line between Baldpate and its neighbor is distinctly 
defined, extending over the town limits just beyond 
the boundary line. This is a well-watered country. 
Lake Raynorand a small pond at the head of Raynor 
with a swampy margin, both in Boxford, absorbing 
all of the sever.al streams, coursing down the southern 
slope. The eastern water-shed is into the westerly 
branch of Pen Brook, while the northwestern flowing 
into Half-Moon Meadow reaches Parker River just 



GEORGETOWN. 



795 



westerly of Scrag Pond. The Uptake district, in the 
northwest, has its southern side only in Georgetown, 
quite precipitous and ragged. This district is princi- 
pally in Groveland. Another hilly section west of 
Pen Brook and east of Elm Street, separated from the 
Baldpate district by the plain at South Georgetown 
called in early times Fair-face, extends from a gentle 
upland at the northern end of this section, three- 
fourths of a mile southerly, to an abrupt and peculiar 
termin.ation, just in the rear of the residence of S. K. 
Herrick, anciently the home of Capt. Benj. Adams, 
designated formerly as " Tanner Adams." This is the 
" Red Shanks " locality, and lias been known as such 
for at least one hundred and sixty years; why it bears 
this name is difficult to conjecture, although it may 
have been from the color of the rock formation. East 
Street traverses a natural notch up the western slope 
of this district. This tract at its highest point is not 
far from two hundred feet above the ocean, and has 
such singular features, that ex])erienced travellers 
and scientists as Profs. C. H. Hitchcock and J. H. 
Huntington have noticed and remarked its peculiari- 
ties. 

Old Californians have claimed, that this, with the 
moraines and broken country on the oj:>posite side of 
Fair-face Plains, had striking resemblances to the min- 
eral districts, with which they were familiar, and as 
evidences are apparent, mineral deposits have been 
sought for. The water-shed is toward Pen Brook on 
the one side, and the branch of Pen Brook which flows 
west of Elm Street, on the other. Still another ele- 
vated locality in this town was designated as the 
Rocky Hills, from the earliest period, showing that 
familiarity with the peculiar natural features of the 
place, which results in a characteristic name. Along 
the base of this rocky front, may have been an In- 
dian trail, travelled by them while on their inland 
journeys, and from the southern margin of this 
ragged ledge, our fathers no doubt first saw the coun- 
try beyond. From this point, just in the rear of the 
house of E. S. Sherburne, begins an extended tract of 
upland of varied character, moderate elevation and 
of peculiar features, u'-like any others in town, more 
especially in the northern section, or in that part 
known in modern times as Atwood's Hill. Here is a 
sharp ascent of perhaps one hundred feet, rising quite 
abruptly from the narrow intervale of Pen Brook be- 
low. The country eastwardly is broken and undulat- 
ing, rising, however, on the south at the Searl place, 
to a sufficient height to give an attractive prospect. 
This upland region extends to Tenney Street on the 
southeast, with a descent on the northeast, to the in- 
dentation known as Spruce swamp, encircling a di- 
minutive pond of the .same name. The water-shed 
from this tract, embracing the country from North 
Street to Marlborough, oi Elders Plain, as formerly 
called, and Tenney Street, is into Pen Brook along 
the southwest to the northwest side, and on the north- 
ern side into Parker River and also into the brook, 



which, flowing from Spruce Pond by a northerly course, 
runs into Parker river. 

In the east the waters take a new channel, seeking 
their level at a branch of Muddy Brook, one of the 
main feeders of Mill River, that prominent feature 
in the topography and history of the mother town of 
Rowley. This same brook also receives the waters 
of the southerly slope of Long Hill, an elevation hav- 
ing an altitude of two hundred and thirty-three feet, 
the summit of which is in Georgetown, with its easter- 
ly side in Rowley. Here again the water fall of the 
north is into Parker River, through Wheeler's Brook, 
and one or two of its branches ; but further to the 
eastward into Great Swamp Brook, another of the 
numerous feeders of Mill River. Between the eastern 
branch of Wheeler's Brook (a stream which enters 
Parker River in Newbury, about one-half mile from 
the town boundary) and Great Swamp Brook, is a 
considerable part of the Byfield district, of slight ele- 
vation, most of the area being a plain of light soil, 
known on its eastern side as " Bye Plain," from a 
very early date. 

In tracing the brooks and streams of the town, 
Parker River naturally becomes the central object. 
It flows along the northern boundary, at some points 
so near, as if with an eagerness to cross, and at none 
of its windings, hardly three-fourths of a mile within 
the town. Its head waters are but a short distance 
from Great Pond in Amlover, fed by a small pond, 
and a few streams in West Boxford. Entering George- 
town its first course is through Haselltine's meadow, 
absorbing the brook from Half-moon meadow, then 
taking Scrag Pond in its course, now a mere quag- 
mire of bushes, it reaches Rock Pond, a fine sheet ot 
pure water of forty or more acres, and hurrying on by 
the outlet at its northern end, it enters by a northerly 
curve, at about eighty rods distance. Lake Pentucket, 
of perhajis one hundred acres, and passes out at its 
southeastern margin. At this point, in volume, it 
begins to show its powers as the servant of the com- 
ing man. The Englishman who, on his return home, 
wrote such a glowing account of Parker River, which 
he claimed to have explored a score or two of miles 
into the interior, enlarging upon its great width, mak- 
ing it in resource almost a rival to the Thames, drew 
on his imagination like a true Munchausen or a mod- 
ern speculator in Western and Florida lands, and no 
doubt had a satisfactory sale, for a history so marvel- 
ous and entertaining. 

One-half mile beyond the outlet, a vigorous brook, 
it receives through Pen Brook, all the surplus of 
Lake Raynor and the adjacent country, the water- 
shed of an area of not less than two thousand acres; 
this grand tribute added, after receiving aslight stream 
from the north, and the Spruce Pond Brook near the 
Hilliard tannery, at a mile beyond, it reaches the ter- 
ritory of our northern neighbor. 

While at an early period both of onr ponds were re- 
corded with the names they now bear; the stream be- 



796 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tween Scrag Pond and Rock Pond was named " the 
brook that runneth from Scrag Pond," simply, that 
part of Parker River which connects Rock and Pen- 
tuckets Ponds was " Rock Pond Brook," and "that 
which issueth out of Pentucket Pond " was, when des- 
ignated, recorded as Crane Brook. 

Aside from the limited Long Hill section, which 
is a supply through Muddy Brook for Mill River, 
wholly a Rowley stream, until in the salt marshes 
northeast of the ox-pasture it unites with the Parker, 
and together they journey to the sea; the whole rain- 
fall of this town, besides that which falls on two or 
three thousand acres of land in West Boxford and 
North Andover with that along Lake Raynor, seeking 
its natural level, enters Parker River, either before 
crossing into Groveland or even after reaching New- 
bury. 

These brooks and streams — seven in number, and 
their branches, which are of themselves permanent 
brooks — are bounded by meadows of varying width, 
in places a mere fringe of intervale, but mostly of a 
width of many rods, of peaty soil, aggregating not 
less than five hundred acress. This meadow-land of 
itself was a prize in the eyes of the first settlers. 
These brooks, bordered by such extensive natural 
clearings, had a value then that to-day we can 
-scarcely realize. Rowley had none of these fresh 
meadows at or near the town. The " large accommo- 
dations" offered by the General Court of Massachu- 
setts Bay to Mr. Ezckiel Rogers and his company in 
the winter of 1638 included these especially valuable 
lands in the territory now known as Georgetown. 
The location was accepted, however, without any 
definite knowledge of the land of the interior. Neigh- 
bors near enough for aid and assistance when needed, 
with land sufficient for the support of the jdantation, 
was one requisite; another was water communication 
with Boston. Both were included in the offered 
grant. All the seaboard in the vicinity of Boston 
had been already occupied. 

Between Newbury, a compact little village of four 
or five years' growth, not far from the entrance to the 
river Parker, and Ipswich, already a plant of strength 
and vigor, having watchful friends at court, was a 
nearly level tract of three or more miles in width, and 
at Boston was probably not under-tood to be included 
in the privileges of the already-established towns. 
So near the doors of both towns this pleasant locality 
became familiar to those who journeyed from Ipswich 
to Newbury to and fro ; and as the limits of the two 
towns may not have been very carefully drawn, a 
few settlers, more adventurous or selfish than their 
associates, had opened up their little clearings, and 
it is probable had settled here. 

The winter of 1638 and 1639, the first winter of 
Mr. Rogers and his twenty families in New England, 
was spent in Salem, and was one of suspense and un- 
certainty. The original company numbered perhaps 
one hundred persons. One hundred and twenty pas- 



sengers was the limit at this time by colonial law for 
a ve.ssel of two hundred tons burden. 

Mr. Rogers, according to Johnson, had given 
Messrs. Eaton and Davenport encouragement, and 
perhaps a partial promise, that he would join them in 
the Connecticut colony, and some of the company 
having relatives there, as Matthew Boyes it is known 
had, a party were sent around to investigate and 
report. 

A disturbed feeling having for some time existed in 
the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, at the widespread 
movement toward emigration to Connecticut, by 
planters already settled in Watertown and other 
places, the officials were led to make strenuous efforts 
to retain the new arrivals, and special inducements 
were offered. 

Mr. Rogers was well know'n to the Puritans, both 
here and in England, as a man of marked ability and 
high moral worth, and to secure him and his company, 
some of whom were men of education and perhaps of 
fortune, and all of the best material for the building 
of the State, was a work which promised good returns. 
Those who were already settled in these infant colo- 
nies were anxiously looking for emigrants. Men and 
women of any rank or station were welcomed, who, to 
maintain a pure faith, were ready to forswear all that 
England, with the ease and pomp of the State Church, 
could oft'er. More than once had the General Court 
ordered public thanksgiving for the "arrival of per- 
sons of special use and quality," and for "safe arrival 
of ships and many passengers." No mere adventurers 
were wanted; no schismatics; these were returned 
from whence they came, and shipmasters warned, 
under penalty, not to repeat the offence. 

Some rivalry is manifest toward Connecticut, prob- 
ably of a fairly friendly nature; but as regards Mr. 
Rogers and his company with that colony, the 
inducements to remain were presented so forcibly 
that on the return of the party sent for investigation, 
a definite settlement was made, and the location for 
the plantation fixed. Another moving cau^e for the 
intense i)re,ssure used to keep them within the limits 
of the JIassachusetts Colony, was the knowledge that 
this little company were but the pioneers of a grand 
exodus of "many persons of quality in England, who 
depended on Mr. Rogers to choose a fit place for 
them." The privations of the earlier settlers had in 
a degree passed ; the country in the vicinity of Bos- 
ton, as has been said, was occupied and gradually 
becoming cleared; roads opened from one town to 
another ; the foundations of a college laid, and a per- 
manent occupation of the country assured. Mr. Ro- 
gers had confidential relations with families of influ- 
ence in England ; he came here as their trusted agent, 
and, in consequence, these especially " large accom- 
modations" were granted him, with the fond antici- 
pation that at an early day many others would follow. 
These families of wealth and quality, whoever they 
were, will perhaps never be known by us, and their 



GEOKGETOWN. 



797 



names are now locked in oblivion. Late researches 
in England by Mr. Waters, of Salem, however, show 
intimate personal relations between the family of 
Oliver Cromwell and the immediate I'amily of Mr. 
Rogers, and possibly they might be traced from this 
distinguished point. 

The conflict between the Cavalier and Roundhead 
soon raged madly, and thoughts of a voluntary exile 
to Xew England, for peace of conscience, gave place 
to hymns of triumph at home. The rise of the Com- 
mons. — the people; a change of a kind such as the 
world never saw before ; a king at the tribunal of the 
people. Like the image seen in vision by the Eastern 
monarch, unfortunately part was of iron and part 
clay ; yet truly a mighty work was accomplished, 
which the world will never forget. All this stopped 
emigration, as in a moment; and "Mr. Ezekiel Ro- 
gers' plantation" is believed to have closed the period 
by which emigrants came here for settlement, as an 
organized body, before leaving England. 

In the spring of 1639, Mr. Rogers and the new 
planters, their pinnace laden with the household 
beginnings of a new republic, anchored at the place 
designated for the plantation. Kight hundred pounds 
were expended to buy the claims of the few who had 
preceded them. Thomiis Nelson, the deputy, sur- 
veyor, road locator, and the agent of the Colonial 
government in settling boundary lines, gave of his 
wealth to establish the plantation, and in his will, 
nine years later, dated in England, where he was at 
the time, perhaps there to receive the estate of an 
elder brother, killed at Marston Moor, refers to 
" goodman Seatchwell" (Shatswell of Ipswich), to 
whom he " payd eleven pounds & seventeen pounds" 
for " his tferme," probably one of the settlers who 
preceded them. 

Clearing land, seed-sowing, the erection of a meet- 
ing-house, and also several common houses for shelter, 
occupied their tirst year. These common houses were 
the homes of the two hundred or more settlers for 
perhaps three years. The lands were held and culti- 
vated in commonalty, for at least that length of time. 

Now begins the struggle for the means of living. 
The dependence on the yearly harvest for existence, 
until the crops of the next season were gathered, is 
an impressive feature, both of colonial and town 
legislation. Rarely any surplus carried over, the 
pressing need of husbanding all their resources, is 
seen from the beginning of the history of this planta- 
tion ; and this was but a type of every other. 

The General Court passed a law requiring the 
inspection of corn, to see that none of a quality tit for 
human food is heedlessly fed to animals. Here at 
the outset, with a wise foresight, a community-system 
was established, where careful watch-care could be 
had, the true spirit of socialism made imperative, and 
all waste and selfishness prevented. 

Here was a true paternalgovernment, and the result 
was a most symmetrical system. Streets were located 



and lot-laying, with a care and exactness such as but 
few, if any, other town in New England had. With- 
out change or alteration, those streets exist to-day. 
and the same careful system of lot-laying was inher- 
ited by the descendants of the first settlers, as will be 
seen in all town action on the division of lots, down 
to a late day. 

In the fall of 1039, the plantation was incorporated, 
and "M'. Ezechi: Rogers' plantation shalbee called 
Rowley." No controversy or war of words, as in this 
day ; but positive, immediate action. Having a lim- 
ited harvest that year, the General Court granted ex- 
emption from taxation in 1640, because, says the 
statute, "of their hindrance in planting." 

When they forsook their common houses, it was to 
occupy humble family homes, but located so near 
each other that close communal relations must for 
some time have continued to prevail. 

With roofs covered with thatch, there was at all 
times great danger from fire, and one early town 
ordinance called for ladders of a certain length for 
every house. But it is with the backwoods with 
which we have to do. 

When the first explorations of their territory in 
the interior took place, it is of course impossible to 
tell. Naturally, on arrival, curiosity would be 
awakened to know what the country eight miles 
from the settlement had that was of immediate 
value to them. It was theirs, of that they were 
assured by a satisfactory title, a grant from the 
Government of Englishmen. No sagamore had as yet 
asserted his claim, as was done at a later day. The 
Indians who were here were evidently a dwindling 
race, and so little regarded that probably because 
of the annoyance, at about this time, the sagamore 
of Agawam was forbidden by Colonial law, to en- 
ter a white man's house. Curiosity would, of course, 
be excited by a tramp through the dense wood- 
growth up the hill now called Prospect, and from 
the summit of that hill, on seeing the delightful and 
unlooked-for view, one would then very naturally give 
to the hill the name it has always borne, and then 
looking westward, see our Georgetown hill, with its 
top cleared and barren of trees. Conspicuous as it 
must have been, encircled everywhere by forest, 
how naturally would the word Baldpate spring to the 
lips, and ever after this hill bear this peculiar 
name. 

Besides these first attempts to get a clue to the 
secrets of the wilderness came eager questionings of 
their Newbury and Ipswich neighbors. Dummer and 
Spencer, of Newbury, had gone up Parker River to 
the falls in 1635, and had the right granted to erect a 
mill. Two years later the attention at Boston was 
turned toward " Shaweshin, to see whether or not 
it be a fitt place for a plantacon." This settlement 
was not granted, however, until ]()41, and then to 
the town of Cambridge on certain conditions. 

As soon as settlements were contemplated, there 



798 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



may have been those who were bound to know for 
themselves whether " Shaweshin was fitt for liabita- 
tion," and Newbury men crossed what is now George- 
town. The opening of roads is always an important 
work in new countries. Most of the towns were 
summoned by the General Court, once and again, 
for their delinquencies in the neglect of the high- 
ways. 

The f5rst roads for Rowley to attend to were with 
Newbury and Ipswich, and the law required highways 
to be opened, of six, eight and ten rods width, to avoid 
marsh and miry spots. Early in the year 1(540 the 
need of accurate knowledge of their grant led to a 
sufficiently careful survey of the western boundary, 
now the Bradford and Boxford lines, to show that 
the eight miles in a direct line from the meeting- 
house in Rowley would not reach for two or more 
miles, the boundary line between Rowley and Cochi- 
tawick, that Mr. Rogers claimed he and his planta- 
tion were entitled to. Mr. Rogers pressed his claim 
for this land ," upon Merrimack, near Cochitawick," 
with such tenacity, that, after some hesitation, his 
wishes were granted, and the first step was taken for 
a corrected line between Rowley and Audover, that 
fixed the boundary quite eleven miles from the cen- 
tre of the village at Rowley. This action of the court 
was at the October session of that year. 

The survey and running of the eight mile direct 
line from the meeting-house towards the western 
bounds, if carefully done, must have led directly 
across the central part of the tract now Georgetown. 

The experience of Thomas Nelson would probably 
designate him for the work, and yet inaccurate, per- 
haps, at the best, for complaints of defects in the run- 
ning of town lines were constantly coming before the 
General Court. These defects are explained when we 
consider that the lines ran through forest and bog 
rough and untraveled. Compensation for a prior 
grant of five hundred and fifty acres to Governor En- 
dicott, and found to be within the limits of the grant 
to Mr. Rogers, was one cause of a change of boundary, 
beyond the eight mile limit into the interior. Besides, 
the original grant of May 13, 1G40, declared the 
bounds in the other direction to be a ''cross-line diam- 
eter from Ipswich Ryver to Merrimack Ryver." 

Had this been adhered to it would have included 
most of the New Meadows, now Topsfield, and per- 
haps also the country of the Wills-hill men, in Mid- 
dleton, a district which seems to have been conceded 
to these settlements without controversy, at an early 
date. Perhaps, with Eadicott, they could also lay 
claim to prior grants. The concession of all this tract, 
bordering on the " Ipswich Ryver," when the boun- 
daries of the grant were so definitely and clearly 
stated, was also compensated for by this extension 
westward. 

Most of the grants of that day, private or corporate, 
were loosely drawn, with but a vague and indefinite 
idea of the geographical situation of the locality, and 



disputes in consequence were rife for a long time 
afterward. Salem had as its grant all the country, from 
Ipswich River to the sea on one side, Rowley, all be- 
tween this river and Merrimack on the other. In 
1639 these were adjoining towns by Colonial action, 
but how few in Essex Countj' realize it to-day. This 
Rowley territory, thus parting Ipswich and Newbury, 
turned both at the right and left, a few miles from the 
sea, effectually closing to both towns any exten- 
sion of growth in the interior, and doubled in area 
both of those towns combined. At the rapidity with 
which emigrants had been flocking here for years, and 
towns becoming incorporated at that time, such " large 
accommodations " were unquestionably given to the 
Rowley grantees, to be held in reserve for the large 
number who were expected to follow Mr. Rogers. 



CHAPTER LI. 

GEORGETOWN — ( Continued) . 

KAELIEST LAND-GRANTS AND PIONEER SETTLEMENTS. 

TwELA'E years after the readjustment of the western 
boundary, Francis Parrot, the town clerk of Rowley, 
entered in the book of recoi'ds, under date 1652, this 
town action, viz. : Thomas Mighill has granted 
" twenty-three Akers at the place called the pen, 
where young cattell were formerly kept." The land 
was said to adjoin Mr. Humphrey Rainers' land, per- 
haps not attached, but near by. This was stated, 
evidently to make the record clear. Also laid out 
" Fifteen Akers meadow commonly called Spruce 
meadow, and formerly in the possession of John 
Brocklebank." 

The above is the first record on the town books, 
having a reference to the territory, now the town of 
Georgetown. 

Thomas Mighill, who began at this early day, to 
show his intentions of making a permanent settle- 
ment in this part of the town, was very prominent in 
the affairs of the church and the town of Rowley 
from the beginning, and was elected deacon in De- 
cember, 1639. He was a man of considerable wealth 
for the time, had many household furnishings brought 
from England, of which one heavy, leather-seated 
chair, now owned by some of his descendants in 
the family of the writer, is said to be a part. Mr. 
Mighill in everything jiertaining to the interests of 
the town, was active and useful. His death w-as un- 
timely, occurring March 14, 1664-65. Had he lived, 
he would probably have made an extensive clearing 
here at an early day. His will in the possession of 
Chas. P. Mighill, of Rowley, is an interesting docu- 
ment. Mr. C. P. Mighill and brother, who are direct 
descendants through Stephen, the youngest son of 
Thomas (as are all of the name or lineage in this 



GEORGETOWN. 



r99 



vicinity), own and reside, upon the original lot on 
Wetbersfield Street in Eowley, laid out to Mighill in 
1643, nearly two hundred and fifty years ago. An- 
other tact worthy of mention, is, that this lot in 
Georgetown at the pen land, has been in the family 
of the present owner, Mr. Humphrey Nelson (a lineal 
descendant through a great-granddaughter of Stephen), 
for many years. Not long after it was laid out, a 
part of it was fenced, and styled a field. This was 
done either by the first grantee, or Thomas, the 
eldest son. In this record, is the first mention of the 
herding of the young cattle on this comracm land. 
Pen Brook constantly referred to, in the land convey- 
ances and allotments of the first hundred years, was 
the westerly bounds of one piece of meadow, laid out 
at this time. Tliis is near Union Cemetery. The 
pasturing of the young stock in these upper commons, 
began, no doubt, some years before, and had become 
the established practice. Herdsmen were sent to give 
the care necessary for the protection of the cattle and 
sheep. A little later, in a descriptive record, is this, 
Kjol : "Adjoyning vnto the s"" Land at the end where 
the pen house stood." 

There was, it is probable, good pasturage here, for 
while the country generally wiis heavily timbered, no 
doubt, much of the area was free from shrub growth 
and underbrush, the result of the fires set by the In- 
dians, when grasses, of course, would start up abund- 
antly. This firing of the weeds and valueless growth 
continued later on. 

In the list of the charges for the town of Rowley 
for the year 1666, is this : " Left. Siamuel Brocklebank 
for burning ye young cattle walk, 5 shillings." This 
is the first record for town labor in Georgetown. 

The pen house had been moved further up. The 
land spoken of was sold in 1661, "to John Brockle- 
bank, by the men appointed to sell Land, to pay the 
Legacy to Ipswich Rogers," the record rather curtly 
says. One of the conditions of Mr. Ezekiel Roger's 
will was, that the church and town of Rowley, on the 
receipt of the bulk of his property, were to pay eight- 
score pounds in country pay, to his nephew, Ezekiel 
Rogers, of Ipswich, two years after the testator's 
death. Mr. Rogers died January 23, 1661, and this 
land was by order of the town sold soon after. This 
same John Brocklebank, was the youngest son of 
Jane, a widow, who with her two sons, Samuel the 
eldest being a boy of eight, were among the original 
Rowley company. 

The Spruce meadow may have been at what is now 
known as such, south of the Hilliard place on North 
Street, and yet it seems a question whether at that 
early period, any land in that locality had been en- 
tered. 

One fact seems apparent, that the earliest move- 
ment for a settlement of Georgetown, was east of Pen 
Brook, on Mr. Humphrey Nelson's farm, and in that 
locality on East Main Street. The ujjland along the 
Rocky hills, with the meadows southerly, was the 



first to be laid out. That extensive tract of meadow 
along Pen Brook to its source, had been explored at as 
early a date as cattle had been herded, and at some time 
prior to 1652, a grant was made to Elder Humphrey 
Rainer, of at least, most of the laud from Lake 
Raynor for some distance down, and possibly nearly 
to the pen-land. All the deeds given in what is now 
South Georgetown as late as seventy-five years after- 
wards, which have as a boundary these meadows along 
Pen Brook, describe these pieces of meadow as the 
"Elder's," or "Elder Rainer" meadow. It can be 
safely said that this worthy member of a family, noted 
in the early church annals of New England, was the 
first landholder in South Georgetown, and probably 
in the town. 

In describing the land laid out to Mighill, it seems 
to have been well understood at the time where the 
Rainer meadows were. It was comparatively easy to 
secure pasturage and protection for the farmer's 
herds through the summer, but with so little un- 
cleared land and the entire human food-supply of all 
dependent on the harvest from the land they had 
slowly and laboriously cleared, the hay from the 
Rainer meadows was carefully secured and carted to 
Rowley. The improvement of their highways began 
to be nece-ssary ; in 1661, says the record, of a ten 
acre lot of land laid out to John Brocklebank ; that, 
" The Town hath secured a sufficient and convenient 
highway for driving cattle and carts, as they may 
have occasion to make use of it." The value of the 
hay from the salt marshes, tradition says was not un- 
derstood by the Rowley people, until a bull lost from 
the settlement in the autumn was caught in the 
spring after a winter of grazing on the marsh grasses 
in such fine condition, that ever after, these lands 
were regarded as their most valuable treasure. 

The land, both upland and meadow, now owned by 
S. K. Herrick, has by the elderly people until lately, 
been called the Rainer land or meadow. The pond 
in Boxford, at the foot of Baldpate Hill, had the 
name of" Elders" in the documents of the early period, 
but later as " Elders, or Baldpate," finally as "Baldpate." 
It seems, however, like nothing mure than justice to 
an hcmored name in the early history of Rowley, one 
who served as deputy in 1649, and especially in the 
fact, that he was the original owner of the lands bor- 
dering this brook, so noted a locality in the early 
history of Georgetown, to perpetuate his name here 
by giving this pond the permanent name of Lake 
Raynor. The earliest name the plain now known as 
" Marlborough " had, was " Elders Plain," named for 
this same Humphrey Rainer. It disappears as a Row- 
ley name early in the eighteenth century, and except 
to a few who make local history a study, has become 
unknown and as though it had never existed there. 
A very sad and pathetic story is revealed, where Jachin 
R.ayner, a nephew, about the year 17ii0, petitions for 
right to convey land in the interest of a son, who as 
a confirmed invalid, needed support. This land thus 



800 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



deeded was in the middle commons, at some point 
west of Muddy Brook. Jachin was a Rowley tanner 
and figures prominently for a time. Kev. John Ray- 
ner, a brother of Elder Humphrey, educated at Cam- 
bridge, England, was the second minister of Ply- 
mouth, Mass., dying in Dover, N. H. He and Mat- 
thew Boyes, of Rowley, married sisters. They were 
ladies from a family of distinction in England. 

From a grant of land to Samuel Brocklebank of 
seventy-five acres in 1661, there were fifty, the record 
states, which was purchased of William Hobson's 
widow, who before marriage was Anne Eaiiier, a 
daughter of Humphrey Rainer; the balance was his 
own lot and land previously belonging to Matthew 
Boyes, who was as we have seen also connected with 
the Raiuor family. 

These records show the influence of the Rainers 
in the earliest times, and the intimate connection, 
which the family in its various branches had with 
the earliest history of Georgetown. 

This piece of upland so early secured by Samuel 
Brooklebank, was situated easterly of Elm Street, ex- 
tending southerly nearly to South Georgetown, the 
locality known at a later day as Fairface plain. The 
record says this land was bounded on the north by a 
highway, where cattle used to go over the brook to 
the pen land, laid out to Thomas Mighill ; the west- 
erly side of the tract adjoined a highway leading to 
Andover; Pen Brook along the east, and extending 
unto Mr. H. Rainer's land. This Andover road was 
unquestionably at that time the way for Newbury 
and Rowley settlers to visit the Rowley Village (now 
Boxford) people, also the settlement on the Shawshin, 
then Andover. 

Several families had already settled in Boxford ; a 
road by order of the General Court, had been opened 
from Ipswich to Andover several years before, and to 
connect with that along Elm Street, the earliest 
road opened through what is now part of Georgetown. 

East Main Street, from Marlborough Village to Elm 
Street, was as at present. There was some change at Elm 
Street, the record referring to a highway now in use, 
and where it is to run, but probably essentially the 
same. Leaving Elm, this old way passed along Brook 
Street, crossing Central, into Chaplin's Court, and over 
Fairface plain to Mrs. W. M. Shutes' on Nelson Street 
(known years after as Fairface highway), and along 
Nelson Street, to the residence of Messrs. Patton and 
Metcalf, in Boxford. About thirty years later Thom- 
as Palmer, had land set off to him, described as 
extending on one side, from " Elders pond to ye old 
high way from Andover to Newbury, on ye south 
side of ye bald hills ; which was a continuation of 
this ancient road, and crossed the Patton and Met- 
calf farm to connect with the Ipswich and Andover 
road. This seventy-five acres of land of Samuel 
Brocklebank's, also included the present homestead of 
Melvin G. Spofford, upon which a house was built soon 
after. 



The present mansion-like dwelling-house of Mr. 
Spofford is, in part, at least, unquestionably very, an- 
cient, and tradition has it that some portion of the 
original house, probably the westerly front, is in- 
cluded in this. 

In Humphrey Rainer, Thomas Mighill, Samuel 
and John Brocklebank, we have the pioneers who 
opened for settlement, tlie town of Georgetown. At 
about this time, the country west of the Pen Brook, 
including all that territory which in 1685 was incor- 
porated as Boxford, was known as "Village lands." Not 
long before, in 1649, measures had been taken for a 
settlement, in that part of Rowley situated on the 
Merrimac River. These lands became at once known 
.as " Merrimac lands," and the division made between 
what was later known as the Village lands. The set- 
tlement had the name of " Rowley Village on the 
Merrimac," for a time, but in 1675, was incorporated 
as Bradford. 

Boxford for some time had been known simply as 
Rowley Village, and so continued, even after it had 
received its corporate name. Zaccheus Gould, of 
Topsfield, the ancestor of all the Goulds originating 
in this locality, comes prominently before us in con- 
nection with Georgetown's early history, at a period 
soon after 1650. From the vast land grants which he 
held, it would seem as if he had something of the 
spirit of a land speculator and grabber. By some un- 
known parties he had been employed as an agent to 
purchase lands, and an extensive tract of not less than 
three thousand acres, including nearly all of George- 
town west of Pen Brook, was for some consideration, 
secured to him. Circumstances preventing its dis- 
posal, to the parties for whom it was intended, it was 
sold to Joseph Jewett, of Rowley, as a deed on record 
says, " for eighty od pounds." It further says, that 
this was " one sixt part of village land belonging to 
Rowley, which the sayd Gould bought of Jewett." 
Carelessly estimated, this evidently was the tract pre- 
viously named. Gould adds to the above, " As alsoe, 
the one half of village land, which I, the sayd Zac- 
cheus Gould, bought of M'. Ezekiel Rogers & Mat- 
thew Boyes." This was dated July 2, 1661, and Mr. 
Jewett had died February 26th of the same year. 
Jewett had doubtless been the representative of the 
town of Rowley, in confirming the grants of Village 
lands. 

There are several deeds on record, of these original 
grants to Peabody, Bigsbye, Stiles, Gould, Dorman 
and others, bearing dates from May to July, 1661, 
and in each the grantors are Philip Nelson and oth- 
ers, as the executors of Mr. Jewett, who probably died 
suddenly, as the wording of each is, 'he having de- 
parted this life before a legal assurance was made." 

It was necessary that this claim, which Gould had 
upon what is now Georgetown, should be closed, and on 
the same date, July 2, 1661, we find Jewett's execu- 
tors, doubtless by authority of the town of Rowley, 
selling Gould two-sixths parts village land in Box- 



GEORGETOWN. 



801 



ford; the previous clay Stiles antl Reddington having 
had their hiuds conveyed. From the action of the 
town of Rowley Decendjer 20, IGoS, more than two 
years before, it would seem that .Tewctt had a claim 
upon this three thousand acre tract at that time. 
As a persuasive to yield his claim, 

" It was Agreetl aud Voated at a general and In^agiili tuwin- nifetinf^, 
tliat nlf. .losepli .Tewit, Should have a thousand Acres of Land in ye 
Nortti, heyuml ye Ha.seltiues partufye thuiisand, in exehanjie of Three 
thousanii .\cresof L.^nd, whichis tobo laid uiit as conveniently as ean 
bee, for ye Town of Kowley, in ye village land about ye bald hiils, and 
he to have forty .\cre8 of Mcdow, as conveniently as can bee with yo 
towns laiul." 

This town action towards li(iuidating Mr. Jewett's 
claim (however his claim was fouuded), began to 
look like an attempt for a settlement. It is doubtful 
whether this jiroposition was acce|>ted at the time; il 
it was, then the action of Gotihl with the e.\ccutors, 
the July alter .Tewett's death, was in tiie form of aL 
acquittance to any claim he had on this famous tract, 
so tossed about in shuttlecock fashion. Perhap.i, in 
tho-e early days, having hopes that a more speedy 
settlement of the wilderness would follow, special 
privileges were grante<l to such as .Jewett and Gould, 
that they might be encouraged to stimulate and has- 
ten emigration. In the villages along the sea, there 
was doubtless a fixed timorousness, from fear of prowl- 
ing Indians ; and settlers in the interior gave a .sense 
of protection, and were, to a certain extent, a safe- 
guard. 

The colonial laws forbidding persons journeying 
alone, receiving Indians into the houses of the colo- 
nists, and similar enactments, whether from a troubled 
conscience, because of known wrong in dealing witli 
the Indian, or whatever the cause, all show a sense 
of lurking danger. To the herdsmen in their loneli- 
ness at the pen-hou.se on the rocky hills, there must 
have been fear in a special manner continually with 
them, not probably from their aboriginal neighbors 
of Pcntucket and Agawara, but from the unsubjectcd 
tribes of the wilderness beyond. Wild and ferocifms 
beasts, and possibly savage men, ma<lc every .sense 
alert, and their life here certainly was no holiday task. 
The nights may not have altogether been s]icnt here, 
but the days most assuredly were. 

While harvesting the hay on the Rainer meadow 
one can imagine their watchfulness and their thoughts 
of probalile danger. The frequent stories of frontier 
life are of death from the Indian arrow or bullet, 
while at work haying in the meadows. When the men 
of every household were ordered to have their mus- 
kets with them while in the meeting-house on the 
Lord's or lecture days, there was fear of a subtle 
enemy, and how numerous and powerful they had no 
])ossible means of knowing. We, to-day, know that 
they were but comparatively few in number, but their 
methods of warfare were such that imagination vastly 
magnified the numbers of the foe and greatly in- 
creased the timorousness and alarm. Besides, in spite 
of continual colonial restriction against supplying 
5()i 



the Indians with arms or ammunition, there were 
from the first, those who withdrawing from the set- 
tlements, defied the law, and living ai)art from the 
white man, fraternized with the Indian to the 
Englishman's fear and often injury. 

At the time the young cattle of the Rowley [ilaitters 
were first herded above Pen Brook, on this tract, which 
was sometimes called the " Upper Commons," only 
the few families which were then located at each of 
the plantations, Pcntucket and Gochicowick (Haver- 
hill and Audover), shut off the frontier. All beyond, 
both north and west, was an untraversed wilderness. 

At a later day both of these towns were raided, once 
and again by Indians, bringing dismay and death to 
many a peaceful home. The locality, now George- 
town, was doubtless a favorite rn<liaii fishing ground, 
often visited. Many of the rude Indian household 
utensils have been turned up by the plough near the 
brooks and Parker River, and also at a distance 
from them ; by the shores of the jionds ; and in By- 
field, near Warren Street, quite a large storehouse of 
cutting instruments and stone points has been un- 
covered. Perhaps more prolific fields for these coveted 
relics of a buried past than any other arc Parker 
River, in the vicinity of the woolen-mill, and the 
southeasterly slope of the foot-hills of Baldpatu. 

On the warm sunny hillsides near Baldpate, which 
are sheltered from the driving blasts of winter, the 
race who got the start and came before us had their 
frequent camping-ground. 

The Indian became extinct in this immediate lo- 
cality about a century ago ; the last representatives 
were Papahana, a man who died in Groveland, and 
another who died at Captain George . I ewett's, in Row- 
ley. 

When our fathers first saw them they were shrunken 
from their former condition; perhaps they would have 
rallied and evolved a partial civilization like their 
New York neighbors, but it was not to be. Another 
race doubtless preceded them, leaving only faint traces 
behind. 

Profes.sor Putnam, the anthropologist and archaeol- 
ogist, if we mistake not, places the jieriod of the 
stone age, to which the triangular stones found buried 
deeply in the gravel belong, as pre-historic and the 
work of a prior race; the labor of man just begin- 
ning to realize his position, his relations to the ani- 
mal world around him, and his undeveloped power. 
These peculiar stones are occasionally found here, and 
of various sizes, but having similar outlines. A furore 
for collecting Indian curios was awakened here some 
years ago, and intensified by the Georgrtawit Advocate, 
through its junior editor, H. N. Harriman, Esq., who 
is himself an ardent investigator and enthusiastic col- 
lector. 

Returning to the early land grants, it is recorded 
that March 23, 1651, Anthony Orosbie had seven hun- 
dred acres laid out; the deed says near Elder's Pond, 
whether in Georgetown or Boxford it is impossible to 



802 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, IMASSACHUSETTS. 



say ; but in 1672 he had seventy acres laid out in 
Georgetown, located somewhere between North 
Street and Marlborough, and recorded in the Rowley 
book as " Crosbie's farm," adjoining land of Francis 
Parrot, also Reedy Meadow, and Deacon Thomas Mig- 
hill's land. A part of this land was in the right of 
Philip Nelson. 

This Crosbie was the first physician in Rowley and 
probably a son of Cushins Crosbie, one of the first 
settlers of Rowley. Perh;ips his death or the Indian 
war of three or four years later prevented his settle- 
ment, as there is no record of any occupancy. 

In 1661, besides the Brocklebank grant oa.st of 
Pen Brook, was an allotment of land, near and on 
the west side of Pentucket Pond, to Mary, the widow 
of Mr. Ezekiel Rogers. This lot was bounded on the 
east end by a highway leading to Andover, and as 
this highway was probably the Andover Street of to- 
day, the lot must have reached the town centre, and 
included the land between the two ponds, eastward to 
the centre. Tliose who settled on Mrs. Rogers' land, 
more than half a century afterward, had farms at sev- 
eral points on this very tract, from above Pond Street 
westward to beyond Main Street. On the south and 
west it was bounded by common land. This was a 
grant in the interest of Thomas Barker (the first hus- 
band of Mrs. Rogers), who died in 1650. It was to 
make his lot proportionable to the lower lots, and a 
large lot at this distance from the town would not ex- 
ceed in value a small area there. 

January 22, 1663-64, another tract, containing three 
hundred and seventy acres, was hud out to Mrs. 
Rogers, also in the right of Thomas Barker. This 
was situated on the north side of the pond known as 
Pentucket, and also on the north side of the brook 
running iu and out of the pond, westerly to the great 
rock, and extending easterly to a marked tree, to 
the brook which " issueth out of the pond runneth 
into the Crane meadow, so-called." 

At this early day these meadows and Parker River 
were known as Crane Meadows and Crane Brook. 
Probably the lot previously laid out extended to 
the south side of Rock Pond Brook. 

In 1666 or 1667 the "Three thousand acre" tract, 
made public domain once more by the clearance of 
all private claims, was laid out to the town of Rowley. 

John Pickard and Ezekiel Northend, appointed by 
Rowley for this important work, also laid out, as 
carefully as their appliances and the wilduess of the 
territory traversed permitted, the balance of the Vil- 
lage land to citizens of Rowley and Rowley Village. 
This covered all of the town of Boxford, excepting 
the land already settled upon. The system of divi- 
sional grants to individuals was based on the size of 
the house lots as laid out to the first settlers at Row- 
ley. In this village land allotment some of the 
larger grants covered land previously laid out to in- 
dividuals, as, for instance, Mr. Philip Nelson's two 
thousand acres included the meadow previously 



granted to Joseph Jewett, which had been allowed in 
extinguishment of his claim on the Georgetown three 
thousand acres. 

As Mr. Nelson's first wife was of the Jewett 
family, perhaps no difficulty arose. Gould received a 
large tract in one corner of the territory, and any 
special claims he may have had were, no doubt, satis- 
factorily cancelled. The action by the executors of 
Joseph Jewett in 1661, as shown by the deeds on 
record at Salem, were of at least one-half of the entire 
territory, confirmed to Francis Peabody, Thomas 
Dorraan, Robert Stiles, Joseph Bigsbye, Abraham 
Reddington, William P\ister and Zaccheus Gould. 
That these deeds were recogni/.ed as having at least a 
partial validity can be seen by examining the list of 
grantees at this final division, for each of these parties 
are recorded as having a large grant. These parties 
had probably been buying for years the rights that 
families at Rowley had in the village lands; so that 
when the time came to grant private ownership of 
what the Henry Georges of to-day contend should 
never be held as private property — the land, all there 
was for them to do was to show that they had pur- 
chased these rights, and these large allotments were 
secured. There is no other way to account for the 
striking disparity in these divisions. 

One thing to-day is beginning to be recognized, 
that as from the land all existence is principally 
maintained, monopoly in land should be condemned, 
and no man or family, even in the infancy of a settle- 
ment, be permitted to mark off or fence in more than 
may be cultivated or cared for. A part of a lot 
south of Lake Raynor, laid out by Ezekiel Northend 
for himself at that time, was through one of his female 
descendants, owned by the family for about two hun- 
dred years. 

At about this period the permanent settlement of 
Georgetown begins. This westerly part of the town, 
from the centre across Baklpate Hill, to where, 
twenty years afterwards, the boundary line between 
Rowley and Boxford was run, was at last unincum- 
bered, and the Rowley people were discussing earnestly 
the wisest course to take in the encouragement of a 
settlement. 

Northend and Pickard having com|deted their work, 
probably in 1667 (a thankless task no doubt, as for 
many years afterward it was ditficult to get men to 
serve as lot-layers, many positively refusing to serve), 
a meeting of the town of Rowley was therefore ac- 
cordingly called for February 23d, 1667-68. At 
this date " It was agreed and voted that there should 
be a small farme laide out in the three thousand 
Acres of Land that was exchanged for the land at 
the necke, and the rent of the saide farme it is agreed 
that it shall be for ever for the use of the ministry or 
the towne's use." Directly beneath this record, ap- 
parently written by another hnnd, and at a later date, 
is found this, — "Samuell Brocklebank that no line 
convenient will give Leas on." The principal busi- 



GEORGETOWN. 



803 



uessot'the meeting seems to have been matters pertain- 
ing to this " farine," as the next record is "Chose 
■lolm l'ick:inl, Jciliri jtearson and Ezekiel Northend, 
to bee Added to tlie select men, to make a bargon 
with any who should appeare to take the saide 
ferme, provided that they Let not above thirty Acres 
of nieddow, or halt'e of the mcddow bidonging to the 
thre Thousand Acres, provided allso that they put 
the towne to uo charges, provide<l allso that they lay 
not out above thre-score Akres of upland to the saide 
farme." The same parties were made the committee, 
to lay out the "saide farme," which was done that 
year. 

A partial " bargou " had been made with John Spaf- 
ford, an original .settler in the town of Rowley. He 
was a Yorkshireman, whose family was one of the 
twenty who were among the first comers, having a 
house-lot on Bradford, near Wethersfield Street, and 
not long before his acceptance of the agreement with 
the town, had leased and occupied the farm of Sam- 
uel Bellingliam, of Boston, styled gent; and was liv- 
ing on it at the time of its sale to Joseph Jewett, 
clothier. This farm in Rowley was a legacy to Sam- 
uel from William Bellingham, and probably incliideil 
the house-lot on Holmes Street, adjoining Mr. 
Thomas Nelson's. March 17th, 1608, is this rec- 
ord : " Seventeenth day of March, in the year one 
Thousand six hundred sixty-eight, it was agreed and 
voated, that John Spofforth, if he would goe to the 
farme that was granted to be laide out in tlie thre 
Thou.sand Akers, that he should have the benefit 
of penninge the cattell, for the terme of seven years, 
he keepinge tlie herde of the younger cattel as care- 
fully and as cheape, as any other should doe." 

So carefully had the surveyors .supposed they had 
examined and classified the land, that the thirty 
acres of meadow was said to be one-half of this clas.-- 
of land, found within the three thousand acre tract. 
Their meadow land was our bog of to-day, and thirty 
years ago was free from trees and bushy growth, but 
much that was at that time familiar to us as cleared 
meadow, was in ihe early days, covered no doubt, in 
patches at least, with a dense growth of maple, 
birch, pine and other trees. "March 19, IGGS-G'.I, 
John Spollbrth took a Lease of this farm, laid out for 
the vse of the ministry," in a specific document 
drawn up at considerable length, and signed in the 
presence of witnes.ses by " John Spofard, his mark." 

" Twenty and one yeares it extended, without rent 
or rates for the first five, cxceptings three hundred ol 
good white oake two inch jdanke, some time within 
two yeares, to be delivered at the meeting-house," 
the secular as well as the religious centre of the town, 
and "after five years, ten pounds yearly for the saide 
land and meddow, and thirty shillings for all stocke 
and land that he shall improve yearly," not in money 
payment, either, but with a tenderness which might 
sometimes be extended to the farmer in our day, its 
value iu farm commodities, as "one-halfe in English 



corue at price currant, the other half in fat cattell or 
leane; if he pay iu leane cattell, they are not to ex- 
ceede above seven yeares of age, or in Indian corne 
if he pleas," however, "what he doth pay in fat cat- 
tell, he is to pay at or before Mihilmas " (September 
29th). He was restricted to the use of " timber for 
buildings and other neceessaryes for farmiuge," and 
• no saile of tiudjer but to the town of Rowley, and, 
no hay exceeding above five loads yearly." "All 
dunge to be laide upon the saide land, none to be 
given or soulde." "And what buildings he shall 
erect, he is to uphold them, and leave them tenant- 
able at the end of his lease, and allsoe all fences that 
he shall make, and he is to pay yearly cuntry rates, 
at the last yeare to live in the house untill May day, 
that so he may spend his fotherupon the saide land." 
The mark of Spofard thus attached is the letter o, 
horizontally placed. 

In locating the land in the preamble to the lease, it is 
said to be " at the pen where the young cattell of the 
towne have beene herded this last yeare, called by the 
name of gravelle plain." 

The cabin or log-hut, known as the pen-house, was 
near by, and the res|ionsible ptjsition of the herdsmen 
was now to pass into the hands of theSpotlord family. 
John Spotlbrd and his sons may have previously been 
entrusted with the serious duties of seeing that no 
harm befell this valuable property of the Rowley 
farmers seven miles away. Mr. Spofibrd had charges 
against Rowley the year before, of £3, 13s. for 
overseeing fences, and of £2, 10s. for killing a wolfe. 
Perhaps this wolfe was killed here, and, accust(jmed to 
live in the wilderness, he readily accepted the offer of 
the town, and, building his home, became a perma- 
nent settler. Soon after this date the town of Rowley 
required Boxford to pay the bounty on all wolves 
killed in this part of the town. 

This family had a love for border life, or they would 
not so readily have come here. While there was 
heroism and daring, one can also conceive that 
thoughts of the Indian nuist have stalked like a spec- 
tre before their cottage as the nightfall gathered, and 
that the howling of the fierce winter wind brought 
vividly to memory stories of Indian cruelty, listened to 
shiveringly, around the fireside at their old home, to 
which their loneliness here added a tenfold terror. Es- 
pecially to the wife and mother the danger doubtless 
clung, with but little to make life buoyant or cheer- 
ful. Besides, with all of that day, they firmly be- 
lieved and looked for the malice of the prince of evil 
on every hand. 

This darkened their lives, and could this family 
have looked ahead a century or more, and heard and 
seen the visible manifestations of an invisible and oc- 
cult force beneath the roof of some to come after them 
as bone of their bone, but scarcely an arrow's Might 
from where they then were, they would all have fied 
from their wilderness home, back to the village fi'om 
whence they came. They did remain, however, with 



804 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



nothing to disturb them, beyond the ordinary difficul- 
ties that await those who in a new country sow the 
seed and gather the harvest. At a period some years 
before a path of blazed trees had probably been 
opened toward Andover, but for years at least in the 
long, wearisome winter, as they looked abroad from 
this elevated country, not a column of smoke from a 
neighbor's chimney could be seen curling upward as a 
Iriendly sign and beacon. Their nearest neighbors 
were three miles away, witli the old primitive forest 
between. From tlie records at Rowley it is probable, 
however, that before the Spoftbrds came Captain 
Samuel Brocklebank had a house at his farm on 
Pen Brook, wliich he occupied during the farm-season, 
spending the winters in Rowley. 

This was an occasional occurrence, and tlie Colonial 
laws exempted the farmers or their servants from cer- 
tain duties wliile living on the farms at a distance from 
the villages. The road which passed this Spoflbrd 
cottage connected with the highway, laid out at the 
same time, from Topsfield to Haverhill, leading from 
tlie old Ipswicli and Andover road, southwest of 
Baldpate hill, just east of Shaven Crown, past the 
present Thwing farm, and across wliat is now the 
Andover road, over tlie " Haselltine brook (says the 
record) where they of Rowley Village have made a 
bridge over it, near the lower end of Robert Hasill- 
tine's meadow, and soe along as the highway now 
goeth, to A place commonly called the aptake." This 
aptakeor uptake, was evidently tlien known, and the 
path from this point was already a highway. It had 
been used as such for some time, as trees were said to 
have been marked at various points, but the road had 
not been definitely laid out. Now changes were made, 
and the work was final. A report to that eftect was 
made March 16, 16()8-()9. Two who signed the re- 
port were Samuel Brocklebank and Ezekiel Northend. 

The connection with this ancient Salem and Haver- 
hill road was by the three-fourths mile of highway, at 
the northwest foot of Baldpate Street, known now as 
Spofford Street. For more than a century and a half 
this was the great central thoroughfare between 
Northern and Southern Essex, until the rapid growth 
of " Georgetown corner" turned the course of travel, 
and attracted it two miles to the eastward. In later 
years there were many farm-houses scattered along at 
frequent intervals, where entertainment for man and 
beast was provided, and " the sounds of revelry " and 
tales of good cheer had these old inns but a tongue to 
reveal them, would fill many a volume. 

In March, 1662, Rowley appointed Lieut. Samuel 
Brocklebank and Richard Swan to join with the 
selectmen of Haverhill to decide where the road from 
Haverhill to Rowley should be. The preceding year 
Lieut. Brocklebank had his seventy-two acre farm 
laid out by Pen Brook, and as his evident intentions 
were, at that day, to make this his home, performing 
this duty for the town, he had more than official duty, 
for by opening up this road he was making his own 



property accessible to the Merrimac River settle- 
ments, and his own settlement here seemingly an as- 
sured thing. The record from the Rowley 1st book, 
as previously given, is good evidence that this partial 
settlement actually occurred. Tlie lamented ending 
of his useful life, may as well be told here. 

June 24, 1675, was ever memorable in New Eng- 
land history as the date of the opening tragedy, in 
that calamity known as King Philip's War. This was 
followed by an alliance of several tribes, of which 
some had previously been friendly. This action of 
the Indians awakened general alarm throughout both 
Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies. Soldiere were 
ordered to be raised, and Samuel Brocklebank, now 
captain, reports on the 29th of November, 1675, to 
Governor John Leverett that " This may certify, that 
we have impressid twelve men according to our war- 
rant, and have given them charge to fit themsellves 
well with warm clothing, and we hope they will, and 
doe endeavour to fixe themsellves as well as they can ; 
only some of them are men that but latly come to 
town, and want arms, the which to provide for them 
we must press other men's arms, which is very griev- 
ous (except they can be provided for upon the coun- 
try's account, which would be very acceptable if it 
could be.) " 

Writing this kindly note, in behalf of this little 
company of distressed townsmen, he bids farewell to 
all those useful labors for the town of his adoption, 
where, in the forest, he had fixed the highways, since 
traveled by myriad feet ; a lingering look up the long 
extent of hill and plain, along what is now Elm 
Street, which he had fondly expected to redeem from 
the wild reign of Nature, then controlling it; a final 
farewell to his wilderness home, with the peaceful 
sound of Pen Brook the only break upon the stillness, 
and to his village friends, now agitated with many an 
unwonted fear, and to Boston, and then from Marl- 
borough he makes his report, as a soldier ready for 
service, if his duty calls. 

He wrote to Major Denison, of Ipswich, March 27, 
11)76, from the place last named. Asks to be dismissed 
with his men, saying that they can do nothing of ad- 
vantage where tliey are. Impatient to escape from 
this idle waiting, says also " that they have been in 
the country's service ever since the first of January 
at Narriganset, and within one week after their return 
were sent out again, having neither time or money, 
save a fortnight's pay, upon the march to recruit 
themselves." The previous day he wrote the Council 
an interesting letter, with a graphic account of the 
burning of many houses and barns in Marlborough, 
ending with a prediction of greater havoc soon to be 
made. 

His premonitions were more than realized. On the 
21st of the following April Captain Brocklebank, Cap- 
tain Wadsworth of Milton, Lieutenant Sharp of 
Brookline, with about one hundred men, were drawn 
into ambush bv the Indians in the town of Sudbury, 



GEORGETOWN. 



805 



and the three officers and probably upwards of fifty of 
the men were killed. They were all buried in one 
grave, in the forest near where they fell. About 1730 
President Benjamin Wadsworth, of Harvard College, 
a son of the captain, erected a jilain slab over the 
burial-place of these men, which, in 1840, was in a 
good state of preservation. A granite monument was 
also erected by the State of Massachusetts and the 
town of Sudbury in 1852, and dedicated November 
23d of that year, with an a<klre.s8 by Governor Bout- 
well. The former headstone is placed directly in front 
of it. Two centuries later, on the anniversary of this 
sad event, a general ob.servance of the day was had, 
many visiting Sudbury from the surrounding country. 
The writer, as a lineal descendant of Ca)itain Brockle- 
bank and as a representative of the town, was invited 
by the committee of arrangements to be present. 

This was the sad ending of the career of a brave 
and useful man. He had been a deacon of the church 
in Rowley, probaldy from the death of Thomas Mig- 
hill. His age was but forty-six. Had he lived, un- 
doubtedly his energies and enthusiasm would have 
been strongly felt in the early history of Georgetown. 

Ninety-nine years later, and that same locality was 
the theatre of events equally bloody, and the descend- 
ants of Captain Bmcklebank's Rowley neighbors were 
there by forced marches, too late, however, to join the 
" embattled farmers as they stood, and tired the shot 
heard round the world." Coming here a lad of eight, 
growing up w'ith the Rowley settlement, his tragic 
ending gives a gleam of story to our history in the 
seventeenth century such as we get from no other 
source. But t^ieorgetown in an especial manner can 
claim his career as her own, for here was his farm, 
cleared to some e.\tent by him, and here was, we be- 
lieve, bis first habitation looking toward a permanent 
home. His inventory has this item: " faruie toward 
Bradford, l-")0 lbs." With house in Rowley is .added 
"kilne." Whole estate, £442 11«. His eldest son, 
Samuel, born November 28, lGr)3, occujjied the farm 
ill 1()8.5, and umiuestionably lived here. 

November 20, 108(3, a committee met at Samuel 
Brocklebank's house to consider his claim for danuige 
by a highway opened through his farm. This may 
have been the Kim Street road, now formally opened, 
and perhaps by a more direct route to the Ipswicdi 
and Andover road than before — crossing Nelson Street 
at the foot of Adams Hill, near Mrs. W. M. Shute's, 
and so easterly and close beside the sharp range of 
hills, parallel with the railroad, until we pass Oak 
Dell Grove and reach the wooden bridge across Pen 
Brook, just below Lake Raynor. This ancient way, 
the direct way to Thomas Hazen's, who, two years be- 
fore, had settled about midway of a large tract south 
of and adjoining Lake Raynor, and also to Daniel 
Wood's was opened probably at this time. In 1712 
Hazen sold his three hundred acre farm, all lying in 
one body and south of the lake, with his dwelling- 
house in what is now the Samuel Perley lot, and re- 



moved to Connecticut. Two hundred and fifty acres 
were deeded to Jacob Perley, and the balance of sixty 
acres to Timothy Perkins, of Topsfteld. This was a 
Boxford farm, but the connections of Thomas Hazen 
were so identified with South Georgetown for nearly 
acentnry after that a brief mention does not seem amiss. 
Sixteen acres of land were granted Brocklebank for 
damage because of highway. This land given him 
was on the west side of his farm, with one corner on 
" Widdow Lambert's farrae," who was probably the 
widow of Francis Lambert, of Rowley. This was the 
same tract which, nearly twenty-five years before, had 
been laid out to Mrs. Rogers, but at this time, prob- 
ably, all of Mrs. Rogers' land had come into the pos- 
session of the Lambert family. 

Returning to our pioneers on the hill, we find John 
Spoftbrd continuing his labors from year to year. 
Without any competitors to cheapen the price of his 
labor, watching over the young cattle, penning them 
by night, with freedom to roam where they might by 
day, generally, however, up the slopes and on the 
summit of Baldpate, where, from some cause, there 
was a natural clearing, an entire want of the old tim- 
bered growth which covered all the upland beside. 

With the regularity of the seasons he gathers the 
hay-harvest from "Half-moon Meadow," still called 
by the same expressive name. Only at long intervals, 
and then in settled weather, would a traveler be seen 
on foot or horse, journeying along the " old path that 
goeth toward Andover." Eight years passed, and on 
the lOth of March, 1G77, the lease was transferred by 
Mr. Spottord to his sons John and Samuel, and ex- 
tended to the new lessees sixty years from date. Per- 
haps the father thought the town had driven a hard 
" bargon " with him, or the " gravelle plain " was not 
as productive as was expected, or, possil)ly, further 
encouragement was needed to keep the young men 
from returning to Rowley village, but from some cause 
there was an abatement of the rent. Unlike the hard 
fate of the Irish peasant, who sees his rent rise with 
every slight improvement on his acre of bog, their 
rent was reduced to eight pounds, with the results of 
eight years' labor added to its original value. 

Ministry rates to be paid "for what stocke they 
keep upon the saide land, and for all brokeup land 
and unbroke land, as the inhabitants of the town 
doe pay." " AUso they have liberty to pay in porke 
their rent if they .see cause." Acorns and all species 
of mast (walnuts of every kind) were especially abun- 
dant in all the country south of this parish farm, and 
swine must have been grown at a nominal cost. 

To this day the same district south and east of 
Baldp.ate Hill is noted for the abundance of its croi) 
of walnuts, making quite an item in the aggregated 
products of the farms. Included in this supplemen- 
tary lease is this clause, "And duringe the times of 
the Indian wars there rent is to be abated accordinge 
to the iudgment of inditterent men, if they be hin- 
dered in carrying on the saide farme.'' A strong 



806 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



probability that they might have to return to Rowley 
with at least pecuniary loss. 

This anticipated clanger from the Indian fighter, 
with the fever for blood raging in him just at this 
time, reveals the cause which had prevented, more 
than anything else, that rapid settlement of the three 
thousand acres expected by the town fathers eight 
years before. One of the most valued citizens ol the 
town, and to a certain extent their only neighbor, 
had, but a few years before, given up his life to pro- 
tect such as they and theirs from the bullet and the 
torch. In Captain Brocklebank's death the realities 
of Indian war came home to them with a force never 
felt before. The conclusion of the lease, showing but 
a faint conception of the opulence which a century 
later would surround some branches of the family, is 
this, " At the end of there lease they are to be allow- 
ed for all buildings on the .saide farme, to be vallued 
by indifferent men, provided they are not to exceede 
above twenty pounds." At the date of the lease John 
Spottbrd was twenty-nine and his brother Samuel 
twenty-five years of age. The father probably returned 
to Rowley village. 

The will of John Spoflbrd is on record at the regis- 
ter of deeds' office in Salem. A few bequests are 
given. He bequeaths a portion to son Francis, and 
that it may be at his wife's disposal until he become 
of the age of one and twenty years, and that he may 
be helpful to her to carry on her husbandry work. 
Francis to have the small gnu and rapier. The long 
fowling-piece to go to son John. Four acres toward 
great meadow to go to Francis, and son Thomas his 
village land. Sons Samuel and .John the lease of the 
farm. Two cows to wife, one cow to each of his 
daughters. To Francis, two young oxen, one mare 
and one cart. The gray horse to Thomas. Three 
sheep to each of his daughters and to sons John and 
Thomas. One sheep to his wife and one heifer or 
calf to wife and each of his dauglitei's. The date of 
this death is not known. Was not living in 1691. 
His name does not appear in the tax list of that year. 
Probably owned property in Rowley, on which Fran- 
cis and the widow lived for a time. 

His inventory as valued is recorded as £223 9s. 
Another of the first settlers of Rowley, whose name 
figures somewhat prominently in the land transfers 
of the seventeenth century in this section of the town, 
now Georgetown, was Richard Swan. It is not 
thought that he lived here, but he had land bounded 
by Fen Brook, and partly by ye farme granted to 
Mr. Sanuiel Shepard, of Rowley, on the northwest, on 
the southeast by land of Mr. Edward Payson, on the 
southwest by land in possession of Ebenezer Boyn- 
ton and partly by land of Samuel Broeklebank, and 
on the northeast by Benjamin Plumer's land. This 
was centrally located, between what is now North 
Street and Main Street, toward the Marlborough dis- 
trict extending from Pen Brook on the west, over or 
near the land of John Preston eastwardly, to an un- 



known distance. The bounds of this tract were the 
same as those recorded in the deed of June 5, 1712, 
from Hannah Swan, the widow, then of Haverhill, to 
Joseph Bointon, who was doubtless a son-in-law. Swan 
having died in 1678. That deed conveyed all the lands 
and meadows with>n the town of Rowley, which the 
said Boynton deeded to her late husband, of date May 
27, 1678. These lands were seemingly held by Swan 
but for a few months only, having been bought of 
Bointon, who held the oflice of town clerk of Rowley 
for thirteen years, from 1679 to '91, and who was the 
original owner. In 1672 these lands were again in 
Boynton's hands, and that deed was probably a (piit- 
claim by the widow. 

Mrs. Swan was then evidently quite aged and prob- 
ably living with a son, whose house and family dur- 
ing the Indian attack on Haverhill four years before, 
were saved. Tradition says that several Indians were 
about to force an entrance into the Swan house 
through the partially open door, when the wife with 
Amazonian courage, seizing her spit, which was near- 
ly three feet in length, collected all the strength she 
possessed, and drove it through the body of the fore- 
most Indian. This was a resistance they little ex- 
pected, and thus repulsed they retreated and molested 
them no further. 

This land grant adds the names of Boynton and 
Swan to the list of early land owners, the Brockle- 
banks (Samuel and John), Humphrey Rainer and 
Thomas Mighill, having taken much of the hind at the 
south of this. 

Besides the above, there was of the Swan land a 
piece of meadow at the eastward near Stony Brook so 
called, perhaps the Billiard Brook. This was owned 
by Boynton, and sold by him to Benj. Plumer in 
1708. " 

In May, 1714, Joseph Bointon deeded to Richard 
Bointon one-half of this land, said to have belonged 
to Richard's grandfather Swan, Richard not being 
satisfied with previous gifts, and Joseph also agreed 
"to defend from Benoni Boynton, who aims to cut 
off Richard from what my father hath given him." 
This Joseph was said to be a brother of Richard, but 
there is some mistake, for he must have been a brother 
of Richard's father. Swan was deputy for several 
years, and prominent in town affairs. 

In town expenses for 1667-68 we find Richard Swan 
paid for deputyship £3 9s.6rf. In those days the towns 
bore the expense of deputies. Also " for lainge out 
land and goinge to Salem and horse hire, 13s." Swan, 
with others, was selected for locating highways (a very 
responsible work), also, " to agree with the sons of 
John Sportord about ye farm," and was appointed, with 
Lieut. Broeklebank and Ezekiel Northend, February 
21, 1672, to lay out the farm of one hundred acres 
near Crane Meadows, voted to be laid out to the child 
of Mr. Samuel Shepard at the meeting on the jjrevi- 
ous January. This Mr. Shepard, the third minister 
in Rowley, was a colleague with Rev. Mr. Phillips from 



GEORGETOWN. 



Rn7 



November, 1665, to his death, April 7, 1668, at the 
early age of tweuty-seven years. He left one son, an 
orphan, the mother dying about two months before 
the father. The town voted in January, 1672, the 
before-named grant to the tShepanl boy, then ])a.st 
three years old, provided " it did live unto the age of 
twenty-one years," but March 13th, on re-considera- 
tion, it was granted without conditions, jirobably on 
the remonstrance of the boy's grandmother, Mrs. 
Margery Hoar, widow of Rev. Henry Flint, first 
minister of the old church in Quincy, then in Brain- 
tree. Mrs. Flint, then sole executor of the will of her 
son-in-law, Mr. Shepard, and the education of young 
Samuel IShepard, the son of her daughter Dorothy, 
devolving upon her, wrote, like a strong-minded wo- 
man, a sharp letter to the town of Rowley, which no 
doubt brought about definite action. The tomb- 
stone of Mrs. Flint informs us that for many years 
she was noted as an instructress of young gentlewo- 
men, many being sent to her, especially from Boston. 
This "Shepard farm," as it was named, for many 
years wiw quite noted as a boundary point in deeds. 
Young Shepard was graduated from Harvar<l College 
in 1685, at the age of eighteen, and this land con- 
tinued to be held by him until 1694. August 2Sth, of 
that year, he, while living in Lynn, probably with his 
uncle Jeremiah Shepard, pastor of the first church in 
that town, sold his " ferme" to Joseph and Jonathan 
Plummer. 

This famous Shepard land was doubtless located on 
the southerly side of North Street, but, perhaps, in- 
cluded both sides of the street, from Pen Brook at the 
present causeway, to the residence of S. S. Hardy, 
then eiistwardly for some distance at the south of the 
street, including what was afterwards known as the 
" Baptist Parsonage Farm." It is said in the deed to 
be " on the south side of ye old path called Andover 
path." At about the same time as this Shepard 
grant, land was laid out to Mr. Francis Parrot, in the 
vicinity of what is now known as the Searl place, on 
the hill. This Parrot was town clerk of Rowley for 
several years, and is said to have returned to Eng- 
land, and died there. If this is correct, this grant 
was a freehold to his heirs. It adjoined .\nthony 
Crosbies' land, and was near Reedy meadow and also 
the Shepard farm. In the farm purchase is the first 
mention of the Plumer name in Georgetown. Origi- 
nally a Newbury family, the name of Benjamin Plumer 
first appears as a Rowley resident in 167<S. 

Returning to 1665, we find from all the records of 
the town of Rowley, an eagerness for land-grants in 
the commons. There were, at least, three divisions 
prior to the year 1700, the first division being made 
soon after the establishment of the settlement. In 
the year 16i)7 the three thousand acres were surveyed. 
This tract seems to have been nearly preserved intact, 
the only diminishing of the town commons being 
the setting oft' of the parish farm the following year. 
Dec. 30th of the same year, with perhaps accusation of 



favoritism, and complaints of an assumi)tiou of author- 
ity floating about " the Lot-layers were ordered by the 
town not to Lay out any Lands with in the Township 
of Rowley, but by notis of some Express grant in 
writing, both for jilan and cpiantity." Knvy and de- 
traction were doing its work, and as has been pre- 
viously said, it was becoming difficult to find men 
who would perform the duty with the certainty that 
fault-finding was sure to follow. 

The death of King Philip giving a relief from the 
anxiety of the two years preceding, and renewed 
courage in back-woods life, it was vi.ted by the town, 
January 22, 1677 : 

"Ttiat ttioseappoynted to Rem i in- T.ainl i.r 'ages, to wit. liip nlil S*>1pi t 
jiien, and tlie I>tttlayers of iiotli ends of the tewne. Slionldp also Kxatnilie 
the right tliat lueu have to freeholds they lay claim to, that they may be 
Recorded." 

Human nature is alike grasping, within the nar- 
row limits of Rowley, as on the broad jtrairies of the 
West. In 1679 the town went further and chose a 
committee at the meeting March 27th, t<i consider the 
situation, and endeavor to reconcile energy and am- 
bition, with equity and fair-dealing, a jtroblcm equally 
difficult to solve, then, as well as now. 

It is to be hoped that they partially succeeded, for 
the " men chosen to joyne with the Select men, to 
consider of questions that may arise about the Divi- 
sion of the Comons, and are to Returne their thoughts 
about them," were men of the prominence of " thomas 
lambert, John pickard, Mr. (Philip) Nelson, leonard 
harriman, John tod and thomas leaver. Junior." 

May 20, 1685, "At a Leaguel Towne meeting, it was 
.\greed and voted, that corporal northend, daniel 
wicam, Ezekiel Mighill, John pickard and John- 
son, be a committee to fixe the bounds of the three 
thousand akers, comouly so-called." Considerable 
interest began to be felt in roads and other improve- 
ments here, and some were considering a possible 
settlement. It seems to have been feared that this 
tract might be encroached upon, it having been evi- 
dently reserved for a general and careful distribution, 
and, therefore, this renewed survey was ordered. 

For years, the hay on the meadow land, where ac- 
cessible, had been cut, being the only pioduct of 
this common land, but at the time of this survey 
Rock Pond Meadow had been granted temporarily. 
The meadows were still appreciated so highly, that 
when Bradford appealed to Rowley in a pathetic let- 
ter, dated March, 16S0-S1 (now in the Row ley records), 
for an additional grant of land, or aid of some kind, 
Rowley, a few days later replies, that they cannot 
grant more territory, but will 'give Kev. Mr. Symmes 
Liberty for Six or Siven Loads of Hay yearly, of that 
meddow called Rock Pond Meddow, till the towne 
Shall Se Cause to order it otherwise." It was poor 
satisfaction for Bradford to ask for a change of bound- 
ary, and only get a few loads of meadow hay, with the 
privilege of cutting it themselves. 

But to again continue the earlier land grants. 



808 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Before 1687, land was laid out on Long Hill, to John 
Acie, probably a son of William, who was an original 
settler of Rowley. This land was inherited by a 
daughter, who married a Burbank. Acie continued 
to have land there, as late as 1701. This name seems 
to \>e an anomaly among Esse.x County names. In 
1691 Sarah, the widow of John Brocklebank, sold 
land to a Boynton, probably Joseph. She had been 
a widow for more than twenty-five years, her husband 
dying a few years after his grant near Pen Brook, in 
1661, perhaps in 166.3. The heirs bought some of the 
Thomas Mighill land. This Brocklebank family had 
all this land east of the brook, extending to Marl- 
borough, and it is thought, only held it for one gen- 
eration, when it was probably sold to the Boyntons, 
perhaps to Ebenezer. What became of them is not 
known ; all of the name in this vicinity are descend- 
ants of Capt. Samuel's, eldest and youngest sous. 
Another name of an early dale, is that of David 
Wheeler, found on a deed of date 1691, on a transfer 
of laud to Nathaniel Browne. He was probably the 
first to settle in the vicinity of the Goodrich house on 
Nortli Street. Was the father of Jonathan Wheeler, 
who a few years later rose to especial prominence. 
David Wheeler had removed, or was not living in town 
in 1701, a.s his name is not found on the list of Rowley 
men in that locality, petitioning for an abatement of 
minister rates. He sold June 6, 1693, thirty acres of 
land to John Spofford, said to adjoin Benj. Goodrich's 
land. 

In 1707 Jonathan Wheeler deeded all the undivided 
lands in Newbury, belonging to his father, David 
Wheeler, to a Mr. Coffin. 

In 1697 Jonathan Wheeler was said to be of Row- 
ley, and was perhaps living in the town four years be- 
fore. 

August 24, 1698, he deeded about twenty acres of 
upland and meadow, lying near Crane Pond, said to 
have been bought previously of Philip Nelson, to the 
next heirs of the late Benjamin Guttridge (Goodrich), 
the former deed supposed to have been burnt in the 
house. This land was granted to Wheeler by the 
town of Rowley. 

" John Spawford's " land was on the northwest ; 
bought the same year of the Brownes. Nathaniel 
Browne sold Spo fiord fifty- four acres, his brother, Eben- 
ezer twelve, making with that sold Spoflbrd by Wheeler 
a tract of ninety-six acres. This land was on or near 
Thurlow Street, then known as Bradford highway, 
by whicli it was bounded, also by the brook (Parker 
River), and owners of Ox-pasture Hill. The house 
and land of John Brown is mentioned in David 
Wheeler's deed ; where it was, it is not possible per- 
haps to tell at this day. 

Cornet Parsons' land is said to be on the southwest 
of the land deeded by Jonathan Wheeler to the 
Goodrich heirs, and " Three logg bridge " named, was 
the bridge over Parker River, on Thurlow Street. 
These three Brownes, John, Ebenezer and Nathaniel, 



were on thelistof parish petitioners in 1701. Nathaniel 
soon after removed to Grotou, Conn. While there, 
January 8, 1708, he sold for four pounds a freehold in 
Rowlev to Daniel Wood, of Boxford. Ebenezer 
[irobably remained ; twenty years later land was 
known by his name. The mention in Wheeler's deed 
of the former deed being burned in the house of 
Cioodrich, reveals of itself nothing but a barren fact. 
We have the story, however. It was the year 
previous to this just act of Wheeler's when the tragedy 
we are now to relate occurred. 

October 2:?, 1692, was the Lord's day. Mr. Good- 
rich living in this locality, in a house of small dimen- 
sions, doubtless such as were common on the frontier 
at that time, was at evening prayer with his family, 
when the house wassuddenly attacked by a small band 
of Indians, and Mr. Goodrich, his wife and several 
children were killed. One daughter, a girl of seven, 
is said to have been carrieil oHa cajitive, but redeem- 
ed at the ex|)ense of the Province the spring fol- 
lowing. 

The house, after being sacked, was at least partially 
burned. It was a common occurrence for the Indians 
to destroy iu wantone.ss what plunder they could not 
carry away, and if time would warrant also, to burn 
the house raided. This family were living here iji 
fancied security, but for some time before there had 
been frequent Indian raids on the frontier, especially 
at the eastward. In 1688 the former enmity iuciteil 
l)y the French in Canada was renewed, and the ex- 
pedition of Sir William Phipps against Canada, in 
1690, having proved the most disa-strous failure New 
Emrland had ever known, the Indians became daring, 
and for two years after were busy with carnage. 

Thi.s tragedy seems to have been an unpremeditated 
act by a roving band, and tradition says they were so 
angered at not accomplishing the object of their raid, 
the death of some one in Newbury, against whom 
they had a long standing grudge, that accidentally 
approaching this house, the unprotected inmates were 
made the mark for their malice and wrath. As one 
thinks of it the incident seems hardly credible, and 
that it could have occurred miles from the border and 
the raiders escape with their captives and booty. We 
can imagine the horror felt by the Brownes on the 
Bradford road, by the Wheelers, Plumers, Poors, 
and especially so by Deacon Brocklebank's family up 
by Pen Brook, and the Sjiotfords on the hill, as 
guided b)' the burning house, they hastene<l, only to 
find a family silent in death, mangled and bloody, 
with their house-dog howling his agony over his 
slain friends and playmates. Whether the house was 
entirely or partially burned may be a matter of con- 
troversy and an ojien question. In 1840, when Gage's 
"History of Rowley " was written, a wood-cut of the 
Lull house, then standing a few rods west of the resi- 
dence of G. D. Tenney, Esq., was inserted as the 
house where the massacre occurred, and the window 
pointed out through which the Indians fired. That 



GEORGETOWN. 



809 



the burning was at least partially accomplisliefl, per- 
haps all the interior, is from the deed of Wheeler 
made almost a certainty, and that by the efforts of the 
neighbors the fire was extinguished and a part of tlie 
honse saved. From this saved part, east of the front 
door, extensions were made at different times nntil 
the spacious mansion we knew as the old Lull liouse 
was the result. It seems that such an event would 
have been so impressed upon the occupants of the 
Lull house, from one generation to another, that they 
could not possibly have been entirely in error when 
the story was brought down from sire to son, that in 
tliis room and through that window the Goodrich 
family were shot. The one grave in which they were 
buried is near by, unmarked, however, by any memo- 
rial. It should be a pleasing duty for tliose bearing 
the name to place something there in recognition ol 
their sad fate. It is doubtful whether they had lived 
there above a year or two. 

From this date to 17110 every movement looking to- 
ward a settlement was in this locality or just eiist- 
ward. 

December 1, 1(593, Henry Poor bought twenty-eight 
acres of land of John Pierson, of Rowley. " Miller'' 
Pierson owned the old Xelson Mill on Mill River. 
This was a part of Pier.son's common land in the third 
division. John Bay ley, probably of Boston, owned land 
near by. The other boundary points named in tlie 
deed were " tlie meadow laid out to Samuel Shepard 
(not the Shepard farm), Bradfonl highway, also south- 
west of Wherler's and (ioodrich land.'' Perhaps P(jor 
built on the north side of Thurlow Street. The land 
extended to "' Three logg bridge brinik,'' which must 
then have been the name of Parker River, at the point 
where Thurlow Street crosses it. 

About thirty years later, Henry Poor and his son 
Benjamin, in a deed to Benjamin Plumer, sold a 
corner of the land on which (the deed states), "we 
now dwell," indicating a change of residence in the 
meantime. Poor was Newbury born. Benjamin, 
the eldest son, was married about the time of the 
change of house. 

In 1707 Jonathan Wheeler sold to Nathaniel Cof- 
fin, one-half of Poor's interest in the undivided lands 
of Newbury. 

Very early deeds imply that Crane Pond was, for 
some years after the incorporation of Bradford, in- 
cluded in Rowley. Crane Pond, and the meadows 
near, were known by the present name, as early, it is 
thought, as 1670. Many of the earlier grauts and 
transfers were of Crane Pond lands, and the records 
of the locality refer to an idd grant, and a new grant ; 
the former line is supposed to have run north and the 
latter south of the pond. There are deeds on rec- 
ord from John Wallingford, to his brother-in-law, 
Jonathan Look, of land near Pond Brook (this pond 
must have been Crane Pond, for Pentucket and Rock 
were always design.ated by their names), also Jona- 
than Wheeler is said to have had a division with the 
51 



above on the south side of the pond in Rowdey. 
VVithout the pond being named, it seems to show an 
apparent knowledge of but one pond, and from the 
names of the parties, Wallingford, Look and Wheel- 
er, it is conclusive that the pond was Crane Pond, 
and was then (1694), within the limits of Rowley. 
Look probably lived in the neighborhood of these 
Crane meadows. Seven years later he signed the 
parish petition with the others. His name disap- 
peared from Rowley history soon after. 

These owners of lands in Rowley were under the 
old grant. The new grant was made not long after. 
It will be recalled that in KiSl, a request came to 
Rowley from Bradford, for an enlargement of their 
territory, and perhaps after many appeals, the town 
of Rowley, April 7, 1G99, api)ointed a committee, "to 
meet with the Bradford Committee, when there may 
be a convenient opportunity, to settle thelinebetween 
Rowley and Bradford, and what they shall do (says 
the record), shall be a valid act.'' Probably the con- 
venient time did not arrive, for in 1701, nothing ap- 
parently having been done, Bradford petitioned the 
General Court to interfere. Rowley, then forced to 
definite action, chose on September 22, 1701, a com- 
mittee " to meet a Bradford committee, at the house of 
Samuel Hale, and to come to some agreement if pos- 
sible, but if they could not agree, then to refer it for 
a settlement by arbitration." 

Doubtless a satisfactory agreement was reached at 
that meeting, and the new line run at the south ol 
Crane Pond, as before stated, making it essentially the 
line Vjetweeu Georgetown and Ciroveland, as it exists 
to this day. About the ti me that the Wheelei-s, Browues, 
Goodrich, Look, Plumer and Henry Poor were taking 
the first steps toward clearing the land and establish- 
ing homes along what is now Thurlow, North and 
.Tewett Streets, complaints were rife of trespassing 
on the undivided land, to the injury of those who 
might follow them. 

We have seen Goodrich and his family, by one 
sharp blow taken from this little band of hardy axe- 
men and pioneers, but this did not deter the others ; 
they held the ground gained, but sometimes, no doubt, 
entertained bitter thoughts against the Rowley men at 
the village, that they should fret and fume, over the 
cutting of a little wood and fencing stuff. These 
were braving all the danger of opening up the wil- 
derness, while their Rowley neighbors were living in 
peace and security, and one can imagine that a sense of 
injustice, sometimes im|)elled them to a degree of 
lawlessness. However, in spite of any consciousness 
of freedom, these few families may have felt, the town 
saw fit to vote, January 14, 169-1-95, for an appoint- 
ment " of a Committee to prosecute any persons, and 
especially Benjamin Plumer and Henry Poor, that 
have tresjiassed b}' falling or carting away timber." 
The forest was preserved with jealous care from the 
first, one town ordinance following another in quick 
succession, and making the laws operative over the 



810 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, IMASSACHTJSETTS. 



whole territory, from Merrimac to the sea. The 
peat-bogs were as yet unopened, although right at 
their feet. The coal-fields were waiting for the trans- 
portation by steam as the motive power, and the 
vast lumber districts, were practically almost as far 
away as if in the moon. 

This severe ordinance not proving effectual, and 
the clamors of some of the people still demanding ac- 
tion, an evidently annoyed citizen, at a meeting 
March 19, 1G99-1700, moved, and it was 

'* Agreed A Voated, that if any person or persons ehall fall, top, or 
Carry away auy tree or trees, or part of any of sd tree, from of any part 
of the Town's Comon, caUed the three Thousand Acres, for any use 
whatsoever, without liberty from the Select men, being mett together, 
k in writing under liands, they Shall pay for every tree fallen, lopped, 
or Tarried away, nineteen Shillings, Six pounds Si tree (threepence), the 
one-halfe of sd penalty to the Informer, the other half to the use of the 
Towns." 

This seemes like a kind of half-waggery, and yet 
it may be that there was a desperation at seeing one 
of their dearest laws set at naught, "ffeb. 6, 1694-5, 
Committee chosen to Issue a Controversie Between 
the Town and Beniamin Plumer," about some land 
that it was thought Plumer had fenced in, supposed 
to belong to the town. 

He rebutted the charges of encroachment, by call- 
ing the attention of the town to a highway through 
his farm. Plumer declared himself ready to submit 
his case to the committee named. There seems to 
have been no definite settlement reached for many 
years, for the next record informs us, of date January 
2, 1712-13, that Benjamin Plumer is .satisfied about the 
road across his farm. Probably the question of the 
land encroachment was also settled. 

The roads in this locality were becoming more of a 
question to consider at the meetings of the town. 
April 12, 1699, the importance of one road at the 
northwestern corner of the town resulted in this ac- 
tion : " Rock brook meddow to be leased to Robert 
Haseltine, Thomas Carleton, Joua.Platts {all perhaps, 
of Bradford) and John Spoftbrd, of Rowley, for seven 
years, they to maintain the bridge called Haseltines, 
and in addition, to pay three shillings yearly. This 
was the bridge near the Edward Poor place, on West 
Street. Nothing looking toward a settlement in 
South Georgetown had as yet been done. There 
were a few land grants, however." 

At about 1683 or '84, Thomas Palmer had fifty-six 
acres laid out near Lake Raynor, and at the westerly 
end, bounded by the old Newbury and Andover road, 
on the southerly side of the Bald hills. Others, with 
acreage not stated, were Deacon William Tenney, 
Thomas Stickuey, John Burbank and Samuel Cooper. 
Some of these lots, as laid out, are said to have bor- 
dered " on the path now used fi-om Samuel SpofFord 
to Jacob Pearly." Spofibrd was then married, and 
may have built the house that very anciently was 
built, on what is now the northwesterly limits of the 
farm on Baldpate Street, now owned by Henry Keu- 



nett. It is possible, however, that this house was 
built at a later day by Richard Dole. 

Not far from this time, Thomas Nelson, of Rowley, 
and John Rolfe, of Newbury, sold this Samuel Spof- 
ford two hundred and fifty acres near Shaving Crown 
hill, which was one-fourth part of Mrs. Rogers' one 
thousand acre grant. This immense tract came into 
the hands of Gershom Lambert, as a gift from Jlrs. 
Rogers. Lambert was a brother of Thomas Nelson's 
first wife, and uncle of the wife of Rolfe, and pre- 
sented this land to Mrs. Rolfe with the other children 
of Thomas Nelson, that it might be sold for their 
benefit. 

In 1712 another fourth i)art was sold to Moses Tyler. 
Gershom Lambert was a resident of Salem for some 
time, but as early as 1691 had removed to New Lou- 
don, Conn. 

Cooper, Stickney, and Palmer probably about to 
be dispossessed of their grants for some unknown 
cause, perhaps because they were laid out on the re- 
served tract, petitioned the town of Rowley, March 18, 
1700-01, to relieve them, and find them some common 
laud, belonging to the town, on the southerly side of 
the line, between Rowley and Boxford. All these 
lots had evidently been laid out north of and near 
Lake Raynor. Cooper seems finally to have secured 
his grant, for in 1727 a long narrow tract in Boxford, 
north of the lake, from the shore to the town line, 
was sold by a Samuel Cooper, to Nathaniel Perkins 
and Jacob Pearley. May 22, 1704, Captain John 
Spotford, had sixty acres laid out to him, also on this 
north shore of the lake. This was a grant to his father, 
John Spofford, then deceased. It adjoined Palmer's 
land. 

To return for a brief space to another part of the 
Byfield district, from that already described, we find 
just as the seventeenth century was closing the name 
of Benjamin Stickney, as another of the earliersettlers, 
and who was a brother of Andrew Stickney, who is 
supposed to have lived near the Rowley line by the 
Ewell place. This Benjamin is said to have built a 
log house on the summit of Long Hill, at as early a 
date as 1699. 

In 1700 a framed house was erected by him, which 
as late as 1870 was occupied by Mayor Ira Stickney, 
a direct descendant in the sixth generation. Some 
few years later it was accidentally burned to the ground. 
In 1713 the road over Long Hill and past his house 
was opened. In the great snow of 1717 he kept a 
path ojieu by drawing a log every day. A bear is 
said to have once taken a pig from his pen in the 
night; he arose, caught a whip and chasing the ani- 
mal, lashed him until he dropped the pig, when he 
secured it and returned to the house. Mr. Stickney 
was never known to be sick until he had passed his 
eightieth birthday. 



GEORGETOWN. 



811 



CHAPTER LII. 

GEORGETOWN— (Co»(in»f(0. 

PARISH PETITIONERS AND OTHERS WHO SETTLED 
PRIOR TO 1730. 

At the dawning of the eighteenth century, tlie 
question of the validity of the Indian title, to the 
territory within the original limits of Rowley, began 
to cause something of a ferment. About 1700 three 
Indians, wlio claimed to begrandsonsof Jlusquonomo- 
net, the former Sagamore of Agawam, and were then 
probably living in this or some town near by, were 
encouraged by parties, to assert their claim to the 
territory, on the ground that the aboriginal title had 
never been extingiiislied. This claim, if based on 
precedents, was undoubtedly correct. Many towns 
had apparently recognized at an early period of their 
settlement the Indian ownership, and by the payment 
of some trifle in money or goods, had gone through 
the farce of a purchase. Rowley, unlike many of her 
neighbors, had done nothing, however, simply from 
neglect. At that time, after seventy years of settle- 
ment, the claim was made by these Indians, with 
many precedents in their favor. Late in the year 
1700, a committee was appointed by the town, "to 
treat with the Gentlom Improved and Impowered as 
Attorneys for the Indians, which make a Demand of 
our Lands, & Labour to cleare up our Title to s' 
Lands." 

Soon after, by the payment of nine pounds to 8ain- 
uel English, Joseph English and John Umpee, the 
title to the territory now included in the towns ol 
Georgetown and Rowley, was made good, to the ac- 
knowledged satisfaction of these three claimants. 
These upper commons were still but a slight remove 
from the ancient solitude. 

In 1705 John Holmes, then of Newbury, and con- 
nected in some way with Bartholomew Pearson, deeded 
fifteen acres west of Rock Pond, to Eldad Cheney, ol 
Bradford, and Nicholas Cheney, of Newbury. The 
highway now known as Bailey Lane was crossed, and 
the lot touched on Crag (Scrag) and Rock Pond 
Brooks. Holmes perhaps permanently settled near 
the Bradford line about 1731. It is thought that he 
was living in Byfield in 1730, as his name was not on 
the list of parish petitioners, but it appears in 1732, 
as dismissed from the church in Byfield, to the church 
in the west )iarish in November of that year. We 
find him in 1722 deeding land to Jonathan Harriman, 
and again to Harriman in 1725 several lots on range 
H, in the vicinity of Rock Pond, and at the same 
time one-eighth part of the iron works, said to be on 
the south side of Rock Brook, and the deed adds, 
" with what provision is now made, and the privilege 
of the yard and stream, for nineteen years from date." 
These iron works had jirobably been opened but a 



few years at the longest. Gage records that they 
were worked in 1739, and that a Samuel Barrett lived 
near by, who it is thought carried them on. Besides 
the bog ore which was dug near the yard, the farmers 
carted the ore to be worked at the yard from other 
bogs in the town. 

Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, of Groveland, at a late day, 
could show places on his father's farm on West Street, 
where this iron ore had been dug. The remains of 
these iron works, not far from the embankment of the 
Georgetown and Haverhill Railroad, were plainly 
traceable a few years ago. 

In 1707, Benjamin P/iiiiier, styled clothier in 1718, 
who had made so much trouble for the town by his 
trespassing some years before, bought of Mark Prime 
one-half of the Mrs. Rogers or Lambert farm, for two 
hundred pounds. Plumer had regained the confi- 
dence of the town, for in 1702-3, he was made over- 
seer (the English term ) of all the high waj's in Rowley, 
above and including " Ry plain bridge" (the bridge 
near the Georgetown Town farm). This Lambert 
farm was to a slight e.xtent improved by him, while 
he is supposed to have been living at the time in the 
vicinity of Thurlow or Jewett Street, for, in 1713, he 
b(mght forty-two acres of land of Jonathan Spoftbrd, 
where, the deed states, " my house now is." This 
land, John Spoftbrd, the father of Jonathan, bought 
of the Brownes in 1G93. Joseph and Jonathan 
Plumer, who had purchased the Shepard farm in 
1(J94, were perhaps brothers of Benjamin, but probably 
never lived here. 

The name of Jonnfhan Bradslreet is seen on the 
record at about this date, appearing first as an owner 
of land near Crane pond and brook. This land in 
Rowley was held in partnershii) with David Wheeler, 
John and Ebenezer Browne. Nathaniel Browne, the 
former owner, had removed to Connecticut. About 
1710 or '11, Bradstreet bought of Jonathan Wheeler 
sixty acres, or a part of the Payson farm. This farm 
was a special grant of the town of Rowley to Rev. 
Edward Payson, their fourth minister, and was in 
harmony with the land-allotment to all the previous 
ministers. Wheeler had bought this farm not long 
before this partial sale. The word farm, as used at 
that time, was misleading, it being in anticipation. 
The farming operations of the Rowley ministers did 
not contemplate agriculture in the wilderness, and 
this grant to Mr. Payson was the last of its class. 
This land w.as located near Elder's plain (now Marl- 
boro' district), but on the hilly tract at the north and 
northeast. 

The Bradstreet house may have been that which, 
for three-fourths of a century, was known as the 
Kezar hou.se, and was demolished by Dr. David Mig- 
hill about 1850. The material was used in enlarge- 
ment of the Mighill house on Baldpate. The family, 
in 1739, removed to Lunenburg, iM;iss. Jonathan 
Bradstreet, then known as Captain, with his wife, 
Sarah, and Dorcas Spoftbrd, the wife of his son Sam- 



812 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



uel, were dismissed to the church in Lunenburg. 
April 15th of that year. 

At tlie same period when Bradstreet settled, the 
names of several Boyntons frequently occur. Men- 
tion has already been made of Captain Joseph and 
Richard Boynton, as owners of the Swan lands, ex- 
tending from Pen Brook north and east of Pen Brook 
avenue. 

Ebenezer Bot/ii/oii, who may have been a cousin or 
brother of Joseph, was an early landholder, and 
owned the house in " Marlboro'," now the property of 
Mrs. Jacob F. Jewett. The name of this Boynton is 
found as early as 1714, as the owner of land near that 
belonging to Samuel Brocklebank. 

In 1725, he sold his house and thirty acres of land 
situated on Elder's plain, to Joseph Nelson, for one 
hundred and forty-three pounds. This farm was a 
part of the original Elder Humphrey Raynor grant, 
from which the plain took its name. By inheritance 
it came to Humphrey Hobson, a grandson, who 
deeded, in 1709, sixty-two acres to Edward Hazen, 
said to be an exchange. Hazen, who sold to Boynton, 
may have built here, intending it for his home. It 
is supposed, however, that, after selling here, he was 
the builder and occupant for many years of the an- 
cient house in Boxford, on the Salem road, lately de- 
molished by Thomas B. Masury, upon the site of which 
the present house stands. 

Joseph Nelson, the first of this surname to locate in 
Georgetown, bought in 1707, the year after his mar- 
riage to Hannah, the daughter of Deacon Samuel 
Brocklebank, the Jonathan Harriman place on Brad- 
ford Street, Rowley, and probably lived there until 
his removal here. There is reason to believe that a 
part of this house was built by Boynton or Hazen, as 
early as 1715. Boynton, perhaps, intended after sell- 
ing to build for himself more to the westward, but was 
prevented, for we hnd him selling, the next year, 
thirty acres more to Mr. Nelson, with a barn upon it. 
This tract adjoined land he had previously sold to 
John, the eldest son of Deacon Brocklebank. He also 
sold Richard Boynton nine lots on range T, in the 
"Three thousand acres." Nelson had been an owner 
of land for years in this same Elders plain, buying oi 
Jonathan Boynton and his father-in-law, Deacon 
Brocklebank. 

This Jonathan Boynion was, we think, a son of Cap- 
tain Joseph, and figures prominently in our early his- 
tory. In 1710 or 1711 Joseph deeds to Jonathan one 
hundred and twenty acres, located on the east side of 
the above-named tract of land, then belonging to Ha- 
zen. This ran back to the south, reaching the town 
commons. Doubtless he built on this land ; perhaps 
it included the Tenney estate, on Tenney Street, and 
that the house occupied by three generations of that 
name was built by him. Boynton was the first parish 
clerk, and in office until 1740. A Boynton family re- 
moved toTewksbury from this town about 1738, and a 
Jonathan Boynton to Lunenburg in 1758. Jonathan 



Boynton and wife, Elizabeth, were dismissed in June 
to the church in that town. It is not known whether 
this was the parish clerk, or a Jonathan Boynton of 
a later generation. Others of this surname who were 
not residents, were Caleb, a land-holder in South 
Georgetown, and Benoni, who married a sister of 
Nathaniel Mighill, and ha<l a freehold in this part of 
the town. It is a cui'ious fact, not generally known, 
that Sir William Phips at one time bought or rented 
a Boynton house in Rowley and perhaps resided there. 

In the spring of 1714 Deacon Humuid lirocklehank, 
the son of the captain, who was killed by the Indians 
deeded to his son John for t'GO, to be paid to his 
eldest son, Samuel S., (then probably deceased), three 
daughters £20 to each when they come of age, or 
marriage, which may come first, all the land " then 
belonging to this farm, west of the brook, which runs 
midway of the present Elm and Central Streets, 
known to the present generation as the Brocklebank 
house, recently taken down by Mrs. G. W. Boynton, 
and upon the site of which her present house stands. 
Its demolition removed a distinguishing time-mark 
from the central village. 

At the time this land wa.s deeded to John Brockle- 
bank, Main Street, from his father's house, now M. G. 
Spoflbrd's, to the present centre, was not opened. 
There is no reference to a highway or a path even, 
and the land as deeded beginning in the rear of the 
Chajdin shoe factories, had the brook for a boundary 
until it came " unto ye great brook " with that for a 
bounds until the angle is reached, and from that bend 
across the wooded upland to the " Andover road," 
now North Street, at some point east of the Baptist 
Church. The land of Richard Boynton bounded on 
the east. The course was then westward, with Ando- 
ver road as the bounds, until near tlie house of Miss 
M. A. Sawyer, on Andover Street. " It (says the 
deed), come to Land that I had allowed for my high- 
way Through my farm." This old proprietors' way, 
the westerly bounds of this ancient farm, not far from 
the railroad, is visible to this day, a lane south of the 
residence of D. C. Smith, on Central Street, being, 
perhaps, its southern terminus. This road was used 
by the farmers on Spotlbrds' hill, until the opening of 
Central Street from the Brocklebank house to Chaplin- 
ville, which was laid out about midway of this farm. 
The sandy knoll, now Harmony Cemetery, had for 
some years a watch or blockhouse on its highest 
point, built to guard against raids from the Indians. 
Inl720 Deacon Brocklebank deeded theremaininghalf 
of his farm (''where I now dwell," says the deed) to his 
youngest son Francis Brocklebank. The conditions 
were specified sums, to daughters Elizabeth (Pingry) 
and Hannah (Nelson), and several granddaughters, 
with care for himself and wife through life, and Chris- 
tian burial. The father was living in 1722, and aided 
in correcting the boundary line west of Baldpate hill. 

In January, 1715, Jonathan Harriman, the same, 
who several years before had sold his homestead in 



GEORGETOWN. 



813 



Rowley to Josepli Nelson, bought of Thomas Lam- 
bert, one-half of the Rogers or Lambert farm, near 
IVntiicket Pond. The other half, it will be remem- 
bered, Benjamin Plumer, had been in pos.session of, 
since 1707. This extensive tract of six hundred acres 
or more, not having been divided, a division was then 
made by Harriman and Plumer. One Bayley had land 
near this farm. Perhaps the Bailey road was named 
for jiini. On the southwesterly side of the pond, it 
was agreed, that Plarriman should have the easterly, 
and Plumer the westerly part of the farm. 

On the northeasterly side, a line was run at some 
distance from the pond, Harriman to have the land at 
north of this line, and T/himus I'lumrr, a son of Ben- 
jamin, on the southerly side, or nearest the pond. 
This part of the Harriman land, must have crossed the 
boundary into Bradford, but when granted to Mrs. 
Rogers, before the new line between Rowley and 
Bradford was run, was all within Rowley limits. 
Such a division seems to have been i>hilosophical 
and harmonious. Li its primitive aspects, it reminds 
one of the ()rient, and recalls the story of Abram and 
Lot. 

The brook above Pentucket was equally divided 
between Benjamin Plumer and H.-irriman, both hav- 
ing seen a mill privilege on the brook, and Harriman 
included in the division agreement, liberty to " Oigg 
rocks and (xravel to make a Damni, .and a conven- 
ient yard for a Mill." 

This deeil to Thomas Plumer from fJenjamin, was 
given on the same day as Harriman's from Lambert, 
and was for one hundred and fovty acres. At .about 
this date (1715), was doubtless the erection of the 
Plumer house on Mill Street, now occupied by Mrs. 
J. O. Hoyt and Wm. Day. This house on the end 
toward the lake, has a facing of brick, and is said to 
have been so built, as a protection .against Imlians, 
and on this end only, because of its nearness to the 
hike, and (hat in approaching the house for attack, 
the builders supposed, the Indi.ans would come along 
the lake in their canoes. This land of Thomas 
Plumer, all lay at the left of Parker River, as one 
descends the stream. 

No higliways are mentioned, therefore i\[ill Street, 
the .(acobs Road and North Street, to its junction with 
Thurlow Street, at Hale's corner in (iroveland, were 
as yet, unoi)ened. Jonathan Harriman, in 1721, then 
styled Sergt., deeds to his son Leonard, forty acres of 
the Lambert farm, and one-eighteenth part of the 
saw-mill. Afterwards, perhaps on the same day, an 
e<iual area, with an eighteenth part of the saw-mill to 
his son Nathaniel. J(din Harriman, another son it 
is suppo.sed, built the house now owned by Flint 
Weston. He was the ancestor of H. N. Harriman, 
town clerk and publisher of the Georgetown Advocate. 
At a later date a son of his of the same name, built 
near by. The house of the father, is said to have been 
on the north side of the upper end of Pentucket Pond. 

This land given to Nathaniel Harriman was bounded 



on the south by land of John Adams. This land of 
Adams had been bought of Benjamin Plumer, the year 
before the Harriman purchase, and included, what has 
been known, since about 1800, as the Jacobs farm. The 
last of the name to occupy the Jacobs house, supposed 
to have been built by .Tohu Adiims, was Israel Adams, 
known in the parish as " Pond Israel." Mr. Benja- 
min Jacoljs, of Maine, then became the purchaser and 
lived here. Moses Tenney, the father of State Treas- 
urer Tenney, ouce lived here. 

Nearly a half century ago, the house, a one story 
building, was removed, and is a part of the Aaron 
Pillsbury house on North Street. 

The deed to Plumer from Prime, in 1707, h.as no 
reference to the Bradford road, now Main Street, but 
this to Adams, iu 1714, has and it is so-called. An- 
other of the name of Adams, who bought thirty- five 
acres of land of Plumer in 171G, was Isaac, who as 
well as John, was previously of Rowley. This was 
situated .at the southerly end of Pentucket Pond, on 
both sides of what is now Main Street, and was just 
one mile in length, on Harriman's line. The deed 
concludes, that " Whereas there is a road or way laid 
out over Sd. land, and whereas no Satisfaction has 
been made for it, Sd. Plumer doth by these Presents, 
Consign over to Sd. Adams, all that ye towne Shall 
Allow for it." 

This road was Main Street, and the Clark house, 
now owned by Mrs. Laura Ham, was probably built 
by him, or William Adam.i, who was doubtless a son, 
not many years afterwards. This William was living 
in the parish iu 1730. There was an Liaac Adams, who, 
in 1729, bought the homestead of .Tonathan L<iok, in 
Byfield parish, of forty-five acres, with dwelling- 
house and barn. This was on the borders of Newbury, 
and near the brook, called Andover Spring Brook 
(Parker River), and was in the vicinity of the old 
I'earson house if not that house itself The last of 
the name to live in the Clark house was Capt. Benja- 
min Adams, known as " Lawyer Ben.'' He won the 
title from his pugnacity and fondnes.s for litigation. 
Capt. "Mirabeau" was another familiar name. He 
obtained this from a fancied resemblance to the famous 
French advocate. A family likeness to Isaac, who 
was probably his grandfather, is seen in the complaint 
of neglect, and the demand ibr settlement, of land 
damages, in the original deed from Plumer. He was 
captain of infantry in several campaigns during the 
Revolutionary War, was on duty in Rhode Island, 
and in New York in 1777. Representative to (Teneral 
Court in 1778 and 1780. He removed to Ohio about 
1812, and aged citizens can recall the aii]>earance of 
the wagons loaded with his household goods as they 
left the town for the long journey westward. Some 
years afterwards, a Kon, who was a physician, returned 
on a visit, driving a superb pair of horses which 
created quite a sensation in the town. 

Abraham Adams, of Newl)ury, style«l mariner in 
many deeds of laud, began to buy freeholds iu 1715. 



814 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In 1721, and later, he purchased twenty-eight lots, 
mostly on Range G, in the " Three thousand acres." 
He had not leas than two hundred acres of land, but 
whether he ever settled here or not is uncertain. He 
doubtless had that intention, but, as a mariner, may 
have been lost at sea. From the name, it is probable 
that he was the father of Abraham AJnms, whose 
name first appears on the ])arish records in \l!'^!'i, and 
who bought the original Chaplin house, which was 
built about 1723, just front of the present residence 
of Mi's. W. M. Shute, on the early-named Fairface 
Plain (now South Georgetown) and Nelson Street. 
This house was bought of Jeremiah Chaplin or his 
heirs not far from 1750, and was occupied during the 
building of the present house, which was erected about 
1812. The original building was removed to King 
Street near Groveland Village and is still occupied. 
This was a building of two stories, having but one 
room in width, without a kitchen in the rear. 

Rev. Phineas Adams, pastor of Third Church 
(West Haverhill), was from this house. He had the 
title of A.M. in 1766, was probably a collegiate grad- 
uate, and ordained in 1771. During the investment 
of Boston by General Washington, after the battle of 
Bunker Hill, the patriotism of this colonial pastor was 
shown by a contribution of his entire herd of cattle, 
numbering twenty or more head, which were driven 
to Cambridge to be slaughtered for the army. Pre- 
vious to 1720 there were several other families, set- 
tling or buying land preparatory to settlement. 

Jonathan Wheeler, a son of Jonathan, then styled 
merchant, bought in 171-5 the balance of the Payson 
land. This tract was on the southeast of the Shepard 
farm, and probably included what is now known as 
the Searl farm, so that Wheeler, as well as Bradstreet, 
lived near, or on Searl Street. This Captain Jonathan 
Wheeler and fiimily removed to West Haverhill in 
1738, and were dismissed to the Third Church ; selling 
their farm to Samuel Harriman, who was the direct 
ancestor of Governor Walter Harriman, of Warner, 
N. H., for Samuel, it has been said, for a time lived 
in that neighborhood. This Samuel was one of the 
sons of Jonathan Harriman. 

John Hazen, carpenter, son of Edward, of Boxford, 
built in 1717 a house in South Georgetown on East 
Street. He was the first to build in that afterwards 
(for the time) populous locality. He married, in 
1715, Sarah, the twin sister of the third Philip Nel- 
son. His house is supposed to have stood on the 
south side of the street, not far from tlie Dry 
Bridge road, and on the road known as the Red 
Shanks highway. This highway began at what is now 
Elm Street, near the Deacon Haskell Perley house, and 
extended along the height of the land, over the 
farm now owned by John S. Kimball, past the an- 
cient Merrill house .at the corner, and southerly to 
this Hazen house. From this point it crossed the 
upland to the present Salem road, near Mr. Buck- 
minister's, and then westerly, until it made a junc- 



tion with the early-opened Salem road, on the plain 
near Timothy Perkins' in Boxford, not far from the 
house of Francis Marden. The Salem road, past Ed- 
ward Hazen's (now T. B. Masury), was not opened, 
and some one living there had often said that he 
hoped not to live long enough to see a highway past 
this house. His wish was realized, for at about the 
time this road was opened, tradition tells us, his 
death occurred. There was also a road over the hills 
to the westward, leading to the SpoiTords', probably 
the path now used by Sherman Nelson, to the hill 
known as the Vineyard lands. Where the bridge 
over Pen Brook, on East Street, now is, was tlien the 
fording-place. Edward Hazen having used this path 
in going to Deacon Brocklebank's and beyond, it be- 
came the road. John Hazen's land was south of the 
fording-place or bridge. On meadow bought of Ja- 
cob Perley at this time a dam is mentioned in the deed. 
Samuel Hazen had land in 172.'') below Pen Brook, 
and in 1729 had settled, or was about to settle, in this 
locality. He was, it is thought, the first owner of the 
farm now owned by John S. Kimball. Until 1717, 
any land sold in this part of Beverly was somewhat 
indefinitely located. From the date of the third 
division of common land, which was made at about 
1700, any lots disposed of were in the form of free- 
holds, but in 1717 the '' Three Thousand Acres " was 
laid out in ranges, not, however, beginning at one 
boundary line of the town and continuing in regular 
alphabetical order, but on a method understood at the 
time. It seems to have been attempted to make a 
higliway, or at least a proprietors' way; a boundary 
on one or both of the sides of these ranges. A and B 
were located in the Red Shanks Hill district. L was 
south of Nelson Street. C and D south of and along 
Baldjjate Street. Around Rock Pond the land was 
laid out as H. South of Andover Street over the 
Thurston land (now a part of the Samuel Little farm) 
was range R, with S and T opposite, on the present 
Samuel Noyes' place, and beyond westwardly. Land 
grants were often made before this careful mapping 
of the territory, and afterwards it would be found that 
the lot was already included in a previous grant or 
purchase, as, for instance, eleven years alter Isaac 
Adams bought his farm near Pentui-ket Pond of 
Plumer, he found that the town had given John 
Hazen two acres within the same farm. This was 
made satisfactory by a deed from Hazen. After John 
Hazen had built his house on East Street, his father 
was obliged to get his title to the farm, which he had 
given John, confirmed by the town. Something of 
the irritation which resulted can be conceived, and 
yet one can imagine that at an early period a little of 
the squatter-sovereignty feeling prevailed, and that 
possession and improvement were at least considered 
as nine points in the law. After 1717, the disposal by 
the town of both the upper and the middle commons 
was by a methodical system of ranges and lots. It 
will be remembered that the Brocklebank farms, all 



GEOKGETOWN. 



815 



the Elder Eeyuer lands, which had come to the Hob- 
sons, ;ind by them sold to other parties, and the Lam- 
bert farm, at this time owned by the I'lumers, Harri- 
mans. Holmes and Adams, were by special grants, and 
already, in some cases, private deeds had been given, 
not once bnt twice, at ditferent dates for the same 
land. This disposal in 1717 was the balance of the 
common land above and below Pen Brook, and Wiis 
by lots, and each lot recorded when drawn. The 
record of the names, as drawn, is missing from the 
collection of books at the Clerk's office iu Rowley. 
In the deeds of these lots, given by individuals at a 
later day, this record was called the Book of Com- 
moners. The diagrams of these ranges, of different 
lengths, with the lots, from two to forty in luimber, 
are on record, carefully executed by fiome draughts- 
man before the lots were drawn. 

The original titles to all the lands in the " Three 
Thousand Acres" not previously granted, and much 
of ihe intervening middle commons, bear date at this 
important jioint, 1717. The community, the corporate 
l)ody, the town, had the ]iower thus delegated to it by 
the Ciilonial Covernmcnt to grant personal titles to 
all land included within its domain.^, and the same 
power that granted, it would seem, could comjiel a 
surrender if needful for the public good. 

The lots on these ranges were generally of about 
five acres in extent, long and (|uite narrow, a minute 
subdivision which is seen in the numerous division- 
lences, the stone foundations of which are still visible 
all over this tract. This division into such small lots 
led to many purchases by those intending to settle, so 
as to have acreage equal to the needs of a farm. 

Perhaps the first of the early settlers to buy free- 
holds extensively in the three thousand acre tract was 
Richard Dole, cordwainer, of Rowley. He secured 
several, and after the division into lots, obtained from 
one and another by purchase or exchange, lots to the 
number of twenty-one. His first intentions were per- 
haps to locate on Red (Shanks highway, buying land 
there in 17:i2. In 172li, however, he purchased 
largely south of Baldpate Street, and doubtless built 
a liouse there soon after. This house was probably 
built on land now owned by G. S. Weston, and which 
had for its last occupant the widow of Captain IMoses 
Dole. CutTee Dole, an African of ebon blackness, 
was the servant of this family until the death (jf the 
aged widow. It is said, that when but an infant, he 
was bought by Captain Dole, in Dauvers, for about 
ten pounds. A death-bed confession of the woman 
who sold him, wiis, that he was free-born and had been 
placed in her care by his mother living in Boston. 
Cuffee, by diligent search, after years of servitude, 
lound the story was true. Still he clung to his old 
home, until at the demolition of the old mansion, 
early in the present century, he became a member of 
the family of Rev. Mr. Braman, where he died. For 
many years, any invasion of his prerogatives, as care- 
taker at funerals and other public occasions, met with 



his wrath and scorn. His grave in Union Cemetery 

is marked with this, " A respectable man of color." 
His estate, of one thousand d(dlars, was left to Mr. 
Braman. 

There was another house, which was probably built 
on the Dole lands, not far from Baldpate Street, on 
land now owned by Henry Kennett. It has been 
thought that this was an early Spoflbrd house, but 
possibly it was the original house of Richard Dole. 
It had the reputation for many years of being "a 
haunted house." Mr. Nathan I'erley, John Bettis 
and others, watching with sick [leoplc, told strange 
stories of what they heard and saw. It was removed 
hefore this century and re-built in Sherman Nelson's 
house on Elm Street. No person now living can 
give any definite clue as to who, at any time, lived 
in it when on its former site. 

Rirkard Boi/ntun, perhaps the same, whose land 
adjoine<l the farm of John Brocklebank, near Pen 
Brook, bought thirteen lots on ranges S and T in 
1724-2.'}, on the north side of Andover Street, and 
built there. The house on the summit of Spofford's 
Hill, now ow-ned by Samuel Noyes, is in part at least 
quite ancient, and doubtless is the original house. 
Moses Boynton, carpenter and bridge-builder, was 
living there less than three-fourths of a century ago. 

Another family of some prominence who settled 
about a mile to the south, was that of Bnrpee. From 
the fact that Thomas Burpee, the west parish settler, 
sold his dwelling-house at the east end of the Ox- 
pasture in Rowley, in the winter of 1724, it is proba- 
ble that he came here soon afterwards. He built on 
the southerly slope, of what was .soon known as Vine- 
yard Hill, on land now owned by Clias. Iv Chaplin, 
and just about midway of Bald])ate and Nelson 
Streets. From its sunny location, and the abund- 
ance of choice fruit grown on this sixty acre farm, it 
obtained the name of the Vineyard. On the height of 
the hill, just in the rear of the site of the house, on 
land that is now owned by Sherman Nelson (then 
Dole lands), .stands the walruit tree, which has been a 
conspicuous mark for sailors, on our eastern coast, per- 
hujis from the time that Thomas Burpiee first came 
here, and it is still fresh and vigorous. There was a 
cross-way from the parish farm, occupied by the 
Spoffords, past this house, reaching Nelsnn Street, 
near the ancient Elm, at the foot of the hill, by Mrs. 
\\ . M. Shute's. From thence it connected with the 
Salem road past Oak Dell and over Pen Brook. Al- 
though this path has not been travelled for nearly a 
century, it shows in places the marks of the travel of 
former times. About 1787, this farm was sold, and a 
part of the house re-built, in the house of L. L. Dole 
on Elm Street. Amos Nelson who built abnut 1767, 
the house of C. E. Chaplin, on Nelson Street, bought 
the land surrounding this Burpee house, and used a 
part as a kitchen for his own dwelling. Ebenezer Bur- 
pee, who lived here, a carpenter, was probably a son 
of Thomas, and was parish clerk for tweuty-five years. 



816 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Nathaniel Perkins, a son-iu-law of Edward Hazen, 
about 1722, began to buy lots on range L, extending 
from Nelson Street (Fairface highway, then called) to 
Boxford Line, north of Lake Raynor. Afterwards 
buying the Cooper land, south of the town boundary, 
it carried his laud to the shore of the lake. He also 
owned the Raynor meadow, just below and adjoin- 
ing the lake. His house was about midway between 
Nelson Street and the lake, and was erected about 
1725. This farm was owned by himself and heirs 
until 1788, when it was sold to Major Asa Nelson, 
who lived on Nelson Street. Mr. Perkins was not 
connected with the west parish, and in no wise iden- 
tified with its interests. In 1766, he aided in the en- 
largement of the cemetery, near B. S. Barnes' house, 
in Boxford. In the winter of 1778, there were several 
sick with the small-pox in the Perkins house and 
vicinity, the sickness finally became epidemic, and 
this house being isolated from other habitations 
was used as the hospital or pest house. Several vic- 
tims were buried near the foot-path leading to the 
lake, about forty rods from the house. It was claimed 
that the smoke, from the chimneys of houses where 
the sick were, carried the disease from one house to 
another in this locality. The families of Amos and 
Asa Nelson, Mr. Perkins' neighbors on Nelson Street, 
removed, the one to the Burjiee, the other to the 
Brocklebank house, the men only daily returning to 
care for the barns and farm-stock. This Perkins 
family, like many others at that time, are said to have 
removed to New Hampshire. On a little knoll just 
southeast from Edward U. Nelson's house, w'ho with 
his sister are owners of this I'arm, is a hollow, said to 
have been dug by a member of the Perkins family, as 
the cellar for an intended house. It is said the death 
of this young man, during the war of the Revolution, 
whether abroad or at home, is not known, left this 
hollow as the only memorial of the house that was to 
be. This Perkins house had a chequered history, 
much more than the average New England farm- 
house. It was taken down in 1856, the material being 
used in building the house of W. M. Dorgan, on 
Pond Street. 

WiUiam Fiske was settled in this town as early 
as 1727. His lather, Samuel Fiske, of Wenliam, 
bought property in Boxford late in the seven- 
teenth century. In 1716 he deeded to his son Willi.Tm 
the dwelling-house he was then in possession of. In 
the spring of 1727 William bfiught of Abraham How, 
of Ipswich, a lot on range H below Pen Brook. In 
October of that year, he was in Rowley. It is said 
that his house was built east of the house of Mrs. 
Sylvanus Merrill, near the lower end of the garden. 
He was a constituent member of the First Congrega- 
tional Church in Georgetown, being one of the eigh- 
teen males dismissed from Byfield, and was at once 
elected deacon. The family seems to have become 
extinct at his death. 

William Searle was an early settler on the Raynor 



Plain (Marlborough). His father, William, came to 
Rowley perhaps from Ipswich between 1680 and '90, 
and doubtless died as a member of Captain Philip 
Nelson's company, in Governor Phips' expedition 
against Quebec. William Searle, of the west parish, 
married Jane, a granddaughter of Captain Philip 
Nelson, about 1722, and settled here soon afterward. 
The ancient house, supposed to be built by him, was 
demolished by Deacon John Platts more than a half- 
century ago. The house now owned by Mrs. Sylva- 
nus Merrill was built on the same .site. Mr. Searle 
was, like his neighbor Deacon Fiske, a constituent 
member of the First Church, and was also made a 
deacon at the organization. 

Another house, thought to have been built prior to 

1730, and still standing, is on Chaplin's Court, and 
the property of Miss Jane Edmonds. This was per- 
haps built by Jonathan, a brother or son of Jeremiah 
Chap/in. Here lived Elder Asa, and here was born, 
in 1776, or early resided, his son Jeremiah Chaplin, 
D.D., the first president of Colby University, Water- 
ville. Me., and who continued in office fifteen years. It 
is said that Gen. B. F. Butler was under his instruction 
for several years. Descendants noted as educators 
and in the world of letters are his son Jeremiah, a 
Ba[itist clergyman and writer, the husband of Jane 
Dunbar, and the father of Heman L., a lawyer in 
Boston ; Mrs. Hannah, wife of Prof. George Conant, 
of Hamilton, N. Y., in whose family his last years 
were spent, and other daughters, who married Baptist 
ministers. Dr. Chaplin united with the Baptist 
Church in Georgetown before his eleventh year. He 
was a graduate of Brown University, 1799. An item 
in the account book of Benjamin Adams, of South 
Georgetown, is, " Dr., June, 1799, Elder Asa Chaplin 
for use of chaise to go to Providence to see Jeremiah 
graduate." 

A name of distinction tor about three-fourths ol a 
century was that of Thurston. Sergt. Daniel Thurs- 
ton, of Newbury, bought freeholds west of Pen Brook 
as early as 1714. 

After the division into ranges and lots, he acquired 
several lots by purchase or exchange ou Range R, 
south of Andover Street, upon which a house was built. 
It is not known whether he setltled here, but Jonathan 
Thurston, probably a son, was living here doubtle-s in 

1731. He and wife Lydia were original members of 
the First Church, and may have been settled here a 
year or two prior to 1730. Mr. Thurston was the first 
parish clerk, holding the office eight years. The house, 
a spacious mansion with eight s(|uare rooms, was sold 
in 1800, with the farm of forty or more acres to Rev. 
Isaac Braman. Much of the material of this vener- 
ated mansion when demolished was used by George J. 
Tenney in the erection of Tenney's Hall, now the 
residence of Mr. H. N. Harriman. Three generations 
of the Thurston family had dwelt under its roof, Daniel 
and Stephen finally removing, the one to Ipswich the 
other to Andover. The descendants who visit with 



GEORGETOWN. 



817 



reverence the spot where the house ouce stood are 
numerous and influential. 

The southerly slope of Baldpate Hill was partially 
cleared by Nathaniel Mighill, of Rowley, who was 
a grandson of Deacon Thomas Migliiil (the first who 
cleared land in Georgetown), at an early date. In 171fi 
Nathaniel began his extensive purchase of land. Later, 
perhaps in 1724 or '2.5, having bought lots on ranges 
D and E, he built the easterly front of the present Mig- 
hill house, on Baldpate Street. It is a family tradition 
that it was not permanently occupied for some years. 
Some of the family, it is said, spent the summer 
months here, returning to Rowley in the autumn, and 
that one son and then another would attempt to set- 
tle, only to go back to the old homestead. Finally, 
Stephen Mighill, the eldest, about 1733 or '34 removed 
here, was elected deacon in 1747, and was quite active 
in parish affairs. In all deeds he was styled " maltster." 
This was the partial occupation of the family in Row- 
ley; the malt-house of Deacon Thomas of date 1650, 
was located just east of the barn of his descendants, 
the present owners of the estate. The malt-house at 
their Georgetown estate was standing and continued 
to bear this name until within the past twenty years. 
The family of Deacon Stephen Mighill were quite 
aristocratic, and had negro servants. One by the name 
of Sabina was afterwards in Rev. Mr. Chandler's family, 
and was remembered by him in his will. Chloe was 
another, and is said to have been purchased by Mr. 
Amos Nelson. He gave her the freedom she coveted. 
Another of Mr. Nelson's colored friends lived for many 
years in Boxford, and annually presented her bene- 
factor with stockings and mittens of her own knit- 
ting. 

David Mighill, a grandson of the Deacon, graduated 
at Dartmouth in 1809, and was a town physician for 
about forty years. He had conferred upon him the 
degree of LL.D. as well as that of M.D. He first 
practiced in Dunbarton, N. H., where he married 
Betsy Mills and where his eldest son John (Mills) was 
born, who now resides on the old farm. He had quite 
an inventive gift, and one of his devices, a pump, 
proved very valuable to the party who obtained the 
patent. Stephen, a sou of the above, was in medical 
practice for several years in Roxbury and Boston. His 
sister Irene married Dr. Moses Spoftbrd, who for many 
years divided the practice of the town and parish with 
Dr. Mighill, his brother-in-law. 

Solomon Nelson was another early settler. Soon 
after his marriage to Mercy, the daughter of Jeremiah 
Chaplin in 172.5, he and his cousins followed their uncle 
Gershom to what was then the town of Mendon, now 
Hopedale, where he bought land in the wilderness, and 
remained there until 1729. Returning to Rowley in 
April, he bought a lot of five acres on range M, and 
probably built that year on the spot upon which the 
house of the writer stands, now occupied by Leon S. 
Gifibrd. The original house, with its additions, be- 
came quite extensive, and was taken down in 1838. 
I 51 i 



Mr. Nelson was highly esteemed by the parish, was 
frequently an assessor, and was treasurer and collector 
for perhaps twenty years. 

His descendants of special prominence are Hon. 
Jeremiah Nelson, late of Newburyport, who was a 
member of Congress from the Essex North district 
for several terms; Rev. William B. Dodge, who for 
years was noted as an educator and philanthropist, 
the " Master Dodge," of Salem, Mass., and General 
G. M. Dodge, chief engineer of the Central Pacific 
Railroad, who was urged by President Grant, it has 
been said, to take the position of Secretary of War in 
his first cabinet, but declined the honor. A daughter, 
Huldah, who married Elder Samuel Harriman, died 
in March, 1848, aged one hundred years and nearly 
six months. In native vigor of mind and mental 
acumen, and although comparatively uneducated, hav- 
ing much of the masculine force of the historian Han- 
nah Adams, she perhaps exceeded any other person of 
her sex ever born in the town. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

GEORGETOWN.— Co«(/nHc<Z. 

PARISH OROANIZATION — FIE8T COXCiKEGATIOXAL 
AXD BYFIELD. 

At the beginning of the year 1700 there were about 
twenty families settled within the limits of the terri- 
tory now known as Georgetown. Of this number 
four-fifths at least were in the easterly or Byfield sec- 
tion of the town. With two possible exceptions, that 
of John and Samuel Spoflbrd, who went to Bradford 
meeting, all attended religious services at Rowley. 
Not less than one hundred and twenty families, with 
a population of over six hundred, were residents ot 
Rowley at that time. They were liberal toward their 
ministers. The estate of Mr. Rogers was appraised 
at fifteen hundred jjounds, perhaps equ-al to twenty- 
five thousand dollars in our day, while Mr. Shepard, 
after a pastorate of only about three years died, leav- 
ing an estate equal by our standard to nearly ten 
thousand dollars. 

The Rowley farmers wereprosperous, and in view of 
their prosperity there should have been a readiness to 
aid the weak parishes in the interior. Instead, the 
people of Rowley village (afterwards Boxford), were 
to pay 0He-/i(/// of their minister-rates to Topsfield. 
The Topsfield meeting was the one they attemled, and 
why not have granted them authority to pay all their 
rates to Topsfield and aid that slow-growing settle- 
ment. Communities were isolated, wrapped up in 
their own local interests, and there was very often 
manifest, a marked want of breadth and generous 
feeling. One peculiar feature, shown in documents 
of the time, bearing on the alliance between church 



818 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and State, was that the church preceded the State, 
the organization of the State being aj^parently to 
maintain and perpetuate the church, and therefore 
we find it made the basis of appeals from commu- 
nities for incorporation as towns. Under that system 
the civil law was the source of the strength of the 
church, and the Boxford petitioners then said to the 
General Court, when asking for town rights, " now 
we have no way to compel any person to do his duty, 
if he will not doe itof himself" and to have the power 
to compel a person, they asked for separate sovereignty, 
and it was granted. When town incorporation was 
not thought advisable parishes were established. This 
word ha])pily becoming obsolete in the New England 
signification, and probably in its primal meaning 
(that of the source of a benefice or supply), was first 
considered as feasible in what is now Georgetown in 
1701. 

December IGth, of that year, a religious service hav- 
ing been established, perhaps for a year or more 
westerly of Eye Plain Bridge, the families located 
there a.sked Rowley to have their rates abated. This 
was partially granted, the vote being to abate one- 
half of the minisler-rates of Jonathan Wheeler, Ben- 
jamin Plumer, Samuel Brocklebank, John Browne, 
Nathaniel Browne, Jonathan Look, James Chute, 
Andrew Stickney, Henry Poor, Duncan Stewart, 
Ebenezer Browne, Ebenezer Stewart, John Lull, 
James Tenney, John Plumer, Richard Boynton and 
Josiah Wood. 

This petition and the partial response implies some 
action already taken, perhaps a meeting-house raised 
and covered, in which services were held, and on the 
completion of it the vote of the town, March 16, 
1702-3, was passed, whiph verbatim i.s this : " The 
Inhabitants of ye Rowley living on the Northwest 
side of the bridge called Rye plain bridg, and on the 
North west side of the hill called Long hill, and 
Joyned with the farmers of Newbury that doth 
border on us, in building a new meeting house for the 
worship of God, Shall be Abatted their Rattes in the 
ministry Rate in the Towue of Rowley, if they do 
maintain with the help of our neighbors of Newbury, 
an Otthoxdoxs ministry to belong and teach, in that 
meeting-house that they have built, until Such time 
as it is judged that their is asufishant Number, to 
maintain a minister in the North west part of our 
Towne, without the help of our neighbors of Newbury, 
that doth border upon us, whose names are as fol- 
loweth : " (The seventeen as above, with Lionel 
Chute added.) When the population would warrant, 
another parish was to be formed, exclusively of Rowley 
families. The fir.-<t meeting-house in this parish was 
near where the present house stands. This part of 
Newbury was the "Falls," and this part of Rowley 
was '■ Rowlbery." 

In the records of the Rowley church the parish was 
called Byfield in 170G, and yet that year it was incor- 
porated "as "The Falls." Hon. Nathaniel Byfield, of 



Boston, perhaps connected with some of the families 
in the parish, may have aided in building the meet- 
ing-house, and some proposed giving it his name. 
After his gift of a bell, it was decided to call it Byfield 
in his honor. An endeared name to multitudes living 
and dead. 

Rev. Moses Hale, of Newbury, was ordained No- 
vember 17, 1706, as the first minister. A graduate of 
Harvard in 1699. Died January 16, 1744-45. 

The records of the Church, to the death of Mr. 
Hale, are lost. Perhaps a search might be successful. 
In 1707 the parish lines were established. This in- 
cluded from Rye Plain bridge, up an ancient way 
near Francis Nelson's house, over Long Hill, across 
Elder's Plain, by Deacon Brocklebank's (now M. G. 
Spofford's), and to the Bradford line, including within 
its limits allot the Lambert farm, near Pentucket Pond, 
being in all one-half of the area now Georgetown. It 
probably being "judged that there is asufishent Num- 
ber to maintaine a minister in the Northwest part of 
our Town," in the language of the Rowley records, 
steps were taken, perhaps as early as 1727, prepara- 
tory to petitioning for incorporation as a separate 
parish. Since 1700, and especially since 1725, as is 
seen in Chapter LI, a rapid settlement had gone for- 
ward. We can imagine John Spofibrd and the Plum- 
ers, in earnest conversation with their near neighbors 
on the question, and some strong assertions that the 
time had come to build a meeting-house here. 

There is no doubt such important action was dis- 
cussed for at least one or two winters around the broad 
hearth and in the light of their hickory fires, some 
confident, others doubting, until at a meeting in some 
one of the old-time kitchens, it was decided that in 
the coming winter of 1728-29, they would sled to the 
Harriman & Plumer mill on Rock Pond Brook, logs 
for the lumber needed for the house. The Brockle- 
banks were interested, suggested the lot below Pen 
Brook on Main Street, at the corner of the early 
opened road, near where David Brocklebanks' hou-e 
stands, and the heavy oak frame was provided, squared, 
and in June 1729 was raised, soon boarded in, and the 
first rude meeting-house completed. This was a pro- 
prietors' building; some in the vicinity were not then 
interested, and the erection of this first meeting-house 
was not a general affair. There were no dedication 
ceremonies, that is an innovation of much later times. 
The name was properly meeting-house, and at that 
day it meant nothing more. There was no sacredness 
in the building itself, for that savored of the Episco- 
pacy they abhorred. In most cases there was no burial 
of their departed friends in the shadow of these New 
England houses for meetings. 

To be nearly central as possible was one thing, to 
have it open to the public highway for convenience, 
seems to have been another. 

May 27th, 1730, a petition for a distinct parish was 
signed by forty-two persons and presented to the 
General Court. 



GEORGETOWN. 



819 



October 1, 1731, it was ordered " That Mr. Beujamiii 
Plummer, a Principal Inhabitant of the precinct 
Lately set ofT from the town of Rowley, and parish of 
Byfield, is Authorized to Notiiie the Inhabitants to 
convene in some publick Place, to Choose precinct 
officers, to stand until the Anniversary meeting in 
March next." J. Quincy was speaker and Jonathan 
Belcher, governor (later a friend of Whitefield), who 
approved. The names of Captain John SpofTbrd, 
Benjamin Plummer and Jonathan Thurston do not 
appear on the petition. They were, doubtlers, origi- 
nally not favorable to the movement. 

" By Virtue of the above Precept the Inhabitants 
of the New precinct assembled togather on the fifth 
of October, 1781." 

Lieutenant John SpaiTord was elected moderatorand 
Jonathan Boynton clerk, to serve until the meeting in 
March. Lieutenant John Spaftbrd, Elder Jeremiah 
Chaplin, Ensign Benjamin Plummer, Mr. William 
Searl and Mr. Aaron Pengry were elected assessors, 
and Jonathan Thurston and Samuel John,son, collect- 
ors. These were the first legal officers of most of the 
territory now known as Georgetown. 

Nearly a year before the church was organized, on 
October 25, 1731, the parish voted " to call Mr. Daniel 
Rogers, that bath preached with us, to be our minys- 
ter." " Nov. 9, 1731, voated that Lieut. John Spafford 
Should build the Galery Stairs, and Joyce for the 
Galery flore, and Lay the said flore with Yalow pine 
boards, and to make three Seats in the fruut Galery, 
and two Seats on each Side Galierys." 

This describes the house in part, a plain building, 
without steeple or spire, and at this date still unfin- 
ished. 

" Jan. 4, 1731-32, It was a Greed & Voated to call 
Mr. Chandler of Andover, the Gentleman that hath 
preached with us of Late, to be our Minister, and it 
was Voated by every man then Assembled." Salary 
to be " one hundred and ten pounds pr. year, to be 
Stated by the Standard, acording as mony Should 
Grow better or wor.je," ivid " three hundred pounds 
for Settlement." Five parish meetings had been 
held. 

March 27, 1731-32, First annual meeting " voated 
Mr. Chandler twenty cords of wood a year." August 
8, 1732, voted " By the major part of the Builders of 
the Meeting-House, that the Rest of the people in 
said parish should have an Ecjual prevelige with us, 
in s"". meeting-house, so Long as it stands in the place 
where it now is." John Harriman dissented. Some 
were not satisfied with the location, and the same dis- 
satisfaction continued for several generations. 

Mr. Chandler accepted this purely parish call, and 
it was voted by the parish, September 20, 1732, for the 
ordination, October 18, 1732. The minister was in 
this particular instance selected by the parish, which 
virtually represented the town of to-day. 

Three-fourths of a century of independent churches 
makes it somewhat difficult to have a clear compre- 



hension of the conditions of Church and State, as 
then existed. The law of the colony recognized but 
one religious organization, and that equally with all 
other public interests, was sustained and perpetuated 
by the "law's strong arm." The church was organ- 
ized just two weeks before the ordination, for whicli 
preparations were going on among the thirty or more 
families with harmony and enthusiasm. 

Perfectly united as the parish was in Mr. Chandler, as 
Jonathan Boynton informs us in his careful record, we 
can believe that every housewife did her best to make 
the important affair something to recall with pride, 
long afterward. Ten pounds was voted to Jeremiah 
Harriman to make provision for ministers and mes- 
sengers and "some other Gentlemen that wateson the 
ministers," colored servants, probably. 

The lofty airs common to their class at this period, 
on occasions of the importance of an ordination, have 
often been de.scribed. The ministers and their attend- 
ants, doubtless assembled at the Deacon Brocklebank 
house, where his son Francis then lived. It was voted 
that " William Fiske have ten pounds, to jirovide for 
Scholars and other Gentlemen." The churches of 
Byfield, Bradford, Boxford, Andover, Rowley, and the 
Second of Newbury were represented. The sermon 
was by Mr. Rogers of Boxford, from John 21 : V>, 10, 
17; and the services \vere concluded by singing part 
of the 132d Psalm. 

At the church organization, two weeks previously, 
Mr. Hale of Byfield constituted and Mr. Balch of 
second Bradford (now Grovelaiul), preached a sermon, 
afterwards printed. 

The records of the church from this date are in the 
minute and delicate penmanship of Mr. Chandler. 
"Nov., 1732, a Desent Seat for Deacons and a Com- 
munion table ordered to be built." " Mar., 1732-33, 
Ebenezer Burpee instructed to put up two rails, bools 
and banistei's at the end of the pulpit stairs." "July 
17, 1733, voted to Joseph Nelson, twelve pounds, to 
provide for the raising of Mr. Chandler's house and 
barn." The house was built just west of the church, 
on the site of which the house of Humphrey Nelson 
now stands. This house, built in 1733, was burned 
on Town Meeting day, April 4, 1825. The cause was 
a defective chimney. Most of the adult males of the 
I)arish were in Rowley at the time. 

At this date, 1733, the line between Byfield and this 
parish was settled "with Leonard Harriman 's widow 
and David pearsons to belong to the west parish of 
Rowley, and so Jedediah pearsons' Land to belong to 
Byfield." " Dea. Searl was chosen to go down to the 
Generall Court, to see what may be gotten of the town 
rents." December, 1735, the same was chosen to re- 
ceive the money that the parish is to have of the 
town, and also the rent of the thatch-bank. This 
land in Rowley, marsh and upland, was often ditched, 
leased by the parish every three years, and finally, in 
1856, was leased for nine hundred and ninety-nine 
years. The railroad near the Rowley station wiis laid 



820 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



out over it for a considerable distance, and land dam- 
age awarded in 1839. 

Pews in the meeting-linuse were not made as yet, 
but in December, 1736, Mr. Chandler had the " Lib- 
erty of a pew at the west end of the pulpit." It was 
also voted " to lease that part of Spofford's farm that 
has been set off to the west parish." This division of 
the parish land had been made in July, 1735. 

The northerly side of the farm, then occupied by 
Samuel Spoffbrd, had come to the west parish, one- 
half of Half-moon meadow, four lots of land in the 
upper commons, or two freeholds, and the thatch- 
bank at Oyster Point. John and Jonathau Spofford, 
nephews of Samuel, occupied the southerly half 
March, 1737, the parish voted to lease the wood Iota, 
and voted again to lease their SpofiTord farm. The 
Parish farm at that time had been improved by the 
Spofford family for nearly seventy years. Samuel was 
nearly ninety years of age and an extensive land- 
holder, especially in Boxford. He had seen this farm 
reclaimed from the wilderness by his father, himself 
and brothers, and now it was, like the parish, to be 
divided in twain. He had lived to see a meeting- 
house, with the houses of energetic farmers, scattered 
all along the easterly slope below him, and forming in 
themselves and families the west parish of Eowley. 
At their first coming this family expected others 
would soon follow, and no doubt, as the years moved 
wearily on, with a monotonous tread, and they were 
still nearly alone, it seemed as if Elders and Fairface 
plains, the Lambert farm, Red Shanks, the Rocky 
hills and Baldpate would never have the clearings 
they so longed to see. He had heard from many a 
lip the thrilling story of Mrs. Dustin and her Indian 
captors ; saw, perhaps, the murdered Goodrich family 
buried near where they were slain ; the smoke from 
the burning homes of his Haverhill neighbors had 
spoken a tale of horror on that fateful October morn- 
ing, 1706 — and still he and his kindred had been 
nearly alone, doubtless only the Brocklebanks to re- 
lieve the solitude. Father and brothers, the only 
companions of his youth and earlier manhood, had 
long before passed from this wilderness into the 
"pleasant land," and still he had lived on, and when 
an aged patriarch, as the last decade in his life draws 
near, all at once, as it were, there is the stir of human 
life on every hand. The sound of the axe and the 
crash of the giants of the forest is heard, and land 
grants, transfers and allotments is the animated de- 
bate that makes it seem like a new world upon which 
he has entered. This venerable pioneer, soon after 
the organization of the West Parish Church, was re- 
ceived into membership, being dismissed from the 
Rowley Church. He died January 1, 1743, aged ninety- 
one years. 

The fiirm was leased February 22, 1737-38, for nine 
hundred and ninety-nine years. Five members of the 
parish objected. 

The divisional parts of the meeting-house were 



early called pens, and in the year 1741 the parish 
voted " to' sell the penes in the gallery to D.ivid Nel- 
son, also to lay out the Rome for the penes, and sell 
the Rome for the penes at the hiest bider." In 1742 
an addition to the house of thirteen feet four inches 
was vo'ed, and Richard Thurston was engaged to 
build this extension. 

In 1744 it was voted that the builders of the house 
should have the two hind seats of the men and the 
women's below, they giving a bill of sale of the meet- 
ing-house. Until then, the proprietors had the house 
under their control. The pulpit was to be painted, 
and Samuel Harriman had twenty pounds for "Red- 
ing the meeting-house." A few buildings painted 
that peculiar shade of red, were to be seen thirty 
years ago. About that date, the Ipswich farmers 
(afterwards known as Linebrook), petitioned for some 
families to be set off to them. The Linebrook parish 
probably asked for a part of what is now Dodgeville, 
as the west parish ran easterly of what at present is 
known as the Phillips' place. To illustrate the spirit 
of the New England minister at this period, while an 
improvement was shown in the outward work of the 
parish, Mr. Chandler suggested, in May, 1747, to 
prevent profanation of the Lord's Day, and as many 
live at considerable distance, to have a sermon read 
between public service, through the summer season. 
This custom was continued for half a century. 

A severe drought in 1749, was a cause for alarm, 
and a church fast was voted June 4th. The hay crop 
is said to have been so short, that weeds and almost 
every imaginable green thing was cured for substi- 
tutes. The meeting-house needed repairs, and a vote 
so passed in 1758. The question of removal to the 
"senter of the parish," was agitated. "Mr. John 
Brocklebank's corner, near his house," was suggested, 
the expense to be raised by subscription. In 1759 a 
motion was made " to get an artice to mesure and 
draw a plan, to know where the senter of sd parish is." 
The above motion was promptly negatived. In 1760 
the controversy was such, tljat as some were for re- 
pairs and others for removal, or a new house, that 
arbitration was voted. The committee were Caleb 
Gushing, Samuel Phillips and Captain Thomas Den- 
nis. Their decision was to continue the house where 
it then stood. Dudley Tyler, who then owned the 
Brocklebank house near the meeting-house, was Inn- 
keeper, and provided for the committee. Only some 
limited repairs voted, while a pediment over the front 
door and other attractive improvements had been 
suggested. 

In 1762 it was voted that " those that have taken 
pains to Learn the art of Singing," may set in the 
front gallery. The first reference to singing, is in the 
church records for 1736, viz.: "Mr. Burpee continued 
to tune the Psalm in Publick Worship." 

In 1763 an innovation was made, which was " to 
admit Dr. Watts' Imitation of David Psalms, but 
not wholly to exclude ye old Version." In 1765 Mr. 



GEORGETOWN. 



821 



John Cleveland (then of Ipswich, Chaplain at Fort 
William Henry, in 1767), " and other gospel minis- 
ters, not intending on Mr. Chandler's ministry," are 
invited to "Freeh Lectors." About twenty years be- 
fore, Whitefield had crossed parish lines, and itine- 
rated in the open air if the meeting-houses were de- 
nied him. but before this, whatever the opposition to 
the multitude of others, that were busy in religious 
service in an irregular way, Whitefield's abilities 
were recognized, and his special work seemingly ap- 
proved. Still, at this late date, there were many 
ministers and churches, so trammelled by the fetters 
of the period, that their recognition of Whitefield was 
but half-hearted. 

Tradition says that Jlr. Chandler was earnest in 
persuading Elder Asa Chaplin to attend a service in 
Georgetown where Whitefield was to preach, and that 
the elder objected, saying that he had no fault to find 
with his own minister. " But," said Mr. Chandler, 
with an emphatic gesture, " Mr. Whitefield does not 
preach as I do ; he preaches with power." 

As early as 17t54 Mr. Timothy Symmes began to 
preach in private houses, and his perhaps intemper- 
ate remarks, had produced a feeling, which at about 
that time, in this church, was something more than 
an annoyance. In 17G8 again the old debate came up 
on re])airing the old house, or building a new house, 
with a more satisfactory location. 

April 8, 1708, another meeting, to see whether they 
would build on the southeasterly end of Mr. Solomon 
Nelson Juna house, as near as may be, with conven- 
ieucy." Voted in the afiirmative. Later in April, 
met again, to see if the parish would build at Brock- 
lebank's or Burbank's corner, but the former site had 
the preference. Meetings were frequently called 
during the haying season that summer, but the party 
in favor of building, and of building on Mr. Nelson's 
land, were always successful. In 1769 the parish or- 
dered to be purchased and a deed taken. At this date, 
with a new meeting-house assured, we close the chap- 
ter. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

GEORGETOWN— ( Continued). 

EDUCATION — SCHOOLS, LIBRABIE.S AND LECTUEES. 

The establishing of schools was of colonial action 
at an early date. In 1637 the college was located ; in 
1642 legislation for local schools, and in 1647 it was 
ordered that every township of fifty families should 
have a school to teach children to write and read, be- 
cause, says the act, " It being one chiefe prect of ye 
ould deluder Satan, to keepe men from the knowledge 
of ye Scriptures," and "j' learning may not be buried in 
y' grave of o' fath", in ye church & commonwealth." 

With few evasions, this law was obeyed. One hun- 



dred householders required a Grammar-school, and 
churches were also urged, to aid any " pore scholler " 
to get a collegiate education. Under this system, the 
schools were essentially parochial, the teachers serv- 
ing in that ofiice and as ministers' assistants. When 
Mr. Rogers, of Rowley, added as one of the condi- 
tions in his will, that the church should alwaj's have 
two ruling elders, or pastor and teacher, his intention 
may have been to bring the secular instruction of the 
young, within church limits. The residents of the 
West Parish, or Georgetown, March 20, 1737, voted 
to " Bould a Schoal House, & to set it between the 
Brook by Capt. Bradstreets, and M' ffrancis Brockle- 
bank's Brook." 

The dimen.sions of this first building erected for 
schools, was twenty feet long, sixteen wide, with a 
height of eight feet. The proportions were similar, 
in all buildings for the same purpose, for a century 
afterwards. This school-house was on the hill near 
the Searl place, and was placed there to accommodate 
Byfield, as well as the West Parish. Later, a vote 
was passed, "to allow seven shillings and a piney for 
Rhum, at the Raising of the School House." In- 
struction on the injurious effects of alcohol on the 
human constitution would seem rather inconsistent 
in that school-room. 

November 6th Samuel Payson was invited to serve 
as teacher. Mr. Payson, our first " master," was a 
son of the Rowley minister, a graduate of Harvard in 
1716, and taught in the various sections of the town 
from 1722 to 1756. Ebenezer Burpee, the carpenter, 
made the furniture at his house in the Chajjlin field, 
under Vineyard hill, for this primitive school-room, 
where the sires of our grandparents had their first in- 
sight into the mysteries of the three " It's." The vote 
on the bill to jjay Burpee, is novel, and w-as for 
" meching forms and tables, for said school-house." 

The above vote was passed November 3, 1740, and 
the house was doubtless read)' for the boys that month. 
In November or December was the time for this school 
to begin, and eight weeks' schooling in winter was 
the rule for more than a century. Doubtless the meth- 
ods of Pedagogue Payson were strict discipline as the 
suminum bonum, and his Bible as a leading text-book. 
This was a boys' school ; the daughters in those days 
did not learn the art of writing, and to learn how to 
read the Bible and catechism merely, could be taught 
as well at home. One can imagine the Spotford boys 
coming down from the hill, David Nelson and the 
Chaplins from Nelson Street, the Harrinians, Stick- 
neys and others, with a few from Byfield, all perhaps 
eager to get the benefit, of this first school. 

December 30, 174.5, the i>arish voted another school- 
house, and to set it at the south end of Francis 
Brocklebank's Hill, between Mr. Chandler's house 
and the brook. This was where Edward E. Sher- 
burne's house now stands, and may partly have been 
known to the present generation, in the "Poole 
house," burned many years ago, on the site of which. 



822 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Sherburn built liis house. This school-house was 
to cost forty pounds, and to be completed by May Ist. 
A relative of the writer, Aunt Huldah Harriman, 
taught the girls and children of the parish, in this 
building, the useful lessons of knitting and plain 
sewing, with the equally useful reading and spelling, 
in their rudiments. After her hundredth year, she 
would tell the story of the gigantic black snake, sud- 
denly uncoiling itself from the rafters of that same 
school-house, and dropping into her little company of 
pupils below. This was known as the "Parish," and 
the first one built, as the " Upper School- House'' for 
years afterwards. 

For several years there was an attempt made to 
have a school kejjt in this Parish-Hou.se, and in No- 
vember, 1750, it was voted " that the winter, or writ- 
ing and Reading School, Should be kept only one- 
third part of the time at the uper School-House," or 
the first house. After the parish had employed Mr. 
Payson as teacher, for some years the town took ac- 
tion, and Mr. Benjamin Adams taught in 1742 and 
again in 174(5, four months the first year, and six the 
second, half of the time in Byfield and half in the 
West Parish. 

This is the first mention of a school in the Byfield 
part of Georgetown, and as a geographical centre, 
was the first point to be considered, it might be pos- 
sible to locate it. Perhaps it was near the present 
location of what might properly be called Cleaveland 
School or No. 7, possibly, however, in a private 
house. At a later date, early in the century, this 
school-house was located not far from Stickney's 
Corner, opposite the Pike House. The peculiar site 
of the first house on Searl Street, was, as a probable 
centre, of the west part of Rowley. This teacher was 
doubtless from one of the Adams families, of Rowley 
or Newbury. He was evidently not a professional in- 
structor. March, 1753, the parish again took up the 
question of schools, and voted that the school be kept 
one-third of the time each, at the Parish, at the Up- 
per House and at the house at the easterly end and 
northerly part of the parish. The last named house 
was built about this time, at some point near the 
Parker River Woolen Mills. 

In 1749 the town voted that each parish have a 
sum granted for the support of schools, in accordance 
with the county ta.\es paid by each, and this appor- 
tionment continued down to modern times, only with 
the difference of a division among the school districts, 
instead of parishes. 

October .30, 1770, a committee was chosen to find 
suitable persons to keep school, and as was done sev- 
enteen years before, the pariah voted that the time 
for the school be equally divided between the parish, 
upper and easterly end. Mr. Moses Johnson, of 
Rowley, was offered the school at the easterly end for 
three months, at seven dollars per month. William 
Chandler was engaged to keep the parish school. 

Master Chandler was a cousin of Rev. James 



Chandler, somewhat bookish, and may have kept a 
fairly good school. Not long after this he removed 
to Salem, Mass., where he died. At that time the se- 
lectmen were requested to set up this Second, or Par- 
ish School, " ye Monday after Thanksgiving." In 
the calendar of the New England farm-house, what 
possibilities have hung on the issues of that day? the 
beginning of the winter term of the district school. 
A few weeks of study under the guidance of a skilful 
teacher has changed the after-life of many a country 
boy, and made him a man, valuable to himself and 
the world around him. 

November 9, 1773, Mr. Greenleaf Dole was em- 
ployed as master, for two pounds thirteen shillings 
per month. Graduated at Harvard 1771, and George- 
town born. Master Dole achieved such greatness as 
an instructor that his fame has come down to us. 
His discipline was severe, and it has been said that 
one swing of his muscular arm, has sent a whole class 
ignominiously to the floor. We imagine from all ac- 
counts that his severity was sometimes scarcely tem- 
pered with mercy. He has, however, left behind 
him a record in the memories of his pupils, such as 
no other teacher of that age did, and a picture, that 
needs no fancy to make complete. 

March 26, 177(5, an attempt was made, to allow the 
Grammar School to be kept at the South School- 
House, their proportion of time. This, the first 
school-building in South Georgetown, was on the 
corner of Brook and Central Streets, where the brick 
house of Lowell G. Wilson now stands. The request 
does not seem to have been acted upon, the war then 
bursting upon the country with all its uncertainty, 
drove all other thoughts from their minds. In 1777 
the teacher divided his services for the year, with the 
school at the North, that on Searl Street, the South 
School and the ea-^terly end of the parish, but not 
further down than Mr. Phinehas Dodge's house, and 
that each family signify, what school-house they 
choose. 

The Parish School-House needed repairs, and a 
year later it was attempted to repair, or sell. Also 
voted that the school at the easterly part of the parish 
be kept at Mr. Sanders, or at Mr. Jeremiah Searl's. 
Three days afterward, agreed to build a school-house on 
Spotford's Hill, near Benj. Thurston's house. If we 
are not mistaken, this stood at the right of the road, 
not far from Nathaniel Marble's. The southeasterly 
part of the parish seems to have been complaining at 
this time, of unfair treatment in the school appropria- 
tion, and December 17, 1778, it was voted that all 
below Muddy Brook (now Dodge ville), and also 
Abraham Foster, Samuel Kezer, Jedediah Kilborn, 
Nathaniel Kezer and Samuel Johnson, draw their 
part of the town's money for schools, and for no 
other use. 

In November, 1779, " Master Dole " was engaged, 
and all below Muddy Brook were, probably by the 
vote allowed to hire whom they pleased. February 



GEORGETOWN. 



823 



3, 1785. Ihe importfint vote was passed, to build a 
school-house "Somewhere near the Couture," but 
Feliruary 8th, the vote was re-considered, and that is 
the last reference to the noted Centre t-chool-House, 
in the records of the parish. The last record relating 
to schools was December 4, 1792, when John Brockle- 
baiik had twelve shillings allowed, for the use of his 
house for a school in 1791. This scliool-room was at 
the east end of the house, and until the building of 
the red "centre school-house, served a good purpose." 
This same old house opened its doors for a popular 
singing school, and was a sort of a parish centre. On 
that December day, the record says, " from nine of 
the clock in the morning, to nine in the evening, 
under the direction of the school committee, the as- 
sessors are directed to order the several <listricts or 
part districts in the parish, their i>roportion in money 
or wood." 

Before 1795 this red school -house was, by order of 
the town, built on what was then Andover Street, 
where the soldiers' monument now stands. It soon 
became the educational centre of the parish, and 
teachers like Dr. Jeremiah Spotford, of Groveland, 
Colonel Edward Todd, of Rowley {a good mathema- 
tician) and others, for many years afterwards, would 
talk with animation about their pupils in this famous 
old house. In later days, neglected and dilapidated, 
strolling Indians made it their abode, and with un- 
latched door it was the temporary home of any passer- 
by. Finally, becoming an eyesore to some enterpris- 
ing unknowns of the town, on the night of April 20, 
1840, it was mysteriously demolished. 

Text-books for schools were almost unknown jirior 
to 1800. Bailey's and Johnson's dictionaries, one or 
two geographies, an arithmetic or two, with an acci- 
dence, covered about the list of popular aids to knowl- 
edge, at least in the country towns, and these books 
were of English make. Lindley Murray's grammar, 
and Walsh's arithmetic did a good work, and the 
models of eloquence in the English Reader were as a 
new inspiration to the young, early in the present 
century. 

In 1789 towns were authorized by law to locate 
school districts. In 1840, by subdivisions of the orig- 
inal districts, Georgetown had seven, and the same 
number, when by the law district lines were abolished. 
Could a truthful history of the action of some of 
these school-district meetings, from 1830 to 1850, be 
made a part of the annals of the town, it would give 
a better picture of the times than could be drawn from 
any other source. The prudential committee-man 
during his term of office, was the most important man 
in the district. He employed the teachers, cared for 
the house and the property of the district. Withoui 
compensation lie served wholly with an eye to the pub- 
lic good. 

For some years the town of Rowley appointed a 
committee to secure teachers, as under the parish law, 
but from 1830, or earlier, this was left to the district. 



The supervisors, in the person of Father Braman and 
perhaps Dr. David Mighill, served without pay, 
because of their interest in the future of the town. 
Rev. Mr. Pond was paid a small amount in 1843 for 
school-committee service, and since with butoneor two 
exceptions, the general supervision of the schools has 
been a part of the expense of the town. The build- 
ing of school-houses, under the old law, giving dis- 
tricts control, sometimes rent local communities, as 
with an earthquake. This was the eflect in South 
Georgetown in 1843 or 1844. Frequent meetings were 
called, and sharp personalities were used. One prom- 
inent citizen denounced all who favored the new 
house as " foreigners," because it happened that those 
who had just moved into the district were especially 
prominent in advocating a new house. The present 
house in District 2 (wiiich it would be well to call the 
Chaplin District), was built, however, in the summer 
of 1844, and modelled after the school-house on Tops- 
field common. Mr. Montgomery, of Londonderry, 
N. H., was the first teacher. The house in District 5 
(which should be called Plumer), was built in 1851, 
and, if we are correct, was not until after considerable 
of a contest. The school-house in the central district 
was situated nearly opposite the Clark house, on Main 
Street, and began to be inconvenient and at a dis- 
tance from the centre of population. After much de- 
lay and many district meetings, some declared illegal, 
a vote was secured in 1854 for a brick building. Tris- 
tram Brown was a committee. When half built the 
contractor failed, and the work placed in new hands 
for completion. The present house, in District 6, (which 
might properly be called Tenney) was enlarged and 
improved in 1861, making it almost a new building, 
and the same work was done, to some extent, in Dis- 
trict 1 in 1865. The old house in this district was 
near the house of Moses Merrill. For this district the 
name of Chandler is appropriate. 

The town High-school, after much opposition and 
persi^tent obstruction, was established at the close of 
the year 1856, in the Town-house (then recently 
erected), with Wm. Reed as teacher. He is still living, 
and if we mistake not is the father of Senator Reed, 
of Taunton, who was a lad at the time, and attended 
this first term. One or more of the scholars were 
twenty-two years of .age. Dr. D. M. Crafts succeeded 
Mr. Reed the following year. In 1858 Edwin Parker, 
of Charlestown, a graduate of Bowdoin, was engaged, 
and held the position until 1860, when A. .1. Dutton 
was employed, who taught the school until 1862, when 
the services of S. C. Cotton, of Sandown, N. H., were 
secured as a teacher. Mr. Cotton taught until 1866, 
when Edward S. Fickctt was engaged, and, as princi- 
pal, still holds the position. In the year 1868, 
assistants were employed, Jlrs. M. R. Holmes, M. E. 
Choate and Sarah R. Barnes, serving in that position 
and the last named part of the following year. Miss 
Choate was also assistant for 1870 and 1871. 

In 1872therewasachangeof assistants each term. In 



824 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1873 Miss Lizzie N.Bateman, of this town, was engaged 
and continued as assistant until 1886, wlien ill health 
compelled her retirement, and Miss Alfreda Noyes 
was appointed. 

Some years ago an association of graduates and 
past and present pupils of the High-school was or- 
ganized, the annual reunion occurring on the evening 
of graduation day. 

Perhaps the teaching of Miss Sarah E. Horner, in 
her long term of service, has been more productive of 
good th.an that of any other teacher in town. Her in- 
fluence has been felt in every district and about every 
school-room has been witness to her industry and 
tact. 

One of the teachers of the private schools, J. C. 
Phillips, of Lawrence, who about 1847 kept a good 
school in Tenney's Hall, a room on the second floor 
of what is now the residence of H. N. Harriman, 
Central Street, was very successful in impressing some 
love for study on the dullest of his pupils. The hall 
on the third flobr was for years the exhibition room 
for panoramas and the like. Mr. Thompson, after- 
wards a physician, also taught a school of a high 
grade about 1850. Besides, there were two teachers of 
■select schools in the vestry, on the second floor of 
what is now W. B. Hammond's house, on Elm Street. 
Miss M. A. Nelson, of Worcester, a direct descendant 
from the Rowley family of this name, taught there 
several years, perhaps from 1840 to 1846. 

The advantages of a town Libi'ary were advocated 
by Dr. Jeremiah Spoftbrd, then a teacher in the town, 
in 1806, and a small collection of theological and other 
books was made, known as the New Rowley Social 
Library. There were thirty or more shareholders. 
In 1860 an Agricultural Library was purchased by 
seventy-flveof the citizens of the town, and including 
with it what remained of the former collection, there 
had accumulated volumes to the number of about 
eleven hundred, owned by one hundred and seventeen 
shareholders, at the time George Peabody, of London, 
in 1868, made his gift of the Library and building, 
now known by his name, to the town of Georgetown. 
The former Library was then by vote given to the 
town, to be added to the Peabody gift, and the two 
combined at the opening of the Peabody Library, were 
about three thousand five hundred volumes. At 
present there are about sixty-four hundred volumes, 
excluding duplicates. 

The Trustees, by condition of the gift, are the 
pastors of the churches ex-officio, and six others, 
elected at the annual towu meeting in March. This 
Town or Peabody Library was first opened July 3, 
1869, and fifty-five books delivered, with O. B. Tenney, 
Librarian, who was in office until his resignation, in 
December of that year. Richard Tenney was Libra- 
rian until 1880, when the writer was elected, holding 
the position until the spring of 1887, when Mrs. S. A. 
Holt assumed the duties. During the incumbency of 
the writer, J. Henry Scales was assistant. For the 



eighteen years since the opening, the combined de- 
livery aggregates two hundred and fifty thousand 
volumes. The corner-stone of the Library building 
was laid September 9, 1866, by Cbas. Northend, of 
Connecticut. The hall was added in 1872, and an 
extension to the hall some years afterward. 

The First Congregational Church have a small 
Library, which was a bequest from Rev. Mr. Chandler. 
Some of the ancient works are in Latin, and the 
collection is unquestionably of great value. 

About 18.30 there was awakened an ardent longing 
for knowledge and solid reading in many country 
villages in New England, and to meet this demand in 
part the Lyceum was founded. Lecture courses were 
frequent and well patronized. A periodical, called 
The Lyceum, was published in Boston or Salem, illus- 
trative of the Natural Sciences, as shown in practical 
every-day life, and many of the lectures given were in 
that field of thought. A familiar talk on the Electric 
Telegraph, by Pi'ofessor Morse (then but comparatively 
little known), in 1843 or 1844, given in Savory's (of 
late known as Grand Army Hall), was well attended. 
This oral instruction, so popular at that day, in the 
elements of Astronomy and Geology (by Dr. Boynton), 
Chemistry and the like by others, was supjilemented 
by the School District Libraries, which were edited by 
Alexander Everett, a cousin of Edward Everett. The 
State of Massachusetts, because of its importance, as 
urged by Horace Mann, aided in the work by bring- 
ing the cost of these standard volumes, which made 
the bulk of the Libraries, to an extremely low figure. 
One of the school district officers, annually elected, 
was the Librarian, and the library was often changed 
from one house to another. 

Most of the districts in Georgetown had these libra- 
ries. It was " knowledge under difBculties," but 
knowledge highly prized. The school district at that 
time was a little democracy in itself. It was a period 
of intellectual awakening, and the mental faculties 
were aroused to grasp at every new feature in mental 
or physical phenomena. Mesmerism excited more 
than a nine days' wonder, and Phrenology, as pre- 
sented by Prof Fowler, was an accejJted truth to 
many, and his charts Gospel verities. 

In 1841, O. S. Fowler was at the house of Benjamin 
Adams, in South Georgetown, receiving the curious 
and believers. A general examination of heads, by 
those who were his disciples and who studied his 
numerous works, was made, and character and the 
true path of life mapped out. 

These are some of the mental features of the period. 
They seem contracted to us, who, with the daily pa- 
per, have the world at our doors. Mr. John Knapp, 
now almost a nonogenarian, began the delivery of 
Boston daily papers in this town about thirty years 
ago. In his rounds from house to house, the sales 
from his basket at first were perhaps hardly a score 
of copies. To-day the sales must average four hun- 
dred copies daily. 



GEORGETOWN. 



825 



Before ISoO, a Boston daily paper was a rare sight 
to many. A copy of the Boston Atlas or Times was 
occasionally seen. After the erection of Library 
Hall, the town was annually favored for several years 
with a course of lectures and concerts of a high 
standard of merit. Among the lecturers were Chapin 
and Philliiis, whose "Lost Arts" was delivered in the 
afternoon, also Charles Kingsley, whose only public 
appearance, with one exception, while in this coun- 
try, was in this hall. In a letter, included in the 
volume containing his " Life and Works," is a refer- 
ence to (Jeorgetown, its inn (Pentucket house), and a 
pleasant anecdote of George E. Poor, the son of the 
landlord. Chas. Bradlaugh, Wm. Parsons and other.-* 
of note, also lectured in this hall, and concerts by the 
leading musical talent of Boston were frequently en- 
joyed. 

These varied courses were at an annual cost of five 
hundred dollars. While the town has no gifts as 
formerly for entertainments of thi.s class, there is in- 
cluded in the gift of Mr. Peabody and his sLster, Mrs. 
Daniels, a fund for the purchase of books, another for 
e.Kpenses of library, and a building fund of about ten 
thousand dollars, which by the provisions of the gift, 
can be used at the discretion of the town, in the erec- 
tion of a new library building, in any location and at 
any time, after 1889. Georgetown also has in the inter- 
est of education, a prospective free school, of a stand- 
ard above the average high school in country towns, 
the funds for which, from about thirty-one thousand 
dollars, at the first report of the trustees in 18(;.5, has 
now reached nearly ninety thousand dollars. The 
original sum was the bequest of John Perley and the 
school when established will be known as the "Perley 
Free School. Of the original trustees, but one, Geo. 
W. Chaplin, is now living. The location of thisschool 
is not as yet decided upon. To conclude this chapter 
we record one thing that is noticeable, in the history 
of the schools of thirty years ago, and that was 
the frequent change of teachers. Formerly, many 
were young men from New Hampshire, seeking the 
means to get a collegiate course. Now permanency 
in the position, is the rule in this town, rather than 
Ibe exception. Then the amount of schooling varied, 
ranging from twenty to thirty weeks in the difierenl 
districts, now a gradation of classes, and a school year, 
gives a beautiful system, but whether all the mechan- 
ism of to-day, is of especial advantage to the young, 
is to some minds questionable. 



CHAPTER LV. 
GEORGETOWN— ( Conlinued). 

PARISH AND KELIQIOUS MOVEMENTS CONTINUED 

TO ABOUT 1830. 

In March, 1769, it was decided that the new meet- 
ing-house should be set on the southerly side of the 
52 



road, and on Mr. Nelson's land ; that the front should 
be to the south, leaving sufficient room on the north 
for a roadway ; a porch eleven feet square was voted 
for the east end, with one door and window ; and 
this, says the record, " to be all finished in good work- 
manship, with good stairs up the Galliery, and well 
painted, all to be Done in workmanship, answering 
with the new house." This and more is recorded by 
Jeremiah Searl, with some pride in his new oflSce, 
and enthusiam over the prospects of a new meeting- 
house. 

In .June, at a meeting of the parish, a committee 
was chosen to make ready for the raising and provide 
for the workmen. The stores were to be kept in the 
school-house, and John Tenncy, William Chandler 
and Jeremiah Hazen were to look after them. A 
committee was necessary to watch some of the stores 
and .see that they were handled i)roperly. The wise 
fathers of the parish knew from e.Kperience, the dan- 
ger of carele-ss handling, of that part of the stores 
which doubtless flowed freely. To conclude the 
meeting with a climax, all votes for repairing the old 
house were reconsidered. There was some positive 
opposition, and ten names were recorded, princi[)ally 
from mend.iers living at the north part of the [larish 
as dissenting. 

Rev. Mr. Braman in his "Centennial Discourse," 
December 6, 1832, refers to three of those who are 
named on the record, a-s declaring that they would 
never cross the thre.shold of the new house. Tradi- 
tion says that they never did, and that before the 
house was finished, the following year, death had 
come to each of them. Whether an "ower true tale" 
we know not; such tales of divine judgment seem 
frequent at that period. This prospective change 
from the red barn-like building was so exhilarating 
that we find the record of the raising given in this 
precise manner: "Upon the fifth day of July, Anno 
Domini, One Thousand Seven-hundred Sixty & nine, 
the Parish Raised their New Meeting- House Fraime 
& Compleatly raised it in one Day." The expense 
for refreshment was upwards of twenty pounds, but 
what the families provided was only told around many 
a fireside afterwards. The rigging for raising the 
building was brought from Newburyport by Abraham 
Foster, and spars were provided by Capt. Jloses Dole. 
Eightpence was allowed John Tenney for two lost 
mugs. 

In October the room was divided, and a committee 
appointed to " Dignify it, and to sell not below the 
Dignity, which dignity shall amount to twenty-five 
pounds old tenor." Family pride and distinction 
had its votaries here at that time, but better than a 
flaunting vulgar pride in dollars merely, it had, at 
least, a certain foundation. Square pews in the gal- 
lery and on the floor, twenty-five pews at the right, 
and twenty-three at the left of the pulpit. On the 
east end six, and on the west end seven i)ew3. In the 
old house there were but two or three pews, and these 



826 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



few, besides plain seats on the men's side and tlie 
women's side of tlie house. The pews in the new 
house were to be family, and were sold January, 1770, 
from a plan shown at Mr. Solomon Nelson's house. 
Two diagrams of these family pews, neatly drawn, are 
in the ancient book of parish records. They are 
valuable, as giving us an accurate knowledge of the 
residents of the parish, in 1770. An eight-square 
tower and spire was voted, and later a " Wether Cock 
on ye tops of ye Spindle of ye Spire." 

This, the crowning glory, was at one hundred and 
two feet from the ground, and had an attraction all 
its own, to successive generations. As it became 
tarnished, battling with the warring elements, twice, 
at least, it was regilded. This emblem of courage 
cost Deacon Thurston four pounds sixteen shillings. 
Mr. Whitefield made a final visit to this parish, but a 
short time before his death, and while here preached 
what the people were pleased to call the dedica- 
tion sermon. Had it been considered such at the 
time, with the fame of the speaker, some record, 
either by the church or parish, would have been made 
of it, but as there is none, it appears as if it was a lit- 
tle questionable, even then, to recognize Whitefield 
as exactly regular. The te.xt selected was 1 Kings 
8: 11. "The glory of the Lord hath filled the house 
of the Lord." The meeting-house was unfinished, 
with unplastered walls, unbuilt galleries and without 
pews or pulpit. The hearers, however, were many, 
seated on the timbers, blocks and rough boards scat- 
tered through the edifice. It is said the service was 
in the morning, and probably, either on September 
12th or 13th, as he was in Rowley both of those days. 
A journey of miles seems to have been at any time, but 
a holiday jaunt for him. 

During one of Whitefield's visits to Newburyport, 
he attended a meeting in west parish, accompanied 
by a daughter of Deacon Noyes, and dined with 
"Aunt Jenny Hazen," who lived on East Street, 
nearly opposite John Hazen's. The cellar of her 
house is still visible. Her fame as a theologian was 
widespread. Mr. Whitefield had heard of her, and at 
this time he came to hear from her. After a pleasant 
interview with her and the neighbors, he departed, 
leaving in the memories of those who were present 
this incident of dining with Whitefield as the most 
noted event of their lives. During the fatal epi- 
demic among children in 1736, Aunt Jenny lost by 
death thirteen nephews .and nieces in the Hazen 
neighborhood. About 1770 she removed to New 
Hampshire, where she died. 

Returning to parish action in 1770, a right to erect 
horse-stables was granted. None were built at that 
time, and when built were for those coming to meet- 
ing on horse-back, but not large enough for vehicles. 
There were no pleasure-carriages in town in 1771, or 
even ten years later. Originally, there were two 
stone horse-blocks, one near the wall on the north of 
the meeting-house, which was removed at the widen- 



ing of the road ; the other, similar to it, near the east 
door, for lady riders coming on side-saddles or pillions. 

In 1780 the singing question came up, and Jona- 
than Chaplin was chosen to assist Colonel Daniel 
Spafibrd in "Raising the Tune," and, in addition. 
Lieutenant Moody Spatlurd, Phinehas Dodge, John 
Tenney and John Palmer were appointed to invite 
persons to fill up the singer's seats whom they think 
best qualified. 

The wise system of payment in goods as legal tender 
not having become obsolete, Mr. Chandler at that 
time was to have three bushels of Indian corn for 
taking care of the meeting-house that year. Although 
the minister was highly resj)ected, a young man as 
assistant for Mr. Chandler, who was now quite in- 
firm, began to be suggested. Mr. William Bradford 
was oft'ered as salary ninety pounds yearly, the money 
to be as good as any year from 1770 to 1775. Continen- 
tal currency was circulating ; it had been issued for a 
noble purpose, but the government not being strong 
enough to compel obedience to its fiat, distrust was 
engendered, and depreciation followed. Mr. Brad- 
ford was called elsewhere. The next year the parl.sh 
agreed to carry on Mr. Chandler's "Husbandry in 
good Husbandry manner." During the increasing 
infirmity of the pastor there was some dissatisfaction, 
and frequent attempts made to have an assistant, but 
nothing was done. The singing became more popu- 
lar, and in 178.5 women singers were invited to sit in 
the gallery, and the singing to be performed once 
on the Lord's day, without the deacons reading the 
line for one year. It seemed to the deacons as if the 
world was out of joint. Could they have seen, as was 
seen about sixty years later, the pupils of Allison 
Palmer, under the grand leadershij) of Lowell Mason, 
in those same galleries, they would have said that the 
invitation to the women singers had been perma- 
nently accepted. A history of the musical conven- 
tions which have been held in this grand old house, 
and the musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, 
that seems to be a special gift to the citizens of this 
town, and never more so than at present, or more care- 
fully cultivated, would, if written in detail, make ma- 
terial for a volume. 

Sunday morning, April 19, 1789, Rev. James 
Chandler died in his eighty-third year. He was a 
native of Andover and a graduate of Harvard, 1728. 
His wife was Mary, daughter of Rev. Mr. Hale, of 
Byfield, vv-ho survived him. The parish was at the 
expense of his funeral. The memorial over his grave 
in Union Cemetery was erected in 1791. The parish 
ordered a "Decent Monument." Mr. Chandler left 
his estate to the parish, on condition that his widow 
and colored servant, Sabiua, should be the wards of 
the parish until the decease of each. Perhaps there 
were other conditions, but these were the most im- 
portant. John Tenney, who lived opposite Union 
Cemetery, was executor of the will. Some difficulty 
arose between him and the parish, and the conditions 



GEORGETOWN. 



827 



not being satisfactory, a vote was passed to relinquish 
the gift. Mr. Solomon Nelson accepted the condi- 
tions, and the Chamllcr farm, now in part owned by 
his grandson, Huui]ihrey Xelson, came into his pos- 
session. While "Madam Chandler" lived the parish 
abated all taxes. 

Mr. Tenney had oversight of the property, and was 
frequently brought in conflict with the parish. At a 
later date he removed to Northwood, N. H. From 
Mr. Chandler's death until 1797, when Mr. Isaac 
Braman, of Norton, Mass., was called as pastor, 
sixty-four candidates and pulpit supplies made their 
gifts known to the pari-sh. Samuel Tomb, afterwards 
of West Newbury, was one of them and popular. 
Mr. Braman was " voted eighty pounds and ten cords 
of good merchantable wood, to be delivered at his 
door, as his yearly salary, and adde<l ten pounds 
yearly ; when corn shall be more than four shillings 
per Bushel, with two hundred pounds; one-half to be 
paid in one year; the other half to be paid within 
two years. Provided he should not remain twenty 
years, then a part to be refunded ; or, if he prefers. 
one hundred and fifty pounds without conditions; 
then one-half in one year; the other in two years." 
Mr. Braman accepted the last amount. Committees 
were appointed to provide for the council, to shore 
the meeting-house, to see good order kept, and to 
kee|) the parsonage and elders' pews, deacons' and 
other seats clear for the council and singers. The or- 
dination took place June 7, 17117. It is said to have 
l)een a great event ; the parish kept open house, and 
many booths and refreshment wagons supplied the 
multitude with food. Mr. Palmer, of Needham, 
preached from Luke xiv. 23. Dr. Dana, of Ipswich, 
gave the charge; other parts wereby Messrs. Cleve- 
land, of Chebaco (now Essex); Clark, of Boston; 
Bradford, ot Rowley ; and Pbineas Adams, of West 
Haverhill. The parish were not perfectly united in 
Jlr. Braman. Eighteen members signed a remonstrance 
on the ground of suspected Arminianism as under- 
stood in the theological terms of that day. One 
would have seemed wild to have suspected it at a later 
period. Rev. Mr. Branian's first service in this town 
was November 13, 1796 ; the text at the morning ser- 
vice was from 2 Cor. xiii. 5, and in the afternoon from 
Lam. iii. 27. Soon after his settlement, the question 
was agitated, whether the parish ha<l a title to the lot 
on wliicli the meeting-house stood, which le<l to some- 
thing of a controversy and litigation at much expense. 
No deed could be found, and what the result was is 
not known. There were extensive made repairs on 
the house in 1816. There is an itemized statement of 
the cost in the hand-writing of Samuel Adams, in the 
second book of parish records. There was a bell pur- 
chased at that time which was hung in the tower. It 
was cast at Paul Revere's foundry. Its weight was 
eight hundred pounds, and its cost about four hundred 
and fifty dollars. The names of the donors of the bell 
are on record in the second book of the parish and 



were seventy-five in number. Capt. Benjamin Adams, 
father of the parish clerk, headed the list, and Cuflee 
Dole, with his single dollar, ended it. It is remem- 
bered as worthy of note that two men lifted the bell ; 
not a remarkable feat. This same bell now swings in 
the tower of the new church on Clark Street. 

In 1817 there was an attempt to introduce instru- 
mental music into the choir. A bass-viol, bassoon 
and clarionet were suggested. That year it was neg- 
atived ; the next year, however, the parish voted that 
either of the Crombie brothers — Aaron, Benjamin or 
Nathaniel — were to have five dollars for one year's 
performance on either of the above-named instru- 
ments. In 1819 the parish bought a has.s-viol. 

At about this time some method of warming the 
meeting-house was debated, and in 1822 a stove, then 
just coming into use, was set up, and in 1828 another, 
on an improved pattern (a gift fnmi Paul Spoftbrd, of 
New York), was placed in its stead. In 1832 a com- 
plete change of the interior was made. The square 
pews, so familiar for more than sixty years, were all 
removed, and narrow slips of the modern style built 
in their room. The pulpit was also removed from the 
side to the easterly end of the building, and the door 
where formerly the ladies of the parish had been as- 
sisted to dismount from their pillions was boarded up. 

Leaving at this point the (Congregational Parish in 
what was then generally called New Rowley in their 
remodeled house for worship, to commemorate which 
and the first century of their existence Rev. Mr. Bra- 
man, on December 6, 1832, delivered his historical 
discourse, we return to Byfield, and briefly trace the 
leading events in the history of that parish, which 
was apparently of Newbury origin, and yet around 
which the dearest interests of very many Rowley 
families have always centred. The pastorate of Mr. 
Hale was doubtless successful. Rev. Moses Par.sons, 
of Gloucester, the second minister was a graduate 
of Harvard in 1736, and was ordained in Byfield June 
20, 1744. His eminent sons — Eben, the merchant, and 
Theophilus, chief justice of the Supreme Court of the 
State — have made Byfield widely known. 

In 1746 the second meetingdiouse, fifty-six by forty- 
five feet, with .steeple and spire, was built. The bell 
was the gift of Ebenezer Parsons. Its weight was 
eight hundred and eighty-five pounds. This church 
and parish were much agitated by the religious ex- 
citement that resulted from Whitefiebl's preaching. 
A complaint of Benjamin Plumer against Mr. Par- 
sons was that he had never given " Thanks for such 
an unspeakable favor to the World as Mr. Whitefield." 

In October, 1768, "the difiicult, perplexed State of 
our public affairs" called I'or a church fast. Another 
fa.st day w.as calle<l for in Nov., 1773, "on account of 
the severe sickness." This sickness was said to have 
been a malignant fever, perhaps of a typhoid type. 
Throat distemper was very fatal here in 1735 and '36. 
From October of one year to the same month in the 
following year one hundred and tour died — said to 



828 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



have been one-seveuth of the population. Nearly 
one-half of the number are thought to have been from 
the Rowley families in the parish. Again there was 
a day of fasting in June, 1774, "That God would in- 
terpose for our help, and save this Province and land 
in this day of perplexity and distress." 

Late in Mr. Parsons' life charges were made against 
him by Deacon Coleman, with Garrisonian vehe- 
mence, that he had attempted to sell hi.s colored ser- 
vant Violet. Coffin, in his " History of Newbury," 
gives a minute account of this controversy. The 
third pastor was Rev. Elijah Parish, of Lebanon, 
Conn., a graduate of Dartmouth in nS."} (Hanover, 
N. H., then was but little changed from a wilderness) 
aud ordained December 20, 1787. He was remark- 
able for untiring industry and mental endowments of 
no ordinary kind. Jointly with Dr. Morse, he pub- 
lished "The Gazetteer of the Eastern Continent" and 
the " History of New England." " Modern Geogra- 
phy " and the " Bible Gazetteer" are his own works. 
They were all useful books, and were highly appreci- 
ated. At many an American fireside these books were 
read with deep interest, conveying that information 
about their own country and the great world without 
which was never forgotten. After the death of Dr. 
Parish, which occurred Oct. 25, 1825, a volume of his 
sermons was published, — a remarkable collection, to 
have been delivered to a small country congregation. 
His people strongly objected to his being absent from 
his own pulpit, and he but rarely exchanged with 
other ministers. It has been intimated that, to some 
extent, he was thought to have sympathize<l with the 
Unitarian wing of the Congregational body, but his 
published discourses show that any such ideas were 
purely imaginary, and born of the agitation of the 
times. 

During the early part of the century, when political 
spirit ran high. Dr. Parish took an uncompromising 
stand for the Federalist doctrine, and, in consequence 
had some bitter enemies, especially in the Rowley 
part of the parish. These feuds all died out, how- 
ever, and this truly noble man left the world lamented 
by all who knew him. In the religious history of the 
town we have now to consider the entering wedge of 
separation from the only legally-recognized, ecclesias- 
tical body of the eighteenth century in New England, 
viz., the Congregational Church. The thought of 
any divergence was probably never conceived among 
the illiterate members of Mr. Chandler's congregation 
until the awakening caused by the preaching of Mr. 
Whitefield. Many impulsive men were soon stirred 
to enthusiasm by his work, and the Middle and East- 
ern States were alive with itinerants. 

The first record of any such irregular work in what 
is now Georgetown, was, as has been previously 
stated, early in 1754, when Timothy Symmes was 
accused of sharp and (as some of the brethren called 
it) impious criticisms on the preaching of Mr. Chand- 
ler at an evening meeting conducted by Mr. Symmes at 



Ensign John Plumer's on February 10th. These 
meetings, held perhaps on Sunday evenings, had evi- 
dently been going on for some time, and had been 
opposed by Mr. Chandler, who in his sermon, Febru- 
ary 10th, becoming alarmed at the strength or spirit 
of the movement, openly condemned it. In 1755 so 
many had withdrawn that the absentees are referred 
to as in a way of separation (or in a partial state of 
organization). The families of Brocklebank, Plumerj 
Adams and Boynton seem to have been the most 
prominent. 

Their meetings were held in the school-house, which 
stood near the house of Mr. Wood, now James Gor- 
don's. This movement, originally, perhaps, only the 
result of a dislike to Mr. Chandler for lack of zeal, 
finally became so positive that those interested de- 
clared themselves Separatists, and in 1757 were so 
named by the parent Church, and the result was they 
then withdrew from the Church and congregation 
permanently. After the new meeting-house was 
built, the old house was sold to the Separatists, taken 
down and rebuilt at Hale's Corner, in what is now 
Groveland. At this time, however, probably through 
the influence of Rev. Mr. Smith and the Baptist 
Church in Haverhill, organized in 1765, they began 
to be called Anabaptists. 

January 13, 1709, the parish voted, "to abate the 
People called Anuabaptists their Parish rates the year 
|)ast, those of them that had tendered their Sertificats 
To the Assessors of said Parish, thereby signifying 
the Baptist method to be their Purswaision." In the 
meeting-house thus rebuilt they held meetings for 
several years, Mr. Eliphaz Ch.apman, afterwards of 
Maine, preaching for them more than any other min- 
ister. Rowley, Bradford and Newbury were repre- 
sented in the congregation. The critics of Rev. Mr. 
Parsons, of Byfield, were perhaps among them. Mr. 
Smith, of Haverhill, doul)tless had preached here 
before 1709, and in so satisfactory a manner that even 
at that early day the Separatists began popularly to 
be known as Anabaptists. Samuel Harriman, after- 
wards elder in New Rowley, is thought to have been the 
first Separatist to unite with the Baptists, he being a 
constituent member of the Haverhill Church. On 
May 4, 1781, eight males, three of whom were resi- 
dents of Boxford, who had been baptized, but were 
not as yet members of any church, petitioned the 
Baptist Churcli in Haverhill to become a branch of 
that church. Some Baptist churches like Newton, 
N. H., and this of Haverhill, had several branch 
churches soon after this time. The old meeting-house 
having come into their possession, was again taken 
down, and this time was rebuilt within the old parish 
limits, to the chagrin, it has been said, of some who 
twelve years before had been highly gratified to see it 
removed, and those who worshipped in it, across the 
parish borders. It was set directly in front of the 
saw-mill then or soon after owned by John Wood. 
On August 19, 1785, this branch was established as a 



GEORGETOWN. 



829 



distinct church, with twenty-eight members. Rev. 
Mr. Smith, of Haverhill, preached on the occasion 
In Jlay of that year Elder William Ewing, of Shutes- 
bury, became the first minister of this church, and was 
dismissed to Jledfield in March, 1789. Dr. Jeremiah 
Chaplin became a member at the age of ten years, 
during Mr. Ewing's ministry. Rev. Charles Wheeler, 
a few years later, when a mere boy, also became a mem- 
ber. He was afterwards President of Washington Col- 
lege in Virginia. Both of these were from what is now 
South Georgetown. In July, 17S9, Abishai Crossman, 
of Chelmsford, was called to the pastorate, and was 
dismissed in 17113. The membership of the church at 
this time included Salem, Beverly, Wenham and 
Danvers. In 1793 forty living in these four towns 
were dismissed to form the church in Danversport. 
In June, 1797, Shubael Lovell, of Barnstable, was 
settled as the minister. At this time the Congrega- 
tional Treasurer required to be shown a receipt from 
the Baptists that their parish tax had been paid to 
their own minister, and that all who had signed the 
Baptist books, so doing, should then have their tax 
abated. For several years after Mr. Lovell came, 
rather inharmonious relations between the old parish 
and the Baptists existed, finally followed by a civil 
suit entered against the Congregational parish by Mr. 
Lovell. The law in 1798 required that any public 
teachers of piety, religion and morality shoulil be en- 
titled to legal support, and the Baptists, under this 
law, claimed what was due them. In 1S02 the diffi- 
culties seem to have come to a settlement. Mr. 
Lovell's pastorate continued until 1810. He was a 
man highly esteemed. Josiah Converse, of Portland, 
came in 1810 and remained until 1818. Mr. Con- 
verse was deeply interested in improved agriculture, 
and is saiil to have introduced the first merino orfine- 
wooled sheep into town. June 21, 1811, the Eirst 
Baptist Society in Rowley (now Georgetown) was in- 
corporated, with forty-eight members. Among them 
were the Pearsons, Larkins, Dumniers and Eloyds, of 
Newbury ; Harrimans, Hales and Hardys, of Brad- 
ford (now Groveland) ; Perley and Emerson, of Box- 
ford; Smiths, of West Newbury; and Poors, Thnr- 
lows, Tenneya, Chaplins, Nelsons, Jacobs and Morse, 
of Rowley. The amended law gave any property- 
holders the right of choice as to the religious organi- 
zation they would support. Some, perhaps partly 
from a mercenary motive, chose the Baptist Society at 
that time, because the expense or tax would be less ; 
others because they were believers in the doctrines of 
Thomas Jefferson, as the friend of religious liberty ; 
and all, because more or less opposed to the spirit 
which had wholly in theory, if not in practice, ruleil 
in Massachusetts from the first settlement, of com- 
pulsion in matters of conscience. First meeting of 
the society held on February 13, 1812. Solomon Nel- 
son, afterwards deacon, joined the society in 1812, the 
church in 1816, and soon after was conceded by all to 
be the chief adviser and wise couuselor of the Bap- 



tists. His house on Nelson Street was the journeying 
ministers' home. One of the last nights that George 
Dana Boardman, the Karen apostle, spent in this 
country was under his roof First annual meeting 
was held April 7, 1812, with Captain Moses Tenney 
moderator and Timothy Morse, Jr., clerk. From this 
date to 1823 committees were appointed annually to 
fill out certificates of membership, signed by the min- 
ister and clerk, as the legal method of exemption from 
paying parish tax to the Cimgregational collector. 
After 1823 the law was changed or became obsolete. 

January 7, 1823, sixty acres of the old "Shepard 
farm," then owned by Samuel and Benjamin Plumer, 
was deeded to this society, for the support of a Cal- 
vinistic Baptist Gospel ministry, and the society was 
to come into possession at the decease of the grantors. 
Not long after it came under the control of the society. 
It had been occupied and improved as the parsonage 
farm from the time of Mr. Lovell, and perhaps from 
a much earlier date. The fifth minister was Simeon 
C!haud:ierlain, of Westmoreland, N. H., who continued 
from July, 1819 to September, 1825, followed by Ezra 
Wilmarth, of Wilmot, N. H., who came in 1826, re- 
maining until June, 1834. The old meeting-house 
which had been twice removed and entirely rebuilt, 
was in January, 1829, by forty yeas to eight nays voted 
to be too far gone for repairs. Orin Weston bought 
this relic of the past at auction in 1830 for eighty-nine 
dollars. It had seen a century of existence, and was 
from all accounts but a shell. The birds had nested 
in its interior above, and mice had played on the floor 
below ; and it has been said that one of Mr. John 
Woods' hens once "stole her nest " under the pulpit, 
and would come out cackling in service time. 

The sounding-board which had echoed the reson- 
ant voice of Whitefield, that wonderful voice, which 
could be heard a mile, might until recently, be seen 
near the roadside at the house of Mr. Weston's family 
on Main Street. 

In 1829 a new meeting-house, forty-five by thirty- 
five feet, was built near the old house on the parson- 
age grounds, at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars. 

As early as about 1800, and perhaps earlier, another 
class of irregular meetings in the line of the Separa- 
tists of a half-century before began to Ije held to the 
annoyance of the Congregation alist [leople and as these 
meetings lessened the Baptist audiences, when services 
were held on Sunday, perhaps partly to their annoy- 
ance also. These school-house preachers, as Mr. Bra- 
man called them, were fluent, possibly vituperative, 
not bound by formal rules or customs, and were at- 
tractive to those eager for novelty. A Mr. Foster 
wa.s one of the first, although Elias Smith was doubt- 
less the first to speak here, and meetings were held at 
the Pillsbury-house, near Edwin Brown's, on Pills- 
bury Street, then the home of Jonathan Harriman 
and family. Many traveling preachers, of both sexes 
followed, all glorying in the name of " free-will " as 
typical of their faith. 



830 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Nancy Toles, not claiming niiioh gift of argument, 
but abundant veliemence and zeal ; Clarissa Dan- 
forth, keen and energetic; Harriet Livermore, a rare 
genius, later a pilgrim to the Holy Land, and other 
women were active in proclaiming the truth. Scores 
of converts were baptized in Pentueket pond. Mr. 
Moses Howe, of Haverliill, a Methodist in belief, but 
independent of church regulations, often preached, as 
did all the others' in the Centre school-house ; a man 
of superior natural gifts, enriched by thought and 
reading. He lived to a great age. " Christian " 
itinerants, creedless, and with but that one name, but 
Baptists in practice, were frequently here in the inter- 
ests of their sect ; among them. Rev. Kenjamin^Knight, 
afterwards a Baptist, who died as the (Salem city mis- 
sionary. Unitarians, as Rev. Mr. Loring, of North 
Andover, (the father of Hon. G. B. Loring) and Dr. 
Flint, of Salem, both of whom as anotlier class of 
Separatists, proclaimed the cardinal principles of their 
faith in that same school-house. 

Mr. Nathaniel Nelson, who built in 1797, the at- 
tractive old mansion on Elm Street, now owned liy 
his son, William Nelson, was perhaps more continu- 
ously active in sustaining these varied religious move- 
ments, than any other of the residents of New Row- 
ley. From some cause, they all found a congenial field 
here, especially the sects which made immersion tlie 
baptismal rite. At a later day a meeting-house was 
in contemplation for the Christians or Freewill be- 
lievers, and some material purchased, of which the 
windows can still be seen in the shoe-shop of Joshua 
How, on Elm Street. The LTniversalist doctrine was 
perhaps first announced in town in the school-house 
at South Georgetown, by a Mr. Flagg, and Mr. Farns- 
worth at the Centre school-house, succeeded about 
1818. It early took a tenacious' hold, presented as it 
was by the leading spirits of the denomination, such 
as Hosea Ballou, Whittemore, Otis Skinner and 
others, who often spoke at the same school-house. 
Gradually the movement developed, until on March 
13th, 1829, at a meeting held at the house of Moses 
Nelson, now Chas. E. Chaplin's on Nelson Street, ten 
males signed a call for a meeting, to form a religious 
society to be called the First Univer.salist Society in 
Rowley. On March 2C>, 18211, they met at the Centre 
School-house, with Captain John Killani, moderator, 
and Sylvanus Nelson, clerk. Had preaching five times 
that year, and six the year following. 

In 1830, fifty-two males became members of the 
Society by signing the Constitution. The Lows, 
Nelsons, Harrinians, Spoftbrds and Killanis were ac- 
tive and especially Colonel John Kimball, the wealthy 
tanner and farmer, who then owned the Captain 
Benjamin Adams' place on the Salem road, and who 
was afterwards regarded, at home and abroad, as the 
Universalist leader. 

In 1831, the Society had services nine times, and 
probably all held in the school-house, but in Feb- 
ruary, 1832, at a meeting at Colonel Savory's hotel, 



it was decided to build a meeting-house, forty-five by 
thirty-five feet, which was erected that year at a cost 
of about twenty-one hundred dollars. The site was 
on the knoll, much more elevated than at present, 
where the Town-house now is, and was a part of the 
old Brocklebank farm. Two stoves were given to the 
Society, one a gift from John Kimball, the other from 
David Pingree, Esq., of Salem. 



CHAPTER LVI. 

GEORGETOWN- (Co»«iimecZ). 

GENERAL TOWN HI.STORY TO DATE OF INCOR- 
PORATION. 

From 1730 to 1770, there are a few surnames to be 
added to those which are already given as residents 
in the west parish of Rowley. One was that of 
Daniel Woodbunj, who had doubtless removed here 
from Beverly, just after the first-named date. Mr. 
Woodbury, was one of the constituent members of 
the church in October, 1732, but was not a parish 
])etitioner in 1730. In November, 1732, Richard 
Woodbury was received to church membership from 
the second church in Beverly. In November, 1734, 
Daniel Woodbury was dismissed to the church in 
Townsend. This family while here probably lived in 
Marlboro'. Early in 1731, Elizabeth, the wife ot 
Richard, was admitted to the church. They must 
have left this locality .soon after this date. 

The names of Moses Cooper and Phebe his wife, ap- 
pear on the record in 1735. Several of this surname 
are buried in Union Cemetery. As the ancestor of this 
family in Rowlej' bore the name of Peter, it has 
been thought that the celebrated Peter Cooper of New 
York might be a descendant, and attempts have been 
made to trace the connection, but letters of inquiry 
were unanswered. 

ThePingreesof thisdate(as did " widow Anne," who 
was the mother of Job Pingry, a petitioner), lived in 
the limits of what is now Rowley, on the Blooming- 
dale road, which was a travelled way as early as 1720. 

In 1736, the names of Robert Grog and his wife 
Hannah, were recorded. They lived near Spofford 
Street, in the vicinity of Lieut. Abel Spoflbrd's house. 

In 1737, Samuel Iluzeu, supposed to have settled on 
the John F. Kimball place on East Street, removed 
to Groton, Mass. This was afterwards the home of 
Jeremiah and Moses Hazen. Here on Pen Brook a 
saw-mill wa-s built about 1750, and was in use as late 
as 1800. This was the homestead of one of the num- 
erous Hazen families perhaps, until its purchase by 
Captain William Perley about 1700. About one mile 
southerly, on land then partially cleared but now 
forest, was the home of another family of this name, 
and fifty years ago the barn was still standing. 



GEORGETOWN. 



831 



It is said that in tlie same locality, in a wood-tract 
now owned by heirs of W. B. Harriman, there were 
anciently one or two small houses, one of them occu- 
pied by a Crorabie family. John and Hebccca Smith 
were living in this parish in 17.';!6, .supposed to be on 
^Vest Street, not far from Mrs. Edward Poor's. They 
removed to Haverhill in 173S. Of this family was 
perhaps the John Smith who lived iu a West Street 
house, kept an inn or what was so-called, by trade 
a cooper, and by virtue of a warning of the town of 
Rowley, si.xty years before, w;i.s removed to Newbury 
poor-house about ISOU. The house was then demol- 
ished. 

The Kilbourne family were residents f<ir many 
years. The name oi Daniel is found in 1730, Jrdediah 
and Samuel in 1735, and David in 1737. Their house 
or houses must have beeu on or near Searl Street. 

Rirhard Eastij was living here in ]73(i. 

Robert Moors troubled the parish in the spring of 
1738. After the death of /^amuel Sjiafford he rented 
the west-parish half of the farm and cut wood con- 
trary to the provisions of the lease, and other delin- 
quencies. Prosecution was threatened. 

Before 1740 Amos Pilkbury was here. He is su|)- 
]Hised to have built the house on the plain near Rlr. 
Humphrey Nelson's. He appears in 1740 as parish 
clerk and John Pillsbiiry appears iu 1743. These two 
carried on blacksmithing. The buildings were re- 
moved, some by Mr. Nathaniel Nelson, to what is now 
Chestnut Street, and the shop to Bo.xford more than 
sixty years ago by Daniel Davis, the father of Mrs. 
Francis Marden, who converted it into his dv/elling. 

In 1742 John Baykij and Mary, his wife, admitted 
to church. The name of Stephen Buyley recorded in 
1746. Supposed to have lived on Bailey lane. 

In 1747 Mr. Moses Hale was treasurer of parish ami 
quite prominent for some years. The constant use of 
the title of Mr., indicates a man of importance. 

Samuel Johnson's name, in 1730, recorded. This 
family lived on Searl Street, on the Benjamin JNIerrill 
place. His son Samuel sold, about 1800, to Dudley 
Stickney, who again sold to Merrill Johnson, remov- 
ing to Winthrop, Me. 

The first mention of Crombies is iu 1742, when /iV- 
hecca, the wife of Benjamin, and Peter, a negro serv- 
ant of Jeremiah Harriman, iu Christian equality, 
owned the covenant (the half-way covenant, so-called) 
the same day. 

On the church records in 1704, the name of David 
Tenney is recorded as a " Student of ye College, aged 
fifteen years and almost seven months." Jonathan 
Searl, also a student, received to church same year. 

In 1760, the name of Benjamin WalWigford first 
seen. He, and a sou of the same name, lived on Au- 
dover Street, where John Pickett's house now is. The 
Wallingford house was demolished about 1825 by 
Benjamin S., father of John Pickett. The junior 
Mr. Wallingford was a lame man, a maker of saddle 
bags, etc. 



About 1760 Captain Benjamin Adams' house on 
Central Street, now owned by S. K. Merrick, was 
built. Was the first house in the parish to be painted 
white, and was considered rather aristocratic. Capt. 
Adams was a large land-holder, both in this town 
and Box ford. 

Other surnames found are as folhiws: — Mary Blais- 
ilell was received from the Bytield church in Decem- 
ber, 1732, and Elijah Blaisdell was admitted to church 
in 1736. Dr. Fowler and Margaret, his wife, were 
doubtless of Ijinebrook, Ipswich. Joseph Dickinson, 
Caleb Foster and his wife I'riscilla, James Foster and 
his wife Anna, in 1737. Ste|>hen Cro.ss, Thomas Cross 
and his wife Mary, in 1742, and Abigail .lackson, in 
1743, were of families living within Rowley or Ijiswich 
limits of to-day. 

In 1746 Eleazer Burbani, who doubtless built the 
Burbank house of sixty years ago, which stood where 
the Samuel Little shoe factory now is, removed into 
this town from East Bradford, now (Jroveland. The 
yard in front of the house at a later day extended 
into the road and enclosed the corner of the street 
where the pump is now seen. 

Moses Tyler built his house about 1700 on land given 
to Thomas Nelson's children by (iershom Lamljert, 
of Connecticut. This house was taken down about 171)2, 
and Mrs. Edward Poor's house on West Street liuilt 
on the same site. 

The house of Lieutenant Abel Spoflbrd was on Spof 
ford Street, and built about 1745. Here was born, in 
17'.'2, Paul Spoft'ord, a grandson, afterwards of the 
firm of SpoH'ord and Tilcston, New York city. Mr. 
Sportbrd, now deceased, was for more than half a cen- 
tury a leading merchant, and amassed a large fortune. 
He supplied the government with vessels for trans- 
|>ortation of troops during the Rebellion. He bought 
shoes for many years of the manufacturers in this 
town. His son, Paul Nelson Spofl()rd, is the owner 
of the summit and much of Baldpate Hill. This 
house, removed about 1830, is now the original part 
of Little's shoe factory. The house on West Street, 
now owned by James McLain, the birth-place of Dr. 
Jeremiah Sportbrd, was built about the commence- 
ment of this jieriod. The Escjuire Moody Spottord 
house on the same street, was burned about 1780, and 
the house now owned by James (trimes was built 
on the same site. The present or the original house, 
doubtless the original, has associated with it a veritable 
witch story, in the noted meal-chest which, without 
hands and apparently possessed with occult jiower, 
travelled about the attic of the house, to the horror 
of all beholders. The " Esquire "' was away from 
home at the time the excitement began, engaged in 
meeting-house building, and was hurriedly sent for 
by the alarmed family. Nothing unusual occurring, 
with some misgivings, perhaps, he started on his jour- 
ney to complete his unfinished work, and had only 
reached his brother William's house when a messen- 
ger came to inform him that this humble but erratic 



832 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



chest was again in motion. There wa.s an immediate 
necessity then for some check to be placed on such 
Satanic action, and, it is said, that it was only by the 
prayers of Mr. Chandler that this chest was restored 
to its normal condition. The story is often ridiculed, 
biit good authority states that the " Esquire," Major 
Asa Nelson, the great-grandfather of the writer, and 
another townsman, two of whom were" men of unusual 
weight, placed themselves upon it, and yet, in utter 
disregard of all known laws of natural philosophy, 
this chest still continued those gliding, sinuous move- 
ments along that attic floor. However, quiet finally 
came, and the cause, if possible, was then to be un- 
raveled. This, the witnesses and investigators of these 
uncanny acts, attributed to a young girl living in the 
family by the name of Hazen who, it was said, had 
been daring enough to exjieriment with the black 
art. To-day, with many, a search for the cause would 
be in the direction of abnormal, electric or magnetic 
power. It is claimed that this veritable chest is still 
in existence, and in the possession of a relative of the 
original owner. In Mr. Spofford's shop who, besides 
a carpenter, was a noted bridge-builder, Timothy 
Palmer, also noted in this same work, aided in construc- 
ing the model of the first bridge that spanned the Mer- 
rimac, Piscataqua, Kenneliec, Schuylkill and Poto- 
mac Rivers. The latest mention by tradition of a 
wild bear in this town was in 1791, when one of the 
sons of Esquire Spofford is said to have seen one in 
the forest, not far from his father's house. Wolves, 
down to a century ago, during some winters were 
quite numerous. Mrs. Huldah Harriman, who lived 
on Nelson Street, had known them, as late as 1770, to 
prowl around her father's barn at night. The swamp 
easterly of the house was a lair for them, and was 
then and still is known iis "Wolf Swamp." There 
were several other Spoflbrd dwellings built early in 
the "Spoflbrd hill" district; some are still occu- 
pied and in good condition. Col. Daniel Spofford's, 
now owned by Charles S. Spofl!brd, a great-grandson, 
is the most ancient. The venerable-looking cottage 
where the first Spofliird families dwelt, near the Colo- 
nel Spofford house, was taken down about 1866. It is 
said that Dr. Amos Spoflbrd, the first physician to 
practice in New Eowley, who was a son of " Colonel 
Daniel," occupied this place, and once, as was an oc- 
casional occurrence among farmers, exchanged farms 
for a time with his brother William, who lived a short 
distance at the westward. At one time there were 
ten or twelve .houses, occupied by Spoflbrd families, 
almost in sight of each other. The house of Dr. 
Moses D. Spofford, a son of Dr. Amos, now owned by 
J. E. Johnson, was owned a century ago by David 
Thurston, who sold and removed to Maine. 

In Bailey lane there may have been two or three 
houses built at an early d.ay and demolished before 
the present century. Weird tales anciently clustered 
around this locality. One of a dismal nature was told 
of a negro boy, who was seen in company with several 



strange men to enter the shadows of the woods near 
Rock Pond, but was not with them when they again 
appeared, and from the cries of terror which were 
heard, it was feared that a foul murder had been com- 
mitted, and other equally dark and mysterious stories 
of a later day. A house built on this road by Dr. 
Amos Spofford, was removed about 1800 by 
Joseph Nelson to Baldpate Street, and is now owned 
by Henry K. Kennett. 

The Dodge house, where the mother of George Pea- 
body was born, was northerly of the house above 
named. The mansion of Silas Dole, for many years 
the home of Major Paul Dole, the millwright, and his 
brother, Edmund, the inventive genius, almost a re- 
cluse, who devised a machine for making shoe pegs, 
which he kept secluded from mercenary eyes, must 
have been built, in part at least, prior to 1770. It was 
taken down with timber still sound by Samuel Little 
some ten or twelve years ago. 

There were doubtless one or more houses built in 
"Hampshire," or "Federal City," at an early period. 
About 1800 Stephen Hardy lived there, who removed 
to Henniker, N. H. This locality has had more than a 
town fame, rather, has had a .sortof immortality confer- 
red upon it by the genius of our native Burdette, the 
lamented Solomon Nelson. He had the talent which 
gives prominence in certain fields of literary labor. 
His descriptive record of war experience when in the 
southwest with the Fiftieth Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia, [lublished in the Advocate as a serial was a 
rare picture. Wit and pathos, with exact fact, were 
delightfully commingled. Many of the roads were, in 
1770, but partially opened. West Street to the old 
Salem road had lour gates as late as 1797. Nel- 
son Street as late as 1770 had its cross fences, and also 
North Street near the Plumer House. The farmer-boys 
had many a penny given them by travelers for opening 
the gates. 

The Sherman Nelson house, on Elm Street, was 
early occupied by William Chandler, who doubtless 
made it in part what it now is from another house, 
about 1770. The .Sylvanus Nelson house now owned 
by L. P. Tidd, was built before 1747, by Joseph Nel- 
son, the great-grandfather of the late owner. 
Other ancient houses are that of James Gordon, on 
North Street, known as the Wood house, but perhaps 
originally a Pearson house, and another upon the site 
on which Eben Poor's small house was built. This 
was owned early in the century by Paul Stickney, 
previously by Benjamin Chaplin, and had the reputa- 
tion in those days of being occasionally haunted. Next 
was the Peter Clouglin house, now owned by Mr. 
Virgin. This "Clouglin," from the name, was evi- 
dently of the Irish race. Near by was a Cheney 
house, and beyond was a Pearson house, probably 
Jedediah's, the parish i)etitioner. This was owned 
about 1800 by Henry Hilliard, and was accidentally 
burned in 1806. Still further eastward, on Jewett 
Street, there were two or three houses in 1800, built 



GEORGETOWN. 



833 



before 1750, owned by members of the Poor fiimily. 
The Jonatlian Harriman house, on Pillsburv Street, 
was built by Leonard Harriman, the great-grandfather 
of Mrs. O. B. Tenney of this town and Jesse P. Har 
riman, now an octogenarian in his western home 
Nathaniel, the ancestor of Charles A. Harriman, set- 
tled on Pond Street. 

In 1713 a road had been granted l>y Rowley to ac- 
commodate the " Weelers and Brownes," and "other 
inhabitants there about," which is thought to have 
been North Street, from No. 6 school-house (or Ten- 
ney's as it would be fitting to call it), to some point 
near Newbury line. Some years before Jonathan 
Look's house had been the only one named. Some 
of the earlier built houses on Warren Street, and in 
that part of Byfield near the Jackson and Cheney 
neighborhood, must have been built l>efore 1750- 
Several have been leveled within twenty years. The 
Paul Pillsbury house, with the jutting second story, 
the only building of this architecture in the town, is 
unquestionaldy very ancient. Jlr. Pillsbury, nearly 
related to Parker Pill.^bury, until recently the owner 
was very ingenious. He made the fii'st shoe pegs ever 
used in the town. 

The Massachusetts Legislature ottered, thirty 
or more years ago, ten thousand dollars to any one 
jiroducing an infallible remedy for the potato disease. 
Mr. Pillsbury claimed that he had found it, in the 
planting of an oyster shell in each hill. For a second 
wife he married a widow, the mother of the gifted 
poet and Confederate general of Arkansas, Albert 
Pike, who visited his old home a few years ago. In 
17-14, among the surnames in this locality, were 
Joseph and Josiah Smith. Their home was on War- 
ren Street. Some of this family removed to Hopkin- 
ton, N. H., in 1768. An ancient Chute house, per- 
haps that of James or Lionel, his son, was -situated 
west of the church. The venerable trees which over- 
shadowed it have been felled, and desolation reigns. 
Ariel P. Chute, a teacher and clergyman, was liorn 
here about 1805. One other house of this family, on 
Chute Street, still exists, with marks of age and the 
wasting tooth of time. James Chute Peabody, a 
native of this town, is another in this honorable line 
of descent. The author of a volume of poetry with the 
title " Keynotes," which is to be fourul in the Peabody 
lilirary in this town, and as a translator of Dante, he 
is said to have produced a work of rare merit. Dr. 
Parker Cleaveland occupied, as early as 1775, a house 
on Warren Street which is supposed to have been 
built long before that time. Parker, a son, was a 
graduate of Harvard in 1799, and became a professor 
of mineralogy in Bowdoin College. He was also an 
author in his favorite science. A brother, John P., 
was a Congregational minister of prominence. The 
descendants of Maximillian Jewett of Rowley have 
been in this neighborhood since about 1700. A house 
of considerable age which bears the Jewett name is 
still standing. 
53 



The Pike family, originally of Salisbury, Mass., or 
Newbury, were in the Rowley part of Byfleld, as early 
as 1750; "they were prominent in military and civil 
afl'airs. Nicolas Cheney, Timoth}' Jackman, Jona- 
than Thurlow, Nathan and Moses Wheeler, Abraham 
Brown, Joseph Searl, Daniel Chute, Thomas Lull, Jr., 
Jedediah, Jonathan and David Pearson, and Amos 
Pillsbury are supposed to have been all Byfield house- 
holders in 1744, in what is now (ieorgetown. 

On East Street the Pingree house built about a 
century ago, was the birth-place of the Pingree 
brothers, David, Asa and Thomas, who were the heirs 
of their opulent uncle. Captain Perkins, of Topsfield. 
David, who lived in Salem, was rated as the only mil- 
lionaire in the State, and perhaps in New England, 
forty years ago. He owned immense tracts of wild 
laud in upper New Hampshire, and the Aroostook, 
Maine, of which some is being surveyed at present. 
Very costly agricultural improvements were made by 
jMr. Pingree on the old homestead, forty years ago, 
but through neglect everything has relapsed to more 
than its original wildness. Twenty years ago about 
five hundred acres of forest, belonging to this estate, 
were cleared of its wood and timber by Lamprey and 
Eaton, of Haverhill, employing in the work a large 
force of French Canadians. 

Several houses, then standing, were occupied by the 
workmen. Now all the houses, excepting the farm- 
house, are gone, almost dropped piecemeal, and it is 
indeed a solitude. Here were the Hazen clearings, 
and here were Nathaniel Burpee, the drummer of the 
Revolution, returned to New Rowley in the dead of 
winter, from Lunenburg, about 1795, with an ox sled 
and his family upon it, a cottage w^as built, and here 
they found a home. 

At the corner of that part of East Street leading 
past the school-house, which road was opened in 1829 
at a cost of three hundred dollars, was a wide, low 
house, which crumbled to a ruin one-third of a cen- 
tury ago. This, for many years, was known as a 
Merrill house, but perhaps built by a Hazen. Here 
Charles Wheeler lived in boyhood, and went from 
here South, to the presidency of a college. The house 
on Nelson Street, owned by Henry C. Perley, was 
built about 1780 by Nathan Perley, the maternal 
grandfather of Sherman Nelson. The Dea. Solomon 
Nelson house was built in 1803. The south roof is 
still covered with the original shingles laid eighty- 
four years ago. About 1740 the .section of Main 
Street from the " Corner " to M. G. Spofibrd's, began to 
be traveled. Previously the circuit is supjiosed to 
have been made over Pillsburys' plain, and the high- 
lands at the east of the village. Where the Pentucket 
house now stands, and some portion of the hotel, may 
be of this original house, one of the brothers of John 
Brocklebank, by whom the Brocklebank house on 
Central Street was then owned, built a house about 
1765. Job Brocklebank lived there for some time 
and John Pillsbury was living there before 1800, and 



834 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



blacksmithing near by. His widow kept a tavern 
there for many years, which became somewhat noted 
as a halting-place for travelers. 

From about 1780 the " Corner," a point of land 
largely composed of loose sand, and in its subsoil for- 
mation the base of the Baldpate district, and but 
slightly elevated above the adjoining meadows, 
then in many places covered with a dense growth of 
maple trees, began to show its probable future, as the 
centre of the village. Several other localities for a 
time had the start, like Elm Street, near the meeting- 
house, but circumstances unthought of, soon turned 
the tide in the direction of " Burbank Corner." Some 
years later, it has been said, that Mr. Bartlett, ol 
Newburyport, while contemplating the founding ol 
the theological seminary looked with especial favor on 
the extended tract of Spoffbrd's hill as well adapted 
for the site, but the owner could not be induced to sell. 
Had Georgetown been selected instead of Andover 
how difterent our surroundings might have been from 
what they now are. 

David Tenney was living before 1800 in a cottage on 
Main St. He was the grandfather of Hon. O.B. Tenney, 
of this town, and of D. B. Tenney, city clerk of Haver- 
hill. This house was doubtless built by him. It was 
removed some fifteen years ago to the court not far 
from the Clark house, on Main Street. 

Others living at the village in 1800 were Daniel 
Clark and Samuel Norris, tailor. The house occu- 
pied by Mr. T. J. Elliott, and removed in 184.3 or 
1844, to a site near the corner of Library and Cen- 
tral Streets was then standing at the corner, upon 
the site of ^which Mr. EUiiott built his present house. 

The Dresser house has for a part of it the building 
occupied from about 1770 to 1800, by Major Asa 
Nelson, on Nelson Street, as a grocery, and was 
situated in front of Deacon Solomon Nelson's house. 
This, was, perhaps the first grocery store in the west 
parish. The New Hampshire farmers of those days 
would make trips in the winter to the sea-board at 
Salem and elsewhere, with loads of pork, poultry 
and other farm products, and return with West 
India goods and other necessaries. Ezekiel, the 
father of Daniel Webster, made it his stopping- 
place with Major Nelson when on those journeys, 
who would often buy his load of meats and sell him 
other goods in return. Mr. Webster would freqently 
speak of his boys, and would say, "Ezekiel is smart 
and I think will be somebody, but of Daniel I am a 
little doubtful." 

An Adams house, owned by "Newtown Ben," was 
situated at the entrance of what is now Nelson 
Avenue, and was destroyed by fire under rather mys- 
terious circumstances about 1800. Other surnames in 
town at aV)out this time were those of Lincoln, and a 
few years later that of Lowe. At about this date, 
and for half a century afterwards, many of the farm- 
ers owned large tracts of pasturage in New Hamp- 
shire, and other land in the northern part of Worces- 



ter County. Nathaniel and Jonathan Nelson, in 
partnership with Captain Chaplin, owned a large 
pasture in Warren, N. H. ; Moses Nelson was an exten- 
sive owner in Danbury, N. H. ; Deacon Asa Nelson, at a 
later day, owner in Dunbarton, N. H. Annually, in 
the middle of May, with a large drove of their own and 
their neighbors' cattle and sheared sheep, parties would 
start as drovers on their journey of seventy-five or 
one hundred miles. In October the fall trip would 
be made, and the stock returned, often half-wild, but 
in good condition. The Mighills were possessors of 
many acres in Lunenburg, Mass., on which Samuel 
C, the father of L. P. Tidd, who married Ruth Mig- 
hill, lived for some years. On returning, he built 
about 1810 the house on Baldpate Street, now owned 
by J. A. Hoyt. This land in Luuenburg became in late 
years very valuable, and sales have been made from 
it in the aggregate to the amount of forty thousand 
dollars. The tide of emigration prior to the Revolu- 
tion was generally to Northern Middlesex and Wor- 
cester. The writer has found the names of several 
West Parish or Georgetown natives, at dates of emi- 
gration from 1730 to 1750, recorded in the register of 
deeds ofiice in the city of Worcester. Sterling, with 
its Nelson Hill, named for a New Rowley Nelson, 
Leominster and Lunenburg, in Worcester County, 
Groton, Townsend and Templeton in Middlesex, 
and other towns near by, are the localities to trace 
many of the families of this town. Some at one 
time, howevei-, removed to Killingly, Conn. 

From 1800 to 1810 there was but little change. At 
about the last-named date, Benjamin and Joseph 
Little moved into town from West Nevvbury. They 
opened a store and shoe factory in a long extension, 
built eastwardly from the old tavern stand of Dudley 
Tyler and Solomon Nelson, near the meeting-house, 
and began, by various devices, one of which was to 
have the roads opened as soon as possible after a 
snow-storm, to attract the travel from the old Haver- 
hill road over Uptake to this central road. They 
kept an extensive stock of salable goods ; were ready 
to barter, taking in exchange odd lots of coarse shoes 
by the dozen pairs, which the farmers brought from 
Newbury and other places, .some coming a long dis- 
tance on loot, with the shoes under their arms, the 
work of their ofl-hours, rainy days and evenings ; they 
were ready to encourage young men to start business, 
and made the parish generally lively. 

With good roads, better both in summer and winter 
than in Boxford, and fewer hills to climb, the travel 
was soon turned toward the centre of New Rowley. 
We can hardly realize the serious loss the change 
must have caused to the tavern-stands of Capt. Batch- 
elder, now the summer residence of Mr. Ballon, and 
of Dea. Spofford's, burned some years ago. 

Solomon Nelson, the father of Nathaniel Nelson, 
who was to a marked extent a central fiirure in the 
growth and general life of this community, died in 
1821, just as the energy of the people was assuming a 



GEORGETOWN. 



835 



new phase. His second son, Jeremiah, was a member 
of Congre.ss, and ek^cted as a Federalist, and his father 
was so unflinching a Repuhlican that he always voted 
for his son's political opponent. 

Everything indicated that the junction of the roads 
would be the village centre, and a removal was made 
by the brothers Little from their first locality to this 
centre, where they built, about 1814, the store build- 
ing which wa.s used for that purjiose about sixty years, 
and upon the site of which the Odd Fellows' Block 
was erected in 1871. The house now owned by W. K. 
Lambert was also built at this time. They carried on 
a large trade, and continued the manufacture of shoes 
in a building in the rear. 

Three or four years later, Benjamin Winter and 
William Perley opened a store in a building which 
was situated near where the new business block now 
is. This building, which was removed across the 
street, is thought to be that now occupied by John W. 
Bailey as a stove store. Mr. Perley went to Virginia, 
where he died many years ago. 

Where now is the Main Street extension of Little's 
shoe factory, Robert McQuestion kept a store for some 
years, from about 1820. The whole community was 
astir. The industries of New Rowley were all sus- 
tained, rapidly advancing, and general prosperity 
prevailed. About 1830, several of the houses on 
Elm Street, near the meeting-house, were built. In 
1836, a bank of issue was established, with a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, with Benjamin 
Little, President, and George Foot, Ca.shier. It was 
styled the Manufacturers' Bank of Rowley. The 
rapid growth after 1830 gave anticipation of a more 
rapid increase, and se]ianition from Rowley began to 
be discussed. 

Not very many years after the young and rising 
business men (who, coming here as strangers, were in- 
different to the sentiment that made an attachment to 
the name of Rowley and all connected therewith, a 
sacred thing), began to demand and even clamor for a 
sejiaration. The distance between the two parishes 
disturbed their business interests. Letters intended 
for New Rowley were addressed to Rowley, and were 
delayed in the delivery, often resulting in trouble and 
difficulty. A meeting in 1837 was called to consider 
the ([uestion and arrange for a division. This was the 
prelude for a succession of meetings, the we.^t parish 
demanding a division along the parish line, east of 
the Phillips' house in Dodgeville, and the first parish 
declaring that if a division must take place it shall be 
west of Phineas Dodge's house. 

A partial compromise was finally made; Muddy 
Brook being made the ea,sterly bounds of the proposed 
new town at one point and Rye Plain bridge, near 
Newbury line, as a prominent bound at another point. 
The west parish strove hard to include what is now 
known as Dodgeville in the new town, but failed, and 
Warren Street, with three-fourths of the Rowlev part 
of Bylield parish, was allowed instead. (About thirty 



years afterward Dodgeville petitioned the legislature 
to be annexed to Georgetown, but their request was 
not granted). 

A remonstrance against the division was signed by 
about three hundred citizens, headed by Dr. David 
Mighill. It was only after considerable debate, that 
the decision was reached, to call the new town George- 
t<jwn. There were those who, for a long time, felt 
that the name had too pretentious a sound, and were 
shy about repeating it. There were several names 
proposed, as Howard, Littleton, Nelson, and Mrs. La- 
vinia Spofford Weston suggested Lagrange. In the 
heat of the controversy and perhaps the babel of 
voices, one facetious individual proposed the name of 
Babylon. There has always been a conflict of opinion 
as to the honorable citizen who first suggested the 
name finally decided upon. By some it has been said 
to have been Mrs. Judith Daniels, then Mrs. J. Rus- 
sell, and that it was named in honor of her brother, 
George Peabody. Others have claimed that they were 
the sponsors, and, doubtle.ss, at this day it never will 
be definitely known, from what source, or why it was 
so called. 

The erection of buildings was going on at a rapid 
rate. Two churches had been built in the village, the 
old parish meeting-house modernized in its interior, 
and the church in Byfielil, which is within George- 
town limits, also built. In 18-10 an outside observer, 
in a sketch of the town as it appeared at that date, 
stated that " Georgetown is a pleasant and very flour- 
ishing place. Its growth has been more rapid than 
that of any village in the county. The greater part 
of it has been built since 1827. Real estate has more 
than doubled in value during the last twelve years. 
More than fifty buildings, including shops, were 
erected in 1839. The inhabitants are probably more 
extensively engaged in the manufacturing of boots 
and shoes than those of any place of the same popu- 
lation in the United States." At that date, Spencer, 
.Mass., and Georgetown, with similar industries, were 
nearly alike in population, with Georgetown, however, 
slightly ahead in value of manufactured products, 
having twenty-seven manufactories of boots and shoes : 
product, $221,900; invested capital, .§99,000. Nine 
tanneries: product about SGO,000 ; invested capital, 
5^10, 3<KI. Carriages: product, .S2,.">00. The aggregate 
product of boots and shoes in 1880 was about one-half 
million dollars. 



CHAPTER LVII. 
GEORGETOWN— (C'oniliHHcd). 

COiNCLUSION OF PARI.SH AND RELIGIOUS HISTORY — 
UNION AND HARMONY CEMETERIES. 

After the re-opening of the Congregationalist 
meeting-house in 1832, the parish voted the following 



836 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



April that the town-meeting should no longer be 
held there. With the rapidly increasing population, 
had the town not been divided as was done five years 
later, a commodious hall would at an early day have 
been necessary. Town-meetings began to be held in 
Savory's Hall. In 1836 a church vestry was sug- 
gested. The building which is now the dwelling- 
house of W. B. Hammond, was then owned by Benja- 
min Winter, the second floor of which had been used 
for vestry purposes and social meetings for some 
years. In August, 1840, under the influence of the 
exciting questions of the day, which were then in- 
tensely agitating this community, several members of 
the parish, with one exception now all deceased, peti- 
tioned for the use of the meeting-house for discussions 
and lectures upon the great moral questions of the 
day. This request was not granted at the time, the 
meeting adjourning without any action upon the call. 
A similar petition signed by twenty citizens asking 
for the use of the house for debates on slavery was 
approved at a meeting of the parish in February, 

1841, and conditionally granted. At this meeting a 
colleague pastor was voted, and George Prime Smith, 
of Salem, Mass., who had assisted Mr. Braman, and 
with marked acceptance was invited, but declined the 
call. Mr. Smith, who died in early manhood, was of 
Kowley ancestry, and on the maternal side by the 
Primes, was a direct descendant of Solomon Nelson, 
who settled on Nelson Street, in 1729. In February, 

1842, a vote was passed to leave it discretionary with 
Mr. Braman as to the speakers, who, on the slavery 
question, are to be admitted to the desk. December 
8, 1842, Enoch Pond, Jr., was ordained as colleague, 
his father. Prof. Pond, of Bangor Seminary, deliver- 
ing the sermon. Rev. Mr. Pond was a young man of 
much promise, deeply beloved by the church and peo- 
ple and highly esteemed by the whole community. 
The zeal and energy he displayed, wa.sted a perhaps 
not naturally robust constitution. March 15, 1846, 
he preached his last sermon and returned to Maine, 
where at Bucksport he died December 17th, of that 
year, at the age of twenty-six years. One week later 
his remains were conveyed to this town and Iniried 
in Harmony cemetery. The church and parish 
erected a monument. During the ministry of Mr. 
Pond in the autumn of 1844, the meeting-house was 
widened eleven feet on each side by an extension the 
entire length of the audience-room, of one story in 
height. Furnaces were added, and in the early part 
of 1845 a new pulpit, with furnishings, the gift of 
Greorge Peabody, and a clock, the gift of Mrs. A|)pliia 
S. Tenney. In the evening of February 3, 1847, .John 
M. Prince, Jr., was ordained as colleague, the succes- 
sor of Rev. Mr. Pond ; sermon by Rev. Uriah Balk- 
ham, of Wiscasset, Maine; Rev. Isaac Braman gave 
the charge to the candidate. The venerable pastor 
was nearing the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination, 
and on Monday, June 7th of thatyear, the jubilee was 
observed with a discourse by the aged man, then 



almost an octogenarian. The services were held in the 
afternoon, with assistance from Rev. Messrs. Hartshorn, 
of the Georgetown Baptist Church, Milton P. Braman, 
of Danvers (son of the pastor), and Prince, the junior 
pastor, and original hymns by Mrs. L. S. Weston, of 
this town, and W. B. Tappan, of Newburyport. A 
[irocession was then formed with Dr. William Cogs- 
well as chief-marshal, which marched from the meet- 
ing-house to Tenney's Hall, where a collation was 
served. 

There were present as guests, — Drs. Dana of New- 
buryport, Perry of Groveland, Pierce of Brookline, 
Cogswell of Boston, Rev. Messrs. Braman of Danvers, 
Phelps of Groton, Withington of Newbury, Judge 
Cummings of Boston and A. Huntington of Salem. 
C. S. Tenney presided. 

Several hymns, written by the talented Mrs. Weston, 
were sung, and a song with music composed by D. B. 
Tenney, was sung by Messrs. Tenney, Palmer and 
Holmes, and gifts were presented at the house of the 
pastor, among them the easy chair from the young 
men of the parish, so familiar for many years after- 
wards. The need of a vestry had been felt for years, 
and during the pastorate of Mr. Pond, the ladies of 
the church and society were actively engaged in 
furtherance of the movement. This was especially 
the work of the " New Rowley Female Benevolent 
Society," an organization which was begun in No- 
vember, 1834, with Mrs. Hannah Braman and Miss 
Susan Nelson (now Mrs. G. J. Tenney), as the first 
president and secretary. In March, 1849, a commit- 
tee previously appointed to purchase or build a ves- 
try, I'eported favorably on the j)urchase of Adams 
Hall, now the residence of Jophanas Adams. This 
building, erected about 1835 by Josiah Adams, had 
originally a hall used for social purposes on the 
second floor, a store below, and was bought that year 
for eight hundfed dollars, and used for a vestry until 
August 25, 1852, when it was sold, becoming the resi- 
dence of Rev. Mr. Prince, and later the home of Hon. 
Moses Tenney, the State Treasurer at the time. The 
chapel, now the Catholic Church, was built in the 
antumn of 1852, and on completion was at once occu- 
pied for vestry meetings. The society under whose 
aus])ices this property had been purchased, and held, 
accepted July 20, 1852, the act of the Legislature of 
April 23, 1852, incorporating it as the " Woman's 
Benevolent Society.'' Rev. Mr. Prince resigned Feb- 
ruary 8, 1857, and removed to Bridgewater in 1858, 
where he died the following year. He was born in 
Portland, June, 1820; graduate of Bowdoin, 1841; 
Bangor Seminary, 1845. 

Rev. Charles Beecher was installed November 19, 
1857, as the third colleague pastor with sermons by 
Professor Calvin Stowe. Other clergymen assisting 
were Doctors Withington, J. P. Cleveland and Pike, 
E. B. and Revs. D. W. Foster, McCollum and Willcox. 

December 26, 1858, Rev. Isaac Braman died at the 
advanced age of eighty-eight years. Rev. D. T. 



GEORGETOWN. 



837 



Kimball, of Ipswich, preached the funeral sermon. 
A suggestive memorial in Union Cemetery marks the 
grave of the venerated second pastor of this church. 
Rev. Mr. Beecher continued in active service as pas- 
tor until 1870, and nominally for some years after- 
wards. He is now pastor of a church in Pennsylvania. 
A daughter, the wife of Mr. G. W. Noyes, still resides 
in this town, whom he often visits. Mr. Beecher is 
much beloved by his former charge, and highly es- 
teemed by the community. His presence is ever a 
benison of peace to many, and the gift of music which 
God has given him, had its birth in a nobler world 
than ours. January 30th, 1873, Thomas R. Beeber, 
now of Pennsylvania, was ordained with sermon by 
Rev. T. T. Munger, of Lawrence. Ordaining prayer 
by Rev. Dr. John L. Taylor, of Andover. Doctors 
Campbell and Fiske, of Xewburyport, Rev. Messrs. 
Marsh, of Georgetown, Yoorhees, of North Wey- 
mouth, Ecob, of Augusta, Me., and Coggin, of Box- 
ford, aided in the service. 

The erection of a new house of worship soon be- 
gan to be contemplated, and May 16, 1873, the society 
voted to purchase and build on a lot, then owned by 
Messrs. Moulton, Chaplin and Noyes, at the left of a 
court then extending from Central to Middle Streets. 
Since the erection of the church building this court 
has been opened beyond to School Street, and to com- 
memorate the Daniel Clark house, which was ancient- 
ly near by, has been named Clark Street. 

December 13, 1874, the final service was held in the 
old meeting-house, Rev. Mr. Beeber preaching an 
historical sermon. December 17, 1874, the new 
church was dedicated, with sermon by Rev. J. H. 
Ecob, of Maine. Prayer of dedication by Rev. Dr. 
Seelye. The old house was demolished the following 
year. August 30, 1876, Rev. Alfred F. Marsh was in- 
stalled, with a sermon by Rev. Dr. Campbell, of New- 
buryport. Other parts of the service were by Rev. 
Messrs. Fulsom, Boyd, Kimball, Childs, Spauldingand 
Marsh. 

The present pastor. Rev. Levi Rodgers, was in- 
stalled May 4, 1881. The sermon by Professor Smythe, 
of Andover. Other parts by Doctors Seelye and 
Spaulding, Rev. Mes.srs. Kingsbury, Hubbard, Marsh 
and Barnes. The Sunday-school of this church was 
begun about 1816. For many years before, exercises 
in the catechism were sustained on Saturday after- 
noons by the pastor. This parish have a ministerial 
fund of seven thousand dollars, a bequest from John 
Perley. 

Should the society cease to have a settled minister, 
or be dissolved, then the income is to revert to the 
Perley Free School. This society has a flourishing 
mission circle. Miss Theodora Crosby, a mend^er, is 
a missionary in the Pacific Islands. 

In the settlement of Mr. Beecher as pastor of the 
Congregational Church, some positive opposition was 
manifested by a prominent minority of the parish. 
The objections, openly expressed at the outset, gath- 



ered force, and finally culminated in a public council 
of ministers and churches, on the ground that the 
doctrines advocated by Jlr. Beecher were not in ac- 
cordance with the accepted theology of the Orthodox 
Congregational Church. The result of the council 
was eventually the withdrawal Lf those not in har- 
mony with Mr. Beecher, and the establishing by them 
of a separate religious service in the chapel, as a ma- 
jority of the members of the society, controlling this 
chapel property, are said to have lieen among the la- 
dies who withdrew. They were organized into a dis- 
tinct church Januaiy 27, 1864, Dr. Pike, of Rowley, 
preaching the sermon on the occasion from Phil. 1 : 
27. Rev. Mr. McCullom, of Bradford, gave the fel- 
lowship of the churches ; Rev. Mr. Thompson, of 
Amesbury, the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr. Dog^ 
get, of Groveland, read the Scripture lesson ; and 
Rev. Mr. Edgell, of West Newbury, administered the 
sacrament. This church had the pulpit service of 
several clergymen, most of them young men, and 
some of rare gifts. 

Rev. Eugene Titus, afterwards settled in (torham, 
X. H., and Beverly, JIass., a son-in-law of Mr. George 
W. Chaplin, of this town, a longer period than any 
other. Mr. Titus, born November, 1834, died July 
21, 1876, and i« buried in Harmony Cemetery. During 
the visit of George Peabody, of London, to this 
country in 1866, he conferred with his sister, Mrs. 
Daniels, formerly the wife of Jeremiah Russell, Esq. 
ithe first attorney to settle in this town), who was a 
member of this church, and the result was the erec- 
tion of the Memorial Church building, which was 
made a joint gitt from the brother and sister, to this 
new religious organization. The corner-stone of this 
attractive brick edifice was laid by Dr. Jeremiah 
Spottbrd, of Groveland, in the afternoon of Septem- 
ber 9, 1866, the ceremonies preceding those at the Li- 
brary Building on the same day. 

This building, the cost of which, including the 
grounds adjoining, was not less than one hundred 
thousand dollars, is a memorial to Judith Dodge 
Peabody, the daughter of Jeremiah Dodge, who re- 
moved with his family from his home on the Bailey 
Lane road, about 1793, to South Danvers (now Pea- 
body), and who was the mother of George Peabody 
and Mrs. Daniels. The house was dedicated .lanuary 
8, 1868, M. P. Braman, D.D., of Danvers, delivering 
the sermon, and a dedication hymn by John G. Whit- 
tier, with an additional service in the evening, and 
sermon by Mr. Richardson, of Newburyport. Two 
tablets in the rear of the desk are memorials, one of 
Jlrs. Peabody, the mother of George Peabody, who 
while living in New Rowley, was a member of the 
Congregational Church, and the other of Rev. Isaac 
Braman. 

Rev. David Dana Marsh, the first and present pas- 
tor, was ordained September 12, 1868 ; Rev. Mr. Bar- 
bour, of Peabody, delivering the sermon. Ordaining 
prayer was by Rev. Dr. Pike, of Rowley. Other exer- 



838 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cises were by Messrs. Tolman, of Wilmington, Kings- 
bury, of Br.idford, and Mct'uUom, of Medford. The 
Sunday-school connected with this church was estab- 
lished where public services were begun, and has 
John F. Jackson as present superintendent, and 
Henry Hilliard as Librarian. 

There is also a society of Christian Endeavor, or- 
ganized at an early period in the formation of these 
societies, and a flourishing branch of the " Woman's 
Missionary Society." The original benevolent socie- 
ty, dating back to 1834, of which this church is re- 
garded as the direct sequence still exists with regular 
meetings, and annual meeting in November. The 
fine house adjoining, formerly the home of Mrs. 
Daniels, and a place that in its quiet had more attrac- 
tions to Mr. Peabody, when in this country, than any 
other, is now the permanent residence of the pastor. 
This church is in no wise allied to a parochial, secu- 
lar body or society, but is incorporated, and controls 
all its property in its own name. 

The Bytield parish were afflicted March 1, 1833, by 
the loss of the meeting-house by fire. Their third 
and present house was built the same year, and dedi- 
cated November 7th, with a sermon by Rev. Dr. J. 
P. Cleveland, then of Salem, IMass. Rev. Henry 
Durant, the fourth pastor, was ordained December 
25, 1S38. He continued in the pastorate until 
March 31, 1849. About two years previously, the 
Trustees of Dummer Academy had urged his accep- 
tance as princi]>al of that institution, but his Byfield 
parish were decided in retaining him as pastor. Rev. 
Francis V. Tenney was installed March ], 18.50, and 
was the pastor until April 22, 1857. 

June 16, 1858, Rev. Charles Brooks was settled. 
Other pastors who followed, are Rev. .James H. 
Childs, who was ordained October 7, 1875, and dis- 
missed December 22, 1880. The present incumbent. 
Rev. Geo. L. Gleason, of Manchester, Mass., was in- 
stalled September 20, 1882. The cemeteries of this 
parish are near, and adjoining the church. The first 
interment, was that of Mrs. Mehetable Moody, a 
daughter of Henry Sewall, in 1702. The new ceme- 
tery was opened some years ago, and already many 
have been buried there. All the surroundings of 
this church are peculiar and English-like, and the 
parish, in its entire history, is unique and attractive. 

This history in Chapter LV. left the Baptists in 
possession of their new meeting-house. Rev. Ezra 
Wilmarth, after his dismission from the pastorate in 
1834, remained in the town, as several of his daugh- 
ters were married here, residing here until his death, 
which occurred November 28, 1840. He was born 
January 19, 1772. He was buried in Harmony 
Cemetery. For eighteen months the church was 
without a pastor, and the pulpit supply for much of 
the time was Rev. Daniel F. Richardson, afterwards 
a tutor in Wake Poorest College, N. C, and later, for 
many years, the postmaster of Hanover, N. H., where 
he died a few years ago. 



February 4, 1836, John Burden, of Hampstead, 
N. H., was ordained the pastor, with sermon by Rev. 
John Holroyd, of Danvers ; Dr. Jeremiah Chaplin, 
who had not long before resigned his position as 
president of the college at Waterville, Me., was then 
the pastor of the Bapti-st Church at Old Rowley, and 
counselled the young candidate of this church, into 
whose fellowship he had been baptized about a half 
century before. Late in 1837, or early in 1838, the 
meeting-house was removed from its site near the 
mill, now the woolen-factory, to where it now is. 
This removal was in the face of much opposition, 
largely from the Thurlows, Pearsons and other mem- 
bers of the society, living in the vicinity of Bytield. 
The founding of the Jlethodist interest at Byfield 
Mills can largely be attributed to the removal. Rev. 
Mr. Burden continued as pastor until the autumn of 
1840. He was a warm anti-slavery advocate, and 
during his ministry much of the moral atmos|)here 
wit.s seething hot with reform movement, and he was 
not backward about entering the lists. The Grimke 
sisters spoke from the Baptist pulpit, with Deacon 
Solomon Nelson, although a Henry Clay moderate, 
willing listener until Angcline denounced Washing- 
ton as a man-stenler, then he could listen no longer. 
I'he appeal had been made to the Congregational 
Parish for a recognition of the importance of this 
slavery question, but at first without a hearing. 

The community at large had already become one of 
the most active in the propagation of the new ideas. 
The Baptists did not wholly indorse the views of 
Garrison and his associates on the issue of southern 
slavery, woman's rights and kindred topics, but were 
ready to grant them a candid hearing. The Liberator 
was read approvingly by seme of them, the abolition 
almanac was cherished as almost a sacred thing, as 
the writer well remembers he so regarded it in his 
boyhood, and many of the most active of the women, 
who met to pr.ay for the emancipation of the slaves 
were of the Baptist people. The Liberator, that fire- 
brand, was excluded from the United States mails in 
the South, but the writer and his brother with boyish 
enthusiasm were agents in sending several copies to 
Charleston, S. C, in the packing of their father's shoes, 
for which they received a severe reprimand, when 
complaints came as they soon did from the Southern 
consignee. The Moral Reform Society, an oi-ganiza- 
tion of ladies, for the lifting up of their unfortunate 
sisters, was active from 1835 and onward, and was 
largely under Baptist auspices. For some years after 
the resignation of Mr. Burden, the Baptist church ex- 
cept tor a brief period, when Rev. L. E. Caswell was 
pastor (afterwards for many years a popular city mis- 
sionary in Boston, was pastor, was without a settled 
minister. They had, however, the services of some 
men of fine talent, especially Rev. Mr. Moody, of Eng- 
land, who not long after he preached here returned 
home. 

Others who supplied wei'e Mr. Freeman, who went 



GEOllGETOWN. 



839 



South; Horace Richardson, later noted as an educa- 
tor in California ; Isaac Sawyer, of Deerlield ; Steplieii 
H. Mirick, George Keely and his son, Josiah ]'>., of 
Haverhill. October 9, 1844, Joseph C. Hartshorn of 
Chelsea, was ordained the pastor, with sermon by Dr. 
Rarnas Sears, the .successor of Horace Mann as Super- 
intendent of State Board Education. Rev. Mr. Harts- 
horn was scholarly, had a very successful pastorate, 
and much esteemed in the community. His resigna- 
tion occurred August 29, 1848. He soon after retired 
from the ministry, entered into business as a manu- 
facturer of gas-fixtures in Providence, R. I., and ac- 
i]uired an ample fortune. He is now a resident ol' 
Newton, Mass., retired, but perhaps retaining an in- 
terest in his former business. 

The public gifts of Mr. Hartshorn, expressive of his 
peculiar character, are ten thousand dollars to Dr. 
CuUis's Consumptives' Home, for a ward which i.s 
known by his name, and a very large sum in 1S84 to 
found and endow the Hartshorn Memorial College for 
females only at Richmond, Va., a gift in memory ol 
his wife Racliel Tliurl^er Hartshorn, who was a sister 
of one of the leading members of the Gorhani Silver 
Ware Company in Providence, and who died very 
suddenly, a few years ago. In the summer of 1844, 
the mecling-house was lengthened, by the addition ol 
about fifteen feet at the easterly end,'the pulpit removed 
from the west, between the entrance doors, to the east 
end, and the slips reversed, to front the pulpit in its 
new position. A bell was also hung in the belfry. 

In December, 1848, Rev. Arlow M. Swain, of New 
Hamj)shire, became the tenth pastcjr. While he was 
with the church, a vestry for social meetings was fin- 
ished in the basement of the house. In .luly, ISoO, 
Rev. Paul S. Adams, of Newburyport, became the 
eleventh settled pastor. The rightfulness of capital 
punishment, was under general debate at the time. Mr. 
Adams taking the affirmative, had a sharp controversy 
with Rev. iMr. Baker, the Universalist minister. IMr. 
Adams was chaplain of a New Hampshire Regiment 
during the Rebellion, and died not long since in 
Newport, N. H. 

In September, 1850, the Salem Association met with 
this church. In November, 1851, Rev. Philemon R. 
Russell, ordained a minister of the Unitarians, and 
later a Universalist Restorationist, became the pastor, 
and continued until May, 185.3. In the summer of 
that year he was residing in the Baptist parsonage, 
where his wife, one Sunday afternoon, ju.st after re- 
turning from church, was seated with an infant in her 
arms, during a violent shower, and was instantly 
killed by lightning. The child escaped unharmed. 

In November, 1855, Rev. William Read, of Kayn- 
ham, was settled, resigning in March, 1857. Both 
Mr. Read and wife were of literary tastes, a gift which 
is inherited by their children. Rev. Joseph H. Seaver, 
of Salem, Mass., was settled in November, 1858, re- 
signing in April, 18(32. Rev. Joseph M. Burtt suc- 
ceeded, as.suming the pastoral office in March, 1803, 



resigning in March, 1871. During his pastorate the 
meeting-house was modernized in tbe interior, with 
other improvements, at an expense of about one 
thousand dollars. 

The parsonage property was, by permit of the leg- 
islature, sold, and valuable pro[)erty opposite the 
church building, for some years the residence of Dr. 
H. N. Couch, bought for a parsonage with the pro- 
ceeds. Mr. Burtt removed to Buxton Center, Me. He 
was chaplain of the State Almshouse in Tewksbury 
for some years previously, was also founder and sole 
proprietor of the Christian Era, a Baptist weekly jia- 
per, now merged in the Wnlchnmn. Rev. R. G. Far- 
ley was installed in tbe evening of May 31, 1871, with 
sermon by Dr. Bosworth of Havcrbill. Mr. Farley 
was superintendent of tbe public schools one year 
during his pastorate. He removed to Maine. 

In May, 1874, Rev. E. T. Lyford, of Rowley, was 
settled an<l was pastor until May, 1878, when he re- 
moved to Billerica, Mass. Mr. Lyford was cba[)lain 
of the Eleventh Regiment, New Hampshire Volun- 
teers (Colonel Harriman), during the Rebellion. In 
March, 1879, Rev. N. B. Wilson, a city missionary in 
East Boston, succeeded, but resigned, and in the fol- 
lowing January removed to Newton, N. H. He was 
much esteemed in town, and Ibund a congenial tield 
in the active temperance work of the time. 

In 1880, Rev. J. M. Burtt again assumed jiastoral 
duties, remaining until the spring of 1881, when he 
returned to Buxton, Me. W. D. Athearn, a student 
of Newton Seminary, was pulpit supply until 1883, 
when he became the pastor of the Baptist Church in 
Spencer, Mass. Other students followed, among them 
Robert MacDonald of Boston, who on graduation ac- 
cepted the call of the church and was ordained pastor, 
early in June, 1885, Rev. 5Ir. Braislin, of Newton, 
Mass., preaching the sermon. Other parts by Rev. 
Messrs. Gardner, Stetson and Tilson. Extensive im- 
provements on the church buililing began November 
9, 1886. 

The Sunday-school was founded in June, 1820, and 
Deacon Solomon Nelson and wife were especially in- 
terested in its organization. The Sunday-school Con- 
vention of the Merrimac River Association, with 
George S. Merrill, of Lawrence, secretary, met with 
this church in June, 1870, to commemorate the fiftieth 
anniversary of their school. For numy years prior to 
1840 the ladies of this church had a mission organiza- 
tion known as the Female Mite Society. 

The Universalist Society held services about one- 
fourth of the time, as speakers could be obtained, 
until the spring of 1835, when Rev. Jt>seph B. Morse 
was engaged for one-half of the time, and this en- 
gagement was renewed for 183(i. The three following 
years their meeting-house was opened about one-half 
of the Sundays of the year, with a frequent change of 
ministers, until 1840, when Rev. D. P. Livermore, 
afterwards the husband of the now famous Mrs. Mary 
A. Livermore, was engaged and the Society had his 



840 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



services regularly for that year. The uext year he 
preached one half of the time. In 1842 some im- 
provementa in the meeting-house and various speak- 
ers as before. In 1843 Rev. George Hastings supplied 
regularly for that year, but the next year but one half 
of the Sundays. Mr. Hastings was a practical ma- 
chinist, working at his trade when not employed in 
pastoral duty. He also served as school committee. 

James T. Dunbar, then the hotel-keeper in the 
house now the residence of Dr. R. C. Huse, was quite 
active in the affairs of this Society at this date, and 
for several years afterwards. After Mr. Hastings, 
who had married a daughter of .Jonathan Harriman, 
left town, services were not held regularly, and Mr. 
Dunbar, who was the financial representative of the 
Society, had authority to hire whom he pleased. In 
December, 1849, Rev. Henry H. Baker, from Essex, 
Mass., was engaged for three months, and the engage- 
ment successively renewed for the two following years, 
retiring in the sj)ring of 1852. He was the represent- 
ative of the town in the legislature in 1852. 

Charles H. Webster, whose name was changed from 
Kent, born in the Merrill House on East Street, was 
from 1840 one of the active and talented young men 
of this Society. He became a Universalist minister, 
had several pastorates in this State, was ouce pastor 
at Dedhara, was a chaplain in a Massachusetts regi- 
ment during the Rebellion, and died some years ago 
in Maryland. 

Samuel Chase was another Universalist niinisler 
who attended service here. So did his brothers, John 
K. and James Chase, for a time; both afterwards be- 
came Baptist ministers of considerable note, of whom 
John K. is still living. These young men were all 
shoemakers, working in the cozy home shops and in 
the old-fashioned manner, debating and studying 
while their hands were employed. After Mr. Baker 
left, and Spiritualism making inroads into this So- 
ciety, the intere.st in sustaining religious meetings of 
the denomination gradually lessened, until the Pro- 
prietors decided to sell their property. 

March 27, 1855, a committee reported the sale of 
the meeting-house and lot to the town of Georgetown, 
for two thousand dollars. The church building was sold 
by the town for about three hundred dollars, removed 
to land owned by William Boynton, made into a dwel- 
ling-house, is at present occupied in part by Edward 
S. Fickett, Principal of the High School. The So- 
ciety held an occasional preaching service, and much 
of the time a Sunday-school. W. H. Harriman, the 
successor of Sylvanns Nelson as Society clerk, was 
more prominent than any other person in sustaining 
the school. After the sale of the meeting-house and 
erection of the Town Hall on the site, all meetings 
held were in the hall and those supplying were gen- 
erally of high denominational talent, as Drs. Patter- 
son, Miner, St. .John Chambre, Rev. Willard Spaul- 
ding and others equally noted. This appointment of 
Mr. Fickett as teacher of the High School, with his 



known religious views, encouraged the members of 
the school to renewed efforts, and for a time while he 
was superintendent there was a large membership, but 
since about 1872 or 73, all meetings of the denomina- 
tion have been discontinued. 

This Society never had a church organization, al- 
though at times the question was under favorable 
consideration. There was fine musical talent among 
them and the services of the choir were always of a 
high order. Their observance of Christmas, with 
decorated house, sermons, songs and choruses, now 
general in all denominations, was then regarded as a 
dangerous innovation, almost heathenish even, by the 
other churches. Perhaps the last service of local im- 
portance, held in the church, was that of the funeral 
of Mr. Nathaniel Nelson, in March, 1853. 

The first Roman Catholic service held in this town 
was in 1849, in Mr. Nathaniel Nelson's house on An- 
dover Street, now the residence of J. P. Jones, Esq., 
with Rev. Mr. Lannen of Newburyport, as ofiiciating 
priest. The Newburyport parish included at that 
time all Northern Essex. This celebration of mass 
was in the part of the house then occupied by James 
McLain, now living on West Street. Several Irish 
emigrant families, antedate Mr. McLain by many 
years. Mr. Delaney, a Connaught-man, Mr. Dorney, 
the harness-maker, who it is said began a course of 
study for the priesthood, Timothy O'Brien, and per- 
haps two or three others, were in town as early as 
1842 or 43, but Nicholas Reynolds, who returned to 
Ireland and whom L. H. Bateman afterwards visited, 
was perhaps the first Irish born resident of this town. 

From 1840 to 60, Mr. Nathaniel Nelson had several 
farm laborers of Irish birth transiently employed. 
In 1850, Father Lannen officiated in the service of 
the mass several times in the Brocklebank house on 
Central Street, then occupied by James Molloy. The 
opening of the Newburyport Railroad, led to the 
permanent location of several Catholics in town, who 
had been employed, among them Michael and Dennis 
Buckley. Three brothers of the same name of Mol- 
loy, cousins of James, one of whom had arrived in 
1849, were settled here 1S52. The families of Hughes, 
Haley, Barry, with Gauley, O'Doyle, Jlonaghan, ap- 
pear at about this date, some before and others a 
little later, most of whom remained and are per- 
manent residents. Several young men also arrived 
and located, as Donaghue, Moan, Kane and others, 
and but little time elapsed before the Catholic popu- 
lation was sufficiently numerous to require a frequent 
service of their church. 

The attic hall, known as Tammany, in the Boyn- 
ton building, burned in the October fire of 1874, was 
temporarily engaged, afterwards an upper room in the 
Masonic building, and at a later date, the Town 
Hall. Haverhill was then a parish centre, and 
Georgetown was attached to it, with Rev. John Mc- 
Donald in charge of the service here, continuing to 
about 1870. The next appointment was that of Rev. 



(iEOmiETOWN. 



841 



Richard Cummings, who wus recalled from the pa- 
rochial oversight in 1871, and Rev. John Cunnuings 
appointed, who soon located here, living at first in 
the family of Dennis Donaghue, afterwards renting 
the house at the head of Clark Street, near the 
carriage factory. In 1870 the Congregational Chai)cl 
which the Memorial Cliurch had vacated four year> 
before, was purchased for tlio Catholics, of Jlr. G. J. 
Tenney, by Mr. Donaghue, at a cost of one thousand 
dollars. It was soon made ready for occupancy, and 
the first mass was celebrated in what was then known 
as St. Mary's Church, in October of that year. In ad- 
dition to tlie original cost, there has been expended 
on improvements, before and since entering, an esti- 
mated sum of not less than another thousand ol'dol- 
lars. Rev. John Cummings was removed about 
1S76, and Rev. Thonuis 0'15ricn, of Somerviile, wa> 
the priest, until about 1878, when Rev. Edward L. 
McClure, who had been very successful in general 
parochial work in W'obiirn, Mass., was assigned the 
care of this parish. 

About 1881 the very attractive dwelling-house and 
grounds of Mrs. (J. W. Boynton, on Central Street, 
was purchased for a parochial residence, at a cost ol 
about four thousand dollars. About one-fifth of the 
Catholic population at jnesent, are of French Cana- 
dian descent. For many years there were but two 
families of this race in the l(jwii, and not until six or 
seven years ago, were tliey sutiicicntly numerous t<i 
be noticeable. 

Most of the prominent <livisions of the religions 
world have had their representatives in this town. 
The Mormon faith, while strongly entrenched in 
Grovelaud, had an outpost here on Main Street, and 
some converts. In 18-l(j Elder Nathaniel Holmes 
was a firm believer and zealous worker for the doc- 
trines of that church, as preached by the pioneers, 
but a strong opposer of the spiritual wifehood or 
polygamy views, as was then advocated. It has been 
said that they had a church organizatiou for a time. 

The opinions of Win. Miller, and the excitement of 
1843, were not jiopiilar here. As far as is known, 
there was but one person in town, who practically ac- 
knowledged faith in the speedy closing of all things 
earthly. 

Late in December, 184(*, a movement toward 
Church Union, led to the founding of an organiza- 
tion, composed of some previously connected with 
both the Congregationalist and Baptist churches, and 
the engaging of the Universalist meeting-house for 
services, when it was not wanted by the Universalists. 
These were known as "' Christian Unionists, " and 
regular services were hold in Savory's Hall, when the 
meeting-house could not be had. Their minister 
who was an "Oberliu Perfectionist," founded a 
church, and claimed that all the true element in town 
would eventually rally under their name. 

After lS-11 or 42, they suspended all meetings. The 
" Coineouterism " which soon rocked the churches here 
53 V 



like a whirlwind, was to some extent the outgrowth 
of this union movement, and was also the result of 
the abolition agitation of the preceding year. Shut 
out from the meeting-houses, as Ueiuy C. Wright, 
Parker Pillsbury, S. S. Foster, Abby Kelly, Rev. Mr. 
Beach and the other earnest enthusiasts claimed they 
began to gather audiences in the open air. Their 
cry was " come out from the churches, '' and from 
this they derived their name. Addresses were made 
in this town from the Central Street front of Little's 
shoe factory, the barn belonging to T. J. Elliott, iu 
Little's grove, and elsewhere. The Sun<lay question 
was soon brought in, and that all days were alike 
holy, and that there was no especially holy time. 
The believers claimed that this Gospel of Liberty, 
was taught by .lesus, when he plucked the ears of 
corn on the Sabbath day, and for a sign to their en- 
slaved neighbors, they conspicuously performed un- 
necessary labor on Sunday, seeking persecution in 
so doing. One sister carried her knitting to the 
Baptist Church, the click of her needles, keeping 
lime with the exhortations of the speaker. Practi- 
cal non-resistant as she was (and as they all were), 
and refusing voluntarily to leave the meeting-house, 
she was forcibly carried out, the next day. She 
was carried up the narrow stair-way at Savory's 
Hall lor trial on the charge of disturbing religious 
worship. Immensely corpulent as she was she gave 
another severe burden to the officers, in carrying her 
to the vehicle which conveyed her to the Ipswich 
House of Correction. 

Physical reforms were also made a religious duty, 
and a vegetarian and Graham diet with daily ablu- 
tions and shower baths were supplemented by open 
discussions on the delicate questions of Heredity, 
Marriages aud congenital topics. 

At one of the grove meetings, while a speaker was 
fluently denouncing the eating of meat and ajiplaud- 
ing the use of Graham flour, the audience were elec- 
trified by a facetious listener shouting, as a poser, 
" Peter was commanded to slay and eat. Could he 
slay bri-ddf" It was a queer period, and Georgetown 
more than most towns in the county was a sort of a 
battle-ground. There was but little persecution here, 
only legal correction, when some of the most earnest 
persi-sted in invading the churches and interrupting 
meetings, but much undisguised dislike and scorn. 
Their radical crusade against Southern Slavery is now 
endorsed, aud the statue of Garrison, their grand pio- 
neer, is one of the glories to-day of that mammon- 
worshii)ping Boston, that sought his death. Spiritu- 
alism had many disciples in this town at an early pe- 
riod of the manifestations, but while ]>nblic services 
are rarely held, there are many who still hold to this 
belief embraced a score or more of years ago. Frank 
Baxter has spoken in town, as have several others 
equally celebrated, and until recently jirivate seances 
were occasionally held. A Methodist class-meeting 
was established some twenty years ago, in the hope 



842 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



that it would result in a permanent interest of that 
denomination, but it soon died out. The Seventh-day 
Adventists held a series of tent-meetings in the sum- 
mer of 1877 or '78, at the easterly end of Lincoln 
Park. Elder Haskell, prominent in the denomina- 
tion, was the active spirit. For a time there were a 
few persons who adhered lo the distinctive tenets of 
their faith and observed Saturday as the Sabbath, but 
with but one or two exceptions, they returned to their 
former views. About 1881-82 Episcopal services were 
held in town ; at first in Grand Army Hall in the ho- 
tel building and afterwards in Library Hall. These 
services were the result of the etforts of the Misses 
De Wolf, young ladies residing in the town. The 
rectors of South Groveland and Trinity Church, Hav- 
erhill, officiated, and the diocesan missionary was here 
several times, but there was not sufficient interest 
aroused to give permanency to the movement, and, 
after a few weeks, meetings were suspended. The 
Bible-readings of Mr. Charles in 1877 and '78 were 
popular at Byfield depot village, and several families 
living on North Street, near the Newbury line, became 
believers. Dwelling-house services are still held in 
that locality. A few open-air meetings were beld at 
Georgetown Corner, with but little encouragement. 
The Salvationists, with Haverhill as headquarters, 
are the latest attempt of a new religious organization 
to secure a hold in this town. Two or three short 
campaigns have already seemed abortive. The ]»res- 
ent may be more of a success than any that have pre- 
ceded it. 

Cemeteries. — Union Cemetery, for more than one 
hundred years the only public burial-ground, is loca- 
cated in the Marlboro' district. The original part, 
at the extreme easterly end, of one-fourth acre, was 
purchased of Joseph Nelson, March 6, 17.32-33. Mr. 
Nelson's wife, Hannah, who was the grand-daughter 
of Captain Brocklebank, killed, as has been said, 
many years before, by the Indians at Sudbury, had 
been already buried there, dying in June of the pre- 
vious year, and during the following autumn and 
winter, several others who had also died in the 
parish, had been buried beside her. In 1755 the first 
enlargement was made, and the following year, the 
ground was enclosed by a close board fence, colored 
with " Spanish brown " (as reads the record) in front, 
and a substantial stone wall, four feet in height, in 
the rear. In 1769 a stone wall was built along the 
road, replacing the fence of some years before. The 
entire fence was rebuilt in 1783. A further enlarge- 
ment in 1805, of laud bought of Job Brocklebank. 
Dr. Amos Spofford, one of the committee chosen by 
the parish to purchase this land, was the first person 
who died in the parish after it was made. His death 
occurred December 20, 1805, and he was buried in the 
new ground. The following year a faced wall was 
built along the front, which continued until the erec- 
tion of the present iron fence, which was set upwards 
of forty years ago, and was a gift to the town by David 



Pingree, of Salem. A burial-cloth was purchased by 
the parish in 1836, another in 1800, and a hearse in 
1819. Mrs. Huldah Harriman was the oldest person 
ever buried there. She died March 5, 1848, aged one 
hundred years, five months and twenty-six days. By 
the last enlargement, now many years ago, this upland 
knoll was then entirely enclosed for the purpose for 
which the first quarter of an acre was selected more 
than a century and a half ago, and no further increase 
of suitable land was possible, consequently, nearly 
a half century ago, the selection of another locality 
for a cemetery began to be agitated. In 1845, the 
opening of the " New Yard," as it was at first called, 
awakened an intense interest throughout the commu- 
nity. 

The first interment in the new yard, now known a.s 
Harmontj Cemeterii was that of a lady named Mrs. Cram. 
The father of J. M. Clark was the second person 
buried. As we think of some who are buried there, 
we recall events peculiarly painful in the history of 
the town, as that of the Beecher sisters, Esther and 
Hattie, younger daughters of Eev. Charles Beecher, 
who, with their cousin, a sun of Rev. Edward Beech- 
er, were drowned by the capsizing of a boat on Lake 
Peutucket, at noon-day, August 27, 1867. Lieuten- 
ant Frederick Beecher, who was killed with General 
Custer, is also remembered by a stone near by. Here 
were also laid, during the Christmas season of 1885, 
George A. Chase and Joseph A. lUsey, the two young 
men who were almost instantly killed in the service of 
the town, while battling against theincijjient tire that 
then raged, threatening to destroy the village, and a 
few weeks later their comrade, Clarence M. Clark, 
who was spared for but a few weeks of suffering. 
Captain George ^V. Boynton, chief constable of the 
State, who died March 23, 1877, is also buried here. 
John Perley, who bequeathed the fund for the Pros- 
pective Free School, has a memorial of Italian mar- 
ble, said to have cost upwards of three thousand dol- 
lars, an exact copy of that erected to the memory of 
Sir Walter Scott. This in a central position, and on 
the highest part of the ground, probably covers the 
spot upon which the ancient watch-house stood. 

The burial of the Catholic dead of the town is in the 
cemetery at Haverhill. Twice, at least, some steps 
have been taken by some of that faith towards the pur- 
chasing of ground for a Catholic cemetery in this 
town. At one time the lot at the corner of Mill and 
North Streets wits suggested, and at a later day land 
of Sylvanus Nelson's, on Elm Street, but nothing re- 
sulted, and for some years the matter has not been 
considered. 

The only family burial ground ever in the town was 
many years ago on North Street. This was used for 
the interuient of several persons. The removal of 
those buried there to the public cemeteries, was in 
harmony with the almost universal sentiment in North- 
ern Essex, as regards the burial of the dead. 



GEORGETOWN. 



843 



CHAPTER LVHI. 

GEORGETOWN—! Continued). 

THE MASIFACTUEIMG INDUSTRIES. 

The colonists, at their first settlement in New Eng- 
land, were .ilive to the importance of encouraging 
home industries. Burr-stones, for milling use, were 
shipped here as early as 1628, and the emigration of 
coopers, millers and all artisans, was especially urged. 
In 1639, millers, ship-carpenters and others, were ex- 
empted from the burden of training-day. As soon as 
Thomas Nelson had taken a survey of the out-lands 
around the vill.ige of Rowley, he found a good loca- 
tion for a mill ; and but a year or two elapsed before 
a grist-mill was in oper.ition. A fulling-mill and 
clothiers' works soon followed. Many of the early 
settlers of Rowley were skilful cloth-makers, having a 
celebrity throughout the colony for skill in this par- 
ticular industry. 

One of the tirst mills built to accommodate what 
was afterwards the west parish, was by Sergt. Jere- 
miah Pearson. The town granted him authority in 
1697, to build a mill, provided a convenient place 
could be found. In January, 1699-1700, a lot of land, 
which had been granted to Samuel Platts, Jr., was 
returned to the town, Platts receiving other land in 
exchange ; and on this convenient site Pearson erected 
a grist-mill, which was in u.se about one hundred 
years. This was situated near the afterwards some- 
what famous Stickney mills. IIow long a time the 
Harriman mill on Rock Brook was run is not known, 
but, whatever the length of time, it was unques- 
tionably the first to be built within the limits of 
Georgetown. 

Some, if not all, the earlier-built lionses in this 
west parish, were of logs. Pine trees were scarce 
down to a late day in this locality. A severe penalty 
was imposed by special statute, in Massachusetts, for 
unnecessary injury to pine trees, as Late as 1790 ; and 
this species were so rare where now they are almost 
the exclusive growth, that Capt. Solomon Dodge has 
been known to say that, when a boy. a pine tree was 
something of which but few could be seen for a long 
distance around his home in Dodgeville. The board- 
ing of the houses was of oak, as well as the frames, 
until past the middle of the last century ; and whether 
originally the boards were saw-ed or split, with a 
shaved surface afterward, is uncertain. There was a 
class of mechanics known as sawyers at a very early 
day, and ])erhaps the boards may have been worked 
out by hand with pit-saws. The shingles were sj^lit, 
and the durable opes are said to have been from 
trees killed by burning, while in a growing, vigorous 
condition. 

The Harriman mill w.as doubtless a saw as well as 
grist-mill, for, at the time it was first projected, there 
were several houses in contemplation, and evidently 
much enterprise in the eighteen mill-owners. Deacon 



Abner Spotlbrd had a saw-mill in operation, in 1734, 
on the stream whicli finds its outlet at Parker River, 
above Scrag Pond. Forty years afterward, his half- 
brother, Col. Daniel SpofFord and his sons, run a 
grist-mill at the same site, and three thousand 
bushels of grain, grown in the neighborhood, have 
been ground there in a single year. The same mill- 
stones, no doubt, had been previously used in another 
grist-mill, a sort of an improvised affair, on a dry spot 
originally, the only power being what water was con- 
veyed by several uncertain streams. This mill was in 
the rear of William B. Howe's house, and was run by 
John Spofibrd, another of this Spofibrd family. 

About 1740 Daniel Pierce, perhaps the grandfather 
of the late Major Daniel Pierce, commenced digging 
a canal below Pentucket Pond, preparatory to the 
erection, or possible enlargement, of a mill already 
in operation, and at the site now occupied by the 
Parker Woolen Mills. The interest that Pierce had 
was soon sold by him, the purchaser running a grist- 
mill, which, for a century, was in use from the mid- 
dle of October to the middle of April of each year. 

In 1807 John Wood, who lived near by, was the 
owner, and added a saw-mill. Paul Stickney was at 
one time the proprietor, and also Major Paul Dole, 
for more than twenty years. About 18.51 or '52, 
money was raised by subscription, land damage paid; 
the meadow around Pentucket Pond tlowed through 
the year, and the mill was run constantly during the 
summer months. This made a precedent ; the result 
of which has been the permanent fiowage of these 
lands, or sutficieutly so, as to make them valueless. 

About 1863 Hon. Moses Tenney bought and en- 
larged the mills, adding improved machinery at a 
large expense. Many were hoping when the pur- 
chase was made, that the intentions were to remove 
the entire structure, and thus give unobstructed pas- 
sage to tlie vast bod\' of water which flowed, or 
would flow, if unchecked, through the central and 
southern part of the town; but their hopes were 
doomed to disappointment. About five years ago, 
the piroperty changed owners, and the manufacture 
of blankets was liegun, with an enlargement of the 
buildings. Under the present competent manage- 
ment, the production is largely cassimeres. There are 
about fifty employees, with Edward C. Aldrich as 
superintendent, and the corporation name is the 
"Parker River Mills." Returning to the last cen- 
tury, we find other industries. The iron works have 
been referred to, and the Hazen Saw-mill at J. S. 
Kimball's place. All the little streams, only available 
for one-half of the year, were utilized. 

Eleazar Spofibrd, the son of De.acon Abner, began 
about 1775 the work of wire-drawing near his father's 
saw-mill. Jonathan Chaplin, the father fif Captain 
Eliphalet, built a rope- walk wlicre the road now is, 
just north of Wilfred S. Chaplin's house. Deacon 
Stephen Mighill, like his predecessors, manufactured 
malt. The Burpy family dammed a swift-running 



844 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



little brook thiit coursed through their land, and 
made a rude mill for breaking flax. Jeremiah, the 
father of Dr. Jeremiah Spofl'ord, had a mill for the 
making of snuff in operation during the devolution. 
Molasses was made from Indian corn-stalks and water- 
melons during this war. Saltpetre was made ft-om 
the dried earth found under old buildings. A part 
of the house of the late Deacon Moses Merrill was 
the workshop of Deacon Thomas Merrill, in which 
his eldest sons were employed during the Revolution- 
ary War in making nails with forge and hammer. 

Benjamin Wallingford, Sr., and son of the same 
name, manufactured, in a humble way, articles from 
leather, as saddle-bags, harness and horse-collars in 
their house on Andover Street. Mr. Rurbank, who 
lived at the "Corner," was a chaise-maker before ISOO. 
One of the chaises of that period — perhap.s of his 
make — was called the "Ark;" doubtless the name 
was appropriate. 

The old gambrel-roofed shop of Burbank, which 
stood in front of where Mr. Pettengill's brick black- 
smith shop now stands, was on the same site at the 
" Corner " some years after his death. There were 
several cooper-shops in the parish. One was where 
L. G. Wilson's house now is. 

Charcoal-burning was common as late as seventj'- 
five years ago. The farmers often find the remains 
of the charcoal pits turned up by the plough. Philip 
Nelson had a blacksmith shop near the " Pound " 
in '1750. He afterwards removed to Haverhill. 
Several fishing-vessels of eighteen or twenty tons 
burden were built near the meeting-house by Solo- 
mon Nelson and his sons, nearly one hundred years 
ago. These were for Chebaco (now Essex) partie-", 
and were hauled to the water, either at Rowley or 
Byfield, to be floated around. Up to about 1860 
there have been those at diflerent periods who did 
considerable business in cutting and roughing ship- 
timber and plank for the Kssex and Newburyi)ort 
builders. 

At one time, when repairs were being made on 
the frigate "Constitution," some valuable timber 
cut on Baldpate Hill was used. Captain Eliphalet 
Chaplin, who kept several pairs of oxen, and em- 
ployed a number of men, was, in the first quarter 
of this century, largely engaged in this ship-stock 
industry, also Mr. William and Ensign Daniel Spof- 
ford, and, in after years, Mighill Nelson, father of 
the writer. The clipper-ship building of forty years 
ago, drew heavily on the primitive timber-growth, 
which had been spared up to that time. 

Captain Benjamin Adams began the tanning and 
currying of leather at his home on the Salem road, 
now Central Street, about 1780. The next to begin 
this important industry was Captain William Perley, 
at the Hazen, now Kimball place, where he for some 
time ground bark by water-power. Deacon Solomon 
Nelson, on Nelson Street, and perhaps Daniel Clark, 
on North Street, where Henry Hilliard afterwards 



carried on the business, continued by a son and a 
grandson, both of the same name, which at present 
is the only manufacture of the kind in town. Some 
domestic or slaughter hides (the skins of cattle killed 
in the vicinity) with the dressing of skins of some 
unusual kind, is now the only work performed, and 
the business is more from pleasure, as one of the 
past customs of the family, than from necessity or 
special profit. Another yard opened was that of Noycs 
Pearson, on a little romantic stream which crosses 
North Street, near the Newbury line, having its out- 
let eastwardly, at Wheeler's brook. Others, estab- 
lished at an early day were the Westen and Phineas 
Hardy yards, on "Rock Brook," or Parker River, very 
near the site of the Harriman mill of nearly a centu- 
ry before. At about the same period Nathaniel Nelson 
began the same industry near the meeting-house. 

In 1815, or near that date. Deacon Asa Nelson, 
who had served his three years' apprenticeship with 
his relative. Deacon Solomon Nelson, and had 
worked at the business for two or three years at the 
Pearson tannery, on North Street, began operations 
at his home on Elm St., now owned by his son, Sher- 
man Nelson. He conducted a large business. About 
1824 or '25 Major Jeremiah Nelson, a son of Stephen 
M., who had also learned the trade of Deacon Nel- 
son, began the same business near the meeting- 
house, and about 1835 was the first to introduce 
steam as a motive power into town. This engine, 
with the buildings, was the property of a corporation. 
Nathaniel IMorse had also a yard near by. Most of 
the young men who learned this trade in New Row- 
ley from 1810 to 1830 served their apprenticeship to 
Deacon Solomon Nelson. The privileges of the ap- 
prentice were to dress for himself two dozen calf-skins, 
one-half dozen sides of leather, and as many sheep- 
skins as the apprentice pleased. These were not 
statutes from the law-books, but were recognized as 
having equal authority. Colonel .Tohn Kindiall, 
about 1825, began an extensive manufacture of 
leather at the Captain Adams tannery, then owned 
by him. One year he tanned and curried four thou- 
sand South American horse-hides. Many of the im- 
ported skins of those days were of Russian red cattle. 
Besides thf)se in town who had yards and were em- 
ployers of tabor, there were those who, like Amos 
Nelson, had the use of pits and carried on an inde- 
(lendent business of their own, and Benjamin Low, 
who was a currier, and worked in his own shop for 
many years. Patented leather splitting-machines, 
worked by hand, were an awkward thing, but only 
one could be u.scd in a town. New Rowley manu- 
facturer.s, to evade the law, had -one in Gideon Ba- 
ker's barn, just beyond the Boxford line. An exten- 
sive business in the slaughtering of cattle was carried 
on in town early in the present century and during 
the war with England. This was conducted princi- 
pally by Deacon Solomon Nelson and his cousin, Na- 
thaniel Nelson. Droves of fiftv or more head were often 



GEORGETOWN. 



845 



purcliased at one time. Cattle were frequently 
bought of Governor Colby, of New Hampshire. The 
deacon was also State inspector of beef. The cellar- 
floor under his house has at times licen completely 
covered with barrel.*! of beef awaiting shipment. The 
hides were converted into leather, and both in- 
dustries carried on simultaneously. The shoe busi- 
ness, in its manufacture outside of family use. is 
thought to have been begun by l)eacon Thomas Mer- 
rill, father of I. Newton Merrill, at his home in Marl- 
boro". He used to carry in his horse-cart the shoes 
which he had made, to (iloucestcr, Marblehead and 
Salem, for sale, as four-wbedcd vehicles had not then 
become common. 

There were cordwainers from an early day who had 
their jiatrous, and going from house to house would, 
in the corner of the farmer's kitchen, make the shoes 
needed for the family. ■I(din Bridges, in 177'"), worked 
in this way through the west parish. After the shoe 
industry was started, there were many who had much 
of the cutting, making, dressing and other parts of 
the work done in their dwelling-house. It was with 
most a mixed industry, c<nnbined with farming or 
some other employment. The Brothers Little were at 
Solomon Nelson's, near the meeting-house, manufac- 
turing in 1810, and were aiterwards at the " Corner,'' 
but in both places couibined the business with trade 
in general merchandise. Richard Ten ney and his son, 
Amos J. Tenney, began early at their home on Tenney 
Street. Deacon Nelson on Nelson Street, and Nath- 
aniel Nelson at his home, were both engaged in shoe- 
manufacturing before 1812. To have, as it were, 
"many irons in the Are" was the rule with these 
business men nf tliat day. Benj.amin Winter followed 
a few years later, and is said to have made the first 
boy.s' briigans ever made in town. Stephen Little 
claimed to have made the first pegged shoes; Paul 
Pillsbury, as has been said, the first shoe pegs. Paul 
Spoftbrd was the consignee or purchaser of many 
goods shipped at that early period. A bill of lading 
before the writer while penning this, is for shoes 
shipped to Spofford, Tileston & Co., New York City. 
Deacon Asa Nelson soon added the .shoe manufacture 
to his tanning business. D. M. Winter began a limited 
business about 18;50. Amos J. Tenney and his son 
George J., built at the Corner the dwelling-house and 
factory in 1829, which were burned in the first exten- 
sive fire in 1874. The boots made by the Tenneys 
soon became generally known in the boot and shoe 
towns of the State as a standard make both in style 
and (piality, and the firm became known as a leading 
firm in the business centres of the country. Samuel 
Little began the same business in 1831, establishing a 
trade with Pittsburgh, and, as the population spread 
westward, with points beyond Western Pennsylvania, 
and finally, under the firm name of Little & Noyes 
(Hiram N.), afterwards Little & Moulton, became the 
leading business house of the town. 

It is a fact worthy of record that Daniel Wood, of 



Box ford, who worked for Deacon Solomon Nelson as 
early .as 1813, carrying home his stock and returning 
with his saddle-bag of shoes on horseback, as Mr. 
Amos Nelson, now an octogenarian, well remembers 
seeing him, is at ninety-five years of age, still at work 
on his shoemaker's bench. The business was managed 
loosely, as it would be thought to-day, the shoemaker 
sometimes taking the uncut leather, and cut, as well 
as made, the shoes. About every farm-house by 1830 
had its shop near by. The trade was largely with 
Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston, as well as with New 
York City. At first goods were carried over the road 
to Boston in medium-sized wagons, but as the business 
became extensive, large baggage-wagons, drawn by six 
horses, were in use for carrying shoes, with a return 
load of West India goods for the several stores. After 
the opening of the Eastern Railroad boots and shoes 
were sometimes carted to Rowley, and shipped by rail 
from there. By 1840 thirty or more persons in the 
south partof the town had been, or were to some extent, 
engaged in the shoe industry. Besides those already 
named, there were the brothers C. G. it John Baker, 
Benjamin Adams, John A. Lovering (continued re- 
cently by his son, John H. Lovering), George W. 
Chaplin, Mighill, Asa and Harrison Nelson, Ignatius 
Sargent (a partner of the last-named) and many oth- 
ers. There were several in Byfield, as James Peabody, 
near the Newbury line, the Jackmans and perhaps 
others. Nathaniel and Major Jeremiah Nelson did 
an extensive business, and something was done in 
Marlboro'. Somewhat later there were M. A. Tidd 
(who removed to Iowa), in what is now C. G. Baker's 
shop; Henry P. Chaplin, in what is now Mrs. Allen 
G. Hood's home ; G. M. Nelson and Coleman Platts, 
where A. B. Noyes now is, and where David Holmes, 
G. H. Carleton and others have carried on business in 
(he past; W. B. Harriman, on Elm Street, continued 
by his son, Horace E. Harriman, .Tohn P. Coker and 
others. Moses Spofibrd did a small business in a 
building where G. S. Harnden's house now stands. 
Perhaps the first light work made in town was by Al- 
fred Hale, in the building, on Main Street, formerly 
the residence and private school of the MLsses Cross. 
Besides these there have been Charles M. Stocker, 
(ieorge B. Miller, one or two Haverhill firms, who 
have had for a time the third floor of Odd Fellows' 
Block in recent years, and, in a limited way, one or 
two others. In addition to those named, there are at 
[iresent using steam-power W. M. Brewster, on Park 
Street, who makes a specialty of b<iots, many of high 
grade, and has had from seventy-five to ninety em- 
ployed ; A. B. Noyes & Co., on Main Street, largely 
engaged in miners' wear, and George W. Chaplin & 
Co., on Central Street, who make a varied stock, 
some miners' goods, and of late are manufacturing 
new styles. Those not using power are the lioot and 
Shoe Corporation, with E. S. Daniels, superintendent, 
in the Samuel Little fictory, and tciok at their organ- 
i/atiiin, 1881, the trade Mr. Little had when business 



846 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was suspended by him, H. P. Chaplin, on Central 
Street ; J. B. Giles, who occupies the D. M. Winter 
factory on Elm Street; H. E. Harriman, also on Elm 
Street, makes boots for Essex County and home trade 
generally, and C. G. Baker with a similar product. 
Mr. George W. Chaplin, now the veteran of this in- 
dustry, can recall more than fifty persons in this town, 
mostly in South Georgetown, who have at one time 
or another manufactured boots and shoes. From 
1830 to 1850, there were two harness-shops in town, 
with several journeymen and apjirentices ; Robert 
Savory had one of the estaldishnients. Later thi.s 
work was limited to one or two persons. At present 
T. F. Hill conducts a successful business of this kind. 

Perhaps about 1843 or 1844, Moses Atwood began 
the manufacture of " Atwood's Bitters." This has 
become one of the standard patent medicines of the 
country. Moses Carter and Lewis H. Bateman after- 
wards individually continued this same manufacture. 
These three persons became to some extent manufac- 
ing druggists, of which the business of Jlr. Carter is 
continued in that of Luther F. Carter, his son. Mr. 
Atwood removed West, and the widely known " Bit- 
ters," are now it is believed, the product of a New 
York city firm. A deposit of ochreous earth was dis- 
covered by Mr. Atwood at the base of the hill known 
by his name about 1846 or 1847, and from it many 
buildings in town were painted. The newspaper 
printing business and job work were begun in June, 
184C, in Little's shoe factory, or the " Pheuix Build- 
ing," as the advertisement reads, and the Watelilnwer, 
a semi-religious weekly, issued. This paper was also 
published and mailed from Newburyport; Rev. Allen 
Garnett was editor, and William Cogswell, proprietor. 
Volume ten began March, 1848 ; this was sustained 
for about three years, when after a brief interim the 
Gcorr/tfowit liqiortcr, another weekly or semi-monthly 
published by a Mr. Green, became the village paper, 
but of a lower standard than the Watchtower. This 
paper was continued until about 1853 or 1854. In 
1867 the town had occasional newspaper ventures 
in the Evangelist, published by Major Moses Tenney 
& Son, partially for trade purposes, and in 1871 the 
Star, which was issued monthly throughout the year by 
Calvin E. Howe, and another trade sheet, the Qran- 
ger, in 1874. 

September 23, 1874, W. B. Hammond, of Peabody, 
who had been running a job printing office in Odd 
Fellows Block for about two years, issued the first 
number of the Georgetown Advocate. The following 
year he entered into partnership with the present 
town clerk, H. N. Harriman, who for some time pre- 
viously had been a member of the State Constabulary, 
and located at Salem, the firm greatly enlarging the 
size of the paper. They print a weekly edition of 
about twelve hundred copies, have a well-appointed 
office, issue a sheet deservedly popular, from its ty- 
pography and general make-up, the files of which 
will, to the future local historian, be invaluable. A 



steam-power press is used. The making of men's 
clothing was anciently done by itinerating tailors 
going from family to family, as women tailors did half 
a century ago. " Tailor Thurlow " was perhaps the 
most noted in this town. 

Samuel Plumer, of Rowley, who had been living 
in Haverhill for a year or two, began the manufac- 
ture of clothing in town in 1838. Was in partnership 
with Stephen Osgood for some years, but later with 
H. L. Perkins. He is still in business, and after some 
removals, again occupies his old stand of nearly fifty 
years ago. Mr. Blodgett was in the same industry, 
from about 184;2, for some years. Had some twenty 
or more employees. Was of an inventive turn and 
devised the first sewing-machines, but it was only by 
the aid of a Boston machinist that it was made prac- 
tical. Afterwards took out patents in England ; lo- 
cated in Philadelphia and became wealthy. David 
Haskell, an ingenious carpenter of this town, invent- 
ed an attachment to the sewing machine, now in uni- 
versal use, but others secured the money-value. Ste- 
phen O.sgood began the clothing business in 1848 ; 
afterwards a "Forty-niner'' in the early California 
furore, and for many years has been extensively en- 
gaged as a merchant-tailor, having forstyleand finish 
of garments a very wide celebrity. He was a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate. H. L. Perkins, for some 
years in partnership with Mr. Plumer, but of late 
in business in Odd Fellows' Building, recently re- 
moved to Haverhill. He makes a specialty of par- 
ticular lines of gentlemen's wear. L. H. Bateman 
twenty years ago manufactured cigars in the second 
story of the store which formerly was near Dr. Huse's 
residence. Shoe-pegs were made by Charles Coburn 
forty years ago, in a building on Chestnut Street. The 
tannery of Deacon Solomon Nelson was improved by 
the father of the writer about 1843, a bark mill, cir- 
cular .saws and lathe added. Shuttle stock for the 
Lowell mills, carriage, laths and tencing stuff' manu- 
factured, grinding bark for the tanneries, then doing 
business and threshing grain, nearly every farmer 
growing the small grains at that time. 

The fir-^t use of steam for manufiicturing purposes, 
was on Chestnut Street, about 1835, as has been sta- 
ted. Since that time, an engine was run for about 
two years, uear the Pingree farm-house, to saw the 
timber into lumber, at the time of the extensive 
clearing of the forest; another, about twenty years 
ago, on West Street, by Patrick Grimes, in a 
wool-cleaning business, in a building just in the rear 
of the James Grimes (formerly the Esquire Spofford 
place), also one in the building on Main Street, near 
Pen Brook Avenue, where, a few years ago, parties 
from Haverhill extracted oil from leather waste and 
still another in an apple-evaporating business, about 
five years ago, in the building on Main Street, former- 
ly the residence of the Misses Cross, upon the site of 
which ihe Bailey block of stores and tenements now 
stands. The carriage manufacture was introduced 



GBORCtETOVS'N. 



847 



sdine years ago, by a brother of iStephen 0:igoo<l, in 
the hirge and convenient buibliug erected for the pur- 
[>ose, at the head of School Street, but unfortunately 
did not prove remunerative. Here steam power was 
also used. George S. Weston has steam power in a 
cider factory, erected some ten or twelve years ago, 
near his residence on Main Street. Mr. Weston and 
his cousin Charles, run in the winter season, the old 
Spotl'tird saw-mill on Andover Street. Henry I'etten- 
gill, has in his old blacksmith shop, the engine for- 
merly used in the Batcheldor peg-mill, in Boxford, 
which was burned about 1848. In 1860 a company 
of capitalists in Newburyport, began the manufacture 
of peat at the Raynor meadows, on the west side of 
Central .Street, not far from the Boxford boundary. 
A building of three stories was erected, machinery 
and steam power put in, upland graded for drying 
ground and much expense incurred. The result 
was not satisfactory, and after a few months, work 
was suspended. This locality, now owned by ISoston 
parties, is locally known as " Peatville." 

During the silver mining e.xcitemeiit, in 1875 and 
'76, a shaft was sunk by a Dr. Taylor, on Hilliard 
land, near the Parker River Mills, and nuich experi- 
menting and hmd-bonding in that locality, and along 
Red Shanks and on Nelson Street, was the result. 
Some gahma and silver was found. Recently, furtluM' 
mining o|)erations have been made near C. V.. Cha|i- 
lin's, on JMelsou Street, on land then owned by parties 
in Providence, R. I. 

The business of a machinist was carried on for sev- 
eral years by Manly iMorse, son of Nathaniel Mor.se, 
and by George Hasting, the Universalist minister. 

The first wind-mill erected was that of Robert 
Boyes, about thirty-five years ago, for wheelwright 
purposes, on the building in the rear of Little's shoe 
factory, now occiipied by J. E. Messenger. Lately 
modern wind-mills have been in use for stabling pur- 
poses by Jojihanas .Vdams aud G. H. Carlton. 

Soap manufacture has been carried on for some 
years by Charles Smith, on North Street, and .bilin 
T. Hilliard, on Thurlow Street. Elisha Hood, ol 
South Georgetown, was at one time in this business. 

The shoe-box industry, at present carried on by M. 
F. Carter at the steam factory near the railroad sta- 
tion, was begun twenty or more years ago on Pond 
Street, by J. P. Folsom, and continued liy William 
Sawyer, who removed here from Boxford. 

The cutting of ice from Lake Pentucket was begun 
as early as 1853 or 1854, by Messrs. Little and Tenney, 
and soon after the buildings were erected. This 
Pentucket ice industry was afterwards the property of 
Sherman Nelson, but at present, and for some years 
past, is controlled by John A. Hoyt & Sous. 

A few years ago two brothers by the name of Ab- 
bott, who are in the business elsewhere, began cutting 
ice from Rock Pond. They cut and store wholly for 
shipment, while much of the Pentucket product is for 
local consumption. Besides the blacksmith shops 



named there was, as early as 1740, that of Amos 
Pillsbury, on Pillsbury Plain, near Humphrey Nel- 
son's, later, another Dresser shop near Library Street, 
afterwards occupied by Captain .\sa Bradstreet and 
D W. Perkins. Fifty years ago South Georgetown 
had Goodrich and Richards in this ihdustry, and dur- 
ing work on the road-bed of the Danvers Railroad, a 
sho|) was built at the corner of Chaplin Ciiurt, after- 
wards burned. Byfield had one or two on Warren 
Street, and has at present, on North Street, a very en- 
terprising establishment, in the carriage and smith shop 
of Morse & Poor. At the village there have been the 
shops of J. A. Illsley, James Cogswell, now Charles 
Holmes, also that of McKenney, Morrill and the vet- 
eran Henry Pettengill, now of nearly sixty years 
labor in this town. One curious feature of the early 
times was, that before the use of "slings'' when oxen 
were to be shod they were turucil upon their backs, a 
custom still in use in Syria. 

Many of the earlier house-builders have been al- 
ready named, as several of the Spotlbrds, eminent in 
this especially honorable avocation, also two or three 
of the Hazens, and others. Captain .lohn Kilham 
was, for about half a century, a skillful artisan, and 
many of the dwellings in town are the results of his 
steady and painstaking industry. Isaac Wilson, 
residing on Spofl'ord hill, William George, who died 
recently at the age of ninety-six, Sylvanus Nelson, 
S. Eustace Clark and others, now gone to join the 
silent majority, were always busy in the duties of 
their calling. 

The Kimball brothers, of which ,Iohn, survives, 
were active for many years in their chosen work, and 
is now repeated in their sons also; also ,lohn W. Pin- 
gree in South (xeorgetown, Chauncey (). Noyes, Caleb 
S. Chaplin, in Bjfield, (ieorge B. Poor and James E. 
Jlessenger, of whom the last-named has a business var- 
ied with carriage repair (assuming the work laid aside 
by .Joseph Currier and Robert Boyce) are, with per- 
haps others not named, the active members of the 
fraternity in the town to-day. A few contractors 
have, at times, resided here, but in most cases their 
labor was not as jn-oductive of good to the community, 
as was anticipated. 

One industry to be added to Ihc foregoing is that 
of heel-making, which is connected naturally with the 
shoe and leather interests. This business isof consi'l- 
erable importance in lnwns near by, but from some 
cau.se has not been successful in this town. Recently 
an attempt was made to conduct this industry on a 
large scale, liut all work, after several mouths of trial, 
has been suspended. Previously the Cokers, father 
and son, for a time did a moderate business. Another 
quite important industry to be added is the manufac- 
ture of lasts by Oyrus Dornian, who conducted this 
business at the head of Metdiaiiics' Court for several 
years. 

A bakery was established by John Hale in a build- 
iug erected for the purpose, near Peabody Library, 



848 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ten years or more ago. The public demand hardly 
warranted the outlay, and the busine.ss was not a suc- 
cess. Later J. S. Hilliard carried on the same busi- 
ness in Little's Block, selling out some three years ago 
to S. D. Bean. Nearly, or quite, forty-five years ago 
AVilliam Boynton, now of Melrose, conducted quite a 
trade in, and some manufacture of, furniture on 
Central Street. He was also undertaker for the town. 
The Farmers' Mutual Company, of Georgetown, or- 
ganized about forty years ago, had its office under his 
roof, au institution of which he was treasurer. This 
company has been extinct for about twenty years. 



CHAPTER LIX. 
GEORGETOWN—! Coniit, uerl). 

THE MILITARY HISTORY. 

In examining the early history of New England 
towns for their military records, one fact impressed on 
the mind by all investigators is the frequent use of 
military titles in the records both of the parish and 
town, and especially from about 1700 down to 1850, 
while with us some of the captains, majors and 
colonels are still living, and are familiarly so called. 
A pride in military duty parade seems to have 
been a trait in some families, and in this vicin- 
ity, for a century or more, in the Spofford family, 
more than in any other. Perhaps the first names 
found in active service as Indian fighters, are those 
of the Stickneys on Long Hill, one of whom was 
called out for a short campaign against the Indians at 
the eastward about 1707. Jonathan Wheeler was on 
duty at Fort Independence, Boston harbor (then 
Castle William), at some date not later than 173r). 
He was probably the Marlboro' resident. Lieutenant 
Benjamin Plumer, perhaps Ensign Benjamin, who 
was prominent in parish work, was on the eastern 
frontier in 1754. Two or three from this part of Row. 
ley were at Lake George in 1755 with the Rowley 
Company. At this early period of the French war, 
our soldiers wore their homespun clothing, and car- 
ried their own muskets, blankets only provided. The 
militia was organized, and, in the prospect of a pro- 
longed war, were frequently drilled. In 1757 Ebenezer 
Burpee, the parish clerk, was lieutenant, and Deacon 
Stephen Mighill was clerk of Capt. Pearsons' company 
of cavalry. In the return of militia for 1757 Cap- 
tain Richard Thurston's train-baud, or West Parisli 
Infantry, had fifty-four men. The crisis in our 
country's history, when the French were victorious in 
every important encounter, brought the realities of 
war to the homes of these West parish farmers. The 
contest at this time had jieculiar features all its own. 
The Fort William Henry massacre soon followed, and 
as the wearied and disheartened soldier returned 



after the campaign, it was to tell the story of tor- 
tured prisoners and cannibalism, and of a French 
and Indian alliance, which it seemed the colonies 
were almost powerless to meet. The alarm list at this 
period was headed by Mr. Chandler, the pastor, aud 
others on the list were Thomas Merrill, who, about 
1750, had removed from what is now the Eldred Par- 
ker place in Groveland, and had bought the Joseph 
Nelson house in Marlboro' district, now the Jacob 
F. Jewett house; also Dudley Tyler, the inn-keeper, 
at that time, the owner of the Francis Brocklebank 
place, near the meeting-house, and seventeen others, 
equally prominent. Dudley, a son of Mr. Tyler, was 
in active service in 1757, again in 1759, and perhaps 
in later campaigns. He was a public charge for the 
last ten or fifteen years of his life, making it his 
home most of the time, with Moses Nelson, on Nelson 
Street. 

At Mr. Solomon Nelson's request, the town at the 
annual meeting, in view of Mr. Tyler's military record, 
both in this and the Revolutionary war, always granted 
him liberty of choice (with much opposition, how- 
ever,) as to the family where he wished to live. The 
Tyler family becoming embarrassed, Mr. Nelson had 
bought, about 17G5, their place, now owned by M. G. 
Spotford. This place descended from Mr. Solomon 
Nelson to his sou. Major Paul Nelson, i'rom whose heirs 
it was bought by Rev. Charles Beecher, and by him 
sold to the present owner. The sign which swung 
before this ancient tavern for many a year, with its 
painted soldier, in the uniform of King George's 
army, is now the property of Sir. Humphrey Nelson, 
of this town. During the French, and part of the 
subsequent war, the enlistments were for a short ser- 
vice or for the campaign, the .soldiers usually entering 
the army in the spring, and returning home in the 
early winter of the same year. 

In 1759, Francis Nelson, who lived near the Long 
Hill road, was a soldier under Captain Herrick, of 
Boxford. Amos Nelson, who afterwards built the 
Charles E. Chaplin house on Nelson Street, was in 
service in 1757, and was in Colonel Appleton's regi- 
ment, in 1759, and Benjamin Winter, the grand-iiither 
of Benjamin and D. M. Winter, was in the army the 
same year, and also in 17(50. Other names, in different 
campaigns, from the West parish aud Byfield families, 
were Richard Easty, Robert Gragg, Abner Moores, 
Thomas Pike, Ezra Burbank, David Plumer, John 
Plumer, Jonathan Gragg, Abner Burbank, Moses 
Harriman, John Jackman, Mark Thurlow, Abel 
Dodge, Ruf'us Wheeler, Peter Hardy, John Crorabie, 
and doubtless many others. 

In 1756, the Province of Massachusetts called for 
volunteers, and if there was not the requisite number 
at the given time, then a conscription was to be or- 
dered. A bounty of six dollars was offered, and pay 
for privates of one pound, six shillings a month. If 
the volunteer brought his own gun, a bounty of two 
dollars extra. Their powder-horns, with figures and 



GEORGETOWN. 



849 



ornamentations on them, the work of these men in 
their idle hours, are now heir-looms in families, an<l 
curios in cabinets. 

The Province, as " the combat deepened, "' in- 
creased the supplies, providing in 1756, biillet-])oucli, 
blanket, knapsack and wooden bottle, besides the 
powdi'r-horn and musket. Latera uniform of brcecho 
of blue and red was added. This forced travel 
from home by the stern demands of war to the novel 
sights at distant Louisburg, in Acadia, along Lake 
George, Oswego and elsewhere, gave an impetus to 
the peaceful emigration to New Hampshire, Vermont, 
and New York, which took pla e at the close of thr 
contest. 

In 17i>4, the West Parish Militia wa.s organizeil into 
one company, with Daniel the great-grandfather ol 
Charles Sewall Spofford, as Captain. Dudley Tyler, 
who married a daughter of Dea. .Vbner Spolford, was 
Lieutenant and Eliphalet 8portord, the grandfather ol 
the late Dea. Jeremiah Spoflbrd, was Ensign. Some ol 
this company had survived the dangers of one con- 
flict, with personal experiences of Indian ambuscade, 
pestilence and all that made the seven years French 
war, a trial which tested the strength of the country, 
apparently to the utmost, but another, and a more 
terrible test of the abilities of the colonies was coming. 

In 1770, papers were in circulation, pledging the 
suViscribers to non-intercourse with Great Britain. 
This Whig covenant was an agreement not to use iji 
their families, any goods of English manufacture or 
any imported from England, while tea was especially 
named. The paper which circulated in Bytield had the 
names of such patriots, as Reuben, iloses, Jeremiah, 
Enoch, Daniel, Jacob and Noyes Pearson, Jeremiah 
and Henry Poor, John, Samuel and John Searl, Jr., 
Benjamin and Amos Stickney, Mark, Jonathan and 
John Tburlow, Nathaniel and John Tenney, Samuel 
Northend, William Longfellow, Oliver Dickinson, 
Amos .lewett, Abraham Sawyer, Israel Adams, 
Moses Lull, Benjamin Jackman, Samuel Pike, 
Moses Smith and Abraham Colby. A few of these 
were, perhaps, not residents of the Georgetown part of 
the parish. Special enlistments as minute men were 
voted by the town, as early a.s January, 1775, and a 
weekly one-half day's drill was begun. The West 
Parish voted February 9, 1775, that minute men 
should be raised according to the advice of the 
Provincial Congress. 

In March military drill, of two half-days in each 
week, was begun. Daniel SpotFord, then colonel, led 
his regiment to Cambridge, on the report of the Lex- 
ington light. Who were engaged in the battle at 
Bunker Hill from this part of Rowley, except Dud- 
ley Tyler and James Boynton, who was killed (a 
brother of Jloses), it seems to be difficult to ascer- 
tain. 

The firing of the artillery was distinctly heard here, 
as we have often learned from aged citizens, and the 
alarm and anxiety must have been intense. Captain 
54 



Eliphalet, the grandfather of Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, 
commanded a company in his brother Daniel's regi- 
ment, in which the doctor's father was a private, and 
some of these Spoflbrds may have been at Bunker Hill. 
Jeremiah and William Chandler, the only children of 
William, the schoolmaster, were in the army in 1775, 
and again in 177S ; one of them never returned to his 
wife, whom he left behind him, but at the e.xpirution 
of his term of service, remained in Pennsylvania, 
and, it is said, married there. Twice, at least, the 
town was divided into classes, intermixing the poor 
with the rich, and each class was called upon to 
procure a soldier. 

One of the classes had Lieutenant Benjamin Stick- 
ney at the head, .\mong those who were in this war, 
was one captain,— Benjamin Adams, — at least five 
lieutenants, viz. : Thomas Pike, who lived early in 
this century in the Sherman Nelson house, on Elm 
Street, and who was a pioneer advocate of Universal- 
ism, removed to New London, N. H.; Moody Spoflbrd, 
the bridge and church builder, who was at Ticonder- 
oga, and commonly known as " Esquire Spoflbrd ; " 
John Tenney, Benjamin Stickney and Rufus Wheel- 
er. Nathaniel Burpee was drummer. David Poor 
was a corporal. A few names of privates are Abel 
Dodge, the cooper, who occupied, and perhaps built, 
the house on Main Street, until recently the Daniel 
W. Perkins house ; Paul Stickney, William Searle, 
Joseph Nelson, who removed to Wallingford, Me., 
soon after the war; Jeremiah Dodge, maternal grand- 
father of George Peabody ; Samuel Plumer, supposed 
to be the father of the Plumer brothers, who gave the 
parsonage farm to the Baptist Society; Francis Nel- 
son, afterwards drowned in Rowley River; Aaron 
Crombie, father of the well-known Crombie brothers; 
John Crombie, probably a brother, who died of small- 
pox in New York State ; Silas Dole, and many others. 
Some of these were living when the pensioning of 
aged soldiers, and the Revolutionary veterans in par- 
ticular, began, which, it is said, was Hrst suggested by 
President Monroe, because of tinding, when on his 
tour through the North, an army chum, by the name 
of Barnes, in the Waltham Almshouse, who was a 
fellow-officer with him in the Revolutionary War. 
Doubtless the last worn survivor of that war in 
this town was John Phips, a native of (iloucester, 
who died in the family of Dr. David Mighill about 
1843. 

During the Shay insurrection, Joseph Pike of By- 
field enlisted for thirty days, the time called for. 
Militia organization was maintained by careful legis- 
lation, after the formation of the new government. 

The death of Washington in 1799, caused a general 
outburst of sorrow and a special recognition from the 
militia. The writer has an order of Januarj' 1800, 
requiring all the members of the company of cavalry 
(a company composed of Topsfield and Boxford, as 
well as Rowley men) then living in the West Parish, 
to attend religious service in uuilbrm and mourning 



850 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



emblems for six months. This order came to Ste- 
phen M. Nelson, who was sergeant. In 1807 troubles 
were threatened because of the embargo and other 
disturbing acts, and volunteers were enlisted. 

At that time what is now Georgetown began to be 
called New Rowley, and from the place were enrolle<l 
Joseph Adams, Robert Bettis, John Bridges, Jr., 
Richard and James Chute, Jr., Andrew Horner, Ste- 
phen W. and Moses Nelson, Benj. S. Picket, Paul 
Stickney, Jr., and Samuel C. Tidd. 

In the second war with England, there w-ere but few 
in service from this town, and these in the sea-coast de- 
fence for one month only. From New Rowley were 
John Bridges, Jr., David Brocklebank, Edmund Dole, 
Paul Dole, Jr., Ralph Dole, Phineas Hardy, Thomas 
Merrill, Jr., Daniel Palmer, Paul Stickney, Jr., and 
Mighill Spofibrd. During the contest party spirit 
ran so high and opposition to the measures of the 
National Governn)ent was so general in Massachu- 
setts, that the position assumed was but little re- 
moved from an armed neutrality. It has been said 
that the English naval forces on our coast, received 
supplies by boats from Rowley River. This may seem 
to have been rather unpatriotic, but perhaps not more 
so than supplying the Southern Confederacy with 
shoes, by the blockade runners, via St. John, New 
Brunswick. Fears of British invasion were so rife 
at one time, that specie and other valuables were 
taken for safety into the interior. Several thousand 
silver dollars, the property of a Rowley man, were 
secreted for several months in Deacon Solomon Nel- 
son's house. 

In the Florida War only one person who was living 
in Georgetown is known to have enlisted : this was 
Samuel C. Hood, a native of Topsfield. The north- 
eastern boundary difficulty, known as the Aroostook 
War, looked threatening for a time, and it was ex- 
pected that troops would be ordered from this State. 
These were happily not called for. Charles E. Chap- 
lin, of this town, then living in Alaine, was in the 
detachment of State Militia ordered out, and was in 
service about three months in the early spring of 
1840, at Fort Fairfield, below Houlton. 

Before leaving the frontiers, these hastily, half- 
equipped troops were reviewed and complimented by 
that stern old martinet, Winfield Scott. At least three 
residents or natives of Georgetown were in the Mexi- 
can War. Laban S. Keyes, who recently died in 
New Hampshire, was one ; also Edward Currier ; and 
a resident of Byfield, was, if we mistake not, another. 

To many now living, the excitement and attractions 
of the " training field " of their earlier days is ever 
pleasant to recall. Twice the Brigade of Northern 
Essex mustered on Pillsbury's Plain, near Mr. Hum- 
phrey Nelson's house ; the first time about 1820, and 
again in 1822. Several thousand of the militia were 
present, with General Solomon Lowe, of Boxford, 
commanding. These October gatherings were made 
a general holiday, and the principal one of the year. 



The observance of Independence Day, until 1835 or 
1836, was of a quiet, reflective, semi-religious char- 
acter, very different from what followed for thirty 
years or more, when it became the chief holiday of 
the year, and enthusiastic public demonstrations were 
made everywhere. Until the date named, an occa- 
sional address like that of Mr. Braman's or Caleb 
Cushing's, with possibly the formality of a military 
escort to the old meeting-house, and calm thought- 
fulness on the part of the people, made the day but a 
slight remove from a Sunday service. They were too 
near the actual events to encourage the noisy demon- 
strations of a later day. For this middle period, the 
Fourth of July, as a public holiday, had the pre- 
eminence, but later, under the shadows of our last 
and greatest conflict, this has been transferred to 
Memorial Day. Under the old militia law, three 
seasons for drilling, besides the October muster, were 
required. Many parades were, for convenience, by 
detachments or battalions. On the farm of De Witt 
C. Mighill, in Boxford, about 1814, the New Rowley 
and the Boxford Militia drilled in companies, having 
a sham fight, and, as a special feature, a sham ambus- 
cade of fifty or more soldiers dressed as Indians. 
About 1815, at a brigade training on the Dole or 
" Esquire Gage " Farm in Byfield, now the Town 
Farm, Governor Brooks was present, and it was a 
great day generally for Northern Essex. 

When Governor Everett began to express his dis- 
ajjprobation of the general militia system, and the 
demoralizing influences of muster days, the law soon 
became obnoxious, and intentionally was made ridi- 
culous by those liable to do duty. Men came to the 
parade-ground in their working clothes, and these 
Falstaffian soldiers, in derision, had the expressive 
name of Stringbeaners flung at them, by the .stylish, 
independent companies, which began to be popular. 

Georgetown had, at that time, the La Fayette 
Guards, a company of infantry highly commended 
for drill and discipline. By 1843 or '44 most of these 
military organizations had disbanded. 

About 1858 or '59 an independent company, com- 
maude<l by Capt. Joseph Hervey, known as the " Citi- 
zens Guard," was organized, largely through the in- 
fluence of the gentleman afterwards elected comman- 
der, and was in regular drill-practice, when the War 
of the Rebellion opened. When Company " K," of 
the Fiftieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers went 
into camp at Boxford, this independent corps per- 
formed escort duty. This Company K was recruited 
largely from this town, and several of the recruits 
were previously members of the Citizens (Juard. On 
the morning in August, or early September, before 
they entered camp, a public testimonial, in the form 
of a breakfast, at the Town Hall, was tendered them 
There was a reception, at a later day, with a parade 
of the regiment through our streets. 

Of this company several never returned to the 
home of their birth. At Baton Rouge, Island No. 



GEORGETOWN. 



851 



1(1, aud at other points near the broiul Mississip- 
pi, they lie, far from their friends and Icindred. Much 
indignation was felt that the survivors, while returning 
from their service of nearly a year in the defence of 
their country, had in the rude provision made for their 
journey across the country, only coarse box-cars, tilthy 
from use in the transportation of cattle. Jfany of the 
Georgetown soldiers were prostrated by the malarial 
influences of the Lower Mississippi, and the rough 
ride still further reduced their strength, so that sev- 
eral crossed the home threshold, but to die. Others 
lived, but recovery was only after a long and tedious 
illness. 

The funeral services of Spofl'ord. Pickett, Sherburne 
and others followed in quick succession. With C. 
W. Tenney, the expressman, S. S. Jewelt and others, 
it seemed for a time, that in an unfavorable moment, 
they also would be swept on to join their comrades. 
In March, 1S6.5, Capt. G. W. Boynton'visited Louisi- 
ana, exhumini; the bodies of bis son George, and 
comrades R. 1). Merrill and Amos Spoflbrd. On his 
return a joint funeral service was held in the Town 
Hall, with a sermon by Rev. Chas. Beecher, from the 
Scripture which refers to the three mighty men, who 
drew the water from the well at Bethlehem, for David 
to drink. The little hamlet at " Marlboro','' sent 
five of its young men to an early grave in the first 
years of the war, four of whom were of this company. 
The names of Amos G. Dole, Charles A. Spofl'ord, M. 
F. Jewett, R. D. Merrill and Leonard Howe, will 
ever be held in tender remembrance. The first town 
action in reference to the War wa.s on April 30, 1861. 
The meeting was called seven days earlier. It was 
voted to appropriate the sum of five thousand dol- 
lars, to aid enlistments, and further voted, a commit- 
tee of one from each school district, to see what sup- 
plies may be needed by volunteers or their families. 

Many of the recruits in Company " C," Nineteenth 
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, were from this 
town. 

D. Web.ster Spoflbrd, of Boxford, now a resident of 
the town, wa.s a private in Company " A," same regi- 
ment, and saw four years of service in this hard- 
fighting body of volunteers. 

The first death in the service from Georgetown, is 
supposed to be that of Isaac V. Bickford, of Company 
A., Seventeenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, 
who died in Baltimore, Md., January 29, 1862. He 
enlisted December 24, 1861. 

TheSeventeenth Company Unattached Infantry went 
into camp at Readville, in August, 1864, expecting to 
do service in the forts around Washington. This com- 
pany was afterwards a.ssigned to duty in Salem har- 
bor. This was a one hundred-day service, and at the 
expiration of their term of enlistment many of the men 
re-enlisted for one year. John G. Barnes, who com- 
manded, had served as captain of Company " K," Fif- 
tieth Regiment, in the South in 1862-63. Many of 
this unattached company were from Georgetown. The 



Fourth Regiment of Heavy Artillery had several men 
from this town. Several of our musicians belonging 
to the band of the Seventeenth Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteers were also from this place. One soldier, 
M. W. Follansbee, suffered in Salisbury, N. C, prison, 
and returned home but to die. Another, Ariel Pea- 
body, was a prisoner in Andersonville. A fev,- were 
in the navy. John Spoflbrd and Lewis M. Perley 
were two of the number. More than two hundred in 
the different arms of the service enlisted from the 
town. Memorial day was first observed May 30, 
1867. The school children were in the procession, and 
for many years afterwards, the Fire Department also 
joined in the observance of the day. 

In 1872-'73 the erection of a soldiers' monument 
began to be discussed, and an aged lady is reported 
to have offered the sum of one hundred dollars as a 
basis of subscriptions for the purpose. Finally town 
action was taken, and after much earnest and per- 
haps acrimonious debate, the locality was decided 
upon, and the granite memorial, which very nearly 
occupies the site of the "Old Red School-house," 
was erected. The dedication took place May -30, 1874, 
with an address by W. H. Cudworth, D.D. Thou- 
sands of spectators were present. The names of fifty 
soldiers, dying in the service, are inscribed upon it. 
The entire cost was about thirty-five hundred dollars. 

Post 108, G. A. R., was organized August 18, 1869, 
by George S. Merrill, of Lawrence, Mass.; Count L. 
B. Schwabe was largely instrumental in the work. 
Charter members were C. 0. Noyes, E. P. Wildes, G. 
H. Spoflbrd, J. G. Scates, Solomon Nelson, Isaac 
Wilson, R. C. Huse, F. M. Edgell, H. N. Harriman 
and J. O. Berry. The Post was named for Everett 
Peabody, of Springfield, a son of W. B. O. Peabody. 
Born June, 1830, he graduated at Harvard University, 
and w.as a civil and railroad engineer at the West. 
While colonel of the Twenty-fifth Missouri Regiment, 
he was killed at Pittsburgh Landing, April 6, 1862. 
The Peabody family annually remember this Post by 
gifts of value. 

Past Commanders, C. O. Noyes, F. M. Edgell, J. G. 
.Scates. E. P. Wildes, Cleveland Gould, H. N. Harri- 
man, Patrick Cole, W. E. Day, Charles Smith, D. N. 
Bridges, C. W. Tenney; present Commander, John 
Muuroe. Other officers are Walter Brown, Plummer 
Falls, I. S. Dodge, H. N. Harriman, Allen Robinson, 
Colonius Morse, R. C. Huse, M.D.; chaplain. Rev. C. 
L. Hubbard ; L. G. Wilson, J. F. Harvey. 

Relief Corps No. 4 organized April 2, 1883, with 
Sarah S. Harriman, Emma M. Howe, Emily A. Wad- 
leigh, Jane T. Merrill, Naomi C. Dodge, Susan S. 
Bickford, Lizzie C. Putnam and others, charter mem- 
bers. The presidents have been Susan S. Bickford, 
Sarah S. Harriman, Emma M. Howe, Lizzie A. Put- 
nam, Emily A. Wadleigh. 

General Burnside Camp, No. 12, S. of V., was or- 
ganized December 1, 1881, with James R. Smith, 
captain ; relinquished its charter in 1884. 



852 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER LX. 

GEORGETOWN— ( Continued). 
THE LATER HISTORY AND CONCLUSION. 

In the general history of the town there were but 
few events of a marked character, aside from the 
opening of railway commnnication with Newburyport, 
Haverhill and Boston direct via Danvera, during the 
two decades from 1840 to 1860. The first road to be 
opened was that to Newburyport, about 1849. Pre- 
vious to the final decision to run this line where it 
now is, a movement was projected in 1847 to connect 
Newburyport with Haverhill, nearer tlie Merrimac 
River, passing through West Newbury and East Brad- 
ford, now Groveland, and later a movementto connect 
with the Eastern Railroad, at Rowley instead of New- 
buryport. 

At a meeting of the town, when but few voters were 
present, the town's proportion of the "surplus reve- 
nue," the income of whicli had been used for school 
purposes, was voted in aid of the railroad. At a later 
day this fifteen hundred dollars in the town assets was 
recorded by ciphers. In the early history of the road 
two accidents, resulting in death, occurred. Both of 
the killed were citizens of this town. One was Ben- 
jamin Hilliard, for some years a stage driver and ex- 
pressman, who was, while conductor, crushed beneath 
an overturned car, July 16, 1851 ; the other was Leander 
Spoftbrd, killed September 7, 1853, by the bursting of 
the boiler of the locomotive " Baldpate," at Grove- 
land. 

The stage-coaches, with the veterans Pinkham and 
Carter as the presiding genius of each, one of them 
making Lowell and Newburyport the termini, had 
reached the acme of their fame, although the first- 
named still continued his Salem and Haverhill jour- 
neys until the opening of the Georgetown and Dauvers 
Railroad, in October, 1854. The Haverhill branch 
some time previously had been opened for travel. 

George Spofford, an expressman between this town 
and Boston, was appointed the first ticket agent, and 
the passenger station was the westerly half of the 
building at the east of Main Street, which was after- 
ward removed to the site of the present station, and 
was used as the station until the erection of the pres- 
ent building. The easterly part of the original depot 
remained, and is now the freight house. 

The California fevei', in 1849, drew a number of the 
citizens into its vortex. Among them were Messrs. 
Osgood, Elliott, Hosmer, and perhaps others at the 
village, and the brothers Marshall, Nelson, McLaugh- 
lin and Follansbee, from South Georgetown. 

In the early part of this period the Derry Fair, an 
assemblage peculiar to some localities, was in active 
operation in this town, once and again. The Essex 
Agricultural Society held here its earlier annual exhi- 
bitions, several times previous to 1840, and again in 
1841 or 1842, and not again until 1862, when, amidst 



the throes of the War of the Rebellion, this Society 
continued, under difficulties, to carry forward its 
chosen work. 

The temperance movement began in this town as 
early as 1815, and was continued in an organized 
form, as the New Rowley Temperance Society in 
1829, with a large membership of both sexes, and 
Rev. Isaac Braman, president. This broadened and 
deepened until the Washingtonian movement stirred 
the country. That in its turn started the Cadets of I 
Temperance, a juvenile body, which existed here 
about 1844, and the Cold Water Army. The Band 
of Hope was of later origin, and in the next decade 
the Good Templars were active for a time. 

The Reform Club some years ago did good service 
here, and Floral Division, Sons of Temperance, al- 
though its fortunes have varied, still exists, with a 
record of much good done. 

The stores during the period named did a thriv- 
ing business. One of the best was that of C G. Tyler 
in South Georgetown, who was a skillful buyer, and 
whose goods were in great variety. This building, 
now the shoe-factory of C. G. Baker, has had as gro- 
cers in trade, Leverett S. Crombie, 0. H. Adams, and 
later John A. Hoyt, M. N. Boardman and T. B. 
Masury. 

Moses Carter in the old establishment, previously 
kept by his relatives the Bros. Little, did a large busi- 
ness. He made a purchase at one time of one hun- 
dred hogsheads of molasses for retail trade, an article 
used to a nuich greater extent forty years ago than at 
present. 

Other dealers were Jos. P. Stickney in the Phenix 
Building. George Spofford, J. Gove Low, and later Na- 
thaniel Lambert, were all in the old store which stood 
near where Geo. J. Tenney's house now is. Wiconi 
Savory and William Boynton & Son occupied at 
different times a building further westward, since 
burned. 

The names of Lake, Hathaway, Wilson, Nelson, 
Tenney, Haley, one can recall in this connection. 
William E. Wheeler, on North Street, is one of the 
traders of to-day, as are S. T. Poor, Dennis Donaghue 
and M. N. Boardman. As a druggist, the name of 
Bateraan has descended from father to son. Wm. 
B. DormaTi had the corner drug-store in Little's Block 
(now occupied by L. H. Bateman) for some years. He 
also manufactured colognes and other articles in I 
variety. The telegraph-office is in the drug-store, 
with Mr. Bateman as operator. 

On Jewett Street, at Stickney's corner, the father 
of Joseph P. Stickney had a grocery in a building 
opposite his dwelling-house ; the latter is now the 
home of Daniel Dawkins. This store was for many 
years quite a village centre, for Warren and Jewett 
Street residents. 

This town has never had a celebrity for special 
agricultural work. 

Samuel Little, about 1854, bought the Silas Dole 



GEORGETOWN. 



853 



estate, including the ancient Tliurston place, and at 
once began extensive improvements. He built a 
barn of an octagonal form, at an expense of not less 
than ten thousand dollars, the most costly at the time 
in the county, and ex))ended, it is thought, in varied 
work, not less than sixty th(nisaud dollars. Since the 
decease of the owner, and the destruction of this im- 
mense barn by fire, in July, 1885, with a succession of 
peculiar events, much of the expense incurred has to 
the outward appearance become wasted, and the 
stimulus to the agricultural interests of the town lost. 
Byfield at pre.sent shows a spirit of advancement and 
sustains a Farmers' Club. C. W. Nelson, the Super- 
intendent of the Georgetown Town Farm, is president. 
They meet frequently and are doing a good work. In 
harmony with this work, was the A'illage Improvement 
Society of Georgetown, which existed several yeaiis 
ago, accomplishing as its work an improved condi- 
tion of East Main Street, in the enclosed square, etc., 
and the building of several sidewalks in diti'erent 
parts of the town. Deacon Asa Nelson was perhaps 
in advance of any other farmer at one time, in prac- 
tically encouraging new and improved farming. 
Marked changes in methods of farming are, however, 
taking place. The time was when not less than live 
hundred tons of .salt-hay was carted annually from 
Byfield and Rowley, for use in this town, while now, 
perhaps, one hundred tons would be the entire 
amount. Eight silos have been built, and ensilage 
is, with a few, a popular food for stock. 

Rev. O. S. Butler, of this town, has become quite 
noted for his public advocacy of the silo, as a neces- 
sary adjunct to successful farming. 

In July, ISGO, the Essex Agricultural Society took 
the initiative, it is believed, among the kindred socie- 
ties of the State, in suggesting ''Fairs'" for the sale 
and exchange of farm stock and other products, on the 
English system. A trial day was had in Georgetown, 
and what is now Lincoln Park, was alive with a 
practical exhibit of the working of the mowing-ma- 
chine, then a new invention. The result was very 
unsatisfactory in the use of the machine, as the grass 
was wet, and the whole atl'air was an experiment, not 
again repeated. 

The two lakes, Rock and Pentucket, just on the 
borders of the "Gorner" village, give a peculiar 
attractiveness to this town, that it seems might be 
made of advantage to the future growth of the town. 

This feature in the natural surroundings of George- 
town is what but few places in the county can show, 
as most of the ponds and lakes are at an inconvenient 
distance from the village centres. Both lakes were par- 
tially stocked with black bass some ten years ago, but 
with inditferent success. Experienced anglers .say that 
on the removal of the prohibition against fishing, 
which was enforced for several years, the "luck" of 
former times has never returned. Both of the bodies 
of water are very pure. Rock nestles at the foot of 
gravelly and grassy knolls, and Pentucket for nearly 



one-fourth of a mile, has on Pond Street a pebbly 
beach, as its eastern limit. The maximum depth is 
doubtless in Rock, and perhaps forty or more feet, 
while Lake Raynor (although within the limits of 
Biixford, with South Georgetown so near at hand 
as to be practically claimed by it as their pond), has 
at one point at least seventy-two feet depth of water. 
This lake, three-fourths of a mile in length, has 
about eighty acres area, is largely fed by springs and 
nearly enclosed by uplan<l ; has a pebbly bottom and 
water clear as crystal. 

From Baldpate Hill near by, with its four hundred 
feet altitude, and said to exceed in height any land 
between it and the "Blue Hills" of Jlilton, al- 
most exactly south, a wide extent of country is visi- 
ble ; reaching from the White Mountain district on 
the north to Bunker Hill Monument at the south, 
old ocean and Southeastern Maine on the east to 
Mounts Wachusett and Holyoke beyond at the west. 
The present year, Boston and New York capitalists 
have had in contemplation the erecting of a boarding 
house or private residence upon the summit, at some 
future day. 

Little's Grove, a part of the Sihus IJole farm, situ- 
ated just west of the B. & M. R. R., was, tor Boston 
parties and for people from other places, a popular 
picnic resort from about 1850 to 'liO. The citizens 
of this town have had several P\jurth of July gath- 
erings in this Grove; the last being in 1858, with 
music by tiilmore's band. A fine Horal procession 
by the public schools, was arranged and partly carried 
out, but a torrent of rain marred the beauty of the 
affair. Abolition, Coraeouter and Moral Reform ga- 
therings, as has been said, frequently met here on Sun- 
days and public holidays. In August, 1854, a Know 
Nothing Convention attracted many ; but the day of 
days was October 10, ISoii, when the " Fremont Mass 
Convention" brought together the masses, who formed 
a procession of one mile or more in length. This Con- 
vention was attended by ten thousand persons. All 
northern and eastern Essex were well represented. 

In the political divisions of the past, this parish 
was largely of the Federal faith, while Old Rowley 
had many Republicans. The Rt-publicans, or Jefferson 
party, gradually gaineil in numbers in New Rowley, 
absorbing the attendants at the Baptist meeting-house. 
Anti-Masonry was not organized, although wordy en- 
counters were frequent with Dr. Mighill and others of 
the craft. After Jack.son and \'an Buren, Democracy 
got a small but tenacious foothold, with Major Paul 
Dole as an active partisan. Harrison and the Whig 
party, however, swept the town. The great September 
mass meeting in Boston, in 1840, was never forgotten 
by the participants. Those living speak of it now 
with pride. 

The Birney party had a few disciples, departing 
from Garrison's teachings in part. These were mostly 
young and ardent men. H. N. and his brother A. B. 
Noves earlv embraced this faith, as did Asa Nelson, 



854 



HISTOEY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jr., J. P. (.!oker. Deacon Moses Merrill and others. 
In 1845, the Native American faith was accepted 
by several, and the Tocsin read. The "Free Soil" 
stir of 1848 aroused this town, and the third party 
began to show noticeable strength. Still it was a 
Whig town, with Colonel John Kimball especially 
prominent. The State " Know Nothing" movement, 
as elsewhere, however, left both of the old parties 
stranded. 

The " Republican " party of 185G embraced all but 
half a hundred sturdy Democrats, as J. P. Jones, 
Esq., the brothers J. K. and W. H. Harriraan, Dr. H. 
N. Couch, Seth Hall and others ; and a few voters 
still firm in the ''Know Nothing" faith. That year, 
Hon. Moses Tenney, who had been in the Senate, was 
elected State Treasurer, and continued in office the 
constitutional term, until 1861. The Republicans 
were the powerful majority until 1864, when a slight 
increase of their opponents began to be seen in the 
McClellau vote. 

The Irish strength now began to be felt as a new 
factor on the Democratic side, and continued until 
the Labor Reform, followed by the Greenback party, 
checked the rapid Democratic growth. 

The Greenback ideas were at once embi-aced by 
Captain Moses Wright, who, as an abolitionist and a 
personal friend of Garrison and all the early reformers, 
remained steadfast to the faith. He died suddenly, 
September 18, 1887, at the age of eighty-one years. 
At the last anti-slavery convention ever held in 
this town, which was of three days' continuance, Cap- 
tain Wright presided. It was held in the town hall 
in the summer of 1860, and was addressed by J. Ford 
Douglas, C. C. Burleigh, Remond, of Salem, and 
others. 

Oak Dell, a grove in South Georgetown, was origi- 
nally opened, for a Greenback convention, September 
8, 1881, with addresses by J. N. Buffum, of Lynn, 
Wm. Weaver, of Nashua, N. H., and several others. 
July 4, 1882, at another convention of this party, the 
fall campaign was opened, in the same grove, with an 
address by E. Moody Boyntou, which was immediately 
circulated as a key-note by the press of the country. 
This party for several years, had in this town a large 
following both in State and legislative action, but of 
late has become reduced in numbers. 

At a few elections in recent years, some members 
of the leading parties have, on personal grounds, 
voted independently, and the result has been the 
partial success of the Democratic ticket ; but, on 
general principles, the Re]mblicans are still in the 
ascendant. The distinctive temperance vote is usually 
a very small minority. Besides the groves already 
alluded to as noted for public occasions, there was 
held in 1860 a celebration of the 4th of July, in a 
grove near the Paul Pillsbury place in Byfleld, with 
Rev. J. C. Fletcher as orator, and also a series of re- 
igious meetings in the summer of 1868, in a grove 
on Nelson Street, near the residence of Henry E. 



Perley. The various clergymen of the town con- 
ducted the services. 

The town-house, begun in 1855, was completed the 
following year at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. 
The cupola, a somewhat unsightly addition, was taken 
down .some years ago, which gave an improved ap- 
pearance to the building. The engine-house on Mid- 
dle Street, was built in 1875, at a cost including fur- 
nishings, of about five thousand dollars. In this 
building are rooms for the selectmen and the fire de- 
partment. Little's Block, at the corner of North and 
West Main Streets, was erected by a stock company 
in 1871, at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. 
This elegant structure for business purposes, has its 
fourth floor exclusively occupied by Protection 
Lodge, I. O. 0. F. The building covers the site of 
the humble store and shoe-shop, built and occupied 
by the brothers Joseph and Benjamin Little, about 
seventy-five years ago. The Masonic block, a wooden 
structure, stood near the site where the business block 
liuilt in 1886 stands, and was erected in 1867. Captain 
G. W. Boyntou was a large owner of stock. This val- 
uable property was always rented, and was of three full 
stories, besides hall-room above. This block was par- 
tially burned in 1874, and completely destroyed by 
the fire of 1885. 

The skating rink on Park Street, opposite the shoe 
factory of W. M. Brewster, was built in 1883, removed 
in 1886 to North Street, near the mills, and has been 
converted into a double tenement dwelling-house. 
It is understood to have been originally the property 
of members of the Georgetown Cornet Band. This 
musical organization, with E. A. Cliaplin, leader, is 
the successor of several similarly organized bodies, 
but, unlike those preceding it, shows a determination 
to " stick,'' and reap the reward due to energy and 
perseverance. Their efficiency is recognized beyond 
this iramedi.'ite locality. The talent of several of the 
members is such that special engagements are of con- 
stant occurrence. 

The brick blocks of four and five stories, with the 
narrow space between them bridged, of which the one 
fronting on Main Street was destroyed in the fire in 
1885, were built in 3 875. Steam-power in the Main 
Street building was supplied to both. These blocks 
extended from Main, nearly to the corner of Park and 
Maple Street. 

The Pentucket House, as it now is, was built and 
occupied by Col. J. B. Savory in 1825. For hotel and 
boarding purposes it was first erected, and has so con- 
tinued as " Savory's tavern," and under its present 
name, to this day. The original Brocklebank house, 
afterwards Pillsbury tavern, a one-and-a-half story 
structure, was removed to the rear, and converted, it 
is thought, into the "L." Here was located for many 
years the Manufacturers Bank, into the vaults of which 
the noted bank burglar, " Bristol Bill," once arranged 
to enter, but was deterred from his design. On the 
second floor of the " L" is the hall, which has been 



GEORGETOWN. 



855 



known at various times as Savory's, Mechanics', and 
Grand Array hall, where, for many years, Panoramas, 
Indian shows, learned pigs, etc., were exhibited, atl 
infinitum. This hall was the head-quarters o( the 
Good Templars and Sons of Temperance for a long 
time. 

The town farm was bought of Thomas Gage, Esi].. 
in March. 1822, and, including the outlands, cost 
three thousand dollars. In the division of the town, 
this farm was included within the limits of George- 
town. The " pound," an important institution in early 
times, was voted by the parish, March, 1740. .Tosei)h 
Xelson gave the land to " set the pound on.'' 
The parish were to have it for the purpose as " long 
as said pound shall stand." Estrays were common, 
and early colonial action was intense against wan- 
dering swine, goats, asses and other domestic animals. 
The pound-keeper's office, now a sinecure, was, until 
recently, a position of trust, and the " Field driver" 
had the authority of an English beadle. Personal 
piques were sometimes taken advantage of by the 
tield-driver, and the frequent result, here as well as 
elsewhere, has beeu neighborhood quarrels. 

At the present time there are no public flag- 
staffs, or " Liberty poles,'' in town. The Everett Pea- 
body Post, G. A. R., have recently taken such action, 
that the national flag will float from their headquarters 
in future on public occasions. One in the .square 
where the Soldier's Monument now stands was blown 
down in a violent gale, July 4, IStu. This w-as prob- 
ably set about 1845. There have also been one or two 
others placed in front of one of the early engine houses, 
which stood where the grocery of Dennis Donaghue 
now stands. The first flag-statt" referred to, was in 
front of the Tenney building, now the residence of 
H. N. Harriman. 

On the ground floor of this building were kept the 
first machines of the fire department of (hat town, 
viz., the Watchman and Pentucket. 

The annual firemen's parade, forty-five or more 
years ago, was always quite animated and enthusias- 
tic. The engine-house on Main Street, just above 
Little's block, w;is removed to North Street, near the 
Mills, and changed into a tenement-house. Another 
engine-house on Main, very near Library Street, is 
now owned by J. E. Bailey. This, for about twenty 
years, was occupied by Empire or No. 2 Company. In 
1875, Washington No. 3 house was removed to South 
Georgetown. For some years from 18(53 or before, 
Warren Street was provided with an engine, w-hich 
was then known as No. 3 ; and North Street also, 
where Erie (^'ompauy No. 4 is still located; this com- 
pany now has horses ready at a moment's warning, 
and has reached, it is conceded, marked efliciency. 
The Pentucket Hook and Ladder Company was or- 
ganized in 1872. The Steamer No. 1 Company was 
organized in 1875. Two or three fall parades, with a 
visiting company, have been held, the last one in (Oc- 
tober, 1884. 



Since the incorporation of the town, the first fire 
which occurred was March 4, 1840, when the barn of 
S. P. (!heney was destroyed by lightning. The second 
was the house of Nath. Sawyer, in 1841 or '42, then 
just completed, upon the site of which the brick 
house now owned by L. G. Wilson wa.s at once built. 
This was an incendiary fire, and was set by John Saw- 
yer, an in.sane person. On the night following the 4tli 
of July, 1859 or '(50, there was a partial destruction of 
the stable adjoining, and the rear portion of the store 
building, then occupied by Nathaniel Lambert's gro- 
cery. The Dunbar Hotel, which is now the residence 
of Dr. R. C. Huse, was in great danger, but escaped 
hartn. The next fire of magnittnle, was a stal)le on 
the same site, Fast morning, some eight or nine years 
later. The building and several horses were burned. 
(Jctober 26, 1874, a fire occurred in the stable of Ct. J. 
Tenney, soon became uncontrollable, aud raged from 
seven in the morning until about noon, destroying 
property to the value of about one hundred thousand 
dollars. It was only by aid from other places that 
the fire was stayed. The residence and shoe-factory 
of G. J. Tenney, wdth the store building in danger in the 
former fire, were entirely consumed. Stables and other 
store buildings, the old Boyntou among them, met the 
common tate, and only held in check at the Masonic 
Block and Pentucket House on the one side, and, as 
before, the present Dr. Huse house on the other. The 
fourth and latest fire in that same locality, was on the 
night following December 25, 1885. Two members 
of the Steamer Company, Messrs. Chase and Illsley, 
met their sad fate at the outset, the brick wall of 
Adams Block falling, and crushing them instantly, 
and injuring several others, one of whom was E. A. 
Yeaton, who was after a time restored to health, 
while another, CM. Clark, a member of Empire Com- 
panv, died after amputation aud weeks of sutTering. 
This calamity was followed by a conflagration much 
exceeding the former, twelve years before. The fine 
brick residence of G. J. Tenney went in a nioraenl, 
after the burning of the Main Street business block, 
which had the Banks, National and Savings, Post 
Office, law office of W. A. Butler and boot and shoe 
factories of A. B. Noyes antl (r. J. Tenney. Steam 
power, su()plying the Brewster block on the rear, was 
also destroyed. Again the Dr. Huse residence was 
the terminus eastward, and the Pentucket House 
westward. This fire exceeded in loss the former. In 
August, 1882, the buildings of Amos Ridley, on An- 
dover Street, were burned from lightning. Other fires 
have been mostly of barns and out-buildings. 

The opening of Teuney's field, now Lincoln Park, 
for the erection of houses, was in 18f>8. At about that 
period, and a few years later, Nelson Avenue was ex- 
tended and other streets opened. Since 1880 nothing 
of special note in town enlargement has lieen 
attempted. 

The Georgetown Savings Bank was incorporated in 
1868, with J. P. Jones, president, and W. H. Harriman, 



856 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



treasurer. The office was at Harriman's drug store, 
on Central Street, which is now owned by G. L. Met- 
calf. It was removed about ten years later to the Ten- 
ney Block, on Main Street, (_). B. Tenney, Esq., elected 
treasurer, who is still iu office. Mr. Tenney is also Triai 
Justice, has been a member of the Massachusetts Sen- 
ate, a special commissioner for Essex County, and was 
for many years one of the selectmen of the town. The 
Georgetown National Bank has been in existence some 
fourteen or more years. It had originally a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, with H. P. Chaplin 
as president, and George H. Carlton, cashier. Lewis 
H. Giles is cashier at present. Both of these institu- 
tions found quarters iu Little's Block after they were 
burned out in the late fire, and are now in Union Block. 

Of the fraternal societies the Free Masons are first, 
in point of seniority. The petition of thirty-four 
craftsmen was approved, and a Dispensation granted 
April 5, 1867, to constitute a lodge. This was signed 
by C. C. Dame, then Grand Master, whose name the 
lodge afterward assumed. The first officers were 
elected April 15, 1867, at a meeting in Empire Hall. 
December 26th of the same year the Masonic building 
and elegant lodge-rooms having been completed, the 
lodge was constituted, the officers installed and the hall 
dedicated. Among the members occupying the chair, 
have been Stephen Osgood, Sherman Nelson, H. N. 
Harriman, G. H. Tenney, Isaac Wilson, W. A. Ham- 
den, E. A. Chaplin, M. F. Carter, and others. 

The headquarters of the earlier Masons, sixty years 
ago, was at the old Spoftbrd homestead on Andover 
Street. Twice Charles C. Dame Lodge, because ol 
being burned out, found in the hall of the Odd Fel- 
lows a place for meeting. During Christmas week, 
1879, this fraternity had a very successful Fair. 

Protection Lodge, I. O. of O. F., was instituted Oc- 
tober 7, 1868, by Levi F. Warren, Grand Master ol 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with Paul R. Picker- 
ing, N. G. Most of the earlier members had been 
previously connected with the order in Newburyport. 
Since the founding, the brothers elected to the position 
of N. G. have been W. H. Harriman, Jos. E, Bailey, 
D. E. Moulton, J. P. Stickney, J. G. Scates, H. L. 
Perkins, E. S. Daniels, G. H. Carleton, W.H.Illsley. 
Fred. M. Edgell, M. D. Chase, Perley Bunker, John 
Munroe, H. A. Bixby, W. G. Wadleigh, I. S. V. 
Perley, G. E. Dawkins (Groveland) S. R. White, 
Henry Hilliard, J. H. Scates, G. L. Metcalf, J. T 
Jackson, A. B. Hull, B. A. Hilliard, W. S. Symonds. 
Clarence Stetson (Groveland), Charles H. Pingree. 
Present term, G. L. Mighill. They occupy an elegant 
hall in Little's Block, with the furnishings and all the 
summndings in perfect completeness. This hall was 
dedicated November 15, 1871, by the Grand Master, A. 
B. Plympton. The number of charter members, nine 
teen. Present number, one hundred and sixty-nine. 
This lodge had a successftil Fair the last week in Feb- 
ruary, 1874. A Rebekah Degree Lodge existed at one 
time. 



Good Will Assembly, 2229 K. of L., was organized 
in Grand Army Hall, September ,13, 1882, by A. A. 
Carlton, of Lynn, now of the General Executive 
Board of the Order, with thirteen charter members. 
This order has had as meeting-places, the hall where 
they were organized; also Empire Hall, a hall in 
Masonic building, where they were burned out in 
1885, and have met frequently in Town Hall. At 
present they have rooms in Union Block. 

The latest secret order of the town is the A. O. of 
U. W., organized by Clarence E. Embree, and insti- 
tuted December 20, 1886. Present officers are P. M. 
W., S. T. Peakes ; M. W., S. K. White. Other posi- 
tions are held by W. Urquhart, F. V. Noyes, A. B. 
Comins, E. S. Daniels, F. M. Vining, L. H. Giles, A. 
C. Hall, M. L. Hoyt, L. F. Carter, T. F. Hill, and M. 
N. Boardman. 

One or two other organizations of a local character 
have existed here in the jiast, and perhaps do at 
present. At the outset of the organization of Patrons 
of Husbandry, when there were but five Granges in 
existence — two in New York State, two in Illinois 
and one in Washington, D. C. — the writer labored to 
start a Grange in this town. He entered into corres- 
pondence with an officer of the National Grange (just 
organized) then living in Ansonia, N. Y., and hoped to 
awaken an interest here, but could not arouse suffi- 
cient to warrant the founding officers visiting us. 

Among the officers of the town, one or two names 
havespecial prominence. One is that of Sherman Nel- 
son, who for nearly twenty years was a member of the 
Board of Selectmen. Another, which may have been 
already stated, is that of J. P. Jones, Esq., for years 
deeply interested in the schools and prominent on the 
school committee; and still another to be named in 
this connection is Gorham P. Tenney, who, as visit- 
ing committee, was greatly beloved by the young peo- 
ple of the town. 

The first election of town officers was April 28, 
1838. Robert Savory was elected moderator; George 
Foote, town clerk ; John A. Lovering, Sewall Spof- 
ford and G. D. Tenney, selectmen and assessors; 
James Peabody, Moses Thurlow and .Jeremiah Clark, 
overseers of the poor ; Robert Savory, Moody Cheney 
and Charles Boynton, constables ; Benjamin Winter, 
treasurer and collector; Joseph Little, .Tohn B. Sa- 
vory and Amos J. Tenney, fire wardens; Rev. Isaac 
Braman, Rev. John Burden and Moody Cheney, 
school committee. George Foote's term of office as 
town clerk was until 1841; J. P. Stickney, 1841-45; 
H. N. Noyes, 1845-47; Thomas A. Merrill, 1847-49; 
J. P. Jones, 1849-50; L. S. Crombie, 1850-51, and 
died in office; Otis Thompson, pro teiii., 1851; L. H. 
Bateman, 1852-55; J. P. Stickney, 185.5-59; C. G. 
Tyler, 1859-60, and died in office; Chaplin G. Tyler, 
pro tern., 1860 ; C. E. Jewett, 1860-71 ; O. B. Tenney, 
1871-73, and resigned the office; J. E. Bailey, 1873- 
76 ; Fred. M. Edgell, 1876-77, and died in office; H. 
N. Harriman, pro fern., 1877-78; J. E. Bailey, 1878- 



GEORGETOWN. 



857 



84; H. X. Harriman, 1884, and also present incum- 
bent. 

The post-office in Georgetown, formerly called 
" New Rowley Post-office," was established in 1824, 
with Benjamin Little as postmaster, who continued to 
formally discharge the duties in the old corner gro- 
cery until his death, in 1851. The original case of 
boxes is now preserved in the gallery of Peabody Li- 
brary. J. P. Stickney, who for some time had per- 
formed the principal work, with the office in his store 
at Little & Noyes' shoe factory, was his successor. 
Samuel Wilson, who lived in the house now G. L. 
Jletcalf's, was the next incumbent, with the office in 
what is now the store. This was during the Pierce 
administration. Captain Joseph Hervey was the 
official for a time, during Pierce's term, in the corner 
grocery. During liuchanan's term, J. P. Jones, Esq., 
was the official, with his brother Cyrus as clerk. The 
election of Lincoln placed Richard Tenney, Esq., in 
the office and in a building which was located in what 
is now the yard of the Memorial Church. The erec- 
tion of the church caused the removal of this build- 
ing to North Street, filling a spot now covered by the 
extreme northerly end of Little's Block. Here C. E. 
Jewett for a time had the office on the lower floor, 
and with Johnson as President, C. W. Tenney assum- 
ed the duties. Dr. R. C. Huse rented the upper floor 
on his settlement as physician in town. The next 
incumbent was Rev. O. S. Butler, holding the office 
for sixteen years and more, or during the Grant, 
Hayes, Garfield and Arthur terms. The location of 
the office under the care of this official was in several 
places, twice at least in different parts of Masonic 
Block, and after the 1874 fire temporarily in the Pen- 
tucket House. During several later years a conve- 
nient room in the Tenney Block on Main Street was 
j)rovided, which continued as the office under the ad- 
ministration of the present official, S. A. Donoghue, 
until burned out in the late fire. The office wa.s then 
hastily set up in the grocery of Dennis Donaghue, 
and from there removed to the room of the express- 
man, C. W. Tenney, and but recently has been estab- 
lished ill the new (Union) block. 

Of the professions, and partially allied thereto, the 
ministers have been already named. Jeremiah Rus- 
sell, from New Hampshire, was the first lawyer. He 
built and occupied what is now the Memorial parson- 
age. J. P. Jones, who began practice about 1842 or 
'4.3, was also from New Hampshire. He married the 
youngest daughter of Nathaniel Nelson, and resides 
in the old Nelson home. His eldest son, Boyd B., now 
of Haverhill, resided in town for some years after his 
marriage. The office of father and son is in Haver- 
hill. Benjamin Poole had an office in town .some forty 
years ago. W. A. Butler, son of the late postmaster, 
who studied at Boston University, also practices here. 

Of physicians, besides the Spofford.s — father and 
son — and David Mighill, already named, there have 
been Stephen Mighill, who had at one time an office 
54i 



on the second floor of the South Georgetown grocery, 
afterwards removed to Boston; William Cogswell, 
now of Haverhill ; George Moody, on Elm Street ; 
H. N. Couch, on North Street (at one time taught 
the winter school in South Georgetown) ; Dr. 
Grosvenor, on Main Street; Martin Root, in By- 
field; De Wolf, with an office in the Baptist parson- 
age, who went West; Spalding, now located near 
Boston, and Drs. R. C. Huse and R. B. Root, the two 
last-named having been in practice here since 18(56. 
Others in the past were Roger.<, Branian and Perley. 

The only j>ractitioners of dentistry ever permanent- 
ly settled in town were Dr. Reed, about 1856, for a 
short time, and Thomas Whittle, who removed here 
from Ipswich several years ago, and is regarded as 
very successful in his profession. Dr. Howard, how- 
ever, has for a long time resided in town, but has an 
office in Haverhill. 

Photography was for ten years or more the partial 
employment of W. H. Harriman, on Central Street, in 
the rooms of his residence, now occupied by Mrs. 
Hoyt. About 1872 or '7-3 S. C. Reed, of Newbury- 
port, an artist of genius, took the rooms of Mr. Har- 
riman, and resided here for two or three years. The 
first daguerreotypes ever taken in town were by a 
Mr. Atwood, brother of Mrs. David Haskell. This 
was in the autumn and early winter of 1847, in the 
house of T. J. Elliott, and in the room at the corner 
of Central and Main Streets. It is very easy to recall 
the mystery that most felt at the report of this new 
discovery, and the peculiar solemnity experienced in 
sitting for a picture. 

If space permitted, some reference to the changes 
in country life on the farm, and in the country home 
generally, might be of interest. 

It is said that the first cook-stove used in town was 
in 1815, and in the house of Thomas Nelson, formerly 
the Perkins house, near Lake Raynor. This was of 
the old James pattern, and manufactured in New York 
State. John AVood, who lived in James Gordon's 
house, near the mills, was the next to buy this help 
in the farmer's kitchen. Much fear had been felt that 
the fuel supply would fail, from the great consump- 
tion of wood in the New England States, as popula- 
tion increased, and this invention, greatlj' lessening 
the quantity needed, was by many at once taken ad- 
vantage of. The discovery of peat early in the cen- 
tury, for use as fuel, was much appreciated, and was 
constantly used in many families. 

The first carpet ever brought into the town was of 
English make ; was bought by Deacon Solomon Nel- 
son and wife in 1816, they taking a special journey to 
Boston for the purpose. This carpet is still in use and 
in good condition. Those journeys by horse and 
chaise to Boston, and on visits in New Hampshire, 
were not then considered at all wearisome by those 
making them. In 1804, the partiesjust named, accom- 
panied by friends from Spoffbrd's Hill, journeyed with 
horse and chaise to the springs at Saratoga, then just 



858 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



becoming known. At many of the stopping-places in 
New Hampshire and Vermont, they found relatives 
of their own or other Rowley families, and an ac- 
quaintance was easily made. 

As we are about closing this sketch, we will refer 
briefly to a few .special agricultural features, and nat- 
ural productions of the town. 

Apples and pears were formerly largely grown 
here. A few of those original fruit-trees still remain. 
Their vigorous growth marks a century from the seed. 
The temperance reform of fift}' years ago checked 
the manufacture and use of cider, and the old trees 
which had borne abundant crops of natural fruit, were 
levelled to the ground. Every fiirmer, in former days, 
stored from twenty to a hundred barrels of eider, and 
some also manufactured many barrels of perry. One 
hundred barrel.? of winter pears have annually been 
grown on a single farm on Nelson Street. There were 
not less than a dozen cider-mills in town. 

Of forest trees of special size there are several in 
town worthy of mention. The Pickett Elm on And- 
over Street, and the Chaplin or Shute Elm on Nelson 
Street, must have attained some growth at the first 
settlement of the town. Of the last named, Mrs. 
Huldah Harrirnan, whose memory went back to about 
1750, frequently said that it was as large in her child- 
hood, as in the last years of her life. There is a but- 
tonwood, on Nelson Street, in front of the site of the 
old Nelson house, which was planted one hundred and 
thirty-seven years ago by David, the great-grand- 
father of Sherman Nelson. At Henry E. Perley's 
there are two immense pasture oaks well worthy of 
note. There are trees near Humphrey Nelson's said 
to have been set by Rev. Mr. Chandler, and a very 
large elm in front of the house of Mrs. Sylvanus Mer- 
rill, known as the Searl elm. 

Some sections of the town, and especially South 
Georgetown, are rich in botanical treasures. At the 
last field meeting of the Essex Institute, held in this 
town, which was at Oak Dell, June 17, 1883, Mrs. C. M. 
Horner, a resident of this town, and favorably known 
to students of nature throughout the State as an en- 
thusiastic botanist, said that more than three hundred 
species of plants had been collected by her in that 
locality alone. 

A brief mention of several persons who are natives 
of Georgetown, in addition to those previously named, 
having more than local celebrity, would not be amiss. 

Mrs. A. W. H. Howard is a regular or occasional 
contributor to the press of Providence, R. I., and 
Philadelphia, Pa. She and her sister, Mi.ss Sarah E. 
Horner, have been unwavering advocates for woman 
suffrage for years, and have invariably voted for school 
committee at the March meeting, since the suffrage 
was extended to women. 

The Searl and Merrill families, in the village of 
"Marlboro'," gave to the Baptist and Congregational 
ministry, early in the present century, six of their 
sons — three from each family. 



George Peabody Russell, a native of the town, was 
a favorite nephew of the banker George Peabody. 
He resides in England, and has, it has been reported, 
a home in the Isle of Wight. He was bequeathed a 
large fortune by his uncle, and was appointed one of 
the trustees of the Southern Educational Fund. This 
mention of Mr. Peabody recalls the famous public re- 
ception given to him at the old meeting-house in April, 
1867, when, seemingly, the entire iwpiilation of the 
town were present with their cordial greetings. Old 
and young entered heartily into the spirit of the oc- 
casion, and none more so than Mr. Peabody himself. 
J. P. Jones, Esq., gave the address of welcome, and 
Hon. O. B. Tenney was master of ceremonies and in- 
troduced the people to the honored guest. 

Augustus M. Cheney, of Byfield, is connected with 
a leading publishing house in the West. He has re- 
cently visited the old homestead on Jackman Street. 

Mrs. Lavinia SpofTord Weston, having considerable 
local fame as a poetess, was born in the last month of 
the last century. Is active!)' engaged in composition, 
equaling in vigor the production of her early years. 

Milton P. Braman, D.D., a prominent theologian 
and a close student of history, the son of Rev. Isaac 
Braman, was a clergyman in Danvers many years. 
To alleviate the infirmities of her husband in his loss 
of sight and declining age, Mrs. Braman, whose 
maiden-name was Parker, and born, as was her hus- 
band, on Andover Street, acquired, after she had 
reached her seventieth year, sufficient knowledge of 
the Greek language to read it to him with readiness 
and appreciatingly. 

Lyman G. Elliott is a lawyer in California, who is 
highly esteemed as a citizen in his adopted State, and 
has achieved success in his chosen profession. 

In recent years several teachers of prominence have 
gone out from this town. F. E. Merrill, now of Utah, 
was lately nominated as superintendent of schools for 
the Territory. B. H. Weston recently had charge of an 
Indian school in the West, and was at one time prin- 
cipal of Atkinson Academy. B. C. Noyes has been 
for many years principal of the high school in Dayton, 
Ohio. N. Marshman Hazen is prominently connected 
with the publishing-house of the Appletous, As a 
romantic adventurer, Nathaniel Savory, said to have 
been born in the lately demolished "Brook house" on 
Thurlow Street, achieved a fame that but few Ameri- 
cans ever equaled. His career as an island king, 
and his projected confederacy of the Pacific Islands 
make a unique chapter in a sailor's life. 

As we have already given the list of the first officers 
of the town, we will here record the names of those 
who are at present in office, at the close of its first 
half-century : Moderator, O. B. Ter:ney ; Town Clerk, 
H. N. Harriman; Selectmen and Assessors, J. E. 
Bailey, James Donavan, C. E. Tyler; Treasurer and 
Collector, J. E. Bailey ; Overseers of the Poor, John 
A. Hoyt, James Donavan, A. A. Howe ; School Com- 
mittee, G. D. Tenney, O. S. Butler, D. D. Marsh ; 



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jWCclunm 



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GEORGETOWx\. 



859 



Constables, D. M. Bridges, A. B. Hull, Leon S. Clif- 
ford, Frank Riley, C. W. Xelson, S. S. Hardy. 

The half-centennial of this town and the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of John SpofFord 
with the Rowley emigrants, can each with propriety be 
celebrated next year by the SpofTord family at their 
proposed gathering, so prominent as the family have 
been in the early history of the tow'u, and the fore- 
going historical sketch, written just at this time, 
seems to be appropriate and in harmony with this 
event. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



EEV. ISAAC BEAJIAS.' 

Rev. Isaac Braman was born of God-fearing par- 
ents in Norton, Bristol County, Mass., July 5, 1770. 
His father died when he was twelve years of age. He 
always dwelt with peculiar satisfaction upon the fact 
that his mother continued family worship as long as 
her children remained with her, and he often ex- 
pressed gratitude to that Providence that, upon their 
separation after her second marriage, cast his lot in a 
family where the voice of daily prayer was heard. 

The date of his birth, being but five years before 
the beginning of the Revolutionary War, his memory 
was full of the struggles and hardships preceding 
and following this contest, of which he gave many 
interesting anecdotes in his jubilee sermon. He had 
a great desire, in early life, for a collegiate education, 
but, his guardian refusing, the matter was deferred. 
At length he says, " I was determined to break 
through all obstacles, and accomplish my object. I 
commenced my studies near the close of my eigh- 
teenth year, entered Harvard University in the year 
1790, graduated in 170-1, being, of course, twenty-four 
years old." Mr. Braman's modesty prevented any 
allusion to his scholarship and social standing which 
were so remarkable that the senior class considered it 
an honor to associate with him while he was still a 
junior. 

" Having, with prayerful consideration," continued 
Mr. Braman, in his jubilee discourse, "chosen the 
Gospel ministry for my profession, though sensible of 
great unworthinpss, I did not long neglect to seek a 
place where I might study to prepare myself for the 
work. It is doubtless known to most of my hearers 
that there were no theological institutions, at that 
day, in which young men might be educated for the 
ministry. Those who sought the employment were 
necessitated to put themselves under the tuition of 
some individual minister for the purpose. There were 
several clergymen in the vicinity of my residence, 
who were in the habit of taking pupils. But there 
was no small difficulty in making a choice. Some 

1 By Apphia Horner Howard. 



were called Hopkinsian<, some Calvinists, some mod- 
erate Calvinists and some Arminians. Between the 
last two of these, moderate Calvinistsand Arminians, 
there was no essential difl'erence. They both held 
that men were to be saved by their virtuous deeds 
without any radical change except wh.it they could 
effect in their own strength. The other two sects — 
Hopkinsians and real Calvinists — held to what are 
called the doctrines of grace, though there were some 
shades of difference in their manner of explaining 
them. But against Hopkinsianism there was a strong 
prejudice .... I freely confess that I partook of 
the prejudices of the time and place in which I lived, 
though I am now convinced that the more intelligent 
part of the Hopkinsian order understood the doc- 
trines of the Gospel as well as did the most who op- 
posed them." 

These are noble words of strength and liberality. 
" In memory's sunset air," the points over which 
there had been such angry contention, seemed to the 
good old man only the " prejudices of the time and 
place " in which he lived. " I did not," Mr. Bramau 
continued, " study with a Hopkinsian, but with sev- 
eral distinguished men who did not harmonize in all 
things with that denomination." 

Mr. Braman was ordained and married the same 
year, in Georgetown, June 7, 1797, in a new meeting- 
house, which had the honor, before it was finished, of 
a dedication sermon by the great Whitefield, from the 
text, " The glory of the Lord hath filled the house of 
the Lord." 1 Kings 8 : 11. It was delivered less than 
a month before his death at Newburyport. It was 
probably one of his latest etibrts, and singularly 
enough it was preached the very year the future pas- 
tor was born. The church was organized in 17-32 
without a creed, but with a beautiful covenant of du- 
ties Godward and manward. This identical covenant 
is still in use at the present day. The church had 
but one p.istor. Rev. James Chandler, before Mr. 
Braman's settlement. But in the six years' interval, 
between Mr. Chandler's death and that event there 
were sixty-four candidates, Mr. Bramau being the 
last and the final choice of the majority of a divided 
people. 

"Do you inquire," said Mr. Braman, "what got 
this people into this divided state and led them to 
think so differently on the subject of religion? I 
will mention one thing which tended greatly to pro- 
duce this unhappy effect. There was in the vicinity 
a theological controversy between two divines of dis- 
tinction, the one called a Calvinist, the other a Hop- 
kinsian. The dispute w.is somewhat warm, and the 
people here, as well as in other places, took sides. 
Some were Hopkinsians, and some were Calvinists. 
None of the people were willing to be thought de- 
serving a lower name than one of these ; and, having 
no minister, each party was determined to obtain one 
of their own stamp. As for myself, I had not studied 
divinity systematically, and consequently was not 



860 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



particularly well versed in the issues which prevailed 
here, nor in any other theological ism of the day. My 
object was to exhibit the Gospel in its purity without 
considering whom it might please or displease. The 
consequence was that they knew not on which side to 
place me, and some of the more prominent persons 
of both sexes favored my settlement, and some of 
both were opposed. Among the latter, as well as the 
former, were respect.able men and women also." 

This candid statement gives a hint of the troubles 
that met the young minister at the beginning of his 
career. Indeed, he said in his jubilee sermon that he 
had "waded through a sea of troubles." Yet they 
were only the troubles incident to human nature. 
He survived them all, celebrated his jubilee with 
honor, lived harmoniously with three successive col- 
leagues, retained his ofiice sixty-one years and died 
still the senior pastor of the church he loved so 
well. 

There stands in the old cemetery in Georgetown a 
marble desk, on which rests a Bible open at the words 
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a 
crown of life." On one side are the dates of Mr- 
Braman's birth, collegiate course, settlement and 
death, December 26, 1858, and the statement that the 
monument is erected by his parishioners and friends. 
On the other side are words which tell the story of 
his success in the ministry as follows : 

"Rev. Mr. Braman was a man of decided piety, of 
great amiability and much beloved. He possessed a 
strong mind, sound judgment, uncommon moral cour- 
age and remarkable discretion. He was well versed 
in theological learning, a firm believer in the entire 
inspiration of the Scriptures, and an able and stren- 
uous advocate of the primitive orthodox institutions 
and general principles of the New England churches. 
In his preaching he presented divine truth with clear- 
ness and a close application to the consciences of his 
hearers. In giving counsel, both public and private^ 
lie was conspicuous for integrity and wisdom. His 
love for his people, his friends, his country and the 
whole church of Christ was strong and sincere." 

" In the pangs of his last sickness he was patient 
and submissive to the divine will, and if not in tri- 
umph yet in hope he peacefully yielded up his soul 
to the God who gave it." 

I gained an intimate knowledge of Mr. Braman's 
blameless and consistent life from the fact that I was 
born and lived twenty-two years in the house next to 
the home of his later years, in such close neighborhood 
that the two families could speak across the small sep- 
arating yards. Punctually at 2 o'clock every Monday 
afternoon Mr. Braman, in long flowing gown, left the 
side door of his house, crossed the yards and appeai-ed 
at the side door of our house for an informal call on 
my mother. Great was the awe of the young children 
on these occasions, often repeated though they were, 
especially when he was asked to offer prayer. 

The engraving accompanying this sketch is a strik- 



ingly exact likeness of Mr. Braman, who was a per- 
son of very imposing presence, though his clear blue 
eye always had a kindly gleam for children and young 
people. 

His reticent manner was the result of a shy and 
sensitive temperament. Those who knew him well 
found beneath it a fund of wit, humor, appreciation, 
and all engaging attributes, while his sarcasm, when 
he considered it merited, was of a fine and keen qual- 
ity. It obtained for him in college the name of" Ra- 
zor." 

Mr. Braman's punctuality in a neighborly call, to 
which I have referred, was the habit of his life in all 
things. It was developed in a severe school. 

For many years after his settlement he was without 
a time-piece. The rigid economy that he was obliged 
to practice to meet the demands of an increasing fam- 
ily and the hospitality exi)ected in his profession, for- 
bade the possession of such a luxury. Living theu 
as he said, " a large mile " from his church, he was 
guided by the movements of a neighbor, who was al- 
ways in season, as to the time of starting, and he was 
never known to be late at church or on any other oc- 
casion. His promptness in opening and closing 
meetings established a precedent that is still followed 
in the town, while the tradition of his brevity at wed- 
dings and funerals has descended from parents to 
children. 

Mr. Braman was a true conservative. He walked 
in the safe and beaten paths of the fathers of the 
church. He disliked controversy. He did not favor 
speculation. His answer to questions from those who 
had projected their imagination beyond the written 
word was. " The Scriptures are silent upon those 
points." Their silence was to his reverent nature as 
impressive as were their affirmations. 

He shrank from changes. Yet when a new enter- 
prise commended itself to his mind as in the order of 
Gospel progress he welcomed it. Among the changes 
of this description in his time was the awakening of 
interest in foreign missions and the formation of the 
American Board. The first copy of The Missionary 
Herald was taken in Georgetown. Women, in their 
zeal, saved money for the cause of missions by deny- 
ing themselves sugar in their tea and coffee, while 
little children, before they could speak plainly, were 
taught to save their pennies for the help of heathen 
babes. 

Mr. Braman, on a farm of about forty acres and on 
a salary of about three hundred and fifty dollars (then 
reckoned in British currency) and ten cords of wood, 
kept his carriage, his cow and other domestic ani- 
mals. 

He gave the three survivors of his five children the 
best education of the period, and they did ample 
credit to his care. 

One son, James Chandler, named by Mr. Braman 
with a pleasant bit of sentiment for the predecessor 
whom he never saw, died in his youth. His father 



LAWRENCE. 



861 



coulil never mention his name witliont emotion. One 
daughter died in early womaiiliood. Two sons, Milton 
P. and Isaac G., became eminent in their respective 
professions of divinity and medicine. A daughter, 
the widow of Rev. John Boardman, of Ea-st Douglas, 
returned to her native town, where she beiame, for 
many years, an efficient helper in the church, and joined 
with her step-mother, to whom she was tenderly united 
by sympathy in the care of her father, whom she sur- 
vived twenty years. She inherited her mother's beau- 
tiful voice and her father's discretion. She was noted 
for fine conversational powers, and was an ornament 
to every circle in which she moved. 

Mr. Braman was verj' fortunate in his domestic re- 
lations. The wife of his youth, Hannah Palmer, of 
his native town of Norton, was a woman of beauty, 
energy, demonstrative manners and great executive 
ability. She had a high sense of the importance of 
the iiastoral office and gladly assumed all family bur- 
dens to allow Mr. Braman time for the preparation of 
the two sermons a week which were then demanded. 
Mr. Braman wrote his sermons carefully, and wasclose- 
ly confined to his notes in their delivery, which was 
with rapid but distinct utterance. 

Mrs. Braman's domestic generalship enabled her 
husband to accomplish in the pulpit, the fiimily, the 
parish and at his hospitable table great results with 
small means. 

She died in 1835, and in tender appreciation of her 
worth, Mr. Braman placed on her burial stone the 
tribute Proverbs .31 : 10, 11, from King Solomon's de- 
scription of "the virtuous woman," in whom the 
" heart of her husband doth safely trust." 

Mr. Braman married, in 1S37, Miss Sarah Bakh, a 
lady of wealth, gentle birth and breeding, from the 
liistoric old city of Newburyport. She was as well 
adapted to the emergencies of his declining powers, 
when the burdens of life began to fall heavily upon 
him, as was her predecessor for the pioneer period of 
his ministry. She was many years his junior, and 
still lives, after a residence in the town of fifty years, 
during which her course has been so wise, winning 
and beneficent, that no person was ever known to 
criticise her. This unprecedented record makes her 
jubilee of residence in the town as noteworthy as was 
Mr. Braman's jubilee of service in the sanctuary. 

Her face retains much of the comeliness of her prime 
when she came to the people. It has also the added 
charm of that beauty which sometimes conies to the 
aged. It never passes away, for it is the result of a 
life of sweetness and purity. It reminds one of the 
heavenly peace which Tiemer has made to rest ujion 
the brow of the "Lady Abbess," in his exquisite pic- 
ture of " The Last Hours." 



CHAPTER L X I . 

L.WVRENCE. 

BY JOHN R. ROLLINS. 

In the autobiography of Hon. Daniel A. White, 
prepared for his children in 18oli, he writes of his 
early home as follows : 

*'TheBituatiun is upona broad plain, nearly equidistant from the 
Merriniac and Spicket Rivera. .My father's farm wag bounded BOUtli 
on the furlner. and north on the latter river— a noMe farm of nearly 
three hundred acres, abounding in wood and rural scenery, in fruits, 
such as strawberries, blackberries, etc., with a tine orchard of apples at 
that time in the great pasture, now wholly gone. The prospect all 
arountl us was far more picturesque and beautiful than since the woods 
have been cleared aw ay. 

•*Tlie rural beauty of the farm, especially that part of it lying between 
the main road and the Merrimack, consisting of almost every variety of 
meadow and upland, pasture, mowing and woodland, with running 
brooks, can hardly be imagined by one who sees it now, stripped bare 
of its grandest folliage, cut up by turnpikes and made a public thorough- 
fare by the roads passing throngli it, andtho bridge over tho Merrimack, 
which was first built the year I entered college (1773)." 

Ten years after this was written, not only the 
woodland and running brooks had disappeared, but 
all the concomitants of the farm had given place to 
large manufacturing establishments and the numer- 
ous streets of a bustling town. It was this farm of 
which Judge White thus pleasantly wrote, which 
covered what is at the present day a considerable part 
of the very heart of the city of Lawrence. 

The city is situated on both sides of Merrimac 
River, embracing within its limits somewhat more 
than four thousand acres taken in nearly equal parts 
from the towns of .\ndoverand Metluien. The north- 
erly portion, which is the most densely peopled, is 
very pleasantly situated on a gently sloping plain, 
partially surrounded by hills of considerable eleva- 
tion—Tower Hill, on th(! west, Clover Hill, formerly 
called Graves' Hill, on the north, and Prospect Hill, 
on the east — all of which are dotted with pleasant 
residences and from which are fine views of the town, 
the river and the adjacent towns. The southerly 
portion, which is quite rapidly increasing iu popula- 
tion, of more level character, was originally covered 
with pines, and was, in its early days, known as the 
" moose country." The early settlers seem to have 
taken pleasure in bandying epithets, the northern 
people giving to the portion of Andover lying near 
the river the title of "Sodom," while in turn the 
north side was " Gomorrah," and as far east as New- 
buryport Methuen was known as " The End of the 
World," one of its ponds still bearing the name of 
World's End Pond. 

The town is about twenty-three miles from the 
mouth of the river, twenty-six miles from Boston, tea 
miles northerly from Lowell and eight miles west of 
Haverhill. The Merrimack River passes through it, 
the opicket through its northerly portion, entering 
the Merrimac from the north, witliin the bountls of 
the city, and the Shawshean River falls into the Mcr- 



862 



HISTOKY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



rimack from the south, forming a part of the south- 
eastern boundary. The hist named furnishes no 
power within the limits of Lawrence. The Spicljet 
furnishes water to establishments in Methuen, and to 
the Arlington Mills, Stuart's Dye House, the Wame- 
sit Mill and the Globe Worsted Mill in Lawrence. 
The Merrimack is the principal source of power, sup- 
plemented in seasons of drought by Lake Winnipisi- 
ogee, whose waters, as well as those of its many tribu- 
tary streams, are retained as a reserve. 

The total length of the Merrimack, from its origin, 
at Franklin, N. H., to its mouth, at Newburyport, 
is about one hundred and ten miles, and the total 
area drained is about four thousand nine hundred and 
sixteen square miles, of which three thousand seven 
hundred and eighty are in New Hampshire and one 
thousand one hundred and thirty-six in Massachu- 
setts. The average fall of the stream is two hundred 
and forty-five feet per mile, or two hundred and sixty- 
nine feet between Franklin and the sea. 

Before the river was harnessed to the cars of indus- 
try along its banks, it was well stocked with fish. 
Shad, salmon, alewives and sturgeon abounded in their 
season, and immense quantities of lamprey eels were 
to be found — in fact the latter were so abundant that 
they were sold by the wagon-load instead of the 
pound. 

Hon. R. H. Tewksbury, in his history of Andover 
Bridge, relates the following story of one of the di- 
rectors, who was a large farmer and fond of experi- 
ments, — "A spring freshet brought up great quanti- 
ties of eels, and subsiding, left them high and dry in 
pools and hollows. He considered the idea of boiling 
them and feeding to swine, of which he had many. 
Hia ' hired man ' remonstrated, telling him ' 'twas 
agin natur to try to fatten pork with fish ; ' 'besides, 
Deacon,' he said, 'if you succeed, we sha'n't know 
what we're eatin', pork or lamper eels.' But the 
deacon had a cart load of eels drawn up to the barn, 
and filled the great kettles in the back kitchen with 
eels, Indian meal and water, kindled the fire, and 
laid down for a doze. But animals that squirm 
in the frying-pan would not submit to boiling with- 
out protest ; the hot water revived them, and each 
one became an agonizing serpent. They covered the 
floor of the old room, writhing in their agony and 
knocking the fire brands about the floor. The dea- 
con nerved himself for the contest and commenced 
the slaughter of the innocents. An old negro, a new- 
comer, who lived with a neighbor, and knew nothing 
of live eels, heard the racket, and, looking in, saw the 
sea of serpents and fire brands, and the good man 
' laying about ' him. He ran howling home, saying 
that more than a thousand devils had the deacon 
penned up in the kitchen, but he was fighting and 
prevailing against them, calling mightily on the Lord 
for help. The deacon owned that though they were 
not Satanic foes, it was the hardest job of his life to 
subdue these eels, maintain his standing as a deacon. 



and at the same time express himself in language suf- 
ficiently emphatic." 

The eels, however, were not usually given to 
swine; they formed a staple article of food for the 
farmers and others all along the river and adjacent 
territory, 

William Stark, in a poem delivered at the Centen- 
nial celebration at Manchester, thus speaks of them, — 

" The fiitliers treasured the slimy prize. 
They loved the eel as their very eyes. 
And of one 'tis said, with a slander rife, 
For a string of eels he sold his wife. 
From eels they formed their food in chief, 
And eels were called the Derrj'field beef ; 
Ami the marlis of eels were Bo plain to trace. 
That the children looked like eels in the face. 
And before they walked, it is well confirmed, 
That the children never crept, bvit squirmed. 
Such mighty power did the squirmers wield 
O'er the goodly men of Old Derryfield, 
It was often said that their only care. 
And their only wish and their only prayer. 
For the present world and the world to come. 
Was a string of eels and a jug of rum." 

That the territory now embraced in the limits of 
Lawrence was once occupied either permanently or 
temporarily by the native Americans (Indians), we 
have abundant proof, in the multitudes of Indian 
implements of almost every variety, which have been 
found in several localities, and of which some fine 
collections have been made. One, perhaps the 
largest of these, in possession of Mr. Charles Wingate, 
includes arrow and spear heads, stone axes, gouges, 
pestles and other implements, some rudely and others 
beautifully finished. 

One burial-ground of the red men was within the 
city limits, in the westerly part of South Lawrence, 
and quite an extensive one was further up the river in 
Andover. It is quite probable tliat the land near the 
river was occupied in many places as a summer en- 
cimpment, to which year by year the natives re- 
tiirnedon account of the abundance offish and game. 
Most of the stone implements found, and the chips 
made in fashioning them, are of material not found 
in this locality. 

While the parent towns, Andover and Haverhijl, 
suffered considerably from Indian raids, Lawrence is 
not historic ground in that regard. It ts said that 
the Indians once made a foray along the banks of 
the river, and a man named Peters, who lived about a 
mile above the dam, refusing to flee with his 
neighbors, was murdered at his home. 

In 167G a party of savages crossed the river at Bod- 
well's Ferry (about a mile above the dam), chased 
the people of Andover, killed a young man named 
Abbott, and took his brother captive. There is a tradi- 
tion that old Mr. Bodwell, while standing near the pres- 
ent site of Mr. Davis' foundry, saw one day an Indian 
prowling upon the other side of the river, evidently 
bent on mischief Mr. Bodwell instantly suspected 
that he was a spy sent to examine the settlement for 
the purpose of destroying it. Fortunately, the old 



LAWRENCE. 



863 



man had a gun of extraordinary length and range, 
and he resolved to let the Indian report go no 
further. As soon as the savage discovered Mr. Bod- 
\^•ell he made an insulting gesture, thinking himself 
fairly out of the range of the enemy's gun. Mr. Bod- 
well immediately fired, and the Indian fell. At dusk 
the same day Bodwell took a boat, crossed the river 
carefully, and found the Indian dead, lying in the 
grass. He rolled the body into the river, having 
first secured a valuable beaver-skin robe. 

Possibly another instance of savage hostility may 
have occurred here. It is related in "Chase's His- 
tory of Haverhill." 

"■Feb. 22, 1G9S, ou return from an attack Tipon Antlover the Irnliiins 
killed Jonafbau Haynes and Saml. Ladd of Ilaverhill and captured a son 
of each. Haynes and Ladil who lived in the eastern part of the town, 
had started that morning with their teams consisting of a yoke of oxen 
and a horae, each accompanied by their, eldest sons Josei)h A Daniel 
to bring home 8um« of their hay which had been cut and stacked the 
preceding Summer in their meadow, in the e^rlretne irmtfrii part of the 
town. While they were slowly returning, little dreaming of present 
danger, they suddenly found themselves between two files of Indians 
who had concealed themselves in the bushes on each side of the path. 
.Seeing no hope of escape they begged for quarter. Young Ladd who 
did not relish the idea of being quietly taken prisoner, cut his father's 
horse loose, and giving him the lash, started off at full speed, tho re- 
peatedly fired upon, and succeeded in reaching here and giving an 
innnediate and general alarm. Ilayues was killed because he was too 
old and infirm to travel, and Ladd who was a fierce stern looking man 
because, as the Indians said ' he so sour.' " 

Young Haynes was carried prisoner to Canada, 
where he remained several years, and was at last re- 
deemed by his relatives. A cane given him by his 
Indian master, came into possession of Guy C. 
Haynes, of East Boston, and is now in the rooms of 
the New England Historico-Genealogical .Society. As 
Haynes resided in the western part of Haverhill, and 
his meadow was in the extreme western part, this 
must have occurred either within our limits or in 
Methuen, which was set oft' from Haverhill and in- 
corporated in 1725. 

Nearly a hundred years had rolled on after the in- 
corporation of Methueu, and this territory had been 
converted into peaceful farms, occupied by less than 
two hundred people. Dams had been built upon the 
Spicket Kiver, and small paper mills and the mill of 
the Messrs. Stevens, for the manufacture of piano-forte 
cases, now the site of the Arlington mills, had been 
erected, but the Merrimack River flowed in its natural 
channel unvexed by the arts of man, from its source 
to the sea. 

At this time dwelling-houses were not numerous, 
and, as in other farming towns, were somewhat remote 
from each other. Most of those on the north side 
were located on the road leading from Lowell to 
Haverhill (now known as Haverhill and East Haver- 
hill Sts), and on the " Londonderry Turnpike " (now 
Broadway). One of the oldest houses known to have 
been built within the city limits was situated ou the 
spot which is now the corner of Newbury and Essex 
Streets. Oue of the old houses was removed to make 
room for the High School building ; another was de- 



stroyed to make room for the dwelling which is now 
115 Haverhill Street; this was the house in which 
Hon. Daniel A. White was born. Anotherstoodon the 
cornerof Haverhill and Amesbury Streets. Another 
was near the spot where No. 264 Haverhill Street now 
stands. No. 129 Bradford Street, at the corner of 
Bradford and Broadway, was originally the farm-house 
of the Methuen town farm. The oldest of all is No. 
o4 East Haverhill Street, the old house of the Bod- 
well family, though not their first residence. This 
house is more than one hundred and thirty-three 
years old, perhaps more than one hundred and fifty, 
and i.s the only monument of early days that Lawrence 
can boast. "The building has been much changed 
by successive repairs and alterations, but the founda- 
tions are made as if to last forever. The chimney is 
of immense proportions, measuring twenty by thirteen 
feet at the base ; a modern chimney in the city, one 
hundred feet high, measures at the base only seven 
by seven feet." ' There stands in the front yard of 
this house a noble old elm tree, which lias braved the 
storms of over a hundred years, and is to day ap- 
parently vigorous. It is said that Mrs. Bodwell em- 
ployed a man to bring the tree, then a sapling, from 
the woods, and plant it in front of her door. The man 
was a soldier of the French War, and had just re- 
turned from the capture of Quebec. In return for 
his service Mrs. Bodwell rewarded him with a quart 
of molasses. The ancient house was occupied in 
recent years by the late William B. Gallison, and is 
perhaps better known to the present generation as the 
Gallison House, and it is at present the residence of 
Miss Emily G. Wetherbee, who pleasantly commemo- 
rates the ancient tree in verse : 

" I love thee, Oh ! thou grand old tree, 

Tby towering branches rise. 
As if they held, in majesty. 

Beep converse with tlie skies. 
Could'st thou but speak, how stninge a tale 

Would be tliy theme to-day. 
About the many vanished years 

That God has rolled away. 

" The hand that planted thee is dust, — 

Thy nurture was its pride, — 
And many generations since 

Have played their parts and died. 
The peltings of unnumbered storms. 

Unnumbered years thou'st bravetl ; 
And still we see tliee hale and green. 

Majestic and unscathed. 

'* From out your antiquated door. 

The children oft have strayed. 
And trooped along in merriment. 

To gambol in tby sliade ; 
When years had tlown, and womanhood 

And manhood, brougiit its care, 
Again they came with burdened hearts. 

Thy sweet relief to share. 

*' A trysting place for lovers, too. 
Thy arching branches made ; 
When night was silvered by the moon, 
.\nd dew shone o'er tho glade, 

1 Rev. W. E. Park. 



864 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



And often, when yun brilliant queen 

Bid thee and them goud-niglit ; 
Thou'st heard the parting liiss they gave, 

And shared in their delight. 

" A bride, with flowing rubes of white, 

And garlands in her hair, 
Came forth to leave the dear old home, 

Another's lot to share. 
In purity and innocence, 

She chose another life, 
Aud beautiful thatsuunner morn, 

Appeared the youthful wife. 

" The morning fresh and sweet, and clear, 

Began the quiet day. 
The birds among the swaying leaves. 

Trilled out their roundelay. 
And gladdened by the glorious sight, 

(Tliy branches low did bend ;) 
Her heart leaped out in ecstacy. 

To thee, her childhood's friend. 

" From infancy her radiant eyes, — 

The reflex of her glee, — 
Had scanned each bough and branch and leaf, 

Of her familiar tree ; 
And now like one who sighs to think 

That separation's near, 
She turned her saddened face away, 

Aud shed a silent tear. 

** Alluring scenes of other climes. 

And nature's grand displays. 
But made her yearning heart still more 

Exultant in thy praise. 
Excitement lent its glowing whirl, 

AVlierever she might roam ; 
But with a longing heart she sighed 

For thee, and dear old home. 

*' The aged sire and matron too. 

When life was nearly o'er, 
Have leaned against thy trunk, and talked 

Of memories of yore. 
And watched the same old sun go down. 

In splendor in the west. 
Nor thought bow fast the fleeting hours. 

Were bringing them to rest. 

** Oft have I stretched me here and seen, 

AVith faith's far-seeing eye, 
Thy very counterpart old tree, 

Implanted in the sky, 
And wished, when f:ame the silent voice 

From dread eternity. 
My failing sight miglit rest at last 

Complacently on thee. 

" I love thee, Oh ! thou grand old tree, 

Thy towering branches rise. 
As if they held, in majesty, 

Deep converse with the skies. 
Could'st ttiou but speak, how strange a fale 

Would be thy theme to-day, 
Abotit the many vanished years. 

That God has rolled away." 

Roads were Still less nutnerous than the buildings. 
The prominent ones were the old Haverhill road, be- 
fore named, the road at the west jiart of the town 
leading to Bodwell's ferry, near the pumping station, 
the road at the easterly end leading to Marston Ferry, 
near the present gas works, and on the construction 
of Andover Bridge, a road leading from the bridge to 
the corner of Amesbury and Haverhill Streets. On 



the south side of the river were the Salem turnpike 
and the old road to Lowell. Here was a more com- 
pact settlement — the Shawsheeu House, the Essex 
House, converted into a dwelling, the old pioneer 
store and the brick building occupied by the late 
Daniel Saunders and a few others yet remaining. 

Prior to 1793 communication between the two 
towns was by means of the ferries. In that year the 
Legislature passed an act incorporating Samuel Ab- 
bott, John White, Joseph Stevens, Ebenezer Poor and 
associates as a body politic, under the name of "The 
Proprietors of Andover Bridge," and the act was ap- 
proved by John Hancock, Governor, March 19th, 
The charter provided that the building should be 
completed within three years. It was, opened for 
travel November 19th, just eight months from the 
date of the charter, and the opening was celebrated 
with great rejoicing — the clergy of the two towns, the 
stockholders and the prominent men of Essex and 
Rockingham Counties being invited, and an enter- 
tainment furnished by the directors — the militia, in- 
fantry and cavalry j)arading in honor of the event; 
it was celebrated still further by killing a boy, who 
was bayonetted by one of the soldiers for attempting 
to pass the guard. The bridge was a wooden struct- 
ure, resting on wooden piers, and after a short life of 
nine years, went down in ruins during tlie passage of 
a drove of cattle. It was rebuilt in 1802-0.3 ; again 
travel was interrupted by the fall of the large central 
span. This was promptly repaired ; but four years 
later, in 1807, a heavy freshet again destroyed it. 
The discouraged proprietors petitioned the Legisla- 
ture for leave to raise money by a lottery, but were 
refused. 

The bridge was rebuilt upon stone piers, and moved 
further up the river, having previously spanned the 
river where the railroad bridge now stands. In 1837 
it was rebuilt by the late John Wilson, of Methuea. 
It was rebuilt again by the Essex Company in 1848, 
into whose hands the franchise had then passed, and 
was raised to its present level by Stone and Harris, 
contractors, and the piers were thoroughly repaired 
by Stephen P. Simmons. 

In 18.52 a great freshet carried away the toll-house, 
south abutment and fishway at the dam. In 18.58 it 
was again thoroughly ' reconstructed by Morris 
Knowles. In 1868, by an act of the Legislature, it 
became part of the public highway. The bridge was 
in a peculiarly unfavorable location for durability. 
Situated near the dam where it was alternately ex- 
posed to a dry and then a moist atmosphere, the tim- 
bers were constantly decaying, and after many more 
repairs and partial rebuilding, it was destroyed by fire 
July, 1881, and a fine new iron-bridge marks the rest- 
ing-place of almost the only historic structure in the 
town. 

To add to the troubles of the early proprietors, in 
1822 other parties petitioned the Legislature for 
another bridge a litlle further up the river. In op- 



LAWRENCE. 



865 



posing this petition the proprietors made a formal 
statement that the bridge cost originally twelve thou- 
sand dollars. In twentj'-eight years the cost had 
been tnenty-nine thousand dollars more, with only 
fifteen thousand dollars of income from tolls ; added 
to this was the loss of interest and their property 
consisted of an old bridge just damaged by a freshet 
to the amount of six thousand dollars. 

Had the nld bridge been charged from the start 
with accumulations, interest and expense, and cred- 
ited with income, the actual cost at the time Lawrence 
was formed would have been upwards of half a mil- 
lion dollars — a practical illustration of the rare econ- 
omy of building bridges of wood. 

The first toll-gatherer was Asa Pettengill, with the 
enormous salary of iJS.S.y.S. He was required to give 
a bond of £400, and both he and his wife were sworn 
to the faithful performance of their duty. After 
thirty years, the salary was raised to $9.00 and a 
gallon of oil per month, and the use of the proprie- 
tors' cooking-stove for 63.00 rental yearly. Under 
the Essex Company, .Tames D. Herrick was collector 
for twenty-two years, until the bridge became I'ree. 
Among the officers and directors of the old corpora- 
tion were Loarami Baldwin, the first President, a 
noted engineer; P>eiijamin Osgood, of Methuen ; 
Gayton P. Osgood, of Andover ; Abbott Lawrence, 
and Charles S. Sl<<rrow. The Treasurers, after 1845, 
were Nathan W. Harmon, .Fno. K. Rollins and Henry 
H. Hall. 

Lawrence Bridce. — In 18.54, for the purpose of 
better accommodating North Andover and Lawrence, 
and also for avoiding the railroad crossing, at grade, 
near the Andover Bridge, a charter was granted for 
another bridge, at the east end of the city, to George 
D. Cabot and others. This bridge was built in 1854- 
5.5, and remained a toll-bridge till 1868, when this 
also, with the other bridges across the Merrimac, 
became free. George D. Cabot was Treasurer, and 
Nicholas Chapman, toll gatherer, from the beginning. 
This bridge was destroyed by fire in 1887, and will be 
replaced by an iron bridge, now under contract with 
the Boston Bridge Company. 

As early as 1820, the Merrimac Canal Company 
was incorporated for the purpose of building a canal, 
to extend navigation from tide-water at Haverhill to 
the new town then forming at Pawtucket Falls 
(Lowell); their charter was extended, but nothing 
was done toward carrying the plan into execution. 
An attempt was made a few years since to render the 
river itself navigable from Lawrence to Haverhill, 
and much money was expended by the LTnited States 
Government in removing boulders and deepening 
the channel at the rapids between the two cities. The 
Pentucket Navigation Company was formed ostensi- 
bly for the purpose of supplying the Merrimac valley 
with coal, it being claimed that water transportation 
could be conducted at much cheaper rates, and con- 
sequently that great benefit would ensue to the people 
55 



from the diminished price of fuel. By the use of 
light-draught steamboats coal w-as brought up the 
river, and a depot for its sale was established in Law- 
rence ; but from the fact that the river remains frozen 
for four or five months in the year, and that in sum- 
mer droughts it could not be made navigable without 
enormous expense, the enterprise was abandoned. 
The amount of coal actually transported was not 
sufficient in an entire season to supply the single 
corporation, the Pacific Mills, which consumes twenty- 
three thousand tons per year, or little over seventy- 
five tons per day. It was thought by many that the 
whole scheme was inaugurated rather for political 
purposes than with any hope or exjiectation of bene- 
fiting the public. 

Nothing had been done toward utilizing the power 
of Merrimac River, until Mr. Daniel Saunders, then 
a resident of Andover, believing that valuable power 
could be attained at this point, took steps to interest 
capitalists in a new enterprise here. 

Mr. Saunders, who " had learned the business of 
cloth-dressing and wood-carding in his native town, 
Salem, N. H., removed to Andover in 1817, and after 
working on a farm, entered the mill of Messrs. Abel 
and Paschal Abbott, where he ultimately obtained an 
interest in the busin&ss, taking a lease and managing 
the mill, — subsequently returned to his native town 
and started a woolen-mill there, but returned to An- 
dover in 1825, settling in the North Parish, for a 
time leasing the Stone Mill, erected by Dr. Kittredgc, 
and afterward building a mill on a small stream that 
flows into the Cochichewick. In 18,31) or '40 he pur- 
chased a mill in Concord, N. 11., and carried on 
manufacturing there, retaining his home in North 
Andover. About 1842 he relinquished the woolen- 
mill at N. Andover, sold his house to Mr. Sutton and 
removed to the West Parish, now South Lawrence, 
nearly opposite the Shawsheen House.' " Here he 
passed the remainder of his days, ceasing from the 
labors of a busy life (Jctober 8, 1872, ret. seventy-six. 
It was quite natural that having thus been engaged 
in manufactures, that the falls in the Merrimac so 
near to his residence should suggest to him the pos- 
sibilities and capabilities of the river. To him, there- 
iVire, must be credited the foresight and sagacity of 
securing quietly in his own right the talis above the 
present dam, — known as Peter's Falls, — which virtu- 
ally gave him control of the water-power of the river 
at this point. The development of this power would 
require a large outlay of money, and further progress 
must depend upon the willingness of capitalists to 
embark in such an onterpri.se. Messrs. .1. (r. Abbott, 
a nephew of Mr. Saunders, Samuel Lawrence and 
John Nesmith, of Lowell, to whom Mr. .Saunders had 
communicated what he had done, readily undertook 
to interest others, and in 1843 Samuel Lawrence, J. 
G. Abbott, John Nesmith, Judge Thomas Hopkin- 

1 Sarah L. Bailey, History of Andover. 



866 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



son, Jonathan Tyler, Chas. W. Saunders, of Lowell, 
Daniel Saunders, Daniel Saunders, Jr., Gayton P. 
Osgood, Nathaniel Stevens, Joseph Kittredge, of Au- 
dover, Edmund Bartlett, of Newliuryport, John 
Wright, Josiah G. White, Joseph H. Billings and 
Henry Poor (perhaps others), formed the Merrimac 
Water-Power Association, of which Samuel Lawrence 
was chosen president and treasurer, and Daniel Saun- 
ders agent. 

At the winter session of the Legislature of 1844-45 
this company petitioned for a charter, which was 
granted, and the act was approved by Gov. Briggs in 
March, 1845. 

" Charter 1844. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gener- 
al Court assembled, and by the authority of the Same as follows : 

"Sect. I. Samuel Lawrence, John Nesmith, Daniel Saunders and 
Edmund Bartlett, their Associates and Successors, are hereby made a 
corporation, by the name of the Essex Conjpany, for the purpose of 
constructing a dam across Merrimack river, and constructing one or 
more locks and canals in connection with said dam, to remove ob 
structions in said river by falls and rapids, from Hunt's Falls to the 
mouth of Shawsheen river, and to create a water-power to use, or sell, 
or lease to other persons or Corporations, to use for manufacturing and 
mechanical purposes ; and for these purposes, shall have all the powers 
and privileges, and be subject to ail the duties and liabiUties and re- 
strictions set forth in the 38th and 44th Chapters of the Revised Sta- 
tutes. 

"Sect. II. Said Corporation may hold real estate notexceeding, exclu- 
sive of the expenditure for the dam & Canals, three hundred thousand 
dollars. And the whole capital stock of said corporation shall not ex- 
ceed one million dollars, and said stock shall be divided into shares not 
exceeding one hundred dollars each. 

"Sect. III. The said corporation is hereby authorized and empowt-red 
to construct and maintain a dam across said river, either at Deer Jump 
Falls, or Bodwell's Falls, or some point in said river between said falls, 
and all such canals and locks as may be necessary fur the purposes 
aforesaid ; and for the purpose of making said dam. and constructing the 
main canal for navigation or transports, may take, occupy and iuclost- 
any of the lands adjoining said .canals and locks, or dam, which may be 
necessary for building or repairing the same, for towing paths and other 
necessary purposes, not exceeding twenty feet on each side of said canal 
or locks, and may blow up and remove any rocks in said river, and dig 
in any of the lands near the said river, through which it may be neces- 
sary to pass said main Qana\, provided that said corporation shall not 
obstruct the passage of rafts, masts, or floats of timber down ssiid river, 
earlier than the tirst day of June, in building said dam, nor keep the 
same obstructed for a longer time than five months before the opening 
of said canal for the passage thereof. 

"Sect. IV. If there shall be occasion, in the prosecution of the pow- 
ers and purposes aforesaid, to make a canal across any public highway, 
or if highways shall hereafter be laid outacrosssuchcanal.it shall be 
the duty of said corporation to make sufficient bridges across said canal, 
and to keep them in good repair. 

"Sect. V. The said corporation shall make and maintain in the dam 
60 built by them across said river, suitable and reasonable fishways, to be 
kept open at such seasons as are necessary and usual for the passage of 
fish. 

" Sect. YI. The said corporation shall erect, and forever maintain such 
canal and locks as shall be necessary around any dam constructed by 
them ; the lock to be not less than twenty feet in width, and ninety feet 
in length ; and said canal shall be so constmcted, that there shall be 
easy, safe and convenient access to, and egress from, the same, with 
fastenings and moorings fer the reconstruction of rafts or floats, after 
the egress ; and sliall be free, and not subject to any charges whatever 
for the passage of rafts of wood and lumber, masts and floats of timber, 
and bo tended by a keeper employed by said corporation, and opened at 
all reasonable times, promptly, for such passage. 

Sect. VII. The fishways in said dam, and the entrance and exit of said 
canal, and the moorings and fastenings at the exit, shall he made to the 
satisfaction of the County Commissioners of the County of Essex, who 
shall, on application to them by said corporation, after due notice, in 



such manner as they shall deem reasonable, to all persons interested 
therein, and a hearing of the parties, prescribe the mode of cnnetructing 
the same ; and any person who shall be dissatisfied with the construction 
thereof, when the same are completed, may make complaint to said 
County Commiasioners, setting forth that the same, or either of them, 
are not constructed according to the prescription of said commissioners : 
and said commissionere, after due notice as aforesaid, shall proceed to 
examine the same, and shall accept the same, if they shall be of opinion 
that they are luilt and made according to such prescriptions ; or if they 
shall be of opinion that the same are not made according to the pre- 
scription, may require the same to be further made and completed 
till they shall be satisfied to accept the same : and the expenses of said 
commissioners, in such examination shall be paid by said corporation. 

"Sect. VIII. Any person who shall be damaged in his property by 
said corporation, in cutting or making canals through his land, or by 
flowing the same, or in any other way in carrying into effect the powers 
hereby granted, unless said corporation shall, within thirty days after re- 
quest in writing, pay or tender to said person a reasonable satisfaction 
therefor, shall have the same remedies as are provided by law for persons 
damaged by railroad corporations, in the 3!>th Chap, of the Revised 
Statutes. 

"Sect. IX. For the purpose of reimbursing said corporation in part 
for thf; cost and expense of keeping said locks and canals in repair, and 
in tending the same, and in clearing the passages necessary for the 
transit of boats and merchandise, and other articles through said canal, 
the following toll is hereby established and granted to said corporation, 
on all goods, boats and merchandise, except rafts of wood and lumber 
masts and floats of timber passing down said canal, and on all goods car- 
ried up through said canal, namely : on salt, lime, plaster, bar iron, pig 
iron, iron castings, anthracite coal, stone and hay, eight cents per ton of 
twenty-two hundred and forty pounds ; on bituminous coal, twelve cents 
per chaldron of thirty-six bushels ; on brick, sixteen cents per thousand • 
on manure, fifty cents per load ; on oak timber, thirty-five cents per ton 
of forty cubic feet ; on pine plank and boards, thirty cents per thousand, 
board measure ; on ash and other hard stuff, forty cents per thousand, 
board measure; on posts and rails, fifteen cents per bundled; on tree 
nails, thirty cents per thousand ; on hop poles, twenty cents per thou- 
sand ; on hard wood, twenty cents per cord ; on pine wood, sixteen cents 
per cord ; on bark, twenty cents per cord ; on white oak pipe staves, one 
dollar per thousand ; on red oak pipe staves, sixty-seven cents per thou- 
sand; on white oak hogshead staves, sixty cents per thousand ; on red 
oak hogshead staves, forty cents per thousand ; on white oak barrel 
staves, twenty cents per thousand ; on hogshead hoojis, sixteen cents per 
thousand; on barrel hoops, twelve cents per thousand; on hogshead 
hoop-poles, thirty i-ents per thousand ; on barrel hoop poles, twenty cents 
per thousand ; on all articles of merchandise not enumerated, ten cents 
per ton of twenty-two hundred and forty pounds ; provided that the rates 
of toll aforesaid shall be subject to the direction of the Legislature. 

"Sect. X. The said dam shall not be built to flnw the water in said 
river higher than the foot of Hnnfs Falls in tlie ordinary run and 
amount of water in the river, and a commission of three competent per- 
sons, to be appointed, one by the said corporation, and one by the pro- 
prietors of the locks and canals of Merrimac River ; and a third by the 
two thus appointed, shall, upon the application of either party, fix and 
determine, by permanent monuments, the point in said river, which is 
the foot of Hunt's Falls ; and shall also, upon the like application, fix 
and determine the height of the dam of this corporation, and of the flash - 
hoards to he used thereon, whose award and determination shall be fina] 
and binding upon all parties forever. And if either party shall refuse, 
after request in writing by the other, for the space of thirty days, to 
name such commissioner, or in case of a vacancy in such commission, for 
any cause, either party may apply to the Governor of this Common- 
wealth, who is hereby empowered to fill such vacancy. And the said 
point of the foot of Hunt's Falls shall be fixed within sixty days after 
such application to the commissioners, and the height of the permanent 
dam shall be fixed and determined within one year after such applica- 
tion. 

Sect. XI. This act shall take efifect from and after its passage. (Ap- 
proved by the Governor March 20, 1845.) " 

On the same day that the act received the approval 
of the Governor, a party of gentlemen, the pioneers 
in the establishment of American manufactures, vis- 
ited the Falls at Andover, and before the close of the 
day had purchased of the Water-Power Association 



LAWRENCE. 



867 



all their right and interests in the Falls for the stipu- 
lated sum of $30,000. This party included Abbott 
Lawrence, William Lawrence, Samuel Lawrence, 
John A. Lowell, George W. Lyman, Nathan Apple- 
ton, Theodore Lyman, Patrick T. Jackson, William 
Sturgis, John Xesmith, Jonathan Tyler, and the 
engineers, .Tames B. Francis and Charles S. Storrow. 

Ou the 22d (two days later), subscriptions were 
received to the stock of the new company, Mr. Abbott 
Lawrence heading the list by a subscription to one 
thousand shares of one hundred dollars each ; others 
followed in varying sums — fifty, forty, thirty, twenty 
and ten thousand dollars each, and less, until the 
whole amount of stock, one million dollars, was 
taken, and with little delay, for on the IGth of April 
following the company organized by the choice of 
Abbott Lawrence, Nathan Appleton, Patrick T. Jack- 
son, John A. Lowell, Ignatius Sargent, William 
Sturgis and Charles S. Storrow as Directors. 

At the first meeting of the Directors, Abbott Law- 
rence was elected President, and remained in office 
till his decease, with the exception of the time when 
he was the American Minister to England, when J. 
Wiley Edmands occupied the position. Mr. Storrow 
was the Treasurer and General Agent of the Company 
till 1882, when he was succeeded by the present 
Treasurer, How-ard Stockton. 

A very cursory glance at the history of these men 
will suffice to show that they were eminently qualified 
for the task they had undertaken of founding a new 
town. 

Patrick Tracy Jackson, the youngest son of Hon. 
Jonathan Jackson, of Newburj^iort, was born August 
14, 1780; received his early education in the public 
schools of his native town, and afterward at Dummer 
Academy, Byfield. When about fifteen, he was appren- 
ticed to Mr. William Bartlett, a merchant of New- 
huryport. At the age of twenty-eight, he engaged in 
mercantile business in Boston, his acquaintance with 
the East India trade (he had made several voyages 
to India) specially fitting him for that branch of 
bu.siness ; and he continued in the East and West 
Indies trade till the breaking out of the War of 1812. 
At this time, his brother-in-law, Francis C. Lowell, 
who had returned from a long visit to England and 
Scotland, conceived the idea that the cotton manu- 
facture, then almost monopolized by Great Britain, 
might be advantageously prosecuted at home. We 
had the raw material ; and the character of our popu- 
lation — educated, moral, enterprising — could not fail, 
he thought, to secure success, though England had 
the advantage of cheap labor, imi^roved machinery, 
and reputation.' Most of us, at the present day, sur- 
rounded as we are with manufacturing establishments, 
are not apt to realize the boldness of this undertaking, 
or the obstacles to be overcome. Neither machinerv, 
patterns, nor drawings could be had from England, 

* Mrs. E. Yale Smith's History of Xewbur\'port. 



for we were then at war ; and even in time of peace, it 
would not have been an easy task, since it was but a 
few years before (1809) that William Hewitt was fined 
at the Middlesex Sessions in the sum of £500 and 
imprisoned for three months, for enticing an English 
artificer, John Hutchinson, a dyer, to emigrate with 
him to the United States, to be employed in a cotton 
manufactory ; and Hutchinson himself was put under 
bonds to remain at home. Messrs. Knapp & Baldwin, 
attorneys at law, in writing of this case, proceed to 
say : " This is an offence against the law, of which 
few are aware of the consequences, or of the national 
loss arising from its infraction ; yet it is a statute 
which — as a nation of trade and agriculture, of the 
arts and sciences — is highly necessary to the welfare 
of our country. To have the secrets of our inventions 
clandestinely carried into foreign countries, must cer- 
tainly rob us of a part of the fruit of our ingenuity, 
and co)ise<juentli/ reduce the price of labor,'' &c.^ 

At this time there was not a power loom in the 
United States — mills for spinning were in operation — 
but weaving was performed by hand-looms. Mr. 
Lowell associating with himself his brother-in-law, 
Mr. Jackson, in the enterprise which he proposed to 
undertake, gave his first attention to the invention of 
a power-loom. Partially successful in this, he called 
to his aid Mr. Paul Moody, an ingenious mechanic of 
Newburyport, subsequently eminent at Lowell. The 
loom, after some alterations, was brought to comple- 
tion, other machinery invented, and in 1813 the 
"Boston JIanufacturing Company," at Waltham, was 
chartered, and erected the fir.st mill, complete in 
itself, which converted the raw cotton into finished 
cloth.-* Of this company Mr. Jackson became Presi- 
dent. In 1817, after Mr. Lowell's death, Mr. Jackson 
relinquished mercantile pursuits and devoted his 
attention to manufacturing. In 1821 he purchased 
the Pawtucket Canal, and secured the water-power of 
the Merrimack at Chelmsford, and thus laid the foun- 
dation for the town, which was incorporated in 1825, 
under the name of Lowell, in honor of his friend and 
co-worker, Francis C. Lowell. On the completion of 
the Jlerriniack Manufacturing Company's mills, Mr. 
.Tackson became a director. He was Treasurer of the 
Hamilton Mills, Lowell, 1829 to 1832; also Treasurer 
of the Proprietors of Locks and Canals, 1838 to 184.5. 

In 1830, better facilities being needed for trans- 
porting the products of the new mills to the seaboard 
than were offered by the old-time canal and baggage- 
wagon, Mr. Jackson, in connection with Mr. Kirk 
Boott, determined upon the new project of a Railway. 
They had watched with much interest the proceedings 
of Mr. Stephenson in England, and the apparent suc- 



- See *' Newgate Calendar," vol. 5, LoDdoti. 

^ The first mill for producing yarn by machinery was built at Beverly, 
I78'j, the members of that corporation being John, George, Andrew and 
Deborah Cabot, Joshua Fisher, Henry Higginson, Moses Browu, Israel 
Thurudike and Isaac Chapman. This was a brick mill, driven by horse- 
power, and was assisted by the State. 



868 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cess of Stephenson's experiments encouraged the 
Legislature to grant a charter for the purpose of car- 
rying out the project. Engineers were consulted here 
and abroad, and the first passenger railroad in New 
England, the Boston and Lowell, was opened for 
travel in 1835. 

Nathan Appleton was a son of Deacon Isaac Ap- 
pleton, of New Ipswich, N. H., and a descendant of 
Captain Samuel Appleton, of Ipswich, who com- 
manded the Massachusetts troops in the Indian war 
known as King Philip's war, 1075. He was born in 
1779, and, after fitting himself at the New Ipswich 
Academy, entered Dartmouth College at the age of 
fifteen. He changed his plans and went into mer- 
cantile business with his brother Samuel in Boston. 
In 1810 he made a visit to Europe for the purpose of 
extending his business relations ; and while there met 
with Francis C. Lowell, and became interested in his 
plans of introducing manufactures in the United 
States, and on his return was associated with Messrs. 
Lowell & Jackson as one of the proprietors of the 
Waltham Factory. He was also associated with Mr. 
Jackson and Kirk Boott in the purchase of the 
water-power at Pawtucket Falls, and was the pro- 
jector and largest proprietor of the Hamilton Com- 
pany at Lowell. 

Mr. Appleton was in the Massachusetts Legislature 
in 1815, and served till 1827, and three years later 
(1830) was elected to the House of Representatives in 
the United States Congress. 

On the expiration of his term he declined a re- 
election, but in 1842 was again elected to supply the 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Winthrop. 
He was the author of several pamphlets on currency, 
banking and the tariff'. 

Robert C. Winthrop wrote a memorial of him, in 
which he says, — 

"Pei-siatent courage and inflexible integrity' were indeed tbe two 
leading elements of Mr. Appleton's character, and coiiHtitiited the se- 
crets of his great success. To tliese, more than to any thing else, he 
owed his fortune and his fame. He displayed his boldness by embarking 
in untried enterprises, by advocating unpopular doctrines, by resisting 
popular prejudices, by confronting tbe most powerful and accomplished 
opponents in oral or written arguments, and by shrinking from no con- 
trovei-sy into which the independent expression of his opinions might 
lead him. His integrity was manifested where all the world might read 
it, in the daily doings of a long mercantile career, and in the principles 
which he inculcated in so many forms of moral, commercial and linau- 
eial discussion." 

And in 18G1 Mr. Winthrop again writes, — 

*' Not many men, indeed, have exercised a more important influence 
among us during the last half-century than the late Hon. Nathan Apple- 
ton ; not many men have done more than be has done in promoting the 
interests and sustaining the institutions to which New England has 
owed so nuich of its prosperity and welfare. No man bas done more 
by example and by precept to elevate the standard of mercantile 
character, and to exhibit the pureuits of commerce in proud association 
with the highest integrity, liberality and ability." i 

A street in Lawrence bears his name, on which are 
located two of the public buildings, the city hall and 
court-house. 

1 See " History of New Ipswich," N. E. H. G. Society Biographies. 



John Amory Lowell was son of John Lowell and 
grandson of Judge Lowell of the United States Cir- 
cuit Court. He graduated (Harvard College 1815) at 
the age of sixteen, and commenced his business edu- 
cation at the house of Kirk Boott & Sons, to whose 
business he succeeded in partnership with the eldest 
son, Mr. John Wright Boott. 

In 1827 he was treasurer of the Boston Manufactur- 
ing Company at Waltham, succeeding Patrick T. 
Jackson, and held that position till 1844. In 1835 he 
built the Boot mill at Lowell, and was treasurer of 
the Boott Company thirteen years, and, as president 
and director till his death, contributed largely 
to its success. 

In 1839 he built the Massachusetts Mills, of which 
he was also the treasurer till 1848 and a director 
through life ; was also a director in the Lake Com- 
pany and the Lowell machine-shop. He was asso- 
ciated with Abbott Lawrence and others in the crea- 
tion of the Essex Company at Lawrence and a di- 
rector of the Pacific Mills until age compelled him to 
relinquish some of his cares. 

Mr. Lowell was also for fifty-nine years a director 
of the Suflolk Bank, Boston, and in 1824 originated 
the system of redemption of country bank notes. He 
was also one of the fellows of Harvard College for 
forty years, and for a longer period trustee of the 
Lowell Institute. He was an accomplished classical 
scholar, an eminent mathematician, an able botanist 
and a rare linguist. (Tenerous in his impulse's, he 
delighted in aiding younger men, and was always 
ready to give to any cause that appealed to his gen- 
erosity. Such a union of business capacitj', literary 
and scientific attainments, unsullied integrity and un- 
ostentatious generosity, formed a rare combination, 
and enabled him in a long life of untiring industry to 
do much for the advancement of his generation, and 
to add a lustre to the honored name he bore. Born 
November 11, 1798, he died October 31, 1881.-' 

Hon. Charles S. Storrow graduated from Harvard 
College 182it, and subsequently pursued his studies 
three years in the School of Engineers and Jlines, 
at Paris, France. He was one of the engineers en- 
gaged in building our first New England Railway, 
and on its completion, became its general manager 
for several years, and until the new enterprise at 
Lawrence was commenced, when he was appointed 
agent and treasurer of the new company, and at first 
its engineer. The first step to be taken was the con- 
struction of the dam, and this was planned and its 
construction commenced under his direction ; and if 
nothing else remained, this alone would be an endur- 
ing memento of his thorough and .skilful work. On 
the completion of the Atlantic Cotton Mills, which 
were built by the Essex Company, Mr. Storrow be- 
came the treasurer. On the establishment of the 
first Bank (the Bay State), he was its first president. 

1 From " Records of Old Residents' Association," Lowell. 



LAWRENCE. 



869 



And when the town adopted a City charter, he was 
very appropriately elected its first mayor. In the 
multifarious duties devolving upon him in the prose- 
cution of the plans of the company, in 1840 he 
called to his aid as engineer Capt. Charles H. Bige- 
low, a graduate of West Point Military Academy, 
who had lieeu captain in the Corps of United States 
Engineer.^, and was then employed on the forts in 
Boston Harbor, and Mr. Storrow gave his attention 
mainly to the financial and general affairs of the 
company. Having seen the City grow to its present 
proportions, and the company fully and successfully 
established, he removed to Boston. He resigned his 
office as treasurer and agent in 18S2, and was suc- 
ceeded by Howard Stockton, but retains his interest 
in the company, being its president at the present 
time. He was, for a short time, one of the Park 
Commissioners of the City of Boston, and also con- 
sulting engineer at one time of the Hoosac Tunnel, 
and in 1862, at the request of the Commissioners, 
made a visit to Europe, to examine the European 
tunnels, — upon which he made au extremely inter- 
esting and elaborate report, which was published, and 
furnished much valuable information in the prosecu- 
tion of the work. 

Abbott Lawrence, born in Groton December Iti, 
1792, received his education at the district scIkioI and 
academy in that town, now known in consequence 
of the benefactions of the family as Lawrence Acade- 
my. At the age of sixteen he went to Boston as an 
apprentice to his elder brother, Amos, and six years 
later, 1814, at the age of twenty-one, he became a 
partner in the house of A. and A. Lawrence, which, 
for a long series of years, deservedly held a very high 
place in the mercantile community of that City. 

Under the influence of the War of 1812 the manu- 
facture of cotton goods in New England had largely 
increa.sed, but the methods of manufacture were im- 
perfect. The return of peace gave the movement a 
severe check. It took a fresh start in connection witii 
improved machinery, and made a prosperous advance 
under the tariff of 181U, which Messrs. Calhoun and 
Lowndes, of South Carolina, were so prominent in 
framing into law, and in connection with which Mr. 
Clay first appeared as the advocate of " a thorough 
and decided protection to home manufactures by 
ample duties.'' The tarifl'of 1824 still further pro- 
moted the manufacture of both cotton and woolen 
fabrics. 

Originally importers of foreign goods, the Messrs. 
Lawrence engaged early, in the sale of cotton and 
woolen goods of American manufacture, and became 
large proprietors in the Lowell Mills, ceasing to im- 
port, and beconnng for a long period the leading 
house for the sale of American fabrics. When the 
new enterprise at Lawrence was projected, Mr. Law- 
rence, as has been previously stated, took a promi- 
nent part, and on the completion of the Atlantic 
Cotton Mills, in which he was a large stockholder, 



he became president of that company, and later, in 
1853, he was president of the Pacific Mills Company, 
in which office he continued till the close of his life. 

During the year following the organization of the 
comjjany, and many years afterward, the territory 
was a scene of intense and phenomenal activity. 
The dam and canal were constructed, boarding- 
houses and a hotel erected (the Franklin House), the 
large machine-shop constructed, saw and planing-mills 
built, and the entire region cut, gashed and seamed 
in the laying out of streets, the construction of sewers, 
building gas-works and water-works, and in sales of 
land and in planting trees, which now furnish a 
grateful shade and add so much to the beauty of 
many of the principal streets. 

Their first and most important work was the dam. 
This was designed by the agent of the company (Mr. 
Storrow), and at the time of its construction, was the 
longest of its kind in the world. The whole length 
is one thousand six hundred and twenty-nine feet ; 
distance between the wing walls nine hundred feet. 
It is thirty-five feet thick at the base and three 
or three and one-half feet at the top ; built of 
granite, laid in cement, arching toward the stream 
fifteen feet ; the lower course of stone bolted to the 
ledge at the bottom of the river. Greatest height 
forty and one-half feet, mean height thirty-two feet, 
average fall of water twenty-six feet. Three years 
were occupied in the construction, and it is, and will 
remain, an enduring monument of skill, firm as the 
natural ledges upon which it is constructed. 

A serious accident happene<l during its construc- 
tion, by the partial destruction of the cofier dam. 
Two men were killed and t\\e injured by the acci- 
dent, and the engineer, Capt. Bigelow, barely escaped 
with his life. He was temporarily disabled, and the 
cotter dam was repaired by Capt. Phineas Stevens. 

The first stone of the dam was laid on the lyth of 
September, 1845, at five o'clock p.m., near the centre 
of the river, by John A. Carpenter, of the firm of 
Gilmore & Carpenter, the contractors, and the last 
stone was placed on the 19th of September, 1848, at 

P.M. 

The canal on the north side of the river, a little 
more than one mile in length, runs parallel with the 
river and four hundred feet distant, and on the space 
thus enclosed are constructed the large mills which 
occupy the entire territory as far as Union Street ; 
while below are the Lawrence Woolen-Mills, Law- 
rence Machine Company, Davis' Foundry, Webster's 
Grist-Mills, the Wright Braid Company, Duslin & 
Webster's machine-shop and others. The Everett 
Mills receive their water from the canal and dis- 
charge into the Spicket, as does the Russell Paper 
Company in part, while below the terminus of the 
canal other establishments receive water by a penstock 
carried across the Spicket River, discharging into the 
Merrimac. 

The total cost of the dam and canal, including in- 



870 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



terest, damages, detention to fisheries and naviga- 
tion, engineering and general expenses was $525,- 
773.76. The canal is one hundred feet wide at its com- 
mencement, narrowing to sixty feet at the waste 
weir, and 12 feet deep, and is connected with the 
Merriraac by gnard-locks, made of hammered stone 
laid in cement, ninety-five feet by twenty-one feet 
each. 

A smaller canal on the south side of the river, pro- 
jected to extend as far as Union Street, has been 
more recently built, which is sixty feet wide and ten 
feet deep, furnishing power to the Lawrence Bleach- 
ery, the Prospect Worsted Mills, paper-mills, leather 
board mills and other establishments. 

Other larger enterprises of the company were the 
building of the machine-shop and foundry, the first 
stone for the foundry being laid July 10, 1846. The 
main building was four hundred by sixty, and four 
stories high, built of stone ; and the foundry, also of 
stone, was one hundred and fifty by eighty-six, 
two stories in height, the two giving employment to 
six hundred or eight hundred men. 

The company also commenced building the Atlan- 
tic mills and boarding-house-, in 184G, and have since 
built the Pemberton, Duck and Pacific Hills. They 
also excavated a lumber-dock, established the lumber- 
yard, with saw and planing-mills, which they owned 
and operated till they ceased building mills, when 
this property was sjld. 

Among those who were employed by the Essex 
Company to execute their plans were Hiram P. Cur- 
tis and Joseph Bennett, Benjamin and Thomas B. 
Coolidge, James K. Barker, among the early en- 
gineers, and in 1846 Captain Charles H. Bigelow be- 
came chief engineer, with the Messrs. Coolidge as 
assi.^tants. Deacon William M. Kimball had charge 
of the company's lumber-yard, with Luther Ladd as 
foreman, the latter of whom after the sale of the yard 
became agent and treasurer of the Lawrence Lumber 
Company. The late Abiel R. Chandler had for 
twenty years the care of the dam and guard-locks 
(died M.ay 28, 1887), and George Sanborn had charge 
of the company's repairs from the beginning and is 
still in service. Among those who as contractors or 
otherwise were engaged in building were John A. 
Carpenter, one of the contractors for building the 
dam, Morris Knowles, Harrison D. Clement and his 
partner. William H. Page, Levi Sprague, Isaac 
Fletcher, Williani H. Boardraan, Stephen P. Sim- 
mons, William Sullivan and John Hart. 

Of these Isaac Fletcher, born in Maine, 1809, was 
in partnership with William H. Boardmau in Bangor 
till 1846, when they came to Lawrence and engaged 
in the quarries of the Essex Company, furnishing 
large amounts of stone for the dam, and continued in 
that business together or separately during most of 
the time of their residence. In 1846 Mr. Fletcher es- 
tablished the Monumental Marble Works, now con- 
ducted by John Leonard, was one of the building 



committee of the First Baptist Churcli, and superin- 
tended its construction, and was one of the selectmen 
of the town in 1849. He died August 20, 1885. 

Harrison D. Clement was born in Warner, N. H., 
May 17, 1809, a lineal descendant of Robert Clement, 
one of the earliest settlers of Haverhill, Mass. At 
the age of eighteen he learned the trade of carpenter 
and joiner at Peterboro', N. H., and in 1830 com- 
menced work on the old town-house on Merrimack 
Stre^, Lowell, and at the Merrimac Mills and Lowell 
Machine-shop. In 1831 he went to Baltimore, and 
thence to Washington, where he was employed on 
the old post-office, then being fitted up. Finding the 
moral atmosphere uncongenial he returned to Lowell 
in 1832, where he remained five years, assisting in 
building the Suftblk, Tremont and Lawrence corpora- 
tions, and ten years longer in repairs on the Lawrence 
corporation : removed to Lawrence in 1846, where he 
built for the Essex Company the fifty tenements 
forming the square bounded by Union, Orchard, Gar- 
den and Newbury Streets, fend in partnershi]> with 
Wm. R. Page (who died in Kansas October 19, 1879). 
also from Lowell, fitted up the shop over the Essex 
Company's Phming Mill. He continued in partner- 
ship with Mr. Page four years, engaged in building 
principally for the Essex Company, boarding-house 
blocks, also mechanics" tenements for the Atlantic cor- 
poration, the First Baptist Church and dwelling- 
houses. In 1851 the partnership was dissolved, and 
for five years Mr. Clement was engaged in building 
the boarding-house blocks and overseers' tenements 
for the Pacific, Pemberton and other corporations, a 
portion of the Oliver School-House, and private 
dwelling-houses in Lawrence and elsewhere. In 1856 
he entered into partnership with Leonard F. Creasy, 
and continued and extended the building of board- 
ing-houses and tenements for the Everett and Wash- 
ington corporations, store-houses and tenements for 
the paper-mills, etc. They also extended their oper- 
ations beyond Lawrence, building the larger class of 
buildings, such as churches, school-houses, court- 
houses, hotels and bank buildings, and government 
buildings in the navy yards at Kittery, Charlestown 
and Norfolk, \'a. The partnership with Mr. Creasy 
continued for twenty years, from 1856 to 1876. He 
remained, however, a silent partner in the firm of 
Creasy & Noyes, who built the Insane Asylum at 
Danvers, and a cotton-mill at Dover, N. H. After 
the dissolution of this late partnership, Jlr. Clement 
engaged in rebuilding a portion of the Old Catholic 
Cathedral at Cape Haytien, for the Republic of Hayti, 
which had been in ruins for many years. 

He had neither time nor ambition for practical 
honors, but served one year as an assessor of taxes, 
and represented the city in the Legislature in 1861 
and 1862. Mr. Clement died 1886. 

Hon. James K. Barker was born in Londonderry, 
May, 1817, removed to Methuen, 1838, where he was 
employed as a teacher in the public schools (and as 



LAWRENCE. 



871 



master in one of the earliest terms of the grammar- 
school in Lawrence), studied engineering and archi- 
tecture, and in 1845 removed to Lawrence and entered 
the service of the Essex Company, and after remain- 
ing with the company several years, opened an office 
on his own account. Most of the street.s and building 
lots and sewers up to the time of his decease were 
surveyed and laid out by him, and he was the archi- 
tect of the Courthouse and Central Block. He wa.s 
several years a member of the school committee, and 
in 1860 was elected mayor, serving during the first 
year of the war. Died January 1.3, 1868. 

Morris Knowles, born in Northwood, N. H., came 
hither, also from Lowell, where he had been employedi 
and superintended all the wood-work of the large 
machine-shop buildings, and of all the large mills 
except the Bay State, and during the past year has 
been actively at work for the Arlington Company. 

Stephen P. Simmons, a native of Rhode Island, 
came to Lawrence in 1847. He a.ssisted in work on 
the dam, built the stone chimney of the Lawrence 
Machine-Shop Company, and other large amounts ol 
stone-work for the Essex Company. He also con- 
structed Grace Episcopal Church, the stone church at 
Methuen and the foundations of the Lawrence jail. 

William Sullivan was contractor for most of the ex- 
cavation and tilling during the construction of the 
large mills and boarding-houses. 

Levi Sprague constructed the brick-work of the At- 
lantic mills and boarding-houses, and of the fifty 
brick tenements of the machine-shop, and was largely 
engaged otherwise in early building. 

The first ca.shier of the company during its earliest 
and busiest years was (ieo. P. Cabot, who resigned in 
January, 18.53, and after a short period of rest became 
agent of the Lawrence Gas Company. He was suc- 
ceeded by John R. Rollins who remained somewhat 
more than eleven years till the summer of 1864, when 
Henry H. Hall became cashier, succeeded by Hon. 
Robert H. Tewksbury. Present organization, — Hon. 
Chas. S. Storrow, president; Howard Stockton, treas- 
urer; Hiram F. Mills, chief engineer. 

The first dwelling-houses erected after the incorpor- 
ation of the company, were built by them on the 
westerl}- side of Broadway — one of wliich was occu- 
pied by Mr. and Mrs. Timothy O.sgood, who for many 
years, there and later in another part of the city, kepi 
an exceedingly good and popular boarding-house. 

The first sale of laud was made in April, 1846, to 
Samuel T. Merrill, w'ho came from CTCorgetown, and 
on this he erected the first <lwelling-house in town 
after tliose built by the Essex Company — others fol- 
lowed rapidly. But many came without pecuniary 
means, among them many Irish laborers, who must 
in some way be provided for — for them the Essex 
Company furnished a large tract on the south side of 
the river near the dam on which they might erect 
shanties, only on condition that liquors should not be 
sold on the premises. And the settlement thus 



formed with its quaint narrow avenues and rustic 
division fences was one of the most interesting spots 
in Lawrence, one which visiting strangers were al- 
ways pleased to see. 

These shanties were originally erected cm the north 
side, but as the water was raised by the construction 
of the dam, and the territory west of the railroad was 
occasionally overflowed, the occupants removed to 
the south side to higher and dryer ground. 

The writer has plea.sant recollections of one of these 
men who was among the earliest to build a tasteful 
cottage, about which he arranged a pretty flower 
garden, and surrounded the premises with a neat, 
well-paiuted fence; the interior was as well arranged 
as the exterior, and he took much pride in this ef- 
fort ; some of hi.s neighbors, however, thought he was 
'■ putting on too many airs," and annoyed him at first 
by defacing his work. This did not long continue; 
their own ambition was stimulated, other-, purchased, 
new streets laid out, and the original shanties in a 
few years gave place entirely to sub.stantial buildings. 

The first brick store buildings were erected by J. 
N. Gage on the south side near the bridge in Septem- 
ber, 1846. 

The first on the north side by Albert and .Joseph 
Smith and Daniel Floyd, on Common Street, below 
Xewbury. 

Among the pioneers was Amos 1). Pillsbury, of 
(ieorgetown, who came to procure a shop for the 
manufacture and repair of boots and shoes ; but find- 
ing no place wherein to commence work, he went to 
Newburyport, purchased a gondola, thirty-two by 
twelve feet, on which he built a "State-room," put in 
a stock of boots and shoes, leather, tools, cooking ap- 
paratus and i)rovisions, arrived at the "New City" 
just before the first land sale, anchored in the river 
below the bridge, threw out his plank and commenced 
work. Here he continued till cold weather, when he 
removed to a store on Essex Street, which was then 
ready for his occupancy. 

He built, in 1847, a liuilding near the lower end of 
Common Street, and while J[r. 11. D. Clement was 
l)uilding a house for his own use near by, he boarded 
with him for a .short time. In a paper read before the 
Old Re.sideut.s' Association, Mr. ('lenient thus speaks 
of him : " By persistent interviews with the proprie- 
tor 1 learned that the building was ititended for the 
|>romotion of the arts and sciences, and for the physi- 
cal, mental and moral im]>rovement of wayfaring men, 
and was to be called the Montezuma House. The 
builder himself was a )>rob!em past finding out. From 
his knowledge of ancient lore, and his love of the fine 
arts, he might have been a pupil of some of the old 
masters. From his apt quotations of Scripture, his 
fluency of speech and his broad philosophy, he might 
have been mistaken for a clergyman, while from his 
good looks, his pleasing manners and his generous 
sympathy for all man and womankind, he might have 
been taken for one of our pioneer physicians; and 



872 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



from his knowledge of law and politics, and his skill 
in mystifying the truth, he might have heen taken 
for one of our early Lawrence lawyers. He must 
have been intended by nature for one of our greatest 
men, with some unaccountable mistake made in fin- 
ishing. As the building progressed, I noticed the ab- 
sence of plan or system, and the eccentric oddity of its 
owner, conspicuous in all its parts. The frame from 
its odd appearance, might have done service at some 
remote age in the past; the usual order of proceed- 
ing was reversed by commencing at the top and leav- 
ing off at the cellar, it being raised and the roof cov- 
ered before the cellar was dug, and although I could 
not understand the principle of gravitation and cohe- 
sion that was to keep it up and together, yet he could 
explain it in the most satisfactory way. After a slight 
application of Spanish brown paint, and the word 
Montezuma in large letters somewhere, though not 
where one would expect to see it, the building was 
completed. 

"I sought shelter there late one night, was kindly 
received by the proprietor, who seemed to combine 
within himself the offices of usher, steward, male and 
female waiters, and .sometimes hostler, wan shown to 
a very small room, and was soon asleep, without ex- 
amining the surroundings. On waking the next 
morning I found the room had been newly plastered 
the day previous, the bed clothes wet and slightly 
frozen, and myself with a cold in the head, but 
thought myself fortunate in being able to obtain such 
accommodations, and secured them until my own 
house should be finished. 

'• The furniture was of unique style and of ancient 
date, each piece having a history of its own. The 
ornaments were numerous and varied, consisting 
largely of mottoes and emblems, both sacred and pro- 
fane, usually a mixture of both which none could ex- 
plain or interpret so well as the host himself He had 
also in and about the premises a good supply of cats, 
dogs, fowls of various kinds, also several kinds of 
wild animals, whose habits he could explain ad- 
mirably when he chose to do so, which was not often. 

The tables were an important part of the domestic 
arrangements, as all seemed to be hungry at that time, 
though there were not so many thirsty ones as ap- 
peared later, and although it was a mystery sometimes 
hard to solve whether our food was flesh, fish or fowl, 
and harder yet to learn how it was cooked, and 
though we could find no fault with the tea or coffee, 
not knowing the name of the liquid set before us, it 
all served an excellent purpose and was sure to find 
a ready market. 

There was a furnished room in the basement front, 
but for what purposes it was used were beyond my 
ability to discover. Some inquiries were made if 
liquor was not sold there, but I think there could not 
be, as liquor selling and liquor drinking seemed to be 
the special abhorrence of the proprietor, and I looked 
in several times without seeing any signs of the traffic; 



besides there was an smblem hanging on the wall 
which forbade such a conclusion: it was a painted 
circle with a black dot near the lower edge, which by 
his interpretation signified departed spirits. From 
some of the religious mottoes on the wall, and the 
free quotations of Scripture by the proprietor, the 
company might sometimes be taken for a religious 
class-meeting; from the pictures of fast hor.ses and 
rare animals, and the appearance of the company at 
other times they might have been considered sporting 
characters ; while from the mysterious emblems 
around, and in connection with remarks and expla- 
nations thereon by the owner, they might have been 
mistaken for a branch of the Concord School of Phil- 
osophy. 

Horace Greeley visited the new city about this time, 
and on inquiring for the first class hotel was referred 
by the hackman to the Shawsheen house, and asking if 
they sold liquor there was answered " yes." On in- 
quiring for the second class hotel he was referred 
to the Oak Street House, and repeating his inquiry 
was again answered in the aflirmative, and on inquir- 
ing for the next house was referred to the Montezuma, 
and asking the same question was answered in the 
negative, and the coachman was ordered to drive him 
there. I did not witness his reception, but it must 
have been interesting if the host knew his guest. If 
this original genius did not know how to keep a hotel 
he certainly knew many other things, and I feel sure 
we shall never look upon his like again. After leav- 
ing Lawrence he purchased an island near where 
Rowley River enters Plum Island Sound, where he 
spends his later days with some congenial spirits and 
calls it the Isle of Patmos. 

The first dry goods dealer on the ground was Arte- 
nias W. Stearns (born in Hill, N. H.), who opened a 
store on Amcsbury Street in 184fi. Mr. Stearns erected 
the building on Essex Street in 1854, which he still 
occupies, actively engaged in business. The building 
was enlarged in 1877, and is being still further en- 
larged and improved, 1887, presenting one of the 
finest fronts on the street. 

The oldest clothing dealer in the city is Captain 
William R. Spalding (born in Milton, N. H.), who 
came also in 1840, and still continues in the business. 

Another early trader was John C. Dow, who opened 
and conducted for several years a book and stationery 
store. John Colby opened one a few months pre- 
viously. Mr. Dow subsequently (1872) changed to 
his present business, a dealer in crockery and gla.ss- 
ware. 

Among the early physicians and surgeons the first 
to settle here was Dr. Moses L. Atkinson, born in New- 
bury, Mass., July 14, 1814, graduated at Dartmouth 
College, 18.38, and Harvard Medical School, 1844; 
commenced practice in Lawrence, 184(5, and died July 
13, 18.52, aged thirty-eight. Others early on the 
ground were J. S. Curtis, E. W. Morse, G. W. San- 
born, J. Brown, Charles Murch, E. B. Allen, A. D. 



LAWRENCE. 



873 



Blanchard. who relinquished practice for other busi- 
ness; William D. Lamb, who has retired from prac- 
tice and removed to Southbridge ; Julius 11. JMorse, 
deceased ; Seneca Sargent, born 1803, commenced 
practice 182G, one of the first settlers of Lawrence, 
where he died August 7, 1873 ; Isaac Tewksbury, born 
179/), studied with Dr. Robinson, of West Newbury, 
and Kittredge, of Andover, commenced practice in 
New Hampshire, 1817, came to Lawrence 1847, was in 
continuous practice between sixty and seventy years; 
Aaron Ordway, born 1814, came to Lawrence, 1847, 
as an apothecary and botanic physician, and con- 
tinued in the business for about twenty-five years, re- 
tiring and devoting himself to other pursuits; David 
Dana graduated from Harvard Medical School 1847, 
and after practicing a year in public institutions in 
Boston came to Lawrence, and is the only one re- 
maining of the early physicians now in active prac- 
tice. He served in the Civil War two years as sur- 
geon of the First JIassachusetts Heavy Artillery ; he 
was the first city physician of Lawrence, and also the 
first appointed ibr the jail and house of correction. 

Among the early attorneys were Daniel Saunders, 
Jr., who was on the ground before the Essex Com- 
pany was formed, mayor in ISGO ; Joseph Couch, the 
first trial justice; Henry Flanders, afterwards some- 
what prominent in Philadelphia; Charles Stark 
Newell, who removed to New York City; Dan. 
Weed, who removed to Washington, where he died 
September 5, 1884 ; Perley S. Chase ; Joseph F. Clark; 
Thomas A. Parsons, retired to a fiirm in Derry, N. H. ; 
David J. Clark, graduated at Dartmouth College 
1836, came to Lawrence 1847, removed to Manchester, 
N. H., 1850, in partnership with his brother, Hon. 
Daniel Clark, was postmaster at Manchester 1866, 
deceased ; Ivan Stevens, graduated at Dartmouth 
College 1842, read law with Hon. James Bell and Hon. 
Amos Tuck, commenced practice in Lawrence 1846, 
died April, 1880 ; Thomas Wright, born in Lowell, 
educated at Harvard University, studied law with his 
father, a very prominent lawyer in Lowell, came to 
Lawrence 1846, represented the city in the Massachu- 
setts House of Representatives, and the district four 
times in the Senate; Wm. H. P. Wright, brother of 
the preceding, educated at Cambridge, came to Law- 
rence 1847, continued his studies with Hon. Daniel 
Saunders and with Wright & Flanders, was in partner- 
ship with his brother till 1861, when he was elected 
mayor and served with earnestness and marked abil- 
ity during two years of the war, represented the city 
in the Legislature 1867-68, and was one of the asso- 
ciate justices of the Police Court; Benjamin Board- 
man; Benjamin W. Ball; Nathan W. Harmon.' 

None of the preceding now remain in Lawrence 
except Mr. Saunders and Judge Wright. 

The first grocery store was opened in 1845, on the 
south side of the river, b^' Josiah Crosby, of Billerica. 



55J 



1 See Chapter II. Bench and Bar. 



This was the only stoi-e of its kind for nearly six 
months, and its ledger contained upwards of six hun- 
dred names before another store was opened. In ad- 
dition to groceries Mr. Crosby appears to have been 
the first ice dealer, offering to supply ice from his two 
ice houses, one situated on the south side of the river 
below his store, the other at his farm in North An- 
dover, filled with " lake ice." This store and stock 
was purchased in 1850 by Joseph Shattuck, who, with 
his brother, Charles W. Shattuck, have conducted 
the business since, first at South Lawrence, and later 
in a new brick building built by them on Essex; 
Street, till 1887, when they retired, and were suc- 
ceeded by Henry A. Buell & Co., who had elsewhere 
in the city been long engaged. 

Another early dealer was Charles Smith, who came 
early from Lowell and yet remains here, having also 
retired after a very active and bu.sy life. 

The first lumber dealer, Mr. Hezckiah Plummer, 
born in that part of Andover now included in Law- 
rence. He was engaged in the manufacture of sashes 
and blinds, &c., in 1846, but soon erected asteam mill 
in South Lawrence for supplying lumber for the 
growing wants of the new town. Besides those not 
elsewhere mentioned many others have been promi- 
nent, many of them residents for a long period and 
actively engaged in business, contributing their share 
to its material growth and prosperity. Among them 
may be named one of the earliest dealers in dry goods, 
Joseph O'Hea Cantillon, born in Ireland, 1810, came 
to Lawrence, 1846, was a leading spirit among 
his countrymen and popular with all classes ; he was 
a very active man in temperance work and public af- 
fairs, and was one of the board of as.5essors in 1854. 
He removed to the West, was at one time mayor of the 
city of Dubuque, Iowa, died in 1879. John J. Do- 
land, born in Derry, N. H., August 29, 1826, came to 
Lawrence, 1849, from Manchester, where he had been 
employed in the Amoskeag Mills. He was an over- 
seer in the Atlantic Mills till 1871. Mr. Doland was 
a descendant of patriotic ancestors, and is the oldest 
lineal descendant of one who fought in the Revolu- 
tionary War. He was a member of the distinguished 
military order of the Cincinnati. Eben L. Chapman, 
J. Merrill Currier, Milton Bonney* (mayor in 1865), 
William P. Clark, Peter Holihan, Patrick Sweeney, 
Jordan Bros., Henry M. Whitney, J. P. Kent,* Wil- 
liam H. Bridgman,* Dana Sargent (afterward mayor 
of Nashua, died November 23, 1884), John Beetle 
(died June 20, 1879), John F. Bingham, George B. 
Smart, John Kiley,* John B. Atkinson,* Alonzo 
Briggs (deputy sheriff'), Martin Bros., Albin Yeaw, 
Charles R. Mason, E. J. Mason (died December 4, 
1880), David S. Swan,* James A. Treat (died April 
24, 1886), Henry Barton, Byron Truell (House of 
Representatives 1875, 1876, Senator 1877, 1878), 
Simpson & Oswald, Rufus Reed (died 1886), Charles 



874 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



A. Brown (now of Portland), Joseph Norris,* Carney 
Bros., William A. Kimball* (died March 6, 1880), J. 
Smith Field, Horatio Smith,* Amasa Bryant,* John 
Gale,* A. A. Lamprey, James E. Simpson (mayor 
1878, '79, '80, '85), J. G. Abbott, J. Clinton White, 
M. P. Merrill* (many years an assessor, died June 14, 
1886), Levi Emery,* George W. Hills, John F. Cogs- 
well, William E. Gowing, Lawson Rice, Robert R. 
Whittier, Robert M. Bailey, N. B. Gordon. Another 
of the oldest residents is Samuel M.Davis, who was 
an engineer on the Boston and Maine Rail- 
road, came to Lawrence in 1847, and ran the first lo- 
comotive into town over the new railroad bridge. 
Captain John Smith, one of the earliest, who came in 
1845, died September 19, 1879, aged eighty-seven. 
Ford Bros., Joseph Stowell, Albert Emerson, G. W. 
Chandler, Walker* and Freeman Flanders, H. J. 
Couch, Alonzo Winkley, John Daly, Henry A. Pres- 
cott and Moses Wingate. 

The first marriage in town took place May 15, 1847. 
The parties were Mr. James M. Currier of Lawrence 
and Miss Mary E. Libbey of Conway, N. H. Rev. 
John C. Phillips was the otficiating clergyman. The 
first public marriage occurred October 17, 1847, at the 
Baptist Chapel. Mr. Edwin R. Gage of Lawrence 
and Mrs. Abby B. Richardson of Methuen were mar- 
ried by Rev. John G. Richardson of the Baptist 
Church. 

Mr. William W. Dean of the firm of Dean & Haz- 
eltine, on Broadway, is the first child born of Ameri- 
can parents in Lawrence, having been born in April, 
1847. Mr. A. Joplin of Hampton comes next, who 
was born in February, 1848. 

To go further into details, or to name even the vari- 
ous merchants and mechanics who have grown with 
the growth of the town and city would be making a 
directory, which would be foreign to the purpose of 
the present article. 

During the first years, communication with the 
outside world was by means of the old-fashioned stage- 
coaches. 

*' ST.4GE Registeii FOE 1847. 

" For Manchester, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 8^ A. M., L. 
W. Currier, Driver. 

'* For Salem, every day except Sunday at 2% P. M., Shaclsley & Cle- 
ment, Proprietors. 

" For Lowell, every day 6 and 10 A. M., 2?,^ and 4 P. M., and on Sun- 
day 8 A. BI., Currier & Abbey, Proprietors, Chamberlain & Charles, 
Drivers. 

"For Andover, 634, 8, 10 A. M. ; 2]^, 5'^ P. M., Morrison & Lougee, 
Proprietors & Drivel's." 

Boston and Maine Railroad was extended into 
Lawrence early in 1848. Lowell and Lawrence Rail- 
road was opened July 2, 1848, and extended to North 
Lawrence in 1879. Essex Railroad to Salem opened 
September 4, 1848. Manchester and Lawrence com- 
pleted October, 1849. The Merrimack Valley Horse 
Railroad was incorporated in 18G3, charter renewed 
1866. The incorporators were George D. Cabot, Wm. 



H. P. Wright and Wm. R. Spalding, and the road 
was opened for travel from the Paper-Mills to Me- 
thuen, 1867; extended to North Andover, 1868; and 
to South Lawrence, 1876. Additional facilities for 
travel have been furnished by further extensions in 
1887. The enterprise of doubtful issue at first has 
proved remunerative, and the stock has advanced 
materially in value. Wm. A. Russell has been presi- 
dent and James H. Eaton treasurer from the begin- 
ning. 

Hotels. — Before operations commenced by the 
Essex Company, there were two hotels, the Shawsheen 
House (now called Revere) and the Essex House, 
since converted into a dwelling-house, situated in 
South Lawrence, on the old Londonderry turnpike 
(now Broadway). The first hotel built by the com- 
pany, the Franklin House, was opened November 1, 
1847, by Major T. J. Coburn, previously of the Eastern 
Exchange Hotel, Boston. It has been since kept by J. 
L. Huntress, Charles B. Melvin, Jeflbrd M. Decker, 
Col. Larrabee (formerly of the Merrimack House, 
Lowell), Thomas W. Huse and is now conducted by 
Mrs. C. E. Huse. 

The Merrimack House was built about the same 
time at the corner of Broadway and Tremont Street ; 
this was burned in 1849 and was not rebuilt. The United 
States, another large building in Essex Street, nearly 
completed but not occupied, was also burned in 1859. 
It was somewhat imposing in its external appearance, 
but very cheaply built, and almost as soon as touched 
by fire fell in ruins, as it deserved, but unfortunately 
causing the loss of life of three persons.' Hotels have 
since multiplied, and we have now on the main busi- 
ness street the Essex, Central and Brunswick, besides 
many others of less prominence in other parts of the 
city. 

The Lawrence post-office was opened for the first 
time September 7, 1846, by George A. Waldo, post- 
master. He remained in office three years. William 
Pierce, of Andover, followed for six months, when 
Nathaniel Wilson followed and served four years. 
Mr. Wilson was the first druggist in town, and was for 
eight years city treasurer. By a change of adminis- 
tration Major B. F. Watson became postmaster, and 
held the office eight years. He was succeeded by 
Major George S. Merrill, who retained the position 
twenty-six years, from 1861 to 1887, when Patrick 
Murphy, who had been city treasurer from 1883, was 
appointed to the place. 

From the first sale of lands, April 28, 1846, to Oc- 
tober 10, 1846, the growth of the new settlement had 
been so rapid that the population had increased from 
less than two hundred to .about twenty-five hundred, 
and there had been erected one hundred and thirty- 
five stores, shops and dwelling-houses. The obvious 
inconvenience of taxation, education, etc., in two sep- 



1 George Stanley, a printer ; Frank Henry, auctioneer ; Lyman H. 
Larkin, mill-hand. 



LAWRENCE. 



STo 



arate townships led to a petition to the Legislature 
for a charter for a new town ; this petitiou was opposed 
hy the town of Methuen. 

As early as February, 1S47, a town-meeting was 
called to see what action the town would take on the 
petition of Chas. S. Storrow and others to be set off 
in a new town by the name of Lawrence. The meet- 
ing was well attended, from two hundred to three 
hundred being present. John Davis was chosen to 
preside, and the meeting was addresi^ed by George A. 
Waldo, J. W. Carlton and John Teuney, all in oppo- 
sition to the proposed division. Messrs. Waldo and 
Tenney were chosen a committee to take all honora- 
ble and legal measures to thwart the design of the pe- 
titioners, and to employ counsel if neces-^ary. 

The opposition was unavailing, and on the 17th of 
April, 1847, the Legislature of Massachusetts granted 
a charter to the town of Lawrence, of which the 
following is a copy: {Other names had been sug- 
gested, such as Essex and Merrimack, but Lawrence 
was adopted in honor of the original founders.) 

" SncTioN I. AU the territory now within the towns of Metliuen and 
Andover, in the County of Essex, comprised within the fnilowing limits : 
that is to 8a.y, by a line beginning at the month of Sbawsheen River, at 
its Easterly bank, thence running Southerly by Said Easterly bank t»> a 
Stake at the bend in Said River, a few rods westerly uf the bridge where 
it is crossed by the Salem Turnpike, thence in a straight line westerly to 
a marked stone in the wall at the Easterly corner of the intersection of 
roads by Jacob Barnard's house; thence Nortlierly in a straight line 
across Merrimack R.iver, passing between the house of .\sa Barker and 
that of Ebenezer Barker, on the Tower Hill road, leading from Me- 
thiien to Lowell, to a stake about 2l-i0 feet Northerly from where the 
line crosses said road : thence Northeasterly to a monument on the 
Easterly side of Londonderry Turnpike, psissing a little northerly of 
the house of Abiel Stevens: thence Easterly in a straight line to a 
monument at the intersection of Lawrence Street with the old road 
which runs easterly from Stevens' factory toward Haverhill ; thence 
in a straight line, easterly, passing north of William Swan's house 
through a monument about 400 feet south of the intersfctinii of (he 
roads near said Swan's house, to the line of the town of Andover 
ill Merrimack River: thence running by the said line of Andover 
westerly to the easterly bank of the Shawsheen River at the point 
of starting: is hereby incorporated into a town by the name of Law- 
rence : and the said town of Lawrence is herebj' invested with all the 
privileges, powers, rights and immunities, and subject to all the du- 
ties and retpiisitions to which other towns are entitled and subject, 
by the constitution and laws of this Commonwealth. 

" Section 2. The town of Lawrence shall make and maintain all 
bridges for public highways over the Shawsheen River, so far as the 
easterly bank of sjiid river is a boundary of the said town, including 
the masonry of said bridges on the easterly bank thereof. 

"Section 3. The inhabitants of the said town of Lawrence shall be 
holden to pay all arrears of taxes which have been legally assessed 
upon them by the towns of Methuen and Andover respectively : and 
all taxes heretofore assessed, and not collected, shall bo collected and 
paid to the treasurer of the towns of Methuen and Andover respec- 
tively, in the s;tme manner as if the act had not been passed : and 
alstt their proportion of all County and State taxes that may be as- 
sessed upon them previously to the next State valuation — that is to 
Biiy, two-thirds of the State and county taxes that may be assessed 
upon the town of Methuen, and one-eighth of the State and County 
taxes that may be assessed on the town of Andover, till the next 
State valuation. 

"Section 4. The parts of the said town of Lawrence now belonging 
to the towns of Jlethuen and Andover, respectively, shall remain parts 
of the said towns of Methuen and Andover, for the purpose of elect* 
ing State officers, senators, representatives to Congress, and electors of 
president and vice-president of the United States until the next decen* 
nial census shall be taken in pursuance of tiie i;tth Article of 
Amendment to the Constitution : and the meetings for the choice of 



&uch representatives and other officers aforesaid, shall be called by 
the eclecfmen of said towns, respectively: the selectmen of Lawrencu 
shall make a true list of persons belonging to the territory of oacli 
of said towns hereby incorporated into the town of Lawrence, quali- 
fied to vote at every such election, and the same sliall be taken and 
used by the selectmen of said respective towns fur such elections, in 
the same manner as if prepared by themselves. 

Sections. The said towns of Methuen, Andover and Lawrence shall 
be respectively liable for the support of all who now do or shall here- 
afterstand in need of relief as paupers, whose settlement was gained by, or 
derived from a residence within their respective limits; and the said 
town of Lawrence shall, within one year from the time of its organiza- 
tion under this act, pay to the town of Methuen one thousand dol- 
lars as and for their just proportion of the debts of the town of Me- 
thuen, owing at the time of the piissage of this Act, exclusive of the 
amount of the surplus revenue of the United States in the treasury of 
the town of Methuen : and the town of Lawrence shall also pay two- 
thirds of the amount of said surplus revenue whenever its repayment 
shall be demanded by the United States according to law: and shall 
also pay to the town of Methuen the amount that said town shall 
pay for building Haverhill Street, so called, within the limits of the 
said town of Lawrence, as ordered by the County Commissioners for 
the County of Essex. 

"Section 6. Any justice of the peace in the County of Essex is 
hereby authorized to issue his warrant to any princijial inhabitant 
of the town of Lawrence, requiring him to notify and warn the in- 
habitants thereof, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the 
time and place therein appointed, for the purpose of choosing all 
such town officers as towns are by law authorized and required to 
choose at their annual meetings: and such justice, or, in his absence, 
such principal inhabitant, shall preside till the choice of a moderator 
in said meeting. 

" Section 7. This act shall take effect from and after its pixs- 
sage." 

TOWN OFFICERS FROM 1847 TO 1853. 

1847, .Se?fe/v«eH:— William Swan, Chas. F. Abbott, Natlian Wells, 
James Stevens, Lorenzo D. Brown. School OmimUUe : — James D. Her- 
rick, I'r. William D, Lamb, Dan. Weed. Town Clerks antl Tyeamirers: — 
E. W. Morse, clerk, Daniel Saunders, treasurer, Bailey Bartlett, collect- 
or, Ivan Stevens, auditor. 

1S4S. &^'c(men .-—David J. Clark, Chan. F. Abbott, Wm. D. Joi>Iin, 
Levi Sprague, John M. Smith. School Committee: — Rev. George Pack- 
ard, Rev. Lyman Whiting, Rev, Henry F. Harrington, Nathan W. Har- 
mon, James D. Herrick. Town Clerls and Treasmers: — E. W. Morse, 
clerk, Nathaniel White, treasurer, Parker Smilb, collector, Ivan Ste- 
vens, auditor. 

18411. Selecl7nen:—Chds. F. Abbott, Levi Sprague, Isaac Fletcher. 
School Committee: — Rev. George Packard, Rev. Lyman Whiting, Rev. 
Henry F. Harrington, Henry K. Oliver, James D. Herrick. Toicn 
Clerks and Treasurers: — E. W. Moi-se, clerk, Daniel Saunders, treasurer, 
N. G. White, collector, Ivan Stevens, auditor. 

1550. Stlec! men :— Artemis Parker, Jr., Wm. Gile, Wm. R. Page. 
School Committee : — Rev. George Packard, Rev. Lyman Whiting, Rev. 
H. F. Haniugton, Rev. Geo. H. Clark, Rev. J. G. Richardson. Tuwu 
Clerks and Treasurers :—G*iO. W. Benson, clerk, Geo. \V. Sanborn, treas- 
urer, N. G. White, collector, Ivan Stevens, auditor. 

1551. Selectmen :—V,'m. R. Page, Levi Sprague, Joseph Norris. 
School Commitlee :~-Chsi8. S. Storrow, Nathan W. Harmon, Rev. Geo. 
Packard, James D. Herrick, Dr. Moses L. Atkinson. Town Clerks and 
rmiscrers;— Geo. W. Benson, clerk, Geo. W. Sanborn, treasurer and 
collector, Ivan Stevens, auditor. 

1552. Selectmen :—Wm. R. Page, Levi Sprague, Joseph Norris, 
School Committef^: — Rev. Geo. Packard, A. D. Blanchani, Rev. Samuel 
Kelley, Nathan W. Harmon, John A. Goodwin. Town Clerks and 
rrci/sitrers.-— Geo. W. Benson, clerk, Geo. W. Sanborn, treasurer and 
collector, Ivan Stevens, auditor, 

Durir.g the continuance of the town government 
the population increased from six thousand in 1848 
to nearly thirteen thousand in 1858. And to any one 
familiar with the routine of town government, it will 
be apparent that the officers of the new town had plenty- 
of employment,— constant meetings in the early years, 
for organization, to provide for schools, cemetery, po- 



876 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



lice and the usual concomitants of advancing civili- 
zation, lockups or prisons for the turbulent and un- 
ruly, erection of public buildings, building of roads, 
etc., all expenditures of the public money being 
voted upon by the people in town-meeting assembled. 
The inconvenience of this method of conducting 
affairs led the people to apply for a city charter, 
which was granted, and the act signed by Governor 
Clifford March 21, 1853. 

Besides the inconvenience of attending frequent 
meetings, vexatious delays were liable to occur, in 
consequence of the rancor of party spirit, and the old 
saying, "in the multitude of counselors there is wis- 
dom," proved not always true. This was amusingly 
and provokingly illustrated in the attempt to fix the 
location of the town hall, and in the refusal to accept 
from the Essex Company the gift of the common. 
But no meeting of the people was perhaps more ex- 
citing than the meeting of 1852 (the last under town 
government). Mr. Hayes, in his " Sketches of Law- 
rence," printed in 1868, gives the following account 
of the meeting : " Early in the day Mr. B. F. Wat- 
son, the leader of the Democrats, made some motion 
intended to give advantage to his party, and was de- 
clared out of order. Exasperated at his f:iilure, he 
planted himself in the way to the polls, and in a loud 
voice announced, 'There shall be no voting here to- 
day,' and called upon his friends to block the passage 
to the ballot-box. The hall was filled with excited 
men, who rushed to the point where Watson was 
standing. A party fight on an extended scale seemed 
almost unavoidable, when above the din of the angry 
tumult the clear, calm voice of William R. Page 
(chairman of the selectmen) echoed through the hall, 
'Gentlemen will bring in their votes.' Instantly 
General Oliver started for the ballot-box, and, after a 
severe struggle, finally arrived at the object of his 
aim, but minus his coat-tail. 

"The incident operated like magic in allaying the 
disturbance. All parties regarded it as a joke worth 
laughing at, and as the two emotions — laughter and 
anger — cannot exist together, order was far more 
easily restored than the coat-tail. Probably not a 
man in Lawrence, who esteemed order as a law of 
heaven, felt any regret that a town organization, 
which drew together in one hall all the voters of the 
place, was to give way to a division of these voters 
into wards under a city organization." 

The first election of city officers was held April 18, 
1853, and the new government was inaugurated May 
10th. Three parties presented candidates for mayor, 
Charles S. Storrow, treasurer of the Essex Company, 
being the candidate of the Whig party, Enoch Bart- 
lett of the Democratic, and James K. Barker of the 
Free Soil or Anti-Slavery party. Mr. Storrow was 
elected, and associated with him in the Board of Al- 
dermen were George D. Cabot, Albert Warren, E. B. 
Herrick, Alvah Bennett, Walker Flanders and S. S. 
Valpey ; and in the Common Council were Josiah 



Osgood (president), Nathaniel G. White (many years 
president of the Boston and Maine Railroad), Dana 
Sargent (subsequently mayor of Nashua), William R. 
Spalding, Elkanah F. Bean, Daniel Hardy, Isaac K. 
Gage and others, the members of both boards being 
selected by the people more with a view to their busi- 
ness capacity than to their political activity, and 
forming an exceptionally capable government for 
starting the machinery of the new city. 

In 1848 the classification of the population was : 

Born in America 3766 CuloreJ, 16. 

Ireland i!139 

Englund 28 

France 3 

Wales 2 

Scotland 9 

Italy 1 

Germany 1 

6949 

In 1885, according to the State Census: 

Born in United States 21,Y('5 Colored, 84. 

Ii'clalid 7, ('43 

England 3,9.'8 

S.otland S32 

(.Serniany 1,499 

Wales 31 

France 31 

Canada (English) 969 

Canada (French) 1,921 

China 9 

Other Countries 234 

3R,863 
Male population, 45{'g5per cent. Female population, SljYo r^r 
cent. 

CHANGES IN POPULATION, VALUATION AND TAXA- 
TION. 



18451 

1847 

1848 

1849 

1851) 

1861 

1S52 

1853 

1864 

1855 

1856 

1S57 

1858 

1859 

1860 

1861 

1S62 

1863 

1864 

1865 

1806 

1867 

1868 

1869 

1S70 

1871 

1872 

1873 

1874 

1870 

1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 

1881 

1882 

lf.S3 

1884 

1885 

1886 

1887 



POPULA- 




SCHOOL 




Tax per 


LATION. 




CHILDEEN. 




$1000. 


160 

3,577 




51 
403 


33 

497 




81,719,240 


83 50 


5,919 


3,814,426 


620 


1,321 


4 20 


7,225 


.5,730,710 


1,089 


2,318 


3 90 


8,282 


5,902,741 


1,308 


2,249 


4 90 


«,UOU 


6,407,926 


1,.593 


2, .542 


5 ilO 


10,600 


6,374,3' 6 


1,660 


2,514 


5 30 


12,147 


6,9;)7,10ll 


1,869 


3,066 


7 00 


14,951 


8,842 915 


2,167 


3,366 


7 00 


16,081 


9,954,041 


2,51 8 


3,659 


7 80 


16,800 


10,483,726 


2,792 


3,525 


7 60 


17.800 


10,228,400 


3,021 


3,898 


8 20 


15,300 


10,249,009 


2,010 


2,902 


8 40 


16,000 


10,022,947 


2,702 


3,0-.T 


7 20 


17,639 


10,584,023 


3,171 


3,609 


8 40 


18,400 


lll,769,(il5 


3,210 


3,900 


8 80 


18,500 


10,777,920 


.3,.310 


3,378 


9 00 


19,750 


10,939,460 


3,384 


3,282 


11 20 


20,500 


11, "74,430 


3,495 


3,092 


11 60 


21,098 


12,783,273 


3,013 


4,147 


13 50 


23,750 


13,74 8,285 


4,026 


6,2.50 


13 50 


20,ll''O 


11,684,1100 


4,403 


5,714 


17 20 


2H,50J 


15,670,000 


4,359 


6,960 


13 60 


28.000 


10,617,000 


4,605 


6,336 


13 50 


28,921 


17,912.507 


4.840 


0,600 


17 20 


29,OnO 


18,552,0 


4,856 


6,625 


16 SO 


31,000 


20,763,693 


4,847 


7,'00 


15 80 


33,000 


21,687.732 


5,141 


7, .5.57 


10 00 


33,800 


22,918,775 


5,385 


7,728 


10 20 


34,'.16 


24,117,373 


5,048 


8,120 


17 60 


35,000 


23,903,508 


5,031 


8,026 


19 00 


36,000 


23,902,537 


6,088 


8,139 


16 60 


37,6110 


23,744,017 


6,668 


8,542 


16 00 


38,600 


23,088,897 


6,830 


8,707 


16 40 


39,1512 


21,142,724 


6,865 


9,024 


16 80 




25 348,620 


7,143 
6,698 


10,023 
10,435 


10 00 




26,277,223 


16 60 




20,932.660 


6,896 


10,7.35 


16 60 




27,309,095 
27,144,050 


7,177 
6,947 


10 6:j8 


16 80 


38,802 » 


9,981 


10 60 




27 165 590 


7,277 


9,967 


16 40 


39, 299 » 


28,324,373 


10,129 


17 SO 







1 A part of Methuen and Audover. 2 Assessor's estimate. 
3U. S. Census. * State Censua. 



LAWRENCE. 



877 



CITY OFFICERS, 


1853, 


TO THE PRESENT TIME. 


MAVons. 


CITV CLERKS. 


TRF..\8. ± COLLECTORS. 


1853. 


Chas S. Storiow 


Geo. 


W 


Benson 


Braekett 11. Clark. 


ISot. 


Kii..ch liartli-tt 


Benjamin Boardman... 


Niehidas Cliapnnin. 


18.'w. 


All>ert WiiiTi-u 


Wid 


.im i>Iors4: 


Nathaniel Wilsi.li. 


ISD.i. 


.\ll>i-lt \V:ilri-Il 


Wid 


am Morse 


Nathaniel Wilsnii. 


lSo7. 


.lolin It. R.illilis 


(3ei). 


R 


Rowe 


Nathaniel Wilson. 


ISiS. 


.lol.n K. Iti.llhi.s 


Ceo. 


K. 


Rowe 


Nathaniel Wilson.^ 


]85!l. 


Hriiry K. lUivcr 


•ieo. 


li. 


Uuwe 


Nathaniel Wilson.* 


im>. 


Dan. .'^uiilulcls, .Jr.... 


tM-O. 


H. 


Rowe 


Nalllaniel Wilson. 


isni. 


.liiiiit'S K. IJHlkcr 


Ceo. 


K. 


Rowe 


Nalhalii. 1 Wilson. 


]sr.2. 


Wm. ir. I'. WriKlit 


Ceo. 


K. 


Rowe 


Natlianiel \Vils„n. 


11*63. 


Win. H. P. WiiihI. 


Ceo. 


K 


Rowe 


Nathaniel Wilson, 


]8«» 


Alfred .1. FrciK li 


(Jeo. 


K 


Rowe 


Robert H. Tewkaburv. 


180.i. 


^Ijltun Iiiiiiiii.y 


Ceo. 


R 


Rowe 


RobiTl 11. TewUsbiiiV. 


IRGC. 


I'iinloii .\riniii-.itui).. 

N. I'. H. Milviii 

N. P. H. JMviii 


Ceo. 
(ieo. 
Ceo. 


It 
K. 
R 


Rowe 


Robert II. Tewksbury. 


180T. 
ISGS. 


Howe 


RMberl H.Tewksbnrv. 


Rowe 


liobeil II.TewksbnrV. 


18G!). 


Frank Daviis 

X. P. II. Mflviii 


Geo. 
Geo. 


R 
R 


Howe 


Robert H. Tewksbury. 
RolK-rt 11 Tewkshnry. 


1S7II. 


Rowe 


1871. 


S. I!. \V. D.ivi8 


Geo 


R 


Uowe 


Robert II. Tewksl.uiv. 


1872. 


S. B. \V. Davis 


(ieo. 


R 


Rowe 


Robert 11. 'lewksbory. 


187:t. 


.r,.Iin K.Tartmx 


Geo 


R 


Rowe 


Hubert lI.Tewksbury. 


1R74. 


John K. Tarhox 


<;eo 


R 


Rowe 


Klihn W Colcoid. 


187.1. 


Hiib. U. Tinvksbnrv.. 


Waller K. Rowe 


Albeit V. Bushes. 


lS7li. 


E(lninn<) U. Haydt^n. 


Waller 


R. Rowe 


Albert V. Biisbee. 


1877 


Caleb Saunders 


.lames 


K. Slie|Mtnl 


Albert V. Biiiibee. 


1878. 


James R. Simpson... 


Jam 


es 


!•:. She|)ard 


Albert V. BiiRbeo. 


187!>. 


.Tames It. Sinii'son... 


■lam 


es 


E. Shepard 


Albert V. Bnchee. 


l,«8li. 


James R. Simpson... 


.lam 


es 


E. Shepard 


Albert V. Bnsbee. 


18-1. 


Henry K. \Vel>bter... 


.lames 


!■;. Shepard 


Albert V. Bnuliee. 


18,«.'. 


John Itreen 


.lam 


es 


E Sheparil 


Albert V. Bngbee. 


1883. 


.John Rreen... 


James 
Timoli 
Williai 


E. Shepanl 

y Kane 


Patrick Murphy. 
Patrick :\lnrpby. 
Patrick .Min].by. 


1884. 


.John Breen 


188.'i. 


James K. Simpson... 


'i T. Kindiall... 


ISSG. 


Ale.valliler B. Bruce 


Tnn 


ill 


y Kane 


Patrick Murphy. 


1887. 


Alexander B. Brure. 


Wil 


iam T. Kimball... 


Kdwaril P. Poor. 



Two of the citizens of Lawrence have represented 
the district in the United States Congress — Hon. 
John K. Tarbox in the Forty-fourth Congress, and 
Hon. Win. A. Russell in the Forty-sixth. 

In the Massachusetts Senate the city and Senatorial 
d'.strict has been represented by Daniel Saunders, Jr., 
Thomas Wright (four terms), Ben. Osgood, N. W. 
Harmon, John K. Tarbox, Horace C. Bacon, Byron 
Tiuell, Edward F. O'Sullivan. Members of the 
House of Representatives, — Wm. A. Russell, Fred. 
Butler, George E. Davis, John K. Tarbox, Robert 
Bower, Patrick Sweeny, Henry J. Couch, William S. 
Knox, Patrick Murphy, Horace C. Bacon, Byron 
Trucll, Edwin Ayer, Melvin Beal, Morris Knowles, 
George D. Lund, James K. Barber, Thomas Wright, 
Charles Stark Newell, Josiah Osgood, E. B. Currier, 
Enoch Bartlett, David Wentworth, Enoch Pratt, 
Aniasa Bryant, Thomas A. Parsons, John A. Good- 
win, Timothy V. Coburn, Benjamin Harding, John 
Gale, Rev. J. R. Johnson, Thomas W. Floyd, Walker 
Flanders, Wni. Hardy, X. W. Harmon, Cyrus Wil- 
liams, Levi Emery, John C. Sanborn, ilichael Rinn, 
Abel Webster, Jesse Moulton, John C. Hoadley, A. 
J. French, Geo. W. Benson, H. D. Clement, John J. 
Doland, L. A. Bishop, E, J. Sherman, W. H. P. 
Wright, Albert Blood, Henry M. Mclntire, John J. 
Nichols. 

Hon. John Kimball Tarbox was born in that part 
of Methucn now within the limits of Lawrence May 
6, 1838. In his boyhood he resided for a time in 
North Andover, and later entered the drug-store of 
Henry M. Whitney in Lawrence. His tastes led him 
to the study of law, whieh he read in the office of 
Colonel B. F. W'atson, and while thus engaged he 



contributed largely to the eilitorial columns of the 
L'lwre/ice Seitlintl, and was for a considerable i)eriod 
its editor. He was admitted to tiie E-'.sex bar in 
1860, and entered into partnership with Mr. Watson, 
and conducted the business of the firm while the 
senior partner w.as in service in the first campaign of 
the Sixth Regiment in ISfil. In the fall of 1861 
Colonel Watson was appointed paymaster in the 
army, and Mr. Tarbox went with him as clerk, and 
was engaged in that and the following year in pay- 
ment in the field of the armies of the Potomac and 
Gulf Department, 

In the summer of 1861 he united with Eben T, 
Colby and George S. Merrill in raising a company un- 
der the call of ihe President for nine months' troops. 
A call for volunteers was issued, which api)eared on 
the bulletin boards one Sunday morning, and Tues- 
day night following one hundred and sixteen men 
were enrolled. Mr. Colby was chosen captain, Mr. 
Merrill first and Mr. Tarbox second lieutenants. 
This company and one other, raised immediately 
after by John R. Rollins, James G. Abbott and Hi- 
ram Robinson, went into camp at W'enham, were at- 
tached to the Forty-eighth Regiment, from which 
they were detached, owing to the exigencies of tlie 
service, and sent to complete the Fourth Regiment, 
whieh had for the second time volunteered its ser- 
vices to the government. The regiment served about 
a year in the army in Louisiana, at Hrashear (now 
Morgan) City, at the battle of Franklin and in the 
siege of Port Hudson, and was among the first to en- 
ter the captured works. Mr. Tarbox during this time 
was once acting adjutant of the regiment, and com- 
manded the company at the battle of Bisland (or 
Franklin), while Captain Jlerrill was in hospital 
with malarial fever. 

After the return of his regiment Mr. Tarbox re- 
sumed the practice of law, but his taste for political 
affairs and his .ability as a writer and speaker brought 
him prominently before the public, and he was chosen 
representative to the Legislature in 18G8 and again 
in 1870. In 1872 he was a member of the Senate, 
elected mayor of Lawrence in 1873, and re-elected in 
1874, and in 1875, '76, '77 he was a member of the 
House of Representatives in the United States Con- 
gress. In 1882 and 1883 he was city solicitor of 
Lawrence, and in April, 1883, was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Butler insurance commissioner of the com- 
monwealth, and re-appointed by Governor Robinson 
— a position in which he displayed marked ability, 
and conducted the affairs of the office so a-s to win the 
commendation of all parties. 

In public, political life Mr. Tarbox was an earnest 
partisan; in his business transactions he was a man 
of strictest integrity and honorable dealing, and in 
his social relations warm-hearted and genial. Edu- 
cated only in the common schools of New England, 
but possessing a refined taste and poetic tempera- 
ment, he cultivated and improved his powers by ex- 



878 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tended reading of the best in literature. Tlie key- 
note of his short life may be found in his own words 
in an address delivered before the Old Residents' 
Association. In speaking of Lawrence, his remarks 
were as follows: "Lawrence has no conspicuous his- 
tory to point at for the world's marvel. It came not 
out from some mystic past of romance and tradition. 
It had no Theseus or Romulus of divine progeny for 
its founder. But it is nobler to make a history than 
to inherit one, to begin than to end an ancestral line, 
to set up a beacon of fame than to shine in its re- 
flected beam." 

Lieutenant Tarbox never recovered from the ma- 
larial effects of the Louisiana swamps, and died in 
Boston May 27, 1887. 

Public Buildings and Parks. — In 1848, the year 
following the incorporation of the town, steps were 
taken for the construction of a town hall, and the 
foresight of its projectors was manifested in the con- 
struction of a building which should be adapted not 
merely to the necessities of a township, but the wants 
of a future city. The plan of the present city hall 
was prepared by Ammi B. Young, of Boston, and the 
committee appointed to take charge of the construc- 
tion was Hezekiah Plummer, Wm. M. Kimball, Capt. 
Charles H. Bigelow and J. M. Stone. There was an 
angry controversy in regard to the location, some 
desiring to place the building at the corner of Law- 
rence and Common Streets, some on Jackson Terrace, 
others, who finally prevailed, in its present compara- 
tively central and convenient place. Had it been 
built on Jackson Terrace our citizens would have 
been deprived of one of the most quiet and beautiful 
spots for private residences; the other location would 
have been a desirable one, but only a few feet farther 
west, and at this day it is dilBcult to understand how 
so much controversy could have taken place respect- 
ing the difference 'twixt tweedle-dum and tweedle- 
dee. The building, which is a very substantial one, 
of brick, with a basement story of granite, reflects 
credit upon the architect and builders. It is sur- 
mounted by a wooden tower of pleasing style, in which 
a fine-toned bell for many years summoned the peo- 
ple to church and school, and to fires until the intro- 
duction of the fire-alarm telegraph. The tower is 
crowned with a gilt eagle which is worthy of mention 
for its symmetry, designed and carved by Mr. John 
M. Smith, a member of the Board of Selectmen for 
that year. The eagle measures seventeen and a half 
feet from tip to tip of the outspread wings, and ten 
feet two inche.s from the beak to the end of the tail. 

A great defect was found in the acoustic properties 
of the large hall, rendering il very annoying to public 
speakers. This was partially remedied in 1858 by 
hanging the walls with drapery. In 1872 the hall 
was entirely remodeled by building galleries, and the 
erection of stage scenery, and now, for its size, it is 
a pleasant hall for speakers as for other purposes; 
second only to the opera-house, a private establish- 



ment owned by the Lowell Railroad Company, and 
located over their station-house. 

Laiurence Jail w.as built in 1853 on the southerly 
bank of the Spicket River, on land purchased by 
the town, a substantial building of stone in a good 
location, and as well arranged in sanitary respects for 
its unfortunate inmates as the dictates of humanity 
can suggest, while the front portion, occupied by the 
keeper, opens upon spacious ground and has an out- 
look upon a public park of an acre in extent. The 
building has been severally in charge of Sheriffs 
Thomas E. Payson, James Carey, and the present 
sheriff, Horatio G. Herrick. 

Lawrence Cotirf- House. — For several years the peo- 
ple of Lawrence in civil and criminal cases were 
obliged, at considerable inconvenience, to attend 
courts either in Newbury port or Salem ; a term of the 
courts was established here for a time, and the ses- 
sions were held for a few years in Lawrence Hall, 
fitted up for the purpose by the city. The building 
was not suitable for the purpose, and after considera- 
ble opposition from the older parts of the county, a 
board of county commissioners was formed, who deter- 
mined that Lawrence furnished a sufficient amount 
of business to the courts to entitle it to some degree 
of consideration. Accordingly, in 1858, by united 
efforts, a court-house was built, the Essex Company 
giving the land, and the city building a foundation 
acceptable to the commissioners, and the commis- 
sioners erecting the building. The architect was 
James K. Barber (then city engineer). To two of the 
commissioners at the time — Mr. Wilson, of Marble- 
head, and Ebenezer B. Currier, of Lawrence (a major- 
ity of the board) — Lawrence is indebted for its con- 
struction. A term of court for civil cases is held here 
in March, and a term for criminal cases in October. 
The Probate Court also has sessions in January, 
March, May, June, July, September and November. 
The court-house was but just finished, when a de- 
structive fire, originating in the new United States 
Hotel, 1859, destroyed it completely. It was rebuilt 
in 1860. 

Police Station. — The building now occupied by the 
Police Court and police offices was built in 1867. 
Prior to this the headquarters of the police was at ihe 
city hall, and prisoners were confined in two lock-ups, 
miserable wooden buildings, confinement in which, 
before trial, was greater punishment than the guilty 
suffered subsequent to trial in the vastly better quar- 
ters to which they were sentenced. This building is 
well arranged, having cells in the basement, offices 
on the first floor, a court-room and offices on the 
second floor, and a hall which was at one time occu- 
pied as an armory ; now, convenient for many pur- 
poses. 

Parks. — The largest of these is the Common, a fine 
tract of more than seventeen acres in the centre of 
the city, reserved by the Essex Company while mak- 
ing their plan of streets, and offered to the town, with 



LAWRENCE. 



879 



tho simple restrictions that it shoulil not be diverted 
from its purpose, or built upon, that the town should 
expend a small sum, not less than two hundred dol- 
lars, annually for its improvement, and that it should 
be under the care of a committee consisting of the 
chairman of the selectmen or mayor, the agents of 
the Essex Company, the Atlantic and Hay Stale Jlills. 
At a town-meeting in September, 1848, the town, on 
motion of some scheming politicians, voted not to ac- 
cept the gift ! At a subsequent meeting in October 
the people, awake to the ridiculous position in which 
the town had been placed, reversed the decision, for 
which action all who have since resided here have 
been grateful. The several committees have taken 
much interest in improving and beautifying it, and 
much larger sums of money have been appropriated 
for the purpose than were required by the terms of 
the gift. Perhaps no one in the earlier days devoted 
more time and attention to the planting and rearing 
of the noble trees which now sliade its broad avenues 
than Levi Sprague, one of the selectmen in 1848, '49, 
and Gen. H. K. Oliver, then agent of the Atlantic 
Mills; though others have in various ways contrib- 
uted their share. The trees around the pond were 
planted under the direction of Mayor W. H. P. 
AVright. The unsightly wooden fence was removed 
during the mayoralty of Hon. John K. Tarbox, and 
the present curbstone substituted. For the pond on 
the Common the citizens are indebted to the exertions 
of the late Dr. J. H. Morse, who obtained by sub- 
scription half of the cost, the city appropriating the 
balance in 1857. 

Another tract of ten acres, Storrow Park, on Pros- 
pect Hill, was deeded by the Essex Company to the 
city in 18.o3. This is in part shaded by trees, young 
oaks of native growth, is on high land, and commands 
pleasant views of the busy town below. 

"The Amphitheatre," so-called, sometimes named 
Happy Valley, was dedicated to public use in 1873, 
by the company. This is a beautifully located tract 
in the western part of the city, inclosed on three 
sides by a ridge of hills giving it the resemblance 
from which it was named. This tract embraces seven 
acres, and forms a pleasant and quiet retreat for the 
citizens of that region. 

Another park, the finest of all except the Common, 
now owned by the Essex Company in South Law- 
rence, comprises eleven and a quarter acres, and is 
named Union Park ; bounded by South Union, Os- 
good. Salem and Market Streets. 

Cemetery. — In 1847 the town purchased five acres 
of land in the western part of the city for burial pur- 
poses. This has been gradually enlarged until Belle- 
vue Cemetery has, by judicious management and con- 
stant, but continued, improvement by the city and 
the good taste of the citizens, become a very beautiful 
resting-place for the dead, a spot where the grave is 
robbed of half its horrors by the beauty of the sur- 
roundings, and where one, in the language of Bryant, 



might feel that he " could wrap the drapery of his 
couch around him and lie down to pleasant dreams." 
West of this is St. Mary's Cemetery, and still further 
west, partly in Methuen is the cemetery of the 
Church of the Immaculate Conception, both of which 
have much improved. 

The city also, in anticipation of prospective wants, 
has purchased in North Andover about ninety 
acres, at a spot known in the vicinity as Den Rock. 
This is somewhat difficult of access, but capable of 
becoming in the future an appropriate place, and 
from its natural scenery may be made, by the aid of 
art, a beautiful ground for the purjiose intended. 

Baxks. — The first bank, the Bay State, incorpor- 
ated February 10, 1847, was located at a point very 
nearly corresponding with the geographical centre of 
the city, the junction of Law'rence and Essex Streets. 
Its capital was originally two hundred thousand dol- 
lars, increased to five hundred thousand dollars, and 
subsequently reduced to three hundred and seventy-five 
thousand dollars, the par value of the shares being at 
present seventy-five dollars each. The first president 
was Hon. Charles S. Storrow, who resigned after 
twenty years of service, and was succeeded in 1867 by 
Hon. George L. Davis. Nathaniel White, the first 
cashier, was previous to this cashier of the Powow 
River Bank at Salisbury, to which office he was ap- 
pointed on the organization of the bank in 1836. 
He was succeeded by Charles A. Colby, who had been 
several years teller of the bank, and on Mr. Colby's 
resignation and removal to New York City, Mr. 
Samuel White, then of Haverhill, was elected cashier 
and is still in service. 

Intimately connected with this bank was the first 
institution for savings in Lawrence, the Essex Sav- 
ings Bank. This bank was incorporated in March, 
and organized September, 1847, and for a long period 
its business was managed by the president and cash- 
ier of the Bay State Bank at their rooms. James H. 
Eaton was appointed assistant trea.surer in 1855, and 
on the decease of Mr. White he became treasurer, 1866. 
George D. Cabot succeeded Mr. Storrow in the presi- 
dency, and after faithful service of about tw-enty-five 
years, including eleven years as president, he re- 
signed, and was succeeded by Joseph Shattuck, who 
has since remained in office. This savings bank is 
the oldest in the city, its deposits amount to more 
than four millions of dollars, and it has never omit- 
ted a dividend. 

The National Pemberton Bank was organized in 
1854, Levi Sprague being the president from the be- 
ginning to the i>resent time. The first cashier was 
Samuel C. Woodward, who was succeeded by Wil- 
liam H. .laquith. James M. Coburn followed Mr. 
Jaquith, and remained till 1879, when he went to a 
more promising field in the West, and J. A. Perkins 
has been cashier since that date. The capital of this 
bank is one hundred and fifty thou.>^and <liill:ns. 
Number of shares, fifteen hundred. 



880 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Lawrence National Bank was organized in Feb- 
ruary, 1872. Dr. A. J. French was president till 
1878, when he was succeeded by Artemas W. Stearns, 
who yet retains the office. P. G. Pillsbury was cash- 
ier till 1879, when, having been turned from the path 
of duty by the glittering allurements of Western min- 
ing schemes, his connection with the bank ceased. 
No loss was incurred by the bank, however, as the 
directors paid per.sonally all remaining deficiencies. 
John R. Rollins, who had been thirteen years cashier 
at the Pacific Mills, succeeded Pillsbury, and after a 
service of nearly eight years was succeeded in 1887 by 
H. Leslie Sherman. The ca[)it.al stock of this bank is 
three hundred thousand dollars, in three thousand 
shares. 

The Pacific National Bank was organized January, 
1877. President, James H. Kidder ; Cashier, William 
H. Jaquith, formerly of the Pemberton. Fifteen 
hundred shares, one hundred dollars each. 

Lawrence Savings Bank, organized 18(j8. Milton 
Bonney was its first president. Mr. Bonney died, 
and Hezekiah Plummer has since been president, 
while William R. Spalding has been the treasurer 
from the beginning. 

The Broadway Savings Bank commenced business 
in 1872. John Fallon, then agent of the Pacific 
Mills, was chosen president, and so remains. The 
treasurers have been James Payne, John L. Brewster 
and the present treasurer, Gilbert E. Hood. 

All these banks have in the main been judiciously 
managed, and have met with a reasonable share of 
success. 

Fire Depaetment.^ — Before the organization of 
the town the Essex Company tcjok early steps to 
protect themselves against fire by purchasing the 
engine " Esse.x," which was manned by persons in 
the employ of the company. As soon as the town 
government was fairly s'arted fire-wards were ap- 
pointed, viz. : William M. Kimball, Josiah Johnson, 
Nathaniel Wilson, Charles Smith and Samuel I. 
Thompson ; and a committee consisting of William 
M. Kimball, Nathaniel Wilson and Caleb M. Marvel 
was appointed to purchase engine and apparatus, and 
erect a house for the same. 

In 1848 the Legislature passed an act establishing 
the Fire Department of Lawrence. In November, 
1847, the committee above named purchased two en- 
gines—" Rough and Ready," located on Newbury 
Street, afterward removed to Garden Street (and .at a 
still later date the name was changed to " Niagara "), 
and "Syphon," located on Oak Street. In 1850 a 
fourth engine, "Tiger," was placed in South Law- 
rence. 

In 1851 the Essex Company, the Atlantic and Bay 
State Mills, for still further protection, built a reser- 
voir on Prospect Hill, holding one million gallons, 
and connected it by proper pipes with pumps oper- 
ated by the mills ; a company wassubsequcntly formed 
under the name of the Lawrence Reservoir Associa- 



tion, and operated by associated corporations. The 
reservoir w'as designed for the benefit of the corpora- 
tion solely, not being of suflicient capacity for general 
use; but the company generously allowed pipes and 
hydrants in several of the principal streets to be used 
exclusively in case of fire, and they also allowed the 
use of water without charge for the pond on the Com- 
mon. Edward B. Herrick, of tlie Bay State Mills, 
was agent for the company from the beginning till 
his death, November, 1878 ; he was succeeded by 
Mr. Rollins, who served till June, 1879, when the 
care of the reservoir was placed in the hands of Mr. 
Rogers, the agent of the City Water Works. 

' The first chief of engineers was William M. Kim- 
ball, — others have been James D. Herrick, Samuel I. 
Thompson, Luther Ladd (who had been connected 
with the Fire Department from the beginning, and 
served in all seventeen years as chief). Colonel L. D. 
Sargent, Benjivmin Booth, George K. Wiggin, Albert 
R. Brewster, Colonel Melvin Beal, Michael F. Col- 
lins, Dennis WhoUey and William E. Heald. The 
present chief is Z. Taylor Merrill. 

Under the former organization, with the hand en- 
gines, about two hundred and fifty men were em- 
ployed, and in their trials of skill, as well as at fires, 
there was a friendly rivalry among the companies, 
each striving to be first on the ground and earnest to 
get the first stream upon the tire, plenty of noise and 
fun, not only among the firemen, but from their ad- 
herents, who, proud of the " machine" from their 
own district, usually accompanied in crowds to cheer 
them on, so that, whether by night or day, with bells 
ringing and the cheers of crowds, pandemonium 
seemed to have broken loose. 

After the invention and introduction of steam fire- 
engines, " those fleshless arms whose pulses beat with 
floods of living fire," all this was changed, and while 
by no means depreciating the promptitude and effi- 
ciency of the older department, fires are now managed 
with much less confusion, with far greater efficiency, 
and with less than half the number of men. 

The department now embraces five powerful steam- 
engines (the first purchased in 1860, two more in 
1862, the fourth in 18G4, fifth in 1871), one chemical 
engine with double tanks of seventy-five gallons each, 
built in 1880, two hook-and-ladder companies; — four 
engines and one hook-and-ladder company in active 
service, the others held in reserve. The fire-alarm 
telegraph was introduced in 1859, and the apparatus 
was put up by Mr. J. H. Stevens, under contract with 
the Gamewell Fire-Alarm Company, at a cost to the 
city of eight thousand dollars. This has been grad- 
ually extended, until now fifty alarm-boxes warn the 
department of the locality of a fire, and avoid many 
fatal delays. 

Water-woeks. — As early as 1848 a plan was 
formed for supplying the town with water, and a 
charter w'as granted that year to John Tenney, of 
Methuen, Alfred Kittredge, of Haverhill, Daniel 



LAWRENCE. 



881 



Saunders, of Lawrence, and others, under the name 
of the Lawrence Aqueduct Company. The plan of 
introducing water from Haggett's Pond was found 
impracticable and the enterprise abandoned. In 
1858 a petition from prominent citizens was laid be- 
fore the city government, requesting that steps be 
taken for a supply of water. The formidable ex- 
pense that would be incurred led the government to 
consider the petition as premature, and nothing was 
done. 

In 1871-72 the subject was again agitated, and 
with good reason ; in twenty-five years of rapid 
growth large numbers of the wells had become mere 
cesspools, and the water unfit for drinking or culina- 
ry purposes, especially in the compact portions of the 
city. A petition to the Legislature resulted in an 
" Act to supply the city of Lawrence with water " was 
passed and approved by the Governor March 8, 1872. 
This act was accepted by the legal voters, twelve hun- 
dred and ninety-eightvoting in favor and eight hundred 
and thirty in opposition. In June a joint committee, 
consisting of Aldermen James Payne and James A. 
Treat, and L. D. Sargent, Henry J. Couch and 
George W. Russell, of the Common Council, was ap- 
pointed to obtain estimates of cost, etc. An engineer, 
L. Frederick Rice, of Boston, was consulted, the com- 
mittee made an elaborate report, and in April, 1873, 
an ordinance was passed providing for the election of 
water commissioners, and in May the Board of Com- 
missioners was organized, with William Barbour 
chairman, Patrick Murphy clerk and Morris 
Knowles. 

Walter F. McConnell, of Boston, was appointed 
chief engineer and James P. Kirkwood, of Brooklyn, 
N. Y., consulting engineer. 

The water is taken from the Merrimac River at a 
point about three-quarters of a mile above the dam, 
where, in a building of brick, are placed two pump- 
ing engines, built by I. P. Morris & Co., of Philadel- 
phia (Leavitt's patent), capable of forcing two hun- 
dred thousand gallons per hour each, from the river 
to the reservoir on Bodwell's Hill, about a mile from 
the centre of the city, the water being conveyed in 
a pipe thirty inches in diameter and about five thou- 
sand feet in length. 

The reservoir is constructed in two divisions, either 
of which may be used indejiendently of the other — 
both having a capacity of thirty-nine million gallons. 
From this reservoir cast-iron pipes convey the water 
to the various parts of the city, on both sides of the 
river. 

In 1875 an ordinance was passed establishing rates 
and providing for the permanent management of the 
works ; and a Water Board was appointed, consisting 
of Milton Bonney, Robert H. Tewksbury, N. P. H. 
Melvin, William Barbour and James Payne — one 
member retiring each year. 

The total cost of the water-works was not far from 
one million five hundred thousand dollars. The 
56 



works have proved of great value to the city in fur- 
nishing an abundant sup|)ly of water for domestic 
purposes, and in the protection afforded against fire. 
On January 4, 1886, nearly five hundred hydrants 
had been placed (Lowry pattern), seventeen drinking 
fountains established, fifty-two miles of main pipe 
laid, and a supply of water furnished to about thir- 
ty-five thousand persons in families and boarding- 
houses. 

Sanitary Arrangements. — Early provision was 
made by the corporation for the cleanliness of their 
premises and the sanitary condition of dwelling- 
houses. In the construction of sewers the Bay State 
Mills expended thirty thousand dollars ; and in the 
construction of other blocks, the first thing was to 
build beneath the cellars a sewer, through which a 
swift current of water flows, carrying away at once 
all waste into the Merrimac River. In the construc- 
tion of sewers, however, some mistakes were made by 
the different city governments. Several sewers and 
many drains opened into the Spicket River; this 
being a sluggish stream, especially between the dams, 
and oftentimes low, became in time an open sewer, 
rendering the valley in its neighborhood not only of- 
fensive, but dangerous to health. One of our local 
poets (truly not a very poetical subject) thus wrote of 
it: 

"it is not e]airnGflth:it power divine 
Did wash Culogne's foul rivor, Rhine ; 
Nor will benign Supernal powei» 
Conspire to cleanse tliif* Khine of ours, 
Whose sickening tides, it ie well known, 
Are foul as ever washed Cologne. — 
They scored but two and seventy stenches there, 

J>u the old rhynister in the canto tells ; 
We count a hundred, with enough to spare 

To hold high carnival of extra smells ! 

****** 

Saints dwelling on the river's bank 

Blaephenie its flood like impious Thugs ! 
With smelling all it3 impious scents 

Our noses all are turned to pugs. 
Surely the witches of Macbeth 

Ne'er told of caldron's mixture worse, 
For blind-worm's sting, and adder's bieath 

Combined, would prove a lighter curse." 

A large sewer now receives all these drains, and the 
river has resumed its nearly normal condition. 

For several years the selectmen and Board of Al- 
dermen were the health officers, Witli all their other 
dutiesj proper attention could not be given to sanitary 
matters. Since the organization of a special Board 
of Health much more time has been devoted to this 
subject, and the city will compare favorably in this 
regard with other municipalities. 

Police Department.— In the early years of Law- 
rence every one was too busy to be engaged in roguery^ 
and in subsequent years a vigilant and efficient police 
has preserved good order, seldom disturbed i^y any 
very notable events. Que of the earliest attempts 
at burglary was an effort to rob the Essex Co.'s safe. 
The company at that time occupied the one-story 



882 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



building near tlie guard locks. The plan was frus- 
trated by Marshal Tukey, of Boston, and two notori- 
ous burglars, who for a considerable period had 
baffled the marshal's efforts, were captured. 

In the second year of the city government (1854) a 
disturbance occurred which came near proving a seri- 
ous riot. A flag had been discovered, Union down, 
on a building on Oak Street, supposed to have been 
raised purposely by an Irishman (really by an Amer- 
ican) as an insult to the flag. A crowd soon assem- 
bled composed of the more excitable element of the 
Know-Nothings (literal know-nothings, since they 
had not taken the trouble to ascertain truth) ; collision 
ensued, and on Common Street the i'ront of one 
building (Bangor Block so-called) was considerably 
damaged. Stones were freely used, and some shots 
were exchanged ; the riot act was read by Mayor 
Bartlett and the crowd dispersed. Fearing further 
trouble, about three hundred extra policemen were 
sworn in, but no further disturbance occurred, and 
the skies once more shone benignantly over a blood- 
less field. 

Again, in 1875 a small body of Orangemen, return- 
ing from a picnic, were assaulted by a crowd of the 
thoughtless and reckless portiou of the people, for- 
getting (if it ever occurred to them) that it is a free 
country, where all have equal rights. Seeking pro- 
tection at the police station, the mayor, K. H. Tewks- 
bury, and some policeman escorted them to their des- 
tination. Stones and other missiles were pretty free- 
ly used and some pistol-shots discharged. Some were 
slightly wounded, but nothing of a serious nature re- 
sulted. 

These items are mentioned merely as incidents in 
history and not as possessing any serious import. In 
both instances the collisions were the natural results 
from the impulses of unthinking and unreasoning men. 
When serious trouble came in 1861 men of all nation- 
alities — American born and foreign born. Catholics 
and Orangemen— vied with each other in maintaining 
the honor of our national banner by land and sea. 

The city has been the scene of one deliberate mur- 
der. Albert D. Swan was shot by Henry K. Good- 
win August 27, 1885. There had been between the 
two men a dispute of long standing in regard to the 
use of some invention connected with the telephone 
in which both were interested, and for the use 
of which Goodwin claimed that Swan was indebted 
to him in a considerable amount. Swan claimed that 
he owed him nothing. On the day above named 
Goodwin borrowed a pistol, and, going to the count- 
ing-room where Swan was seated at a desk, he renew- 
ed his demand, and as it was not responded to satis- 
factorily, be fired with fatal eflect. 

Mr. Swan was born in Tewksbury May 10, 1845, 
and came with his father, the late David S. Swan, to 
Lawrence in 1848. He was educated in the schools 
of Lawrence and at Comers' Commercial College, 
Boston; commenced life as a clerk in the banking- 



house of Hallgarten & Herzfield, New York, and was 
afterwards gold paying teller and attorney for the 
firm in the New York Stock Board ; entered into 
partnership with his father under the name of D. S. 
Swan & Son in Lawrence, 1866, in fire insurance bus- 
iness. The father died 1874, and the business was 
continued by the son, who was also at the time of his 
death a director in the Bay State Bank. 

Police Cotjkt. — In April, 1848, the Police Court 
was established by act of Legislature. Prior to this, 
justice had been dispensed by Trial Justice Joseph 
Couch. The first judge appointed was William Ste- 
vens, who, after a service of thirty years, resigned, 
and was succeeded by Hon. Nathan W. Harmon in 
1878. After a service of nine years Judge Harmon 
resigned on account of impaired health, and was fol- 
lowed by the present judge, Hon. Andrew C. Stone. 
Associate justices have been Hon.Wm. H. P. Wright, 
W. Fiske Gile, Charles U. Bell, Gilbert E. Hood. 
Among those who have held the ottice of clerk, for- 
merly appointed by the mayor and more recently 
elected by the people, have been Wm. H. Parsons, 
W. H. P. Wright, Edgar J. Sherman, Henry L. Sher- 
man, Charles E. Briggs, Jesse G. Gould and the pres- 
ent incumbent, Henry F. Hopkins. 

At the first town-meeting ten constables were ap- 
jjointed, who were also field-drivers — Gilman P. San- 
born, Bailey Bartlett, J. N. Gage, Phineas M. Gage, 
C. N. Souther, H. T. Nichols, E. Bartlett, N. Hazel- 
ton, Nath'l Ambrose, W. A. Goodwin. 

Of these, three — Gilman F. Sanborn, Nathan- 
iel Ambrose, and James D. Herrick — were successive- 
ly at the head of the town police. Phineas M. Gage 
was the owner of a fine farm in the easterly portion 
of the town, embracing what is now Jackson Court 
and a portion of the Common, — On hard Street tak- 
ing its name from his orchard, and Garden Street 
from his garden. 

The venerable Bailey Bartlett (a sou of Hon. Bailey 
Bartlett, of Haverhill, who was appointed sherifl' of 
Essex County by Gov. John Hancock) resided for 
several years in Newburyport, afterward in Salem and 
came thence to Lawrence. He was, as above stated, 
one of the first constables chosen in Lawrence, and 
on the decease of Joshua Buswell (the first deputy 
here), he was appointed deputy-sheriff, an ottice which 
he filled acceptably for many years. After this he 
was appointed a constable for civil service by success- 
ive city governments, and was remarkably active till 
a year or two before his decease, which occurred 1887, 
at the advanced age of ninety-two. James D. Her- 
rick, educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, entered 
Dartmouth College, but did not continue a college 
course ; was a teacher till 1846, when he came to Law- 
rence, and for twenty-two years was in the employ of 
the Essex Company as toll-keeper at Andover Bridge. 
He was one of the first members of the school com- 
mittee and served on the committee at different peri- 
ods for ten years; was at one time chief engineer of 



LAWKENCE. 



883 



the Fire Department and a member of the Board of 
Aldermen. 

Under the city government, the various marshals 
(chiefs of police) have been Harvey L. Fuller, Chan- 
dler Bailey, Leonard Stoddard, Joseph H. Keyes, John 
8. Perkins, George W. Potter, John W. Porter, Ed- 
mund K. Hayden (afterward mayor), Noah Parkman, 
Col. Chase Philbrick, Capt. James E. Shepard, Ly- 
man Prescott, James M. Currier, Moulton Batchelder 
and James T. O'SuUivan. 

IxDtTsTRiAi, School. — This school was established 
in 1875, to provide a place for boys " who are growing 
up without salutary control, or no control at all ; who 
either have no homes or homes merely in name; who 
lead idle lives and are habitual truants; who may 
indeed -have been guilty of petty oflences, but who 
mav be reformed by kind treatment — a place where 
they may receive useful instruction in books and 
manual labor." The school opened with two boys 
July 3, 187o, under the direction of Captain H. G. 
Herrick, Kev. George Packard, Hon. Milton Bonney, 
Rev. John P. Gilmore and Frederick E. Clarke as 
trustees. The school has proved a very wise and use- 
ful establishment, and has accomplished much good. 
iNIany boys, who would otherwise have grown up to 
become pests of society, have gone from this school 
to become useful and industrious citizens. It is 
really a home, and by no.means a prison, and is and 
has been for several years under the charge of Mr. 
and Mrs. Robert B. Risk. 

Of the original trustees, Messrs. Packard and Bon- 
ney have died, and Rev. J. P. Gilmore has left the 
city. Messrs. Herrick and Clarke have from the be- 
ginning devoted much time to the interests of the 
school. 

Judge William Stevens was born in North Andover, 
Mass., 1799 ; entered Harvard College at the age of 
sixteen, graduating in 1819; went to Nashville, 
Ten n., where he commenced the study of law; was 
admitted to the bar and practiced law in that city till 
1826, when he removed to Belfast, Me., and became 
the law partner of John Wilson. The co|)artnership 
was dissolved in 1829, at which time he was elected 
to represent Belfast in the Legislature of Maine, 
nine years after the separation of Maine from Massa- 
chusetts. During his residence in Belfast he was ac- 
tive in public affairs, and is mentioned in the history 
of that town as a "distinguished and prominent" 
citizen ; was a leader in the Debating Society, presi- 
dent of the Belfast Lyceum, editor of the Maine 
Farmer and Political Register, and a leading member 
of the Fire Department. Mr. Stevens removed subse- 
quently to his native town, and soon after was elected 
to the Massachusetts Legislature, and served several 
terms. In 183G he was appointed cashier of the Es- 
sex Bank in Andover, a position which he held till 
November 20, 1847, when the business of that bank 
was closed, and the cashier was ordered to dispose of 
the notes and other property. He removed to Law- 



rence July 3, 1848, at which time he was appointed 
by Governor Briggs judge of the Lawrence Police 
Court. 

This position he held till May, 1877, and during 
this period was for three years a member of the 
School Committee. Failing health, loss of eye-sight, 
compelled his resignation, and on the 4th of June, 
1878, he was stricken with apoplexy and died in a few 
hours. 

Judge Stevens was a gentleman of the olden time, 
very urbane in manner, kind to a fault to the unfor- 
nate and erring; as a judge, sometimas deciding rases 
according to equity, rather than strict law ; a public- 
spirited citizen and a sterling patriot. Two of his 
sons, fully imbued with the father's devotion to 
country, gave their lives to its service in the Civil 
War. 

Newspapers. — The first newspaper in Lawrence 
was issued in October, 1846, by J. F. C. Hayes, and 
was called the Merrimack Courier. It continued un- 
der the editorial management of Mr. Hayes, John A. 
Goodwin (subsequently of Lowell), Homer A. Cook, 
Rev. Henry I. Harrington and Nathaniel Ambrose 
till 1802. In 1848 a Democratic paper, entitled the 
Vanguard, was j)ublished by Fabyan & Douglas. 
The name was subsequently changed to Tke Sentinel. 
This paper has been edited in the course of its exist- 
ence by Harrison Douglass, Colonel B. F. Watson, 
Geo. A. Gordon, Benjamin Bordman, John Ryan, 
Hon. John K. Tarbox and Abiel Morrison, and is yet 
issued as a weekly paper. 

In 1855 the Laivrence American was commenced by 
George W. Sargent and A. S. Bunker ; it was con- 
tinued by Mr. Sargent alone, and then Major Geo. S. 
Merrill became associated with him, and has since 
been the editor. This paper is Republican in pol- 
itics, and is issued daily under the title of iMwrencc 
American, an evening paper, and weekly as the Law- 
rence American and Andover Review. This is be- 
lieved to be the first newspaper and printing-office in 
the world where the prebses are all run by electric 
power, introduced in 1884. 

In 18(;7 ihe Essc.r Eagle v.'as commenced by Mer- 
rill & Wadsworth ; now published by H. A. Wads- 
worth. This paper has two editions — a weekly and 
morning daily. 

The Lawrence Journal, another well-conducted pa- 
per, was commenced by Robert Bower as the organ 
of workingmen. It was purcha.sed in 1877 by Mr. 
Patrick Sweeney, one of the earliest residents of the 
town , Democratic in politics, with a good share of 
independence. 

The Sunday Telegram has been more recently es- 
tablished. Several other papers have had an ephem- 
eral existence. 

CHARITABLE AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 

Masonic. — Grecian Lodge, the oldest in the city, 
was chartered in Methuen December 10, 1825, but in 



884 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



consequence of the opposition to secret societies in 
anti-Masonic times, the meetings were practically 
abandoned. December 14, 1846, the first Masonic 
meeting v\as held in Lawrence, and at an adjourned 
meeting, one week later, it was determined to petition 
the Grand Lodge for a charter under the name of 
Grecian Lodge, in which it was hoped the Methuen 
Masons would join, and it was proposed that they 
should. meet weekly from the 28th of December. Ben- 
jamin Boardman was proposed for M., Geo. E. Tyler 
for S. W., and J. F. C. Hayes for J. W., and a com- 
mittee was appointed to take steps for procuring a 
charter, which was granted in February, 1848. 

Tuscan Lodge was chartered December 10,1863; 
Phcenician Lodge November 5, 1870. 

Mount Sinai Eoyal Arch Chapter was chartered Oc- 
tober 1, 1861. 

Bethany Commandery, Knights Templar, was char- 
tered December 29, 1864. 

Lawrence Council, R. and S. M., was chartered De- 
cember 9, 1868. 

Lawrence Masonic Association was formed November, 
1871. 

Lawrence Masonic Mutual Relief Association was 
chartered July 20, 1874. 

Odd FELLOW.S.— The first lodge of the I. O. 0. F. 
was organized May 10, 1847, and the order is repre- 
sented in Lawrence by the following : United Broth- 
ers Lodge, formed in 1847 ; Monadnock Lodge,^o. 150, 
organized 1867 ; Ixiwrence Lodge, in 1869; Kearsarge 
Encampment, No. 36, September 11, 1868 ; Lawrence 
Encampment, No. 31, in 1852, and re-instituted 1874- 
The Lawrence Odd Felloius' Building Association, 
formed in 1874-75, erected the fine brick building at 
the corner of Essex and Lawrence Streets ; the lower 
floors of this building are occupied by stores; the 
second floor has been, for several years, occupied by 
the Lawrence Public Library, and the upper stories 
have been finely fitted and furnished for meetings 
and banquet halls of the various associations of the 
order. 

Among the Benefit Insurance Societies are 
The Knights of Honor ; Knights and Ladies of Honor , ■ 
United Order of Pilgrim. Fathers, ^ye divisions; The 
Royal Arcanum; The Home Circle; The American 
fjegion of Honor ; The Northern Mutual Relief Associ- 
ation ; Ruth Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca; all of 
which are recognized by the State, and their financial 
standing reported in the Insurance Reports. 

Other benevolent societies are the Knights of Pythias 
(a secret order) ; the Order of United Friends, repre- 
sented by two organizations, — ^Alpha Council, No. 7, 
and Bay State Council, No. 162 ; Knights of St. John; 
Knights and Ladies of the Golden Rule ; the Golden 
Rule Alliance ; United Order of the Golden Cross, in 
three divisions, — the Olive, Eastern Star and Loyalty 
Commanderies ; the Ancient Order of Foresters ; all 
having for their object mutual assistance to sick and 
dis^tressed members. 



The Ladies' Union Charitable Society, incorporated 
1875, has the charge of the hospital for the care of 
acute cases of sickness and accident ; nursery for day 
care of small children ; training-school for nurses. 

The German population has two associations of the 
Order of Hanigari, known as Scliilhr Lodge and Frei- 
heii Lodge, with Masonic features and benefits ; also 
an Aid Society, a Sick Relief Association, and the 
St. Aloysius Aid Society (Catholic). 

The benevolent societies of the French population 
are L' Union St. Joseph and La Societe St. Jean Bap- 
tist e. 

Other large benevolent societies are The Irish Cath- 
olic Benevolent Society, organized Ocloher, 1863; Two 
lodges Ancient Order of Hibernians ; The Protectory 
of Mary Immaculate, better known as the .Orphan 
Asylum, as its name implies, an orphan asylum and 
home for invalids, the first institution ever erected in 
the city for charitable purposes ; and the Conference 
of St. Vincent de Paul. 

There are in Lawrence also several social and liter- 
ary clubs, among which are the Home Club, with 
handsomely furnished rooms, centrally located on 
Essex Street ; the Caledonian Society (Scotch) ; Sons 
of St. George (English); Le Cercle Montcalm 
(French) ; the Turn-Verein (German) ; the Knights 
of St. Patrick and the Old Residents' Association, to 
which all are eligible who l^ave resided in Lawrence 
twenty-five years or more. Miss E. G. Wetheibee, 
president. 

A Natural History and Archjeological Society, em- 
bracing nearly one hundred members, has recently 
been formed, R. H. Tewksbury, president; John P. 
Langshaw, .secretary ; G. R. Sanborn, treasurer. 

Needham Post (No. 39) of the Grand Army of the 
Republic combines the two objects of good-fellowship 
and benevolence to needy and sick comrades. 

The post was named after Sumner Henry Need- 
ham, a member of the old Sixth Regiment, and who 
was among the first martyrs of the Rebellion. He 
was killed at Baltimore on the 19th of April, 1861. 
His remains were brought to Lawrejice and interred 
in Bellevue Cemetery with public honors. Business 
was sus])ended throughout the city, and flags at half- 
mast, with other demonstrations of grief, marked the 
public respect ibr his memory. 

He was born at Bethel, Me., and had been twelve 
years in Lawrence when the war broke out. With 
the name of such a hero as its patron. Post 89 could 
not help but increase in numbers and usefulness. To- 
day its membership is one of the largest of any post 
in the State outside of Boston. Its roll represents 
over three hundred members in good standing, with 
fresh accessions coming in at every meeting. It has 
disbursed for charitable purposes during the last ten 
years from seven hundred dollars to twelve hundred 
dollars annually. 

The first commander was Major George S. Merrill, 
and such soldiers as Col. L. D. Sargent, Col. E. J. 



LAWRENCE. 



885 



Sherman, Major E. A. Fiske, Col. Chase Philbriek, 
Major L. N. Duchesney, .\djutant Frank O. Kendall, 
Ex-Mayor Davis, Stephen C. Par.sons, James Noonan, 
Daniel F. Kiley, David Johnson, William H. Coan, 
Hon. A. C. Stone, John F. Hogan, James J. Stanley, 
George H. Flagg and Charles H. Couillard were his 
successors. Of the above, Mr. F. O. Kendall has been 
appointed and served as adjutant under eleven com- 
manders, this being a longer period than can be said 
of any other member of a G. A. E. Post in the State. 
The charter members of Needham Post were Melvin 
Beal, Jame.s G. Abbott, Frank Davis, E. L. Noyes, 
Chase Philbriek, A. A. Currier, George S. Merrill, E. 
J. Merriam and S. M. Decker. The charter is dated 
December 10, 1S67. The present commander of 
Needham Post is Charles U. Bell, Esq. 

Musical Association. — The Oldest Musical Asso- 
ciation in the city is the Lawrence Brass Band, 
formed in February, 1849, a very patriotic association, 
which in the Rebellion sent twelve of its eighteen 
members into the Union army.' For many years it 
was under the leadership of D. Frank Robinson. The 
present leader is Mr. E. T. Collins. 

The Lawrence Cornet Band, F. J. O'Reilly, leader; 
La Bande Canadienne, J. R. Lafricaine, leader; the 
Lyra and Glocke Singing Societies (German) ; the 
Ladies' Clioral Union, under the direction of Mr. 
Reuben Merrill ; two Orchestral Associations, one 
directed by E. T. Collins, the other by C. J. A. 
Marier. 

Yoi'NG Men's Christian Association. — Organ- 
ized October 12, lS7ti ; incorporated January 14, 
1880; reorganized February (5, 18S3. The associa- 
tion has pleasant and convenient rooms, which are 
open daily from 8 a.m. to 9J v.yi. The following 
privileges are free to all persons : Reading-room well 
supplied with papers and periodicals, parlor games 
boarding-house register, employment bureau, song 
service and facilities for letter-writing. In addition 
to the above, members of the association are entitled 
to the use of the gymnasium, bath-rooms, members' 
parlor and admission for member and lady to the 
annual course of entertainments. Any young man 
of good moral character, regardless of religious belief, 
may become a member on payment of an annual 
fee of two dollars. Fee for memberslii[i, with use of 
the gymnasium, five dollars. 

The building occupied by them was built for and 
occupied by the Eliot Church. This was sold when 
the Eliot and Central Churches united, and was pur- 
chased by Hon. Wm. .\. Russell, who conveyed it to the 
association, generously deducting from the payment 
the sum of ten thousand dollars of the actual cost. 

Lawkence City Mission. — In the great influx 
of population naturally attendant upon founding of 
the new town many came with limited means, who, 
either from want of immediate employment or illness, 

' Tewksbury. 



needed assistance. Poor, but not by any means 
paupers, a little aid from those more fortunate would 
help them on in their struggle for success. Among 
the first to recognize the importance of system in the 
distribution of aid was Rev. Henry F. Harrington, 
then pastor of the Unitarian Church, who said to his 
people : " If you will place your charity money in 
my hands, and send your applicants for aid to me, I 
will look up the cases and help as I shall see help is 
needed." 

December, 18.54, seven gentlemen met for the pur- 
pose of forming a "Relief Society." These men were 
Rev. George Packard, John C. Hoadley, William D. 
Joplin, James K. Barker, Rev. Richard S. Rust, Ebe- 
nezer B. Currier and Rev. H. F. Harrington. At a 
subsequent meeting John C. Hoadley was chosen 
president, the city was divided in six districts, a divi- 
sion committee of three persons from each ward of 
the city was appointed, and to each section was as- 
signed a visitor. The first general agent was Wm. 
D. Joplin (who died August, 1870). Mr. Joplin 
served one year, and following him Henry Witbing- 
ton, who served more than two years, both devoted to 
the work without compensation, the last-named giv- 
ing his entire time during the winter months. The 
society continued four years, and rendered important 
aid, particular during the stagnation of business in 
1857. In February, 18.59, the society voted that a 
committee of two from each religious society be invited 
meet in convention with a committee of two from the 
association to consider the establishment of a city 
mission. The first meeting was held March ,3, 18.59, 
in which twelve religious societies were represented. 
The meeting unanimously decided in favor of form- 
ing a mission, and a committee was appointed with 
Hon. Chas. Storrow as chairman, who reported that 
the proposed measure " promises results of a most 
beneficial character, not only to those who are to be 
more particularly the object of the labors of the mis- 
sion, but also to those who, by joining in its sujiport, 
whatever be their peculiarities of religious opinion, 
thereby ci'eate and strengthen within themselves that 
bond of truly Christian fellowship which unites all 
who co-operate in good work," They also reported 
that Geo. P. Wilson (of the Methodist Church) was 
a person containing in an unusual degree the qualifi- 
cations and experience requisite for the proper dis- 
charge of the duties of city missionary. The report 
was unanimously adopted, and the wisdom of their 
choice was fully proved, — beloved and trusted by all, 
Mr. Wilson devoted all the energies of his benevo- 
lent and unselfish nature to the wants of the unfortu- 
nate and suffering, and during thirteen years of ser- 
vice, in the trying times that succeeded the fall of the 
Pemberton mill, and during the four years of war, in 
counsel as chaplain' at the jail, and in every way in 
which he could, he was always found ready to do all 
in his power for the benefit of sufl'ering humanity, 
and in all his charitable work he had the full sympathy 



886 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and aid of his equally devoted wife. He resigned in 
1872 and went to Boston in the service of the Boston 
Missionary and Church Extension Society. A plain 
monument in Bellevue Cemetery, erected by the citi- 
zens of Lawrence, marks his resting-place ; it bears 
this simple inscription : 

" To the memory of 

Geo. p. Wilson 

City MisBionary of Lawrence for thirteen years 

Born Jany 29, 1830 

Died July 10, 1873 

He lived for others." 

April 1, 1872, Rev. Charles U. Dunning was ap- 
pointed to succeed Mr. Wilson, and for about thir- 
teen years, with the earnest co-operation of Mrs. 
Dunning, faithfully and judiciously carried on the 
work so auspiciously commenced, and was succeeded 
by Francis S. Longworth, the present missionary. 
The mission is sustained by voluntary contributions, 
and the salary of the missionary is paid by the differ- 
ent manufacturing corporations, divided in proportion 
to their capital. The president of the society. Rev. 
George Packard, died, after eighteen years of devoted 
service, November 30, 1877, and Gilbert E. Hood was 
chosen to succeed him. 

The mission has from the beginning accomplished 
much, and by its usefulness in various ways has com- 
mended itself fully to the people. In 1885, in the 
hope of making it still more systematically useful, it 
became a bureau of charities on tte basis of associated 
charity, having for its objects, "to secure harmonious 
co-operation between the different churches, charities 
and charitable individuals of Lawrence, in order to 
assist the deserving poor, prevent begging and im- 
position, and diminish pauperism ; to encourage thrift 
and self-dependence, through friendly intercourse, 
advice and sympathy ; to aid the poor to help them- 
selves, and to prevent children from growing up as 
paupers." Such have ever been the aims of the mis- 
sion, but whether all the societies will co-operate is a 
problem for the future. 

Independently of the city mission, yet as an auxil- 
iary to it, several benevolently disposed young ladies 
had for several years maintained a 

Flower Mission, the object of which has been to 
brighten the homes of the sick with flowers, and 
otherwise distributing among them fruits and delica- 
cies suitable for invalids, and in this work they have 
been generously aided by the people of Andover and 
North Andover, Early in October, 1875, at the invi- 
tation of the City Missionary, a number of ladies met 
at the mission rooins to take into consideration the 
formation of a Day Nursery, for the care of chil- 
dren whose mothers were employed in the mills, and 
for such hospital work as might be found at hand. 
And on the 8th of October the Ladies' Union Charit- 
able Society was formed, and orgifnized by the choice 
of Mrs. Alfred P. Clark, president ; Mi's. Wm. A. Rus- 
sell, secretary and treasurer. The other officers rep- 
resenting the different churches were: 



Mra J. Morrison Grace Church 

Mrs. N. G. White Lawrence Street Church 

Mrs. Wm. SbacUford Second Methodist Church 

Mrs. Joseph Shattuclc Unitarian Church 

Mrs. G. I), .\rm3trong First Baptist Church 

Mi-s. L. Beach, Jr First Methodist Church 

Mrs. S. Webster Parlier Street Methodist Church 

Sirs. H. F. Mills Swedenborgian Cliurch 

Mrs. A. McFarlin Universalist Church 

Mrs. S. W. Wilder First Baptist Church 

Mrs. Fred. Butler.. St. John's Church 

Mrs. C. Payson, Second Baptist Church 

Mrs. A. C. Clark Central Church 

Mrs. J. Hogg Presbyterian Church 

Mrs. Clark Carter South Congregational Church 

A public meeting was held at City Hall on the 
19th, and at this meeting sufficient encouragement 
was given to warrant the society in commencing 
work. A building was purchased, completely fur- 
nished, and opened to receive children in November. 
January 4, 1876, the society was incorporated, and 
the building was removed to land of the Washington 
Mills, and enlarged by the addition of three rooms in 
the rear ; but as there was no room to be spared for 
the care of the sick, an invalid's home was opened on 
Montgomery Street. A few years later the Washing- 
ton Mills having other u.se for their land, removal be- 
came necessary. It was also essential that the nursery 
building should be in the vicinity of the mills, and it 
was determined to purchase a lot of land for the pur- 
poses required. This was accomplished, and money 
raised by subscription for erecting a larger building 
where the nursery and home should be combined. 
The diti'erent numufacturing companies gave three 
thousand dollar.^. Other sums were obtained from 
citizens, and the front of the building, now used as a 
hospital, was erected and dedicated February 9, 1882, 
the old buildings being placed in the rear and used 
for culinary purposes. The physicians soon began to 
urge upon the society the neces.sity of opening the 
hospital department to men as well as women, as most 
of the accidents in the mills occurred among the men, 
and there was no place in town for the care of many 
of these cases, and, heretofore, it had been customary 
to send to hospitals in Boston. This movement 
created the need of a larger building, and the society 
immediately gave their attention to increasing their 
accommodations. May, 1885, they succeeded in 
purchasing a lotadjoiningthe hospital from Mr. Chas. 
A. Brown, which was enlarged by the gift of an un- 
known friend of twenty-five feet front additional, 
thus giving them a lot of one hundred and thirty-five 
by seventy-eight feet. In 1885 the home for children 
was finished, free from debt, and in March, 1886, the 
hospital ell was completed and dedicated. The hos- 
pital, which will accommodate twenty patients, and 
the day nursery are both still under the charge of the 
society, and both have proved of great utility. 

Not yet satisfied with their earnest and successful ef- 
forts, the society, in October, 1882, established a 
training-school for nurses, which is yet in successful 
operation. Eight nurses are in constant attendance, 



LAWRENCE. 



887 



graduating after having passed a successful examina- 
tion and two years' ti'aining in the hospital. A di- 
rectory for nurses was opened in 1885, aiming to as- 
sist persons requiring a nurse, and to aid nurses de- 
siring work in their chosen profession. In these va- 
rious works the ladies have been materially aided by 
the physicians of the city, who have cordially co- 
operated in nuK-h gratituoua service, and by lectures 
and aid in the training-school. One pleasant custom 
has grown up in connection with this enterprise which 
is worthy of mention. For the purpose of raising 
funds ill support of the nursery and hospital, some 
one (it is believed Mr. and Mrs. Dunning) suggested 
having a public breakfast ou the 1st day of May ; this 
has grown gradually in favor, and seems to have be- 
come a permanent institution, the City Hall being 
usually filled from early morning till the middle of the 
forenoon, where the citizens meet in social inter- 
course, and no inconsiderable sums are realized from 
the entertainment. 

The present president of the society is Mrs. Wm. E. 
Gowing, and for the past four years Jliss A. E. An- 
drews has been the efficient head of the hospital. 

Public; Schools. — Forty years ago, 1846, there 
were within the present limits of Lawrence three of 
those small one-story buildings known as school- 
houses, wliere, as in other district schools throughout 
New England, the children had the benefit of a few 
weeks' instruction in the common branches of educa- 
tion in the two terms of summer and winter. They 
were, no doubt, like their prototypes, plain, rude and 
neglected, with cold floors, a uniform pattern of desks 
for pupils of all sizes, and these unpainted, on which, 
even if not instructed in the art, the male portion of 
the pupils were self-educated in the rudiments of 
sculpture. 

In 184G another building was prepared by the Es- 
sex Company, and under the direction of the Meth- 
uen school committee — Dr. Stephen Huse, James D. 
Ilerrick and Rev. Willard Spalding — was opened for 
pupils, with Nathaniel Ambrose' as teacher. This 
school soon increased in numbers from twenty-five to 
one hundred and fifty, and was continued till after 
the acceptance of the town charter. 

At the first town-meeting Dr. William D. Lamb, 
James D. Herrick and Dan Weed were elected mem- 
bers of the school committee. In their report they give 
the record of five schools, located on Tower Hill, 
Hampshire Street, Jackson Street, Prospect Street 
and " Andover side." The rapid influx of scholars 
rendered active measures necessary, and as future 
success depends largely on rightbeginnings, the agent 
of the Essex Company, Mr. Storrow, requested Hon. 
Horace Mann (then the best authority in educational 
affairs) to meet the committee and devise with them 



1 Mr. Ambrose died September 30, 1878, at the age of sixty-eeven. He 
was cliosen annually during the continuance of the town a ronatablo 
and part of the time inspector of police and ca]itain of the watch. 



some systematic plan adapted to the growing wants of 
of the city. 

The plan then adopted contemplated the establish- 
ment of primary and intermediate schools scattered 
over the territory of the town, one grammar scliool 
upon the north side of the river, one grammar school 
upon the south side and one high school for the town. 

At the town-meeting of 1848 five persons were 
chosen members of the committee, — Rev. Henry F. 
Harrington (now superintendent of schools in New 
Bedford), ^ Nathan W. Harmon (since judge of the 
Police Court), ^James D. Herrick, Rev. Lyman Whit- 
ing and Rev. George Packard. 

The plan matured and carried into execution at 
that early day, and which has continued to the pres- 
ent time, of dividing the schools into primary, mid- 
dle, grammar and high grades, has proved by time to 
be the best and most economical. The government, 
the people and the non-resident owners of our large 
manufacturing establishments were liberal in the ex- 
penditure for schools, as, in fact, they have ever been 
since. The manufacturing coiupauies paying at that 
time sixty-five per cent, of all the taxes, expressed their 
feelings in the language of one of their representa- 
tives, " Let the schools be the best that can be made 
at any cost," fully realizing the importance of early 
discipline in habits of method and order, of those 
who are ultimately to be the sovereigns of the State. 

This same year the committee called the attention 
of the town government to the requirements of the 
statute for a building for a high school ; twelve thou- 
sand five hundred dollars was promptly ajjpropriated 
for the purpose, and the building now occupied by 
the Oliver Grammar School was erected, and named 
the Oliver School. 

Lawrence Hiuh School. — In January, 1849, T. 
W. Curtis was elected principal of this school, to 
which seventeen pupils were admitted that month. 
In September twenty-two more were admitted, and 
Miss Sarah B. Hooker was elected assistant teacher. 
Mr. Curtis resigned in 1851, and for the remainder ot 
the term Rev. H. F. Plarrington, of tlie committee, 
was the instructor. In 1851 Mr. C. J. Pennell be- 
came principal. Miss Hooker resigned in January, 
1852, and was succeeded by Miss Jane S. Gerrish, of 
Newburyport, who remained in service till June, 1873. 
In 185.3 Mr. Pennell resigned to accept a profei^sorship 
in Antioch College, Ohio. 

He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel John Pike, then 
a tutor in Bowdoin College. After a service of three 
years he removed to Somerville. For a few months 
the position was filled by Mr. Wm. H. Farrar, and, in 
May, 1857, Mr. Wm. J. Rolfe was elected principal. 
Mr. Rolfe remained four and a half years, and re- 
moved to Boston, where he became associate editor of 
the Boston Journal of Chemhtnj, and is widely known 
as the author of several valuable works. For three 



2 Now deceased. 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



months after the withdrawal of Mr. Rolfe, Mr. Thom- 
as G. Valpey, an instructor in another in.stitution, 
spent his vacation as principal of the High School, 
and in December, 1861, Mr. Henry L. Boltwood be- 
came principal. He was succeeded in 1863 by Albert 
C. Perkins. Mr. Perkins remained till 1873, and re- 
signed to become principal of Phillips Academy, Exe- 
ter (and is now principal of the Adelphi Academy, 
Brooklyn, N. Y.). The subsequent teachers have 
been Charles T. Lazelle, 1873 to '75 ; Horace E. Bart- 
lett, 1875 to 79 ; Edward H. Kice, 1879 to '80 ; Ed- 
win H. Lord, 1880 to '84 (recently elected principal 
of the new Brewster Academy at Wolfboro'), and the 
present principal, Frank P. McGregor. 

A second assistant, Miss Harriet C. Hovey, was 
elected in 1856, and, after a faithful service of seven 
years, was succeeded in 1863 by Miss Marcia Packard, 
who left the service in 1881. Other assistants have 
been Miss Alice E. Birtwell, 1873 till her decease, in 
1883; Miss Emily G. Wetherbee, Mary A. Newell, 
Ada Lear, Katharine A. O'Keefe, Louisa S. Halley 
and Julia J. Underbill, the six last mentioned being 
still in service. 

A sub-mastership was created in 1872, and the po- 
sition has been held by Herbert S. Eice, 1872 to '77 ; 
Parker P. Simmons, to 1879 ; Anson M. Richardson, 
1879 to '85 ; Edward ,J. Sartelle, and Edwin H. Lord, 
Edward H. Gulick. 

The Oliver Grammar School commenced with a 
little over one hundred and forty scholars in the 
spring of 1848, in a wooden building where the 
Unitarian Church now stands, under the direction 
of Mr. Geo. A. Walton (now of the State Board 
of Education). It was supposed that this house 
would accommodate the grammar school on the 
north side of the river for an indefinite period ; but 
before the walls of the High School building were 
up it was found necessary to alter the plan, and 
as soon as finished the grammar school vs-as placed 
in the upper story, with scats for one hundred and 
eighty-four scholars. This soon proved too small, 
and in 1851 the three-story transverse section 
was built; again in 1867 the front portion of the 
original building was raised to its present height. 
Its name, Oliver Grammar School, was given in hon- 
or of the late General Oliver. In 1865 Hon. Milton 
Bonney, then mayor, who had been a member of 
the school committee for three years previous, and 
foresaw that the increasing growth of the grammar 
school would soon demand the use of the whole 
building, called the attention of the government to 
the necessity of providing a new building for the 
High School, and land was secured for the purpose, 
on which, iu 1866, the new High School building 
was erected ; but before its completion the sessions 
of the High School were held in the vestry of Trinity 
Church, and the entire original building was given 
up to the Oliver Grammar School. 

During this time twelve other school-houses had 



been built or enlarged in different parts of the 
city. 

The committee were quite fortunate in securing 
the services of Blr. Walton, as he served as an able 
coadjutor in carrying into effect the plan adopted, 
and being zealous in his chosen profession, he 
brought the school to a high state of excellence. 
The Quincy School of Boston was the model on 
which the grammar school was built, then the only 
one of its kind in New England. Mr. Walton con- 
tinued in the mastership of the school from April, 
1848, for sixteen years, till the summer of 1864; was 
succeeded by James H. Eaton, who had been assistant 
teacher (now treasurer of the Essex Savings Bank), 
Mr. with Albert F. Scruton as assistant. After Mr. 
Eaton's resignation, Mr. John L. Brewster was elect- 
ed (who was subsequently superintendent of schools 
form 1880 to 1887). Successiveprincipals were James 
Barrell, Park S. Warren, Barrett B. Russel and the 
present principal, Benjamin F. Dame. 

The school, commencing with two classes in 1848, 
has now eight grades under sixteen female teachers, 
with one head master and i-eveu hundred pupils; 
the building will accommodate eight hundred and 
forty. 

Packard School. — This is at the present time the 
grammar school of South Lawrence. The building 
was originally a brick building of eight rooms and 
was first occupied 1872. In March, 1885, it was 
destroyed by fire, but has since been rebuilt and con- 
tains ten rooms and a hall. The other buildings, the 
Lawrence and Union Street School buildings, on the 
south side of the river, are occupied by the primary 
schools. 

The grammar school has been successively under 
the charge of Isaiah W. Ayer, Jonathan Tenney, John 
B. Fairfield, Wilbur Fiske Gile, John Orne, Jr., J. 
Henry Root, Jetterson K. Cole, Edward P. Shute 
and Albert P. Doe. 

It would be impracticable in the limits of this article 
to give a more extended sketch of the growth of 
the schools of Lawrence, and mention the various 
faithful teachers who have been here employed. 
Suffice it to say that, in addition to the three pre- 
viously named, Lawrence has seventeen public 
schools, employing seventy-two teachers, the total 
number of teachers being one hundred and eight in 
active employ; the average number of pupils for 
the year 18S6 being nearly five thousand; average 
attendance, 96.42 per cent. 

Free evening schools were established in 1859^ 
for the benefit of those who are unable to attend 
school during the day — taught at first by volunteer 
teachers. The evening school started as an experi- 
ment, under the direction of Mr. George P. Wilson, 
the city missionary, in the old Odd Fellows' Hall. It 
was removed later to the basement of the City Hall. 
The school gradually grew in favor, has become a 
part of the public-school system, and the expense 



LAWRENCE. 



889 



is assumed by the city. There are now maintained 
one school in tlie westerly part of the city, one 
on the south side of the river, and a large one in 
the Oliver building for ordinary English branches 
of study, and a High School for instruction in 
algebra, chemistry and drawing. 

Sewing has also become a permanent addition to 
the work of the middle or intermediate schools, and 
very creditable work of the pupils has beeu exhib- 
ited. 

A sewing-school had been established in April, 
1859, by the city missionary, and for twenty-five 
years was sustained under the care of the mission, 
charitable and competent ladies volunteering their 
services as instructors from year to year. 

TRAixiNG-SfHOOL. — Auioug the schools a very 
valuable addition was made in 18ti9 by the establish- 
ment of a training-school for teachers, in which per- 
sons who could not perhaps incur the expense of ab- 
sence from home in the normal schools of the State 
may have an opportunity to educate themselves for 
the business of instruction. The object of the school 
is to fit teachers for the work of organizing, govern- 
ing and teaching in the public schools. Tlie school 
has been under able management, and has proved of 
great value. The first instructors were Misses L. J. 
Faulkner and Fannie A. Reed, the latter of whom 
continued in the school for about ten years. In 1879 
Miss Lily P. Shepard, a graduate of the Westfield 
Normal School, a teacher of experience in the train- 
ing-school at Springfield, was placed at the head of 
the school, and has continued till the present. Her 
first assistant was Miss Clara Lear, who served one 
year, and was relieved at her own request, succeeded 
by Miss Clara T. Wing. Miss Wing resigned, and 
was followed by Miss Janet G. Hutchins, who, in 1887, 
accepted another position in Lewiston, Me. 

Private Schools. — In 1847 several private schools 
supplied the wants of the people, in addition to those 
under charge of the town. Among these was a school 
opened near the commencement of 1847 by a Mr. 
Ward, assisted by Misses Proctor and Chapman, 
commencing with twenty-four scholars, which in its 
fourth term numbered forty. 

Messrs. Twomb'y and Judkins had also a flourish- 
ing school ; another was taught by Messrs. O'Connell 
and Bresnahan ; and still another was oi)ened in Feb - 
ruary, 1848, by Mr. and Mrs. Silas Blaisdell. This 
latter school continued for several years and was well 
patronized. 

At the present time the St. Mary's parochial, a pri- 
vate school, embraces about twelve hundred pupils. 

The French population also maintain a jirivate 
school, and the German population also have a small 
school of sixty pupils. A successful private school 
is also under the charge of Misses Marcia Packard 
and Cornelia Harmon. Gordon C. Cannon has for 
several years conducted a flourishing commercial 
school. 



MAXrFACTURIXG. 

The Laweesce Machine Shop was built and 
owned by the Essex Company, the main building, foun- 
dry and chimney being very substantial structures of 
stone, commenced in 1846 and finished in 1848. The 
works were operated by the Essex Company until 1852, 
Caleb M. Marvel being the superintendent. The 
machine-shop played an important part in the early 
days of Lawrence, was supplied with every variety of 
valuable tools and machines, and gave employment 
to a large number of skillful mechanics. Some of 
these still remained in Lawrence, though a large 
number, on the closing of the shop, sought other 
fields, and other places in various parts of the Union 
have had the benefit of their skill. Many locomotive 
engines were built here, the first of which was the 
" Essex," which was used on the railroad between 
Lawrence and Boston. Others were the"Welland" 
and the " Trent," which went to Ogdensburg ; others 
went to the Erie Railroad, and many others later to 
other roads. 

The Hoadley Portable Engine, which acquired ex- 
tended celebrity, was first built here by John C. 
Hoadley, who subsequently established his works on the 
North Canal, whence large numbers of the engines 
went to the West and California. Here also the 
steam fire-engine, which, with modifications, is now 
in so general use, was first brought out by Thomas 
Scott and N. S. Bean. The first engine built, named 
the " Lawrence," was purchased by the city of Bos- 
ton. Mr. Bean subsequently removed to Manches- 
ter, where the manufacture of these engines has since 
been carried forward. Considerable amounts of cot- 
ton machinery were also built here. 

In 18.52 the property of the machine-shop was 
transferred to a new company — the "Lawrence Ma- 
chine-Shop Company," having a capital of seven hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars, the value of -shares 
being fiity dollars each. The officers were Samuel 
Batchelder, president; J. H. W. Paige, treasurer; 
( iordon McKay, agent ; and John C. Hoadley, super- 
intendent, who, on the resignation of Colonel McKay, 
became agent. 

The company suffered in common with others in 
the general depression of business in 1857, remained 
idle two years, and the property was sold to the Ever- 
ett Mills Company. 

The following just tribute to the memory of Mr. 
Hoadley, written by a gentleman in Boston, appeared 
in the Advertiser soon after his decease : 

Johu Chipman Hoadly, born in Turin, N. Y., 
1818, the son and grandson of formers, passed his 
youth in L'tica, N. Y. At the age of eighteen he was 
employed in preliminary surveys for the enlargement 
of the Erie Canal, and his ability as a draughtsman 
brought him quick promotion and more responsible 
work. In 1844 he went to assist Horatio N. and 
Erastus B. Bigelow in the foundation and develop- 
ment of the manufactories and town of Lancaster (now 



890 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Clinton, Mass.). Four years later he, with Gordon 
McKay, fornied a partnership for the manufacture 
of engines and other machinery in Pittsfield. In 
1852 he was called to the position of superintendent 
of the Lawrence Maehine-Shop, and soon after re- 
luctantly accepted the position of agent, well knowing 
that the failure of the company was only a question 
of time. 

After the closing of that company he engaged in 
the manufacture of portable engines, then but little 
used in this country. Their skillful design and hon- 
est construction soon gained a name and a large 
market for them all over the country, especially in 
California. After a number of very prosperous years 
the crisis of 1873, with its shrinkage of value and bad 
debts, forced the company to close its affairs. During 
a part of this time Mr. Hoadley was also interested in 
the organization of the Clinton Wire-Cloth Company, 
agent of the New Bedford Copper Company and the 
McKay Sewing-Machine Association, and was one of 
the founders and president of the Archibald Wheel 
Company. Since 1876 he engaged in various interests, 
especially as an expert in mechanical and engineering 
questions, serving in important cases in the courts 
and in responsible positions in the great mechanical 
exhibitions. 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of 
which he was one of the original trustees, claimed for 
many years a part of his interest, and as a member of 
the State Board of Health during more than seven 
years, he did his part in this most useful work, be- 
sides filling other positions, as alderman in Lawrence, 
a member of the Legislature in 1858, and Presidential 
elector in 18C2. Commi.-sioned by the State during 
the Rebellion, he visited England to inspect ordnance 
for harbor defense. 

This brief summary comprises, however, only a 
fraction of Mr. Hoadley 's real interest. The unique 
feature of his life was his intense enthusiasm in many 
paths of literature and in the higher lines of thought. 
If mechanics was his pleasure, literature was his de- 
light; no pressure of business could draw him wholly 
away from his books. 

At the age of nineteen supporting a mother and six 
sisters, in the following year earning a reputation and 
a fortune, he kept out of the rut of a mere business 
man ; studied French, German, Latin and Greek, 
and was as familiar with Homer's Odyssey and its 
translations as with the designs of his engines. Col- 
lecting about him a rich and choice library, reading 
in curious and out-of-the-way lines, as well as in the 
English classics; of marvelous memory, which 
seemed to retain everything he ever read, he be- 
came a centre around whom a group of inquirers 
would easily gather, and from whom they could 
always draw facts most correctly stated and poetry 
most musically spoken. 

But beyond the intelligence and learning of the 
man, it was the character of Mr. Hoadley that im- 



pressed all with whom he came in contact. He was 
more than honest ; there was a touch of ancient chiv- 
alry in his sense of honor. He trusted men, and he 
expected and always acted as if he expected the same 
honorable sense in others that was found in him ; and 
though at times sadly disappointed and cruelly 
treated, he never lost his confidence in man. 

Many civil and mech.anical engineers throughout 
the country owe to Mr. Hoadley their early enthu- 
siasm, their free lessons in drawing and their present 
positions. 

Politically he was one of the founders of the Ee- 
publican party in Lawrence, and on the breaking out 
of the war none were more earnest to sustain the gov- 
ment, furnishing time and money to the cause of the 
Union, and had it not been for the unfortunate physi- 
cal defect of deafness, he would, without doubt, have 
taken a still more active part in the military service. 

Back of all else was the deep religious faith which 
supported his principles, and was revealed in every 
word and deed. He was a devout member of the 
Episcopal Church, and for many years was warden of 
Grace Church, Lawrence. He died in Boston at the 
age of sixty -seven years and ten months. 

Bay State Mills. — The Legislature .of 1845 and 
'46 granted charters to the Bay State, with one mil- 
lion dollars capital, and Atlantic Mills, with two mil- 
lion dollars capital, the Union Mills, with one mil- 
lion dollars capital, and the Bleaching and Dyeing 
Company, with live hundred thousand dollars capital. 
The two latter never went into operation. The Bay 
State was the first of the manufacturing corporations, 
commencing in April, 1846, and the buildings were 
so far completed that the wheel of the River Mills 
was first set in motion February, 1848, and the man- 
ufacture of cloth commenced in June following. The 
buildings of this company were planned upon a large 
scale, consisting of three buildings, each of them, in- 
cluding the attics, nine stories in height ; and the 
River Mill, with its wings, from three to five sto- 
ries high, and fourteen hundred and eighty feet in 
length ; all erected under the superintendence of 
Captain Phineas Stevens, of Nashua, an experienced 
engineer. These mills manufactured many varieties 
of woolen goods, new to American manufacture, and 
at one time were especially well known as manufac- 
turers of the " Bay State Shawls," made of wool and 
at a moderate cost, of varied patterns, making in a 
single year, 1850, three hundred and fifteen thousand. 
They attracted much attention and commendation at 
ihe International Exposition of 1852, and at the 
Paris Exposition, 1867. 

The first treasurer and general manager was Sam- 
uel Lawrence, who, as well as his brothers, Amos and 
Abbott Lawrence, had taken so deep an interest in 
the development of American manufactures, and had 
previously acquired much experience from their con- 
nection with the mills at Lowell. The first resident 
agent was M. D. Ross. Samuel Webber was agent 



LAWRENCE. 



8'Jl 



for a short time, and was succeeded by Captain Oliver 
H. Perry. After a long service he was succeeded by 
Captain Gustavus V. Fox, the efficient Assistant Sec- 
retary of the Navy during the Civil War. 

In the general depression of trade these mills failed 
in 1857, remained idle two years, and the entire prop- 
erty passed into the hands of a new company, formed 
largely from the creditors of the former one, and took 
the name of 

WA.3HISGT0X Mills. — Chartered in 185.8 and or- 
ganized with a capital of one million six hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars. They introduced several va- 
rieties of worsted goods, worsted coatings made of 
combed wool, heretofore imported and introduced in- 
to American mills by Plon. E. R. Mudge ; twilled 
blue flannel coatings and opera flannels. Joseph h>. 
Fay was first treasurer of these mills, succeeded by 
Joshua Stetson, who was followed by Henry F. Coe. 

This corporation was the second in size in Law- 
rence, furnishing employment for about twenty-five 
hundred persons. The i)lant consisted of one cotton 
mill, 19,000 spindles, (55 sets of cards, .320 broad 
looms ; one worsted mill, 86-10 spindles, 885 looms ; 
five woolen mills, weekly product, 100,000 yards cot- 
tons, 120,000 yards dress goods, 20,000 yards worsted, 
40,000 yards woolens and 1000 shawls. Motive-pow- 
er, seven water-wheels of 1025 horse-power, and two 
engines of 1000 horse-power. 

The resident agents have been Gustavus V. Fox, 
previously agent of the Bay State Mills ; Edward D. 
Thayer, William H. Salisbury, who engaged in other 
business in Chicago ; Parker C. Kirk and John H. 
Needham, who yet remains in Lawrence engaged in 
trade. Mr. Granville M. Stoddard, for a long time 
superintendent of the worsted department, removed 
to Worcester. These mills furnished employment to 
about twenty-five hundred people, were well equipped 
with machinery and employed persons skilled in man- 
ufacturing, and produced goods of excellent quality ; 
but they, as well as their predecessors, failed of ulti- 
mate financial success, and are now in liquidation. 
The mill jiroperty and water-rights have been trans- 
ferred in 1886 to a new organization. 

The Washington Mills Co.mpany. — This com- 
pany is now making a radical change. They have 
taken down the old buildings and replaced them with 
buildings of more modern style. Gne of the old mills 
took fire and was burned to the ground in 1887, but 
the new mills were so far advanced that but little de- 
lay ensued in continuing the operations of the com- 
pany. The treasurer of the new company in Fred- 
erick Ayer, of Lowell ; Manager, Thomas Sampson, 
of Lawrence ; Clerk of the corporation, Sidney W. 
Thurlow ; Paymaster, Alfred P. Clark, of Lawrence, 
who has been in this position through the various 
vicissitudes of the Bay State and Washington Mills. 

Thf Atlantic Cotton Mills Company was 
incorporated in February, 1846. Their original plan 
was to occupy the entire territory between the Bay 



State and Pacific Mills. The westerly and easterly 
wings of the present building were built indepen- 
dently, and at a later date the two were connected by 
the large central structure ; and, as this gave all the 
room required, the lower part of the territory was re- 
linquished to the Essex Company, and subsequently 
sold to the Pacific Company for the Lower Pacific 
Mills in 1864. The first cotton arrived January, 
1849, and was manufactured by the Atlantic in May 
following. Their second mill was manufacturing 
cloth in October of the same year. The Central Mill 
was commenced in February, 1850. These mills were 
built by the Essex Company, under the direction and 
in accordance with the plans of Captain Charles H. 
Bigelow, the company's engineer. The brick-work 
was under the direction of Levi Sprague and the 
wood-work under the supervision of Morris Knowles. 
The E.ssex Company also built at their machine-shop 
the machinery for the middle building. 

These mills were constructed, as was the custom in 
the earlier days of manufacturing, more with a view 
to their practical utility than with regard to beauty, 
and the addition of the central structure, with its flat- 
roof and little wooden bell-tower in the centre, gave 
to the passer-by the idea of an enormous square brick 
bottle with short neck and stopper. The buildings 
were subsequently raised by the addition of mansard 
roofs, thereby giving additional working room, and 
contributing largely to the architectural appearance 
of the building, further improved by the removal ot 
the old central bell-tower, and the construction of a 
handsome brick tower at one of the angles. 

Financially, the Atlantic Mills have had their 
trials, as well as the others. This company, in com- 
mon with all others, felt seriously the depression of 
1857, and in 1S7<) tlie company was reorganized; the 
capital stock, which was originally one million five 
hundred thousand dollars, was reduced to one million 
dollars, the stockholders surrendering five shares of 
old stock for one of new and contributing seven hun- 
dred thousand dollars in cash, to make up the new 
caiiital — looking to a future of promise and hope. 
In 1886 they were again somewhat embarrassed by 
the crooked proceedings of their treasurer, Wm. 
Gray, Jr., and are at the present time moving forward 
successfully, it is believed, under new auspices. The 
mills are well-built, substantial buildings, have al- 
ways been kept in thorough repair, and under the 
management of local agents have been models of 
neatness and order. The number of spindles is over 
100,000 ; the number of looms is 1921 ; the number 
of persons employed, about 1100; product, 500,000 
yards per week of sheetings and shirtings; motive- 
power, 4 turbine wheels and 1 double Corliss engine, 
1000 horse-power. 

The president was Abbott Lawrence, and the 
Treasurer, Charles S. Storrow. Mr. William Gray 
succeeded Mr. Storrow as treasurer, and held that 
position for thirty years, resigning in 1877. Henry 



892 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Saltonstall served as treasurer for a short period, and 
was followed by William Gray, Jr., who, by the be- 
trayal of his trust, added one more honored name to 
the list of criminals that has disgraced American 
annals. 

For the first ten years the resident agent was the 
late Gen. Henry K. Oliver, well-known and esteemed 
by all who knew him for his social qualities and for 
his active interest in whatever pertained to the inter- 
est and welfare of the city. He was succeeded by 
Joseph P. Battles, who had been previously cashier, 
who served the company with marked fidelity for 
twenty-nine years, till his resignation in 1887. 

The present organization is as follows : President, 
Chas. H. Dalton, of Boston ; Treasurer, William 
Hooper, of Boston ; Agent, William A. Sherman, of 
Lavtrence ; Paymaster, J. C. Bowker, who has been 
in the employ of the company since 1856, succeeding 
Mr. Battles as paymaster in 1858. 

Pacific Mills. — Incorporated 1853, with a capi- 
tal of two million dollars, increased, since, to two 
million five hundred thousand dollars. The mills 
and print-works buildings were built by the Essex 
Company under the direction and superintendence 
of Capt. Charles H. Bigelow. Large additions have 
since been made, and another mill for the Pacific is 
now in process of construction. This corporation is 
one of the largest textile establishments in the world, 
manufacturing, printing and dyeing ladies' cotton, 
worsted and wool dress fabrics. 

The number of cotton spindles is 120,000; the num- 
ber of worsted spindles, 30,000 ; the number of looms, 
4600 ; the number of jirinting-machines, 25 ; the 
number of mills and buildings, 23, covering 44 acres 
of floor space, independently of a new large mill in 
process of erection. For motive-power and other pur- 
poses, there are in use in the^e mills: 11 turbine 
wheels of 5000 horse-power, 4 large steam-engines of 
3500 horse-power, 42 small steam-engines, 50 steam 
boilers. The annual consumption of coal, 23,000 
tons; the annual consumption of gas in 9000 burners, 
cost $30,000; the annual consumption of cotton, 
15,600 bales ; the annual consumption of wool, 
4,000,000 pounds. The annual capacity of the mills: 
Cottons printed and dyed, 70,000,000 yards ; worsted 
goods, 30,000,000 yards; to make this cloth nearly 
200,000,000 miles of yarn are required; the pay-roll 
for the year ending May, 1886, was $1,790,000 ; the 
average earnings per day were for men and boys, 
$1.26 ; for women and girls, 90 cents. 

The Pacific Mills Library (connected with wdiich is 
a reading-room containing daily papers) contains 
9000 volumes, and has a fund of over $13,000. 

The relief society has expended annually for several 
years five thousand dollars for the relief of the sick 
and disabled. The society has been maintained by a 
contribution of two cents per week from the people 
employed, and a weekly contribution of $2.50 from 
the corporation. The establishment of the Lawrence 



Hospital has rendered this society less needful, and 
it has been dissolved. 

The library was started by contributions of Mr. 
Lawrence and other directors, and a donation of one 
thousand dollars made by the Pacific Mills, and was 
maintained by a contribution of one cent per week 
from the people employed. The further increase of 
this library has also been relinquished, the much 
larger public library, open to all the citizens, affording 
larger and more varied opportunities for reading. 

There was also a savings bank connected with the 
mills, the deposits amounting at one time to nearly 
one hundred thousand dollars. The city having now 
three chartered savings banks, the company have 
ceased receiving deposits, and all the accounts have 
been closed. 

Of ten prizes (of ten thousand francs each) given 
by the Emperor Napoleon III., at the Paris Exposi- 
tion of 1867, for the care of the material, intellectual 
and moral welfare of employees, the Pacific Mills re- 
ceived the second prize, out of five hundred appli- 
cants; and this was the only prize awarded to the 
United States or Great Britain. 

The first treasurer and agent of these mills was 
Jeremiah S. Young, who was the lessee and manager 
of the Ballardvale Mills, at Andover. He brought 
with him to this new enterprise many skilled work- 
men, and devoted himself intensely to its develop- 
ment. The immense cost of so large an establish- 
ment, and of the expensive machinery necessary for 
its equipment, exhausted the capital and embarrassed 
its progress ; and the stock, the par value of which 
was one thousand dollars per share, .sold at one time at 
as low a price as one hundred dollars and less. Mr. 
Lawrence, the president, resolute and enterprising, 
had no idea of seeing the word " Fail" inscribed upon 
its banner. In his own name he raised the amount 
necessary to carry the enterprise forward, and was 
actively and earnestly engaged in its interest till his 
death, in 1855. 

The treasurer, Mr. Young, died in 1857, and after 
a short interval, when the duties of treasurer were 
performed by Mr. George H. Kuhn, J. Wiley Ed- 
mands was chosen treasurer and manager. Mr. Ed- 
mands received his mercantile education in the firm 
of A. & A. Lawrence, and his thorough mercantile 
knowledge contributed not a little to the subsequent 
success. Associated with him, William C. Chapin 
came in 1853 from Providence to superintend the 
print-works, and subsequently became resident agent, 
while the selling agents of the manufactured goods, 
who also furnished the designs and patterns, were 
Messrs. Jas. L. Little & Co., of Boston, thus combining 
rare financial ability, excellent power of organization 
and skill in manufacture and taste in adapting manu- 
factured goods to the wants of the public, combined 
with forecast and sagacity in sales. 

Under this combination the mills enjoyed a period 
of unusual success, the market value of the stock 



LAWRENCE. 



893 



more than doubling in value. Mr. Chapin resigned 
in 1871, having been agent eighteen years, and re- 
turned to Providence, and Mr. John Fallen, who was 
his successor as chemist and superintendent of the 
print-works, became acting agent. Mr. Edmands 
died in 1877, and was succeeded by Mr. James L. Lit- 
tle as treasurer. After Mr. Little's resignation and re- 
tirement from active business Mr. Henry Saltonstall 
was chosen treasurer; Mr. Joseph Stone, superin- 
tendent of the Lower or new Pacific Mills, and Mr. 
Walter E. Parker, superintendent of the Upper or old 
mills. 

Thepresent organization is as below,^Henry .Salton- 
stall, treasurer and general manager; Henry Daven- 
port, clerk of the corporation ; Walter E. Parker, 
superintendent ol mills; Charles T. Main, assistant 
superintendent of Lower Pacific ; Francis H. Silsbee, 
assistant superintendent of Upper Pacific ; Samuel 
Barlow, superintendent of print-works. 

The cashiers resident in Lawrence have been suc- 
cessively Rev. Alexander H. Clapp, D.D., now treas- 
urer of the American Home Missionary Society, Xew 
York; Ebenezer T. Colby, who enlisted in 1862 in 
the Union Army, — captain and later lieutenant-colo- 
nel of his regiment, and since the war in the Custom 
House at Boston ; Benjamin T. Bourne from 1862 to 
1866, now of Providence, R. I. ; John R. Rollins 
from 1866 to 1879; and the present ca.shier, William 
P. Anderson. Within the past few years extensive 
repairs have been made, new buildings erected, and 
new machinery of the most modern and improved 
kinds furnished, to adapt the mills to the demands of 
the time, and the mills are in a high state of efficien- 
cy and prosperity. 

Hon. J. Wiley Edmands w;is born in Boston March 
], 1809, received his education at a Boston grammar 
school and entered the High School when it was 
founded, in 1821. On leaving school he entered the 
employ of Messrs. A. & A. Lawrence, was gradually pro- 
moted and in 1830 became a member of the firm. In 
1843 he retired from the firm and for several years 
was interested in the Maverick Woolen Mills at Ded- 
ham. In the fall election of 1852 he was elected to 
the House of Representatives in Congress and served 
one term of two years, declining a re-election. He 
was not politically ambitious, and though often 
sought for poliiical positions, the only one which he 
accepted was that of Presidential elector in the elec- 
tion of 1868. In 1855, when the Pacific Mills -stock 
was at its lowest ebb, Mr. Edmands, whose well- 
known energy and capacity were fully appreciated 
by Mr. Lawrence and the other owners, was requested 
to take the treasurership of these mills, and under 
his management, aided cordially by others associated 
with him, the value of the stock had advanced, until 
at the time of his decesise it had more than doubled 
in value. 

His counsel was sought by many institutions aside 
from the Pacific Mills. He was a director ^in the 



Arkwright Mutual Fire Insurance Company ; the 
Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company ; 
and of the Suffolk Bank ; vice-president of the Prov- 
ident Institution for Savings in Boston, and director 
and at one time treasurer of the Ogdensburg Railroad. 
His position also for several years as president of the 
National Association of Wool Manufacturers brought 
his knowledge into requisition and enabled him to 
exert a powerful influence ujion national legislation. 
Moderate and conservative, he believed that the least 
protective duties should be imposed that would suffice 
to make our national industry independent, and it 
was in consequence of his advocacy of equal protec- 
tion to agricultural and manufacturing interests that 
he was as well known in other parts of the country 
as in New England. 

Mr. Edmands was a sterling patriot at the com- 
mencement of the Civil War. He gave his time, in- 
fluence and money to the support of the government, 
and on the successful termination of the war he w.as 
president of the convention at Boston which nomi- 
nated (ieneral Grant for the Presidency. 

Resolute and determined, he bore beneath a some- 
what stern exterior a very kind and benevolent heart. 
This was manifest in his management of the people 
in his employ, all of whom not only respected his 
great ability, but had equal confidence in his justice, 
and there were no more sincere mourners at his fu- 
neral than in the large delegation from the Pacific 
Mills. 

To the city of Newton, where he resided, he gave 
toward the founding of a public library ten thousand 
dollars for the building and five thousand dollars for 
books, and an annual contribution of five thousand 
dollars subsequently. 

Mr. Edmands died in the midst of usefulness, but 
not unexpectedly, of heart-disease, January 31st, 1877. 
His funeral, which took place February 3d, was largely 
attended by ofiicial delegations of all the organiza- 
tions with which he was connected, and a detachment 
of the Grand Army Post of Newton ; the flags of 
Newton were placed at half-mast, the bells tolled 
during the funeral and business was generally sus- 
pended, — while at Lawrence the bells of the Atlantic, 
Pacific and Washington Mills were tolled from one to 
two o'clock. 

Lawrence Duck Company. — This company was 
incorporated in 1852, with a capital of three hundred 
thousand ; par value of the shares, one thousand dol- 
lars. The original owners were Albert Fearing, Isaac 
Thatcher and David Whiton. 

For more than twenty-five years the mill was man- 
aged by Isaac Tliatcher, the treasurer, and Isaac Hay- 
den as local agent, the latter-named being a man of 
considerable inventive genius, to whom the company 
are indebted for improvements and inventions in the 
machinery used. The company manufactures cotton 
duck of several varieties, and sail twine, the duck 
manufiictured being of superior quality and finding 



894 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ready sale. The quality of the cluck for sails has been 
well tested on some of the favorite yachts, — "Astor's," 
the "Coronet" and others, — and large amounts of min- 
ing duck manufactured here have been used in Cali- 
fornia and Australia. Harvesting duck for our Wes- 
tern harvesting machines, paper-makers' cotton felts 
and tent duck are also manufactured. 

Treasurer, Aaron Hobart; agent, William A. Bar- 
rell ; paymaster, W. L. S. Gilchrist. 

The Everett Mills Company was incorporated in 
1860, and commenced operations in the summer of 
18(51, having purchased the large stone building for. 
merly owned by the Lawrence Machine-Shop Co. 
The company was formed through the efforts of Mr. 
Samuel Batchelder, one of the pioneers in the Lowell 
enterprise, and who, in the early days of Lowell, was 
the first agent of the Hamilton Manufacturing Com- 
pany at Lowell, 182.5 to 1831. The capital stock of 
the company is $800,000 ; the number of employees, 
10-50 (male, 400 ; female, G50); goods manufactured, 
ginghams and a general variety of colored fabrics of 
cotton, cottonade, cheviots, denims and dress goods. 
The agents have been Daniel D. Crombie, who was 
subsequently treasurer, 1871-78; John E. Perry; Da- 
vid M. Ayer, who has retired to the independent life 
of a farmer; Charles D. McDuffie, now in Manchester; 
and his son, the present agent, Fred. C. McDuffie. 
The paymaster for a long period was William A. Bar- 
rell, who resigned in 1880 to accept the agency of the 
Lawrence Duck Company. The mill has 83,280 spin- 
dles, 1014 looms, 1050 employees, and the product 
amounts to over 10,000,000 yards per annum, using 
upwards of 3,000,000 pounds of cotton. Incorpora- 
tors, James Dana, Samuel Bab and Charles W. Cart- 
wright. 

The power is furnished by three turbine wheels 
driven by water from the Essex Company's canal, the 
raceway discharging into the Spicket River near its 
entrance into the Merrimack. The present manage- 
ment, — Eugene H. Sampson, treasurer; Fred'k C. 
McDuffie, agent; Isaac Wynn, superintendent; 
George M. Doe, paymaster. 

Mr. Samuel Batchelder, a native of Jaffrey, N. H., 
was born June 8, 1784, died February, 1879, at the 
age of ninety-four years, seven months and twenty- 
eight days. For a large part of his life he had been 
connected with cotton manufacturing interests as a 
proprietor and inventor. As early as 1807 he helped 
to establish and took charge of a cotton-spinning mill 
of five hundred spindles in New Ipswich, N. H., and 
soon became known as a skillful manufacturer, eager 
to discover and apply improved methods in what was 
at that time the infancy of manufacturing in America. 
In 1825 he was called upon to assist in the establish- 
ment of the second factory, on the site of the present 
city of Lowell, the Hamilton Manufacturing Compa- 
ny, and was agent of the same until 1831. In 1837 
he united with gentlemen in Boston in the purchase 
of the water-power and in laying the foundations of 



another manufacturing city at Saco, Me. He resign- 
ed in 1846 and retired to his home in Cambridge, but 
not for the quiet retirement that he anticipated. He 
soon became interested as one of the proprietors in 
the new enterprise at Lawrence in 1847, and in 1855 
again took charge of the York Mills at Saco, and 
continued treasurer and manager of these mills and 
of the Everett at Lawrence as long as he was able to 
attend to active business, after he had passed his 
eightieth year. 

The Pemberton Mill Company was incorpor- 
ated in 1853, and the mill was built the same year. 
The architecture of the mill varied from the old style 
of mill-buildings, and on its completion was consid- 
ered a model of beauty for a building of that charac- 
ter; it was built, however, at an unfortunate period, 
and owing to the growing depression in manufactur- 
ing interests, which culminated in 1857, its early years 
were unsuccessful, and it remained idle from 1857 to 
1859, when Mr. David Nevins and George Howe pur- 
chased the entire property for three hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars, and operated the new 
organization under the name of the 

Pemberton Manufacturing Company. It con- 
tinued under the new owners until the 10th of Janu- 
ary, 1860, when, without a moment's warning, the 
main building fell, l)urying beneath its ruins about 
six hundred persons, of which a fuller account is else- 
where given. 

The Pemberton Company, of which David Nev- 
ins,' George Blackburn and Eben Sutton ' were con- 
trolling owners, rebuilt the mill upon the old founda- 
tions in 1860, and commenced operations in 1861. 
The capital stock of this company is four hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. 

The resident agent of the original company was 
John E. Chase, who continued in the service of the 
company until after the fall of the mill, and was suc- 
ceeded by the present agent, Frederick 12. Clarke, 
who vi'as the first paymaster. Mr. ('larke was followed 
as paymaster by Samuel M. Newhall, who died in the 
service. The present company has been quite suc- 
cessful, interrupted only by a fire, which destnjyed 
the dye-house in 1886. 

This mill manufactures a large variety of cotton 
goods, running twenty-eight thousand spindles, eight 
hundred and twenty-five looms and employs about 
eight hundred and fifty persons. 

Present organization, — Henry S. Shaw, treasurer ; 
Frederick E. Clarke, agent; Miss E. L. Gleason, 
cashier. 

January 10, 1860, is memorable in the annals of 
Lawrence for one of the most appalling calamities 
that had ever occurred in New England — the fall of 
the Pemberton mill. There were in the employ of 
the company at this time nine hundred and eighteen 
persons. In the main mill about six huudred were 

1 Deceased. 



LAWRENCE. 



895 



industriously employed attlieir work, when, at about 
5 o'clock p. M., in less time than it takes to record the 
fact, the entire mill was a mass of ruins, with the six 
hundred buried in the wreck. But very few moments 
elapsed before the whole city was in commotion ; 
crowds rushing to the scene in an agony of fear and 
suspense to learn the fate of friends and relatives, and 
the ruins were as rapidly covered with volunteers 
equally anxious and earnest to rescue. Many suc- 
ceeded in working their way out unaided. Others 
were saved by herculean efforts. As darkness closed 
in, lanterns and bonfires became necessary (fortunately 
the gas-lights were all extinguished by the fall of the 
mill) and the work continued far into the night, and 
the larger number had either escaped or had been 
rescued, when the cry of fire in the ruins sent a thrill 
of horror through all, as it was known that several 
yet remained, unable to escape. Determined and al- 
most superhuman eflbrts were made in their behalf; 
a deluge of water was poured into the ruins from the 
Washington ilills, the Fire Department and a steam 
fire-engine from Manchester, even the women taking 
turns at the brakes to relieve the wearied firemen, but 
all eftbrts were unavailing. Fourteen perished in the 
flames. Eighty-seven in all were killed or died from 
injuries, forty-three others were severely injured, and 
of these, two were disabled for life. The remainder 
escaped unhurt, or with slight wounds. 

The City Hall was immediately opened for the re- 
ception of the dead and wounded, and not only the 
physicians of the city, but tho>e of neighboring 
towns, and others passing through in the cars, volun- 
teered their services and worked with unceasing 
energy for the relief of the sufferers. 

Ecpially prompt were the tokens of sympathy and 
pecuniary aid that began to pour in from all quarters. 
The very next morning the New England Society of 
Manufacturers started a subscription, and before night 
two thousand dollars were placed by J. Wiley Ed- 
raands in the hands of the mayor, on the next day 
three thousand dollars more came, and the society 
continued to send till their donation amounted to over 
nineteen thousand dollars. Other clubs and citizens 
of Boston increased the amount to nearly twenty-eight 
thousand dollars ; the chords of sympathy were touched 
throughout the land, and from many neighboring 
towns and cities, not only in Massachusetts, but m the 
New England States, from New York and Phila- 
delphia, and from the distant States of Indiana, Ala- 
bama, Georgia, North Carolina and Kentucky, from 
old and young, from Jew and Gentile, came words of 
sympathy and contributions of monej', until, the 
thirteenth day after the event, the mayor and trus- 
tees issued a circular requesting that no more should 
be sent. The total amount of gifts sent amounted to 
$65,579.29. 

The committee in charge of the funds were the 
mayor, Hon. Chas. S. Storrow, Henry K. Oliver, Wm. 
C. Chapin and John C. Hoadley. They organized on 



the loth, with the mayor, Hon. Daniel Saunders, Jr., 
as chairman ; Chas. S. Storrow, treasurer ; and Pardon 
Armington, clerk, appointed an inspector for each 
ward of the city, who should devote his entire time to 
looking after the wants of the sufl'erers in his district, 
— Sylvester A. Furbusli for Ward 1, J. Q. A. Batchel- 
der for Ward 2, Wm. D. Joplin for Ward 3, Henry 
Withington for Ward 4, Elbridge Weston for 
Ward 5, and Daniel Saunders for Ward (i. 

On the liith of January the committee requested of 
the Pemberton Company the use of one of their 
boarding-houses for a hospital for those who could not 
be properly cared for at their own lodgings. While 
they were debating the method of managing this, a 
letter was received from Mr. James M. Barnard, a 
Boston merchant, proposing to come with a corps of 
nurses and physicians at his own expense, and to ap- 
ply his aid wherever it would be most efficient. Mr. 
Barnard conducted the " Home " for more than three 
months, assisted by Dr. J. H. Morse as attending phy- 
sician, and ladies from Boston and Lawrence, at an 
expense to himself of nearly one thousand dollars. 

In regard to the cause of the fire, but for which 
fourteen more lives could have been saved, it should 
be stated, as it has not been, that, at the thoughtful 
suggestion of the mayor (Mr. Saunders), the kerosene 
lanterns in use on the ruins had all been carried off 
and exchanged for sperm-oil lanterns, as less liable 
to cause accident. Notuithstanding this, a lantern 
was subsequently broken and ])robably ignited readily 
the floating cotton dust, and with fatal results. 

An inquest was held, commencing Thursday morn- 
ing, January 12th, over the bodies of those killed by 
the catastrophe, and a large amount of evidence was 
taken, occupying the time of ten days. Much contra- 
dictory testimony was brought forward, almost every 
witness having a theory of his own. Some thought 
the foundations were not sufliciently strong and that 
they were not deep enough ; but an examination by 
experts showed that the foundations were in perfect 
condition and undisturbed, and the mill was subse- 
quently rebuilt upon them. One or two masons 
testified that the mortar in the walls was not good 
and that it had too large a proportion of sand ; three 
other practical builders of great experience stated an 
entirely contrary opinion ; others thought the walls 
were not thick enough, but one of the ablest engi- 
neers, who stands at the head of his profession, and 
who has had a life-time of practical experience, testi- 
fied that, in his judgment, if the columns had been 
good, the walls would have been safe, and that the 
perfect running of the lines (of shafting) (and it ap- 
peared in evidence that the machinery had never 
been running more perfectly during the six years 
it had been in operation than it was running at 
the time of the fall) would give him additional con- 
fidence, if he felt any apprehension, while it would 
be a powerful argument that the trouble did not 
originate in the walls. And still another experienced 



896 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



engineer testified that if the floors should fall, they 
would bring down the walls if they were twice as 
thick. 

A large number of witnesses testified to the imper- 
fect character of the cast-iron pillars, the remains of 
which were found in the ruins ; and, in fact, the 
broken columns exhibited to the jury were the best 
witnesses of all — very many of them showing great 
inequality of thickness, some being on one side no 
more than one-eighth of an inch in thickness. The 
question was asked, " Why was not as much care 
taken in the selection of the columns as in the other 
parts of the mill ?" The answer to this may be found 
in the testimony. 

Mr. Geo. W. Smith testified that he was a dealer in 
general wrought-iron works for store-fronts, &c., and 
had had a great deal of experience in erecting cast- 
iron pillars ; he never applied any tests. 

Mr. Joslyn, superintendent of a foundry in Law- 
rence and previously at Lowell, testified that the 
casting must have been badly done : " one so bad as 
the one exhibited we could have discovered and 
should have broken it up ; all our pillars are tested " 
{i. e., before they leave the foundry). 

Mr. Hoadley, superintendent of the Lawrence Ma- 
chine-Shop, testified that he had visited the ruiiis and 
seen three pillars, which, if properly tested, should 
have been rejected. " I should not willinfjly send out 
such columns myself." 

Mr. Hinchley, superintendent of the Merrimac 
Manufacturing Company, at Lowell, described the 
pillars used at the Merrimac — they were tested at the 
machine-shop ; " we never used any test ourselves." 

Mr. Burke, superintendent of the Lowell Machine- 
Shop, testified, " No test is employed for pillars, ex- 
cept such as they receive when the core is extracted, 
the casting being slung up and rapped to loosen the 
core. The pillar from the Pemberton hasthe appear- 
ance of being defective from want of care in securing 
the core; never knew of any pillars from our foundry 
broken after they were set up ; have had some 
returned because they were crooked, caused probably 
by inequality of thickness of the opposite sides." 

Mr. James B. Francis testified, " As far as I know, 
there has been no method, in Lowell, of testing col- 
umns ; this is the first time I ever heard or read of an 
iron column breaking." 

From all the above testimony it is very evident that 
columns of cast-iron receive whatever test is given 
them at the foundry. The columns used in the Pem- 
berton received the ordinary inspection ; no crooked 
ones were used ; they were received in good faith 
from what was presumed to be a reliable foundry ; 
the result proved far otherwise, notwithstanding the 
agent's letter to Mr. Putman given in the evidence, 
stating that they were first-rate columns ; and a very 
significant fact in connection with them is, that the 
founders could not be found, to be summoned before 
the jury. 



The jury found, in their verdict, that the cause 
of the fall of the mill was found in the defective 
columns, and then, notwithstanding the preceding 
evidence, laid the responsibility of the fall of the 
building upon the engineer, Capt. Bigelow, for not 
doing what no one else had ever thought of doing 
before. 

On the strength of that verdict (presumably) Mr. 
Nason, in his "Gazetteer of Massachusetts," published 
1874, speaking of the Pemberton Mill, says the 
" original structure was built by an incompetent archi- 
tect," and then, in speaking of the Pacific Mills, says, 
" Tbey occupy a vast area and present a very impos- 
ing appearance, and taken together exhibit much 
architectural beauty and in their colossal proportions 
indicate the vast design, &c.'' He does not, however, 
seem to be aware that these colossal mills, as well as 
the Atlantic Mills, the Lawrence Machine-Shop and 
the duck-mill, were all built by the same "incom- 
petent architect." 

Of the killed by the fall of the Pemberton Mill, 
thirteen were mutilated past recognition. For these 
a burial-lot was purchased in Bellevue Cemetery, and 
they were buried Sunday, March 4, 1860, Rev. 
Messrs. Packard and Fisher conducting the services. 

A plain granite monument marks their resting- 
place, bearing the following inscription : 

" In memory of the 

Unrecognized dead, 

Who were killed by the fall of the Pemberton Mill, 

January 10, 1860." 

For the two persons who were permanently dis- 
abled annuities in trust were purchased by a deposit 
of 814,000 with the Massachusetts Hospital Life In- 
surance Company, in two separate sums of 8G500 and 
S7500, to create these annuities of §350 and $400, to 
be paid in quarterly payments to the annuitants for 
the remainder of their lives. The provisions of this 
trust are best shown in Mr. Storrow's own words in 
his final report, — 

" For persons in the enjoyment of ordinary health, the purchase of au 
annuity is a very simple matter. The tables of mortality show with suf- 
ficient accuracy their chance of life according to their age, and the pay- 
ment once for all of a certain sum purchases for them an annuity of a 
stipulated amount to be paid to them for life. But what human sagacity 
could calculate the chance of life of these two young persons in our 
charge 1 Would it be one year or fifty ? How could we balance on the 
one hand the effect of w«unded limbs, of consequent disease, of long-con- 
tinued Buffering, and, on the other, the restoring power of youth, of pa- 
tience and of comfortable homes? It was evidently impossible to pur- 
chase outright these annuities, because it was evidently impossible to es- 
timate their duration or calculate their value. The only mode to pro- 
vide for these persons was by annuities in trust— that is, by deposits, the 
income of which should be paid to them as long as they live. 

"But a dilBculty here arose. Upon the death of an annuitant in 
trust, the sum deposited reverts to the person who placed it originally, 
or to such persons as he may direct in the deed of trust. This event may 
not happen for fifty years, and where will the committee be then ? The 
poor patients may outlive us all. To provide for this contingency, it was 
determined that upon the decMse of either of the two annuitants, the 
principal sum should be paid to the members of the committee, or the 
survivors or survivor of them, or to the executors or administrators of 
the last survivor, and by them be appropriated to such charitable pur- 
pose or purposes as shall be appointed in writing by the actuary of 



LAWRENCE. 



897 



the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, the mayor of tlie 
rity of LawTence for tlif tinte being, and the president of the Esi*e\ 
Savings Rtnlc, or any two of tlieni, in such manner as they ?luill deem 
most conformalile to the original cliarity for which tlie moneys wen- 
contributed. 

" By this arrangement we secure to our annuitants what is necessary 
for their comfort as long as they live, without paying at the outset an 
exorbitant price. We provide that upon their decease the amount no 
longer needed for their benefit ttball again be applied to the charitable 
purposes for which it Wiis iuteuded. and that this shall be done uudei 
the direction of three persons who must all be in existence, whatevei 
may be the uncertainty of human life, two of whom, from the offices 
tliey hold, must inevitably be persons especially fit to discharge the 
duties of a trust, and the third of wluuii is the principal representative 
of the city whose people were the objects of the original charity. Be- 
yond all this, the Supreme Judicial Court has power to regulate and en- 
force the execution of this trust if it should ever hereafter become neces- 
sary to do so."' 

The Lawrence Wooi.em-Mill, known farailiarl\ 
as Perrv"s Jlill, was projected by Cuiitaiii Oliver H. 
PeiTV, and the company was incorporated in 1864 witli 
a capital stock of one hundred and fifty thousand dollar.s. 
This mill contained altout three thousand two hun- 
dred and twenty spindles and forty-seven looms, and 
furnished employment to one hundred and twenty- 
five persons. The i>roduet was a variety of fancx 
woolens, especially cloakings and shawls. Captain 
Perry, its founder, was a son of Commodore Oliver 
Hazard Perry, and for a considerable time followed 
the profession of his father, being an officer in the 
United States Navy, hi the Mexican War he com- 
manded a naval battery at the storming and capture 
of Vera Cruz. He re-signed his p(isition in the nav\ 
in 1S47, and gave his attention to the peaceful pur- 
suits of industry. In 1848 he accepted the agency ol 
the Middlesex Mills at Lowell, where he remained 
till he became agent of the Bay State Mills at Law- 
rence in 18o0. In 18.")6 he became a partner in the 
house of Lawrence, Stone & Co., the selling agents ol 
the Middlesex and Bay Slate Mills. On the failure 
of that firm in the depressed times of 1857, he was re- 
tained as manfacturing and purchasing agent of the 
JLddlesex, and in connection with Mr. R. Wendell 
as selling agent. In 18li2 the firm of Perry & Wen- 
dell was formed, enlarged by the addition of Mr. S. 
W. Fay in 1869. Captain Perry continued to operate 
the Lawrence Woolen-Mill until his death, August 
3i>, 1878. The paymaster and book-keeper was 
Augustus J. Shove, who continued in the employ of 
the company till his decease, June 17, 1885. The 
original company has been dissolved, and it is now a 
private enterprise, organized 1886, owned by Messrs. 
Phillips & Ivuuhardt, of New York. Mr. George E. 
Kunhardt is the local manager, and the goods are 
sold in New York by Mr. F. Stanhope Phillips, also 
the financial manager. Frank E. King, pay-master. 

The Aulixgtox Mills, the youngest of the large 
corporations of Lawrence, is located on the Spicket 
River, occupying the site of the Stevens Piano-Forte 
Factory. 

The power of the river at this point was used 
nearly si.xty years since by Mr. Aldel Stevens, and a 
mill built for the construction of piano-forte cases. 
57 



After the sale of the property by Mr. Stevens the 
buildings were used successively for the manufacture 
of hats, then for the manufacture of fiax and for other 
purposes until 1865, when the Arlington Woolen- 
Mills were incorporated, the stockholders and incor- 
porators being Robert M. Bailey (formerly in busi- 
ness in Lawrence), Charles A. Lombard, Joseph 
Nickerson and George C. Bosson. 

The original capital of the mills was two hundred 
thousand dollars. The following year, 1866, the 
buildings were entirely destroyed by fire. A new mill 
was built in 1867, and the capital stock was increased 
to two hundred and forty thousand dollars. In 1869, 
the company having sulfered severe losses, the stock- 
holders paid in the whole amount of two hundred 
and forty thousand dollars of the then existing capi- 
tal stock, and changed the management of the mills 
by the election of Joseph Nickerson for president, 
and William Whitman treasurer and manager, under 
whose management the company has made great ad- 
vances, additional buildings have been erected, and 
the corporation at the present time is one of the mosi 
flourishing in the city. The cajiital stock has been 
increased to one million five hundred thousand dol- 
lars. 

The articles now made by this company are fine 
cotton and fine worsted yarns for manufacturers' uses, 
women's wi-rsted and ctjtton dre.ss-goods, flue all- 
wool dre.^s-goods and worsted suitings, also black and 
colored alpacas and mohairs, for all of which the 
company has established an enviable reputation. 
Mr. Joseph Nickerson died February 29, 1880, and 
was succeeded as president by his eldest son, Albert 
W. Nickerson, who now fills this office. The other 
executive officers are: William Whitman, treasurer; 
William U. Hartshorne, worsted superintendent ; 
Charles Wainwright, paymaster; Robert Redford, 
superintendent cotton department ; James M. Beeley, 
paymaster. 

Lawrence Gas Company. — The works of this 
com|)auy were built by the Essex Company, the Bay 
State Mills and the Atlantic Cotton-Mills, at their 
joint exi>ense, for the purpose of supplying themselves 
with light, each company paying towards the expense 
of their erection in proportion to the amount of their 
paiti capital stock. The company was afterward in- 
corporated in 1849, with a cajiital of forty thousand 
dollars; this has been increased from time to time, 
with the growth and increasing demands of the city, 
to four hundred thousand dollars, and the works have 
been proportionately extended. The first agent was 
Henry G. ^Vebber, succeeded in 185.3 by George D. 
Cabot, to whose thorough and efficient supervision 
are due the improvements and extension of the origi- 
nal plant. The company has now thirty miles of 
mains, seventeen miles of service pipe, and two 
thousand five hundred meters. The retort-house 
contains one hundred and tliirty-seven retorts, capa ■ 
ble of producing seven hundred thousand cubic feet 



898 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of gas in twenty-four hours, and holders of a capacity 
of seven hundred thousand feet for storing gas. The 
amount of coal used per annum is ten thousand tons, 
and in purifying the gas ten thousand bushels of lime 
and three thousand bushels of oxide of iron are used. 
Mr. Cabot resigned the agency in 1884, after a service 
of thirty-one years, and was succeeded by C. J. E. 
Humphreys, the present agent. 

Lawrence had two electric light companies, one of 
which, the Lawrence Electric Light Company, has 
been absorbed by the gas company, who will here- 
after furnish the electric light to those who desire it ; 
and the Edison Electric Light Company, by whom all 
the streets and many private establishments are at 
present lighted. 

The Wright Manufacturing Company. — This 
company originated in 1864, when Algernon S. 
Wright, then head mechanic of the Atlantic Mills, 
proposed to Mr. A. W. Stearns and Dr. A. J. French 
to become partners in the manufacture of woolen 
yarn, and a copartnership was formed under the 
name of the Wright Manufacturing Company, and 
a mill was leased. The idea of making yarn was 
abandoned, and instead, at the suggestion of Mr. 
Stearns, the mill was equipped with machinery for 
making braids. The building now owned by the 
company is one hundred and fifty feet long and 
three stories high, and has increased from fifty 
braiding machines to eight hundred. 

The company was incorporated in 1874, with a 
capital of sixty thousand dollars, and organized by the 
choice of Dr. French president, Blr. W^right super- 
intendent, and Mr. Stearns treasurer and selling 
agent, who continues in that office to the present 
time. A large variety of braids is manufactured, 
especially mohair trimming braid, made at first on 
imported English machinery, but recently by de- 
vices which adapt the common braiding machinery to 
the production of the mohair. These devices have 
been perfected and patented by the company. 
Number of people employed, one hujidred and fifty. 
Goods manufactured, five hundred thousand dollars 
annually. A. S. Wright, president ; A. AV. Stearns, 
treasurer and selling agent ; William L. Warden, 
clerk. 

The Merrimac Braid JIii.l. has more re- 
cently been established, and is under the direction 
of E. W. Pierce. 

The Globe Worsted Mills, taking their power 
from the Spicket River, manufacture worsted carpet 
yarns of all description, and employ about one hun- 
dred persons — Thomas Clegg, treasurer ; Samuel 
Robinson, agent; Herbert Robinson, superintend- 
ent. 

The Prospect Worsted Mills, owned by 
Frederick Butler and Samuel Robinson, formerly 
located on the Lower Canal, and later on the Spick- 
et River, now grown to larger proportions, occupy 
a fine mill on the South Canal, employ two hundred 



hands, and their monthly product amounts to forty 
thousand dollars; manufacture fine worsted yarns, 
using about eight hundred thousand to one million 
pounds of wool per annum. 

The Butler File Company, originated by James 
and Frederick Butler in 1844, and introduced in 
Lawrence in earlier days, is now owned and operat- 
ed by G. M. Murray & Co., and manufiictures 
hand-cut files and rasps of every variety. They 
employ fifteen men, manufacture monthly three 
hundred dozen files, using for this purpose forty-five 
tons of steel per annum. 

Lawrence Flyer and Spindle Works are 
situated on the North Canal, and commenced work 
in 1862, as a private enterprise ; organized as a 
stock company in 1867, with a capital of fifty 
thousand d(dlars. They were at first engaged main- 
ly in the manufacture of flyers and spindles, the in- 
vention of Oliver Pearl, of the Atlantic Cotton Mills, 
in addition to which they now manufacture skein 
winders, card strippers, Jacquard and shedding 
engines for fancy weaving, and other cotton ma- 
chinery — Treasurer, Joseph P. Battles ; Superintend- 
ent, George F. Barker. 

The Lawrence Coffee and Spice Mills, G. 
H. Hadfey & Co., proprietors, have been in success- 
ful operation for several years. 

Downing Rubber Company, L. H. Downing 
manager, manufactures gossamer clothing, estab- 
lished 1882 ; monthly product, twelve hundred gar- 
ments ; employing twelve hands. 

Stanley Manufacturing Company. — The 
buildings owned by this company were built by Gor- 
don McKay, for the manufacture of the well-known 
McKay sewing-machines. The Stanley Manufactur- 
ing Company was incorporated 1882, with a capital of 
one hundred thousand dollars. A. P. Tapley, presi- 
dent; F. F.Stanley, treasurer; men employed, onehun- 
dred and eighty. They manufacture McKay sewing- 
machines, the McKay and Bigelow liceling-ma- 
chines, and the McKay and Copeland lasting-ma- 
chines, also screw-machines, and a general line of 
shoe machinery. The agent resident in Lawrence 
is Mr. M. V. B.Paige; Paymaster, Charles E. Hardy. 

Card Clothing. — D. Frank Robinson commenced 
business in 1857, occupying for many years a wood- 
en building on Broadway near Essex Street. He 
has recently built a fine brick building in the same 
street, where are einployed eighty-two machines 
operated by twenty persons. The product of these 
machines is eighty thousand square feet of clothing 
per annum. Leather used annually, twelve thou- 
sand sides; cloth rubber, two thousand square yards; 
wire, thirty-six tons. Mr. Albert Warren (mayor 
1866) was at one time associated with Mr. Robin- 
son. Card clothing was also manufactured here for 
many years by Messrs. Stedman & Fuller. The 
partnership was dissolved, and the business was 
conducted by the Stedman & Fuller Manufac- 



LAWRENCE. 



899 



turiiig Company, since removed to Providence, 
Rhode Island. 

Beside the Lawrence Flyer and Sjjindle Works, 
named above, there were other work-s for similar 
purposes — J.\MES McCoRMlcK & Co., manufac- 
turing six to eight hundred flyers and pressers 
for cotton flyers per mouth, and employing six men ; 
and Thom.\s Hall, manufacturer of flyers, spin- 
dles and caps, to which are added some specialties 
and iniproveracnt.s of his own invention. 

L.wvRENCE Bleac-hery, established 1877, by 
Nathaniel W. Farwell & Sou. The bleachery and 
dye works are located on the South Canal, employ 
one hundred men, and have a monthly product of 
one million five hundred thousaud yards of bleached 
goods, and Ave hundred thousand yards of colored 
goods — Kirk W. Moses, superintendent. 

Spicket Mill, operated by John W. Barlow, 
manufactures belt-lacing, picker straps, rawhide 
baskets, worsted aprons and worsted rolls. 

Wamesit Mill, situated on the Spicket River, 
was formerly used for the manufacture of leather 
board by George Ed. Davis, who removed to Maine, 
and was succeeded by W. B. Hayden & Co., who 
carried on similar business. It is now used as a 
shoddy mill operated by Tower, Wing & Co. 

The Lawrence Machine Compaxy was incor- 
porated 1882. Their works are located on the 
North Canal, where are manufactured printing 
presses, dynamometers, centrifugal pumps, etc. 
Eighty persons are employed here, and the monthly 
product is about fifty thousand ]>ounds of machinery. 
Treasurer, A. A.Brooks; Superintendent, William 
O. Webber: 

The Merrimac Machine-Shop is a private en- 
terprise; Albert Blood, proprietor; commenced busi- 
ness in 18-53. From twelve to twenty persons are 
employed here in the manufacture of heavy iron- 
work, dye-house machinery, steam-engines, steam 
fire pumps, etc. This is an outgrowth of the old 
Lawrence Machine Shop, Mr. Blood being formerly 
in charge of the building of woolen machinery in 
that establishment. 

Other private establishments for the manufacture 
and repair of machinery are those of, — 

Stedmax & Smith, established 1S82, uuinufactur- 
ing worsted maidiinery and employing twenty men ; 
monthly production, twenty-five hundred dollars. 

Webster & Dustin, located on the North Canal, 
manufacture shafting and gearing and all varieties of 
mill work. 

Joseph E. Watts, machinist and brass finisher and 
manufacturer of steam and water-pressure regulators 
of his own invention, which are extensively used. 

Edward McCabe, boiler-maker and manufacturer 
of bleachers and oil tanks, employing twenty men. 

Williams & Smith manufacture many varieties of 
mill and other machinery. 

John H. Horxe & Sons, have recently erected 



a large shop in South Lawrence for the manufacture 
of paper-mill machinery, in which they have been en- 
gaged many years. 

Lawrence Line Co., manufacturers of braided 
and laid cotton lines, and silk fish-lines; bleached and 
unbleached chalk-lines. Established 1881 ; employ 
twenty hands. Hiram F. Mills, president ; L.S.Mills, 
treasurer; J. Marstou, clerk. 

Archibald Wheel Co. manufactures iron-hubbed 
wheels by Archibald's patent process. Nine-tenths of 
the wheels in use on steam fire-engines in the United 
States are of this manufacture, and havebeeu adopted 
to a certain extent after severe tests by the United 
States government. D. Arthur Brown, president; 
Hezekiah Plummer, treasurer ; E. A. Archibald, sup- 
erintendent. Capital, $60,000. 

Lawrence has three iron foundries, — the Merrimac 
Iron Foundry, founded early by Elbridge Joslyn and 
Alvah Bennett, at present managed by William H. 
Joslyn ; the foundry of Edmund Davis & Sou on the 
North Canal, now managed by George E. Davis, and 
the foundry of Webster & Joslyn, located on the 
Spicket Eiver. 

Here are also two brass foundries, one established 
by James Byrom and one of more recent date by E. 
T. Davis. 

The L. Spragfe Shuttle Co., established by Levi 
Sprague & Co. (1864), for the purpose of making 
bobbins and spools for textile manufacturing pur- 
poses. The business was commenced in a small wooden 
building, which has given way to a two-story brick 
building, one hundred by fifty feet, in which shuttle 
manufacturing has been added to the other business. 
From one hundred and fifty to two hundred men 
are employed. 

The Union Shuttle Co. manufacture power-loom 
shuttles of every description, also bobbins and spools 
and patent expanding cop-spindles. F. G. Page, 
agent; George F. Barber, treasurer. 

Other manufacturers of bobbins are Samuel E. Bass, 
William E. Bass and Messrs. T. J. Hale & Co. ; the 
latter, established 1881, employs twenty to thirty 
hands and manufactures from one hundred thousand 
to three hundred thousand bobbins monthly. 

Loom harness is also manufactured here by Thomas 
Clegg, employing fourteen hands and with a monthly 
product of two thousand dollars; Emmons Loom 
Harness Co. (T. A. Emmons, treiisurer), employing 
sixty men ; and Joseph Sladdin. 

Leather belting is manufactured by Charles L. Place 
and by E. F. Page & Co. 

Roll covering is also carried on by F. W. McLaua- 
than, who employs thirty men, and by Robert P. Burn- 
haui. 

The car-shop of the Boston & Maine Railroad em- 
ploys one hundred and forty men in the manufacture 
of freight and passenger cars. 

Lawrence has one brewery, owned and operated by 
Messrs. Stanley & Co., for the manufacture of ale, 



900 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



porter and laajer beer, and has a capacity of three 
hundred and fifty barrels per day. 

Several cracker bakeries, the largest that of Kent & 
Bruce, sending out four thousand barrels of crackers 
per month. 

The brush factory of John H. Stafford produces 
twenty gross of brushes per month. 

A broom and basket factory is operated by Collins 
Brothers (T. F. and J. H. Collins). 

Beach Soap Co. (Lurandus Beach, proprietor) is 
one of the oldest establishments in Lawrence, furnish- 
ing employment to twenty men, manufacturing family 
and toilet soaps, also scouring and fulling soaps. The 
monthly product amounting to twelve thousand dol- 
lars monthly. This business was originally established 
by Beach & Varney. 

Briggs & Allyn Manufacturing Co. manufac- 
ture doors, sashes, blinds, mouldings, frames and all 
descriptions of house finishings, also counters, tablesi 
furniture, etc. The company is thoroughly provided 
with tools for the manufacture of every variety of 
wood-work, employing from forty to seventy men, and 
turns out monthly about seventy-five hundred dollars 
worth of finished work. 

Lawrence Lumber Co.— The territory occupied 
by this company was originally owned and the mills 
operated by the Essex Company. After the company 
ceased building mills the property was sold to George 
W. Ela and others, and by them sold to others who 
organized a company for furnishing lumber and manu- 
facturing packing cases for the large mills. The 
monthly sales of the company are a million and a half 
feet of manufactured lumber and half a million feet 
made into packing cases. They employ ninety men- 
While owned by the Essex Company, William M. 
Kimball (afterward of Minneapolis) was the super- 
intendent. When the new company was organized 
Luther Ladd, who had had long experience with the 
Essex Company, became agent and treasurer. The 
present treasurer is Alfred A. Lamprey. The other 
lumber yards are those of Hezekiah Plummer (one of 
the earliest settlers in Lawrence), J. H. Prescott & 
Co., and Luther Ladd, who, since his retirement from 
the Lawrence Lumber Co., has established a yard of 
his own in South Lawrence. 

The Lawrence Flour Mill, situated in South 
Lawrence, was built by Davis & Taylor, and had ma- 
chinery for producing two thousand barrels of flour 
and one hundred thousand bushels of corn meal per 
month, and was operated for several years. Lnproved 
methods of manufacturing flour have rendered the 
old machinery useless. The mill has passed into the 
hands of Frank E. Chandler, of Medford, and is now 
fitted entirely for the production of corn meal, with 
Joseph Chandler as superintendent. One other grain 
mill (built in 18(58) is situated on the North Canal 
and is owned and operated by Henry K. Webster & 
Co., who conduct an extensive business. 

The earliest grain and flour mill in Lawrence was 



located near the mouth of Spicket River, built and 
owned by Messrs. Furness & C4iles. This mill later 
passed into the hands of the Russell Paper Co., and 
Mr. Giles was subsequently foreman of Davis & Tay- 
lor's flour mill. 

Besides the various dye-houses connected with the 
large mills, there are in I^awrence — Trees' Dye House 
established by .John Trees, Spicket River, Lawrence 
Street; The Essex Dye House, by William Stuart & 
Co., Spicket River, Vine Street; The Lawrence Dye 
Works, by L. Sjorstrom & Son and .1. H. Melledge, 
South Canal. 

Paper making is one of the most important branch- 
es of industry in Lawrence and has grown to large 
proportions. By Tewksbury's " History of Lawrence," 
published in 1878, it appears that " soon after the 
Essex Company's Machine Shop started, experiments 
were made in the building of paper machinery under 
the superintendence of John L. Seaverns ; a building 
was erected by the Essex Com]iany in the machine 
shop yard, and the Charter Paper Company was 
organized, several directors of the Essex Company 
forming the Association. The company did not 
manufacture but printed and embossed papers. Will- 
iam B. Hurd was the local agent; the principal 
direction being in the hands of Samuel H. Gregory. 
The capital was fifty thousand dollars. The mill 
furnished fancy velvet, cloth, gold-leaf, bronze and 
silver-leaf papers — paper hangings from six and a 
quarter cents to seven dollars per roll, and bordering 
of every grade; the enterprise proved unprofitable 
and was abandoned." Several persons have at dif- 
ferent times operated paper mills for the manufacture 
of paper. Among them A. & A. Norton commenc- 
ing in 1853; Samuels. Crocker, Salmon P. Wilder, 
Joseph L. Partridge, Daniel P. Crocker and others. 
Prior to all these and before the incor|>oration of the 
Essex Company the late Adolphus Durant operated 
a small mill for the manufacture of paper — the mill 
being located on the Spicket River. 

The Merrimac Paper Company, in South Law- 
rence, was organized in May, 1881, the incorporators 
being A. N. jNIayo, Charles S. Mayo, of Springfield, 
and S. I. Stebbins, of Holyoke (deceased). The 
company employs two hundred hands and manufac- 
tures engine sized cap paper, book and envelope 
paper, producing about eleven tons daily. The 
monthly pay roll is four thousand dollars. Agent, 
Charles S. Mayo; Sujierintendent, W. G. Finlay ; 
Paymaster, G. E. Miller. 

The Bacon Paper Company, founded by Jerome 
A. Bacon, is located on Marstou Street, receiving 
water from the North Canal. Manufactures machine 
and super calendered flat cap and book paper. No. 
one newspaper and colored paper. Daily product 
about six tons. Jerome A. Ripley, Superintendent; 
George S. Sherman, Paymaster. 

The Monroe Felt and Paper Company. — This 
company is located in South Lawrence ; was incor- 










^^^.4^ 




LAWRENCE. 



901 



porated 1881 with a capital of sixty thousand dollars. 
They manufacture ingrain wall-papers of their own 
invention, which have found an extensive sale ; car- 
jiet, manilla and roofing jiajier — turning out twelve 
tons daily. William T. McAlpine, Agent; Henry 
T. Hall, Treasurer and Paymaster. 

At the present time, by far the largest paper mak- 
ing establishments are those of the Messrs. Russell. 

William Russell, the oldest living pa|ier maker in the 
United States, nearly thirty years ago was comjielled 
by ill health to retire from active business: but he 
had laid the foundation of the paper manufacturing 
establishment, whose principal mills are at Lawrence, 
and which, under the ownsliip and management of 
his son, Hon. William A. Russell, has become one of 
the most extensive manufactories of the kind in the 
United States. 

William Russell was the son of a farmer, and was 
born in Cabot, Vt., in 1805. He received his educa- 
tion in the district school of his native town. When 
quite young he went to Wells River to learn the 
trade of paper manufacturing and served an appren- 
ticeship of .seven years. He was then employed as a 
journeyman in Wells River and Franklin, N. H., 
until 1S4S, when he removed to Exeter, N. H., and 
engaged in business for himself, operating two mills 
until IS.'il. At this time, his son, William A. Rus- 
sell, having attained his majority, leased one of the 
nulls, operating it on his own sejiarale account. In 
1853 they formed a co|)artnership, purchased grounds 
and power, and built a one-machine mill in Law- 
rence, removing thither their entire business. Short- 
ly after this Mr. Russell withdrew from active busi- 
ness and retired to a farm which he had purchased 
in North .\ndiiver, retaining however a small interest 
in the establishment which was thenceforth carried 
on by his son, William A. Russell. The elder Mr. 
Russell from early life was characterized by untiring 
industry and acquired a thorough knowledge of his 
chosen pursuit. Thrriughout his business career he 
was esteemed for integrity and uprightness in all his 
transactions. 

After the retirement of his father, William A. Rus- 
sell purchased the mills of Curtis & Partridge on 
Marston Street, and subsequently the A. & A. Norton 
Mill and Hoyt Mill on Canal Street, and later on the 
Crocker Mill. The-e mills are all operated by the 
Russell Paper Company, a corjioration organized in 
1864. W. A. Russell, President and Treasurer, and 
George W. Russell, Superintendent. The company 
employs some three hundred hands and produce 
about twenty tons per day of book, news and blotting 
paper. Connected with the paper mills is a large 
plant for the pro<luction of chemical wood pulp both 
by the soda and sulphite processes. 

Hox. WiLLiA.M A. Russell was born in Wells 
River, Vt., April 22, US."?!. His education was regu- 
larlv pursued in the public schools of that town, and 
at the Academy at Franklin, N. H., applying himself 



a-ssiduously to his studies and acquitting himself with 
credit. He occupied his vacation with labor in the 
paper-mills in Franklin. 

Sub.scquently some time was spent at a private 
.school in Lowell, Mass., where his education was com- 
pleted. In 1848 he commenced work in his father's 
mill, and remained thereuntil 1852, when he attained 
his majority. 

I'y diligence and marked forethought he at once 
established his reputation as a successful manufac- 
turer. Two years later the father and son formed a 
copartnership, an<l moved their works to Lawrence, 
Mass. 

The senior Mr. Russell's health soon failed, and he 
was then compelled to retire from active life, leaving 
the entire business in the hands of his son. 

After the retirement of his father from the business 
he found it necessary to enlarge his tacilities for man- 
facture in order to meet the demand for his products. 
With this view he leased and put in operation two 
mills in Belfast, Me., and subsequently purchased 
another, in the same city. 

During the ensuing five years the business was suc- 
cessful, and in 1861 he purchased a mill contiguous to 
his former one in Lawrence, from parties who had 
failed in business as manufacturers, and the same 
year received his brother, George W. Russell into 
partnership. 

A year later two other mills in Lawrence had 
stopped for the same reason, and, though business was 
to some extent prostrated on account of the Civil 
War, Mr. Rus-ell, looking to the fiiture, availed him- 
self of the opportunity to purchase them. His confi- 
dence proved well founded, and after a short period 
the business received a fresh impetus and continued 
to increase each year in importance. 

In 1860 he established a w<i(id-pul|i mill in Frank- 
lin Vt., with the view of supplying the manufactur- 
ers; but they, fearing the prejudice against paper 
manufactui-ed from wood-fiber, shrank from the 
undertaking. Finding it iin]>ossible to sell the pulp, 
and believing that the |)rejudice could be overcome, 
the following year he bought what was known as the 
Fisher & Aiken mill, in Franklin, for the purpose of 
manufacturing the paper himself 

His expectations were fully realized, and the same 
year he )iurchased the Peabody it Daniel mill, the 
oldest in the country, and eniploye<l it for the same 
purpose, the manufacture of ]iaper for printing, es- 
pecially of newspapers. In the same year, to secure 
better attention and more sure success for this depart- 
ment of the business, he organized the Winipiseogee 
Paper Company, of Franklin, being himself its treas- 
urer and principal owner. It now employs about 250 
hands and produces about twenty-five tons of news 
paper per day. 

The same year he extended his interest to Bellows 
Falls, building there, also, a wood-pulp mill. The 
water-power was held at that place by a " lock & canal 



902 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Co." In the winter of 1870 the dam which had been 
built some eighty years previously, suffered serious in- 
jury, and Mr. Russell availed himself of the oportu- 
nity to secure a controlling interest in the entire 
water-power. Since that time he has been president 
of the company and let power to others. 

In 1872 he built and put in operation a large paper- 
mill himself. In these various establishments in Ver- 
mont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and others in 
Maine, are employed an aggreg.ate of upwards of 1400 
hands, producing no less than eighty-five tons of 
paper per day ; book paper, printing paper, for news- 
papers, manilla and blotting paper. 

Mr. Russell, during his residence in Lawrence, has 
been a very active and public-spirited citizen, was a 
member and very large contributor to the Eliot 
Church, and when the society united with the Cen- 
tral to form what is now Trinity Church, he pur- 
chased the building and conveyed it to the Young 
Men's Christian Association. 

In politics an earnest Republican. In 1S6S was a 
member of the city government ; inlSG9 represented 
the city in the Legislature. He was sent, in 18G8, as 
one of the delegates from Massachusetts to the Na- 
tional Republican Convention at ^Cincinnati. In 
1878 he was elected Representative of the Seventh 
District, to the Forty-sixth United States Congress. 
He was appointed a member of the committee on 
commerce, and became chairman of the sub-commit- 
tee to investigate the causes of the decline of Ameri- 
can commerce, with the view to investigate some 
plan to restore the same and bring about closer com- 
mercial relations and more extensive trade witli other 
countries. 

His report showed a thorough investigation of the 
subject. It set forth clearly the difficulties to be 
overcome, and through the presentation of these facts 
Massachusetts led off in removing one of the greatest 
obstacles to incorporated maritime investments by 
the change of the laws in relation to the taxation of 
property in ships. 

He was renominated by acclamation and elected to 
the Forty-seventh Congress, and promoted to service 
on the Ways and Means Committee, a position which 
he was so well qualified to fill through his long and 
careful observation of and experience in the indus- 
trial interests of the country. 

The tariff question being prominently before Con- 
gress, he gave to the liouse and country one of the 
most carefully prepared and exhaustive presentations 
of this subject that was submitted from the protective 
standpoint. Mr. Russell's interest in and close appli- 
cation to business have characterized his political 
life. 

His well established and well organized business 
he confided to others, giving his whole time and 
energies to new duties. Yielding to a very general de- 
mand of his constituents, he accepted a third nomina- 
tion which was made by acclamation, and he was 



elected to the Forty-eighth Congress. Though earnestly 
solicited by his constituents to accept a renomination 
to the Forty-ninth Congress, he felt compelled to de- 
cline, and up(fn the close of his three terms of Con- 
gressional life turned his attention to improving and 
enlarging the various paper-mills in which he is in- 
terested, necessitated by the increasing demand for 
their products, and to developing the water powers at 
Bellows Falls, Vt., and Franklin, N. H. 

Another manufacture, operated by machinery simi- 
lar in character to that of paper mills, has been suc- 
cessfully conducted here, the manufacture of leather- 
board. Messrs. Clegg & Fisher, employing twenty 
men and producing monthly fifty tons. Seth F. Daw- 
son, employing about the same number of men and 
producing eighteen to twenty tons per week. 

Public Library. — The history of the library 
dates, in one sense, from the beginning of the town 
of Lawrence. 

The Franklin Library Association was chartered 
by the Legislature of Massachusetts April, 1847, and 
the following letter to Captain Charles H. Bigelow, 
its first president, gives in very concise terms not only 
the wishes and motives of the donor of the first val- 
uable gifi- to the library, but is also a key to the mo- 
tives which inspired its founders ■ 

" Boston, July 5, 1847. 

" My Dear Sir. — I was gratified to notice an act paesefl by tlie last 
General Court incorporating the Franklin Library Association in the 
new Town. Subseiinently I have seen in the newspapers an account of 
its organization, and that you were elected President. 1 am happy in the 
knowledge that there exists among the people a just appreciation of the 
value and importance of early attention being given to schools, churches 
and public libraries. It is no less the duty than the privilege of those 
who possess an influence in creating towns and cities, to lay their foun- 
dations deep and strong. Let the standard be high in religious, moral 
and intellectual culture, and there can be no well-grounded fears for the 
results. 

" There will soon gather around you a large number of mechanics and 
others, who will desire to obtain a knowledge of the iiigher mechanical 
arta. You will probably receive into your large machine-shop (now un- 
der construction) a number of apprentices, who are to be trained to the 
use of tools. The more thorough the education you give them , the more 
skilfully the tools will be used when placed in their hands. 

" If you possess a well-furnished library, containing books, drawings, 
etc., with the mechanical and scientific periodicals of the day, to which 
the whole body of those engaged in all the varieties of mechanics have 
access, you will, I am ijuite certain, at an early day send forth into the 
comniunify a class of well-educated machinists, whose labors and influ- 
ence will be felt throughout the country. 

" I feel a deep interest in this question of educating men who can 
take care of themselves and do something to develop the mental re- 
sources of the present and future generations, as well as to make con- 
tributions to the common stock of practical knowledge and national re- 
sources of this great Union. 

" The supply of well-educated, scicntiiic mechanics in our community 
is entirely inadequate to its wants. 

" 1 wish to live long enough to see the e.xperiment fairly tried, wheth- 
er this deficiency may not be remedied, and am therefoz'e in favor of 
placing in the handsof those who are or may be residents in the new 
town, all the appliances to obtain such an object. 

" In furtherance of the plan proposed by your society, I ofter, through 
you, for the acceptance of the Franklin Library Association, the sum of 
one thousand dollars, which the government of the institution will 
please invest in such scientific and other works as will tend to create 
good mechanics, good Christians and good patriots. 

" Accept the assurances with which I remain 

" Your friend, Abbott L.^wkence. 

"ToCapt. Chas. H. Bigelow." 



LAWRENCE. 



903 



Eight years Inter, in 1855, Mr. Lawrence " rested 
I'roni hi.s labors,'' but he had not lost his intere-st in 
the new city to which so much of his attention had 
been given; nor did he forget his protege, the Frank- 
lin Library, leaving by his will the generous sura of 
five thousand dollars for the purpose of increasing its 
value and utility. 

Other gentlemen had made some valuable presents 
of books, but these gifts of money to be invested in 
books were, it is believed, the only ones received. 

The expenses, rent, librarian's salary, etc., must, of 
course, be defrayed from the income received from the 
sale of shares and from annual assessments. The 
price of shares was at lirst fixed at ten dollars each, 
the annual assessment at two dollars per annum, 
and the library was open to any person willing 
to unite with the society and purchase a share. As 
the price of a share proved a bar to many, iu ISod 
the association amended the constitution, so that the 
use of the library might be granted to persons not 
members of the association, subject to the regula- 
tions thereof, on payment of an annual definite sum, 
not less than the annual assessment of members. 

The membership and the number of readers still 
remaining comjjaratively small, and the a.ssociation 
being still desirous of enlisting the public more fully, 
early in 1853 the value of the shares was reduced to 
five dollars and the assessment to one dollar per an- 
num. In 1857 a vote was passed, authorizing the 
government to open the library to any persons not 
members for the nominal sum of one dollar per 
year. 

Other eftbrts had been made, from time to time, by 
organizing courses of public lectures, by popular lec- 
turers, at low rates, for the purpose of attracting at- 
tention to the library and reading-room, with indiffer- 
ent success, — the association in some instances sus- 
taining pecuniary loss. 

The library had increased to nearly four thousand 
volumes; the reading-room connected with it con- 
tained several of the newspapei's of the time and 
many of the valuable scientific, mechanical and lit- 
erary periodicals ; f)ut the main object of the original 
founders was not attained. 

Th'e number of members and readers was still small, 
and the annual income only sufficient to ]iay the cur- 
rent expenses. 

In 1867 it was thought advisalde, for the purpose 
of extending the useftilness of the library, to ofl'er 
the property to the city, under .suitable conditions, 
for a free library. A proposition was made to the 
city government of 1868, but it was not accepted, a 
difference of opinion among the members of the gov- 
ernment at that time existing as to the c.Kpediency of 
the step. 

Four years later aid came from an unexpected 
quarter. Hon. Daniel A. White, of Salem, i)laced 
certain property in Lawrence in the hands of trus- 
tees, the income from which should be appropriated to 



maintaining a course of lectures, free " to the indus- 
trial classes" of Lawrence, and for the purposes of a 
library. 

The income from that fund had furnished a course 
of lectures for several years, from the best talent of the 
land, and had reaclu'd a point where it was more than 
sufficient to defray this expense and could furnish a 
considerable sum annually for books. 

In 1872 the Franklin Library Association appointed 
a committee consisting of George S. Merrill, John K. 
Rollins and John ('. Dow to confer with the city gov- 
ernment, and also with the trustees of the White 
Fund, and this conference (the necessary authority to 
surrender their trust having been previously obtained 
from the Legislature) resulted in a renewed offer to 
transferthe property, consisting of over four thousand 
volumes and nearly three tliousand dollars in money, 
to the city. The trustees of the White Fund proposed 
to contribute the first year the sum of one thousand 
dollars for the purchase of books, and to make an an- 
nual contribution thereafter. These propositions were 
accepted, and an ordinance was passed, 1872, estab- 
lishing the Free Library of the city. 

Soon after the transfer of the property the Agricul- 
tural Library, numbering one hundred and fifty-seven 
volumes, and owned by an association residing in 
Lawrence and Methuen, was also jilaced at the dis- 
posal of the city, and the circulating library of 
Messrs. Whitford & Rice, twenty-two hundred and 
fifty-seven volumes, was also purchased and trans- 
ferred. 

At a meeting of the board of trustees, held August 
20, 1872, Mr. William I. Fletcher, whose exi>erience 
in the Boston Athenanim and in the Bronson Library, 
of Waterbury, Ot., rendered him peculiarly fitted for 
the position, was unanimously elected librarian. 

Mr. Fletcher remained with the library, arranging 
it for public use, and prejiaring a catalogue, till 1874, 
when he resigned to accept a more favorable position 
in Hartford, Ct., and he was succeeded by Frederick 
H. Hedge, Jr., of Cambridge, the present librarian. 
The library now embraces twenty-five thousand five 
hundred volumes, or, including duplicates, twenty- 
eight thousand seven hundred volumes. Connected 
with the liljrary is a reading-room, where may be 
found many i>f the leading newspajiers, and a room for 
books of reference, where the people may freely study 
upon almost any subject which they desire to investi- 
gate. 

The various boards of trustees have ever kept in 
mind the object of the founders, considering the lib- 
rary an educatioiKil institution "rather than a me- 
dium for the circulation of light literature." 

The mayor and president of the Common Council, 
together with the trustees of the White Fund, are 
])ermaneut members of the board. 

The librarv now occupies the entire second floor of 
the Odd Fellows' buibliiig. It needs more space and 
greater security against fire. 



904 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Daniel Appleton White (LL.P., Harvard, 1837) 
was of tlie sixth generation in descent from William 
White, who emigrated from Norfolk, England, one of 
the leading men in the colony at Ipswich, and of the 
founders of the ancient town of Newbury. He re- 
moved to Haverhill in 16-11). .Judge White was born 
in 1776, in that part ofMethuen (now Lawrence) edu- 
cated at Atkinson Academy and graduated from Hur- 
vard College 1797. He returned to Cambridge in 
1799, and pursued the study of law, remaining foui' 
years, during which time he was tutor in the college ; 
finished his legal studies in .Salem ; was admitted to 
the Essex bar in 1804; opened an oilice in Newbury- 
port, soon became successful in his profession and ad- 
vanced to honors ; was Senator in the Massachusetts 
Senate from 1810 to 1815 ; Presidential elector, 1816; 
was elected to Congress by an almost unanimous vote 
in 1814, but having been offered by Governor Strong 
the position of judge of Probate, he resigned and ac- 
cepted the more quiet path, which was more congen- 
ial to his tast« and feelings ; this otiice he held for 
thirty-eight years, resigning in 1S.")3. He died at 
Salem in 1861, having removed to that city in 1817. 
An excellent account of his lite may be found in a 
memorial by Rev. Henry W. Foote, of Boston, |iub- 
lished by the New England Historico-Genealngical 
Society in their series of memorial biographies, wlm 
concludes his sketch in these words: "To those who, 
in the city which was his home for forty-four years, use 
the treasures of his library, or who, in the other 
city which covers his native fields, shall receive the 
benefit of his noble foundation, the value of his gift 
would be enhanced if the memory of the giver, as he 
was, could be impressed indelibly upon it, and it would 
be his best gift if his character could be transmitted. 
He was a patriot of the lofty type of the founders ol 
the Republic ; a Christian in the deepest spirit of the 
New Testament ; a man ruled by justice, tempered 
with meicy, generous, high-minded, true, with a 
Puritan conscience and a heart of love, the faith of a 
disciple and the trusting soul, simple and pure as a 
little child." 

Another and fuller memoir nuiy be found in the 
Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. VI. 
Nos. 1 and 2. 

As the history of the White Fund is misapprehended 
by many, the following account is repeated here, taken 
from Tewksbury's " History of Lawrence," which was 
obtained from the original sources of information: 

The first conveyance by Judge White embraced 
the whole of his lauds without restrictions. He soon 
after became aware that provisions in old deeds re- 
tained a portion of the lauds for a family burial- 
ground, and to preserve the graves of his ancestors 
from any possible future desecration, at his earnest 
request, the associates, in taking their absolute deed, 
March 28, 1845, relinquished all claim to a lot of 
about six acres nearly in the centre of the tract they had 
purchased. It was provided, however, that the six 



acres accepted and reserved should be restricted as to 
use, or reserved as a public or private burial- 
grounds, a reservoir or some other public work. 

Immediately after the organization of the Essex 
Company the associates conveyed to that company all 
lands they had purcluised ; consequently their deed 
contained the reservations and restrictions. 

Judge White seems to have bad little enjoyment of 
this property, yet being in possession ; constantly in- 
creasing taxes became a burden ; there was no in- 
come from the |)roperty ; sanitary considerations pre- 
vented its use for a cemetery ; no one could purchase 
any part of it in the condition in which it then stood, 
and it became evident that the lands could only be 
utilized by the jolnf action of hoi h Jiidije White and 
the Essex Company. 

There were upon the land liut three graves (now un- 
disturbed and surrounded by dwellings), occupying 
together a space not larger than an ordinary burial- 
lot. This left nearly six acres of unoccupied hind in 
the heart of the city. 

Joint action of the two parties might give this land 
a value of many thousand dollars to be divided be- 
tween them. Happily, at the suggestion of Judge 
White, conlially acceded to by the Essex Com- 
pany, both joined in devoting Ibis property to a pur- 
pose which would benefit not a class or a single gener- 
ation, but all who might dwell here in time to eome. 
The indenture conveying the land to trustees, with 
power to sell, and invest proceeds in a fund for a pur- 
pose clearly defined, is a model of precise wording 
and clearness of detail. So far as it relates to the 
character of the lectures and use of the fund for that 
purpose, the language is that of Judge White. 

The original proposition of Mr. White, as explain- 
ed in his letter to Mr. Storrow, June 19, 1852, which 
first (qiened the subject, proposed simply the estab- 
lishment of an annual course of lectures, the special 
subjects being specified in the deed of trust. These 
subjects were: 1st. "The importance of good character 
to success in life;" 2d. "On the unsurpassable 
value of the rich<'s of character to the young of both 
sexes ; " 3d. " On the virtues, habits and principles 
most essential to good character ; " 4th. " On the best 
means of intellectual and moral improvement." ' 

Being confident that the value of the lands and the 
sum eventually derived from them would far exceed 
the expectations of Mr. White, Mr. Storrow suggested 
that while the original object which he had in mind 
should first be fully provided for, precisely as Mr. 
White intended, it might be well to allow the trustees 
to select other modes for promoting morality and ed- 
ucation, especially to authorize liberal appropriations 
from the income, in aid of a free library, and provide 
for the gift of a building-site for sudi an institution. 

Judge White readily assented to this, and the in- 
denture of August 23, 1852, is intended to carry into 
effect the original and enlarged purposes of the trust. 
This indenture was signed by Daniel A. White, of the 



LAWRENCE. 



905 



first part, the Essex Company of the second part, and 
Charles 8. Storrow, Nathaniel G. White and Henry 
K. Oliver as trustees accepting the trust. Messrs. 
Storrow and Oliver removed !rom the city, and 
George D. Cabot and James H. Eaton, the present 
trustees, succeeded them. 

RELIGIOUS DEXOMIXATIOXS. 

In the beginning of Lawrence the directors 
of the Essex Company, true to the policy of 
the early settlers of the country, gave their attention 
to the moral condition of the new town, as might be 
expected from their well-known character. The pres- 
ideut, Mr. Liwrence, writing on one occasion to W. 
C. Rives, of Virgiuia, said: "All intellectual culture 
should be founded on our Holy Religion. The pure 
precepts of the Gosoel are the only safe source from 
which we can freely draw our morality ; " and in the 
letter which accompanied his gift to the library, — ''it 
is no less the duty than the privilege of those 
who possess influence in creating towns and cities, 
to lay the foundations deep and strong. Let the 
standard be high in religious, moral and intellectual 
culture, and there can be no well-grounded fear for 
the result." 

Accordingly, governed by no sectarian bias, they 
gave to the first churches of several denominations a 
lot of land on which to erect their building, and to 
others later they made a discount of one-quarter from 
regular established prices. 

The first building devoted to public worship was 
the Episcopal Chapel ; this stood on the ground now 
occupied by Grace Church, and was so far completed 
that services were held there on the second Sunday of 
October, 1846. By the quarter-centennial address of 
Rev. George Packard, who was the founder of the 
church and its rector till his lamented decease, No- 
vember 30, 187G, it appears the first building, a tempo- 
rary structure of wood, was completed and consecrated 
November 19, 1846. The cost of the building was 
estimated to be one thousand three hundred and fifty 
dollars, of which sum Mr. Samuel Lawrence contrib- 
uted one thousand dollars, and the balance was ob- 
tained from friends in Boston, the proprietors of the 
different manufacturing companies who were inter- 
ested in the moral welfare of the new town. A lot of 
land, one hundred feet square, was presented to the 
church by the Essex Company, on condition that in 
five years from the time it was given, a church of 
stone or brick should be built upon it. At the close 
of the first year the number of families worshipping 
was twenty-five, the number of communicants twen- 
ty-six; in 1849 the number of communicants fifty- 
three; in 1850, seventy-eight; and in 1857 the growth 
of the church had increased so much as to require 
better accommodations, and the substantial stone 
building which now occupies the ground was erected, 
one-half the amount of the cost being pledged by the 
members of the parish, and the other half by friends 
57J 



in Boston, Andover, Lowell and Salem. The build- 
ing committee were C'apt. Oliver H. Perry, Caleb 
Marvel and Geo. D. Lund. M.ay 5, 1852, this build- 
ing was consecrated by Rev. Mauton Eastburu, 
bishop of the diocese. 

In 1864 the Sunday-school statistics were, — super- 
intendent, librarian and assistant; teachers — male, 
ten; female, nineteen; scholars, two hundred and 
seventy. The chapel, the first place of worship re- 
moved to Garden Street, was crowded, and in Octo- 
ber of that year a mission Sunday-school and service 
were commenced in the westera part of the city, 
under the charge of Rev. A. V. G. Allen, then a can- 
didate for orders, pursuing his studies at Andover. 
In I860 the parish school-teachers numbered twenty- 
four; scholars, one hundred and eighty; missirn 
school-teachers, twenty-two; scholars, one hundred 
and seventy-five. The success of this mission work 
led to the establishment of a Second Parish, under 
the name of St. John's, which, in 1867, was admitted 
to union with the convention. 

Dr. Packard, who was so long the rector of the 
church and devoted to its welf^ire with untiring zeal, 
was also during his useful life interested and active 
in every enterprise conducive to the general good of 
the town and city. Early and for twenty years a 
member of the school committee and superintendent 
of schools, his eiibrts did much to the establishment 
of our present system of schools and the promoting 
of their usefulness. He was, besides, an earnest 
worker in the City Mission for the relief of the poor 
and unfortunate, and his wise counsel was alwaj's 
valued. He, as well as three of his brothers, were 
graduates from Bowdoin College, — one brother, the 
late Rev. Charles Packard, a Congregational clergy- 
man at Lancaster, Mass.; and the Rev. Alpheus 
Packard, many years professor and later president of 
Bowdoin College; and Rev. Joseph Packard, for fifty 
years professor at the Theological School of Virginia, at 
Alexandria, one of the American members of the 
commission for the recent revision of the Bible, who 
survives them. During the later years of Dr. Pack- 
ard's residence here, owing to failing healtb, Rev. 
William Lawrence, of Boston, was appointed tj assist 
in parochial duties, and succeeded as rector in 1876. 
Mr. Lawrence remained here till December, 1883, 
when he resigned to accept a professorship in Har- 
vard Universily, followed by the love and respect, not 
only of his own people, but of the entire community, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Augustine H. Amory, of 
Boston, the present rector. 

The Lawkexce Street Coxgregatioxal 
Church was formed April 9, 1847. A society called 
the Merriniac Congregational Society was organized 
August, 1846, previously, at the house of Nathaniel 
B. Gordon, its founders being Dr. Moses L. Atkinson 
(formerly of Newburyport), W. S. Annis, Nathan 
Wells, Hiram Merrill, Timothy 0:^good, Joshua Bus- 
well (deputy sheriff), A. Dickey, Phineas M. Gage 



906 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and E. C. Bartlett. The society commenced building, 
October, 1846, a small chapel in the rear of the pres- 
ent church building. The cost of the building was 
one thousand dollars, Mr. Abbott Lawrence contrib- 
uting one hundred dollars, other friends in Boston 
three hundred and thirty-five dollars. This building 
was dedicated in January, 1847, and seated two hun- 
dred and seventy-five persons. After the organiza- 
tion of the church Rev. Lyman Whiting, who had 
preached to the society, was invited to become the 
pastor. He remained here from June 16, 1847, till 
January 16, 185u. During his ministry the present 
edifice was completed, and dedicated October 11, 
1848. The church remained without a settled pastor 
till January, 1852, when Eev. Henry M. Storrs was 
ordained. He remained till March 1, 1855, and, re- 
signing, went to Cincinnati. The pulpit was then 
supplied by Eev. Alexander H. Clapp, D.D. (now 
treasurer of American Plome Missionary Society), and 
Eev. Charles Beecher. The former of these declined an 
invitation to become their pastor, and Eev. George B. 
Wilcox, of Fitchburg, was installed in September, 
1856. He resigned in 1859, and was succeeded by 
Eev. Caleb E. Fisher, a very sincere and earnest man, 
of warm sympathies, devoted not only to the spirit- 
ual welfare of bis parish, but interested in all that 
pertained to the welfare of the city, especially in edu- 
cational affairs. Mr. Fisher's pastorate continued 
more than fourteen years, till October, 1873. Eev. 
Joshua Coit was installed May 13, 1874, remained 
till February 25, 1885, when, after repeated solicita- 
tions, he accepted the position of secretary of the 
Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, and was 
succeeded in February, 1885, by the present pastor, 
Eev. William E. Wolcott. 

The Central Congregational Church (now 
known as Trinity Congregational Church) was or- 
ganized December 25, 1849, commencing their public 
services in the City Hall, which they continued to 
occupy till August, 1854; removed to their new build- 
ing, a substantial brick building, at the corner of Es- 
sex and Appleton Streets, the second story being oc- 
cupied for religious service and the lower story for 
stores, — a union of sacred and secular matters, which, 
happily, does not at present exist in the city. A sim- 
ilar structure once existed in the neighboring city of 
Lowell, and it is said that some wag chalked the fol- 
lowing couplet upon the door: 

** A spirit above and a spirit below, 
A spirit of weal and a spirit of woe ; 
The spirit above is the spirit divine, 
Theepirit below is the spirit of wine." 

On the 12th of August, 1859, the Central Church 
building was destroyed by fire, and the society re- 
turned to the City Hall, where they remained a few 
months, evening services being held in the chapel of 
Grace Church, on Garden Street. On the second 
Sabbath in January, 1860, the congregation met for 
worship in the basement of the new stone building 



erected on Haverhill Street. The building was fin- 
ished and dedicated June 8, 1860. 

From March to November, 1850, Eev. Lyman 
Whiting, previously of Lawrence Street Church, sup- 
plied the pulpit, and Eev. E. C. Whittlesey, after- 
wards prominent in military affairs and the Freed- 
men's Bureau, from February to October, 1851. The 
first pastor was Eev. William C. Foster, installed 
January 16, 1852, a very earnest preacher, and well 
remembered for his fearless and bold advocacy of 
anti-slavery sentiments. His successor was Rev. 
Daniel Tenney, installed September 2, 1857. After a 
service of five years Mr. Tenney removed to the 
Springfield Street Church, Boston, and Eev. Christo- 
pher M. Cordley became pastor, and remained with 
the church till his death, June 26, 1866. 

The next pastor was Rev. William E. Park ; after 
a service of nine years, — 1866 to '75, — he resigned, 
and removed to Gloversville, N. Y., and was suc- 
ceeded by George M. Ide. 

Eliot Congregational Church was formed 
September 28, 1865. Services were held at first in 
the City Hall and in Grace Church chapel. The 
formation of this church resulted from a joint meet- 
ing of the Lawrence Street and Central Churches 
held in August, at which meeting it was unanimously 
resolved that a third church was needed ; and a com- 
mittee, consisting of William C. Chapin, George A. 
Fuller, Benjamin T. Bourne, Benjamin Coolidge and 
William A. Russell, was appointed to consider the 
matter and report. Thirty-two persons constituted 
the original organization of the society, — twelve from 
Lawrence Street, sixteen from the Central Church 
and four from other towns. The church and society 
immediately took steps for the erection of the build- 
ing located on Appleton Street, near Essex. This 
building, erected at a cost of thirty-five thousand 
dollars, is very conveniently arranged, and, 
architecturally considered, it would be an ornament 
to the city, but, unfortunately, it is surrounded by 
tall brick buildings, among which it is hidden. It 
was dedicated September 6, 1866. 

The first pastor was Eev. William Franklin Snow, 
born in Boston in 1838 ; at the age of nine he went with 
his father's i'amily to the Hawaiian Islands, was there 
fitted for Harvard College at the Eoyal School and the 
Oahu College, of Honolulu; entered Harvard in 1857 
and was distinguished as a classical scholar ; gradu- 
ated with high rank in 1861. In August, 1862, he 
enlisted as a private soldier in the Fifth Massachu- 
setts Eegiment, was elected captain and served one 
year. After the expiration of his service in the army 
he made a visit to his father's family in the islands. 
In May, 1864, he became acting pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church in Grass Valley, Cal., returned to 
Andover in 1865 to complete his studies and was in- 
stalled pastor of the Eliot Church September 13, 
1866. Mr. Snow was a thorough scholar, an indefati- 
gable student and thoroughly devoted to the work of 



LAWRENCE. 



907 



tlic Cliristian ministry, and during his five years of ser- 
vice in tlie Eliot Church the number of its members 
increased from thirty-two to one hundred and twenty- 
nine. He died in the midst of his usefulness, at the 
age of thirty-three, January 11, 1871. 

On the 14th of June, 1871, Rev. Theodore T. Hun- 
ger, of Haverhill, Mass., was in.stallcd pastor. He 
resigned his charge January 20, 1875, on account of 
ill health of himself and family, and removed to the 
western part of the State. His resignation was a 
source of regret to his people and many others, who 
prized his companionship for his intellectual power 
and attainments. He has become widely known by 
several volumes which have issued from his scholarly 
pen. 

March 14, 1875, Rev. John H. Barrows commenced 
his work at the Eliot, and was ordained April 29th; 
remained with the church till September 12, 1880. 
Rev. Edward P. Hooker was installed January 12, 
1881, and resigned, after a short residence, to become 
president of Rollins College, In Florida. The Eliot 
and Central Churches united to form Trinity Congre- 
gational Church in the summer of 1883. The Eliot 
Church building was sold to Hon. Wm. A. Russell, 
who afterward conveyed it to the Young Men's 
Christian Association. The present pastor of Trinity 
Church is Rev. John L. R. Trask. 

The Methodlsts. — The first preaching was in 
June, 184(), at Boarding- House No. 5, kept by Mr. 
Charles Barnes, who built on his own account, about 
twenty years before, the meeting-house on the 
corner of Lowell and Suffolk Streets, Lowell. Their 
house of worship, at the corner of Haverhill and 
Hampshire Streets, wa? dedicated in the spring of 
1848. Their first pastor was Rev. James L. Glca.son. 
Since the erection of the church building the pastors 
have been Rev. L. D. Barrows, D.D., 1847-48 ; Rev. 
James Pike, D.D., 1849; Rev. Moses Howe, 1850; 
Rev. Samuel Kelley, 18.il-52; Rev. R. S. Rust, D.D., 
1853 and '54; Rev. Jonathan Hall, 1855 and '56; 
Rev. W. A. McDonald, 1857; Rev. F. A. Hughes, 
1858; Rev. J. H. McCarthy, D.D., 1859 and '60; Rev. 
S. Holman, 1861 and '62; Rev. R. S. Stubbs, 1863; 
Rev. George Dearborn, 1864; Rev. L. J. Hall, 1865- 
06; Rev. D. C. Knowles, 1867-69; Rev. F. Pitcher, 
1870 and '71; Rev. L. D. Barrows, D.D., 1872-74; 
Rev. D. Stevenson, D.D., 1875-77; Rev. D. C. 
Knowles again, 1878, who was succeeded in April, 
1881, by Rev. E.G. Bass, who served three years; 

Rev. followed from April, 1884, to April, 18S6, 

when the present pastor, Rev. Madison A. Richards, 
commenced bis labors. The church is in a flourish- 
ing condition, and the Sabbath-school contains about 
two hundred scholars. Rev. D. C. Knowles has been 
for several years principal of the New Hampshire 
Conference Seminary at Tilton, N. H., and Rev. 
Daniel Stevenson is principal of a seminary at 
Augusta, Kentucky. 

The Garden Street Methodist Episcopal Church wa.s 



organized in 1853 by young men and women residing 
in the easterly part of the town. Meetings were at 
first held in a school-hou.se and then in Pantheon 
Hall, but in 1855 the brick church at the corner of 
Newbury and Garden Streets was erected. The 
members were few, and the task they had undertaken 
was a difficult one to complete, and no doubt ultimate 
succe.ss depended largely on the efi'orts of George P. 
Wilson, then a layman, a man of indefatigable en- 
ergy, who was f' r many years the beloved and de- 
voted city missionary. The first settled minister 
was Rev. Albert C. Mansur, 1853. Since that the 
church has been under the pastoral care of Rev. 
John McLaughlin, 1854 and '55; Rev. Calvin Hol- 
man, 1856 and '57; Rev. Warren F. Evans, 1858; 
Rev. Henry H. Hartwell, 1859 and '60 ; Rev. Cadford 
M. Dinsmore, 1861 ; Rev. Albert C. Mansur, 1862 ; 
Rev. Andrew J. Church, 1863 and '64 ; Rev. A. P. 
Hatch, 1865; Rev. Charles U. Dunning in 1866, '67 
and '68 (who, after an absence of three years, returned 
to Lawrence and succeeded Mr. Wilson as city mis- 
sionary, resigning that service on his appointment as 
one of the presiding elders of the New Hampshire 
Annu.al Conference); Rev. Truman Carter, 1869 and 
'70 ; Rev. Lewis P. Cushman, 1871-73 ; Rev. George 
W. Norris, 1874-75, and again 1880-82 ; Rev. William 
E. Bennett, 1876 ; Rev. A. E. Drew, 1877-79 ; Rev. 
Charles Parkhurst, 188.3-85 ; Rev. Jesse M. Durrell, 
1886-87. 

First Baptist Society. — The First Baptist So- 
ciety was formed in 1847. Their first temporary 
house of worship was a small building in the rear of 
the present one on Haverhill Street, and was occupied 
the first time in April, 1847, although meetings had 
been previously held at private houses and in an old 
school building near the present First Methodist 
Church. In November following the building was 
enlarged to accommodate the increasing number of 
members. The increase of numbers was so great that 
it was soon found necessary to build a larger and 
more permanent building. Consequently, in 1849, 
the construction of the present edifice on Haverhill 
Street was commenced, and so far completed that ser- 
vices were held iu the basement in January, 1850. 
The first pastor of this church and society was Rev. 
John G. Richardson, who remained with them till 
1853; he was succeeded in December by Rev. Arte- 
mas W. Sawyer. In 1856 Rev. Frank Remington fol- 
lowed, resigning in 1859, and subsequently was in- 
stalled over the Second Baptist Church. For several 
months the pulpit was supplied by Rev. J. Sella Mar- 
tin, formerly a slave. Rev. Henry F. Lane was the 
ne.xt pastor, who remained but a short time, leaving 
in 1862 to accept the chaplaincy of the Forty-first 
Massachusetts Regiment. Rev. George Knox was next 
installed, but the same year became chaplain of the 
Twenty-ninth Maine Regiment. He was killed in 
Washington by being thrown from his horse. In 
September, 1865, Rev. George W. Bosworth, D.D., be- 



908 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



came the pastor. Dr. Bosworth remained tbree and 
a half ye.nrs; removed to Haverhill. 

Rev. John B. Gough Piilge was ordained in Sep- 
tember, 1SC9. After laboring with marked ability 
and popularity for about ten years, he accepted an in- 
vitation to Philadelphia, and was succeeded by Eev. 
Richard Montague, now of the Central Congrega- 
tional Church, Providence, R. L, who was followed 
by the present pastor. Rev. O. C. S. Wallace. 

Feee Baptist Society. — This was one of the 
early societies formed in Lawrence. A small number 
held a meeting in the first boarding-hou?e erected by 
the Essex Company, on Broadway, in the fall of 1846, 
at which meeting Rev. Silas Curtis conducted relig- 
ious service. In January, 1847, twelve persons were 
duly organized as the Free- Will Baptist Church of 
Lawrence, with Rev. Jairus E. Davis as pastor. Their 
services were conducted in public halls and private 
houses, until a small plain building was erected at the 
corner of Haverhill and White Streets, on land given 
them by the Essex Company. Money was not abun- 
dant among the members of this society, and for 
many years they had a hard and patient struggle 
against adverse circumstances, sustained only by 
Christian ftiith and determined perseverance. It was 
not till 1857 that their new church of brick, at the 
corner of Common and Pemberton Streets, was dedi- 
cated. During the ministry of the first pastor, who 
remained with them three years, sixty-four members 
were added to the church. October 1, 1849, Rev. 
Jonathan Woodman, sometimes known as " Father 
Woodman," a prominent and influential man in that 
denomination, became pastor, remaining three years, 
during which time the church had an accession of 
sixty-six members. The succeeding pastors were 
Rev. G. P. Ramsey, two and a half years ; addition 
to the church during his time, sixty-seven ; Rev. A, 
D. Williams, remained two and a half years, fromtlie 
sirring of 1855, and during this time one hundred and 
eighty members were added to the membership. Mr. 
Williams resigned in consequence of failing health, 
and Rev. E. M. Tappan succeeded him in 1857, and 
died in service, December 12, 1860. In May, 18G1, 
Rev. J. Burnhara Davis became pastor, and closed his 
connection with the church January 1, 1866, one hun- 
dred and twenty-four members having been added to 
the church during his ministry. The next pastor was 
Rev. E. G. Chaddock. 

Other pastors of this church have been Rev. John 
A. Lowell and Rev. Alphonso L. Houghton. 

The Parker Street Methodist Church is lo- 
lated in South Lawrence. This has grown gradually 
from a Sunday-school or Bible-class formed in 1869, 
through the instrumentality of Rev. D. C. Knowles, 
of the First Methodist Church. The class commenced 
with five members, but as the number increased a 
society was organized September 16, 1870, and on the 
20th a small lot was purchased on Bianchard Street, 
and a building twenty-two by forty feet was erected — 



Rev. Messrs. Tilton, of Derry ; Keyes, of Wobnrn ; and 
Sargent, of Maiden, supplying the desk. The first pas- 
tor was Rev. W. J. Parkinson, 1873. July 9th ofthat 
year the corner-stone of the churcli on Parker Street 
was laid. Rev. Mark Trafton and Rev. D. C. Knowles 
delivered addresses on the occasion. Succeeding 
pastors of the church were Rev. Garrett Beekman, 
Rev. Allen J. Hall, Rev. Converse L. McCurdy, Rev. 

J. T. Abbott, Rev. W. A. Braman,Rev. Hamble- 

ton, one year. Rev. C. M. Melden, three years, fol- 
lowed in 1887 by Rev. Lewis P. Cushman. 

First Unitarian Church. — This church was or- 
ganized August 30, 1847. They met at first in Odd 
Fellows' Hall, but soon erected a small chapel, in 
which services were held till May, 1860, when the 
present church building was dedicated. This build- 
ing had originally a tall and graceful spire, but in the 
fire of 1859 it was set on fire by sparks carried across 
the Common from the fire which consumed the United 
States Hotel and court-house, and damaged to such 
an extent that it was taken down and the tower fin- 
ished in its present form. 

The first pastor of this church was Rev. Henry F. 
Harrington, the present superintendent of schools in 
New Bedford. Mr. Harrington remained seven years 
devoted not only to his pastoral duties to the church 
but active in the early history of the schools of the 
city and in philanthropic service among the poor. 
He resigned in 1854. Rev. William L. Jenkins was 
pastor from 1855 to 1865 ; then Rev. James H. Wig- 
gin, who, after one year of service, was succeeded by 
Rev. James B. Moore, a gentleman of much forensic 
ability, who remained for several years until his de- 
cease, from disease contracted in the military service. 
Rev. Charles A. Hayden wa^ settled here from 1873 
to 1876. Rev. Edmund R. Sanborn was the next 
pastor, and after his resignation the pulpit was sup- 
plied from time to time until the present year, when, 
on its fortieth anniversary. Rev. Eiiwin C. Abbott 
was installed. 

The First Univeesalist Society (now known as 
the Church of the Good Shepherd) was formed Novem- 
ber 15, 1848. Some of the gentlemen active in its for- 
mation were George Littlefield, Sullivan Symonds, 
William D. Joplin, Heaton Bailey and Fairfield 
White. Meetings were held for public worship for 
four or five years in various halls, until 1853, when 
services were held in the vestry of the new church 
which was erected on Haverhill Street and dedicated 
June 30th of that year. The first pastor was Rev. 
George H. Clark, of Lockport, N. Y., who died in 
Lawrence, December, 1851. The succeeding pastors 
were Rev. J. R. Johnson, 1852-55 ; Rev. J. J.Brayton, 
1855-58 ; Rev. Martin J. Steere, 1858-60 ; Rev. George 
S. Weaver, 1861-73; Rev. George W. Perry, 1873-77; 
Rev. A. E. White, 1877-86; followed by the present 
pastor. Rev. W. E. Gibba. The church building was 
remodeled in 1866 and dedicated 1867. 
The South Congregational Church. — This 



LAWRENCE. 



909 



church originated from a Sunday-school convened in 
a schciol-linuse on Andovcr Street, hy M. C. Andrews 
and J. n. Fairtiehl, in 1852. The scho<d was con- 
tinued by its Ibunders till 1857. At that time 
George A. Fuller became interested in it, and it was 
removed to the engine-house and Boston and Maine 
passenger station until friends, prominent among 
whom were Mr. Fuller, Deacon Benjamin Cnolridge 
and others, erected a small chapel in 1859, en- 
larged 18(51. In 1SG9 the present building w-as 
erected and dedicated, the ceremony occurring on 
Christmas day. Regular services were held in Oc- 
tober, 18G5, and the pulpit was supplied for three 
years by Professor E. X. Park, of Andover. This 
church was organized Slay IS, 1SG8, but thus far there 
was no settled minister. Kev. James G. Dougherty 
supplied the pulpit one year, October, 18G9, to March, 
1870, and Rev. L. Z. Ferris two years. 

January 30, 1873, the present pastor, Rev. Clark 
Carter, was installed. The church comprises about 
one hundred members, and the Sunday-school one 
hundred and forty-five. 

Presbyterian Church. — In June, 1854, Rev. A. 
McWilliams, of the Presbytery of Boston, organized 
a church in Lawrence of forty-seven members. Ser- 
vices were held at first in a .school-house, but in 1856 
a church was built on Oak Street, and Mr. McWil- 
liams continued with ihc church till 1857. The 
general depression of business at that time and the 
stoppage of mills, weakened the congregation, and 
for a time the church was left without a pastor. In 

1859 Rev. James Dinsmore was installed, and re- 
mained till 18(52. Meetings was suspended and the 
building was rented to the city for a school-house. In 
18(57 the building was re-dedicated, and Rev. John 
Hogg became the pastor, remaining eight years, and 
during his ministry the present church building on 
Concord Street was built. Rev. John A. Burns suc- 
ceeded him, and he in turn was succeeded by the 
present pastor. Rev. Robert A. McAyeal, D.D., from 
Ohio. 

St. Johx's EnscopAL Church. — The first meet- 
ings of this church were held in Essex Engine-House, 
on Morton Street, while building a church on land 
adjoining. The building was first opened for service 
in May, 1866, and was capable of holding four hun- 
dred and fifty persons ; three years later it was re- 
moved to Bradford Street. The rectors have succes- 
sively been Rev. A. V. G. Allen, Rev. James H. Lee, 
Rev. Charles C. Harris, Rev. Belno A. Brown, Rev. 
William G. Wells. 

The Second Baptist Church was organized in 

1860 by sixty-seven members from the First Baptist 
Church, a natural outgrowth from the parent stock. 
Their first pastor was Rev. Frank Remington, who had 
been previously settled over the original church. 
Services were held for a time in the City Hall, then 
in the wooden building erected by the " Christian " 
Society, on Common Street, west of Lawrence, which 



the society purchased in 18G1. 'I'his was removed 
and enlarged in 1865, rebuilt and I'lirtlier enbirged 
1874, and is on the south side of ('Oninion Street, a 
little east of Lawrence Street. The pastors of this 
church have been, in succession, Rev. Cyrus F. Tol- 
man. Rev. Henry A. Cooke (1865, afterward settled 
in Boston), Rev. L. L. Wood (1870, since pastor of a 
Boston church). Rev. George W. Gile (who, after a 
pastorate of over six years, was called to the Baptist 
Church in Pittsfield), Rev. R. B. Moody (from Janu- 
ary 1, 1880, who remained nearly ibur years), and the 
present pastor, Rev. Frederick M. Gardner (settled in 
April, 1884). D. Frank Robinson was superinten- 
dent of the Sunday-school for twenty-four years, suc- 
ceeded in 1887 by Deacon S. F. Snell. 

The Riverside Congreg.^tioxal Church was 
organized March 9, 1878. This church has grown 
from a Mission Sunday-school, established in April, 
18G2, with thirty-eight scholars. In June, 1875, a 
church was formed under the name of the Union 
Evangelical Church, and recognized by a council 
representing Congregational, Metho<list and Presby- 
terian Churches. This church continued as a Union 
Evangelical body for nearly three years, the church 
and mission-school being independent of each other 
in organization and government. In February, 1878, 
at a meeting called for the purpose, the members 
voted that the church should take cliarge of the Sun- 
day-school, and that itshould become Congregational, 
and in March, 1878, it was formally recognized as the 
Riverside Congregational. The acting pastors of the 
Union Church were Mr. F. H. Foster, J. H. Fowle 
and C. A. Dickenson, and of the Congregational, 
Mr. F. S. Adams, D. H. Colcord, William E. Wolcott. 

Bodwell Street Methodlst Church. — After 
the dissolution of the Union Evangelical Church the 
Methodists, who had formed a part of that body, with 
others increasing their number, formed, in 1880, this 
new church. This was tbrmed mainly through the 
instrumentality of Mr. Seth F. Dawson, who had been 
previously a superintendent of the mission-school 
and of the Union Church. Present pastor. Rev. Wil- 
liam C. Bartlett. 

A little prior to 1872 the German population who 
had found their home in Lawrence had increased so 
much that it was thoiight desirable to have a church 
of their own, in which services could be held in their 
own language, and a school for teaching the children 
in the elementary branches ; and to this end the 
German Catholics, as well as Protestants, had plan- 
ned a building for this purpose ; but, as might have 
been expected, the plan of union of two conflicting 
beliefs did not succeed. In May, 1872, a meeting of 
German Protestants was held in what was then the 
Free Evening School Room, in the City Hall, and at 
the meeting a resolution was adopted establishing a 
church and school. Mr. F. M. Vietor was chosen 
chairman of the society, Mr. Herman Bruckmann sec- 
retary, and Mr. William Wiesner treasurer. The 



910 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COU-VTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Eliot Chapel was rented, and Rev. Mr. Schwartz, 
of Boston, preached, June 23, 1872, for the first time 
to a Lawrence audience in German. A preacher was 
engaged and held services every second Sabbath, and 
taught the school twice a week till the close of the 
year. 

June 5, 1873, the society was incorporated as a 
German Church and School Society. The society 
met at first in Scott & Victor's Hall, and services 
were conducted by Rev. M. Schwartz, of Boston, 
monthly, till May, 1874, when services were discon- 
tinued for want of a suitable building. In August 
following a lot was purchased on East Haverhill 
Street, a church building erected, which wns dedica- 
ted December 12, 1875. Here regular Sunday ser- 
vices was conducted by Mr. Victor till April, 1876, 
when the Methodist Conference designated Rev. F. 

F. Hoppmann as pastor, who remained till April, 1878, 
when a meeting was held by the society, and it was 
voted thereafter to dispense with the services of a min- 
ister sent by the Methodist Conference. 

November, 1878, Rev. A. Herman Hager, of Chi- 
cago, was invited to become the pastor of the church, 
and he was installed January, 1879. The church 
building was enlarged in the summer of 1881, and re- 
opened for worship December 4th. 

Mr. Hagerresigned June 15th ( became pastorof Nor- 
folk Street Church, New York City), and died in New 
York City, October 21, 1884, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Ferdinand O. Zesch, of Uarlstadt, N. J., who was in- 
stalled October 24, 1883; the intermediate time the 
pulpit being sujiplied by a gentleman from the The- 
ological School of Bloomfield, N. J., and Rev. Fred. 
Erhardt, of Manchester. Mr. Zesch resigned in Au- 
gust, 1885, to take charge of a German Reformed 
Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was succeeded by 
the present pastor. Rev. Frederick C. Saure. Num- 
ber of Sunday-school scholars, one hundred and 
eighty. 

Gekman Methodists. — The Methodists, who up 
to this time had associated with the other Protestants iu 
the Kirchenverein, formed aseparate congregation, and 
services were held with Mr. John Lutz as preacher, 
the society numbering eighteen members at the end 
of nine months. Mr. August Wallon (student) 
preached two years, and the third was settled as pas- 
tor, and the society commenced the erection of a 
church on Vine Street. The building was dedicated 
December 11, 1881, and at this date there were si.xty- 
eight members. Mr. Wallon was followed by Rev. 

G. Hauler, two years; Rev. Aldin Wolft', two years ; 
Rev. Philip Stahl, the present pastor, who commenced 
his service in April, 1886. The church has now one 
hundred members. 

St. Thoma.s (Episcopal) Church is located in 
Metliuen, though its members are mainly from Law- 
rence. Their first pastor was Rev. Belno A. Brown. 

There are also in Lawrence several smaller socie- 
ties. 



The United Congregational Church organized 
1877, Rev. John T. Whalley. 

The Primitive Methodid, the Olive Baptist, the Sec- 
ond Advent, a small Swedenborgian Society and a 
Society of " Friends." 

Roman Catholics. — In 1846 Rev. Charles D. 
French came to Lawrence, conducting his religious 
services in private houses at first, but very soon after 
iu a small wooden church building, thought to be 
sutficiently large for the purpose, but which, in 1848, 
would hardly contain half of those who sought en- 
trance. From a valuable work, entitled "Catholicity 
in Lawrence," written by Miss Katharine A.O'Keefe, 
and published 1882, the information which follows is 
compiled. Father French was the son of a Protestant 
clergyman, in the county of Galway, Ireland; shortly 
after his father's death he came to this country, early 
in the present century, and after laboring more than 
forty years in organizing congregations and building 
churches, in various places, came to Lawrence in 
1846. He died in 1851, having, during his short resi- 
dence, established the First Church and organized a 
school, the church being known as the "Church of 
the Immaculate Conception." 

Father French was succeeded in the ministry by 
Rev. James H. D. Taaffe, born about 1800, in the 
county of Mayo, Ireland. When ten years of age he 
went with an uncle, who was an officer of high rank 
in the British Army, to India, where he remained sev- 
eral years. Before his return to Ireland he entered 
upon a collegiate course of study at Mauritius, in the 
Isle of France. At the age of twenty-seven he again 
took up his studies in the Jesuit College at Carlow. 
Here he remained a short time, when he went to 
Tuam, and was ordained a Dominican friar; was 
superior of a monastery in that neighborhood eight 
years, came to America in 1849, and in October, 
1850, to Lawrence. 

During Father Taaffe's ministry the wooden church 
building gave place to the large brick church of the 
same name. He also built the " Protectory of Mary 
Immaculate," an orphan asylum and home for inva- 
lids, being aided in this latter work by the "Catholic 
Friends' Society," a society organized by him in 1856. 
This asylum was completed and dedicated February 
9, 1868, and on its completion it was placed under 
the charge of the Sisters of Charity, or "The Grey 
Nuns." 

On the 29th of March following. Father Taaff"e 
closed his earnest life after a service here of eighteen 
years. 

Some time before the death of Father French, and 
two years before the arrival of Father Taaffe, the 
Catholic population had so far increased that another 
priest was needed, and in 1848 the want was supplied 
by the advent of Rev. James O'Donnell. Father 
O'Donnell was born in Cashel, Tipperary County, 
Ireland, April 13, 1806, was ordained to the priest- 
hood in New York, 1837, was soon after stationed at 




ST. MaRY'S R. C. CHQRCH, 

LAWRENCE, MASS. 



REV. JAMES T. O'REILLY, RECTOR 



LAWRENCE. 



911 



St. Augustine's Church. Philadelphia, which was 
burned by a fanatical mob in 1844, and Father 
O'Donuell was obliged to flee for his life. He went, 
for a time, to Europe, visited France and Italy, re- 
turned, after a short absence, to America, and was lo- 
cated in Lawrence. 

On the first Sunday in .Tanuary, 1840, services were 
held iti a wooden building (unfinished), which gave 
])lace later to the old St. Mary's Church, a stone 
structure on Haverhill Street, commenced in 1851 
and finished in 1853 ; this building was subsequently 
enlarged sufficiently to contain one thousand more 
persons, and was dedicated January 10, 1861. 

Father O'Donnell was a very active and zealous 
man in the discharge of his duties to his church, es- 
tablishing schools for the education of the children, 
and encouraging associations for intellectual improve- 
ment. The Catholic Literary and Benevolent Society 
was formed in August, 1853, with the following offi- 
cers: President, John Ryan; Vice-President, J. T. 
Tancred ; Treasurer, John Kiley, Sr.; Secretary, Pat- 
rick Foster; Librarian, Dan'l C. O'Sullivan. 

A second society of similar nature w.as formed in 
1858, the St. Mary's Young Men's Society. The first 
year's officers of this society were John Hayes, Presi- 
dent ; Patrick Goodwin, Vice-President; James T. 
O'Sullivan, Secretary; Michael O'Callaghan, Treas- 
urer ; James Kiley, Librarian. To this society Father 
O'Donnell made a donation of one hundred volumes, 
— the nucleus of what became a fine library. 

The societies continued for several years. 

Father O'Donuell also introduced the Sisters of 
Notre Dame in August, 1859, who, in September fol- 
lowing, o|iened their school for girls (yet in existence), 
where, independently of religious teaching, they 
have, no doubt, in a quiet, unostentatious manner, 
exerted a favorable influence over the moral charac- 
ter of the girls committed to their charge and in 
charitable work among the needy and unfortunate. 

But it was not alone in his religious works that 
Father O'Donnell was conspicuous ; he was a public- 
spirited citizen and an excellent man of business, 
interested in whatever pertained to the welfare and 
good order of the city, of a benevolent disposition 
and ever ready to help the deserving poor; he had 
no sympathy for the drunken and lazy. He was a 
liberal friend to the Lawrence City Mission, contrib- 
uting to its relief fund and aiding its investigations 
in behalf of the poor; especially was this the case in 
the W'inter of 1857, when the mills were idle and 
thousands of people were unemployed. At this time 
Father O'Donnell and Father Taafle were both earn- 
estly engaged in collecting funds and personally dis- 
bursing the necessaries of life; and at this time also 
the former rendered very valuable service in stopping 
a senseless run upon one of the city savings banks. 

Father O'Donnell died April 7, 1861, aged fifty- 
five, much lamented, not only by his own people, but 
by those of all denominations, and bearing with him 



to bis long home the respect and esteem of the en- 
tire community. The successor of Father O'Donnell 
was Rev. Ambrose JluUen, who remained four years, 
assisted, at dift'erent times, by his brother. Rev. Edward 
Mullen, and Fathers Gallagher and Daley. He left 
in 1865 to assume the presidency of Villanova Col- 
lege, near Philadelphia, where he remained till 1869, 
when failing health compelled his retirement from 
its active duties, and in August of the same year, on 
the death of Father Gallagher, he was sent to St. 
Augustine's Church in Andover, where he spent the 
remainder of his life. He died July 7, 1876. 

Father Mullen was succeeded at St. Mary's by 
Rev. Louis M. Edge, assisted by Fathers William 
Hartnett, John P. Gilmore and M. F. Gallagher. 

Under his administration the corner-stone of the 
new St. Mary's Church was laid and the building, 
which is an ornament to the city, and one of the fin- 
est buildings in the country, was partially completed. 
Father Edge was born in 1825, came to America at the 
age of twenty-two and, shortly after his arrival, joined 
the Franciscans at Loretto, Pa., and was five years 
professor in the Catholic College there; went thence 
to Philadelphia and entered the order of St. Augus- 
tine and spent two years at Villanova College in the 
study of theology and qualifying himself for the 
priesthood. Being particularly fond of mathematics, 
he was retained at Villanova as professor of mathe- 
matics for six years, and then went to Mechanicsville 
and Schaghticoke, N. Y., at which latter place he built 
fine church, coming to Lawrence in 1865. He was 
interested in the cause of general education, and at 
the time of his decease was a member of the school 
committee of Lawrence. He went to Phihidel])hia to 
make arrangements lor raising the cross on St. JIary's 
on the following July 4th, and there was thrown from 
his carriage, receiving injuries which resulted in his 
death February 24, 1870. 

Very Rev. Father Galberry, superior of the Augus- 
tiniau Order, and later Right Rev. Bishop of Hart- 
ford, was the successor of Father Edge ; and under 
him the church (St. Mary's) was com[)leted, and dedi- 
cated September 3, 1871. The length of the building 
is two hundred and ten feet; width, eighty feet, ex- 
cept at the transept, where it is one hundred and two 
feet. The steeple is two hundred and twenty-five 
feet high and the top of the cross is two hundred and 
thirty-five feet from the ground, which makes the 
building fifteen feet higher than Bunker Hill Monu- 
ment. It is in Gothic style and built of light granite 
from Westford (Mass.), Salem (N. H.) and Hallowell 
(Me.), and is capable of seating over three thousand 
persons. 

On the departure of Father Galberry Rev. John P. 
Gilmore become pastor, during whose administration 
a fine chime of sixteen bells (from the foundry of 
William Blake & Co.) was placed in the tower and 
consecrated with imposing ceremonies on Sun- 
day, December 13th. The co--t of the chime was 



912 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ten thousand dollars — three thousand of the amount 
having been bequeathed by the will of the late Hugh 
Bafferty and the remainder raised by contributions 
from the members of the church. 

Returning to the first church, the successors of 
Father Taaffe in this church were Rev. M. J. L. Do- 
herty and C. T. McGrath, the former of whom re- 
moved to Millbury in 1859 and Rev. AVilliam Orr 
took his place. Father McGrath removed to Somer- 
ville in 1839 and his successor was Rev. Father 
McShane. During Father Orr's pastorate St. Pat- 
rick's Church, in Souih Lawrence, was built and ded- 
icated March 17, 1870, and St. Lawrence's Church, 
at the corner of Union and Essex Streets ; this 
church was dedicated by Archbishop Williams in 
July, 1873. 

The French Catholics began agitating the subject 
of gathering a church in 1871, holding meetings at 
first in Essex Hall and soon after in a small building 
purchased on Lowell Street. They commenced build- 
ing the present church on Haverhill Street in 1872-73, 
but it was delayed until 1875, when, under the pas- 
torate of Rev. Oliver Boucher, it was sufficiently com- 
pleted to be used for divine service, and received the 
name of St. Anne's. 

The limits of this article will not admit of sketches 
of the many able and earnest clergymen who 
have been active in the different churches. A full 
record may be found in Miss O'Keefe's work, above 
referred to. The various Catholic Churches in 1875 
were committed by the Most Rev. Archbishop to the 
spiritual care and direction of the Augustinian Order, 
and Rev. D. D. Regan, who had been stationed at St. 
Mary's since his ordination in 1874, became pastor of 
the Immaculate Conception Church, succeeded in 
1877 by Rev. John H. Devir. 

The present head of the Augustinian Order here is 
Rev. James T. O'Reilly. 

Lawrence in the Great Rebellion. — From a 
Lawrence newspaper, published in the early days of 
Lawrence, 1846, is the following extract: "If the enor- 
mity of a man's sin is just cause for an equal enor- 
mity of punishment, the monster who, for the pay of 
a common soldier, will consent to turn 'human 
butcher' deserves the punishment in its fullest and 
broadest extent." 

This sentiment did not, however, seem to be very 
deeply seated in the minds of the people, for no 
sooner had the echoes of the first guns fired upon 
Fort Sumter reached their ears, than Lawrence was 
ready to respond. The Sixth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment, of which two companies belonged in Lawrence, 
was at this time commanded by Col. Edward F. Jones, 
of Pepperell ; the lieutenant-colonel was Walter G. 
Shattuck, of Groton, who resigned because of age 
and infirmity; and the major was Benjamin F. Wat- 
son, then of Lawrence, now of New York City. 
Major Watson was elected lieutenant-colonel on the 
17th May, 1861, and was promoted to the command 



of the regiment, and held that position till the close 
of the campaign, Capt. Josiah A. Sawtelle, of Lowell, 
being elected major. 

The President's first call for troops to defend Wash- 
ington was issued on the 15th of April, 1881, reached 
Boston on the 16th, and the entire regiment, scattered 
through the towns of Stoneham, Lawrence, Lowell, 
Acton, Groton, Worcester and adjoining towns, re- 
ported in Boston on the 17th, the larger portion of 
the regiment having arrived there before sunset of 
the 16fch ; arrived in New York on the morning of 
the 18th, at Philadelphia in the evening of the same 
day ; on the 19th made their memorable passage 
through Baltimore, having lost four k.lled and thirty- 
six wounded ; but not without inflicting a heavy lo^s 
upon the opposing force; and arrived in Washington 
on the afternoon of the 19th. Company I, of Law- 
rence, was under the command of Capt. John Picker- 
ing, and Company F, under Capt. B^'njamin F.Chad- 
bourne and, subsequently, C.ipt. Melvin Beal. 

Of the four killel in Baltimore, Sumner H. Need- 
ham, of Lawrence, was, aecording to Hanson's "His- 
tory of the Sixth Regiment," the first to fall mortally 
wounded. He was born in Bethel, Me., March 2, 
1828, and had resided in lyawrence about twelve 
years, was corporal in Company I, having been a 
member of the company about five years. His body 
was brought to Boston on the 2d of May, and con- 
veyed to Lawrence May 3d, by a committee of the 
city government, and placed in the city hall, where 
funeral service was held. The hall was appropriately 
draped, and every inch of room occupied. On the 
rostrum were the clergy of the city, and an eloquent 
sermon was preached by the pastor of the deceased. 
Rev. G. S. Weaver, of the Universalist Church— as- 
sisted by Rev. Caleb E. Fisher, of Lawrence Street 
Congregational Church ; Rev. W. L. Jenkins, of the 
Unitarian Church ; Rev. Henry F. Lane, of the First 
Baptist Church ; Rev. C. M. Dinsmore, of the Garden 
Street Methodist Church; Rev. Daniel Tenney, of 
the Central Congregational Church; and Rev. George 
Packard, of the Episcopal Church, in the devotional 
exercises. 

The text was in Hebrews xi. 4: "-He being dead, yet 
■ipeaketh." 

" He speaks from that scene of conflict, with a silent yet teirible elo- 
quence, which is heard all over our great country, and which stirs the 
moral indignation of twenty milliuus of freemen at home, and ten times 
that nnmber ahroad. That blow that broke in upon his brain struck 
upon the conscience of a nation. That wound has a tongue, speaking 
witli a trumpet of thunder among the Northern hills and along the 
western prairies. The blood spilt from it js the seed of a mighty har- 
vest of patriots, who will pour upon rebels the indignation of their out- 
raged souls. His shattered form calls from its coffin upon an outraged 
country, to arouse in its might and crush out the reckless and imperious 
spirit of treason which has reared itself against our prosperous l.ind 
and our benignant form of Government. Yes, being dead, our brother 
calls upon us, his neighbors and friends, to stand up in our patriotism 
and manhood, and maintain and defend the honor of tliat country for 
which he gave his life. He calls upon our State to prove that her sons 
are worthy descendants of the blood of Plymouth Rock and Lexington ; 
upon our country to prove that her people are worthy of the institutions 
under which they live." 



LAWRENCE. 



913 



A granite monument in Bellevue Cemetery marks 
his restiug-pUiL'e, and Ijears the following inscription: 

" By the City Government this monument is erected, to endear to 
posterity the memory of Suniuer H. Needham, of Co. I, Gth Regt. 
M. V. M., who fi-'II a victim to tiie passions of a Secession mob during the 
passage of the Regiment through the Streets of Baltimore, marching to 
the defence of the Xatioli's Capital on the memorable 19th of April, 
A.D. 18iil, Aet. :i3. A loyal north in common with his widow and an 
only child, mourn his loss. 

A.I). 1802." 

On the base of the monument is this word 

" XfiEDHAM." 

At a later period of the war the Sixth Regiment 
was again among tlie first to respond to the call for 
nine months' troops, and in this campaign Lawrence 
furni.shed one company (Company I); Company F was 
partially recruited (many of the members having en- 
listed in other organizations for three years), and 
consolidated with Company I, under the command of 
Capt. Augustine L. Hamilton. 

Again, between the expiration of service of the 
first three years' regiments and the organization of 
new^, the government called for regiments for one 
hundred days' service. A third time the Sixth re- 
sponded, and Lawrence again furnished one company 
(Company K), under command of Capt. Edgar J. 
Sherman, who had previously served in the nine 
months' campaign. 

Prior, however, to the commencement of actual 
war, when General Anderson, in consequence of the 
hostile attitude of South Carolina, had removed his 
small force of sixty men from Fort Moultrie to Fort 
Sumter, in January, 1861, Captain Gustavus V. Fox 
who had been an officer in the navy, but was then 
resident in Lawrence, originated a plan for carrying 
provisions to the beleaguered garrison ; this was rejected 
by President Buchanan, renewed and carried into ef- 
fect by President Lincoln, but failed of accomplish- 
ment for reasons too well known to be related here. 
Captain Fox gave himself thenceforward to the cause 
of the Union and became the Assistant Secretary of 
the Navy, where, by his energy and thorough knowl- 
edge of naval affairs, he rendered most valuable ser- 
vice to the end of the war. 

While the three months' troops (the Third, Fourth, 
Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Regiments, Deven's Rifles 
and Cook's Battery) were in the field, it becaiiie appa- 
rent to the government that greater effort and a longer 
struggle were before them, and on the 3d of May_ 
1861, a call for troops for three years' service was is- 
sued. Under this call Lawrence had representatives 
in the First, Second, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thir- 
teenth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Nine- 
teenth, Twentieth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth^ 
Twenty-sixth, Twenty-eighth, Thirtieth, Thirty-sec- 
ond, Thirty-third, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, 
Forty-first, Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh and Fifty-ninth 
Massachusetts Infantry. 

Of the ten men enlisted in the Second, three were 
killed in battle or died in service. Of the forty men 
58 



enlisted in the Ninth, five were killed or died of 
wounds. In the Tenth Regiment we were represented 
by Lieutenant-colonel JefTord M. Decker. In the 
Fourteenth Regiment, which became the First Heavy 
Artillery, were more than three hundred from Law- 
rence; of these forty-seven were killed or died in the 
service. In the Seventeenth Liw-rence had sixty men, 
Company I being largely recruited from Lawrence, 
and of these nine did not return. In the Twenty- 
sixth, Companies F and I were mainly composed of 
Lawrence men ; the loss in this regiment being twenty- 
one. To the Thirtieth Regiment Lawrence furnished 
sixty -seven men, the majority of Company G ; of 
these twenty-two were killed or died in service. To 
the Fortieth Regiment Lawrence furnished a full com- 
pany (C) of one hundred men, of whom nineteen were 
killed or died in service. In the Forty-fii-st, which 
became the Third Cavalry, Company B was largely 
composed of Lawrence men, ninety-five in all, with a 
loss of sixteen, nine of whom were killed in action. 
In the Fortieth New York (Mozart Regiment), one 
company was recruited by Captain William Sullivan, 
of Lawrence. This regiment sutt'ered severe loss and 
Captain Sullivan was killed at Fredericksburg. 

In the nine months' troops Lawrence was again re- 
presented by two companies in the Fourth Massachu- 
setts, one in the Forty-eighth, and a few in the Fif- 
tieth and in the Sixtieth Infantry, one hundred days' 
service; also in the First, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, 
Ninth and Fifteenth Light Artillery, in the Second 
and Third Heavy Artillery, three years' service; in 
the Fourth Heavy Artillery, one year's service, fifty 
men ; in the First Battalion Heavy Artillery, three 
years; in the First and Second Cavalry ; in the Fifth 
Cavalry (colored) by one representative bearing the 
honored name of George Washington ; and in the 
First Battalion of Frontier Cavalry attached to the 
Twenty-sixth New York Cavalrj' for service on the 
i Northern frontier. Besides these, one hundred and 
seventeen men "enlisted in the regular army and a 
considerable number in the navy, and some in other 
State organizations, supplying to the Union force 
twenty-four hundred and ninety-seven men, or two 
hundred and twenty-four more than were required by 
all demands of the government. 

While men were eager and earnest to do their duty 
to their country the ladies were no less patriotic. 
Meetings were immediately formed for supplying the 
wants of those who had sprung to arms at the shortest 
notice, and who had sacrificed all the comforts of 
peaceful homes for the uncertaiu and unaccustomed 
life of the so'dier. 

Some regular associations had been formed on the 
day that the President issued his first call for seventy- 
five thousand men. Sewing circles were formed all 
over the Northern States to prepare clothing, band- 
ages, lint, havelocks, &c., and to furnish delicacies for 
the hospitals. Lawrence was not behind others in 
these patriotic efforts. But, as the armies increased 



914 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in numbers and the war assumed its gigantic propor- 
tions, system became necessary. Tlie ladies of New 
York City early formed the Woman's Central Relief 
Society, which was the germ of the Sanitary Commis- 
sion. Then branches of this association were formed 
in different parts of the country, the New England 
Branch having headquarters in Boston with Miss Abby 
W. May as chairman, and it was as an adjunct to this 
society that the Lawrence Soldiers' Aid Society was 
formed. Early in 1862 some Boston friends applied 
to Mrs. George D. Cabot to inaugurate the movement 
here, a work which she would have been glad to un- 
dertake but for physical inability. Mrs. Cabot called 
to lier aid Mrs. George A. Walton, a lady full-cliarged 
with the feeling of the time, and of marked executive 
power. Alter consultation with Mrs. Daniel Saunders 
a call was issued for a meeting of ladies at the City 
Hall Council Room ; the room was filled and an or- 
ganization at once effected with Mr-*. Walton for presi- 
dent, Mrs. Saunders for vice-president and Miss Annie 
Garland (now Mrs. C. N. Chamberlain), secretary and 
treasurer. Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Saunders served 
till the end of the war; Miss Garland till October, 
when she was succeeded by Miss Ella Payne, who 
continued in office till the disbanding of the society. 

Their first act was to levy an assessment on each 
member of twenty-five cents; in this way fifty-two dol- 
lars was raised with which to purchase materials and to 
commence work. Contributions from individuals fol- 
lowed, contributions from the various churches and con- 
tributions from people employed in the mills. A public 
entei'tainment and a Union Fair yielded good results. 
Without going into minute details, the results of the 
society may be summed up as follows : Forwarded to 
the Commission, 2G30 articles of clothing, 964 hand- 
kerchiefs, 774 articles of bedding, 54 boxes of lint and 
bandages, 2 boxes of books, besides canned fruit, jel- 
lies, old cotton and linen, sponges, soap, &c. Finan- 
cial statement: received from churches, $359.26; from 
individuals, $414.28 ; proceeds of entertainment, $227.- 
45 ; proceeds of Union Fair, $6293.32 ; ten cent con- 
tributions, $795.64; total, $8089.95. Of this amount, 
$2447.32 was expended for materials, $3500 was given 
to the Sanitary Commission, $500 was given to the 
Christian Commission, and the balance to Rev. George 
P. Wilson, the city missionary for soldiers or their 
families in Lawrence. 

The finance committee of the Union Fair were Dr. 
William D. Lamb, Rufus Reed and William R. Ped- 
rick. The executive committee consisted of the above- 
named, with George P. Wilson (city missionary), Pat- 
rick Murjihy, Mrs. Daniel Saunders, Mrs. George R. 
Kowe, Mrs. George A. Walton and Mrs. A. J. French. 

The city government was prompt in appropriating 
money to meet all necessary demands, expending dur- 
ing its continuance, exclusive of State aid, over $115,- 
000, and for State aid to the families of volunteers, 
afterward repaid by the State, more than $192,000. 

It would be invidious to attempt an account of the 



services of individuals or companies, of their bravery 
in battle, or the hardships endured in the prisons of 
the South. These alone would make a volume, inter- 
esting as a novel, and which would prove the saying 
that " truth is stranger than fiction." 

It may be pardonable, however, to mention one 
regiment which, for the extent of its travels and the 
number of its engagements, was somewhat notable. 
The Forty-first Infantry was mustered in November 
1, 1862, and served under General Banks in Louisiana. 
In April, 1863, at Opelousas, they were converted into 
mounted riflemen, drawing their horses from the sur- 
rounding country. June 17, 1863, they were joined 
by three unattached companies of Massaehui^etts cav- 
alry, and tlie whole body of thirteen hundi'ed were or- 
ganized as the Third Cavalry and served in the Red 
River campaign. June 24, 1864, they were dismounted 
by special order, armed as infantry again, left Lcmisi- 
ana July 15th with orders to report to General Grant 
at Fort Monroe, Va., serving six months as infantry 
in Virginia. February 15, 1865, remounted as cavalry, 
and May 23d went to Washington and took part in 
the grand review of the army by the President. June 
14th were sent to St. Louis and thence to Fort Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, on account of the Indian troubles on 
the Western plains, and on the 25th turned over their 
horses to the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. On the 21st 
of July the regiment was consolidated into six com- 
panies, Captain Charles Stone, of Lawrence, com- 
manding Company D. On the 23d horses were drawn 
for the regiment and orders were received to report at 
Fort Kearney, Nebraska. August 23d received si.x 
months' pay and on the 24th were ordered to report 
to Major-General Connor, at Julesburg, Colorado, 
reaching Cottonwood Springs August 28th. They re- 
turned and were mustered out of service October 8, 
1865, having marched fifteen thousand miles and hav- 
ing fought in more than thirty engagements. 

Roll of Lawrence Volunteers in the Army and Navy, 
who tcere killed in battle or died while in service in the 
Civil War : 

Adams, Walter T killed Nov. 9, ISC:), White Plains, La. 

Adams, James died April 4, lsr.3, Baton Rouge, La. 

Alison, Charles dieil April 10, ISC'i, Baton Rouge, La. 

Ames, Thonias C killed June IG, 18G4, Petersburg, Va. 

Archiliald, William died February :il, 1863. 

Armstrong, Thomas died October 3, 1803, Baton Rouge, La. 

Atkiuson, Robert J killed May 19, 1SG4, Spottsylvania. 

Aylward, William died Dec. 12, 18G2, Philadelphia. 

Baker, Edward died Aug. 12, 18G3, Baton Rouge. 

Barr, Robert G killed Dec. 12, 1802, Tanner's Ford, Va. 

Barker, Asa killed May 19, 1804, Spottsylvania. 

Barry, Michael S died in prison at Danville, Va. 

Batenian, Samuel diedAug. 22, 1862, Carrollton, La. 

Bean, Chas. T died May 22, 1864, Richmond. Va. 

Berry, Charles died Nov. 14, 1863, New York. 

Berry, Horace S died Oct. 28, 1SC2, Miner's Hill, Va. 

Bingham, James died April 2,5, 1863, Baton Rouge. 

Blood, Milton H missing in battle May 16, 1804. 

Bodwell, Leonard died Dec. 20, 18C2. 

Branch, Geo. L. F died Jan. 14, 1864, Beaufort, S. C. 

Breen, Timothy died iu the hands of the enemy. 

Brown, Moses died March 12, 1863, New Orleans. 



LAWRENCE. 



915 



Brown, Stephen died Nov. 26, 1803, Folly Islaiul, S. C. 

Buckley, James died of wounds Jvily 2"), 18*32. 

Bums, Jjimt'S F killed September 1, 18r)2, Clmutilly, Va. 

BulU*n, .losoph W difd Oct. 26, 18H4, Aiidi-rsunviUe. 

Bushel, Fniucis A kille.i Miiy 11, ISOI, Ashland, Vii. 

Crtrlton, Edwnrd killed Juno :i, 18G4, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Carr, Goo. W died Fob. 19, 1864, Richmond, Ya. 

Chandler, Guslavus A. ..drowned July 3, lSti4, Uliesissippi River. 
Clarendon, Edw. n..died of wounds Oct. 17, l8fU, Winchester, Va. 

Clark, Miles died Oct. 3, 186:i. Franklin, La. 

Clifford, l.ucius died May 2, ISCi. 

Clines, Patrick killed Dec. 13, 1862, Frederickahurff, Va. 

Cogger, John killed May lU, lSf.4, Spottaylvania. 

Collins, Wui.H. ..died of wounds June 17, lSi;4, Washington, D. C. 

Connor, Thomas ....died 

Connors, John. ..died of wounds June 17, 1864, Washingtcm, D. C. 

Cook, George died Aug. 24, 1863, Fort Monroe, Va. 

Cooper. Thomas H died Dec. .% 1862, New Orleans. 

Crawshaw, Richard killed June 14, 1H(;;!, Port Hudson, La. 

Creaden, John missing in action July 2, 1«63, Gettysburg. 

CrafTy, Chas. H died Aug. 8. 1862, New Orleans. 

Crosby, Robert killed May 10, 1864, Spottsyhania. 

Cunimings, Geo. P..died of wounds Sept. 9, 18G4, Alexandria, Va. 

Cune, Thomas missing in action Dec. 13, 18G2. 

Curry, John died July 14, 1862, Baltimore. 

Curran, Patrick .killed Jime 27, 1862, Gaines' Mill.^, Va. 

Gushing, William died of wounds July 16, 1864. 

Cutter, Chas. H died May 3n, 1864. 

Cutter, Geo. S killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Dacey, Jeremiah killed April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads, La. 

Dauahy, Patrick died Jan. 2(1, 1863, New Orleans. 

Davis, Albert A died of wounds June 21, 18li4, Washington. 

Davis, Tlionuu* B died May 31, 1861, Andersonville. 

Davis, Benjamin killed May 10, 1864, Laurel Mill, Va. 

Davis, George died Oct. 4, 1862. 

Donovan, John died of wounds Sept. 17, 1SG2, Antietam. 

Donnelly, Patrick died Jan. 20, 1863, New Orleans. 

Dow, Wesley W died Aug. 11, 18G3, Port Hudson, La. 

Doyle, Jehu killed May, 1864, Yellow Hayou, La. 

Drew, Israel L died ?»ov. 6, ISGl, Annapolis, Md. 

Driscoll, John died June 12, ISGo, New Orleans. 

Duffy, Owen died 

Durgin, Alexander died May 21, 1863, New Orleans. 

Durgiu, Geo. C killed May I'J, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Edmundson, James died Aug. IS, 1863, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Emmons, Charles L died 

Farrington, Geo killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia, Va. 

Farren, Joseph died Aug. 16, 1863, Baton Rouge, La. 

Finnessey, Thomas died Alexandria, Va. 

Foye, John C died June 12, 186l', New Orleans. 

French, Chase C died Aug. 1, 1863, Port Hudson, La. 

Frazier, Geo. G killed June 1, 1864, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Freeman, John B died 

Gallagher, Hugh. ..died of wounds June 13, 1862, South Carolina. 

Gallison, Jnhu B died Jan. 6, 1865, Lawreuce. 

Garland, James S died Jan. 20, 1862, Fort Albany, Va. 

Garrity, John killed June 27, 1862. 

Gauffy, Charles M died Aug. 18. 1862, New Orleans. 

Gilleland, James died Oct. lii, 1S64, in rebel prison, 

Glidden, Jasper F killed Sept. 19, 18t)4, Winchester, Va. 

Golden, Michael died Nov. 17,1863. 

Golden, James died 

Goodall, George died Jan. 6, 186,% Philadelphia. 

Gooilwin, Chas missing inaction. 

Gray, Timothy, Jr died Dec. 2, 1862, Sharj^hurg, Md. 

Gray, Alonzo died July 16, 1862, New Orleans. 

Greenwood, Paul killed June 27, 1S62, Gaines' Mills, Va. 

Griffin, Jae. R..went down with his vessel before Vicksburg, Miss. 

Gunning, Thomas. ..ship "Congress;" killed in action with the 
"Merrimack," Hampton, Va. 

Hale, John died Oct. 18, 1864, AndersonviUe Prison. 

Hall, Chas. A died Feb. 12, I860, Fort Reno, D. C. 

Hall, Wni. S died Sept. 30, 1864, AndersonviUe. 

Hall, Cornelius killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Ham, Timothy died Feb. 11, 1865, Salisbury Prison, N. C. 

Harding, Dennis missing in the battle of Chattanooga, 1864. 

Harding, Michael died of wounds July 3, 1863, Gettysburg. 



Haskell, f'harles died of wounds June 19, 1864. 

Hayes, William died Marcli I, 186.'), Lawrence. 

Hayes, Patrick killed June i:>, lSt32, John's Island, S. C. 

Hayes, John F. 

Helmer, .John died of wounds, Lawrence. 

Henderson, Roderick died Aug. 16, 1SG4. 

Hickey, John ^ killed 1862, Bull Run. 

Hill, Patrick died May 5, 18G5, Morehead City, N. C. 

Hinman, Frank died June 17, 1863. Aldie, Va. 

Hogle, Wm. H died Sept. \ 1803, Fort Albany, Va. 

Holland, Thonuis died June 15, 1864, in rebel prison. 

Holt, .Mfred A killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Holt, Wm. T...died of wounds July 12, 1SG3, in the hands of the 
enemy. 

Horton, Goo died May 9, 1863, New Orleans. 

Houghton, Geo died July .30. ls62, Baton Rouge, La. 

Howard, Chas W died Oct., lS.j2, Davis Island, N. Y. 

Hughes, Michael. 

Huntington, Stephen D died July 28, 1862, New Orleans. 

Hutchins, John M died June 30, 1862, Savage Station, Va. 

Irish, Chas. S killed March 25, 1865, Petersburg, Va, 

Jackman, Frank D killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Johnson, Elisha B died May 17, 1862. 

Jones, Fred. .died May 10, 1864, Davis Island, K. Y. 

Joy, William H. 
Joy, Henry G. 

Jones, Irwin W died Mar. 2, 1865, Annapolis, Md. 

Jones, Thomas died Mar. 18,186'', Philadelphia. 

Kelley, Timothy killed in action. 

Kelley, Edward J killed June 3, 18G4, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Keefe, John died in prismi, AndersonviUe, Ga. 

Kenny, Edward killed Oct. 19, 1861, Cedar Creek, Va. 

Kenny, John killed Dec. 13, 1S62, Freilericksburg, Va. 

Kenny, M. B killed in the battle of the Wilderness, Va. 

Kent, Geo. G killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Killoran, Michael died Apr 2, ISG4, AndersonviUe. 

Kimball, J«#seph W killed June 22,1864, Petoraburg, Va. 

Knux, James R died Nov.. 1864, Florence, S. C. 

La Bounty, Franklin killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Lamphere, Wm. N died Oct. 13, 1863, F.dly Island, S. C. 

Lane, Wm. A died May IG, I8G3, Fort Monroe, Va. 

Langley, Geo. W died July 4, 18G4, I^altimore, Md. 

Lavally, Joseph died Newbern, N. C., June 24. 

Learned, Jonas G died Sept. 2, 1864, AndersonviUe. 

Learry, Simon died May 22, 1862. 

Lovering, John killed July 3, ls63, tiettysburg. 

Lovpjoy, James K killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester, Va. 

Makin, Thomas. 

McBride, Felix died Nov, 8, ls63, New Orleans. 

McCi.be, James died Oct. 8, 1863, New Orleans. 

McCarthy, Dennis, accidentally killed Jan. 27, 1863, Suffolk, 
Va. 

McCarthy, Timothy died Oct., 1862, Philadelphia. 

McCormick, Patrick. 

McDonald, Michael died Sept 29, 1S63, Port Hudson, La. 

McDonald, John died Aug. 19, 1862, New Orleans. 

McGowan, Alden T killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

McKean, Wm. J died Nov. 28, 1863, St. Augustine, Fla. 

McNaniara, Jeremiah. ...died of wounds Nov. 28, 1864, at home. 

McNamara, Patrick died Apr. 13, ISGJ, in rebel prison. 

McFee, Angus died Oct., 1864, Fort Delaware. 

McQuade, John killed Juno 27, iSGi, Gaim-a' Mills, Va. 

Melvin, John H died Oct. 13, 18G3, Fort Albany, Va. 

Melviu, Samuel died Sept. 20, 1864, Andei-stnivillo. 

Jferrill, Geo. W died Apr. 29, 1862, New Orleans. 

Merrill, Frank H killed May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Merrow, Geo. W died of wounds May 24, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Merrow, George died June 28, 1862, New Orleans. 

Mills, James H died June 16, 186.3, Brashear City, La. 

Minnehan, Michael died Nov., 1862. 

Moore, Joseph W killed June 16, 1N64, Petersburg, Va. 

Morgan, William died Aug. 24, 1863. 

Morgan, Geo. W killed Apr. 8, 18C.4, Sabine Cross-Iioads, La. 

Moriarty, Daniel killed July 13, 186.3, Donaldsonville, La. 

Morrison, Alexander died May 11, 18154, New Orleans. 

Morse, Rosvvell E., died of wounds July 9, 1864, Faiifax Semi- 
nary, Va. 



!)16 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Munger, Fred died Mar. 0, 186), Hilton Head, S C. 

Murdock, Buchanan killed Oft. 19, '804, Cedar Creek, Va. 

lUurrliy, Stephen killed May 19, 18M, Spottsylvania. 

Murphy, Jeremiah died May 9, 1865, Ealeigh, X. C. 

Murphy, James died Oct. IS, 1863, New Orleans. 

Murphy, Philip. 

Nason, Hiram P., died of wounds Aug. 12, 1864, at New Haven, 
Ct. 

Needham, Sumner H killed in Baltimore, April 19, 1861. 

Newton, Edwin E. ...killed Apr. 8, 1864, Sabine Cross-Roads, La. 

Nichols, Wm. W died Oct. 26, 1863, New Orleans. 

Noonan, Patrick killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson, La. 

O'Brien, James died Oct. 8, 1864, Winchester, Va. 

O'Biien, Henry died Dec. 6, 1863, Baton Kouge, La. 

O'Brien, Thomas killed July 2, 1863, Gettyshurg. 

O'Learry, John killed May 12, 1862, Newbern, N. C. 

O'Doyle, Michael killed June 17, 18E5. 

Packard, Henry died Jan. 29, 1862, o9 Warsaw Island, Ga. 

Page, Herman L died of wounds July 7. 1864, Washington. 

Parker, Dennis M died Oct. 10, 1862, New Orleans. 

Parks, John died Oct. 30, 1864, Newbern, N. 0. 

Parshley, Joseph K died at sea Jan 20, 18G3. 

Peaslee, Alphens, died of wounds Sept. 18, 1862, Gaines' Mills. 
Va. 

Phelp.s, S. G died July 22, 1864, Andersonville. 

IHerce, Turner E died Oct 21, 1863. 

Pike, Wm. H died of wounds June 5, 1863, Baton Rouge. 

Pray, Oliver L died July 5, 1S62, New Orleans. 

Quimby, Chas. W drowned Apr. 2, 1862, Ship Island, Miss. 

Quimby, Orin J died Apr. 25, 1865, Baltimore. 

Quinn, Thomas. 

Eafferty, Frank killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Rawson, Orlando died Aug. 16, 1863, Indianapolis. 

Reed, John died of wounds May 18, 1864. 

Reed, William killed May 16, 1864, Drury's BlutT, Va. 

Reniick, C. H killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Reno, Cbas. J died at sea, Jan. 22, 1863. 

Richardson, J. Milton missing in action May 16, 1864. 

Richer, Geo. W died Dec. 8, 1862, New Orleans. 

Richer, Noah C died Feb. 6, 1863, .\cquia Creek, Va. 

Kiddcl I, Walter 9., drowned Dec. 27, 1862, Long Island Sound. 

Ripley, Thomas K, 

Roaf, Thomas died Nov. 17, 1862, Fort Warren, Boston. 

Eolfe, Frank A killed May 19, 1864. Spottsylvania. 

Kowe, Asa died Aug. 10, 1864, Andersonville. 

Russell, Ziba H killed May 16, 1664, Fort Darling, Va. 

Kyder, Stanley died of wounds June 12, l.«64, Washington. 

Searles, Warren P. 

Shea, Thomas died May 31, 1865, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Shepard, Augustus died Aug. 3, 186^, Port Hudson, La. 

Short, James killed Sept. 1, 1662, Chantilly, Va. 

Simonds, Benjamin W died Jan. 29, 1863, Harper's Ferry, Va. 

Slattery, John. 

Slattery, Jeremiah died of wounds July 15, 1863, Gettysburg. 

Small, John F died of wounds June 29, 1864. 

Smith, Stewart killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Smith, C. Allen killed in action Aug. 3, 186^, Jackson, La. 

Smith, Geo. W died July 18, 1862, New Orleans. 

Smith, Michael S died Julyl7,1862, New Orleans. 

Smith, Charles W died Oct. 18, 1863, Folly Island, S. C. 

Spaulding, Wm. H killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg. Va. 

Stafford, Geo. W died Nov. 10,1862, Washington. 

Stead, James died Jnne4, 1863, Baton Rouge. 

Steele, Wm. H. 

Stevens, Geo. F died at sea Sept. 16,1866. 

Stevens, Gorham P., died of wounds received at Chancellorsville, 
prisoner. 

Steveus, William 0. 

Stoddard, Haverly A killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Strong, Henry G died at sea Mar., 1864. 

Sullivan, Wm killed Dec. 13, 1862, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Sullivan, John died of wound May 22, 1864. 

Sullivan, George died Aug. 30, 1864, Andersonville. 

Sullivan, Michael, died of wounds June 29, 1862, Savage Station, 
Va. 

Sullivan, John died Oct. 20, 1862, New Orleans. 

Tainter, William H killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 



Taylor, James H died Oct. 22, 1863, Beaufort, S. C. 

Thomiison, Andrew G died Oct. 30, 186.', at home. 

Thompson, John B killed June .3, 1864. 

Thome, Francis R died June 28, 1861, New Orleans. 

Tliyng, Daniel G died Aug. 19, 1863, Laconia, N. H. 

Varnum. Isaac S died Mar. 5, 1863, Carrollton, La. 

Wallace, Webster W., died of wounds Ju!y26, 1864, at Ashburn- 
ham, Mass. 

Walsh, Martin died Oct. 1, 1861, Danville, Va. 

Walsh, Michael. 

W'ashburn, Eleazer killed May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Webb, James killed May 3, 1863, Chancellorsville. 

Webster, Justus W killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Welsh, Patrick killed Aug. 29, lf62. Bull Uun, Va. 

Wheeler, Geo. W died July 25, 1862, New Orleans. 

White, Thomas died Dec. 12, 1862, New Orleans. 

White, Calvin M died Aug. 27,1862, New Orleans. 

Whittemore, Daniel died June 8, 186!, Philadelphia. 

Whitten, Joseph L died Aug. 10, 1863, Baton Ronge. 

Wiggiu, Mayhew C died Nov. 8, 1864, Andersonville. 

Wing, Thomas A died June 2, 1863, Brashear City, La. 

Withingtoii, James killed in action May 15, 1864. 

Ycaton, Daniel S died Nov. 28 1862, New Orleans. 

Yeaw, Leonard died Aug. 25, 1862, New Orleans. 

Yore, Patrick diwd Sept. 13, 1862, New Orleans. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. — A monu- 
ment to the memory of the soldiers and sailors of 
Lawrence was erected on the Common in 1881. The 
initiatory steps for this purpose were taken by Post 
39, of the Grand Army of the Republic, in Septem'- 
ber, 1879, and five hundred dollars were contributed 
by the members; but it was early evident that the 
government or the citizens must be enlisted in the 
enterprise, in order to build a structure that should 
be appropriate and worthy of the city. At a meeting 
of citizens held November 13, 1879, a committee of 
eleven, consisting of Hon. William A. Russell, 
Charles D. McDuffie, Emily G. Wetherbee, Corp. J. 
Clinton White, David C. Richardson, Thomas Corne- 
lie, Robert H. Tewksbury, Frederick T. Lane, H. 
Francis Dunning, Everard H. Kelley and Captain 
Daniel F. Dolan, was appointed to consider the sub- 
ject and report. This committee reported to a largely 
attended meeting of citizens November 24th that a 
monument of granite to be placed in some central po- 
sition on Lawrence Common was the only memorial 
structure for which funds could be readily obtained, 
and the only form that would not involve questions of 
location and future management. Their report was 
very generally endorsed, and it was further decided 
that it would be desirable to ask for contributions in 
very small sums, that the monument might be liter- 
ally the people's monument to the memory of their 
dead. The committee were authorized to add to their 
number the names of other citizens, and an associa- 
tion was at once formed under the name of " The 
Monument Association;" President, Robert H. 
Tewksbury; Vice-Presidents, John R. Rollins and 
Thomas Cornelie; Secretary, Frank O. Kendall; 
Treasurer, Henry F. Hopkins; Trustees to receive 
and invest the funds, Hon. James R. Simpson, Heze- 
kiah Plummer, Waldo L. Abbott, Joseph Shattuck, 
Frederick E. Clarke, James S. Hutchinson, Byron 
Trueli, John Hart, Hon. Edmund R. Hayden. 



LAWRENCE. 



917 



General Committee, consisting of the original elev- 
en members and Major Edward A. Fiske, Major 
George S. Merrill, Hun. John K. Tarbox, Joseph 
Walworth, Dr. David Dana, Rev. John P. Gilmore, 
Granville M. Stoddard, John Fallon, Joseph P. Bat- 
tles, Robert Scott, James A. Treat, William R. 
Spaulding, Colonel Chase Philbrick, James H. 
Eaton, William R. Pcdrick, Hon. Henry K. Webster, 
J. C. Bowker, John L. Rover, Colonel J. D. Drew, 
John H. Gilman, Hon. Caleb Saunders, Captain Ho- 
ratio G. Herrick, Dyer S. Hall, James E. Shepard, 
Adolph Vorholz, Rev. E. R. Sanborn, David C. 
Crockett, James Lane, Patrick Donahue, R. A. Har- 
mon, Lewis G. Holt, D. F. Riley, Albert Emerson, 
Michael Carney, James Noonan, Colonel L. D. Sar- 
gent, W. H. Coan, D. F. Robinson, Hon. John 
Breen, Miss Brassil, Mrs. C. U. Dunning, Mrs. E. P. 
Poor, M. B. Townsend, John Shehan, R. H. Seaver 
and E. J. Leonard. 

Subsequently a society of ladies was organized in 
aid of the association, with the following officers: 
President, Mrs. A. J. French; Vice-President, Mrs. 
E. P. Poor ; Treasurer, Mrs. J. D. Drew ; Secretary, 
Mrs. J. E. Shepard ; and active work was at once 
commenced. The several corporations, by their 
agents and treasurers, generously contributed three 
thousand dollars. The school children, through the 
efforts of Captain Herrick, by a penny and dime 
contribution, raised over two hundred dollars. A 
concert by the Ladies' Choral Union, under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Reuben Merrill, added about two hun- 
dred dollars more, and the remainder was contributed 
by the citizens generally, in the mills, workshops, 
stores, and in the post-office, police and other depart- 
ments of the city, the Grand Army members rais- 
ing their donation to seven hundred dollars. The 
total cost of the monument was $11,11L75, — the to- 
tal number of subscribers being nine thousand one 
hundred and thirty-six, and in this list may be found 
the names of three of the Chinese residents. 

The sub-committee finally appointed, to select the 
design of a monument and carry out the work were 
Major George S. Merrill, Major E, A. Fiske, Hon. R. 
H. Tewksbury, Hon. E. R. Hayden, Dr. David Dana, 
Colonel Chase Philbrick and Captain John R. Rol- 
lins. 

The sub-committee received many plans from some 
of our best builders and artists, many of them beau- 



tiful, but far exceeding the means at the disposal of 
the committee. Three important matters were con- 
sidered: 1st, To select good and durable material; 
2d, To agree upon a design acceptable in itself, 
proper for the locality and not exceeding in cost the 
amount of funds actually at their dispo.'*al ; 3d, To 
place the work in reliable and responsible hands. 

The contract for the stone was finally awarded to 
Messrs. Frederick & Field, of Quincy, Mass., and 
for the bronze to Maurice J. Power, of New York 
City, and both parties executed their work in a very 
prompt and satisfactory manner. The crowning fig- 
ure of the monument representing " Union " was de- 
signed by David Richards and modeled at the foun- 
dry of Judge Power. The figure was cut from Con- 
cord granite by Mr. Theodore M. Perry at the granite 
works in Quincy, who also executed the carved work 
on the capital. The shield bears the legend of the 
Lawrence municipal seal, " Industria," and the em- 
blematic bee. 

On the buttresses, at the base of the column stand 
three figures in bronze ; the first, representing an in- 
fantry soldier, is nearly a duplicate of one in Albany, 
N. Y., was designed and modeled by Henry Ellicott, 
of New York. Two others, one representing a sailor, 
the other a dismounted cavalry ofiicer, were modeled 
by "William R. O'Donovan, at the foundry of Mr. 
Power, where all were cast. 

Ihe monument was dedicated and transferred to 
the city on the evening of November 2d, amid a 
brilliant display of fire-works and calcium lights, 
and was accepted by the mayor, Hon. Henry K. 
Webster, in a short but very appropriate address. 

The monument hears the following inscriptions : 

" Erected in 1S81 l>.v the ppoiile of La^Y^ence 

in Iionoruf Soldiers & Sailin's 

who fought for Liberty & Uuion. 

lSi-.I-lSB.5." 

The northeasterly space has the tbilowing lettering 
in bronze : 

" Time brightens the record of patriotiara 

Establif^llee jiiS'lice 

And honors sacrifiee." 

The easterly tablet bears the following: 

" In meniorj' of brave men 

Whose sacrifice and death 

preserved the Union." 

Three bronze tablets contain the names of those 
who died in service or were killed in battle. 



918 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



LIST OF LAWRENCE SOLDIERS, (as compiled from the Adjutant General's Reports). 



AbercromWe, John Co. C 50tli 

Abbott, James G Lt. Co. H 4th 

Abbott, Geo. A Co. C 41h H. A, 

Abbott, Wni. H 2d H. A. 

Adams, John R Co. K Gtb & .3d Cav. 

Adams, Walter T., Co. B .'id Cav,; killed Nov. 

9, l.SliS, White rlttins. La. 
Adams, James, Co. B 4tli ; d. Ajir. 4, 1863, Ba- 
ton Rouge. 

Adler, Christian Co. I f.th 

Aikon, Danl. C unassigned 

Ahearn, Wm 8th Uuat Co. 

Ail-good, John .*. V. K.C. 

Alison, Charles, Co. H 4th ; d. Apr. 10, 1863, 

Baton Rouge. 

Aldred, .James Co. B4th 

Allen, Henry H Co. FBth 

Allen, Wm Co. F 2Gth 

Ames, Charles J Co. K 1st H. A. 

Ames, Thomas C, Co. K Ist H. A.; killed 

June 10, 1864, Petersburg. 

Ambrose, David Co. B 3d Cav.; dead 

Annan, Frank Ist Lt. Co. K 1st H. A. 

Anderson, Currie Co. B 4th 

Archer, Geo. N., 1st Sergt. Co. K 6th & 8th 

Inf. 

Archibald, Wm d. Feb. 21, 1863, Lawrence 

Armstrong, Thos., Co. D 3nth ; d. Oct. 3, 1803, 

Baton Rouge. 

Ashworth, Thos 8th Unat. Co. 

Ashworth, Chas Sergt. Co. K Ist H. A. 

Ashworth, Ralph, Co. C 40th ; d. Sept. 29, 1872. 

Asklanrt, James A 3d U. S. Inf. 

Aspell, Patrick K let U. S. A. 

Atkinson, Robt. J., Co. K Ist U. A.; killed May 

19, 1864, Si'Ottsytvania. 

Atkinson, Saml. W 8th Uuat Co. 

Aylwood, Martin Sth Unat. Co. 

Aycr, Augustus S Co. I i6th 

Aylward, Wm., Co. K 40th N. Y.; d. Dec. 12, 

1S62, Philadelphia. 

Babb, Joseph A Co. K 6th & Co. H 4th 

Bailey, Geo. F Co. F 6th & Co. D 1st Cav. 

Bailey, Romanzo Co. F 6tU 

Bailey, Wm. A Co. F 6th & Co. B 3d Cav. 

Bailey, Marcus M Co. G 11th 

Bailey, Warren Sth Cnat. Co. 

Bailey, Ambrose Co. I 26th 

Bailey, Geo. B Co. C 40th 

Bagley, Thomas Co. K 6th 

Bagley, Wm. M Co. C 40th 

Baker, Edward, Co. B 3d Cav.; d. .Vug. 12, "63, 
Baton Rouge. 

Baker, John A 2d Lt. Cth L. Bat. 

Ballard, Geo. W Sth Unat. Co. 

Barrie, Alexander Co. B 3d Cav. 

Barr, Robert G., 2d Lt. Co. I 6th ; killed Dec. 
12 1802, Tanner's Ford, Va. 

Barr, Danl. A Sth Unat. Co. 

Bardsley, Wm. E Co.I 6th 

Barber, Asa, Co. B 1st H. A.; killed May 19, 
1S64, Spottsylvania. 

Barry, Joseph Co. I 9th 

Barry, Dennis Co. F 26th 

Barry, James Co. H 4th 

Barry, Michael, Co. F 57th ; d. in prison, Dan- 
ville, A'a. 

Barry, James Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Barry, Thos Co. F 48th 

Barrett, Robt Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Barlow, Alfred Co. CSOth 



Barnes, Timothy P Co. F 26th 

Barnes, James E Co. F 26th 

Barnes, Wm Co. B 4th 

Bartlett, Alonzo M Co. ]) let H. A. 

Bartlett, Marcus M Co. K 1st H. A. 

Bartlett, Geo. A Q. M. S. Ist H. A. 

Bates, Henry C Co. C 4th H. A. 

Batchelder, Moulton W., Ist Lt. Co. K 6th & 2d 
Lt. Co. C 40th. 

Batchelder, Henry W Co. C 40th 

Bateman, Sauil., Co. G 30th ; d. Aug. 22, 1862, 
Carrollton, La. 

Baxter, Johu Co. B 4th 

Beadle, Bodwell D Co. H 4th 

Beat, Henry Co. F 6th 

Beal, Melvin, 2d Lt. Co. F 6th, Capt., Lt. CoL 
& Col. 

Bean, Josiah Co. K 1st H. A. 

Bean, John Co. B 3d Cav. 

Bean, Jeremiah R Co. B 22d 

Bean, Charles T., Co. C 40th ; d. May 22, '64, 

Richmoml, Va. 
Beardsley, John B., 2d & 1st Lt. & Capt. Ist H. 
A. 

Besttie, Wm Co.ESd H. A. 

Belrose, Geo Co. K 3d U. A. 

Bell, Anderson Co. 1 11th 

Bell, Thos Co. B 3d Cav. 

Benson, John F Ist Sergt. Co. H 4th 

Bennett, Geo Co. H 4th 

Begloy, Wm. B V. R. C. 

Begor, Lewis Sergt. Co. K 1st H. A. 

Belcher, Chas. I. ...Co. F Cth & Co. K let H. A. 
Berry, Chas., Co. K Ist H. A.; d. Nov. 14, '63, 
N. Y. 

Berry, Chas., Jr Co. K 1st H. A. 

Berry, Horace S Co. 16th 

Berry, Horace S , Co. C 40th ; d. Oct. 28, 18612, 
Miner's Hill, Va. 

Bessuer, .\lbcrt 3d U. S. Inf. 

Bethel, Joseph, Jr Co. C 40th 

Bethel, Joseph Co. B 3d Cav.; dead 

Binns, Cyrus Co. M Ist H. A. 

Bingham, James, Co. H 4th ; d. .\pr. 25, 1S63, 
Baton Rouge, La. 

Birch, Thos Co. F 48th 

Blaisdell, Ralph 9th Lt. Bat. 

Blake, Uriah Co. K ;id H. A. 

Blake, Richard Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Blake, Johu Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Blanchard, Geo Co. I 6th 

Blood, Milton H., Co, I 6tb & Co. C 40th; misa- 
iug in batile May IG, '64. 

Blyth, DaviU H 8th Unat. Co_ 

Blyth, Wm Co. K 6th 

Blyth, Jonathan Co. F 48th 

Boardman, E. K Sergt. Co. K Ist H. A. 

Boardmau, James Co. B 4th 

Bodwell, Stephen B., Co. C 6uth & Co. F Ist H. 

A. 
Bodwell, Leonard, Co. B 48th ; d. Dec. 26, '62. 

Bodwell, Geo. A Co.G 30th 

Bohonnon, Michael Co. F 16th 

Booreman, Fredk Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Boston, Gurham P Co. F 26th 

Boyle, John (3o. K 6th & Co. B 4th 

Bower, Robert Co. C 60th 

Bonney, Darius V. B. C. 

Boswell, James 1st D. C. Inf. 

Brachett, Darius G Co. A Frontier Cav. 

Bradley, Geo. V Co. I Ist H. A. 

Brachett, Danl. G Co. I 6th 



Brady, Frank Co. 1 17th 

Biudy, James Co. I I7th 

Brady, Hugh 3d U.S. Inf. 

Bradbury, James Co. C 40th 

Bradshaw, Enoch Co. B 4th 

Branch, Geo. L. F...Co. C. 40th ; died Jan. 14, 
1864, Beaufort, S. C. 

Brannon, Hugh Co. C40th. 

Branuon, John Co. K 6th and Co. B 4th 

Breen, Timothy. ..Co. G 2d H. A.; died in the 
hands of the enemy. 

Brigham, Stephen H Co. K 1st II. A. 

Briggs, Solou Co. B 22d. 

Briggs, Simeon 7th Lt. B. 

Brierly, John B Co. K 6th 

Brisbois, Gabriel A 2d U. S. Cav. 

Brennan, Kyron Sth U. S. Cav. 

Brennan, James Co. F 26th 

Brock, Leonard Co. C 40th 

Brown, Ambrose A Co. K 1st H. A. 

Brown, Otis D Co. K Ist H. A. 

Brown, John B Co. B 3d Cav. 

Brown, Moses. ..Co. B 3d Cav.; died March 12, 
1863, New Orleans. 

Brown, Francis E Co. A ICth 

Brown, James H Co. I 17th 

Brown, John Co. D 20th 

Brown, John Co. C 40th & V. R. C. 

Brown, Frank Co. K 4oth N. Y. 

Brown, James P Co. H 4th 

Brown, Chas. S Co. F 48th 

Brown, Joseph R 9th Lt. B. 

Brown, Stephen. ..Co. C 40th; died Nov. 26, 
1863, Folly Island, S. C. 

Brown, Elias V. K. C. 

Brulon, Robert Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Bryant, Danl V. B. C. 

Bryant, Henry Co.I 17th 

Bryant, James L Sth Unattached 

Buckley, James. ..Co. D 20th ; died of wounds 

July 25, 1862. 
Broughton, Sam'I...Co. K 6th, Co. C 40th, Sergt. 
Co. D Frontier Cav. 

Buckley, James Co. B 4tU 

Buckley, Robert Co. F Ist H. A. 

Buckley, Joseph Co. K 6th 

Buuby, Joseph Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Burbank, Goo. W Co. G 12th 

Burbank, Nathan V. B. C. 

Burnham, Edw'd F Sth Unattached 

Buruham, Joseph A Co. C 4th H. A. 

Buniham, Wm. H Co. C Fr. Cav. 

Burke, Philip Co. F 26th 

Burke, John Co. F 28th & V. E. C. 

Burke, David Co. B 67th 

Burke, Edward Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Burke, Patrick Co. F 48th & Co. B Fr. Cav. 

Burns, James C Co. C 4th H. A. 

Burns, Peter Co. C 4th H. A. 

Burns, Wm Co. I 9th & V. R. C. 

Burns, Michael Ist Lt. 17th 

Burns, James F...Co. K 40th N. Y.; killed Sept. 

I, 1862, Chantilly, Va. 

Burns, Patrick Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Burns, Patrick. Ist U. S. Cav. 

Burns, Patrick Sth U. S. Cav. 

Bullon, Joseph W...Co. C 40th; died Oct. 26, 
1804, .4ndersonville Prison. 

Burbank, Nathan V. E. C. 

Burrill, Augustus Co. F 6th & Co. F 20th 

Bushee, Francis A. ..Co. F 1st Cav.; killed May 

II, 1864, Ashland, Va. 



LAWRENCE. 



919 



Buswfll, James C.Co. F Ist II. A., 2(1 Lt., Ist 

Lt. & t'iipt. 
Butler, Geo. I'".., Co. K Ist 11. A., Sergt., l8t i 

2il Lt. 

Butler, Edwar.i Co. A let H. A, 

Butler, Tinii.tli.v Co. K 2d H. A. 

Butler, Au^tin S...Co. U 4th, Co. I GOtU & Co. 

r Fr. Cav. 

Butler, Henry Co. B 4th 

Butler, Thonias M Co. B 4th 

Butler, CIms. W Sergt. Co. H. 4th 

Butler, Ccileumu Co. H 4th 

Butl.rHolil, A.J l8t Sergt. Co. F Cth 

Butternorlh, Will Co. C .iOth 

B.vliiell, Win C Ist U. S. Cuv. 

CailniUB, V.m. B Co. F 2d H. A. 

Cahaliin, Dan'l Co. K 1st H. A. 

Cnhill, Maurice Co H Utli 

Cain, John Co. I i;th 

Caiii, Michael 1st U. S. Cav, 

Cullahau, Patrick Co. K 1st H. A. 

Cullalmu, Th08 Co. H 4th 

Callahan, Thos Co. G 59th i 57th 

Callahan, Beruard Co. K 40th N. T. 

Caffre.v, Daii'l Co F 48th 

Cainpliell, Joseph Co. K 1st H. A. 

('alupbell, Dliucau Co. H 4th 

Caiuphell, .Solc.mon, Jr Co. G .IOth 

Canfield, Michael Co. K lltb 

CarKill, Thomas M 3d Lt. B. 

Carlton, Edward Co. F 6th 

Carlton, Edward. ..lat Lt. Co. I 40th; killed 

June 3, 1864, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Carlton, Frank C Co. K 6th 

Carlisle-, Oriu S Co. I Cth 

Carpenter, (ieo. B Co. E 1st H. A. 

Carpenter, George Co. K 1st H. A. 

Can-, John 8th U. S. Cav. 

Carr, Charles 8th Unattached & K 1st H. A. 

Carr, Goo. W...Co. B ;id Cav.; died Feb. 19, 

1864, BichuKUid, Va. 

Carrawa.v, Tallas F Co. C 41h II. A 

Carroll, I'atrick Co. 1 >ith 

Carroll, James Co. I 17lh 

Carroll, John J Co. I 6th 

CanuthoiT, John Co. B 3d Cav. 

Carter. Austin F Co. F 1st H. A. 

Garter, Levi H...Co. K 1st II. A.; died August 

1, 188(1. 

Carter, Wm. S Co, K 1st H. A. i 8th Unat. 

Carter, Saiu'l Co. F 26lh 

Casey, John Co. C 4th H. A. 

Casey, John Co. B 4th 

Casey, John. .-Co. II 4th, re-enlisted {'tli Maine, 

served through the war. 

Casey, Wm Co. I 6th 

Casey, Wm. E Co. F Ist H. A. 

Cassidy, Peter Co. D 9th 

Cass, Michael Ist U. S. Cav. 

Cate, T. J. ...2d Lt. Co. F r.th & Lt. U. S. Army. 

Cauify, Edward Co. F 6th 

Cavalmugh, James Co. F 1st H. A. 

Oavanau(;h, Slichael Co. I 17th 

Cavauaugh, Joseph Co. I I7th 

Chadbourue, B. F Capt. Co. F 6th 

Chadwick, Fitz Henry Co. H. 4th 

Chaffin, Willard Co. F 6th & Ist Lt. B. 

Chamberlain, Forest B Co. I 6th 

Chandler, Gustavus A...Co. B3d Cav.; drowned 

July 3, 1864, Mississippi River. 

Charlu'Ck, Thomas Co. A 1st H. X^ 

Chard, John Co. K 1st H. A. 

Chard, Edw. F Co. F 26th, tr. 1st U. S. Art. 

Charlesworth, Emanuel Co. C 50th 

Chapin, Milo J Co. H 4th 



Chapman, Wm. H Co. C 2d H. A. 

Chapman, Adclbert O V. E. C. 

Chase, Silas .M Co. F Ist H. A. 

Chase, Kdwin E Co. B 3d Cav. 

Chelly, John Co. K 6th 

Cheney, Bradford Co. GSlith 

Chinook, Wm. W Co. F. 26tl] 

Clarendon, James A Co. B 8th 

Claren.lon, Edw. II..C0. H. 4th and Co. I 26th ; 
d. of wounds Oct. 17, 1SG4, Winchester, 
Va. 

Clark, Alvin S 8th Unat. 

Clark, Herbert T Co. C 4th H. A. 

Clark, John Co. 117th 

Clark, Enoch G Co. G 30th 

Clark Miles Co. G 30th ; d. Oct. 3, 1863, 

Franklin, La. 

Clark, Wm Co. F. 35th 

Clark, Alonzo B Co. C 4lith 

Claik, Selh F Co. I 6th 

Clark, Rufus B Co. C 40th 

Clark, Edw.ird Co. F. 4nth 

Clark (ieo. H 4th Lt. Bat. 

Clair, Robert Co. D 20th 

Chiry, James 3d U. S. Inf. 

Cleary, Timothy Co. B 4th 

Cleworth, Aaron 7th Lt. Bat. 

Clifford, Wm Co. D 66th 

Clifford, Lucius Co. I 1st H. A. ; d. May 2, 

1865. 
Clifford, Alonzo...Co. I 16th W^isconsin ; killed 
April 6, 1802, Shiloh, Tenn. 

Cline, Patrick Co. F Ist H. A. 

Cliue, Patrick Co. H 4th 

Cliucs. I'atrick Co. K 40th N. Y. ; killed 

I)ec. 13, 1802, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Clough, Wm. H Co. 0. 12th ; trans, to V. 

E. C. 
Clough, Wm. II. ..Co. C40th ; d. Aug. 21, 1882 

Cohert, Richard 1st U. S. Cav, 

Coburn, Wm. A Co. C 4th H. A. 

Cochrane, Thomas Co. I 6lh 

Cochrane, Dauiel B Co. K Ist H. A. 

Cocanech Charles Co. H. 4th 

0)gger, Eugene 8(h Unat. 

Cogger, John. ..Co. K 0th ; billed May 8, 1864, 
Spottsylvania. 

Colcord, Daniel CoF. IstH. A. 

Collins, Wm. H..C0. K Ist II. \. ; d. of wounds 
June 17, 1864, Washington, 1). C. 

Collins, Timothy H Co. C 4th H. A. 

Collins, Timothy Co. H. 4th 

Collins, John W Co. A 33d 

Collins, Timothy Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Colby, Steplieu M Co. I. Cth and 8th Unat. 

Colby, Edwin H Sth Unat. 

Colby, Eben. T Capt. Co. B4th and Lt.-Col. 

Colby, Wm. K 2d and 1st Lt., and Capt. Co. 

C 40th 

Colbert, Edward Co. 1 2d H. A. 

Colby, Stephen J D. 1st N. H. H. A. 

Colburu, Geo. W Co. I. 6th 

Coleman, Thomas Co. B 4th 

Collopy Michael Co. I 10th 

Condon, James Co. K IstH. A. 

Condon, John , Co. H. 4th 

Couant, James H Co. I 2d 

Conaut, James 11 Co. H 4th 

Couant, Albert G Co. I 26th 

Connor, Ohas. G Co. I 2d H. A. 

Connor, Jeremiah Co. H 1st Cav. 

Connor, Timothy Co. G let 

Connor, John Co. G 30th 

Connor, Chas. G Co. I 6th 

Connors, John. ..Co. K Ist II. A. ; d. of wounds, 
June 17, 1.864, Washington, D. C. 



Connors, Matthew Co. I 6th 

Connors, Thomas 8tli Unat. 

Connolly, Jidin Sth I'liat. 

Constable, W. M Ist U. S. Cav. 

Converse, Gilbert P Co. F Cth 

Connelly, Michael Co. C 9th 

Cook, Beiij. C Co. H 4th - 

Cook, Thomas N Co. I 26th 

Cook, George.. ..Co. K 40th N. Y. ; d. Aug. 24, 
18n3, Ft. Monroe, Va. 

CooliJge, B:ihhvin Co, K 6th 

Cooney, Dennis 1st U. S. Cav. 

Cooper, Tlios. H....C0. G 30th ; d. Dec. 6, 1862, 

New Orleans. 
Copp, Joseph F.Co. C4nth ; trans, to V. R. C. 

Copp, Geo. E Co. K Ist H. A. 

Corey, Chas Sth Unat. 

Corcoran, .lames..Co. II 9th; trans, to V. R. C. 

Corning, Samuel Co. B3dCav. 

Corrigan, .\udrew Co D. 28th 

Coughlin, James Co. I 9th 

Coupe, Theophilus t'o. G30th 

Cowdrey, Oliver W Co. F 6th 

Coyne, Patrick Co E. .VJth and .'i7lli 

Crawford, Geo. W V. K. C. 

Crane, Peter Sth Unat. and Co. I 6th 

Crawshaw, Richard Co. B 4th ; killed .tune 

14, 1863, Port Hudson, La. 

Creaden, John Slissing in action, July 2, 

186.3, Gettysburg. 

Creaden, John Co. F 20th 

Craffy, Chas. M Co. G 30th ; d. Aug. 8, 1862, 

New Orleans. 

Creighan, John Co. K 6th 

Crocker, Frank T Co. 1 6th 

Crocker, Fred. W Co. 1 61h 

Crockett, Nelson D Co. F 2i:th 

Crockett, Geo. E Co. B ;id Cav. 

Crockett, Leander F Co. C 4th H. A. 

Crosby, Robert Co. KIst U. A. ; killed May 

19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Crosby, AI011/.0 Sth Unat. 

Crosby, Patrick Co. B 3d (.:av. 

Crosby, James C\>. G 2d H. A. 

Crosdale, Patrick Co. 1 3otb 

Cronse, Wm. E 2d Lt. 1st H. A 

Crouse, John F Co. K 1st H. A. 

Crowell, Daniel D Co. K Ist H. A. 

Crowley, Dennis Co. I 2d H. A. 

Crowley, John Co. E loth 

Crowther, Wm Co. D 20th 

Cruickshanks, Thomas Co. H 4th 

CummingB Geo. P Co. K Ist H. A ; d. of 

wounds Sept. 9, 1864, Alexandria, Va. 

Cumming.s, Chas. E 1st Lt. Bat. 

Cumnock, John Co. B 4th 

Cune, Thomas (.'o. K 4(lth N. Y. ; missing in 

action Dec. 13, 1862. 

Cunningham, Michael B Co. C 4th U. A. 

Cunningham, .John Co. I 17th 

Cunningham, Edw Co K 4ilth N. Y. 

Curry, Patrick Co. K 6th 

Curry,.Iohn Co. I I7th ; d. July 14, 1862, 

Baltimore. 

Curtin, Patrick Co. I 6th 

Curtin, John Co. K 40tli N. Y. 

Curran, Patrick Co. I 9th ; killed .lune 27, 

1862, Gaines' Mills, Va. 

Currier, .\aron ,\ Co. B 4th 

Cushing, William Co. K 40th N. Y. ; d. of 

wounds July 16, 1804, Mt. PleiLsant Hosp. 
Cutler, Chas. H....C0. M Ist H. A. ; d. May 30 
I81.4. 

Cutter, Geo. S Co. F 1st H. A. ; killed June 

16, 1804, Petersburg, Va. 
Cutter, James >! (?o. K 6th 



930 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cutting, Chandler Co. C Jtli H. A. 

Cutting, SiUa H Co. B 3d Cav. 

racey. Jeremiah Co B 3d Cav. ; killed .ipr. 

8, 1SG4, Sabine Cfos-* Roads, La. 
Dacey, Timothy 1st Lt. (^. I 9tli ; d. Dec. 

Ill, 1880. 

Dacey, Cornelius Co. 1 0th 

Dame, Albeit L Co. B. 1st H. A. 

D.iley, Maurice Co. 1 17th 

Daley, John Co. F 2iith 

Da'ey, Patriclt C Co. K 41)th N. Y. 

Dane, Sylvanus W Co. K 1st H. A. 

Dane, liicbard G Co. P 20tU 

Danforth, Vespasian Co. C 40th 

Dauahy, Patrick, Co. F 20th ; died Jan. 2 ', 

1SG:3, New Orleans. 

Dana, David, M.D Surgeon 

Darrell, Geo. G Co. C 4th H. A. 

Darlislo, Timothy Co. F 48th 

Daulton, John H Co. K 2d H. A. 

Davis, Albert A., 2d Lt. and Capt. Co. K 1st H. 

A. ; died of wounds June 21, 1804, Wash- 
ington. 

Davis, Daniel Co. F Ist H. A. 

Davis, Eichard H Co. F Isf H A. 

Davis, Thomas B., Co. U Ist Cav.; died May 

31, 1804, Anderaonville. 

Davis, W. H. H Co. K fith 

Davis, Solomon S Co. K 0th 

Davis, Win. F Co. C. llith 

Davis, James L Co U4th 

Davis, Isaacs Co. H 4th 

Davis, Frank., Sergt. to Capt. Co. K 1st H. A. 

and Major ; died May 19, 1875. 

Davis, John F Co. G 3 ith 

Davis, Benjamin, Capt. Co. B 22d Uegt. ; killed 

May III, 1804, Laurel Hill, Va. 

Davis, George Co. B 22d ; died Oct. 4, 1802 

Dawson, Firth Co. H 4th 

Decker, Daniel V. R. C. 

Decker, Peter Co. H Ist H. A. 

Decker, Jefford M Lt.-Col. IDth 

Decker, Smith M Capt. and Col. Co. K (ith 

Dean, Simeon P Co. I Oth 

Degnan, .Matthew Co. G 00th 

Dearborn, La Roy Co. I Gth 

Delaney, Dennis Co. F 30th 

Dennett Ira B Co. G 30th 

Dennis, John Co. B 4th 

Devoy, Lawrence Co. B 1st Cav. 

Deforce, John V. B. C. 

Denton, Alfred M V. B C. 

Dill, Knowles 3d U. S. Inf. 

Dmingbain, Perloy L Co. F 1st H. A. 

Dilworth, John 8th Unattached 

Dilley, David Co. 1 17th 

Diniieen, John Co. G 3:id 

Dinueen, Patrick Co. H 4th 

Dinnecn, .leremiah Co I 0th 

Dionne, Remi Co. K fith 

Dixon, Alanson Co. C 40th 

Dodds, Henry Ist Dist. Columbia Inf. 

Dodge, Joseph W 8th Unattached 

Dolliver, Thornaa H Co. M 1st H. A, 

Doeffler, John Co. I 2d 

Dodge, John A Co. B 11th 

Dolau. Barnard Co. F 20th and Co. G 30th 

Dolan, James Co. E 30th 

Dolloff, David C Co. B 4th 

Dogali, Meusar B Co. C40lh 

Douellan, Michael 1st U. S. Cav. 

Donovan, Jerry F Co. F 1st H. A. 

Donovan, John .8th Unattached 

Donovan, John, Co. H 2d ; died of wounds 

Sept. 17, 1862, Aulietam. 



Donovan, Florence Co. I 17th 

Don ivaii, John Co. I 17th 

Donnelly, Tliomiis..Co. Fr. Cav. and Co, K 0th 
Donnelly, Patrick, Co. F 20th ; died Jan. 20, 

1803, New Orleans. 

Donnelly. Frank Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Donahue, Thomas Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Dooley, Morris Co. G 28th 

Dorsey Michael Co. H 4th 

Dougherty, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Dougherty, Patrick Co. I 0th 

Dougherty, John Co. I 20tli 

Dow, John M .. 2d Lt. Co. K Ist H. A. 

Dow, Charles E 8tll Unattached 

Dow, Wesley W., Co. B3cl Cav. ; died Aug. 11, 

1803, Port Hudson, La. 

Dow, Albert 1 2d Lt. Co. B 4th 

Dow, Albert Co. C 40th 

Dowd, Dominick Co. I 17th 

Doyen, Franklin E Co. K 6th 

Doyle, Wm, M Co. F. Otii 

Doyle, Michael 8th Unattaclied 

Doyle, John Co. I 17th 

Doyle, Michael O., Co. H 5'.lth ; killed June 

17, 1805. 
Doyle, John, Co. B 3d Cav. ■, killed May, 1864, 

Yellow Bayou, La. 
Drew, Israel, lat Lt. Co. H 4th N, H. ; died 

Nov. 0, 1801, Annapolis. 

Drew, Edgar -Co. 11 4th N. H. 

Drew, Clarence E Co. B 4th 

Drew, Jeremiah D Lt.-Col. 4th N. H. 

Drew, James W Co. B 3d Cav. 

Drew, Charles B Co. I 6th 

Drew, George A Co. I 6th 

Driscoll, John Co. I 3d Cav. 

Driscoll, John, Navy ; cied June 12, 1805, New 

Orleans, 

Drummey, Patrick Co. F 20th 

Drummond, James Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Duchesney, Lawrence N., Co. F 0th ; Sergt., 2d 

and 1st Lt, Co. U 1st Cav, ; in Libby; Capt, 

2Ctli N. Y, Cav, ; Capt. 1st Batt'n Frontier 

Cav, 

Duchesney, Felix Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Duffy, Owen 

Duffy, Wm Co. D 26th 

Duffv, Patrick 3d U.S. Inf. 

Duffln Eichard Co. D 20th 

Dufresne, Edward Co. B 4th 

Dngal, Cliarles E 1st U, S, Cav. 

Dugan, Dennis, Co, D 9th 

Dugan, Jeremiah V. R, C. 

Dunby, Cyrus F Co. C 4th H. A. 

Duncan, James Co, B 11th 

Duncan, Edward 8th Unattached 

Duncan, James 8th Unattached 

Duncan, Wm Co. B 4th 

Dunn, John M :W U. S. Inf. 

Dunn, John 8th U. S. Inf. 

Dunn, Edward Co, I 6th 

Duputrine, Calvin W Co, M Ist H, A, 

Durgan, Jacob E Co. H 4th N, H. 

Durgin, Geo. C, Co, A 1st H, A, ; killed May 

19, 1804, Spottsylvania. 

Durgin, Charles C : Co. F Ist H. A. 

Duiging, Chase C Co. F 1st H. A. 

Durgin, A. E Co. K 6th 

Durgin, Alexander, Co. H 4th ; died May 21, 

1863, New Orleans. 

Durrell, Geo. 6 Co. I 6th 

Dwyer, Thomas Co. I !)th 

Dw.ver, Patrick Co D 28th 

Dyer, Wm, H Co, F 0th 

Dyer, Lewis K Co. D 12th 

Dyer, Joseph Co. B 4th 



Dyson, Thomas Co, K 6th 

Eaniea, James Co, K 1st 11. A. 

Earl, Robert B Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Eastman, John F., Co. M 32d, from 2d Co, 

Sharpshooters, 

Eaton, J, Frank Co, B, 4th & Co, K 6th 

Eaton, Wm. C Co, E 8th 

Eaton, Willis G 7th Bat, 

Eddy, David Co. I Qlh 

Edgerly, Chas, A Co, C 4th H, A 

Edgecomb, James,.8th Unattached & Co F 48th 

Edmonds, John Co, A 3d H, A, 

Edmundson, James, Co. B 4th ; died Aug. 18, 

lS6.i, Cleveland, 0, 

Edson, Calvin H, N Co, B 3d Cav. 

Edwards, Wm Co. K 40th N, Y, 

Edwards, Frank A Co. K 6th 

Eldridge, Hezekiah Co H 4th 

Eldridge, James 8th U. S. Cav, 

Eliot, Alvin D Co. B 3d Cav, 

Eliot, Russell C Co, B .3d Cav. 

Ellenwood, Eben H,, 3d Lieut, Co, 6th (3 

months) ; 1st Lieut, Co, I oth (9 raontba) ; 

lat Lieut, 8th Unattached. 

Ellenwood, Chas, T Co, I 6th 

Ellis, Oliver Co. IlSith 

Ellis, James Co, B 4th 

Ellsworth, Wm, M 8th Unaltjiched 

Elmerwold, Dearich 8th U.S. Cav. 

Emerson, Horace Co. C 4th H, A. 

Emerson, Walter F Co. C 4th H. A. 

Emerson, John D,.Co. I Oth ; 2d Lieut, Co, K Oth 

Emerson, Moses W Co, D, 47th 

Emery, Solomon D Co, M "d Cav, 

Emory, David N Co, K 1st H. A. 

Emory, John W Co. I 2Gth 

Emiuona, Wm Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Ennis, Win Co, F 26th 

Ephraim, Joseph H Co, K 31st 

Ewings, Samuel 8th Unattached 

Eylward, William see Aylward 

Fahey, Nicholas 8th Unattached 

Tales, Henry C Co. F let H.A. 

Fagan, Lawrence Co. C 4th H. A. 

Fagan, Christopher, Co, I 17th ; also 10th N. H. 
and Navy, 

Fannon, John K Co, M 3J 

Fails, Allen C Co, I 20tU 

Farrell, James Co, F 26th 

Farrow, llobt Co, F 48th 

Farriugton, Geo , Co. B 1st H. A. ; killed May 
19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 

Farmer, Joseph B Co. K IstH. A. 

Farquhar, James, Co. B 4th ; died Feb. 25, 1882. 

Farwell, Fred. M Co. I Oth 

Favor, Joseph W 8th Unattached 

Faul, Herman U. S. Heg. Band 

Fearnley, John U, S, Reg, Band 

Ferns, Frank Co, K 40th N, Y, 

Ferren, Joseph, Co, H. 4th ; died Aug, 16, 
1863, Baton Rouge, La. 

Fernald, Edward I Co. D 22d 

Finn, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Fineral, Patrick Co. K 40th N, Y. 

Finnessy, Thoinae, Co. K 40th N. Y. ; died Al- 
exandria, Va, 

Fish, John Co, F Ist H. A 

Fisher, James A Co, B 3d Cav. 

Fish, Clias Co. B 4th ; died Nov. 15, 1884 

Fisher, John M Co. K 6th 

Fitts, James W Co. I 6th 

Fitzgerald, John Co. H 4th 

Fitzgerald, Chas Co, M 4th Cav, 

Flagg, Charles H Co, F Ist H, A. 



LAWRENCE. 



921 



Fhinclers, Geo. F., Co. F 26th ; trans, to Ist U. 
S. Art. 

FlHiKlen., Chas. W Co. C 40th 

Fletcher, Wm. F 3ii U. S. Inf. 

Fliivin, Thomas Co. B 1st II. A. 

Flemming, James Co. I 0th 

Fl.vnn, John Co. H 4th 

Flyun, Thomas Co. H 4th 

Flynn. James, L'd Co. D 12th 

Fl.vnn, Henry Co. K 4nih N. Y. 

Flynn, Patriek Co. K 40th S. Y- 

Foster, Kdward U. S. Ordnance Corps 

Forlies, \Vm, W Co. I2Cith 

FoUanshee, Geo. S 2d Lient 1st H. A. 

Fnlsoui, Chas. H Co. K Ist H. A. 

Foran, John Co FlstH. A. 

Forth, Morris Co. K Ist 11. A. 

Forsyth, John Co. K 1st H. A. 

Ford, Martin Co. D 2d Cav. 

Foster, Chae. H Co. H 1st H. A. 

Foster, Maurice Co. R Ist H. X. 

Foster, Wm. K Co. O. 3d H. A. 

Foster, Chas. H Co. B 3d Cav. 

Foster, II. Willard Co. B 3d Cav. 

Foster, John D Co. C 30th 

Foster, Richard H Co. F 20th 

Foster, Charles Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Foss, Oilman P Co. K Ut II. A. 

Foy, John, Co. G 30th ; died Juno 12, 1802, 

New Orleans. 

Fox, Henry L Co. C 4th H, A 

Frederick, Chas 3d U. S. Inf. 

French, Allen T Co. B 4th 

French, Horace E Co. F 1st H. A, 

French, Chase C, C,>. II 4th ; diod Aug. 1. 

1803, Port Hudson, La. 

French, Henry F Co. B 3d Cav. 

French, Geo. W Co. E 19th 

Fredericks, Theodore Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Fremmer, Geo Co. H 4th 

Fremmer, Jacob Co. H 4th 

Freeman, Timothy Co. F 26th 

Froora, Mark Co B 4th 

Frost, Orin P 8th Unattached 

Frazier, Geo., Co. C 40th ; killed June 1, 1861, 

Cold Harbor, Va. 

Frye, Ira Co. I Gth 

Frye, Geo Co. K Ist H. A. 

Furhur, Lyman V. B., Co. D Ist Cav. ; died 

Oct. 10, 1802. 
Furbush, Chas. H., Co. F Gth and navy, the 

"Brooklyn." 

Gallagher, Patrick Co. I 0th 

Gallagher, Felix Co. C 4()th 

Gallagher, Hugh, Co. D 28th ; died of wounds 

June 13, 1862, South Carolina. 

Gallagher, Patrick 8th U. S. Inf. 

Gallagher, John Co. B 50th 

Gamon, Archibald, Co. B 60th ; trans, to V. K. C. 
Gallison, John B., Co. C 40th ; died Jan. 6, 

1805, Lawrence. 

Gardner, Joseph W Ci). K Ist H. A. 

Garland; James S., Co F 1st U. A. ; died Jan. 

20, 1802, Fort Albany, Va. 

Garrity, John Co I 9th ; killed June 27, 1802 

Garrity, Peter M Co I 20th 

Garvin, Michael Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Gatley, Wm. A U. S. hospital steward 

Gauffy, Chas. M., C.). G .30th ; died Aug. 18, 

1802, Kew Orleans. 
Gearin, Wm. F... Co. B 4th ; died March, 1887. 

Geary, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

George, John H C(». D 1st Cav. 

George, Daniel D., Co. D Ist Cav. ; trans, to 

Navy. 

58i 



Ge8.sing, Win E Co I 2d H. A. 

Genreaux, Edward Co. C4th U. A. 

Giddiugs, James U Co. K 2d Cav. 

Giles. Geo Co. C 4th H. A. 

Geluk, Martin V. R. C. 

Giles, Geo Co. D 9th 

Giles, Chas. II Co. F20lh 

Gilgan, James Co F26th 

Gilleland, James, Co. D 17th ; died Oct. 19, 

1804, in Confederate prison. 

Gilford, Henry Co. K Ist H. A. 

Gilmore, Robert Co. K 2d H. A. 

Gilman, John H Co. B 4th 

Gilmore, Peter Co. Doth 

Gllson, Alpheus L Co. F 26th 

Gilloran, P.-itrick Co. I 17th 

Gingros Victor G., Co. I 0th ; wounded in Bal- 

niore April I'J, 1801. 
Gleason Michael, Co. A 3d H. A. ; trans to 

Navy. 

Glover, John H Ist Lt. 1st H. A. 

Glidden, .laspor F., Co. B. 3d Cav. ; killed in 

action Sept 19, 1804, Winchester, Va. 

Golden, James Co. C. 1st Bat. 11. A. 

Golden, Michael, Co. D 17th N. Y. ; died Nov. 

17,1863. 

Goldsmith, Melvin H Co. I Ist II. A 

Goldsmith, Chas 8th U. S. Inf. 

Goodrich, Stephen W Co. F let H. A- 

Goodrich, Edward Co. B30th 

Goodall, George, Co. F. 26th ; died Jan. 6, 

1805, Philadelphia. 

Goodwin, Thomas Co. C 50th 

Goodwin, John J Co. B 30th 

Goodwin, Edward Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Goodwin, Chas., Ist H. A. ; missing in action 

Goodwin, Ephraim L Co. F 48th 

Gordon, Frank A Co. I 6th 

Gordon, Asa C Co. H 4th 

Gouhling, Daniel Co. F Ist H. A. 

Gould, Isaac W Co. K Ist H. A. 

Gould, Erastus Co. H. 3d Cav. 

Gould, Israel Co. C4th H. A. 

Gower, John W Co. E 3d H. A, 

Grady, James 3d U.S. Inf. 

Graffnm, Samuel Co. L 3d Cav. 

Graham, William Co. 1 6th 

Graham, William Co K 40th N. Y. 

Grant, Albert H Co. Blst H. A. 

Grant, Lewis Co. I 6th 

Gray, Timothy, Jr., Co. A 2d; died Dec. 2, 

1802. Sharpsburg, Md. 
Gray, Alonzo, Co. D 20 ; died July 10, 1862, 
New Orleans. 

Gray, William Co. F 30th 

Gray, Otis W Co. C .57th 

Greenlaw, Chas. E., Co. F Otli, and Co. H 4th 
Green, Michael, Co. I 6th ; wounded in Balti- 
more. 

Green, Michael J Co. I 20th 

Green, M 8th U. S. Cav. 

Greenough, Wm. S Co. B. 4th 

Greenwood, Paul, Co. I 22d ; killed June 27, 
1802; Gaines' Mill, Va. 

Greichen, William Unassigned 

Griffin, James R., Navy ; went down with his 
vessel before Vicltsburg, Miss. 

Grimshaw, John Co. B4th 

Grogan, James 1st U. S. Cav, 

Gurney, Horace M Co. K 1st H. A. 

Gurney, John Co I) Ist Cav. 

Gurney, JamesM Co. I) Ist Cav. 

Gunning, Thomas, Navy ; (ship "Congress"), 
killed in action with the Merrimack, Hamp- 
ton Roads, Va. 
Gustin, AlmonD 8th Unattached 



Hackett, Jeremiah Co. C4thH. A. 

Hackett. Jeremiah Co. E 1st Cav. 

Ilager, John Ist U. S. Cav. 

Haggcrty, John Co. C 40th 

Haggerty, Wm Co. F ;!,5th 

Hal», John, Co. F Ist H. A. ; died Oct. 18, 

1804, Andersonville. 

Hale, Joseph F Co. G 30th 

Hall, Chas. A.. Co. B let N. H. H. A. ; died 

Feb. 12, 1805, Fort Reno, D. C. 
Hall, Wm. S., Co. B 1st N. H. H. A. ; died 

Sept. 30, 1864, Andersonvilla. 

Hall, Abraham Co. F let H. A. 

Hall, Gilson A. 

Hall, Cornelius Co. K 1st H. A. ; killed 3Iay 

19, ISOl, Spottsylvnnia. 

Hall, Samuel A Co. I 2Gth 

Hall, Wm. V. R. C. 

Halton, Wm Co. I Olh 

Ham, Johu F Sth Unattached 

Ham, Federal B Co. B4th 

Ham, Timothy, Co. I 20th ; died Feb. 11, 1865, 

in prison, Salisbury, N. C. 

Hamilton, John Co K 40th N. Y. 

Hamilton, Wm Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Hamilton, A Lawrence ; 2d Lt Co. I 6th ; and 

Capt ; also Capt. Sth Unattached ; died. 

Hamilton, Oliver B Co. F IstH. A. 

Hammond, Frank E Co. C40th 

Hanks, John Sth U. S. Inf. 

Hannegan, John Co. D 2Sth 

Hannegan, John Lt. Co. K 40th Inf. 

Banning, Obadiah V. 11. C. 

Hanuon, Elias Co. G 33d 

Hannon, Itoht. A Co. F36th 

Hanscomb, Wm. A Co. C 40th 

Hanscomb, Ivory P Co. I 26th 

Hanson, James W 2d Lt. Ist H. A. 

Hardacre, Aaron Co. C50th 

Harding, Dennis, Co. H 33d ; missing at the 

battle of Chattanooga, 1864. 

Harding, Jlichael Co. K40th N. Y 

Harding, Michael Co. H 3:id 

Harding, Michael (2d), Co. K 40th N. Y. ; died 

July 3, 1803, of wounds, Gettysburg. 

Harkins, Daniel Co. I 0th 

Harmon, John M.,Co. I 6th, 3 months, and Co. 

I 0th, 9 months. 

Harmon, Bollin E Co. B 4th 

Harmon, Edward Co. I ITth 

Harper, Charles Co. K 1st H. A. ; colored 

Harper, Roht., Co. H 19th, and Co. E 2cl H. A. 

Harper, James Co. B llth 

Harper, James Co. E 69th 

Harper, James Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Harriman, John E Co. I 0th 

Harriman, Chas. M Sth Unattached 

Harrinton, Daniel Co. Blst II. A. 

Harrington, Thomas Co. E 2d H. A. 

Harris, Henry A Co. H 13th 

Harrison, Wm Go. I 6th 

Harrison, John Co. F 1st H. A. 

Hart, Jeremiah Co. G 28th 

Hart, Michael Co. G 2Sth 

Hart, Daniel Co. H 4th 

Hathaway, Chas. C Co. B 2d H. A. 

Haskell, ('has., Co. C Ist H. A. ; died of wounds 
Juno 19, 1804. 

Haskell, John G Co. B 4th 

Haskins, John Cos. B and 1 17tli 

Hayes, Chas. H., 1st Scrgt. Co. K Ist H. A. ; 
2d and Ist Lt. Capt. and Miyor. 

Hayes, Gustavus D Co. K 1st H. .\. 

Hayes, William, Co. H 1st Cav. ; died Mar. i, 

1865, Lawrence. 
Hayes, John F Co. B4th 



922 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hayes, Patrick, Co. H 1st Cav.; killed June 15, 
18G->, John's Wand, S. C. 

Hayes, Rolielt S Co. 11 4th 

Hayes, James L Co. C 40th 

Hayes, Jlichael Co. K 4Uth N. Y. 

Hayivorlh, Robt Co. F 2Cth 

He.ap, William Co. B 4tU and Co. K Cth | 

Heath, Edwin C Co. I 6th 

Heath, Caleb W Co. T 35th 

Heavy, J 3d U. S. Inf 

Helnier, John. ..16th N. Y.; died of wounds; 
buried in Lawrence. 

Heenan, John C Co. D 9th 

Henderson, Robert 2d Lt. Co. F 1st H. A. 

Henilerson, David Co. K 6th 

Henderson, Roderlck...Co. F 24th ; died Aug. 
16,1884. 

Henderson, Wni. V Co. H 4th 

Henderson, Fredk Co. F28tli 

Henderson, Wnr Co. F 2Sth, tr. to loth V.R.C. 

Heffernan James F Co. B Fr. Cav. 

Henthorns, Clias Co. B 3d Cav. 

Herliliy, Uan'l Co. G 3Uth 

Hernon, Thomas Co. K Cth 

HersoTn. Isaac L 4th Lt. Battery 

Hewes, Robert Co. H Ist Cav. 

Hicliey, Edward Co. K 1st H. A. 

Hiekey, Richard 8lh Unattached- 

Hickey, Simon P Co. D 9th 

Hiekey, Thomas Co. F 26th 

Hickey, Simeon P Co. A 32d 

Hickey, Michael J Co. B 32d 

Hickey, Jolin.-Co. K 40th N. Y.; killed 1862, 
Bull Run. 

Higgins, Abner Co. K let H. A 

Higt'ins, Sylvester Co. B 3d Cav 

Higgins, Patrick Co. I 26th 

Hildreth, Seth C.Co. B 4th, Co. K Cth and 
Co. B Fr. Cav. 

Hill, EuOB T Co. F 6th and Co. G 30th 

Hill, Joseph Co. M 2d H. A. 

Hill, Nelson Co. B4th 

Hill, Patrick ...Co. 1 17th, died May 5, 1865, 
Slorehead City, N. C. 

Hill, Thomas Co. I 26th 

Hinnian, Frauk...Co. F Cth & Co. D 1st Cuv.; 
died June 17, 1863, Aldie, Va. 

Hinman, David M 8th U. S. Inf. 

HobUs. Augustus R Co. K 1st H. A. 

Hoar, Thomas Co. H 22d 

Hoar, Maurice ; Co. H 22d 

Huilgc. .\ndrew L Co. I 6th 

Hoilgdon, Benj. F Co. K Cth 

Uodidon, John M Co. B 3d Cav. 

Hogle, Win. H...Co. K 1st II. A.; died Sept. 5 

1863, Fort Albany, Va. 

Hogle, Lucius E 8th Unattached 

Hogle, James R Co. I 6th 

Hohendal, Joseph 1st U. S. Cav. 

Hoit, Martin D 8th U. S. Cav. 

Holland, Thomas. ..Co. I 17th ; died June 15, 

1864, in rebel prison. 

Holland, William Co. H 4th 

Holden, Wm. G Co. B 3uth 

Holmes, Wm Co. F 1st H. A. 

Holmes, Stephen Co. M Ist H. A. 

Holroyd, Henry Co. I 6th 

Homans, Arthur L Co. B 4th 

Hommelsburg, Wm Ist U. S. Cav. 

Holt, Sam'l Co. A 1st H. A. 

Holt, Amos L Co. F Ist H. A. 

Holt, Sam'l A Co. K 1st H. A. 

Holt, Altred A...CO. K 1st H. A.; killed Aug. 

19, 1864, Spottsylvania. 
Holt, Wm. T...Co. I 26th ; died of wounds July 

12, 1863, in the hands of the enemy. 



Holt, Arthur M Co. B 3d Cav. 

Holt, Jeremiah Co. 03 Ih 

Holt, Albert E Co. F 48th, 

Ilolton, Wm. M Co. A 3d H, A. 

Home, Damon G Co. C 4llth 

Home, Joseph Co. I 6th 

Home, Geo. F 8th Unattached. 

Home, Paul 8th Unattached. 

Horner, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Homer, Wm. S Co. C 4uth 

Horton, Geo... Co. B 4th ; died May 9, 1863 
New Orleans. 

Horrocks, Thomas Co. B 4th 

Hosnier. Elbridge E Co. H 4th 

Houghton, John W 8th Unattached. 

Houghton, Geo...Co.G 30th ; died July 30, 1862, 
Baton Rouge, La. 

Howe, Dennis W Co. F Ist H. A. 

Howard, Richard Co. F Ist H. A 

Howard, Chas. E Co. K Ist H. A" 

Howard, Charles W Co. G 12th 

Howard, Charles W...Co. B 2d U. S. Artillery ; 

died Oct., 1862, Davis Island, N. Y. 
Howard, Eli Co. I Cth 

Howard, Bernard Co. C 60th 

Howard, Leander F Ist Battery Lt. A. 

Hudson, James F Co. D 2Cth 

Hughes, Patrick Co. M 1st H. A. 

Hughes, Thomas 4th H. A. 

Hughes, Michael 

Hulford, John H Co. F 1st H. A. 

Humphrey, Henry Co. K 1st H. A. 

Hunt, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Hunter, Joseph 'V. R. C. 

Hunter, Wm Co. B 3d Cav. 

Hunter, Wm. A. ..Co. B 3d Cav.; tr. to V. R. C. 

Huntington, Wm. A...CO. I 6th & Co. I 26lh . 
tr. to V. R. C. 

Huntington, James N Co. B 3d Cav. 

Huntington, Stephen D...Co. I '26th ; died July 
28, 1862, New Orleans. 

Huntington, David Co. G 30th 

Hurley, Wm. H Co. B 40th 

Hussey, Woodbury Co. C 40th 

Hussey, Walter Co. C 40th 

Hutchins, John M...Co. I 22d ; died June 30, 
1862, Savage Station, Va. 

Hyde, Wallace Co. C 50th 

lies, Wm Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Irish, Chas. S...Capt. Co. F 1st U. A.; killed 
Mar. 25, 1865, Petersburg, Va. 

Ivory, John Co. 1 17th 

Ivory, William Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Jackman, Frank. ..Co. B Ist H. A.; killed May 

19, 1SG4, Spottsylvania. 

Jackson, Joseph Co. B 4th 

Jackson, Samuel Co. B 4th 

Jackson, William Co. C 50th 

Jager, Edward 3d U. S. Inf. 

Jenkins, Edmund P Co. C Fr. Cav. 

Jerald, Chas. H Co. C 40th 

Jerald, .\lbert Unassigned, 22d Regt. 

Jewell, Harry J Co. I 6th 

Johnson, Elisha B...Co. F 1st H. A.; died May 

17, 1862. 

Johnson, Augustus Co. F 2Cth 

Johnson, Samuel Co. B 4th 

Johnson, Alfred Co. F 1st H. A. 

Jones, Lorenzo Co. F 1st H. A. 

Jones, David Co. K Ist H. A. 

Jones, Irviug Co. C 4th H. A. 

Jones, Charles Co. A 2d Cav. 

Jones, Charles Co. B 22d 

Jones, Amos G Co. F •26th 



Jones, Josiah N Co. F 6th 

Jones, Fred. O.. Co. B 3nth & Co. L 3d Cav.; 

died May in, 1S64, Davis Island, N. Y. 
Jones, Irwin W., Co. D 30th ; d. March 2, 1865, 

.\nnapolis, 5Id. 
Jones, Edward.. ..Co. C 4''th ; trans, to V. R. C. 
Jones, Thomas, Co. C 40th ; d. March 18, 1866, 

Philadelphia. 

Jordan, Wm. G Co. C 40th 

Joslyn, Elbridge N. B Co. B 3d Cav. 

Josselyn, Wm. N 8th Unat. 

Joy, Alonzo Co. I 6th, Ist Serg't Co. G 3Uth 

Joy, William H. 
Joy, Henry G. 

Joyce, James W Co. I Cth 

Judge, Bernard Co. I 2d H. A. 

Judge, James 8lh Unat. 

Judge, Mark Co. K Cth 

Keating, Mortimer Co. F 26th 

Kearuen, Michael Co. K 401h N. T. 

Kearns, Thomas Co. I 22d 

Keely, Michael J 1st V. S. Car. 

Keeny, Patrick 8th U. S. Inf. 

Kellett, Francis 8th U. S. luf. 

Kelley, Wm. B Co. B 2d Cav. 

Kolley, Henry Co. H 2d 

Kelley, Timothy, Co. I 9th ; killed in battle— 

the first to fall in his regiment. 

Kelley, Edward Co. G 33d 

Kelley, Edward J., Co. C 40th ; killed June 3, 

1864, Cold Harbor. 

Kelley, William Co. E 1st H. A. 

Keefe, John, Navy, "The Preble;" d. Ander- 

sonville, Ga. 

Kennedy, Timothy Co. — 4th H. A. 

Kennedy, Michael Co. H 2d 

Kennedy, James Co. D 201h 

Kennedy, James Co. K 3(ith 

Kennedy M Co. K 4l'th N. Y. 

Kennedy, James .Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Kennedy, Timothy Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Kenny, Thomas Co. F 2Cth 

Kenny, Edward, Co. E 3jth ; killed Oct. 19, 

1864, Cedar Creek, Va. 

Kenny, Matthew Co. K 40th N. Y^. 

Kenny, John, Co. K 40th N. Y. ; killed Dec. 

13, 1862, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Kenny, M. B., Co. K 40th N. Y. ; killed in 

battle of the Wilderness, Va. 

Kenny, Stephen Co. G 6th 

Kent. Geo. E Co. B 1st H. A. and Co. F 6th 

Kent, Geo. S , Co. F H. A. ; killed June 16, 

1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Kent, Justin H Co. B 3d Cav. and Co. F Gth 

Kent, Charles E 8th Unat. 

Kemp, Thomas P Co. U 4ih 

Kennison, Geo. W Co. B Ist H. A. 

Kerin, John Co. F 26th 

Kerr, Peter Co. H 4th 

Kerrigan, Henry let Lieut. Co. G 2d Cav. 

Kerton, Levi, Co. F Ist N. Y". Cav. and Navy, 

"The Sabine." 

Keyes, Maurice 3d U. S. Inf. 

Keyser, Charles W Co. D 6th 

Kiley, Dan'l F Co. B 4th 

Killen, .\rthnr J 8th Unat. 

Killoran, Michael, Serg't Co. 1 17th ; d. April 

2, 1864, Andersonville. 

Killoran, Patrick Co. I 17th 

Kimball, Joseph W., Captain Co. F 1st H. A. ; 

killed June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Kimball, Stephen P Co. B 4th 

Kimball, Charles G Co. H 4th 

King, Oliver Co. C Fr. Cav. 

King, Walter S Navy, " The Sassacus." 



LAWRENCE. 



923 



King, Patrick 8th TJ. S. Cav. 

Kiiipston, Jerfliniah 1st D. C. Inf" 

Kirk, .lanien E Co. B Fr. Cav. 

Kiisch, Pan'l 3d U.S. Inf. 

Kittreiige, David Co. I Gtli 

Klem, .\nlhon.v M V. S. Inf. 

Knowles, Geo. F Co. F 1st ri. A. 

Knowles, Janips \V Co. K Ist H. A. 

Knowles, Charlus E Co. G 12th 

Knowles, Geo. H 8th Unat. & Co. I 0th 

Knott, Win. G Co. F 26th 

Knott, Wm 'to. lOth 

Knuwilon, Wi-jle.v W Co. F 6th 

Knowlton, .las Sth Unat. Co. 

Knox, .Tames R., Co. C 40th ; died Nov., 1SG4, 
Florence, S. C. 

Knights. Jaa. S Co. I 0th ; 3 mos. &9 nios. 

Kcihlor, I.CO .M V. S. Inf. 

Kraiislich, Fred Sth 0. S. Inf. 

Krenier, Adam 3d U.S. Inf. 

La Bounty, Franklin, Co. K 1st II. A.; killed 

May 19, 1804, Spottsylvania. 

Laffin, John 8th Unat. C«. 

Lahan, Michael Co. I 59th 4 .iVIh 

Lahlan, John Co I ITth 

Lahlan, Patrick Co. C40th 

LaUej-, Benj Co. B 4th 

Lalley, Thos Co. Fist H. A. 

Lalor, Frank Co. C 9th ; Sergt. &. 2J Lt. 

Lamphere, Wm. N., Co. 40th ; d. Oct. 13,'0:1, 

Folly Island, S. C. 
Lamprey, Geo. H....(.'o. K 1st II. A. & Q. M. S. 

Lamson, Iia P <'o. C 4tli II. A. 

Lane, Wm. A., Mo. C 40th ; d. May 1(1, 1SII3, 

Fort Monroe. 

Lane, Jesse P Co. H 4th 

Lane, Parker W Co. K Ist H. A. 

Langley. Geo. W., Co. I 59th ; d. July 4, 1801, 

Baltimore. 

Langnuiid, Samuel Capt. Co. — 1st H. A 

Lannt-gan, -\ndrew Co. I 6th 

Lanuon, Walter Co. B 3d Cav. 

Lapp, Wm 3d U. S. Inf. 

Larrabee, Jas. H Co. I 6th ; d. Aug. 31, '73. 

Larson, Carl P 3d U. S. Inf. 

Lavally, Joseph, Co. I I7th ; d. Newborn, N. C, 

June 24th. 

Lavcny, Andrew 3d U. S. Inf. 

Lawler, Joseph Co. F5 4th 

Lawlor, Jaa ^^^'Jy "The Marion." 

Lawless, Nicholas 3d U. S, Inf. 

Lawrence, Wm Ist U. S. Cav. 

Lawry, Uranus Co. I 6th 

Lazello, Albert E Co. K 0th 

Leach, Jas Co. K 6th 

Learned, Jas. N Co. K let 11. A. 

Learned, Jonas G., Co. K 1st H. A.; d. Sept. 2. 

1864, Andersonville. 

Learry, Daniel Sth Unat. Co. 

Learry, Simon Co. I 17th ; d. May22,'ti2. 

Leavens, Geo. H 8lh Unat Co_ 

Leavitt, Lorenzo S., 23d Maine Regt. & Co. K 

6th. 

Leech, Daniel Co. K 40th N. T. 

Lever, Jas Co. H 4th 

Levoch, Danl Co. F Ist H. A. 

Lewis, Geo. W Co. F. IstH. A. 

Leighton.Geo. P Co.FOth 

Lihbey, Jos Sth Unat. Co. 

Lindsay, Thos. L Co. F 28th 

Linn, Hugh Co. C 40th 

Lithgow, John Co. I2d H. A. 

Littletield, Chas. U Ist Sergt. Co, F 48th 

Livingstone, ilbas Co. K 40th N. T. 

Locke, Chas. E Co. I 6th & Co. D 3d H. A. 



Logan, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Long Richard Sth Unat. Co. 

Looby, Edward Co, D 11th 

Louley, John Co. F 48th Jr Co. G 2d H. A. 

Looney, Patrick .Co. K 40th 

Lorenzo, Golfried 3d U. S. Inf. 

Lord, Win Co. C 4llth 

Lord, Benjamin E Co. C 40th 

Loid, Eben Sth Unat. Co. 

Lord, llirani F Co. B 4th 

Lord, John C Co. A 3d H. A. 

Lovering, John, Co. D 20th ; killed July .3,'G3, 

Gettysburg. 
Lovejoy. Jas. H., Co. B 3d Cav.; killed Sept. 19, 

1864, Winchester, Va. 

Lowe, Geo Co. G 9th 

Lowe, John Co. G 9th 

Lowe, Henry Co. F 26th 

Lowe, Jas Co. C4 th 

Lowe, Edward Co. E 3d H. A. 

Lownc, .Jas sth U. S. Cav. 

Lundy, Mark Co. I 0th 

Lunney, John Co. I 17th 

Lyle, Wm. H Co. K Ist H. A. 

Lyie, Win. C Co. H4th ; d. Feb. 12, 1876. 

Lynch, John 8th U.S. Inf. 

Lynch, Patrick Ist U. S. Cav 

Lynch, Timothy Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Lyons, Chas. A Co. B 4lh 

Lyons, Patrick Co. K4llth N. Y. 

Lyons, Jas Co. K40th N. Y. 

Mace, Geo Co. K Ist H. A. 

Madden, Michael Co. H 4th 

Madden, Cornelius Co. C 28th 

Madilen, Dennis Co. A 32d 

Madden, John Co. G 30th 

Mahoney, Thos Co. K 48th 

Mahoney, Michael Co. F 48th 

Mahoney, Thos Co. I2dH. A. 

Maken, Tluis Co. C 40th 

jSLikinson, Wm. O Co, C 11th 

Malone, John Sth U. S. Cav. 

Maloue, Danl Co. 28th 

Maloney. Danl Co. B Ist H. A 

Maloney, .John Co. B 1st H. A. 

Maloney, John F Co. B 3d Cav. 

Mallen,Ja.s. E Lt. Co. K 4tith N. Y. 

Jlaragan, Michael Co. B 4th 

Manning, Thos Co. I 6th 

Mansfield, Wm Co. H 11th 

Marliu, Wm. T Co. C 40th 

Marchamer, John J V. B. C. 

Marron, Philip Co. K IstH. A. 

Mareh, Aaron B Co. F 1st H. A. 

Marehall, Robt Co. K 1st H. A. 

Marshall, John Co. K 1st H. A. 

Martin, John W Lt. Co. II 1st Cav. 

Mason, Cyrus V. R. C. 

Mason, Eugene J., Lt. 40th & Lt. Co. I 6th ; 
dead. 

Masterson, Thos .3d U. S. Inf. 

Masterson, Wm Co. F 26th 

Marston, Henry W Co. I 26th 

Mathes, Isaac Co. H 4th 

Matthews, John D Co. C 40th 

May, Alonzo Co. A 1st H. A. 

May, Wm. W Co. G 3d H. A. 

May, Henry Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Maynard, Geo. H Co. K 1st H. A. 

Maynard, Foster Co. D Fr. Cav. 

Maynard, AniosF Co. I 6th 

Maynard, Frank W Co. 12tb 

Maxwell, Loamnii. .. Co. B 1st II. A. i Co. A 28th 

McAlpinc, Fred Co. K 40lh N. Y. 

McAloon, James Co. I 0th 



McAlear, Patrick Co. I 6th 

McAlear, John Co. I 17th 

MclSrido, l''eliX-..Co. F l6th ; died Nov. 8, 1803, 

New Orleans. 

McBurke, Edward 3d U. S. Inf. 

McCabe, James. ..Co. F 26th ; died Oct. 8, 1S6J, 

New Orleans. 

McCaffrey, John F Co. 9th 

McCalthy, Charles Sth Unat. 

.McCarthy, Patrick...Co. G 3d 11. A. & Co. I 6th 
McCarthy, Dennis. ..Co. I 6th ; accideutally 

killed Jan. 27, 1863, Suffolk, Va. 

McCarthy, John Co. I 6th 

McCarthy, John Co. F 29th 

McCarthy, John Co. G. 19th 

McCarthy, Timothy. ..Co. K 40th N. Y. ; died 

Oct., 1862, Philadelphia. 

McCarthy, Patrick 1st U. S. Art. 

McCarthy, Patrick 3d U. S. Inf. 

McCarthy, Charles Co. K 40th N. Y. 

McClary, James S Co. U 4th 

McCnigiu, Joliu U...Co. C. Ist B. H. A., tr. to 

Navy. 

McCracken, John II 2d Co. Sharpshooters 

McCragin, Johu A t,'o. C 40th 

McCriUis, Calvin Co. I 6th 

McCormick, Patrick. 

McCullough, Michael Co. B4th 

McCulIough, Johu Co. B 3d Cav. 

McCune Co. E 2d U. A. 

McDade, John Co. C 50th 

McDonald, Kobt Co. K 1st H. A. 

McDonald, &Iichael...Oo. B 3d Cav.; died Sept. 

29, 1863, l*ort Hudson. 

McDuuald, Michael Co. I 9th, tr. to Navy 

McDonald, Johu. ..Co. G 30th; died Aug. 19, 

1802, Now Orleans. 

McDonald, James Co. K 40th N. Y. 

McDougal, Archibald Co. I 2d 11. A. 

McDullie, Henry C Co. K 1st H. A. 

McEliruy, John Co. K. 32d ; tr. to Navy 

McFarlin, Geo. H 8tb Unat.; dead. 

McGoIdrick, James Co. K 4uth N. Y. 

McGuvern, Lawrence. ..Co. U 4th & Co. M 2d 

H. A. 

McGoveru, John Co. F 26th 

McGowan, John A. S Co. I 6th Jt Sth Unat. 

McGowan, Aldeu T...Co. K 1st U. A.; killed 

May 19, 1801, .Spotlsylvania. 

McGowau, Thomas Co. K 40th N. Y. 

McGuire, Edward Co. B 4th 

JIcGuire, Francis Co. F 26th 

McGuire, Daniel Co. G 30th 

McGuire, John Ist U. S. Cav. 

McGuire, Joseph Co. C 4th II. A. 

Mclntyre, Henry M Lt. Co. K 1st H. A. 

McKean, Wm. J ..Co. I 24th ; died Nov. 28, 

1863, St. Augustine, Fla. 

McKay, Geo Co. CoOlh 

McKay, Edwd Co. K 1st H. A. 

McKenzie, M. M Co. K 6th 

McKeriug, John Co. H 4th 

McKnight, John Co. A 1st H. A. 

McLaughlin, John Co. C Ist 

McLaughlin, James Co. G l9th 

McLellan Co. H 4th & Co. G 3d H. A. 

McMalian, Thos Co. I 17th 

McMullen, Warren. ..Co. K 40th N. Y., tr. to 

V. B. C. 

McMurray, James Co. F 20th 

McNamara, Jeremiah. ..Co. F Ist H. A.; died of 

wounds Nov. 28, 1864, Lawrence. 
McNamara, Patrick. ..Co. I 17th; died .\pr. 13, 

1804, in rebel prison. 
McNaughton, Alexander. 
McParlin, Robt Co. F 20th 



924 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



McPliec, Angu8...Co. K Ctli ; died Oct., 1864, 

Fort Delaware. 

McPolaluI, Wm Co. I 9th 

McPoland, Bernard Co. E 9lh 

McQnade, .Iohu...Oo. B 9th; killed June 27, 

1862, Gaines' Mills, Va. 

McQuade, James Co. I 6th 

McQueeny, John Co. B3d Cav. 

Meadowcroft, Jos... Co. U 4th & Co. K 2d H. A. 

Hears, Peter C Co. F 20th 

Meagher, John Co. F 26th 

Meaney, James Co. F 28th 

Melvin, John H...Co. K Ist H. A.; died Oct. 

1.3, 1863, Fort .\lhauy, Va. 
Melvin, Saml...Co. K Ist H. A.; died Sept. 20, 
1864, AndersonviUe. 

Merrill, \Vm. F Co. F 1st H. A. 

Merrill, Chas. G Co. F 6th 

Merrill, Carletoa E Co. K 1st H. A. 

Merrill, Geo. S Capt. Co. B 4th 

Merrill, Wm Co. B lid Cav. 

Merrill, Geo. W...6th Lt. B ; died Apr. 29, 1862, 

New Orleans. 
Merrill, Frank H...Co. C 40th ; killed May 16, 
1804, Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Merrill, Albert W Co. C 40th 

Merrow, Wm. H...Capt. Co. K Ist H. A. i Q. 

M.S. 
Merrow, Geo. W...Co. K 1st H. A.; died of 
wounds May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania, May 
24, 1804, Bel I Plain, Va. 

Merrow, Joshua C Co. H 4th 

Merrow, George O...C0. G 30tli ; died June 29, 
1862, New Orleans. 

Messer, Chas. F 8th Unat. 

Miller, Wm 3d U. S. Inf. 

Miller, Joseph Ist Dist. Columbia Inf. 

Miller, Geo. L Co. F Ist H. A. 

Miller, Thos Co. Fist H. A. 

Miller, Patrick Co. F 1st H. A. 

Wilier, Wm Co. I 6th; dead 

Miller, Conrad Co. B 4th 

Miller, Wm. S Co. A Fr. Cav.; dead 

Miller, John Co. K 40th N. T. 

Miles, Chas. H Co. C let Bat. H. A. 

Mills, John A Co. F 6th 

Mills, James n...Co. B4th ; died June 16, 1863, 
Brashear City, La. 

Mitchell, Michael Co. C 50th 

Miunehan, Michael ... Co. B 30th ; died at Law- 
rence Nov., 1862. 

Moegel, Christian Co. C 20th 

Monroe, Jesse Co. C 40th N.Y. 

Moore, John 1st Diat. Col. Inf. 

Moore, Wm. H Co. K Ist H. A. 

Moore, John Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Moore, Joseph W...C0. F Ist H. A.; killed June 
16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Moracho, Joseph Co. C 4th H. A. 

Morache, Omer Co. 4th H. A. 

Moran, Patrick...Co. K let H. A., tr. to V. R. 0. 

Moran, Francis Co. F 26th 

Morgan, Joseph H Co. B 4th 

Morgan, James Co. E 2d H. A. 

Morgan, Henry Co. B 4th 

Morgan, Wm...Co. B 4th ; died .\ng. 24, 1803, 

Lawrence. 
Morgan, Geo. W...C0. B 3d Car. & Co. F 6th ; 
killed Apr. 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Eoads, La. 

Morgan, John P Co. B 3d Cav. 

Morgan, Zachariah Co. H 4th 

Morgan, Wm Co. G 11th 

Morgan, Robt Co. C 40th 

Morey, S. S Co. F 1st H. A. 

Moriarty, John, Jr ....Co. B 3d Cav. 



Moriarty, Danl.. Co. F 30th; killed July 13, 
181.3, Donaldsonville, La. 

Morrill, Kranklin H Co. I 26th 4 8th Unat. 

Morrill, Nathaniel H Co. C 1st H. A. 

Morrill, Kalph H Co. ClstH.A. 

Morrill, Oliver E Co. C 40th 

Moi-ris, William Co. C 2d Cav. 

Morris, John Co. K 40th N.Y. 

Morrissey, James Co. C 59th & 57th 

Morrison, Samuel L Co. K 1st H. A. 

Morrison, Hiram S Co. B 3d Cav. 

Morrison, Alexander, Co. I 20th ; died May 11, 
1804, New Orleans. 

Morrow, Wm Co. K 40th N, Y. 

Morse, Benj. G Co. F 6th 

Morse, James A Co. F 6th & Co. A 3d Cav. 

Morse, Roswell E., Co. K 1st II. A. ; died of 
wounds July 9, 1804, Fairfax Seminary, 
Va, 

Morse, Charles E Co. C 4th H. X. 

Morse, Geo. W..Co. B 4th ; trans, to 48th Co. E 

Morse, Wm. H. H Co. B 3d Cav. 

Morse. B. U Co. K 11th 

Morse, Wm. M Co. C 40th 

Morse, Julius H,, M.D Surgeon San. Com. 

Mojlau, Philip Co. I 0th 

Moynahan, Michael Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Mudgett, Horatio K Co. H 4th 

Mudgett, Thomas Co. H 4th 

Mudgett, Geo. C Co. H 4th 

Mudgett, Wm. H Co. F 22d 

Mulcare, John .Co. B 3d Cav. 

Mulbare, Joseph H Co. H 4th 

MuUer, Albert 8th U. S. Cav. 

Mulineaux, Patrick Co. B Ist H. A. 

MuUowney, Michael 1st U. S. Cav. 

Mulqueeny, Patrick V. R. C. 

Mullaney, Doniinich Co. C. 40th N. Y. 

Munger, Fred., Co. C 40th ; died March 9, 1864, 
Hilton Head, S. C. 

Munsey, Jacob W V. R. C. 

Murdock, Bucban, Co. E 30th ; killed Oct. 19, 
1864, Cedar Creek. Vt. 

Murphy, Patrick 0th Regt 

Murphy, Stephen, Co. K 1st H. A. ; killed May 
19, 1804, Spottsylvania. 

Murphy, Dennis Co. F 2d H. A. 

Murphy, Daniel Co. L 2d H. A. 

Murphy, James Co. I 9th 

Murphy, Jeremiah, Co. H 17th ; died May 9, 

18G5, Raleigh, N. C. 
Murphy, James, Co. F 26th ; died Oct. 18, 1863, 
New Orleans. 

Murphy, Patrick Co, A 28th 

Murphy, Philip 

Murphy, Hugh Co. K 40th N.Y. 

Murray, James 3d U. S. Inf. 

Murray, Patrick 3d U. S. Inf. 

Murray, James Co. D 9th 

Murray, John Band 9th 

Mutbarb, Casper 8th U. S. Cav. 

Nason, Hiram P., Co. F 28th ; died of wounds 
Aug. 12, 1864, at New Haven, Ct. 

Needham, Sumner H., Co. I 6th ; killed in Bal- 
timore April 19, 1861, 

Newbert, Charles H Co. I 6th 

Newton, Edwin E , Co B 3d Cav. ; killed April 
8, 1804, Sabine Cross Roads, La. 

Nichols, Wm. W., Co. F 26th ; died Oct. 26, 
1803, New Orleans. 

Nichols, Jiseph T Co C 40th 

Nichols, James Co. H 4th 

Nicholson, James Co. K 4th N.Y. 

Noble, Herbert A Capt. Co. F 1st H. A. 

Noble, George H Co. K let H. A. 



Noble, James A Co. G 30th 

Nolan, Thomas Co. Cist Batt'n II. A. 

Noland, Charles Co. I 26th 

Noonan, Patrick, Co. F 48th ; killed May 27, 
1863, Port Hudson, La. 

Norris, Alonzo S Co. E 16th & Co. E Ilth 

Norris, Joseph H Co. A 17th 

Norris, William Co. B cS I 17th 

Norris, Thomas , Co. K 6th 

North, James D Co. D 02d 

Norton, John H Co. I Otb 

Norwood, John K 9th Light Battery 

Noyes, Edward L Co. A 8th 

Oakes, Edward P,..Co. F 48th & Co. D 3d H. A. 

O'Brien, Jeremiah Co. B 1st H. A. 

O'Brien, Patiick Co. B 1st H. A. 

O'Brien, Cornelius Co. C4th H. A. 

O'Brien, Dennis Co. B, 3d Cav. 

O'Brien, Thomas Co. B 3d Cav. 

O'Brien, James, Co. I 26th ; died Oct. 8, 1804, 

Winchester, Va. 
O'Brien, Henry, Co. G 30th ; died Dec. 6, 1863, 

Baton Rouge, La, 
O'Brien, Thomas, Co. K 40th N, Y. ; killed July 

2, 1863, Gettysburg. 

O'Connell, Daniel 3d U. S. Inf. 

O'Connor, William B Co. I 17th 

O'Connor, John Co. I 6th 

O'Connor, Daniel 3d U. S. Inf. 

O'Donald, Thomas Co. K. 40th N. Y. 

O'Donnell, John Co. M 1st H. A. 

O'Donnell, John Co. I 17th 

O'Donnell, John Co. D 28th 

O'Donnell, Patrick 3d O. S. Inf. 

O'Learry, John, Co. I 17tb ; killed May 12, 

1802, Newbern, N. C. 

O'Shea, Michael Co. C 5nth 

O'Neil, Charles Co. H 4th 

O'Neil, Michael J 8th, Unattached 

Oliver, John Co. I Oth, and Co, B 4th 

Ordway, Aaron P. ..Co. H 4th N. H. anil Co. K 

Oth. 
Osgood, Eldridge B...C0. H 4th trans, to Co. E 

48th 

Packard, Henry, Navy, "Isaac Smith ;" died 

May 29, 1863, off Warsaw Island, Ga. 

Paddock, James V. B. C. 

Page, Herman L., Co. K 1st H. A. ; died of 

wounds July 7, 1S64, Washington, D. C. 

Page, Frank,,.. 8th Uu.attached 

Page, John A., 4th Lt. Bat. and 2d Lt. ist 

Louisiana Native Guard. 

Page, Warren Co. C 40th, trans, to V. K. C. 

Parant, Peter Ed Co. M2d H. A. 

Parant, Daniel M Co. D 3d H. A. 

Paiiie, Albert H 8th, Unattached 

Parker, Warren Co. C 9th, tr. to 3>d Co. H. 

Parker, Dennis M., Co. B 30th ; died Oct. 10, 

1862, New Orleans. 

Parkman, Noah Co. B 4th 

Parr, Charles J l»t U. S. Cav. 

Parks, John, Co. I 2d H. A. ; died Oct. 30, 

1804, Newbern, N. C, and Co. I Oth. 

Palmer, William A Co. I nth 

Parrish, Thomas D Co. F 26th 

Parnieter, La Forest Co. I 6th 

Partington, James Co. H 4th and Co. K Oth 

Parton, James Co. I Oth 

Parshley, Joseph, (^. F 48th ; died at sea 

Jan. 20, 1863. 

Parsons, Philemon C Co. B 4th 

Pareons, Thomas A Co. B 4th 

Parsons, Stephen C Co. 40th 

Patch, Albia Co. C 4th H. A. 



LAWRENCE. 



925 



Patriik, James O Co. L 3(1 Cav. 

ri.tlcisuli, Diivid Co. 51 211 H. A. 

Piittcreon, Win. J., Co. F 6th 3 aud 9 mos. Co. 

I and Co. G 3d H. A. Died Nov. 24, '70. 

Payson, John C Slh Unattached 

Peabody, Sehvin W Co. C 4(ith 

Peaslee, Alpheus, Co. I 22d, died of wounds 

Sept. 18, 1862, Gaines' Mills, Va. 

Peasner, Wni Ist U. S. Cav. 

Pearl, Lloyd W 8th Unattached 

Pearsons, Edwd. G., Co. B 3d Cav., died Oct. 

4, 1876. 

Pendiz, John Co. I 17th 

Perham, Leander Ck) C 4lh J£. A. 

Perkins, Wm....Co. A 3d H. A., trans, to Navy 

Perkins, Elbert G Co. D 61sl 

Peters, Christopher 8th U. S. Inf. 

Perry, Franklin V. R. C. 

Psttigrew, Jno. S Co. B 3d Cav. 

Pfeiffer, John Ist D. C. Inf. 

Phelps, S. G., Ist Conn. Cav. died July 22, 

ISG4, Andersonville. 

Phillips, Horace M Co. C 4th H. A. 

Pickles, John Co. F 2nth 

Pickles, Robert Co. B 4th 

Pickering, John. ..Captain Co. I, 6th and 2Gth. 

Pierce, Frank B Co. K Ist H A. 

Pierce, Sanil. B Co. I 0th and Co. F 26th. 

Pierce, Turner E., Navy, Ship Preble, died 

Oct. 21, 1802, Lawrence. 

Pierson, Joseph N Iflt Lt. Battery 

Piko, Wm. H., Co. G 30th, died of wounds June 

0, 1803, Baton Rouge. 

Pilling, Chas. A Co. A Ilth 

Place, J. Frank Co. B 4th 

Plummer, Geo. W Co. F Ist H. A. 

Plununer, Walter S., Co. K Ist H. A. and Co. 

M 2rt II. A. 

Pond, .\aron B Co. K let H. A. 

Poor, Benj. I Co. B 2d U. A. 

Poor, Geo. W., Co.L 4th Cav. Ist Lt. & Q. M. S. 

Poor, Thos. G Co. A nth 

Poor, Alonzo B Co. B 'ZM 

Powell, Alfred G Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Powers, James Co. F I9th 

Powers, Wm. H Co. I 17th 

Powers, Frank Co. I 17tb 

Powers, Thomas Co. B 3d Cav. 

Powers, James H 8th Unattached 

Pratt, Edgar G Co. B 4th 

Pray, Oliver L., Co. I 20th ; died July 5, 1862, 

New Orleans. 

Preston, Wm., Captain Ist H. A. 

Priest, Freeman H Co. F Ist H. A. 

Pnlverman, John Co. K 40th X. T. 

Purcell, Patrick Co. C llth 

Purcell, Patrick Co. 6 30th 

Putnam, Hezekiah L Sth Unattached 

Putnam, John C Co B 1st II. A. 

Quarrell, Geo V. K. C. 

Quinn, Wm 1st U. S. Cav. 

Quinn, Wm 3d U. S. Infantry 

Quinn, Daniel Co. H 4th 

Quinn, John Co. I Sth 

Quinn, Patrick Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Quinn, Thomas, Co. K 40th N. T. ; died June 

9, I86I. 
Quiuiby, Charles W., Co. G 30th; drowned 

April 2, ISG2, Ship Island, Miss. 
Quimby, Orin J., Co. F 33d Maine ; died April 

25, 1805, Baltimore. 

Rachel, Michael Co. F 20th 

Bafferty, John Sth U. S. Infantry 

Ramsdcn, Joshua C Co. F 6th 



Katferty, Frank, Co. K 1st H A. ; killed May 

19, ISOI, Spottsylvania. 

Bankin, Peleg L Co. C 40th 

Raw-son, Orliindo, Co. B 4th; died .\ug. 16, 

1863. Indianapolis. 

Bea, William Sth U. S. Inf. 

Reagan, Timothy Co. F 20th 

Reagan, John 3d U. S. Inf. 

Reardon, Timothy Co. F 26th 

Redman, James Co. B 3d Cav. 

Reeii, Win. H Co. C 4th H. A. 

Reed, John, Co. D 9th ; died of wonmls May 

18, 1804. 
Reed, Wm., Co. C 40th ; killed May 16, 1864, 

Drury's Bluff, Vii. 

Regan, Matthew Co. K 40lh N. Y. 

Reniick, C. H., Co. B 1st H. A. ; killed May 19, 

1804, Spottsylvania. 
Reno, Chas. J., Co. F 48th ; died at sea Jan. 22, 

1863. 

Reynolds, John F Co. I 5tb 

Reynolds, Wm. B 2d Regt. U.S. Sharpshooters ; 

promoted to surgeon. 

Bice, Perry M Co B 4th 

Rice, Warren E Navy 

Richards, John A Co H 4th 

Richards, SiuLeou W Co. C 40th 

Richards, Charles Co. B 1st H. A. 

Richardson, Morton W Co. F 6th 

Richardson, Ahi-aham Sth Unattached 

Richardson, J. Milton., Co. C 4uth ; missing in 

action Slay 10, 1S64. 

Richardson, Samuel Co. B 3d Cav. 

Ricker, Geo. W., Co. G 30th ; died i'ec. 8, 1862, 

New Orleans. 
Ricker. Noah C, Co. G 33d ; died Feb. 0, 1S63, 

Acquia Cleek, Va. 
Ricker, Oliver A., Co. C 30th ; died Aug. 2, 16SI 

Ricker, Geo. A Slh Unattached 

Riddcll, Walter S., Co. B 4th ; drowned Dec. 

27, 1862, Long Island Sound. 

Rines, .John G Co K Cth 

Rines, Geo. W Co. C 4th H. A. 

Riuner, Johan Co. C 20th 

Riley, Wm Ist U. S. Cav. 

Riley, Patrick Co. B 3d Cav. 

Riley, John Sth Unattached 

Riley, Judson Ist li. A. hospital steward 

Kiley, Charles Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Riley, James Ist Dis. Col. Inf. 

Ripley, Thomas K., Co. A 20th ; died April 9, 

1864. 

Roach, P.atrick Co. I I7th 

Roaf, Thomas, Co. B Ist Bat. H. A. ; died Nov. 

17, IS02, Fort Warren, Boston. 
Roberts, James S. Co. I 6th and Sth Unattached 

Roberts, Thomas Co. K 4oth N. Y. 

Roberts, John Co. H 4th 

Robinson, Horatio G., Co. B 3d Cav.; died 

April 13, 1S74. 

Robinson, Alexander Co F 10th 

Robinson, John G., Sth Unattached and Co. 1 6th 

Robinson, Nathaniel D 2d Co Sharpshooters 

Robinson, Leander A Co. KOth 

Robinson, Hiram 2d Lieut. Co. H 4th 

Rogers, Geo. A Co. F Ist H. A. 

Rogers, Saml. D., Co. D 1st Cav. and Co. F 6th 

Rogers, Peter Co. I 17th 

Roddy, Edward Co. F 48th 

Rolfe, Henry A Co. I 6th and Co. F 26th 

Rolfe, Frank A., Capt. and M:y. 1st H. A. ; 

killed May 19, 1861, Spottsylvania. 

Rollins, John K Capt. Co. H 4th 

Rose, Wm Sth U. S. Inf. 

Ross, James Ist U. S. Cav. 

RoBsiter, Patrick Co. I 6th 



Rostron, John Co. B3d Cav. 

Rostron, Samuel Co. H. 4th 

Rowe, John Co. B 4th 

Rowe, Daufoilh M Co. C 40th 

Rowe, Asis Co. K Ist II. A. ; d. Aug. 10, 1804, 

Andersonville. 

Rowell, James H Co. K 6lh 

Howton, John W, Co. M 2d II. A. 

Rudloff, George Sth U. S. Cav. 

Runck. George 1st U. S. Cav. 

Rn.*i, Frank W Co. B4th 

Rushworth, Wm Co. K 6th 

Russell,' Frank Co. F 0th 

Russell, Ziba H., Co. C 40th ; killed May 16, 

1804, Fort Darling, Va. 

Russell, Edward J Ist Lt. Co. B Ist Cav. 

Rutherford, Allen, Co. H 4th ; died Nov. 9, 

1S.S3. 

Rush, Louis Band U. S. A. 

Ryan, John Sth U. S. Inf. 

Ryan, James Sth Unattached. 

Ryan, Patrick 20th Regt. 

Ryan, W'illiam Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Ryder, Stanley, Co. F Ist H. A.; d. of wounds 

June 12, 1804, Washington, D. C. 
Rynies, Albert J Sth Unattached 

Safford Joseph H..Co. I 6th, 3 mos. and 9 mos. 

Sampson, Patrick _ Co. B oOth 

Sanborn, Silas M. ; Co. G 30th and Co. F. 2d 

H. A. 

Sanderson, Robt Sth U. S. Inf. 

Sanderson, Joseph A Co. F. 1st H. A. 

Sands, Edward Co. I 17th 

Sands, Janus Co. H. 30th 

Sandquist, .\ndrew ...Co. F 20th 

Sauford, Joseph \ Co. F 1st H. A. 

Sargent, Albert V. R. C. 

Sargent, Cuas. F Sth Unattached 

•Sargent, Geo. W., M.D Surgeon Co. K 0th 

Sargent, George I Co. K 6th 

Sargent, Warren Co. B 4th 

Saunders, Geo Co. B 59 and 57th 

Saundeis, Caleb Co. I Olh Si Lt. Istil. A. 

Sawyer, Chas. H Co. C 4(lth 

Sawyer, Frank J Co. C40th 

Sauft, .lolin 1st U. S Cav. 

Schejler, Arthur T Co. C 54th 

Scholield, Joseph Co. H 4th 

Schofield. Henry Co. K 4lith N. Y. 

Scott, Henry Co. H 4th 

Searles, Caleb S., Co. F 1st H. A.; died Feb. 

3, 1878. 

Searles, Warren P Co. C 40th 

Seifert, Hermann Co. C 4ath 

Seavcr, D. Owen Lt. Co. C 40th 

Scanlan, Matthew 3d U. S. Inf. 

Scanlan, John Navy 

Scully, Wni Navy 

Shackford, Wni Co. H 4th 

Shackleton, Roger Co. K Isl II. A. 

Shannahan, Joseph Co. Fist H. A. 

Sharkey, Chas Co F 19th, traus. to U. S. A. 

Sharkey, Barnard Co. F •20th 

Sharrock, Wm Co. FlstH. A. 

Shattuck, Chas. M Co F 0th 

Shavers, John 1st U. S. Cav. 

Shaw, Charles Co. B 4th 

Shaw, John Co. B 4th 

Shea, Thomas, Co. K Ist H. A.; d. May 31, 

1865. Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Shea, James Co. D 9th, trans. to32d 

Shea, Daniel Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Shchan, J.din Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Shehan, John Co G 30th 

Sbehau, John Co. K Ist II. A. 



926 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Shbhan, John E Co. K 1st H. A. 

SlieUlon, Moses Co. EM H. A. 

Sheparil, Auj;iistiia, Co. B 4tU ; d. Aug. 3, 

18G3, Port Iliidaon, La. 

Slierraau, Carlos D 8th Unattached 

Sherman, Edgar J., Capt. Co. K 6th & Co. F 

48th. 

Sherman, George W Co. H Ist Car. 

Sherrcn, Patrick V. R. 0. 

Sherwood. Wm Co. B l.st H. A. 

Shevenall, Wm. H Co. C inth 

Shorey, Geo. W Co. I 6th & Co. I 26th 

Short, James, Co. H iiSth; killed Sept. 1, 1862, 

Chantilly, Va. 

Shields, John V.K. C; dead 

Sibley, Kneeland Co. I 6th 

Simmons, Stephen A., Co. B4th; died Dec. 16, 

1883. 
Simunds, Benj. VV., Co. B 1st H. A.; d. Jan. 

:i9, 1863, Harper's Ferry, Va. 

Simonds, Solomon Co. B 1st H. A. 

Simouds, Richard 8th Unattached 

Simpaon, John V. B. C. 

Simpson, Danl. L Co. I 6th 

Siner, Wra. H., Co. A 36tli; wounded and 

discharged, re-in, Co. K. 6th. 

Sisson, John J V. B. 0. 

Slattery, Jeremiah, Co. K 40th N. Y.; d. of 

wounds July 15, 1865, Gettysburg. 

Slattery, John Co. C 40th Mass. 

Slavin, Win Co. H 4th 

Sline. Richard Co. H 2uth 

Smadley, Valentine Co. K40th N. Y. 

Small, John F., Co. B l8t H. A.; d. of wounds 

June 29, 1864. 

Smart, Geo. H Co. B 26th 

Smith, Henry 1st U. S. Cav. 

-Smith, James B 8th U. S. Cav. 

Smith, lliram H V. R. C. 

Smith, John Co. F Ist H. A. 

Smith, Robert I Co. F 6th 

Smith, Geo. W 8th Unattached 

Smith, Chas. F. G Co. K Ist H. A. 

Smith, Stewart, Co. K 1st PI. A.; killed May 

19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Smith, Charles Co. F 2d H. A. 

Smith. Charles Co. G 2d H. A. & Co I 6th 

Smith, William Co. .\ 1st Cav 

Smith, Wm. C 8th Unattached 

Smith, Wm. P 8th Unattached 

Smith, Wm. P. Jr 8th Unattached 

Smith, Melvin E Co. K. 6th 

Smith, C. Allen, Co. B 3d Cav.; killed in ac- 
tion Aug. 3, 1863, Jackson, La, 

Smith. Jason Co. B 3d Cav. 

Smith, Patrick Co. I 2d; transfd. to V. R,C. 

Smith, William Co. F 19th 

Smith, Geo. W., Co. I 26th; died July 18, 1862, 

N. Orleans 
Smith, Michaels., Co. 1 26th; d. July 17, 1863, 

N. Orleans. 

Smith, Russell Co. I 26th 

Smith, Frank L Co. I 6th 

Smith, Barney Co. G 30th 

Smith, Charles W., Co. C40th; d. Oct. 18, 1863, 

Folly Island, S. C. 

Smith, Austins Co. F 48th 

Smith, James Co. F 481h 

Smith, John Co. F 48th 

Smith, Thomas Co. C 6uth 

Smith, Geo. R Ist Lt. Battery 

Smith, David Co. D Gist 

Sm-ll, Henry L Co. H 4th 

Snell, Smardus F Co. H 4th 

Super, Edmund H Co. F 26th 

Sorton, Wra Co. K6th 



I 



Soule, John Co. K 6th 

Southwick, Amott (.'o. KlstH. A. 

Spaulding, Wm. H., Co.F 1st H. A.; killed June 

16, 18ii4, Petersburg, Va. 
Spicer, Christian, Co. H 20th trans, to V. R. C. 

Spilane, John Co. I 9th 

Spofford, Edwin F., Co. I 6th 4 19th Regt. 

Band & Lt. Co. M Ist H. A. 

Sprague, Edwin D Co. I 6th 

Spring, Pichard Co. I IVth 

Springer, Saml. B Co. G 12th 

Springer, Chas. S Co. K 1st II. A. 

Spruch, Ralph Co. K 40th N. T. 

Stackpole, Tobias, Co. K 1st H. A.; trans, to 

Navy. 
Stafford, Geo. W., 9th Lt. Batt.; d. Nov. 10,'62, 

Washington. 

Standing, Geo Co. F 28th 

Stanley, James 8th Uuat. Co. 

Stanton, .Tohu Co. D oOth & 57th 

Staples, Herbert T., Co. H 32d & Co. D 3d II. A. 
Stead, James, Co. H 48th ; d, June 4, 1863, Ba- 
ton Rouge, La. 

Stebbines, John 8th U.S. Cav. 

Stearns, Elbridge G 6th Lt. Batt, 

Stearns, Hiram A Co. B4th & Co. I 6th 

Steele, Geo Co. H 4th 

Steele, Wm. H. 

Sterling, Jas Co.B3d Cav. 

Stevens, Gilbert Co. C 4th H. A. 

Stevens, G. Frank Capt. Co. B :id Cav. 

Stevens, Isi\ac, Jr , Co. B 4th 

Stevens, Joseph B Co. I 6th 

Stevens, Chad Co. Ciuth 

Stevens, Anthony Co. F44th 

Stevens, Geo. F. , Co. B 3d Cav. ; died at sea 

Sept. 16, 1SC6. 
Stevens, Gorham P., Co. C 70th N. Y.: d. in the 

hands of the enemy from wounds at Chan- 

cellorsville. 

Stevens, Wm 73d N. T. 

Stewart, Chas Co, 1 17th 

Stokes, Stephen D., Co. I 6th & Capt. 40th ; 

dead. 
Stoddard, Ilaverly A., Co. K 1st U. A.; killed 

May 19, 1864, Spottsylvauia. 

Stoddard, Alphonso Co. K Ist H. A. 

Stone, Joel F Co. F Ist II. A.; Co. F 48th 

Stone, Chas Co. F 6th 

Stone, Hood A Co. B 3d Cav. 

Stott, Geo. H Co. I 17th 

Stout, Jas Ist U. S. Cav. 

Stratford, Wm P Co. B Ist H. A. 

Straw, Danl Co. F zeth 

Strong, Henry G., Navy, ** Cambridge ; " d. 

Mar., 1864, at sea. 
Sullivan, W'm., Capt. Co. K 40th N. Y.; killed 

Dec. 13, 1862, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Sullivan. John, Co. M 1st H. A.; d. of wounds 

May 2.', 1864. 
SulHvan. Geo., 2d Co. G 2d H. A.; d. Aug. 30, 

1864, .\ndersouville. 
Sullivan, Michael, Co. E 9th ; d, of wounds 

June 29, 186.', Savage Sta., Va. 

Sullivan, Michael F Co. B 4th 

Sullivan, John S Co. F 26th 

Sullivan, John, Co. I 2Gth ; d. Oct. 20, 1862, N. 

Orleans. 

Sullivan, Simon Co. F 48th 

Sullivan, Jerome Co. K 40tli N, Y. 

Sullivan, Jeremiah Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Sullivan, Leonard Co. K 1st H. A. 

Summers, John Co. K 6th 

Swaino, Chas. M Co. I 6th & Co. I 2'ith 

Sweeney, Edward Co. K 40th N. Y. 



Tainter, Willard H., Co. A Ist H, A. ; killed 

June 16, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Tarbo.\, Walter S Co. C 6th H. A. 

Tarbox, John K Lt. Co. B 4th 

Tarrant, Peter .\ 1st U. S. Cav. 

Tasker, George W. Co. G 3;ith 

Taylor, John Co. C 50th 

Taylor, Isaac L Lt. Co. K 4iith N, Y, 

Taylor, James H.,.Co. C 4l)th Mass.; died Oct. 

22, 1863, Beaufort, S. C. 

Taylor, Abraham Co. K 11th 

Taylor, Edwd. B Co. K 6th 

TeiTio, Ale.\ander...Co. B 3d Cav.; tr. to V. R. 

C. 

Terrio, Edwd Co. B4th 

Tetler, James Co. D 2l)th 

Thayer, Richard F Co. C .30th 

Thomas, James Co. K Ist H, A. 

Thomas, Richard Co. B 3d Cav. 

Thomas, John Co. F 26th 

Thomas, John Co. K 69th & 67th 

Thompson, Robert Co. I Ist H. A. 

Thompson, Andrew G...Co. B 3d Cav.; died 

Oct. 30, 1862, Lawrence, 
Thompson, John B...Lt. Co. F 19th ; killed 

June 3, 1864. 
Thompson, Sumner... Co. H 4th ; died March, 

1880. 
Thompson, Wm. L...l8t Lt. Co. C 5th (previ- 
ously same Co, So. Danvers), 

Thompson, James V. R, C. 

Thome, Francis R...Co. I 26th ; died June 28, 

1804, New Orleans. 

Thornton, Geo V. R. C. 

Thornton, Thos. V...Co. F let H. A., tr. to V. 

R. C. 
Thyng, Dan, G-..Co. B 4th; died Aug. 19, 1863, 

Laconia, N. H. 

Tibbetts, Edw'd Co. H 60th 

Tibbetts, Sewall F Co. A 1st 

Tiernay, Wm Co. D 3d H. A.; dead 

Tiernay, John Co.K 2d Cav, 

Tilton, Jonathan D V. R. 0. 

Tobey, Austin B Co. H 4th 

Towey, Thos Co. C 30th 

Towey, Geo Co. B 3()th 

Towey, Lewis Co. B Sdth 

Towle, John VV Co. H 4th 

Towne, John A Co. E .'.Oth 

Tiavilla, Robert Ist D. 0. Inf. 

Travis, Sam'l Co. C 40th, tr. to V. R. C. 

Tredick, Chas. E Co. G 30th 4 8th Unat. 

Trees, Fred. G Co. H 4th 4 8th Tlnat. 

Trombly, Cyprine...Co. G 2d H. A., tr. to 21lth 

Inf. 

Trueworthy, Chas. H Co. I 6th 

Tuck, Chas... Co, F Ist II. A. 

Tufts, David,., Co. F 6th (3 mos,), Co, K Gth (100 

days). 

Tuthill, Geo. H Hosp. Stew. U. S. A. 

Tuttle, Thos. P Co. F 6th 

Twomey, Dan'l 8th U. C. 

Tyler, Fred. G...Co. I 6th (3 mos.), Lt. Co. I 

6th (i) mos,), Lt. 8th Unat. 
Tyrrell, Elias Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Ure, Dan'l Co. H 6th N. H. 

Valery, Jas Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Vallencourt, Jules Co. C 32d 

Varnum, Chas. Co. C 4 th 

Varnum, Jos, C 8th Unat. 

Varnum, Isaac S.,.Co. B 4th ; died March 5, 
1863, Carrollton, La. 

Varnum, Ralph Co. B 4th 

Vogel, Henry Co. C 20th 



LAWRENCE. 



927 



Vaughn, Smith. .Co. I Cth 4 Cu. G .Mth 4 5"th 

Vaiiglin, .lohn Co. F -iSth 

Vatter, Hem }■ Cu. I 2Cth 

Waddington, .Tames Co. K Gth 

Wndhn, Gardner E Co. B 4th 

Walker, Warren G Co. K 1st H. A 

Walker, Hobert 8th Unat. 

Walker, Wm. G Co. B3d Cav. 

Walker, Edwd. K Co. I Gtb 

Wagnei-, .\ugustii8 Co. I 6th 

Wagner, P>riest Co. I 6th 

Wagner, Ferdinand Co. I Gth 

Wallace, Webster W.. Sergt. Co. K Ist H. A. I 

d. of wounds July 2li, lgli4, Asbbunham, 

Mass. 
Walsli, Wm. 51., Co. K 1st H. A.; trans, to V. 

B.C. 

Walsh, Joseph :...Co. B 4th 

Walsh, John Co. B 3d Cav. 

Walsh, Martin, Co. B .Wth ; d. Oct. 1, 1S6), 

Danville, Va. 

Walsh, James Co. I Cth 

Ward, Peter Co. I2mh 

Ward, Peter Co. K 40th N. T. 

Warner, Alex Co. F '2Gth 

Warner, Frank Co. K 1st H. A. 

Warren, .\ndrew Co. C 4th H. A. 

Washburn, Eleazer, Co. F 1st U. A.; killed 

May 19, 1S64, Spottsylvania. 
Washburn, Alden....lst H. A. Band & 2d H. A. 

Washington, Geo Co. H 5th Cav. (Col ) 

Waterman, .\rthurO Co. I Gth 

Watson, Benj. F Lt. Col. Gth Regt. 

Watts, Francis 8th U. S. Cav. 

Weare, John F Capt. 40lh 

Webb. Saml Co. F 4Sth 

Webb, James, Co. I 2d ; killed May 3, 1863, 

Cbancellorsville. 
Webster, Justus W., Co. K 1st H. A.; killed 

June 10, 1804, Petersburg, Va. 

Webster, Cbas. Co. B4th 

Webster, Henry A., Co. H 4th & Co. B Front 

Cav. 
Webster, Walden W., Co. B 3d Cav,; trans. V. 

K. C. 
Webster, Henry K., Co. B 12th ; trans. Co. E 

38th. 

Webster, Geo Co. T 2Gth 

Wermers, Frank Co. U 4th 

Welch, Geo Co. FlstH.A- 

Welch, Wm Co. G3d H. A. 

Welch, Patrick, Co. K4Cllh N. Y.; killed Aug. 

20, 1802, Bull Bun, Va. 

Welch, Michael Co. K 40th N. T. 

Wells, Wm. H Co. H 4th 4 Co. C 4th H. A. 

Wcutworth, Horace Co. FCth 4 Co. G 3ttb 



Wentworth, Edwin H. C, Co. I Olh 4 Co. F 

22d. 

Wenlworlh Busscll Co. K 0th 

Wenlworlh, Geo. F Co. E 2d H A. 

Wentworlli, David Co. B3d Cav. 

Wentworth, Merrill Co. i. 3d Cav. 

West, Edward Co. C 40th 

West, Geo. W Co. F 2Hth 

West, Chas. E Co. H 1st Cav. 

Westall, Solomon Co. F 1st H. A. 

Weston, Geo Co. K 1st H. A. 

Weston, Chas. H Co. H latt.av. 

Weston, John G Co. C 4Cth 

Weston, Justus P Band U. S. A. 

Weymouth, chas. J., Co. I Gtb & Co. I 2Gth 4 

Lt. 14th l.B. Vol. 

Whatmore, Robert Co. B 4th 

Wheeler, Fredk .'.Co. G 2d H. A. 

Wheeler, Austin E Sergt. Co. I 2d 

Wheeler, Geo. W., Co. I 2Cth ; d. July 25, 'G2, 

N. Orleans. 

Wheeler, Leonardo Co. I 2Gth 

White, Josiah C, Sergt. Co. G 30th 4 Lt. U. S. 

C. T. 
White, Thos., Co. F 2Gth ; d. Dec. 12, 1SC2, N. 

Orleans. 
White, Calvin M., Co. F 2Cth ; d. Aug 27, '62, 

N. Orleans. 

White, Henry L Co. F 2Gth 

White, Clarence 8th U. S. Inf. 

White, Patrick 81h U. S. Inf. 

Wbitehill, John F (to. K 6th 

Whitfield, Angus...Co. A 3rd H. A. tr. to Navy 

Whitley, John Co. F 1st H. A. 

Whitney, Charles C 8th, Unattached 

Whittaker, Sanjuel G., Co. C 4th H. A. and 

Co. E 30th. 

Whittemore, William Co. B 4th 

Whittemore, William F Co. C 3d H. A. 

Whittenioie, Daniel, Co. K 1st H. A. ; died 

June S, 1S04, Philadelphia. 

Whitten, Joseph L Co. H 4th 

Whittier, Charles Co. I 7th 

Wholla, Christian 3d U. S. Inf. 

Wholla, James Co. E oOth 

Wicks, James Co. H 7th 

Wiggin, Mayhew C, Co. K let H. A.; died 

Nov. 8, 16G4, .\ndersonville. 

Wiggin, Gilman P Co. H 4th 

Wilde, Joseph B Co. H 4th 

Wilde, E. Allen Co. K 40th Mass 

Wilder, Henry A Co. B 1st H. A. 

Wiley, John W Co. C 40th 

Wilkin, Joseph A Co. 40th 

Willard, Benj.amin D Co. I 2Gth 

Willey, Eben Co. C 40th 

Willey, CelestineG Co. F Ist Bat. H. A. 



Williams, John T Co. F Cth, and Co. F 26th 

Williams, Elias 1st .\. J. 

Williams, Albert M Co. K 1st H. A. 

Williams, George H Co. F 2Cth 

Williams, Charles S Co. B ,32a 

Williams, William V. U. C. 

Willoughby, Lamont C Co. K Sth 

Wills, Thomas P Co. B. 4lh 

WMlson, William J Co. B 3a Cav. 

Wilson, Charles Co. FlGth 

Wilson, William Co. I 17th 

Willson.Jobn Co. E 3d H. A. 

Wing, Thomas A., Co. II 4tli ; died June 2, 

1S03, Brasbear City, La. 

Winn, William B Co. B, F. Cav. 

Winn, Ambrose S Co. F 1st H. A. 

Winuiiig, James, Co. B 4th ; died Nov 1, 1885. 

Winslow, Almon M Ist U. S. ('av. 

Withington, James, Co. B 3d Cav. , killed in 

action May 15, 1864. 

Wolfe, John Co. I Gth 

Wolfe, Richard Co. E 59th 

Wood, William Co. Fist H. A. 

Wood, Duncan Co K 0th 

Wood, Philander Co. G 3Ulh 

Wood, Henry.. ..Co. I Gth, and Co. H Ist H. A. 

Woods, Peter Co, K 2.1 II. A. 

Woodbury, Charles Co. I Gth 

W'oodhonse, James Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Worthing, John B., Co. A 1st H. A., tr. to V. 

K. C. 

Worthley, Daniel E Co. I 2Gth 

Wright, Levi P Col. Ist H A. 

Wright, De.\ter Co. F Ist H. A. 

Wright, William H Co. K H. A. 

Wright, David Co. B 3d Cav. 

Wright, George A Co. B 3d Cav. 

Wright, Clinton M Co. H 4th 

Wright, Kathaniel Co. C 4Uh 



Yates, Eugene S., Sth Unattached, and Co. D ; 

Fr. Cav. ; died July 28, ItSO, 
Yeatnn, Daniel S., Capt. Co. I 0th ; died Not. 

28, 1862, New Orleans, and Capt. Co. G. 

30th. 
Yeaw, Leonard, Co. G 30th ; died August 25, 

1802, New Orleans. 
Yerrington, George E., Co. I 6th and 26th and 

Major 13th corps J> 'Afrique. 
Yore, Patrick, Co. G 30th ; died Sept 13, 1862, 

New Orleans. 

Young, Nicholas Co. D 9th 

Y'oung, James L Co. D 22nd tr. to V. R. C. 

Young, William Co. K 40th N. Y. 

Zeitter, John F 1st U. S. Cav. 



928 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



ARTEMAS W. STEARNS. 

Artemas W. Stearns was born in Hill, N. H., March 
11, 1816. He was left fatherless at a tender age, and 
supported by his widowed mother, who was the vil- 
lage milliner. 

When, at the age of six, his mother married again, 
he still remained at home until the death of his step- 
father, who was accidentally drowned. Mr. Stearns 
was now ten years of age. His mother, being left 
with two other children, was unable longer to sup- 
port all her family with her needle, and he was bound 
out to a prosperous farmer in Bridgewater until he 
became of age. At the expiration of the time he 
was to have one hundred dollars and a freedom suit. 
He was treated by the farmer as one of his familyi 
attending the district school during tlie winter months. 
Mornings and evenings he chopped firewood and took 
care of the stock of cattle. Being a trustworthy boy, 
the farmer often sent him to market from Bridgewater 
to Bristol, a distance of six miles, with an ox-team, 
carrying butter, cheese and sometimes ashes, which 
were used in the manufacture of potash. Finally, 
becoming dissatisfied with his occupation, he bought 
the remainder of his time, paying five dollars, for 
which he still carries the receipt. 

In August, 1833, in his eighteenth year, he went to 
Nashua, N. H., and entered the cotton factory, re- 
maining there and in Lowell, Mass., for several 
years. This occupation not being suited to him, 
he decided to get a better education, and to this end 
he attended the academy at Newmarket, N. H., dur- 
ing the fall months, washing dishes and ringing the 
academy bell for his board. When he left the acade- 
my he taught in tbe district schools of Dracut and 
Andover, Mass., and Windham and Salem, N. H. In 
Windham he had a class in algebra, a branch which 
he had not yet taken in his course of studies, and he 
was on this account in a dilemma, but his will came 
to the rescue, and he determined to conquer by study- 
ing evenings and keeping ahead of his class, which 
he did, and no one ever mistrusting that he was not 
a thorough master of the higher mathematics. Thus 
it has been all through iiie by hard labor and close 
application he has overcome obstacles, and success 
has crowned his efforts. 

In 1840 he began peddling through the country, 
selling silverware, spectacles, razors, dress silks, &c., 
from two tin trunks. He always carried the finest 
goods to be found in the market, and would also take 
orders for shawls or anything the buyer wanted, and 
bring it with him on his next trip. He also did the 
engraving on all the silverware which he sold, doing 
it evenings, denying himself all pleasure until his 
work was done. 

March 5, 1843, he married Lydia, daughter of James 
and Abi (Duren) Searles, of Nashua, N. H., and set- 



tled in Methuen, Mass., continuing his peddling until 
the (all when, after buying his stock for the fall trade, 
he was taken with lung fever and his physician fi.r- 
bade him travelling during the winter. He then put 
his goods in a small shop quite near his house and 
hung out his sign. Success attended this venture and 
his small store soon became the scene of so much 
activity that the village people gave it the name of 
the Bee Hive. Here he remained about eighteen, 
mouths, when, finding his business had outgrown his 
accommodations, he sought a larger place for it. 

In 1846 he started a branch store in the new city of 
Lawrence, remaining in a store on Amesbury Street 
two years, when he removed to Essex Street to get 
more room. In three years he was forced to move 
into a still larger store, and another three years found 
his business so much increased as to require still lar- 
ger accommodations. 

He now resolved to buy land and build for himself 
which he did on his present site. In 1877-78 he en- 
larged and beautified his store, and the present year 
he has again remodeled and enlarged his building, 
which is unquestionably the finest business structure 
in Essex County. It is thirty feet wide, ninety feet 
deep, four stories and basement, the whole being oc- 
cupied by hira. The new building has a massive 
front of brown stone, with heavy plate glass windows. 
Mr. Stearns is justly proud of this building, which 
stands as a monullient to crown the long years of un- 
tiring devotion to business. 

When a young man Mr. Stearns united with the 
Orthodox Church in Methuen, Eev. John C. Phillips 
pastor. On coming to Lawrence he formed one 
of a new church, called the Central Congregational 
(now Trinity), and has always been one of its most 
liberal supporters. He has been chairman of the 
Board of Assessors for many years, but has never 
sought public office, being of a retiring nature. He 
was, however, in the Board of Aldermen in 1861, and 
has been very generous in donations for public en- 
terprises. 

In 1864 A. S. Wright, the head mechanic of the 
Atlantic Mills, proposed to Mr. Stearns and A. J. 
French to become partners in the manufacture of 
woollen yarns. At Mr. Stearns' suggestion the ma- 
chinery for yarn was sold, and the mill equipped 
with machinery for making braid; and a co-partner- 
ship formed under the firm-name of the Wright 
Manufacturing Company. At first fifty braiders were 
used. In 1874 the company was incorporated with 
A. J. French, president; A. S. Wright, superinten- 
dent; Mr. Stearns, treasurer and selling agent. The 
company are now running more than one thousand 
machines, being one of the largest and most com- 
plete works of the kind in the United States, a large 
proportion of their product being goods of high class, 
heretofore imported. But for Mr. Stearns' pluck and 
eflbrt this venture would not have been a success. 

Mr. Stearns was chosen one of the directors of the 




^■^z^^-^z^ 





^x^r-t^^^-^i^ (^^^ (^^/i^^J^^^/yy^ 



MIDDLETON. 



929 



Lawrence National Bank, upon its organization in 
1872, and in 1S7S he was elected its president, and 
still holds the position. He is also one of the trus- 
tees and first vice-president of the Broadway Savings 
Bank. 

He is one of the original stockholders of the 
Merrimack Valley Horse Railroad, and has been one 
of its directors since its organization, and is at pres- 
ent the largest stockholder. 



AAROX OEDWAY. 

Among men who, during a long residence in Law- 
rence, have exliibited strongly marked individuality 
and intense activity in business and in general af- 
fairs. Dr. Aaron Ordway is a prominent veteran. A 
powerful ally in any cause he espoused, he has been, 
also, a wily and determined enemy to schemes and 
plans that he found well-grounded reason to oppose. 

He came to the city in 1847, having previously 
been a trader in general merchandise at Springfield, 
Mass., and a practicing physician in Rumney, N. H. 
For twenty years, after coming, he was one of the 
busiest physicians of the city, and, for a long time, 
added to professional duties a thriving retail drug 
business. Faithful care of these interests called for 
uninterrupted action, and the doctor's temperament 
and physique fitted him to throw a vast amount of 
energy into the conduct of his private businei^s, and 
yet continue active in matters of public concern, as 
a private citizen and as an alderman during two terms 
of service. So active was his life that his fellow-citi- 
zens wondered when he slept and rested, for he was 
the last man seen on the street or at business at night 
and the first abroad in the morning. Later in life he 
became financially interested in timber-lands and in 
the manufacture of lumber, and was at onetime pres- 
ident of Brown's Lumber Company, of Whitefield,in 
Northern New Hampshire, and also of the White- 
field and Jefferson Railroad, in the same locality. 

In religious matters Dr. Ordway has never been 
committed to any form of doctrine or wording of 
creeds, because of others' declaration, having 
well-grounded faith and opinion of his own, but he 
has liberally assisted many a struggling church and 
society in time of financial strait. He has also been 
a persistent and unswerving friend of the City Hos- 
pital. 

In politics Dr. Ordway has been a party man of the 
intensest kind when he believed his party right, hold- 
ing that right cannot be too boldly asserted or vigor- 
ously advocated; nevertheless, he could see a party 
desert its principles without joining in the stampede. 
He was a pioneer among early Abolitionists and an 
active sympathizer with the boldest reformers, wheth- 
er in the anti-slavery or woman's suffrage cause. 
Long-continued intensity of action has undermined 
and broken a strong constitution and hardy physicjue, 
and, at the the age of seventy-four, he is an invalid, 
yet his courage is unabated and his mind unclouded. 
59 



In his active days his favor was much courted and 
his opposition feared by aspirants for political hon- 
ors. Never on the fence or slow to declare himself, 
he was, in politic*, as in all else, a determined oppo- 
nent and a fast friend. It was said by some, that, 
when he appeared in a political contest as a cavalry- 
man with a sorrel charger there was terror in the host 
he opposed. 

He was born in Hebron, N. H., May 4, 1814. His 
father, Stephen Ordway, went from Amesbury, Mass., 
in childhood, to Dunbarton, N. H. From thence, at 
nineteen years, he removed to the northern planta- 
tion of " Cockamouth " (afterwards called Hebron), 
there founding a home, where he lived to the age of 
ninety-three years. John Ordway, brother of Ste- 
phen and uncle of the subject of this sketch, w\as the 
clerk and historian of the Lewis and Clark Explor- 
ing Expedition, an enterprise that opened up hitherto 
unknown regions of the West in the early years of 
the century and made the participants therein famous 
in American History. 

Dr. Ordway married, for his first wife, Mary M. 
Kelley, of New Hampton, N. H., and four children 
survive her; for his second wife, he married Mary 
Ann Kelley, of Franklin, N. II., and with her he is 
enjoying as much of rest and quiet as bi'oken health 
allows. 



CHAPTER LXIL 

MIDDLETON. 



BY DAVID STILES. 



FROM THE FIRST GRANT OF LAND BY THE GOVERN- 
MENT TO RICHARD BELLINGHAM, ESQ., IN 
NOVEMBER, 1639 TO 1887. 

In compiling this work (for I do not cl.tim to hp author), I have se- 
lectcJ material accmdinE to my best judgment. If no fault is found I 
eliall accomplish tliat which no other one to my knowledgo has ever 
done liefure in a town history. Nearly every town in the county haa a 
published history by some qualified author, but nothing worthy of such 
a title has ever been produced of this town, therefore I am left without 
any help, and your charitable judgment I implore. 

In making up chapters some repetitions occur of persons and places, 
which are unavoidable ; some mistakes in dates no doubt have been made, 
though not very far away from the truth. In many ca-ses it has been 
almost impossible to find the esact times and places of even some of th« 
most important events. — • • 

This town is about five miles long from north to 
south, and about three miles wide, bounded north by 
Andover and North Andover, west by North Read- 
ing, south by Danvers and east by Topsfield and Box- 
ford. The larger part of the town is on the left bank 
of Ipswich River, which runs from southwest to north- 
east. Another principal stream is Beech Brook, 
named from the original beech trees along its bank. 
Its rise is in Andover, and its mouth is near the box- 
mill of J. B. Thomas, into Ipswich River. Pout 



930 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Pond Brook is an outlet of Swan Pond, in North 
Beading; its moutli is near the knife-factory build- 
ings, into Ipswich River ; and there are other small 
streams of less note. 

The large.st body of water has always been called 
Middleton Pond, which now supplies Danversas well 
as our village, with the best of water. Pout Pond is 
on Pout Pond Brook, a sunken hole said to be the 
centre of the town. There are also other small bod- 
ies of water. 

The most elevated land. Will's Hill, named from 
the last Indian inhabitant, who lived and died upon 
its summit, and whose squaw survived till after the 
town was incorporated, — and Bear Hill, near Tops- 
field line. 

The town is well diversified by hills and valleys, 
and has many productive farms. 

In population the village has largely increased 
within the last fifty years, while other portions have 
remained nearly the same, and in some parts gone 
back. 

The wild beasts of the early years have disap- 
peared. A few of the smaller varieties still remain. 

This town was settled sixty-eight years before the 
act of incorporation. After passing those years, 
both the civil and ecclesiastical history commence. 
We then take up the latter and pursue it up to the 
present time, and then resume the civil history, after 
which, items of interest. 

1639. This town was an unbroken wilderness, save 
an Indian plantation near the great pond. Righard 
Bellingham's grant, dated November 5, 1639, says: 
"in it is a pond' and an Indian plantation." This 
grant contained seven hundred acres. Some years 
previous to this time it is supposed that there were 
two other large Indian plantations, one at the east 
side on the plains, and one east of the house of H. 
A. Stiles; at these locations many Indian imple- 
ments from time to time have been found. 

Other grants followed that of Bellingham's; of 
Major General Daniel Dennison, of Ipswich, east of 
Bellingham's, running north, followed by Henry 
Bartholomew, near New Meadows, now Topsfield. 
These grants from General Court covered the larger 
portion of the present town. 

The very first settler within the present limits of 
the town was AVilliam Nichols, in 1651, near William 
Peabody's, then New Meadows, from whom came two 
of our church officers; and all, so far as we know, 
by that name, many of whom have blessed the 
world and bear an honor to the name. 

This William Nichols bought two hundred acres of 
Henry Bartholomew, mostly beyond the " six-mile 
extent " (meaning the circuit or swing-round bounds 
of Salem, which reached a half-mile south of our 
present village). William Nichols lived to the age 



iThis pond wns subsequently called Wilkina' Pond, and may now 
rigbtfully belong to Bray Wilkina' heire. 



of one hundred and two, and for many years his 
posterity were quite numerous iu town; all of that 
name have now left town. 

Bray Wilkins came from Wales and was among 
the first to land in this State. He was a very 
enterprising man, and of great vigor of constitution, 
and for many years was licensed as boatman on 
Naponset River, and to charge a penny a person. 
He subsequently moved to Lynn, Mass., and was en- 
gaged in some way in the iron business. Then, in 
1659, he entered upon the bold operation (with his 
brother-in-law, John Gingle), of buying out the 
claim of Bellingham, amounting to seven hundred 
acres, paying therefore two hundred and fifty pounds 
and a ton of bar-iron. But with a strong constitu- 
tion and six stout sons, with the help of Gingle, a 
tailor by trade, and two trusty kinsmen, Aaron 
Way and William Ireland, conveyed to them good 
farms. Aaron Way's houses were on the site of the 
old Estys tavern, now standing; subsequently Mr. 
Wilkins purchased more than he had sold, and yet, 
in 1676, the mortgage given to Bellingham was dis- 
charged, and his sons had bought out Gingle, and 
the work was done, says Upham. 

It is curious to note that Bellingham inserted in 
Wilkins' deed that if minerals were found on this 
claim he was to pay him, or his heirs, ten pounds 
per year more. 

Bray Wilkins' father was Lord John Wilkins, of 
Wales, and the family had borne many honorable 
titles and is traced back to 1090, or nearly eight 
centuries. Wilkins died 1702, aged ninety-seven. 

On Dennison's claim was found iron-ore, and a 
mill was erected on the site of the knife-factory ; 
and Thomas Fuller, an Englishman, who came over 
about 1638, and had resided in Cambridge, was en- 
gaged by Dennison to run the mill, and subsequently 
became owner in 1663, and erected bis dwelling on 
the site of the house now owned by Charles O. Frost ; 
and his little blacksmith-shop stood across the brook, 
called Piercies Brook, near the present tomb — the 
foundation can be now seen. 

This iron-puddling mill remained in the Fuller 
family, in company with the Cave family, who lived 
on the farm now owned by Mr. O. L. Carleton for 
many years, and was subsequently set on fire, as is 
supposed, and de^troyed by one of the parties to the 
ownership, then in a quarrel. 

The wealth of this Thomas Fuller and his enter- 
prising spirit and sound judgment gave to his pos- 
terity good positions in society, which have been 
sustained wherever they have been scattered over the 
world. 

He had three wives. He died June 3, 1698. He 
came to this country on a tour of observation, in- 
tending to return in one year, but was converted 
under the preaching of Rev. Thomas Shepard, of 
Cambridge, Mass., on account of which he wrote some 
verses, the last of which is as follows : 



MIDDLETOX. 



931 



"Christ cast his gamienls over me, 
And all m3' sins did cover ; 
More precious to my soul was Ho 
Than dearest friend and lover." 

Aucrustus Shepard, of this town, is a descendant of 
this Rev. Thomas Shepard. This information was 
obtained in Boston. 

The farms of the earlier settlers for some years were 
but imperfectly fenced and their cattle and flocks 
were watched by herdsmen, assisted by boys and girls. 
The court decreed that in every town the chosen men 
are to take care of such "as are sett to keep cattle 
that they sett some other employment withall, as 
spinning upon the rock, knitting & weaving tape, &c., 
that boyes and girls be not suffered to convers to- 
gether." 

Thus the watchers had to be watched. 

Before the incorporation of this town, which 
was sixty-eight years after Wilkins bought Belling- 
ham's claim, several occurrences took place which we 
shall mention. Wilkins, and those owning under 
him, were, in IGGl, annexed to Salem Village, which 
gives the long and peculiar shape to the village boun- 
daries, and there, where the witchcraft delusion began, 
they attended church and were identified with that 
people. 

The families of Wilkins and Fuller increased rap- 
idly, and with others who had moved in, it is suppos- 
ed that in 1G92 the population had increased to nearly 
three hundred. At the above date Francis Elliott 
lived a little west of the red house near the cemetery, 
and William Way who, with his wife Percy, united 
with the church at Salem Village May 12, 1G80, lived 
in a house, the remnant of the cellar of which is seen 
just opposite the house of the late Addison Tylor. 
These houses, however, came within the bounds of 
Rowley Village, now Boxford, but nearly all the set- 
tlers as far away as William Nichols' farm came under 
the name of Will's Hill men. The line of Rowley 
crossed the river forty rods above Indian Bridge on a 
northwest course, passed in front of William Way's 
house, thence by Pout Pond to Beech Brook, where 
two brooks meet below the house of Mr. Ogden. 

This little settlement became greatly disturbed by 
the witchcraft delusion, and one man of no little note 
was selected as a victim and hung on Gallows Hill, 
Salem, and here we insert the proceedings from Up- 
ham's work as a part of our own history : — 

THIAL OF JOHN WILLARD. 

"May 10, 1602, a warrant was issued against John Willard, 'husband- 
man ' to bo brought to Thomas Beadle's house in Salem. On the 12th 
John Putnam. Jr., constable, made return that bo had been 'to the 
house of the usual abode of John Willard and made seardi for him, and 
in several olher places and houses, but could not find him,' and that his 
relations and friends said ' that to their best knowledge he was fled.' Ou 
the 15th a warrant was issued to the marshal of Essex, and the constable 
or constables within this their majesty's colony or territory of Ma-^sa- 
chusetts, in New England, requiring them to apprehend said Willard 
' if be may be fuund in your precimts, who stands charged witli sundry 
HCt.s of wicbcraft, by him done or conmiitted on the bodies of Hray Wil- 
kins and Samuel Wilkins, the son of Henry Wilkins, and others, upon 
complaint made by Thomas Fuller, Jr., and Benjamin Wilkins, Sr., 



yeoman, who, being found, you are to convey from town to town, 
from constable to constable. ... to be prosocuted according to the di- 
rection of Constable .John Putnam, of Saloni Village, wlio goes with the 
same.' On the 18th of Slay Constable Putnam brought in Willnnl, and 
delivered him to the niigistrates. He was seized in Groton. There is 
no record of his examination, but we gather from the papers on tile the 
following facts relating to this interesting case : It is said that Willard 
had been called upon to aid in the arrest, custody and bringing in of 
persons accused, in acting as deputy-cons'able; and from his observation 
of the deportment of the prisoners, and from all he heard and saw, his 
sympathies became excited in their behalf, and he expressed in more or 
leas terms his disapprobation of the proceedings. He seems to have con- 
sidered all hands concerned in the business— accusers, accused, magis- 
trates and people — as alike bewitched. One of the witnesses against him 
deposed that he said in a ' discourse ' at the house of a relative, — ' Hang 
them ; they are all witches.' In consequence of this kind of talk, in 
which he indulged as early as April, he incurred the ill-will of the par- 
tics engaged in the prosecutions, and it wa^ whispered about that he was 
himself in the diabolii-al confed>-racy. lie was a grandson of Bray Wil- 
kins, and the mind of the old man becauie prejudiced against him, and 
most of his family connections and neighbors partook of the feeling. 
When Willard discovered that such rumors were in circulation against 
him, he went to his grandfather for counsel and the aid of bis prayers. 
He met wi'h a cold reception, as appeared by the deposition of the old 
man, as follows : ' When John Willard was first complained of by the 
afflicted persons for afflicting of them, he came to my house, greatly 
troubled, desirod nie, with some other neigtibors, to prsty f.T him. I 
told him I was tlien going from home and could not stay, but if I could 
come home before night, I should not be willing. But it was near night 
before I came home and so I did not answer his desire, but I heard no 
more of him upon that account. Whether my not answering bis desire 
did not oflfdud him, I cannot tell, but I was jealous afterwards that it 
did." Willard soon after made an engagemetit to go to Boston on 
election week with Henry Wilkins, Jr. A son of said Henry Wilkins, 
named Daniel, a youth of seventeen years of age, who ha<l heard the 
stories against Willard, and believed them all, remon&tnited with his 
father against going to Boston with Willard, and seemed much distiessed 
at the thought, saying, among other things, — *It were well if the said 
W'illard were hanged.' Old Bray Wilkins must go to election, too, and 
so started off ou horseback — the only mode of travel then practicable, from 
W'iU's Hill to Winnesimit Ferry— with his wife on a pillion behind him. 
He Mas eighty -two years of age, and slie probably not much Ie.ss ; for she 
had been the wife of his youth. The old couple undoubtedly had an ac- 
tive time that week in Boston. It was a great ovation, and the whole 
country flocked in to partake in the ceremonies and services of the anni- 
vei-sary. On Election day, with his Mife, he rode out to Dorchester to 
dine at the house of his brother. Lieutenant Itichard Way. Deodat 
Lawsou and bis new wife, and several more, join them at the table. 
Before sitting down Henry Wilkins and John Willard also came in. 
Willard, perhaps, did not feel very agreeably towards his grandfather at 
the time for having shown an unwillingness to pray with him. The old 
man saw, or imagined he saw, a vei-y unpleasnnt expression in Willanra 
countenance. To my apprehension, he looked after such a sort upon ino 
as I never before discerned in any. The long and hard travel, tho fa- 
tigues and e.xcitenients of election week, were too much for tlie old man, 
tough and rugged as he was; and a severe attack of a complaint, to which 
persons of his age aie often subject, came on. He experienced groat 
sufferings, and, as he expressed it, ' was like a man on a rack.' 

"I told my wife immediately that I was afraid that Willard had done 
wrong ; ray pain continuing, and finding no relief, my jealousy contin- 
ued. Mr. Lawson and others there were all amazed, and knew not 
what to do for me. There wa.-? a woman accounted skilful came, hoping 
to help me, and after she h.ad used means, she asked me whether none 
of those evil persons had done me damage. I said I could not say they 
had, but I was sore afraid they had She answered she di<i fear so, 
too. As near as I can remember, ' I biy in this case three or four days 
at Boston, and afterward, with the jeopardy of my life (as 1 thought), I 
came home.' On his return he found bis grandson, the same Daniel 
who had warned Henry Wilkins against going to Boston with John 
Willard, on his death-bed, in great suffering. Another attack of his own 
malady came on. There was gr^at consternation in the neighborhood, 
and throughout the village. The devil and his confederates, it was 
tliougbt, were making an awful onshiught upon the people at Will's 
Hill. Parris and others rushed to the scene. Mercy liBwis and Mary 
Walcot were carried up to tell who it was that waa bowitcbing old 
Bray, and young Daniel, and others of the Wilkinses who bad cauglit 



932 



HISTOKY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the contagion and were experiencing or imagining all sorts of bodily 
ails. Tlu'.v were taken to the room where Daniel was approacliing his 
death agonies ; and they both allirmed that they 5;iw the spectres of old 
Mrs. Buckley and .lohn Willaid npon his throat and upon his breast, 
and pressed him and choked him ; and the cruel operation, they insisted 
upon it, continued until the lioy died. Tlie girls were carried to the bed- 
room of the old man, who was in great suffering; and, when they en- 
tered, the queition was put by the anxious and excited friends in the 
chamber to Mercy Lewis, whether she saw anything. She said, yes ; 
' they are looking for Jolin Willard.' Presently she pretended to have 
canght sight of his apparition, and exclaimed, ' there he is upon his 
grandfather's belley.' This was thought wonderful, indeed, for, as the 
old man says in a deposition he drew up afterwards, 'At that time I was 
in grevions pain in the small of my belly.' Mrs. Ann Putnam had her 
story to tell about .John Willard. Its substance is seen in a deposition 
drawn up about the same time, and is in the same vein as her testimony 
in otlier cases, presenting a problem to be solved by those who can draw 
the line between semi-insane hallucination and downright fabrication. 

" Her deposition is as follows : 

" ' The shape of Samuel Fuller and Lydia WilUins this day told me at 
my own house by the bedside who ai>peared in a winding-sheet, that if 
I did not go and tell Mr. Hathorne that John Willard had murdered 
them, they would tenr'nie to pieces. I knew them when they were liv- 
ing, and it was exactly th.-ir resemblance and shape. And, at the same 
time, the apparition of John Willard told me that he had killed Samue' 
Fuller, Lydia Wilkins, Goody Shaw and Fuller's second wife, and .\aron 
Way's child, and Ben Fullers child, and this deponant's child S.arah, six 
weeks old, and Phihp Knight's child, with the help of William llobbs, 
and .Jonathan Knight's child and two of Ezekiel Cheevers children with 
the help of William Hobbs ; Anne Eliot and Isaac Nichols with the help 
of Williitm Hobbs ; and if Mr. Hathorne would not believe them,— tha' 
is, Samuel Fuller and Lydia Wilkins, perhaps they would appear to the 
magistrates. Joseph Fuller's apparition the same day also came to me, 
and told me that Goody Covey had killed him. The spectre aforesaid 
told me that vengeance, vengeance, was cried by said Fuller. Tliis re- 
lation is true. .\nn Piitn.^m.' 

"It appears by such papers as are to be found relating to W'illard's 
case, that a coroner's jury was held over the body of Daniel Wilkins, o' 
which Nathaniel Putnam was foreman. 

"It is much to be regretted that the iinding of that jnrj* is lost. It 
■would be a real curiosity. That it was very decisive to the point, af_ 
firmed by Mercy Lewis and 3Iary Walcot. That Daniel was choaked 
and strangled by the spectres of John Willard and Goody Buckley is ap 
parent from the nianner in which Bray Wilkins speaks of it. In an ar" 
gument between him and gome persons vho were expressing their con. 
fidejice in that John Willaid was an innocent n:an he sought to relieve 
himself from refponsibility for Willard's conviclion by saying, 'It wag 
not T, nor my son Benjamin Wilkins, but the the testimony of the af_ 
tiicted persons, and the jury concerning the murder of my grandson, 
Daniel Wilkins, that would take away his life, if anything did.' 

"Mr. Parris, of course, was in the midst of these proceedings at 
"Will's Hill ; attended the visits of the afflicted girles when they went to 
ascertain who were the witches murdering young Daniel Wilkins and 
torturing the old man ; was present, no doubt, at the solemn examination 
and investigations of the sages who sat as a jury of inquest over the 
former, and, in all likelihood, nuide, as usual, a written report of the 
same. As soon as he got back to his house he discharged his mind and 
indorsed the verdict of the coroner's jury by this characteristic inser- 
tion in his church records : 'Dan Wilkins, bewitched todeath.' Thevery 
next entry relates to a case of which this obituaiy line in Mr. Parris' 
cliurch book is the only intimation that has come down to us. ' Daugh- 
ter to Anne Douglas by witchraft I doubt not.' Willard's examination 
was at Beadle's, on the 18th. Willi this deluge of accusations and tempest 
of indignalit'li beating upon him, he had but little chance, and was com- 
mitted. While the marshals and constables were in pursuit of Willard, 
the time was well improved by the prosecutors."— Uph.\m. 

This is a part of our town historj', and gives a very 
good idea of the prevailing sentiment on the public 
mind in regard to withcraft at that time. 

John Willard appears to have been an honest and 
amiable person, an industrious farmer, having a com- 
fortable estate, with a wife and three young children. 
He was called grandson of Bray Wilkins, but whether 
by marriage or blood relation we know not. He 



came from Groton ; and whether he was a brother or 
relative of Rev. Samuel Willard, of Boston, it is for 
the local antiquaries to discover. If so it would add 
still greater intere.'^t to this narrative. Margaret, the 
widow of John Willard, married William Towne. 

1700. - Ebenezer Stiles (son of Robert, who married 
Elizabeth Fry October 4, 1660, came from Yorkshire, 
England, with Rev. Ezekiel Rogers), came from Box- 
ford (born on the site of Deacon Cowles' house), and 
bought a tract of land of "Lawrence Lacy, of Ando- 
ver, and in the township of Andover, four-score rods 
long and three-score rods wide." Lacy, in deeding 
it to Stiles, says it is the same that I had of the town 
of Andover for " quality." Duality, a state of being 
two, most of the land is still owned by his dscendants. 
He was the first of the name settled here (his house 
stood on the left bank of Beech Brook, cellar now 
seen), and with his son Ebenezer, Jr., helped form 
the church here in the new town in 17'29, his house 
just coming within its bound-!. This son Ebenezer 
married Sarah Howe April 23, 1733, and built the 
house now standing, owned by H. A. Stiles, brother 
of the writer. 

In this same neighborhood, soon after, was Timo- 
thy Perkins, now G. H. Tufts' place (this house per- 
haps the oldest in town), and further down that of 
Joseph Fuller, grandson of Thomas — house now 
standing called the old Fuller farm-house, and quite 
ancient. 

As this town belonged in four parts to other towns 
before incorporated, it is only by great labor that 
these far away days' doings c:in be brought to light, 
mixed as they are, with the records of other places 
and people. The house of Bray Wilkins stood near 
the end of the walk, as it comes down the hill near 
the Emerson house, on Pond Road. An old house 
was taken down by Maj. Solomon Wilkins (near the 
Weston place), supposed to have been very old, and 
for many generations the home of Bray Wilkins' de- 
scendants, also the Thomas house, near by, belonged 
to this Wilkins family, and is very ancient. 

The house in which Mr. George A. Currier now 
lives was built about 1710, by a son or grandson of 
the first Thomas Fuller ; also the gambrel-roof house 
near by was the home of Timothy Fuller's son, and 
is older than the town. There was an old house a 
little south of the Esq. Daniel Fuller house, occu- 
pied by the Fuller's descendants of the first Robert. 

The Peabodies and Symonds families resided in the 
east part of the town. Three brothers (Peabody's), 
as follows: Samuel M. Peabody place, Augustus 
Curtis place and John Averillplace. Samuel Symonds 
was on the box-factory place many years before the 
town was incorporated, and remained in the family 
till within forty years. Samuel H. Wilkins' house 
belonged to the Elliot family, and east of thi.s was 
John Willard's, the victim of witchcraft. 

The Asa Howe farm has long been in the family, 
and the house was the residence of John Howe, 



MIUDLETON. 



933 



father of Esquire Asa Howe, who was the grand- 
father of said Asa, now upon the phice. Just be- 
yond this place (the cellar is now seen) was the 
residence of Isaac Berry, brother of Nathaniel Berry, 
grandfather of the late Deacon Allen Berry. 

On the cross-road, a little east of the farm of 
David Richardson, (whose house and building were 
recently burned), was a farm owned by a Berry 
family, all of whom died of small-pox; the build- 
ings tumbled down; no one cared to go near the 
place. Their remains were buried in the corner of 
the field on the other side of the road. The disease 
was conveyed to them by their dog from Andover, 
at the house of Peter Towne, (the house is now 
standing), whose wife died with the small-pox, which 
is supposed to have lieen given her in a pinch of 
snuff by a rejected lover. The Berrys owned a 
wood-lot a little beyond this house and the dog, in 
company with the team, rolled as is supposed, 
on some of the waste thrown out at the back-door. 
This occurred more than a century ago. 

The original home of the Esty family was across 
the railroad, east of the house of Mr. Walden 
Batchelder. 

The town records of Topsfield, July 2d, 1728. To 
see what the town will do concerning the families 
that have petitioned not to be set ofl" to Will's Hill, 
(their names), Thomas Robinson, J( b Averill, John 
Cummings and Daniel Towne (the latter probably 
was the one chosen for schoolmaster), which might 
have a good influence at that time, to bring them 
into the town limits, though for some years Tops- 
field pretended to claim to the foot of the hill, by 
the road below the house of Jlr. George P. Wilkins. 
All these families resided in the ne'ghborhood of 
Nichols' Brook. There are quite a number of cellar 
holes now seen in this portion of the town. 

North and west of this Nichols Brook settlement, 
was Boxford, which lost by the setting off of Mid- 
dletori, six hundred acres of land, and one hundred 
of their population. Incori^oration of Middleton, June 
20th, 1728. 

The original charter has recently been found, 
though in three pieces, can yet be read ; it is written 
in a bold and elegant hand. After briefly staling 
the boundary lines, two years are allowed "to pro- 
cure a suitable place for the worship of God, and 
likewise to settle a learned orthodox minister, and 
hire a scho )l-master to instruct their young." 

The town met (as they then had a suitable place), 
at the house of Dr. Daniel Felch, (cellar now seen 
opposite house of the late Addison Tyler). (Formerly 
this pl.ice was owned by William Way). 

This charter was presented to the people by 
Jonathan Fuller (a grandson of Thomas). Two 
years previous to this time the bounds of the town 
had been contemplated, aud probably made for the 
action of the court to grant their prayer for to be 
organized into a town, and had mutually engaged 



in putting up an oak frame building for a place 
of worship forty feet square and about twenty-two 
feet post ; the frame stood several years before being 
covered, as the location did not give entire satis- 
fiiction, but subsequently " voted to finish our meet- 
ing-house where it now stands," yet it was in bad 
condition till 1731, and even up to 1802, the house 
was in the form of a barn with only a few windows, with 
no inner doors, or porche-*, or plasterinsr, save the 
walls, which were plastered to the gable-ends, with 
no plastering over-head, till the latter date. During 
this time the great braces of oak timber remained, 
which went from the floor to the posts about mid- 
way up, then another bmg brace from the same 
mortice in the post up to the great beam overhead, 
and these beams or plates were only eight feet dis- 
tance apart, which with all the^e braces must have 
caused the interior of the house to look like a dense 
wood lot. Doubtless a small boy could lay close upon 
one of these braces undiscovered by the tithing man 
through the service. The wall pews were sold when 
the house was first occupied, and the seats in the 
body of the house gave way to pews in 1802, when 
there were added, the porches, new windows and 
a sounding-board or canopy, and all was newly 
painted, even the roof, after which it went to decay, 
and was bought by the writer forty years ago, and 
taken down. 

The First Minister. — A meeting was called 
Tuesday, the IGth day of November, 1729. Lieuten- 
ant Thomas Fuller was chosen moderator, and the 
answer of Rev. Andrew Peters to the town accepted, 
and the second Wednesday in November ai>pointed 
for ordination. A committee was chosen to join wiih 
Mr. Peters in the choice of some neighboring elders 
to assist in the ordination. 

Mr. John Berry, Lieutenant Thomas Fuller and 
Joseph Wright composed the committee. 

" Voted, to support the charges of oniination by a free contribution. 
Voted, to raise seven shillings upon single votes to a hundred-pound vote. 
3Ir. Petens' salary was a hundred pounds per year in province bills ur 
passable money so long as he should continue his work among us, aud 
that his salary shall rise or fall as money shall." 

The town met again the 23d of October (1729), and 
chose David Kcnney moderator; Francis Eliott, Sar- 
geant Jonathan Fuller, Isaac Wilkins and Daniel 
Kenney to receive both money and provisions for the 
ordination ; the house of .Jonathan Fuller appointed 
for entertainment of ministers and messengers, and 
the house of Francis Eliott for the scholars. 

The next thing in order was to form a church. 
This took place October 22, 1729, with fifty-two 
members; eleven more were added the following 
year. From this we judge the population to have 
been about four hundred or four hundred and fifty. 
The November 26th following. Rev. Andrew Peters, 
a graduate of Harvard College, and son of Samuel 
Peters, of Andover, was settled as minister, and Dan- 
iel Towne as schoolmaster. 



934 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Of those who formed the church, twenty-five came 
from Salem Village, niue from Topsfield and eleven 
from Box ford. 

The ordination of a minister, which was for life, 
was a great event in those days. From all the towns 
around they flocked to Middleton for a feast ; all 
doors were opened, and tables loaded with the best of 
frood things, and it was not an uncommon thing for 
individuals to boast that they had called at every 
hou'^e on the way home, and took something to eat or 
drink at each, and in some cases they rested on the 
way till their stomachs were relieved of its unwonted 
burden. 

As near as can be ascertained, the ordination took 
place on the 26th day of November, 1729. Mr. Pe- 
ters was then twenty-nine years of age. He remained 
twenty -seven years. He was a devoted minister, and 
the church prospered under his ministry. He died 
October 6, 1756, aged fifty-five years. His remains 
were interred in the Fuller burying-ground, and a 
stone marks his last resting-place- For nearly five 
years before his death he was unable to supply the 
puli)it from sickness. What his complaints were we 
have not learned. Very little is recorded of hi.s wife 
Hannah ; her name is not found on the church 
records. Mr. Peters was of a very social nature, and 
perhaps a little eccentric. 

It is said that Mr. Peters had a negro servant that 
drove his muster's cows to pasture up by the pond, 
and at that time the road went round by the old 
Timothy Fuller house (now standing by the grave- 
yard). Fuller was rather a lawless man, and often 
loved to bother people, especially those whom he 
could intimidate. The negro complained to his mas- 
ter of these insults, and forthwith Mr. Peters uuder- 
took to drive the cows, and he found the hectorer of 
his negro and expostulated with him, but without sat- 
isfaction. Then Mr. Peters took off his coat and laid 
it upon a stump, saying, " Lay there divinity, while I 
whip a rascal," and gave him a sound thrashing. At 
another time, when looking after his cattle near 
Will's Hill, he entered the hut of old Willis, the In- 
dian (the last of his race in town), and his squaw 
asked him to take dinner with her. He first asked 
what she had; she answered, "Skunk." Well, he 
thought he would not stop then, but perhaps some 
other time would. Not long after he again found 
himself under the cover of her tent or shanty, and, 
knowing that he loved eels, she had prepared a most 
tempting dish, which he did not decline, and ate 
heartily ; after which the old, cunning squaw came to 
his side and said, — " You say you no eat skunk, but 
you eat rattlesnake," and so he had, but without any 
harm, as all Indians know they are good eating. 

Mr. Peters was born near the old North meeting- 
house, and the cellar of his old home is now visible, 
and still in the Peters possession up to a late death. 
Mr. Peters bought the Dr. Daniel Felch place, took 
down the house, and built a new one back of the 



meeting-house, which was taken down about fifty years 
since; cellar now seen. 

We will now follow the succession of pastors and 
the ecclesiastical history up to the present time. 

After the death of Mr. Peters, for nearly three 
years several votes were passed by the town to supply 
the pulpit with some young gentleman from month to 
month (Dana, Brown and others preached in turns); 
and finally gave a call to Rev. Elias Smith (I think 
he was from Baintree; not sure). Mr. Smith was 
then thirty years of age, and was a graduate of Har- 
vard College and a successful pastor. He was settled 
January 10, 1759. 

We notice a vote passed to give Mr. Smith one 
hundred and sixty pounds lawful money for his settle- 
ment (a sort of bonus in those days), and then voted 
sixty-five pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence 
for his salary ; and at a subsequent meeting the town 
voted thirteen shillings, and another meeting soon 
after thirteen shillings more; and, to add more at- 
tractiveness to the old meeting-house, voted two 
pounds for repairs, and this clinched the bargain, and 
the ordination went on, and money was voted to be 
taken out of the town treasury to pay its expenses. 

Mr. Smith once had a call from Marblehead, which 
he refused, saying, — "I would not leave my little 
flock in Middleton for all Marblehead." He was one 
of the trustees of Philips Academy, and so remained 
till his death, which took place October 17, 1791, 
aged sixty-one years. His was a mini-try of nearly 
thirty-three years. His remains w^ere placed in the 
tomb near his house.' Two of his daughters were 
school-teachers, and one of them taught in the old 
Fuller house, which stood a little south of the house 
now occupied by Jeremiah Fuller, referred to before. 

Rev. Elias Smith owned the farm which belonged 
to the late Abijah Fuller, but his house was moved 
about sixty years ago to the turnpike road, and now 
owned by George A. Currier. This, however, is but 
half of the house; the other half was the same size, 
and stood at right angles with the other, one facing 
south, the other west. Timothy Fuller owned a mill 
just below Smith's farm (the old dam is yet visible), 
which flowed the meadow in front of his house. Few 
men dared to tackle Fuller in the law, as he was 
almost always successful, and he was very often in 
the law, in which he had plenty of money to spend to 
gratify his overbearing spirit. But Mr. Smith beat 
him this time, to the great satisfaction of the people. 
Smith employed as counsel John Adams. Probably 
this trial took place before Adams was President of 
the United States. 

Perhaps it would be well here to state that it was 
the practice in those early times in New England to 
seat the meeting-house (so-called) once in a year ; or 



1 This tomb was built about a century ago by Captain Jose^jb Peabody, 
of Salem (tbe millionaire), and Mr. Smith in company. Peabody mar- 
ried two of Smitb'B daugliters, whose remains rest in the tomb with their 
father. 



MIDDLETON. 



035 



twice, at most. While the wall pews extended all 
around the house, and were sold to some of the first 
families in town (and occupied by their descendants 
till since the remembrance of the w-riter), the bodj- 
of the house contained seats, and a committee was 
chosen to seat the meeting-house. First, regard was 
had for old age, and they were probably seated up 
towards the pulpit. Next in order were those who 
paid the highest rates. The question as to who was 
the richest, and, by good rights, deserved the higher 
seat, when so little care was taken in assessing taxes, 
for which no compensation was made (till within six- 
ty years), was a most difheult question, and many 
were dissatisfied : and on some dark and stormy night 
the seats were all torn down, and so found on the fol- 
lowing Sabbath morning. Says an old lady (who first 
entered the church on Sunday morning and the first 
to discover the wanton act), " If judgment begin at 
the house of God what will the end be ? " The town 
met and voted to build them up ; again they came 
down : now they voted to build them up, and if they 
come down again, each man should build up his own 
seat. After this ihey stood till 1802. 

After the death of Mr. Smith, the town hired, from 
month to month, preachers till October 23, 1793, 
when they settled Rev. Solomon Adams, a graduate 
of Harvard College, who remained twenty years. He 
died September 4, 1813, aged fifty-two years. His 
remains rest in the tomb with his predecessor, and 
the last of our ministers, whose remains are found 
among the people of their charge. 

The health of Mr. Adams failed some few years be- 
fore he gave up preaching, and with great difficulty 
he ascended the high pulpit, by reason of a palsy 
shock, and an extra rail was spiked on to the great 
protruding timbers near the pulpit to raise himself up 
step by step. He would often forget the order of ex- 
ercises, and put the singing in where it did not be- 
long. During this time Deacon Benjamin Peabody 
(brother of old Captain Joseph, the millionaire of 
Salem) would read a sermon while Mr. Adams would 
offer the prayers and, with the help of Peabody, 
would conduct the other exercises. 

Adams owned the farm of his predecessor, which, 
with school-teaching and his little salary, gave him a 
comfortable support. 

" There is an intention of marriage, entered with me, hetvreen the 
Rev. Solomon .\*lamB, of Sliddleton, and Miss .\bigiil Fiske, of Walt- 
ham, July 14th, 1794. 

" Benjamin Peabody, Toicn Clerk/' 

Mrs. Adams and her young family the writer well 
remembers ; their pew in the church was the first at 
the foot of the pulpit stairs, which was at its right- 
hand side. Some ten years after Mr. Adams' death 
the widow sold the farm to Mr. Abijah Fuller (a de- 
scendant of the first Thomas who had located on this 
very site one hundred and sixty-one years before), 
who took down half of the old house and sold the 
other half to be moved to the turnpike, as before 



mentioned, and built the house now standing, owned 
by Charles O. Frost. Mrs. Adams, in conveving the 
house and farm to Fuller, sold also the old eight-day 
clock, supposed to have been bought by Adams soon 
after his marriage. This clock remained in the f;im- 
ily till after Mr. Fuller's death, when Mr. Edward 
Page, of Boston (who married a daughter of Rev. 
Solomon Adams, of Boston, and granddaughter of 
the old minister), and moved the clock to Boston, 
where it now gives the correct time, as it did nearly a 
a century ago. 

Then again the town was without a minister about 
three years, when Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard was set- 
tled November 27, 1816, and dismissed April 80, 1828, 
— he remained twelve years. His salary was five 
hundred dollars. He owned a farm near the church, 
now the Richardson place. Mr. Hubbard was a very 
pleasant speaker, and gave great .satislaction, espe- 
cially to those who liked liberal views of Christian 
doctrines. Long sermons were listened to by a full 
house, discontented ones who had signed to other 
jilaces of worship out of town (for, by the law then, all 
all must pay a minister tax somewhere), came back, 
and there was a great show of prosperity outwardly, 
but soon the storm came, by the unwise speeches and 
words dropped by Mr. Hubbard, a meeting was 
called, and, as Mr. Hubbard was settled for life (and 
the last of our ministers so settled), they voted him 
five hundred dollars to relinquish the bargain between 
them. 

We well remember his farewell discourse, in which 
he said " you would have plucked out your own eyes 
and have given them to me, but now you are oflended 
because I have told you the truth." 

Mr. Hubbard was born in Marblehead, and a grad- 
uate of Harvard College of the class of 180.5. He 
resided for some time in Ipswich, had a call from 
Boxford in 1808, which he relused on account of in- 
sufficient salary being offered, and subsequently set- 
tled in West Newbury in 1811. After leaving Mid- 
dleton he was settled in Lunenburgh, Mass., and re- 
mained but a few years. He made the last call on us 
in Middieton in the spring of 1885. He had an in- 
teresting wife and family. While here he lost a son 
about fourteen years of age, whose remains were laid 
in the old tomb, with the consent of old Captain 
Peabody ; and when the latter's widow died, a few 
years ago, at an advanced age, and. by her son 
George, her remains were brought to this tomb as the 
last to be laid therein (before the last great slab was 
to cover it forever), the body of Mr. Hubbard's 
child was discovered, and great inquiry was made as 
to who it was, this inquiry was soon settled by the 
writer, as this young man was an intimate friend of 
his. 

Then for the fourth time the three years again 
elapsed before the call was given to Rev. Forrest 
Jeflerds, in 1831. Meanwhile, students from An- 
dover, and a Rev. Mr. Farley and others, had sup- 



936 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



plied the pulpit, and but little interest was taken in 
religious matters, except by a few who had, with the 
Andover students, re-established the Sabbath-school, 
we say re-established, because Solomon Adams, son of 
the old minister, had started the school as early as 
1819, but it was soon run down when he and David 
Russell, its main supports, left town. 

This call, however, was subsequently voted down 
by one majority (after one or two meetings of tie 
votes) of those who desired unevangelical preaching. 
When the last vote was made known. Deacon Joseph 
Peabody said, "Those of you who approve of such 
preaching as we have had for the last four Sab- 
baths, pl'ease to withdraw to the southeast corner 
of the house," and leading the way, they then and 
there resolved to leave the house of worship occupied 
by them and their fathers a hundred years. Till 
within a few years the house had no warming appar- 
atus; now the stove. Sabbath-school library, church 
furniture and the old tankards and cups, together with 
the church funds and even the church records must 
be given up. The records were subsequently return- 
ed, though not for twenty years, and after the death 
of one of the two male members who did not go with 
the church. There were only four of the church 
members left behind. Such fidelity in bearing testi- 
mony to the truth, as shown by these now outcasts, 
was a wonder after such unevangelical doctrines had 
been preached by the two last settled pastors. Such 
occurrences, however, took place in a large number of 
towns in New England about the same time. 

Those few left behind soon died ; none were even 
added to their number ; the parish held now and 
then a meeting on the Sabbath ; never organized a 
Sabbath-school, or held a meeting, and subsequently 
passed a vote calling themselves the First Universal- 
ist Society, by which name they now are known. The 
old house stood some fifteen years longer and became 
very dilapidated, and was sold to the writer for sixty 
dollars and taken down and sold for tire-wood. A few 
of its boards and timbers are still preserved as relics. 

This was the saddest day the Church had ever 
seen. They hired the Centre school-house for a place 
of worship. Mr. Jefferds cast in his lot with 
them, and was settled May 2d, 1832. The same 
year the new meeting-house was built ; the builder 
was Jacob Dodge Wenhani, (which is now occupied 
as a dwelling-house by Mr. Samuel Peabody, son of 
Joseph, before mentioned), costing two thousand 
dollars, of which only about seven hundred dollars 
could be raised on account of the poverty of the 
people. The balance was given by outside parties, 
through the intercession of Mr. Washington Berry, 
(God bless their memories), whose sympathies were 
enlisted in our behalf, and for many years the Home 
Missionary Society aided us in the sura of two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars per year. In twenty-eight years 
the society had not only become self-supporting, but 
had out-grown their house of worship, purchased 



the land on which the ancient church had stood, and 
erected the present beautiful place of worship, and 
thus, alter an exile of twenty-eight years returned to 
the spot once dedicated by their ancestors to the 
wor-ihip of God. 

Mr. Jefferds was dismissed May 15th, 1844, and 
died a few years since, in South Boston, about 75 
years of age. Mr. Jefferds was a most faithful pastor, 
proclaiming the doctrine of evangelical truth with- 
out fear of man and church discipline was kept up 
by him, without which, little good can be expected 
of its influence. Mr. Jefferds spent the best of his 
days here and laid well the foundations under which 
we have prospered. His memory should ever be held 
by this people in grateful remembrance. 

Mr. Jefferds was settled in Epping, N. H., before 
coming to Middleton. He married President William 
Stearns' sister, by whom he had a very large family 
of children. 

Rev. Thurston Searle settled May 8, 1845 ; dis- 
missed December 23, 1846. Mr. Searle married a 
daughter of Colonel Jesse Putnam, of Danvers, 
Mass., and died in that town a few years since. 

Rev. J. Augustin Hood, ordained January 2, 1850 ; 
dismissed May 17, 1854. Mr. Hood was son of Rev. 
Jacob Hood, who died a few weeks since in Lynn- 
field, Mass., aged ninety-four years. 

Rev. A. H. Johnson, ordained January 1, 1857 ; dis- 
missed April 5, 1865. Mr. Johnson is now a prac- 
ticing physician in Salem, Mass. 

Rev. James M. Hubbard, installed April 8, 1865 ; 
resigned December 28, 1868. The same council that 
dismissed Mr. Johnson settled Mr. Hubbard. 

Rev. Lucien H. Frary, ordained October 7,1869; 
dismissed March 16, 1875. Mr. Frary went from 
here to Weymouth, and is now settled over a large 
and flourishing society. Mr. Frary is a very interest- 
ing preacher, and commanded a larger salary than 
this people could pay. The church and society pros- 
pered under his ministry. 

A sad event took place just before Mr. Frary left, 
which was the partial burning of the church by an 
incendiary. A fire was kindled, as is supposed, in a 
cabinet organ standing at the right of the pulpit, 
which spread to the adjoining pews, twelve of which 
were consumed ; and if it had not been for the woolen 
carpet, the fire would have spread all over the house. 
When discovered the blaze reached the plastering 
overhead, and so great was the heat that all the paint, 
even to the entry, was blistered, and the desk, table, 
chairs and the organ in the gallery, that cost some 
five hundred dollars, was destroyed. The damage 
was about two thousand dollars. 

This fire was discovered Saturday morning after 
Thanksgiving, 1873, about half-past six o'clock, by 
Benjamin Parker, who was at that time on his way to 
work at- J. B. Thomas' box-mill. It is thought that 
in less than ten minutes more the heat was so 
great that the flames would have flashed all over the 



MIDDLETON. 



937 



house. The house was closed tight ; otherwise it 
would cert;iinly have been burned. 

After Mr. Frary left several candidates preached, 
among them Kingsly F. Norris, of New York, who 
received a call which he declined, it being his inten- 
tion to go West. 

Rev. A. H. Tyler was settled October 24, 1877 ; dis- 
mi-sed April 29, 1S80. 

For the last three years the puljiit has been sup- 
plied by Rev. S. K. B. Perkins, who is a scholarly 
preacher and faithful, devoted pastor. Mr. Perkins ' 
was born in Braintree, Mass., where his father, Rev. 
Jonas Perkins, was pastor for more than forty-five 
years over the same church where Mr. Frary is now 
settled. 

The present house of worship was erected in 18-59 
by Abel Preston, of Peabody, Mass. ; cost about five 
thousand dollars. Building committee, Wm. A. 
Phelps, David Stiles and Francis P. Merriam. 



1720. .lohn Berry. 

Samuel Synionds, 
1738. Edward Putnam, Jr. 
1749. Sanuiel Nichols. 
1756. Fl-ancis Peabody, .Tr. 
1778. .lohn Flint. 
1780. Samuel Symonde. 
ll'M. Benjamin Peabody. 

John Nichols. 



LIST OF DEACONS. 

1820. Joseph f^ymonds. 



1S21. Joseph Peabody. 
1823. David S. VVilkins. 
18.')!. David .Stiles, Sr. 
1840. Allen Berry. 
1850. William A. Phelps. 
ISCS. James N. ISIerriani. 
1K74. Edward VV. Wilkius. 



About eight years since a Methodist Society started 
here, built a neat chapel, and are now in a flourishing 
condition. A new house of worship has alsci beeu 
erected by the Universalist Society. 

We will now resume the civil history. The first 
tow'u clerk was Mr. Edward Putnam, son of first 
deacon of Salem village, and lived near the Craw- 
ford house, the site of which was his father's house. 
This son Edward's house came within the new town, 
which stood just a little down the hill, south of Mr. 
J. J. H. Gregory's present farm-house. 

The first selectmen w-ere, Thomas Fuller, Thomas 
Robinson, John Nichols, Samuel Symonds and 
Edward Putnam. 

The second pew from the front door on the west 
side, was sold to Joseph Fuller, for ten pounds more 
than what he hath recently done, (this Joseph was 
the grandson of Thomas), and his descendants 
occupied this pew, so long as it was used as a place 
of worship. 

Soon after incorporation the town was fined for 
not maintaining a public-school. 

"SPECIHE.V OP TOWN ORDKRS. 

**3Ir. Robert Bradford (Bradford lived on the Maj. Eiias Wilkius 
place, east side). Sir, pies to pay unto .Tuseph Symonds two pounds eight 
shilliugs, it being for Sliss Betsey Bisby, keeping School three weeks, 
and charge the same to the town. 

"MiDDi.F.TON, January ye third day, 1772. 

"Andrew Fuller, Joseph Symonds, Archlaus Fuller, Selectmen. An. 
drew Fuller was called Capt., and built the house near the church in 
1775 and also the same year built the Porter Gould house, for his 8on> 

i The home of the Perkins family was Ipswich, Mass. 

5<>i 



David. Archlaus Fuller, grandfither of -leremiah Fuller now occu- 
pies the old house of his ancestors,"' 

1732. — There was a long and bitter contest in 
regard to the common lauds with Salem village peo- 
ple, and General Court was appealed to. These 
lands lay along Nichols Brook, called Stickey 
meadows, (a proper name certainly). Afterwards this 
territory was called the disputed lands between 
Topsfield and Middleton, and so laid down in maps. 
Notwithstanding our charter laid the bounds by the 
northerly branch of said brook, yet as it could not 
be found, and that the other branches had been cut 
out as a nearer course to the river, to drain the 
me idows, jnany years before, had caused the 
northerly branch to grow over in bushes and nearly 
obliterated ; but finally traced out, and the heap 
of stones found on the meadow completely covered 
with soil, that was placed there by those who run 
the line probably two years before the act of incor- 
poration w'as passed. 

In the early settlement of this place, the high- 
ways were not fenced, and gates or bars to be opened 
or taken away and again replaced on going through 
every man's farm. They however were to be in good 
condition. The roads were not only crooked, but 
in many places dangerous to travel, and so narrow 
in raised places that it was often with great difii- 
culty that teams passed each other. 

Soon after incorporation, alewives were taken 
from Cochitwick Brook, Andover, and placed in 
Middleton pond ; then again in 1764, and at several 
times subsequently till within a few years, all to little 
purpose ; and black-bass at last, of which few of the 
people who paid for the operation have ever seen 
one. 

A clerk of market for many years was annually 
chosen, and a vote passed each year, whether the 
hogs should go at large, if well yoked and ringed ; 
this vote came up at March meeting till 1814. 

Also " the chooseing of a man to take care of ye 
Deer, and see that they were not killed in an impro- 
per time." Mark Howe filled this ofiice several 
years. He was the father of Esquire Asa, who was 
grandtiither of Mr. Asa Howe, now living on the 
same farm, and in the same house. 

1736. — Another specimen showing the condition 
of the old church. 

"To seee if the town will grant ye petition of Hannah Nichols, wife 
of Joseph Nichols, and .\bigail Burton, wife of John Burton, Jr., to 
build a ba<-k pew over the womans stairs from ye womans back sect in 
the front gallery to ye east corner of ye nieeting-liouse and from tlienco 
to ye womans sets in the east gallery" (same meeting), " 3d to see if ye 
town will gi-ant the petition of Joseph Wilkins and Ebenezer Nichols 
for their two daughters, viz.: Mary Wilkius, and Keziah Nichols, and 
others with them to build a hack seat in ye east gallery of our meeting- 
house." 

1739. — Two men w^re sent to Boston to present 
a petition to General Court, to get a grant passed 
to abate a fine imposed for not sending a repre- 
sentative. 



938 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Till within alaiost eighty years the expense of a 
representative to General Court was borne by the 
towns, and for eleven years after incorporation voted 
not to send every year, and only five times in the 
first sixty years. Timothy Fuller three times, and 
Archalaus Fuller twice. Subsequently Dr. David 
Fuller offered his services gratuitous at an informal 
town meeting, the Court refused him a seat, and 
afterwards the town called a meeting and disowned 
him as its representative. Dr. Fuller lived on the 
B. P. Richardson farm. 

1740. — "To see if ye town will vote Land-Bank 
money, to pay town rates," and was unanimously 
passed, "that Land-Bank money or _ manufactory 
bills should pay the town rates for time to come," 
was also passed. 

In the scarcity of money in those days, this scheme 
to make paper money was devised by leading 
wealthy men in nearly all parts of the State, one 
of whom lived in Worcester. Cornet Francis Pea- 
body of this town, a wealthy man, and of much 
influence in the county, entered deeply into it, 
and pledged his property to defend it, and the 
scheme went so far that Parliament had to take 
notice of it and pronounced the scheme unlawful, 
and in the name of the Crown they were all pro- 
secuted, were heavily fined, and made to redeem 
every particle of it. 

" Cornet " stood for " Captain of the troop of 
Horse ;" for the county, and the original commis- 
sion issued by the officers of the Crown of England 
are .still in existence. 

1744. — " futed Kev, Andrew Peters fifty-three 
pounds, six shillings and eight pence lawful money 
for his salary this present year." 

1745. — " Isaac Wilkins and Timothy Fuller chosen 
to keep the way clear for fish to pass to the great 
pond." 

1749. — Ezra Putnam was given liberty to cut a 
window in the back part of his pew on his own charge 
and cost. 

1750. — " Voted to pay Asa Foster, of Andover, 
twenty pounds lawful money if he would keep the 
long cassway in good repair, that it may be good 
passing at all times in the year for twenty years to 
come." This was Foster's ofl'er, because, in his route 
to Salem, he had either to turn ofl' and go by Emer- 
sen's Mill, or turn to the left and pass over at the 
outlet of Pout Pond, and go out by the Eoger 
Eliott's place, thence over to John King's place and 
thence to Indian Bridge. Four years before the town 
had voted to discontinue this crossing, and an appeal 
had been made to the county for help, and even a 
lottery scheme was asked for from the State, to raise 
funds to fill up this sunken vale, and not till 1808 
was it safe at " all times of the year" for public trav- 
el. In building the railroad across these meadows 
one morning it was found that during the night the 
road, which \vas nearly fitted for the rails, had gone 



down out of sight. As early as 1688 the people of 
Andover had petitioned court to fill up this swamp 
as the diverging roads, before named, were hilly and 
rocky at that time, and for many years subsequently 
the crossway hill was avoided by a road east of it 
now seen. 

1752. — " Isaac Kenney and Andrew Fuller were 
chosen to go to ye General Court held at Concord 
with a petition to get ye town in a regular way or 
method by reason of the warrants granted by the se- 
lectmen have been deficient in time past." 

1755. — " Voted to raise forty pounds lawful money 
in raising the long cassway with timber and gravel.'' 

1756. — " Toted to supply the pulpits of those min- 
isters who were bearers at Mr. Peters' funeral." 

1757. — " Rev. Mr. Ames preached part of the year 
also Mr. Dana one month, and tried to settle him on 
a salary of sixty pounds a year." 

1758. — December 7th " Voted to pay charges of or- 
dination, also charges for ministers, messengers and 
gentlemen to dine " (Mr. Smith's ordination). 

1759. — " To see if the town will vote to have Mr. 
Nathaniel Peabody's rates abated, that is to say, what 
he was rated for his negro servant." 

*' To tJw toum of Middleton. 

" Brethren — By your committee I am infonned of your desire tliat I 
miglit begin my salary tlie first of January, wbicli I now tell you is 
very agreeable to me, and tben tbere c»n be no difficulty in after time 
relating thereunto, aud if you comply I expect you to give me an order 
upon the treasurer for eighty two pound?, old tenor, which is what will 
be due to that time. So, brethren, T wish you pe.ice and happiness and 
tliat you will not forget to pray for your unworthy pastor, 

" Elias Smith. 

" Middleton, March 20, 1759." 

1762. — " Voted to repair the school-house that 
stands by the meeting-house, provided proper papers 
be given of the house to the town." Said house was 
moved to Danvers in 1819 by John Fuller. 

The schools were often kept in private houses or 
buildings erected by individuals, for which they re- 
ceived a small income besides accommodating their 
own children near home, and do some work while 
being instructed, as at an early age they were required 
to be almost self-supporting. 

^764. — " At a vendue at John Estys' tavern the 
town sold vacant places for pews in the west end of 
the meeting-house to Captain Andrew Fuller for ten 
pounds and ten shillings." 

1769. — Jonathan Knight, Benjamin Peabody, Jo- 
seph Symonds, Eunice Hobbs, Elizabeth Hobbs, Sa- 
rah Fuller, Phebe Peabody, Margaret Peabody, Sarah 
Russell, Elizabeth Peabody, Mercy Knight, Susannah 
Wilkins, Mary Wilkins, Rebecca Holt and Lucy 
Kenney were appointed to s.ay how the seats should 
be moved to build the pew as mentioned in the peti- 
tion of Jonathan Knight and others, and met March 
13, 1770, and agreed that the seats should be moved 
to the pew built in the same manner as they are done 
in the men's gallery. 

1771. — " Voted to give liberty tosundre persons be- 



MIDDLETON. 



939 



longing in towne to set in our school-house on Sun- 
days between meetings." 

1775. — " Captain Archealus Fuller was chosen to 
represent the town in the Provincial Congress to be 
holden at Cambridge Feb. ye first day, 1775." 

Same year, on account of the oppressive Post Bill 
to the peoi^leof Boston, the people met at Estys' Tav- 
ern and subsci'ibed for their relief. Then follows the 
names of one hundred and four who contributed from 
four pounds ten shillings to three shillings nine 
pence. The sum total exceeded five hundred and 
sixty pounds. This was headed by Rev. Elias Smith, 
and among them were the names of several promi- 
nent ladies. 

The killing of those volunteer farmers, the 19th of 
April, by the order of the British commander, pro- 
duced a thrilling effect all over the United States. 
The blood of the patriots was stirred as never before; 
all rushed to the rescue with guns or no guns, and 
with whatever weapon or by whatever means they 
were intent upon driving the invaders from the soil. 
As the news reached this town, old Tim Fuller with 
his characteristic energy and bold spirit started on 
his old white horse for the scene of action ; he over- 
took the army on the retreat, and with his gun blazed 
away at their rear; returning a short distance was 
furnished with a fresh loaded gun, then, again, put- 
ting spurs to his horse would overtake the fast re- 
treating army, and at each shot would produce a 
startling effect in their ranks. They called him 
death upon the while horse. But the long ride and 
the chafing he received in such active exhibitions, 
when cooled off caused such a soreness that he walked 
home, and a boy from Danvers, who was there by 
the name of Daniel Brown, was induced to take the 
horse home. 

Again, at the battle of Bunker Hill, the old man's 
blood was stirred up, aud mounting his old mare rode 
to the scene of action, pushed his way in among his 
countrymen to aid them in the fight. How many 
" red-coats " he killed or wounded will never be 
known. One creature, however, bit the dust, and this 
time it was his old mare. 

Mr. Fuller's widow died in 1824 ; she was many 
years younger than her husband. As the story goes 
Jlr. Fuller when at work on his land, near where the 
old road crosses the turnpike at Danvers Centre, 
went into an ordinary (Tavern) and called for a drink 
of cider. Mrs. Smith said " you rock the cradle while I 
draw the cider." When she returned Fuller asked for 
the gift of the child ; this request was granted, pro- 
vided he would wait till she was eighteen years 
old. True to his promise he appeared at the expira- 
tion of the time, and took her to Middleton and ex- 
hibited her before his forty negroes which he then 
owned, little and great, and in all conditions, and 
said "you are mistress of them all." " What can I do 
with such a black, dirty-looking company ? " The an- 
swer came quick as lightning. 



another." These slave-s were domiciled in the house 
now owned by Mr. George A. Currier, and was built 
in 1710. Fuller lived in the gambrel-roof house, now 
standing near the burying-ground. We have no 
reason to doubt the above statement. The dates 
upon their grave stones show the disparity of their 
ages. 

1776. — A company of Minute-Men were immed- 
iately formed, and the town voted unanimously "if 
the Continental Congress declares Independence upon 
the Kingdom of Great Britain, that we the inhabitants 
of Middleton solemnly engage with our lives and 
fortunes to support the measure so far as we are 
able." 

Colonel Benjamin Peabody was in command of his 
compauy at \\'est Point, and assisted in laying the 
second cable, the first having been broken. This 
second cable was made in the form of a clevis instead 
of welded links as before. 

Col. Peabody was a leading man in the county, and 
caused the widening and straightening of the road 
between the present village and Danvers Plains, in 
1811. He was a brother of Joseph, the merchant of 
Salem and the older of a large family; he was the 
son of Francis, and born August 9, 1741. 

Dr. Silas Merriam, of Middleton, married his sis- 
ter. 

Captain Andrew Fuller was an officer, and his son, 
John Fuller, also served in the war of the Revolution. 
We can give only a few names of those patriots, in 
the absence of the muster rolls which' cannot be 
found, and these mostly come from those, now living, 
who have heard of their serving from their own lips. 
Samuel Gould, Robert Picket, Abner Wilkins, Jona- 
than Lemons, David Fuller (sons of Andrew) were 
taken prisoners, carried to England, and remained 
some time in prison ; Capt. Andrew died in the year 
1802. 

One man when he heard of the battle of Lexing- 
ton, was on his way to Salem with a load of wood ; 
he immediately threw ofl'his wood and, with his team 
started for home in great haste, stopped on his way 
at Joshua Wright's blacksmith shop, (in our pre- 
sent village, which stood just north of Grothe's 
blacksmith shop), and ordered a spear and hook 
combined, made to use against the invaders. This 
circumstance indicated the scarcity of fire-arms. This 
man lived on a farm now owned by H. A. Stiles. 
When he arrived home his wife told him that he 
had more courage than conduct, and bid him wait 
till he was called for. Wh.-it became of the savage 
weapon he had ordered we never knew. Certainly 
if it had ever been seen in his home, tradition would 
have made it known to us, as it was, the fact that 
two of his family went to the war and had died, 
and when the procession with his remains were 
near the burying-ground just below the captain 
Ephraim Fuller house they met the other soldier 
on his way home upou a litter borne on the should- 



940 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ers of men. He lived for some years, but had so 
long slept on the ground and floors, that for a long 
time he would not sleep on a feuther-bed.' This 
story was related to the writer more than sixty- 
five years since by an aged aunt. An old French 
gun of the best make was a few years since in the 
family, and had been for many years, the history 
of which if known, we think would be very inter- 
esting. 

1777.— In June 

"The town made prices for grain of all kinds, produce aDd merchan- 
dise of every kind, for days' work, prices for shoeing horses, tapping 
boots and shoes, for dinners, supper and breakfast. For liquor not over 
one-fourth part water. 

" JJy ordei- of the Selectmen. 
" Asa Stiles, Town Clerk. 

"Stiles lived on the Upton farm." 

In war time, Washington took a large number 
of prisoners, and eight of them were boarded in 
this town as their portion. By some reason or other 
one of them by the name of Joshua Daniels, a 
Frenchman, was never exchanged, became a resident, 
lived in a hut a little east of the house of John 
Smith ; in the pasture the cellar hole is now seen. 
Daniels was a weaver, and wove twilled cloth. 
The art was then unknown by the girls here, and 
as a good recommendation for house-keepers they 
must be good weavers, and young girls eagerly 
sought to acquire all they could in this line of 
business. 

1779. — " Voted to raise Sogers if any are called for, 
and provisions if any are called for." 

1780. — Now they vote " to see if the town will 
procure the Beef called for by the great and Genera. 
Court, or pay the money in Lieu of said Beef 
Fourth to see if the town will make good to the 
committee that was chosen to procure the Beef that 
was called for by the Court, the money that was 
condemned to be counterfit." 

Among the state papers of New Hampshire on 
the muster rolls of those who served, in 1776, are 
found thirty-eight pages of highly interesting diaries 
and memoranda of Lieutenant Jonathan Burton, of 
Wilton. 

Lewis Burton was born in Middleton, September 
18th, 1741, a third of a mile south of William Pea- 
body's, near Topsfield line. He married Hulda 
Nichols, (a near neighbor as is supposed), February 
29tb, 1764, by whom he had nine children. He 
was appointed Captain in 1786, by president John 
Sullivan, and Brigade-Major August 5th, 1798. Mr. 
Burton filled all the important offices in Wilton, and 
often represented the town in General Court. He 
died April 30th, 1811. 

In 1764, Mrs. Burton united with the church in 
Middleton, just before she and her husband left for 

1 These soldiers might have served in the French and Indian Wars, 
iubtead of the Revolution, which took place some twenty years before. 



New Hampshire, (under the ministry of Mr. Smith). 
The late Kev. Warren Burton, once chaplain of the 
Senate in Massachusetts, and a grandson of this 
Jonathan Burton, informed us of this fact himself, 
more than forty years since. The father of Jonathan 
Burton was the adopted son of William Nichols, 
and the land on which this Jonathan was born, was 
given by said Nicholas to his father, which was a 
part of the large claim from Henry Bartholomew. 

1779. — The town voted to choose a committee to 
take under consideration the frame of government 
agreed upon by the delegates of the people of the 
State of Massachusetts Bay, in convention began and 
held at Cambridge the first day of September, 1779, 
and continued by adjournment lo the second of March, 
1780. This committee were Rev. Elias Smith, Lieut. 
Isaac Kinney, Lieut. Amos Curtis, Mr. Israel Kinney, 
and Lieut. Jonathan Lemon. 

The above committee subsequently laid before the 
town the doings of this convention or in other words 
our State Constitution, and each article voted on with 
the following results : First article, 35 for, 12 against ; 
second article, 42 for, 5 against ; third article, 36 for, 
9 against ; fourth article, 32 for, 6 against ; fifth arti- 
cle, 35 for, 5 against. Then all the articles from the 
fifth to the thirtieth stood 31 for, 7 against. Then all 
the articles together 33 for, 7 against. 

This meeting was held May 30, 1780. Benjamin 
Peabody was moderator; selectmen, — Asa Stiles, 
Samuel Wilkins, Andrew Eliott, Asa Howe. 

1780. "To see if the town will pay the school-mas- 
ter to learn the youth the rules of Psalmody." 

1781. " Voted to raise nineteen thousand pounds in 
old Continental currency to procure beef now called 
for by the Great and General Court." We find that 
Stephen Richardson paid a marriage fee of one hun- 
dred and seventy-five dollars in this currency about 
this time. 

A week's board then cost $105, but in gold $2- 
People were greatly in debt ; there was but little coin 
in circulation ; those taking this emission money in 
payment for sales were ruined. Asa Stiles sold 
his farm (the Upton place) and took his pay in this 
money, and lost it all. Said Stiles was the father of 
the late David Stiles, Esq., of New Hampshire. 

At the close of the Revolutionary War, the 
muskets that were brought home, that were furnished 
by the town, were sold at auction to the towns peo- 
ple. 

1783. Whoever took in people without knowing 
their financial standing were required to have their 
names recorded on the town-books, that the town offi- 
cers might, at their discretion, warn them out, so as 
to prevent their gaining a residence. 

" Middleton, May 13th, 1783. 
" Mr. Benjamin Berry and his wife, Sarah, with 
tlie following children, came from Andover to live in 
the house of the Rev Andrew Peters, late of Middle- 



MIDDLETON. 



941 



ton, — Mehitiible, Timothy, Phebe, Peabody, Lucy, 
Betsey and Nancy Robinson Berry. 

" Benjamin Peabody. 
" One of the Selectmen. 
" Middleton Blay 9th." 

" Nov. 13. 
1787. " To the selectmen, Gentlemen this is to inform 
you that on the second day of November, Instant, I 
hired Frank Francis into my house as a labor, and he 
came last from Danvers, his circumstances I am un- 
acquainted with. 
" Rebecca Hobbs. " Benjamin Peabody. 
" One of the Selectmen. 

1787. The town "voted to joine in a petition with 
George Cabot and others that a Bridge be Bult over 
the River near Beverly Ferry, if done without cost to 
this town." This, we think, must be beween Salem 
and Beverly, near railroad bridge. 

1791, " yoted to allow on the highways a team of 
three good creatures, Four Shillings per day, and a 
greater or le.'s team in proportion, and a man two 
shillings per day." Same meeting, " Voted to keep 
the school at the schoolhouse by the meetinghouse 
this season, and voted to repair said house." 

This school-house stood a little east of the church, 
on the site of Mrs. Gillingham's house, and from 
the first had been the princijial school in town. 
Schools had been kept in other parts of the town in 
private houses. 

1792. Not till this year was the town divided into 
districts. Even after that date private individualsfor 
some time iurnished places for the schools. At the 
Dean Fuller place, on the North Road, was a school- 
house afterwards used by said Fuller for a carriage- 
house, and now said building is used for a dwelling- 
house by Mr. Coleman, near the depot. 

The few opportunities atforded the children of a 
century ago to obtain an education, were well im- 
proved by some of them. Self-education was more 
practiced then by those who really desired an educa- 
tion than now. 

1793. " Voted to supply the pulpit, Mr. Smith being 
unable by sickness. Subsequently " voted to be at the 
cost of burying Mr. Smith and find mourning for Mrs. 
Smith." 

1798. " Voted to sell the common lands. A great 
]iart ot these lands was in the southwest corner of 
the town, near the old Hutchinson house, and part 
on Nichols Brook (Stickey Meadows). 

1786. Up to this date the red deer were still in our 
forests, and were protected by law so as not to be 
killed in an improper time, a deer rief being chosen 
annually with all other town officers. 

"Middleton, Sept. 10th 178G. 

"Mr. Timothy Farnuni of Andover made applica- 
tion to be cryed to Miss Susannah Berry, of Middle- 
ton, and was cryed." ' 

' This couple were the graiulimreiits of the writer. 



The method of crying was to pass round the meet- 
ing-house, outside on Sunday, three times, stop and 
ring the hand-bell and declare the intention of mar- 
riage, and make a record of that fact. 

1796. The town voted unanimously that it is the 
opinion of the inhabitants of this town that the 
treaty negotiated between Great Britain and the 
United States is for the honor and interest of our 
country. 

1798. " Voted to allow Capt. Solomon Wilkins for 
powder at sixty cents per pound for General Muster." 

1802. — About thirty persons petitioned for a town- 
meeting to choose an agent or agents to confer with 
the petitioners for the turnpike road leading from 
Newburyport to Boston, and use their endeavors to 
have said road lead through this town by or near the 
meeting-house. Same meeting voted to paint the 
pulpit and canopy or sounding-board. Voted that 
the negroes shall have the north end of the second 
seat in each end gallery. (These seats were occupied 
by colored people till since the writer's remem- 
brance). 

1803. — New road by Asa Howe's. The road for- 
merly went a third of a mile west of this place. 

■' Voted to pay for the powder used by Captain 
Roger Flint's company at the regimental muster (date 
ISOf))." 

The long crosswaj^was made safe at all times of 
the year 1808, when about seventy men from Anilover 
and Middleton gave from one to three days' work 
each to build it up. Those who did not choose to 
work themselves were to give seventy-five cents, 
which would then secure a good day's work.- 

1800. — Theodore Iiigalls moderator. " 2d, Voted to 
take notice of the 22d of February agreeable to the 
recommendation of Congress and our General Court 
which was the birthday of General George Washing- 
ton." " 3d, Voted that it be the desire of the towne 
that our reverend pasture, Solomon Adams, deliver 
an ortition on the 22d Feb. Instant, Beginning the 
exercises at eleven o'clock on said day." "4th, Voted 
that it be the desire of the town that the melitia of 
said town meet at half past ten o'clock at the ' pas- 
ture's house with their badges of mourning & escort 
him to the meeting-house & back a gain after the so- 
Imnity of the day.' " " olh, Voted that the melitia 
take the body seats in the said meeting-house." "6th, 
Voted that the solemnity of the day should be opened 
by prayer & musick, then an oration and close with 
prayer and musick suitable for the oration." " 7th, 
Voted to choose a committee to require the Rev. Sol- 
omon Adauis to deliver an oration and also desire the 
melitia to attend a grcable to the vote of the town." 
" Fo/c':? Samuel Small, Lieu. .John Fliut and C'hai>lain 
Joseph Symonds a committee to arange musick on 
said day." 

1802. — The meeting-house was thoroughly repaired, 



2 Never Iieard of any one of llieni (Striking for higher wa^es. 



942 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



porches added, new windows, pews took the place of 
seats in the body of the house and hewed stones for 
underpinning instead of rough stone, which were re- 
moved and the ground lowered about the sides of the 
house, leaving the floor upon the timbers that lay 
upon the ground. Stumps of a heavy forest were cut 
away to lay down these timbers, and still sound above 
ground when the house was taken down more than a 
century afterward. 

A committee was chosen to repair the house, and 
tradition says that John Fuller undertook the job 
without specifications, and before he was able to sat- 
isfy the committee had expended more than the ap- 
propriation, and lost money. Subsequently his farm 
was sold to Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard. 

1806. — The Essex Turnpike was built through 
town ; toll-gates were placed, according to law, at 
each end of the town — one stood near the house of 
Daniel G. Berry, Andover, the other below Ipswich 
River, on the hill. This road, we think, never paid 
a dividend. After trying to keep it in good repair for 
a little over twenty years, the stockholders asked the 
town through which it jjassed to take it off their 
hands. This town voted to take the gift of it, but 
some voted against it. Daniel Fuller, Esq., was a 
director and had the management of the section in 
this vicinity. It was intended to take the principal 
part of the travel from Canada, Jind along its route 
to the great markets of Salem and Boston. At the 
former town were the heavy merchants and a large 
foreign trade, and this market had a wide reputation. 
The small crafts of that day could land their cargoes 
at their wharves with ease ; subsequently larger ves- 
sels were employed, and they were obliged to seek 
ports with deeper water. 

1811. — " Fated to build a powder-house." It was 
built of brick by John Fuller, and on his land, on a 
hill southeast of the present church. 

" Sold the right to take Alewives for the season to 
Samuel Wilkins for one dollar and seventy-five 
cents," also " the right to take shad in Ipswich Eiver 
for three dollars and fifty cents." 

1811. — " Voted that the commanding ofiicer shall 
provide for the company when called out of town on 
muster days at the expense of the town, not to ex- 
ceed two shillings each." At this date there were a 
few over one hundred voters. 

1812. — " Voted to give soldiers 35 cts. a piece on 
muster days when called out of town to ' git ' dinner, 
and one dollar and a half to drafted men if they train 
more than the other part of the company, and when 
in actual service fifteen dollars per month more than 
the continental pay." 

1812. — William Estey was chosen clerk of market. 

War of 1812-14.— In 1814 some British men-of- 
war lay off Salem harbor and old Parson Stone, of 
North Reading, preached one Sabbath. He drawled 
out his words (a habit of many preachers in the early 
days, aud talked a little through his nose) and is said 



to have used in his prayer these words, " We pray. 
Lord, that there may come a storm and sink them all 
in the deep." It is said that soon a storm did come, 
and they moved off, and many thought Stone's 
prayer was answered. This old divine was the father of 
Deacon Giles, of Deacon Giles' distillery of Salem. 

The presence of these men-of-war was the cause of 
an alarm (the firing of three cannon in succession at 
Montserrat), which thrilled this whole community. 
The alarm came about by a little misunderstanding 
and bickerings between Colonel Jesse Putnam of 
Danvers, and Captain Jedediah Farnham of Ando- 
ver. When the news reached this town the minute-men 
rushed to arms. Captain Samuel Wilkins (father of 
S. H. Wilkins) was in command, but was a long time, 
it is said, in putting his company in marching order; 
it was at last accomplished, and the command given 
" forward march." Just at that moment had come 
" fals alarm." 

At this time politics ran very high, and the town 
was about equally divided between Republicans and 
Federals ; the latter, in a close vote, secured an old 
Republican, a negro by the name of Charles Snow, 
and kept him secreted till election, in the cellar 
at the house of John Fuller, near the meeting-house. 
The Federal party was what is now called the Demo- 
crat party, and were opposed to the war. When the 
alarm took place before-mentioned, many of the en- 
rolled militia did not appear, and when the word 
came that it was a false alarm the soldiers were jub- 
lant, and felt like accomplishing something, and it 
being then in the evening, but probably moonlight, 
as Ezra Bradstreet, a soldier that did not respond, 
though living close by, and in the house now stand- 
ing, occupied by Mr. Benjamin McGlaughlin, was 
seen to run into the swamp in his night dress as a 
soldier came into his yard, which very much fright- 
ened him, not knowing but that he was about to be 
dragged before the British muskets and cannon. 
However, his mother, an old woman, came to the 
door and asked what the matter was, when a rather 
excited soldier, by name of James Wilkins, said : " I 
will let you know," and then fired off his gun near 
her feet, at which she screamed and ran into the 
house; how long her son (whom we well remember) 
remained in a nearly ntide state in the swamp was not 
told. 

Others of these soldiers started for some who did 
not respond that lived in the east part of the town ; 
but George Drakes (a colored man), had been sent by 
John Fidler (before named), to warn them of the 
jjroposed raid by the soldiers; they, however, caught 
Drakes, and while some held him, others went on 
and gave them an awful fright, broke in some win- 
dows by firing off guns close to the houses and so 
spent nearly the whole night in this kind of sport. 

These facts were told the writer by one of these 
raiders, whose word was never doubted. 

1813. — " To see if the town will defray the funeral 



JIIDDLETON. 



943 



expenses of JJev. Solomou Adams." "Voted to con- 
tinue the salary of Rev. Solomon .Vilanis untill the 
first of January, aduiittiug Mrs. Adams will supply 
the Desk." 

About this time an intention of marriage was 
posted on the meeting-house, and if one of the par- 
ties lived in another town, a duplicate had to be pa-t- 
ed in that town. These notices had to be pasted a 
specified number of days before the marriage was to 
take place. 

In the early history of New England it was the du- 
ty of the sexton to ring the bell at noon and at nine 
o'clock iu the evening, and keep and " turn the 
glass," meaning the hour glass, that stood on or near 
the pulpit, and it was understood that the sermon was 
to be one hour long. Whether the glass was used or 
not in this town we are Ufit informed, but certainly 
there were but few clocks and watches among the first 
settlers, and the glass and sun dials were their de- 
pendence, the former iu stormy weather, the latter as 
a regulator when the sun shone. This town was with- 
out a bell till 1835, when the writer drew np a sub- 
scription paper and obtained about two hundred dol- 
lars, with which a bell was purchased, of the Holl- 
brook make, weighing five hundred and twenty-seven 
pounds. After the present church was erected the 
present bell was purchased (and the former broken up 
and sold for old metal). Present bell was bought in 
Westboro, Mass., where it had done service on a 
Unitarian Church, w'hich had become weak, and to 
strengthen themselves, oH'ered their house of worship 
to the orthodox society (then without a place of wor- 
ship), provided they would repair the house. This 
offer was accepted, and the bell was taken down and 
put upon the cars, to be transported to Boston, to 
have the wooden yokes removed and replaced with 
one of cast-iron. The former society being in debt, a 
few of its leading men depended on the sale of the 
bell to discharge the same, but the orthodox claimed 
the bell with the church, and a dispute arose, which 
threatened a suit and disruption, whereupon a delega- 
tion of the Unitarians, with a good team, boarded the 
cars, and by force, removed the bell and secreted it 
in an old shoemaker's shop ; then, after the other 
society had purchased a new bell, and peace pre- 
served, the old bell was advertised for sale in the 
Plowman, and the writer being employed to go and 
see the bell, found it, as before-mentioned ; it was 
raised up a few inches, and sounded, and found to be 
perfect ; the price paid was the same as for old metal. 
The bell is one of Henry N. Hooper's, of Boston, best 
make, and they claim that it would injure the tone of 
the bell to have a cast-iron yoke placed upon it, and 
the old yoke of wood still remains upon it. 

The bell weigbs about twelve hundred and fifty 
pounds, and the people of Westboro claimed that the 
bell was the best of the six bells that had been hung 
in that town. Its present location is unfavorable on 
account of the falling away of the ground near the 



church, causing the sound to rise in the air, and 
therefore is not heard at so great a distance. 

1814. — "Let out the care of the meeting-house; to 
be swept twelve times a year; to be unlocked and 
locked on all occasions, both public and private; 
shovel snow from the doors when necessary. Set up 
and struck off to John Fuller, Jr., for seventy-five 
cents." The usual price i)aid was about if2.o0. 
Probably there w.as a little steam on at this tiuje. 

Trouble began about religious matters, and large 
numbers flowed into a new society, called the Chris- 
tian Society. Others joined themselves to neighbor- 
ing societies in Danvers aiul other places, as the law 
at that lime compelled all to pay minister rates some- 
where. Asa Howe, Esq., signed to Danvers under 
the ministry of Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin (Baptist) ; 
Dr. David Fuller to St. Peter's Church, Salem. But 
in ISIG, when Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard commenced 
preaching here, he was liked, and they all came 
back, and things went on very smoothly till near the 
close of his ministry. 

1817. — All the poor were put up at auction at the 
annual meeting in March, and struck off at the low- 
est bidder, none of which received over $1.50 per 
week. Some of the most feeble, who were nearly 
helpless, were bid in by their relatives for seventy- 
five cents per week, rather than have them go into 
the hands of unfeeling strangers. However, this was 
the custom in all towns where there was no poor- 
farm. A century ago there were a smalller number 
of poor people here than before or since ; also more 
independent farmers according to the population. 
The lands had not begun to be exhausted, and they 
had large flocks and herds, and everywhere these 
families were distinguished, not only by their social 
acquirements, but by their dress and daily deport- 
ment, from the poor and unfortunate. 

1832. — The first manufactory started here (except 
the little grist and saw-mills, of which there were a 
number) was the paper-mill on Ipswich River by 
Colonel Francis Peabody, of Salem, Mass. (and son 
of Captain Joseph Peabody, a man who was born 
here, and married first and second daughters of Rev. 
Ellas Smith), and has continued iu operation since 
by other proprietors. A few years later the shoe 
business was started by Ellas T. Ingalls (father of 
Senator John James Ingalls, of Kansas), who soon 
after removed to Haverhill, the home of his wife, and 
continued in the business with success. 

About 1835 Francis P. Merriam began the shoe 
business here, and has continued the same. At the 
present time, under the firm of Merriam & Tyler, 
employing at times more than a hundred hands. 
Other smaller manufacturers have done business 
here, and are now employed in other business. A 
knife- factory was started here a few years ago by 
S. A. Cumraings on the site of the old iron-works, 
which was started by Major-General Daniel Denni- 
son, of Ipswich, about 1GG5, who employed Thomas 



944 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Fuller as foreman, who afterward bought Dennison's 
claim, which was bounded south by Pierce's Brook, 
and near this brook, on the site of the house of 
Charles O. Frost, was his dwelling, and just over the 
stream is seen the foundation of his blacksmith-shop. 

The box-mill of J. B. Thomas was started a few 
years since, and has done a large business, employing 
quite a number of men and teams. 

With the business of the firm of Merriani & Tyler, 
which gives employment to a large number of hand.s, 
the village has grown up and many tasteful dwellings 
erected, and bears favorable comparison with many 
other places. Churches and schools are well main- 
tained, and prosperity seems to pervade the whole 
community ; and peace follows the wars, privations 
and contentions that have troubled past generations. 

If those who complain of low wages would look 
over the pages of history written by past generations, 
they would not only feel contented, but thank God 
that their lines had fallen to them in so pleasant 
places. As I cast my eyes upon the portraits of 
those long since passed away, who sacrificed so much 
to lay the foundations of religious and civil society, I 
cannot l)ut feel to maintain and perpetuate these 
blessings. 

Graduates of Colleges. — This town compared 
with others about the same size in the county, has 
produced as many distinguished men as any. Little 
or no labor has been employed to bring their names 
and deeds to notice, and we feel that we shall fail 
to do them justice. 

Rev. Daniel Wilkins, the first minister of Amherst, 
New Hampshire, was born here, (and the house is 
now standing in which he was born). His labors in 
that then frontier town are beyond calculation. Once 
or twice the people were about to abandon the set- 
tlement on account of the depredations of the In- 
dians, but Wilkins with true courage, again and 
again rallied the people in calling on the govern- 
ment to sustain them, and finally lived to see the 
town in a flourishing condition, (grandson of Henry 
Wilkins). 

Rev. Daniel Fuller born here was settled over the 
second church in Gloucester, Massachusetts, more 
than a century ago. His wife was a member of the 
church here in 1770. 

When Phillips' academy was established a century 
ago, fourteen young men from this place entered 
and their names stand upon this catalogue. All but 
one left town in early life to bless other places. 
Among this number was Andrew Peabody, born here, 
father of Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, LL. D., graduate 
of Harvard College, class of 1826, editor of the 
North American Review from 1853, to 1863 ; Plum- 
mer, professor of Christian morals. Also sons of Ben- 
jamin P. Richardson, — Hazen K. and Benjamin Rich- 
ardson. 

Margaret Fuller, the noted authoress, whose ten- 
antless grave is now seen in Mount Auburn, (she 



was lost at sea, having refused to be saved unless 
with her husband and child), sprang from this Fuller 
family we have so often mentioned. 

The father of Dr. Andrew Peabody was born 
here, and many of this distinguished family of Pea- 
body's are still among us. "Cornet" Francis Pea- 
body and Col. Benjamin Peabody, afterwards chosen 
deacon, (and died since my remembrance), a leading 
man in the county who took an active part in the Revo- 
lutionary War. Other names deserve honorable men- 
tion, for which space cannot be had. But I would not 
forget the matrons and maidens of that early day, who 
spun and wove to clothe the family, but the skilled 
weavers went further, and made cloth for the market. 
These were the pioneers in manufacturing industries 
of the country And the beautiful maidens who 
were not afraid of work. Hear what the poet says. 

"Then as he opened the door, he beheld the form of the miiiden 
Seated beside her wheel, and the carded wool like snow-drift 
Piled at her knee, her white hands feeding the ravenous spindle. 
While with her foot on the treadle she guided the wheel in its motion. 
She rose as he entered, and gave him her hand in asignal of welcome, 
Saying, I knew it Wiis yon, when I heard your foot-step in the passage 
For I was thinking of you as I sat here singing and spinning." 

Charles L. Flint, late Secretary of the State Board 
of Agriculture, and a large contributor to the Flint 
library was born here. 

Honorable John Haskell Butler of Somerville, was 
in the state legislature, is a lawyer, and was born in 
Middleton, August 31st, 1841; a graduate at Yale 
College in 1863 ; in 1880 and 1881 was a member of 
the House of Representatives, and in 1884, was 
elected by the Legislature to fill a vacancy in the 
Council, caused by the death of Honorable Charles 
R. McLean of Boston. He was elected in the dis- 
trict at the ensuing election. 

Benjamin Peters Hutchinson, now a Chicago 
grain dealer, estimated to be worth twelve million 
dollars, was born here in 1829. 

Dean Peabody^ lawyer, now Clerk of Courts in this 
county, was born here, his father having filled the 
office of deacon here for many years. 

Franklin O. Stiles, graduate of Amherst College, 
cla.ss of 1866, died the same year. 

Rev. Henry J. Richardson, graduate of Amherst 
College, now in his twenty-fifth year of pastorate 
at Lincoln, Massachusetts. Rev. Daniel W. Rich- 
ardson, brother of the above graduate at Union 
College, New York, late pastor of the Congregational 
Church in Derry, New Hampshire. 

Jesse Fuller, graduate of Amherst College, now 
residing in the west. 

Rev. Jesse Wilkins now residing in Connecticut. 

Rev. Solomon Adams, son of Rev. Solomon Adamg 
was born here ; died in Boston a few years since. 

Dr. Archelaus Fuller, a college graduate, son of 
Daniel Fuller, Esquire, died a few years since in the 
State of Maine, aged about eighty j'ears. 

Edwin Berry, son of Jonathan Berry, now a law- 
yer in New York city, was born here. 



31IDI)LET0N. 



945 



William Weston, son of Samuel W. Weston, gradu- 
ated at Amherst College about 18ti8, and is now in the 
employ of the United States government. 

Sumner B. Stiles, born January 13th, 1851, gradu- 
ated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, 
in 1872, at Harvard University in 1876, and at the 
Harvard Law school in 1881 ; admitted to the New 
York Bar, in May, 18S3 ; married September 10th, 
1884. 

James H. Flint born 1852, graduated at Philli])s 
Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, 1871, at Harvard 
University in 1876, at Boston University Law School 
in 1881, admitted to Suffolk Bar, Boston in 1882. 

Andrew Preston Averill, a graduate of Harvard 
College class of 1882. 

Scholars at Phillips Academy. — The follow- 
ing is a list of the first scholars at Phillips Academy, 
Andover : 

1778. Benjamin Fuller, aged twelve years. Died 
in Norway, Maine, son of Archelaus ; Elias Smith, 
aged twelve, son of the minister Smith. 

1779. Andrew Fuller, aged thirteen. 

1780. Samuel Synionds, aged twenty-four, son of 
the deacon ; David Putnam, aged ten. 

1785. Daniel Fuller, aged fourteen, son of Archelaus ; 
Silas Merriam, aged fifteen, son of Dr. Silas, died in 
Norway, Maine, at a great age. 

1786. John Lamon, aged twenty, moved to and mar- 
ried in Danvers, Mass. 

1790. Andrew Peabody, aged sixteen, father of Dr. 
Andrew P. Peabody, of Harvard College. 

1791. Benjamin Smith, aged fourteen, son of the 
minister. 

1792. Simon Kenney, aged twenty-five, moved to 
Milford, N. H. 

1795. Israel Fuller, aged seventeen, son of Tim- 
othy. 

1812. Solomon Adams, aged fifteen, son of the 
minister. 

1820. William Johnson Curtis Kenney, aged 
eleven, now superintendent of the freights on the 
Boston and Maine Railroad. 

This list might be continued up to the present 
time, but space is not allowed. 

Po.st-Office. — It is now only a little more than 
fifty years since a post-office was kept in this town. 
Now we receive and discharge two mails per day. 
AVhen Abraham wished to send a message to Lot he 
put a man upon a running horse and it was conveyed 
with a speed of twelve miles an hour, and since the 
writer's remembrance we could do no better than that ; 
and this mode of sending letters was the only way 
practiced by the early settlers of New England. At 
a later day stage routes carried the mail bags to the 
principal cities and towns, for which they received 
large pay, while the small out of the way towns had 
no post-offices, and this town was one of them. As 
a sample, while in Hallowell, Me., in 1834, we sent a 
letter to Middleton ; after a week or two it was found 
60 



in the South Danvers (now Peabody) post-office, 
and the one who took it out paid twenty-five cents 
po.stage ; another from the same place arrived at 
Danvers Plains, and some one informed the one to 
whom it was directed that a letter iu one of the 
grocery stores was waiting for him. The postage on 
that letter was eighteen cents. 

It seems that all the improvements for two thousand 
years have been crowded into the last half century. 

In the late rebellion, this town did more than its 
full share, more than one-tenth part of the whole po- 
pulation {one hundred and four) enlisted in the army 
for a longer or shorter time, and fifteen of their num- 
ber either fell in battle or died of disease contracted 
in the war. 

Justin Flint, died of disease; Henry A. Smith, died 
of disease; Joseph M. Richardson, died of disease; 
Lemuel F. Esty, died of disease; George W. Peabody, 
died of disease; Asa W. Brooks, killed in skirmish 
near Richmond ; George S. Esty, died of disease ; 
Charles Manning, killed in battle at White Hall, 
N. C. ; Joseph A. Guilford, killed in battle at Freder- 
icksburg, Va. ; Jeremiah Peabody, died of disease; 
Charles H. Guilford, killed in battle of Gettysburg ; 
Solomon Richardson 2d, killed in battle in front of 
Petersburg, Va. ; George J. Danforth, died at Ander- 
sonville Prison ; Abishai A. Higgins, died at Ander- 
sonville Prison; Samuel 0. Wilkins, died at An- 
dersonville Prison. And many others returned with 
disease, and were soon laid in a soldier's grave like 
their fallen comrades. Others still now linger among 
us, unable by reason of impaired health (due to ex- 
posure in the war) to enjoy the blessings their labors 
have helped to purchase. 

Public-Houses and Stores. — The old tavern 
stand was purchased from a man by the name of 
Goodale by John Estey, about 1760 ; how long this 
Goodale had been in possession is not known; but 
eighty years previously was in possession of Aaron 
Way, and bought by him of Bray Wilkins, Sr. 
Estey was jiroprietor till 1816, when his son-in-law, 
Daniel Fuller, with others, bought him out and sold 
about 1824, to Capt. Joseph Batchelder, of Topsfield 
(grandfather of our postmaster, Joseph A. Batchelder, 
Esq.), who subsequently let it, among whom was 
William Goodhue ; afterwards Mr. Batchelder's son 
Joseph was proprietor for a few years, and then his 
son Amos, and since his death it has ceased to be a 
public house. 

After Mr. Estey sold out, his son William erected 
across the way what is now the Fuller house, which 
was used as tavern and store for a few years only, 
and, subsequently, this place was purchased by 
Ejjhraim Fuller, who lived in it for many years and 
kept a store in a building, now standing south of the 
house where now a little store is kept. 

1795. — About this time, a tavern was kept in an 
old house taken down some years ago by Samuel F. 
Estey, a little south of his present dwelling. This 



:U6 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was then owned by John Stiles, who also kept a lit- 
tle store across the vyay under the hill, the foundation 
of which is now seen. 

Francis Peabody kept a few grocerie.s in the house, 
now occupied by Mr. Witham, in the east part of the 
town ; this was a century ago. 

Daniel Fuller, Esq., when a young man (nearly a 
century ago) kept a little store in his mother's house, 
or rather the lean-to, now occupied by his daughter, 
Sophronia Fuller. 

1780. — Dr. Silas Merriam, about the same time, 
kept groceries for sale, as well as corn-meal and rye, 
and run the grist-mill the year round to accommo- 
date the people, so say the town records as they gave 
liim liberty to put on flash boards for this purpose. 

1821. — Mr. Daniel Richardson built a grocery store, 
and continued in the business about twelve years. 
This building is now standing and is a part of the 
dwelling-house of the writer. 

1838.— Capt. Stephen Wilkins, Amos Batchelder 
and Francis P. Merriam & Co. kept groceries for sale 
ill the Ephraim Fuller store, but only a few years. 

1845. — Daniel Emerson and Hiram Moore carried 
on the store business in a building, since burned, that 
stood on the site of the present Merriam & Tyler's 
shoe-factory. 

1848.— Elisha Wilkins bought out the above store, 
and it took lire and consumed the following year. 

1850. — A large store and shoe-factory was run by 
F. P. and James N. Merriam for several years, and 
then sold to W. A. Merriam, who continued the gro- 
cery-store. The building was enlarged, and the 
previous firm of Merriam & Co. continued the shoe 
business exclusively, which was nearly the first shoe- 
factory in town, and subsequently W. A. Merriam 
moved to the new building which was erected by 
Joseph and John A. Batchelder for a grocery and shoe 
manufactory (and occupied by them for a short time), 
and continued the general store business for about 
twenty-five years, and then sold to M. E. Tyler, who 
soon after sold out to Capt. Thomas Hoyt and John 
Beckford. Beckford soon died, and the business was 
continued by Hoyt for some years, and for the last 
eight years the building has stood unoccupied. 

After selling out to Hoyt & Co., M. E. Tyler 
erected a new building at East Middleton, and con- 
tinued the grocery business there a few years, and 
subsequently turned the building into a dwelling- 
house, and put up another store building near the 
old grist-mill in the village (which building has re- 
cently been moved to near the piirsonage), and built 
a little store near his present stable, and continues 
both the store business and livery stable. 

1856. — Henry Wilkins and Euel Phelps carried on 
the shoe business and grocery store in the same 
building, now occupied by Wilkins & Sons. 

1812. — A store was kept by John Fuller, Jr., lo- 
cated on the site of the carriage house of the late 
Daniel Richardson. A dance hall in the upper story. 



and in 1812 a school was kept for a short time by the 
Rev. Jacob Hood in this hall. (Mr. Hood died a year 
since, aged ninety-four years.) This building was 
moved across the way about 1820, and was used for a 
dwelling-house. The last owner was Richard Green, 
and the house was burned about 1872. 

Some fifteen or twenty years since there were 
several small manufactories of shoes here. Edward 
and A. A. Averill, near the town hall ; Wm. H. 
Hutchinson, in the village; and Augustus Hutch- 
inson, near Howe Station. 

In the early days there were no butchers in town ; 
each farmer killed and -salted his own meat, and when 
fresh meat was wanted a neighbor killed and lent it 
around, to be paid for in the same way. The first 
butcher to set up here was Abraham Shelden, about 
18.30 ; and six years subsequently he carried on a 
larger business and extending into other towns. He 
had several good double teams and a large number of 
men employed. He owned the farm now owned by 
Jesse W. Peabody, and built the large barn now on 
the place. Subsequently J. Augustus Estey carried 
on the business in the same place. Since, the busi- 
ness has been carried on by Jesse F. Hayward and A. 
W. Peabody. 

Cemetery. — The land was bought and laid out by 
the town about 1858, at which time several lots were 
sold. 

Subsequently the remains from many of the old 
burying-lots in town were removed to the new ceme- 
tery, and stone monuments erected or the old stones 
reset. There are yet known to be not less than forty- 
five old family burying-lots in town, many of which 
are indistinguishable, being hid in the forests and 
jungles. Among these now unknown graves must be 
those who when alive, were the leading men in our 
early history. 

Public Libraries. — A social library was formed 
here in 1772 (just forty years after the first library in 
the city of Philadelphia). The Constitution was 
drawn up by Rev. Elias Smith, and contained twen- 
ty-two articles. The officers were chosen animally 
and the committee were required to meet once a 
quarter. Library to be kept within a mile of the 
meeting-house. No book to be kept out more than 
three months, after which time a fine was imposed. 
The library at first contained seventy-one volumes ; 
some of these were given. These volumes were most- 
ly sermons of old divines, Morse's Geography, His- 
tory of South America and other histories. Mason 
on "Self-knowledge and Family Instruction," etc. 
Elias Smith, librarian ; Archelaus Fuller, Silas Mer- 
riam and Elias Smith, committee. Admission fee, 
six dollars, according to the value of money of that 
day. Proprietors could sell or give away their right, 
but all were, if able, required to be present at the 
annual meeting, or not allowed to take out a book for 
three months. All through the years from 1772 to 
1826 this library was run with remarkable success. 



MIDDLETON. 



!)47 



The last records were made by Rev. Ebenezer Hub- 
bard, who left town two years subsequently, and the 
library was put into the hands of Daniel Fuller, Escj., 
and a few years ago handed over to the Flint Library. 
A few of these old volumes are still well preserved. 

In 1838 Dr. E. S. Phelps started a social library or- 
ganization with forty six members and eighty-four 
volumes of books, which had only a short run, as but 
little interest was taken in it. 

In 181)0 an association was formed, of which John 
M. Peabody was president. Three dollars was re- 
quired to become a member, and one dollar annually. 
This gained in importance till 1879, when it was 
given to the town and valued at upwards of one thou- 
sand dollars, at which time Charles L. Flint made a 
donation lof about one thousand dollars and four hun- 
dred volumes of books, and the library was made free 
and called the Flint Library. Since that time Mr. 
Flint has made other donations, aggregating more 
than fifteen hundred dollars. Many other individuals 
have contributed valuable volumes to this library, 
which is now in a very prosperous condition, and 
numbers three thousand one hundred and thirty-sev- 
en volumes, and supported by the town. By the will 
of Benjamin Franklin Emerson, who died in Boston 
April 5, 1887. the Flint Library receives the interest 
of ten thousand dollars after the decease of his moth- 
er. This sum is to remain in a fund to be called the 
B. F. Emerson Trust Fund, witli six trustees. Mr. 
Emerson was the son of Stephen and Sarah Emerson, 
born in this town, received his early education here, 
and subsequently in Oxford and Townsend (Vt.), 
academies. For fifteen years he was superintendent 
of the Copper Falls Mining Company, Mich. His 
death was caused by falling from a coal bridge while 
giving directions for extinguishing a forest fire that 
was fast approaching their (juarters. In this fall he 
received a fracture of the spine, after which he lived 
seven months, some of the time in terrible agony. 
His age was forty-nine, unmarried and highly es- 
teemed by all who knew him. 

N. B. — Since writing the above, Mrs. Emer.son, the 
mother, has died. 

Schools. — A century ago there was but one school- 
house owned by the town, and that stood by the 
church, and was moved to Danvers in 1810 by John 
Fuller. Subsequeutly the town owned three, and 
they were located at the east side, on the north road 
and iu the centre, or present village. For a short 
time private enter])rise maintained, in part, a school 
at the Paper Mill Village. This same state of things 
prevailed before the three districts were set off as be- 
fore mentioned, at which time the east side of the 
town was the most thickly settled, and the school 
there and at the North District had double the schol- 
ars of the present day. The manufacturing of shoes 
at the village and the accommodation of the railroad, 
stores, churches and a higher grade of teaching in the 
schools had caused many to abandon the farm and 



move to the village ; and the people have spent their 
money freely to make these schools at the centre 
what they should be. while the others have not been 
neglected, and the advantages to gain an education 
here are as good as in any town in the county of the 
same size. 

The following are the physicians of the town, with 
the date of their practicing as near as can be ascer- 
tained: Dr. Daniel Felch, 1728; Dr. Silas Merriam ' 
came from Lexington, Mass. (his birth-place still 
standing in that town), about 1759 ; Dr. David Ful- 
ler, an old resident, 1815; Dr. Smith, 181G; Dr. Wal- 
lis, 1818 ; Dr. Ezra Nichols came here about 1830, 
left about 1837 ; Dr. E. S. Phelps came here about 
1837, died 1882; Dr. Odlin, 1870 ; Dr. Metcalf, 1874; 
Dr. Knight, 1880; Dr. Henry T. Batchelder came 
here 1884. 

The following are a few persons known to have 
held the office of Justice of the Peace: Captain Eph- 
raira Fuller, 1777 ; Asa Howe, 1815 ; Daniel Fuller, 
1825 ; Ezra Nichols, 1835 ; E. S. Phelps, 1850 ; W. 
A. Phelps, 1880 ; Joseph A. Batchelder, 1880. 

The following are the blacksmiths, with date and 
place of location : Thomas Fuller, shoj) between 
Pierce's Brook and the tomb, 1663 ; Joshua Wright, 
shop on the street just north of Grothe's shop, 
1760 ; Kenney and his brother's shop on the John B. 
King farm, 1780 ; Asa Stiles, shop on west side of the 
road at Upton place, moved to New Hampshire 1785 ; 
Eben Putnam, grandfather of Mrs. Henry Wilkins, 
his shop on the corner by the house of Mr. Augustus 
Hutchinson, 1790 ; Theodore Ingalls, shop at Ingalls' 
place, 1798 ; Silas Lake, of Topsfield, shop at shoe 
factory corner, 1824; Hammond Berry, from North 
Andover (same f<hop as the latter), 1825; Moody In- 
galls, son of the above T. Ingalls, shop moved down 
to front of Captain Hoyt's house 1829, and subse- 
quently sold to Timothy Sanders, who left town 1833 ; 
John Richardson, shop in the Bush Corner (so called), 
1820 ; George W. Winslow, shop as above stated, 
1834; David Stiles, shop of the above, 1835; George 
Webb, shop now the house of Mrs. Timothy Wilkins, 
1837 ; Gushing, the same shop, 1839 ; followed by 
Whitney, Shaugnessy and Grothe, 1875. 

Roads. — The oldest road entered town over the hill 
by the Allen Porter place, thence near William Pea- 
body's and Nichols' house to the corner east of Box 
factory, thence to the corner, as the road now trav- 
eled, below Samuel H. Wilkins', and so on to North 
Andover, by Asa Howe's. This road is supposed to 
have been traveled by Richard Bellingham, Esq., and 
the first settlers on the Cochichawicke (Andover) in 
1639 ; some writers put it five years earlier. 

The next road through town is the old nortli road, 
as now traveled till it came to the sunken hole called 
the long causeway, then it diverged, part of the travel 

' Dr. Siltia Merriam was born in Lexington, Miiss., and the house in 
which he whs horn is still staniling. Ho came to tliis town about 1759, 
died suddt-nly in 181-2. 



048 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



going to the left, by what is called Black Pole, com- 
ing out at the Roger Eliott place, thence across the 
road and by John B. King's to the Indian Bridge ; 
the other to the right, going by Emerson's Mill and 
across Andover road towards the great pond, and 
coming out by the William Berry place. In 1802 
this road was straightened above William Berry's 
place, and not till 1808 was the long crossway made 
perfectly safe for travel. As the country began to be 
settled further in the interior the South Andover 
road (so-called) was opened, and settlements along its 
route made. The Essex turnpike in 180(5. It may 
be well to state that the west branch of the old 
North road, in its earliest travel, passed the present 
village to the house of Benjamin P. Richardson, 
where it turned a short angle to the left and forded 
Ipswich River, coming out at J. J. H. Gregory's Seed 
Farm, and thence over the hills, on nearly a straight 
line, by Mr. Gregory's two other farms, to the road 
first mentioned by the Allen Porter place. This old 
ford-way and the entire route is now visible. 

The road from the village to Danvers Plains was 
widened and straightened in 1811, and took most of 
the travel to Salem ; before this time the most trav- 
eled was by the old log bridge and Danvers Centre, 
and strike the great traveled at Felton's corner and 
avoid the toll gate on the turnpike just over Ipswich 
River. 

The first town road was laid out, beginning at the 
Symonds' place and Averill's, thence across Beech 
Brook at Wilkins' mill and knife factory, coming out 
by the house of John Gage. The Paper Mill road is 
much older than the town, and was used by the first 
settlers. No records are anywhere to be found of its 
being laid out. Probably it went through the com- 
mon lands, and for its commerce, no one cared to dis- 
turb the public title. 

A town way was laid out in 1744 for Joseph Foy, 
then living in Charles Mason's house across the 
woods to come out on the Andover road by ye saw- 
mill lately erected. This mill was near the Dempsey 
place. Subsequently a road was laid out through the 
land of Ezekiel Stiles to the old highway to North 
Andover, by Asa Howe's. Many such cart ways were 
laid out by the early settlers to shorten distance from 
house to house, all the roads being mere cart paths. 

The Paper Mill road to North Reading, as now 
traveled is much older than the incorporation of the 
town. 

The Essex Railroad was opened September 5, 
1848. 

Mills. — There has been but one mill on Ips- 
wich River, though it runs nearly the length of 
the town, and that is where the paper-mill now 
stands, and for several generations a saw and grist- 
mill was owned by the Flint family, and must date 
back further than the mills at North Reading, as the 
latter were obliged to hoist their gate when short of 
water at the former. A mill once stood near the wood- 



i-hed of Mr. Sylvanus Flint's. On thestream from Mid- 
dleton Pond two mills were erected, one owned by 
Silas Merriam and the other a little below the 
Abijah Fuller place, owned by Timothy Fuller. Dr. 
Merriam's was a grist-mill, and highly valued by 
the towns people to purchase grain for food, and 
about 1770 the town voted that " Dr. jNIerriam be al- 
lowed to put on flash boards and raise the pond three 
feet that he might be able to grind throughout the 
year to accommodate ye people." 

M.J. Emerson's mill stands on Swan Pond Brook and 
the privilege is an old one and formerly belonged to 
John Estey, and subsequently to his son-in-law, Daniel 
Fuller, Esq. On the same stream was the Nichols 
grist-mill, and last owned by Stephen Nichols in 
1820, and soon after taken down. On the same 
stream a little below stood the ancient iron-works 
owned by Major Daniel Dennison, of Ipswich, of 
which Thomas Fuller was foreman and subsequently 
owner. 

A saw-mill was erected in 1740, on a little stream 
that empties into Beech Brook near the Dempsey 
place, owned by Timothy Perkins, who lived on G. 
H. Tuft's place. 

Only one mill on Beech Brook, and that on the 
site of E. W. Wilkins' mill, and was owned by a 
Peabody family ; here more than a century ago two 
brothers quarrelled and one lost his life ; the survivor 
said he threw him a crow-bar which his brother 
failed to catch, and it struck him in the head and 
killed him ; they were alone, but soon it is said that 
the women folks appeared upon the scene, but too 
late ; they feared there would be trouble between 
them ; tradition says the survivor hastened to the 
brook and filled his hat with water and threw in his 
brother's face, but without effect. 

A man by the name of Gray set up a carding-mill 
about 1810, near Dr. Merriam's grist-mill, but other 
mills in larger places, with better machinery, took 
the business. Mrs. Sarah Conlan's house was former- 
ly a saw-mill which had been moved from Bald Hill 
woods. 

Earthquakes. — On June 1, 16.38, about two 
o'clock P. M., was an earthquake throughout New 
England, which caused the pewter in many places to 
be thrown off the shelves, and tops of chimneys in 
some places to be shaken down. 

Sabbath day, October 29, 1727, a little more than 
half past ten o'clock in the evening, the first and 
great shock was felt, when the heavens were must 
serene and the atmosphere perfectly calm, and it was 
repeated several times that night, and afterwards 
to January 6th, next following, when about two 
o'clock in the afternoon there was a very gi'eat shock, 
which exceeded any other since the first night. This 
day was warm and calm. This has been denominated 
the great earthquake in New England. The tops of 
many chimneys were thrown down. 

On November 18, 1755, was another great earth- 



MIDDLETOX. 



940 



quake, doing much damage to property. On March 
12, 17G1, between the hours of two and three P. M. 
there was a slight shock. On Salibatli, March 1, 
1801, about half past three o'clock, P.M., was a slight 
shock, resembling a coach passing over frozen ground. 
(Gage's " History of Rowley.") 

The dark day took place May 19, 1780, accounted 
for by a peculiar state of the atmosphere and passing 
clouds. 

The rude appliances for the performance of female 
labor in generations pa.st severely taxed their ener- 
gies and patience, yet their loveliness still remained to 
bless their households and hand down to us the fruits 
of virtuous lives. 

" From the early history of New England up to 
W'ithin a little more than half a century, the wearing 
apparel for the iamily was manufactured by the fe- 
males. The daughters were early taught to run the 
spinning wheel, and as years and strength increased 
mounted the loom and drove the cloth together with 
the great swinging beam ; such exercise produced a 
muscular frame and was transmited to their posterity. 
They enjoyed the labor and ate the fruit thereof with 
joy; nor were these active beings content only with 
household work and manufacturing, but were often 
seen in the field doing the most rugged work with a 
cheerfulness that made life all about them most 
pleasant ; the gentle cow was still more gentle when 
the young maiden sat by her side." 

All good farmers kept sheep, sufficient to produce 
wool for clothing and bedding, raised beef, mutton and 
poultry, with plenty of grain for subsistence. The 
cordwaiuer once a year came round with his bench 
and tools, sat down in the kitchen, took the measure 
of the feet of not only the little ones but the stalwart 
sons and daughters, and made shoes which were 
supposed to last from November to November, from 
leather either tanned from the hides of their own cat- 
tle or purchased from the leather store, and should they 
not last a whole year, even the great girls often went 
barefoot till the time when the shoemaker again ap- 
jieared on his yearly rounds. The sandy floor of 
that day was no friend to shoe leather, but many a 
maiden had rather go barefoot a part of the year than 
to lose the chance of a good dance now and then. 

People of Color. — A few wealthy farmers owned 
servants, of which Timothy Fuller, Sr., had the 
largest number (about forty); other families, number- 
ing perhaps half a dozen, had from one to five each, 
all of which were liberated when the State Constitu- 
tion was adopted, a little more than a century ago. 

By a vote of the town, the second seat on the east 
gallery was set apart for the colored people. This 
was a long seat that would accommodate perhaps ten 
or twelve persons. The last of this old stock of 
colored people, by the name of Snow, lived in a hut 
on the spot now occupied by the house of Isaac Gates. 

It was no unusual occurrence seventy years ago to 
see an Indian tramp on the road, begging bread in 



oroken English language, and pre.^enting by no 
means a i)lcasant appearance. 

Bi'Ki.vL GRorND.s.— The oldest in town is near the 
box-tactory of J. B. Thomas, which was a part of 
I Rowley Village (now Boxford), and contains the 
remains of those who lived beyond the Ipswich 
River. The latter town was incorporated fully forty- 
three years before Middleton. The one known as 
the "Granny Tim's," named from Timothy Fuller's 
widow, is near the centre of the town, and contains 
the remains of many of this an-.ient family, and also 
of the first minister — Rev. Andrew Peters. There are 
forty-flve places where the dead have been deposited, 
at least. Almost every old farm has its burying- 
ground. About ISIJO the present cemetery was laid 
out, and very few are now buried elsewhere. The 
tomb near the residence of Charles O. Frost was built 
a little more than a century ago by Rev. Elias Smith 
and his son-in-law, .Joseph Peabody, of Salem, who 
married two of Smith's daughters, both of whom were 
interred in this tomb. This tomb also contains the 
remains of Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Solomon Adams and 
several others. This tomb was finally closed about 
fifteen years since. 

These partial genealogies are inserted to give 
the different names of families who have resided in 
this town. A full genealogy of a single family would 
fill a larger volume than we have now written. 

AvERlLL. — Of the Averill family there appears to 
have been two brothers — Paul and Samuel. Paul 
had a family of eight children, and was the ancestor 
of the family by that name now living in town. His 
oldest child was born in 1738, and the oldest child of 
Samuel was born about the same time, and his 
children numbered seven, and we think that this 
family soon left town. Joseph, born 1757 (son of 
Paul) ; Benjamin, born 1781 ; Hannah, 1808. This 
family doubtless settled here about the time the town 
was incorporated, while the Wilkins and Fuller 
family were here sixty-eight years before that date. 
The Averill family does not appear to be so numerous 
as many others found on the town records. 

Adams. — Rev. Solomon Adams and Abigail, his 
wife, had six children ; the oldest was born in the year 
1795. 

Berry. — Joseph Berry and Sarah, his wife, had 
eight children. His oldest son, John, was born in 
1721; Bartholomew, born 1734, whose daughter 
Betty married Oliver Perkins 179G. Samuel Berry 
appears to have been a brother of this Jo.seph, as his 
oldest daughter was born in 1721, whose children num- 
bered eight, and among them was Nathaniel, who was 
the grandfather of the late Deacon Allen Berry. AVho 
their father was is not known, but Joseph names his 
oldest son John, and perhaps was named for his 
grandfather John, who was the first deacon chosen 
when the church was formed eight years after. Bar- 
tholomew Berry lived in a house now standing 
on the turnpike, near Andover line, now owned by 



950 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Charles Mason. This house vviis built by Joseph 
Fry in 1742, and sold to Joseph Berry in 1750. 

Nehemiah Berry, son of Bartholomew, was drowned 
March 5, 1811, by falling from a stringer (the bridge 
being gone) on going in the night acr.i.ss Beech 
Brook, just above the mill-poiid of Wilkins' saw-mill, 
and near the James Wilkins' house. Mr. Berry's son 
Nehemiah, a well-known citizen of Lynn, Mass., died 
there two years since, eighty-four years of age, and 
of his children was A. Hun Berry, late of the Gov- 
ernor's staff. 

BuRTOX. — John Burton lived in the east part of 
the town, on the side of the large hill near Topsfield 
line, and a little west of Conant's house in that town. 
This family were here when the town was incor- 
porated, but left for New Hampshire about 1750. 
The late Rev. Warren Burton, chaplain of the >^en- 
ate, was a descendant. One of the family is referred 
to in another part of this history as filling an import- 
ant position at the time of the Revolutionary War 
from New Hampshire. 

Batchelder. — Captain Joseph Batchelder, of 
Topsfield, bought the old tavern-stand here about 
1824, which was subsequently owned by his son. Col- 
onel Amos, father of Joseph A. Batchelder, Esq., who 
for many years has been postmaster here, and contin- 
ues to occupy the old tavern house. 

Carroll — Crowe. —John and James Carroll, 
brothers, as we suppose, wei'e here before the incor- 
poration of the town, both of whom had families. 
The last was born in 1745, and all records of them 
cease. Also about the same time John Crowe and 
his wife Mary had three children. The parents were 
members of the church here, and that is all we know 
of the family. 

CuMMlNGS — -John Cummings, and Mary, his wife, 
had eight children ; the oldest was born in 1717. 
His son, John Cummings, Jr., had a small family, 
but all the family left town before 1740. 

Curtis. — Israel Curtis, and Abigail, his wife, eight 
children, the oldest born in 1744; some of their de- 
scendants are still living here. 

Cod. — William Cod, and Abigail, his wife, had two 
children, date, 1743 and 1745, a name long forgotten. 

Case. — Humphrey Case (he was born November 
17, 1753), and his wife, Elizabeth, had five children ; 
the first was born in 1781, and named Elijah, and 
was with Nehemiah Berry when he was drowned, near 
Wilkins Mill, before named, but was unable to save 
him. (Case married Berry's sioter.) 

Crispan. — Richard Crispan, and Seviah, his wife, 
had four children ; the last was born in 1809. He 
moved to Derry, N. H., more than fifty years since. 
John W. Dempsey is a grandson (now of this town). 

Crane. — The Crane family lived here in 1834, and 
run the paper-mill. 

DwiNEL. — In 1786 Jonathan Dwinel had three 
children, and subsequently William Dwinel, having 
four children, in 1818 to 1828. 



Demsey. — Samuel Demsey and his wife had five 
children, of whom John Wyman Demsey is now in 
town. 

Daniels. — Lucy Daniels had si.t children from 
1820 to 1832. Her father was a Frenchman, and 
taken by Washington in time of war, and never re- 
turned to his country. 

Dale. — Osgood Dale, and Susannah, his wife, had 
two children, 1831 and 1832. 

EsTEY. — Jonathan Estey was the son of John Es- 
tey, who was the son of Isaac, whose wife, Mary, was 
hung for witchcraft, in 1(592. This John came here 
from Topsfield, a few years after the execution of his 
mother. The blood of the fitmily has been quite 
generally diffused throughout this town, and they 
are well known as a long-lived race. The larger part 
of the family moved to Framingham after the execu- 
tion of the wife and mother, hoping they had escaped 
the laws of Ma.ssachusetts, but subsequently found 
that they were still in the hated State ; but they had 
cleared away too many fields to take up stakes again, 
and have remained, some of them, there to the 
present day. (This also has been referred to else- 
where). 

Eliott. — Francis Eliott was one of the original 
purchasers of land here, and the birth of his eldest 
son dates 1717, and though the name does not appear 
now upon our town records, yet the blood of the 
family is still here; the family was once quite nu- 
merous. 

Stephen Emerson, father of Stephen, Daniel, and 
Darius, and others, seven in all, died many years ago; 
a grandson now owns the saw-mill above the present 
village. Stephen, Jr., died some two years since, 
aged seventy-five years. 

The Fuller fiimily have always been quite numer- 
ous here, and among the leading people in town, and 
it would be quite interesting to trace them down to 
1663. 

Felton. — Amos Felton and Sarah, his wife, had 
eight children from 1790 to 1804. Felton lived on the 
old Samuel Gould farm, now owned by Mr. Gre- 
gory. 

Fuller. — In the early history of this town this 
family were quite numerous, and held important 
trusts in society. All of this name in town can be 
traced to Thomas Fuller, who was the second man 
to settle in this village. The Abijah Fuller family 
sprang from a son or grandson of Thomas, named 
Joseph, and the family of Daniel Fuller sprang from 
Benjamin, grandfather of Daniel Fuller, Esq. 

Flint. — Stephen Flint and Hannah, his wife, had 
five children, the youngest of whom was Hannah, 
born in 1727, married John Estey about 1773, whose 
family of ten children averaged eighty-three years 
of age. This Flint family were first known in Salem 
Village ; the original one known there built the first 
church at Salem Village, and of his descendants 
several large families were residents here in our 



MIDDLETON. 



951 



early history, of whom quite a Tiuraber still live in 
the neigbborhood of the paper-mill, where Charles 
L. Flint, late secretary of the State Board of Agri- 
culture was born. 

Fairfield. —Moses Fairfield married Polly Rus- 
sell, had ten children, married about 1828 or '29. 
He and his wife died some years since in Kansas. 

Feaxcis. — Charles Francis (a man of color) and 
his wife, Betsy, had ten children, the youngest of 
whom was Edmund, who was born in 1811 ; he wore 
a fourteen size shoe, and is remembered b}' some now 
living. All the family have i)asi>ed away. 

Eames. — John Fames, 1820, had three children to 
1826 ; moved away. 

Fish. — Levi Fish married Nancy Wilkins, had two 
children born in 1839 and 1840 ; moved to Danvers. 

GooDEL. — Thomas Goodel and Hannah, his wife, 
had one child born here (Joseph) in 1745. 

Gage. — Abraham Gage and Mary, his wife, had 
four children ; oldest born 1707. 

GiDDiXGS. — Zaccheus Giddings and his wife, Han- 
nah, had ten children ; oldest born in 1783. He 
built the red house, so called, near the cemetery. 

Gray. — William Gray and his wife, Sarah, had five 
children ; oldest born 1791. He built acarding-mill 
near the Merriam grist-mill. A son of this man came 
here in 1845, and erected stones at his parents' graves 
in the Fuller lot. 

GoiTLD. — Naihaniel Gould and I,ydia, his wife, had 
three children, oldest born 1796, one of whom was 
Henry Lawrence Gould, born in 1798. The home 
of this family was on Bear Hill, now owned by Mr. 
Gregory. 

Andrew Gould and Pamela, his wife had seven 
children, one of whom was born 1805, and is now 
living in Topsfield, viz., Andrew Gould, now eighty- 
two years of age, and is yet quite a smart man. Two 
other families by the name have lived in this place 
since this Nathaniel's day, supposed to be distant 
connections. 

Gouldthwait. — Benjamin Gouldthwait and Lucy, 
his wife, had three children — date of the birth of the 
oldest 1824 — none of the family now are in town. 

Goodhue — Hadlock. — William Goodhue and 
Sally, his wife, had one child born here 1829; none by 
this name are here now. Samuel Hadlock and Pru- 
dence, his wife, had one child born 1731. 

HoBBS. — Joseph, Benjamin, William and Hum- 
phrey Hobbs had resjiectively four, four, seven and 
four children, all born from 1735 to 1750. William 
built the house now standing, owned by John Wallis 
Peabody. They were probably brothers ; all the fam- 
ily left more than a century ago. 

Howe. — The Howe family sprang from James 
Howe, of Ipswich, JIass. He married Elizabeth Dane, 
1637; John Howe (1st), John Howe (2d) and Mary, 
his wife, (the oldest child born 1737,) seven in all ; 
Joseph Howe and Sarah, his wife, had also seven 
children about the same ages, and must have been a 



brother ; aUo Mark Howe and Dorothy, his wife, had 
eleven children, and all born from 1732 to 1756. 
From this family we have those of that name now 
in town. These families lived in the north part of 
the town, house of Mark, now standing. Joseph and 
Hannah Hutchinson had five children from 1747-57. 

HoppiN. — John Hoppin and Abigail, his wife, 
one son, John, born in 1797. 

HuTCHixsox. — Joseph and Hannah, his wife, had 
four children, the oldest born in 1781. This family 
lived in a house now standing in the south part of 
the town, and came from Danvers Centre. The well- 
known singers by that name, the sons and daughters 
of "Jesse" sprang from this family. 

Holt. — Timothy Holt and his wife had one child 
1804. Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard and Charlotte, his 
wife, had four children, — Charles Augustus Peabody, 
born 1818; William McKean, 1820; Catharine Eliz- 
abeth, 1823; Ebenezer Augustus, 1825. 

Haskel. — Daniel Haskel and his wife had two 
children born here in 1824 and 1826. 

Hayward. — Octavius Hayward and his wife had 
two children born here in 1831 and 1833. 

Irox.sox. — John Ironsou and Tabitha had two 
children, 1767 and 1769; same name by wife Sarah, 
seven children from 1790 to 1800. 

IXGALLS. — Edman Ingalls was born in 1627, and 
died 1719, aged ninety-two years. He was a tanner 
by trade. His son Henry Ingalls, of Lynn, moved to 
Andover in 1653, married Mary Osgood, and in 1689 
married again, the widow of George Abbot, and died 
at the age of eighty-three. (These wives were And- 
over women.) His descendants owned a large tract 
of land in the neighborhood of the Farnham District, 
and not far from the residence of the late Jonathan 
Ingalls, whose brother, Theodore Ingalls, commenced 
blacksniithing at this place, Middleton, and continued 
business here till his death about 1814. In the early 
days of manufacturing edged tools Mr. Ingalls stood 
very high ; his axes were sent to Maine to cut down 
those great forests ; his scythes also were very good, 
though clumsy, compared with those made at the 
present time. The writer's father well remembered 
these scythes. Mr. Ingalls also made hoes and shov- 
els, etc.. and these tools were made in a common 
blacksmith-shop which stood on the north side of the 
long crossway. 

This Theodore Ingalls was the grandfather of 
Senator John James Ingalls. He was married three 
times. His first wife was a Berry, by whom he 
had two sons, and subsequently married two sisters 
of Deacon Addison Flint, of North Reading, the lat- 
ter of which was the grandmother of the Senator. 

The home of the Ingalls family was Lynn, from 
whence they scattered over the land, some remaining 
still in Lynn. In early history they were tanners, 
and a few years since an old tan vat (in Lynn) was 
unearthed, belonging to them, containing a few hides, 
which were still somewhat preserved. 



952 



HISTORY OP ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jefferds. — Rev. Forrest Jefferds and Sarah Caro- 
line had eight -children from 1828 to 1839. 

Jonathan Knight, and Phoebe, his wife, had seven 
children from 1751 to 1777. But Benjamin Knight, 
and his wife, Ruth, appear to have been here before 
the act of incorporation ; we find him with a family 
of seven children born from 1720 to 1734. Though the 
name has passed fi-om our books, yet some of their 
descendants remain. 

Kenney. — The Kenney family date 1735. They 
lived on the left bank of Ipswich River, known now 
as the King place. The family of Simeon numbered 
nine from 1767 to 1789. Moved to Milford, N. H. 

Mebeiam. — Dr. Silas Merriam, by his first wife, 
who was a Deal, or Dale, had four children from 
1767 to 1772 ; and by his wife Peabody, sister of 
Capt. Joseph, the millionaire of Salem, eight children, 
born from 1776 to 1790. The Merriam house is still 
standing. 

McIntire. — The Mclntire or Mackintire family 
lived in the northwest part of the town. Benjamin 
and his wife, Experience, had three children born 
from 1751 to 1755. 

Moore. — Thomas Moore and Betsy, one son, born 
here, Hiram, 1811. 

Nichols. — William Nichols and Elizabeth had four 
children, from 1704 to 1714. The origin of the 
Nichols family dates from this William or his father 
of the same name, who settled in the east part of 
the town, near Nichols' Brook, as early as 1652, then 
known as New Meadows, Topsfield ; none of this 
family now in town. 

Perkins. — Timothy Perkins and Phebe, his wife, 
had five children, from 1744 to 1754. This man lived 
on the Tufts place, where the house still stands, one of 
the oldest in town. Timothy, Jr., had ten children, 
from 1760 to 1782 ; the family not numerous here. 

Putnam. — Ezra and Lucy had six children from 
1761 to 1757; lived in the southeast part of the town. 

Perky. — Jonathan Perry and Mehitable three 
children, from 1836 to 1840. 

Peabopy. — This family has always remained one 
of the largest since the town was incorporated. 

Francis Peabody, of St. Albans, Hertfordshire, 
England, born 1614, who came to New England 1635, 
and traced as follows: from his second son, Joseph, 
born 1644; Samuel, born 1678; Moses, born 1708; 
Samuel, born 1741 ; Joseph, born Aug. 3, 1770 ; the 
last named was the deacon here for some years, and 
father of Samuel J. Flint, Ann, Joseph and Dean, the 
latter now clerk of court. 

All the others bearing the name of Peabody in this 
town can be traced to the first named Francis. 

The original name was Boadie, who made a raid 
upon the tyrant emperor Nero, of Rome, in the year 
of our Lord 61, in defence of the Queen of the Britons, 
who had been publicly w'hipped before her grown up 
daughters, by the order of this noted ruler, and for this 
exploit and others of like character the Pea, which 



means the big hill, or mountain, was added, " Big 
man, or mountain man — Peabodie." In the expedi- 
tion named above Boadie entered the emperor's palace 
and carried away a miniature picture of Nero's 
wife, which was retained in the family till the 
eleventh century. 

Robinson. — Daniel Robinson and Elizabeth had 
six children born from 1730 to 1747. 

Rolf. — The families of Daniel and Jesse Rolf had 
respectively one and two children from 1726 to 
1756. 

Richardson. — Solomon Richardson and Elizabeth 
had three children from 1730 to 1735. The Richard- 
son family have lived mostly in the southeast part of 
the town. Several of them had large families. 

Russell. — Joseph Russell and Mary, his wife, had 
thirteen children born from 1793 to 1821, one of 
whom was David, born in 1795, late of Amherst, N. 
H. 

Ray'. — Fry Ray and Mary had four children from 
1801 to 1810. 

Stiles. — The Stiles family came from Rowley 
Village (Boxford) in 1700; commenced settlement in 
the north part of the town on land now owned by 
John Brown. The cellar of the house is now seen 
across the meadows east of the Demsey place. 

Symonds. — First settled in Boxford, subsequently 
near the box factory in this town (then a part of Box- 
ford). There were several families from first settle- 
ments till the commencement of the present cen- 
tury. 

Smith. — Rev. Elias Smith and Catharine, his wife, 
had nine children from 1760 to 1777. 

Smith. — Aaron Smith and Mary had eight chil- 
dren from 1766 to 1781. 

Stearns. — Samuel Stearns and Dorothy, his wife, 
had fourteen children from 1739 to 1757 ; moved to 
Salem, Mass. 

Saunders. — Timothy Saunders and Rhoda, his 
wife, had two children from 1831 to 1832. 

Shelden. — Herman Shelden and Angeline, his 
wife, had four children from 1836 to 1841. 

TovTN. — Daniel Town and Dorothy, his wife, had 
eight children from 1722 to 1739 ; he lived in the 
east part of the town once belonging to Topsfield, and 
was chosen schoolmaster when the town was incor- 
porated. He opposed the annexation to Middleton. 

Thomas. — Rowland Thomas, and Margaret, his 
wife, had eight children from 1708 to 1731. 

Town. — Richard Town, and Margery, his wife, had 
three children from 1752 to 1756. 

Lewis Tyler, and Sally, his wife, had three 
children from 1834 to 1837. 

Upton. — Jeremiah Upton, and Elizabeth, had six 
children from 1788 to 1804. 

AViLKiNS. — This family has always flourished here 
from the first. The children of Joseph and Mar- 
garet date from 1710 to 1728. This man was doubt- 
less a son of the original Bray Wilkins, whose pos- 





Jro (m an St c asijil) eH .Til n t 




-:iKiiRiH!;liia4 1 Iji^mni^ Cd UcvrTsilr. 



MIDDLETON. 



953 



terity exceed in numbers any families found on our 
town books. 

Woodman.— Moses Woodman, and Olive, bis wife, 
one son, Moses, ISll. 

White. — Perley White, and Eliza, bis wife, had 
three children from 1S27 to 1886. 

Wright. — Hiram Wright, and Lydia, bis wife, 
had five children from 1S30 to 1838. 

WIXSLOW. — Washington W. Winslow and Phcebe 
Ann, bi.s wife, two children from 1S33 to 1835 ; since 
moved away. 

Westox. — Samuel W. Weston and Polly, bis wife, 
four children from 1836 to 1842. 

Wakeham. — Samuel G. AVakeham and Lucy, bi^^ 
wife, three children from 1837 to 1S40. 

"Trio," a negro servant to Jonathan Wilkins, and 
" Cute," servant to Benjamin Fuller, of Middleton, 
married by Rev. Peter Clarke (of Salem village), No- 
vember 22, 1757. 

The number of deaths since the first settlement, 
and that have been buried here, is estimated at about 
two thousand. The average for the last sixty-five 
years has been a little over eleven a year, or about 
seven hundred and fifty. During the last named 
period the death rate remained about the same, while 
the population nearly doubled. 

Copied from Account Book of Col. Benjamin Peabodv. 

"March 2^, 1785.— Lent Brother Joseph have 12 lbs." (Tliis JosepJi 
vrna subsequently the millionaire of Salem, Mass.) 

"Feb. 8">, 1793. — Lieu Joseph Wright took the Jack (mulo we sup- 
pose)." 

*'Apr, 16'*"^ 178S. — Archelus Kenney took a cow for a year atone 
pound." 

"Andrew Peaboiiy, Dr., to two days' work at the sawiiiiU, 8 shillings, 
killing a calf S pence.'' 

" 17Sy. — Killing cow for Mr. Robert Bradford 1 lb. 4 shillings." 

" No%'. 2>>t's, 179S. — Making a coffin for Mr. Robert Bradford that day 
he died, 3 shillings, G pence." 

" Nov. 22*1. — To a quarter of tea & 2 lbs. shui,Mr. 8aiiie day oiio shill- 
ing's worth of bread and two quarts Kuni." 

" Nov. 19tt> & 22<i, 17it2.— To killed two cows and two hogs, three shill- 
ings, 6 pence." 

" 1789, — Bought 2 bushels Rie, gave S shillings." 

" 1789. — Bought one bushel corn, gave G shillings." 

"William Wright to mend plow share, one lb." 

" 1797. — Hoeping cyder Barrels, 4 shillings." 

" 178G, — Went two days to Salem after sherif, did not find liim ; my 
two days 10 shiliings ; expenses 9 pence. To one day setting glass in 
Meeting house and making Old Debory's coffin." 

"Joseph Symonds, Dr , to making Coffing 8 shillings; to putting in 
axle and drafts 3 shillings." 

"1799. — Making small coffing 3 shillings ; also his making cyder at 
my mill." 

*' Dr. Silas Merriam, Dr. a long account for work at the Dr. grist 
mill embracing almost every part of the machinery." 

"Nov., 1790. — To Bittiug on arbitration three times and expenses 7 
shillings & G pence " 

" My oxen 4 hours & )^ 8 pence." 

"Sinicon Kenney to killing a lamb 3 pence." 

" To building back to chimney 3 shillings." 

"Tu putting uosle to pump for Amos Feltou 33 cts." 

" liimsely Peabody, Dr., 1799. To lialf bushel apples and running 
four spoons, one shilling U pence." (We find a long account against the 
town, some of the charges for impt>rtant bueineas. Through his influ- 
ence tht! road between this village and Danvers' Plain was widened and 
straightened in 1811.) 

"Oct. 28, 1799. — M'irk Aviill borrowed my wheelbarrow, brote it 
borne, one shilling. 

60 A 



Asa Ilowe to putting in 4 felloes & 4 spokes in cart wheel, 4 shillinas." 

"1797. — To a day a shoeing oxen at Kimbal's.'' (This was Moses 
Kimball ; his shop was Howe road.) 

"1797. — Collering chimney A other tbingi* 4s. Gp," 

" Dec. 12'*", 1809. — Laying hearth in his oven and plastering, one 
pound (account with David Poahody)." 

"May 8"', 1800. — Archelus Kenney, Dr , to 2t spok-s in cart wheel, 
Ssliillings." 

"Feb. 2m\ 1802— To making coffin for W-i. Jerusha Nichols ?2. CO 
cts., also wrighting hor wi 1 G6 cts." 

" Oct. 17tb, 1S02 — Dr. John Merriam, Dr , to one and half days work 
on his barn 9 shillings ; to a eannow (b tat we suppose) 6 shillings " 

" 1802. — Building stages round the meetinghouse for Jolin Fuller 
81.'>o ; Sept. 25"' making coffin for his father $3.7o." 

" 1804. — Dr. Silas Merriam, three days on his new house, $3.00 ; one 
day and half stoning sellar, Si. 50. 

" 1805.— Bloading and Roweling his horse, 3:1 cts. Aug. 19 & 20, 
going to see his cow that was shot, and another journey, &. taking 
of her hide A my boys coming to SyuioTnls for me SlOO. 

("This cow was accidentally sliot by Hi.? Doctei-s son Jonas, who was 
driving his father's cows on the pond road to pasture tradition says.) 

"May 10th, going to his piggs, 25 cts. Sick one, we suppose. 

" Oct. ir>. 1S<J4. — Anne Jane and Martha Nickson came to board with 
me 19, the horse and curt to move their goods 50 cts. These children 
and their parents came from Ireland about this time in consequence of 
the Rebellion. Anne subsequently became the wife of Dr. Merriam's 
son, Andrew, and now their posterity, are among our most honored peo- 
ple. 

" Dr. Merriam married Col. Benjamin Peabody's sister, whose daugh- 
ter is now 102 years old, living in Danvers. 

" 1801. — Paid $4.75 and cost in Mr. Capt. Thomas Cushens office to 
Mr. Appletons for the .'^alem Gazette and discontinued the paper." 

This most wonderful old account book and memorandum runs through 
about thirty years, and is full of historical events, to say nothing of 
what this man undertook, as a jack of all trades, and in filling impor- 
tant offices. He must liave made nearly all the coffins, repaired and 
built buildings, mill machinery, blacksmith, wheelwright, mason, cow, 
and boi"se doctor, etc. He was an honest and just man. He died since 
our remembrance, at an advanced age. His height was full six feet (we 
should judge), and walked very erect. Had a long queue that reached 
half way down his back. 

Till within sixty yeare the sexton chosen must be a carpenter, at least 
enough to make a coffin, for which and digging the grave and attend- 
ing the funeral, he received a fee of five dollars. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



CHARLES L. FLINT. 

Charles Louis Flint, born in Middleton on the 8tli 
of May 1824, was the second son of Jeremiah and 
Mary (Howard) Flint. His father was a farmer, and 
occupied a part of the estate tha^ had been the ances- 
tral inheritance for several generations. 

The tirst American ancestor of this branch of the 
Flint family, Thomas Flint, is reported to have come 
from Wales about the year 1640, and to have settled 
soon after in what was then known as Salem viUage, 
now called Peabody. The farm he then acquired by 
purchase was held till recently by one of his lineal 
descendants. Charles L. is of the seventh genera- 
tion by direct descent from this agricultural 
colonist. 

Like most farmer.s' sons, his early years were spent 
on the farm anil in the district school, and were, of 
course, quite uneventful, given to acquiring the first 
rudiments of an education, and to the innumeralile 
chores and lighter kinds of farm work which usually 



954 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



full to the lot of country boys. These occupations, 
though often irksome and gladly shunned asd-stasteful 
by most boys on the farm, really constitute by farthe 
best foundation for the practical education of life. 
The influences of the farm are healthful, mentally, 
morally and physically. Other things being equal, 
that is with equal natural gifts, equal advantages for 
education, and equal opportunities for advancement 
and mental discipline, the boy on the farm will in 
the long run come out ahead of the boy in the city. 

At the age of twelve, when scarcely able to realize 
the loss, came the great misfortune of his life — the 
death of a devoted mother. This led to some change 
in the family, and at the age of fourteen he went to 
live with an uncle, who was a large farmer, in 
the town of Norway, Oxford County, in Maine. 
There too, he enjoyed a few weeks of schooling in the 
winter, and for the rest of the year worked diligently 
on the farm. The experience then acquired enabled 
him to speak and write with clearness audiutelligence 
on the practical as well as the scientific elements of agri- 
culture in subsequent years of public and official toil. 

Among the few judicious friends with whom he 
there came in contact, and who inspired him with a 
desire to obtain a liberal education, was an excellent 
teacher, who had been unable to realize his own 
wishes in that direction, and by his advice, at the age 
of seventeen, young Flint repaired to Phillips Acad- 
emy at Andover, a town adjoining hia native town of 
Middleton, to prepare for college. Here, almost un- 
aided, and in the midst of many obstacles arising 
from the want of means, and the necessity of relying 
wholly upon his own resources, he fitted for college 
in little over three years, and entered Harvard in 
1S45. It required a brave heart, a clear brain, a 
strong will and a high hope and trust in the future, 
with a stubborn determination to enter upon the ac- 
tivities of life with all the advantages of a thorough 
intellectual training, to lead a young man wholly de- 
pendent upon his own energy to enter upon a long and 
expensive course of education like that at Harvard 
College, but with native vigor, self-reliance and in- 
domitable persistence, obstacles are apt to vanish as 
we approach them, and it is a question whether the 
very effort required to triumph over them does not 
result in a firmer, more compact and more complete 
manhood. " Where there's a will there's a way," and 
the energy that finds it has much to do in moulding 
the character, and gives increasing self-confidence to 
meet and overcome future difficulties which lie in the 
way of success in life. A busy brain can devise many 
ways to meet emergencies, and to work one's way 
through college, though hard and unpleasant enough 
at times, is not without its compensations. By writ- 
ing for the press, by utilizing the vacations in fram- 
ing essays, stories, poems, anything that the reading 
public was willing to pay for, the object was accom- 
plished and he graduated, not without honor and free 
from debt, in 1849. 



In 1850 Mr. Flint entered the Dane Law School at 
Cambridge, and spent two years there in preparing 
for the profession of the law. Previous to this time 
he had competed for the Bowdoin prize of forty dol- 
lars for the best dissertation, open to the senior class 
in college, and had won it triumphantly against the 
sirongest competition in his class, the subject as- 
signed being " The Different Representations of the 
Character of Socrates, by Plato, Xenophon and 
Aristophanes." This essay, prepared under difficul- 
ties, gained for the earnest student the highest 
commendations from a wide circle of friends. 

About the same time in his senior year in college, 
he had competed for the Boylston prize in declama- 
tion, and in this eflbrt had come off second best, re- 
ceiving a second prize. While connected with the 
Law School he also competed for the post-graduate 
prize of fifty dollars for the best essay upon the " Rep- 
resentative System at different Times and in different 
Countries," and won it. 

At the end of two years in the Law School, a part 
of which time he was connected as computer with the 
American Nautical Almanac oflSce, then located at 
Cambridge, under the superintendence of Commodore, 
afterwards Rear Admiral Charles Henry Davis, he 
entered the office of a lawyer in New York City, 
studied the New York code of practice, and was ad- 
mitted to the New York bar on examination in Octo- 
ber, 1852. 

The Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture was 
organized as a department of State government by 
the Legis'ature of 1852. It was designed as a repre- 
sentative body, but ultimately connected with the 
civil government, having the Governor, the Lieuten- 
ant Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth 
as members ex nfficiis, three members to be appointed 
by the Executive for the purpose of bringing, so far 
as possible, a scientific element into the Board, and 
one delegate elected by each of the County Agricul- 
tural Societies, each member, when elected, to hold 
his office for three years. Since the original organi- 
zation of the Board, the members ex offi.ciis have been 
increased by the addition of the president of the Mas- 
sachusetts Agricultural College, and the State In- 
spector of Fertilizers, both which positions were cre- 
ated subsequently to the establishment of the State 
Board of Agriculture. 

After the organization of the Board, the first effort 
was to secure the services of a competent secretary. 
The position was thought to be of great importance, 
as the character, reputation and usefulness of the de- 
partment would depend very largely upon its execu- 
tive officer. 

Mr. Flint had previously become somewhat identi- 
fied with agriculture, and had gained some reputation 
from having written for and received two prizes for 
" Essays from the Essex County Agricultural Socie- 
ty," a diploma and a silver medal from the New York 
State Agricultural Society, etc., and the attention of 



3IIDDLET0N. 



055 



the Board was thus naturally turned to him. A mem- 
ber of the Board havino; written to ask for his opinion 
as to what the duties of such a position ought to be, he 
replied at considerable length, without having the 
slightest idea that he bad been thought of as a candi- 
date. He was asked, soon after, to become a candi- 
date, when he promptly and positively declined, on 
the ground that it would involve a complete and rad- 
ical change of his plan for life, and that his educa- 
tion had not been designed iis a preparation for such 
a life's work as its acceptance would involve, and that 
his prospects in his position were too flattering to be 
given up for any salaried position. These objections 
were finally overcome by the committee appointed to 
consider and report upon a candidate, and after much 
persuasion and a full consultation of many judicious 
friends, he finally accepted the responsibility, and 
entered upon the performance of his duties as secre- 
tary on the 14th of February, 1S53, spending the first 
few months, however, in the laboratory of the Shef- 
field Scientific School at New Haven, Conn. 

Agricultural science and literature were then, as 
they always had been, in comparative neglect. Few 
agricultural works had been published in this coun- 
try at ihat time, and most of those were reprints of 
English works, with little pretension to finish or 
beauty of style. The literature of the farm was highly 
discreditable as compared with what it is at the pres- 
ent time, and as compared with what it was in other 
departments of labor and of thought, and Mr. Flint 
determined to bring both the science and the litera- 
ture of the subject into due prominence. 

To accomplish this he planned a series of consecu- 
tive reports, with some special subject to be developed 
in each, and the scheme was carried out with only 
such modifications as were necessary to keep the re- 
ports within proi)er limits. 

The fourih Keport, for example, contained a prac- 
tical treatise upon " Grasses and Forage Plants," 
which was subsequently made the basis of a separate 
work, which has passed through several editions, and 
had a wide distribution throughotit the c->untry. Hon. 
P. A. Chadbourne, President of the Massachusetts 
Agricultural College, said of it: " Mr. Flint's treatise 
embodies the most practical and scientific information 
on the history, culture and nutritive value of the 
grasses and the grains. His style of writing is plain, 
simple, forcible and judiciou.sly adapted to the ends 
he has in view. The large number of illustrations of 
the different species of grasses are drawn with great 
care and accuracy, and greatly facilitate the study 
and identification of unknown specimens." A re- 
vised edition of the work appeared in 1887. 

His next publication was a work of over 4o0 i)ages 
on " Milch Cows and Dairy Farming," which also 
passed through many editions and received the most 
intelligent praise for its practical and .scientific value. 
At the request of the State Board of Agriculture he, 
with George B. Emerson, prepared a "Manual of Ag- 



riculture for the use of Schools and Colleges," each 
writing one-half of the work. This has also passed 
through several editions. 

In ISoli, pursuant to a Resolve of the Legislature, 
he issued a new edition of Dr. Harris's admirable 
treatise on "Insects Injurious to Vegetation," with 
very numerous additions and illustrations. Neither 
pains nor labor was spared to secure the nearest possi- 
ble approach to perfection, and the work commanded 
universal admiration as the finest specimen of printing 
and word-engraving ever produced in this country. 
All the illustrations were prepared under Mr. Flint's 
careful supervision. 

In 1878, after holding the office for twenty-five 
years, Jlr. Flint thought it desirable to tender his 
resignation, and, thanking the Board for the entire 
cordiality, confidence and unanimity with which the 
members had always eo-operated with him, he did so. 
The resignation was referred to a committee consist- 
ing of Hon. P. A. Chadbourne, president of Williams 
College; Hon. William S. Clark, president of the 
Massachusetts Agricultural College ; and Messrs. 
Moore, of Concord and Phinney, of Barnstable, and 
Wakefield, of Palmer; who, after full consideration, 
submitted the following preamble and resolution : 

'* Whereas, Hon. Charles L. Flint has presented to the Board a state- 
ment concerning his connection with the same during the past twenty- 
five years, and has offered his resignation as secretary : 

" Uesolred, That the Board desires to express its high appreciation of 
the valuable services of Secretary Flint, and hereby earnestly requests 
him to withdraw his resignation and continue the good work in behalf 
of the agricultural interests of the commonwealth, in which he has 
achieved 60 enviable a reputation."' 

Hon. Marshall P. Wilder also submitted the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

^^ Resolved, That the thanks and gratitude of the Massachusetts State 
Board of .Agriculture are eminently due to the Hon. Charles L. Flint for 
the ability aud fidelity with which ho has dit-charged the duties of secre- 
tary for the last twenty-five years in a manner alike honorable to the 
commonwealth and beneficial to its i)eopIe. 

'^ Besolvedy That we tender to Mr. Flint our persona! acknowledgment 
for the courtesy and kindness which have ever characterized his inter- 
course with the Board, with the sincere desire that the remainder of his 
days may l>e as happy and proet>erous as the past have been honorable 
and useful.'" 

The resolutions, after a full expre.ssion of opinion, 
were unanimously adopted, and Mr. Flint withdrew 
his resignation. 

In May, 1879, Jlr. Flint was unanimously elected 
president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College 
at Amherst, but without relinquishing his duties as 
secretary of the Board. He held the ottice one year, 
during which the college was freed from a burdensome 
debt. 

But the annual reports to the Legislature, twenty- 
seven of which Mr. Flint prepared, constituted an 
essential pari of the work of the oflice. They were 
necessarily written and prejiared out of regular oflice 
hours, aud were chiefly the result of night-work, the 
constant calls at the oftit'e and the very extensive 
correspondence making it impracticable to do any 
connected literarv work in oflice hours. Of these re- 



936 



HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



porta Col. Marshall P. Wilder, in a History of the 
Progress of the State Board, said : 

" Thfr80 anDiial voliiines, embnicinR in all an ifwuo of more than two 
IjiiTKjrcd and fifty thousand copies, have gone forth not only to the far- 
jnerH of this coniinonwcalth, but have been distributed throughout our 
own and foreifin lands. They constitnto a coniiirehensive library in 
tbeniselvers, enibraciug essays, reports and discussions on almost every 
subject in agriculture, and are eagerly sought for with every issue. 
Tluiso reports have greatly promoted the objects for which the Board was 
estJihlislied, and extended its influence far and wide. No sinular publi- 
cation within my knowledge contains more practical and useful informa- 
tion for farmers. Complete sets have already become veiy valuable, and 
are more and uujro appreciated. By these reports young men have been 
stimulated to become farmers and by the example of the Hoard and the 
corrcspondonco of its meuibors, other States have been led to establish 
State Hoards of Agriculture on the plan of ours." 

Twelve thousand copies of the.se reports were pub- 
lished anmuiUy for niany years and distributed 
throughout the State, while by a system of exchange 
with other States and countries, they have reached 
nearly every farm-house in New England, and found 
their way to almost every part of the civilized globe. 

A few years ago the Chilian Government, in con- 
nection with an International Exposition held at 
Santiago, awarded and sent Mr. Flint a magnificent 
diploma and a beautiful bronze medal, in recognition 
of the high quality and value of his reports. 

The salary attached to the office was never liberal. 
For the labor required and the resi>onsil)ility of the 
]io^itiou it was extremely meagre. In 1880, having 
had a much "louder call," Mr. Flint resigned the 
office to assume the presidency of the New England 
Mortgage Security Company, a business corporation 
established to loan money upon real estate securities 
at the west anil south. 

Mr. Flint was married on the 14th of February, 
1857, to Ellen Elizabeth, daughter of .Joseph and 
Charlotte (Merriam) Leland, of Grafton, Mass. His 
children are, — 1, a daughter, Charlotte Leland, born 
December 1, 1858; 2, a son, Charles Louis-, born 
March 9, 1861 ; 3, a second son, Eilward llawson, born 
Sc|.tember 8, 1804. 

Mrs. Flint died on the 25th of September, 1875. 
She was a direct descendant of Edward Rawson, sec- 
retary of the colony of Massachusetts Bay from 1650 
to 1686, a period of thirty-six years. 



DANIEL FULLER. 

Daniel Fuller, son of Col. Archelaus and Betty 
Dale (Putnam) Fuller, and grandson of Benjamin 
and Mary Fuller, great-grandson of Benjamin and 
Sarah (Bacon) Fuller, gresit-great-grandson of Thomas 
Fuller, who came to this country in 1638, was born 
November 14, 1771 ; died April 5, 1855. He was a 
man of superior natural abilities, honest, upright and 
conscientious in his dealings. He was a farmer and 
or many years a town ofliccr, and ever manifested a 
lively interest in its welfare. From time to time he 
held every office of importance which a town can 
confer on a citizen. 



In 1820 he was constituted and appointed to be one 
of the justices of the peace, within and for the county 
of Essex, for the term of seven years, by Gov. Brooks, 
by and with the advice and consent of the Council. 
Commifsion renewed by Gov. Levi Lincoln, by and 
with the consent of the Council in 1833. Commis- 
sion renewed by Gov. Marcus Morton, by and with 
the advice and consent of the Council in 1840. Com- 
mission renewed by Gov. George N. Briggs, by and 
with the advice and consent of the Council in 1847. 

In politics he had been a Whig — died a Republi- 
can. He was a firm believer in the final restoration 
of all mankind to holiness and happiness. 

At the age of fourteen he was a student at Phillips' 
Academy in Andover. His opportunity for a more 
full development of his mental energies was lost by 
the sudden death of his father, who was born May 4, 
1727, in that part of Salem which was incorporated 
as a town and called Middleton in 1728. 

His father (Archelaus) was a member of the first, 
second and third Provincial Congress. From the 
journal of the Provincial Congress it appears that be 
was a member of a committee over sixty times. In 
the Revolutionary War he served in the capacity of 
colonel, and while connected with the army was at- 
tacked by a disease of which he died, and was buried 
at a place in Cheshire County, N. H., called Charles- 
town No. 4, through which at that time the road from 
Boston to Quebec passed. Pie had been much hon- 
ored and was much lamented. His earthly mission 
was comparatively short, ending in forty-nine years, 
three months and twenty-one days. 

Daniel Fuller married Sally Estey, daughter of 
John and Hannah (Flint) Estey, and granddaughter 
of Samuel Flint and Lydia (Andrews) Flint. 

Their children were, — Archelaus, born February 12, 
17il9, received a medical education, settled as a physi- 
cian in the town of Fairfield, Me., practiced in several 
towns in Kennebeck County. He married Elizabeth 
A. Craig, of Fayette, Me. She died May 6, 1874. 
They had seven children, all of whom died before the 
close of the year 1863. None were married. He 
passed away October 6, 1880; was buried in Albion, 
Me. Daniel, born February 2, 1801 ; died May 19, 
1801. Nancy, born March 29, 1802; married Joseph 
W. Batchelder, of Topsfield, Mass. ; died August 6, 
1842. He died May 19, 1887, in Topsfield. Sophronia, 
born December 19, 1803. Thomas, born November 
29, 1805 ; was offered the command of a ship about to 
sail from Boston, Mass., but declined the oflice, and 
sailed in the capacity of mate for Rio Janeiro, De- 
cember 4, 1830 ; since then his relatives have never 
heard from the ship nor from any who were on board ; 
he was unmarried. George W., born October 4, 1807 ; 
removed to Galena, Illinois, and became a wholesale 
grocer. Pie married, first, Emeline Fowler, of Guil- 
ford, Ct. All their children died in infancy; married, 
second, Sarah W. Putnam, of Danvers. Their child, 
Jessie P., is totally blind. He died February 1, 1884. 




^■f %'An Rixc'Ai^ 






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BOXFORD. 



957 



Jeremiah, born Jime 17, 1809, cultivates the home- 
stead acres which have descended througli a long line 
of Fullers to him and his sister, Sophronia. He 
married Eunice L. Pike, of Ossipee, N. H., who died 
June 30, 1880. Sarah P., born August 23, 1811, mar- 
ried Nathaniel H. Johnson, of Haverhill, Mass., Oc- 
tober 6, 1836; died August 6, 1838. He died July 
29, 1864. Samuel, born November 25,1814; died 
August 16, 1848. His integrity and kindness en- 
deared him to those who made his acquaintance; un- 
married. Caroline, born May 17, 1817 ; died Octo- 
ber 8,1821. Elbridge, born August 11,1816; died 
February 12, .1847; unmarried. Beloved and re- 
spected, he gave promise of a useful life. 

Sisters and brother of Daniel Fuller. Betty, born 
February 6, 1760, married, first, Xehemiah Putnam, 
born October 14, 1753 ; died December 14, 1702. She 
next married Samuel Wilkins, November 13, 1796 ; 
he died September 11,1803. She died August 25, 
1838. Sarah, born February 27, 1762; married 
Eleazer Putnam, Esq., who died May 31, 1836; she 
died December 21, 1802. Mary, born January 6, 
1764; married William Symonds, son of Joseph Sy- 
monds and Lucy Kimball ; she died September, 1833. 
Benjamin, born September 13, 1767 ; married Abigail, 
daughter of Dr. Silas Merriam, of Middleton. They 
removed to Norway, Me., and both ended their days 
there, she in March, 1838 ; he in March, 1850. In 
1794 no roads had been located, but settlers cut down 
trees so that they could get from one to another. 
They went with an ox-wagon, one yoke of oxen and 
two horses. 

Mr. Fuller built a house twenty by thirty-eight feet. 



and a story and a half high, and a barn thirty-two by 
fifty feet. His was the largest establishment in that 
jilace. 



DAVID STILES. 

David Stiles, son of the deacon of the same name, 
was born in Middleton, Massachusetts, June 19th, 
1813. He received a common school education, and 
afterwards chose the profession of farrier, which 
he has pursued for fifty-three years in his native 
town. He has lectured on the subject in various 
places in Essex County, and once before the New 
England Agricultural Society in Boston. He has 
also written for the press on various subjects for 
more than fifty years, many of his articles being 
marked with originality of thought, and the one on 
"The Decay of Iron" being extensively copied. 
He has been especially interested in genealogical, 
historical and agricultural matters. In 1850 he ob- 
tained a United States patent on a hay and stalk 
cutter. He married Miss Rebecca Perry, of Dan- 
vers, by whom he had five children. He passed his 
golden wedding, April 21, 1886, and his wife 
died February 2, 1887. Mr. Stiles is more than 
ordinarily well acquainted with the history and in- 
terests of Essex County, and especially of the town 
of Middleton. He is a man of firm convictions, has 
always maintained a lively interest in public and 
church affairs, and is a good representative of our 
steady. New England country life. 

In December, 1887, Mr. Stiles was appointed a Jus- 
tice of the Peace by His Exellency, Oliver Ames, 
(lOvernor of Massachusetts. 



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